Integrated control box and faucet
By designing an integrated control box that integrates a water circuit control module and an automatic liquid dispensing module, the problems of non-compact faucet structure and inconvenient installation and maintenance are solved, achieving compact and efficient water dispensing and automatic liquid dispensing functions, thus improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202211278369.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-10-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing faucets with integrated automatic soap dispensing functions have separate water circuit control boxes and automatic soap dispensing control boxes, resulting in a less compact structure, large space occupation, and inconvenient installation and maintenance.
Design an integrated control box, including a water circuit control module and an automatic liquid dispensing module, which can be detachably fixed to the liquid storage device via a magnetic connector to realize water outlet control and automatic liquid dispensing functions. The modular design facilitates disassembly and assembly.
It achieves a compact structure, small footprint, easy installation and maintenance, flexible usage, and improved user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN115478588B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of bathroom technology, specifically relating to an integrated control box and a faucet. Background Technology
[0002] As an essential piece of equipment for daily production and domestic water use, faucets are widely used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places near sinks. With technological advancements and improved living standards, faucets have become increasingly functional, featuring not only automatic water dispensing functions such as infrared or touch-sensitive dispensing, but also integrated automatic soap dispensing functions. Existing faucets with integrated automatic soap dispensing functions control water and soap dispensing through separate water circuit control boxes and automatic soap dispensing control boxes. This separate setup is not only structurally less compact and space-consuming, but also inconvenient for installation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated control box to solve the aforementioned technical problems.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an integrated control box, including a water circuit control module, an automatic liquid dispensing module, and a liquid storage device. Both the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid dispensing module are detachably fixed on the liquid storage device. The water circuit control module is used to be installed on the water circuit to control the flow of the water circuit, and the automatic liquid dispensing module is used to extract liquid from the liquid storage device and output it.
[0005] Furthermore, the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are detachably fixed to the liquid storage device via a snap-fit structure.
[0006] Furthermore, the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are fixed on the top of the liquid storage device, and the liquid inlet end of the automatic liquid supply module extends into the interior of the liquid storage device.
[0007] Furthermore, the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are arranged adjacent to each other. The water circuit control module is provided with a first magnetic connector, and the automatic liquid supply module is provided with a second magnetic connector. The water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are electrically connected to each other through magnetic attraction between the first magnetic connector and the second magnetic connector.
[0008] Furthermore, the water circuit control module includes a first housing, a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, a switch valve, and a first control board. The first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet extend outside the first housing, while the switch valve and the first control board are disposed inside the first housing. The first inlet and the outlet are directly connected, and the second inlet is connected to the outlet through the switch valve. The first magnetic connector and the switch valve are electrically connected to the first control board.
[0009] Furthermore, the water circuit control module is also equipped with a battery box. The first housing has an open battery compartment, the battery box is placed inside the battery compartment, and the battery compartment can be popped out by pressing. The battery box is used to hold the battery, and the battery is used to electrically connect with the first control board to provide power.
[0010] Furthermore, the water circuit control module is also provided with power lines and signal lines extending out of the first housing, and the power lines and signal lines are electrically connected to the first control board respectively.
[0011] Furthermore, the automatic liquid dispensing module includes a second housing, a liquid pump, a second control board, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are respectively disposed on the second housing. The liquid pump and the second control board are disposed inside the second housing. The liquid inlet is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump, and the liquid outlet is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump. The liquid pump and the second magnetic connector are respectively electrically connected to the second control board. The liquid inlet extends into the bottom of the liquid storage device.
[0012] Furthermore, an air pump is also provided inside the second housing. The air pump is electrically connected to the second control board. An air supply hole is provided on the second housing, and the output end of the air pump is connected to the air supply hole.
[0013] Furthermore, the second housing is also provided with function buttons and indicator lights, which are electrically connected to the second control board.
[0014] The present invention also provides a faucet having the aforementioned integrated control box.
