A folding faucet

Abstract

This application discloses a folding faucet, comprising: a faucet body; a water outlet portion having a water outlet suitable for dispensing water, the water outlet portion being rotatably connected to the faucet body and adapted to rotate relative to the faucet body about a horizontal rotation axis, wherein when the water outlet portion rotates to a first position, the water outlet is away from the faucet body, and when the water outlet portion rotates to a second position, the water outlet is close to the faucet body, and the water outlet portion has a limiting protrusion radially protruding relative to the horizontal rotation axis; a drive source driving the water outlet portion to rotate relative to the faucet body and to engage a stop switch, the drive source being tangentially positioned relative to the horizontal rotation axis to control the drive source; when the water outlet portion rotates relative to the faucet body and the limiting protrusion abuts against the stop switch, the drive source stops operating. This technical solution addresses the issues of inaccurate transmission control and mechanical structure stability in folding or unfolding faucets, ensuring the faucet's performance and extending its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of faucet technology, specifically to a folding faucet. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are many foldable water purifier faucets on the market. While these faucets offer folding and storage capabilities, improving space utilization to some extent, they still have several shortcomings in actual use. Firstly, their transmission control structure is flawed. Existing transmission modules lack a precise and effective stop control mechanism when folding and unfolding the faucet. Most products lack reliable stop devices, or the stop devices are too simple, causing the motor to fail to stop accurately during rotation, easily resulting in over-rotation or under-rotation, affecting the faucet's normal use and lifespan. Secondly, in terms of mechanical structure design, for folding faucets with long swing arms, due to limited motor torque, the swing arm often collapses after unfolding due to insufficient support, affecting the faucet's normal use and lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the background technology and provide a water outlet device to solve the problems of inaccurate transmission control and mechanical structure stability when the faucet is folded or unfolded, so as to ensure the performance of the faucet and extend its service life.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention and its preferred embodiments adopt the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:

[0005] The first technical solution relates to a folding faucet, characterized by comprising: a faucet body; a water outlet having a water outlet suitable for dispensing water, the water outlet being rotatably connected to the faucet body and adapted to rotate relative to the faucet body about a horizontal rotation axis, wherein when the water outlet rotates to a first position, the water outlet is away from the faucet body, and when the water outlet rotates to a second position, the water outlet is close to the faucet body, and the water outlet having a limiting protrusion radially protruding relative to the horizontal rotation axis; a drive source driving the water outlet to rotate relative to the faucet body; and a contact switch tangentially arranged relative to the horizontal rotation axis to control the drive source; when the water outlet rotates relative to the faucet body and the limiting protrusion abuts against the contact switch, the drive source stops working.

[0006] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the limiting protrusion is provided with a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion. When the water outlet rotates to the first position, the first limiting protrusion abuts against the contact switch to stop the drive source from working. When the water outlet rotates to the second position, the second limiting protrusion abuts against the contact switch to stop the drive source from working.

[0007] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the contact switch is provided with a first abutting part adapted to abut against the first limiting protrusion and a second abutting part adapted to abut against the second limiting protrusion.

[0008] The fourth technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein one of the faucet body and the water outlet is provided with a recessed portion, and the other is provided with an elastic abutment portion. The recessed portion and the elastic abutment portion cooperate with each other, and when the water outlet portion rotates to the first position, the two cooperate to stabilize the water outlet portion in the first position.

[0009] The fifth technical solution is based on the fourth technical solution, wherein at least two recesses are provided, namely a first recess and a second recess, and at least two elastic abutments are provided, namely a first elastic abutment and a second elastic abutment. The first elastic abutment is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis and is adapted to abut against the first recess. The second elastic abutment protrudes outward from the water outlet and is adapted to abut against the second recess.

[0010] The sixth technical solution is based on the fifth technical solution, wherein the first recess includes a guide slope and a limiting surface connected together. The guide slope forms an angle of 100-150° with the first elastic abutment. The first elastic abutment cooperates with the guide slope to slide to the first recess. The first elastic abutment and the limiting surface abut radially along the horizontal rotation axis, so that the limiting surface is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis, ensuring the stability of the water outlet in the first position. The second elastic abutment and the second recess are both provided with mutually cooperating chamfers.

