Sensor Module

Abstract

To prevent problems such as the need to increase the size of a bellows hose in order to ensure space for accommodating a communication line when a sensor is used in, for example, an automatic water faucet device. [Solution] The sensor module 1 comprises a sensor section 2 including a detection sensor 4, and a main body section 3 arranged so that the sensor section 2 approaches and moves away from it, and the sensor section 2 and the main body section 3 are provided with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor section 2 to the main body section 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4. The transmission means comprises, for example, a magnetic generating unit 10 that generates magnetic field when energized, a control circuit 11 that receives the detection signal output by the detection sensor 4 and energizes the magnetic generating unit 10, and a magnetic sensor 12 that detects the magnetic field generated by the magnetic generating unit 10 and outputs a detection signal.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, automatic faucet devices that detect the movement of a person's hand or the like approaching a faucet by a sensor such as an infrared sensor and automatically switch between discharging and stopping water are widely used in water supply facilities in kitchens, washrooms, toilets, bathrooms, etc. For example, in a faucet of the type whose water outlet can be detached from the base and extended, the sensor is installed in the water outlet, and the sensor is sometimes connected to a host control device that receives a detection signal from the sensor and switches between discharging and stopping water by a communication line such as a harness. In this case, the communication line is housed together with the water pipe in a bellows hose that is connected to the water outlet in order to extend the water outlet from the base.

[0003] However, when a sensor installed in the water discharge section is connected to a host control device via a communication line, there are issues such as the need to increase the size of the bellows hose to ensure space to accommodate the communication line, the cost of the plastic duct required to protect the communication line, and the need to devise a way to smoothly return not only the bellows hose but also the communication line into the base section when the water discharge section is extended from the base section and then returned to the base section, resulting in a complex structure and high costs.

[0004] A conventional method to solve the above problem is to use wireless communication functions such as BLE instead of communication lines. However, this method is expensive because it requires a large amount of money to obtain certification (SIG certification) to use BLE.

[0005] Another conventional method for solving the above problem is to use wireless power supply and wireless communication functions instead of communication lines (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, this method does not only supply power, but also requires superimposing a communication signal on the power supply signal. This causes a problem that the system for superimposing the communication signal on the power supply signal and extracting the communication signal from the power supply signal becomes complicated, resulting in a large device size (for example, 55 mm x 75 mm x 29 mm). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takahiko Sato, "Wireless Power Supply and Signal Communication Used in Production Sites," Green Electronics No. 6, CQ Publishing, February 27, 2012, pp. 17-23 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the subject of the sensor module of the present disclosure is the sensor module described in item 1 below.

[0009] Item 1. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human motion and outputs a detection signal; A main body portion to which the sensor portion is disposed so as to approach and move away from the main body portion; Equipped with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main body unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, the transmission means being provided in the sensor unit and the main body unit; The transmission means is a magnetic field generating unit provided in the sensor unit and configured to generate magnetic field when energized; a control circuit provided in the sensor section and configured to energize the magnetic field generating unit in response to a detection signal output by the detection sensor; a magnetic sensor provided in the main body and configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit and output a detection signal; A sensor module comprising:

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 2 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in item 1 above.

[0011] Item 2. The magnetic generating unit is A coil to be energized; an iron core disposed within the coil; The sensor module according to item 1, comprising:

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 3 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in item 1 or 2 above.

[0013] Item 3. The control circuit Item 2. The sensor module according to item 1, which is a comparator that outputs a signal for energizing the magnetic generating unit when a detection signal by the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the sensor module of the present disclosure includes the sensor module described in item 4 below.

[0015] Item 4. A sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects human motion and outputs a detection signal; A main body portion to which the sensor portion is disposed so as to approach and move away from the main body portion; Equipped with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main body unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, the transmission means being provided in the sensor unit and the main body unit; The transmission means is A conductive material provided in the sensor portion; a control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to receive a detection signal output by the detection sensor and connect the conductive material to a ground potential; an electrostatic sensor provided in the main body and charged with a positive charge; a control unit provided in the main body, which detects a change in capacitance of the electrostatic sensor that changes in response to connection of the conductive material to a ground potential, and outputs a detection signal; A sensor module comprising:

[0016] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 5 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in item 4 above.

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

[0018] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 6 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in any one of items 1 to 5 above.

