Sensor module

Abstract

The objective is to avoid problems such as the need to increase the size of the corrugated hose to accommodate communication lines when using the sensor in, for example, an automatic faucet system. [Solution] The sensor module 1 comprises a sensor unit 2 including a detection sensor 4, and a main unit 3 arranged so that the sensor unit 2 approaches and separates from it. The sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 are provided with a transmission means that wirelessly transmits from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4. The transmission means includes, for example, a magnetic generation unit 10 that generates a magnetism when power is applied, a control circuit 11 that receives the output of a detection signal from the detection sensor 4 and powers the magnetic generation unit 10, and a magnetic sensor 12 that detects the magnetism emitted by the magnetic generation unit 10 and outputs a detection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor module.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in water supply facilities such as kitchens, washrooms, toilets, and bathrooms, an automatic faucet device that detects an operation in which a person approaches a faucet fitting with a hand or the like by a sensor such as an infrared sensor and automatically switches between water discharge and water stop has become widespread. For example, in a type of faucet fitting in which the water discharge part can be removed from the base part and stretched, the sensor is installed in the water discharge part, and the sensor and a host control device that receives a detection signal from the sensor and switches between water discharge and water stop may be connected by a communication line such as a harness. In this case, the communication line is accommodated together with a water pipe in a bellows hose connected to the water discharge part in order to stretch the water discharge part from the base part.

[0003] However, when connecting a sensor installed in the water discharge part to a host control device by a communication line, for example, it is necessary to increase the size of the bellows hose to secure a space for accommodating the communication line, the resin duct required for protecting the communication line is expensive, and furthermore, when returning the water discharge part from the base part after stretching it from the base part, not only the bellows hose but also the communication line needs to be smoothly returned into the base part, resulting in a complicated structure and high cost.

[0004] As a conventional method for solving the above problems, there is a method of using a wireless communication function such as BLE instead of a communication line. However, in this method, a large amount of cost is required to obtain authentication (SIG authentication) for using BLE, resulting in high cost.

[0005] Another conventional method to solve the above problems is to use wireless power transfer and wireless communication functions instead of communication lines (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, this method requires not only simple power transfer but also superimposing the communication signal onto the power transfer signal. As a result, the system for superimposing the communication signal onto the power transfer signal or extracting the communication signal from the power transfer signal becomes complex, leading to the problem of increased device size (for example, 55mm x 75mm x 29mm). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takahiko Sato, "The Practical Application of Wireless Power Transfer & Signal Communication in Production Sites," Green Electronics No. 6, CQ Publishing, February 27, 2012, pp. 17-23. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a sensor module that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the sensor module of this disclosure is based on the sensor module described in Section 1 below.

[0009] Item 1. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, The sensor portion is arranged to move closer to and further away from the main body portion, Equipped with, The sensor module is provided with a sensor unit and a main unit, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, The aforementioned transmission means is A magnetic generating unit provided in the sensor section and which generates a magnetism when an electric current is applied, A control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to receive the output of the detection signal from the detection sensor and energize the magnetic generation unit, A magnetic sensor provided in the main body, which detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field generating unit and outputs a detection signal, A sensor module equipped with the following features.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor module of this disclosure includes, as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in Section 1 above, the sensor module described in Section 2 below.

[0011] Section 2. The magnetic generation unit is, A coil that is energized, An iron core placed inside the coil, The sensor module described in item 1, comprising:

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor module of this disclosure includes the sensor module described in Section 3 below as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in Section 1 or 2 above.

[0013] Section 3. The control circuit is, The sensor module according to item 1, which is a comparator that outputs a signal to energize the magnetic generation unit when the detection signal from the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage.

[0014] To solve the above problems, the sensor module of this disclosure includes the sensor module described in Section 4 below.

[0015] Section 4. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, The sensor portion is arranged to move closer to and further away from the main body portion, Equipped with, The sensor module is provided with a sensor unit and a main unit, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, The aforementioned transmission means is The conductive material provided in the sensor unit, A control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to connect the conductive material to the ground potential upon receiving the output of the detection signal from the detection sensor; An electrostatic sensor provided in the main body part and charged with positive charges; A control part provided in the main body part and configured to detect a change in the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor that changes with the connection of the conductive material to the ground potential and output a detection signal; A sensor module comprising:

[0016] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module of the present disclosure, the sensor module described in item 5 below is included.

