Faucet equipment

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly faucet using a capacitance sensor. [Solution] This invention comprises a water outlet, a control unit that switches between water discharge and water stop from the water outlet, an operating 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 contact with a human body; if, during water discharge, the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold and remains below a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold for a certain period of time, water is stopped, and if the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds the second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, water discharge continues.

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 water dispenser 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 when a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold and remains below a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold for a certain period of time during water dispensing, the water is stopped, and when the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds the second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, the water is continued. With this configuration, when the change in capacitance exceeds the first threshold but is less than the second threshold, it is determined that the user has waved their hand over the spout (proximity) or touched the spout far from the operation unit (contact), and the water is stopped, while when the change in capacitance exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that the user has reached out to the operation unit to adjust the flow rate or temperature (contact with the operation unit), and the water is continued to be stopped, thereby improving usability.

[0007] In the present invention, it is also preferable that water be discharged when the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold while water is stopped. By configuring in this way, if the operating unit is touched while water is stopped, it is presumed that the user intends to discharge water, and therefore, by discharging water when the change in capacitance exceeds the first threshold, usability can be improved.

[0008] In the present invention, it is also preferable to include a notification unit that notifies the user of the detection of a human body when the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold value. This configuration allows the user to recognize that the first period has elapsed, making it easier for the user to let go of the device after that, thereby improving usability.

[0009] In the present invention, it is also preferable that the capacitance sensor includes a detection electrode for detecting capacitance, and the detection electrode is provided on the operation unit. With this configuration, a more significant change in capacitance occurs when the operation unit detects a human body, making it possible to more accurately detect contact with the operation unit and improving usability.

[0010] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable to have a change mode for changing the first threshold value and the second threshold value. Although capacitance changes are easily affected by the user and the usage environment, by configuring in this way, it is possible to offset the effects of the user and the usage environment, thereby improving the accuracy of distinguishing between proximity and contact and improving usability.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable to have a learning mode in which the first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined by prompting a hand-wave operation and a gripping operation and recording the capacitance change during the operation. By configuring in this way, the capacitance change during the hand-wave operation and the gripping operation can be recorded in the learning mode, making it possible to more reliably offset the influence of the user and the usage environment, thereby increasing the accuracy of distinguishing between proximity and contact and improving usability.

[0012] In the present invention, it is also preferable that the operator can be identified or selected, and the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be changed depending on the operator. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to ignore differences in capacitance changes between users, thereby increasing the accuracy of distinguishing between proximity and contact, and improving usability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] 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]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of the contact points between the water faucet device 1 and the user and the change in capacitance in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart showing the water discharge operation of the water faucet device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a time chart showing a water discharge operation in response to a touch operation in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a time chart showing the water discharge operation when the operating lever 14 is gripped in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the water shut-off operation of the water faucet device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a time chart showing gripping of the operating lever 14 when spouting water in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a time chart showing a touch operation during water discharge in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the calibration mode of the water faucet device 1 in a modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the change in capacitance when touching or approaching the spout 12 of the faucet device 1 and when gripping the operating lever 14. Comparing touching or approaching the spout 12 of the faucet device 1 with gripping the operating lever 14, the capacitance change is smaller in the former and larger in the latter. Therefore, by setting a first threshold A slightly lower than the value when touching or approaching the spout 12 of the faucet device 1 and setting a second threshold B between the two, it becomes possible to determine that a change in capacitance is greater than or equal to the first threshold A and the second threshold B, indicating proximity to or contact with the spout 12, and that a change in capacitance greater than the second threshold B indicates gripping of the operating lever 14.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart regarding the discharge of water from the water faucet device 1. In the water stop acceptance state (normal standby state) (S10), the water faucet device 1 monitors the change in capacitance of the detection electrode 28 (S20). If a capacitance change equal to or greater than the first threshold A occurs, it is determined that the user has approached or contacted the water faucet device 1, i.e., that the user desires water to be dispensed. The water dispense process (S30) and the notification LED are illuminated to indicate that the water is being dispensed (S40) are then performed. The water faucet device 1 then again monitors the change in capacitance of the detection electrode 28 (S50). If the capacitance change falls below the first threshold A, it is determined that the contact operation has been completed, and the water faucet device transitions to the water stop acceptance state (S60). In the water stop state, whether the user approaches or contacts the spout (capacitance change equal to or greater than A) or grips the operating lever 14 (capacitance change equal to or greater than B), it is assumed that the user desires water to be dispensed from the water faucet device 1. Therefore, by quickly initiating water dispense when the capacitance change exceeds A, the water faucet device 1 can be made more user-friendly.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a time chart for when a user approaches the spout of faucet device 1 and water dispensing begins. When the user places their hand near the spout, a change in capacitance that exceeds threshold A occurs. In order to eliminate temporary capacitance changes due to noise, detection unit 26 determines that the user is approaching or in contact with the spout when the change in capacitance of the detection electrode exceeds threshold A for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms) continuously. Then, solenoid valves 36 and 46 are opened to start the water dispensing process, and notification LED 16 is turned on to display the change.

