Electronic faucet assembly and electrical connection assembly for an electronic faucet assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to an electronic faucet assembly and an electrical connection assembly for an electronic faucet assembly. The electronic faucet assembly has a faucet body and a mounting stem. At least one electronically controlled valve is disposed in a fluid line between a fluid supply and a fluid passageway supported by the faucet body. A controller is configured to control operation of the valve. Circuit components supported on the faucet body are in electrical communication with a proximal portion of the mounting stem. A spring collar in electrical communication with the control circuit is mounted on a smooth cylindrical surface of a distal portion of the mounting stem. The mounting stem can be aluminum with an alumina layer on the smooth cylindrical surface. Electrical signals can be conducted between the spring collar and the mounting stem through a capacitive coupling without electrical current conduction between the spring collar and the mounting stem. The spring collar can be sized to prevent improper installation on the mounting stem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic faucet assembly that transmits electrical signals during faucet operation and an electrical connector that facilitates the transmission of electrical signals in such an assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic faucets for controlling fluid flow are known in the art. Some electronic faucets may include proximity sensors (such as active infrared (IR) proximity detectors or capacitive proximity sensors) to control the operation of the faucet. Such proximity sensors are typically used to detect a user's hand positioned near the faucet and automatically initiate fluid flow through the faucet in response to the detection of the user's hand. Other electronic faucets may use touch sensors to control the faucet. Such touch sensors may include capacitive touch sensors or other types of touch sensors located on the nozzle or handle of the faucet to control its operation. Electronic faucets may also include separate touch and proximity sensors, as well as various other electronic circuitry components useful in the operation of the electronic faucet.

[0003] Such electronic faucets often require an electrical connection between the control circuit and the physical structure of the faucet assembly to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals.

[0004] This disclosure provides an electrical connection component that facilitates the transmission of electrical signals in a faucet assembly and represents an improvement over the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an electronic faucet assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure and coupled to a fluid supply includes a faucet body; a fluid channel supported by the faucet body; a mounting handle mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed near the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; at least one electrically controlled valve disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and the fluid channel; and a control circuit communicating with the at least one electrically controlled valve, the control circuit including components configured to control the fluid supply... A controller for operating one less electrically controlled valve; a circuit component electrically communicating with a proximal portion of the mounting handle; a spring clamp mounted on a distal portion of the mounting handle, wherein the spring clamp electrically communicates with the control circuit; and wherein the mounting handle is formed of aluminum and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface, and wherein the spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, wherein the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that an electrical signal transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit is transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of the invention, an electronic faucet assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure and coupled to a fluid supply includes a faucet body; a fluid channel supported by the faucet body; a mounting handle mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed near the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; at least one electrically controlled valve disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and the fluid channel; a control circuit communicating with the at least one electrically controlled valve, the control circuit including a controller configured to control the operation of the at least one electrically controlled valve; a circuit component electrically communicating with the proximal portion of the mounting handle; and a spring clamp. The spring clamp is mounted on the distal portion of the mounting handle, and the spring clamp is in electrical communication with the control circuit; wherein the mounting handle is formed of a conductive metal material and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface, wherein a non-conductive material layer covers the smooth cylindrical surface, and wherein the spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, wherein the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that an electrical signal transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit is transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp, and wherein the transmission of the electrical signal between the distal portion of the mounting handle and the spring clamp is performed by capacitive connection, and there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly for an electronic faucet assembly has a faucet body configured to be mounted on a support structure and a control circuit having circuit components. The electrical connection assembly includes: a mounting handle mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed near the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; and a spring clamp adapted to electrically communicate with the control circuit, the spring clamp being formed of a conductive metal sheet. A conductive metal sheet defines a circumferential collar around a central axis, the collar having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, the first end portion defining a radially outwardly extending first grip and the second end portion defining a radially outwardly extending second grip, the circumferential collar extending more than 360 degrees around the central axis to thereby define an overlap region between the first grip and the second grip, both the first end portion and the second end portion being arranged in the overlap region, and wherein, in a relaxed state, the spring collar defines a minimum inner diameter of the spring collar, and wherein, biasing the first grip and the second grip toward each other increases the inner diameter of the spring collar, the first end portion defining a first stop member and the second end portion defining a second stop member, the engagement of the first stop member and the second stop member preventing the first grip and the second grip from moving further toward each other and defining a bias-open state, in which the spring collar defines a maximum inner diameter of the spring collar; wherein the mounting handle is formed of a conductive metal material and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface, and wherein the spring collar... A spring ring is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, wherein the spring ring is biasedly engaged and surrounds the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that an electrical signal transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit is transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring ring; and wherein the mounting handle defines a first outer diameter between the proximal portion of the mounting handle and the smooth cylindrical surface, the smooth cylindrical portion defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and wherein the second diameter is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter of the spring ring, and the first diameter is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the spring ring.

