CN103842597B - Automatic faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic faucet includes：Housing, it forms part inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include water inlet conduit that at least one is extended in cylinder and the delivery port for transferring out the water from spout.The automatic faucet also includes the faucet head with removable tap apical cap and delivery port, and the tap apical cap is removably mounted in faucet head.The automatic faucet also includes valve module, sensor assembly, battery module, turbine module and control module.

Description

Automatic faucet

This application claims entitled " Automatic Faucets " the PCT application PCT/ submitted on March 15th, 2012 Entitled " Automatic Faucets " the U.S. Provisional Application 61/ submitted on July 31st, US2012/000150 and 2011 The priority of 574, No. 345 and be their part continuation application, the two applications are incorporated by reference.

Technical field

Method the present invention relates to automatic faucet and for operating and controlling this tap.

Background technology

In communal facility or large-scale private facility, several different types of automatic faucets are used now.Also exist Tap is measured, by pushing down faucet head and manually opening the metering tap to open water, and to the metering water Tap during hydraulic ga(u)ge cause continuing water outlet in the setting time section after on the head declining.Some in these taps With the independent head for allowing individually to control hot and cold water.Other metering taps are mixed the hot and cold current come in Close, and when opening, transmit gentle output stream.

It is also known that manually opened metering tap, electronically controls its turn-on time.Other known water Tap is electronically opened when hand is positioned at below tap by user.Auto moisture match system provides many merits, Including improving health, water saving and reducing maintenance cost.Because disease is much infected to propagate by contact, therefore public health care machine Structure encourages the public and order food worker carries out suitable health training, including effectively washes one's hands.Made by automatic faucet Effectively wash one's hands easily.Automatic faucet typically comprises the object sensor of the presence of detection object and based on from sensor Signal and open and close the automatic valve of water.If the water temperature of automatic faucet is not in optimum range, people tend to Washed one's hands the time in shortening them.In order to obtain optimum water temperature, it is necessary to realize the proper mixture ratio of hot and cold water and suitable Water actuating.Automatic faucet controls mixed current usually using preset valves, the preset valves.

The shortcoming of tap is during hydraulic ga(u)ge：Because main pressure change and gathered in tap in tap The impurity that adversely affects of hydraulic control, therefore it is long-term after be difficult to turn-on time for controlling the tap exactly.This Outside, some taps can not distinguish hand, other materials and the object that may be close to tap of user all the time（For example, with Reflection object that the infrared transceiver of tap is oppositely arranged, the soap being built up on the proximity transducer of tap etc.）.Knot Really, those existing taps may inadvertently be opened and/or continue the long time and cause the waste of water.

There is still a need for reliable automatic faucet, it is not wasted water and with the operation effectively saved.

The content of the invention

The present invention relates generally to sensor-based automatic faucet and the method for operating this tap.

According on one side, a kind of automatic faucet includes housing, and it forms part inner cylinder and faucet head, and It is configured to include water inlet conduit that at least one is extended in cylinder and the delivery port for transferring out the water from spout.Should Tap also includes the tap apical cap being removably mounted in faucet head.The automatic faucet also includes being located at cylinder Valve module, sensor assembly and the control module of inner side.Valve module includes the electricity for being used to control the current from delivery port Magnetic actuator.The sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user.Control module is configured to receive Sensing data from sensor assembly.Inner cylinder and faucet head are constructed and arranged to releasably encapsulate and keep valve Door module, sensor assembly and control module.

Preferred embodiment includes one or more in following feature：

Control module, which is located at, to be removably mounted on the circuit board on the inside of faucet head.The circuit board can be from the fire hose Head portion is removed after removing tap apical cap.

The automatic faucet includes the turbine module for being configured to produce electric power.The turbine module is located in faucet head Side, and can be removed to be maintained.Turbine module is configured to produce electric power, on the inside of the faucet head, and can from Faucet head is removed after removing tap apical cap.

Valve module includes housing, and the housing includes combining the mixing valve module set with closing valve element.The shutoff valve Core is designed as rotating when removing actuator and associated actuator casing（turn）Close.Automatic faucet can include mixed Handle is closed, to control the mixing valve module.Valve module includes housing, and the housing includes combining the mixed of setting with closing valve element Valve module is closed, turbine module is configured to receive the current for coming from the closing valve element.

According on the other hand, a kind of automatic faucet includes housing and valve module, and the housing is configured to receive at least One water inlet conduit and with being used to convey the spout of water, the valve module is included by electromagnetic actuators control with to coming from The valve that the current of spout are controlled.Automatic faucet also includes sensor assembly and control module, sensor assembly construction The sensing data influenceed into offer by user, control module is configured to control by providing signal to electromagnetic actuators The opening and closing of valve.Control module is configured to receive sensing data from sensor assembly and performs sensing algorithm, should Sensing algorithm follows the trail of noise signal level and dynamically adjusts signal threshold value, and the sensing algorithm trace signals trend is to determine to make The presence of user.

Preferred embodiment can include one or more in following feature：

Control module constructs and is programmed to carry out sensing algorithm, and the sensing algorithm utilizes each autoregressive parameter of different electrical power. There can be one or more sensor assemblies, and sensor assembly can include capacitance type sensor.Capacitance type sensor bag Touch mode capacitive sensor is included, or capacitance type sensor is included close to capacitance type sensor.Alternatively, sensor assembly bag Include active infra-red（IR）Sensor or passive infrared sensor, active infra-red sensor include infrared transmitter and detection Device, passive infrared sensor includes infrared detector.Alternatively, sensor assembly includes ultrasonic sensor makes to detect User's approaches, exists or leaves.

Valve module, sensor assembly and control module are located in the housing of tap.Alternatively, valve module and control Molding block is located in control system unit, and control system unit is located at below the top surface of tank.Control system unit can With including the quick coupling fittings for connecting water inlet conduit.Control system unit includes the water filtration associated with actuator Device.

Control system unit is arranged on wall using wallboard.Valve module is designed to after actuator is removed certainly It is dynamic to close.

Automatic faucet includes being used for the hydroturbine module that electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Hydroturbine and control module Water velocity designed for measuring tap.The malfunction of hydroturbine and control module designed for detection tap.Control Molding block is configured to perform power management algorithm.

Automatic faucet includes being used for the photovoltaic cell that electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Automatic faucet includes being used for To the indicator of user's instruction state.Indicator includes LED diodes, sound indicator or display.

According on the other hand, a kind of automatic faucet includes housing, and housing is configured to receive at least one water inlet pipe Road and with being used to convey the spout of water.Automatic faucet includes valve module, sensor assembly, battery module, turbine mould Block and control module.Valve module includes the valve controlled by electromagnetic actuators, for being controlled to the current for coming from spout System.Sensor assembly is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user.Control module is configured to by being caused to electromagnetism Dynamic device provides the opening and closing of signal and control valve.Control module is also configured to receive sensing data from sensor assembly And perform sensing algorithm.Control module is also configured to perform power management algorithm, and power management algorithm is used for by hydroturbine Produce and offer is to battery or the electric power from battery is managed.

Preferred embodiment can include one or more in following feature：

Control module（Control system unit）It can include including electromagnetic actuators（Solenoid actuator）With optional filtering The valve module of device.Actuator casing is constructed to be permeable to close automatically by revolving actuator housing（That is rotary closing）, because This need not close water in the case where maintenance, replacing valve or filter are cleaned.

It is attached to removable valve module（That is valve element）Filter and the rotary closing associated with electromagnetic actuators Combination allow checking without instrument and in the case of water supply need not be closed and cleaning filter.

