Water discharge device

Abstract

To provide a water discharging device which can achieve accurate measured water discharge in a user-friendly manner.SOLUTION: A water discharging device 1 includes a water discharging unit 10, electric-operated on / off valves (a first on / off valve 21 and a second on / off valve 22), and a controller 50. The water discharging unit 10 forms flow passages (a water supply flow passage 71, a hot water supply flow passage 72, an outflow flow passage 73, and a purified water flow passage 81). The electric-operated on / off valves open / close the flow passages. The controller 50 controls the driving of the electric-operated on / off valves. The controller 50 obtains information regarding a set water quantity Ws which is set via operations on a water discharge quantity setting operation unit (a smart speaker 3) with which the quantity of water to be discharged from the water discharging unit 10 is set. The controller 50 performs measured water discharge control in which the electric-operated on / off valves are driven so that the set water quantity Ws of water is discharged from the water discharging unit 10. The controller 50 commences measured water discharge via opening of the electric-operated on / off valves through obtaining information regarding a water discharge commencement instruction which is outputted via operations of water discharge commencement operation units (a second sensor 32 and a third sensor 33) with which the commencement of water discharge from the water discharging unit 10 is instructed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water discharge device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional water discharge device. This water discharge device includes a water outlet, a first opening / closing valve, and a first control unit. In this water discharge device, the first control unit opens and closes the first opening / closing valve based on a voice operation by a user to set the amount of water discharged, and controls the discharge of the set amount of water from the water outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-124691 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, water discharge is started by voice operation to set the water discharge amount. Therefore, unless a container such as a cup or a pot is placed at the water discharge position before performing the operation to set the water discharge amount, the entire amount of water set cannot be secured.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and aims to provide a water discharge device that can easily achieve accurate metered water discharge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A water discharge device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a water discharge section having a flow path formed therein, an electric on-off valve which opens and closes the flow path, and a control section which controls the driving of the electric on-off valve, wherein the control section acquires information regarding a set water volume which is set by operating a water discharge volume setting operation section which sets the volume of water to be discharged from the water discharge section, and executes metered water discharge control which drives the electric on-off valve to discharge the set volume of water from the water discharge section, and in the metered water discharge control, the control section opens the electric on-off valve to start metered water discharge by acquiring information regarding a water discharge start instruction output by operating a water discharge start operation section which instructs the start of water discharge from the water discharge section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water discharge device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water discharge device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a water discharge device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a graph for explaining a delay in stopping water during metered water discharge. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart for explaining metered water discharge control according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The water discharger 1 according to this embodiment is installed on a kitchen sink. The water discharger 1 is a so-called automatic faucet. The water discharger 1 can perform automatic water discharge in the same manner as in the past when a sensor detects the user's hand or the like. In addition, the water discharger 1 can perform metered water discharge, discharging an arbitrary amount of water set by the user.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water discharge device 1 includes a water discharge section 10, a first opening / closing valve 21, a second opening / closing valve 22, a first sensor 31, a second sensor 32, a third sensor 33, a water volume measuring section 41, a water temperature measuring section 42, a control section 50, and a water purification cartridge 60.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water discharge unit 10 has a main body 11, a water discharge pipe 12, and a lever handle 13. The main body 11 is placed on a flat installation surface S such as the top surface of a counter of a sink. A mixing valve 14 is arranged inside the main body 11. The mixing valve 14 mixes water and hot water supplied from a water supply flow path 71 and a hot water supply flow path 72 at an arbitrary ratio in response to the operation of the lever handle 13, and discharges the mixed hot and cold water to an outlet flow path 73. The water supply flow path 71, the hot water supply flow path 72, and the outlet flow path 73 are each an example of a flow path according to the present disclosure.

[0011] The water supply flow path 71 supplies water supplied from a water supply piping such as a water pipe (not shown) to the mixing valve 14. A stop valve 74 and a check valve 75 are provided upstream of the water supply flow path 71. The hot water supply flow path 72 supplies hot water supplied from a hot water source such as a water heater (not shown) to the mixing valve 14. A stop valve 76 and a check valve 77 are provided upstream of the hot water supply flow path 72. The outflow flow path 73 connects from the mixing valve 14 to the outlet 12A at the tip of the outlet pipe 12. The outflow flow path 73 is provided with a first opening / closing valve 21, a water temperature measuring unit 42, and a water volume measuring unit 41 in this order from the upstream end side which is the connection part with the mixing valve 14.

