Faucet assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a faucet assembly (10) for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly (10) comprising: a faucet body (15) having a base portion (20), a neck portion (25) and a spout portion (30), where the base portion (20) of the faucet body (15) comprises a central longitudinal axis (55) and the neck portion (25) is movable relative to the base portion (20) about the central longitudinal axis (55), and wherein the faucet body (15) further comprises an internal passage extending between an inlet opening (40) at the base portion (20) and an outlet opening (45) at the spout portion (30); and a support assembly (90) comprising: a hollow tubular body (95) disposed within the internal passage of the faucet body (15) and configured to connect the base portion (20) to the neck portion (25); and a collet (110) circumferentially disposed between an outer wall of the tubular body (95) and an inner wall of the base portion (20), the collet (110) having a first end portion (115) and a second end portion (120), where the collet (110) is movable between a rest configuration, in which the collet (110) has a first diameter, and a folded configuration, in which the collet (110) has a second diameter, where the collet (110) has a second diameter, the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2023900446, filed on 21 February 2023. The entire disclosure of Australian Patent Application No. 2023900446 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a faucet assembly. Specifically, this invention relates to a faucet assembly for a kitchen mixing faucet.

[0004] This invention has been primarily developed for use with kitchen mixing faucets (faucet or tap), and will be described below with reference to these applications. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular area of ​​use and can also be used in other applications or devices. Background Technology

[0005] A mixing faucet typically includes a faucet body that rotates or swivels relative to the kitchen sink to allow the user to adjust the position of the spray nozzles as needed. Mixing faucets in the kitchen can also be multifunctional, for example, for delivering or dispensing one or more water “types,” such as boiling water, cooling water, aerated water, and / or ambient water. In some arrangements, a kitchen mixing faucet may include a pull-out (retractable) hose system for spraying purposes, such as for washing vegetables or cleaning the end of the kitchen sink. In such a system, the pull-out hose is typically at least partially located within the faucet body and is movable between a stored or retracted position and a pulled-out or extended position, in which the hose length is substantially contained within the faucet body and in an area below the sink in the countertop / cabinet space, and in the pulled-out or extended position, the hose length is at least partially outside the faucet body.

[0006] In hybrid faucets with a removable faucet body and / or pull-out hose system, it is desirable that the entire system includes components that allow for stable and smooth operation and are easy to assemble and maintain. It is also desirable that the overall external design of the faucet and associated components (such as the faucet body, faucet handle, and user control interface) is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer while also allowing for easy assembly / installation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to at least improve the existing arrangement, or at least provide a useful alternative to the existing arrangement.

[0008] This article discloses a faucet assembly for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly comprising:

[0009] a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis and the neck portion is movable relative to the base portion about the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the faucet body further includes an internal passageway extending between an inlet opening located at the base portion and an outlet opening located at the spout portion; and

[0010] a support assembly including:

[0011] a hollow tubular body disposed within the internal passageway of the faucet body and configured to connect the base portion to the neck portion; and

[0012] a collet disposed circumferentially between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the collet having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the collet is movable between a resting configuration in which the collet has a first diameter and a folded configuration in which the collet has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, in the folded configuration, the first end portion and the second end portion of the collet are arranged to at least partially overlap circumferentially.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the collet is arranged to circumferentially surround a portion of the tubular body.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the collet is disposed within a groove located in the inner wall of the base portion.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the collet further includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a diameter of the upper portion is greater than a diameter of the lower portion.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the collet further includes an outer step portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion to facilitate contact between the collet and the inner wall of the base portion.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the collet further includes an inner step portion to facilitate contact between the collet and the outer wall of the tubular body.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the inner step portion provides an upper edge of the collet that at least partially surrounds a lower edge of the tubular body.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the collet further includes an external profile that is adapted to be received in a corresponding internal profile of the inner wall of the base portion.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the collet further includes an inner groove portion to accommodate a rotational travel of the hollow tubular body about the central longitudinal axis.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the inner groove portion is defined by diametrically opposed wall portions that provide opposing travel limits or stops for the hollow tubular body during rotation.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the support assembly further includes an insert adapted to lock or retain the collet in the resting configuration.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the insert is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the collet.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the collet includes an inner wall portion having a cavity that accommodates the insert.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the collet is formed of a different material than the material forming the hollow tubular body or faucet body.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the collet is formed of a polymeric material.

