FAUCET WITH UTENSIL FLUSHING MECHANISM

Abstract

A faucet with a utensil flushing mechanism comprises a faucet mechanism, a water inlet mechanism, and the utensil flushing mechanism. The faucet mechanism comprises a tube body and a first water passage disposed at least partially in the tube body. The water inlet mechanism is connected to the first water passage. The utensil flushing mechanism is disposed on the faucet mechanism and comprises a nozzle configured to be in communication with the water inlet mechanism. The utensil flushing mechanism is movably disposed on the tube body, and the nozzle is configured to be controlled to be in different positions through movement of the utensil flushing mechanism.

Claims

1. A faucet with a utensil flushing mechanism, comprising: a faucet mechanism, a water inlet mechanism, and the utensil flushing mechanism, wherein: the faucet mechanism comprises a tube body and a first water passage disposed at least partially in the tube body, the water inlet mechanism is connected to the first water passage, the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed on the faucet mechanism and comprises a nozzle configured to be in communication with the water inlet mechanism, the utensil flushing mechanism is movably disposed on the tube body, and the nozzle is configured to be controlled to be in different positions through movement of the utensil flushing mechanism.

2. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: a receiving groove is recessed on an outer peripheral wall of the tube body, and the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed in the receiving groove when in a non-use position.

3. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: a connection between the utensil flushing mechanism and the tube body at least comprises a rotating relationship.

4. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: a receiving groove is recessed on an outer peripheral wall of the tube body, the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed in the receiving groove when in a non-use position, the utensil flushing mechanism is configured to be rotatably connected to the tube body, a rotation axis of the utensil flushing mechanism is arranged horizontally and is disposed in the receiving groove, and a lower groove wall of the receiving groove is configured to inhibit the movement of the utensil flushing mechanism when in a use position.

5. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: the tube body comprises a housing and a base fixedly connected under the housing, the housing is recessed to form the receiving groove, and the base forms the lower groove wall of the receiving groove.

6. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the utensil flushing mechanism comprises a rotating shaft configured to be rotatably connected to the tube body, a first end face of the rotating shaft is recessed with an axial groove configured to be in communication with the water inlet mechanism along an axial direction of the rotating shaft, the utensil flushing mechanism comprises a cup flushing water passage in communication with the nozzle and the axial groove, and the nozzle of the utensil flushing mechanism faces upward when in a use position.

7. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: the tube body comprises a mounting seat located thereon, a pivoting shaft protrudes from the mounting seat, the mounting seat comprises a water inlet groove, a distal end face of the pivoting shaft is recessed with a water outlet groove in communication with the water inlet groove, the pivoting shaft is rotatably disposed in the axial groove, and the water outlet groove is in communication with the axial groove.

8. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: the tube body comprises a lug, the lug comprises a pivoting hole, the lug and the mounting seat face each other, and a second end of the pivoting shaft is rotatably connected in the pivoting hole of the lug.

9. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the faucet further comprises a first control valve connected between the water inlet mechanism and the utensil flushing mechanism and configured to at least control an opening and closing of the utensil flushing mechanism, the utensil flushing mechanism comprises a water outlet body and a control switch, the nozzle is disposed on the water outlet body, the nozzle of the utensil flushing mechanism faces upward when in a use position, and the control switch is in communication with the first control valve.

10. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: the control switch is a touch switch, a top surface of the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed with the touch switch when in the use position, and the touch switch is controlled by whether a utensil is placed on the utensil flushing mechanism.

11. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: the control switch is a sensing switch, a top surface of the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed with the sensing switch when in the use position, and the sensing switch is controlled by sensing whether a utensil is placed on the utensil flushing mechanism.

12. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: the utensil flushing mechanism further comprises a lower casing and a panel, the water outlet body comprises a rotating shaft configured to be rotatably connected to the tube body, a first end face of the rotating shaft is recessed with an axial groove configured to be in communication with the water inlet mechanism along an axial direction of the rotating shaft, the water outlet body comprises a cup flushing water passage in communication with the axial groove and a through opening in communication with the cup flushing water passage, the through opening is disposed with the nozzle, the water outlet body is fixedly disposed in the lower casing, the panel fixedly covers and is connected to the lower casing, and the panel comprises a position-providing opening corresponding to the nozzle and the control switch.

13. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the water inlet mechanism comprises a cold water passage and a hot water passage, the utensil flushing mechanism is connected to the cold water passage of the water inlet mechanism, the faucet mechanism comprises a first control valve, the first control valve is in communication with the cold water passage, the hot water passage, and the first water passage, and the first control valve is disposed on the tube body.

14. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 13, wherein: the faucet further comprises a second control valve connected between the water inlet mechanism and the utensil flushing mechanism and configured to at least control an opening and closing of the utensil flushing mechanism, the faucet mechanism comprises a supporting pipe and a second water passage, a first end of the first water passage is in communication with the first control valve, a second end of the first water passage passes through the tube body and the supporting pipe, the first control valve is in communication with the cold water passage and a first end of the second water passage, and a second end of the second water passage is configured to be in communication with the nozzle.

15. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 14, wherein: the second water passage is disposed with an ozone generator.

16. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the nozzle is configured to be controlled to face upward or downward through the movement of the utensil flushing mechanism.

17. A faucet with a utensil flushing mechanism, comprising: a faucet mechanism, a water inlet mechanism, the utensil flushing mechanism, wherein: the faucet mechanism comprises a tube body and a first water passage disposed at least partially in the tube body, the water inlet mechanism is connected to the first water passage, the utensil flushing mechanism is movably disposed on the tube body and is configured to move relative to the tube body between a use position and a non-use position, a receiving groove is recessed on an outer peripheral wall of the tube body, and the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed in the receiving groove when in the non-use position.

18. A faucet with a utensil flushing mechanism, comprising: a faucet mechanism, a water inlet mechanism, the utensil flushing mechanism, wherein: the faucet mechanism comprises a tube body and a first water passage disposed at least partially in the tube body, the water inlet mechanism is connected to the first water passage, the utensil flushing mechanism comprises a nozzle configured to be in communication with the water inlet mechanism, the utensil flushing mechanism is disposed on the faucet mechanism and is configured to be controlled to be alternatively in a use state or a non-use state, the nozzle of the utensil flushing mechanism is exposed when in the use state, and the nozzle of the utensil flushing mechanism is hidden when in the non-use state.

19. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 18, wherein: the utensil flushing mechanism is movably disposed on the tube body, and the utensil flushing mechanism is configured to move relative to the tube body between a use position and a non-use position.

20. The faucet with the utensil flushing mechanism according to claim 18, wherein: the faucet further comprises a cover plate movably connected to the tube body, the cover plate is configured to move relative to the tube body between a cover connection position, at which the cover plate at least covers the nozzle, and an open position, at which the cover plate does not cover the nozzle, and the utensil flushing mechanism is configured to be controlled to be alternatively in the use state or the non-use state through movement of the cover plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet of Embodiment 1, when a utensil flushing mechanism is in a use position.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet mechanism and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1, when a utensil is being flushed.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the faucet mechanism and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1, when the utensil flushing mechanism is in a non-use position.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the faucet mechanism and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1, when the utensil flushing mechanism is in the use position.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of a circle position A in FIG. 4.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a B-B surface in FIG. 4.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a tube body and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1, when the utensil flushing mechanism is in the non-use position.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the tube body and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1, when the utensil flushing mechanism is in the use position.

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube body and the utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 1.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the faucet of Embodiment 1.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the faucet of Embodiment 1.

[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet of Embodiment 2, when a cover is in a cover connection position.

[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the faucet of Embodiment 2, when the cover is in an open position.

[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet mechanism and a utensil flushing mechanism of Embodiment 2, when a utensil is being flushed.

[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a faucet of Embodiment 4, when a utensil flushing mechanism is in a use state.

[0056] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the faucet of Embodiment 4, when a utensil is being flushed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The present disclosure will be further described below in combination with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a faucet with a utensil flushing mechanism comprises a faucet mechanism 1, a utensil flushing mechanism 2, and a water inlet mechanism 3. The faucet mechanism 1 comprises a tube body 11 and a first water passage 12 disposed at least partially in the tube body 11. The water inlet mechanism 3 is connected to the first water passage 12 through a first control valve 31. The utensil flushing mechanism 2 is mounted to the tube body 11 and is configured to be controlled to be alternatively in a use state or a non-use state. A nozzle 21 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the use state is exposed, and the nozzle 21 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the non-use state is hidden. In this embodiment, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is movably disposed on the tube body 11 and can move relative to the tube body 11 between a use position corresponding to the use state and a non-use position corresponding to the non-use state. The utensil flushing mechanism 2 comprises the nozzle 21. The water inlet mechanism 3 is connected to the nozzle 21 through a second control valve 32. The nozzle 21 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the use position faces upward, and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 movably controls the nozzle 21 to be in the use state or the non-use state. In this specific embodiment, a receiving groove 111 is recessed on an outer peripheral wall of the tube body 11, and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the non-use position is located in the receiving groove 111 so that the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is hidden in the tube body 11, which has a compact structure after storage and is simple in appearance. Not only does a user not need to set up a separate installation position on a kitchen countertop for the utensil flushing mechanism 2, but also a space occupied by the faucet is saved. The connection between the utensil flushing mechanism 2 and the tube body 11 at least comprises a rotating relationship. If there is only a rotating connection, a rotation axis of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is arranged horizontally, and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is arranged horizontally when the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in the use position, which is convenient to use. When the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in the non-use position, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is vertically stored in the receiving groove 111, which is compact in structure, and the nozzle 21 faces a bottom of the receiving groove 111 to be in a hidden state. There is only a rotating connection, which is easy to operate. In order to facilitate opening the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the non-use position, an upper groove wall of the receiving groove 111 is formed with a recessed point. In order to improve turning convenience, a positioning mechanism is disposed between the tube body 11 and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 to enable the utensil flushing mechanism 2 to be stably maintained in the use position or the non-use position and to improve the turning feel. In some embodiments, other movable connection structures, such as sliding or pulling, can also be used as needed.