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

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor modules described in the following items 7 and 8 as preferred embodiments of the sensor module described in item 6 above.

[0021] Item 7. The sensor unit is installed in the water outlet of the faucet, 7. The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the main body is installed on a base to which the water discharge portion is detachably attached in the faucet.

[0022] Item 8. The sensor unit is installed on one side of the wall, 7. The sensor module according to item 6, wherein the main body is installed on the other surface of the wall.

[0023] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 9 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in any one of items 1 to 5 above.

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

[0025] Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure encompasses the sensor module described in the following item 10 as a preferred embodiment of the sensor module described in item 9 above.

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

[0027] According to the sensor module of the present disclosure, when the sensor module is used in, for example, an automatic faucet device, there is no need to increase the size of the bellows hose to secure space to accommodate the communication line, no resin duct is required to protect the communication line, and no effort is required to smoothly return not only the bellows hose but also the communication line into the base when the water outlet of the faucet is returned to the base after being extended from the base. Furthermore, the sensor module of the present disclosure employs a method of detecting magnetic or capacitance changes as a wireless transmission means from the sensor unit to the main body, thereby eliminating conventional problems such as preventing the structure from becoming complicated, large, and expensive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a sensor module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the sensor module. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between a main body and a sensor unit disposed close to and away from the main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic generating unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operating principle of the second type of transmission means. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a faucet fitting of a dynamic water faucet device in which the sensor module is used. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a faucet fitting of an automatic faucet device with the water discharge portion extended. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the sensor module is used as a wall remote control. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor module illustrated in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the sensor module illustrated in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(A) is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a sensor module is used in a bath pillow, and FIG. 11(B) is an enlarged view of the dashed frame in FIG. 11(A). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of a schematic configuration of the bath pillow and the sensor module shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the bath pillow and the sensor module shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sensor module according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Sensor module structure As shown in Fig. 1, the sensor module 1 includes a sensor unit 2 and a main body unit 3. The sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are not connected to each other using a communication line such as a harness or cable, but are arranged wirelessly. Each of the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 is configured such that necessary parts are mounted in a housing made of, for example, plastic.

[0031] The sensor unit 2 includes a detection sensor 4. The detection sensor 4 detects a person's motion and outputs a detection signal. The person's motion includes, for example, a motion of a person bringing a hand, finger, etc. close to the detection sensor 4 (a close position that does not come into contact with the detection sensor 4), a motion of a person bringing a hand, finger, etc. into contact with the detection sensor 4, and a motion of applying some action to the detection sensor 4, such as pressing the detection sensor 4 with a hand, finger, etc. Examples of the detection sensor 4 include known proximity sensors that detect a person's motion in a non-contact manner, such as infrared, induction, capacitance, and magnetic types; known contact sensors that detect a person's motion by touching, such as a touch sensor; and known mechanical sensors that detect a person's motion by a person operating an operating unit, such as a switch or a push button.

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

[0033] When an AC current flows through the power transmission coil 5, a magnetic flux is generated, and when the power receiving coil 6 located near the power transmission coil 5 receives the magnetic flux, induced power is generated in the power receiving coil 6. This generates an AC current in the power receiving coil 6, and the AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9 converts the AC current into a DC current. In this manner, in this embodiment, power is supplied wirelessly from the main body 3 to the sensor unit 2 by electromagnetic induction generated between the power transmission coil 5 included in the main body 3 and the power receiving coil 6 included in the sensor unit 2 located close to the main body 3.

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

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor unit 2 is arranged so that air and / or an insulator is interposed between the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3, and is arranged so as to approach and separate from the main body unit 3. As shown in Fig. 3(A), when the sensor unit 2 is in a position close to the main body unit 3, power can be supplied from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power supply, and as shown in Fig. 3(B), when the sensor unit 2 is in a position separate from the main body unit 3, power cannot be supplied from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 by wireless power supply. The position of the sensor unit 2 that is in a position close to the main body unit 3 is not particularly limited as long as wireless power supply from the main body unit 3 to the sensor unit 2 or wireless power supply from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 is possible and wireless transmission from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 by a transmission means described later is possible.