[0028] Also disclosed herein is a collet for a mixing faucet assembly including a base portion and a hollow tubular body at least partially disposed within the base portion, the collet being disposed circumferentially between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the collet having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the collet is movable between a resting configuration having a first diameter and a folded configuration having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

[0029] Also disclosed herein is a faucet assembly for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly including:

[0030] a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis; and

[0031] a control assembly mountable to the base portion and including:

[0032] a stem portion defining an inner bore and including an upper opening and a side opening;

[0033] a key mat assembly mounted in the upper opening of the stem portion and including one or more lower projections extending into the inner bore; and

[0034] an insert that is slidable into an internal bore of the stem portion via the side portion, and having one or more sliding step features to engage the one or more lower projections to secure the keymat assembly to the stem portion.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the keymat assembly includes an upper portion formed of a soft silicone material and a lower portion from which the one or more lower projections extend, the upper portion having one or more control buttons actuatable by a user to customize a type of fluid to be dispensed from the faucet assembly.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the control assembly further includes a control hub electrically connected with the control buttons, the control hub being located within the insert.

[0037] Also disclosed herein is a faucet assembly for a hybrid faucet, the faucet assembly comprising:

[0038] a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis and the neck portion is movable relative to the base portion about the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the faucet body further includes an internal passageway extending between an inlet opening located at the base portion and an outlet opening located at the spout portion; and

[0039] a support assembly comprising:

[0040] a hollow tubular body disposed within the internal passageway of the faucet body and configured to connect the base portion to the neck portion; and

[0041] a support ring circumferentially disposed between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the support ring having an inner concave profile that provides a gap between the support ring and the outer wall of the tubular body.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the support ring is mounted onto a circumferential groove located on the outer wall of the tubular body.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the support assembly further includes a sealing O-ring circumferentially disposed between the outer wall of the tubular body and the inner wall of the base portion.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the outer wall of the tubular body includes a circumferential groove and the inner wall of the base portion includes a corresponding circumferential groove to accommodate the sealing O-ring.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the inner wall of the base portion defines an inner bore profile having a gradual slope at the first end and a steep slope at the second, opposite end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] For a more complete understanding of the present application, exemplary embodiments of the application are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts and in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of a faucet assembly;

[0048] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the faucet assembly shown;

[0049] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet assembly along line A-A shown, including enlarged views of various portions of the faucet handle assembly; Figure 2

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic front view and isometric view of portion A of the faucet assembly shown;

[0051] Figures 6 to 9 is Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic front view and isometric view of portion B of the faucet assembly shown;

[0052] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic isometric view of portion C of the faucet assembly shown;

[0053] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic front view and isometric view of portion D of the faucet assembly shown;

[0054] Figure 14 is Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of the faucet assembly shown with the pull-out spray hose shown in a retracted position; and

[0055] Figure 15 is Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of the faucet assembly shown with the pull-out spray hose shown in an extended configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the drawings: Figures 1 to 3 and​Figures 14 to 15 In particular, a faucet assembly 10 of a mixing faucet is illustratively depicted. For purposes of the present description, the faucet assembly 10 is described in connection with a kitchen mixing faucet, such as a kitchen mixing faucet having a swivel or rotary faucet body and / or a pull-out or retractable vegetable washing hose. However, it should be appreciated that the faucet assembly 10 can be applicable to any other type of faucet or other water supply device in residential and commercial settings. Such a faucet or other water supply device can not necessarily include a pull-out or retractable hose, but can still have a swivel or rotary faucet body that allows for positioning and / or a user control interface.

[0057] The faucet assembly 10 includes a hollow faucet body 15 having a base portion 20, a neck portion 25, and a spout portion 30. The faucet body 15 includes an inner tube or passageway that extends between an inlet opening 40 located at the base portion 20 and an outlet opening 45 located at the spout portion 30. The inlet opening 40 can be connected to a fluid source (not shown), such as a water supply located in a kitchen cabinet (or other suitable structure), by one or more fluid lines or hoses 46. The one or more fluid lines 46 can extend at least partially along the inner tube or passageway therefrom and provide a fluid connection between the fluid source and the spout portion 30, from which fluid from the fluid source can be dispensed from the faucet assembly 10 via the outlet opening 45.