[0011] The seventh technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the driving source includes a motor, the motor is a stepper motor, which is adapted to be connected to a horizontal rotating shaft for transmission to drive the water outlet to rotate relative to the faucet body.

[0012] The eighth technical solution is based on the seventh technical solution, wherein the transmission component includes a first transmission component, a second transmission component, and a belt. The first transmission component is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor, and the second transmission component is fixedly disposed at the connection between the water outlet and the horizontal rotation shaft of the faucet body. The first transmission component and the second transmission component are coupled through belt transmission. When the stepper motor drives the first transmission component to rotate, the second transmission component is driven to rotate via the belt, and the water outlet rotates synchronously.

[0013] The ninth technical solution is based on the eighth technical solution, wherein the second transmission component is coaxially arranged with the horizontal rotation shaft of the water outlet and the two are circumferentially fixedly connected. When the second transmission component rotates, it drives the horizontal rotation shaft to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the water outlet to rotate around the horizontal rotation shaft.

[0014] The tenth technical solution is based on the eighth technical solution, wherein the belt is annular, and its inner circumference is provided with a meshing structure adapted to the outer circumference of the first transmission member and the second transmission member, and the belt is made of flexible material to maintain a tight fit with the transmission member.

[0015] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:

[0016] In the first technical solution, a faucet body and a water outlet are provided. The water outlet rotates relative to the horizontal rotation axis and has a radially protruding limiting protrusion. The drive source is adapted to drive the water outlet to rotate, realizing the faucet's folding function. At the same time, a stop switch is also provided. The stop switch is tangentially set relative to the horizontal rotation axis to control the drive source. When the water outlet rotates relative to the faucet body, the drive source stops working when the limiting protrusion abuts against the stop switch. The cooperation between the limiting protrusion and the stop switch achieves precise positioning, avoiding over-rotation or under-rotation, ensuring that each folding or unfolding reaches the accurate position, and improving the accuracy and reliability of use.

[0017] In the second technical solution, the limiting protrusions are a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion. When the water outlet rotates to the first position, the first limiting protrusion abuts against the contact switch, stopping the drive source. When the water outlet rotates to the second position, the second limiting protrusion abuts against the contact switch, stopping the drive source. This provides a clear and unique limit position definition for the rotation of the water outlet, while also reducing the burden on the drive source. When the water outlet reaches the predetermined position, the drive source stops working promptly due to the limiting protrusion abutting against the contact switch, avoiding meaningless continuous operation. This effectively reduces the heat and wear of the motor windings inside the drive source, extends the motor's service life, and reduces the product repair rate and replacement costs caused by drive source failure, thus affecting the normal use and service life of the faucet.

[0018] In the third technical solution, the first and second abutting parts are independently set, corresponding to the first and second limiting protrusions respectively. This design ensures that the control of the two extreme positions does not interfere with each other, ensuring the triggering accuracy of each position, avoiding the position drift or false triggering problems that may occur with traditional single-contact switches, and improving the accuracy and reliability of use.

[0019] In the fourth technical solution, one of the faucet body and the water outlet is provided with a recessed portion, and the other is provided with an elastic abutment portion. The recessed portion and the elastic abutment portion cooperate to form a mechanical limiting structure. When the water outlet portion rotates to the first position, the elastic abutment portion and the recessed portion form a mechanical limiting engagement. Through the continuous abutment action of the elastic force, the water outlet portion is provided with dual axial and radial constraints. This prevents the water outlet portion from deviating from the predetermined position due to force, and solves the problem of existing faucets collapsing due to insufficient support when in the unfolded state.

[0020] In the fifth technical solution, the first elastic abutment and the first recess, and the second elastic abutment and the second recess, form two sets of independent mechanical limiting structures. When the water outlet rotates to the first position, the two sets of limiting structures provide constraints on the water outlet from different directions. The first elastic abutment is set perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis, and its cooperation with the first recess can form rigid support in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, resisting the radial displacement of the water outlet caused by gravity or external force. The second elastic abutment protrudes outward from the faucet body away from the water outlet, and its cooperation with the second recess can provide auxiliary support in the tangential direction of the rotation axis, preventing the water outlet from rotating circumferentially due to vibration or lateral force. The synergistic effect of the two sets of limiting structures significantly improves the overall stability of the water outlet in the first position compared to a single cooperation structure, effectively avoiding the problem of insufficient support and collapse caused by the long swing arm in the prior art, ensuring that the water outlet does not loosen or deviate in the working state.