[0022] Figure 6 shows a time chart when a user grips operating lever 14 of faucet device 1 and water discharge begins. When the user grips operating lever 14, a change in capacitance occurs that exceeds threshold B. Exceeding threshold B necessarily means that threshold A will also be exceeded. In order to eliminate temporary capacitance changes due to noise, detection unit 26 determines that the user is approaching or in contact with the device if the change in capacitance of the detection electrode exceeds threshold A for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms) continuously. The device then opens solenoid valves 36, 46 to start the water discharge process and also performs a display process by turning on notification LED 16.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart regarding the water shutoff of the faucet device 1. In the water stop acceptance state (water discharging) (S60), similar to the water discharge acceptance state (S10), the change in capacitance is monitored (S50). If a capacitance change exceeding the first threshold A occurs, a determination is made as to whether the capacitance change exceeds the second threshold B (S70). If the capacitance change exceeds the second threshold B, it is determined that the operation lever 14 has been gripped, and a blinking process (S80) is performed to blink the notification LED 16, thereby informing the user that the grip has been detected. In this case, it is considered that the user only intends to adjust the temperature or flow rate, not to stop the water, so the water continues to be discharged without being stopped. Thereafter, the system continues to determine whether the capacitance change exceeds the second threshold value B (S70), and if it falls below the second threshold value, it determines that the gripping of the operating lever 14 has ended, performs a lighting process (S40) to change the notification LED 16 from flashing back to a lit display, and returns to the water stop acceptance state (water flowing) (S60).

[0024] On the other hand, if the result of determining whether the change in capacitance exceeds the second threshold B (S70) is that the change is around the second threshold B, it is determined that the hand has approached or touched the spout 12. In this case, it is again determined whether the change in capacitance exceeds the first threshold A (S50), and if the change in capacitance falls below the first threshold A, it is determined that the hand has been withdrawn (proximity or contact has ended), and a water stop process (S90) is performed to close the solenoid valves 36, 46 and end water discharge, and a light-off process (S100) is performed to turn off the notification LED 16, and the state returns to the water discharge acceptance state (normal standby state) S10.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a time chart for when the user grips the control lever 14 while water is being discharged. When the user grips the control lever 14, a large change in capacitance that exceeds the second threshold B occurs. To eliminate temporary capacitance changes due to noise, the detection unit 26 determines that the user is gripping the control lever 14 when the capacitance change of the detection electrode exceeds the threshold B for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms). The detection unit 26 then performs a blinking process to blink the notification LED 16 to notify the user. When the user releases the control lever 14, the capacitance change falls below the second threshold B. Similarly to the case of gripping, the detection unit 26 determines that there is no contact when the capacitance change of the detection electrode exceeds the threshold B for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms). The detection unit 26 then stops blinking the notification LED 16 and performs a lighting process to turn it on. During these processes, the user is likely only intending to adjust the temperature or flow rate, not to stop the water flow. Therefore, the water continues to be discharged without stopping the water flow.