[0058] In applications involving mixing faucets having pull-out or retractable hose functionality, as best shown in Figure 3 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the one or more fluid lines 46 can optionally include a pull-out hose 47 that is movable between a stored or retracted position (e.g., as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 14 ), in which the length of the hose 47 is substantially contained within the interior passageway of the faucet body 15 and in an area below the kitchen sink (e.g., in the kitchen cabinet space), and an extended position (e.g., as shown in Figure 15 , in which the length of the hose 47 is at least partially located outside of the faucet body 15.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pull-out hose 47 can include an end portion 48 to allow a user to easily grasp and move the pull-out hose 47 when in use. The end portion 48 can include a tab 49 that is slidably retained within a groove or channel of the spout portion 30 to allow a user to grasp the pull-out hose 47 and move it from its retracted position to its extended position. It should be understood that the configuration of the pull-out hose 47 and associated components is not necessarily limited to the configuration described and illustrated in the drawings, and can be customized or adjusted as required by the design of the assembly 10. It should be understood that the pull-out hose 47 can be omitted from the assembly 10 if the pull-out or extendable hose functionality is not required.

[0060] The faucet body 15 can be mounted to a surface 50 of a kitchen sink or kitchen cabinet or other suitable structure (not shown) such that the base portion 20 extends in a generally upward direction from the surface 50 along a central longitudinal axis 55 toward the neck portion 25. The base portion 20 can have a flared configuration as illustrated, where the diameter of the flared configuration gradually decreases as it extends toward the neck portion 25. It should be understood that the base portion 20 can have any other shape or configuration to accommodate the design requirements of the faucet assembly 10.

[0061] The neck portion 25 can extend from the base portion 20 first along the central longitudinal axis 55 and then along a curve or arc in a direction generally transverse to the central longitudinal axis 55. The neck portion 25 can have a constant diameter and have a curved or arcuate configuration as illustrated, or can alternatively have any other shape or configuration to accommodate the design requirements of the faucet assembly 10. It should be understood that the neck portion 25 can be movable (pivoted or rotated) relative to the base portion 20 about the central longitudinal axis 55 such that the neck portion 25 (and the extended spout portion 30) can be positioned in different locations (e.g., toward the left-hand side of the user as illustrated in Figure 1 , or directly in front of the user as illustrated in Figure 14 , and Figure 15 It should be understood that the neck portion 25 can be movable relative to the base portion 20 about the central longitudinal axis 55 such that the neck portion 25 (and the extended spout portion 30) can be positioned in different locations (e.g., toward the left-hand side of the user as illustrated in

[0062] The spout portion 30 can extend from the neck portion 25 in a generally downward direction toward the surface 50. The spout portion 30 can have a flared configuration as illustrated, where the diameter of the flared configuration gradually increases as it extends from the neck portion 25. In some embodiments, the spout portion 30 can be separate from or integrally formed with the neck portion 25. It should be understood that the spout portion 30 can have any other shape or configuration to accommodate the design requirements of the faucet assembly 10.

[0063] Faucet assembly 10 can further include one or more faucet control assemblies or user interface assemblies, such as first control assembly 60 and second control assembly 65 as shown. In the depicted embodiment, first control assembly 60 can include a handle assembly to allow a user to control the flow of fluid, and second control assembly 65 can include a button or key pad assembly operably associated with a controller to allow a user to customize the fluid to be dispensed.

[0064] First control assembly 60 can include a stem portion 70 extending or projecting from base portion 20 in a direction generally transverse to central longitudinal axis 55, and a handle portion 75 movable relative to stem portion 70. Handle portion 75 can be operably associated with a valve mechanism and can be movable between an open position allowing fluid flow through one or more fluid lines 46 to be dispensed at outlet opening 45, and a closed position prohibiting fluid flow therethrough. It should be appreciated that control assembly 60 can have any other shape or configuration to accommodate the design requirements of faucet assembly 10. For example, handle portion 75 can be directly connected to the valve mechanism of faucet assembly 10 without the presence of stem portion 70.

[0065] Second control assembly 65 can also include a stem portion 80 extending or projecting from base portion 20 in a direction generally transverse to central longitudinal axis 55. In the depicted embodiment, stem portion 80 extends from a side of base portion 20 opposite the side of base portion 20 from which stem portion 70 extends. However, it should be appreciated that the configuration of the control assembly is not necessarily limited to the configuration as shown in the drawings, and can be customized or adjusted according to the design requirements of faucet assembly 10. In some embodiments (not shown), first control assembly 60 or second control assembly 65 can be provided as the only control assembly of faucet assembly 10. As will be described in further detail below, second control assembly 65 can include a button or key pad assembly 85 mounted to stem portion 80.