According on the other hand, sensor-based tap includes the eddies of water in being located at the current flowed out from tap Wheel.Hydroturbine includes rotor, magnet, stator and the electric coil for being coupled to rotor blade, and rotor blade, which is located at, has predetermined flow rate Water passage in, electric coil be constructed and arranged to produce electric power.

Preferably, tap includes being used for the hydroturbine and rechargeable battery that electric power is provided to electronic control circuit.Water The water velocity of turbine and electronic control circuit designed for measurement tap.Tap can include hydroturbine, photoelectric cell Unit and rechargeable battery, and microcontroller can be including for controlling the input and output of electric power and battery being charged Electric power management system.

Preferably, including the tap of hydroturbine is also constructed and arranged to detect the minor amount of water for leaving tap.Including water The tap of turbine is also constructed and arranged to detect the flow velocity for the water for leaving tap.Tap by automated sensor activate and It is further constructed and arranged to the element fault based on the signal detection tap from hydroturbine.

Advantageously, control system unit is designed as being easy to use quick connection design easily entering flowing tube（For example, Water tube hose）Installation and removal.Installing needs simply to draw/push away that pipeline is fixed into control system unit and/or to the fire hose Head.After water supply is closed, quick connection hose fitting allows installing valve housing（Manifold）Flexible pipe is installed before.With it is special Combined with wall mounting bracket, manifold can be easily installed and remove to repair without instrument.The design uses special Die nut or for by the lid of control module relative to below tank bracket screw fastening other keys.

Control module（Control manifold）It is designed to cooperate with wall mounting bracket.Manifold can be easily fitted on wall bracket And remove.Manifold is attached to wallboard via simple twisting action and consolidated when manifold cap is placed on manifold It is fixed.

It is fastened to by simple screw on wallboard and rigidly and fully fixes control system unit.Once lid screw It is fixed, then can not be from wall mounting bracket（Wallboard）Remove manifold.

Control system unit also includes the battery on the inside of battery module, battery module connection battery case, without considering Shell is with respect to clamper（holder）Orientation.Battery case is only in two ways（180 degree is symmetrical）Install, and therefore prevent mistake Polarity is installed by mistake.Battery case allows " blind " install, i.e. if setter is it cannot be seen that position below tank, but still can To install battery.Simply battery can be skidded off battery bezel ring, rotation 1/4, so as to readily replaceable.If battery case ring is not Pin battery（Battery is unlocked）, then battery case cannot be attached on manifold, this gives setter to warn.Battery case is passed through It is fixed on by seal with O ring with blocks moisture, and battery case via buckle in manifold.

Control module manifold also includes hydroturbine.Turbine reduces power consumption and also allowed accurately by reading AC signal frequencies Metering, AC signal frequencies are proportional to flow velocity, and are also optimized by can be inserted into flow nozzle for different in flow rate, and It is integrated in manifold and for fault detect（Such as seepage and obstruction）In.That is, turbine is rotated because of seepage or stopped because of obstruction Only.

This novel tap can use a screw to be easily installed and remove apical cap component.Advantageously, apical cap Design and Features can be easily varied, for example, increase photoelectric cell unit, display screen（For example, LCD display）And user Interface.

Electromagnetic actuators can be coupled to only one valve, and valve insertion conveys one of the hot water being pre-mixed and cold water In pipeline.Electromagnetic actuators can be coupled to another type of valve to control hot water and cold water in two independent tubes Flowing, as described in PCT application PCT/US01/43277.Alternatively, control signal can be delivered to two electromechanicallies Device, the two actuators are constructed and arranged to independently control two valves, and therefore independently control to have to be delivered to the fire hose Current in the hot water of head and two independent tubes of cold water.

According to another aspect, tap can be the battery-operated electronic tap by carrying, and it can be in battery Operated between replacing more than 2 years, 3 years or more years.Tap has the moving parts of minimum number, and can hold very much Access all parts are changed places to safeguard.The tap can be manufactured and safeguarded with relatively low cost.

According to other side, there is provided the novel interface for calibrating or being programmed to sensor-based tap.The boundary Face is interacted via the object sensor for being coupled to the microprocessor of current in control tap with user.Sensor-based water Tap includes：The valve controlled in insertion pipeline and by electromagnetic actuators；And sensor, it is used for electronic control circuit Sensor output signal is produced, electronic control circuit is constructed and arranged to provide the control signal for being used for opening and closing valve. Sensing different problems（For example, battery low state, electrical issues or mechanical problem in one of tap element）When, control electricity Road can instruct valve to provide the water boundling of predetermined quantity at the different step of various algorithms（burst）Or glisten with using Person links up.

According to another aspect, tap has hot water and cooling water inlet and outlet.Sensor, which is produced, to be provided to electronics control The sensor output signal of circuit processed, the electronic control circuit is constructed and arranged to provide control signal to electromechanical actuator. Control circuit also provides signal to optics, acoustics or other indicators, and indicator is sent when actuator is initially opened valve Signal.Control circuit provides signal to indicator, and the indicator continuously sends signal and predetermined hold-time section, with to making User shows that predetermined time interval has not expired the need for being cleaned according to effective hand.When interval time is full, thus to making User ensures that he has met associated duration regulation.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the front perspective view for the tap being shown mounted on tank, and wherein control system unit is located at the tank Under.

Figure 1A is the front perspective view of tap, and wherein control system unit is shown with exploded view.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 2A are the perspective views of two embodiments of the tap for showing Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of Fig. 1 tap, and wherein tap apical cap is removed.

Fig. 3 A are the perspective exploded views of the tap without tap apical cap.

Fig. 3 B and Fig. 3 C are the perspective exploded view of tap apical cap and circuit board module respectively, and wherein circuit board module has Designed for capacitance type sensor and the annex for being used for the tap shown in Fig. 3 of IR sensors.

Fig. 4 is the perspective exploded view for being located at the control system unit under the tank of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B are the perspective exploded views of the control system unit shown in Fig. 4, wherein illustrating in greater detail each Module.

Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D are the perspective side elevation views for removing the control system unit shown in Fig. 4 of lid, illustrated therein is and are moving Except when rotary closing valve module.

Fig. 4 E show to be connected to the quick connection of the waterpipe of Fig. 4 control system unit.

Fig. 5 is the perspective view of the wall accessory plate of the control system unit for being attached shown in Fig. 1 and Figure 1A.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 A are the base portion retainer of the control system unit shown in Fig. 4 A to Fig. 4 D without modules respectively Perspective plan view and perspective bottom view.

Fig. 7, Fig. 7-I, Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 A-I are the vertical view and cross-sectional view for the control system unit for being attached with modules.

Fig. 8 shows the lid of control system unit in each visual angle and detail view, and these figures are also shown for being used to cover It is attached to each attachment element of base portion.

Fig. 8 A are the decomposition diagrams of the battery module shown in Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 8 B are the decomposition diagrams of the actuator module shown in Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 9 is the front perspective view of another embodiment of the tap being shown mounted on tank.

Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are the front view and side view of the tap shown in Fig. 9 respectively.

Figure 10 is the cross-sectional side view of the tap shown in Fig. 9.

Figure 10 A are the cross section of the faucet head of the tap shown in Figure 10, detailed side view.

Figure 10 B are the cross-sectional side views of the tap shown in Figure 10, show faucet head with more in an exploded view Illustrate well.

Figure 11 and Figure 11 A are the top views of turbine module that are located in the faucet head shown in Figure 10 A and 10B and transversal Face figure.