[0012] The first on-off valve 21 opens and closes the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path. The first on-off valve 21 is an electric on-off valve that is driven and controlled by the control unit 50. In the present embodiment, the first on-off valve 21 is an electromagnetic valve. The water temperature measurement unit 42 measures the temperature of the water flowing through the outflow flow path 73. The water temperature measurement unit 42 is configured to have a thermistor whose electrical resistance value changes in response to temperature changes. The water temperature measurement unit 42 measures the water temperature based on the resistance value of electricity flowing through the thermistor. The water temperature measurement unit 42 outputs a signal indicating the measured water temperature to the control unit 50.

[0013] The water volume measuring unit 41 measures an output value corresponding to the volume of water flowing through the outflow flow path 73. The water volume measuring unit 41 is configured with a water wheel type flow sensor. In the flow sensor, a water wheel is rotated by the water flowing through the outflow flow path 73, and a pulse signal is generated in response to the rotation. The water volume measuring unit 41 outputs this pulse signal to the control unit 50 as an output value.

[0014] A connection part 78 is provided between the first on-off valve 21 and the water temperature measuring unit 42 in the outflow flow path 73. The downstream end of a purified water flow path 81 is connected to the connection part 78. The purified water flow path 81 is connected at its upstream end to a branch part 79 in the water supply flow path 71. The branch part 79 is provided downstream of the stop valve 74 in the water supply flow path 71 and upstream of the check valve 75. The purified water flow path 81 is an example of a flow path according to the present disclosure.

[0015] The purified water flow path 81 reforms water introduced from the water supply flow path 71 by passing it through the water purification cartridge 60, and discharges the reformed water as purified water to the outflow flow path 73. The purified water flow path 81 is provided with a constant flow rate valve 82, a second on-off valve 22, a water purification cartridge 60, and a check valve 83, in that order from the upstream side. The constant flow rate valve 82 adjusts the flow rate in the purified water flow path 81 to a constant flow rate. The second on-off valve 22 opens and closes the purified water flow path 81. The second on-off valve 22 is an electrically operated on-off valve similar to the first on-off valve 21, and is driven and controlled by the control unit 50. The purified water cartridge 60 is detachably attached to the purified water flow path 81.

[0016] The water purification cartridge 60 can be attached by selecting from a plurality of types of cartridges according to the reforming contents, such as differences in the components to be filtered. The water discharge device 1 has a function of registering which type of water purification cartridge 60 is attached. The water purification cartridge 60 has different pressure losses when water passes through it depending on the type. The water discharge device 1 registers the type of water purification cartridge 60, so that it performs metering taking into account the pressure loss for each type of water purification cartridge 60. The type of water purification cartridge 60 can be registered by various methods, such as a method of registering by reading a barcode or two-dimensional code, selecting from multiple options, directly inputting the model number, etc., using a dedicated application on the smartphone 4 described later, or a method of providing a reader function that reads information about the type from a semiconductor chip such as an IC chip built into the water purification cartridge.

[0017] The water discharge pipe 12 is rotatably supported at its base end by the main body 11. The water discharge pipe 12 has a so-called gooseneck-shaped external shape that extends in an arc from the base end to the tip. An outflow passage 73 that continues from the mixing valve 14 is formed inside the water discharge pipe 12. A water discharge port 12A is formed at the tip of the water discharge pipe 12. The water discharge port 12A is located at the downstream end of the outflow passage 73. The water discharge port 12A discharges water downward toward the water discharge area A.

[0018] A first sensor 31, a second sensor 32, a third sensor 33, and a switch 34 are arranged on the water discharge pipe 12. Each of the sensors 31, 32, and 33 is a non-contact sensor that detects whether or not a detection target such as a user's hand is in the respective detection area. Each of the sensors 31, 32, and 33 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 50. The first sensor 31, the second sensor 32, and the third sensor 33 are each an example of a water discharge start operation unit according to the present disclosure. The signal output from each of the sensors 31, 32, and 33 to the control unit 50 corresponds to information related to a water discharge start instruction according to the present disclosure.

[0019] The first sensor 31 is disposed adjacent to the water outlet 12A at the tip of the water outlet pipe 12. The first sensor 31 has a detection area A1 that faces downward from the tip of the water outlet pipe 12. The detection area A1 of the first sensor 31 includes a part of the water outlet area A from the water outlet 12A. The first sensor 31 is a sensor for discharging hot water (raw water) from the cold water source and the hot water source via the mixing valve 14. The first sensor 31 is of a so-called momentary operation type that outputs a signal only while an object to be detected, such as a user's hand, is within the detection area A1.

