Multi-waterway faucet with gesture sensing function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-waterway faucet with gesture sensing, which comprises a plurality of faucet bodies respectively arranged on a water tank; the cavity is provided with a water inlet and a plurality of flowing channels communicated with the water inlet, water outlets of the flowing channels are communicated with first pipe bodies, one ends of the first pipe bodies are communicated with the water inlet ends of the faucet bodies in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and electromagnetic valves are arranged on the flowing channels; the gesture recognition sensing device comprises a gesture recognition sensor embedded in the surface of one faucet body and a processing module electrically connected with the gesture recognition sensor, and the processing module is electrically connected with the multiple electromagnetic valves. The gesture recognition sensor is arranged on the faucet body, the space of a water tank is prevented from being occupied by the gesture recognition sensor, different faucet bodies are controlled to be opened through gestures, direct contact between a user and the faucet is avoided, the spread opportunity of bacteria, stains and other pollutants is reduced from the source, and the problem of dirt hiding and containing is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of faucet technology. More specifically, this utility model relates to a multi-channel faucet with gesture sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Existing kitchen faucets offer a variety of water flow options, including rain spray and waterfall spray, and also include a cup washing function, meeting users' diverse needs in cooking, cleaning, and daily water use.

[0003] Patent application number 202321869764.5 discloses a multi-functional kitchen faucet. It integrates a pull-out faucet, a rain shower faucet, and a water purifier faucet on the sink, with water flow controlled by switches on the sink panel. This allows for multiple water flow modes to meet user needs. However, multiple switches not only occupy sink space but also easily accumulate dirt and grease on the switch surfaces and in the gaps between the switches and the sink panel, making cleaning difficult. Furthermore, manually activating the switches leaves contaminants, including bacteria, on the switches. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a multi-channel faucet that addresses these technical shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to provide a multi-channel faucet with gesture sensing, comprising:

[0005] Multiple faucet bodies, each mounted on the sink;

[0006] The cavity has an inlet and multiple flow channels connected to the inlet. The outlets of the multiple flow channels are connected to first pipes. The multiple first pipes are connected to the inlets of multiple faucet bodies. The flow channels are equipped with solenoid valves.

[0007] A gesture recognition sensing device includes a gesture recognition sensor and a processing module electrically connected to the gesture recognition sensor. The sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor is embedded on the surface of one of the faucet bodies. The processing module is electrically connected to multiple solenoid valves. The gesture recognition sensing device is used to recognize different gestures and control the opening or closing of the solenoid valves corresponding to the gestures.

[0008] Preferably, the faucet bodies are of different types, and the faucet body with the embedded gesture recognition sensor is the first faucet body, which can be any one of a pull-out faucet, a water purifier faucet, or a waterfall faucet.

[0009] Preferably, the first faucet body is provided with a temperature regulating structure, which includes:

[0010] The valve core seat has three installation channels for installing pipes.

[0011] A valve core is disposed on the valve core seat. One end of the valve core is provided with a mixed water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a hot water inlet, which correspond one-to-one with one end of three installation channels. A second pipe is connected to the mixed water outlet. One end of the second pipe passes through one of the installation channels and is connected to the water inlet.

[0012] The handle has one end connected to the valve stem of the valve core.

[0013] Preferably, the multi-water faucet further includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe. The outlet end of the cold water pipe and the outlet end of the hot water pipe pass through two other installation channels and are connected to the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet, respectively. The inlet end of the cold water pipe and the inlet end of the hot water pipe are connected to the cold water source and the hot water source, respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the handle and the gesture recognition sensor are arranged horizontally opposite each other.

[0015] Preferably, a receiving gap is provided between one side of the valve core seat and the inner wall of the first faucet body on the side where the gesture recognition sensor is embedded;

[0016] One of the first pipes has its outlet end passing through the receiving gap and communicating with the inlet end on the first faucet body.

[0017] Preferably, the multi-water faucet also includes a cup washer mounted on the sink, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of one of the flow channels via a first pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the gesture recognition sensor is an infrared gesture recognition sensor.

[0019] Preferably, the cavity is covered with a box, which is located below the water tank, and the processing module is mounted on the box.

[0020] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] First, by placing the gesture recognition sensor on the faucet body, this utility model avoids it occupying the space of the sink, and by controlling the opening of different faucet bodies through gestures, it avoids direct contact between the user and the faucet, thereby reducing the chance of the spread of pollutants such as bacteria and stains from the source and effectively solving the problem of dirt accumulation.

