Faucet device, faucet system, and water discharge head unit

Abstract

To provide a faucet system that enables detection of a water discharge mode with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A faucet device 2 comprises: a changeover section 40 that switches a water discharge mode from a water discharge port 31; an interlocking section 50 that interlocks with switching of the water discharge mode; and a wireless tag 60 that holds state data representing a state of the interlocking section 50 and wirelessly transmits the status data to a reader 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water faucet device, a water faucet system, and a water spout head unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water treatment device that notifies the user that it is time to replace the water treatment device when the integrated flow rate, which is the integrated value of the amount of water treated by the water purifier, reaches a value that is preset as the end of the device's life. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 084571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to understand the actual usage of a faucet device, information on the water discharge mode switching, in addition to the cumulative flow rate, may be required. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a faucet system that can detect the water discharge mode with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A faucet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a switching unit that switches the water discharge mode from the spout, a linkage unit that links to the switching of the water discharge mode, and a wireless tag that holds status data representing the status of the linkage unit and transmits it wirelessly to a reader.

[0006] A faucet system according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a faucet device having a switching unit that switches the water discharge mode from the spout, a linkage unit that moves in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode, and a wireless tag that holds status data representing the status of the linkage unit, a reader that wirelessly receives the status data from the wireless tag, and a determination unit that determines the water discharge mode based on the status data received by the reader. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a faucet system can be provided that enables detection of the water discharge mode with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a faucet system. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a wireless tag, a reader, and an interlocking unit. FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of a switching unit and an interlocking unit. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of an interlocking portion. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the interlocking portion. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing other modified examples of the interlocking portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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 redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] The faucet system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system that spouts water into a sink, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom sink. The faucet system 1 is a device that switches water spouting modes in response to the operation of a lever handle or a selector switch. Switching the water spouting mode includes switching the water flow path leading up to the spouting. Switching from stopped water to water spouting, or from water spouting to stopped water, is also included in switching the flow path, since it is a switch between a state with a flow path and a state without a flow path.

[0011] The faucet system 1 includes a faucet device 2 and a gateway unit 100. The faucet device 2 includes a base unit 10, an outlet hose 18, a spout head 30, and a switching unit 40. The base unit 10 is fixed to the periphery of the sink. The base unit 10 has 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 an outlet hose 18. The base 11 is fixed above the periphery of the sink.

[0012] The low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 is drawn from the base 11 to below the sink and receives low-temperature water (cold water). The low-temperature water is supplied, for example, from a water pipe without being heated. The high-temperature water receiving pipe 15 is drawn from the base 11 to below the sink and receives high-temperature water (hot water) that is hotter than the low-temperature water from the hot water supply equipment.

[0013] Mixed water delivery pipe 16 extends from base 11 to below the sink and delivers a mixture of low-temperature water introduced through low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 and high-temperature water introduced through high-temperature water receiving pipe 15. Lever handle 12 is attached to base 11 and is held by the user's hand, rotating and tilting in response to hand movement. Manual valve 13 is attached to base 11 and changes the opening of the mixed water flow path in conjunction with the tilting of lever handle 12, and changes the mixing ratio of low-temperature water to high-temperature water in conjunction with the rotation of lever handle 12.

[0014] The withdrawal hose 18 guides the mixed water from the mixed water delivery pipe 16 to the water spouting head 30. The water spouting head 30 is supported by the base 11. The withdrawal hose 18 enters the base 11 from below and is connected to the water spouting head 30 supported by the base 11.

[0015] The water spouting head 30 has a water outlet 31, and spouts mixed water guided therethrough by the withdrawal hose 18 from the water outlet 31. The water spouting head 30 may be detachable from the base 11 for use. When the water spouting head 30 is separated from the base 11, the withdrawal hose 18 is pulled out from the base 11. In response to this, the withdrawal hose 18 is retracted into the base 11 under the sink. In the above configuration, the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14, the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, the mixed water delivery pipe 16, and the withdrawal hose 18 form a supply flow path R01 that guides water to the water spouting head 30.

[0016] The switching unit 40 switches the water spouting mode from the water spouting outlet 31. For example, the switching unit 40 is provided in the water spouting head 30, and switches the water spouting mode from the first mode to the second mode, or from the second mode to the first mode.