[0066] As noted above, neck portion 25 can be movable (pivoted or rotated) relative to base portion 20 to allow a user to position neck portion 25 and spout portion 30 at a desired location above the basin. Embodiments of the connection or interface portion between base portion 20 and neck portion 25 are best shown in Figures 3 to 9 .

[0067] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are Figure 3Enlarged view of the illustrated embodiment of the interface portion A. It will be appreciated from these figures that the neck portion 25 can be connected to the base portion 20 by a support assembly 90 located in an internal passageway of the faucet body 15. The lower portion of the neck portion 25 and the upper portion of the base portion 20 circumferentially surround respective areas of the support assembly 90. In the depicted embodiment, the support assembly 90 includes a hollow tubular body 95 having one or more features on its outer wall, such as but not limited to a circumferential protrusion 96 and / or a circumferential groove 97, to facilitate the connection between the neck portion 25 and the base portion 20. As Figure 4 As best shown, the upper portion or region of the tubular body 95 can extend upwardly and at least partially into the internal bore of the neck portion 25, whereby the neck portion 25 can be connected to the tubular body 95, for example, by brazing. The lower portion or region of the tubular body 95 can extend downwardly and at least partially into the internal bore of the base portion 20.

[0068] In some embodiments, the support assembly 90 can also include one or more O-rings 98 located in one of the grooves 97 and circumferentially between the tubular body 95 and the base portion 20. The internal wall of the base portion 20 can include a corresponding circumferential groove to accommodate the O-ring 98. It will be appreciated that the O-ring 98 can be a sealing O-ring, which can also provide a mechanism to hold the neck portion 25 to the base portion 20. Standard O-ring sealing applications require a groove to hold the O-ring and a flat surface to seal, whereas in the present application Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, both surfaces, i.e., the outer wall of the tubular body 95 and the internal wall of the base portion 20, have respective corresponding grooves. This arrangement can at least allow the O-ring 98 to be under minimal sealing compression when the support assembly 90 is installed and at rest. It will be appreciated that there is no need to apply pressure to the O-ring 98 at the sealing point, as it is not a pressurized fluid environment.

[0069] The one or more grooves 97 located on the outer wall of the tubular body 95 and / or the one or more corresponding grooves located on the internal wall of the base portion 20 can be sized to ensure that the O-ring 98 is prevented from moving when installed. The internal bore profile of the base portion 20 can be designed to ensure that the support assembly 90 and the neck portion 25 can be easily inserted into the faucet base portion during assembly, and some applied force is required when attempting to disassemble. This can be achieved by including a gentle slope on the insertion side of the profile and a steep slope on the extraction side of the profile, whereby the force required to disassemble is sufficient to prevent the support assembly 90 and the neck portion 25 from accidentally disengaging from the base portion 20 during installation and normal operation.

[0070] In a conventional faucet arrangement, sealing is achieved by O-rings, and the neck portion or spout is retained to the base portion by externally visible screws at the rear of the base. If installed on a kitchen island, for example, the screw retainers would be visible from the rear. The screw retainers can also be prone to rust damage. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the present application can at least allow the faucet assembly 10 to have a sleek appearance while still being sealed against water ingress and retaining the neck portion 25 to the base portion 20.

[0071] It is contemplated that one or more components of the interface portion A, such as the support assembly 90 and components thereof, as described above and / or as shown in the drawings, can be provided as stand-alone components and retrofitted to existing faucet assemblies.

[0072] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the interface portion B shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that at the connection interface between the base portion 20 and the neck portion 25, the stack-up of tolerances and clearances between the portions 20 and 25 can cause excessive lateral movement, resulting in a loose joint. It will be appreciated from these drawings that one or more support rings 100 can be provided at the connection interface, particularly between the base portion 20 and the tubular body 95 of the support assembly 90 described above. In the depicted embodiment, each support ring 100 is disposed circumferentially between the outer wall of the tubular body 95 and the inner wall of the base portion 20, whereby each support ring 100 is mounted within an associated circumferential groove or channel 102 on the outer wall of the tubular body 95.