[0021] In the sixth technical solution, the guide ramp forms an angle of 100-150° with the first elastic abutment, providing a smooth and effortless sliding path for the guide ramp. When the water outlet rotates to the first position, the guide ramp can smoothly slide into the first recess along the angle with the first elastic abutment, avoiding jamming caused by steep slope or a sudden increase in drive source load, ensuring that the water outlet can accurately reach the preset position; the limiting surface is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis and forms a rigid constraint when it abuts the first elastic abutment radially. The contact surfaces of the two are parallel and perpendicular to the rotation axis, which can effectively resist the radial torque generated by gravity or external force contact of the water outlet in the working state, preventing the water outlet from tilting or shifting, significantly improving the structural stability of the first position, solving the problem of insufficient support and collapse caused by the long swing arm. The elastic resistance that the guide ramp needs to overcome when sliding is small, which can reduce the output torque of the drive source in the process of driving the water outlet to rotate to the first position, reducing the motor's... Instantaneous load and energy consumption; the radial rigid fit between the limiting surface and the first elastic top part can independently bear the main support force of the water outlet in the first position, so that the drive source does not need to continuously output power to maintain the position after it is in place, avoiding the heat and wear caused by the motor being under stress for a long time, extending the service life of the drive system and reducing maintenance costs; both the second elastic top part and the second recessed part are provided with mutually cooperating chamfers. The chamfer design makes the second elastic top part and the second recessed part form an inclined surface when they come into contact, which makes it easier for the two to abut and cooperate, reducing the resistance when separating and ensuring that the folding action is flexible and unobstructed; the structure of the guide slope and the chamfer allows the water outlet to achieve a smooth transition in both the unfolding and folding processes, ensuring the stability of the working state without affecting the folding function.

[0022] In the seventh technical solution, the driving source includes a motor, which is a stepper motor. The stepper motor precisely controls the rotation angle of its output shaft. When the stepper motor is connected to the horizontal rotating shaft, it can transmit precise angle control to the water outlet, ensuring that the rotation angle, speed, and stopping position can be precisely adjusted during the process of the water outlet rotating from the first position to the second position. This avoids problems such as over-rotation or under-rotation caused by unstable speed and low positioning accuracy of ordinary motors in the prior art, ensuring the accuracy of folding or unfolding actions and improving reliability.

[0023] The eighth technical solution involves a first transmission component fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor, and a second transmission component fixedly connected to the horizontal rotation shaft of the water outlet section. The transmission between the two is achieved via a belt. This structure ensures that the rotation of the stepper motor is transmitted to the water outlet section without delay through the transmission components, guaranteeing that the water outlet section can accurately stop at the first or second position. The direct belt connection between the first and second transmission components results in a short transmission path and low power loss, efficiently transmitting the output torque of the stepper motor to the water outlet section and ensuring full utilization of the drive source's power. Especially when the water outlet section needs to overcome gravity or elastic resistance to rotate to the first position, the efficient power transmission reduces the output load on the stepper motor, preventing overheating or performance degradation due to overload, indirectly extending the lifespan of the drive source, improving the stability of the mechanical structure, and extending the product's lifespan.

[0024] The ninth technical solution is that the second transmission component is coaxially set with the horizontal rotation shaft, which can avoid eccentric rotation caused by different shafts, ensure that the direction of force transmission during the transmission process is consistent with the horizontal rotation shaft, reduce power loss, and ensure that the precise control command of the stepper motor can be completely converted into the actual rotation of the water outlet. This solves the problem of inaccurate transmission control in the prior art and ensures that the water outlet can accurately stay in the first or second position.

[0025] The tenth technical solution involves a ring-shaped belt with an inner circumference that meshes with the outer circumferences of the first and second transmission components. This avoids the slippage problem that may occur in traditional belt drives. The meshing structure allows the rotation of the first transmission component to be transmitted to the second transmission component, ensuring that the output angle of the stepper motor is converted into the rotation angle of the water outlet through the transmission assembly. This solves the core problem of inaccurate transmission control and ensures precise positioning of the water outlet during the switching process between the first and second positions. The belt is made of a flexible material with a certain elastic deformation capability. During the meshing transmission process, its flexibility allows the meshing structure to remain tightly fitted, reducing transmission impact or abnormal noise caused by gaps, improving the durability of the mechanical structure, ensuring the performance of the faucet, and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the folding faucet in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view of the water outlet in the first position in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view of the water outlet in the second position in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the water outlet rotating from the second position to the first position.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point C;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission component connection.

