Electronic faucet sensor assembly

Details Electronic faucet sensor assembly Electronic faucet sensor assembly

1998-11-24

2001-09-25

Hannaher, Constantine (Department: 2878)

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Infrared responsive

C004S623000, C137S801000, C251S129040

Reexamination Certificate

active

06294786

ABSTRACT:

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor assembly for an electronically operated faucet and more specifically to such a sensor assembly which provides a watertight environment for the light emitting diodes used in the sensor assembly. The invention further provides a strain relief for the lead wires for the LEDs as well as eliminating the need for a printed circuit board. In general, the various components of the sensor assembly provide a simply constructed, reliable device which is completely watertight in an environment in which there is both water flow and stray moisture.
The sensor assembly has a body, with side walls and end walls, with one of the end walls functioning in cooperation with a boss to provide a strain relief for the lead wires. The walls define a channel. There are openings in the body for the transmitter and receiver LEDs, with the wires for the transmitter and receiver being located in the channel between the side walls of the body. A longitudinally extending rib in the body separates the lead wires to prevent shorts and the entire area of the channel will be filled with a suitable potting compound, such as epoxy, to completely imbed the leads and their connection to the LEDs in a watertight compound, thus forming a waterproof sensor assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor assembly for use in electronic faucets and particularly to such a sensor assembly which eliminates the need for a printed circuit board and which provides for encapsulation of the leads in a water resistant compound such as epoxy.
A primary purpose of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly of the type described in which the leads and the wire connections are placed in a waterproof environment.
Another purpose is a sensor assembly as described in which there is a strain relief eliminating any possibility of the wires being accidentally pulled away from the light emitting diodes forming the transmitter and receiver.
Another purpose is a sensor assembly of the type described which uses a potting compound to waterproof the connections to the light emitting diodes and uses rubber seals to prevent moisture from beneath the sensor assembly from reaching the light emitting diodes.
Another purpose is a sensor assembly as described which includes slots in the bottom of the base so that the epoxy or potting compound will be directly applied to the connections between the leads and the light emitting diodes.
Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification, drawings and claim.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5224509 (1993-07-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 5555912 (1996-09-01), Saadi et al.

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