CA1319136C - Electrically opening and closing faucet device - Google Patents
Electrically opening and closing faucet deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1319136C CA1319136C CA 584431 CA584431A CA1319136C CA 1319136 C CA1319136 C CA 1319136C CA 584431 CA584431 CA 584431 CA 584431 A CA584431 A CA 584431A CA 1319136 C CA1319136 C CA 1319136C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- motor
- switch
- spindle
- electric motor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
- F16K1/02—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with screw-spindle
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
- E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/04—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor
- F16K31/05—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor specially adapted for operating hand-operated valves or for combined motor and hand operation
- F16K31/055—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor specially adapted for operating hand-operated valves or for combined motor and hand operation for rotating valves
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/9464—Faucets and spouts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/19—Gearing
- Y10T74/19642—Directly cooperating gears
- Y10T74/19679—Spur
- Y10T74/19684—Motor and gearing
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure An electrically opening and closing faucet device arranged to be opened and closed by rotation of a spindle thereof. The electrically opening and closing faucet device comprises, a follower gear secured to the spindle, and a motor gear secured to an output shaft of a motor. The motor gear is structured to be moved in synchronization with the follower gear, and the faucet is opened and closed by the rotation of the motor.
Description
TITLE OF TH~ INVENTION
ELECTRIC~LLY OPENING AND CLOSING FAUCET DEVICE
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrically opening and closing faucet devices, and, more particularly, to an electrically opening and closing faucet devices installed tn such a manner that a handle of the faucet is removed and capable of opening and closing a valve thereof by the revolution of a motor.
Prior Ar~
Hitherto, faucets are arranged to discharge water by manually rotating a handle upward projected from the faucet and thereby opening and closing a valve in the faucet, this opening and closing of the faucet causing water discharge.
In the conventional faucets of the type described above, although various shaped types are disclosed depending upon the shape of the handle and that of the body, it is commonly employed that the handle upwards projected form the faucet is manually rotated so that the valve is opened and closed.
Hitherto, in the widely used faucets, the handle thereof needs to be manually rotated for the purpose of discharging water. Therefore, the handle can he contaminated in particular in the case where the user's hand is dirty, causing uncleanliness.
Therefore, faucets of the type in which a sensor or the like is used so that water is discharged by the switch automatically switched on when the hand of the user :is held out. Furthermore, another type of faucets of the type with which water is discharged by applying the foot of the user to a footstep thereof were disclosed.
In the faucets of the type described above in which the valve thereof is arranged to be opened and closed by the detection performed by a sensor thereof or turning on of the footswitch, an electric valve is used to open/close the valve thereof so that the electric switch is opened and closed by switching on and off of the switch.
As described above, in the faucets of the type that the handle thereof is manually rotated, the handle needs to be rotated in a rather complicated manner. Furthermore, if the hand of a user is contaminated, the handle is necessarily contaminated, causing incleanliness.
Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the above described type of faucets that the handle thereof is manually rotated, the handle needs a complicated operation. Furthermore, if the hand of a user is contaminated, the handle is also contaminated, causing incleanliness.
Furthermore, in the faucet devices which have been conventionally disclosed and the valve of which is automated, the 131ql36 valve thereof is opened and closed by an electromagnetic solenoid. Therefore, only the state in which the valve is fully opened and the state in which the same is fully closed can be chosen, resulting in water being excessively discharged or the flow rate being insufficient.
Furthermore, in the faucet devices of the conventional type in which opening and closing the valve thereof is automated, the structure of the overall body of the faucet device needs to be changed, as a result of which, the same cannot be applied to the faucets widely used in families.
To this end, an object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a faucet device installed to the faucet which are generally used in families, and capable of being automated for easy handling, and furthermore capable of, in addition, realizing a state which is the intermediate state between the fully opened state and the fully closed state, as a result of which the proper amount can be caused to flow. As a result of this, water source can be saved.
~ummary of the Invention In order to achieve the above-described objects, a faucet opened and closed by the rotation of a spindle thereof is characterized in that a follower gear is secured to the spindle and a motor gear secured to an output shaft of a motor is formed ~,..
t ., .
13191~6 in such a manner that this motor gear can follow the above-described follower gear so that the faucet is opened and closed by the rotation of the motor.
Although, the present invention is formed, similarly to the faucet generally used, in such a manner that the valve thereof is opened and closed by the rotation of a spindle thereof, the rotation of -this spindle can be performed by a motor with a gear.
Therefore, by giving a forward rotation to the motor, the valve is opened so that water is discharged, while by giving a reverse directional rotation to the motor, the valve can be closed.
Furthermore, in this state, by properly selecting the rotational speed of the motor, the degree of opening of the motor can be determined, as a result of which, the water flow rate can be adjusted in accordance with the degree of the opening.