[0059] The water inlet mechanism 3 comprises a cold water passage 33 and a hot water passage 34. The faucet mechanism 1 comprises the first control valve 31, a supporting pipe 13, and a second water passage 14. The first control valve 31 is in communication with the cold water passage 33, the hot water passage 34, and the first water passage 12, and the first control valve 31 is mounted on the tube body 11 to be configured to control an opening and closing, a flow rate, and a water temperature of water from the first water passage 12. The structure of the first control valve 31 can be referenced in the prior art. A first end of the first water passage 12 is in communication with the first control valve 31, and a second end of the first water passage 12 passes through the tube body 11 and the supporting pipe 13. The second end of the first water passage 12 is disposed with a water outlet terminal 15, and the first water passage 12 can be a flexible water pipe. The second control valve 32 is connected between the cold water passage 33 of the water inlet mechanism 3 and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 to control an opening and closing of the utensil flushing mechanism 2. The second control valve 32 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and the second control valve 32 is in communication with the cold water passage 33 and a first end of the second water passage 14 through a joint 331. A second end of the second water passage 14 can be in communication with the nozzle 21.

[0060] In this specific embodiment, a rotating shaft 23 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is disposed in the receiving groove 111, and a lower groove wall of the receiving groove 111 is configured to inhibit movement of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the use position. In the specific structure, the tube body 11 comprises a housing 112 and a base 113 fixedly connected under the housing 112. The housing 112 is recessed to form the receiving groove 111, and the base 113 forms the lower groove wall of the receiving groove 111. A lug 114 protrudes from the base 113, and the lug 114 comprises a pivoting hole. The base 113 is disposed with a mounting seat 115, and a fixed relationship is formed between the base 113 and the mounting seat 115. The lug 114 and the mounting seat 115 face each other, and a pivoting shaft 116 facing the lug 114 protrudes from the mounting seat 115. The mounting seat 115 comprises a water inlet groove 117 configured to be in communication with the second water passage 14, and a distal end face of the pivoting shaft 116 is recessed with a water outlet groove 118 in communication with the water inlet groove 117.

[0061] The utensil flushing mechanism 2 comprises a water outlet body 22, and a side of the water outlet body 22 comprises the rotating shaft 23. A first end face of the rotating shaft 23 is recessed with an axial groove 231 along an axial direction of the rotating shaft 23. The water outlet body 22 comprises a cup flushing water passage 232 in communication with the axial groove 231 and a through opening in communication with the cup flushing water passage 232, and the through opening is disposed with the nozzle 21. A second end of the rotating shaft 23 is configured to be rotatably connected to the pivoting hole of the lug 114, and the pivoting shaft 116 of the mounting seat 115 is configured to be rotatably inserted into the axial groove 231 of the rotating shaft 23. The rotating shaft 23 is disposed in the receiving groove 111 through the above-mentioned connection, and the water outlet groove 118 is in communication with the axial groove 231, so that a water path is illustrated as below. The cold water passage 33—the second control valve 32—the water inlet groove 117—the water outlet groove 118—the axial groove 231—the cup flushing water passage 232—the nozzle 21.