[0017] The flow path from the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 differs between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the water spouting head 30 further has a first flow path 32 and a second flow path 33. The first flow path 32 and the second flow path 33 each guide water guided by the withdrawal hose 18 (supply flow path R01) to the water outlet 31. In the first mode, water is guided from the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 via the first flow path 32 without passing through the second flow path 33, and is then spouted from the water outlet 31. In the second mode, water is guided from the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 via the second flow path 33 without passing through the first flow path 32, and is then spouted from the water outlet 31. In the first mode, the switching unit 40 closes the second flow path 33, and connects the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 via the first flow path 32. In the second mode, the switching unit 40 closes the first flow path 32 and connects the supply flow path R01 to the water discharge port 31 via the second flow path 33.

[0018] The first mode may be a purified water mode in which water is discharged through a water purification cartridge, and the second mode may be a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through a water purification cartridge. For example, the water discharge head 30 may house a water purification cartridge 36 in the first flow path 32. The water purification cartridge 36 is not housed in the second flow path 33. The first flow path 32 is a purified water flow path that guides water from the supply flow path R01 to the outlet 31 via the water purification cartridge 36, and the second flow path 33 is a raw water flow path that guides water from the supply flow path R01 to the outlet 31 without passing through the water purification cartridge 36.

[0019] The first mode may be a raw water mode. For example, the flow path that does not house the water purification cartridge 36 may be the first flow path 32, and the flow path that houses the water purification cartridge 36 may be the second flow path 33.

[0020] In recent years, advances in IoT technology have made it possible to collect and utilize data from a wide range of devices, including household appliances and industrial equipment. By collecting usage data, the faucet device 2 may be able to provide useful services to users, such as recommendations for replacing consumables and suggestions for improving water usage efficiency. Examples of consumables include waterproof packing and the water purification cartridge 36.

[0021] To collect usage data, it is necessary to install electronic components such as sensors in the faucet device 2 to detect the water discharge mode. However, there is a concern that incorporating sensors and communication devices will make the configuration of the faucet device 2 more complicated.

[0022] In order to detect the water discharge mode without complicating the configuration, the water faucet device 2 further includes an interlocking unit 50 and a wireless tag 60. The interlocking unit 50 is interlocked with the switching of the water discharge mode by the switching unit 40. The wireless tag 60 holds status data indicating the status of the interlocking unit 50 and transmits it wirelessly to a reader.

[0023] When combined with the interlocking unit 50, the wireless tag 60 can be used to transmit information indicating the water discharge mode. By using an IC card or a wireless tag 60 that can be incorporated into the product's individual packaging, the interlocking unit 50 and wireless tag 60 can be placed together near the switching unit 40 while preventing the water faucet device 2 from becoming larger. By placing the interlocking unit 50 and wireless tag 60 together near the switching unit 40, the amount of electrical wiring can also be significantly reduced. Therefore, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simple configuration. For example, the interlocking unit 50 and wireless tag 60 may be provided in the water discharge head 30 together with the switching unit 40.

[0024] The wireless tag 60 stores status data temporarily. Examples of the wireless tag 60 include a passive RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag, an active RFID tag, and a semi-passive RFID tag. A passive RFID tag does not have a built-in battery and communicates wirelessly with a reader by receiving power wirelessly from the reader. An active RFID tag has a built-in battery and communicates wirelessly with a reader using the built-in battery. A semi-passive RFID tag has a built-in battery and receives signals from a reader without using the built-in battery and transmits response signals to the reader using the built-in battery.

[0025] As an example, the wireless tag 60 is a passive RFID tag that transmits status data to the reader via wireless power supply from the reader. Because there is no need to provide a power source for the wireless tag 60 in the water faucet device 2, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simpler configuration.

[0026] The gateway unit 100 is separate from the faucet device 2 and is installed, for example, under a sink. The gateway unit 100 is driven, for example, by a household AC power supply supplied from a power grid. The gateway unit 100 has a reader 110 and an arithmetic circuit 120.

[0027] Reader 110 receives status data from wireless tag 60. For example, reader 110 supplies power to wireless tag 60 via wireless power supply and wirelessly receives the status data transmitted by wireless tag 60. Arithmetic circuit 120 is electrically connected to reader 110 and has a determination unit 121 as a functional component (hereinafter referred to as a "functional block"). Determination unit 121 determines the water discharge mode of water faucet device 2 based on the status data received by reader 110. By basing the status data received by the reader, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simple configuration.

