Mechanical touch faucet

An inventive touch faucet device for coupling to a pressurized fluid supply is provided that includes a faucet with a depressible touch surface segment and an outlet, where a mechanical touch mechanism is actuated by the touch surface, and induces a fluid flow from the pressurized fluid supply through the outlet in response to a user depression of the touch surface segment. The touch faucet device may further include a mixing valve for control of fluid temperature and flow rate. The mechanical touch mechanism in embodiments of the inventive touch faucet device includes an activation knob in an activator mechanism that is actuated by pressure applied by the touch surface, and a hydraulic valve in mechanical communication with the activator mechanism, the activator mechanism controlling the hydraulic valve.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to fluid flow control devices and in particular, to a mechanical touch faucet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, touch faucets available on the market are electrically driven. Typically, the design of a touch faucet includes a hydraulic valve controlled by a solenoid that is controlled by electronic circuitry sensitive to human touch to the faucet spout based on living tissue resistive or capacitive characteristics. The conventional touch faucet electronic circuitry provides commands to the system to either open the water flow or close the water flow with a pressurized water supply, while the temperature and flow of the electronic touch faucet remain controlled by a traditional mixing valve or set of valves.

However, electronic touch faucets require an electrical power source such as batteries, or line power. The requisite power requirement and required electronics complicate the installation of the conventional touch faucet, and decrease the reliability of operation. Additionally, permit approvals are required for both plumbing and electrical inspectors. Furthermore, a loss of electrical power may interrupt the supply of water and in the case of battery power; period replacement represents an additional source of maintenance.

Thus, there exists a need for a mechanical touch faucet that provides the same operational benefits and features of an electronic faucet, but is driven by a mechanical assembly thus simplifying the system, eliminating the use of an electrical power supply, eliminating the need for electronic control circuitry, and simplifying installation while increasing long term operational reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An inventive touch faucet device for coupling to a pressurized fluid supply is provided that includes a faucet with a depressible touch surface segment and an outlet, where a mechanical touch mechanism is actuated by the touch surface, and induces a fluid flow from the pressurized fluid supply through the outlet in response to a user depression of the touch surface segment. The touch faucet device may further include a mixing valve for control of fluid temperature and flow rate.

The mechanical touch mechanism in embodiments of the inventive touch faucet device includes an activation knob in an activator mechanism that is actuated by pressure applied by the touch surface, and a hydraulic valve in mechanical communication with the activator mechanism, the activator mechanism controlling the hydraulic valve. The activator mechanism further includes a cam shaft having a proximal end to the activation knob with a set of gear teeth and a distal end with a cam that controls the upward or downward motion of a needle valve for opening or closing a fluid orifice. The activation knob further includes a flexing actuating arm in mechanical communication with the gear teeth that advances the cam in ninety degree increments for every user touch of the touch surface segment.

A touch faucet device for coupling to a pressurized fluid supply includes a faucet with a rocker switch touch plate and an outlet; and a mechanical valve actuated by the rocker switch touch plate, the mechanical valve inducing fluid flow from the pressurized fluid supply through the outlet in response to a user depression of the rocker switch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has utility as mechanical touch faucet. An inventive faucet affords the operational benefits and features as an electronic faucet without the necessity of resort to an electrical power supply, eliminating the need for electronic control circuitry, and simplifying installation while increasing long term operational reliability.

An inventive faucet is activated by a linear depressing motion that contrasts with the rotary motion associated with rotating a valve stem.

Unless noted to the contrary, components of an inventive faucet are formed of materials conventional to the art of plumbing fixture manufacture and in recognition that material compatibility is required for a given fluid flowing therethrough.

While the present invention is detailed herein with respect to the mechanically controlled flow of water, it is appreciated that an inventive faucet is suitable for delivery of aqueous solutions that illustratively include carbonated beverages, alcoholic drinks, medicaments, and juices; organic liquids; and other compositions flowable at temperatures compatible with the inventive faucet construction. As used herein, the term “water” should be treated as being synonymous with a generic liquid fluid.

Referring now toFIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment of the inventive mechanical touch faucet is shown generally at10, and characterized by having a neck region13, a spout14, and fluid outlet16with a large touch surface segment12. It is appreciated that the neck region13need not have a bend relative to the downstream portion as determined relative to a pressurized water supply (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the faucet10. The touch surface segment12while depicted as intermediate between the neck region13and the spout14is appreciated to be amenable to be positioned anywhere on the faucet10to which a user has touch access. The faucet10may have an outer surface that is made of chrome plated materials, stainless steel, metals, plastics, composite materials, and combinations thereof; and in contrast to the conventional touch faucet need not be electrically conductive. In operation, a user depresses the touch surface segment12through a pre-defined travel distance to open the water or fluid flow and once again to close the water or fluid flow. In the embodiment depicted, each single touch of the surface segment12that initiates the pre-selected travel either opens or closes the water flow from the pressurized fluid supply. It is appreciated that a stepped touch surface can allow partial opening of the water flow with each successive user touch; by way of example, a first touch induces a partially open water flow, a second touch initiates complete opening of the water flow, and a third touch terminates the water flow.