In this state, only b~ controlling the rotation of the motor by a manual switch, water can be discharged only by switching on -the switch.
Furthermore, when the rotation of the motor is arranged to be reversed by first switching on of the switch and the next switching on the switch performed by one switch provided, only one manual switch needs to be provided for closing the faucet.
On the other hand, the rotational direction of the motor is arranged to be reversed by switching on of either of the switches and also switching on of another switch the flow rate of water can be, at needs, conducted by a plurality of switching on of the switches which open the valve.
In addition, when the control oE the rotation of the motor is arranged to be performed by a sensor which detects the approach of the hand of a user, it is salubrious since the user does not need to touch the switch.
Furthermore, by way of providing a device for detecting a predetermined amount of water and controlling the rotation of the motor using the detection signal supplied from this detecting device, it can be performed that the valve is closed when a fact that water in, for example, a bathtub reaches a predetermined level is detected by the detecting device.
Another aspect of this invention is as follows:
An electrically opening and closing faucet device having a valve, a spindle for rotating the valve and a handle attached to the spindle, comprising:
a follower gear securely attached to the spindle;
a shaft attached to the spindle, said handle being connected to the shaft so that the spindle can be manually turned to open and close the valve by rotating the shaft;
an electric motor having a motor gear, said motor gear engaging the follower gear so that when the electric motor is rotated, the spindle is turned to open and close the valve, a sensor electrically connected to the electric motor, said sensor being situated adjacent to the valve so that only when a hand is detected by the sensor, the electric motor is actuated to turn on the valve for releasing water from the valve, and switch means electrically connected to the electric motor, said switch means having a first switch for operating the electric motor to open the valve and a second switch :Eor operating the electric motor to close ,~..~. ...
-1~19136 the valve, said electric motor being actuated by the sensor and the switch means.
Brief De~cription of the Drawing~
The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic side elevational view, and Fig. 2 is a front elevational srhematic view.
Des~ription of the Prefexred Em~odime~t An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Although in the illustrated embodiment, a spindle 11 of a faucet 10 is formed in such a manner that the same can be rotated by the rotation of a motor 20, this faucet can be opened and closed by the direction manual operation of a handle 30. As 5a 13191~6 means for rotating the motor 20, a sensor 40 for detecting approach of a human's hand or the like and a manual switch 50 are additionally provided.
Fig l is a side elevational schernatic view of the above-described embodiment, while Fig. 2 is a front elevational schematic view of the same.
This embodiment is structured in such a manner that, in -the faucet lO of a type used in a usual family from which water is discharged from a nozzle 12 by rotating the handle 30, a handle stopper 31 for securing the handle 30 to the spindle 11 is removed and with this handle 30 removed, it can be installed from above to the spindle 11.
When this spindle 11 is installed from the above, a follGwer gear 13 is secured to the spindle 11 at the central portion thereof and the sarne is pivoted in such a manner that it can be rotated. Furthermore, a motor gear 21 to be directly engaged with this follower gear 13 is secured to an output shaft of the motor 20. In addition, the above-described follower gear 13, the motor gear 21 and the motor 20 are, together with a battery, accommodated From the above-described follower gear 13, a shaft 19 is projected upwards and coaxially with this spindle 11. A handle 30 is secured at the position above this shaft 14 with a handle stopper 31.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, similarly to the conventional faucet 10, by rotating the handle 30, water can be discharged by rotating the spindle 11 with the shaft 14.
Furthermore, the spindle 11 is rotated with the motor gear 21 and the follower gear 13. As a result of this, an opening and closing valve (omitted from illustration) provided in the faucet 10 is opened and closed so that water is discharged.
As means for rotating this motor 20, means of detecting approach of a human's hand or the like by using a sensor 40 and means of switching on a switch 50 provided on the case 70 are provided.
A handling and operation of the device for electrically opening and closing a faucet according to this embodiment will be described.
This device for electrically opening and closing a faucet is so constituted in such a manner that a valve (omitted from illustration) in the faucet 10 is opened and closed by, similarly to the conventional faucet 10, rotating the handle 30.
By rotating the handle 30 in this time, the rotational force is successively transmitted to the shaft 14, the follower gear 13 and the spindle 11 so that the valve is opened and closed by the rotation of the spindle 11. By opening and closing of the valve of the type described above, a predetermined quantity of water is caused to be discharged from a nozzle 12.
1~19136 By forming the structure in such a manner that the handle 30 can be secured, this structure can be smoothly used in the conventional faucet devices. Furthermore, even if in a case where the motor 20 cannot be operated, the faucet 10 can be used by rotating the handle 30.
Next, as for the opening and closing of the faucet device by using the motor 20, an operation by using the sensor 40 will be described.
In this state, when a user's hand is approached to this electric faucet opening and closing device, the infrared ray or the like from this hand is detected by the sensor 40 so that the detection of a fact of the human's hand is performed by the sensor 40.
