Faucet equipment

Abstract

By not stopping the water flow when a human body is detected for a long period of time, the water flow will continue if the user reaches out to the control panel to adjust the flow rate or temperature, thereby improving the usability of the faucet device. [Solution] This invention comprises a water outlet, a control unit that switches between discharging water from the water outlet and stopping water flow, an operation unit that controls the flow rate and / or temperature (mixture ratio of hot and cold water) of water discharged from the water outlet, and a capacitance sensor that detects human body contact; if the capacitance sensor detects a human body while water is being discharged and the human body detection continues for a first period and then disappears for a second period that is longer than the first period, the water is stopped; and if the human body detection continues for the second period that is longer than the first period, the water is not stopped even if the human body detection disappears thereafter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water faucet device, and more particularly to a water faucet device that allows contactless operation using a capacitance sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a water faucet device that uses a capacitance sensor to detect a human body and control the discharge or stopping of water has been known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, when using a capacitance sensor, if a human body approaches the part electrically connected to the faucet body, the sensor will detect the human body. Therefore, if a lever-type operating part is provided to control the flow rate or temperature of the water, there is a problem that if a human body approaches the lever while trying to change the flow rate or temperature while water is being discharged, the water will stop flowing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7479736 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a faucet that is easy to use while using a capacitance sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, which achieves the above object, a faucet includes a water outlet, a control unit that switches between discharging and stopping water from the water outlet, an operation unit that controls the flow rate and / or temperature (mixture ratio of hot and cold water) of water from the water outlet, and a capacitance sensor that detects human contact, and if the capacitance sensor detects a human body while discharging water, and the human body detection continues for a first period and then disappears for a second period longer than the first period, the water is stopped, and if the human body detection continues for the second period longer than the first period, the water is not stopped even if the human body detection is subsequently lost. With this configuration, by not stopping the water if a human body is detected for a long period, water can be continued if the user reaches out to the operation unit to adjust the flow rate or temperature, improving usability.

[0007] According to the invention of claim 2, a water dispenser includes a water outlet, a control unit that switches between water discharge and water stop from the water outlet, an operation unit that controls the flow rate and / or temperature (mixture ratio of hot and cold water) of water discharged from the water outlet, and a capacitance sensor that detects human contact. If the capacitance sensor detects a human body during water discharge and continues for the first period, and then the human body detection disappears during the second period that is longer than the first period, the water is stopped. If the capacitance sensor detects a human body during water discharge and continues for the first period, and then the human body detection disappears during the second period that is longer than the first period, the water is not stopped. This configuration allows water to continue discharging if the user reaches out to the operation unit to adjust the flow rate or temperature. On the other hand, if the response disappears within a period shorter than the second period, the water can be stopped by recognizing that this is a hand gesture, thereby improving usability.

[0008] In the present invention, it is also preferable that the capacitance sensor detects a human body while water is stopped and water is discharged if the first period continues. By configuring in this way, if the operating unit is touched while water is stopped, it is presumed that the person intends to discharge water, and therefore by discharging water once the first period continues, the responsiveness of the water discharge can be improved and usability can be improved.

[0009] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable to have a change mode for changing the first period and the second period. For example, for the first period, if the threshold value is set too high, responsiveness may be poor, and if it is set too low, there is a risk of frequent malfunctions. However, there are large individual differences in touch operation speed. Therefore, if there is a change mode that can change this threshold value to an appropriate length, it becomes possible to set an appropriate threshold value according to each individual's preferences and actions, thereby improving usability.

[0010] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable to include an alarm unit that notifies the user of the detection of a human body when the first period has elapsed. By configuring in this way, the user can recognize that the first period has elapsed, making it easier to let go of the device after that, thereby improving usability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, there is an effect of improving the usability of a water faucet device that detects a human body using a capacitance sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a water faucet device 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a water faucet device 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of stopping water discharge during water discharge in the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a timing chart showing a case where the capacitance changes due to noise during water discharge in the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a timing chart showing a case where a touch operation is performed during water discharge in the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a timing chart showing a case in which the water faucet device 1 of the present invention is gripped while water is being discharged. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a water discharge operation while water is stopped in the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing a case where a touch operation is performed while water is stopped in the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing a case where the water faucet device 1 is gripped while the water is stopped in the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an external view of a water faucet device 1' according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a water faucet device 1′ according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the water discharge operation of a water faucet device 1' in a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the operating unit during water discharge in a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the operating unit while water is stopped in a modified example of the present invention.