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

[0037] The sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are provided with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 that the detection sensor 4 has output a detection signal in response to the detection of a human movement. The transmission means is not particularly limited as long as it can wirelessly transmit from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 that the detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4 in the sensor unit 2, that is, the main body unit 3 can detect it wirelessly. However, as in Non-Patent Document 1, if wireless transmission from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 is performed by wireless electrical communication, the system becomes complicated and the device size becomes large. Therefore, it is preferable to transmit wirelessly from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 by a method other than wireless electrical communication, and in this disclosure, the following two methods are exemplified as transmission means.

[0038] In the first method, the transmission means includes a magnetic generating unit 10 and a comparator 11 provided in the sensor section 2, and a magnetic sensor 12 provided in the main body section 3, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The magnetic field generating unit 10 generates magnetic field by energizing it. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic field generating unit 10 is composed of a magnetizing coil 10a and an iron core 10b placed in the magnetizing coil 10a. Note that the iron core 10b is not essential. A signal Enable for energizing the magnetizing coil 10a is supplied from a comparator 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0047] 3(A), the conductive material 13 faces the electrostatic sensor 14 provided on the main body 3, that is, the main surfaces of the conductive material 13 face each other. The conductive material 13 is disposed such that a gap is provided between the conductive material 13 and the electrostatic sensor 14, with air interposed therebetween, or such that a dielectric material, such as an insulator, is interposed between the conductive material 13 and the electrostatic sensor 14.

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

[0049] The electrostatic sensor 14 can be formed from, for example, carbon such as graphite or carbon black; metal such as aluminum, copper, silver or gold; conductive resin such as thiophene-based conductive polymer or polystyrene sulfonate (PSS); or a composite material of these.

[0050] The electrostatic sensor 14 is in the form of a planar body, for example, in the form of a plate or sheet, and its outer shape is not particularly limited, but may be a rectangle such as a rectangle, a circle, etc. The size of the electrostatic sensor 14 is not particularly limited.

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

[0052] A parasitic capacitance occurs between the electrostatic sensor 14 and an object (including the conductive material 13) located near the electrostatic sensor 14. This parasitic capacitance is used as a reference capacitance for the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14. When the conductive material 13 is connected to a ground potential as shown in Fig. 5(B), a positive charge in the conductive material 13 flows to the ground potential, which is opposite to the negative charge attracted to the electrostatic sensor 14, and the electric field between the electrostatic sensor 14 and the conductive material 13 becomes stronger, and the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14 increases. Therefore, by detecting the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 14 by the control unit 7, it is possible to wirelessly transmit to the main body unit 3 that a detection signal Signal has been output by the detection sensor 4 in the sensor unit 2.

[0053] Functions and Effects of Sensor Module The sensor module 1 of the above-described embodiment comprises a sensor unit 2 including a detection sensor 4 that detects human movement and outputs a detection signal, and a main body unit 3 that supplies power to the sensor unit 2 via wireless power supply, and the sensor unit 2 can be positioned so that it can move closer to or away from the main body unit 3. Furthermore, the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are characterized in that they are provided with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3 that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor 4.

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

[0055] In addition, in the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, when the sensor unit 2 is in a position close to the main body unit 3, power is supplied from the main body unit 3 by wireless power supply, so that the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 functions. In contrast, when the sensor unit 2 is in a position away from the main body unit 3, power is not supplied from the main body unit 3, so that the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 does not function. Therefore, for example, when the sensor unit 2 is installed on the water discharge unit 31 of the faucet fitting 30 and the main body unit 3 is installed on the base unit 32 of the faucet fitting 30, the detection sensor 4 of the sensor unit 2 functions when the water discharge unit 31 is attached to the base unit 32, so that it is possible to detect the action of a person bringing their hand or the like close to the water discharge unit 31 on which the sensor unit 2 is provided. Information regarding this person's action is transmitted wirelessly from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, and the control unit 7 of the main body unit 3 can automatically switch between water discharge and water stop.

[0056] In the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are not connected by a communication line, so even if the sensor unit 2 is installed in the water discharge unit 31 of the faucet fitting 30 and the main body unit 3 is installed in the base unit 32 of the faucet fitting 30, there is no need to store the communication line in the bellows hose 34 connected to the water discharge unit 31 in order to extend the water discharge unit 31 from the base unit 32. Therefore, according to the sensor module 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to increase the size of the bellows hose 34 to ensure space to accommodate the communication line, and no resin duct is required to protect the communication line. Furthermore, there is no need to devise a way to smoothly return not only the bellows hose 34 but also the communication line into the base unit 32 when the water discharge unit 31 is returned to the base unit 32 after being extended from the base unit 32.

