Faucet device, water purification device, and function expansion device for faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device that is effective in improving usability.SOLUTION: A faucet device 1 includes a manual valve 13 that changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with a manual lever handle 12, a solenoid valve 120 driven by electric power to open and close the water discharge flow path R01, an operation sensor 21 that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner, a water flow sensor 130 that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path R01, and a control unit 211 that causes the solenoid valve 120 to open and close the water discharge flow path R01 based on a detection result of the operation sensor 21, and causes the solenoid valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 while the solenoid valve 120 is opening the water discharge flow path R01.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a faucet device, a faucet system, and a function expansion device for the faucet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a faucet device that includes a single-lever mixing valve that adjusts the flow rate and temperature of water by operating a single lever, an outlet path that directs water from the mixing valve to the water outlet, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the outlet path, and a controller that causes the electromagnetic valve to open and close the outlet path based on the results of hand detection by a sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-37773 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a faucet device that is effective in improving usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A faucet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a manual valve that changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path in conjunction with a manual lever handle, a solenoid valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path, an operation sensor that detects user operation without contact, a water flow sensor that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path, and a control unit that causes the solenoid valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on the detection results of the operation sensor, and that causes the solenoid valve to close the water discharge flow path when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor with the solenoid valve opening the water discharge flow path.

[0006] A faucet device according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a manual valve that changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path in conjunction with a manual lever handle, an electromagnetic valve that is electrically driven to open and close the water discharge flow path, an operation sensor that detects user operation without contact, a water flow sensor that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path, a control unit that causes the electromagnetic valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on the detection results of the operation sensor, and an alarm unit that alerts the user that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor when the electromagnetic valve has the water discharge flow path open.

[0007] A water purification device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a manual valve that changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path in conjunction with a manual lever handle, a solenoid valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path, an operation sensor that detects user operation without contact, a water flow sensor that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path, a water purification cartridge placed in the water discharge flow path, and a control unit that causes the solenoid valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on the detection results of the operation sensor, and that causes the solenoid valve to close the water discharge flow path when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor with the solenoid valve opening the water discharge flow path.

[0008] A function expansion device for a faucet device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first connection port connected to a first flow path leading to a water tap, a second connection port connected to a second flow path leading to a water outlet, a relay flow path that guides mixed water from the first connection port to the second connection port, an electromagnetic valve that is powered by electricity to open and close the relay flow path, a water flow sensor that detects the water flow in the relay flow path, and a control unit that opens and closes the electromagnetic valve in response to non-contact user operation, and causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water outlet flow path when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor with the electromagnetic valve opening the water outlet flow path. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a faucet device that is effective in improving usability can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a water faucet device. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an electromagnetic valve; FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a relay unit and a controller. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a controller. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0012] [Water Faucet Equipment] The faucet device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that switches between a water discharge state and a water discharge stop state in response to a non-contact hand-waving operation at a sink such as a kitchen or washstand, and adjusts the opening degree of a water discharge flow path in response to an operation performed by gripping a lever handle. The faucet device 1 includes at least a manual valve 13, an electromagnetic valve 120, an operation sensor 21, and a controller 200. The manual valve 13 changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with a manual lever handle. The electromagnetic valve 120 is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path R01. The operation sensor 21 detects a non-contact user operation (e.g., a hand-waving operation). The controller 200 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open and close the water discharge flow path R01 based on the detection result by the operation sensor 21. The faucet device 1 may be a water purification device 1A further including a water purification cartridge 40 arranged in the water discharge flow path.

[0013] For example, the faucet device 1 includes a faucet unit 2 and a controller 200. The faucet unit 2 includes a base unit 10, a withdrawal hose 18, a water discharge head 30, and an operation sensor 21. The base unit 10 is fixed to the periphery of the sink. The base unit 10 includes a base 11, a low-temperature water receiving pipe 14, a high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, a mixed water delivery pipe 16, a lever handle 12, a manual valve 13, and a head holder 17. The base 11 is fixed to the periphery of the sink.

[0014] The low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 is pulled out from the base 11 to under the sink and receives low-temperature water (cold water). The low-temperature water is supplied, for example, from a water pipe without being heated. For example, a low-temperature water hose 92 is connected to the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 under the sink. For example, the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 is removably connected to the low-temperature water hose 92 by a joint such as a push-fit type or a screw type. The low-temperature water hose 92 is connected to a water pipe via a low-temperature water main valve 91, and when the low-temperature water main valve 91 is open, it guides low-temperature water from the water pipe to the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14. The low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 guides the low-temperature water guided by the low-temperature water hose 92 to the mixed water delivery pipe 16.