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a faucet device 1 according to the present invention. The faucet device 1 is broadly composed of a faucet body 10 and a spout 12 that includes a water outlet. The faucet body 10 is equipped with an operating lever 14 that operates a built-in single-lever cartridge (not shown) to stop water discharge, adjust temperature, and adjust flow rate, as well as an LED 16 that displays various information. A detection electrode 28, which will be described later, is provided at the base end of the operating lever 14.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a faucet device 1 according to the present invention. The faucet device 1 has a hot water supply line 30 and a water supply line 40 connected to a hot water source and a cold water source (not shown). Stop valves 32 and 42 are provided between the hot water source and the hot water supply line 30 and between the cold water source and the water supply line 40, respectively. Solenoid valves 36 and 46 are provided in each line to control the flow of hot water and cold water. Filters 34 and 44 are provided upstream of the solenoid valves 36 and 46 to capture debris flowing in from the upstream side and prevent the solenoid valves 36 and 46 from becoming entangled in the debris. Check valves 38 and 48 are provided downstream of the solenoid valves 36 and 46 to prevent backflow of hot water into the cold water flow line or vice versa when the pressure difference between the hot water and cold water is large.

[0015] The faucet device 1 also has a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is equipped with a power supply unit 22 that converts the commercial power supply into the required voltage and current, a solenoid valve drive unit 24 that drives the solenoid valves 36 and 46, and a detection unit 26 that detects a human body by changes in capacitance. A detection electrode 28 that detects changes in capacitance between the cathode and anode is connected to the detection unit 26, and this detection electrode is provided at the base end of the operating lever 14 as described above, and is configured so that when a human body comes into contact with the operating lever 14, the capacitance changes significantly, allowing the human body to be detected.

[0016] The faucet device 1 also has a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is equipped with a power supply unit 22 that converts the commercial power supply into the required voltage and current, a solenoid valve drive unit 24 that drives the solenoid valves 36 and 46, and a detection unit 26 that detects a human body by changes in capacitance. A detection electrode 28 that detects changes in capacitance between the cathode and anode is connected to the detection unit 26, and this detection electrode is provided at the base end of the operating lever 14 as described above, and is configured so that when a human body comes into contact with the operating lever 14, the capacitance changes significantly, allowing the human body to be detected.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the water discharge operation of the water faucet device 1. After water discharge begins (S10), capacitance monitoring begins. If the capacitance falls below a certain level due to human body detection or other reasons (S20), a timer count begins (S30). Until this count reaches 50 ms (t1: first period), monitoring continues to determine whether the capacitance returns to a certain level or above (S40). If the capacitance returns to a certain level or above, it is determined that the capacitance was merely a temporary change due to noise or other reasons, and the process returns to monitoring whether the capacitance falls below the certain level or below. On the other hand, if the count reaches t1 (S50), it is determined that a human body has definitely contacted the faucet, and the process moves to the next phase. At this time, the notification LED 16 is flashed to indicate that a human body has been detected (S55). At this stage, monitoring continues to determine whether the capacitance returns to a certain level or above (S60) until the count reaches t2. If the capacitance exceeds the certain level, it is determined that a human body has not been detected, that is, that a person has temporarily contacted the faucet and then released it, a so-called touch action, and the water is stopped (S70). If the capacitance does not exceed a certain level, it is determined that contact is continuing, and counting continues. If the count reaches 2000 ms (t2: second period) (S80), it is determined that there is a grasp rather than just a contact, and monitoring of the capacitance continues, but if it returns to a certain level (S90), it is determined that there is no touch, but that the grasp has ended, and water discharge continues, and the process returns to monitoring whether the capacitance has fallen below a certain level. In this way, depending on the duration that the capacitance remains below a certain level, it is determined whether the action is noise, a touch action, or a gripping action, and processing is performed such as continuing the water flow, stopping the water flow, or continuing the water flow, respectively.By using the capacitance sensor, it is possible to prevent unintentional stopping of water flow due to temperature adjustment, flow rate adjustment, water flow switching action at the tip of the spout, or gripping action to pull out the spout, thereby improving usability.