[0008] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an electronic faucet assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure and coupled to a fluid supply includes a faucet body; a fluid channel supported by the faucet body; a mounting handle mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion arranged near a nozzle and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; at least one electrically controlled valve disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and the fluid channel; and a control circuit communicating with the at least one electrically controlled valve, the control circuit including components configured to control the at least one... A controller for operating an electrically controlled valve; a circuit component electrically communicating with a proximal portion of the mounting handle; a spring clamp electrically communicating with the control circuit, the spring clamp being formed of a conductive metal sheet defining a circumferential collar around a central axis, the collar having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, the first end portion defining a radially outwardly extending first grip and the second end portion defining a radially outwardly extending second grip, the circumferential collar extending more than 360 degrees around the central axis to thereby define an overlap area between the first grip and the second grip, both the first end portion and the second end portion... Arranged in the overlapping area, and wherein, in a relaxed state, the spring clamp defines a minimum inner diameter, and wherein biasing the first grip and the second grip toward each other increases the inner diameter of the spring clamp, the first end portion defines a first stop member and the second end portion defines a second stop member, the engagement of the first stop member and the second stop member prevents the first grip and the second grip from moving further toward each other and defines a bias-open state, in which the spring clamp defines a maximum inner diameter; wherein the mounting handle is formed of a conductive metal material and the distal portion of the mounting handle... The device includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface, wherein the spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, wherein the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface such that an electrical signal transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit is transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp; wherein the mounting handle defines a first outer diameter between a proximal portion of the mounting handle and the smooth cylindrical surface, the smooth cylindrical portion defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and wherein the second diameter is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter of the spring clamp, and the first diameter is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the spring clamp. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other features of the invention, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the invention itself will be better understood, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the electronic faucet components.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a faucet assembly.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of the mounting handle with a spring clamp installed on it.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the mounting handle and spring clamp.

[0014] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line 5A-5A.

[0015] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Detailed view.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a 3D diagram of a spring hoop.

[0017] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line 7-7 shows the spring hoop in a relaxed state.

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line 7-7 shows the spring hoop in the offset open state.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic faucet assembly.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the alternative mounting handle and spring clamp.

[0021] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the mounting handle being installed onto the faucet support.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of another mounting handle and spring clamp.

[0023] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the mounting handle being installed onto the faucet support.

[0024] In these views, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. Although the examples described herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific forms disclosed. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electronic faucet assembly 20 is shown. The faucet assembly 20 includes a faucet body 22 that supports a fluid passage 28 for delivering fluid (e.g., water). In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet assembly 20 includes a fluid conduit 24 for hot water, a fluid conduit 26 for cold water, and a fluid conduit 28 for discharging water. The hot water conduit 24 connects a hot water source 25 to a valve assembly 38, and the cold water conduit 26 connects a cold water source 27 to the valve assembly 38. An intermediate fluid conduit 39 connects the valve assembly 38 to a solenoid valve 30. The outlet conduit 28 extends from the solenoid valve 30 to the discharge point of the faucet body 22.

[0026] Solenoid valve 30 is electrically controlled by controller 32. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 32 is configured to open and close solenoid valve 30 to thereby open and close the fluid flow to nozzle 22. In an alternative embodiment, controller 24 may be further configured to proportionally control solenoid valve 22 to adjust the flow rate of fluid through nozzle 22. In the illustrated embodiment, solenoid valve 22 is a pilot-operated solenoid valve; however, electrically operable valves or actuator-driven valves may be used alternatively. Examples of suitable controllers and solenoid valves are described in U.S. Publication No. 2016 / 0362877A1, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] A controller 32 is arranged in a control circuit 58, which also communicates electrically with an electrically operable valve 30, a capacitive sensor 34, an electrode 36, and an indicator 42. The controller 32 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 30 based on the output of at least one sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor and / or a touch sensor). In the illustrated embodiment, the capacitive sensor 34 communicates with the controller 32 to provide a signal indicating that an object (e.g., a user's hand) has been detected on or near the faucet body 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrode 36 of the capacitive sensor 34 is coupled to the faucet body 22 to detect the object. The electrode 36 may also be positioned at alternative locations on the faucet assembly 20 to detect the presence of the object (e.g., a user's hand).

[0028] The faucet assembly 20 is shown supported above a sink or basin 23 by a conventional support structure 21 (e.g., a countertop or sink countertop). The illustrative electronic faucet assembly 20 includes an upper faucet body having a nozzle 46 supported by a hub 48 mounted on the sink countertop 21. The nozzle 46 supports a spout 50 for dispensing water into the sink or basin 23. The nozzle 46 is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the hub 48, thereby adjusting the position of the spout 50 above the sink or basin 23. The spout 50 can be defined by a conventional aerator supported in a pull-out rod; however, alternative configurations may also be used. The nozzle 46 is illustratively formed of a conductive material, such as die-cast zinc, brass, or a chrome-plated polymer.