[0020] The second sensor 32 and the third sensor 33 are provided on the upper side of the part of the water discharge pipe 12 that is bent downward and hangs down. The second sensor 32 and the third sensor 33 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the water discharge pipe 12. The second sensor 32 and the third sensor 33 each have the upper part of the water discharge pipe 12 as a detection area. The second sensor 32 is a sensor for discharging raw water, similar to the first sensor 31. The second sensor 32 is a so-called alternate operation type, and switches between discharging water and stopping water every time a detection target such as a user's hand enters or leaves the detection area. The third sensor 33 is a sensor for discharging purified water that passes through the water purification cartridge 60 of the water purification flow path 81 from the water supply source. The third sensor 33 switches between discharging and stopping purified water by alternate operation, similar to the second sensor 32. The switch 34 switches the first sensor 31 on and off.

[0021] The control unit 50 controls each part of the water discharge unit 10. The control unit 50 is mainly a computer, for example, and is configured with an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 50 has a function that can perform wireless communication in accordance with communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0022] 2 and 3, the control unit 50 is connected to each of the first sensor 31, the second sensor 32, the third sensor 33, the water volume measurement unit 41, the water temperature measurement unit 42, the first on-off valve 21, and the second on-off valve 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 50 is wirelessly connected to external devices such as a smart speaker 3, a smartphone 4, and an external server 6 via a router 2.

[0023] The router 2 can perform wireless communication with the control unit 50 by Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The router 2 configures a LAN (Local Area Network) centered around itself. In addition to the control unit 50, wireless communication devices such as a smart speaker 3 and a smartphone 4 are connected to the router 2. The router 2 can be connected to an external server 6 via a wide area communication network 5 such as the Internet.

[0024] The smart speaker 3 recognizes the voice uttered by the user, and outputs a signal according to the recognized operation instruction to the control unit 50 via the router 2. Various known methods can be adopted as the method of voice recognition by the smart speaker 3. In this embodiment, the smart speaker 3 functions as a water discharge amount setting operation unit according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a voice operation is performed on the smart speaker 3 as a water discharge amount setting operation for metered water discharge. The smart speaker 3 can also switch water discharge stop by voice operation. In other words, the smart speaker 3 can also function as a water discharge start operation unit according to the present disclosure.

[0025] The smartphone 4 has an application for operating the water discharge device 1. This application has a function for inputting calibration information Ic of the water volume measuring unit 41 described later from a touch panel. The smartphone 4 outputs a signal according to the content of the input operation to the control unit 50 via the router 2. The smartphone 4 can also output a signal directly to the control unit 50 by BLE communication without going through the router 2. This application has an input function for various operations in automatic water discharge and metered water discharge. As a result, the smartphone 4 can also function as a water discharge start operation unit and a water discharge volume setting operation unit according to the present disclosure. The smartphone 4 has an input function for information used to generate correction information Ir described later in metered water discharge. The smartphone 4 can also perform voice operations similar to those of the smart speaker 3.

[0026] The external server 6 is connected to the router 2 via the wide area communication network 5. The external server 6 can store various data that the water discharge device 1 can refer to, such as data tables and algorithms used to calculate the set output value Vs during metered water discharge. The water discharge device 1 can connect to the external server 6 via the router 2 and the wide area communication network 5 as necessary and refer to the stored data.

[0027] The control unit 50 executes drive control of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The control unit 50 executes automatic water discharge control. In the automatic water discharge control, the control unit 50 drives the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 upon receiving a water discharge start instruction signal transmitted by operation of the water discharge start operation unit such as the first sensor 31, the second sensor 32, the third sensor 33, etc.

[0028] The control unit 50 executes metered water discharge control. The metered water discharge control is a control that measures and discharges a set water volume Ws set by the user. The set water volume Ws is the amount of water that is actually desired to be discharged in the metered water discharge, and is set by the user operating a water discharge volume setting operation unit of the smart speaker 3, smartphone 4, etc. The control unit 50 executes metered water discharge control when information on the set water volume Ws is acquired.

[0029] In the automatic water discharge and metered water discharge of the water discharge device 1, it is possible to specify whether raw water or purified water is to be metered and discharged. In the case of automatic water discharge, voice operation instructions such as "Dispense purified water" or "Dispense raw water" are issued to the smart speaker 3, which serves as the water discharge volume setting operation unit. This causes the smart speaker 3 to recognize the instruction content, and opens the opening / closing valves 21, 22 corresponding to the type of water to begin dispensing. To stop the water discharge, simply issue a voice operation instruction such as "Stop" to stop the water discharge regardless of the type of water being discharged.

