CN101160437A - Faucet assembly with integral water supply shut-off valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A faucet apparatus for mounting on sinks, washbasins and the like includes an automatic water supply shut-off valve that allows quick and easy installation or removal on a faucet base mounted in a sink or similar fixture without requiring manual opening and closing of the water supply line. The faucet head is removable from the base that remains connected to the sanitary fixture. Each shut-off valve includes a normally closed valve member and the faucet head has an actuator that engages and opens the valve members to enable water flow to the faucet head when it is mounted on the base. The faucet apparatus further includes a connection device for mounting the base within the sanitary fixture. An alternative embodiment has a base that includes an additional channel for allowing low voltage wiring and power connections to be installed to enable features such as automatic faucet actuation.

Description

Faucet assembly with integral water supply shut-off valve

Cross References to Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/656,180, entitled "Faucet Assembly With Integral Water Supply Shutoff Valve," filed February 23, 2005.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to faucets for sanitary fittings such as sinks, washbasins, bidets, etc., particularly having a detachable faucet head and a faucet head which allows the faucet head to be opened and closed without the need for manual opening and closing of the water supply line. Faucet assembly for quick and easy installation of automatic water supply shut-off valves at the base of sanitary fittings.

Background technique

As is well known, a water tap is usually applied to its corresponding sanitary equipment by providing a through hole on a certain part of the sanitary equipment to which the water faucet is to be applied, and inserting the base of the water faucet into the through hole. In certain types of taps, the tap is fixed to the sanitary fittings by means of a plate placed on the lower side of the fitting and intended to engage the edge of the through hole. The plate is then secured to the lower surface of the plumbing fixture by means of two or more screws which engage the base of the faucet after it has been inserted through the hole. In other types of faucets, the base of the faucet protrudes below the through hole and has a thread so that it can engage the ring nut. The ring nut engages the lower surface of the plumbing fixture near the edge of the through hole to secure the faucet to the plumbing fixture. The installation operation of conventional water taps fixed to sanitary fixtures is laborious, since the installer necessarily has to work under sanitary fixtures where the space is narrow and the parts necessary for the installation are difficult to reach. Especially in the case of sinks with two parts, and the through-hole for the tap application is provided between the two partitions, the installation operation of the tap is particularly difficult, because the installer has to work from the front of the sink, and the tap installation hole is located between the two partitions. The rear side between the bulkheads, which makes access there particularly difficult. In addition, the sanitary ware is usually placed against the wall, and the hole for fixing the faucet is closest to the wall, so that the installation operation of the faucet is hindered. The installation operation of the faucet will be complicated not only by the existence of the wall against which the sanitary equipment rests, but also by the existence of a trap or a column, especially when the faucet is installed on a washbasin.

A more complex installation of these faucets requires shutting off the water supply line supplying water to the faucet before installation or removal can be performed. Water supply lines have to be connected or cut and reconnected due to tap replacement or repair, presenting the same access difficulties as described above. In some installations, especially wall-mounted faucets, the supply line shutoff valve may be on the other side of the wall. Once the faucet is installed, the water supply line valve must be opened again to restore operating water flow. In any event, the plumbing installation operation for plumbing fixtures is a difficult operation because the installer is forced to work underneath the plumbing fixtures. Thus, the time required to properly install a faucet adds significantly to engineering costs.

In the state of the art for this application we find several patents for faucet installations relevant to this application, namely Mueller, Schmitt, Farrell et al., McGhee, Botnick, Shieh, Mikol, Tischler et al., Sauter et al., German Patent Office No. 8805671 and 8815235, and European Patent 0293655, as well as several referenced articles.

U.S. Patent No. 6,328,059 to Testori and Brown discloses a plumbing surface mounted faucet assembly comprising a spacer portion inserted into a hole in the plumbing surface that connects downwardly to a water supply spout and upwardly to the head of the faucet. However, before the faucet head can be removed or reconnected, the water supply line must first be manually shut off to prevent the flow of water.

