Capacitive sensing apparatus and method for faucets

摘要

A fluid delivery apparatus includes a spout (12) located adjacent a sink basin (16). A fluid supply conduit (14) is supported by the spout (12). Capacitive sensors (29) and (41) are provided on the spout (12) and sink basin (16), respectively. A controller (26) is coupled to the capacitive sensors (29, 41) to control the amount of fluid supplied to the fluid supply conduit (14) based on outputs from the capacitive sensors (29, 41).

主权项

1. A fluid delivery apparatus comprising:
a spout formed from a non-conductive material; a fluid supply conduit formed separately from the spout, the fluid supply conduit extending through the non-conductive material of the spout to provide a fluid flow path through the spout, and the fluid supply conduit also being formed from a non-conductive material; a capacitive sensor embedded in and enclosed within the non-conductive material of the spout, the capacitive sensor generating a capacitive sensing field; and a controller coupled to the capacitive sensor to detect a user's presence in the capacitive sensing field.