MULTIFUNCTION FAUCET

Abstract

A faucet that includes a housing with a water supply assembly, a soap supply assembly, first and second sensing probe assemblies, and a controller provided in the housing, wherein a sensing region of the first sensing probe assembly is an upper portion of the housing, a sensing region of the second sensing probe assembly is a lower portion of the housing, an output terminal of each sensing probe assembly is electrically connected with an input terminal of the controller, and an output terminal of the controller is electrically connected with a control terminal of each of the water and soap supply assemblies. The controller controls the water supply assembly to start/stop water supply according to the sensing signal from the first or second sensing probe assembly, and controls the soap supply assembly to start/stop soap supply according to the sensing signal from the first or second sensing probe assembly.

Claims

1. A faucet assembly, comprising: a housing; a water supply assembly disposed in the housing; a soap supply assembly disposed in the housing; a first sensing probe disposed in the housing and having a first sensing region disposed above the housing; a second sensing probe disposed in the housing and having a second sensing region disposed below the housing; and a controller in communicative connection with the water supply assembly, the soap supply assembly, the first sensing probe, and the second sensing probe, the controller configured to activate the water supply assembly and the soap supply assembly based on signals from the first sensing probe and the second sensing probe.

2. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the water supply assembly in response to a first signal from the second sensing probe indicating a presence of a user's hand under the housing, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the soap supply assembly in response to a second signal from the second sensing probe indicating a presence of a user's hand above the housing.

3. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sensing probe is configured to generate a first signal in response to a presence of a user's hand above the housing, and the second sensing probe is configured to generate a second signal in response to a presence of a user's hand below the housing.

4. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sensing probe and the second sensing probe are both non-contact sensing probes that are configured to sense gestures of a user within the first sensing region and the second sensing region, respectively.

5. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover assembly coupled to the base, the first sensing probe coupled to the cover assembly, the second sensing probe coupled to the base.

6. The faucet assembly of claim 5, wherein the base and the cover assembly together forming an accommodating chamber, and wherein the water supply assembly and the soap supply assembly are disposed within the accommodating chamber.

7. The faucet assembly of claim 5, further comprising a display indicator disposed in the cover assembly.

8. The faucet assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third sensing probe disposed in the housing and in communicative connection with the controller, the third sensing probe having a sensing region disposed in front of the housing.

9. The faucet assembly of claim 8, wherein the third sensing probe is configured to activate the controller from a standby state to a wake state in response to detecting a user, wherein in the wake state the controller is configured to control the water supply assembly based on a signal from the second sensing probe.

10. The faucet assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate in the standby state.

11. The faucet assembly of claim 9, further comprising a display indicator, wherein activation of the controller to the wake state activates the display indicator.

12. A faucet assembly, comprising: a housing comprising: a base; and a cover assembly coupled to the base, the base and the cover assembly defining an accommodating chamber; a first sensing probe disposed within the accommodating chamber and coupled to the cover assembly; and a second sensing probe disposed within the accommodating chamber and coupled to the base.

13. The faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein the first sensing probe has a first sensing region disposed above the housing and the second sensing probe has a second sensing region disposed below the housing.

14. The faucet assembly of claim 13, wherein the first sensing probe and the second sensing probe are both non-contact sensing probes that are configured to sense gestures of a user within the first sensing region and the second sensing region, respectively.

15. The faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein the first sensing probe is configured to generate a first signal in response to a presence of a user's hand above the housing, and the second sensing probe is configured to generate a second signal in response to a presence of a user's hand below the housing.

16. The faucet assembly of claim 12, further comprising a water supply assembly disposed at least partially within the accommodating chamber and a soap supply assembly disposed at least partially within the accommodating chamber.

17. A faucet assembly, comprising: a housing comprising a cover assembly; a display indicator coupled to the cover assembly; and a controller in communicative connection with the display indicator, the controller configured to control the display indicator to display a prompt providing instructions to a user for interacting with the faucet assembly.

18. The faucet assembly of claim 17, wherein the display indicator is a water supply indicator.

19. The faucet assembly of claim 18, further comprising a first sensing probe assembly in communicative connection with the controller, the controller configured to activate the water supply indicator to display a water supplying animation effect responsive to a signal received from the first sensing probe assembly.

20. The faucet assembly of claim 18, further comprising a hand-waving prompt indicator, a wait-for-soap indicator, and a soap supply indicator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multifunctional faucet, according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cover of the multifunctional faucet, according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multifunctional faucet, according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of state switch of a controller, according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the controller in the standby state, the wake state, and the water supply state; and

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the controller in the switch to soap state and soap supply state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a structure of the multifunctional faucet according to the present invention. The illustrated faucet includes a faucet housing 1 with a water supply assembly, a soap supply assembly, a first sensing probe assembly 4, a second sensing probe assembly 5, and a controller (not shown) provided in the faucet housing 1. The sensing region of the first sensing probe assembly 4 is an upper portion of the faucet housing 1, and the sensing region of the second sensing probe assembly 5 is a lower portion of the faucet housing 1. An output terminal of the first sensing probe assembly 4 and an output terminal of the second sensing probe assembly 5 are respectively in communicative connection with an input terminal of the controller. An output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection with a control terminal of the water supply assembly and a control terminal of the soap supply assembly, such that the controller controls the water supply assembly to start water supply or stop water supply according to a sensing signal from the first sensing probe assembly or the second sensing probe assembly, and the controller controls the soap supply assembly to start soap supply or stop soap supply according to a sensing signal from the first sensing probe assembly or the second sensing probe assembly.