[0029] Manual valve 38 is illustratively supported by a support 48 and fluidly connected to a hot water source 25 and a cold water source 27. The hot water source 25 and cold water source 27 may be defined by conventional valve stops, wherein a flexible hot water inlet pipe 24 fluidly connects the hot water source 25 to manual valve 38, and a flexible cold water inlet pipe 26 fluidly connects the cold water source 27 to manual valve 38. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrically operable solenoid valve 30 is fluidly connected in series with manual valve 38 and is located downstream of manual valve 38. The electrically operable valve 30 is illustratively part of a control unit 52. The illustrative control unit 52 includes a housing in which valve 30, controller 32, capacitive sensor 34, and a power source 44 in the form of a battery are housed.

[0030] Although the illustrated embodiment uses a battery-type power supply 44, other direct current (DC) power supplies may also be used. Alternatively, the controller 32 may include a power cord for plugging into a wall socket or an alternating current (AC) power supply for powering the faucet assembly 20. In this embodiment, the power cord may also include a rectifier to convert the AC current into DC current with appropriate voltage and current intensity.

[0031] The intermediate conduit 39 between the two valves 30 and 38 can be in the form of a flexible connecting tube. The outlet conduit 28 defines a fluid passage for fluidly connecting the electrically operable valve 30 to the outlet 50. The outlet conduit can be a flexible tube slidably received within the support 48 and the nozzle 46. Tubes 24, 26, 28, and 39 can be formed of a polymer, illustratively cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or other suitable materials.

[0032] exist Figure 2In this embodiment, the externally threaded mounting shank 60 is mechanically connected to the faucet body 22 and extends downward from the faucet support 48. A mounting nut 61 is threaded onto the mounting shank 60 and secures the faucet assembly 20 to the support structure 21. An insulator base 54 is illustratively positioned between the faucet support 48 and the support structure 21 (e.g., a sink countertop). The insulator base 54 is formed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a polymer) and can support the indicator light 42. The insulator base 54 electrically insulates the faucet body 22 from the support structure 21.

[0033] In the illustrative embodiment, capacitive sensor 34 and electrode 36 are used in at least one of a touch operation mode and a hands-free operation mode. In the touch operation mode, capacitive sensor 34 is used to detect a user's hand or other object when it comes into contact with the surface of the faucet body 22. In the hands-free operation mode, capacitive sensor 34 is used to detect a user's hand or other object in a detection area near the faucet body 22. For example, the detection area may include the area where water is discharged from nozzle 46 and the adjacent surrounding area. In either mode, when a user's hand or other object is detected, electrically operable valve 30 is opened by controller 32 to initiate water flow through a fluid channel in the form of an outlet conduit 28 in the illustrated embodiment. Controller 32 then causes valve 30 to close, thereby shutting off the water flow. For example, in the touch mode, controller 32 may switch the water flow on and off in response to contact with nozzle 46. In the hands-free mode, controller 32 may switch the water flow off after a predetermined time period has elapsed since the water flow was on. Various other control schemes may also be used to determine when to switch the water flow on and off. The controller 32 can also be configured to make logical decisions to control different operating modes of the faucet assembly 20, such as switching between a manual operating mode and an automatic operating mode (e.g., a hands-free operating mode and / or a touch operating mode).

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, a manual valve handle 40 coupled to a manual valve 38 facilitates manual operation of the faucet assembly 20. In the exemplary faucet assembly, an electrically operable valve 30 is located downstream of the manual valve assembly 38, and an intermediate fluid conduit 39 delivers fluid from the valve assembly 38 to the electrically operable valve 30. The manual handle 40 allows the user to manually adjust the temperature and flow rate of the water discharged from the nozzle 46 after the electrically operable valve 30 is opened and fluid flow is allowed through the outlet conduit 28. In the illustrated embodiment, a single handle 40 is provided, which manipulates the manual valve assembly 38 to regulate both the flow rate and relative proportion of fluid from the hot water conduit 24 and the cold water conduit 26. Alternative arrangements may also be used. For example, separate manual valves may be provided for both the hot and cold water conduits, or the faucet assembly 20 may be a fully automatic faucet without any manual valve handles.