Figure 11 B be located at faucet head inside element perspective exploded view, including turbine module, circuit board module and Ventilator.

Figure 12, Figure 12 A, Figure 12 B, Figure 12 C and Figure 12 D are to include being respectively positioned on the turbine of the water surface inside turbine module Diagram.

Figure 13 shows the decomposition diagram of the control system inside the tap shown in Figure 10, wherein eliminating water Leading enclosure.

Figure 13 A, Figure 13 B, Figure 13 C, Figure 13 D and Figure 13 E show mixing inside the tap shown in Figure 10 and Close several diagrams of valve.

Figure 14 is the block diagram for controlling circuit of tap element and the operation for the tap shown in control figure 1 or Fig. 9.

Figure 15 be tap element and for the tap shown in control figure 1 or Fig. 9 operation control circuit it is another The block diagram of individual embodiment.

Figure 16 A to Figure 16 G are the circuit diagrams of the tap element shown in Figure 15 block diagram.

Figure 17 shows primary operational and the control of the tap shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9.

Figure 18 is the flow chart for the electrical management for showing the turbine module for being realized by controller.

Figure 19, Figure 19 A, Figure 19 B, Figure 19 C and Figure 19 D show another flow chart, and it shows the water realized by controller The electrical management of tap.

Figure 20 is the flow chart for showing the battery Contact Algorithm for providing electric power for control circuit.

Figure 21 includes Figure 21 A, Figure 21 B and Figure 21 C, and there is shown with for sensing in the faucet spout shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9 Locate the flow chart of the algorithm of the target occurred.

Figure 22 is the flow chart for showing the object sensing for opening water in Figure 21 flow chart.

Figure 22 A are the flow charts for showing the object sensing for closing water in Figure 21 flow chart.

Embodiment

Reference picture 1, tap 10 is shown as being attached to tank 14, and wherein faucet base 18 connects with top flume surface 15 Touch.Tap includes housing or packaging body 17 and tap apical cap 16.Tap 10 is electrically coupled to using electronic circuit 11 Control manifold（Control system unit）100 and via water line 12 receive water.Figure 1A shows tap 10, wherein control centre Unit 100 is shown with exploded view.Water line 12 uses Quick Connect Kit（It is shown in Fig. 4 E）It is coupled to control system unit 100 And mixing hot/cold water is provided.That is, there is the hot cold mixing unit under tank 14（Not shown in Fig. 1 and Figure 1A）.

Control system unit 100 includes plastic manifold 12 and lid 105, and the plastic manifold 12 is i.e. designed for accommodating each mould The base portion of block.

Fig. 2 shows the tap 10 shown in Fig. 1 to two different installation embodiments of tank 14 with Fig. 2A.These are installed Embodiment is equally applicable to the tap 10A shown in Fig. 9.It can use and connect including bar 24 and the quick of coupling element 25A and 25B Connected components realize the installation.Coupled components can include pad 22 or for tank electric insulation that tap and metal is made Compared with heavy insulation element.The insulation is for the capacitance sensor that is installed together with metal sink（It is described below）Proper operation and Speech is important.Fig. 2A shows another installation embodiment of tap 10, and it uses bar 28A and 28B and coupling element 27A, 27B, 29A and 29B component.

Tap shell is actually made up of shell-like structure, and shell-like structure formation erects body and including tap apical cap Top, tap apical cap, which has, extends out to the spout of ventilator 38 from body.Ventilator 38 includes removable ventilation Device main body 38A and spanner 38B.Tap apical cap（Tap apical cap 34 is shown as in figs. 2 and 2 a）Including being fixed to body Removable cover plate.Cover plate can by LCD display or another type of display substitution so as to user link up or Message about amusement or advertisement is provided to user.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 3 A show to remove the tap of tap apical cap 34.Tap 10 is included with the soft of quick connection 12A Property waterpipe 12, quick connection 12A attached to the tap apical cap insert 36 that water is provided to ventilator 38.Fig. 3 B are the fire hoses 34A perspective exploded view is preced with the crown, includes the circuit board and cover plate of the capacitive sensing designed for user's hand.Fig. 3 C are the fire hoses 34B perspective exploded view is preced with the crown, including is sensed designed for the IR of user's hand（Or alternatively design both for capacitive Sensing is again for IR sensings）Circuit board and cover plate.

Fig. 4 is the perspective exploded view for being located at the control system unit 100 under tank.Fig. 4 A are the control for removing lid 105 System manifold（Control system unit）100 perspective exploded view.

Control system unit 100 is designed to and wall mounting bracket 106（It is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5）Cooperate with being attached to tank Following washing locular wall.

Reference picture 4, Fig. 4 A, Fig. 4 B, Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D, control system unit 100 include valve module 150, battery module 200th, turbine module 250 and electronic control module 400（As shown in figure 14）.Valve module 150 includes valve housing 160, lower valve Door body 156, upper valve body 152, filter 158（Or coarse filter 158）With actuator 153.Actuator casing 152 include pair Fiducial mark remembers 154A, and valve housing 160 includes alignment mark 154B, and alignment mark is used to be revolved by revolving actuator housing Turn to close（I.e. rotary closing operation is bayonet connection）, without closing water when maintenance, replacing valve or filter are cleaned Stream.This is by positioned at the inner side of rotary closing base structure 180 and the rotary closing being encapsulated in rotary closing housing 160 Valve element 170（As shown in Figure 13 C and 13D）Combination realize.

Valve module 150, which is provided, to be controlled to the valve of the current of tap 10 using actuator 153 and provides shutoff valve Door is so as to easily maintenance.When valve module 150 is removed from rotary closing housing 160, control system unit is passed through without current 100.Referring also to Fig. 7 and Fig. 7 A, actuator module 150 is inserted into equal of arrow 154A and 154B being oriented with two elements In the valve housing matched somebody with somebody, as shown in Figure 4 D.When actuator module 150 rotates for example as shown in Figure 4 C 45 degree, in actuator In the case of opening, water can flow through valve module.About 45 degree of revolving actuator module 150（From the position shown in Fig. 4 C to Position shown in Fig. 4 D）Valve is closed to safeguard.Actuator module 150 includes electromechanical actuator described below（Solenoid Actuator）.Fig. 8 B are the decomposition diagrams of actuator module and the valve including water filter, are also shown graphically in Fig. 4 A.Solenoid Actuator controls to be delivered to the current of user from ventilator 38.Whole faucet system includes many O-rings and water seal, to prevent Sealing is revealed and improves current, as one of ordinary skill in the known.

Reference picture 4A and 4B, hydroturbine module 250 include rotor assembly 260（As Figure 12 C are illustrated in detail）And stator module 270（As Figure 12 D are illustrated in detail）.Rotor assembly 260 includes：Ceramagnet 262（Or other anticorrosive magnets）With use plastics pin Fixed vane 264.Stator module 270 includes coil 271, and it is located at two Hes of stator piece 272 being made up of nonmagnetic substance Between 273.