[0028] The wireless tag 60 may hold status data representing the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the first mode or the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the second mode. Hereinafter, the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the first mode will be referred to as the "first state," and the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the second mode will be referred to as the "second state."

[0029] The interlocking unit 50 may switch whether or not the wireless tag 60 is allowed to transmit status data in conjunction with switching the water discharge mode. For example, the interlocking unit 50 may enable the wireless tag 60 to transmit status data when the water discharge mode is the first mode, and may disable the wireless tag 60 from transmitting status data when the water discharge mode is the second mode. In this case, the ability to receive status data represents the first state, and the inability to receive status data represents the second state. Therefore, the status data held by the wireless tag 60, regardless of its content, corresponds to data representing that the interlocking unit 50 is in the first state. As an example, the wireless tag 60 may hold status data representing that the water discharge mode is the first mode.

[0030] The interlocking unit 50 may enable the wireless tag 60 to transmit status data when the water discharge mode is the second mode, and may disable the wireless tag 60 from transmitting status data when the water discharge mode is the first mode. In this case, the ability to receive status data represents the second state, and the inability to receive status data represents the first state, so the status data held by the wireless tag 60 corresponds to data representing that the interlocking unit 50 is in the second state, regardless of its content. As an example, the wireless tag 60 may hold status data representing that the water discharge mode is the second mode.

[0031] In this way, with a configuration in which interlocking unit 50 switches whether or not to transmit status data, the status of interlocking unit 50, which is linked to switching of the water discharge mode, can be recognized using wireless tag 60, which is specialized for holding static data (data that does not change). Therefore, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simpler configuration.

[0032] Corresponding to a configuration in which the interlocking unit 50 switches whether or not to transmit status data, the determination unit 121 may determine whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode based on whether or not the reader 110 has received the status data. For example, if the interlocking unit 50 enables transmission of status data in the first mode, the determination unit 121 may determine that the water discharge mode is the first mode if the reader 110 has received the status data, and may determine that the water discharge mode is the second mode if the reader 110 has not received the status data. If the interlocking unit 50 enables transmission of status data in the second mode, the determination unit 121 may determine that the water discharge mode is the second mode if the reader 110 has received the status data, and may determine that the water discharge mode is the first mode if the reader 110 has not received the status data. The water discharge mode can be detected using a wireless tag 60 specialized for storing static data.

[0033] The water faucet system 1 may further include a flow sensor 20. The flow sensor 20 detects the flow rate of water per unit time (e.g., 1 second) in the supply flow path R01. For example, the flow sensor 20 is provided between the mixed water delivery pipe 16 and the withdrawal hose 18, and detects the flow rate per unit time of the mixed water flowing from the mixed water delivery pipe 16 toward the withdrawal hose 18. Examples of flow sensors include turbine-type flow sensors, thermal-type flow sensors, and ultrasonic-type flow sensors. The flow sensor 20 may be configured to detect both the flow rate of low-temperature water in the low-temperature water receiving pipe 14 and the flow rate of high-temperature water in the high-temperature water receiving pipe 15, instead of the flow rate of the mixed water.

[0034] Based on the flow rate detection results by the flow sensor 20 and the detection results of the water discharge mode, it is possible to individually detect the flow rate through the first flow path 32 and the flow rate through the second flow path 33 without directly detecting the flow rate in the first flow path 32 or the second flow path 33.

[0035] For example, when the first mode is the purified water mode and the second mode is the raw water mode, it is possible to detect the amount of water passing through the water purification cartridge 36 without providing a flow rate sensor in the water discharge head 30. Therefore, it is effective in quantitatively grasping the usage status of the water purification cartridge 36 while avoiding an increase in the size of the water discharge head 30.

[0036] For example, arithmetic circuit 120 may further include a flow rate calculation unit 122 as a functional block. Flow rate calculation unit 122 calculates the flow rate in the first mode based on the determination result of whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode and the flow rate detected by flow sensor 20. For example, flow rate calculation unit 122 calculates the flow rate in the first mode as the time integral of the flow rate per unit time detected by flow sensor 20 over the period in which the water discharge mode is the first mode. This makes it possible to individually detect the flow rate in the first mode without directly detecting the flow rate in first flow path 32 or second flow path 33.