[0018] Next, the specific operation when water is stopped will be shown in a time chart. First, the time chart for when it is determined to be noise is shown in Figure 4. In this case, although the capacitance temporarily drops, it returns to normal within 50 ms (t1). Therefore, it is determined that this is a temporary drop in capacitance caused by noise from the power supply or the surrounding environment, and that no human body has been detected. The solenoid valve continues to open and water continues to flow. There is no particular change in the notification LED 16 either.

[0019] Next, Figure 5 shows a time chart for when a touch operation is performed on the faucet device 1. In this case, the capacitance continues to decrease beyond 50 ms (t1). At the point when 50 ms is exceeded, the notification LED 16 begins to flash. When the user sees this and removes their hand, the capacitance returns to normal, indicating that a human body has been detected, and it is determined that a touch operation has been performed. At this time, the solenoid valve is closed, and the water is stopped. The flashing of the notification LED 16 also stops.

[0020] Next, Figure 5 shows a time chart for when the faucet device 1 is gripped. As with touching, the capacitance continues to decrease beyond 50 ms (t1), and once the 50 ms is exceeded, the notification LED 16 begins flashing. In the case of gripping, the capacitance continues to decrease for a further 2000 ms (t2). Once the 2000 ms (t2) is exceeded, the notification LED 16 stops flashing, indicating that the touch operation has ended. At this point, it is determined that the detection of a human body was due to gripping, not touching, and water continues to flow even if the capacitance subsequently returns and the human body is no longer detected.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the process from the water stop state to the start of water discharge. After water discharge acceptance is initiated (S110), capacitance monitoring is initiated (S120). If a decrease in capacitance is detected, a timer count is initiated (S130). Until this count reaches 50 ms (t1: first period), monitoring is continued to determine whether the capacitance has returned to a certain level or above (S140). If the capacitance has returned to a certain level or above, it is determined that the capacitance was merely a temporary change due to noise or other factors, and the process returns to monitoring whether the capacitance has fallen below the certain level. On the other hand, if the count reaches t1 (S150), it is determined that a human body has definitely contacted the device, and an alarm start process is performed (S160) to turn on the alarm LED 16 and a water discharge start process is performed (S170) to open the solenoid valves 36 and 46. Thereafter, monitoring is continued to determine whether the capacitance has returned to a certain level or above (S180). If the capacitance has reached the certain level, i.e., if human body detection has ended, the device transitions to the water stop acceptance state (S190).

[0022] Figure 7 shows a time chart of the process for starting water discharge when the water faucet device 1 is touched. In this case, the capacitance continues to decrease for a first period of time exceeding 50 ms (t1). Once 50 ms has elapsed, the notification LED 16 is turned on, the solenoid valves 36 and 46 are opened, and water discharge begins.

[0023] Figure 8 also shows a time chart for when the water faucet device 1 is grasped. As with touch operations, the capacitance continues to decrease beyond the first period of 50 ms (t1). Once 50 ms is exceeded, the notification LED 16 is turned on, the solenoid valves 36 and 46 are opened, and water begins to flow. When the water faucet device 1 is grasped while the water supply is stopped, it is assumed that the user wishes to use the faucet, i.e., to dispense water. Therefore, there is no need to wait until the second period has elapsed to determine whether the action is a touch or a grasp; by beginning water dispensing once the first period of 50 ms has elapsed and it has been confirmed that the action is not noise, usability can be improved.

[0024] The first period t1 and the second period t2 can be changed. This can be done by setting them separately using a smartphone or by switching to a setting mode triggered by a long-term detection by the sensor.

[0025] Next, a water faucet device 1' according to a modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same members as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. 10 is an external view of a water faucet device 1' according to a modified example of the present invention. The difference from the embodiment is that the operating lever 18 has an acceleration sensor 29, which will be described later, built in therein.

[0026] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a water faucet device 1' in a modified example. Unlike the embodiment, flow control valves 52 and 54 are provided to control the flow rates of hot and cold water, instead of the solenoid valves 36 and 46 provided in the hot and cold water flow paths, respectively. These flow control valves are controlled to a predetermined flow rate by a flow control valve driver 50 based on the input of an acceleration sensor 29. This controls the flow rates of hot and cold water, and adjusts the flow rate and temperature of the mixed water.

