Non-contact switch device and switching method

Abstract

This invention provides a non-contact switch device that reliably detects objects below the discharge port and generates a control signal, as well as a switching method that minimizes malfunctions caused by the control signal. [Solution] A non-contact switch device 10 comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit 2 that radiates a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave from below the discharge port toward the discharge port and receives the reflected wave; a detection unit 3 that detects the reflected wave from an object in a detection area that includes the discharge port; and a control signal generation unit 4 that generates a control signal to control the discharge of fluid from the discharge port based on the detection result of the detection unit 3, wherein the detection unit 3 detects a first reflected wave from an object at a known distance to the discharge port from the reflected wave received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2, and the control signal generation unit 4 generates and outputs a control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave has been detected, and a switching method that discharges fluid from the discharge port after detecting the first reflected wave and when the first reflected wave is no longer detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact switch device and a switching method that detect reflected waves from an object within a detection area and switch the operation of a control target device.

Background Art

[0002] When controlling a control target device with a non-contact switch device, the movement of a person's hand or the like is detected by a sensor, and a control signal for switching the operation of the control target device is generated from the detection result. For example, when the control target device is an automatic faucet device, in the vicinity of the water outlet of the faucet, the movement of the user's hand is detected by an infrared sensor or a radio wave sensor, and based on the detection result, control for switching between water discharge and water stop is performed.

[0003] When detection is performed by a radio wave sensor, for example, microwaves are radiated toward the space below the water outlet, and the movement of the hand is detected by receiving the reflected wave from the hand. Specifically, when the user's hand moves closer to or away from the radio wave sensor, the frequency of the reflected wave from the hand changes due to the Doppler effect. Based on this change in the frequency of the reflected wave, the movement of the hand can be detected, and it becomes possible to switch between water discharge and water stop of the automatic faucet device. An automatic faucet device provided with this type of radio wave sensor is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the control of automatic faucet devices that utilize the Doppler effect, unintended hand movements or other actions can sometimes be misdetected. For example, cleaning actions such as wiping away dirt from the faucet, or changing the direction or position of the faucet, can be mistakenly detected as control movements, leading to the water flow starting prematurely.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a non-contact switch device that reliably detects an object below the discharge port and generates a control signal, and a switching method that minimizes malfunctions caused by the control signal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A non-contact switch device according to one aspect of the present invention is a non-contact switch for switching the discharge of fluid from a discharge port, comprising: a transmitting and receiving unit that radiates a transmission wave in the millimeter wave band from below the discharge port toward the discharge port and receives a reflected wave; a detection unit that detects the reflected wave from an object in a detection area including the discharge port; and a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal to control the discharge of fluid from the discharge port based on the detection result of the detection unit, wherein the detection unit detects a first reflected wave from an object at a known distance to the discharge port from the reflected wave received by the transmitting and receiving unit, and the control signal generation unit generates and outputs the control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave has been detected.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using the non-contact switch device, wherein the fluid is discharged from the discharge port when the first reflected wave is no longer detected after the first reflected wave has been detected.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using the non-contact switch device, wherein the fluid is discharged from the discharge port when the first reflected wave is detected, the first reflected wave is no longer detected, and the second reflected wave is detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the non-contact switch device and switching method of the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect the presence of an object below the discharge port and generate a control signal, and this control signal enables switching control with fewer malfunctions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment (Embodiment 1) of a non-contact switch device according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of an automatic faucet device equipped with a non-contact switch device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of an automatic faucet device equipped with a non-contact switch device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of another automatic faucet device equipped with a non-contact switch device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of yet another automatic faucet device equipped with a non-contact switch device according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Next, embodiments of the non-contact switch device and switching method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and embodiments, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the spirit of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate equivalent or identical components, and the sizes and positional relationships between each component are for convenience only.

[0013] (Non-contact switch device) First, an embodiment of a non-contact switch device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the non-contact switch device of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment is configured to include an antenna 1, a transmitting and receiving unit 2 that generates and outputs a transmission wave consisting of millimeter-wave band radio waves radiated from the antenna 1 and receives reflected waves reflected by an object, a detection unit 3 that can measure the distance from the reflected wave received by the transmitting and receiving unit 2 to an object and detects reflected waves from a predetermined object, and a control signal generation unit 4 that generates a control signal for controlling a controlled device based on the detection result of the detection unit 3.

[0014] Antenna 1 can be composed of a patch antenna, a patch array antenna, a horn antenna, etc. Antenna 1 is not limited to the transmitting and receiving antenna shown in Figure 1, and may also be configured to include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna.