In response to the detection of the human's hand from this sensor 40, the motor 20 rotates by a predetermined degree. In this state, the direction of rotation of this motor 20 is that causes for a valve (omitted from illustration) of the faucet 10 to be opened. Therefore, by such rotation of the motor 20, the valve is opened so that water is discharged from the nozzle 12 of the faucet 10.
Once the sensor 40 detects the approach of the human's hand, the state realized is maintained until the detection of a fact that the hand has been moved away.
1~19~36 That is, during detection of the hand approached, the mo-tor 20 cannot be rotated reversely, so that the state where water is discharged is maintained.
When the approach of the hand becomes impossible to be detected by the sensor 40, that is, when the hand is moved away from the faucet 10, this face it detected by the sensor, so that the motor 20 is rotated in the reversed direc-tion to that in the above-described case. By the reversed directional rotation of the motor 20, the valve in the faucet 10 is closed. As a result of this, water discharging from the nozzle 12 is caused to be stopped.
When the valve is intended to be opened, the description is made that the motor 20 is rotated by a predetermined degree. On the other hand, when the valve is intended to be closed, the valve may be reversely ro~ated by a predetermined degree similarly to the case where the same is opened. Another way available can be that the rotation is stopped by the overload of the motor 20 due to the fully closing of the valve as an alternative to previously determining the degree of rotation.
In this state, the amount of water to be discharged from the nozzle 12 in response to the detection of the sensor 40 is determined by the degree of rotation of the motor 20. Therefore, by constituting the structure in such a manner that the amount of the rotation of the motor 20 can be previously adjusted, a predetermined auantity of water for a predetermined unit of time period can be discharged from the nozzle 12.
By constituting the s-tructure in such a manner that water is discharged from -the nozzle of the faucet lO by detecting the approach of the hand by the sensor 40, it leads a fact that water cannot be discharged through a hose secured (omitted from illustration) to the nozzle 12. Therefore, in a case where water is discharged by the above-described sensor 40, a handle 30 is preferably provided in addition to this sensor 40.
In this embodiment illustrated, the case is described in which the sensor 40 is disposed in the portion where it can detect the approach of the hand. With this structure, it is convenient to use in washstands or the like, however, if the same is used in a sink or the like, water can be discharged only by moving tableware in the sink.
Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to provide the sensor 40 in the position where the same cannot perform detection when tableware is moved into a sink so as to water is disclosed by approaching hand to this sensor 40, causing ror the valve to be opened, and in addition the valve is closed by again approaching the hand to this sensor 40.
Next, as for opening and closing the faucet device using this motor 20, an operation in a case where the manual switch is switched on will be described.
1~1913~
In this case, the switch 50 is first pushed on. Then, the motor 20 which has detected the swi-tched on of this switch 50 is rotated in the direction causing for the valve of the faucet 10.
In this state, water is caused to be continuously discharged from the nozzle 12. When thus-discharging water is intended to be stopped, water discharge from the nozzle 12 can be stopped by again pushing this switch 50 so as to reversely rotate the motor 20, causing for the valve of the faucet to be closed.
When the manual switch 50 of the type described above is used, for example, two switches 50 may be provided in such a manner -that one of them is arranged to be a switch 50 to open the valve, while another one is arranged t be a switch 50 to close the valve.
If the structure is constituted in such a manner that the switch 50 to open the valve is once pushed the motor 20 is rotated in the direction opening the valve by a predetermined degree, the motor is further rotated so as to make the amount of discharge of water twice the above described amount of water when the same switch 50 is further pushed again. That is, if the structure is constituted in such a a manner that when the switch 50 to open the valve is pushed once the spindle rotates by 30 degrees, and when the same is pushed twice, the spindle rotates additionally by 30 degrees, that is, the same is rota-ted by 60 degrees in total, the amount of water to be discharged can be freely determined.
Furthermore, in the case where the thus-opened valve is closed, the switch 50 to close the valve 50 is pushed. ~s a result, the motor 20 is reversely rotated by the complete closing of the valve so that the rotation of the motor 30 is stopped by the load due to the complete closing of the valve. Therefore, discharge of water can be stopped.
In this state, if the structure is constituted in such a manner that a load exceeding a predetermined level applied to the motor 20 can be detected depending upon a judge that the valve has been completely closed, the valve can be completely closed only with one operation.
If the structure is constituted in such a manner that the valve can be opened and closed by the operation of the switch 50, it can be realized that, for example, water can be introduced and discharged at other portion by opening the valve by the switch 50 by a predetermined quantity, making the nozzle 12 capable of discharging water by a predetermined quantity for a unit time period, and by providing a hose or the like to this nozzle.
Fur-thermore, although in the illustrated embodiment, the case is disclosed in which the switch 50 is provided to the case 70, the same may comprise a footswitch 50 or the like.
