Proximity switch detection assembly and faucet with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a proximity switch detection assembly and a faucet with the same, the proximity switch detection assembly is used for conducting switch detection on the movement stroke of an object in a linear continuous shape and comprises a sleeve sliding pair, the sleeve sliding pair has the movement stroke in the first direction and the movement stroke in the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction deviate from each other. The sleeve sliding pair is used for allowing an object in a linear continuous shape to penetrate and extend and receiving one-way force applied by the object to generate a moving stroke in the first direction, the moving stroke in the second direction of the sleeve sliding pair can be continuously reset, the moving stroke is received, and a switching signal is generated and output. When the faucet is applied to the field of faucets, the continuity of a water outlet pipeline is guaranteed, the problem of water leakage is avoided, and the production and assembly procedures are omitted; moreover, the device is suitable for various application occasions in which switching signals are triggered by drawing linear continuous objects, and the type of the inductor can be flexibly selected according to the condition of equipment to be used, the accuracy requirement, the installation space, the cost consideration and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a proximity switch detection component and a faucet with the component. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, the requirements for home life are also gradually increasing. The pull-out faucet is a water outlet faucet that has appeared in recent years. Compared with traditional faucets, not only can the nozzle be pulled out to expand the cleaning area, but the nozzle can also be freely rotated to clean dead corners of objects. At present, conventional pull-out faucets still use the previous method of controlling water outlet by blocking the induction with a manual valve or an infrared sensor. In the intelligent control faucet disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent authorization announcement number CN204664566U and CN203927007U, a method of controlling the opening and closing of the water channel by pulling out the water outlet pipe is proposed. It mainly uses a magnetic starting mechanism (magnet + demagnetizing sheet) mounted on the water outlet pipe or a magnet relatively close to or away from the reed switch to control the on and off of the signal. Since the water outlet pipe will rotate in the curved pipe, the structure of the trap-type demagnetizing sheet 721 in the embodiment of CN204664566U or the sleeve-type magnet 72 in the embodiment of CN203927007U is to ensure that the trigger magnetic field of the reed switch can be offset or generated regardless of how the water outlet pipe rotates. However, since the water outlet pipe is usually a braided hose with joints at both ends, in order to reliably sleeve the magnetic starting mechanism or magnet of the sleeve structure on the water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe needs to be cut, and then the magnetic starting mechanism and the two sections of the water outlet pipe are connected with a joint, which will cause the risk of water leakage in the water pipe. In addition, since the pull-out faucet will inevitably cause the pipeline to shake in the gap space of the curved pipe when in use, if a magnetic starting mechanism is to be used, a certain strong magnetic force is required to ensure the accuracy of signal control, which will inevitably cause the strong magnetic field to interfere with the normal operation of other electronic control components in the faucet, such as infrared sensors. How to improve these defects and propose a safer and more applicable pull-out triggered faucet is currently a common problem in the industry. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, in view of the above problems, after the inventors' intensive research, the present invention proposes a proximity switch detection component with optimized structure and a faucet having the component.

[0004] The present invention is implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0005] The present invention provides a proximity switch detection assembly for detecting the active stroke of an object with a linear continuous shape, comprising a sleeve sliding pair, the sleeve sliding pair having an active stroke in a first direction and a second direction that are mutually divergent, the sleeve sliding pair being used for allowing the object with a linear continuous shape to pass through and receive a unidirectional force applied thereto to generate an active stroke in the first direction, the active stroke in the second direction of the sleeve sliding pair being able to be continuously reset, and receiving the active stroke and generating a switch signal output;

[0006] The device further comprises a fixed support, a movable sleeve, an elastic reset element, an expanding element and a receiving element, wherein the fixed support is fixedly arranged, the fixed support comprises a fixed sleeve, the fixed sleeve has a passage for a straight continuous shape object to pass through, and defines two ends of the passage as a first end and a second end, corresponding to the first direction and the second direction;

[0007] The movable sleeve is movably sleeved on the fixed sleeve so as to be able to make linear reciprocating motion toward the first end or the second end relative to the fixed sleeve and has a motion stroke;

[0008] The fixed bracket and the movable sleeve form the sleeve sliding pair;

[0009] The elastic reset element is used to achieve the reset, and includes a first force-applying end and a second force-applying end, wherein the first force-applying end and the second force-applying end act on the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve respectively, so that the elastic reset element generates an elastic restoring force against the movement of the movable sleeve toward the first end, and the elastic restoring force is in a direction toward the second end;