[0037] The flow sensor 20 may be configured to transmit flow data representing the detection result of the flow rate via wireless communication. For example, the flow sensor 20 may be configured to transmit the flow rate data via a type of short-range wireless communication different from the communication between the wireless tag 60 and the reader 110. Correspondingly, the gateway unit 100 may further include a short-range wireless communication circuit 130. The short-range wireless communication circuit 130 receives the flow rate data transmitted by the flow sensor 20. The flow rate calculation unit 122 may calculate the flow rate in the first mode based on the flow rate data received by the short-range wireless communication circuit 130. An example of short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0038] The gateway unit 100 may further include a network communication circuit 140. The network communication circuit 140 transmits the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation unit 122 to a network server. For example, the network communication circuit 140 may perform network communication with the network server and transmit the flow rate calculation result to the network server. The network communication circuit 140 may also communicate with the network server by network communication via a wireless local area network such as Wi-Fi.

[0039] The flow rate detection results in the first mode can be used to provide online services via a network server, such as recommendations for when to replace consumables and suggestions for improving water usage efficiency, making it possible to provide useful services to users.

[0040] 2, the wireless tag 60 may have an antenna 61 and a chip 62. The antenna 61 converts a radio signal from the reader 110 into electrical energy and outputs the converted electrical energy. This allows the status data to be transmitted by wireless power supply from the reader 110. The chip 62 holds the status data and transmits the status data by the electrical energy output from the antenna 61. For example, the chip 62 converts the status data into a radio signal and outputs it to the antenna 61. This causes the radio signal representing the status data to be transmitted from the antenna 61.

[0041] The interlocking unit 50 may be configured to switch between an ON state in which the antenna 61 and the chip 62 are electrically connected and an OFF state in which the antenna 61 and the chip 62 are electrically disconnected in response to switching of the water discharge mode. This makes it possible to reliably switch whether or not the wireless tag 60 is able to transmit status data. For example, the interlocking unit 50 includes a switch that connects or disconnects a path that supplies electrical energy from the antenna 61 to the chip 62, and switches between the ON state and the OFF state by connecting or disconnecting the path.

[0042] The reader 110 may include an antenna 111 and a control circuit 112. The antenna 111 transmits a wireless signal (e.g., an RF signal) and receives status data transmitted from the chip 62. The control circuit 112 acquires the status data based on the wireless signal received by the antenna 111.

[0043] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the switching unit 40 and the interlocking unit 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the switching unit 40 has a switching block 41, a top 42, a cam 43, and an axis 44.

[0044] The switching block 41 appears and disappears relative to the water-spouting head 30 along an axis 44, and switches between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the switching block 41 displaces from position P2 to position P1 toward the inside of the water-spouting head 30, thereby closing the first flow path 32 and connecting the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 via the second flow path 33. The switching block 41 also displaces from position P1 to position P2 toward the outside of the water-spouting head 30, thereby closing the second flow path 33 and connecting the supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31 via the first flow path 32.

[0045] The top 42 and cam 43 are built into the switching block 41 and hold the switching block 41 at position P1 or position P2 using the same principle as a knock-type ballpoint pen. For example, the top 42 displaces along the axis 44 together with the switching block 41. Each time the switching block 41 is pushed into the water-spouting head 30, the top 42 rotates in one direction around the axis 44 at a predetermined angular pitch. Each time the top 42 rotates, the cam 43 alternates between a first restricting state in which the top 42 is restricted from returning out of the water-spouting head 30 and holds the switching block 41 at position P1, and a second restricting state in which the top 42 is allowed to return and returns the switching block 41 to position P2. The first restricting state sets the water-spouting mode to the first mode, and the second restricting state sets the water-spouting mode to the second mode.

[0046] The interlocking unit 50 may have a magnet 51 and a reed switch 53. The magnet 51 is interlocked with the switching of the water discharge mode. The reed switch 53 is an example of the switch described above, and switches between an on state and an off state in response to the movement of the magnet 51. For example, the reed switch 53 switches between an on state and an off state without coming into contact with the magnet 51, due to a change in the magnetic field in response to the movement of the magnet 51. This can suppress deterioration of the interlocking unit 50 due to wear.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnet 51 includes a magnet 51, an opposing magnet 52, and a reed switch 53. The magnet 51 is fixed to the top 42 and rotates together with the top 42. The magnet 51 includes a plurality of magnets 54. The number of magnets 54 is, for example, half the number obtained by dividing one rotation (360°) by the angular pitch of the top 42. The plurality of magnets 54 are arranged around the axis 44 at an angular pitch that is twice the angular pitch of the top 42, and each magnet extends radially from the axis 44. In the illustrated example, the magnet 51 includes sub-magnets 54A, 54B, and 54C that are arranged at a pitch of 120°. A pair of magnetic poles of each of the plurality of magnets 54 is arranged circumferentially around the axis 44.