In the above description, although as the means for rotating the motor 20, the manual pushing type of switch 50 and the sensor 90 are used, the structure may be constituted in such a manner ~319136 that the motor can be rotated forward and reversely by other means.
For example, although detail illustration is omitted, the structure may be constituted in such a manner that a device for detecting a predetermined quantity of water flow is provided and the detection signal supplied from this detecting device is used to control the rotation of the moor 20. As a result of such structure, when the detection device detects a fact that water in a bathtub reaches a predetermined quantity, the valve is closed so as to prevent overflow of water supplied to this bathtub.
Furthermore, means other than the described means can be employed for decelerating the motor ~0. Furthermore, an individually manufactured projection or the like can be provided as an alter native to the handle 30. Furthermore, the rotational force can be transmitted by providing an intermediate body between the spindle 11 and the follower gear 13 at needs.
Effac~ of the In~e~tion As described above, according to the present invention, by installing the device according to the present invention to a faucet generally used in a family, a faucet device with which automation can be easily realized can be provided. Therefore, an easy handling can be realized, and an intermediate state between the fully opened state and the fully closed state can be realized so that the quantity of water which can be most easily used can be allowed to be discharged. Consequently, water source can be saved.
ELECTRIC~LLY OPENING AND CLOSING FAUCET DEVICE
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrically opening and closing faucet devices, and, more particularly, to an electrically opening and closing faucet devices installed tn such a manner that a handle of the faucet is removed and capable of opening and closing a valve thereof by the revolution of a motor.
Prior Ar~
Hitherto, faucets are arranged to discharge water by manually rotating a handle upward projected from the faucet and thereby opening and closing a valve in the faucet, this opening and closing of the faucet causing water discharge.
In the conventional faucets of the type described above, although various shaped types are disclosed depending upon the shape of the handle and that of the body, it is commonly employed that the handle upwards projected form the faucet is manually rotated so that the valve is opened and closed.
Hitherto, in the widely used faucets, the handle thereof needs to be manually rotated for the purpose of discharging water. Therefore, the handle can he contaminated in particular in the case where the user's hand is dirty, causing uncleanliness.
Therefore, faucets of the type in which a sensor or the like is used so that water is discharged by the switch automatically switched on when the hand of the user :is held out. Furthermore, another type of faucets of the type with which water is discharged by applying the foot of the user to a footstep thereof were disclosed.
In the faucets of the type described above in which the valve thereof is arranged to be opened and closed by the detection performed by a sensor thereof or turning on of the footswitch, an electric valve is used to open/close the valve thereof so that the electric switch is opened and closed by switching on and off of the switch.
As described above, in the faucets of the type that the handle thereof is manually rotated, the handle needs to be rotated in a rather complicated manner. Furthermore, if the hand of a user is contaminated, the handle is necessarily contaminated, causing incleanliness.
Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the above described type of faucets that the handle thereof is manually rotated, the handle needs a complicated operation. Furthermore, if the hand of a user is contaminated, the handle is also contaminated, causing incleanliness.
Furthermore, in the faucet devices which have been conventionally disclosed and the valve of which is automated, the 131ql36 valve thereof is opened and closed by an electromagnetic solenoid. Therefore, only the state in which the valve is fully opened and the state in which the same is fully closed can be chosen, resulting in water being excessively discharged or the flow rate being insufficient.
Furthermore, in the faucet devices of the conventional type in which opening and closing the valve thereof is automated, the structure of the overall body of the faucet device needs to be changed, as a result of which, the same cannot be applied to the faucets widely used in families.
To this end, an object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a faucet device installed to the faucet which are generally used in families, and capable of being automated for easy handling, and furthermore capable of, in addition, realizing a state which is the intermediate state between the fully opened state and the fully closed state, as a result of which the proper amount can be caused to flow. As a result of this, water source can be saved.
~ummary of the Invention In order to achieve the above-described objects, a faucet opened and closed by the rotation of a spindle thereof is characterized in that a follower gear is secured to the spindle and a motor gear secured to an output shaft of a motor is formed ~,..
t ., .
13191~6 in such a manner that this motor gear can follow the above-described follower gear so that the faucet is opened and closed by the rotation of the motor.
Although, the present invention is formed, similarly to the faucet generally used, in such a manner that the valve thereof is opened and closed by the rotation of a spindle thereof, the rotation of -this spindle can be performed by a motor with a gear.
Therefore, by giving a forward rotation to the motor, the valve is opened so that water is discharged, while by giving a reverse directional rotation to the motor, the valve can be closed.
Furthermore, in this state, by properly selecting the rotational speed of the motor, the degree of opening of the motor can be determined, as a result of which, the water flow rate can be adjusted in accordance with the degree of the opening.
In this state, only b~ controlling the rotation of the motor by a manual switch, water can be discharged only by switching on -the switch.