[0017] Item 5. The control circuit is A comparator that outputs a signal for connecting the conductive material to the ground potential when the detection signal from the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage, according to the sensor module of item 4.

[0018] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module of the present disclosure, the sensor module described in item 6 below is included.

[0019] Item 6. The main body part supplies power to the sensor part in the approaching position by wireless power supply, according to the sensor module of any one of items 1 to 5.

[0020] In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module of the present disclosure, the sensor modules described in items 7 and 8 below are included.

[0021] Item 7. The sensor part is installed in the water discharge part of the faucet fitting, The main body part is installed in the base part of the faucet fitting where the water discharge part is detachably attached, according to the sensor module of item 6.

[0022] Item 8. The sensor unit is installed on one side of the wall. The main body is the sensor module described in item 6, which is installed on the other side of the wall.

[0023] Furthermore, the sensor modules of this disclosure include, as preferred embodiments of the sensor modules described in any of the above sections 1 to 5, the sensor modules described in section 9 below.

[0024] Item 9. The sensor module according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit supplies power to the main body unit located in proximity by wireless power transfer.

[0025] Furthermore, the sensor module of this disclosure includes, as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in item 9 above, the sensor module described in item 10 below.

[0026] Item 10. The main body is installed inside the bath pillow. The sensor unit is the sensor module according to item 9, which is installed inside the bathtub on which the bath pillow is placed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the sensor module of this disclosure, when the sensor module is used, for example, in an automatic faucet device, there is no need to increase the size of the corrugated hose to secure space for the communication line, nor is there a need for a resin duct to protect the communication line. Furthermore, when the water outlet of the faucet is extended from the base and then returned to the base, there is no need to devise a way to ensure that not only the corrugated hose but also the communication line smoothly returns to the base. Moreover, since the sensor module of this disclosure employs a method of detecting magnetic or capacitance changes as a means of wireless transmission from the sensor unit to the main unit, it is possible to avoid the complexity, size, and high cost of conventional designs, thus resolving the problems of the past. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the sensor module. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the sensor module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the relationship between the main body and the sensor unit, which is positioned to approach and move away from the main body. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic generation unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operating principle of the second method of transmission. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the faucet fittings of a water faucet device in which a sensor module is used. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the faucet fittings of an automatic faucet device with the water outlet extended. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the sensor module is used as a wall remote control. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the sensor module shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of the schematic configuration of the sensor module shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the sensor module is used in a bus pillow, and Figure 11(B) is an enlarged view of the dashed frame in Figure 11(A). [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the bus pillow and sensor module shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows another example of the schematic configuration of the bus pillow and sensor module shown in Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sensor module of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] Sense module structure As shown in Figure 1, the sensor module 1 comprises a sensor unit 2 and a main unit 3. The sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 are not connected to each other using communication lines such as harnesses or cables, and are arranged wirelessly. The sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 each have the necessary components mounted inside, for example, a plastic housing.

[0031] Sensor unit 2 includes a detection sensor 4. The detection sensor 4 detects human movement and outputs a detection signal. Human movement includes, for example, actions such as bringing a hand or finger close to the detection sensor 4 (to a close position without contact), actions of making contact with the detection sensor 4, or actions of pressing the detection sensor 4 with a hand or finger. Examples of detection sensors 4 include known proximity sensors that detect human movement without contact, such as infrared, inductive, capacitive, and magnetic types; known contact sensors that detect human movement when touched by a person, such as touch sensors; and known mechanical sensors that detect human movement when an operator operates an operating part such as a switch or push button.

[0032] The sensor unit 2 is powered by wireless power transfer from the main unit 3. Specifically, the main unit 3 is equipped with a power transmission coil 5. The sensor unit 2 is equipped with a power receiving coil 6. The power transmission coil 5 is supplied with alternating current from the control unit 7 via a DC-AC conversion inverter circuit 8. The method of supplying power to the power transmission coil 5 is not particularly limited and may be any other known method.