[0010] The expansion element is used to realize the unidirectional force application, and the expansion element is used to be fixedly installed at at least one position of the object with a straight continuous shape, so that when the object with a straight continuous shape moves toward the first end in the channel of the fixed sleeve, the expansion element applies pressure to the movable sleeve and generates a stroke of movement relative to the fixed sleeve;

[0011] The receiving element is used to receive the movable stroke and generate a switch signal output. The receiving element is installed in a range that is roughly equivalent to the movable sleeve's movement stroke, so that when the movable sleeve performs linear reciprocating motion, the receiving element can receive its stroke change and generate a switch signal output;

[0012] The movable sleeve comprises a vertically arranged tube body, the inner cavity of the tube body is a through axial hole, the end of the tube body facing the first direction has a first tube opening, and the end of the tube body facing the second direction has a second tube opening, and the movable sleeve also comprises an extension portion fixedly connected to the outer side of the tube body and extending in the first direction or the second direction;

[0013] The receiving element is a proximity sensor arranged in the movement path of the extension part of the movable sleeve. According to the up and down movement position of the movable sleeve, the extension part will be close to or away from the proximity sensor, thereby generating two switch signals of on and off.

[0014] Wherein, the receiving element is a Hall sensor assembly arranged below the extension portion of the movable sleeve, and the Hall sensor assembly includes a magnet connected to the lower end of the extension portion, and a reed switch arranged below the magnet. When the extension portion moves, the magnet is driven to move. Due to the Hall effect, when the magnet approaches or moves away from the reed switch, the reed switch will be opened and closed, thereby generating a switch signal.

[0015] Wherein, the receiving element is a capacitive sensing component arranged below the extension part of the movable sleeve, and the capacitive sensing component includes a conductive rubber skin connected to the lower end of the extension part, and a capacitor arranged below the conductive rubber skin. When the extension part moves, the conductive rubber skin is driven to move. When the conductive rubber skin approaches or moves away from the capacitor, it will cause the capacitance of the capacitor to change, thereby generating different signals.

[0016] The second pipe opening has a reduced diameter portion extending radially toward the center of the circle, and the expanding element applies pressure to the reduced diameter portion of the movable sleeve to cause the movable sleeve to move relative to the fixed sleeve.

[0017] Wherein, the fixed sleeve is a hollow tube body, and has a protrusion extending outward along the outer tube wall of the fixed sleeve for the first force-applying end of the elastic reset element to act on. The elastic reset element is a compression spring, and one end of the compression spring acts as the first force-applying end to abut against the protrusion, and the other end acts as the second force-applying end to abut against the reduced diameter portion.

[0018] Wherein, the protrusion is an annular raised shoulder on the outer tube wall of the fixing sleeve.

[0019] Wherein, the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are provided with a limiting mechanism for limiting the range of the movement stroke of the movable sleeve.

[0020] Wherein, the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are provided with circumferential limiting mechanisms for limiting the rotation of the movable sleeve relative to the fixed sleeve.

[0021] Based on the above-mentioned proximity switch detection component, the present invention also proposes a faucet, including a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and a control system for controlling the water inlet and / or water outlet method, the water outlet pipe can be pulled, and also includes the above-mentioned proximity switch detection component, the proximity switch detection component is used to perform switch detection on the active stroke of pulling the water outlet pipe, generate a switch signal and transmit it to the control system, and the control system controls the water inlet and / or water outlet method according to the switch signal.

[0022] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: the present invention does not need to cut the pipeline to install the proximity switch detection component. When applied in the field of faucets, the continuity of the water outlet pipeline is guaranteed, water leakage is avoided, and the production and assembly process is saved; the present invention has stronger applicability, and the proximity switch detection component provided by the present invention is suitable for various applications where the switch signal is triggered by pulling a straight continuous shape object. In addition, various proximity, interruption sensors or pressure-triggered mechanical switches can be used, and the sensor type can be flexibly selected according to the equipment conditions to be used, accuracy requirements, installation space and cost considerations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure and water flow direction of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a faucet body of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the proximity switch detection component at A in the middle (part 1);

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fixed sleeve of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the internal plug-in tooth structure of a faucet body of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a clamping ring of a pull-out faucet in Example 1 (Part 1);

[0031] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram of a clamping ring of a pull-out faucet in Example 1 (part 2);

[0032] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a sliding sleeve of a pull-out faucet in Example 1;

[0033] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the clamping ring, the fixed sleeve, the sliding sleeve and the compression spring in Example 1;

[0034] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a switch detection component in Example 2;

[0035] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of the switch detection component in Example 3.