[0035] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0036] 1. Folding faucet; 2. Faucet body; 3. Water outlet; 4. Drive source; 5. Contact switch; 6. Transmission assembly; 7. Cavity; 8. Back cover; 9. Water outlet; 10. Limiting protrusion; 11. First limiting protrusion; 12. Second limiting protrusion; 13. First abutment part; 14. Second abutment part; 15. Recessed part; 16. Elastic abutment part; 17. First recessed part; 18. Second recessed part; 19. First elastic abutment part; 20. Second elastic abutment part; 21. Guide slope; 22. Limiting surface; 23. Motor; 24. First transmission component; 25. Second transmission component; 26. Belt. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0038] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and drawings of this utility model is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to 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 limiting the specific scope of protection of the invention.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this utility model shall be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or components.

[0041] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0042] In this embodiment, for the sake of referring to the accompanying drawings and for ease of explanation, ω is defined as the rotation direction of the water outlet 3, α is the angle between the guide slope 21 and the rotation axis of the first elastic abutment part 19, and π is the radial abutment angle between the first elastic abutment part 19 and the limiting surface 22 along the horizontal rotation axis.

[0043] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the faucet in the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view of the water outlet 3 in the first position in the embodiment. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the folding faucet 1 includes a faucet body 2, a water outlet 3, a drive source 4, a contact switch 5, and a transmission assembly 6.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the faucet body 2 is vertically arranged; in this embodiment, the faucet body 2 is vertically installed and has an internal cavity 7 suitable for accommodating various functional components, and also has a rear cover 8 for sealing the cavity 7. The rear cover 8 is suitable for installing a contact switch 5 tangential to the horizontal rotation axis.

[0045] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of point A. (See image below.) Figure 2As shown, the water outlet 3 includes a water outlet 9 and a limiting protrusion 10. The water outlet 3 rotates relative to the faucet body 2 about a horizontal rotation axis. The water outlet 9 is adapted to move away from or close to the faucet body 2. The limiting protrusion 10 protrudes radially from the water outlet 3 relative to the horizontal rotation axis and is adapted to abut against the contact switch 5. The limiting protrusion 10 includes a first limiting protrusion 11 and a first limiting protrusion 12. The contact switch 5 has a first abutting part 13 adapted to abut against the first limiting protrusion 11 and a second abutting part 14 adapted to abut against the first limiting protrusion 12. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2 and 3 As shown, when the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position relative to the faucet body 2 around the horizontal rotation axis, the water outlet 3 extends in the horizontal direction, the water outlet 9 moves away from the faucet body 2, and at the same time, the first limiting protrusion 11 abuts in the tangential direction, triggering the contact switch 5, controlling the drive source 4 to stop working, so that the water outlet 3 is stably maintained in the first position.

[0046] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 This is a side view of the water outlet 3 in the second position in the embodiment. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B. (See image below.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the water outlet 3 rotates to the second position, the water outlet 3 is located below the horizontal rotation axis, and the water outlet 9 is close to the faucet body 2. At the same time, the first limiting protrusion 12 abuts against the second abutting part 14 along the tangential direction, which also stops the drive source 4 from working, ensuring that the water outlet 3 is accurately positioned in the second position.

[0047] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the water outlet section 3 rotating from the second position to the first position. Figure 7 for Figure 8 A magnified view of point C. (See image below.) Figure 6 As shown, one of the faucet body 2 and the water outlet 3 is provided with a recessed portion 15, and the other is provided with an elastic abutment portion 16. The recessed portion 15 and the elastic abutment portion 16 cooperate with each other. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position, the two cooperate to stabilize the water outlet 3 in the first position.