[0033] When an alternating current flows through the power transmission coil 5, a magnetic flux is generated. This magnetic flux is received by the power receiving coil 6, which is located near the power transmission coil 5, inducing power in the power receiving coil 6. As a result, an alternating current is generated in the power receiving coil 6, and the AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9 converts the alternating current into a direct current. Thus, in this embodiment, power is supplied from the main body 3 to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power transfer through electromagnetic induction generated between the power transmission coil 5 included in the main body 3 and the power receiving coil 6 included in the sensor unit 2, which is located close to the main body 3.

[0034] The power supplied to the power receiving coil 6 is then supplied to the detection sensor 4 and the like via the AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor unit 2 is positioned such that air and / or an insulator is interposed between it and the main body unit 3, and is positioned to approach and move away from the main body unit 3. As shown in Figure 3(A), when the sensor unit 2 is in an approaching position to the main body unit 3, power can be supplied from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power supply, and as shown in Figure 3(B), when the sensor unit 2 is in an area away from the main body unit 3, power cannot be supplied from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power supply. The position of the sensor unit 2 in an approaching position to the main body unit 3 is not particularly limited, as long as wireless power supply from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2, or from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, is possible and wireless transmission from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 by the transmission means described later is possible.

[0036] The method of wireless power supply from the main unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 is not particularly limited to the electromagnetic induction method described above, and other known methods may also be used.

[0037] The sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 are provided with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 that the detection sensor 4 has detected human movement and output a detection signal. The transmission means is not particularly limited as long as it can wirelessly transmit from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 that the detection sensor 4 has output a detection signal, that is, as long as the main unit 3 can detect it wirelessly. However, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, if wireless transmission from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 is performed by wireless telecommunications, the system becomes more complex and the device size increases. Therefore, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 by a method other than wireless telecommunications, and in this disclosure, two methods described below are given as examples of transmission means.

[0038] In the first method, as shown in Figure 1, the transmission means comprises a magnetic generation unit 10 and a comparator 11 provided in the sensor unit 2, and a magnetic sensor 12 provided in the main body unit 3.

[0039] The magnetic generation unit 10 generates a magnetism when an electric current is applied. The magnetic generation unit 10 consists of a magnetization coil 10a and an iron core 10b placed inside the magnetization coil 10a, as shown in Figure 4, for example. Note that the iron core 10b is not essential. The signal Enable, which energizes the magnetization coil 10a, is supplied from the comparator 11.

[0040] The comparator 11 is a control circuit that compares the detection signal Signal input from the detection sensor 4 with a reference voltage Vref. For example, when the detection sensor 4 detects human movement, the detection signal Signal becomes high level and exceeds the reference voltage Vref, at which point the comparator 11 outputs the signal Enable. When the signal Enable flows to the magnetic generation unit 10, the iron core 10b of the magnetic generation unit 10 becomes magnetized, and magnetism is generated.

[0041] Alternatively, instead of the comparator 11, a microcontroller unit (MCU) or the like may be used as the control circuit, and the MCU may be configured to supply the signal Enable to the magnetic generation unit 10 when the detection sensor 4 detects human movement.

[0042] The magnetic sensor 12 detects the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field and outputs an electrical signal. The magnetic sensor 12 is composed of known magnetic sensors such as a reed sensor (reed switch) and a Hall sensor. When the magnetic sensor 12 detects the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generation unit 10 in the sensor unit 2, the fact that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4 in the sensor unit 2 is wirelessly transmitted to the main unit 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 12 is transmitted to the control unit 7, thereby informing the control unit 7 that the sensor unit 2 has output a detection signal (Signal) from the detection sensor 4. The control unit 7 is composed of a controller IC such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) and includes a program processing unit such as a CPU, as well as memory and various interfaces. The control unit 7 compares the amount of change in the magnetic field lines (amount of change in the magnetic field) of the magnetic sensor 12 with a predetermined threshold value stored in the memory, and if the threshold value is exceeded, it determines that the sensor unit 2 has output a detection signal (Signal) from the detection sensor 4.