[0015] The high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 is pulled out from the base 11 to under the sink, and receives high-temperature water (hot water) that is hotter than the low-temperature water. For example, a high-temperature water hose 94 is connected to the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 under the sink. For example, the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 is removably connected to the high-temperature water hose 94 by a joint such as a push-fit type or a screw type. The high-temperature water hose 94 is connected to a water heater or the like via a high-temperature water main valve 93, and guides high-temperature water from the water heater to the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 when the high-temperature water main valve 93 is open. The high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 guides the high-temperature water guided by the high-temperature water main valve 93 to the mixed water delivery pipe 16.

[0016] The mixed water delivery pipe 16 is drawn out from the base 11 to under the sink, and delivers a mixture of low temperature water guided through the low temperature water receiving pipe 14 and high temperature water guided through the high temperature water receiving pipe 15. The flow path from the low temperature water receiving pipe 14 and the high temperature water receiving pipe 15 to the mixed water delivery pipe 16 constitutes a part of the discharge flow path R01.

[0017] The lever handle 12 is held by the user's hand, rotates around a horizontal rotation axis Ax1 in response to the movement of the hand, and tilts around a tilt axis Ax2 perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1. The manual valve 13 changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with the lever handle 12. For example, the manual valve 13 is a mixing faucet interposed between the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 and the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, and the mixed water delivery pipe 16, and changes the opening degree of the water discharge flow path R01 between the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 and the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, and the mixed water delivery pipe 16.

[0018] For example, the manual valve 13 changes the opening of the water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with the tilt of the lever handle 12 about the tilt axis Ax2. Changing the opening includes setting the opening to zero. When the manual valve 13 sets the opening of the water discharge flow path R01 to zero, the water discharge state switches to a water discharge stop state. Also, the manual valve 13 changes the mixing ratio of low temperature water from the low temperature water receiving pipe 14 and high temperature water from the high temperature water receiving pipe 15 in conjunction with the rotation of the lever handle 12 about the rotation axis Ax1.

[0019] The head holder 17 protrudes upward from the base 11 and supports the water spouting head 30. The draw-out hose 18 guides the mixed water from the mixed water delivery pipe 16 to the water spouting head 30. For example, the draw-out hose 18 is connected to the mixed water delivery pipe 16 under the sink, and is connected from under the sink through the base 11 and the head holder 17 to the water spouting head 30. The water spouting head 30 has a water outlet 31, and spouts the mixed water guided by the draw-out hose 18 from the water outlet 31.

[0020] The water spouting head 30 may be removable from the head holder 17. When the water spouting head 30 is separated from the head holder 17, the withdrawal hose 18 connected to the water spouting head 30 is pulled out from the head holder 17. In response to this, the withdrawal hose 18 is pulled into the base 11 under the sink.

[0021] With the above configuration, the faucet unit 2 includes a discharge flow path R01 that guides water from the low-temperature water hose 92 and the high-temperature water hose 94 to the water outlet 31. The discharge flow path R01 includes a low-temperature water flow path R11, a high-temperature water flow path R12, and a mixed water flow path R20. The low-temperature water flow path R11 includes at least the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14, and guides low-temperature water from the low-temperature water hose 92 to the manual valve 13. The high-temperature water flow path R12 includes at least the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, and guides high-temperature water from the high-temperature water hose 94 to the manual valve 13. The mixed water flow path R20 includes at least the mixed water delivery pipe 16, the withdrawal hose 18, and the water outlet head 30, and guides mixed water of the low-temperature water guided by the low-temperature water flow path R11 and the high-temperature water guided by the high-temperature water flow path R12 from the manual valve 13 to the water outlet 31.

[0022] The water faucet device 1 may be a faucet-integrated water purification device 1A in which the water purification cartridge 40 is arranged in the water discharge head 30, as an example of arranging the water purification cartridge 40 in the water discharge flow path R01. The water discharge head 30 may further include a switching device 32. The switching device 32 switches between a purified water mode in which water is discharged through the water purification cartridge 40 and a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through the water purification cartridge 40 in the water discharge head 30 in response to a user's operation. For example, the switching device 32 includes a switching dial 33 provided to surround the water discharge port 31. The switching dial 33 rotates around the central axis Ax3 of the water discharge port 31 in response to a user's operation. The switching device 32 switches between the purified water mode and the raw water mode in conjunction with the rotation of the switching dial 33.

[0023] When the switching between the purified water mode and the raw water mode is performed within the water discharge head 30, at least the flow path from the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 and the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 to the withdrawal hose 18 in the water discharge flow path R01 becomes a shared flow path R30 shared by the purified water mode and the raw water mode. For example, both the water discharged in the purified water mode and the water discharged in the raw water mode flow into the water discharge head 30 via the same shared flow path R30. The water purification cartridge 40 only needs to be provided in at least the water discharge flow path R01, and does not necessarily have to be provided in the water discharge head 30. For example, the water purification cartridge 40 may be provided in the base unit 10 or under the sink.

[0024] The operation sensor 21 is provided, for example, in the head holder 17, and detects a non-contact operation by the user (for example, an operation of holding a hand over the device). An example of the operation sensor 21 is an ultrasonic or infrared proximity sensor.