Furthermore, when the rotation of the motor is arranged to be reversed by first switching on of the switch and the next switching on the switch performed by one switch provided, only one manual switch needs to be provided for closing the faucet.
On the other hand, the rotational direction of the motor is arranged to be reversed by switching on of either of the switches and also switching on of another switch the flow rate of water can be, at needs, conducted by a plurality of switching on of the switches which open the valve.
In addition, when the control oE the rotation of the motor is arranged to be performed by a sensor which detects the approach of the hand of a user, it is salubrious since the user does not need to touch the switch.
Furthermore, by way of providing a device for detecting a predetermined amount of water and controlling the rotation of the motor using the detection signal supplied from this detecting device, it can be performed that the valve is closed when a fact that water in, for example, a bathtub reaches a predetermined level is detected by the detecting device.
Another aspect of this invention is as follows:
An electrically opening and closing faucet device having a valve, a spindle for rotating the valve and a handle attached to the spindle, comprising:
a follower gear securely attached to the spindle;
a shaft attached to the spindle, said handle being connected to the shaft so that the spindle can be manually turned to open and close the valve by rotating the shaft;
an electric motor having a motor gear, said motor gear engaging the follower gear so that when the electric motor is rotated, the spindle is turned to open and close the valve, a sensor electrically connected to the electric motor, said sensor being situated adjacent to the valve so that only when a hand is detected by the sensor, the electric motor is actuated to turn on the valve for releasing water from the valve, and switch means electrically connected to the electric motor, said switch means having a first switch for operating the electric motor to open the valve and a second switch :Eor operating the electric motor to close ,~..~. ...
-1~19136 the valve, said electric motor being actuated by the sensor and the switch means.
Brief De~cription of the Drawing~
The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic side elevational view, and Fig. 2 is a front elevational srhematic view.
Des~ription of the Prefexred Em~odime~t An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Although in the illustrated embodiment, a spindle 11 of a faucet 10 is formed in such a manner that the same can be rotated by the rotation of a motor 20, this faucet can be opened and closed by the direction manual operation of a handle 30. As 5a 13191~6 means for rotating the motor 20, a sensor 40 for detecting approach of a human's hand or the like and a manual switch 50 are additionally provided.
Fig l is a side elevational schernatic view of the above-described embodiment, while Fig. 2 is a front elevational schematic view of the same.
This embodiment is structured in such a manner that, in -the faucet lO of a type used in a usual family from which water is discharged from a nozzle 12 by rotating the handle 30, a handle stopper 31 for securing the handle 30 to the spindle 11 is removed and with this handle 30 removed, it can be installed from above to the spindle 11.
When this spindle 11 is installed from the above, a follGwer gear 13 is secured to the spindle 11 at the central portion thereof and the sarne is pivoted in such a manner that it can be rotated. Furthermore, a motor gear 21 to be directly engaged with this follower gear 13 is secured to an output shaft of the motor 20. In addition, the above-described follower gear 13, the motor gear 21 and the motor 20 are, together with a battery, accommodated From the above-described follower gear 13, a shaft 19 is projected upwards and coaxially with this spindle 11. A handle 30 is secured at the position above this shaft 14 with a handle stopper 31.
Therefore, according to this embodiment, similarly to the conventional faucet 10, by rotating the handle 30, water can be discharged by rotating the spindle 11 with the shaft 14.
Furthermore, the spindle 11 is rotated with the motor gear 21 and the follower gear 13. As a result of this, an opening and closing valve (omitted from illustration) provided in the faucet 10 is opened and closed so that water is discharged.
As means for rotating this motor 20, means of detecting approach of a human's hand or the like by using a sensor 40 and means of switching on a switch 50 provided on the case 70 are provided.
A handling and operation of the device for electrically opening and closing a faucet according to this embodiment will be described.
This device for electrically opening and closing a faucet is so constituted in such a manner that a valve (omitted from illustration) in the faucet 10 is opened and closed by, similarly to the conventional faucet 10, rotating the handle 30.
By rotating the handle 30 in this time, the rotational force is successively transmitted to the shaft 14, the follower gear 13 and the spindle 11 so that the valve is opened and closed by the rotation of the spindle 11. By opening and closing of the valve of the type described above, a predetermined quantity of water is caused to be discharged from a nozzle 12.
1~19136 By forming the structure in such a manner that the handle 30 can be secured, this structure can be smoothly used in the conventional faucet devices. Furthermore, even if in a case where the motor 20 cannot be operated, the faucet 10 can be used by rotating the handle 30.
Next, as for the opening and closing of the faucet device by using the motor 20, an operation by using the sensor 40 will be described.
In this state, when a user's hand is approached to this electric faucet opening and closing device, the infrared ray or the like from this hand is detected by the sensor 40 so that the detection of a fact of the human's hand is performed by the sensor 40.