[0073] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An enlarged view and cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the support ring 100 is shown separately. It will be appreciated that in a typical faucet fitting spout swivel connection, the support ring and wear ring are generally parallel profiles with minimal deflection or able to handle clearance slack. As can be seen in Figures 6 to 9 each support ring 100 has an inner concave profile 105 that creates a small clearance 108 between the support ring 100 and the outer wall of the tubular body 95. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the inner concave profile 105, together with the Shore A hardness of the support ring 100 material (e.g., rubber polymer), can allow the support ring 100 to be sized oversized for the inner bore of the base portion 20, in turn deflecting to occupy the clearance upon insertion without creating too much friction. This can at least ensure that the connection interface between the base portion 20 and the neck portion 25 is stable while still allowing the rotational friction to remain low. This arrangement can also enable looser machining tolerances on the connection mating surfaces, and can further allow for easy and standardized installation.

[0074] It is contemplated that one or more components of interface portion B, such as one or more support rings 100, as described above and / or as shown in the drawings, can be provided as stand-alone components and retrofitted onto existing faucet assemblies.

[0075] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is Figure 3 enlarged view of the interface portion C shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that at the connection interface between the base portion 20 and the neck portion 25 of a typical arrangement, the rotational travel about the central longitudinal axis 55 is typically limited by a dead stop pin. Designing the stop arrangement can result in a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the majority of the internal tube / passage of the faucet body. For example, in a multifunction kitchen mixing faucet, this passage can need to accommodate four water and air hoses (carrying each of the four water types). In a typical kitchen mixing faucet, the stop arrangement is machined into the spout bushing of the faucet base and the body.

[0076] In view of the above considerations, a collapsible collet 110 can be provided between the base portion 20 of the support assembly 90 and the tubular body 95. The collet 110 can include one or more portions that abut or interface with one or more corresponding surfaces of the base portion 20 or the tubular body 95. In the depicted embodiment, the collet 110 is circumferentially disposed between an outer wall of the tubular body 95 and an inner wall of the base portion 20. The collet 110 can be generally annular and can circumferentially surround a portion of the tubular body 95. As will be described below, the collet 110 can also be seated within a groove formed in the inner wall of the base portion 20. The collet 110 can be formed of a material that is different from the material (typically a metal material) that forms the other components of the faucet assembly 10. The collet 110 can be a non-metallic material, preferably a suitable rigid material such as a polymer.

[0077] The body of the collet 110 can have a first end portion 115 and a second end portion 120. When the collet 110 is in a collapsed configuration (not shown), the first end portion 115 and the second end portion 120 can at least partially overlap circumferentially. In the resting configuration of the collet 110 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the first end portion 115 and the second end portion 120 can have minimal overlap or even no overlap. Figure 10 and Figure 11

[0078] ​In some embodiments, the body of collet 110 can also have an upper portion 125 having a first outer diameter and a lower portion 130 having a second outer diameter. As can be seen in the figures, the first diameter (the diameter of upper portion 125) is greater than the second diameter (the diameter of lower portion 130), and an outer stepped portion 135 is provided between upper portion 125 and lower portion 130 to facilitate contact or engagement between collet 110 and base portion 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, the body of collet 110 can also include an external protrusion or profile 136 that is received in a corresponding cavity or internal profile of the inner wall of base portion 20. In some embodiments, external protrusion or profile 136 is in the form of a convex angle. Such an arrangement can at least allow collet 110 to be in a fixed position relative to base portion 20, thereby preventing collet 110 from rotating relative to base 20 upon reaching a rotational stop (when base portion 20 and neck portion 25 are rotated relative to each other).

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown, upper portion 125 can have a height corresponding to the height of lower portion 130. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of upper portion 125 and lower portion 130 can be customized or adjusted depending on the design requirements of assembly 10. Upper portion 125 can also include an inner stepped portion 137 to facilitate contact or engagement between collet 110 and tubular body 95. Accordingly, in such an arrangement, the upper edge of collet 110 can at least partially surround the lower edge of tubular body 95, which can at least allow collet 110 to be supported from folding due to rotational stop forces (when base portion 20 and neck portion 25 are rotated relative to each other). The body of collet 110 can also include an inner groove portion 138 to accommodate the rotational travel of tubular body 95 (e.g., of component 140). Groove portion 138 can be formed in lower portion 130 and can be bounded by diametrically opposed wall portions 145 and 150 so as to provide travel limits or stops for component 140 during rotation.