[0048] The opposing magnet 52 is provided around the axis 44 and fixed to the switching block 41 (see FIG. 3). The opposing magnet 52 extends in a radial direction centered on the axis 44. A pair of magnetic poles of the opposing magnet 52 are aligned in a circumferential direction around the axis 44. The reed switch 53 is provided between the top 42 and the opposing magnet 52, and has a pair of terminals 53A and 53B connected to the antenna 61 and the tip 62, respectively. The terminals 53A and 53B come into contact with and separate from each other in the radial direction. The interlocking unit 50 switches the OFF state to the ON state by bringing the terminals 53A and 53B into contact with each other, and switches the ON state to the OFF state by separating the terminals 53A and 53B from each other.

[0049] For example, in the second restricted state, opposing magnet 52 faces at least one of the plurality of magnets 54 (see FIG. 4(a)). Hereinafter, 54 facing opposing magnet 52 will be simply referred to as "54." When 54 and opposing magnet 52 face each other, the north pole of 54 and the south pole of opposing magnet 52 face each other, with terminal 53B located between them. The south pole of 54 and the north pole of opposing magnet 52 face each other, with terminal 53A located between them. Because terminals 53A and 53B are not magnetized to either the north pole or the south pole, terminals 53A and 53B are kept separated from each other.

[0050] In the first restricted state, opposing magnet 52 is located between a pair of adjacent magnets 54 (see FIG. 4(b)). In this state, the south pole of one of the pair of magnets 54 and the south pole of opposing magnet 52 face each other, with terminal 53B located between them. Also, the north pole of the other of the pair of magnets 54 and the north pole of opposing magnet 52 face each other, with terminal 53A located between them. As a result, terminal 53A is magnetized to the north pole and terminal 53B is magnetized to the south pole, so that terminals 53A and 53B are attracted to each other and come into contact.

[0051] As a result, the interlocking unit 50 is in the OFF state in the second restricted state (second mode) and in the ON state in the first restricted state (first mode). The interlocking unit 50 may be configured to be in the OFF state in the first restricted state (first mode) and in the OFF state in the second restricted state (second mode).

[0052] The configuration of the interlocking unit 50 that switches whether transmission by the wireless tag 60 is enabled or disabled is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the interlocking unit 50 may be configured to switch between the on state and the off state by contacting or separating a terminal that moves together with the switching block 41 and a terminal that does not move together with the switching block 41.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , the interlocking unit 50 may have a shielding member 55 instead of the switch described above. The shielding member 55 moves between position P12, where the wireless tag 60 is shielded from radio waves by the reader 110, and position P11, where the wireless tag is not shielded from radio waves by the reader, in response to switching of the water discharge mode. For example, the shielding member 55 is located at position P11 when the switching block 41 is located at position P1, and is located at position P12 when the switching block 41 is located at position P2. An example of the shielding member 55 is an electrostatic shield made of metal such as aluminum or copper. The shielding member 55 allows for a simpler configuration to switch between enabling and disabling transmission of status data by the wireless tag 60.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 6, interlocking unit 50 may have a sensor 56 instead of a configuration that switches whether or not transmission by wireless tag 60 is possible. Sensor 56 changes the status data in response to the switching of the water discharge mode. For example, sensor 56 outputs an electrical signal representing a physical quantity that changes in response to the switching of the water discharge mode, such as stress acting on switching unit 40, to chip 62 as status data. Chip 62 temporarily stores the status data output by sensor 56 and transmits the stored status data to reader 110.

[0055] By changing the status data itself, rather than switching whether or not to transmit the status data, a wider variety of water discharge modes can be notified to the reader 110. For example, while the number of water discharge modes that can be recognized solely by whether or not to transmit the status data is limited to two, the sensor 56 can recognize three or more water discharge modes.

