GB2498919A

GB2498919A - Electronic timer faucet

Info

Publication number: GB2498919A
Application number: GB201119928A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerard David Foskett
Original assignee: PRODUCTION DESIGNS Ltd
Current assignee: PRODUCTION DESIGNS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-18
Filing date: 2011-11-18
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Also published as: GB201119928D0

Abstract

A water faucet comprises means to electronically control the duration of the water delivery for use in domestic, clinical and commercial areas and provides simple controls for users with dexterity impairment and to conserve water. A timed delivery with automatic shut-off conserves water and the faucet features an illuminated display showing water temperature and time duration countdown. The control system provides electronic water control via a multi function cap 5, 7, 8. The user can extend the duration of flow by longer operation of the control cap and cancel the water flow by a second push if desired. The faucet may be connected to either separate hot & cold water delivery valves or a separate thermostatic mixer valve (see Fig. 2). The faucet includes temperature control either by the use of the thermostatic mixer valve fitted to the water circuit or by internal electronic control. An automatic rinse function activates periodically to rinse the bowl.

Description

1

Automatic Timer Faucet Assembly

This invention relates to domestic wash basin faucet that includes an 5 electronic control means such that it stops the water flow after a predetermined time. The faucet also includes a control means to monitor and manage the water temperature maintaining it to a safe level.

It is recognised that conventional faucets may be inadvertently left 10 turned on or not closed fully after use. This leads to a significant amount of water waste and possible damage to property due to flooding.

It is also recognised that the elderly, disabled and the very young have difficulties in operating certain styles of faucet and particularly those with hand 15 dexterity problems such as arthritis, muscular/motor control problems or missing limbs.

The Automatic Timer Faucet Assembly addresses these issues and has applications in the home, certain clinical environments and commercial 20 applications such as public conveniences.

The system is suitable for use where the faucet provides an aesthetic outlet for the water discharge coupled with an easy user interface..

25 A variety of designs and styles may be used with the system.

The system consists of a proprietary thermostatically controlled mixer valve to blend hot and cold water to maintain a safe temperature.

Optionally, a temperature sensor may be positioned at the discharge 30 port to monitor the temperature of the water so discharged.

2

A plurality of electrically operated valves control the hot and cold water flow to provide either a blended hot supply or a fresh cold water supply at the users choice.

These are mounted below the basin external to the faucet.

5

The faucet includes a top cap with a plurality of control means included.

The control means may be activated by pressure on the cap or by twisting/rotating the cap. Various commands may be provided by 10 combinations of direction of twist, pushing and durations of pressure.

The system utilises electronic control over the electrically operated valves such that delivery of water is software controlled and is timed to provide a set duration of discharge.

15

Extending the duration of pressure on the control means shall increment the set duration of delivery.

By example but not limited to these settings, a brief push of operation shall provide a 15 second discharge of water.

20 2 second duration of operation shall provide 30 seconds of discharge etc. 3 second duration of operation shall provide 45 seconds of discharge etc. The flow may be cancelled at any time by a single brief push of the cap.

In this way the system provides water conservation and avoids 25 wasteful conditions if left unattended.

For hygiene, the system provides an automatic rinse function if the basin is unused for a period of time. The rinse operates both water control valves to purge the standing water and to rinse any contaminants in the basin. 30 This minimises the growth of Legionella bacteria likely to form under certain conditions.

3

Temperature control may be set by the use of a proprietary thermostatic mixer valve, or alternatively the required temperature set at the faucet.

5

To set the temperature at the faucet, pressing the cap down and twisting the cap left or right will increase or decrease the desired temperature.

Normally, this would be set once as required and not need further attention.

10 If the user requires fresh cold water, this is achieved by twisting the cap clockwise before pushing. The cap when twisted toggles the control between fresh cold and blended water.

The top cap includes a bright white display - or a plurality of colour 15 schemes as required.

The central area provides a temperature setting the water will be delivered at. Around the periphery of the cap are a series of segments which illuminate when pressed. More segments appear if the cap is pressed and held indicating the duration of time selected.

20 The bottom of the display is an indicator showing the twist action needed to select hot or cold supply and a coloured indicator showing the current setting.

When the cap is released, the water flow starts and the segments 25 extinguish with time counting down to when the flow will automatically stop.

The display also includes a night light feature where the display is bright at night to provide a night light that reflects from surfaces in the bathroom providing a soft illumination.

Under normal ambient lighting, the display turns back to its normal 30 brightness.

4

The faucet temperature control is provided by means of a suitable sensor in the outlet flow from the faucet. As the hot water heats to the required temperature, the hot and cold control valves are cycled on and off in 5 sequence to maintain the required temperature. This function is not needed when used with a thermostatic mixer.

