Single-lever faucet with electronic control

US6003170A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Friedrich Grohe AG · DE

Inventors

• Jurgen Humpert · Hemer, DE
• Eckhard Gransow · Lennestadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 29, 1998
• Grant date: Dec 21, 1999
• Expiry date: May 29, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E03C1/04
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A faucet assembly has a conduit defining a flow path between a supply of water and an outlet, a mechanical valve in the conduit and having an open position and a closed position, and a lever coupled to the mechanical valve for shifting it between its open and closed positions. A proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet and a controller connected between the proximity detector and an openable and closable servo valve is activatable for opening the servo valve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. A position-detecting switch associated with the mechanical valve is connected to the controller for activating this controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its open position and for deactivating the controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its closed position.