[0015] The transmitting / receiving unit 2 generates, for example, a pulsed radio wave of 60 GHz as a transmission wave in the millimeter-wave band. It also receives the reflected wave that is incident on antenna 1 after the transmission wave radiated from antenna 1 is reflected by an object in the detection area. The generation of a transmission wave consisting of a pulsed wave in the millimeter-wave band and the reception of its reflected wave can be performed with a general millimeter-wave transmitting / receiving device.

[0016] The detection unit 3 identifies and detects the reflected wave from a predetermined part (detected part) of the controlled device from the reflected waves received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2 from an object within the detection area.

[0017] In order to identify and detect the reflected wave from the detection target part, the detection part 3 is configured to be able to measure the distance to an object within the detection area. In the state where the non-contact switch device 10 of the present embodiment is installed in the controlled device, the distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the detection target part does not change. Also, even if the detection target part is movable within a predetermined range and its position may change, as long as it moves within the predetermined range, the distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the detection target part will be within the predetermined range. Therefore, by knowing in advance the distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the detection target part, it is possible to identify and detect the reflected wave from the distance or the distance within the predetermined range as the reflected wave from the detection target part. The distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the object can be calculated, for example, by the time from when the transmission wave is radiated from the non-contact switch device 10 until the reflected wave of the transmission wave is received. The measurement of the distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the object can use a general distance measurement sensor. Note that the measurement of the distance between the non-contact switch device 10 and the detection target part may be performed once when the non-contact switch device 10 is installed in the controlled device. This distance information may be stored in the non-contact switch device 10.

[0018] The detection part 3 outputs the detection result of the reflected wave (first reflected wave) from the detection target part of the controlled device to the control signal generation part 4.

[0019] The control signal generation part 4 inputs the detection result of the detection part 3, generates a control signal for switching control of the controlled device according to the detection result, and outputs the control signal to the controlled device. The transmission / reception part 2, the detection part 3, and the control signal generation part 4 can be configured, for example, by MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit).

[0020] (Control of the automatic faucet device 20) The contactless switch device of this embodiment can perform switching control on an automatic faucet device as a control target device. First, an example of the switching control of the automatic faucet device by the contactless switch device 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIGS. 2 and 3 are explanatory views of the automatic faucet device 20 including the contactless switch device 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic faucet device 20 includes a discharge port 22 at the tip of the faucet 21. The water discharged from the discharge port 22 flows down into the bowl 23. The contactless switch device 10 is disposed below the bowl 23 where the discharged water flows down and on the opposite side of the discharge port 22 across the bowl 23. The bowl 23 is made of a material through which the transmitted wave and the reflected wave can pass.

[0021] The contactless switch device 10 uses the discharge port 22 as the detection target. Therefore, the contactless switch device 10 radiates a transmitted wave in the millimeter wave band within the detection area 24 including the discharge port 22, the transmitted wave radiated toward the discharge port 22 is reflected by the discharge port 22, and the contactless switch device 10 is arranged at a position where the reflected wave (first reflected wave) from this discharge port 22 can be received. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when there is an object 30 like a hand in the detection area 24 below the discharge port 22, the transmitted wave radiated from the contactless switch device 10 toward the discharge port 22 does not reach the discharge port 22, or the reflected wave from the discharge port 22 does not reach the contactless switch device 10. At least, the contactless switch device 10 is arranged at a position where the signal level of the reflected wave from the discharge port 22 in a state where there is no object 30 below the discharge port 22 is high enough to be distinguishable compared to the signal level of the reflected wave from the discharge port 22 in a state where there is an object 30.

[0022] Even when the position of the discharge port 22 does not move, or when the discharge port 22 rotates or moves within a predetermined range, by arranging the antenna 1 of the contactless switch device 10 at a predetermined position of the automatic faucet device 20, the distance from the contactless switch device 10 to the discharge port 22 becomes a known distance (first distance).

[0023] The non-contact switch device 10 emits a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave into the detection area 24, which includes the discharge port 22. The transmitted wave is reflected by objects within the detection area 24, the reflected wave enters the antenna 1, and is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2.

[0024] The non-contact switch device 10 measures the distance to an object in the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, if the object 30 shown in Figure 3 is not within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 identifies the reflected wave from the object at a first distance as the first reflected wave, which is the reflected wave from the discharge port 22, based on the distance measurement result, and detects it. Also, as shown in Figure 3, if the object 30 is within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 does not detect the first reflected wave.