[0035] The faucet assembly 20 may also include a temperature sensor positioned to sense the temperature of the fluid discharged from the nozzle 46 and to communicate with the controller 32. This temperature sensor can be used to convey the temperature of the discharged water to the user, as discussed below. This temperature sensor can also be used to provide feedback to a controller in a faucet system having an electrically controlled mixing valve instead of a fully manual mixing valve assembly. In such a system, the controller 32 can be used to control the mixing valve and thus control the relative proportions of hot and cold water used to produce the discharged fluid. Examples of such electrically controlled mixing valves are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,458,520 and PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2007 / 060512, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The faucet assembly 20 may also include one or more displays or indicators, which are controlled by the controller 32 to convey information to the user of the faucet assembly in a visual and / or auditory manner, such as... Figure 2 The indicator 42 is shown in the diagram. For example, indicator 42 may take the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate the current operating mode of faucet assembly 20. Selective illumination of LEDs of different colors or a single multi-color LED may also be used to indicate the temperature of the fluid dispensed by faucet assembly 20. Alternative indicators may also be used; for example, controller 32 may alternatively control a liquid crystal display (LCD) to convey information to the user. Controller 24 may also be used to control various other accessories, such as remote dispensing devices (e.g., soap dispensers).

[0037] The mounting handle 60 is mechanically coupled to the faucet body 22 and extends through the support structure 21. A proximal portion 62 of the mounting handle is disposed near the faucet body 22, and a circuit component 36 supported on the faucet body 22 is in electrical communication with the proximal portion 62 of the mounting handle 60. For example, the circuit component 36 may be an electrode, i.e., a sensing element of a capacitive sensor 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 46 and the support 48 have exposed surfaces defined by a conductive material, and the exposed surfaces of the nozzle 46 and the support 48 define the sensing element 36 of the capacitive sensor 34.

[0038] The distal portion 64 of the mounting handle 60 is arranged opposite to the proximal portion 62 and has an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface 66. An external helical thread 68 extends between the proximal portion 62 and the distal portion 64 of the mounting handle 60. A spring clamp 70 is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface 66 of the distal portion 64 of the mounting handle 60. The spring clamp 70 is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring clamp 70 completely surrounds the smooth cylindrical surface 66. A spade-shaped connector 56 is coupled to the spring clamp 70 to provide electrical communication between the spring clamp 70 and the control circuitry 58. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring clamp 70 is formed of stainless steel. Electrical signals transmitted between the circuit component 36 and the control circuitry 58 are transmitted through the mounting handle 60 and the spring clamp 70.

[0039] A capacitive sensor 34 is configured to detect when a person touches the sensing element 36. More specifically, control circuitry 58 applies a potential to the sensing element 36 via a spring clamp 70 and a mounting handle 60, and the capacitive sensor 34 monitors the electrical signal transmitted between the spring clamp 70 and the mounting handle 60 to detect a user's touch on the sensing element 36. As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 46 and the support 48 have outer surfaces formed of a conductive metallic material, and the sensing element 36 is formed on the outer surfaces of the nozzle 46 and the support 48. The use of capacitive sensors to detect a user's touch on an object is known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] The potential applied to the sensing element 36 is advantageously no greater than 5V. The current intensity used to apply the potential is also minimal (e.g., less than 100 microamps) and advantageously no more than 50 microamps or no more than 20 microamps. The minimum voltage is all that is required to operate the capacitive sensor 34, and using this minimum voltage at the minimum current intensity will not pose a danger to the user of the faucet assembly 20.

[0041] The electrical signal transmitted between the mounting handle 60 and the spring clamp 70 is transmitted via a capacitive connection, while no current conduction occurs between the mounting handle 60 and the spring clamp 70. To provide this connection, the mounting handle 60 is formed of a conductive material 104 and has a non-conductive material layer 106 covering a smooth cylindrical surface 66, on which the spring clamp 70 is mounted. In other words, the electromagnetic field generated by the current in the conductive material 104 of the spring clamp 70 and / or the mounting handle 60 induces a current in the other of the spring clamp 70 or the conductive material 104, without conducting current across the non-conductive gap defined by the non-conductive material.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the capacitive sensor 34 generates an AC current with a voltage not exceeding 5V, which is transmitted to the spring clamp 70 to thereby apply a potential to the faucet body 22 for detecting user touch of the faucet body. However, other embodiments may transmit an electrical signal between the mounting handle 60 and the spring clamp 70 for alternative purposes.

[0043] In the illustrative example, the mounting handle 60 is formed of aluminum material 104 and has a non-conductive aluminum oxide layer 106 disposed thereon. The aluminum oxide layer 106 forms an annular non-conductive gap between the conductive material 104 of the mounting handle 60 and the conductive material forming the spring clamp 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring clamp 70 is formed of stainless steel.

[0044] Although the exemplary handle is formed of aluminum, alternative conductive materials (such as brass or conductive polymers) can also be used. These alternative conductive materials have a coating applied to a non-conductive material (such as epoxy resin) on the handle to provide a non-conductive surface layer on which the spring clamp is mounted.

[0045] When aluminum is used to form the mounting handle 60, the aluminum oxide layer 106 can be formed on the cylindrical surface 66 in a variety of different ways. For example, the raw aluminum surface can be simply exposed to ambient air and an aluminum oxide layer will naturally form on the raw aluminum surface after exposure to ambient air.