[0027] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of the water discharge operation of the water faucet device 1' in this modified example. After water discharge begins (S10), monitoring of capacitance begins. If the capacitance falls below a certain level due to human body detection or other reasons (S20), a timer count begins (S30). Monitoring continues until this count reaches 50 ms (t1: first period) to see if the capacitance returns to a certain level or above (S40). If the capacitance does return to a certain level or above, it is determined that the capacitance was merely a temporary change due to noise or other reasons, and the system returns to monitoring for the capacitance falling below the certain level. On the other hand, if the count reaches t1 (S50), it is determined that a human body has definitely come into contact, and the system moves on to the next phase. At this time, the notification LED 16 flashes to indicate that a human body has been detected (S55). Even at this stage, until the count reaches t2, the capacitance is monitored to see if it returns to a certain level or above (S60). If it does, it is determined that a human body is no longer being detected, that is, that a person has temporarily touched the faucet and then released it, a so-called touch action, and the water is stopped (S70). If the capacitance does not return to a certain level or above, the operation is monitored (S280). If an operation is performed, water continues to flow. The capacitance is then monitored to see if it returns to a certain level or above (S90). If it does return, it is determined that the person has released their hand, and the process returns to monitoring for the capacitance to fall below a certain level (S20). In this way, the duration for which the capacitance remains below a certain level determines whether it is noise or a touch operation, and in addition to continuing or stopping the water flow, the operation is monitored.By using the capacitance sensor, it is possible to prevent unintentional stopping of water flow due to temperature or flow rate adjustments, thereby improving usability.

[0028] Figure 13 shows a time chart when the operating unit is operated while water is being discharged. When a capacitance change occurs and the first period of 50 ms (t1) is exceeded, the notification LED 16 is caused to blink. After that, when an operation signal from the acceleration sensor 29 is detected, it is determined that this is an operation of the operation unit rather than a touch operation, and the notification LED 16 is turned off. Next, it is confirmed that the capacitance has returned to a certain level or above, and the device returns to the normal standby state. The trigger for returning to the normal standby state may be either a capacitance change or an operation of the operation unit, or both.

[0029] Figure 14 shows a time chart when the operating unit is operated while water is stopped. As with the embodiment, in the modified example, in both cases of operations while water is stopped (detection of a change in capacitance and detection of an operation signal from the acceleration sensor), it is determined that the user desires water to be dispensed, and water dispensing begins. In addition, the notification LED 16 is turned on to notify that the water dispensing operation has been accepted.

[0030] Up to this point, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described using figures, flowcharts, and time charts. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the notification means has been described as lighting or flashing the notification LED 16, other notification methods such as audio notification or color change by the LED are also conceivable. Furthermore, while the system has been described as using a solenoid valve for water discharge and stop and a single-lever cartridge for temperature and flow rate adjustment, it is also conceivable that a single electronic valve could be used for these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1...Faucet device 10... Faucet body 12...Spout 14, 18...Operating lever 16...Notification LED 20...Control unit 22...Power supply section 24...Solenoid valve drive unit 26...Detection unit 28...Detection electrode 29...Acceleration sensor 30, 40...Drive unit 32, 42...Stop valve 34, 44...filter 36, 46...Solenoid valve 38, 48...Check valve 50...Flow control valve drive unit 52, 54...Flow control valve

Claims

1. The spout and a control unit for switching between discharging and stopping water from the water outlet; An operation unit for operating the flow rate and / or temperature (mixture ratio of hot and cold water) of water discharged from the water discharge port; a capacitance sensor that detects contact with a human body; If the capacitance sensor detects a human body during water discharge, and the human body detection continues for a first period and then disappears for a second period that is longer than the first period, water is stopped, This water faucet device is characterized in that if the human body detection continues for the second period which is longer than the first period, the water will not be stopped even if the human body detection subsequently disappears.

2. The spout and a control unit for switching between discharging and stopping water from the water outlet; An operation unit for operating the flow rate and / or temperature (mixture ratio of hot and cold water) of water discharged from the water discharge port; a capacitance sensor that detects contact with a human body; If the capacitance sensor detects a human body during water discharge and the human body detection continues for the first period, and then disappears during the second period that is longer than the first period, water is stopped, This water faucet device is characterized in that if the capacitance sensor detects a human body while discharging water, and the human body detection continues for the first period, and then the operation of the operating part is detected during the second period that is longer than the first period, the water will not be stopped.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capacitance sensor detects a human body while water is stopped, and if this detection continues for the first period, the water faucet device starts discharging water.

4. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a change mode for changing the first period and the second period.

5. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an alarm means for notifying the detection of a human body when the first period has elapsed.

Images