[0033] For example, the first sensing probe assembly 4 and the second sensing probe assembly 5 can be non-contact sensing probe assemblies, including but not limited to infrared sensing, near-field sensing, electromagnetic sensing, etc. The first sensing probe assembly 4 senses gestures of a user above the faucet housing, and the second sensing probe assembly 5 senses gestures of a user below the faucet housing. When the first sensing probe assembly 4 or the second sensing probe assembly 5 senses a user gesture, a generated sensing signal will be sent to the controller. According to a corresponding sensing signal, the controller controls the water supply assembly to start water supply from a bubbler 2 or stop water supply and controls the soap supply assembly to start soap supply from a soap dispenser 3 or stop soap supply according to a corresponding sensing signal.

[0034] The faucet senses a user's gestures with sensing probe assemblies, then controls water or soap supply through a controller. As a result, a user does not need to touch the faucet and can conveniently use the faucet.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional faucet includes a third sensing probe assembly 6 disposed in the faucet housing 1, where the sensing region of the third sensing probe assembly 6 is the front of the faucet housing 1. An output terminal of the third sensing probe assembly 6 is in communicative connection with a trigger terminal of the controller, and the controller is triggered and activated when the third sensing probe assembly detects a sensing signal. The third sensing probe assembly, if included, is configured to sense whether a user approaches the faucet housing and activates the control from the standby state in response to detecting/sensing such a user, thereby achieving energy saving. For example, the third sensing probe assembly can be a non-contact sensing probe assembly, including but not limited to infrared sensing, near-field sensing, electromagnetic sensing, etc.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional faucet includes an electrolyte assembly disposed in the faucet housing 1, where the output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection with the electrolyte assembly, and the controller controls the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply or stop electrolyte supply. The electrolyte assembly, if included, is configured to provide for regular sterilization of a basin through an electrolyte nozzle 7.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the faucet housing 1 includes a base 14 and a cover assembly 8 in coordination with the base, where the base 14 and the cover assembly 8 form an accommodating chamber. The water supply assembly, the soap supply assembly, and the second sensing probe assembly 5 are accommodated in the accommodating chamber. The first sensing probe assembly 4 is accommodated in the cover assembly 8. A water supply indicator 9, a hand-waving prompt indicator 10, a wait-for-soap indicator 11, and a soap supply indicator 12 are further provided in the cover assembly 8, and the output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection (e.g., electrical communication) with the water supply indicator 9, the hand-waving prompt indicator 10, the wait-for-soap indicator 11, and the soap supply indicator 12.

[0038] The cover assembly, if included, is provided with the water supply indicator 9, the hand-waving prompt indicator 10, the wait-for-soap indicator 11, and the soap supply indicator 12 therein. An indicator control panel 13 displays relevant prompt according to a control by the controller, so as to provide an instruction for a user's water taking action and soap taking action, where the third sensing probe assembly 6 may also be installed in the cover assembly 8.

[0039] A process flow (e.g., flow chart) of a control method for the above-described multifunctional faucet according to the present invention can include the following three aspects.

[0040] First, when the controller is in a wake state, if a sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly, the controller enters a water supply state to control the water supply assembly to start water supply; if a sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly, the controller enters a soap supply state to control the soap supply assembly to start soap supply within a preset soap supply period and control the soap supply assembly to stop soap supply after the preset soap supply period.

[0041] Second, when the controller is in the water supply state, if a sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly, the controller enters the soap supply state to control the soap supply assembly to start soap supply within a preset soap supply period and control the soap supply assembly to stop soap supply after the preset soap supply period. When the controller is in the water supply state, if no sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly and no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly, the controller enters the wake state.

[0042] Third, when the controller is in the soap supply state, and after the preset soap supply period, if a sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly, the controller enters the water supply state to control the water supply assembly to start water supply, and if no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly, the controller enters the wake state to control the water supply assembly to stop water supply.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a state switch of the controller according to the present invention. Specifically, the states include the wake state G, the water supply state A, and the soap supply state D. The controller switches states according to a sensing signal from the first sensing probe assembly 4 or a sensing signal from the second sensing probe assembly 5. In the water supply state, the controller controls the water supply assembly to supply water, and in the soap supply state, the controller controls the soap supply assembly to supply soap.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the step of, if a sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly 4, the controller entering the soap supply state specifically involves the controller entering a switch-to-soap state in response to a sensing signal being received from the first sensing probe assembly 4. When the controller is in the switch-to-soap state, if a sensing signal is continuously received from the first sensing probe assembly 4 within a preset confirmation period, the controller enters the soap supply state, and if no sensing signal is continuously received from the first sensing probe assembly 4 within the preset confirmation period, the controller enters the wake state.