[0036] Description of labels:

[0037] 1-faucet body; 2-elbow; 3-spray head; 4-handle; 5-controller; 6-weight; 7-outlet pipe; 8-cold water inlet pipe; 9-hot water inlet pipe; 11-infrared sensor; 100-plug-in gear;

[0038] 12- snap ring; 120- circular protrusion; 121, 122- snap ring;

[0039] 13-sliding sleeve; 131-tube body; 132-extension portion; 133-limiting groove; 134-axial hole; 135-clamping portion; 136-upper end; 14-fixed sleeve; 141-sleeve tube; 142-round base; 143-shaft shoulder; 144-limiting pin; 145-joint groove;

[0040] 16-compression spring;

[0041] 18-ultrasonic sensor assembly; 181-ultrasonic sensor; 182-second reflector;

[0042] 19-Hall sensor assembly; 191-magnet; 192-reed switch;

[0043] 21-capacitive sensing component; 211-conductive rubber; 212-capacitor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention, which are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these contents, a person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and advantages of the present invention. The components in the figures are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0045] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0046] Embodiment 1:

[0047] See also Figure 1-Figure 12 As shown, this embodiment provides a pull-out faucet, which mainly includes a faucet body 1, a curved pipe 2, a spray head 3, a handle 4, a controller 5, a weight 6, a water outlet pipe 7, a cold water inlet pipe 8, a hot water inlet pipe 9 and an infrared sensor 11.

[0048] Among them, the cold water inlet pipe 8 and the hot water inlet pipe 9 are connected to the manual valve core inside the faucet body 1, and the opening and closing of the manual valve core is controlled by the handle 4. The controller 5 is connected in series to the pipeline of the water outlet pipe 7, and the controller 5 is built with a solenoid valve (not shown) to control the on and off of the water outlet pipe 7. The infrared sensor 11 is used to sense the approach of the hand and generate a switch signal to the controller 5, and then the controller 5 triggers the built-in solenoid valve to switch on and off. The water outlet pipe 7 is usually a pipe made of soft material, which extends into the curved pipe 2. One end of the water outlet pipe 7 is connected to the nozzle 3 at the end of the curved pipe 2, and the water outlet pipe 7 is located under the countertop. A weight 6 needs to be wrapped and fixed on its outer periphery to generate gravity downward pulling force. In some use cases, the faucet of the embodiment is used to wash different positions of the countertop by pulling out the water outlet pipe 7 by pulling out the spray head 3. After use, the spray head 3 is released, and the weight 6 generates a downward pulling force by its gravity to drive the water outlet pipe 7 to move downward back to the original position, so that the spray head 3 returns to the position of the end of the curved pipe 2. For the convenience of the following description, the pull-out faucet is defined in this embodiment as being installed after the countertop is washed, with the side facing the upper side of the countertop being the upper side, and the side facing the lower side of the countertop being the lower side.

[0049] Similar to the technical solutions in announcement numbers CN204664566U and CN203927007U, in order to realize an additional control method, the action of the pull-out or return nozzle 3 can generate a switch signal to the controller 5, and then the controller 5 triggers the built-in solenoid valve to generate an on-off switch to open or close the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 7. This embodiment is also provided with another set of switch detection components that can detect the action of the pull-out or return nozzle 3 and generate a switch signal.

[0050] The switch detection component includes:

[0051] A fixed bracket, the fixed bracket has a passage for a tubular (or linear, cable-like, or other straight continuous shape) object to pass through, and the fixed bracket is fixedly installed to serve as a combined base of the switch detection assembly. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the shape of the above-mentioned fixed bracket is the shape of the fixed sleeve 14 shown in the figure of the embodiment that can match the inside of the faucet body 1 to achieve fixed setting, and the fixed sleeve 14 basically includes a vertical sleeve tube 141 and a circular base 142 located at the lower end of the sleeve tube 141, wherein the circular base 142 has a plug-in groove 145, and the inside of the faucet body 1 has a plug-in tooth 100 matching the plug-in groove 145, and the fixed sleeve 14 is plugged with the plug-in tooth 100 in the faucet body 1 by its plug-in groove 145, and its circular base 142 is stuck on the inner cavity wall of the faucet body 1, thereby being fixed on the faucet body 1. Conventionally, the faucet body 1 can be installed above the installation table of the faucet, so the fixed sleeve 14 is also fixed relative to the installation table. The water outlet pipe 7 is arranged through the sleeve tube 141 of the fixed sleeve 14, and the outer diameter of the water outlet pipe 7 is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve tube 141, so that the water outlet pipe 7 can slide up and down inside the sleeve tube 141. The plug-in groove 145 and the plug-in teeth 100 can be formed by casting. In other embodiments, the fixed sleeve 14 can be fixedly connected to the faucet body 1 by any other fixed connection method (such as adhesive fixation), but the plug-in method used in this embodiment saves manufacturing processes and is convenient for installation.