[0030] In metered water dispensing, the type of water is specified along with the setting of the set water volume Ws. For example, when setting the set water volume Ws, voice instructions such as "Dispense 100cc of purified water" or "Dispense 1 liter of raw water" are issued to the smart speaker 3, which serves as the water volume setting operation unit. The smart speaker 3 recognizes the instruction and outputs information related to the type of water and the set water volume Ws to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 sets the type of water and the set water volume Ws according to the acquired information.

[0031] In the case of this embodiment, in metered water discharge control, after the control unit 50 acquires information regarding a water discharge start instruction to start water discharge from the water discharge unit 10, it opens either the first on-off valve 21 or the second on-off valve 22 to start metered water discharge. That is, in metered water discharge control, at the point when the control unit 50 acquires information regarding the set water volume Ws, the on-off valves 21, 22 are not opened, and water discharge from the water discharge unit 10 is not started. In other words, in metered water discharge control, after the control unit 50 acquires a water discharge volume setting instruction regarding the set water volume Ws, it is in a state of waiting for input of a water discharge start instruction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the control unit 50, which has acquired information about the set water volume Ws, executes control to maintain the on-off valves 21 and 22 in a closed state even if a specific water discharge start operation unit is operated among a plurality of water discharge start operation units such as the first sensor 31, the second sensor 32, and the third sensor 33. For example, when metering and dispensing 100 ml of purified water, the control unit 50 executes control to maintain the first on-off valve 21 in a closed state even if the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32 as the specific water discharge start operation unit are operated. That is, when metering and dispensing 100 ml of purified water, the control unit 50 starts dispensing only in accordance with the water discharge start instruction by the operation of the third sensor 33. Similarly, in the case of metering and dispensing raw water, the on-off valves 21 and 22 are maintained in a closed state even if the first sensor 31 and the third sensor 33 are operated.

[0033] "Maintaining the valve closed state" may take any form as long as it keeps the electric on-off valve linked to the specific water discharge start operating unit from opening, such as ignoring a water discharge start instruction signal even if it is received from a specific water discharge start operating unit, or disabling the operation of the specific water discharge start operating unit itself so that the water discharge start instruction signal is not output, etc. In the present disclosure, the number of water discharge start operating units other than the specific water discharge start operating unit among the multiple water discharge start operating units, i.e., the number of water discharge start operating units that remain valid after the set water volume Ws is set, may be only one or may be two or more.

[0034] After the set water volume Ws for metered water discharge is set, the first sensor 31 disables the water discharge start instruction operation regardless of the water type. This is to prevent unexpected water discharge in metered water discharge, such as when the detection area A1 of the first sensor 31 overlaps with a part of the water discharge area A from the water discharge port 12A and water discharge is started while a container such as a cup is being placed under the water discharge port 12A. The second sensor 32 and the third sensor 33 are disabled according to the water type specified for metered water discharge. This is to prevent water types other than the specified water type from being discharged. As described above, the water discharge start operation unit also includes the operation unit of the smart speaker 3, the smartphone 4, etc. These water discharge start operation units may function as water discharge start operation units in metered water discharge, or may function as specific water discharge start operation units that are ignored (disabled) in metered water discharge.

[0035] In the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 sets a set output value Vs. The set output value Vs is a value obtained by converting the set water volume Ws in the metered water discharge control into the output value of the water volume measuring unit 41. The set output value Vs is set based on the set water volume Ws. The set output value Vs is calculated by the control unit 50 taking into consideration the calibration information Ic and correction information Ir described below. The control unit 50 determines whether the set water volume Ws has been discharged by comparing the actual measured output value Vr actually measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 with the set output value Vs, using this set output value Vs as a target value.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 has a memory unit 51, an operation information acquisition unit 52, a calibration information acquisition unit 53, a water information acquisition unit 54, a correction information acquisition unit 55, a calculation unit 56, and an output unit 57. The memory unit 51 is configured with a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory unit 51 stores in advance system programs and the like capable of controlling each functional unit in the water discharge device 1. The memory unit 51 can store calibration information Ic, correction information Ir, water information Iw, etc., which will be described later. The memory unit 51 can store various settings in the water discharge device 1.

[0037] The operation information acquisition unit 52 acquires operation information of the water discharge device 1. The operation information is output by operating each operation unit such as the first sensor 31, the second sensor 32, the third sensor 33, the smart speaker 3, the smartphone 4, etc. The operation information is information related to the operation of the water discharge device 1, such as information on an instruction to start water discharge, information on an instruction to end water discharge (stop water), information on an instruction to switch between water discharge and stop, and information on the set water volume Ws for metered water discharge. When the control unit 50 acquires this operation information, it executes drive control of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22.