[0025] The electromagnetic valve 120 is provided in the water discharge flow path R01 and is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path R01. For example, the electromagnetic valve 120 is provided in the mixed water flow path R20. The electromagnetic valve 120 provided in the mixed water flow path R20 makes it possible to easily open and close the water discharge flow path R01 in one location.

[0026] The electromagnetic valve 120 may be configured to open the water discharge flow path R01 when power is supplied, and close the water discharge flow path R01 when power is not supplied. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnetic valve 120 has a valve body 123, a valve closing spring 121, and a solenoid 122. The valve body 123 is movable between a closed position that closes the water discharge flow path R01 and an open position that opens the water discharge flow path R01. The valve closing spring 121 holds the valve body 123 in the closed position by elastic repulsive force. When power is supplied, the solenoid 122 displaces the valve body 123 to the open position against the elastic repulsive force of the valve closing spring 121. When the power supply is stopped, the solenoid 122 stops generating a force against the elastic repulsive force of the valve closing spring 121. Since the generation of force by the solenoid 122 stops, the valve closing spring 121 returns the valve body 123 to the closed position.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the mixed water flow path R20 may include a first flow path R21, a second flow path R22, and an intermediary unit 100. The first flow path R21 includes a mixed water delivery pipe 16, and is connected to the low temperature water flow path R11 and the high temperature water flow path R12 via a manual valve 13. The second flow path R22 includes a drawing hose 18 and a water discharge head 30, and is connected to the water discharge port 31. The intermediary unit 100 relays the first flow path R21 and the second flow path R22. Relaying the first flow path R21 and the second flow path R22 includes, for example, being connected to the first flow path R21 and the second flow path R22 and guiding the mixed water from the first flow path R21 to the second flow path R22.

[0028] For example, the relay unit 100 has a unit case 110, a first connection port 111, a second connection port 112, and a relay flow path 113. The first connection port 111 protrudes from the unit case 110 and is removably connected to the first flow path R21. For example, the first connection port 111 is removably connected to the mixed water delivery pipe 16 by a joint of a push-fit type or a screw type or the like. The second connection port 112 protrudes from the unit case 110 and is removably connected to the second flow path R22. For example, the second connection port 112 is removably connected to the drawing hose 18 by a joint of a push-fit type or a screw type or the like. The relay flow path 113 is formed in the unit case 110 and guides the mixed water from the first connection port 111 to the second connection port 112. The electromagnetic valve 120 may be provided in the relay unit 100 to open and close the relay flow path 113. As described above, the relay unit 100 is included in the shared flow path R30 when switching between the purified water mode and the raw water mode is performed inside the water-spouting head 30.

[0029] The controller 200 has at least a control unit 211 as a functional component (hereinafter referred to as a "functional block"). The control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open or close the water discharge flow path R01 based on the detection result by the operation sensor 21. For example, when the electromagnetic valve 120 has opened the water discharge flow path R01 and the operation sensor 21 detects the approach of a hand, the control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01. When the electromagnetic valve 120 has closed the water discharge flow path R01 and the operation sensor 21 detects the approach of a hand, the control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open the water discharge flow path R01.

[0030] As illustrated above, in the water faucet device 1 having both the manual valve 13 and the electromagnetic valve 120, a situation may occur in which, even though the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, water is not discharged because the manual valve 13 closes the water discharge flow path R01. In such a situation, it is difficult to determine whether the electromagnetic valve 120 is open or closed. For this reason, even though the electromagnetic valve 120 is open, it may be mistaken for the electromagnetic valve 120 being closed, and water discharge may unexpectedly start when the manual valve 13 is operated. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the water faucet device 1 further includes a water flow sensor 130 that detects the water flow in the water discharge flow path R01, and the control unit 211 is configured to cause the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01. This eliminates the state in which the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 even though no water is being discharged, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned situations, etc. Therefore, the usability of the water faucet device 1 is improved.

[0031] In addition, as described above, if the electromagnetic valve 120 is mistakenly assumed to be closed even though it is actually open, there is a possibility that the electromagnetic valve 120 will be left with the water discharge flow path R01 open when no water discharge is required. In the case of using an electromagnetic valve 120 configured to open the water discharge flow path R01 when power is supplied and close the water discharge flow path R01 when power is not supplied, if the electromagnetic valve 120 is left with the water discharge flow path R01 open, the power consumed by the electromagnetic valve 120 to keep the water discharge flow path R01 open will be wasted for a long period of time. When the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 has the water discharge flow path R01 open, the control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01, thereby suppressing the power waste consumed to keep the electromagnetic valve 120 open.