In response to the detection of the human's hand from this sensor 40, the motor 20 rotates by a predetermined degree. In this state, the direction of rotation of this motor 20 is that causes for a valve (omitted from illustration) of the faucet 10 to be opened. Therefore, by such rotation of the motor 20, the valve is opened so that water is discharged from the nozzle 12 of the faucet 10.
Once the sensor 40 detects the approach of the human's hand, the state realized is maintained until the detection of a fact that the hand has been moved away.
1~19~36 That is, during detection of the hand approached, the mo-tor 20 cannot be rotated reversely, so that the state where water is discharged is maintained.
When the approach of the hand becomes impossible to be detected by the sensor 40, that is, when the hand is moved away from the faucet 10, this face it detected by the sensor, so that the motor 20 is rotated in the reversed direc-tion to that in the above-described case. By the reversed directional rotation of the motor 20, the valve in the faucet 10 is closed. As a result of this, water discharging from the nozzle 12 is caused to be stopped.
When the valve is intended to be opened, the description is made that the motor 20 is rotated by a predetermined degree. On the other hand, when the valve is intended to be closed, the valve may be reversely ro~ated by a predetermined degree similarly to the case where the same is opened. Another way available can be that the rotation is stopped by the overload of the motor 20 due to the fully closing of the valve as an alternative to previously determining the degree of rotation.
In this state, the amount of water to be discharged from the nozzle 12 in response to the detection of the sensor 40 is determined by the degree of rotation of the motor 20. Therefore, by constituting the structure in such a manner that the amount of the rotation of the motor 20 can be previously adjusted, a predetermined auantity of water for a predetermined unit of time period can be discharged from the nozzle 12.
By constituting the s-tructure in such a manner that water is discharged from -the nozzle of the faucet lO by detecting the approach of the hand by the sensor 40, it leads a fact that water cannot be discharged through a hose secured (omitted from illustration) to the nozzle 12. Therefore, in a case where water is discharged by the above-described sensor 40, a handle 30 is preferably provided in addition to this sensor 40.
In this embodiment illustrated, the case is described in which the sensor 40 is disposed in the portion where it can detect the approach of the hand. With this structure, it is convenient to use in washstands or the like, however, if the same is used in a sink or the like, water can be discharged only by moving tableware in the sink.
Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to provide the sensor 40 in the position where the same cannot perform detection when tableware is moved into a sink so as to water is disclosed by approaching hand to this sensor 40, causing ror the valve to be opened, and in addition the valve is closed by again approaching the hand to this sensor 40.
Next, as for opening and closing the faucet device using this motor 20, an operation in a case where the manual switch is switched on will be described.
1~1913~
In this case, the switch 50 is first pushed on. Then, the motor 20 which has detected the swi-tched on of this switch 50 is rotated in the direction causing for the valve of the faucet 10.
In this state, water is caused to be continuously discharged from the nozzle 12. When thus-discharging water is intended to be stopped, water discharge from the nozzle 12 can be stopped by again pushing this switch 50 so as to reversely rotate the motor 20, causing for the valve of the faucet to be closed.
When the manual switch 50 of the type described above is used, for example, two switches 50 may be provided in such a manner -that one of them is arranged to be a switch 50 to open the valve, while another one is arranged t be a switch 50 to close the valve.
If the structure is constituted in such a manner that the switch 50 to open the valve is once pushed the motor 20 is rotated in the direction opening the valve by a predetermined degree, the motor is further rotated so as to make the amount of discharge of water twice the above described amount of water when the same switch 50 is further pushed again. That is, if the structure is constituted in such a a manner that when the switch 50 to open the valve is pushed once the spindle rotates by 30 degrees, and when the same is pushed twice, the spindle rotates additionally by 30 degrees, that is, the same is rota-ted by 60 degrees in total, the amount of water to be discharged can be freely determined.
Furthermore, in the case where the thus-opened valve is closed, the switch 50 to close the valve 50 is pushed. ~s a result, the motor 20 is reversely rotated by the complete closing of the valve so that the rotation of the motor 30 is stopped by the load due to the complete closing of the valve. Therefore, discharge of water can be stopped.
In this state, if the structure is constituted in such a manner that a load exceeding a predetermined level applied to the motor 20 can be detected depending upon a judge that the valve has been completely closed, the valve can be completely closed only with one operation.
If the structure is constituted in such a manner that the valve can be opened and closed by the operation of the switch 50, it can be realized that, for example, water can be introduced and discharged at other portion by opening the valve by the switch 50 by a predetermined quantity, making the nozzle 12 capable of discharging water by a predetermined quantity for a unit time period, and by providing a hose or the like to this nozzle.
Fur-thermore, although in the illustrated embodiment, the case is disclosed in which the switch 50 is provided to the case 70, the same may comprise a footswitch 50 or the like.