Electrically operated valves are mounted external to the faucet. These are connected to the incoming water supply and are connected to the base of 10 the faucet. Cables exit the bottom of the faucet one for the valve connections and the other for a DC supply.

The system is suitable for use where the faucet provides an aesthetic outlet for the water discharge. A variety of aesthetic designs and styles may 15 be used with the system providing user choice.

Further enhancements may be included by way of audio feed back of commands or program steps by way of chimes/beeps.

20 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the assembly according to the 25 invention;

Interconnecting pipe work and cable connections are not shown pictorially and are referred to in the text.

Additionally, the faucet shown may exist in a number of cosmetic forms as will 30 the control means according to style selected at the users choice.

5

The faucet is shown in an assembled condition on the left.

5 The top view shows the display elements, cold water indicator 6a, hot water temperature setting 6b, time segments (normally off) 6c.

Faucet body 1 consists of internal water galleries connected together at discharge port A.

10

A rubber suspension component 2 is attached to the faucet body 1 by capping 3 and retained by screws or similar fastenings passing through control PCB 4.

15 Control PCB 4 includes a plurality of push switches or similar pressure sensors 4a, a plurality of optical detectors 4b and an optional temperature sensing probe 4c.

Temperature sensing probe 4c passes through the faucet body to protrude into the discharge port A, so measuring water temperature.

20 Cap chassis 5 is attached to the top of the rubber suspension bosses 2

such that it is free to rotate and move vertically downwards, springing back to its normal position.

Display PCB 6 is attached to the connection supports on PCB 4.

25 Window 7 is attached to cap chassis 5 and a cosmetic outer cap 8

attached to the window 7.

The cap assembly can rotate in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions which is detected optically by aligning apertures 5a with optical

30 sensors 4b.

By pressing down on the cap will activate pressure switches 4a.

6

A combination of push, twist and durations shall perform the control functions used to select settings, cold water, water discharge duration.

Once so configured a simple push is all that is needed to deliver water 5 for a preset time. Periodically, the software control will activate both valves to flush the system, preset at 4 hours after last use.

Water connection components 9 accept incoming supply connections (not shown) from the electrically activated valves (see fig 2).

10 Cable 10 connects the faucet to the valve assembly (fig 2) and fixing plate 11 attaches the faucet to a basin.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the valve assembly used with the 15 faucet described above according to the invention;

The valve assembly comprises of a mounting arrangement 20 to attach two electrically activated valves 21 hot supply and 22 cold supply.

20 Incoming supply of hot water is connected into the bottom of valve 21.

If fitted, the output of a thermostatic mixer valve 28 may be connected to valve 21, with hot and cold supply made to the bottom.

The output of the hot valve 21 is connected by flexible pipe to the input to the 25 faucet body (fig 1 -1) and fitting (fig 1 -9)

Incoming supply of cold water into the bottom of valve 22 is connected. The output of cold valve 22 is connected by flexible pipe to the input of the faucet body (fig 1-1) and fitting (fig 1-9).

30

7

The mounting block 20 includes a connection chamber 26 where connections are made. Cable 23 connects the valves, cable 24 connects the faucet (fig 1 -10) and cable 25 is the low voltage supply to the system.

It should be noted that the illustrations represent only one such arrangement of the components and other cosmetic forms of faucet may utilise the invention. Such variations may consider an angled body or different shapes or wall mounted configurations where the control elements may be detached from the main body.

It is to be realised that a wide range of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as indicated in the claims.

8

Claims

1 An Electronic Timer Faucet Assembly, the assembly including a faucet, a plurality of control means and the means to control the water supply stream to a wash hand basin or similar, wherein the control means comprises of

- a plurality of electrically operated valves

- a thermostatic mixer valve

- a control means offering ease of use for those with dexterity difficulty,

- an electronic control means to manage water delivery

- an electronic control means to manage water temperature

- a display showing time remaining before automatic shut-off,

- a display showing selected water temperature

- a control means to select cold water only

- a control means to set display brightness.

2 An assembly according to claim 1, in which the control means for water delivery shall deliver water for a predetermined duration according to user choice.

3 An assembly according to claim 1, in which the control means shall control the water temperature to the users choice and display such temperature on the display cap.

4 An assembly according to claim 1 in which an optional thermostatic mixer valve may be attached providing a preset hot water delivery temperature.

5 An assembly according to claim 1 in which the control means shall provide an automatic rinse by activating the electrically operated valves after a predetermined period from last use.

6 An assembly according to claim 1, in which the display brightness is automatically controlled by prevailing ambient light such that in dark conditions the display acts as a night light.