[0081] It should be appreciated that collet 110 can be transitioned from a resting configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to an engaged configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) by rotating base portion 20 and neck portion 25 relative to each other. In some embodiments, the rotational travel of base portion 20 and neck portion 25 relative to each other can be limited by a rotational stop 155 provided between base portion 20 and neck portion 25. In some embodiments, rotational stop 155 can be in the form of a convex angle. Figure 10 and Figure 11The collet 110 can move to a folded configuration (not shown) from the resting configuration, in which the collet 110 has a first overall outer diameter, to a folded configuration in which the collet 110 has a second, smaller overall outer diameter to allow insertion into the inner bore of the base portion 20. After insertion, the collet 100 can then expand or pop outwards. In some embodiments, the collet 100 can expand or pop outwards into a locating groove in the inner wall of the base portion 20 so as to be secured therein. Once in place, the diameter position or configuration of the collet 110 can be locked or stabilized with an optional insert 155, which can at least ensure that the collet 110 does not fold under rotational stop forces. In other words, in some embodiments, the collet 110, once installed, can be held or locked in its resting configuration, whereby the overall diameter of the collet 110 can be maintained. In the depicted embodiment, the insert 155 is disposed between the first end portion 115 and the second end portion 120. The inner wall of the collet 110 can include a cavity 157 to accommodate the insert 155. In some embodiments, the insert 155 is a ladder-type insert. The collet 110 can thus include features or profiles that allow for securement and sealing by clamping force, for example. The overall dimensions of the collet 110 can be customized or adjusted according to the design requirements of the assembly 10. The dimensions of the insert 155 can also be customized or adjusted according to the desired diameter of the collet 110 when in the resting configuration. With the above arrangement, the underside of the tubular body 95 can rest on the collet 110 (which is preferably formed of a polymeric material) during rotation, which can at least provide for polymeric-to-metal contact for quiet and gentle rotation, rather than metal-to-metal contact. The upper portion 125 of the collet 110 can also serve as a datum for the gap between the tubular body 95 and the base portion 20.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the collet 110 as described above can at least maximize the internal gap for passage of multiple water and aeration tubes / hoses, while maintaining the external dimensions of the faucet assembly 10 aesthetically pleasing. By having a separate component (i.e., the collet 110), the features or profiles required for the functionality of the faucet assembly 10 and rotational stop can be disposed within the inner diameter of the base portion 20, which can otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve due to the constraints of small orifices and metal cutting. As discussed above, the collet 110 can be provided with one or more features or profiles (such as stepped portions, slotted portions, inserts) to achieve a stable connection interface between the associated components of the assembly 10, and can also provide securement and sealing by clamping force. The provision of the collet 110 can also reduce or completely eliminate metal-to-metal contact at the interface between the associated components of the assembly, which can reduce noise during rotation.

[0083] It is contemplated that one or more components of the interface portion C (such as the collet 110) as described above and / or as shown in the drawings can be provided as a standalone component and retrofitted onto an existing faucet assembly.

[0084] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a zoomed-in view of an embodiment of the second control assembly 65, which, as described above, can include a stem portion 80 extending or protruding from the base portion 20, and a keymat assembly 85 can be mounted to the stem portion 80. The stem portion 80 can have a cylindrical configuration as shown, and can have an inner bore 158 to accommodate a control hub (not shown) of the faucet assembly 10. In the depicted embodiment, the keymat assembly 85 is mounted within an upper opening 160 of the stem portion 80, whereby an outer periphery 162 of the keymat assembly 85 abuts or rests on a flange 163 surrounding the upper opening 160.

[0085] The keymat assembly 85 can include an upper portion 165 having a substantially planar upper face, and a lower portion 170 connected to the upper portion 165. As Figure 12 As best shown, the upper portion 165 can include one or more lower grooves 175 and / or lower protrusions 180 to position and retain corresponding upper protrusions 185 or upper grooves 190 of the lower portion 170. The upper portion 165 can be formed of a soft silicone material and can be overmolded onto the lower portion 170. The upper portion 165 can include control icons or buttons on the upper face to allow a user to customize the type of fluid. The control icons or buttons are electrically connected with a controller or PCB assembly of the faucet control hub (which can be located below the keymat assembly 85 and in the inner bore 158 of the stem portion 80), and can be illuminated for ease of use. The lower portion 170 can also include one or more lower protrusions 195.