[0046] The alumina layer on the surface of raw aluminum exposed to ambient air continues to grow over time, but on a logarithmic scale, with the initial thickness peaking at approximately 4 nm and then the growth rate gradually slowing down. For example, Figure 10 and Figure 12 The mounting handles 60A and 60B shown have smooth cylindrical surfaces 66A and 66B, which are raw aluminum surfaces with an aluminum oxide layer having a thickness of no more than 10 nm.

[0047] Alternatively, the alumina layer disposed on the smooth cylindrical surface 66 can be an anodized surface. For example, the mounting shaft 60 is formed of aluminum and undergoes conventional anodizing, thus all exposed surfaces of the mounting shaft 60 are anodized surfaces, including the helical thread 68 and the smooth cylindrical surface 66. The anodized surface will be formed of a non-conductive alumina layer similar to the alumina layer on a raw aluminum surface. However, the alumina layer of the anodized surface is typically denser and has greater strength than the alumina layer naturally formed on a raw aluminum surface. It also typically has a greater thickness. For example, a typical anodized surface will be formed of an alumina layer having a thickness of at least about 1775 nm, which is much greater than the alumina layer on a raw aluminum surface.

[0048] Because anodized surfaces provide greater durability, the mounting handles 60A and 60B shown are formed of aluminum, which is then anodized to create an anodized surface on all exposed surfaces of the mounting handles 60A and 60B. Following the anodizing process, a machining process is used to remove the anodized surfaces from the distal portions of the mounting handles 60A and 60B, forming smooth cylindrical surfaces 66A and 66B, each of which is a raw aluminum surface, while the helical threads 68A and 68B retain their anodized surfaces.

[0049] The transmission of electrical signals between the mounting handle 60 and the spring clamp 70 depends in part on the size of the non-conductive gap, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed of an alumina layer. To maintain the same efficiency in transmitting electrical signals, a larger gap can be combined with an increased voltage of the electrical signal or an increased surface area of ​​contact between the spring clamp and the mounting handle.

[0050] The size of the gap will be primarily determined by the thickness of the alumina layer; however, the smooth cylindrical surface and surface irregularities on the spring hoop may also be factors. Figure 10 and Figure 12 In the embodiments shown, the smooth cylindrical surfaces 66A and 66B are raw aluminum surfaces having an aluminum oxide layer with a thickness not exceeding 10 nm disposed thereon. In these embodiments, a stainless steel spring clamp 70A is used to transmit an electrical signal not exceeding 5V, the stainless steel spring clamp having a longitudinal or axial length 72A not exceeding 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) and a diameter not exceeding approximately 3.8 cm. 2 The total surface area in contact with the mounting shank is 0.59 square inches. In this embodiment, it is desirable to account for potential surface irregularities by adjusting the contact surface area upwards.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the embodiment, the smooth cylindrical surface 66 is an anodized surface having an aluminum oxide layer of thickness 108 nm and at least 1775 nm disposed thereon. The stainless steel spring clamp 70 used in this embodiment to transmit electrical signals with a voltage not exceeding 5 V has a longitudinal or axial length not exceeding 2.54 cm (1 inch) and a length not exceeding approximately 12.9 cm. 2 The total surface area (2 square inches) in contact with the mounting handle.

[0052] In each of these exemplary embodiments 60, 60A, 60B, a spring collar is mounted on a smooth cylindrical surface of a mounting handle, wherein the spring collar is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, and an electrical signal having a voltage of no more than 5V is transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring collar via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring collar.

[0053] The axial lengths 72 and 72A of the spring hoops 70 and 70A are approximately equal to the axial length of the smooth cylindrical surface (on which the spring hoops are mounted). Exemplary mounting handles 60, 60A, and 60B are hollow tubes, and a flexible outlet conduit 28 extends through these exemplary mounting handles. When used with a pull-out rod, increasing the length of the mounting handle shortens the pull-out rod by the same amount of length that would be possible if the length of the conduit 28 were not increased. The axial length of the helical thread 68 on the mounting handle is typically determined by the expected thickness of the support structure. A shorter cylindrical surface (on which the spring hoops are mounted) is generally desirable to avoid elongating the mounting shaft.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring collars 70, 70A are formed of a conductive metal sheet, and more specifically, stainless steel. This sheet defines a circumferential collar 74 that surrounds a central axis 71 and completely surrounds the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting shank. The collar 74 also defines a surface area that contacts the smooth cylindrical surface.

[0055] The collar 74 has a first end portion 76 and an opposite second end portion 78. The first end portion 76 defines a radially outwardly extending first grip 80, and the second end portion 78 defines a radially outwardly extending second grip 82. A shovel-shaped connector 56 is secured to one of the grips (e.g., the first grip 80 of the spring collar 70) to provide an electrical connection between the control circuitry 58 and the spring collar.

