Faucet equipment

Abstract

To provide a faucet device for executing water discharge and water sop in a plurality of water discharge modes according to the detection result of a detected object by a sensor.SOLUTION: The faucet device according to the embodiment includes a conductive spout body, a water discharge part provided in the spout body for discharging washing water, a first sensor for detecting a detected object in a predetermined detection range near the water discharge part, an electrostatic second sensor for detecting a detected object using the spout body as an electrode, and a control device for enabling the execution of a first water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the first sensor detects the detected object continuously for a first given time and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the second sensor detects the detected object continuously for a second given time. The control device prohibits the start of water discharge in the second water discharge mode during a time when the first sensor detects the detected object in the water stop state that washing water is not discharged from the water discharge part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a water faucet device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a water faucet device that discharges or stops tap water depending on the result of detection of an object by a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-248474 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned water faucet device, when it has multiple water discharge modes, it is not possible to execute water discharge in the multiple water discharge modes or stop water discharge depending on the detection result of the detection target by the sensor.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a water faucet device that performs water discharge in a plurality of water discharge modes and stops water discharge depending on the detection result of an object to be detected by a sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A water faucet device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a conductive spout body, a water discharge section provided on the spout body for discharging wash water, a first sensor for detecting a detection target within a predetermined detection range near the water discharge section, a second electrostatic sensor for detecting the detection target using the spout body as an electrode, and a control device capable of executing a first water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the first sensor detects the detection target for a first predetermined continuous time, and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the second sensor detects the detection target for a second predetermined continuous time. The control device prohibits the start of water discharge in the second water discharge mode while the detection target is detected by the first sensor in a water stop state in which wash water is not discharged from the water discharge section.

[0007] This allows the water faucet device to perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode based on the detection results of the detection object by the first sensor and the second sensor. When the detection object is detected by the first sensor, the water faucet device prohibits water discharge in the second water discharge mode, thereby giving priority to water discharge in the first water discharge mode. In addition, by using the conductive spout main body as an electrode in the second sensor, the water faucet device can perform water discharge in the second water discharge mode while using an existing configuration.

[0008] Furthermore, after water spouting in the first water spouting mode has started, the control device prohibits the start of water spouting in the second water spouting mode until water spouting in the first water spouting mode has ended.

[0009] This makes it possible for the water faucet device to prevent water from being discharged in the second water discharge mode when it is already discharging water in the first water discharge mode, and therefore, for example, the water faucet device can prevent disinfectant water from being further discharged while a user is washing their hands with tap water.

[0010] The first sensor is a photoelectric sensor and includes a transmission window on a lower surface of the spout body, The transmission window is provided closer to a tip of the spout body than the water discharge portion.

[0011] This allows the water faucet device to quickly detect a detection object that is presented downward from the tip side of the spout body using the first sensor. Therefore, when a detection object is presented downward from the tip side of the spout body, the water faucet device 1 can reliably perform water spouting in the first water spouting mode.

[0012] Moreover, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0013] This allows the water faucet device to give priority to water spouting in the first water spouting mode over water spouting in the second water spouting mode. For example, when the first sensor and the second sensor simultaneously start detecting the detection target, the water-based device can give priority to water spouting in the first water spouting mode over water spouting in the second water spouting mode. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiment, water discharge in a plurality of water discharge modes and water stop can be performed depending on the detection result of the detection object by the sensor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the tap water discharge process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the sterilizing water discharge process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the detection states of the detection targets of the first sensor and the second sensor according to the embodiment, and the open / close states of the first valve and the second valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the faucet device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined as the vertical direction facing downward.

[0017] <Configuration of the faucet device> A water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, a spout body 2 of the water faucet device 1 is shown in cross section.

[0018] The faucet device 1 is attached to a base 100 such as a washbasin, and when it detects a detection object, it starts and stops flushing water. In other words, the faucet device 1 is an automatic faucet that automatically starts and stops water discharge.

[0019] The detection object includes a human body. The detection object includes a user's hand. The detection object includes an object to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned includes, for example, a toothbrush or a cup.

