Faucet sensing module
By adopting TOF sensing detection technology to design the faucet sensing module, the problems of insufficient accuracy and stability of infrared sensing faucets have been solved, achieving higher accuracy and reliability, enhancing the ability to resist interference from ambient light, and resulting in a compact structure and small size.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422929206.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing smart sensor faucets based on infrared sensing detection technology have low accuracy and stability, and are weak in resisting interference from ambient light, which can easily lead to accidental opening or closing, affecting the user experience.
A faucet sensor module designed using TOF sensing detection technology includes a housing, a light-blocking pad, a TOF sensor chip, and a control module. The transmitter and receiver of the TOF sensor chip are respectively clipped into the slots of the light-blocking pad. Infrared light is transmitted through the transparent housing, and precise sensing control is achieved through the TOF signal line and the control chip.
It improves the accuracy and reliability of faucet sensing, enhances the ability to resist interference from ambient light, making the smart sensor faucet more reliable, compact in structure and small in size.
Smart Images

Figure CN223622368U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bathroom equipment, and in particular to a faucet sensor module. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, there are various types of smart sensor faucets, among which those based on infrared sensor detection technology are widely used. However, these infrared sensor faucets have the following drawbacks: the accuracy and stability of infrared detection technology are relatively low, and its resistance to ambient light interference is weak, resulting in insensitive faucet operation and a tendency for accidental opening or closing, thus affecting the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0003] One object of this invention is to solve at least the aforementioned problems and / or defects, and to provide at least the advantages described below.
[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a faucet sensing module, which is designed based on TOF sensing detection technology. This module has higher accuracy and reliability, stronger resistance to ambient light interference, and makes the smart sensor faucet more reliable in use.
[0005] To achieve these objectives and other advantages according to the present invention, a faucet sensor module is provided, comprising:
[0006] The outer casing has a closed end and an open end, the closed end being provided with a light-transmitting sensor window;
[0007] A light-blocking pad is disposed inside the housing. The front end of the light-blocking pad abuts against the closed end, and the rear end of the light-blocking pad is close to the open end. The light-blocking pad has a pair of through slots, and the front opening of the slots corresponds to the sensor window. The surface of the light-blocking pad is treated with black.
[0008] The TOF sensing chip is disposed inside the housing. The transmitting end and the receiving end of the TOF sensing chip are respectively secured in the pair of slots. The TOF sensing chip is sealed to the opening end.
[0009] A TOF signal line is connected to the TOF sensing chip, and the TOF signal line extends to the outside of the housing through the open end;
[0010] A control module includes a control chip that is communicatively connected to the TOF signal line and receives the sensing signal from the TOF sensing chip through the TOF signal line.
[0011] Preferably, in the faucet sensor module, the light-blocking pad is made of silicone.
[0012] Preferably, in the faucet sensor module, a sealant is provided between the TOF sensor chip and the opening end to seal the gap between the TOF sensor chip and the opening end.
[0013] Preferably, in the faucet sensing module, the open end is provided with a limiting rib, which is locked onto the outer side of the TOF sensing chip to fix the TOF sensing chip inside the housing.
[0014] Preferably, in the faucet sensor module, the TOF signal line has a waterproof structure.
[0015] Preferably, in the faucet sensing module, the control module further includes a solenoid valve control line, the control chip is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve control line, the solenoid valve control line is connected to the faucet solenoid valve, and the control chip sends control signals to the faucet solenoid valve through the solenoid valve control line.
[0016] Preferably, in the faucet sensor module, the control module further includes a battery connection wire, the control chip is electrically connected to the battery connection wire, and is electrically connected to the power supply battery through the battery connection wire.
[0017] Preferably, in the faucet sensor module, the control module further includes a power adapter connection cable, the control chip is electrically connected to the power adapter connection cable, and is electrically connected to the power supply through the power adapter connection cable.
[0018] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0019] This utility model provides a faucet sensor module, comprising: a housing having a closed end and an open end, the closed end being provided with a light-transmitting sensor window; a light-blocking pad disposed inside the housing, the front end of the light-blocking pad abutting against the closed end, the rear end of the light-blocking pad being close to the open end, the light-blocking pad having a pair of through slots, the front opening of the slots corresponding to the sensor window, and the surface of the light-blocking pad being treated with black; a TOF sensor chip disposed inside the housing, the transmitting end and receiving end of the TOF sensor chip being respectively secured in the pair of slots, the TOF sensor chip being sealed to the open end; a TOF signal line connected to the TOF sensor chip, the TOF signal line extending through the open end to the outside of the housing; and a control module including a control chip, the control chip being communicatively connected to the TOF signal line and receiving the sensing signal from the TOF sensor chip through the TOF signal line. This invention provides a sensor module for a faucet designed based on TOF sensing detection technology, which has higher accuracy and reliability, stronger anti-interference ability against ambient light, and makes the smart sensor faucet more reliable in use. At the same time, the sensor module is more compact in structure and smaller in size, making it easier to use on the faucet.