[0057] Furthermore, in the sensor module 1, a method of detecting magnetic or capacitance changes is adopted as a wireless transmission means from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, and the comparator 11, the magnetic generating unit 10, and the conductive material 13 constituting the wireless transmission means are compact and inexpensive elements. Therefore, the size of the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 can be made almost the same as when only the wireless power supply function is provided. For example, the module part of the sensor unit 2 excluding the power receiving coil 6 can be formed to be about 24 mm x 10 mm x 5.5 mm, and the module part of the main body unit 3 excluding the power receiving coil 6 can be formed to be about 17 mm x 11 mm x 2.5 mm. Therefore, the conventional problems can be solved, such as preventing the sensor module 1 from becoming complicated, large, and expensive.

[0058] Explanation of sensor module usage examples Next, examples in which the sensor module 1 of the present disclosure is used in various devices will be described. Note that the applications of the sensor module of the present disclosure are not limited to the following examples.

[0059] Automatic faucet device An automatic faucet device is a device that detects a person's action such as bringing their hand close to a specific part (portion) of a faucet in a water supply facility in a kitchen, washroom, toilet, bathroom, etc., and automatically switches the faucet on and off. The automatic faucet device includes a faucet 30 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0060] The faucet 30 comprises a water outlet portion 31 and a base portion 32. The water outlet portion 31 is detachably attached to the base portion 32 and can be extended from the base portion 32. As shown in FIG. 7 , a bellows hose 34 is connected to the water outlet portion 31, and the bellows hose 34 is housed in the base portion 32 so that it can be inserted and removed. A water pipe is housed inside the bellows hose 34. A solenoid valve is provided in the water pipe. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve is controlled by the control portion 7.

[0061] The sensor module 1 has the sensor unit 2 installed in the water discharge portion 31 of the faucet fitting 30, and the main body unit 3 installed in the base portion 32 of the faucet fitting 30. Therefore, a part of the water discharge portion 31 of the faucet fitting 30 becomes an area that detects actions such as a person's approach. In this embodiment, a sensor window 33 is opened in the water discharge portion 31. The sensor window 33 is an area to which a person's hand or the like can approach, and is an area that detects the action of a person bringing a hand or the like close. The sensor unit 2 is installed in the water discharge portion 31 so that the detection sensor 4 faces the sensor window 33.

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

[0063] Wall remote control The wall remote control is attached to a wall surface inside a room, such as a bathroom, and is used to operate various devices. In the present disclosure, the sensor unit 2 of the sensor module 1 can be used as the wall remote control.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the sensor unit 2 is attached to one surface 15a of the bathroom wall 15 facing the bathroom, and the main body unit 3 is attached to the other surface 15b of the wall 15. As shown in Fig. 8(b), the sensor unit 2 is used as a wall remote control. Because power supply and communication between the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 can be wireless, there is no need to make a hole in the wall 15 to connect the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 with a communication line. Therefore, the wall remote control can be installed completely waterproof and is easy to remove.

[0065] Fig. 9 is an example of a schematic configuration of the sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 8. The sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 9 is configured by providing five sets of the detection sensor 4, the comparator 11, the magnetic generating unit 10, and the magnetic sensor 12 in the sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0066] Fig. 10 is another example of the schematic configuration of the sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 8. The sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 10 is configured by providing five sets of the detection sensor 4, the comparator 11, the conductive material 13, and the electrostatic sensor 14 in the sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0067] The number of detection sensors 4, etc. is not particularly limited. Also, one multiplexer may be provided instead of the multiple comparators 11. Furthermore, in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the power transmitting coil 5, the power receiving coil 6, etc. shown in Fig. 1 are omitted.

[0068] 8, the detection sensor 4 is configured as a button that is operated by a person's finger. In this way, by providing a plurality of detection sensors 4, various operations become possible.

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

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

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

[0072] 1, the main body 3 supplies power to the sensor unit 2 in the approaching position via wireless power supply, whereas in the sensor module 1 shown in Fig. 12, the sensor unit 2 supplies power to the main body 3 in the approaching position via wireless power supply. Therefore, in Fig. 12, the sensor unit 2 includes a power transmitting coil 5 and a DC-AC conversion inverter circuit 8, and the main body 3 includes a power receiving coil 6 and an AC-DC conversion rectifier circuit 9.