[0025] The control signal generation unit 4, as described in Figure 1, generates a control signal (first control signal) based on whether or not the first reflected wave is detected. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected, it generates a first control signal that stops the discharge of water from the discharge port 22, and if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal that discharges water from the discharge port 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal that discharges water from the discharge port 22.

[0026] By configuring the system to reliably detect an object below the discharge port 22 by detecting the first reflected wave and generate a first control signal, control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) within the detection area 24 that could change the orientation or position of the discharge port 22, if the detection unit 3 of the non-contact switch device 10 detects the first reflected wave, the water-stopped state of the automatic faucet device 20 will be maintained. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can reliably detect an object between the discharge port 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate a first control signal. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0027] The control unit 25 receives a first control signal output from the non-contact switch device 10 and generates and outputs a second control signal for switching control of the opening and closing of the on-off valve 26 of the automatic faucet device 20. The second control signal output from the control unit 25 is input to the on-off valve 26 via the signal line SL2.

[0028] The on-off valve 26 is composed of, for example, a solenoid valve. The opening and closing of the on-off valve 26 is controlled by the second control signal, which controls the supply of water from the water supply pipe 27, thereby controlling the discharge of water from the discharge port 22 or the cessation (shutdown) of water discharge.

[0029] (Control of automatic faucet device 20 2) Next, another example of controlling an automatic faucet device using the non-contact switch device of this embodiment will be described. The automatic faucet device equipped with the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 has the same configuration as the automatic faucet device 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0030] The non-contact switch device 10 uses the discharge port 22 as the detected part, and further uses an object located at a distance shorter than the distance from the non-contact switch device 10 to the discharge port 22 (first distance) (second distance) as the detected part. Therefore, the non-contact switch device 10 is positioned so that it can receive the reflected wave (first reflected wave) from the discharge port 22 after the transmitted wave radiated toward the discharge port 22 is reflected by the discharge port 22. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, if there is an object 30 such as a hand below the discharge port 22, the non-contact switch device 10 is positioned so that it can receive the reflected wave (second reflected wave) from the object 30 after the transmitted wave radiated from the non-contact switch device 10 is reflected by the object 30.

[0031] Even if the position of the discharge port 22 does not move, or even if the discharge port 22 rotates or moves within a predetermined range, the distance from the non-contact switch device 10 to the discharge port 22 becomes a known distance (first distance) because the antenna 1 of the non-contact switch device 10 is positioned at a predetermined location on the automatic faucet device 20.

[0032] The non-contact switch device 10 emits a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave into a detection area 24 that includes the discharge port 22. The transmitted wave is reflected by objects within the detection area 24, and the reflected wave is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2.

[0033] The non-contact switch device 10 measures the distance to an object in the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1. The distance can be measured by methods such as calculating it based on the time it takes from when the transmitted wave is emitted from the non-contact switch device 10 until the reflected wave is received.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, if the object 30 shown in Figure 3 is not within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 identifies and detects the reflected wave from the object at the first distance, which is the reflected wave from the discharge port 22, based on the distance measurement result. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, if the object 30 is within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 identifies and detects the reflected wave from the object at a distance shorter than the first distance (second distance), which is the reflected wave from the object 30, as the second reflected wave. In this embodiment, the non-contact switch device 10 can distinguish between the first distance and the second distance, which has a difference of several centimeters, because the transmitted wave is a radio wave in the millimeter wave band.

[0035] The control signal generation unit 4 shown in Figure 1 generates a control signal (first control signal) based on the detection of the first and second reflected waves. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected and the second reflected wave is not detected, the first control signal is generated to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22. If the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the first control signal is generated to discharge water from the outlet 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the first control signal is generated to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22.

[0036] By configuring the system to reliably detect objects below the discharge port 22 by detecting not only the first reflected wave but also the second reflected wave, and to generate the first control signal, control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) in the detection area 24 that could change the orientation or position of the discharge port 22, if the detection unit of the non-contact switch device detects the first reflected wave but does not detect the second reflected wave, the water-stopped state of the automatic faucet device 20 will be maintained. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can more reliably detect objects between the discharge port 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate the first control signal. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0037] The control unit 25 receives a first control signal output from the non-contact switch device 10 and generates and outputs a second control signal for switching control of the opening and closing of the on-off valve 26 of the automatic faucet device 20. The second control signal output from the control unit 25 is input to the on-off valve 26 via the signal line SL2.