[0044] In the second method of wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3, as shown in Figure 2, the transmission means comprises a conductive material 13 and a comparator 11 provided in the sensor unit 2, and an electrostatic sensor 14 provided in the main unit 3. The electrostatic sensor 14 is a so-called capacitance sensor. The electrostatic sensor 14 is charged with a positive charge, and the control unit 7 detects the change in capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14.

[0045] The conductive material 13 can be formed from carbon such as graphite and carbon black; metals such as aluminum, copper, silver, and gold; conductive resins such as thiophene-based conductive polymers and polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS); conductive inks; conductive fibers such as chemical fibers containing metal or carbon, chemical fibers with a metal surface, or metal fibers made from metal fibers; or composite materials thereof.

[0046] The conductive material 13 is in the form of a planar body, for example, a plate or sheet, and its external shape is not particularly limited but can be rectangular or circular. Preferably, the conductive material 13 can be a metal film (including plating), a metal sheet (metal foil), a metal plate, a metal mesh, or a woven fabric (including mesh), knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric formed from conductive fibers. The size of the conductive material 13 is not particularly limited.

[0047] The conductive material 13 is positioned so that when the sensor part 2 is in close proximity to the main body part 3, as shown in Figure 3(A), it faces the electrostatic sensor 14 provided on the main body part 3, that is, so that their main surfaces face each other. The conductive material 13 is positioned with a gap between it and the electrostatic sensor 14, with air interposed between them, or with a dielectric material such as an insulator interposed between it and the electrostatic sensor 14.

[0048] The conductive material 13 is connected to the AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9 via a pull-up resistor E and also connected to ground potential via a switching element S. As a result, when the detection sensor 4 does not detect human movement, the potential of the conductive material 13 is pulled up, generating a positive charge on the conductive material 13, as shown in Figure 5(A), and no electric field is generated between the conductive material 13 and the electrostatic sensor 14. When the detection sensor 4 detects human movement, the detection signal Signal becomes high level and exceeds the reference voltage Vref input as a reference to the comparator 11, and the signal Enable is output from the comparator 11. Then, the switching element S is turned ON by the signal Enable, and as shown in Figure 5(B), the conductive material 13 is connected to ground potential, an electric field is generated between it and the positively charged electrostatic sensor 14, and the capacitance between the conductive material 13 and the electrostatic sensor 14 increases.

[0049] The electrostatic sensor 14 can be formed from, for example, carbon such as graphite or carbon black; metals such as aluminum, copper, silver, or gold; conductive resins such as thiophene-based conductive polymers or polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS); or composite materials thereof.

[0050] The electrostatic sensor 14 is in the form of a planar body, for example, a plate or a sheet, and its external shape is not particularly limited, but can be rectangular or circular. The size of the electrostatic sensor 14 is not particularly limited.

[0051] A positive pulse voltage relative to the ground potential is applied to the electrostatic sensor 14 from the control unit 7. As a result, the electrostatic sensor 14 is charged with a positive charge.

[0052] Parasitic capacitance is generated between the electrostatic sensor 14 and an object (including the conductive material 13) near the electrostatic sensor 14. This parasitic capacitance is used as the reference capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14. As shown in Figure 5(B), when the conductive material 13 is connected to ground potential, positive charges opposite to the negative charges attracted to the electrostatic sensor 14 flow from the conductive material 13 to ground potential. This strengthens the electric field between the electrostatic sensor 14 and the conductive material 13, increasing the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14. Therefore, by detecting this change in capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14 by the control unit 7, the sensor unit 2 can wirelessly transmit to the main unit 3 that a detection signal (Signal) has been output by the detection sensor 4.

[0053] Function and effect of the sensor module The sensor module 1 of this embodiment described above comprises a sensor unit 2 including a detection sensor 4 that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, and a main unit 3 that supplies power to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power supply. The sensor unit 2 can be positioned to move closer to and further away from the main unit 3. Furthermore, the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 are provided with a transmission means that wirelessly transmits from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4.