[0015] Beneficial technical effects of the present invention:
[0016] The integrated control box of this invention has water outlet control and automatic liquid supply functions. It has a high degree of integration, compact structure, small space occupation, and is easy to install and maintain. Moreover, the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module adopt a modular design, which is easy to disassemble and assemble, flexible in use, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the integrated control box according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the integrated control box from another perspective, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3For the purposes of this specific embodiment of the invention, a partial exploded view of the integrated control box for the soap dispenser and the gas dispenser is omitted.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded view from another perspective of the integrated control box for a specific embodiment of the present invention, omitting the soap dispenser pipe and the gas dispenser pipe.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded view from another perspective of the integrated control box for a specific embodiment of the present invention, omitting the soap dispenser pipe and the gas dispenser pipe.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a liquid storage device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial structure of the waterway control module according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0025] Figure 8 This is a partial structure of the waterway control module according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0026] Figure 9 This is a partial structure of the automatic liquid dispensing module according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 10 This is a partial structure of the automatic liquid dispensing module according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0028] Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the integrated control box for the soap supply pipe and the gas supply pipe is omitted for specific embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention, primarily used to illustrate the embodiments and to explain the operating principles of the embodiments in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. Components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.
[0030] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0031] like Figure 1-11As shown, an integrated control box includes a water circuit control module 1, an automatic liquid dispensing module 2, and a liquid storage device 3. Both the water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 are detachably fixed to the liquid storage device 3. The water circuit control module 1 is used to control the flow of water in the water circuit, while the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 is used to extract liquid from the liquid storage device 3 and output it. Detachably fixing the water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 to the liquid storage device 3 provides both water output control and automatic liquid dispensing functions. It also features high integration, a compact structure, small footprint, and easy installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the modular design of the water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 facilitates disassembly and reassembly, offering flexible usage and improving the user experience.
[0032] In this specific embodiment, the liquid storage device 3 is a liquid storage bottle used to hold soap solution. Of course, in some embodiments, it can also be used to hold other liquids such as dishwashing liquid, alcohol, and baking soda. The specific choice can be made according to actual needs.
[0033] The liquid storage device 3 is preferably a cuboid structure. The water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid supply module 2 are located on the top of the liquid storage device 3. The liquid inlet end 21 of the automatic liquid supply module 2 extends into the interior of the liquid storage device 3. Correspondingly, the top surface of the liquid storage device 3 has an opening 31. The liquid inlet end 21 of the automatic liquid supply module 2 passes through the opening 31 and extends into the bottom of the interior of the liquid storage device 3. This structure makes the overall structure of the integrated control box more reasonable and compact, and easier to implement. However, it is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the liquid storage device 3 can also be a cylinder, a cube, or other structures. The water circuit control module 1 can also be located on the side or other positions of the liquid storage device 3.
[0034] The top of the liquid storage device 3 is also provided with an air inlet 32, through which outside air enters the liquid storage device 3. The air inlet 32 is also provided with a check valve 321 to prevent the soap liquid in the liquid storage device 3 from overflowing, thereby improving safety and reliability.
[0035] Preferably, in this specific embodiment, the water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid supply module 2 are detachably fixed to the top of the liquid storage device 3 by means of a snap-fit structure, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly and easy to use. Of course, in some embodiments, the water circuit control module 1 and the automatic liquid supply module 2 can also adopt other existing detachable structures, such as screw-fit structures, to be detachably fixed to the top of the liquid storage device 3.
[0036] Specifically, the bottom of the water circuit control module 1 is provided with an L-shaped first slot 11, and the top of the liquid storage device 3 is provided with an upwardly protruding L-shaped first hook 33. The water circuit control module 1 is detachably connected to the liquid storage device 3 by being snapped into the first slot 11 through the first hook 33. This snap-fit structure is simple, easy to disassemble and assemble, and has good snap-fit stability, but it is not limited to this.
[0037] The water circuit control module 1 is positioned to the right of the automatic liquid supply module 2, and the automatic liquid supply module 2 is positioned to the left of the water circuit control module 1. The right end of the first slot 11 is provided with an insertion port. When engaging, the first hook 33 is inserted into the first slot 11 through the insertion port, and then the water circuit control module 1 is pushed to the right so that the first hook 33 abuts against the left end of the first slot 11, thus completing the engagement.
[0038] The top outer edge of the liquid storage device 3 has an extension 34 that extends upward and surrounds the automatic liquid dispensing module 2. The height of the extension 34 is lower than the height of the automatic liquid dispensing module 2. The inner wall of the extension 34 has a second slot 35, and the outer wall of the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 has a second hook 22 with the engaging surface facing upward. The automatic liquid dispensing module 2 is detachably connected to the liquid storage device 3 by engaging the second hook 22 into the second slot 35. When engaging, the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 is inserted from top to bottom into the extension 34 until it abuts against the top of the liquid storage device 3. At this time, the second hook 22 engages in the second slot 35 to fix the automatic liquid dispensing module 2, and the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 abuts against the water circuit control module 1, so that the water circuit control module 1 will not fall off, and the stability is good. This engaging structure is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble, but it is not limited to this. During installation, first install the water circuit control module 1, then install the automatic liquid supply module 2. During disassembly, first remove the automatic liquid supply module 2, then remove the water circuit control module 1.