[0038] The calibration information acquisition unit 53 acquires the calibration information Ic stored in the memory unit 51. The control unit 50 calibrates the water volume measurement unit 41 using the calibration information Ic acquired by the calibration information acquisition unit 53, and executes metered water discharge control based on the output value measured by the calibrated water volume measurement unit 41. The calibration information Ic is information for reducing measurement errors of the water volume measurement unit 41 caused by, for example, product errors of the flow sensor, seasonal differences in water temperature, differences in water pressure of the water supply source, pressure loss in the flow path, etc. The calibration information Ic can be updated at any time, such as every season. The calibration information Ic can be, for example, information based on actual measurements, information periodically transmitted from an external server, such as every season, etc.

[0039] In this embodiment, the actual measurement for generating the calibration information Ic is performed by the user, contractor, etc. of the water discharge device 1 as follows. First, the water discharge device 1 performs metered water discharge with a predetermined amount of water, for example, 100 ml, as the set water amount Ws. In the metered water discharge control by the control unit 50, the measurement is performed by converting the amount of water into a predetermined output value per unit amount of water, for example, 1 pulse per ml as the initial setting. The control unit 50 sets a set output value Vs (for example, 100 pulses) obtained by converting the set water amount Ws (for example, 100 ml) into an output value per unit amount of water, and performs metered water discharge control by counting until the actual output value Vr, which is the output value actually measured by the water amount measuring unit 41 after the valve is opened, reaches the set output value Vs, thereby determining that the set water amount Ws has been discharged.

[0040] Next, the amount of water actually obtained by the metered water discharge is measured by another measuring means such as a scale. Then, the value measured by the other measuring means is input to the control unit 50. In the case of this embodiment, the value actually measured by another measuring means different from the water volume measuring unit 41 is input to the control unit 50 via an application of the smartphone 4. The control unit 50 generates calibration information Ic based on the input actual measurement value. For example, assume that metered water discharge with a set water volume Ws of 100 ml is executed, and the value of the actually discharged water measured by another measuring means is 110 ml. The control unit 50 generates calibration information Ic by multiplying the initially set output value per unit water volume by a coefficient of 100 ml / 110 ml based on this actual measurement value 110 ml and 100 ml set as the set water volume Ws. The generated calibration information Ic is stored in the memory unit 51. This allows the setting of the output value of the water volume measuring unit 41 per unit water volume to be calibrated, and the measurement error during metered water discharge can be reduced.

[0041] The number of times that metered water discharge is performed to generate the calibration information Ic is preferably more than once, such as twice, and more than twice, such as three times. When metered water discharge is performed multiple times, it is preferable that the set water volume for each time is different, such as 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, etc. The calibration information Ic stored in the memory unit 51 may be reused every year depending on the season, etc.

[0042] The water information acquisition unit 54 acquires the water information Iw. The water information Iw includes, for example, information on the water volume in the metered discharge, as well as information acquired from the water flowing through the water discharge device 1, such as the water temperature, water pressure, flow rate (amount of water flowing per unit time), and flow velocity of the water flowing through the flow paths 71, 72, and 73, and known information related to the water flowing through the water discharge device 1, such as the local water pressure and the type of water purification cartridge in use. In the case of this embodiment, the water information Iw includes information on the water volume based on the number of pulse signals output from the flow sensor, which is the output value from the water volume measurement unit 41, information on the flow rate based on the interval between pulse signals, and information on the water temperature based on the magnitude of the electrical resistance value of the thermistor, which is the output value from the water temperature measurement unit 42. In the case of metered discharge of purified water, the water information Iw also includes information on the magnitude of pressure loss according to the type of registered water purification cartridge 60. The acquired water information Iw is stored in the storage unit 51. The water information Iw acquired by the water information acquisition unit 54 is used to generate correction information Ir, which will be described later.

[0043] When executing the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 drives and controls the on-off valves 21, 22 based on the actual measured output value Vr, which is the output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41, and the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42. Specifically, when executing the metered water discharge control based on the output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41, the control unit 50 executes the metered water discharge control while updating the set output value Vs in accordance with the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42. During the metered water discharge control being executed, the control unit 50 executes feedback control that updates the set output value Vs, which is the target value of the actual measured output value Vr measured by the water volume measuring unit 41, in accordance with the water temperature each time.