[0052] A movable sleeve, which is sleeved on the fixed support and can perform linear reciprocating motion on the fixed support. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the movable sleeve is the sliding sleeve 13 that is movably sleeved on the fixed sleeve 14 as shown in the figure of the embodiment, so that the sliding sleeve 13 has a through shaft hole 134 and can slide up and down relative to the fixed sleeve 14. The sliding sleeve 13 includes a tube body 131 and an extension portion 132 fixed thereto. The sliding sleeve 13 is sleeved on the sleeve tube 141 of the fixed sleeve 14 with the tube body 131. The outer wall of the tube body 131 is directly integrally formed with the extension portion 132 extending downward. The tube body 131 has a reduced diameter portion extending radially toward the center of the circle at the barrel mouth of the upper end thereof to form the upper end 136 of the tube body 131.

[0053] An elastic reset element is installed on the fixed bracket, and when the movable sleeve moves along one end (downward or upward) of the fixed bracket along a linear direction, the elastic reset element can generate an elastic restoring force toward the other end (upward or downward) to resist the movement of the movable sleeve. For example, in this embodiment, the elastic reset element is a compression spring 16 sleeved on the sleeve tube 141 of the fixed sleeve 14, and the two force-applying ends of the compression spring 16 act on the sliding sleeve 13 and the fixed sleeve 14 respectively. Fig.12In order to save installation space, the compression spring 16 is installed inside the sliding sleeve 13. A shoulder 143 is provided on the sleeve tube 141 of the fixed sleeve 14 for one end of the compression spring 16 (as the first force application end) to abut against, and the other end of the compression spring 16 (as the second force application end) abuts against the upper end 136 of the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13, that is, the reduced diameter portion of the shaft hole 134 extending radially toward the center of the circle. When the sliding sleeve 13 slides downward, the compression spring 16 is compressed, so that the compression spring 16 generates an upward elastic restoring force. In this embodiment, the shoulder 143 is an annular protrusion on the outer tube wall of the fixed sleeve 14; the shoulder 143 can also be a plurality of protrusions arranged along the circumference of the outer tube wall of the fixed sleeve 14.

[0054] It should be noted that the compression spring 16 can also be implemented by other elastic reset elements such as air springs or tension ropes. In addition, the elastic reset element can also be implemented by a tension spring, as long as the action positions of the sliding sleeve 13 and the fixed sleeve 14 are interchanged. And in the application of other embodiments, it can also be based on the different forms of the elastic reset element adopted, without being limited to the above-mentioned shoulder 143 and the upper end 136 of the tube body 131 as the force application end of the elastic reset element. As long as it can generate potential energy to move toward the other end to resist the movement of the movable sleeve and the corresponding elastic fixed end structure similar to the above-mentioned shoulder 143 and the upper end 136 of the tube body 131 are feasible solutions, for example, the elastic member is implemented by a spring sheet, and the above-mentioned shoulder 143 and the upper end 136 of the tube body 131 are replaced by a groove for clamping the spring sheet, which is one of the feasible solutions, and so on.

[0055] An expansion element is installed at at least one position of a tubular (or linear, cable-like, or other straight continuous shape) object passing through the passage of the fixed bracket. When the tubular object moves, the expansion element can apply pressure to the movable sleeve to make it produce a linear motion stroke relative to the fixed bracket. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the expansion element is a clamping ring 12 clamped on the water outlet pipe 7. The clamping ring 12 includes two matching "U"-shaped clamping rings 121 and 122. The clamping ring 121 has a clamping block, and the clamping ring 122 has a clamping groove. The maximum outer diameter of the clamping ring 12 is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the shaft hole of the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13. When the water outlet pipe 7 moves downward, the clamp ring 12 fixed thereon is driven to move downward at the same time. Since the clamp ring 12 has a larger diameter than the water outlet pipe 7, the clamp ring 12 can contact the upper end 136 of the sliding sleeve 13 when moving downward, thereby applying pressure to the sliding sleeve 13, forcing the sliding sleeve 13 to produce a linear motion stroke (slide downward) relative to the fixed bracket. In this embodiment, in order to make the clamp ring 12 more stably fixed on the water outlet pipe 7 and not easily shifted, circular protrusions 120 are provided on the inner sides of the clamping rings 121 and 122. When the clamp ring 12 clamps the water outlet pipe 7, the circular protrusions 120 simultaneously press against the water outlet pipe 7, so that the clamp ring 12 is more stably fixed on the installation position of the water outlet pipe 7.