In the above description, although as the means for rotating the motor 20, the manual pushing type of switch 50 and the sensor 90 are used, the structure may be constituted in such a manner ~319136 that the motor can be rotated forward and reversely by other means.
For example, although detail illustration is omitted, the structure may be constituted in such a manner that a device for detecting a predetermined quantity of water flow is provided and the detection signal supplied from this detecting device is used to control the rotation of the moor 20. As a result of such structure, when the detection device detects a fact that water in a bathtub reaches a predetermined quantity, the valve is closed so as to prevent overflow of water supplied to this bathtub.
Furthermore, means other than the described means can be employed for decelerating the motor ~0. Furthermore, an individually manufactured projection or the like can be provided as an alter native to the handle 30. Furthermore, the rotational force can be transmitted by providing an intermediate body between the spindle 11 and the follower gear 13 at needs.
Effac~ of the In~e~tion As described above, according to the present invention, by installing the device according to the present invention to a faucet generally used in a family, a faucet device with which automation can be easily realized can be provided. Therefore, an easy handling can be realized, and an intermediate state between the fully opened state and the fully closed state can be realized so that the quantity of water which can be most easily used can be allowed to be discharged. Consequently, water source can be saved.
Claims (3)
1. An electrically opening and closing faucet device having a valve, a spindle for rotating the valve and a handle attached to the spindle, comprising:
a follower gear securely attached to the spindle;
a shaft attached to the spindle, said handle being connected to the shaft so that the spindle can be manually turned to open and close the valve by rotating the shaft;
an electric motor having a motor gear, said motor gear engaging the follower gear so that when the electric motor is rotated, the spindle is turned to open and close the valve, a sensor electrically connected to the electric motor, said sensor being situated adjacent to the valve so that only when a hand is detected by the sensor, the electric motor is actuated to turn on the valve for releasing water from the valve, and switch means electrically connected to the electric motor, said switch means having a first switch for operating the electric motor to open the valve and a second switch for operating the electric motor to close the valve, said electric motor being actuated by the sensor and the switch means.
a follower gear securely attached to the spindle;
a shaft attached to the spindle, said handle being connected to the shaft so that the spindle can be manually turned to open and close the valve by rotating the shaft;
an electric motor having a motor gear, said motor gear engaging the follower gear so that when the electric motor is rotated, the spindle is turned to open and close the valve, a sensor electrically connected to the electric motor, said sensor being situated adjacent to the valve so that only when a hand is detected by the sensor, the electric motor is actuated to turn on the valve for releasing water from the valve, and switch means electrically connected to the electric motor, said switch means having a first switch for operating the electric motor to open the valve and a second switch for operating the electric motor to close the valve, said electric motor being actuated by the sensor and the switch means.
2. An electrically opening and closing faucet device according to claim 1, wherein said electric motor is arranged to rotate a predetermined number once the first switch is actuated so that an amount of opening of the valve is determined by the number of the operation of the first switch, said electric motor being operated to completely close the valve once the second switch is actuated.
3. An electrically opening and closing faucet device according to claim 2, further comprising a battery for operating the electric motor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP301873/87 | 1987-11-30 | ||
| JP62301873A JPH01145480A (en) | 1987-11-30 | 1987-11-30 | Electrically driven open/close faucet apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1319136C true CA1319136C (en) | 1993-06-15 |
Family
ID=17902173
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 584431 Expired - Fee Related CA1319136C (en) | 1987-11-30 | 1988-11-29 | Electrically opening and closing faucet device |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4889315A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0319382B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01145480A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR890008491A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1319136C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3885861T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (28)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5199118A (en) * | 1991-02-11 | 1993-04-06 | World Dryer, Division Of Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc. | Hand wash station |
| US5318070A (en) * | 1991-08-19 | 1994-06-07 | Surabian Edward C | Electric faucet valve operator adapter |
| US5397099A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1995-03-14 | Pilolla; Joseph J. | Sink arrangement with faucet having dual operational mode |
| US5358213A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1994-10-25 | Pilolla Joseph J | Faucet having automatic and manual control capability |