[0039] Preferably, the outer wall of the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 is provided with a pressable elastic arm 221, and a second hook 22 is provided on the elastic arm 221. The pressing end of the elastic arm 221 is arranged facing upward and extends out of the top of the extension 34 for easy disassembly.
[0040] Please refer to Figure 4 , 7 The water circuit control module includes a first housing 12, a first inlet 13, a second inlet 14, an outlet 15, a switching valve 16, a first control board 17, and a first magnetic connector 18. The first inlet 13, the second inlet 14, and the outlet 15 extend outside the first housing 12 for connection to corresponding pipelines. The switching valve 16 and the first control board 17 are housed within the first housing 12. The first inlet 13 is directly connected to the outlet 15, and the second inlet 14 is connected to the outlet 15 via the switching valve 16, achieving dual water circuit control. It can be used in conjunction with the dual water circuit valve core of a faucet to achieve manual and automatic water dispensing control. The control terminal of the switching valve 16 is electrically connected to the first control board 17, and the first control board 17 controls the operating state of the switching valve 16.
[0041] Of course, in some embodiments, the first water inlet 13 may not be provided.
[0042] Preferably, the switching valve 16 is implemented using a solenoid valve, which has a simple structure, is easy to control, and has low cost. However, it is not limited to this. In some embodiments, other valve components that can automatically switch water on and off can also be used.
[0043] The first magnetic connector 18 is located on the outside of the left side wall of the first housing 12, and the first magnetic connector 18 is electrically connected to the first control board 17.
[0044] The water circuit control module 1 is also equipped with a battery box 19, which is used to hold batteries. The batteries are used to connect to the first control board 17 to provide power, thereby powering the entire integrated control box. This allows the integrated control box to work normally when there is no external power input, improving stability and reliability.
[0045] Specifically, the first housing 12 has an open battery compartment (not shown in the figure), and the battery box 19 is located inside the battery compartment. The battery compartment can be popped out by pressing to install and replace the battery, which is convenient to use, but not limited to this.
[0046] The water circuit control module 1 also includes a power cord 100 and a signal cord 101 extending out of the first housing 12. The power cord 100 and the signal cord 101 are electrically connected to the first control board 17, respectively. The power cord 100 is used to connect to a transformer for external power supply, and the signal cord 101 is used to connect to external control signals, such as connecting to the output terminals of the faucet's water outlet sensor and soap dispenser sensor, so as to realize the switching of water and soap dispenser via sensor control.
[0047] An indicator light 102 is provided on the side wall of the first housing 12. The indicator light 102 is electrically connected to the first control board 17 and is used to indicate the working status of the water circuit control module 1.
[0048] Please refer to Figure 3 , 9 10 and 11, the automatic liquid supply module 2 also includes a second housing 23, a liquid pump 24, a second control board 25, a liquid inlet 211, a liquid outlet 26, and a second magnetic connector 27. The liquid outlet 26 is located on the top of the second housing 23, the liquid inlet 211 is located on the liquid inlet end 21, the liquid pump 24 and the second control board 25 are located inside the second housing 23, the liquid inlet 211 is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump 24, the liquid outlet 26 is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump 24, and the liquid pump 24 and the second magnetic connector 27 are electrically connected to the second control board 25 respectively.
[0049] In this specific embodiment, the liquid pump 24 is a submersible pump, which is located inside the liquid inlet 21 and extends into the soap solution in the liquid storage device 3. It has low power consumption and good extraction effect, but it is not limited to this. In some embodiments, other liquid pumps can also be used to achieve the same result.
[0050] The second magnetic connector 27 is located on the outside of the right side wall of the second housing 23, and is magnetically connected to the first magnetic connector 18, thereby enabling the water circuit control module 1 to supply power to the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 and input control signals for soap dispensing. The use of magnetic connectors simplifies the electrical connection, makes it easy to assemble and disassemble, and results in a simpler and more compact structure.
[0051] Of course, in some embodiments, the automatic liquid dispensing module 2 can also be powered and input soap dispensing control signals independently, without going through the water circuit control module 1.