[0020] The cleaning water includes raw water. The cleaning water may include modified water. The raw water is, for example, tap water. The modified water is sterilized water, purified water, or alkaline ionized water. The sterilized water and the alkaline ionized water are generated, for example, by electrolyzing tap water. The purified water is generated, for example, by passing tap water through a filter. An example in which tap water is used as the raw water and sterilized water is used as the modified water will be described below.

[0021] The water faucet device 1 includes a spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), a first water passing section 3, a second water passing section 4, a first sensor 5, a control device 7, and a water discharge section 10.

[0022] The spout body 2 is made of a conductive material. The spout body 2 is made of metal. The spout body 2 may be made of conductive carbon, conductive plastic, or the like. The water spouting part 10 includes a first water spouting cap 11 and a second water spouting cap 12.

[0023] The spout body 2 is attached to a base 100 such as a washbasin. The spout body 2 is, for example, substantially L-shaped. The spout body 2 may be substantially J-shaped or linear. The spout body 2 may include a non-conductive member in part.

[0024] The first water-spouting cap 11 is provided on the tip side of the spout main body 2. The first water-spouting cap 11 spouts tap water supplied via the first water passage part 3. The first water-spouting cap 11 is provided so as to spout tap water downward or diagonally downward.

[0025] The second water-spouting cap 12 is provided, for example, closer to the base 100 than the first water-spouting cap 11. The second water-spouting cap 12 may be provided on the tip side of the spout main body 2, or may be provided adjacent to the first water-spouting cap 11. The second water-spouting cap 12 spouts the sterilized water supplied via the second water passage part 4. The second water-spouting cap 12 is provided so as to spout the sterilized water diagonally downward or downward.

[0026] The first water-spouting cap 11 and the second water-spouting cap 12 are made of, for example, metal. The first water-spouting cap 11 and the second water-spouting cap 12 are not electrically connected to the spout main body 2. For example, a gap is provided between the first water-spouting cap 11 and the second water-spouting cap 12 and the spout main body 2. The gap is provided taking into consideration the size and design of the faucet device 1. The first water-spouting cap 11 and the second water-spouting cap 12 may be made of plastic, such as resin, which is an insulator.

[0027] The first water passage section 3 includes a first supply pipe 20 and a first valve 21. One end of the first supply pipe 20 is connected to a tap water supply source. The other end of the first supply pipe 20 is connected to the first water-spouting cap 11. A portion of the first supply pipe 20 is housed in the spout body 2.

[0028] The first valve 21 is provided in the first supply pipe 20. The first valve 21 is an electromagnetic valve and includes an actuator. The actuator includes a motor and the like. The first valve 21 is opened and closed by the actuator. The first valve 21 is opened and closed by the actuator operating based on a signal transmitted from the control device 7. When the first valve 21 is opened, tap water is discharged from the first water-discharging cap 11. When the first valve 21 is closed, the tap water is stopped.

[0029] The second water passage section 4 includes a second supply pipe 25 and a second valve 26. One end of the second supply pipe 25 is connected to a supply source of sterilized water. The other end of the second supply pipe 25 is connected to the second water-spouting cap 12. A portion of the second supply pipe 25 is housed in the spout body 2.

[0030] The second valve 26 is provided in the second supply pipe 25. The second valve 26 is an electromagnetic valve and includes an actuator. The second valve 26 is opened and closed by the actuator. The second valve 26 is opened and closed by the actuator operating based on a signal transmitted from the control device 7. When the second valve 26 is opened, the sterilized water is discharged from the second water-discharge cap 12. When the second valve 26 is closed, the sterilized water is stopped.

[0031] The first sensor 5 detects the presence or absence of a detection target within a predetermined detection range near the first water-spouting cap 11. The predetermined detection range is a range that is set in advance, and includes the lower side of the first water-spouting cap 11.

[0032] The first sensor 5 is provided, for example, closer to the tip of the spout main body 2 than the first water-spouting cap 11. The first sensor 5 is provided in the vicinity of the first water-spouting cap 11. The first sensor 5 is provided adjacent to the first water-spouting cap 11. The first sensor 5 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. For example, the first sensor 5 detects the presence or absence of a detection target by projecting detection light and receiving the detection light reflected from the detection target. The transmission window 5a in the first sensor 5, which transmits light, is provided closer to the tip of the spout main body 2 than the first water-spouting cap 11. The transmission window 5a is provided, for example, on the underside of the spout main body 2.