[0032] Detecting the water flow includes at least detecting whether or not there is a water flow in the discharge water flow path R01. The water flow sensor 130 may be provided in the mixed water flow path R20. When the water flow sensor 130 is provided in the low-temperature water flow path R11, even if the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow, there is a possibility that a water flow that has passed through the high-temperature water flow path R12, so it cannot be concluded that there is no water discharge from the water discharge port 31. Similarly, when the water flow sensor 130 is provided in the high-temperature water flow path R12, even if the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow, there is a possibility that a water flow that has passed through the low-temperature water flow path R11, so it cannot be concluded that there is no water discharge from the water discharge port 31. In contrast, when the water flow sensor 130 is provided in the mixed water flow path R20, it can be concluded that there is no water discharge from the water discharge port 31 based on the fact that the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow. Therefore, it is possible to detect with high reliability a state in which there is no water discharge even though the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01. In addition, instead of providing a water flow sensor 130 in the mixed water flow path R20, a water flow sensor 130 may be provided in both the low-temperature water flow path R11 and the high-temperature water flow path R12, and based on the detection results of the water flow sensors 130 in both paths, it may be detected whether or not there is a water flow in the discharge water flow path R01.

[0033] The water flow sensor 130 may be a flow sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the flow rate of water in the discharge water flow path R01 as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. Examples of flow sensors include turbine-type, thermal-type, ultrasonic-type, electromagnetic-type, Coriolis-type, Karman vortex-type, float-type, and differential pressure-type flow sensors. If the water flow sensor 130 is a turbine-type flow sensor, the water flow sensor 130 may generate an electrical signal by utilizing power generation by the turbine.

[0034] The water flow sensor 130, which is a flow rate sensor, may be provided upstream of the electromagnetic valve 120 or downstream of the electromagnetic valve 120 in the mixed water flow path R20.

[0035] The water flow sensor 130 may be a pressure sensor that outputs an electric signal representing the pressure in the water discharge flow path R01 as information representing whether or not there is a water flow. The water flow sensor 130, which is a pressure sensor, may be provided upstream of the manual valve 13 in the mixed water flow path R20, or may be provided downstream of the manual valve 13. A pressure sensor provided upstream of the manual valve 13 can detect whether or not there is a water flow based on the fact that the pressure when there is a water flow is lower than the pressure when there is no water flow. A pressure sensor provided downstream of the manual valve 13 can detect whether or not there is a water flow based on the fact that the pressure when there is a water flow is higher than the pressure when there is no water flow.

[0036] The water flow sensor 130 may be a liquid sensor that outputs an electrical signal indicating whether or not there is a liquid in the water discharge flow path R01 as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. For example, the water flow sensor 130 may be a current sensor that outputs an electrical signal indicating the electrical resistance between a pair of electrodes that can contact the water in the water discharge flow path R01. The water flow sensor 130 may also be a capacitance sensor that outputs an electrical signal indicating the capacitance between the water flow sensor 130 and an object present in the water discharge flow path R01.

[0037] The water flow sensor 130, which is a liquid sensor, may be provided in the mixed water flow path R20 downstream of the manual valve 13 and the electromagnetic valve 120. The water flow sensor 130 provided downstream of the manual valve 13 and the electromagnetic valve 120 can detect whether or not there is a water flow based on whether or not there is liquid in the mixed water flow path R20.

[0038] The water flow sensor 130 may be provided in the relay unit 100 together with the electromagnetic valve 120 so as to detect the water flow in the relay flow path 113 of the relay unit 100 described above. By combining the electromagnetic valve 120 and the water flow sensor 130 in the relay unit, the water faucet device 1 can be easily installed in a kitchen, a washbasin, or the like.

[0039] The relay unit 100 provided with the electromagnetic valve 120 and the water flow sensor 130, and the controller 200 can also be used as a function expansion device 3 for an existing faucet device. For example, the above-mentioned faucet device 1 can be configured by incorporating the function expansion device 3 equipped with the relay unit 100 and the controller 200 into an existing faucet device that does not have a configuration for opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 120 based on the detection result of the water flow sensor 130.

[0040] The control unit 211 may monitor the detection results by the water flow sensor 130 when the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and may suspend monitoring of the detection results by the water flow sensor 130 when the electromagnetic valve 120 closes the water discharge flow path R01. Suspending monitoring may include suspending power supply to the water flow sensor 130. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption for unnecessary monitoring.

[0041] The control unit 211 may cause the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow for a predetermined period of time with the electromagnetic valve 120 opening the water discharge flow path R01. There are cases where the user expects to open the water discharge flow path R01 with the manual valve 13 after opening the water discharge flow path R01 with the electromagnetic valve 120. If the control unit 211 immediately causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow with the electromagnetic valve 120 opening the water discharge flow path R01, the electromagnetic valve 120 has already closed the water discharge flow path R01 when the manual valve 13 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and water discharge will not start as expected. If the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the solenoid valve 120 has the water discharge flow path R01 open, the solenoid valve 120 is configured to close the water discharge flow path R01 after waiting for a predetermined period of time, thereby preventing the solenoid valve 120 from closing against the user's will, and further improving usability.

