Faucet equipment

Abstract

To provide a faucet device for executing water discharge and water stop 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 spout body having a conductive part, 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 conductive part as an electrode, and a control device for enabling the execution of a first water discharge mode in which water discharge is performed according to the detection result by the first sensor, and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is performed according to the detection result by the second sensor. The spout body includes a non-electrode part having lower conductivity than the conductive part. The non-electrode part is provided around 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 spout body having a conductive portion, a water discharge portion 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 portion, a second electrostatic sensor for detecting the detection target using the conductive portion as an electrode, and a control device capable of executing a first water discharge mode in which water is discharged in response to the detection result by the first sensor, and a second water discharge mode in which water is discharged in response to the detection result by the second sensor. The spout body includes a non-electrode portion having a lower conductivity than the conductive portion. The non-electrode portion is provided around the water discharge portion.

[0007] This allows the water faucet device to perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode, and to stop water discharge, depending on the detection results of the detection object by the first sensor and the second sensor. By providing a non-electrode portion around the first water discharge cap, the water faucet device can prioritize the detection of the detection object by the first sensor around the first water discharge cap over the second sensor. Therefore, the water faucet device can distinguish between water discharge in the first water discharge mode and water discharge in the second water discharge mode, depending on the direction in which the detection object approaches the spout. Therefore, the user can perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode with a simple operation.

[0008] The non-electrode portion is an insulator.

[0009] This allows the water faucet device to suppress detection of the detection target by the second sensor near the first discharge cap. That is, the water faucet device can accurately distinguish between water discharge in the first water discharge mode and water discharge in the second water discharge mode and discharge water. In addition, the water faucet device prevents gaps from occurring in the spout main body by the non-electrode portion, and can suppress wash water from entering the spout main body due to splashing, for example.

[0010] The non-electrode portion is provided so as to be hidden by the conductive portion in a top view.

[0011] This allows the water faucet device to make the non-electrode portion less visible to the user when the user is using the water faucet device. Therefore, the water faucet device can automatically discharge water in multiple water discharge modes while preventing deterioration of the design.

[0012] The first sensor is a photoelectric sensor. A transmission window of the photoelectric sensor is provided closer to the tip of the spout body than the water discharge portion. The non-electrode portion is provided up to the tip of the spout body than the transmission window.

[0013] This allows the water faucet device to detect the detection object with the first sensor before the second sensor when the detection object is presented from the tip side of the spout body, and therefore the water faucet device can reliably perform water spouting in the first water spouting mode when the detection object is presented from the tip side of the spout body.

[0014] The first water spouting mode is a mode in which raw water is spouted, and the second water spouting mode is a mode in which reformed water is spouted.

[0015] As a result, when a user places their hand below the tip of the spout body, the aqueous device detects the hand with the first sensor and dispenses tap water. Also, when a user places their hand above the spout body, the faucet device detects the hand with the second sensor and dispenses disinfectant water. Therefore, in a faucet device capable of dispensing tap water or disinfectant water in multiple water dispensing modes, the user can dispense tap water in a normal manner, and can also use disinfectant water by detecting the hand with the second sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0016] 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]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the tip side of the spout. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detection range of a water faucet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 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.

[0019] <Configuration of the faucet device> A water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water faucet device 1 according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, a spout body 2 of the water faucet device 1 is shown in cross section. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the tip side of the spout body 2.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The water faucet device 1 comprises a spout body 2, a first water passage section 3, a second water passage section 4, a first sensor 5, a control device 7, and a water discharge section 10.

[0024] The spout body 2 includes a conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6) and a non-electrode portion 2b. The conductive portion 2a is made of a conductive material. The conductive portion 2a is made of, for example, a metal. The conductive portion 2a may be made of conductive carbon, conductive plastic, or the like.

[0025] The conductive part 2a is attached to a base 100 such as a washbasin. The conductive part 2a is, for example, substantially L-shaped. The conductive part 2a may be substantially J-shaped or may be linear. A hole 10c is formed below the tip side of the conductive part 2a. A non-electrode part 2b is provided in the hole 10c. The hole 2c is formed so as not to be visible to a user when viewed from above.

[0026] The non-electrode portion 2b has lower conductivity than the conductive portion 2a. The non-electrode portion 2b is an insulator. The non-electrode portion 2b is made of, for example, resin. The non-electrode portion 2b is provided so as to be hidden by the conductive portion 2a in a top view. A first water-discharging cap 11 of the water-discharging portion 10 is attached to the non-electrode portion 2b. In addition, a first sensor 5 is attached to the non-electrode portion 2b.

[0027] The water spouting section 10 includes a first water spouting cap 11 and a second water spouting cap 12. 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 passing section 3. The first water spouting cap 11 is formed with a first water spouting port 11a that spouts tap water. The first water spouting cap 11 is provided to spout tap water downward or diagonally downward.