Contents of the invention

purpose of invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that is connected to a plumbing fixture such as a sink, washbasin, bidet, etc., and allows the installer or service person to remove or remove the water supply line to the faucet assembly without manually shutting off the water supply line. Replace the faucet assembly of the faucet head to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide an automatic shut-off valve system which enables the faucet head to be easily installed or removed from the faucet base, which is installed on the plumbing fixture without requiring the installer to climb down or work under the plumbing fixture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of being fitted with both a conventional water tap and a lever-type mono-control mixing valve and allowing them to be replaced quickly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be manufactured at very low cost, thus being very price competitive in the market.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a faucet assembly which can be adapted to fit a wide variety of plumbing fixtures, including washbasins, bidets and bathtubs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of deploying a faucet water mixing assembly at a fixed angle relative to the plumbing fixture to which it is fitted.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a faucet assembly having low-voltage wiring and power connections to be able to utilize devices such as optical sensors for automatic faucet actuation.

Summary of the invention

A faucet fitting for installation over sanitary fixtures such as sinks, washbasins, etc., providing simple and quick installation of the faucet head without the need for manual closure of the water supply line. The device comprises a tap head and a fixed engagement base which is inserted into a through hole in the sanitary fixture and has a portion above the sanitary fixture there. The tap head is detachable from the base which remains connected to the plumbing fixture. A pair of channels or pipes extend through the base and are adapted to connect to the water supply line below the plumbing fixture and to connect above the plumbing fixture to feed the faucet head. The faucet fixture also includes an automatic water supply shut-off valve disposed in the base channel and a corresponding valve actuator disposed in the faucet head, which allows quick and easy installation or removal of the fitting faucet head on the plumbing fitting base. There is no need to manually open and close the water supply line. Each shut-off valve includes a normally closed valve assembly that is held closed by water pressure from the water supply line or by spring tension when there is no faucet head. The faucet head assembly consists of a distribution unit, a pair of channels aligned with the base channel or pipe, and a coupler fitting that engages the faucet head channel at one end and the base channel at a second end. A corresponding valve actuator is located at the second end of the connection fitting. A plurality of ring seals attached to the connection fittings prevent unwanted water leakage. When the faucet head is assembled on the base, the connecting fitting engages and seals the base channel, and when the faucet assembly moves axially relative to the base pipe, the actuator engages and opens each valve assembly, with the faucet head fully secured to the base When it is turned on, the water can flow to the head of the faucet. In one embodiment of the faucet assembly, the base further includes an additional channel for allowing installation of low voltage electrical wiring and power connections for features such as automatic faucet actuation. The faucet installation also includes a connecting device for securing the base to the plumbing fixture. The connection means comprises a fixing member associated with the base, the fixing member can be locked from an insertion position in which the fixing member is axially aligned with the hole in the plumbing fixture and a locking member capable of engaging the lower surface of the plumbing fitting in which the hole is located. The location moves.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a side view, partly in section, of a faucet assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. It shows the assembled state of each element shown in the faucet assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled faucet assembly along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1 showing the components of the faucet assembly.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the internal parts of the faucet assembly showing the manner in which a faucet head assembly engages the base in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment showing the base of the faucet assembly having a ball valve configuration with the faucet conduit above the base.

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 5 with the faucet pipe inserted into the base.

Detailed ways

In order to have a complete understanding of the features and operation of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings of the present invention, wherein corresponding numerals in the different drawings represent corresponding parts of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1-7 mentioned above, the device comprises a base 2 which fits within a through hole 3 defined in the sanitary device 4 . The sanitary equipment 4 is preferably a sink, a washbasin, a bidet or the like. The upper part of the base 2 protrudes above the sanitary fitting 4 and can be accommodated and detachably fixed in a lower cavity 51 of the tap fitting 5 .

The base 2 , preferably of substantially cylindrical shape, engages coaxially within the through hole 3 so as to be aligned with the vertical axis and in a normal position to the upper surface 4 a of the sanitary fixture 4 .

The lower, relatively narrow portion of the base 2 defines a rim 8 and adjoins the upper surface 4 a of the sanitary fixture 4 at the edge of the through hole 3 .

A plurality of pipes, preferably a pair of pipes 6 and 7, extend vertically through the base 2 and can be connected below the sanitary ware 4 with a water supply pipe (not shown). The water inlet pipes supply hot and cold water to a plurality of fittings 12 and 13 , supplying the tap fittings 5 to be fitted on the sanitary fittings 4 .