[0056] Switching the water discharge mode is not limited to switching from purified water mode to raw water mode or from raw water mode to purified water mode. For example, the first mode may be a mode for shower water discharge, and the second mode may be a mode for straight water discharge. In this case, the water outlet 31 may include, for example, multiple shower nozzles for shower water discharge and a straight nozzle for straight water discharge. The first flow path 32 connects the supply flow path R01 to the multiple shower nozzles, and the second flow path 33 links the supply flow path R01 to the multiple straight nozzles. The switching unit 40 may be configured to switch the water discharge mode from stopped water discharge to water discharge, or from water discharge to stopped water discharge.

[0057] 〔summary〕 The above-described exemplary embodiment includes the following configurations. (1) A faucet device 2 having a switching unit 40 that switches the water discharge mode from the water outlet 31, an interlocking unit 50 that is interlocked with the switching of the water discharge mode, and a wireless tag 60 that holds status data representing the status of the interlocking unit 50 and transmits it wirelessly to a reader 110. When combined with the interlocking unit 50, the wireless tag 60 can be used to transmit information indicating the water discharge mode. By using the wireless tag 60, it is also possible to omit the wiring from the switching unit 40 to the reader 110. Therefore, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simple configuration.

[0058] (2) The water faucet device 2 according to (1), wherein the wireless tag 60 transmits status data to the reader 110 by wireless power supply from the reader 110. Since there is no need to provide a power source for the wireless tag 60 in the water faucet device 2, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simpler configuration.

[0059] (3) A water faucet device 2 described in (1) or (2), in which the switching unit 40 switches the water discharge mode from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, the wireless tag 60 holds status data representing the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the first mode or the state of the interlocking unit 50 corresponding to the second mode, and the interlocking unit 50 switches whether or not to transmit the status data by the wireless tag 60 in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode. The wireless tag 60, which is specialized for storing static data, can be used to recognize the state of the interlocking unit 50, which is linked to the switching of the water discharge mode. Therefore, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simpler configuration.

[0060] (4) The wireless tag 60 has an antenna 61 that converts the radio signal from the reader 110 into electrical energy and outputs it, and a chip 62 that stores status data and transmits the status data using the electrical energy output from the antenna 61, and the interlocking unit 50 switches between an on state in which the antenna 61 and the chip 62 are electrically connected and an off state in which the antenna 61 and the chip 62 are electrically disconnected in conjunction with switching of the water discharge mode, in the faucet device 2 described in (3). The wireless tag 60 can be reliably switched between enabling and disabling transmission of status data.

[0061] (5) The faucet device 2 described in (4) has a magnet 51 that is linked to the switching of the water discharge mode, and a reed switch 53 that switches between an on state and an off state depending on the movement of the magnet 51. Deterioration of the interlocking portion 50 due to wear can be suppressed.

[0062] (6) The water faucet device 2 described in (3) has a shielding member 55 in which the interlocking unit 50 moves between a position that shields the wireless tag 60 from radio waves from the reader 110 and a position that does not shield the wireless tag 60 from radio waves from the reader 110 in conjunction with switching of the water discharge mode. Whether or not the wireless tag 60 is allowed to transmit status data can be switched with a simpler configuration.

[0063] (7) The water faucet device 2 according to (1) or (2), wherein the interlocking unit 50 includes a sensor 56 that changes the status data in conjunction with switching of the water discharge mode. By changing the status data itself rather than switching whether or not to transmit the status data, it is possible to notify reader 110 of a wider variety of water discharge modes.

[0064] (8) A faucet device 2 described in any one of (1) to (7), comprising a supply flow path R01 that guides water, a first flow path 32 and a second flow path 33 that each guide the water guided by the supply flow path R01 to a water outlet 31, and a flow sensor 20 that detects the flow rate of water in the supply flow path R01, wherein the switching unit 40 switches the water discharge mode from a first mode in which water is discharged through the first flow path 32 to a second mode in which water is discharged through the second flow path 33, or from the second mode to the first mode. Based on the flow rate detection result by the flow rate sensor 20 and the water discharge mode detection result, the flow rate through the first flow path 32 and the flow rate through the second flow path 33 can be detected separately.

[0065] (9) A faucet device 2 described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the switching unit 40 switches the water discharge mode from a purified water mode in which water is discharged through the water purification cartridge 36 to a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through the water purification cartridge 36, or from the raw water mode to the purified water mode. This is effective in understanding the usage status of the water purification cartridge 36.