[0042] The controller 200 may further include a notification unit 212 as a functional block. The notification unit 212 notifies the user that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 with the electromagnetic valve 120 opening the water discharge flow path R01 before the control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01. This allows the user to take action in accordance with their wishes, further improving usability.

[0043] The notification unit 212 may notify the user by emitting an audible sound that the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow when the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01. For example, the faucet unit 2 may further include an electric buzzer 23. When the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow when the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, the notification unit 212 may supply an electric signal to the buzzer 23 to generate an audible sound that the user can sense. This can prevent the notification from being overlooked, and further improve usability. As an example, the buzzer 23 may be provided in the head holder 17 adjacent to the operation sensor 21 (see FIG. 1). The buzzer 23 may be provided in the controller 200.

[0044] The notification unit 212 may notify the user by visible light that the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow when the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01. For example, the faucet unit 2 may further include an operation lamp 22 using a light-emitting element such as an LED. When the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 and the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow, the notification unit 212 may change the brightness or color of the visible light emitted by the operation lamp 22 so that the user can sense it. Changing the brightness includes turning on the operation lamp 22 that was turned off, and turning off the operation lamp 22 that was turned on. As an example, the operation lamp 22 may be provided on the head holder 17 adjacent to the operation sensor 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0045] The notification unit 212 may be configured to notify the user of which of the following statuses the water faucet device 1 is in. First status: The solenoid valve 120 closes the water discharge flow path R01. Second status: The solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130. Third status: The water flow sensor 130 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and water flow is not detected by the water flow sensor 130. By making it possible to grasp the status of the water faucet device 1 in more detail, the usability of the water faucet device 1 can be further improved.

[0046] The notification unit 212 may notify the user by visible light whether the status of the faucet device 1 is the first status, and may notify the user by audible sound whether the status other than the first status is the second status or the third status. By combining the visible light and the audible sound, it is possible to achieve both the distinguishability of the status and the prevention of overlooking the third status. In particular, according to the method of distinguishing between the visible light and the audible sound, it is possible to achieve both the distinguishability of the status and the prevention of overlooking the third status by using the visible light for the notification when there is a sound of water flow and the audible sound for the notification when there is no sound of water flow. However, the method of distinguishing between the notification by the visible light and the notification by the audible sound is not limited to the example shown here. For example, it is possible to notify the user by audible sound whether the status is the first status, and to notify the user by visible light whether the status is the second status or the third status. In addition, notifying the user by an audible sound includes notifying the user by having both an audible sound and visible light, and notifying the user by visible light also includes notifying the user by both visible light and an audible sound.

[0047] For example, faucet unit 2 may have both the above-mentioned operation lamp 22 and buzzer 23. Notification unit 212 may notify the user whether or not the status of faucet device 1 is the first status by changing the brightness or color of the visible light emitted by operation lamp 22 so that the user can sense it. Notification unit 212 may notify the user whether the status of faucet device 1 is the third status or the second status by whether or not to cause buzzer 23 to generate an audible sound.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the controller 200 has a circuit 290. The circuit 290 has a processor 291, a memory 292, a storage 293, a timer 294, an input / output port 295, and a valve drive circuit 296.

[0049] The storage 293 is composed of one or more non-volatile memory devices such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage 293 stores a program for configuring the control unit 211 and the notification unit 212 in the controller 200. The memory 292 is composed of one or more volatile memory devices such as a random access memory. The memory 292 temporarily stores the program loaded from the storage 293. The processor 291 is composed of one or more arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 291 executes the program loaded in the memory 292 to configure the control unit 211 and the notification unit 212 in the controller 200. The calculation result by the processor 291 is temporarily stored in the memory 292.

[0050] The timer 294 measures the elapsed time by counting clock pulses. The input / output port 295 inputs and outputs electrical signals between the operation sensor 21, the water flow sensor 130, the operation lamp 22, and the buzzer 23 in response to a request from the processor 291. The valve drive circuit 296 supplies power to the electromagnetic valve 120 in response to a request from the processor 291, and opens and closes the water discharge flow path R01.

[0051] [Control Procedure] As an example of the control method, there will be illustrated a procedure for controlling the electromagnetic valve 120 by the controller 200. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the procedure in which the controller 200 opens the electromagnetic valve 120 and closes the opened electromagnetic valve 120.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the controller 200 first executes steps S01, S02, and S03. In step S01, the control unit 211 waits for the operation sensor 21 to detect a valve opening operation for opening the water discharge flow path R01 by the electromagnetic valve 120. In step S02, the control unit 211 opens the water discharge flow path R01 by the electromagnetic valve 120. In step S03, the control unit 211 and the notification unit 212 check whether or not a water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130.

[0053] If it is determined in step S03 that water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130, the controller 200 executes steps S04 and S05. In step S04, the notification unit 212 notifies that the status of the water faucet device 1 is the second status described above. In step S05, the control unit 211 checks whether the operation sensor 21 has detected a valve closing operation for closing the water discharge flow path R01 by the electromagnetic valve 120.