[0026] Figure 9 shows a time chart for when a user approaches or touches the spout 12 while water is being discharged. When a user holds out their hand near the spout, a change in capacitance that exceeds threshold A occurs. At this time, in order to exclude temporary capacitance changes due to noise, the detection unit 26 determines that the user is approaching or touching the spout when the change in capacitance of the detection electrode exceeds threshold A for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms) continuously. Thereafter, it again determines whether the change in capacitance exceeds first threshold A, and if the change in capacitance falls below first threshold A for a certain period of time t1 (50 ms) continuously, it determines that the user has released their hand, i.e., the touch operation has been completed, and closes solenoid valves 36 and 46 to stop the water flow and turns off the notification LED 16.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart relating to the calibration mode in a modified example of the present invention. Note that the same processes as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. The modified example is equipped with a calibration mode for learning the first threshold A and the second threshold B. The amount of change in capacitance can vary greatly even when the same operation is performed, depending on environmental noise and individual differences between users. Therefore, by performing a learning process that absorbs user and environmental noise, the user's operation (approach, contact, or grip) can be determined more reliably, further improving usability.

[0028] The calibration mode is entered by waving a hand over the spout 12 for 15 seconds or more. Specifically, when a hand is waving over the faucet device 1 with water stopped (S10), a change in capacitance is first detected (S20), and then a water discharge process (S30) and a lighting process (S40) are executed. At this time, a timer that measures the time from the start of the hand waving operation starts counting (S110). If the hand waving operation continues even after water discharge has started, and it is determined that the timer count has exceeded 15 seconds (S120), the device will enter the calibration mode.

[0029] In the calibration mode, a blinking process is performed to blink the notification LED to notify the user that the device is in the calibration mode (S130). Even in the calibration mode, the timer continues counting, and it is determined whether the timer count has passed 20 seconds (5 seconds from the transition to the calibration mode) (S140), and the capacitance change at that time is learned and updated as the first threshold value A (S150). In addition, to notify the user that learning has been completed, a short lighting process is performed to light the notification LED at short intervals (S160).

[0030] Next, a blinking process is performed again to blink the notification LED (S130). Furthermore, it is determined (S170) whether the timer count has elapsed for 25 seconds (5 seconds since the first threshold A was updated (S150)), and the capacitance change at that time is learned and updated as the second threshold B (S18). Furthermore, to notify that learning has been completed, a short lighting process (S160) is performed to light the notification LED at short intervals, and the system returns to water discharge reception (normal standby state) (S10).

[0031] Up to this point, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described using diagrams, 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 spirit and 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 possible. In particular, the calibration mode in the modification is complex, so audio notification is considered desirable. Furthermore, while a system using a solenoid valve for water discharge and stop and a single-lever cartridge for temperature and flow rate adjustment has been described, it is also conceivable that a single electronic valve could be used for these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1...Faucet device 10... Faucet body 12...Spout 14...Operating lever 16...Notification LED 20...Control unit 22...Power supply section 24...Solenoid valve drive unit 26...Detection unit 28...Detection electrode 30, 40...Drive unit 32, 42...Stop valve 34, 44...filter 36, 46...Solenoid valve 38, 48...Check 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 change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold value during water discharge and remains below a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value for a certain period of time, water is stopped, The water faucet device continues to discharge water when the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds the second threshold value, which is greater than the first threshold value.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1, wherein water is discharged when a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds a first threshold value while water is stopped.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein an alarm is issued when a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor exceeds the first threshold value.

4. the capacitance sensor includes a detection electrode for detecting capacitance; The water faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the detection electrode is provided in the operating portion.

5. The water faucet device according to claim 1 , further comprising a change mode for changing the first threshold value and the second threshold value.

6. The water faucet device according to claim 5, further comprising a learning mode in which the first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined by prompting a hand-waving operation and a gripping operation and recording the change in capacitance that occurs during the operation.

7. The water faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the operator can be identified or selected, and the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be changed depending on the operator.

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