[0038] The on-off valve 26 is composed of, for example, a solenoid valve. The opening and closing of the on-off valve 26 is controlled by the second control signal, which controls the supply of water from the water supply pipe 27, thereby controlling the discharge of water from the discharge port 22 or the cessation (shutdown) of water discharge.

[0039] (Another control method for contactless switching devices) Next, an example of controlling another automatic faucet device using the non-contact switch device of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of an automatic faucet device 20A equipped with the non-contact switch device of this embodiment shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the automatic faucet device 20A differs from the automatic faucet device 20 described above in that it is equipped with a reflector 28 at or near the outlet 22. The reflector 28 can be made up of, for example, a corner reflector. The reflector 28 reflects the transmitted wave toward the direction of arrival of the transmitted wave radiated toward the outlet 22 of the automatic faucet device 20A. Since the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment radiates a transmitted wave in the millimeter wave band, the reflector 28 that reflects the transmitted wave can be realized in a relatively small size. Therefore, the reflector 28 can be placed at or near the outlet 22.

[0040] In this embodiment, the non-contact switch device 10 uses an outlet 22 equipped with a reflector 28, or an outlet 22 located near a reflector 28, as the detected part. Therefore, the non-contact switch device 10 is positioned so that it can receive the reflected waves (first reflected waves) from the reflector 28 and the outlet 22, which are reflected by the reflector 28 and the outlet 22 when the transmitted waves are radiated toward the outlet 22. Furthermore, the non-contact switch 10 is positioned so that if an object 30 such as a hand is located below the outlet 22, the transmitted waves radiated from the non-contact switch device 10 toward the outlet 22 will not reach the reflector 28 and the outlet 22, or the reflected waves from the reflector 28 and the outlet 22 will not reach the non-contact switch device 10. At a minimum, the reflector 28 and the reflected wave from the discharge port 22 are positioned such that the signal level of the reflected wave from the reflector 28 and the discharge port 22 is distinguishably higher than the signal level of the reflected wave from the reflector 28 and the discharge port 22 when the object 30 is not located below the discharge port 22.

[0041] Even if the position of the discharge port 22 does not move, or even if the discharge port 22 rotates or moves within a predetermined range, the distance from the non-contact switch device 10 to the discharge port 22 equipped with or located near the reflector 28 becomes a known distance (first distance) by positioning the non-contact switch device 10 at a predetermined position on the automatic faucet device 20A.

[0042] The non-contact switch device 10 emits a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave into a detection area 24 which includes a reflector 28 and an outlet 22. The transmitted wave is reflected by objects within the detection area 24, and the reflected wave is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the non-contact switch device 10 measures the distance to an object in the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1. If there is no object 30 within the detection area 24 shown in Figure 4, the detection unit 3 identifies and detects the reflected wave from the object at a first distance, based on the distance measurement result, as a reflected wave from the reflector 28 and the discharge port 22. Also, as shown in Figure 4, if there is an object 30 within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 does not detect the first reflected wave.

[0044] The reflector 28 reflects the transmitted wave in the direction from which it is coming. For example, a corner cube reflector can be used as the reflector 28. As a result, the reflected waves from the reflector 28 and the discharge port 22 have a high signal level. The detection unit 3 can easily identify and detect that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the discharge port 22 by detecting the reflected wave with a high signal level.

[0045] The control signal generation unit 4, as described in Figure 1, generates a control signal (first control signal) based on whether or not the first reflected wave is detected. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected, it generates a first control signal that stops the discharge of water from the discharge port 22, and if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal that discharges water from the discharge port 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal that discharges water from the discharge port 22.

[0046] By configuring the system to reliably detect an object below the discharge port 22 by detecting the first reflected wave and generate the first control signal, control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) within the detection area 24 that could change the orientation or position of the discharge port 22, the water shut-off state of the automatic faucet device 20A is maintained if the detection unit 3 of the non-contact switch device 10 detects the first reflected wave. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can reliably detect an object between the discharge port 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate the first control signal. In particular, in the control of the non-contact switch device 10 that controls the automatic faucet device 20A shown in Figure 4, the reflected wave from the reflector 28 has a high signal level. Therefore, it is easy to identify that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the discharge port 22. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0047] The control unit 25 generates a second control signal, similar to the automatic faucet device 20 described above, and controls the discharge of water from the outlet 22 or the stopping of water discharge (water shut-off).