[0054] If it is determined in step S05 that a valve closing operation has not been detected, the controller 200 returns the process to step S03. If it is determined in step S03 that a water flow has not been detected by the water flow sensor 130, the controller 200 executes steps S06 and S07. In step S06, the notification unit 212 notifies that the status of the water faucet device 1 is the above-mentioned third status. In step S07, the control unit 211 checks whether the duration of the third status has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

[0055] If it is determined in step S07 that the duration of the third status does not exceed the threshold, the controller 200 returns the process to step S03. If it is determined in step S05 that a valve closing operation has been detected, or if it is determined in step S07 that the duration of the third status exceeds the threshold, the controller 200 executes steps S08 and S09. In step S08, the control unit 211 causes the solenoid valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01. In step S09, the notification unit 212 notifies that the status of the water faucet device 1 is the above-mentioned first status. This completes the control procedure for the solenoid valve 120, from opening the solenoid valve 120 to closing the open solenoid valve 120.

[0056] 〔summary〕 The above disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) A faucet device 1 comprising: a manual valve 13 that changes the opening degree of a water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with a manual lever handle 12; an electromagnetic valve 120 that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path R01; an operation sensor 21 that detects user operation without contact; a water flow sensor 130 that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path R01; and a control unit 211 that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open and close the water discharge flow path R01 based on the detection results of the operation sensor 21, and that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 with the electromagnetic valve 120 opening the water discharge flow path R01. In the water faucet device 1 having both the manual valve 13 and the electromagnetic valve 120, a situation may occur in which, even though the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, the manual valve 13 closes the water discharge flow path R01 and water is not discharged. In such a state, it is difficult to determine whether the electromagnetic valve 120 is open or closed. For this reason, even though the electromagnetic valve 120 is open, it may be mistaken for the electromagnetic valve 120 being closed, and water discharge may unexpectedly start when the manual valve 13 is operated. In contrast, according to the water faucet device 1 having the control unit 211 that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 does not detect water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, the state in which the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 without water discharge is eliminated, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned situation is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water faucet device 1 that is effective in improving usability.

[0057] (2) The water faucet device 1 described in (1), wherein the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 when power is supplied and closes the water discharge flow path R01 when power is not supplied. As described above, if the electromagnetic valve 120 is mistakenly assumed to be closed even though it is actually open, there is a possibility that the electromagnetic valve 120 will be left with the water discharge flow path R01 open when no further water discharge is required. If the electromagnetic valve 120 is left with the water discharge flow path R01 open, the power consumed by the electromagnetic valve 120 to keep the water discharge flow path R01 open will be wasted for a long period of time. If the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 has the water discharge flow path R01 open, the control unit 211 causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01, thereby reducing the power waste consumed to keep the electromagnetic valve 120 open.

[0058] (3) The control unit 211 monitors the detection results by the water flow sensor 130 when the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and stops monitoring the detection results by the water flow sensor 130 when the solenoid valve 120 closes the water discharge flow path R01, in the faucet device 1 described in (1) or (2). This makes it possible to reduce power consumption due to unnecessary monitoring.

[0059] (4) A water faucet device 1 described in any one of (1) to (3), in which the control unit 211 causes the solenoid valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the solenoid valve 120 has the water discharge flow path R01 open and no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 for a predetermined period of time. There may be cases where the user expects to open the water discharge flow path R01 with the manual valve 13 after opening the water discharge flow path R01 with the electromagnetic valve 120. If the control unit 211 immediately causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 is open, the electromagnetic valve 120 has already closed the water discharge flow path R01 when the manual valve 13 opens the water discharge flow path R01, and water discharge will not start as expected. If the water flow sensor 130 does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01, the configuration causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 after waiting for a predetermined period of time, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a situation in which the electromagnetic valve 120 closes against the user's will, and further improving usability.

[0060] (5) The water faucet device 1 described in (4) further includes an alarm unit 212 that notifies the user that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 when the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 before the control unit 211 causes the solenoid valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01. Before the control unit 211 causes the solenoid valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01, the control unit 211 notifies the user that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 when the solenoid valve 120 has opened the water discharge flow path R01, thereby enabling the user to take action in accordance with their wishes and further improving usability.

[0061] (6) The water faucet device 1 described in (5), wherein the notification unit 212 notifies the user by emitting an audible sound that the water flow sensor 130 does not detect water flow when the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01. This can reduce oversight of notifications and further improve usability.

[0062] (7) The water faucet device 1 described in (5) or (6), wherein the notification unit 212 notifies the user by visible light that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 when the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01.

[0063] (8) The notification unit 212 notifies the user that the status of the faucet device 1 is either a first status in which the solenoid valve 120 closes the water discharge flow path R01, a second status in which the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 and water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130, or a third status in which the solenoid valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01 and water flow is not detected by the water flow sensor 130, the faucet device 1 described in any one of (5) to (7). Usability can be further improved.