Hydroturbine module 250 is located in aquaporin, wherein the rotor couples turbo blade 264 and rotor magnetic using rotating shaft Body 262 is integrally fixed.Rotor magnet is relative with magnetic pole of the stator element.Stator coil and the magnetic flux by magnetic pole of the stator are provided Interconnection.When hydroturbine is by receiving water flow rotary, magnet 262 rotates relative to the magnetic pole of the stator.Flow to rotor and stator The flowing of the magnetic flux of magnetic pole is change.Therefore, the induced-current in stator coil is in the direction for the flowing change for preventing magnetic flux Upper flowing.Stator-rotator arranges preferably have 12 magnetic poles（But there can also be the magnetic pole of smaller or greater quantity to optimize energy Output）.Generator is used also as tachometer, for the flow velocity of effectively measuring process tap.This arrangement is also allowed for Carry out malfunction monitoring and circuit blocking or the detection of plugged filter.After to current rectification, following power managements is used Algorithm is stored it in such as rechargeable battery.Corresponding signal is provided to microcontroller, as shown in FIG. 14 and 15.

Referring now still to Fig. 4 B and Figure 12 A, 12B, hydroturbine module 250 has features designed to allow the single stream of certain flow rate scope Body path.Turbine rotor 260 is with specially designed concentration entrance 284, and optional position with the collaborative design of turbine wheel base 282 Nozzle 283 in concentration entrance 284.For 0.7GPM（Gallons per minute）With up to 1.8GPM flow velocity, there is provided bigger horizontal stroke The flow passage in section with reduce inside flow resistance（That is, pressure loss）.On the other hand, for the low of as little as 0.35GPM Flow velocity, concentrates entrance 284 to include that the nozzle 283 of the power output of turbogenerator can be improved.Nozzle can by small lugs and The groove on the nozzle is molded in be secured in position.This design needs the space of relatively small amount.

As shown in Figure 4 B, rotary closing valve element 170 includes one outlet port 74（See also Figure 13 C and 13D）, it is received out From the current of valve, the current are flowed out by the constraint of rotary closing valve element 170 from port 174, and in rotary closing base portion Tool flows into the laminar flow for concentrating entrance 284 between 180 and housing 160.Advantageously, valve housing 160 and turbine shroud 280 are by list Individual component is made, to improve the laminar flow of water.Hydroturbine module reduces power consumption, and also allow by read the frequency of AC signals come Accurate water metering is carried out, the frequency of the AC signals is proportional to flow velocity and can used and can be inserted into or permanent flow nozzle 283 Optimize for different flow velocitys.

As described above, magnetic flux is flowed through between generator amature and magnetic pole of the stator.When hydroturbine is rotated by the power of flowing water When, magnetic flux exists as a kind of resistance.That is, in the starting and rotary course of hydroturbine, produced between rotor and magnetic pole of the stator Raw magnetic flux brakes the operation of hydroturbine as detent torque.The turbine module of the present invention is designed as starting and detected on a small quantity Current are to detect the leak of tap.Turbine module can be by another rechargable power supplies module（Such as one or more photovoltaics Battery）Instead of.Photovoltaic cell may be mounted at the top of apical cap component.

Battery module 200 includes each offer direct current 1.5V four batteries.Fig. 8 A are the decomposition diagrams of battery module.Position Battery container in control system unit is designed to receive the battery module 200, but regardless of battery case 204 relative to The orientation of retainer 210 in manifold.That is, battery case 204 can only be clamped attachment folder 208 with both direction（180 degree Symmetrically）In the attachment element 212 of retainer 210.This can prevent the wrong polarity of battery from installing.In other words, it is electric Pond shell 204 allow it is " blind " install, when setter it cannot be seen that battery still can be installed during position below tank.Installing During, simply battery will be made to skid off so as to readily replaceable battery bezel ring, rotation 1/4.If battery case ring does not pin electricity Pond（I.e. battery is unlocked）, then battery case cannot be attached on retainer 210.Battery module 200 via seal with O ring to prevent Moisture, and battery case is fixed in manifold via buckle.

Control system module 100 includes plastic manifold 120, and it is attached to wallboard 106.Fig. 5 shows wall attachment plate 106, It has the attachment element 113,114 and 115 of collaborative design, and attachment element is located in plastic manifold 120 and collaborative design is used In fastening, the coupling of mechanical robust.Specifically, plastic manifold 120 includes opening 122 and is designed as the element with plate 106 115 cylinder 123.These cooperation surfaces provide the coupling of mechanical robust and made a mark so that control system unit 100 holds It is easy-maintaining.Whole control system unit is designed to cooperate with wall mounting bracket 106 easily to install and be attached to wall bracket Removed with from wall bracket.

Manifold is attached to wallboard 106 via simple twisting action, and is positioned over plastic manifold 120 in vinyl cover 105 Fixed when upper.The unit is rigid and is completely fixed by simply carrying out screw fastening using screw 118. Once lid screw（Fig. 8）Fixed, manifold then can not be from wall mounting bracket（Wallboard）106 remove.The design is controlled for fixed The screw of the lid 105 of module uses hexagon wrench special（Allen wrench）（Or other keys）.Each mould in tap 10 Block and control system unit 100 are removable and readily replaceable so as to rapid-maintenance.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 A are the plastic manifolds for control system unit 100（Base portion retainer）120 perspective plan view and Perspective bottom view.Fig. 7, Fig. 7-I, Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 A-I are the cross-sectional views of control system manifold 100.Figure 10 at several visual angles and Manifold cap 105 is shown in detail view.

The synergism of valve module and actuator module can realize automatic closing, and therefore change in maintenance, valve Or need not close water in the case of filter cleaning.It is attached to the filter of removable valve sleeve and is associated with solenoid actuator The combination of automatic closing allow checking without instrument and in the case of water need not be closed and cleaning filter.

Actuator module includes solenoid actuator（Solenoid operator）.Solenoid actuator includes surrounding armature housing The solenoid of winding, armature housing constructs and is arranged to receive armature, and armature includes the plunger locally encapsulated by film.Armature is carried For fluid passage, so as to armature fluid displacement between the distal portions and proximal part of armature, it is thus possible to realize that armature exists Quick effective movement between open position and closed position.Film is fixed on armature housing, and is arranged to be sealed in Armature fluid in armature pocket with fixed volume, wherein plunger（That is, distal portions or armature）Displacement close film It is subjected to displacement in valve passage, thus opens or closes the passage.This can realize the long-time operation of low energy battery.

Preferably, actuator can be latching actuator（Including the permanent magnet for keeping armature）Or non-blocked actuating Device.The distal portions of armature collaboratively arrange that diaphragm design is placed in its armature extended into when armature with different types of barrier film Acted on during position on valve seat.Solenoid actuator is connected to control circuit, and control circuit structure is into response to from optional The output of armature sensor applies the coil drive to the coil.Armature sensor can sense when to reach end position（Beat Open or close closed position）Armature.Control circuit can along the first driving direction to the direct application coil drive signal of coil, and In response to meeting the output from sensor of predetermined first current-termination standard to start or stop along the first driving direction pair Coil applies coil drive.Control circuit can be in response to meeting preassigned output from sensor instruct or stop pair Coil applies coil drive signal.

Tap can be for example controlled by solenoid actuator, wherein the actuator is configured and arranged to release Thus pressure in pilot chamber simultaneously start piston, film or frame assembly from valve location is closed to the shifting for opening valve location It is dynamic.Actuator can include latching actuator（Such as United States Patent (USP) US6, described in 293,516, it is incorporated by reference into）、 Non-blocked actuator（Such as United States Patent (USP) US6, described in 305,662, it is incorporated by reference into）Or isolated operation device（Such as Described in PCT application PCT/US/01/51098, it is incorporated by reference into）.Valve module can also be controlled telecommunications manually Number assign actuator drive（Rather than the signal that sensor is sent）, or pass through United States Patent (USP) US6,874,535（By drawing With and be incorporated to）Described in manually discharge the pressure in pilot chamber and be controlled.