The water temperature and flow rate in this embodiment are controlled by a traditional mixing valve18. It is appreciated that in other embodiments of the inventive touch faucet may lack a mixing valve18, and may simply dispense water at a single rate and single temperature.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectioned view showing the spout portion14of the faucet assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1Bwith the mechanical touch mechanism26according to embodiments of the invention. Water flows through an inner water tube20and out of outlet16is controlled by the touch mechanism26. The bottom of the touch surface segment12rests on four touch springs22via pins24that insert into hollows of the springs22, and is in contact with the activation knob28. Every touch (depression) of the touch surface12actuates the activation knob28, by placing downward pressure on the activation knob28. A hydraulic valve sub assembly60(as shown and numbered inFIG. 4B) is enclosed under needle valve cover30and diaphragm chamber cover32. The operation and components of the touch mechanism26will be described in greater detail below with like numerals used between various figures intended to have like meaning.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare upper and lower exploded perspective views of the touch mechanism26and inner water tube20according to embodiments of the invention. Also visible is the hydraulic valve sub assembly60(as shown and numbered inFIG. 4B), which is enclosed under needle valve cover30. A sealing gasket46creates a fluid tight barrier to preclude water from breaching the containment so created. The diaphragm chamber cover32includes a hydraulic valve52with a diaphragm54that either allows water to go downstream through the inner water tube20to the outlet16or shuts off the water flow from the pressurized fluid source.

The inventive hydraulic valve sub assembly60, unlike those presently found in hydraulic valves used in irrigation and garden irrigation systems, is controlled mechanically and does not use a solenoid to actuate the valve. Through the user touch induced depression a translation of a portion of the assembly60results in a preselected travel of the assembly60, and water flow is modified through the assembly60. In certain inventive embodiments, an activator mechanism62, as shown in greater detail inFIGS. 5A and 5B, replaces the need for a solenoid. One depression of the activating knob28moves the mechanically coupled needle valve36upward thereby opening the orifice39allowing the diaphragm54to move up and release water downstream from the pressurized fluid supply. A second depression of the activating knob28forces the needle valve36downward thereby closing the orifice39, at which point the water pressure along with the diaphragm spring50forces the diaphragm54to close against the inner tube20at point56and shut off the water flow from the pressurized fluid supply. The activating knob28has a flexing actuating arm58in mechanical engagement or contact with gear teeth38attached to a proximal end of cam shaft42. The flexing actuating arm58advances the gear teeth38one gear tooth at a time when the activating knob is depressed. The cam shaft42is sealed by an O-ring43. At the distal end of cam shaft42, a cam44, which is centered on the cam shaft42and has an oblong or rectangular shape, rotates in ninety degree increments in response to a user depressing the activating knob28. The cam44is positioned in a rectangular aperture37portion of the needle valve36, and as a result with every press on the activation knob28that is engaged with the cam shaft42rotates the cam shaft42by one tooth, turning the cam ninety degrees from the closed position to open position.

InFIG. 5A, the cam44is in a horizontal or flat position with respect to the rectangular aperture37, and with a bias return spring34mounted on pin extension48pushing downward on the needle valve36, the return spring34forces the needle valve36against the orifice39, shutting off the water flow in the inner water tube20. InFIG. 5B, the cam44is in the upright (shown vertical) position, lifting the needle valve36against the downward bias of the return spring34. The lift of the needle valve36opens the orifice39, which allows water to flow through the spout to the outlet. In operation, the activator62is a mechanism similar to a “pen” mechanism in which one press opens the pen and the next closes the pen, only in this case instead of moving the pen the activator62moves the needle valve36. It is appreciated that intermediate positions on the cam44between those depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5Bafford partially open positions associated with a low flow of water from the pressurized fluid supply.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare cross-sectioned detail views of the cam44within the hydraulic valve sub assembly60in the closed and open position as described inFIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively according to embodiments of the invention. InFIG. 6Awith the cam44in the horizontal position, the needle valve36is forced against the orifice39and shuts off the water flow. InFIG. 6Bwith the cam44in the vertical (up) position, the needle valve36is lifted so as to oppose the force of return spring34and lift the needle valve36away from the orifice39and opening a channel through the orifice39for the water to flow.