[0073] As a result, when the detection sensor 4A is touched and the fact that the detection sensor 4A has output a detection signal is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, the control unit 7 of the main body unit 3 turns on or off the power supply to the Peltier element 17. Furthermore, when the detection sensor 4B is touched and the fact that the detection sensor 4B has output a detection signal is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, the control unit 7 of the main body unit 3 controls the power supply to the Peltier element 17 to increase or decrease the temperature of the Peltier element 17.

[0074] FIG. 13 is another example of the schematic configuration of the bath pillow 16 and the sensor module 1 shown in FIG. 11. The sensor unit 2 of the sensor module 1 shown in FIG. 13 is installed inside the bathtub 18, and the main body unit 3 is installed inside the bath pillow 16. The sensor module 1 includes two sets of a detection sensor 4, a comparator 11, a conductive material 13, and an electrostatic sensor 14. In the sensor module 1 shown in FIG. 13, similarly to the sensor module 1 shown in FIG. 12, the sensor unit 2 supplies power to the main body unit 3 in the approaching position by wireless power supply. As a result, when the detection sensor 4A is touched and the output of a detection signal by the detection sensor 4A is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, the control unit 7 of the main body unit 3 turns on or off the power supply to the Peltier element 17. Furthermore, when the detection sensor 4B is touched and the output of a detection signal by the detection sensor 4B is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the main body unit 3, the control unit 7 of the main body unit 3 controls the flow of electricity to the Peltier element 17 to increase or decrease the temperature of the Peltier element 17.

[0075] The number of the detection sensors 4 etc. is not particularly limited. Instead of the multiple comparators 11, one multiplexer may be provided.

[0076] Since the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 can be powered and communicate wirelessly, there is no need to make holes in the bath pillow 16 and the bathtub 18 to connect the sensor unit 2 and the main body unit 3 with a communication line. Therefore, a detection sensor 4 for adjusting the temperature of the bath pillow 16 can be provided in a completely waterproof manner, ensuring high reliability. In addition, the bath pillow 16 can be easily washed with water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Sensor module 2 Sensor section 3 Main body 4 Detection sensor 10 Magnetic generating unit (transmission means) 11 Comparator (control circuit, transmission means) 12 Magnetic sensor (transmission means) 13 Conductive materials (transmission means) 14 Electrostatic sensor (transmission means) 15. Wall 16 Bath pillow 18 Bathtub 30 Faucet fittings 31 Water outlet 32 Base 33 Sensor window 34 Bellows Hose

Claims

1. a sensor unit including a detection sensor that detects a human movement and outputs a detection signal; A main body portion to which the sensor portion is disposed so as to approach and move away from the main body portion; Equipped with a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting from the sensor unit to the main body unit that a detection signal has been output by the detection sensor, the transmission means being provided in the sensor unit and the main body unit; The transmission means is A conductive material provided in the sensor portion; a control circuit provided in the sensor unit and configured to receive a detection signal output by the detection sensor and connect the conductive material to a ground potential; an electrostatic sensor provided in the main body and charged with a positive charge; a control unit provided in the main body, which detects a change in capacitance of the electrostatic sensor that changes in response to connection of the conductive material to a ground potential, and outputs a detection signal; A sensor module comprising:

2. The control circuit includes:

2. The sensor module according to claim 1, further comprising a comparator that outputs a signal for connecting the conductive material to a ground potential when a detection signal from the detection sensor exceeds a reference voltage.

3. The sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the main body supplies power to the sensor unit located in the proximity position by wireless power supply.

4. The sensor unit is installed in a water outlet portion of a faucet, The sensor module according to claim 3 , wherein the main body is installed on a base to which the water discharge portion is detachably attached in the faucet.

5. The sensor unit is removably installed on one side of a wall of a building, The sensor module according to claim 3 , wherein the main body portion is installed on the other surface of the wall.

6. The sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit supplies power to the body unit located in a close position by wireless power supply.

7. The main body is installed inside the bath pillow, The sensor module according to claim 6 , wherein the sensor unit is installed inside a bathtub on which the bath pillow is removably placed.

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