[0066] (10) A water faucet device 2 as described in (9), comprising a water discharge head 30 having a water discharge outlet 31 and accommodating a water purification cartridge 36, a supply flow path R01 that directs water to the water discharge head 30, and a flow sensor 20 that detects the flow rate of water in the supply flow path R01, wherein the water discharge head 30 has a raw water flow path that directs water from the supply flow path R01 to the water discharge outlet 31 without passing through the water purification cartridge 36 in raw water mode, and a purified water flow path that directs water from the supply flow path R01 to the water discharge outlet 31 via the water purification cartridge 36 in purified water mode, and the switching unit 40, interlocking unit 50, and wireless tag 60 are provided in the water discharge head 30. The amount of water passing through the water purification cartridge 36 can be detected based on the flow rate detection result by the flow rate sensor 20 in the supply flow path R01 and the detection result of the water discharge mode. Therefore, it is possible to detect the amount of water passing through the water purification cartridge 36 by providing the switching unit 40, interlocking unit 50, and wireless tag 60 to the water discharge head 30, without providing the flow rate sensor 20 to the water discharge head 30. Therefore, it is effective in quantitatively understanding the usage status of the water purification cartridge 36 while avoiding an increase in the size of the water discharge head 30.

[0067] (11) The faucet device 2 according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the switching unit 40 switches the water spouting mode from shower spouting to straight water spouting, or from straight water spouting to shower spouting. This is useful for understanding the usage status of shower water spouts and straight water spouts.

[0068] (12) The water faucet device 2 according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the switching unit 40 switches the water discharge mode from stopped to discharge, or from discharge to stopped. This is effective in understanding the water discharge status of the faucet device 2.

[0069] (13) A faucet system 1 comprising a faucet device 2 having a switching unit 40 that switches the water discharge mode from the water outlet 31, an interlocking unit 50 that moves in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode, and a wireless tag 60 that holds status data representing the status of the interlocking unit 50, a reader 110 that receives the status data from the wireless tag 60 wirelessly, and a determination unit 121 that determines the water discharge mode based on the status data received by the reader 110. When combined with the interlocking unit 50, the wireless tag 60 can be used to transmit information indicating the water discharge mode. By using the wireless tag 60, it is possible to omit the wiring from the switching unit 40 to the reader 110. Furthermore, the water discharge mode can be easily determined based on the status data received by the reader 110. Therefore, the water discharge mode can be detected with a simple configuration.

[0070] (14) A faucet system 1 described in (13), in which the switching unit 40 switches the water discharge mode from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, the wireless tag 60 holds status data representing the first mode or the second mode, the interlocking unit 50 switches whether or not the wireless tag 60 is to transmit the status data in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode, and the determination unit 121 determines whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode based on whether or not the reader 110 has received the status data. The water discharge mode can be detected using a wireless tag 60 that is specialized for holding static data.

[0071] (15) The faucet system 1 described in (14) further comprises a flow sensor 20 that detects the flow rate of water for water discharge, and a flow rate calculation unit 122 that calculates the flow rate in the first mode based on the determination result of whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 20. The flow rate in the first mode can be detected individually based on the detection result of the flow rate by the flow rate sensor 20 and the detection result of the water discharge mode.

[0072] (16) The water faucet system 1 according to (15), further comprising a network communication unit that transmits the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation unit 122 to a network server. The detection result of the flow rate in the first mode can be used for providing online services by the network server.

[0073] (17) A water-discharge head unit 3 comprising: a water-discharge head 30 having a water outlet 31; a first flow path 32 and a second flow path 33, each of which guides water guided by a supply flow path R01 to the water outlet 31; a switching unit 40 which switches the water-discharge mode from a first mode in which water is discharged via the first flow path 32 to a second mode in which water is discharged via the second flow path 33, or from the second mode to the first mode; an interlocking unit 50 which interlocks with the switching unit 40; and a wireless tag 60 which holds status data indicating the status of the interlocking unit 50; and a reader 110 which wirelessly receives the status data from the wireless tag 60. The configuration that enables the water discharge mode to be detected by the wireless tag 60 can be easily applied to existing water faucet devices 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...water faucet system, 2...water faucet device, R01...supply flow path, 30...water discharge head, 31...water outlet, 32...first flow path, 33...second flow path, 36...water purification cartridge, 40...switching unit, 50...linking unit, 60...wireless tag, 110...reader, 121...determination unit, 20...flow rate sensor, 122...flow rate calculation unit, 61...antenna, 62...chip, 51...magnet, 53...reed switch, 55...shielding member, 56...sensor, 3...water discharge head unit.