[0056] A circumferential collar 74 extends more than 360 degrees around a central axis 71 and defines an overlap region 84 between a first grip 80 and a second grip 82, with both a first end portion 76 and a second end portion 78 disposed within this overlap region. The spring collar 70 can be in a relaxed state ( Figure 7 The biased open state is related to the maximum inner diameter of the limiting spring hoop (86B). Figure 8 The spring ring moves between these two states, and in this relaxed state, the spring ring limits the minimum inner diameter of the spring ring to 86A.

[0057] Without any applied force, the spring hoop 70 will be in its relaxed state. Biasing the first grip 80 and the second grip 82 toward each other increases the inner diameter of the spring hoop. This biasing force can be applied by the installer by squeezing the grips together by hand or using pliers or other suitable tools. Squeezing the grips together will gradually increase the inner diameter of the spring hoop until it reaches the bias-open state corresponding to the maximum inner diameter 86B of the spring hoop. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring hoop 70 has a first stop member 90 disposed on a first end portion 76 and a second stop member 92 disposed on a second end portion 78. When the spring hoop 70 is in its bias-open state (in which the spring hoop defines the maximum inner diameter 86B), the first stop member 90 and the second stop member 92 engage with each other and prevent the first grip 80 and the second grip 82 from moving further toward each other. Figure 6 In the diagram, the solid lines depict the stop members 90 and 92, showing them in the relaxed state of the spring collar 70, while the dashed lines depict the stop members 90 and 92, showing them in the engaged position that restricts the grips 80 and 82 from moving further toward each other.

[0058] To install the spring clamp 70, the grips 80 and 82 are pressed together and the spring clamp 70 slides onto the smooth cylindrical surface 66. The grips 80 and 82 are then released and the spring clamp 70 returns to its relaxed state. The spring clamp 70 is made of a flexible, elastic material and will exhibit the minimum diameter achievable between its biased open state and its relaxed state, provided that the outer diameter of the smooth cylindrical surface is the same as the minimum inner diameter of the spring clamp.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the minimum inner diameter 86A and the maximum inner diameter 86B of the spring clamp 70 are selected such that the spring clamp 70 must be mounted on a smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting shank. The outer diameter 67 defined by the smooth cylindrical surface 66 is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter 86A of the spring clamp to ensure that the spring clamp 70 engages the smooth cylindrical surface with a bias. An external helical thread 68 defines an outer diameter 69, which is larger than the outer diameter 67 of the smooth cylindrical surface. The outer diameter 69 of the helical thread is larger than the maximum inner diameter 86B of the spring clamp to prevent the spring clamp from being mounted on the helical thread as typically done in the prior art. The spring clamp 70A has a smaller axial length than the spring clamp 70, but functions in the same manner as described above for the spring clamp 70.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet body 22 includes both a faucet support 48 and a nozzle 46, wherein the faucet support 48 is disposed between the mounting handle 60 and the nozzle 46. The faucet support has a body formed of a conductive material (e.g., zinc, brass, or chrome-plated polymer), wherein the proximal portion 62 of the mounting handle 60 is directly engaged and secured to the body of the faucet support 48, and the nozzle 46 is supported on the faucet support 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet support transmits electrical signals between circuitry disposed on the nozzle and the proximal portion of the mounting handle. This can be achieved through direct contact between the conductive materials forming the faucet support 48 and the nozzle 46, or through one or more intermediate components to establish electrical communication.

[0061] The accompanying drawings illustrate three different embodiments of the mounting handle. The mounting handle 60 includes an anodized helical thread 68 extending to the proximal end of the mounting handle 60. In this embodiment ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 9 (As best seen in the image), the proximal end of the mounting handle 60 is threadedly engaged with a threaded hole defined by the body 49 of the faucet support 48. Electrical signals are transmitted across this threaded engagement. In this embodiment, the distal end of the handle 60 may advantageously include two diametrically opposed grooves that can engage with a tool to thereby facilitate the threaded engagement of the handle with the body 49 of the faucet support.

[0062] Figure 10 and Figure 11 An embodiment includes a mounting handle 60A having a proximal portion that defines a mounting flange 96 having a pair of openings 98. Threaded fasteners (not shown) are used to secure the flange 96 at the openings 98 to the body 49A of the faucet support 48A.

[0063] Figure 12 and Figure 13 An embodiment includes a mounting handle 60B having a proximal portion that defines a circumferential collar 100, wherein the collar 100 engages with the body 49B of a faucet support 48B. A snap-fit ​​ring 102 is used to retain the collar 100 within the faucet support body 49B.