[0056] A receiving element is mounted on a fixed bracket. When the movable sleeve is relatively far away from or close to the receiving element, the receiving element can receive the stroke change and generate a switch signal output. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the receiving element is an ultrasonic sensor assembly 18 disposed below the extension portion 132 of the sliding sleeve 13, and the ultrasonic sensor assembly 18 includes a second reflector 182 connected to the lower end of the extension portion 132, and an ultrasonic sensor 181 disposed below the second reflector 182. In this embodiment, when the extension portion 132 moves, it approaches or moves away from the ultrasonic sensor 181 according to its movement position, and the ultrasonic sensor 181 obtains ultrasonic feedback of different durations, thereby generating different signals. The ultrasonic sensor 181 can be electrically connected to the controller 5, and the switch signal is transmitted to the controller 5, and the controller 5 controls the water flow of the water outlet pipe 7 to open and close according to the switch signal.

[0057] In order to save installation space, the infrared sensor 11 is also installed on the circular base 142 of the fixed sleeve 14, and the ultrasonic sensor 181 is installed on the outer upper end of the box body of the infrared sensor 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the water outlet pipe 7 is driven by the weight 6 to synchronously drive the clamp ring 12 fixed thereon to move downward, and contacts the sliding sleeve 13, and applies pressure to the sliding sleeve 13, forcing the sliding sleeve 13 to slide downward. When the sliding sleeve 13 slides downward, it will compress the compression spring 16, causing the compression spring 16 to generate an upward elastic restoring force (storing elastic potential energy). At this time, the water outlet pipe 7 is pulled upward again, and the sliding sleeve 13 that is not compressed by the clamp ring 12 will be bounced upward and reset due to the elastic restoring force (releasing elastic potential energy) of the compression spring 16. In order to control the movement stroke of the sliding sleeve 13 after being bounced upward (that is, to prevent the sliding sleeve 13 from being bounced away), an annular clamping portion 135 that extends radially toward the center of the circle is provided on the inner side of the lower end of the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13 (it can also be replaced by a plurality of protruding blocks arranged along the circumference on the inner side of the lower end of the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13). ), the minimum diameter of the annular clamping portion 135 is slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the shoulder 143 on the fixed sleeve 14 (excluding the limit pin 144 on the shoulder 143), the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13 is usually made of elastic plastic material, when the sliding sleeve 13 is installed on the fixed sleeve 14, pressure is applied downward to the sliding sleeve 13, and the lower end of the tube body 131 is pushed and deformed outward to make the annular clamping portion 135 pass over the shoulder 143, and then reset, so that the sliding sleeve 13 will be limited by the shoulder 143 when it moves upward.

[0059] Since the water outlet pipe 7 is easily displaced or even rotated when the pull-out faucet is in use, in order to improve the stability and accuracy of the signal triggering action, as a preferred implementation scheme of this embodiment, a circumferential limiting structure is added to limit the water outlet pipe 7 and the sliding sleeve 13 in the circumferential direction, so as to prevent the rotation of the water outlet pipe 7 from driving the sliding sleeve 13 to rotate relative to the fixed sleeve 14. Therefore, a U-shaped limiting groove 133 is provided on the sliding sleeve 13, and a limiting pin 144 is protruded on the fixed sleeve 14 (such as at the position of the shoulder 143). When the sliding sleeve 13 is sleeved on the fixed sleeve 14, the limiting pin 144 falls into the limiting groove 133. The limiting pin 144 can not only limit the rotation of the sliding sleeve 13, but also limit the distance that the sliding sleeve 13 slides downward. In this embodiment, for better limiting, the number of the limiting pin 144 and the limiting groove 133 is 2 matching groups, distributed at 180 degrees.