Claims

1. A switch for switching the water discharge mode from the water outlet; A linkage unit that links with the switching of the water discharge mode; a wireless tag that stores status data representing the status of the interlocking unit and transmits the status data to a reader by wireless; A faucet device comprising:

2. The wireless tag transmits the status data to the reader by wireless power supply from the reader. The water faucet device according to claim 1.

3. The switching unit switches the water discharge mode from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, the wireless tag holds the status data representing a state of the interlocking unit corresponding to the first mode or a state of the interlocking unit corresponding to the second mode; The interlocking unit switches whether or not the wireless tag is to transmit the status data in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The wireless tag is an antenna that converts the wireless signal from the reader into electrical energy and outputs it; a chip that holds the status data and transmits the status data by electrical energy output from the antenna; and The interlocking unit switches between an ON state in which the antenna and the chip are electrically connected and an OFF state in which the antenna and the chip are electrically disconnected in response to the switching of the water discharge mode. The water faucet device according to claim 3.

5. The interlocking portion is A magnet that is linked to the switching of the water discharge mode; a reed switch that switches between the on state and the off state in response to movement of the magnet; having The water faucet device according to claim 4.

6. the interlocking unit has a shielding member that moves in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode between a position where the wireless tag is shielded from the reader by radio waves and a position where the wireless tag is not shielded from the reader by radio waves. The water faucet device according to claim 3.

7. The interlocking unit includes a sensor that changes the status data in conjunction with switching of the water discharge mode. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a supply channel for conducting water; a first flow path and a second flow path, each of which guides the water guided by the supply flow path to the water outlet; a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of water in the supply flow path; Equipped with The switching unit switches the water discharge mode from a first mode in which water is discharged through the first flow path to a second mode in which water is discharged through the second flow path, or from the second mode to the first mode. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The switching unit switches the water discharge mode from a purified water mode in which water is discharged through a water purification cartridge to a raw water mode in which water is discharged without passing through the water purification cartridge, or from the raw water mode to the purified water mode. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A water spouting head having the water spout and accommodating the water purification cartridge; A supply flow path that guides water to the water spouting head; a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of water in the supply flow path; Equipped with The water spouting head is In the raw water mode, a raw water flow path that guides water from the supply flow path to the water outlet without passing through the water purification cartridge; In the purified water mode, a purified water flow path guides water from the supply flow path through the water purification cartridge to the water outlet; and The switching unit, the interlocking unit, and the wireless tag are provided on the water discharge head. The water faucet device according to claim 9.

11. The switching unit switches the water spouting mode from shower spouting to straight water spouting, or from straight water spouting to shower spouting. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The switching unit switches the water discharge mode from stopped water discharge to water discharge, or from water discharge to stopped water discharge. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A switch for switching the water discharge mode from the water outlet; A linkage unit that moves in conjunction with switching the water discharge mode; a wireless tag that stores status data representing the status of the interlocking unit; A water faucet device having a reader that wirelessly receives the status data from the wireless tag; a determination unit that determines the water discharge mode based on the status data received by the reader; A faucet system comprising:

14. The switching unit switches the water discharge mode from a first mode to a second mode or from the second mode to the first mode, the wireless tag holds the status data representing the first mode or the second mode; The interlocking unit switches whether or not the wireless tag is to transmit the status data in conjunction with the switching of the water discharge mode, the determination unit determines whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode based on whether the reader has received the status data. The faucet system of claim 13.

15. a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of water for discharge; a flow rate calculation unit that calculates a flow rate in the first mode based on a determination result of whether the water discharge mode is the first mode or the second mode and a flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor; Further comprising: The faucet system of claim 14.

16. further comprising a network communication unit that transmits the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation unit to a network server; The faucet system of claim 15.

17. The spout and a first flow path and a second flow path, each of which guides water guided by a supply flow path to the water outlet; a switching unit that switches the water discharge mode from a first mode in which water is discharged through the first flow path to a second mode in which water is discharged through the second flow path, or from the second mode to the first mode; a linking unit that links with the switching unit; a wireless tag that stores status data representing the status of the interlocking unit; A water spouting head having a reader that wirelessly receives the status data from the wireless tag; A water discharge head unit equipped with:

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