[0044] For example, the viscosity and kinetic viscosity of water at a temperature of 10°C and hot water at a temperature of 60°C are significantly different. For example, FIG. 4 is a graph showing the change in flow rate over time during metered water discharge when discharging the same set water volume Ws at different water temperatures. In the figure, the solid line shows the change at high temperature, and the dotted line shows the change at low temperature, and it can be seen that the magnitudes are different. Therefore, such a difference in water temperature has a significant effect on the pressure loss when flowing through the flow path and the rotation of the water wheel in the flow sensor, and can cause a metering error. The control unit 50 measures the temperature of the water flowing through the flow path by the water temperature measuring unit 42, and performs metered water discharge control while correcting the set output value Vs according to the water temperature. The water information Iw used to update the set output value Vs is not limited to the water temperature, and may be, for example, water pressure, the flow velocity of the water in the flow path, the differential pressure between the water supply flow path and the hot water supply flow path, etc.

[0045] The control unit 50 generates correction information Ir based on the water information Iw acquired by the water information acquisition unit 54. The control unit 50 corrects the set output value Vs using the correction information Ir, and changes the drive control of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The correction information Ir is stored in the memory unit 51 and acquired by the correction information acquisition unit 55. The correction information Ir is information for reducing a measurement error caused by a time lag (water stop delay) between the timing of sending a valve close signal and the timing from closing the valve to actually stopping the water. In FIG. 4, the valve close signal is sent at the timings of C1 and C2, respectively. However, there is a time lag from sending the valve close signal to the flow rate becoming 0. That is, water continues to be discharged even after the valve close signal is sent. The correction information Ir is information for setting a set water volume Ws that takes into account such a water stop delay and the water discharge volume after the valve close signal is sent. Specifically, when the control unit 50 calculates the set output value Vs based on the set water volume Ws, it calculates the set output value Vs by subtracting in advance the number of pulse signals that are expected to be measured after the valve closing signal is transmitted based on the correction information Ir.

[0046] The water information Iw used to generate the correction information Ir is, for example, the water volume, the type of water flowing through the flow path, the flow rate, the flow velocity, the water temperature, the type of water purification cartridge, etc. The correction information Ir is generated by referring to a data table which is prepared in advance for each piece of information relating to the water volume, the type of water, the flow rate, the flow velocity, the water temperature, the type of water purification cartridge, etc., and comparing this data table with the water information Iw actually acquired by the water information acquisition unit 54.

[0047] The correction information Ir can be generated based on the water information Iw acquired while either the first on-off valve 21 or the second on-off valve 22 is open, the water information Iw acquired after a valve closing signal is transmitted to either the first on-off valve 21 or the second on-off valve 22, or a combination of these pieces of water information Iw. The water information Iw acquired after the transmission of a valve closing signal may simply be the number of pulse signals as an output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41. In this case, in calculating the set output value Vs, the number of pulse signals acquired after the transmission of a valve closing signal can be directly used as the number of pulse signals expected to be measured after the transmission of a valve closing signal, making it extremely easy to calculate the set output value Vs.

[0048] The data table used to generate the correction information Ir may be stored in the external server 6, or may be stored in a storage means provided in the water discharger 1, such as the storage unit 51. The data table used to generate the correction information Ir may be one that has been created in advance, or may be created from the water information Iw previously acquired by the water discharger 1. The data table used to generate the correction information Ir may be updated as needed using the water information Iw acquired by the water discharger 1. The correction information Ir may be generated, for example, from an arithmetic formula based on the water information Iw.

[0049] The calculation unit 56 performs various calculations. Specifically, the calculation unit 56 executes various calculations such as converting the set water volume Ws set in the metered water discharge to the set output value Vs, calibrating the output value per unit water volume in the metered water discharge based on the calibration information Ic, correcting the set output value Vs based on the correction information Ir, and updating the set output value Vs based on the water information Iw.

[0050] The output unit 57 outputs open and close control signals to the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. In the case of automatic water discharge control, the open and close control signals are output in direct response to operation information from an operation unit equivalent to a water discharge start instruction operation unit such as each of the sensors 31, 32, 33, the smart speaker 3, the smartphone 4, etc. In the case of metered water discharge control, the open valve control signal is output in direct response to operation information from each of the above-mentioned water discharge start operation units. However, as described above, in metered water discharge control, the output of the open valve control signal is permitted only when operation information is acquired from a water discharge start operation unit other than a specific water discharge start operation unit.