[0020] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the sensing part of the faucet sensor module in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing part of the faucet sensor module in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one side of the opening end of the outer shell of the sensing part of the faucet sensing module in this embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the front end face of the light-blocking pad of the sensing part of the faucet sensing module in this embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the light-blocking pad of the faucet sensor module in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control module of the faucet sensor module in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the control module of the faucet sensor module in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the faucet sensor module installed in the faucet in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.
[0030] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this utility model provides a faucet sensor module, including: a housing 1 having a closed end 21 and an open end 22, the closed end 21 being provided with a light-transmitting sensor window; a light-blocking pad 3 disposed inside the housing 1, the front end face 11 of the light-blocking pad 3 abutting against the closed end 21, the rear end face 15 of the light-blocking pad 3 being close to the open end 22, the light-blocking pad 3 having a pair of through slots, the front opening of the slots corresponding to the sensor window, the surface of the light-blocking pad 3 being treated with black; and a TOF sensor chip 4 disposed inside the housing 1. Inside the outer casing 1, the transmitter 9 and receiver 10 of the TOF sensor chip 4 are respectively secured in the pair of slots 7 and 8, and the TOF sensor chip 4 is sealed to the opening 22; the TOF signal line 2 is connected to the TOF sensor chip 4 and extends to the outside of the outer casing 1 through the opening 22; the control module 24 includes a control chip 17, which is communicatively connected to the TOF signal line 2 and receives the sensing signal from the TOF sensor chip 4 through the TOF signal line 2.
[0031] TOF sensing technology is an active detection technology. When the sensing module is installed on the faucet, the transmitter of the TOF sensing chip 4 emits 850nm infrared light through the sensing window. When the infrared light encounters an obstacle (such as a user blocking the faucet with their hand), it returns through the sensing window and is received by the receiver. The TOF sensing chip 4 then generates a sensing signal, which is sent to the control chip 17 through the TOF signal line 2. The control chip 17 receives the sensing signal and drives the faucet solenoid valve to open or close according to the sensing signal.
[0032] In the aforementioned sensing module, the light-blocking pad 3 is used to assemble the TOF sensing chip 4 inside the housing 1, serving a fixing and supporting function. The light-blocking pad 3 has a pair of through slots, and the transmitting end 9 and receiving end 10 of the TOF sensing chip 4 are respectively inserted into the pair of slots 7 and 8, thereby connecting with the light-blocking pad 3. At the same time, the surface of the light-blocking pad 3 is treated with black to prevent infrared light crosstalk, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the TOF sensing chip 4.
[0033] The outer shell 1 is made of transparent PC material, which can ensure the transmission of light and reduce the light loss rate.
[0034] This invention provides a faucet sensing module, designed based on TOF sensing detection technology. This module offers higher accuracy and reliability, stronger resistance to ambient light interference, and makes the smart sensor faucet more reliable in use. Furthermore, the sensing module is more compact in structure and smaller in size, making it easier to use on faucets.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the light-blocking pad 3 in the faucet sensor module is made of silicone. The silicone material provides a soft seal for the internal electronic components and facilitates assembly.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, in the faucet sensor module, a sealant is applied between the TOF sensor chip 4 and the opening end 22 to seal the gap between them. This sealing design ensures the waterproof effect of the TOF sensor chip 4 and guarantees its normal operation. Simultaneously, the sealant also serves to fix the TOF sensor chip 4 in place.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, in the faucet sensor module, the open end 22 is provided with limiting ribs 5. The limiting ribs 5 are engaged with the outer surface of the TOF sensor chip 4 to fix the TOF sensor chip 4 inside the housing 1. The limiting ribs 5 inside the housing 1 can limit the position of the TOF sensor chip 4, ensuring that the TOF sensor chip 4 is installed in place. The limiting ribs 5 can be distributed on the lower and upper sides of the open end 22, with two on the lower side and one on the upper side.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the TOF signal line 2 in the faucet sensing module is waterproof. The waterproof structure of the TOF signal line 2 makes the contact between the TOF sensing chip 4 and the TOF signal line 2, as well as between the control module 24 and the TOF signal line 2, more reliable.
[0039] Furthermore, the outer casing 1 has a positioning rib 6 on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end 22. The positioning rib 6 engages with the corresponding positioning groove structure on the faucet to achieve the positioning and installation of the sensing module. The positioning rib 6 can be set as needed, and the number can be two.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the control module 24 of the faucet sensing module further includes a solenoid valve control line 14, the control chip 17 is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve control line 14, the solenoid valve control line 14 is connected to the faucet solenoid valve, and the control chip 17 sends control signals to the faucet solenoid valve through the solenoid valve control line 14.
[0041] When the sensing module is working, when the TOF sensing chip 4 generates a sensing signal, the control chip 17 receives the sensing signal and generates a control signal based on the sensing signal. The control chip 17 then sends the control signal to the faucet solenoid valve via the solenoid valve control line 14, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the faucet solenoid valve. For example, when a user covers the sensing window, the TOF sensing chip 4 detects an object and generates a first object detection sensing signal. The control chip 17 receives this first object detection sensing signal and generates a first control signal based on it. This first control signal is then sent to the faucet solenoid valve via the solenoid valve control line 14, thereby controlling the opening of the faucet solenoid valve. When the user covers the sensing window again, the TOF sensing chip 4 detects an object again and generates a second object detection sensing signal. The control chip 17 receives this second object detection sensing signal and generates a second control signal based on it. This second control signal is then sent to the faucet solenoid valve via the solenoid valve control line 14, thereby controlling the closing of the faucet solenoid valve.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the control module 24 of the faucet sensor module further includes a battery connection cable 16. The control chip 17 is electrically connected to the battery connection cable 16 and, through the battery connection cable 16, is electrically connected to a power supply battery. The power supply battery is housed in a separate battery compartment. The power supply battery can supply power to the control module 24 via the battery connection cable 16.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the control module 24 of the faucet sensor module further includes a power adapter connection cable 13. The control chip 17 is electrically connected to the power adapter connection cable 13 and is electrically connected to a power supply through the power adapter connection cable 13. The power supply can supply power to the control module 24 through the power adapter connection cable 13.
[0044] In addition, the control module 24 also includes a control box 12, within which the control chip 17 is housed. The gap between the control chip 17 and the control box 12 is sealed with adhesive to prevent water leakage from affecting the chip's operation. The control box 12 is a completely sealed structure. An external positioning structure 23 is provided on the control box 12 for positioning with a corresponding structure on the faucet.
[0045] The faucet sensor module can be installed in a suitable location inside the faucet housing 20. In one embodiment, the sensing part of the faucet sensor module is located near the faucet spout 18, with the sensing window of the housing exposed externally near the spout 18. The housing can be secured inside the faucet by positioning ribs. A plastic fixing block 19 is provided inside the faucet and above the housing to further secure the housing. The control module 24 is located near the solenoid valve module 25 inside the faucet to facilitate connection between the solenoid valve control line in the control module and the solenoid valve module. The sensing part and the control module are connected via a TOF signal line extending inside the faucet.
[0046] Although embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. It can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. Other modifications can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and examples shown and described herein.
Claims
1. A faucet sensor module, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has a closed end and an open end, the closed end being provided with a light-transmitting sensor window; A light-blocking pad is disposed inside the housing. The front end of the light-blocking pad abuts against the closed end, and the rear end of the light-blocking pad is close to the open end. The light-blocking pad has a pair of through slots, and the front opening of the slots corresponds to the sensor window. The surface of the light-blocking pad is treated with black. The TOF sensing chip is disposed inside the housing. The transmitting end and the receiving end of the TOF sensing chip are respectively secured in the pair of slots. The TOF sensing chip is sealed to the opening end. A TOF signal line is connected to the TOF sensing chip, and the TOF signal line extends to the outside of the housing through the open end; A control module includes a control chip that is communicatively connected to the TOF signal line and receives the sensing signal from the TOF sensing chip through the TOF signal line.
2. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-blocking pad is made of silicone.
3. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A sealant is applied between the TOF sensor chip and the opening to seal the gap between them.
4. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening end is provided with a limiting rib, which is locked onto the outer side of the TOF sensing chip to fix the TOF sensing chip inside the housing.
5. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The TOF signal line is waterproof.
6. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module also includes a solenoid valve control line, the control chip is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve control line, the solenoid valve control line is connected to the faucet solenoid valve, and the control chip sends control signals to the faucet solenoid valve through the solenoid valve control line.
7. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control module also includes a battery connection line, and the control chip is electrically connected to the battery connection line and electrically connected to the power supply battery through the battery connection line.
8. The faucet sensor module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control module also includes a power adapter connection cable, the control chip is electrically connected to the power adapter connection cable, and is electrically connected to the power supply through the power adapter connection cable.