[0048] like Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the water outlet 3 is provided with two recesses 15, namely a first recess 17 and a second recess 18. The faucet body 2 is provided with two elastic abutments 16, namely a first elastic abutment 19 which is vertically arranged relative to the horizontal rotation axis and adapted to abut against the first recess 17, and a second elastic abutment 20 which protrudes outward from the water outlet 3 and abuts against the second recess 18. Specifically, when the water outlet 3 rotates relative to the faucet body 2 to the first position, each elastic abutment 16 elastically abuts against each recess 15, providing support for the water outlet 3 to be in the first position. When the water outlet 3 rotates relative to the faucet body 2 away from the first position, each recess 15 is adapted to disengage from each elastic abutment 16, so that the folding faucet 1 is retracted.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower end of the guide slope 21 is connected to one end of the limiting surface 22, forming an L-shaped structure. When the water outlet 3 rotates from the second position to the first position, the first elastic abutment 19 engages with the guide slope 21 at an angle α. In this embodiment, α is 100-150°. The first elastic abutment 19 uses its own elastic deformation and the angle between itself and the guide slope 21 to provide a reasonable guiding slope for the guide slope 21 to slide into the first recess 17. When the first elastic abutment 19 engages with the guide slope 21, the top of the first elastic abutment 19 slides over the guide slope 21 and is downward due to gravity. When the first elastic abutment 19 abuts against the first recess 17, the gravity disappears, and the first elastic abutment 19 releases pressure and recovers its deformation, so that the limiting surface 22 is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis and abuts against the first elastic abutment 19 radially to form a rigid constraint. At the same time, the arc shape at the top of the second elastic abutment 20 matches the chamfer at the edge of the second recess 18, forming an inclined guide surface when in contact. The two abut against each other through the cooperation of the arc and the chamfer, and the second elastic abutment 20 provides support force to support the second recess 18, thereby achieving double fixation of the water outlet 3 and preventing it from shaking and collapsing.

[0050] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, when the water outlet 3 rotates from the first position to the second position, during the rotation, the water outlet 3 moves together with the first recess 17 and the second recess 18. Under the combined force of the driving force of the driving source 4 and gravity, the limiting surface 22 overcomes the rigid support of the abutment surface of the first elastic abutment 19 and smoothly slides over the abutment surface. At the same time, the guide slope 21 slides over the bottom of the first elastic abutment, causing the first recess 17 to disengage from the first elastic abutment 19. Simultaneously, under the action of gravity, the second recess 18 disengages from the second elastic abutment 20 with the help of the guide surface, ultimately realizing the rotation of the water outlet 3 to the second position.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the contact switch 5 is installed inside the faucet body 2. Specifically, the contact switch 5 includes a first contact part 13 and a second contact part 14. The contact switch 5 is suitable for installation on the rear cover 8 and is tangentially arranged relative to the horizontal rotation axis. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position relative to the faucet body 2 around the horizontal rotation axis, the water outlet 3 extends horizontally, and the water outlet 9 moves away from the faucet body 2. At the same time, the first limiting protrusion 11 abuts against the first contact part 13 in the tangential direction, triggering the contact switch 5 and controlling the drive source 4 to stop working, so that the water outlet 3 is stably maintained in the first position. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the second position, the water outlet 3 is located below the horizontal rotation axis, and the water outlet 9 is close to the faucet body 2. At the same time, the first limiting protrusion 12 abuts against the second contact part 14 in the tangential direction, similarly causing the drive source 4 to stop working, ensuring that the water outlet 3 is accurately positioned in the second position.

[0052] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of transmission component 6. Figure 2 As shown, the drive source 4 is installed inside the faucet body 2 and drives the water outlet 3 to rotate. The drive source 4 includes a motor 23. In this embodiment, the motor 23 is a stepper motor, which drives the transmission assembly 6 to rotate the water outlet 3 to the first position, as shown. Figure 8 As shown, the transmission assembly 6 includes a first transmission member 24, a second transmission member 25, and a belt 26. The first transmission member 24 and the second transmission member 25 are connected by the belt 26. The first transmission member 24 is installed below the faucet body 2 and fixedly connected to the stepper motor. Specifically, when the stepper motor starts, the first transmission member 24 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor, thereby driving the first transmission member 24 to rotate and drive the second transmission member 25 to rotate via the belt 26, which in turn drives the water outlet 3 to rotate. The second transmission member 25 is located at the connection between the water outlet 3 and the faucet body 2. Specifically, the second transmission assembly 6 provides a stable rotational connection and support for the water outlet 3 via pins and bearings, thereby driving the water outlet 3 to rotate. The belt 26 is annular and made of flexible material. Its inner circumference is provided with a meshing structure adapted to the outer circumference of the first transmission member 24 and the second transmission member 25. The meshing structure allows the rotation of the first transmission member 24 to be transmitted to the second transmission member 25.