[0054] In the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are not connected by a communication line and are completely separate, so the sensor unit 2 is not constrained by the main body unit 3. Therefore, for example, when the sensor module 1 is used in an automatic faucet device as described later, if the sensor unit 2 is installed on the water outlet 31 of the faucet fitting 30 shown in Figure 6, and the main body unit 3 is installed on the base unit 32 to which the water outlet 31 is detachably attached in the faucet fitting 30, the water outlet 31 can be freely extended from the base unit 32.

[0055] Furthermore, in the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, when the sensor unit 2 is in a position close to the main unit 3, power is supplied from the main unit 3 via wireless power transfer, so the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 functions. Conversely, when the sensor unit 2 is in a position far from the main unit 3, power is not supplied from the main unit 3, so the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 does not function. Therefore, for example, if the sensor unit 2 is installed on the spout 31 of a faucet fitting 30 and the main unit 3 is installed on the base 32 of the faucet fitting 30, the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 functions when the spout 31 is attached to the base 32, so it is possible to detect when a person brings their hand or other body object close to the spout 31 on which the sensor unit 2 is installed. Information regarding this person's movement is transmitted wirelessly from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3, and the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 can automatically switch between water flow and water shutoff.

[0056] Furthermore, in the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, since the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 are not connected by a communication line, even if the sensor unit 2 is installed on the water outlet 31 of the faucet fitting 30 and the main unit 3 is installed on the base unit 32 of the faucet fitting 30, there is no need to house the communication line in the bellows hose 34 connected to the water outlet 31 in order to extend the water outlet 31 from the base unit 32. Therefore, with the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to increase the size of the bellows hose 34 to secure space for the communication line, there is no need for a resin duct necessary to protect the communication line, and furthermore, there is no need to devise a way to ensure that not only the bellows hose 34 but also the communication line smoothly returns to the base unit 32 when the water outlet 31 is extended from the base unit 32 and then returned to the base unit 32.

[0057] Furthermore, the sensor module 1 employs a method of detecting magnetic or capacitance changes as a means of wireless transmission from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3. The comparator 11, magnetic generation unit 10, and conductive material 13 that constitute the wireless transmission means are compact and inexpensive elements. Therefore, the size of the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be made almost the same as when only wireless power supply functionality is provided. For example, the module portion of the sensor unit 2, excluding the power receiving coil 6, can be formed to approximately 24 mm × 10 mm × 5.5 mm, and the module portion of the main unit 3, excluding the power receiving coil 6, can be formed to approximately 17 mm × 11 mm × 2.5 mm. Thus, conventional problems such as the complexity, size, and high cost of the sensor module 1 can be avoided.

[0058] Explanation of sensor module usage examples Next, examples of using the sensor module 1 of this disclosure in various devices will be described. However, the applications of the sensor module of this disclosure are not limited to the following examples.

[0059] Automatic faucet system An automatic faucet device is used in water supply facilities such as kitchens, washrooms, toilets, and bathrooms. It detects actions such as a person bringing their hand or other body part close to a designated area (part) of the faucet and automatically switches the faucet on and off. The automatic faucet device includes a faucet fitting 30 (shown in Figure 6).

[0060] The faucet fitting 30 comprises a water outlet section 31 and a base section 32. The water outlet section 31 is detachably attached to the base section 32 and can be extended from the base section 32. As shown in Figure 7, a bellows hose 34 is connected to the water outlet section 31, and the bellows hose 34 is housed in the base section 32 so as to be able to be moved in and out. A water passage pipe is housed inside the bellows hose 34. A solenoid valve is provided in the water passage pipe. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0061] The sensor module 1 has a sensor unit 2 installed on the water outlet 31 of the faucet fitting 30, and a main body unit 3 installed on the base unit 32 of the faucet fitting 30. Therefore, a portion of the water outlet 31 of the faucet fitting 30 becomes an area for detecting human proximity and other actions. In this embodiment, a sensor window 33 is opened in the water outlet 31. The sensor window 33 is an area that a person's hand or the like can approach, and it is an area for detecting the action of a person bringing their hand or the like close. The sensor unit 2 is installed on the water outlet 31 so that the detection sensor 4 faces the sensor window 33.