[0060] In this embodiment, the sliding sleeve 13 moves toward the lower end of the fixed sleeve 14 to a position as the first state (initial static state) of the proximity switch detection assembly, and the sliding sleeve 13 is pushed and reset toward the upper end by the elastic restoring force of the elastic reset element (compression spring 16) as the second state (dynamic state) of the proximity switch detection assembly, for illustration. In other application occasions, the upper end and the lower end and the corresponding first state and second state of the proximity switch detection assembly can also be interchanged. In addition, although the installation position of the receiving element in this embodiment is located at the lower end of the linear movement path of the sliding sleeve 13 as an example for illustration, those skilled in the art can replace the installation position of the receiving element to the upper end of the linear movement stroke of the sliding sleeve 13 according to actual needs; and, in addition to the fixed bracket, the installation and fixing object of the receiving element can also be selected to be installed on other components that do not participate in the movement, such as the inner wall of the faucet body 1. In addition, in this example, the sliding sleeve 13, the fixed sleeve 14, the channel of the fixed sleeve 14 and the water outlet pipe 7 are all circular in shape, and may also be square or hexagonal in other applications.

[0061] The working principle of the pull-out faucet in this embodiment is as follows:

[0062] When the faucet is not in use, due to the gravity of the weight 6, the water outlet pipe 7 is pulled downward, and the clamp 12 fixed on the water outlet pipe 7 applies pressure to the sliding sleeve 13, forcing the sliding sleeve 13 to slide downward. At this time, the compression spring 16 is compressed. Due to the elastic restoring force of the compression spring 16, after the sliding sleeve 13 slides downward for a certain distance, the compression spring is compressed into place and / or the limit pin 144 abuts against the limit groove 133 and / or the extension 132 abuts against the receiving element (the outer upper end of the infrared sensor 11 box body in the embodiment), then the entire proximity switch detection assembly remains stationary. At this time, the extension portion 132 of the sliding sleeve 13 is close to the ultrasonic sensor 181, and the ultrasonic sensor 181 receives ultrasonic feedback.

[0063] After pulling the nozzle 3, the water outlet pipe 7 moves upward, and the retaining ring 12 also moves upward at the same time. The sliding sleeve 13 slides upward without being pressed by the retaining ring 12 due to the upward elastic restoring force of the compression spring 16. When the extension portion 132 moves upward, it moves away from the ultrasonic sensor 181, and the ultrasonic sensor 181 cannot receive ultrasonic feedback.

[0064] By pulling out the water outlet pipe 7, the movement of the sliding sleeve 13 is caused, and the on-off of the ultrasonic sensor 181 signal is formed. The ultrasonic sensor 181 can be electrically connected to the controller 5, and the signal is transmitted to the controller 5. The controller 5 opens and closes the electromagnetic valve according to the on-off of the signal, thereby opening or closing the water outlet. When in use, pull the nozzle 3, the water outlet pipe 7 can discharge water or delay the water discharge or not discharge water, and put the nozzle 3 back to turn off the water, so as to achieve multiple working modes such as "pulling out water-putting back to stop water", "pulling out delayed water discharge-putting back to stop water", "pulling out no water-putting back to stop water" and so on. In addition, if the controller 5 is connected to the water inlet pipeline, it can also control the water inlet mode of the cold water inlet pipe 8 and the hot water inlet pipe 9.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, an infrared sensor 11 is also provided as a signal generator. The infrared sensor 11 can form various logic signals with the ultrasonic sensor 181 to achieve different water outlet and water shut-off effects. For example, water is discharged after the nozzle 3 is pulled out, and then the infrared sensor 11 is blocked to shut off the water. The water outlet and water shut-off effects under various different logics are obvious and achievable to those skilled in the art based on the technical basis provided by this embodiment.

[0066] Embodiment 2:

[0067] See also Fig.12 As shown, similar to the proximity switch detection assembly in Example 1, this embodiment provides another proximity switch detection assembly, which is applied to a pull-out faucet. Its structure is substantially the same as the proximity switch detection assembly in Example 1, except that the structure of the receiving element is different:

[0068] In this embodiment, a Hall sensor assembly 19 is disposed below the extension portion 132 of the sliding sleeve 13 , and includes a magnet 191 connected to the lower end of the extension portion 132 , and a reed switch 192 disposed below the magnet 191 .

[0069] When the extension portion 132 moves, the magnet 191 is driven to move. Due to the Hall effect, when the magnet 191 approaches or moves away from the reed switch 192, the reed switch 192 is opened or closed, thereby generating a switch signal.