[0033] The second sensor 6 detects the presence or absence of a detection target within a wider detection range than the first sensor 5. The second sensor 6 is an electrostatic sensor that uses the spout body 2 as an electrode. The spout body 2 (second sensor 6) is connected to the control device 7 via a connection part 6a.

[0034] By making as short as possible the length of the connection part 6a, which transmits the detection signal detected by the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) to the control device 7, it is possible to suppress noise entering from the connection part 6a (e.g., a harness) and thereby suppress the influence on the detection signal.

[0035] When a detection target approaches the spout body 2 (second sensor 6), the capacitance changes. The spout body 2 (second sensor 6) detects the presence or absence of a detection target according to the amount of change in capacitance. For example, the capacitance increases when the detection target approaches the spout body 2 (second sensor 6).

[0036] The second sensor 6 uses the spout main body 2 as an electrode, and has a detection range around the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), including above the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the sides of the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6).

[0037] The control device 7 is, for example, a computer, and includes a control unit 7a and a storage unit 7b.

[0038] The memory unit 7b stores programs that control various processes executed in the faucet device 1. The memory unit 7b is realized by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory.

[0039] The control unit 7a controls the operation of the faucet device 1 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 7b. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium and installed from the storage medium into the storage unit 7b of the control device 7. Examples of computer-readable storage media include a hard disk and a memory card.

[0040] The control device 7 is capable of executing a first water spouting mode and a second water spouting mode.

[0041] The first water discharge mode is a mode in which the discharge of tap water from the first water discharge cap 11 is switched on and off depending on the detection result by the first sensor 5.

[0042] When a first detection condition for the detection target by the first sensor 5 is met and sterilized water is not being discharged, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the first valve 21 and transmits the generated signal to the first valve 21. When a first duration (detection time) during which the detection target is continuously detected by the first sensor 5 becomes equal to or longer than a first predetermined duration (first detection time), the control device 7 determines that the first detection condition is met and confirms the detection of the detection target. The first predetermined duration is a time set in advance.

[0043] Then, when the detection of the detection target is confirmed and sterilized water is not being discharged, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the first valve 21. As a result, the actuator opens the first valve 21 and tap water is discharged from the first water-discharging cap 11.

[0044] The second water discharge mode is a mode in which sterilizing water is discharged from the second water discharge cap 12 in response to the detection result by the second sensor 6.

[0045] When the second detection condition of the detection target by the second sensor 6 is satisfied and tap water is not being discharged, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26. In addition, when the second detection condition of the detection target by the second sensor 6 is satisfied and the detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26.

[0046] When the second duration (detection time) during which the second sensor 6 continuously detects the detection target becomes equal to or longer than a second predetermined duration (second detection time), the control device 7 determines that the second detection condition is satisfied and confirms the detection of the detection target. The second predetermined duration is a time set in advance. The second predetermined duration is longer than the first predetermined duration.

[0047] Then, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the second valve 26 when the detection of the detection target is confirmed and tap water is not being discharged, or when the detection of the detection target is confirmed and the detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5. This causes the actuator to open the second valve 26 and the sterilized water to be discharged from the second water-discharge cap 12.

[0048] In a water stop state in which neither tap water nor sterilized water is being discharged, the control device 7 prohibits the start of water discharge in the second water discharge mode while a detection target is detected by the first sensor 5. For example, even if a detection target is detected by the second sensor 6 before the first sensor 5, the first sensor 5 detects the detection target and the first duration is less than the first predetermined duration, and the second duration by the second sensor 6 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined duration, the control device 7 will not discharge sterilized water in the second water discharge mode.

[0049] After starting water discharge in the first water discharge mode, the control device 7 prohibits starting water discharge in the second water discharge mode until water discharge in the first water discharge mode ends. In other words, when tap water discharge starts, the control device 7 does not discharge sterilizing water until tap water is stopped, even if the second duration is equal to or longer than the second predetermined duration.