The water supply pipes 10 and 11 are preferably connected by threaded pipe joints, or by welding or other known connection techniques to the lower ports of the pipes 6 and 7 .

Cylindrical sealing washers 16 and 17 fit snugly around the water supply fittings 12 and 13 . Cylindrical sealing washers 16 and 17 are frictionally engaged with the inner surfaces of cylindrical channels 6 and 7 in turn.

The water supply fittings 12 and 13 protrude upwards from the base 2 and, with the insertion of the sealing gaskets 14 and 15, engage with the mouth of the water supply pipe 50 leading into the water distribution chamber 51 provided in the water distribution part of the faucet device 5 .

The tap installation also includes automatic water supply shut-off valves 40, 41 arranged in the base channel and corresponding valve actuators 42, 43 arranged in the tap head, which allow quick and easy installation of the tap head on the sanitary fitting base Or disassemble without manually opening and closing the water supply line. Each shut-off valve consists of a normally closed valve assembly with neoprene disks 44, 45 or ball check valves 46, 47, which are operated by water pressure from the supply line or by means of water pressure when there is no tap head. Springs 48, 45 which keep the shut-off element engaged with the valve keep it closed.

The faucet head assembly consists of a distribution unit, a pair of channels aligned with the base channel, and a connection fitting that engages the faucet head channel at one end and the base channel at a second end. A corresponding valve actuator is located on the second end of the connection fitting. A plurality of ring seals attached to the connection fittings prevent unwanted water leakage. When the faucet is assembled on the base, the connection fitting first engages and seals the base channel. After the seals have engaged, the actuators engage and push away the shut-off elements of each valve assembly. Thereby water can flow to the tap head when the tap head is fully secured on the base.

The actuators 42, 43 may be conical, spherical or simply a protrusion extending from the end of the connection fitting with an opening to allow water flow around the valve engagement tip of the actuator. The valve seat may be any of the various in-line check valves commonly known in the art, and is typically flat or tapered to engage and seal against the valve shut-off member. Neoprene shut-off elements are widely used due to their long service life and acceptable wear resistance. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a wide variety of valve stop and seat materials and joining methods can achieve the same function. Unless an actuator from a fully installed faucet head assembly is present, water pressure from the water supply side of the valve pushes the shutoff against the valve seat, preventing water from escaping before and during installation of the faucet head assembly. If water pressure is present but insufficient to maintain the valve closed by itself, a biasing spring disposed within the faucet assembly applies pressure to keep the shutoff member engaged with the valve seat.

The connecting means comprise a fixing element 22 and a threaded screw 21 for fixing the base 2 to the sanitary fixture 4 . The threaded screw 21 is inserted into a connection hole 27 extending axially through the base 2 .

A threaded fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the tap 5 in place on the base unit 4 . Inserting and tightening the screw into the threaded hole 55 engages the base 4 and prevents the faucet 5 from moving therefrom.

In the next step, the tap head 5 is placed on the base 2, thereby engaging the connector of the tap head to the channel at the top end of the base, thereby connecting the valve actuator attached to the end of the connector with the normal valve arranged in the channel of the base. The closing valve assembly is connected. The faucet device 5 is then fastened by means of threaded set screws inserted into the threaded holes 55 so that the faucet 5 is fixed on the foundation 4 .

In an alternative embodiment of the faucet assembly, the base also includes additional channels 60, 61 through the base for allowing installation of low voltage electrical wiring and power connections to enable features such as automatic faucet activation. Infrared or ultrasonic sensors, as known in the art, may be provided within the faucet assembly for detecting a user's hand under or proximate to the faucet head. When the presence of a hand is sensed, an electronic signal is passed from the sensor through additional channels in the base to the power supply and electronic processing unit, and to the faucet actuation unit which allows water to flow from the faucet head. Another embodiment could have a temperature sensor to provide a safe or desired mix of hot and cold water delivered to the faucet head.

While the invention has been described in terms of at least one preferred embodiment, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the present invention should only be interpreted in conjunction with the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

The invention has utility in the field of plumbing and plumbing fixtures, especially taps for plumbing fixtures such as sinks, washbasins, bidets and the like. In accordance with the statute, the invention has been more or less described in language to the details of the construction of the tap and the associated plumbing. However, of course, the invention is not limited to the methods or features shown or described, in that they include the preferred mode of carrying out the invention.

Additionally, while the invention has been described for use with faucets and other plumbing fixtures, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may also be adapted for other suitable applications, including but not limited to other applications where liquid and gas are controlled. field, the present invention should therefore not be construed as being limited to faucets. Accordingly, the present invention is claimed in any form and variation of the appended claims within the legal and valid scope, and is properly interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (13)

1. A faucet fitting for installation in sinks, washbasins and the like, the faucet fitting comprising: A base for insertion into a through hole of a plumbing fixture, said base comprising a top, a bottom, at least one base channel extending through the base from the top to the bottom, at least one channel communicating with the bottom of the base and having a distal end attached to a water supply pipe the water inlet pipe of the releasable connector, and at least one automatic shut-off valve including a normally closed valve assembly disposed in each channel at the top of the base; a faucet head assembly having a water distribution portion with at least one water distribution conduit, at least one connection piece communicating with each water distribution channel, a seal member circumferentially disposed around each connection piece, and corresponding and aligned with each valve assembly, and a valve actuator disposed proximate to one end of the connection that engages and opens each valve assembly, thereby enabling water to flow when the faucet head is mounted on the base; and Connecting means for fixing the faucet head to the base. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises a threaded fastener insertable into a threaded hole in said faucet head assembly to engage and lock said faucet head assembly to said faucet head assembly. base. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seals arranged circumferentially around each connecting piece are a plurality of deformable rings, such as ring seals, attached around the connecting piece. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base has a substantially cylindrical shape for coaxial connection with the through hole, the channel being substantially parallel to the axis of the base. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the faucet device has two liquid passages for hot water and cold water respectively. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base provides means for securing the water distribution section at a plurality of selected angles relative to the base. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises at least one additional passage through the base for allowing installation of low voltage electrical wiring and power connections, thereby enabling auxiliary features such as automatic faucet actuation. 8. A method of releasably mounting a faucet to a base comprising the steps of: providing a base with a pressurized water supply, the base having a normally closed valve within the removable terminal pipe; The detachable terminal pipe is connected to the faucet assembly, and the faucet assembly has a detachable faucet pipe with a diameter suitable for connecting and sealing with the detachable terminal pipe in the base, and the detachable faucet the pipeline has a valve actuator to open the normally closed valve when the detachable faucet pipeline is engaged and sealed to the detachable terminal pipeline; The faucet assembly is secured to the base to prevent axial displacement of the faucet assembly. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said faucet pipe is axially mounted within said removable terminal pipe and sealed thereto by a seal ring, when said faucet pipe is inserted into said terminal pipe, A fluidfight seal is formed between the terminal conduit and the faucet conduit. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a pair of detachable terminal conduits are disposed within the base and a pair of faucet conduits are disposed within the faucet assembly, each positioned for use with a corresponding base Unit terminal piping spliced and sealed. 11. A faucet fitting for dispensing hot and cold water, said faucet fitting being adapted to fit over a sink, washbasin and the like, comprising: A base for insertion into a through-hole of a plumbing fixture, said base comprising a top, a bottom, hot and cold water base passages extending side by side through the base and from the top of said base to the bottom, plus a source of pressurized water, and a shut-off valve including a normally closed valve assembly disposed in each channel at the top of the base; A faucet head assembly having a water distribution portion with at least one water distribution channel, hot and cold water connections communicating with said water distribution channel, a seal circumferentially arranged around each connection, and a corresponding valve assembly and aligned, and adjacent to one end of the fitting, the fitting engages and opens each valve assembly when the fitting axially engages and seals against said base passage, thereby enabling water to be installed in the faucet head. flow while on base; and A connection means is used to fix the base to the plumbing fixture. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the seals arranged circumferentially around each connecting member are a plurality of deformable rings, such as ring seals, attached around the connecting member. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said base has a substantially cylindrical shape for coaxial connection with said through hole, said channel being substantially parallel to the axis of said base.

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