[0064] (9) The faucet device 1 described in (8) has an alarm unit 212 that notifies the user by visible light whether the status of the faucet device 1 is a first status, and notifies the user by audible sound whether a status that is not the first status is a second status or a third status. The combination of visible light and audible sound makes it possible to both distinguish the status and prevent the third status from being overlooked.

[0065] (10) The water outlet flow path R01 includes a low-temperature water flow path R11 that guides low-temperature water, a high-temperature water flow path R12 that guides high-temperature water that is hotter than the low-temperature water, and a mixed water flow path R20 that guides a mixture of the low-temperature water guided by the low-temperature water flow path R11 and the high-temperature water guided by the high-temperature water flow path R12 to the outlet, and the water flow sensor 130 is provided in the mixed water flow path R20. It is possible to detect with high reliability a state in which water is not being discharged even though the electromagnetic valve 120 opens the water discharge flow path R01.

[0066] (11) The mixed water flow path R20 includes a first flow path R21 connected to the low-temperature water flow path R11 and the high-temperature water flow path R12, a second flow path R22 connected to the water outlet, and a relay unit 100 that relays the first flow path R21 and the second flow path R22, and the relay unit 100 includes a first connection port 111 connected to the first flow path R21 in a detachable state, a second connection port 112 connected to the second flow path R22 in a detachable state, and a relay flow path 113 that guides the mixed water from the first connection port to the second connection port, and an electromagnetic valve 120 is provided in the relay unit 100 to open and close the relay flow path 113, and a water flow sensor 130 is provided in the relay unit 100 to detect the water flow in the relay flow path 113. By combining the electromagnetic valve 120 and the water flow sensor 130 into an intermediate unit, the water faucet device 1 can be easily installed.

[0067] (12) The water faucet device 1 according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the water flow sensor 130 is a flow rate sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the water flow rate in the water discharge flow path R01 as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. It is easy to detect whether there is a water flow or not.

[0068] (13) In the water faucet device 1 according to any one of (1) to (11), the water flow sensor 130 is a pressure sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the pressure in the water discharge flow path R01 as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. It is easy to detect whether there is a water flow or not.

[0069] (14) The water flow sensor 130 is an electrical sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the electrical resistance between a pair of electrodes that can contact the water in the water discharge flow path R01 as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow, the faucet device 1 being described in any one of (1) to (11). It is easy to detect whether there is a water flow or not.

[0070] (15) A water faucet device 1 comprising: a manual valve 13 that changes the opening degree of a water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with a manual lever handle 12; an electromagnetic valve 120 that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path R01; an operation sensor 21 that detects user operation without contact; a water flow sensor 130 that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path R01; a control unit 211 that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open and close the water discharge flow path R01 based on the detection results of the operation sensor 21; and an alarm unit 212 that alerts the user that no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 when the electromagnetic valve 120 has opened the water discharge flow path R01.

[0071] (16) A water purification device 1A comprising: a manual valve 13 that changes the opening degree of a water discharge flow path R01 in conjunction with a manual lever handle 12; an electromagnetic valve 120 that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path R01; an operation sensor 21 that detects user operation without contact; a water flow sensor 130 that detects water flow in the water discharge flow path R01; a water purification cartridge 40 arranged in the water discharge flow path R01; and a control unit 211 that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to open and close the water discharge flow path R01 based on the detection result by the operation sensor 21, and that causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when no water flow is detected by the water flow sensor 130 with the electromagnetic valve 120 opening the water discharge flow path R01.

[0072] (17) The water purification device 1A described in (16) further includes a switching device for switching between a purified water mode in which water is discharged through the water purification cartridge 40 and a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through the water purification cartridge 40, and the discharge flow path R01 includes a shared flow path R30 that is shared by the purified water mode and the raw water mode, and at least an electromagnetic valve 120 and a water flow sensor 130 are provided in the shared flow path R30. Since the electromagnetic valve 120 and the water flow sensor 130 can be used in common for both the purified water mode and the raw water mode, the space required for the water purification device 1A can be reduced.

[0073] (18) A function expansion device for a faucet device 1 comprising: a first connection port 111 connected to a first flow path R21 connected to a water supply; a second connection port 112 connected to a second flow path R22 connected to a water outlet; a relay flow path 113 that guides mixed water from the first connection port 111 to the second connection port 112; an electromagnetic valve 120 that is powered by electricity to open and close the relay flow path 113; a water flow sensor 130 that detects the water flow in the relay flow path 113; and a control unit 211 that opens and closes the electromagnetic valve 120 in response to non-contact user operation, and causes the electromagnetic valve 120 to close the water discharge flow path R01 when the water flow sensor 130 detects no water flow while the electromagnetic valve 120 has the water discharge flow path R01 open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...water faucet device, 1A...water purification device, 12...lever handle, 13...manual valve, 21...operation sensor, R01...discharge water flow path, R11...low temperature water flow path, R12...high temperature water flow path, R20...mixed water flow path, R21...first flow path, R22...second flow path, ...medium diameter unit, 120...electromagnetic valve, 130...water flow sensor, 211...control unit, 212...alarm unit.