[0048] Furthermore, in the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment, the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1 identifies and detects the reflected wave from an object at a first distance, which is the reflected wave from the discharge port 22, based on the distance measurement result. In addition, as shown in Figure 4, if an object 30 is within the detection area 24, the reflected wave from an object at a distance shorter than the first distance (second distance) is identified and detected as the reflected wave from object 30, which is the reflected wave from object 30. Because the transmitted wave of the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment is a radio wave in the millimeter wave band, it can distinguish between the first distance and the second distance, which has a difference of several centimeters.

[0049] The control signal generation unit 4 shown in Figure 1 generates a control signal (first control signal) based on the detection of the first and second reflected waves. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected and the second reflected wave is not detected, the first control signal is generated to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22. If the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the first control signal is generated to discharge water from the outlet 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the first control signal is generated to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22.

[0050] By configuring the system to reliably detect objects below the discharge port 22 by detecting not only the first reflected wave but also the second reflected wave, and then generating the first control signal, more reliable control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) within the detection area 24 that could change the orientation or position of the discharge port 22, if the detection unit 3 of the non-contact switch device 10 detects the first reflected wave and does not detect the second reflected wave, the water-stopped state of the automatic faucet device 20A is maintained. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can more reliably detect objects between the discharge port 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate the first control signal. In particular, in the control of the non-contact switch device 10 that controls the automatic faucet device 20A shown in Figure 4, the reflected wave from the reflector 28 has a high signal level. Therefore, it is easy to identify that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the discharge port 22. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0051] In this case as well, the control unit 25, which receives the first control signal, generates a second control signal, similar to the automatic faucet device 20 described above, and controls the discharge of water from the outlet 22 or the stopping of water discharge (water shut-off).

[0052] (Another control method for contactless switching devices) Next, an example of controlling another automatic faucet device using the non-contact switch device of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of an automatic faucet device 20B equipped with the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the automatic faucet device 20B differs from the automatic faucet devices 20 and 20A described above in that it is equipped with a reflector device 29 at or near the outlet 22. The reflector device 29 can be configured, for example, as an antenna device that receives a transmitted wave, modulates the received transmitted wave, and reflects it. The antenna device can be configured as an antenna element to which a diode is connected, and by switching the operation and non-operation of the diode in a pulse-like manner, it can be configured to modulate and reflect the transmitted wave. The reflector device 29 is positioned so that at least the antenna element receives the transmitted wave and the modulated reflected wave can be received by the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment. Since the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment radiates a transmitted wave in the millimeter-wave band, the antenna element that receives, modulates, and reflects the transmitted wave can be realized in a relatively small size. Therefore, the reflector device 29 can be placed at or near the outlet 22.

[0053] In this embodiment, the non-contact switch device 10 uses a discharge port 22 equipped with a reflector 29, or a discharge port 22 with a reflector 29 located nearby, as the detected part. Therefore, the non-contact switch device 10 is positioned so that it can receive the reflected wave (first reflected wave) from the discharge port 22 after radiating a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave into the detection area 24 and the transmitted wave radiated toward the discharge port 22 is reflected by the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22. Furthermore, the non-contact switch 10 is positioned so that if an object 30 such as a hand is located below the discharge port 22, the transmitted wave radiated from the non-contact switch device 10 toward the discharge port 22 will not reach the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22, or the reflected wave from the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22 will not reach the non-contact switch device 10. At a minimum, the reflector 29 and the reflected wave from the discharge port 22 are positioned such that the signal level of the reflected wave from the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22 is distinguishably higher than the signal level of the reflected wave from the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22 when there is no object 30 below the discharge port 22.

[0054] Even if the position of the discharge port 22 does not move, or even if the discharge port 22 rotates or moves within a predetermined range, the distance from the non-contact switch device 10 to the discharge port 22 equipped with or located near the reflector device 29 becomes a known distance (first distance) by positioning the non-contact switch device 10 at a predetermined location on the automatic faucet device 20B.

[0055] The non-contact switch device 10 emits a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave into a detection area 24 which includes a reflector 29 and an outlet 22. The transmitted wave is reflected by objects within the detection area 24, and the reflected wave is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, the non-contact switch device 10 measures the distance to an object in the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1. If there is no object 30 within the detection area 24 shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 3 identifies and detects the reflected wave from the object at a first distance, based on the distance measurement result, as a reflected wave from the reflector 29 and the discharge port 22. Also, as shown in Figure 5, if there is an object 30 within the detection area 24, the detection unit 3 does not detect the first reflected wave.