[0022] Secondly, this utility model achieves the control of water temperature and flow rate of multiple faucet bodies by setting a temperature regulation structure consisting of a valve core seat, valve core, and handle on the faucet body with an embedded gesture recognition sensor.

[0023] 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

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view of the connection between the faucet body and the first pipe body in one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the box body according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the box body according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial side sectional view of the faucet body according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a side view of the valve core according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the gesture recognition sensor and the processing module inside the box, according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0030] The markings in each of the attached figures are as follows:

[0031] Faucet body 1, gesture recognition sensor 2, valve core seat 3, valve core 4, handle 5, temperature adjustment structure 6, cold water pipe 7, hot water pipe 8, second pipe body 9, first pipe body 10, cavity 11, inlet 12, outlet 13, solenoid valve 14, housing 15, cold water inlet 16, hot water inlet 17, mixed water outlet 18, valve stem 19. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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.

[0033] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are all conventional methods, and the reagents and materials described are all commercially available unless otherwise specified. In the description of this utility model, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0034] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a multi-channel faucet with gesture sensing, comprising:

[0035] Multiple faucet bodies 1 are installed on the sink. Specifically, the multiple faucet bodies 1 are of different types, such as pull-out faucets, water purifier faucets, waterfall faucets, and rain shower faucets, to achieve multiple water output functions and meet the diverse needs of users in cooking, cleaning, and daily water use. For example, waterfall faucets have a strong columnar water output, which is suitable for rapid water filling, while rain shower faucets can achieve a gentle mist water output, which is beneficial for cleaning stains on the surface of fruits and vegetables. They comprehensively cover kitchen water use scenarios and greatly improve the convenience and targetedness of water use.

[0036] The cavity 11 has an inlet 12 and multiple flow channels connected to the inlet 12. The outlets 13 of the multiple flow channels are connected to first pipes 10. One end of each first pipe 10 is connected to the inlet of each faucet body 1. A solenoid valve 14 is provided on each flow channel. Specifically, the inlet 12 and flow channels on the cavity 11 ensure efficient water distribution. The outlets 13 of the multiple flow channels are precisely connected to the inlets of each faucet body 1 through the first pipes 10, ensuring water circuit sealing and smooth flow. At the same time, the solenoid valve 14 is provided on the flow channel. The solenoid valve 14 responds quickly and can accurately control the water flow, greatly reducing the risk of leakage, optimizing water resource management, and realizing independent and precise control of each water circuit. Multiple faucet bodies 1 share a single inlet point, simplifying the installation process and saving space.

[0037] A gesture recognition sensing device includes a gesture recognition sensor 2 and a processing module electrically connected to the gesture recognition sensor 2. The sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor 2 is embedded in the surface of one of the faucet bodies 1. The processing module is electrically connected to multiple solenoid valves 14. The gesture recognition sensing device is used to recognize different gestures and control the opening or closing of the solenoid valves 14 corresponding to the gestures. Specifically, the sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor 2 is embedded in the surface of the faucet body 1, which does not affect the appearance, ensures good sensing effect, and does not occupy the sink area. The gesture recognition sensor 2 is protected by waterproof sealing material or transparent protective film to ensure normal operation in humid environments. The embedding of the sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor 2 in the surface of one of the faucet bodies 1 must be secure and not affect the normal appearance and function of the faucet body 1. The processing module can be installed in a relatively safe and convenient location. The wiring connection location (such as the box 15 located below the sink mentioned later) is where the processing module is connected to multiple solenoid valves 14 and the gesture recognition sensor 2 via wires to form a complete control loop. When the user makes different gestures in front of the sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor 2, the gesture recognition sensor 2 can accurately capture the gesture action and transmit the corresponding gesture signal to the processing module. The processing module determines the control command corresponding to the gesture signal according to the preset program logic, and then controls the solenoid valve 14 corresponding to the gesture to open and close. This realizes the control of whether the corresponding faucet body 1 flows water through gestures, providing users with a convenient and hygienic operation method. The gesture recognition sensing device composed of the gesture recognition sensor 2 and the processing module, which is used to recognize different gestures and control the opening or closing of the solenoid valve 14 corresponding to the gesture, is a publicly disclosed technology.

[0038] In the above technical solution, when a user performs daily operations in the sink area, they only need to make different gestures in front of the sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor 2. The gesture recognition sensor 2 can accurately capture the gesture movements and transmit the corresponding gesture signals to the processing module. The processing module determines the control command corresponding to the gesture signal according to the preset program logic, and then controls the solenoid valve 14 corresponding to the gesture to open and close. For example, if it is necessary to open one of the faucet bodies 1 (such as a waterfall faucet), the user only needs to make a specific gesture and the system will respond quickly, controlling the corresponding solenoid valve 14 to open, allowing a strong water flow to surge instantly. When a hand moves from left to right, the gesture recognition sensor 2 captures and recognizes the gesture. The processing module then controls the solenoid valve 14 on the flow channel connected to the waterfall faucet to open, thus enabling gesture control of the waterfall faucet's water flow. Similarly, turning off the faucet or switching to other types of faucets can also be achieved with a simple gesture. By placing the gesture recognition sensor 2 on the faucet body 1, it avoids occupying the space in the sink. Furthermore, by controlling the opening of different faucet bodies 1 through gestures, direct contact between the user and the faucet is avoided, reducing the chance of the spread of bacteria, stains, and other pollutants from the source and effectively solving the problem of dirt accumulation.

[0039] In another technical solution, the faucet bodies 1 are of different types. The faucet body 1 with embedded gesture recognition sensor 2 is the first faucet body. The first faucet body can be any one of a pull-out faucet, a water purifier faucet, or a waterfall faucet. Specifically, the faucet bodies 1 are of different types, such as pull-out faucets, water purifier faucets, waterfall faucets, rain shower faucets, etc., which can meet the diverse water needs of users in cooking, cleaning, and other daily scenarios. The faucet body 1 with embedded gesture recognition sensor 2 is the first faucet body. The first faucet body can be set to any one of the following: pull-out faucet, water purifier faucet, waterfall faucet, etc. For example, if different parts of the kitchen need to be flexibly washed frequently, the first faucet body can be selected as a pull-out faucet. If the water quality requirements for drinking water are high, the first faucet body can also be set as a water purifier faucet, etc., so as to better match the actual water use situation in the kitchen.

[0040] In another technical solution, the first faucet body is provided with a temperature regulating structure 6, which includes:

[0041] The valve core seat 3 has three installation channels for installing pipes. Specifically, the valve core seat 3 is made of sturdy and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel. The valve core seat 3 has three installation channels, which provide an accurate channel foundation for the installation of subsequent components and the flow of water.

[0042] The valve core 4 is mounted on the valve core seat 3. One end of the valve core 4 has a mixed water outlet 18, a cold water inlet 16, and a hot water inlet 17, which correspond one-to-one with one end of the three installation channels. The mixed water outlet 18 is connected to a second pipe 9. One end of the second pipe 9 passes through one of the installation channels and is connected to the water inlet 12. Specifically, the valve core 4 can be horizontally mounted on the valve core seat 3 to ensure accurate and stable installation. Cold water and hot water enter the valve core 4 through the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17 respectively and are mixed, which facilitates subsequent adjustment and control of water temperature, etc. The mixed water flows out through the mixed water outlet 18, enters the second pipe 9 and the water inlet 12, and enters the cavity 11 to achieve control of the water temperature in different faucet bodies 1.

[0043] The handle 5 has one end connected to the valve stem 19 of the valve core 4. Specifically, connecting one end of the handle 5 to the valve stem 19 of the valve core 4 allows the user to rotate the valve stem 19 by operating the handle 5, thereby changing the water flow between the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17, and realizing the function of adjusting the water temperature and water volume (a common function of the handle 5 in the prior art). For example, rotating the handle 5 can adjust the ratio of water entering the valve core 4 from the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17, so that mixed water of different temperatures can be obtained at the mixed water outlet 18, meeting the user's water temperature needs in different scenarios, such as using cold water for washing vegetables and warm water for washing dishes.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the valve core 4 is horizontally and stably mounted on the valve core seat 3, connecting the cold water inlet 16, the hot water inlet 17, and the mixed water outlet 18 to the corresponding pipe body. Finally, the handle 5 is connected to the valve stem 19 of the valve core 4 to form the temperature regulation structure 6. By rotating the handle 5, the water volume ratio of the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17 entering the valve core 4 can be adjusted, thereby obtaining mixed water of different temperatures at the mixed water outlet 18. The mixed water flows out through the mixed water outlet 18, enters the second pipe body 9, the water inlet 12, and enters the cavity 11 to achieve control of the water temperature in different faucet bodies 1. This allows users to adjust the water temperature at will and accurately, fully adapting to diverse water use scenarios such as washing vegetables and dishes in the kitchen, greatly improving the convenience and comfort of water use, and achieving the beneficial effect of controlling the water temperature and flow of multiple faucet bodies 1 with one handle 5.

[0045] In another technical solution, the multi-channel faucet further includes a cold water pipe 7 and a hot water pipe 8. The outlet ends of the cold water pipe 7 and the hot water pipe 8 pass through two other installation channels and are connected to the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17, respectively. The inlet ends of the cold water pipe 7 and the hot water pipe 8 are connected to the cold water source and the hot water source, respectively. Specifically, the cold water pipe 7 and the hot water pipe 8 should be made of pipe materials that meet drinking water hygiene standards and have good temperature and pressure resistance (such as PPR pipes). The outlet ends of the cold water pipe 7 and the hot water pipe 8 are respectively passed through the valve core. The other two installation channels on seat 3 are connected one-to-one with the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 17 on valve core 4, ensuring that water can flow smoothly from the cold water source and the hot water source into the cold water pipe 7 and the hot water pipe 8 respectively, and then enter the valve core 4 through the corresponding inlet for mixing and other operations. The inlet end of the cold water pipe 7 is connected to the cold water source (such as the cold water supply pipe in the kitchen), and the inlet end of the hot water pipe 8 is connected to the hot water source (such as the pipe connected to the hot water supply equipment such as the water heater), ensuring a stable supply of cold and hot water and providing a reliable source foundation for the entire temperature regulation structure 6.

[0046] In another technical solution, the handle 5 and the gesture recognition sensor 2 are arranged horizontally opposite each other. Specifically, the horizontal arrangement of the handle 5 and the gesture recognition sensor 2 ensures that hand movements towards the gesture recognition sensor 2 will not touch the handle 5, completely avoiding contamination that may result from hand contact with the handle 5. This prevents residues such as detergent, oil, food scraps, and bacteria from transferring to the surface of the handle 5. The gesture recognition sensor 2 then recognizes the gesture, and the processing module issues a control command to open or close the corresponding solenoid valve 14, changing the water flow pattern of the faucet body 1. When in a static state, the handle 5 remains stationary, neither interfering with the transmission and recognition of gesture signals nor hindering gesture operations due to changes in its position or state. Even if the user frequently alternates between gesture control and occasional manual adjustment of water temperature, it can ensure that the two do not interfere with each other. For example, if the user first uses a gesture to turn on the pull-out faucet to release water and completes the initial rinsing, and then wants to switch to the hot water mode to wash their hands, they only need to naturally rotate the horizontally opposite and independently existing handle 5. When the handle 5 is rotating to adjust the hot and cold water mixing ratio, it will not interfere with the gesture recognition sensor 2 receiving new gesture commands again, and vice versa, ensuring that the entire water use process is both hygienic and efficient and convenient.

[0047] In another technical solution, a receiving gap is provided between one side of the valve core seat 3 and the inner wall of the first faucet body on the side where the gesture recognition sensor 2 is embedded.

[0048] One of the first pipe bodies 10 has its outlet end passing through the receiving gap and connecting to the inlet end on the first faucet body. Specifically, the receiving gap is used to accommodate the first pipe body 10. The receiving gap can accommodate the first pipe body 10 without affecting the stability and sealing of the overall structure. After the outlet end of one of the first pipe bodies 10 passes through the receiving gap, it connects to the inlet end on the first faucet body, ensuring that the water flow can be smoothly delivered from the cavity 11 through the first pipe body 10 to the first faucet body. At the same time, this layout allows the components to be arranged compactly and reasonably in a limited space, optimizing the overall structural design.

[0049] In another technical solution, the multi-water-path faucet also includes a cup washer mounted on the sink. The inlet of the cup washer is connected to the outlet 13 of one of the flow channels via the first pipe 10. Specifically, the inlet of the cup washer is connected to one of the flow channels via the first pipe 10. When the user needs to use the cup washer, they can select to open the corresponding solenoid valve 14 through the gesture recognition sensor 2 or other control devices. Water can then flow from the cavity 11 through the first pipe 10 into the cup washer, thereby providing sufficient water flow to the cup washer to meet the user's needs for cleaning cups and other tableware, further enriching the functional application scenarios of the multi-water-path faucet.

[0050] In another technical solution, the gesture recognition sensor 2 is an infrared gesture recognition sensor. Specifically, the infrared gesture recognition sensor is characterized by high sensitivity and reliability. It can accurately recognize gestures in complete darkness without the need for a strong light source, reducing interference with others and the risk of blindness caused by sudden light. It also eliminates the need for additional lighting equipment, reducing energy consumption. When the user's hand makes a corresponding gesture in the sensing area of ​​the infrared gesture recognition sensor, the gesture recognition sensor 2 can emit infrared rays and receive the reflected infrared signals. The internal signal processing circuit converts these signals into electrical signals and transmits them to the processing module, thereby achieving accurate gesture recognition.

[0051] In another technical solution, a box 15 is provided over the cavity 11, located below the water tank. The processing module is mounted on the box 15. Specifically, the box 15 can be made of plastic or metal. The box 15 serves to protect the cavity 11 and provides a relatively concealed, safe, and easy-to-wire installation location for the processing module. The processing module is installed inside the box 15 and accurately electrically connected to the gesture recognition sensor 2 and each solenoid valve 14 via wires. This ensures that the entire gesture recognition sensing device can operate normally, enabling gesture control of multi-channel faucets, while also making reasonable use of the space under the water tank and reducing the potential risks caused by exposed components.

[0052] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. 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 the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. Multi-way faucet with gesture sensing, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a multi-waterway faucet, which comprises: a plurality of faucet bodies arranged on a sink respectively; a cavity provided with a water inlet and a plurality of flow-through channels in communication with the water inlet, the outflow openings of the flow-through channels being in communication with first pipes, one end of each of the first pipes being in communication with a water inlet end of each of the plurality of faucet bodies respectively, and an electromagnetic valve being arranged on each of the flow-through channels; a gesture recognition sensing device comprising a gesture recognition sensor and a processing module electrically connected to the gesture recognition sensor, the sensing end of the gesture recognition sensor being embedded on the surface of one of the faucet bodies, and the processing module being electrically connected to the plurality of electromagnetic valves respectively, the gesture recognition sensing device being used to recognize different gestures and control the opening or closing of the electromagnetic valves corresponding to the gestures.

2. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 1, wherein, The faucet bodies are of different types, and the faucet body embedded with the gesture recognition sensor is a first faucet body, which is any one of a pull-out faucet, a water purifying faucet, and a waterfall faucet.

3. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 2, wherein, The first faucet body is provided with a temperature adjusting structure, which comprises: a valve core seat provided with three installation channels for installing pipes; a valve core arranged on the valve core seat, one end of the valve core being provided with a mixed water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a hot water inlet corresponding to one end of each of the three installation channels respectively, the mixed water outlet being in communication with a second pipe, one end of the second pipe penetrating through one of the installation channels and being in communication with the water inlet; a handle connected to the valve rod of the valve core.

4. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 3, wherein, The multi-waterway faucet further comprises a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe, the outflow end of the cold water pipe and the outflow end of the hot water pipe penetrating through the other two installation channels and being in communication with the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet respectively, and the inflow end of the cold water pipe and the inflow end of the hot water pipe being in communication with a cold water source and a hot water source respectively.

5. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 4, wherein, The handle is arranged horizontally opposite to the gesture recognition sensor.

6. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 5, wherein, A containing gap is arranged between one side of the valve core seat and the inner wall of the side of the first faucet body embedded with the gesture recognition sensor; one end of one of the first pipes penetrating through the containing gap and being in communication with the water inlet end on the first faucet body.

7. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 1, wherein, The multi-waterway faucet further comprises a cup washer arranged on the sink, the water inlet end of the cup washer being in communication with the outflow opening of one of the flow-through channels through a first pipe.

8. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 1, wherein, The gesture recognition sensor is an infrared gesture recognition sensor.

9. The multi-waterway faucet with hand gesture sensing of claim 2, wherein, A box is arranged on the cavity, the box being located below the sink, and the processing module being arranged on the box.

Images