[0045] Since a soap will be supplied for a preset period during the soap supply, the switch-to-soap state B can be added to the present embodiment, and a user's intention to switch to soap is confirmed by continuously receiving a sensing signal from the first sensing probe assembly 4, thereby avoiding false triggering.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the faucet housing 1 includes a base 14 and a cover assembly 8 in coordination with the base, where the base 14 and the cover assembly 8 form an accommodating chamber. The water supply assembly, the soap supply assembly, and the second sensing probe assembly 5 are accommodated in the accommodating chamber. The first sensing probe assembly 4 is accommodated in the cover assembly 8 along with a water supply indicator 9, a hand-waving prompt indicator 10, a wait-for-soap indicator 11, and a soap supply indicator 12, which are further provided in the cover assembly 8. The output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection with the water supply indicator 9, the hand-waving prompt indicator 10, the wait-for-soap indicator 11, and the soap supply indicator 12. The step of, when the controller is in the water supply state, if no sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly 4 and no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly 5, the controller entering the wake state specifically includes: when the controller is in the water supply state, if no sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly 4 and no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly 5, the controller enters a return-to-wake state C and controls the wait-for-soap indicator 10 to display a preset prompt effect, and if the controller is in the return-to-wake state C, no sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly and no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly continuously within a preset return period, the controller enters the wake state G. The control method can further include: when the controller is in the water supply state, controlling the water supply indicator to display a preset water supplying animation effect; when the controller is in the switch-to-soap state B, controlling the wait-for-soap indicator to display a preset soap switching animation effect; and when the controller is in the soap supply state D, controlling the soap supply indicator to display a preset soap supplying animation effect.

[0047] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are schematic diagrams of prompt effects and animation effects. In the water supply state A, the water supply indicator 9 cyclically flickers to achieve a water supplying animation effect, and meanwhile, the wait-for-soap indicator 11 is semi-bright. In the return-to-wake state C, the hand-waving prompt indicator 10 flickers to achieve a prompt effect. In the switch-to-soap state B, a plurality of wait-for-soap indicators 11 turn on sequentially to display a soap switching animation effect, where the soap switching animation effect includes an animation effect for confirming ongoing switch and an animation effect for exiting switch. In the soap supply state D, the periphery of the soap supply indicator 12 lights up sequentially to achieve a soap supplying animation effect.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional faucet includes a third sensing probe assembly 6 disposed in the faucet housing 1, where the sensing region of the third sensing probe assembly 6 is the front of the faucet housing 1. An output terminal of the third sensing probe assembly 6 is in communicative connection with a trigger terminal of the controller, and the control method further includes triggering the controller to enter the wake state G when the third sensing probe assembly 6 detects a sensing signal, and when the controller is in the wake state, if no sensing signal is received from the first sensing probe assembly 4 and no sensing signal is received from the second sensing probe assembly 5 within a preset standby detection period, the controller enters a standby state F.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the illustrated embodiment includes the standby state F. When no sensing signal is received within the preset standby detection period, e.g., 10 s, the controller enters the standby state F, and when the third sensing probe assembly 6 detects a sensing signal, the controller is triggered to enter the wake state G.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional faucet includes an electrolyte assembly disposed in the faucet housing 1, where the output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection with the electrolyte assembly, the controller controls the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply or stop electrolyte supply, and the control method further includes controlling the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply after every preset cleaning interval, and controlling the electrolyte assembly to stop electrolyte supply after a preset electrolyte supply period.

[0051] After every cleaning interval, the electrolyte assembly in the embodiment(s) supplies an electrolyte as controlled by the controller to sterilize the basin.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the step of controlling the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply after every preset cleaning interval specifically includes: after every preset cleaning interval, if the controller is in the standby state, controlling the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply, and if the controller is in a state other than the standby state, controlling the electrolyte assembly to suspend electrolyte supply.

[0053] In the embodiment(s), after every preset cleaning interval, a timer triggers the controller to detect its state. If the controller is in the standby state, the electrolyte assembly starts to supply the electrolyte. If the controller is in another state (e.g., the wake state, the water supply state, the switch-to-soap state, and the soap supply state), the electrolyte assembly suspends electrolyte supply, and when the controller enters the standby state again, the electrolyte assembly resumes electrolyte supply.

[0054] The embodiments described above only represent several implementation manners of the present invention, and the embodiments are described in a relatively specific and detailed manner, which may not be construed as limitations to the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may further make several variations and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all the variations and improvements shall fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention shall be subject to the appended claims.