[0028] The first water-spouting cap 11 is made of, for example, metal. The first water-spouting cap 11 is not electrically connected to the conductive portion 2a of the spout main body 2. For example, a gap is provided between the conductive portion 2a and the first water-spouting cap 11. The gap is provided taking into consideration the size and design of the faucet device 1. The first water-spouting cap 11 may be made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0029] 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 spouts the sterilized water supplied via the second water passage 4. The second water-spouting cap 12 is formed with a second water-spouting port 12a that spouts the sterilized water. The second water-spouting cap 12 is provided so as to spout the sterilized water diagonally downward and downward. The second water-spouting cap 12 is made of, for example, metal.

[0030] The second water-spouting cap 12 may be provided at the tip side of the spout main body 2, or may be provided adjacent to the first water-spouting cap 11. When the second water-spouting cap 12 is provided at the tip side of the spout main body 2, for example, the second water-spouting cap 12 is not electrically connected to the conductive part 2a of the spout main body 2. For example, the second water-spouting cap 12 may be made of an insulator such as resin. A gap may be provided between the conductive part 2a and the second water-spouting cap 12. The gap is provided taking into consideration the size and design of the faucet device 1.

[0031] The first water passage section 3 includes a first supply pipe 20 and a first valve 21. The first supply pipe 20 is made of an insulator such as resin. When the first water-spouting cap 11 is made of an insulator such as resin, the first supply pipe 20 may be made of metal. 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 main body 2.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The first sensor 5 is provided, for example, closer to the tip of the spout body 2 than the first water-spouting cap 11. The first sensor 5 is provided in the non-electrode portion 2b. 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.

[0037] 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. A transmission window 5a that transmits light in the first sensor 5 is provided on the tip side of the spout body 2 relative to the first water-spouting cap 11. The non-electrode portion 2b of the spout body 2 is provided up to the tip side of the spout body 2 relative to the transmission window 5a.

[0038] 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 conductive portion 2a of the spout body 2 as an electrode. The conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6) is connected to the control device 7 via a connection portion 6a.

[0039] By making as short as possible the length of the connection portion 6a, which transmits the detection signal detected by the conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6) to the control device 7, it is possible to suppress noise entering from the connection portion 6a (e.g., a harness) and thereby suppress the influence on the detection signal.

[0040] Therefore, an electrostatic sensor board having an electrostatic sensor IC or the like that receives a detection signal obtained when the electrostatic sensor detects an object to be detected by the electrostatic sensor 2a (second sensor 6) and converts the signal into a signal that can determine whether the object is detected or not may be disposed near the lower side of the base 100 to which the electrostatic sensor 2a (second sensor 6) is attached, separately from the control device 7. This allows the length of the connection portion 6a that connects the electrostatic sensor board to the electrostatic sensor 2a (second sensor 6) to be shortened.

[0041] When a detection target approaches the conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6), the capacitance changes. The second sensor 6 detects the presence or absence of the detection target according to the amount of change in capacitance. For example, the capacitance increases when the detection target approaches the conductive portion 2a.

[0042] The second sensor 6 uses the conductive portion 2a as an electrode, and has a detection range around the conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6), including above the conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6) and the sides of the conductive portion 2a (second sensor 6).

[0043] The control device 7 is, for example, a computer, and includes a control unit 7a and a storage unit 7b.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The control device 7 is capable of executing a first water spouting mode and a second water spouting mode.

[0047] 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.

[0048] When a detection target is detected by the first sensor 5, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the first valve 21 and transmits the generated signal to the first valve 21. This causes the first valve 21 to open and tap water to be discharged from the first water discharge cap 11. When a detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5 while tap water is being discharged, the control device 7 generates a signal to close the first valve 21 and transmits the generated signal to the first valve 21. This causes the first valve 21 to close and the flow of tap water to be stopped.

[0049] The second water discharge mode is a mode in which the second water discharge cap 12 starts and stops the discharge of sterilizing water in response to the detection result of the second sensor 6. Note that in the second water discharge mode, the discharge of sterilizing water may be stopped in response to the detection result of the first sensor 5.

[0050] When a detection target is detected by the second sensor 6, the control device 7 generates a signal to open the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26. This opens the second valve 26 and causes the sterilized water to be discharged from the second water-dispensing cap 12. When a detection target is not detected by the second sensor 6 while the sterilized water is being discharged, the control device 7 generates a signal to close the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26. This closes the second valve 26 and stops the flow of the sterilized water.

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

[0052] <Detection range> The spout body 2 has a non-electrode portion 2b below the tip side of the conductive portion 2a. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the detection range of the second sensor 6 is narrower below the non-electrode portion 2b. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the detection range of the faucet device 1. In Fig. 3, the detection range of the second sensor 6 is indicated by hatching.

[0053] For example, when a user places his / her hand below the tip side of the spout body 2, the hand is detected by the first sensor 5 before the hand enters the detection range of the second sensor 6. For example, the predetermined detection range of the first sensor 5 is the range enclosed by the dashed lines in FIG.

[0054] Therefore, for example, when a user places his / her hand below the spout body 2 from the tip side of the spout body 2, the faucet device 1 will discharge tap water from the first water-discharge cap 11 when the first sensor 5 detects the hand.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, if a user brings their hand close to the spout body 2 from above or the side, the water faucet device 1 will discharge sterilized water from the second water-discharge cap 12 when the second sensor 6 detects the hand.