[0053] In this embodiment, a faucet body 2 and a water outlet 3 are provided. The water outlet 3 rotates relative to the horizontal rotation axis and has a radially protruding limiting protrusion 10. A drive source 4 is adapted to drive the water outlet 3 to rotate, realizing the folding function of the folding faucet 1. At the same time, a stop switch 5 is also provided. The stop switch 5 is tangentially set relative to the horizontal rotation axis to control the drive source 4. When the water outlet 3 rotates relative to the faucet body, the drive source 4 stops working when the limiting protrusion 10 abuts against the stop switch 5. The cooperation between the limiting protrusion 10 and the stop switch 5 achieves precise positioning, avoiding over-rotation or under-rotation, ensuring that each folding or unfolding reaches the accurate position, and improving the accuracy and reliability of use.

[0054] In this embodiment, the limiting protrusions 10 are a first limiting protrusion 11 and a first limiting protrusion 12. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position, the first limiting protrusion 11 abuts against the contact switch 5, causing the drive source 4 to stop working. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the second position, the first limiting protrusion 12 abuts against the contact switch 5, causing the drive source 4 to stop working. This provides a clear and unique limit position definition for the rotation of the water outlet 3, and also reduces the burden on the drive source 4. When the water outlet 3 reaches the predetermined position, the drive source 4 stops working in time because the limiting protrusion 10 abuts against the contact switch 5, avoiding meaningless continuous operation. This effectively reduces the heat and wear of the windings of the motor 23 inside the drive source 4, extends the service life of the motor 23, and reduces the product repair rate and replacement cost caused by the failure of the drive source 4, thus affecting the normal use and service life of the faucet.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first abutting part 13 and the second abutting part 14 are independently provided, corresponding to the first limiting protrusion 11 and the first limiting protrusion 12, respectively. This design ensures that the control of the two extreme positions does not interfere with each other, ensuring the triggering accuracy of each position, avoiding the position drift or false triggering problems that may occur in traditional single-contact switches, and improving the accuracy and reliability of use.

[0056] In this embodiment, one of the faucet body 2 and the water outlet 3 is provided with a recessed portion 15, and the other is provided with an elastic abutment portion 16. The recessed portion 15 and the elastic abutment portion 16 cooperate to form a mechanical limiting structure. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position, the elastic abutment portion 16 and the recessed portion 15 form a mechanical limiting engagement. Through the continuous abutment action of the elastic force, the water outlet 3 is provided with dual axial and radial constraints. This prevents the water outlet 3 from deviating from the predetermined position due to force, and solves the problem of existing folding faucets 1 collapsing due to insufficient support in the unfolded state.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first elastic abutment 19 and the first recess 17, and the second elastic abutment 20 and the second recess 18 form two sets of independent mechanical limiting structures. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position, the two sets of limiting structures provide constraints on the water outlet 3 from different directions. The first elastic abutment 19 is set perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis, and its cooperation with the first recess 17 can form a rigid support in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, resisting the radial displacement of the water outlet 3 caused by gravity or external force. The second elastic abutment 20 protrudes outward from the faucet body 2 away from the water outlet 3, and its cooperation with the second recess 18 can provide auxiliary support in the tangential direction of the rotation axis, preventing the water outlet 3 from rotating circumferentially due to vibration or lateral force. The synergistic effect of the two sets of limiting structures significantly improves the overall stability of the water outlet 3 in the first position compared to a single cooperation structure, effectively avoiding the problem of insufficient support and collapse caused by the long swing arm in the prior art, ensuring that the water outlet 3 does not loosen or deviate in the working state.