Reference picture 4E, control system unit is designed to easily install and removed using quick connection and carried to tap 10 The waterpipe of water supply.Installing needs simple push-and-pull with relative to mixing valve or relative to tap to the fixing pipe of opening 128 Road（For example, flexible pipe）.After water pipe is placed, slide plate 124 is placed on slot component 132（Fig. 4 A）In.Pacify with reference to special wall Support 106 is filled, control system unit 100 substantially can be easily installed and remove to repair in the case of no instrument It is multiple.

Fig. 9 is the tap with the control system unit being located inside faucet body being shown mounted on tank The front perspective view of another embodiment.Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B are the front view and side view of tap shown in Fig. 9 respectively.Figure 10 is The side sectional view of tap shown in Fig. 9.Figure 10 A are the detailed side sectional views of the faucet head of tap shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 B are the side sectional views of tap shown in the Figure 10 for showing faucet head in an exploded view more preferably to present.

Figure 13 shows the decomposition diagram of tap 10A inside.In this embodiment, control system unit is set to It is different from Fig. 4-Fig. 4 D, but provide similar advantage and mould for all modules now as shown in Figure 10 inside the tap Blockization is designed.Reference picture 13, control system unit includes valve module 150A, battery module 200A and turbine module 250A.Valve Door module 150A includes water mixing handle 20, itself and the mixing valve module 180A being enclosed in rotary closing housing 160A（Such as Shown in Figure 13 A, 13B and 13E）With rotary closing valve element 170A（As depicted on figures 13 c and 13d）Collaborative design.

Valve module 150A includes lower valve body 156A, upper valve body 152A, filter 158A（Or coarse filter 158A）With actuator 153A, actuator 153 is located in upper valve body 152A.Actuator casing 152 can also include and valve The alignment mark of alignment mark collaborative design on housing 160A, for reference to as described in Fig. 4 C and Fig. 4 D by rotary-actuated Device housing carrys out rotary closing.Turbine module 250A is flowed into from the valve module 150A water exported, such as the detailed institutes of Figure 11 to Figure 12 B Show.

Figure 11 and Figure 11 A are the top views for the turbine module 250A being located in the faucet head shown in Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B And sectional view, Figure 11 B are the decomposition diagrams for being located at the element inside faucet head 16A.Turbine module 250A includes collaboration The rotor 260 and stator 270 being fitted in turbine wheel base 275A are designed as, turbine wheel base 275A is fitted to hydraulic pressure apical cap component In 280A.Turbine module 250A includes rotor assembly 260（As Figure 12 C are shown specifically）With stator module 270（As Figure 12 D are detailed Show）.Rotor assembly 260 includes rotor magnet 262（It is made up of ceramics or other anticorrosive magnets）Fixed with by plastics pin Vane 264.Stator module 270 includes coil 271, its be located at two stator pieces 272 and 273 for being made up of nonmagnetic substance it Between.

Faucet head 16A includes being located at the circuit board above hydraulic pressure apical cap component 280A.The circuit board, which includes combining, schemes The electronic device of 14 and Figure 15 descriptions.

Description with above-mentioned combination tap 10 is similar, hydroturbine module 250A have extended to from water seal 252A concentrate into Mouth 276A and the single fluid passage that turbine is left at the 277A of port.Turbine module 250A is designed to allow for certain flow velocity model Enclose.Turbine rotor 260 and the collaborative design of turbine wheel base 282 are, with specially designed concentration entrance 276A, and to be optionally located at Concentrate the nozzle in entrance 276A.

Figure 14 is the block diagram for controlling the control electronic device 400 of the operation of tap 10.Control electronic device preferred Ground uses capacitance sensor 50, or alternatively uses active IR sensors or passive type IR sensors.Active IR is passed Sensor includes the IR receivers 424 for being used for the IR transmitters 420 and IR light reflected for detection for launching IR light beams.Passive type IR Sensor uses being used for described in PCT application PCT/CN03/38730 and PCT/US03/41303 such as to detect depositing for user Passive optical detector, the two applications are incorporated by reference into.

Reference picture 14, control electronic device 400 includes the controller 402 that electric power is provided by battery 200.Controller 402 is excellent Selection of land be byThe microcontroller MC9S08GT16A of manufacture.Microcontroller, which is performed, various to be preferably downloaded Detection and Processing Algorithm.However, controller and algorithm can also be realized in the form of dedicated logic circuit, ASIC etc..Control electricity Sub- device 400 includes power switch 405, dc-dc 406, solenoid driver 408.Solenoid driver 408 is driving Signal is supplied to the solenoid 150 monitored by solenoid feedback amplifier 412 and signal conditioner 414.Controller 402 and driving Visual diode 436（For example, blue diode or red diode）Indicator driver 434 communicate, visual diode 436 For being linked up with user.

As shown in figure 14, active optical sensor includes the IR diode (led) drivers that electric power is provided to IR transmitters 420 422 and from IR receivers 424 receive signal IR sensor amplifiers 426.Whole operation is controlled by controller 402.

IR diode (led) drivers 422 can be designed to that luminous power is incrementally increased or reduced according to target and environmental condition Output.This is equally applicable for the IR receivers using IR sensor amplifiers 426.It is enough generally, due to a kind of mode The purpose is realized, so using only one kind in two ways.The following is the example of condition：If the too many IR of environment becomes clear, System strengthens optical emission signals.If target is too close to, such as in personal room, the system reduces IR signals to save electric power. If target is not enough to cause IR to reflect, system strengthens the IR from IR transmitters 520 or for IR sensor amplifiers 526 Signal.

System 402 is using the optional VODER 440 of loudspeaker 442 is connected to provide user interface.It is connected to The optional flow sensor adjuster 444 of flow sensor 446 is used to detect the current by tap.Alternatively, sense Device can be used for the spilling for detecting the water in tank and provide signal to close automatic faucet to controller 402.

The system can include the optional RF transceivers 450 for being connected to antenna 452, so that the center with long range positioning is handled Device or network carry out radio communication.The design can together with the washroom tap of wireless connection and the network of sanitary ware portion Administration.The network of long range positioning can realize the monitoring and collection turned off the tap with the information of apparatus.Between tap and apparatus Communication low frequency RF signals are preferably used, and higher frequency RF signals are preferably used with the communication of the network node of long range positioning.

Generally, information is transmitted using wired or wireless data communication, because the information and washroom tap and health The working condition of apparatus is relevant.The information of transmission（Together with device id）Cell voltage, washing time, the unit can included just In running status（It can not close）, anhydrous state（It can not open）Deng.Using RF transceivers 450 and antenna 452, the system can With receive information, the order such as started from long-range other places.Fixing device can communicate with one another under network mode.It is fixed Device can communicate with near-end central location, and the unit can be data（It is wired or wireless）It is sent to the network of more wide area （Such as internet）.In a preferred embodiment, user is by asking each fixed position to open and be then turned off starting width Positioning（location wide）Diagnostic task.In turn, each fixing device reports successfully/unsuccessful operation.Fixing device is also Other variables, such as cell voltage, washing time can be reported.User then gathers information and according to result schedule maintenance Arrange.This is in mechanism（Conference centre, ball park etc.）Middle maintenance personnel currently sends staff before event generation It is particularly useful in the case of going the working condition of monitoring fixing device and keeping a record manually.

Another embodiment of electronic device is controlled described in PCT Publication WO2005/056938 and WO2004/061343, The two is incorporated herein by reference.

