Valve system especially for a sanitary fixture

US6390125B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Manfred Pawelzik · Soest, DE
• Hans-Jurgen Ludewig · Rinteln, DE
• Wolfgang Gebhardt · Friedrichsthal, DE
• Hartwig Philipps-Liebich · Menden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 24, 2001
• Grant date: May 21, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 24, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/9464
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A manually-operated valve is provided in series with an electromagnetically-operated valve and the manually-operated valve is provided with a proximity detector connected to the electronic controller whereby a switch in the manually-operated valve, in one position of the single control lever therefor, corresponding to about 50% of maximum supply rate, is operated to activate the proximity sensor and enable the water flow to be controlled by an object within its detection range. Removal of the object, e.g. the hand of the user from the range, will shut off the water through the manually-operated valve. Outside the position of the lever at which the switch is operated, the proximity detector is ineffective and control is effected exclusively by swinging the lever.