[0051] The metered water discharge control by the control unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. In the following description, the metered water discharge control in the case where 100 cc of raw water passing through the mixing valve 14 is discharged will be described.

[0052] In the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 first acquires the set water volume Ws in step S1. The set water volume Ws is set by the user operating the water discharge volume setting operation unit. Specifically, the set water volume Ws is set by the user of the water discharge device 1 issuing a voice instruction to specify the water volume to the smart speaker 3, which serves as the water discharge volume setting operation unit. In the case of metered water discharge that discharges 100 cc of raw water, the user of the water discharge device 1 issues a voice instruction such as, for example, "Dispense 100 cc of raw water." The smart speaker 3 recognizes the content of the instruction and outputs information related to the set water volume Ws.

[0053] In this embodiment, when recognizing the instruction content, the smart speaker 3 also recognizes the type of water to be dispensed in the metered water dispensing. That is, the smart speaker 3 recognizes whether raw water or purified water is to be dispensed in addition to the amount of water dispensed. After recognizing the type of water, the smart speaker 3 outputs information on the set water volume Ws and the type of water as operation information to the operation information acquisition unit 52. The operation information acquisition unit 52 acquires information on the set water volume Ws and the type of water from the acquired operation information. The information on the set water volume Ws and the type of water acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 52 is stored in the memory unit 51.

[0054] The control unit 50 acquires the calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir in steps S2 and S3, respectively, and calculates the set output value Vs in step S4 based on the calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir. The calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir are stored in the memory unit 51, and are acquired by the calibration information acquisition unit 53 and the correction information acquisition unit 55, respectively. As described above, the calibration information Ic is information for calibrating the water volume measurement unit 41, and the correction information Ir is information related to the water stop delay. The set output value Vs calculated based on the calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir is stored in the memory unit 51. The order in which the calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir are acquired is not limited to this. The calibration information Ic and the correction information Ir may be acquired prior to acquiring the set water volume Ws, and may be incorporated in advance into the calculation formula used to calculate the set output value Vs.

[0055] In step S5, the control unit 50 disables a specific water discharge start operation unit. Specifically, in the case of metered discharge of raw water, the control unit 50 disables the first sensor 31 and the third sensor 33. As described above, the first sensor 31 is a sensor disposed adjacent to the water discharge port 12A and includes a part of the water discharge area A of the water discharge port 12A in the detection area A1, and the third sensor 33 is a sensor for opening and closing the second opening / closing valve 22 to discharge purified water. By disabling the first sensor 31, the control unit 50 avoids unintended water discharge when a container such as a cup is placed in the water discharge area A below the water discharge port 12A. By disabling the third sensor 33, the control unit 50 avoids the discharge of purified water, which is water other than the type of water discharged in the metered water discharge control.

[0056] In step S6, the control unit 50 judges whether or not information regarding the start of water discharge output by operating the water discharge start operation unit has been acquired. That is, the control unit 50 waits for information regarding the start of water discharge by operating the water discharge start operation unit to be input. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 50 waits for a detection signal to be input from the second sensor 32 as information regarding the start of water discharge. Before operating the second sensor 32, the user of the water discharge device 1 places a container such as a cup below the water outlet 12A. At this time, since the first sensor 31 was disabled in step S5, unexpected water discharge caused by the first sensor 31 detecting a container or the like is avoided.

[0057] When the control unit 50 acquires the water discharge start instruction information in step S6, the control unit 50 opens the first on-off valve 21 in step S7. As a result, the raw water that has passed through the mixing valve 14 flows through the outflow passage 73 and is discharged from the water discharge port 12A, and metering begins. In the case of metered discharge of purified water, the second on-off valve 22 is opened, and purified water that has passed through the water purification cartridge 60 is discharged.

[0058] In the water discharge device 1 during metered water discharge, the control unit 50 acquires water information Iw in step S8. Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires, as the water information Iw, the output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 and the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42 via the water information acquiring unit 54. The acquired water information Iw is stored in the memory unit 51.

[0059] In step S9, the control unit 50 updates the set output value Vs. The set output value Vs is updated based on the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement unit 42, which is included in the water information Iw acquired in step S8. That is, the control unit 50 updates the set output value Vs calculated in step S4 in accordance with the temperature of the water flowing through the outflow passage 73. This changes the drive control of the first on-off valve 21 in the metered water discharge control being executed. Specifically, the set output value Vs initially set in step S4 is changed in accordance with the water temperature, and the closing timing of the first on-off valve 21 is changed.