[0052] Furthermore, an air pump 28 is also provided inside the second housing 23. The air pump 28 is electrically connected to the second control board 25. An air supply hole 29 is provided on the top of the second housing 23. The output end of the air pump 28 is connected to the air supply hole 29. By setting the air pump 28, the soap liquid coming out of the liquid outlet 26 can be mixed with the gas output from the air supply hole 29 to form soap liquid foam, thereby realizing the function of giving soap liquid foam.
[0053] Both the liquid outlet 26 and the air supply port 29 are equipped with quick-connect fittings for quick plug-in connection with the soap supply pipe 4 and the air supply pipe 5. They are convenient to use, securely fixed, and leak-proof.
[0054] The second housing 23 is also equipped with a function button 200 and an indicator light 201. The function button 200 and the indicator light 201 are electrically connected to the second control board 26. When the function button 200 is pressed briefly, it switches the pump level 24. When pressed for a long time, it keeps the pump 24 running continuously. The indicator light 201 is a color-changing indicator light, used to indicate different levels by using different colors.
[0055] When used in conjunction with a water and soap dispenser, the first inlet 13 and the second inlet 14 are respectively connected to the two outlets of the dual water circuit valve core of the water and soap dispenser (one outlet can be switched to dispense water via a handle connected to the spindle of the dual water circuit valve core). The outlet 15 is connected to the water outlet of the water and soap dispenser. The liquid outlet 26 and the air outlet 29 are connected to the soap dispensing foam nozzle of the water and soap dispenser through the soap dispensing pipe 4 and the air dispensing pipe 5, respectively. The power cord 100 is connected to a transformer for power supply. The signal line 101 is connected to the output terminals of the water dispensing sensor probe and the soap dispensing sensor probe of the water and soap dispenser. When soap is filled into the liquid storage device 3, manual water dispensing, sensor-controlled water dispensing, and sensor-controlled soap dispensing foam control can be realized.
[0056] Of course, the water circuit control module 1 can also be detached and used separately to achieve manual water dispensing and sensor-controlled water dispensing, or the water circuit control module 1 can be removed to achieve only sensor-controlled soap foam dispensing. The usage is flexible and improves the user experience.
[0057] The present invention also discloses a faucet having the aforementioned integrated control box; more specifically, the faucet is a water supply and soap dispenser.
[0058] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, all of which shall be within the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. An integrated control box, characterized in that: It includes a water circuit control module, an automatic liquid supply module, and a liquid storage device. Both the water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module can be detachably fixed to the liquid storage device. The water circuit control module is used to control the flow of water in the water circuit, and the automatic liquid supply module is used to extract liquid from the liquid storage device and output it. The water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are arranged adjacent to each other. The water circuit control module is provided with a first magnetic connector, and the automatic liquid supply module is provided with a second magnetic connector. The water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are electrically connected to each other through magnetic attraction between the first magnetic connector and the second magnetic connector. The water circuit control module includes a first housing, a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, a switch valve, and a first control board. The first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet extend outside the first housing. The switch valve and the first control board are located inside the first housing. The first inlet and the outlet are directly connected. The second inlet is connected to the outlet through the switch valve. The first magnetic connector and the switch valve are electrically connected to the first control board. The automatic liquid dispensing module includes a second housing, a liquid pump, a second control board, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet are respectively located on the second housing. The liquid pump and the second control board are located inside the second housing. The liquid inlet is connected to the liquid inlet end of the liquid pump, and the liquid outlet is connected to the liquid outlet end of the liquid pump. The liquid pump and the second magnetic connector are electrically connected to the second control board. The liquid inlet extends into the bottom of the liquid storage device.
2. The integrated control box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are detachably fixed to the liquid storage device via a snap-fit structure.
3. The integrated control box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water circuit control module and the automatic liquid supply module are fixed on the top of the liquid storage device, and the liquid inlet end of the automatic liquid supply module extends into the interior of the liquid storage device.
4. The integrated control box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water circuit control module is also equipped with a battery box. The first housing has an open battery compartment, the battery box is placed inside the battery compartment, and the battery compartment can be popped out by pressing. The battery box is used to hold the battery, and the battery is used to electrically connect with the first control board to provide power.
5. The integrated control box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water circuit control module is also equipped with a power line and a signal line extending out of the first housing, and the power line and signal line are electrically connected to the first control board respectively.
6. The integrated control box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second housing also contains an air pump, which is electrically connected to the second control board. The second housing has an air supply hole, and the output end of the air pump is connected to the air supply hole. The second housing also has function buttons and indicator lights, which are electrically connected to the second control board.
7. A faucet, characterized in that: The device is equipped with an integrated control box as described in any one of claims 1-6.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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