[0086] The second control assembly 65 can further include an insert 200 that is slidable into the inner bore 158 of the stem portion 80 via a side opening 202. The insert 200 can have a generally cylindrical configuration with a semi-circular cross-section as shown. The insert 200 can include one or more sliding step features 205 to engage the lower protrusions 195. As Figure 12 As best shown, the sliding step features 205 are angled to facilitate engagement of the lower protrusions 195 as the insert 200 is slid into the inner bore 158. It should be appreciated that the faucet control hub is positionable within the insert 200.

[0087] In conventional multi-function faucets, a silicone control pad can be mounted to the top of the faucet using an accessible fixing screw located beneath the assembly. When securing the silicone control pad to an accessible position, it is also required that the pad be self-sealing during installation to prevent water ingress. Such an assembly can be quite challenging because many parts come together during final installation. For multi-function faucets, due to limited available space, screw fixing points cannot be used to secure the control pad; therefore, a securing mechanism is desired to ensure a constant downward pressure and equal sealing force along the length of the control pad. It should be understood that, in the arrangement of the invention as described above, the action required to clamp and seal the control pad assembly 85 into the faucet control hub requires an equal downward force across the entire circumference of the control pad assembly 85. This can be achieved by including a three-tiered stepped pull-down feature (i.e., the lower protrusion 195 of the lower portion 170) on the frame of the control pad assembly 85, which matches the corresponding sliding step feature 205 on the insert 200.

[0088] In particular, such as Figure 13 As best shown from left to right, the keypad assembly 85 can first be positioned above the upper opening 160 of the rod portion 80, and the insert 200 can be positioned adjacent to the side opening 202 of the rod portion 80. The keypad assembly 85 is then placed in the upper opening 160, whereby the outer periphery of the keypad assembly 85 abuts against or rests on the flange surrounding the upper opening 160. The insert 200 then slides through the side opening 202 into the inner bore 158 of the rod portion 80, whereby the lower protrusion 195 of the lower portion 170 engages with the sliding step feature 205 of the insert 200. Once the insert 200 is substantially within the inner bore 158 of the rod portion 80, the sliding step feature 200 retains the lower protrusion 195, thereby securing the keypad assembly 85.

[0089] The above arrangement allows the keypad assembly 85 to be pre-tensioned against the control hub interface with uniform and consistent force. It should be understood that this action can be a single-process movement that simplifies the assembly of a typically complex set of parts (e.g., eliminating the need to eliminate the use of screw fasteners). It should also be understood that the above arrangement improves the maintainability of the faucet assembly 10.

[0090] It is conceivable that one or more components of the control assembly 65, as described above and / or as shown in the accompanying drawings, can be configured as independent components and retrofitted to existing faucet assemblies. It should be understood that the control assembly 65 may not necessarily need to be associated with a faucet body having rotation or movement or a faucet assembly including a pull-out hose, and can be incorporated into any type of hybrid faucet assembly with a user control interface.

[0091] While specific embodiments of the application are shown and described herein, it is understood that a variety of alternatives and / or equivalents exist. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments encompass all such alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In particular, it is intended that the scope of the application extend to all elements (including specific integers) known or developed in the future for performing the functions described herein, and that the scope of the application includes any combination of claims or claim elements. Nothing herein is intended to be for limiting the scope, applicability or configuration of the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide a convenient road map for implementing exemplary embodiments for skilled artisans, it being understood that various changes can be made without departing from the scope as set forth in the claims and their legal equivalents.

[0092] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise specifically indicated. It is further understood that the use of the singular includes the plural unless otherwise expressly specified and that both the singular and plural include each possibility. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise specified. It is appreciated that certain features of the application, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the application, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The application is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the scope of the appended claims. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the application to be indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A faucet assembly for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly comprising: a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis and the neck portion is movable relative to the base portion about the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the faucet body further includes an internal passageway extending between an inlet opening located at the base portion and an outlet opening located at the spout portion; and a support assembly comprising: a hollow tubular body disposed within the internal passageway of the faucet body and configured to connect the base portion to the neck portion; and a collet disposed circumferentially between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the collet having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the collet is movable between a resting configuration in which the collet has a first diameter and a folded configuration in which the collet has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

2. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein, In the folded configuration, the first end portion and the second end portion of the collet are arranged to at least partially overlap circumferentially.