[0057] The reflector 29 modulates the transmitted wave before reflecting it. Therefore, the reflected wave from the discharge port 22, which includes the reflector 29, becomes a modulated reflected wave. The detection unit 3 can easily identify and detect that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the discharge port 22 by detecting the modulated reflected wave.

[0058] The control signal generation unit 4, as described in Figure 1, generates a control signal (first control signal) based on whether or not the first reflected wave is detected. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected, it generates a first control signal to stop the discharge of water from the discharge port 22, and if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal to discharge water from the discharge port 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is detected, it generates a first control signal to stop the discharge of water from the discharge port 22. Moreover, if the first reflected wave is not detected, it generates a first control signal to discharge water from the discharge port 22.

[0059] By configuring the system to reliably detect an object below the discharge port 22 by detecting the first reflected wave and generate the first control signal, control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) that changes the direction or position of the discharge port 22, if the detection unit 3 of the non-contact switch device 10 detects the first reflected wave, the water-stopped state of the automatic faucet device 20B is maintained. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can reliably detect an object between the discharge port 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate the first control signal. In particular, in the control of the non-contact switch device 10 that controls the automatic faucet device 20B shown in Figure 5, the reflected wave from the reflector 29 becomes a modulated reflected wave. Therefore, it is easy to identify that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the discharge port 22. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0060] The control unit 25 generates a second control signal, similar to the automatic faucet device 20 described above, and controls the discharge of water from the outlet 22 or the stopping of water discharge (water shut-off).

[0061] Furthermore, in the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment, the detection unit 3 described in Figure 1 identifies and detects the reflected wave from an object at a first distance from the first reflected wave, which is the reflected wave from the discharge port 22, based on the distance measurement result and the modulated reflected wave from the reflector 29. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, if there is an object 30 within the detection area 24, the reflected wave from an object at a distance shorter than the first distance (second distance) is identified and detected as the second reflected wave, which is the reflected wave from object 30. Because the transmitted wave of the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment is a radio wave in the millimeter wave band, it can distinguish between the first distance and the second distance, which has a difference of several centimeters.

[0062] The control signal generation unit 4 shown in Figure 1 generates a control signal (first control signal) based on the detection of the first and second reflected waves. Specifically, if the first reflected wave is detected and the second reflected wave is not detected, the unit generates a first control signal to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22. If the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the unit generates a first control signal to discharge water from the outlet 22. Furthermore, if the first reflected wave is not detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the unit generates a first control signal to stop the discharge of water from the outlet 22.

[0063] By configuring the system to reliably detect objects below the outlet 22 by detecting not only the first reflected wave but also the second reflected wave, and then generating the first control signal, control with fewer malfunctions becomes possible. For example, even if there is a hand (object) that changes the direction or position of the outlet 22, if the detection unit 3 of the non-contact switch device 10 detects the first reflected wave and does not detect the second reflected wave, the water-stopped state of the automatic faucet device 20B is maintained. In this way, the non-contact switch device 10 of this embodiment can reliably detect objects between the outlet 22 and the non-contact switch device 10 and generate the first control signal. In particular, in the control of the non-contact switch device 10 controlled by the automatic faucet device 20B shown in Figure 5, the reflected wave from the reflecting device 29 becomes a modulated reflected wave, and it is easy to identify that the received reflected wave is a reflected wave from the outlet 22. The modulation degree of the reflected wave from the reflecting device 29 can be set as appropriate. Therefore, as an automatic faucet device in which multiple outlets 22 are arranged within the detection area 24, the device may be configured to identify and detect each outlet 22. The first control signal is output to the control unit 25 via the signal line SL1.

[0064] In this case as well, the control unit 25, which receives the first control signal, generates a second control signal, similar to the automatic faucet device 20 described above, and controls the discharge of water from the outlet 22 or the stopping of water discharge (water shut-off).

[0065] (Switching method) Next, an embodiment of a switching method, which is another aspect of the present invention, will be described. As described above, a non-contact switch device, which is one aspect of the present invention, is configured to identify and detect a reflected wave from an object at a first distance from the non-contact switch device as a reflected wave (first reflected wave) from the outlet of an automatic faucet device. Therefore, after detecting the first reflected wave, it becomes possible to control the discharge of fluid from the outlet of the automatic faucet device when the first reflected wave is no longer detected.