[0062] When a person brings their hand or other object close to the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 installed on the water outlet 31 of the faucet fitting 30, the sensor unit 2 transmits to the main unit 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4, and the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 opens the solenoid valve to automatically start water flowing from the water outlet 31. For example, when a person brings their hand or other object close to the detection sensor 4 again, and the sensor unit 2 transmits to the main unit 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4, the control unit 7 closes the solenoid valve to automatically stop the water flow.

[0063] Wall remote control A wall-mounted remote control is installed on an indoor wall, such as in a bathroom, and is used to operate various devices. In this disclosure, the sensor unit 2 of the sensor module 1 can be used as a wall-mounted remote control.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(a), the sensor unit 2 is attached to one side 15a of the bathroom wall 15 on the bathroom side, and the main unit 3 is attached to the other side 15b of the wall 15. As shown in Figure 8(b), the sensor unit 2 is used as a wall remote control. Since the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be powered and communicated wirelessly, there is no need to make a hole in the wall 15 to connect the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 with a communication cable. Therefore, the wall remote control can be installed completely waterproof and is easy to remove.

[0065] Figure 9 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 8. The sensor module 1 shown in Figure 9 is the same as the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 1, but with five sets of detection sensors 4, comparators 11 and magnetic generation units 10, and magnetic sensors 12.

[0066] Figure 10 shows another example of the schematic configuration of the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 8. The sensor module 1 shown in Figure 10 is the same as the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 1, but with five sets of detection sensors 4, comparators 11 and conductive material 13, and electrostatic sensors 14.

[0067] The number of detection sensors 4, etc., is not particularly limited. Also, instead of multiple comparators 11, a single multiplexer may be provided. Furthermore, in Figures 9 and 10, the transmission coil 5, receiving coil 6, etc., shown in Figure 1, are omitted from the illustration.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the detection sensor 4 is configured as a button for human operation with a finger. By providing multiple detection sensors 4 in this way, various operations become possible.

[0069] Bath pillow A bath pillow is a pillow used in a bathtub. In this disclosure, a sensor module 1 can be used to realize a bath pillow with adjustable temperature.

[0070] As shown in Figures 11(A) and (B), two detection sensors 4A and 4B are provided on the upper surface of the bathtub 18 on which the bath pillow 16 is placed. The detection sensors 4A and 4B are configured as a power button and a temperature control button, respectively. The detection sensors 4 may also be installed on the wall of the bathtub. A Peltier element 17 (Figures 12 and 13) is built into the surface of the bath pillow 16 that comes into contact with the human body. By touching one of the detection sensors 4A, the power to the Peltier element 17 is turned ON or OFF, and by touching the other detection sensor 4B, the direction of the current in the Peltier element 17 (forward / reverse) is controlled to raise or lower the temperature.

[0071] Figure 12 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the bath pillow 16 and sensor module 1 shown in Figure 11. The sensor unit 2 of the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 12 is installed inside the bathtub 18, and the main body 3 is installed inside the bath pillow 16. The sensor module 1 includes two sets of detection sensors 4, comparators 11 and magnetic generation units 10, and magnetic sensors 12.

[0072] Furthermore, in the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 1, the main body 3 supplies power to the sensor unit 2, which is in an approaching position, via wireless power transfer. However, in the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 12, the sensor unit 2 supplies power to the main body 3, which is in an approaching position, via wireless power transfer. Therefore, in Figure 12, the sensor unit 2 is equipped with a power transmission coil 5 and a DC-AC conversion inverter circuit 8, while the main body 3 is equipped with a power receiving coil 6 and an AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9.

[0073] As a result, when detection sensor 4A is touched and the sensor unit 2 transmits to the main unit 3 that detection sensor 4A has output a detection signal, the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 turns the power supply to the Peltier element 17 ON or OFF. Furthermore, when detection sensor 4B is touched and the sensor unit 2 transmits to the main unit 3 that detection sensor 4B has output a detection signal, the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 controls the power supply to the Peltier element 17 to raise or lower the temperature of the Peltier element 17.