[0058] In this embodiment, the guide slope 21 forms an angle of 100-150° with the first elastic abutment 19, providing a smooth and effortless sliding path for the guide slope 21. When the water outlet 3 rotates to the first position, the guide slope 21 can smoothly slide into the first recess 17 along the angle with the first elastic abutment 19, avoiding jamming caused by steep slope or a sudden increase in load on the drive source 4, ensuring that the water outlet 3 can accurately reach the preset position; the limiting surface 22 is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis and forms a rigid constraint when it abuts the first elastic abutment 19 radially. The contact surfaces of the two are parallel and perpendicular to the rotation axis, which can effectively resist the radial torque generated by gravity or external force contact of the water outlet 3 in the working state, preventing the water outlet 3 from tilting or shifting, significantly improving the structural stability of the first position, solving the problem of insufficient support and collapse caused by the long swing arm. The elastic resistance that the guide slope 21 needs to overcome when sliding is small, which can reduce the output torque of the drive source 4 in the process of driving the water outlet 3 to rotate to the first position, and reduce the motor 2 3. Instantaneous load and energy consumption; The radial rigid fit between the limiting surface 22 and the first elastic abutment 19 can independently bear the main support force of the water outlet 3 in the first position, so that the drive source 4 does not need to continuously output power to maintain the position after it is in place, avoiding the heat and wear caused by the motor 23 being under stress for a long time, extending the service life of the drive system and reducing maintenance costs; The second elastic abutment 20 and the second recess 18 are both provided with mutually cooperating chamfers. The chamfer design makes the second elastic abutment 20 and the second recess 18 form an inclined surface when they come into contact, which makes it easier for the two to abut and cooperate, reducing the resistance when separating and ensuring that the folding action is flexible and unobstructed; The structure of the guide slope 21 and the chamfer allows the water outlet 3 to achieve a smooth transition in both the unfolding and folding processes, ensuring the stability of the working state without affecting the folding function.

[0059] In this embodiment, the drive source 4 includes a motor 23, which is a stepper motor. The stepper motor precisely controls the rotation angle of its output shaft. When the stepper motor is connected to the horizontal rotating shaft, it can transmit precise angle control to the water outlet 3. This ensures that the rotation angle, speed, and stopping position of the water outlet 3 can be precisely controlled during the process of rotating from the first position to the second position. This avoids problems such as over-rotation or under-rotation caused by unstable speed and low positioning accuracy of ordinary motors 23 in the prior art, thus ensuring the accuracy of folding or unfolding actions and improving reliability.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first transmission component 24 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor, and the second transmission component 25 is fixedly connected to the horizontal rotation shaft of the water outlet section 3. The transmission between the two is achieved via a belt 26. This structure allows the rotation of the stepper motor to be transmitted to the water outlet section 3 without delay through the transmission assembly 6, ensuring that the water outlet section 3 can accurately stop at the first or second position. The first transmission component 24 and the second transmission component 25 directly cooperate via the belt 26, resulting in a short transmission path and low power loss. This efficiently transmits the output torque of the stepper motor to the water outlet section 3, ensuring that the power of the drive source 4 is fully utilized. Especially when the water outlet section 3 needs to overcome gravity or the resistance of the elastic abutment 16 to rotate to the first position, the efficient power transmission reduces the output load of the stepper motor, preventing overheating or performance degradation of the motor 23 due to overload, indirectly extending the service life of the drive source 4, improving the stability of the mechanical structure, and extending the product's service life.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second transmission component 25 is coaxially arranged with the horizontal rotation shaft, which can avoid eccentric rotation caused by different shafts, ensure that the direction of force transmission during the transmission process is consistent with the horizontal rotation shaft, reduce power loss, and ensure that the precise control command of the stepper motor can be completely converted into the actual rotation of the water outlet 3. This solves the problem of inaccurate transmission control in the prior art and ensures that the water outlet 3 can accurately stay in the first position or the second position.

[0062] In this embodiment, the belt 26 is annular, and its inner circumference is provided with a meshing structure that is adapted to the outer circumference of the first transmission member 24 and the second transmission member 25. The belt avoids the slippage problem that may occur in the traditional belt 26 transmission process. The meshing structure allows the rotation of the first transmission member 24 to be transmitted to the second transmission member 25, ensuring that the output angle of the stepper motor is converted into the rotation angle of the water outlet 3 through the transmission component 6. This solves the core problem of inaccurate transmission control and ensures the accurate positioning of the water outlet 3 during the switching process between the first and second positions. The belt 26 is made of flexible material and has a certain elastic deformation capability. During the meshing transmission process, its flexibility can keep the meshing structure tightly fitted, reducing transmission impact or abnormal noise caused by gaps, improving the durability of the mechanical structure, ensuring the performance of the faucet and extending its service life.