[0064] It should be noted that when the mounting handle shown has an anodized aluminum surface, the anodized surface can be removed or penetrated during the attachment of the faucet bracket body to the mounting shaft to provide direct contact between the conductive materials of the faucet bracket body and the mounting handle. For example, the threaded engagement between the mounting handle 60 and the bracket body 49 can induce such direct contact to provide electrical communication between the two components by transmitting current across the interface of the two parts. Alternatively, if the anodized surface is retained, the surface area of ​​the proximal portion of the mounting handle that contacts the faucet bracket body and is separated only by the thickness of the aluminum oxide layer will be large enough to allow the transmission of electrical signals via capacitive coupling.

[0065] Various other configurations can also be used to secure the mounting handle to the faucet body and / or provide communication of electrical signals to the proximal portion of the mounting handle. For example, the mounting handle can be integrally formed with the faucet body.

[0066] Although the invention has been described with exemplary design, further modifications can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that utilize its general principles.

Claims

1. An electronic faucet assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure and connected to a fluid supply, the electronic faucet assembly comprising: The faucet body; A fluid channel, which is supported by the faucet body; Mounting handle, mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed close to the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; At least one electrically controlled valve is disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and the fluid passage; A control circuit, which communicates with the at least one electrically controlled valve, the control circuit including a controller configured to control the operation of the at least one electrically controlled valve; A circuit component that is in electrical communication with the proximal portion of the mounting handle; A spring clamp, the spring clamp being mounted on the distal portion of the mounting handle, wherein the spring clamp is electrically communicating with the control circuit; and The mounting handle is formed of aluminum and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface. A spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that electrical signals transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit are transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

2. The electronic faucet assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is a raw aluminum surface.

3. The electronic faucet assembly as described in claim 2, wherein, The mounting handle defines an external helical thread between the distal and proximal portions of the mounting handle, the external helical thread having an anodized surface.

4. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The spring clamp completely surrounds the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the circuit component is the sensing element of a capacitive sensor.

5. The electronic faucet assembly as described in claim 4, wherein, The faucet body has an exposed surface defined by a conductive material, and the exposed surface forms the sensing element.

6. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The control circuitry further includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect when a person touches the exposed surface.

7. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The electrical signal is transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring clamp via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

8. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The control circuit applies a potential to the sensing element through the spring clamp and the mounting handle, and the capacitive sensor monitors the electrical signal transmitted between the spring clamp and the mounting handle to detect the user's touch on the sensing element, wherein the potential applied to the sensing element does not exceed 5V.

9. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is a raw aluminum surface, the raw aluminum surface having an aluminum oxide layer disposed thereon with a thickness not exceeding 10 nm, and wherein the spring hoop is formed of stainless steel and has a longitudinal length not exceeding 0.64 cm.

10. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is an anodized surface with an aluminum oxide layer of at least 1775 nm, and the spring hoop is made of stainless steel and has a longitudinal length of no more than 2.54 cm.

11. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is a raw aluminum surface, which has an aluminum oxide layer with a thickness not exceeding 10 nm disposed thereon, and wherein the electrical signal has a voltage not exceeding 5V and is transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring clamp via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

12. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is an anodized surface with an aluminum oxide layer of at least 1775 nm, and wherein the electrical signal has a voltage of no more than 5V and is transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring clamp via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

13. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The spring clamp completely surrounds the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the faucet body includes a faucet support and a nozzle. The faucet support is disposed between the mounting handle and the nozzle. The faucet support includes a body formed of conductive metal, wherein the proximal portion of the mounting handle is directly engaged with and fixed to the body of the faucet support, and the nozzle is supported on the faucet support. The body of the faucet support transmits the electrical signal between the circuit component and the proximal portion of the mounting handle.

14. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The mounting handle defines an external helical thread with an anodized surface, the helical thread engaging with the body thread of the faucet holder, and wherein the electrical signal is transmitted from the body of the faucet holder across the threaded engagement to the mounting handle.

15. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The proximal portion of the mounting handle defines a mounting flange, and the body of the faucet support is secured to the mounting flange.

16. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The proximal portion of the mounting handle defines a circumferential collar, wherein the collar engages with the body of the faucet support.

17. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The spring collar completely surrounds the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the mounting handle defines an external helical thread between the proximal portion of the mounting handle and the smooth cylindrical surface. The external helical thread defines a first diameter, and the smooth cylindrical surface defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The spring collar is movable between a relaxed state and a biased open state when a force is applied to it. In the relaxed state, the spring collar defines a minimum inner diameter, and in the biased open state, it defines a maximum inner diameter. The second diameter defined by the smooth cylindrical surface is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter of the spring collar, and the first diameter of the helical thread is greater than the maximum inner diameter of the spring collar.

18. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is a raw aluminum surface and the outer helical thread has an anodized surface.