[0066] When the automatic faucet is in use, the following control is performed. When the automatic faucet is not in use, the first reflected wave is detected. When a user places their hand or cup, etc., below the spout to use the automatic faucet, the transmitted wave emitted from the non-contact switch device is blocked by the extended hand or cup, etc., or the reflected wave of the transmitted wave reflected at the spout is blocked, and the non-contact switch device does not detect the first reflected wave.

[0067] In the switching method of this embodiment, water is discharged from the outlet when the first reflected wave is detected and then no longer detected.

[0068] Furthermore, once the automatic faucet is no longer in use and the user's hands, cup, etc. are no longer visible from below the spout, the first reflected wave is detected again. When this first reflected wave is detected, the water discharge from the spout stops. The control for stopping the discharge can be configured to stop immediately after the first reflected wave is detected. Alternatively, it can be configured to stop the discharge after a certain period of time has elapsed after the first reflected wave is detected.

[0069] (Switching method 2) Next, another embodiment of the switching method, which is another aspect of the present invention, will be described. As described above, a non-contact switch device, which is one aspect of the present invention, is configured to identify and detect a reflected wave from an object at a first distance from the non-contact switch device as a reflected wave from the outlet of an automatic faucet device (first reflected wave). Furthermore, it is configured to identify and detect a reflected wave from an object located closer to the non-contact switch device than the outlet (second reflected wave). Therefore, after detecting the first reflected wave, when the first reflected wave is no longer detected and the second reflected wave is detected, it becomes possible to control the discharge of fluid from the outlet of the automatic faucet device.

[0070] When the automatic faucet is in use, the following control is performed: When the automatic faucet is not in use, the first reflected wave is detected. When a user places their hand or cup, etc., below the spout to use the automatic faucet, the transmitted wave emitted from the non-contact switch device is blocked by the extended hand or cup, etc., or the reflected wave of the transmitted wave reflected at the spout is blocked, and the non-contact switch device does not detect the first reflected wave. At this time, the non-contact switch device detects the second reflected wave.

[0071] In the switching method of this embodiment, after detecting the first reflected wave, when the first reflection is no longer detected and the second reflected wave is detected, water is discharged from the discharge port.

[0072] In this case as well, once the use of the automatic faucet is finished and the user's hands, cup, etc. are no longer visible from below the spout, the first reflected wave is detected again. When this first reflected wave is detected, the water discharge from the spout is stopped. The control for stopping the discharge can be configured to stop the discharge immediately after the first reflected wave is detected, or to stop the discharge after a certain period of time has elapsed after the first reflected wave is detected.

[0073] Although embodiments of the non-contact switch device and switching method of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fluid discharged from the outlet is not limited to water, but may be a liquid other than water, or a fluid mixed with solids such as muddy water. The fluid discharged from the outlet may also be a gas.

[0074] (summary) (1) One embodiment of a non-contact switch device according to one aspect of the present invention is a non-contact switch for switching the discharge of fluid from a discharge port, comprising: a transmitting and receiving unit that radiates a transmission wave in the millimeter wave band from below the discharge port toward the discharge port and receives a reflected wave; a detection unit that detects the reflected wave from an object in a detection area including the discharge port; and a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the discharge of fluid from the discharge port based on the detection result of the detection unit, wherein the detection unit detects a first reflected wave from an object at a known distance to the discharge port from the reflected wave received by the transmitting and receiving unit, and the control signal generation unit generates and outputs the control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave has been detected.

[0075] According to the non-contact switch device described in (1) above, by configuring it to generate a control signal based on whether or not a first reflected wave is detected, it becomes possible to reliably detect the presence of an object below the discharge port and generate a control signal.

[0076] (2) According to another embodiment, in the non-contact switch device of (1) above, the detection unit detects a second reflected wave from an object at a distance shorter than the known distance from the reflected wave received by the transmitting and receiving unit, and the control signal generation unit generates and outputs the control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave have been detected.

[0077] According to the non-contact switch device described in (2) above, by configuring it to generate a control signal based on the presence or absence of detection of a first reflected wave and a second reflected wave, it becomes possible to more reliably detect the presence of an object below the discharge port and generate a control signal.

[0078] (3) In another embodiment, in the non-contact switch device of (1) above, the control signal generation unit is configured to generate and output the control signal to stop the discharge of the fluid from the discharge port when the detection unit detects the first reflected wave, and / or generate and output the control signal to discharge the fluid from the discharge port when the detection unit does not detect the first reflected wave.