[0050] When the flow of tap water is stopped and the second duration is equal to or longer than the second predetermined duration, the control device 7 starts discharging the sterilized water.

[0051] When the first sensor 5 detects a detection target while sterilized water is being discharged in response to the detection result by the second sensor 6, the control device 7 does not discharge tap water.

[0052] <Water discharge processing in the first mode> Next, the tap water discharge process in the first mode according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow chart explaining the tap water discharge process according to the embodiment. Note that the first valve 21 is closed and tap water is not discharged.

[0053] The control device 7 determines whether or not the first detection condition is satisfied (S100). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether or not the first duration during which the first sensor 5 continuously detects the detection target is equal to or longer than a first predetermined duration.

[0054] If the first detection condition is not satisfied (S100: No), the control device 7 ends this process. Note that, if the first sensor 5 does not detect the detection target, the control device 7 determines that the first detection condition is not satisfied.

[0055] When the first detection condition is satisfied (S100: Yes), the control device 7 judges whether or not sterilized water is being discharged (S101).

[0056] If the sterilized water is being discharged (S101: Yes), the control device 7 ends the current process. In other words, if the sterilized water is being discharged, the control device 7 does not discharge tap water even if the first detection condition is satisfied.

[0057] When the sterilized water is not being discharged (S101: No), the control device 7 starts discharging tap water (S102).

[0058] <Water discharge processing in the second mode> Next, the discharge process of sterilized water in the second mode according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow chart explaining the discharge process of sterilized water according to the embodiment. Note that the second valve 26 is closed, and sterilized water is not discharged.

[0059] The control device 7 determines whether or not the second detection condition is satisfied (S200). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether or not the second duration during which the second sensor 6 continuously detects the detection target is equal to or longer than a second predetermined duration.

[0060] If the second detection condition is not satisfied (S200: No), the control device 7 ends this process. Note that, if the second sensor 6 does not detect the detection target, the control device 7 determines that the second detection condition is not satisfied.

[0061] When the second detection condition is satisfied (S200: Yes), the control device 7 determines whether or not a detection target is detected by the first sensor 5 (S201).

[0062] When the first sensor 5 does not detect a detection target (S201: No), the control device 7 determines whether tap water is being discharged (S202). Even when the first sensor 5 does not detect a detection target, tap water is discharged until it is determined that the detection target is not detected. Therefore, the control device 7 determines whether tap water is being discharged.

[0063] If a detection target is detected by the first sensor 5 (S201: Yes), the control device 7 prohibits the discharge of sterilizing water in the second discharge mode (S203). Even if the second detection condition is satisfied, if a detection target is detected by the first sensor 5, the control device 7 prohibits the discharge of sterilizing water in the second discharge mode.

[0064] If tap water is being discharged (S202: Yes), the control device 7 prohibits the discharge of sterilizing water in the second discharge mode (S203). Even if the second detection condition is satisfied, the control device 7 prohibits the discharge of sterilizing water in the second discharge mode if tap water is being discharged.

[0065] When tap water is not being discharged (S202: No), the control device 7 discharges sterilized water (S204).

[0066] <Explanation of water discharge> Next, the detection states of the detection targets of the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6 according to the embodiment and the open / closed states of the first valve 21 and the second valve 26 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a time chart showing the detection states of the detection targets of the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6 according to the embodiment and the open / closed states of the first valve 21 and the second valve 26.

[0067] The detection target is brought close to the spout body 2 (second sensor 6), and at time t0, the detection target is detected by the second sensor 6. This starts measurement of the second duration. Note that the detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5.

[0068] At time t1, the detection object is detected by the first sensor 5. This starts measurement of the first duration.

[0069] At time t2, when the second duration time reaches the second predetermined duration time, it is confirmed that the second sensor 6 has detected the detection target. However, since the detection target has been detected by the first sensor 5, the second valve 26 remains closed and sterilized water is not discharged.