[0063] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this utility model or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this utility model or the foregoing embodiments, should all be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A folding faucet, characterized in that it comprises: The head body (2); The water outlet (3) is provided with a water outlet (9) suitable for water discharge. The water outlet (3) is rotatably connected to the faucet body (2) and is suitable for rotating relative to the faucet body (2) around a horizontal rotation axis. When the water outlet (3) rotates to the first position, the water outlet (9) is away from the faucet body (2). When the water outlet (3) rotates to the second position, the water outlet (9) is close to the faucet body (2). The water outlet (3) is provided with a limiting protrusion (10) radially protruding relative to the horizontal rotation axis. The drive source (4) drives the water outlet (3) to rotate relative to the faucet body (2), and A contact switch (5) is tangentially positioned relative to the horizontal axis of rotation to control the drive source (4). When the water outlet (3) rotates relative to the faucet body (2), and the limiting protrusion (10) abuts against the contact switch (5), the drive source (4) stops working.

2. A folding faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting protrusion (10) is provided with a first limiting protrusion (11) and a second limiting protrusion (12). When the water outlet (3) rotates to the first position, the first limiting protrusion (11) abuts against the contact switch (5) to stop the drive source (4) from working. When the water outlet (3) rotates to the second position, the second limiting protrusion (12) abuts against the contact switch (5) to stop the drive source (4) from working.

3. A folding faucet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact switch (5) is provided with a first contact portion (13) adapted to abut against the first limiting protrusion (11) and a second contact portion (14) adapted to abut against the second limiting protrusion (12).

4. A folding faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The faucet body (2) and the water outlet (3) are provided with a recessed part (15) and an elastic abutment part (16). The recessed part (15) and the elastic abutment part (16) cooperate with each other. When the water outlet (3) rotates to the first position, the two cooperate to make the water outlet (3) stable in the first position.

5. A folding faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The recessed portion (15) is provided in at least two parts, namely a first recessed portion (17) and a second recessed portion (18). The elastic abutment portion (16) is provided in at least two parts, namely a first elastic abutment portion (19) and a second elastic abutment portion (20). The first elastic abutment portion (19) is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis and is adapted to abut against the first recessed portion (17). The second elastic abutment portion (20) protrudes outward from the water outlet portion (3) toward the faucet body (2) and is adapted to abut against the second recessed portion (18).

6. A folding faucet according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first recess (17) includes a guide slope (21) and a limiting surface (22) connected to each other. The guide slope (21) forms an angle of 100-150° with the first elastic abutment (19). The first elastic abutment (19) cooperates with the guide slope (21) to slide to the first recess (17). The first elastic abutment (19) abuts against the limiting surface (22) radially along the horizontal rotation axis so that the limiting surface (22) is perpendicular to the horizontal rotation axis, ensuring the stability of the water outlet (3) in the first position. The second elastic abutment (20) and the second recess (18) are both provided with chamfers that cooperate with each other.

7. A folding faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive source (4) includes a motor (23), which is a stepper motor and is adapted to be connected to a horizontal rotating shaft to drive the water outlet (3) to rotate relative to the faucet body (2).

8. A folding faucet according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission assembly (6), which includes a first transmission component (24), a second transmission component (25) and a belt (26). The first transmission component (24) is fixed to the output shaft of the stepper motor. The second transmission component (25) is fixed at the connection between the water outlet (3) and the horizontal rotation shaft of the faucet body (2). The first transmission component (24) and the second transmission component (25) are driven together by the belt (26). When the stepper motor drives the first transmission component (24) to rotate, the second transmission component (25) is driven to rotate via the belt (26), and the water outlet (3) rotates synchronously.

9. A folding faucet according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second transmission component (25) is coaxially arranged with the horizontal rotation shaft of the water outlet (3) and the two are circumferentially fixedly connected. When the second transmission component (25) rotates, it drives the horizontal rotation shaft to rotate synchronously, so as to drive the water outlet (3) to rotate around the horizontal rotation shaft.

10. A folding faucet according to claim 8, characterized in that, The belt (26) is annular, and its inner circumference is provided with a meshing structure that is adapted to the outer circumference of the first transmission member (24) and the second transmission member (25). The belt (26) is made of flexible material to maintain a close fit with the transmission member.

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