| US5755262A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1998-05-26 | Pilolla; Joseph J. | Electrically actuatable faucet having manual temperature control |
| US5735456A (en) * | 1994-09-07 | 1998-04-07 | The Steam-O-Stat Company | Universal retrofit valve actuator and system |
| US5588637A (en) * | 1995-05-30 | 1996-12-31 | Robert L. Carsten | Auxiliary automatic valve shut-off system |
| JP3327086B2 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 2002-09-24 | 株式会社デンソー | Revolving door drive mechanism |
| CN1244932A (en) * | 1996-12-12 | 2000-02-16 | 美国标准公司 | Valve system for servo control of fluid flows |
| US6065735A (en) | 1997-09-04 | 2000-05-23 | Clark; Garry E. | Electric valve universal retrofit configuration having misalignment correction |
| US6186471B1 (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 2001-02-13 | Taco, Inc. | Electronic motorized zone valve |
| WO2002002879A2 (en) * | 2000-06-29 | 2002-01-10 | Joel Valenzuela Hernandez | .variable flow, digital faucet |
| US20030088338A1 (en) * | 2001-11-01 | 2003-05-08 | Synapse, Inc. | Apparatus and method for electronic control of fluid flow and temperature |
| KR100454410B1 (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2004-10-26 | (주)알코 | Diverter for changing the flow routine in boiler |
| CN1320297C (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2007-06-06 | 周敏芳 | Induction type water tap |
| US20060261763A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2006-11-23 | Masco Corporation | Brushed motor position control based upon back current detection |
| GB2467661B (en) | 2007-09-20 | 2013-02-13 | Bradley Fixtures Corp | Lavatory system |
| US8997271B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2015-04-07 | Bradley Corporation | Lavatory system with hand dryer |
| US20110167556A1 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2011-07-14 | Oliver Irwin | Shower reservoir deluge apparatus |
| US9170148B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2015-10-27 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Soap dispenser having fluid level sensor |
| US9267736B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2016-02-23 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Hand dryer with point of ingress dependent air delay and filter sensor |
| US20130015381A1 (en) * | 2011-07-15 | 2013-01-17 | Charles Bernard Husick | Electrically-Actuated Valve Having Manual Override |
| MX352853B (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2017-12-13 | Bradley Fixtures Corp | Basin and hand drying system. |
| US20130283815A1 (en) * | 2012-04-26 | 2013-10-31 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Integral cooling for servo valve |
| US10100501B2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2018-10-16 | Bradley Fixtures Corporation | Multi-purpose hand washing station |
| US11015329B2 (en) | 2016-06-08 | 2021-05-25 | Bradley Corporation | Lavatory drain system |
| US10041236B2 (en) | 2016-06-08 | 2018-08-07 | Bradley Corporation | Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system |
| US10801630B2 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-10-13 | Matthew Neber | Fluid distributor |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1990090A (en) * | 1933-04-19 | 1935-02-05 | Alfred R Packard | Valve operating mechanism |
| FR1226370A (en) * | 1958-06-19 | 1960-07-11 | Auxiliaire D Ind Soc | Fixing device of a servo motor for controlling valves |
| US3010340A (en) * | 1959-11-17 | 1961-11-28 | Sun Oil Co | Valve operator arrangement |
| FR1413041A (en) * | 1964-11-04 | 1965-10-01 | Automatic device for actuating a control valve | |
| US3505692A (en) * | 1967-09-18 | 1970-04-14 | American Standard Inc | Proximity control for a lavatory |
| US3639920A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1972-02-08 | American Standard Inc | Programmed plumbing service |
| DE2533527A1 (en) * | 1975-07-26 | 1977-01-27 | Dalferth Gotthilf R | Liq. dispensing equipment for shower head - has solenoid valve controlled by proximity switch monitoring area below water outlet |
| US4141383A (en) * | 1976-09-10 | 1979-02-27 | Turke & Bolte | Outlet fixture for fluid media |
| US4402095A (en) * | 1981-03-26 | 1983-09-06 | Pepper Robert B | Ultrasonically operated water faucet |
| US4520516A (en) * | 1983-09-23 | 1985-06-04 | Parsons Natan E | Ultrasonic flow-control system |
| US4604764A (en) * | 1984-10-03 | 1986-08-12 | Fava Enzo | Tap for the delivery of liquids for the conversion from automatic to manual |
| US4722372A (en) * | 1985-08-02 | 1988-02-02 | Louis Hoffman Associates Inc. | Electrically operated dispensing apparatus and disposable container useable therewith |
| US4681141A (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 1987-07-21 | Wang Wen Ching | Light-detector, hand-controlled faucet with water temperature regulator |
| US4709728A (en) * | 1986-08-06 | 1987-12-01 | Ying Chung Chen | Single-axis control automatic faucet |
-
1987
- 1987-11-30 JP JP62301873A patent/JPH01145480A/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-11-25 EP EP19880402972 patent/EP0319382B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-11-25 DE DE19883885861 patent/DE3885861T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-11-28 US US07/276,983 patent/US4889315A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-11-29 CA CA 584431 patent/CA1319136C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-11-30 KR KR1019880015785A patent/KR890008491A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4889315A (en) | 1989-12-26 |
| EP0319382B1 (en) | 1993-11-24 |
| DE3885861D1 (en) | 1994-01-05 |
| EP0319382A1 (en) | 1989-06-07 |
| DE3885861T2 (en) | 1994-03-17 |
| KR890008491A (en) | 1989-07-10 |
| JPH01145480A (en) | 1989-06-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |