Faucet and method for operating a faucet

Abstract

A method of operating a faucet (1), in particular a hot water faucet (1), comprising a dispensing step of dispensing water from the faucet (1). The initiation of the dispensing step requires several preceding steps, including an actuation of a first actuation element (5) and an actuation of a second actuation element (6). Within the actuation steps, the actuation of the first actuation element (5) is detected by a control unit (14). The actuation steps further comprise an unlocking step, in which upon detection of the actuation of the first actuation element (5), a control unit (14) starts an unlocking time window. The actuation steps further comprise an activation step, in which the actuation of the second actuation element (6) activates a dispensing switch (13). The dispensing step is initiated only in case the activation step is triggered within the unlocking time window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a faucet, particularly a hot water faucet, the method comprising a dispensing step of dispensing water from the faucet, wherein initiation of the dispensing step requires actuation of a first actuating element and an actuating second actuating element, and in the actuation step, actuation of the first actuating element is detected by a control unit.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system including a faucet. Background Technology

[0003] Traditional faucets consist of a valve that can be operated by the user manually manipulating a single actuator. This actuator can be, for example, a rotary knob or a lever that can be pushed or pivoted. However, if the faucet also allows the dispensing of hot water, it is considered a good idea to provide additional safety measures to prevent unintentional operation of the faucet and unintentional release of hot water that could endanger the user or those nearby.

[0004] It is known in practice that adding a locking device to a single actuating element requires the user to unlock the locking device before the actuating element can be actuated. Such a locking device could be, for example, a button that must be pushed before a knob can be turned or a lever can be moved. However, if the locking device is located at or within the actuating element, both the locking device and the actuating element can be operated with one hand, potentially in the same motion, which reduces the safety of operating the faucet. If the locking device is located at a distance from the actuating element, actuation of the faucet typically requires coordinated operation of both hands, which reduces the comfort of operating the faucet.

[0005] It is also known to provide two actuating elements connected to a control unit. The control unit is designed to detect actuation of the actuating elements and, if the actuation meets a predetermined criterion, operate a valve or pump to release water from the faucet. Typically, both actuating elements must be actuated within a preset time span, and water can only be released if the control unit detects actuation of both elements within that time span. Some faucets also prevent any water release if the two actuating elements are actuated within a very short time span or simultaneously. To enhance the safety of faucet actuation, some faucets also prevent any water release if the two actuating elements are actuated within a very short time span or simultaneously.

[0006] The control unit may contain a microchip and monitor and control the faucet's operation via software. Controlling the faucet with a software application provides convenient use and a high level of user safety. However, such a control unit, and especially its software, is considered a safety-related component of the faucet, leading to high safety requirements and consequently requiring rigorous testing and certification of the software needed to manufacture and market such faucets. Potential malfunctions in the control unit can affect the faucet's safety, increasing the workload required to provide a fail-safe control unit.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method of operating a faucet that allows for comfortable actuation by the user and provides reliable and safe operation of the faucet. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a method for operating a faucet as defined in claim 1.

[0009] By dividing the actuation process into two distinct steps—an unlocking step and an activation step—that must be performed independently within a specified time period, user-friendly and safe faucet operation can be provided at a low cost. The first step, the unlocking step, involves the control unit. Conversely, the second step, the activation step, does not require a control unit but rather a distribution switch that is not part of the control unit. In the event of a control unit failure, the distribution switch still provides safe operation of the faucet. The distribution switch can be made of hardware that is not controlled or operated by software. The distribution switch can include a push-button switch or a rocker switch, which can be used to open or close electrical circuits. Such a push-button or rocker switch can also form a second actuation element that must be operated and actuated by the user. The distribution switch can also be formed of electronic components or semiconductors, without involving mechanical operation or moving parts.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electrical circuit is part of the power supply for an electric pump or electric valve that dispenses water via a tap, and closing the electrical circuit by activating the dispensing switch via a second actuating element is mandatory for operating the pump or valve, and is performed in the activation step without involving the control unit.

[0011] The actual operation of the pump or valve may also require additional input from the control unit. The distribution switch can also be enabled and disabled via the control unit. The meaning of distribution switch is not limited to conventional switches, but includes all devices with electronic components or microchips that can be actuated or triggered to switch between at least different configurations, conditions, or positions, which will affect the flow of water from the faucet.

[0012] The main aspect of this invention is that dispensing water from a faucet requires actuating a first actuating element (which causes the control unit to actuate) and actuating a second actuating element (which causes the dispensing switch to be activated or deactivated accordingly). Because two different actuations are required, a very high level of safety can be provided. The involvement of the control unit allows for a user-friendly operating method, while the mandatory use of an independently operated dispensing switch results in high operational safety and reliability without requiring a focus on the software and control unit.

[0013] There may be a mechanical lock that disables any operation of the dispensing switch, and this mechanical lock is controlled and operated by the control unit. To increase the faucet's operational safety and also reduce manufacturing costs, the actuation of the dispensing switch is performed without involving the control unit. Therefore, the control unit does not mechanically or operatively interact with the second dispensing switch. The user can always actuate both the second actuating element and the dispensing switch. However, unless there is additional input from the control unit, the faucet will not dispense any water.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the activation step includes sending an activation signal associated with the activation of the distribution switch to the control unit, and the actuation step includes a startup step in which the control unit initiates the distribution step only after successful verification that the activation signal is received within an unlocking time window beginning with the actuation of the first actuating element. This verification, performed by the control unit, includes additional safety measures. Furthermore, receiving the activation signal indicating the closed state of the distribution switch can be used to trigger the control unit to, for example, activate a pump or switching valve to initiate the distribution step.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the unlocking step further includes activating a first dispensing switch, and the dispensing step is initiated only if the first and a second dispensing switch are activated within the unlocking time window. The two dispensing switches may be connected in series within the power supply of an electrical component (e.g., a pump or valve controlling the flow of water through a faucet). The electrical component will be connected to the power supply only if both dispensing switches are activated. Therefore, no activation signal needs to be generated and no such signal needs to be sent to the control unit. After the second dispensing switch (also referred to herein as the first dispensing switch) is activated, the control unit monitors the unlocking time window and deactivates the first dispensing switch after the unlocking time window expires, unless the second dispensing switch is not activated within the unlocking time window. If the activation of the second dispensing switch occurs within the unlocking time window, the unlocking time window is terminated without deactivating the first dispensing switch, which will allow the user to continue dispensing water from the faucet.

[0016] The duration of water flow from the faucet can be controlled by a second actuator. Whenever the user actuates the second actuator, the dispensing switch remains closed, and water is dispensed from the faucet. The duration of the dispensing step and the water flow can also be limited to, for example, a preset dispensing time window, which can be monitored and managed by the control unit. Therefore, a short touch or contact of the second actuator can, for example, trigger water flow for up to 5 seconds, while a long touch or contact of the second actuator causes water to be dispensed whenever a long touch or contact is detected.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, actuation of the second actuating element actuates a timer element that deactivates the dispensing switch after a preset timeout period. This timer limits the maximum duration of water dispensing from the faucet and prevents excessive water (especially hot water) from flowing from the faucet. The timer element can operate without any control unit involved, increasing the safety of faucet operation. The timer element can manipulate the dispensing switch to deactivate it and, for example, interrupt the current, resulting in a stop in the water flow from the faucet.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control unit starts a timer when it detects actuation of the first actuating element or at the start of the unlocking time window, and stops the dispensing step and further water dispensing from the faucet after the preset time limit of the timer expires. Therefore, the control unit is also able to monitor and control the duration of water dispensing from the faucet. Even if the timer element operatively connected to the second actuating element malfunctions, the control unit is able to limit the maximum amount of water dispensed after both actuating elements have been properly actuated to begin water dispensing from the faucet. Starting the timer when actuation of the first actuating element is detected or at the start of the unlocking time window can also be used to monitor only the unlocking time window.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the control unit initiates and stops the dispensing steps by activating and deactivating an additional dispensing switch operatively connected to the existing dispensing switch, such that dispensing water from the faucet requires activation of both the existing dispensing switch and the additional dispensing switch. Adding an additional dispensing switch to control water dispensing adds extra safety to the operation of the faucet at a low manufacturing cost. This additional dispensing switch can be a simple and inexpensive device that can be integrated into the faucet without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, utilizing an additional dispensing switch, which can be identical or similar to other dispensing switches, provides additional operational safety for the manufacture or maintenance of the faucet at a low cost. The additional dispensing switch can be connected in series in an electrical circuit that activates or deactivates a pump or valve that begins or stops dispensing water from the faucet.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, a pump or valve distributing water through a faucet is activated by activating a distribution switch and another distribution switch. Both the distribution switch and the other distribution switch may be arranged in series in the electrical circuit, controlling or providing power to an electrical device for controlling the flow of water through the faucet, such as a pump or valve.

[0021] Even when the dispensing switch is activated without involving the control unit, the current state of the dispensing switch and the current state of the timer element actuated by the second actuating element can be monitored by the control unit, or sent to the control unit via corresponding signals or digital information. This allows the control unit to influence the operation of the faucet based on information from all components involved in dispensing water from the faucet.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a system including a faucet as defined in claim 10.

[0023] Faucets with two actuating elements operatively connected to a control unit are known in the prior art. However, the control unit of these faucets is considered a key component for providing operational safety. Therefore, the software of the control unit is considered a fundamental component and part of the faucet's operational safety, leading to high requirements for the software and the corresponding control unit's operational safety. These requirements increase manufacturing costs as well as the work required to test and certify the software used to operate the control unit.

[0024] Therefore, there is a need for a faucet that allows for comfortable actuation by the user and provides reliable and safe operation.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention also relates to such a faucet. A second actuating element is operatively connected to a dispensing switch. The second actuating element can also be configured to transmit an activation signal to a control unit. The system (e.g., the control unit) is configured to initiate a dispensing step in which water is dispensed from the faucet only after successful verification that an activation signal from the second actuating element has been received within an unlocking time window initiated by actuating the first actuating element. The faucet may be provided with an operating device including the first actuating element, the second actuating element, and the control unit.

[0026] By using two actuating elements, a very comfortable and intuitive way to activate the faucet can be provided. However, since the distributor switch only includes hardware not controlled by the control unit, faucet operation requires activation of a switch independent of the control unit, which enhances faucet operation safety. Because the distributor switch does not require expensive hardware or connection to the control unit, it allows for cost-effective faucet manufacturing and also allows for comfortable and safe faucet operation. A reduced unlocking time limit, which can be configured independently via the control unit, can be allowed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit is non-operable connected to the dispensing switch. The control unit may interact with or influence a pump or valve to allow water to be dispensed from a faucet, which is activated by the dispensing switch. However, an operational connection between the dispensing switch and the control unit is not required to provide coordinated interaction between the first and second actuating elements. Furthermore, the non-operable connection of the dispensing switch to the control unit increases operational safety in the event of any failure of the control unit (particularly the software running the control unit).

[0028] However, the second actuating element or distribution switch may generate an activation signal, which is forwarded or monitored by the control unit. Therefore, the operation of the control unit may include information about the current state or state changes of the second actuating element or distribution switch.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second actuating element is configured to actuate a timer element operatively connected to a dispensing switch. The timer element can be used to activate a valve or closing element that stops any further flow of water from the faucet after a preset timeout period. The timer element can also be used to stop or operate any pump used to pump water through the faucet. In this example embodiment, the timer element is not operatively connected to or controlled by a control unit, and therefore provides additional operational safety independent of the control unit.

[0030] However, the control unit can also be configured to include a timer. In addition to a timer element operatively connected to the distribution switch, a timer can be used to provide fault-proof shut-off of any water outflow after at least one time limit of one of the two timer elements has expired. A second time limit can also be preset for the timer element operatively connected to the distribution switch, which can be hardwired or hardware-defined by the timer element. However, it is also possible to use only one of the two timer elements.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is operatively connected to an additional distribution switch. This additional distribution switch can be used to operate a pump or valve that controls the distribution of water through a faucet. Even if the additional distribution switch is controlled and operated by the control unit, it can be easily integrated into the power supply of the pump to turn the pump on or off, which generates water flow through the faucet. Both the distribution switch and the additional distribution switch can comprise the same hardware components. They can be connected in series within the power supply of the pump or electric valve or any other device for controlling water flow through the faucet. Therefore, water is only distributed from the faucet when both distribution switches are activated simultaneously. If either of the two distribution switches is not properly activated, or is deactivated by a corresponding user input or by a trigger of one of the timer elements, this prevents any water from flowing through the faucet. Thus, according to an embodiment of the invention, the pump for distributing water through a faucet is operatively connected to both the distribution switch and the additional distribution switch such that the pump is activated only when both the distribution switch and the additional distribution switch are activated.

[0032] In one embodiment, one or both of the first and second actuating elements include a touch sensor. The touch sensor allows user interaction without requiring moving parts, such as knobs or buttons. By utilizing a touch sensor that can be mounted behind an enclosed surface (e.g., a glass surface or a metal or plastic cover), there are no joints or slits between the actuating elements that must move relative to the faucet housing to function as actuating elements. This avoids the additional measurements required to provide a seal for such a movable actuating element and allows for easy cleaning of the faucet. Due to the widespread use of touch sensors, such sensors are commercially available at low cost and can be easily operated as a standalone actuating element or as an add-on component integrated into the operation of a control unit.

[0033] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a data processing unit configured to run software stored in a program storage unit of the control unit. By modifying the software program operating the control unit, parameters can be easily adjusted, such as adjusting the preset time limit of a first timer element or the operation of the pump according to personal or regional preferences, if such parameters are not modifiable by the user before or after the faucet is installed. In one embodiment, the software program can be updated within the program storage unit to provide enhanced safety measures or additional functions when such additional features become available. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will be more fully understood upon reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and other features will become apparent. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In fact, those skilled in the art will appreciate upon reading the following description and consulting the drawings that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the inventive concept. The same components depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a faucet with an actuating element according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of the power supply to a pump used to control the flow of water through a tap, thereby controlling the operation of the pump by a control unit and a second distribution switch that is not operatively connected to the control unit.

[0037] Figure 3 It shows something similar to Figure 2 A schematic diagram, but including a first timer element and a second timer element; and

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the operation of a faucet is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A faucet 1 as seen by a user is shown. Faucet 1 includes a supply channel 2 and an outlet 3. Water dispensed through faucet 1 is delivered through the supply channel 2 and flows out of the outlet 3. Faucet 1 also includes an operating unit 4. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the operation unit 4 is located near the outlet 3 of the faucet 1. However, the operation unit 4 may also be located away from the outlet 3, or even not be an integral part of the faucet 1, i.e., separately installed, for example, as part of a wall, table, or sink near the faucet 1. The operation unit 4 includes a first actuating element 5, a second actuating element 6, and a third actuating element 7, whereby all actuating elements 5, 6, and 7 are designed as touch sensors. The operation unit 4 also includes a display 8, which can be used to indicate the current operating status of the faucet 1 or, for example, the temperature of the water that can be dispensed by the faucet 1.

[0040] Figure 2 The power supply for pump 9, which controls the flow of water through faucet 1, is schematically shown. The electrical circuit 10 supplying power to pump 9 from power source 11 includes a first distribution switch 12 and a second distribution switch 13 connected in series within the electrical circuit 10. The first distribution switch 12 is controlled and activated by control unit 14.

[0041] The first actuating element 5 is operatively connected to the control unit 14. Any actuation of the first actuating element 5 by the user is monitored by the control unit 14 and forwarded to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 then closes the first distribution switch 12 and begins the unlocking time window. Unless there is no actuation of the second actuating element 6 within the unlocking time window, the first distribution switch 12 returns to the open state, which interrupts any power supply to the electrical line 10 and the pump 9.

[0042] The second actuating element 6 is operatively connected to the second distribution switch 13, such that actuation of the second actuating element 6 by the user activates the second distribution switch 13, which toggles between an open and closed state to control the power supply to the pump 9. Neither the second actuating element 6 nor the second distribution switch 13 is operatively connected to the control unit 14; that is, these components are not controlled by the control unit 14. However, the control unit 14 may be designed to monitor the current state or any changes in state of the second actuating element 6 or the second distribution switch 13.

[0043] As from Figure 2 As can be seen from the schematic diagram, if both the first distribution switch 12 and the second distribution switch 13 are closed, and current can flow from the power source 11 through the electrical circuit 10 to the pump 9 to activate and operate the pump 9 to pump water through the faucet 1, then the pump 9 is only activated, and water is only distributed through the faucet 1. Therefore, in order to distribute hot water from the faucet 1, the user must first actuate the first actuation element 5. Afterward, the user must actuate the second actuation element 6 within the unlocking time window. Only then will both the first distribution switch 12 and the second distribution switch 13 be closed, and power will be transferred from the power source 11 through the electrical circuit 10 to the pump 9, and hot water will be distributed from the faucet 1.

[0044] Using the embodiment of the faucet 1 shown in the figure, the method for operating the faucet 1 can be implemented as follows: Actuation of the first actuating element 5 initiates the unlocking step and begins the unlocking time window. The unlocking time window is managed and monitored by the control unit 14. Furthermore, the first dispensing switch 12 is closed. During the activation step, actuation of the second actuating element 6 activates the second dispensing switch 13. If the second dispensing switch 13 is closed within the unlocking time window, the dispensing step is initiated, and water is dispensed through the faucet 1 by activating the pump 9.

[0045] If cold water is to be dispensed, the user can activate the third actuation element 7, which activates the dispensing of cold water through the faucet 1.

[0046] When the pump 9 is used to dispense hot or cold water through the tap 1, the control unit 14 can be used to operate a valve device or switch device that operatively connects the pump 9 to the hot or cold water storage tank.

[0047] according to Figure 3 In another embodiment shown, a first distributing switch 12 is operatively connected to a first timer element 15, and a second distributing switch 13 is operatively connected to a second timer element 16. Both timer elements 15 and 16 can be activated by closing the corresponding first distributing switch 12 or second distributing switch 13, and can be used to disconnect the corresponding first distributing switch 12 or second distributing switch 13 after a preset time limit for the first timer element 15 and the second timer element 16 has expired. Therefore, even in the event of some malfunction in the control unit 14 or caused by the user, the duration of water flowing through the faucet 1 is limited. The preset time limit can be, for example, 60 seconds. The time limit of the first timer element 15, which is operatively connected to the control unit 14 when the faucet 1 is installed, or operatively connected to the control unit 14 via the operating unit 4 at any time during the use of the faucet 1, can also be reduced.

[0048] according to Figure 4 In another embodiment shown, the method for operating faucet 1 differs from the reference method. Figure 2 The method described is as follows: During the unlocking step, only the control unit 14 initiates and monitors the unlocking time window, but the first distribution switch 12 is not closed simultaneously. After the second distribution switch 13 is activated, the activation signal is forwarded to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 closes the first distribution switch 12 only upon verification that the activation signal has been received within the unlocking time window, which causes current to flow through the electrical circuit 10 and the pump 9 dispensing water from the faucet 1. The unlocking time window can be monitored using a dedicated timer element 17 or, for example, using a first timer element 15.

Claims

1. A method of operating a faucet (1), wherein the electrical circuit (10) is part of a power supply for an electric pump (9) or an electric valve for dispensing water through the faucet (1), the method comprising: The dispensing step, in which water is dispensed from the tap (1); The initiation of the dispensing step requires actuation of the first actuating element (5) and the second actuating element (6); and In the actuation step, the actuation of the first actuation element (5) is detected by the control unit (14); The actuation step includes an unlocking step, in which the control unit (14) initiates an unlocking time window when the actuation of the first actuation element (5) is detected. The actuation step further includes an activation step, in which the actuation of the second actuation element (6) activates the first distribution switch (13), and The allocation step is initiated only if the activation step is triggered within the unlock time window. Its features are, Activating the first distribution switch (13) by actuating the second actuating element (6) to close the electrical circuit (10) is mandatory for operating the pump (9) or valve, and is performed in the activation step without involving the control unit (14).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unlocking step also includes activating the second allocation switch (12); and The allocation step is initiated only if the first allocation switch (13) and the second allocation switch (12) are activated within the unlocking time window.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuation of the second actuating element (6) actuates the timer element (16), which deactivates the first distribution switch (13) after the preset time limit of the timer element (16) expires.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit (14) starts a timer (15; 17) when it detects the actuation of the first actuating element (5) or at the start of the unlocking time window; and The control unit (14) stops the dispensing step and stops dispensing water from the tap (1) after the preset time limit of the timer (15; 17) expires.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The faucet (1) is a hot water faucet.

6. A system comprising a faucet (1) and an operating device, the operating device comprising a first actuating element (5), a second actuating element (6) and a control unit (14). The first actuating element (5) is operatively connected to the control unit (14). The second actuating element (6) is operatively connected to the first distributing switch (13); and The control unit (14) is configured to initiate the water dispensing step from the faucet (1) only after successfully verifying that an activation signal from the second actuation element (6) has been received within the unlocking time window initiated by actuating the first actuation element (5), characterized in that, The control unit (14) is operatively connected to the second distribution switch (12), and The system also includes a pump (9) for distributing water via a tap (1), the pump (9) being operatively connected to a second distribution switch (12) and a first distribution switch (13) such that the pump (9) is activated only when both the second distribution switch (12) and the first distribution switch (13) are activated.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit (14) is not operatively connected to the first distribution switch (13).

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The second actuating element (6) is configured to actuate a timer element (16), which is operatively connected to the first distribution switch (13).

9. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The control unit (14) is configured to include a timer.

10. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, One or both of the first actuating element (5) and the second actuating element (6) include a touch sensor.

11. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The control unit (14) includes a data processing unit configured to run a software program stored in a program storage unit of the control unit (14).

12. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The faucet (1) is a hot water faucet.

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