[0056] In this way, the water faucet device 1 discharges tap water or disinfected water depending on the direction in which the detection target is brought close to the spout body 2. That is, the water faucet device 1 sets the water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode or the second water discharge mode depending on the direction in which the detection target is brought close to the spout body 2, and discharges either tap water or disinfected water.

[0057] <Effects> The water faucet device 1 includes a spout body 2, a first water-spouting cap 11, a first sensor 5, a second sensor 6, and a control device 7. The spout body 2 includes a conductive portion 2a. The first water-spouting cap 11 is provided on the spout body 2 and spouts tap water. The first sensor 5 detects a detection target within a predetermined detection range near the first water-spouting cap 11. The second sensor 6 is an electrostatic sensor that detects the detection target using the conductive portion 2a as an electrode. The control device 7 can execute a first water-spouting mode in which water is spouted according to the detection result by the first sensor 5, and a second water-spouting mode in which water is spouted according to the detection result by the second sensor 6. The spout body 2 includes a non-electrode portion 2b that is less conductive than the conductive portion 2a. The non-electrode portion 2b is provided around the first water-spouting cap 11.

[0058] This allows the water faucet device 1 to perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode, and to stop water discharge, depending on the detection results of the detection target by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6. By providing the non-electrode portion 2b around the first water discharge cap 11, the water faucet device 1 can prioritize the detection of the detection target by the first sensor 5 around the first water discharge cap 11 over the second sensor 6. Therefore, the water faucet device 1 can distinguish between water discharge in the first water discharge mode and water discharge in the second water discharge mode, depending on the direction in which the detection target approaches the spout main body 2. Therefore, the user can perform water discharge in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode with a simple operation.

[0059] The first water discharge mode is a mode in which tap water is discharged, and the second water discharge mode is a mode in which sterilized water is discharged.

[0060] As a result, for example, when a user places their hand below the tip of the spout body 2, the water faucet device 1 detects the hand with the first sensor 5 and dispenses tap water. Also, for example, when a user places their hand above the spout body 2, the water faucet device 1 detects the hand with the second sensor 6 and dispenses sterilized water. Therefore, in the water faucet device 1 that can dispense tap water or sterilized water in multiple water dispensing modes, the user can dispense tap water in the normal manner of use, and can also use sterilized water by having the second sensor 6 detect the hand.

[0061] The non-electrode portion 2b is an insulator. This allows the water faucet device 1 to suppress detection of a detection target by the second sensor 6 near the first water-discharging cap 11. In other words, the water faucet device 1 can accurately distinguish between water discharge in the first water-discharging mode and water discharge in the second water-discharging mode and discharge the water. In addition, the water faucet device 1 prevents gaps from occurring in the spout main body 2 by the non-electrode portion 2b, and can suppress, for example, the intrusion of wash water into the spout main body 2 due to water splashing.

[0062] The non-electrode portion 2b is provided so as to be hidden by the conductive portion 2a in a top view. This allows the water faucet device 1 to make the non-electrode portion 2b less visible to a user when the user uses the water faucet device 1. Therefore, the water faucet device 1 can automatically discharge water in multiple water discharge modes while suppressing deterioration of the design.

[0063] The first sensor 5 is a photoelectric sensor. A transmission window 5a of the photoelectric sensor is provided on the tip side of the spout body 2 from the first water-spouting cap 11. The non-electrode portion 2b is provided up to the tip side of the spout body 2 from the transmission window 5a.

[0064] As a result, when the detection object is presented downward from the tip side of the spout body 2, the water faucet device 1 can detect the detection object with the first sensor 5 before the second sensor 6. Therefore, when the detection object is presented downward from the tip side of the spout body 2, the water faucet device 1 can reliably discharge tap water in the first water discharge mode.

[0065] The faucet device 1 according to the modified example may spout flush water from one spouting cap. For example, the faucet device 1 according to the modified example may spout tap water and sterilized water from a first spouting cap 11. The faucet device 1 according to the modified example is configured to be able to switch between flow paths for spouting tap water and sterilized water.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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]

[0068] 1 Faucet equipment 2 Spout body 2a Conductive part 2b Non-electrode part 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 spout body having a conductive portion; 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 conductive portion as an electrode; a control device capable of executing a first water discharge mode in which water is discharged in response to a detection result by the first sensor, and a second water discharge mode in which water is discharged in response to a detection result by the second sensor; Equipped with The spout body includes a non-electrode portion having a lower conductivity than the conductive portion, The non-electrode portion is provided around the water discharge portion, the faucet device.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein the non-electrode portion is an insulator.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-electrode portion is arranged so as to be hidden by the conductive portion in a top view.

4. the first sensor is a photoelectric sensor, The transmission window of the photoelectric sensor is provided on the tip side of the spout body portion relative to the water discharge portion, The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-electrode portion is provided from the transmission window to the tip side of the spout body.

5. The first water discharge mode is a mode in which raw water is discharged, The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second water discharge mode is a mode in which reformed water is discharged.

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