[0070] At time t3, when the first duration time reaches the first predetermined duration time, the detection of the detection object by the first sensor 5 is confirmed. Therefore, the first valve 21 is opened and tap water is discharged. Since tap water is being discharged, the second valve 26 is maintained in a closed state and sterilized water is not discharged.

[0071] <Effects> The water faucet device 1 includes a spout body 2, a first water discharge cap 11, a first sensor 5, a second sensor 6, and a control device 7. The spout body 2 is conductive. The first water discharge cap 11 is provided on the spout body 2 and discharges tap water. The first sensor 5 detects a detection target within a predetermined detection range near the first water discharge cap 11. The second sensor 6 is an electrostatic sensor that detects the detection target using the spout body 2 as an electrode. The control device 7 can execute a first water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the first sensor 5 detects the detection target for a first predetermined continuous time, and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the second sensor 6 detects the detection target for a second predetermined continuous time. In a water stop state in which tap water is not discharged from the first water discharge cap 11, the control device 7 prohibits the start of water discharge in the second water discharge mode while the detection target is detected by the first sensor 5.

[0072] This allows the faucet device 1 to perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode based on the detection results of the detection target by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6. When the detection target is detected by the first sensor 5, the faucet device 1 prohibits water discharge in the second water discharge mode, thereby giving priority to water discharge in the first water discharge mode. Therefore, the faucet device 1 can give priority to tap water discharge. In addition, by using the conductive spout main body 2 as an electrode in the second sensor 6, the faucet device 1 can perform water discharge in the second water discharge mode while using the existing configuration.

[0073] After starting water spouting in the first water spouting mode, the control device 7 prohibits starting water spouting in the second water spouting mode until water spouting in the first water spouting mode ends.

[0074] This allows the faucet device 1 to prevent disinfectant water from being discharged when tap water is being discharged in the first water discharge mode. Therefore, for example, the faucet device 1 can prevent disinfectant water from being further discharged while a user is washing their hands with tap water.

[0075] The first sensor 5 is a photoelectric sensor, and has a transmission window 5a. The transmission window 5a is provided closer to the tip of the spout body 2 than the first water-spouting cap 11.

[0076] This allows the water faucet device 1 to detect early on a hand that is held out below the spout body 2 from the tip side of the spout body 2 by the first sensor 5. Therefore, when the object to be detected is held out below the tip side of the spout body 2, the water faucet device 1 can reliably discharge tap water in the first water discharge mode.

[0077] Additionally, the second predetermined duration is longer than the first predetermined duration.

[0078] This allows the faucet device 1 to give priority to water discharge in the first water discharge mode over water discharge in the second water discharge mode. For example, when the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6 start detecting a detection target simultaneously, the faucet device 1 gives priority to water discharge in the first water discharge mode over water discharge in the second water discharge mode.

[0079] The water faucet device 1 according to the modified example may change the way tap water is spouted in the first water spouting mode and the second water spouting mode. For example, in the first water spouting mode, tap water is spouted in a shower. In the second water spouting mode, tap water is spouted in a straight line.

[0080] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Faucet equipment 2 Spout body 5 First Sensor 5a Transparent window 6 Second Sensor 7 Control Device 10. Water outlet 11 First water outlet cap 12 Second water outlet cap 21 First valve 26 Second Valve

Claims

1. A conductive spout body; A water discharge portion provided in the spout body portion and discharging wash water; A first sensor that detects a detection object within a predetermined detection range near the water discharge portion; A second electrostatic sensor that detects a detection target using the spout main body as an electrode; a control device capable of executing a first water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the first sensor detects a detection target continuously for a first predetermined time, and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is started when the second sensor detects a detection target continuously for a second predetermined time; Equipped with The control device of the faucet device prohibits the start of water discharge in the second water discharge mode while a detection object is detected by the first sensor in a water stop state in which no cleaning water is discharged from the water discharge section.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device prohibits the start of water spouting in the second water spouting mode after water spouting in the first water spouting mode has started and until water spouting in the first water spouting mode has ended.

3. The first sensor is a photoelectric sensor and has a transmission window on a lower surface of the spout body, The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission window is provided closer to the tip of the spout body than the water discharge portion.

4. The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

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