[0070] This embodiment has another feasible alternative solution, which may be:

[0071] Similar to the signal collection method in the background technology that uses a magnetic starting mechanism (magnet + demagnetizing sheet) sleeved on the water outlet pipe or a magnet relatively close to or away from a reed switch to control the on and off of the signal, the extension portion 132 and the circumferential limiting structure (limiting groove 133 and limiting pin 144) are not provided, but an annular magnet (or demagnetizing sheet) is directly installed at the lower end of the tube body 131 of the sliding sleeve 13, and a reed switch (or magnet + reed switch) is also provided at the lower end of the moving path of the tube body 131 on the fixed bracket to achieve a similar technical effect of controlling the on and off of the signal. Compared with the solution mentioned in the background technology, although this alternative solution can avoid the problem of water leakage caused by cutting the water pipe, the corresponding magnetic field interference problem still exists. At the same time, compared with Fig.12 For the best implementation scheme in the above, a larger magnet or degaussing sheet is required for installation, which increases the manufacturing cost to a certain extent. Therefore, in actual use, it is recommended to use Fig.12 The best embodiment shown.

[0072] The receiving element of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is a proximity sensor type.

[0073] Embodiment 3:

[0074] See also Fig.13 As shown, similar to the proximity switch detection assembly in Example 1, this embodiment provides another proximity switch detection assembly, which is applied to a pull-out faucet. Its structure is substantially the same as the proximity switch detection assembly in Example 1, except that the structure of the receiving element is different:

[0075] In this embodiment, a capacitive sensing assembly 21 is disposed below the extension portion 132 of the sliding sleeve 13 , and includes a conductive rubber skin 211 connected to the lower end of the extension portion 132 , and a capacitor 212 disposed below the conductive rubber skin 211 .

[0076] When the extension portion 132 moves, the conductive rubber skin 211 is driven to move. When the conductive rubber skin 211 approaches or moves away from the capacitor 212 , the capacitance of the capacitor 212 changes, thereby generating different signals.

[0077] The receiving element of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiments 1 and 2, and is a type of proximity sensor.

[0078] The above-mentioned embodiments illustrate the application of the proximity switch detection assembly provided by the present invention in a pull-out faucet. However, the proximity switch detection assembly provided by the present invention is applicable to various applications where a switch signal is triggered by pulling out a tubular (or linear, cable-like, or other straight continuous shape) object, for example:

[0079] 1. Applied to car washing machines, the switch signal is triggered by pulling the water pipe to control the switch of the car washing machine to spray water.

[0080] 2. Applied to nitrogen spray guns, the switch signal is triggered by pulling the air pipe to control the switch of the nitrogen spray gun to spray nitrogen.

[0081] It should be noted that the proximity switch detection component of the present invention will adopt fixed brackets, movable sleeves, elastic reset elements, expansion elements and receiving elements of different structural forms according to different application scenarios, as well as pull-out tubular (or linear continuous shapes such as wires and cables) objects installed in different structural forms.

[0082] Compared with the technical solutions in announcement numbers CN204664566U and CN203927007U, the progress of the present invention lies in: first, it is not necessary to cut the water outlet pipeline to install the sensing device, which ensures the continuity of the water outlet pipeline, avoids the problem of water leakage, and saves the production and assembly process; second, if the preferred solution of the circumferential limit structure is adopted, it can further solve the problem that the water outlet pipeline is easily affected by rotation and shaking, which affects the accuracy of signal triggering. Even if the present invention also uses a Hall sensor (Example 2) to trigger the switch signal, it is not necessary to use a magnet with a strong magnetic field to avoid affecting the operation of the remaining electronic control components in the device. Third, the applicability of the present invention is stronger. The proximity switch detection component provided by the present invention is suitable for various applications where the switch signal is triggered by pulling a straight continuous shape object (such as the above-mentioned car washing machine and nitrogen spray gun). In addition, various proximity sensors can be used, and the sensor type can be flexibly selected according to the equipment conditions, accuracy requirements, installation space and cost considerations to be used.