19. An electronic faucet assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure and coupled to a fluid supply, the electronic faucet assembly comprising: The faucet body; A fluid channel, which is supported by the faucet body; Mounting handle, mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed close to the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; At least one electrically controlled valve is disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and the fluid passage; A control circuit, which communicates with the at least one electrically controlled valve, the control circuit including a controller configured to control the operation of the at least one electrically controlled valve; A circuit component that is in electrical communication with the proximal portion of the mounting handle; A spring clamp is mounted on the distal portion of the mounting handle and is in electrical communication with the control circuit. as well as The mounting handle is formed of a conductive metal material, and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface. A non-conductive material layer covers the smooth cylindrical surface. A spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds more than half of the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that an electrical signal transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit is transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp. The transmission of the electrical signal between the distal portion of the mounting handle and the spring clamp is capacitively coupled, and no current conduction occurs between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

20. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The conductive metal material is aluminum and the non-conductive material is aluminum oxide.

21. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is raw aluminum and the aluminum oxide layer has a thickness of no more than 10 nm, and the voltage of the electrical signal is no greater than 5 V.

22. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The smooth cylindrical surface is an anodized surface and the aluminum oxide layer is at least 1775 nm thick, and the voltage of the electrical signal is not greater than 5 V.

23. The electronic faucet assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The mounting handle defines an external helical thread between the distal and proximal portions of the mounting handle, the external helical thread defining a first diameter and the smooth cylindrical surface defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the spring clamp is movable between a relaxed state and a biased open state when a force is applied to the spring clamp, the spring clamp defining a minimum inner diameter in the relaxed state and a maximum inner diameter in the biased open state, wherein the second diameter defined by the smooth cylindrical surface is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter of the spring clamp, and the first diameter of the helical thread is greater than the maximum inner diameter of the spring clamp.

24. An electrical connection assembly for an electronic faucet assembly, the electronic faucet assembly having a faucet body configured to be mounted on a support structure and a control circuit having circuit components, the electrical connection assembly comprising: Mounting handle, mechanically coupled to the faucet body and configured to extend through the support structure, the mounting handle having a proximal portion disposed close to the faucet body and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion; as well as A spring collar adapted for electrical communication with the control circuitry, the spring collar being formed of a conductive metal sheet defining a circumferential collar around a central axis, the collar having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, the first end portion defining a radially outwardly extending first grip and the second end portion defining a radially outwardly extending second grip, the circumferential collar extending more than 360 degrees around the central axis to thereby define an overlap region between the first and second grips, both the first and second end portions being disposed in the overlap region, and wherein, in a relaxed state, the spring collar defines a minimum inner diameter, and wherein, biasing the first and second grips toward each other increases the inner diameter of the spring collar, the first end portion defining a first stop and the second end portion defining a second stop, the engagement of the first and second stop preventing further movement of the first and second grips toward each other and defining a bias-open state, in which the spring collar defines a maximum inner diameter; The mounting handle is formed of a conductive metal material, and the distal portion of the mounting handle includes an outer surface defining a smooth cylindrical surface. A spring clamp is mounted on the smooth cylindrical surface of the mounting handle, and the spring clamp is biasedly engaged and surrounds the outer circumference of the smooth cylindrical surface, such that electrical signals transmitted between the circuit component and the control circuit are transmitted through the mounting handle and the spring clamp. The mounting handle defines a first outer diameter between the proximal portion of the mounting handle and the smooth cylindrical surface, the smooth cylindrical portion defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and wherein the second diameter is at least as large as the minimum inner diameter of the spring hoop, and the first diameter is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the spring hoop.

25. The electrical connection assembly of claim 24, wherein, The mounting handle defines an external helical thread between the proximal portion and the smooth cylindrical surface, the external helical thread defining the first outer diameter.

26. The electrical connection assembly of claim 24, wherein, The mounting handle is made of aluminum and the spring collar is made of stainless steel.

27. The electrical connection assembly of claim 24, wherein, The mounting handle is made of aluminum and the smooth cylindrical surface is a raw aluminum surface.

28. The electrical connection assembly of claim 27, wherein, The spring clamp has an axial length not exceeding 0.64 cm and a length not exceeding 3.8 cm. 2 The total surface area in contact with the mounting handle, the raw aluminum surface of the smooth cylindrical surface has an aluminum oxide layer with a thickness not exceeding 10 nm disposed thereon, the electrical signal has a voltage not exceeding 5V and the electrical signal is transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring clamp via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

29. The electrical connection assembly of claim 24, wherein, The mounting handle is made of aluminum and the smooth cylindrical surface is anodized aluminum.

30. The electrical connection assembly of claim 29, wherein, The spring clamp has an axial length not exceeding 2.54 cm and a length not exceeding 12.9 cm. 2 The total surface area in contact with the mounting handle, the anodized aluminum surface of the smooth cylindrical surface having an aluminum oxide layer with a thickness of at least 1775 nm disposed thereon, the electrical signal having a voltage not exceeding 5V and the electrical signal being transmitted between the mounting handle and the spring clamp via a capacitive connection, while there is no current conduction between the mounting handle and the spring clamp.

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