Claims

1. A manual valve that changes the opening of the water discharge channel in conjunction with a manual lever handle; An electromagnetic valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path; An operation sensor that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner; A water flow sensor that detects a water flow in the water discharge flow path; a control unit that causes the electromagnetic valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on a detection result by the operation sensor, and causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water discharge flow path when the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path; A faucet device comprising:

2. The electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow passage when power is supplied, and closes the water discharge flow passage when power is not supplied. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit monitors the detection result by the water flow sensor when the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path, and stops monitoring the detection result by the water flow sensor when the electromagnetic valve closes the water discharge flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water discharge flow path when the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow for a predetermined period of time with the electromagnetic valve opening the water discharge flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

5. The device further includes a notification unit that notifies a user that the water flow is not detected by the water flow sensor in a state in which the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path before the control unit causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water discharge flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 4.

6. The notification unit notifies a user by generating an audible sound that the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow when the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 5.

7. The notification unit notifies a user by visible light that the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow when the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 5.

8. The notification unit is configured to notify the status of the faucet device of a first status in which the electromagnetic valve closes the water discharge flow path; a second status in which the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow passage and the water flow sensor detects a water flow; a third status in which the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow passage and the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow; Inform the user which of the following is true: The water faucet device according to claim 5.

9. The notification unit is notifying a user by visible light whether the status of the water faucet device is the first status or not; notifying a user by an audible sound whether the status other than the first status is the second status or the third status; The water faucet device according to claim 8.

10. The water discharge flow path is a low-temperature water flow path for guiding low-temperature water; a high-temperature water flow path for guiding high-temperature water having a temperature higher than that of the low-temperature water; a mixed water flow path that guides a mixed water of the low temperature water guided by the low temperature water flow path and the high temperature water guided by the high temperature water flow path to a water outlet; Including, The water flow sensor is provided in the mixed water flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

11. The mixed water flow path is a first flow path connected to the low-temperature water flow path and the high-temperature water flow path; A second flow path connected to the water outlet; an intermediate unit that intermediates the first flow path and the second flow path; Including, The relay unit includes: A first connection port removably connected to the first flow path; A second connection port removably connected to the second flow path; a relay flow path for guiding the mixed water from the first connection port to the second connection port; Including, the electromagnetic valve is provided in the relay unit to open and close the relay flow path, The water flow sensor is provided in the relay unit so as to detect the water flow in the relay flow path. The water faucet device according to claim 10.

12. The water flow sensor is a flow rate sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the flow rate of water in the water discharge flow path as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

13. The water flow sensor is a pressure sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the pressure of the water discharge flow path as information indicating whether or not there is a water flow. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

14. The water flow sensor is an electrical sensor that outputs an electrical signal representing the electrical resistance between a pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the water in the water discharge flow path as information representing whether or not there is a water flow. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

15. A manual valve that changes the opening of the water discharge channel in conjunction with a manual lever handle; An electromagnetic valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path; An operation sensor that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner; A water flow sensor that detects a water flow in the water discharge flow path; A control unit that causes the electromagnetic valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on a detection result by the operation sensor; a notification unit that notifies a user that the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve is open; A faucet device comprising:

16. A manual valve that changes the opening of the water discharge channel in conjunction with a manual lever handle; An electromagnetic valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the water discharge flow path; An operation sensor that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner; A water flow sensor that detects a water flow in the water discharge flow path; A water purification cartridge disposed in the water discharge flow path; a control unit that causes the electromagnetic valve to open and close the water discharge flow path based on a detection result by the operation sensor, and causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water discharge flow path when the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve opens the water discharge flow path; A water purification device comprising:

17. Further provided with a switching device for switching between a purified water mode in which water is discharged through the purified water cartridge and a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through the purified water cartridge; The discharge water flow path includes a shared flow path that is shared between the purified water mode and the raw water mode, The water purification device according to claim 16, wherein at least the electromagnetic valve and the water flow sensor are provided in the shared flow path.

18. A first connection port connected to a first flow path connected to a water supply; A second connection port connected to a second flow path connected to the water outlet; a relay flow path for guiding the mixed water from the first connection port to the second connection port; an electromagnetic valve that is driven by electricity to open and close the relay flow path; A water flow sensor that detects a water flow in the relay flow path; a control unit that opens and closes the electromagnetic valve in response to a non-contact user operation, and causes the electromagnetic valve to close the water discharge flow path when the water flow sensor does not detect a water flow while the electromagnetic valve is open; A function expansion device for a faucet device comprising:

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