[0079] (4) In yet another embodiment, in the non-contact switch device of (2) above, the control signal generation unit is configured to generate and output the control signal to stop the discharge of the fluid from the discharge port when the detection unit detects the first reflected wave and does not detect the second reflected wave, and / or generate and output the control signal to discharge the fluid from the discharge port when the detection unit does not detect the first reflected wave and detects the second reflected wave.

[0080] (5) In yet another embodiment, in the non-contact switch device of (1) to (4) above, the detection unit is configured to detect the reflected wave of the transmitted wave from a reflector that reflects the transmitted wave toward the direction of arrival of the transmitted wave, which is provided at or located near the discharge port.

[0081] According to the non-contact switch device described in (5) above, if the device is configured to detect reflected waves with a high signal level from the reflector, it is possible to easily identify and detect that the reflected wave is coming from the discharge port.

[0082] (6) In yet another embodiment, in the non-contact switch device described in (1) to (4) above, the detection unit is configured to detect a modulated reflected wave of the transmitted wave from a reflecting device that modulates and reflects the transmitted wave, which is provided at or located near the discharge port.

[0083] According to the non-contact switch device described in (6) above, if the device is configured to detect modulated reflected waves from the reflecting device, it is possible to easily identify and detect that the reflected waves are from the discharge port.

[0084] (7) According to one embodiment of a switching method which is another aspect of the present invention, the switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using the non-contact switch device described in (1) to (4) above, wherein the fluid is discharged from the discharge port when the first reflected wave is no longer detected after the first reflected wave has been detected.

[0085] According to the switching method described in (7) above, reliable switching control with fewer malfunctions is possible by reliably detecting the presence of an object below the discharge port and generating a control signal.

[0086] (8) According to another embodiment, a switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using the non-contact switch device described in (1) to (4) above, wherein the fluid is discharged from the discharge port when the first reflected wave is detected, the first reflected wave is no longer detected, and the second reflected wave is detected.

[0087] According to the switching method described in (8) above, the control signal generated by more reliably detecting the presence of an object below the discharge port enables switching control with fewer malfunctions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Antenna 2 Transmitter / Receiver Unit 3. Detection Unit 4 Control signal generation unit 10. Non-contact switch device 20, 20A, 20B Automatic Faucet Device 21 Faucets 22 Outlet 24 detection areas 28 Reflector 29 Reflector 30 Object

Claims

1. A transmitting and receiving unit that radiates a millimeter-wave band transmitted wave from below the discharge port toward the discharge port and receives the reflected wave, A detection unit that detects the reflected wave from an object within the detection area including the discharge port, A control signal generation unit generates a control signal to control the discharge of fluid from the discharge port based on the detection result of the detection unit, A non-contact switch comprising the following, for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port, The detection unit detects a first reflected wave from an object at a known distance to the discharge port from the reflected wave received by the transmitting / receiving unit, The control signal generation unit generates and outputs the control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave is detected. Non-contact switch device.

2. The detection unit detects a second reflected wave from an object located at a distance shorter than the known distance from the reflected wave received by the transmitting / receiving unit, The control signal generation unit generates and outputs the control signal based on whether or not the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave are detected. The non-contact switch device according to claim 1.

3. The control signal generation unit, When the detection unit detects the first reflected wave, it generates and outputs a control signal to stop the discharge of the fluid from the discharge port, and / or When the detection unit does not detect the first reflected wave, it generates and outputs the control signal to discharge the fluid from the discharge port. The non-contact switch device according to claim 1.

4. The control signal generation unit, When the detection unit detects the first reflected wave and does not detect the second reflected wave, it generates and outputs a control signal to stop the discharge of the fluid from the discharge port, and / or When the detection unit does not detect the first reflected wave and detects the second reflected wave, it generates and outputs the control signal to discharge the fluid from the discharge port. The non-contact switch device according to claim 2.

5. The detection unit, The system detects the reflected wave of the transmitted wave from a reflector that is provided at or positioned near the discharge port and reflects the transmitted wave in the direction from which the transmitted wave is coming. A non-contact switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The detection unit, A device is provided at or near the discharge port to detect the modulated reflected wave of the transmitted wave from a reflecting device that modulates and reflects the transmitted wave. A non-contact switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using a non-contact switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, After detecting the first reflected wave, when the first reflected wave is no longer detected, the fluid is discharged from the discharge port. Switching method.

8. A switching method for switching the discharge of fluid from the discharge port using a non-contact switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, After detecting the first reflected wave, when the first reflected wave is no longer detected and the second reflected wave is detected, the fluid is discharged from the discharge port. Switching method.

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