[0083] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A proximity switch detection component for detecting the movement of an object with a straight continuous shape, characterized in that: The sleeve sliding pair comprises a sleeve sliding pair, the sleeve sliding pair has a movable stroke in a first direction and a second direction which are in directions opposite to each other, the sleeve sliding pair is used for allowing the object of the linear continuous shape to pass through and receive the unidirectional force thereof to generate the movable stroke in the first direction, the movable stroke in the second direction of the sleeve sliding pair can be continuously reset, and the movable stroke is received and a switch signal output is generated; The device further comprises a fixed support, a movable sleeve, an elastic reset element, an expanding element and a receiving element, wherein the fixed support is fixedly arranged, the fixed support comprises a fixed sleeve, the fixed sleeve has a passage for a straight continuous shape object to pass through, and defines two ends of the passage as a first end and a second end, corresponding to the first direction and the second direction; The movable sleeve is movably sleeved on the fixed sleeve so as to be able to make linear reciprocating motion toward the first end or the second end relative to the fixed sleeve and has a motion stroke; The fixed bracket and the movable sleeve form the sleeve sliding pair; The elastic reset element is used to achieve the reset, and includes a first force-applying end and a second force-applying end, wherein the first force-applying end and the second force-applying end act on the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve respectively, so that the elastic reset element generates an elastic restoring force against the movement of the movable sleeve toward the first end, and the elastic restoring force is in a direction toward the second end; The expansion element is used to realize the unidirectional force application, and the expansion element is used to be fixedly installed at at least one position of the object with a straight continuous shape, so that when the object with a straight continuous shape moves toward the first end in the channel of the fixed sleeve, the expansion element applies pressure to the movable sleeve and generates a stroke of movement relative to the fixed sleeve; The receiving element is used to receive the movable stroke and generate a switch signal output. The receiving element is installed in a range that is roughly equivalent to the movable sleeve's movement stroke, so that when the movable sleeve performs linear reciprocating motion, the receiving element can receive its stroke change and generate a switch signal output; The movable sleeve comprises a vertically arranged tube body, the inner cavity of the tube body is a through axial hole, the end of the tube body facing the first direction has a first tube opening, and the end of the tube body facing the second direction has a second tube opening, and the movable sleeve also comprises an extension portion fixedly connected to the outer side of the tube body and extending in the first direction or the second direction; The receiving element is a proximity sensor arranged in the movement path of the extension part of the movable sleeve. According to the up and down movement position of the movable sleeve, the extension part will be close to or away from the proximity sensor, thereby generating two switch signals of on and off.

2. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving element is a Hall sensor assembly arranged below the extension portion of the movable sleeve. The Hall sensor assembly includes a magnet connected to the lower end of the extension portion and a reed switch arranged below the magnet. When the extension portion moves, the magnet is driven to move. Due to the Hall effect, when the magnet approaches or moves away from the reed switch, the reed switch will be opened and closed, thereby generating a switch signal.

3. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving element is a capacitive sensing assembly arranged below the extension portion of the movable sleeve. The capacitive sensing assembly includes a conductive rubber skin connected to the lower end of the extension portion, and a capacitor arranged below the conductive rubber skin. When the extension portion moves, the conductive rubber skin is driven to move. When the conductive rubber skin approaches or moves away from the capacitor, the capacitance of the capacitor will change, thereby generating different signals.

4. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second pipe opening has a reduced diameter portion extending radially toward the center of the circle, and the expanding element applies pressure to the reduced diameter portion of the movable sleeve to cause the movable sleeve to move relative to the fixed sleeve.

5. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed sleeve is a hollow tube body, and has a protrusion extending outward along the outer tube wall of the fixed sleeve for the first force-applying end of the elastic reset element to act on. The elastic reset element is a compression spring, and one end of the compression spring acts as the first force-applying end to abut against the protrusion, and the other end acts as the second force-applying end to abut against the reduced diameter portion.

6. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protrusion is an annular raised shoulder on the outer tube wall of the fixing sleeve.

7. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are provided with a limiting mechanism for limiting the range of the movement stroke of the movable sleeve.

8. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first pipe opening of the movable sleeve has a clamping portion that protrudes radially toward the center of the circle. When the movable sleeve is sleeved with the fixed sleeve, the clamping portion can go over the protruding portion. The limitation of the limiting mechanism in one direction is achieved by limiting the clamping portion and the protruding portion.

9. The proximity switch detection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are provided with circumferential limiting mechanisms for limiting the rotation of the movable sleeve relative to the fixed sleeve.

10. A faucet, comprising a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and a control system for controlling the water inlet and / or water outlet, wherein the water outlet pipe can be pulled out, and characterized in that: It also includes the proximity switch detection component described in any one of claims 1 to 9 above, and the proximity switch detection component is used to perform switch detection on the active stroke of the water outlet pipe, generate a switch signal and transmit it to the control system, and the control system controls the water inlet and / or outlet mode according to the switch signal.

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