According to another embodiment, control electronic device includes microprocessor, and the microprocessor is the 8 of Toshiba manufactures Position CMOS microcontrollers TMP86P807M microcontroller.The microcontroller has the program storage and 256 bytes of 8K bytes Data storage.Programming is realized using the Toshiba adapters socket with universal PROM programmer.Microcontroller works In three frequencies（f_c=16MHz, f_c=8MHz and f_s=332.768kHz）Under, wherein first and second clock frequencies are used for normally Pattern, the 3rd frequency is used for low-power mode（That is, sleep pattern）.Microcontroller is operated in the sleep mould between various actions Under formula.In order to save battery electric power, microcontroller is sampled for input signal cycle to optical sensor, and with After trigger power eonsumption controller.Power eonsumption controller is powered to signal conditioner and other elements.It is differently, optical sensor list Member, voltage regulator（Or booster）It is not energized to save battery electric power with signal conditioner.During operation, micro-control Instruction data are also supplied to indicator by device processed, for example, visual diode or loudspeaker.Control electronic device can be from above-mentioned quilt Dynamic formula optical sensor or active optical sensor receive signal.Low battery detection unit can be can be from Microchip The low battery detector for the model TC54VN4202EMB that Technology is obtained.Voltage regulator can be equally can be from Microchip Technology（http://www.microchip.com）Obtained model number is TC55RP3502EMB's Voltage regulator.Microcontroller is alternately that the dash number that can be obtained from National Semiconductor is MCU COP8SAB728M9 microcontroller.

Tap can include one or several photoelectric cell units combined individually or with hydroturbine, to produce and The proportional voltage of the light quantity of reception.When system 500 is powered and starts operation, system registry voltage and with follow-up Continuous monitoring voltage.When being powered first, if photoelectric cell unit does not have output voltage, it means that dark surrounds and therefore should Unit marks the time and in the inside counting of scheduled volume time.If time long enough, such as a few hours and several days, and in same time Target is not detected in section, then faucet system is energized, but nobody is using washroom（That is, lamp is closed）, because This system carries out energy-saving mode.In this mode, system with much lower frequency scanning target to save battery electric power.This is System can also stop or slow down other functions, such as scan override button, cell voltage.The use of photoelectric cell unit is 2008 It is described in the PCT application PCT/US2008/008242 that on July 3, in submits, this application is incorporated by reference into.

Figure 15 is the block diagram of another embodiment of the control circuit of the operation for the tap shown in control figure 1.

Figure 16 A to Figure 16 G are the circuit diagrams of the control circuit shown in Figure 15 block diagram.

Figure 17 use states Figure 200 shows that tap is operated.Processor performs calculation by the way that all initialization are first carried out Method, makes interruption be set to energization（State 501）.Next, checking the electric power of all power supplys under all power check states（Shape State 506）.External power is exhausted if there is battery A/D mistakes or microcontroller, then algorithm is again introduced into state 501（Transformation 504）.Additionally, start for normal electricity level and if there is no solenoid, then algorithm（Pass through transformation 512）Into Bulky capacitor charge control（State 518）.

In state 506, start if there is normal electricity level and if there is solenoid, then algorithm enters（508） Solenoid opens timer control（State 510）.After target is no longer detected or after the Yu Xianxuanding period （520）, algorithm enter closed solenoid state（State 524）.Thereafter, algorithm（By transformation 526）It is converted to bulky capacitor charging Control（State 518）.Since bulky capacitor charge control（State 518）, algorithm（By transformation 528）It is converted to capacitance sensor control System（State 530）.

In capacitance sensor control（State 530）In, the detection of system performance objective, and target and helical ought be not detected by When pipe starts, system transformation（Transformation 534）Control is flashed to red LED（State 550）.Alternatively, when detecting target（Figure 22 and Figure 22 A）, system transformation（Transformation 536）To opening solenoid state（State 540）, wherein solenoid open.Alternatively Ground, when target is in outside detection zone when helix tube is opened, system transformation（Transformation 532）Return to closed solenoid state （State 524）, wherein solenoid is closed.Additionally, when no sensing is movable, and no LED flickers and the is not needed When two batteries are checked, system is from state 530（By transformation 538）It is converted to sleep state（State 570）.

Since red LED flashes state of a control（State 550）, it is after it there is the second battery inspection of LED flickers and needs System transformation（Transformation 552）To sleep state（State 570）.If however, mark is set to the second battery inspection, system transformation （Transformation 556）State of a control is checked to the second battery（State 560）.In addition, opening solenoid state（State 540）Afterwards, The second battery inspection is needed, then system changes（Transformation 546）State of a control is checked to the second battery（State 560）, and afterwards, After battery has been checked, system transformation（Transformation 554）To sleep state（State 570）.

After each wake up, system is from sleep state（State 570）Transformation（Transformation 574）To all power check states （State 506）.If there is no turbo-electric or no battery electric power（Or low battery electric power is less than 3.7V10 minutes）、 Or without solar energy, then system transformation（Transformation 572）Return to sleep state（State 570）.

Figure 18 is the flow chart for showing to control the electrical management of circuit.System periodically checks battery electric power, from whirlpool The electric power of wheel and the optional electric power provided by photoelectric cell unit.Figure 19, Figure 19 A, Figure 19 B, Figure 19 C and Figure 19 D show control The electrical management of circuit processed.

Figure 20 is the flow chart for showing the battery contact control for providing electric power for control circuit.

Figure 21 is the flow for showing the algorithm for sensing the target occurred at the faucet spout shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 9 Figure.

In order to control tap to operate, system performs capacitive sensing operation.Since energization or any kind of reset, it is Self calibration and initialization is first carried out in system, is then used as state machine.After its sleep awakening, system scanning capacitance sensor To obtain current initial data, baseline is updated, afterwards, system is based on its current state and performs inter-related task.Complete as predecessor After business, processor will be again introduced into sleep.

Calibration process includes several processes：" standardization initial data ", " environmental test " and " determining water effect ".Standardization Initial data is in dynamic range（Close to 11500 scope）Interior regulation initial data.It is pre- that environmental test determines that noise level is in Determine in scope, if it is not, system flashes LED and keeps monitoring noise level until it falls within the predetermined.If System is maintained at the stage, then it represents that system is unsuitable for the environment, as illustrated in fig. 21.Determine that water effect opens water to determine water Effect and judge whether this is 1.5/0.5GPM spouts/pressure head.It is only initial value, and system will during its normal operations This is automatically updated.When calibrating completion, system opens water to represent that system is ready to use for the second time.

System uses 8 states altogether：TARGETCLEAR,INVERIFY,TOUCHED,TARGETSET,OUTVERIFY, PROHIBITION, PAUSE and CLEAN.System at any given time by a state in these states and only one Under individual state.

Under TARGETCLEAR states, echo signal is always eliminated.System update signal threshold value, monitors noise level And determine signal threshold value and the quantity of the signal as target will be verified.If current data and the difference of baseline are more than signal Threshold value, and data are increased continuously more than some value, then and system enters INVERFY states and accelerated scan.In INVERIFY Under state, echo signal will be set if data verification is under the state.System judges when need to set echo signal. If signal data exceedes signal threshold value and predetermined hold-time, system opens echo signal and enters TARGETSET shapes State, and current initial data is stored as judging when the part that target is removed is referred to.If this was touched in 30 seconds 5 times are sent out, then system enters PAUSE states.