[0074] Figure 13 shows another example of the schematic configuration of the bath pillow 16 and sensor module 1 shown in Figure 11. In the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 13, the sensor unit 2 is installed inside the bathtub 18, and the main unit 3 is installed inside the bath pillow 16. The sensor module 1 includes two sets of detection sensors 4, comparators 11 and conductive material 13, and electrostatic sensors 14. In the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 13, as with the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 12, the sensor unit 2 supplies power to the main unit 3, which is in an approaching position, via wireless power transfer. As a result, when the detection sensor 4A is touched and the detection signal output from the detection sensor 4A is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the main unit 3, the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 turns the power supply to the Peltier element 17 ON or OFF. Furthermore, when the detection sensor 4B is touched and the sensor unit 2 transmits to the main unit 3 that the detection sensor 4B has output a detection signal, the control unit 7 of the main unit 3 controls the power supply to the Peltier element 17 to raise or lower the temperature of the Peltier element 17.

[0075] The number of detection sensors 4, etc., is not particularly limited. Alternatively, a single multiplexer may be provided instead of multiple comparators 11.

[0076] Since the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be powered and communicated wirelessly, there is no need to create holes in the bath pillow 16 and bathtub 18 to connect the sensor unit 2 and the main unit 3 with a communication line. Therefore, a detection sensor 4 for regulating the temperature of the bath pillow 16 can be installed in a completely waterproof state, ensuring high reliability. In addition, the bath pillow 16 can be easily washed with water. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1 Sensor Module 2. Recovery Unit 3. Main body 4 detection sensors 10 Magnetic generation unit (transmission means) 11. Comparator (control circuit, transmission means) 12 Magnetic sensor (transmission means) 13. Conductive materials (transmission means) 14. Electrostatic sensor (transmission means) 15 Wall 16 Bath Pillows 18 Bathtub 30 Faucets 31 Water outlet 32 Base section 33 Sensor window 34. Corrugated hose

Claims

1. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, The sensor portion is arranged to move closer to and further away from the main body portion, Equipped with, The sensor module is provided with a sensor unit and a main unit, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, The aforementioned transmission means is A magnetic generating unit provided in the sensor section and which generates a magnetism when an electric current is applied, A control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to receive the output of the detection signal from the detection sensor and energize the magnetic generation unit, A magnetic sensor provided in the main body, which detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field generating unit and outputs a detection signal, A sensor module equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned magnetic generation unit is A coil that is energized, An iron core placed inside the coil, The sensor module according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The aforementioned control circuit is The sensor module according to claim 1, which is a comparator that outputs a signal to energize the magnetic generation unit when the detection signal from the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage.

4. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, The sensor portion is arranged to move closer to and further away from the main body portion, Equipped with, The sensor module is provided with a sensor unit and a main unit, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, The aforementioned transmission means is A conductive material provided in the sensor section, A control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to receive the output of a detection signal from the detection sensor and connect the conductive material to the ground potential, A static sensor provided on the main body and to which a positive charge is charged, A control unit is provided in the main body and detects the change in capacitance of the electrostatic sensor, which changes when connected to the ground potential of the conductive material, and outputs a detection signal. A sensor module equipped with the following features.

5. The aforementioned control circuit is The sensor module according to claim 4, which is a comparator that outputs a signal for connecting the conductive material to ground potential when the detection signal from the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage.

6. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body supplies power to the sensor portion located in proximity by wireless power transfer.

7. The sensor unit is installed at the water outlet of the faucet fitting, The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the main body is installed on the base portion to which the water outlet portion of the faucet fitting is detachably attached.

8. The sensor unit is installed on one side of the wall. The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the main body is installed on the other side of the wall.

9. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit supplies power to the main body unit located in proximity by wireless power transfer.

10. The main body is installed inside the bath pillow, The sensor module according to claim 9, wherein the sensor unit is installed inside the bathtub on which the bath pillow is placed.

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