3. The faucet assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The collet is arranged to circumferentially surround a portion of the tubular body.

4. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet is disposed within a groove located in the inner wall of the base portion.

5. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet further includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a diameter of the upper portion is greater than a diameter of the lower portion.

6. The faucet assembly of claim 5, wherein, The collet further includes an outer step portion between the upper portion and the lower portion to facilitate contact between the collet and the inner wall of the base portion.

7. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet further includes an inner step portion to facilitate contact between the collet and the outer wall of the tubular body.

8. The faucet assembly of claim 7, wherein, The inner step portion provides an upper edge of the collet that at least partially surrounds a lower edge of the tubular body.

9. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet further includes an outer profile that is adapted to be received in a corresponding inner profile of the inner wall of the base portion.

10. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet further includes an inner groove portion to accommodate a rotational travel of the hollow tubular body about the central longitudinal axis.

11. The faucet assembly of claim 10, wherein, The inner groove portion is bounded by diametrically opposed wall portions that provide opposing travel limits or stops for the hollow tubular body during rotation.

12. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The support assembly further includes an insert adapted to lock or retain the collet in the resting configuration.

13. The faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein, The insert is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the collet.

14. The faucet assembly of claim 12 or 13, wherein, The collet includes an inner wall portion having a cavity that accommodates the insert.

15. The faucet assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The collet is formed of a material that is different from a material forming the hollow tubular body or the faucet body.

16. The faucet assembly of claim 15, wherein, The collet is formed of a polymeric material.

17. A collet for use in a mixing faucet assembly, the faucet assembly including a base portion and a hollow tubular body at least partially disposed within the base portion, the collet being disposed circumferentially between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the collet having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein, The collet is movable between a resting configuration, in which the collet has a first diameter, and a folded configuration, in which the collet has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

18. A faucet assembly for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly comprising: a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis; and a control assembly mountable to the base portion and including: a stem portion defining an inner bore and including an upper opening and a side opening; a key mat assembly mounted in the upper opening of the stem portion and including one or more lower projections extending into the inner bore; and an insert slidable into the inner bore of the stem portion via the side portion and having one or more slide step features to engage the one or more lower projections to secure the key mat assembly to the stem portion.

19. The faucet assembly of claim 18, wherein, The key mat assembly includes an upper portion formed of a soft silicone material and including a lower portion from which the one or more lower projections extend, the upper portion having one or more control buttons actuatable by a user to customize a type of fluid to be dispensed from the faucet assembly.

20. The faucet assembly of claim 19, wherein, The control assembly further includes a control hub electrically connected with the control buttons, the control hub being located within the insert.

21. A faucet assembly for a mixing faucet, the faucet assembly comprising: a faucet body having a base portion, a neck portion, and a spout portion, wherein the base portion of the faucet body includes a central longitudinal axis, and the neck portion is movable relative to the base portion about the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the faucet body further includes an internal passageway extending between an inlet opening located at the base portion and an outlet opening located at the spout portion; and a support assembly including: a hollow tubular body disposed within the internal passageway of the faucet body and configured to connect the base portion to the neck portion; and a support ring circumferentially disposed between an outer wall of the tubular body and an inner wall of the base portion, the support ring having an inner concave profile that provides a gap between the support ring and the outer wall of the tubular body.

22. The faucet assembly of claim 21, wherein, The support ring is mounted onto a circumferential groove located on the outer wall of the tubular body.

23. The faucet assembly of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The support assembly further includes a sealing O-ring circumferentially disposed between the outer wall of the tubular body and the inner wall of the base portion.

24. The faucet assembly of claim 23, wherein, The outer wall of the tubular body includes a circumferential groove, and the inner wall of the base portion includes a corresponding circumferential groove to accommodate the sealing O-ring.

25. The faucet assembly of any one of claims 21-24, wherein, The inner wall of the base portion defines an inner bore profile having a gradual slope at a first end and a steep slope at a second, opposite end. The inner wall of the base portion defines an inner bore profile having a gradual slope at a first end and a steep slope at a second, opposite end.

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