Under TOUCHED states, the echo signal is then removed after 5 seconds in contact target.System determines to remove target Signal and remove echo signal in the case where contact target was more than 5 seconds.System is judged from contact to not in contact with what does.Such as Fruit contact was more than 5 seconds, and system then enters CLEAN states.If contact is less than 5 seconds, system is back to TARGETSET states.

Under TARGETSET states, echo signal is always set.System calibrated water effect during 2 seconds first, and really Determine water effect value, following parameter is set afterwards：

The signal threshold value of water discharging time；And

The reference value of water outlet, it will be used to judge whether target has been removed.System determines a need for entering OUTVERIFY states.

If any in following situation occur, system enters OUTVERIFY states：

Run time terminates

Initial data does not change on preset range

Signal data is less than signal threshold value

Initial data is less than reference just predetermined before water is opened.

Under OUTVERIFY states, echo signal will be removed if signal has verified that.The system tracks water running time is simultaneously And echo signal is removed if the water running time terminates, system enters PAUSE states.System judge data it is whether stable and Data, which are in preset range, to be continued to remove echo signal at 1.5 seconds, afterwards into state PROHIBITION.System resulting number According to whether falling under reference value, echo signal is removed when data, which are in, continues 1.5 seconds in preset range, afterwards into state PROHIBITION.System judges that data whether under signal threshold value, are removed when data, which are in, continues 1 second in preset range Echo signal, afterwards into state PROHIBITION.

Under PROHIBITION states, echo signal is always removed.System judges when walk out the state.If system Persistently make a reservation for the minimum shut-in time in this condition, then system will enter TARGETCLEARED states.

Under PAUSE states, echo signal is always removed.System judges when exit the state.If system is at this Predetermined hold-time under state, then system will enter TARGETCLEARED states.Under CLEAN states, target letter is always removed Number.System judges when exit the state.If system predetermined hold-time in this condition, system will enter TARGETCLEARED states.

Reference picture 14, the every five seconds for example of capacitance detector processor 465 uses HeartBeep pulses from high to low and microcontroller Device processor 402 communicates, to show that its is in shape.In down state, when port 2.5 for it is low when system stop scanning with Save electric power.When asking LED electric power, system sets port 1.5 to be low to show that it needs electric power to open LED.

Figure 22 is the flow chart for showing the object sensing for opening water, and Figure 22 A are to show the stream in Figure 21 C The flow chart of the object sensing of water is closed in journey figure.For approaching and contact with capacitance type sensor（For example by Cypress Semiconductor is manufactured）The algorithm is described.However, the algorithm apply also for using light source active IR sensors and Detect the photodetector of the reflected signal from user.Algorithm of target detection（And any algorithm described herein）Can be with It is embedded in design chips or respective processor can be downloaded to.

Reference picture 22, the algorithm of target detection for " opening water " starts from target and removes state（Water is closed）.

With 8Hz scanning sensors with pickup data

Signal=current initial data-baseline

If signal>Threshold value, then carried out to proofing state

Under proofing state, threshold value increase by 5

Under proofing state, threshold value increase by 5

If signal>Threshold value continues to exceed " checking " number of times, opens water

Threshold value and " checking " number of times dynamically update as follows：

For past 5 seconds：

Noise level=maximum initial data-minimum initial data

If noise level is low

Threshold value=high sensitivity level

Checking=3

If during noise level is

Threshold value=medium sensitivity level

Checking=4

If noise level is height

Threshold value=muting sensitivity level

Checking=5

In " checking "<Under verification threshold, scanning sensor is with pickup data.

Reference picture 22A and Figure 22 A-I, the algorithm of target detection that " closing water " is used for after water opening starts.

Once water is opened, it will stay open at least one second, even if target is left at once.

Targets threshold will be set to：

Echo signal+water effect -15 during threshold value=triggering

Determine that target is left using three counters.

Counter 1 counts the number to the signal less than threshold value

Counter 2 counts the number to unchanged signal

Counter 3 will be counted to the number that signal reduces

If current demand signal is less than threshold value, counter 1 increases by 1, and otherwise counter 2 is reset to 0.

Stable reference is initialized as the first signal data.If the difference between current demand signal and stable reference is less than predetermined Scope, then the increase of counter 21, otherwise counter 2 is reset to 0, and stable reference is reset to current demand signal.

If current demand signal is less than previous signals, the increase of counter 31, and the value reduced increases to the total of reduction Signal, otherwise, counter 3 are reset to 0, and reduce total amount and be reset to 0.

If counter 1 is more than 8, either counter 2 is more than 16 or counter 3 is more than 8, and the resultant signal of reduction is big In 45, or counter 3 is more than 12.Water is closed, as shown in Figure 22 A-I.

After water closing, threshold value is reset to 15.

Above-mentioned sensing algorithm overcomes the Railway Project related to capacitive proximity sensing.In capacitance signal, sensing area Domain is not known, particularly when water is just flowing and human hand is only a part for capacitive source.Signal/noise ratio be insufficient to it is big, and And noise can cause error detection.For different supply of electric power sources（For example, battery or power adapter）Change in signal strength. In order to overcome these problems, sensing algorithm is based on the automatic Calibration Base Line of true application environment.Algorithm is sensed to keep following the trail of noise letter Number level and therefore application signal threshold value.Algorithm trace signals are sensed to tend to（Not exclusively intensity）To determine the appearance of human hand. In addition, sensing algorithm uses independent parameter for different supply of electric power sources.

Tap can use alternative optical transceiver, and the transceiver is in United States Patent (USP) US5, and 979,500 or United States Patent (USP) US5,984,262 descriptions, and also pending U. S. application 10/012,252 and 10/012 at the same time, described in 226, it is all this A little applications are incorporated by reference into.Microcontroller COP8SAB that microcontroller is manufactured by National Semiconductor and COP8SAC, or the microcontroller TMP86c807M manufactured by Toshiba.In order to save electric power and significantly extension battery behaviour Make, wake-up period is than sleep cycle much shorter.Depending on the pattern of controller, the length of one's sleep can be 100 milliseconds, 300 milliseconds Or 1 second.

By providing novel " the burst interface " of signal to user in the form of the water boundling sent from tap, make Electronic tap also communicates with user.Alternatively, electronic tap can include the optics or acoustic interface of novelty.Electronics Faucet design is into water of being avoided waste when such as object is permanently positioned in tank.

Claims (41)

1. a kind of automatic faucet, including：

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include at least one to extend in the cylinder Water inlet conduit and delivery port for transferring out the water from spout；

Tap apical cap, it is removably mounted in the faucet head；

Valve module, it includes the electromagnetic actuators for being used to control the current from delivery port；

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power；

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user；

Control module, including microcontroller, its be configured to receive the sensing data from the sensor assembly and The data for the generation electric power for including AC signal frequency are received, wherein the control module is designed for being based on the data The water velocity of the tap and the malfunction of the detection tap are measured, wherein

The inner cylinder and the faucet head be constructed and arranged to releasably encapsulate and keep the valve module, described Turbine module, the sensor assembly and the control module.

2. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module, which is located at, is removably mounted at the fire hose On the circuit board of head inner portion.

3. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circuit board can remove water from the faucet head It is removed after leading apical cap.

4. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbine module is located on the inside of the faucet head, and It can be removed to be maintained.

5. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 3, wherein the turbine module is located on the inside of the faucet head, and It can be removed after the tap apical cap is removed from the faucet head.

6. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the valve module includes housing, the housing includes mixed Close valve module.

7. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 1, the sensor assembly includes capacitance type sensor.

8. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the capacitance type sensor includes touch mode capacitive sensor.

9. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the capacitance type sensor is included close to capacitance type sensor.

10. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the valve module includes housing, the housing includes position Mixing valve module at the base portion of the inner cylinder, and including the quick coupling fittings for connecting cold water and hot water, And the mixing valve module includes mixing handle, the mixing handle is used to control the mixing valve module.

11. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the turbine module includes hydroturbine module, the hydroturbine Including rotor, magnet, stator and electric coil, the rotor includes the impeller for being coupled to rotor blade, and the impeller is located at current Water passage in and in the rotating shaft, the electric coil is constructed and arranged to produce electric power, and the magnet is slipped in the leaf Fixed on wheel and by plastics pin.

12. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 11, including nozzle is can be inserted into, the pluggable nozzle structure is simultaneously arranged to Water is delivered into the rotor blade, and is optimized for the water velocity discharged from tap.

13. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control module is configured to perform power management algorithm.

14. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the sensor assembly include capacitance type sensor or Person's passive infrared sensor or active infra-red sensor, the active infra-red sensor include infrared transmitter and detection Device.

15. a kind of automatic faucet, including：

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include at least one to extend in the cylinder Water inlet conduit and delivery port for transferring out the water from spout；

Tap apical cap, it is removably mounted in the faucet head；

Valve module, it includes the electromagnetic actuators for being used to control the current from delivery port；

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power；

Battery module, it is configured to provide for electric power；With

Control module, what it was configured to by the way that signal is provided to the electromagnetic actuators control the valve beats on and off Close, the control module is configured to perform power management algorithm, and power management algorithm is used for being produced by hydroturbine and being provided extremely Battery or to from the battery and providing to the electric power of the storage for providing energy to the electromagnetic actuators Row management；The power management algorithm is to battery status and the battery failures including initial cells indicating fault are monitored.

16. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 15, including sensor assembly, the sensor assembly be configured to provide by The sensing data influenceed to user, and in the faucet head.

17. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control module is configured to connect from the sensor assembly Receive sensing data and perform sensing algorithm, the sensing algorithm follows the trail of noise signal level and dynamically adjusts signal threshold Value, it is described to sense algorithm trace signals trend to determine the presence of user.

18. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 17, wherein the control module constructs and is programmed to carry out the sense Method of determining and calculating, the sensing algorithm utilizes the respective parameter of different electrical power.

19. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1 or 16, wherein the sensor assembly is sensed including active infra-red Device, the active infra-red sensor includes infrared transmitter and detector.

20. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1 or 16, including for being connected and disconnected from the quick of the water inlet conduit Connect accessory.

21. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1 or 15, including the water filter associated with the valve module.

22. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1 or 15, including for the indicator to user's instruction state.

23. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 22, wherein the indicator includes LED diodes.

24. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the turbine module and the control module are designed for surveying Measure the water velocity of the tap.

25. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the turbine module and the control module are designed for inspection Survey the malfunction of the tap.

26. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 25, including for indicating the state associated with the malfunction Indicator.

27. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the valve module includes housing, the housing includes mixing Valve module.

28. the automatic faucet as described in claim 1 or 15, wherein the tap apical cap includes display.

29. a kind of automatic faucet, including：Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, the faucet head bag Include removable tap apical cap and spout；Hydroturbine module, the hydroturbine is located in the faucet head from the water In the current of tap discharge, and the hydroturbine module includes being coupled to the rotor of rotor blade, the magnetic coupled to the rotor Body, stator and electric coil, the rotor blade are located in the water passage with predetermined flow rate, and the electric coil is constructed and arranged to Produce electric power；The automatic faucet is further constructed and arranged to based in the signal detection tap from the hydroturbine module The failure of each element.

30. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 29, wherein the rotor includes the impeller for being coupled to rotor blade, it is described Impeller is located in the water passage of current and in rotating shaft, and the magnet slips on the impeller and solid by plastics pin It is fixed；The automatic faucet also includes can be inserted into nozzle, and the pluggable nozzle structure simultaneously is arranged to water delivering to the rotor Blade, and be optimized for the water velocity discharged from tap.

31. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 29, wherein the hydroturbine module can remove the fire hose crown It is removed after hat from the faucet head.

32. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 29, wherein the hydroturbine module structure and being arranged to detection and leaving water The small water of tap.

33. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 29, wherein the hydroturbine module structure and being arranged to detection and leaving water The flow velocity of the water of tap.

34. automatic faucet as claimed in claim 29, wherein the tap is activated by automated sensor.

35. a kind of method for controlling the current in automatic faucet, including：

A kind of tap is provided, the tap includes：

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include at least one to extend in the cylinder Water inlet conduit and delivery port for transferring out the water from spout；

Tap apical cap, it is removably mounted in the faucet head；

Valve module, it includes the electromagnetic actuators for being used to control the current from delivery port；

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user；

Control module, it is configured to receive the sensing data from the sensor assembly, wherein

The inner cylinder and the faucet head be constructed and arranged to releasably encapsulate and keep the valve module, described Sensor assembly and the control module；

Sensing algorithm is performed, the sensing algorithm follows the trail of noise signal level and dynamically adjusts signal threshold value, the sensing Algorithm trace signals trend is to determine the presence of user；And

The opening and closing of the valve are controlled by providing signal to the electromagnetic actuators.

36. a kind of method for maintaining automatic faucet, including：

A kind of tap is provided, the tap includes：

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include at least one to extend in the cylinder Water inlet conduit and delivery port for transferring out the water from spout；

Tap apical cap, it is removably mounted in the faucet head；

Valve module, it includes the electromagnetic actuators for being used to control the current from delivery port；

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power；

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user；

Control module, including microcontroller, it is configured to receive the sensing data from the sensor assembly, wherein

The inner cylinder and the faucet head be constructed and arranged to releasably encapsulate and keep the valve module, described Sensor assembly and the control module；

The data for corresponding to the generation electric power for including AC signal frequency are received by the microcontroller and water is measured Flow velocity degree；

The malfunction of the tap is detected based on the data and when malfunction is detected；

Remove the tap apical cap；With

Install and replace element.

37. a kind of method for maintaining automatic faucet, including：

A kind of tap is provided, the tap includes：

Housing, its part forms inner cylinder and faucet head, and is configured to include at least one to extend to the inner cylinder In water inlet conduit and delivery port for transferring out the water from spout；

Tap apical cap, it is removably mounted in the faucet head；

Valve module, it includes the electromagnetic actuators for being used to control the current from delivery port；

Turbine module, it is configured to produce electric power；

Sensor assembly, it is configured to provide the sensing data influenceed by user；

Control module, including microcontroller, it is configured to receive the sensing data from the sensor assembly, wherein

The inner cylinder and the faucet head be constructed and arranged to releasably encapsulate and keep the valve module, described Sensor assembly and the control module；

The data for corresponding to the generation electric power for including AC signal frequency are received by the microcontroller and water is measured Flow velocity degree；

The malfunction of the tap is detected based on the data and when malfunction is detected；With

Install and replace element.

38. the method for the maintenance automatic faucet as described in claim 36 or 37, wherein described install the replacement element bag Include installation water filter.

39. the method for the maintenance automatic faucet as described in claim 36 or 37, wherein described install the replacement element bag Include installation and replace actuator.

40. the method for the maintenance automatic faucet as described in claim 36 or 37, wherein described install the replacement element bag Include installation and replace turbine module.

41. the method for the maintenance automatic faucet as described in claim 36 or 37, wherein described install the replacement element bag Include installation and replace ventilator.