[0062] The utensil flushing mechanism 2 further comprises a control switch 24, and the control switch 24 is in communication with the second control valve 32. The control switch 24 can be a touch switch. A top surface of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the use position is disposed with the touch switch, and the touch switch is controlled by whether a utensil 4 is placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2. Alternatively, the control switch 24 can be a sensing switch. The top surface of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 in the use position is disposed with the sensing switch, and the sensing switch is controlled by sensing whether the utensil 4 is placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2. The touch switch is a capacitive sensing button, and the sensing switch is an infrared sensor. The control switch 24 enables the utensil flushing mechanism 2 to be automatically controlled by whether the utensil 4 is placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2. As needed, the control switch 24 that is controlled manually can be set up, such as a manual press operation switch or human body induction. In the specific structure, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 further comprises a lower casing 25 and a panel 26. The water outlet body 22 is fixedly disposed in the lower casing 25, the panel 26 fixedly covers and is connected to the lower casing 25. The panel 26 comprises a position-providing opening corresponding to the nozzle 21 and the control switch 24. The faucet further comprises a control box 5, and the second control valve 32 is disposed in the control box 5. The control switch 24 is connected with a signal wire 241, and the signal wire 241 passes through a gap between the water outlet body 22 and the panel 26 and the tube body 11 to be in communication with the second control valve 32 located in the control box 5, which has a compact structure, a beautiful appearance, and a safe and reliable structure.

[0063] A cup flushing process is as follows. 1. When the control switch 24 is the capacitive sensing button, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is rotated to be in the use position, the utensil 4 (e.g., a cup) is held by hand to be placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2 and cover the nozzle 21, the capacitive sensing button is touched by the utensil 4 to cause the control switch 24 to be turned on, and the nozzle 21 discharges water to achieve flushing. 2. When the control switch 24 is the infrared sensor, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is rotated to be in the use position, the utensil 4 (e.g., a cup) is held by hand to be placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2 and cover the nozzle 21. When the utensil 4 is sensed by the infrared sensor, the first control valve 31 is turned on, and the nozzle 21 discharges water to achieve flushing. 3. The utensil flushing mechanism 2 is rotated to be in the use position, the utensil 4 (e.g., a cup) is held by hand to be placed on the utensil flushing mechanism 2 and cover the nozzle 21, and the control switch 24 is manually operated to enable the nozzle 21 to discharge water to achieve flushing.

Embodiment 2

[0064] The difference between embodiment 2 and embodiment 1 is as follows. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is fixedly connected to the tube body 11, and the utensil flushing mechanism 2 comprises the nozzle 21. A cover plate 6 is also provided. The cover plate 6 is rotatably connected to the tube body 11 and can move relative to the tube body 11 between an open position and a cover connection position, and through movement of the cover plate 6, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in a use state or a non-use state. When the cover plate 6 is in the open position, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in the use state, and when the cover plate 6 is in the cover connection position, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in the non-use state. The nozzle 21 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2, controlled by the cover plate 6 alternatively being in the open position or the cover connection position, is exposed to enable the utensil 4 to be cleaned by the nozzle 21 or hidden to enable the nozzle 21 to be protected from damage or contamination. In the specific structure, the tube body 11 comprises an installation surface 119, and the nozzle 21 is installed on the installation surface 119. The cover plate 6 forms a cover connection cavity 61, and the cover plate 6 is rotatably connected to the tube body 11. The cover plate 6 in the cover connection position covers the installation surface 119, and the cover connection cavity 61 covers the nozzle 21 with good concealment effect and beautiful appearance. The cover plate 6 in the open position is substantially arranged horizontally.

[0065] The installation surface 119 is disposed with the control switch 24 to control whether the nozzle 21 discharges water or not, and the cover plate 6 in the cover connection position covers the control switch 24, so as to avoid the control switch 24 from being touched by mistake. The control switch 24 can be pressed by an opening of the utensil 4 during use to turn on the second control valve 32.

Embodiment 3

[0066] The difference among Embodiment 3, Embodiment 1, and Embodiment 2 is as follows. The control box 5 is disposed with an ozone generator, and the ozone generator is disposed in the second water passage 14 so that the water sprayed by the nozzle 21 is ozone water to improve cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization effect.

Embodiment 4

[0067] The difference between Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 2 is as follows. Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the tube body 11, the rotation axis of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is parallel to a center line of the tube body 11, or the utensil flushing mechanism 2 and the tube body 11 are coaxially arranged. The utensil flushing mechanism 2 can be rotated around the tube body 11 in a circumferential direction of the tube body 11. The nozzle 21 of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 is in different positions through a rotation of the utensil flushing mechanism 2 to be controlled to be in the use position or the non-use position. The nozzle 21 in the non-use position will not interfere with other use states of the faucet or prevent the nozzle 21 from being contaminated. Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, in the non-use position, an included angle between the nozzle 21 and a water outlet positon is 90 degrees, and the nozzle 21 is rotated to an edge of a sink to avoid interfering with items being put into the sink.

[0068] The aforementioned embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover any modifications and variations of the presently presented embodiments provided they are made without departing from the appended claims and the specification of the present disclosure.