FIG. 7illustrates an inventive mechanical touch faucet70with a rocker switch touch plate74to control the flow of fluids to an aerator76. The body of the faucet70may be assembled with two half shells72A and72B that are joined by fasteners at locations78as shown inFIG. 8. The body may be formed from metal, plastic, or composite materials. In a specific embodiment the fasteners may be M-4 bolts and nuts. The four holes75in the rocker switch touch plate74provide improved handling access. It is appreciated that the neck region73need not have a bend relative to the downstream portion as determined relative to a pressurized water supply (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the faucet70. The touch rocker surface segment74and the valve mechanism hydraulics assembly80while depicted as intermediate between the neck region73and the spout14is appreciated to be amenable to be positioned anywhere on the faucet70to which a user has touch access. The faucet70may have an outer surface that is made of chrome plated materials, stainless steel, metals, plastics, composite materials, and combinations thereof. In operation, a user depresses the touch surface segment74through a pre-defined travel distance to open the water or fluid flow and once again to close the water or fluid flow. In an embodiment, each single touch of the rocker surface segment74initiates a pre-selected travel that either opens or closes the water flow from the pressurized fluid supply. It is appreciated that a stepped touch surface can allow partial opening of the water flow with each successive user touch; by way of example, a first touch induces a partially open water flow, a second touch initiates complete opening of the water flow, and a third touch terminates the water flow. The body of the faucet70is mountable to a spout base79that may have additional controls and a mixer valve (not shown) for adjusting the dispensed fluid temperature.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectioned view of the touch faucet70ofFIG. 7showing the rocker valve switch touch surface74and valve mechanism80.FIG. 10is a partial perspective view of the spout portion of the touch faucet70ofFIG. 7showing the rocker switch touch surface74over the valve mechanism80.

FIG. 11is a partial perspective view of the spout portion of the touch faucet70ofFIG. 7showing with the rocker valve switch touch surface74removed to fully expose the underlying valve mechanism80according to a specific embodiment of the invention.FIG. 12is a cross-sectioned view of the rocker valve switch mechanism83and the valve mechanism80.FIGS. 13A-13Care detailed cross-sectional views of the rocker valve switch mechanism83, valve mechanism80, and associated components.FIG. 14is a perspective view of the rocker valve switch touch surface74separated from the valve mechanism hydraulic assembly80.

As shown inFIG. 12andFIGS. 13A-13C, the valve mechanism80has a ball cage86that retains a spring96that rest on a ball106that allows for a pivoting action of the rocker switch touch surface74that is attached to the top portion of the ball cage86, which may be brass. In a specific embodiment, the top of the ball cage has a threaded bore that accommodates a fastener88that secures the rocker switch touch surface74to the ball cage86. In a specific embodiment the fastener is a M-2 screw, the ball is a 3 mm stainless steel sphere. The rocker valve switch mechanism83and the valve mechanism80have a series of O-rings that act as fluid sealers. In the specific non-limiting embodiment shown the O-rings with their corresponding dimensions are as follows: O-ring102(wire 2.0 mm×5.5 mm diameter) for plug84, O-ring108(wire 1.5 mm×11.5 mm diameter) for the ball cage cap85, O-ring110(wire 2.0 mm×5.0 mm diameter) for the ball cage86, O-ring107(wire 1.0 mm×2.0 mm diameter) for the ball106to rest on, and O-ring104(wire 1.2 mm×9.0 diameter) for the adaptor82. The adaptor82has an internal bored thread for coupling to a water supply hose (not shown). The valve mechanism80has a threaded spout100for the attachment of the aerator76.

FIG. 15is an exploded view of the rocker valve switch mechanism83. In the specific embodiment shown, the rocker valve switch mechanism83has a rocker valve switch touch surface74that is attached to the ball cage86with a fastener88. A plate90retains the ball cage cap112, ball cage86, spring96, and ball106within the valve cap87. The plate90is joined to the valve cap87with fasteners91, such as M-4 bolts and nuts. As shown in Detail A, the ball cage cap112has top grooves114for a grip tool.

FIG. 16is an exploded view of valve mechanism hydraulic assembly80according to an embodiment of the invention. In the specific embodiment shown, the valve mechanism hydraulic assembly80has the valve cap87which retains a valve spring116, membrane core118, and membrane120in a cavity of the valve base81. The valve cap87may be secured to the valve base81with fasteners, such as M-4 bolts and nuts.

FIG. 17is a perspective view of the rocker valve switch touch surface74separated from the rocker valve switch mechanism83with a detail view of the of the rocker valve switch touch surface74showing the pivot pins124that are inserted into pivot holes122A of the valve cap87and pivot holes122B of the rocker valve switch touch surface74, and facilitate the up and down rocking motion of the rocker valve switch touch surface74.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bshow a cross-sectioned view of a closed valve and the notching mechanism92with the non-depressed rocker switch74, respectively. With the rocker switch72in an up or non-depressed position, the ball106rests in the O-ring107and closes off the channel109and stops fluid flow to the threaded spout100or aerator76. In the closed position notching mechanism92engages the lower slot126L.

FIGS. 18C and 18Dshow a cross-sectioned view of an open valve and the notching mechanism92with the depressed rocker switch74, respectively. With the rocker switch in a down or depressed position (shown by arrow), the ball106moves to the side of the O-ring107and opens the channel109and fluid flow to the threaded spout100or aerator76. In the open position notching mechanism92engages the upper slot126U.