[0060] In step S10, the control unit 50 compares the actual measured output value Vr with the set output value Vs. In detail, the control unit 50 compares the actual measured output value Vr, which is an output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41, among the water information Iw acquired in step S8, with the set output value Vs calculated in step S4 and updated in step S9. If the actual measured output value Vr is less than the set output value Vs, the control unit 50 returns to step S8 to acquire the water information Iw again and updates the set output value Vs in step S9. The control unit 50 repeatedly executes steps S8 to S10 until the actual measured output value Vr becomes equal to the set output value Vs. If the actual measured output value Vr is equal to or greater than the set output value Vs, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S11.

[0061] In step S11, the control unit 50 closes the first on-off valve 21. In step S12, the control unit 50 releases the disabling of the first sensor 31 and the third sensor 33. Finally, in step S13, the control unit 50 updates the correction information Ir. The correction information Ir is updated based on the output value (number of pulse signals) measured by the water volume measurement unit 41, which is acquired after the first on-off valve 21 is closed in step S11. This correction information Ir is stored in the memory unit 51 and is acquired in the next and subsequent metered water discharge control (step S3), and is used to calculate the set output value Vs (step S4).

[0062] As described above, the water discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the water discharge unit 10, the first and second on-off valves 21 and 22 as electric on-off valves, and the control unit 50. The water discharge unit 10 forms the water supply flow path 71, the hot water supply flow path 72, the outflow flow path 73, and the purified water flow path 81 as flow paths. The first on-off valve 21 opens and closes the outflow flow path 73. The second on-off valve 22 opens and closes the purified water flow path 81. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The control unit 50 acquires information on the set water volume Ws set by the operation of the smart speaker 3 as a water discharge volume setting operation unit that sets the water volume to be discharged from the water discharge unit 10. The control unit 50 executes metered water discharge control that drives one of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 so as to discharge the set water volume Ws from the water discharge unit 10. In the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 acquires information regarding a water discharge start instruction output by operation of one of the second sensor 32 and the third sensor 33, which serve as water discharge start operating units that instruct the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit 10, and opens one of the first opening / closing valve 21 and the second opening / closing valve 22 to start metered water discharge.

[0063] The water discharge device 1 is in a standby state after setting the set water volume Ws for metered water discharge, and then starts discharging water after receiving a water discharge start command. Therefore, the water discharge device 1 can avoid defects such as starting water discharge before a container for receiving the measured water, such as a cup or a pan, is placed. The metered water discharge in the water discharge device 1 can be performed not only by placing a container for receiving the measured water, such as a cup or a pan, in advance before setting the set water volume Ws, but also by setting the set water volume Ws and then placing the container. In this way, the water discharge device 1 can improve the freedom of the work procedure in metered water discharge compared to setting the set water volume as in the past. For example, when water is discharged immediately after setting the set water volume, if a container is not placed before setting the set water volume, the total amount of the set water volume cannot be secured, and accurate measurement cannot be performed. In contrast, the water discharge device 1 can start water discharge in metered water discharge at a timing desired by the user, so the container can be placed at a timing desired by the user, and it is easy to secure the set water volume Ws in metered water discharge. Therefore, the water discharger 1 can easily achieve accurate metered water discharge.

[0064] The water discharge device 1 has a first sensor 31, a second sensor 32, a third sensor 33, etc. as a plurality of water discharge start operating parts. In the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 maintains the closed state of the electric on-off valve even if a specific water discharge start operating part among the plurality of water discharge start operating parts is operated. Specifically, in the metered water discharge of raw water, the control unit 50 maintains the closed state of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 even if either the first sensor 31 or the third sensor 33 is operated. In the metered water discharge of purified water, the control unit 50 maintains the closed state of the first on-off valve 21 even if either the first sensor 31 or the second sensor 32 is operated. Therefore, after setting the set water volume Ws in the metered water discharge, the water discharge device 1 does not start water discharge even if a specific operating part is operated by mistake, so that it is possible to prevent the start of water discharge due to erroneous operation. In this way, the water discharge device 1 can start water discharge by only accepting operation of an operating unit other than the specific water discharge start operating unit, thereby avoiding malfunctions such as the unexpected start of metered water discharge or the cancellation of metered water discharge and the start of another water discharge, thereby further improving usability.

[0065] In the water discharge device 1, the specific water discharge start operating part among the multiple water discharge start operating parts is the first sensor 31. This first sensor 31 includes at least a part of the water discharge area A from the water discharge port 12A in the water discharger 10 in its detection area A1. For this reason, it is very significant to prevent water discharge due to an accidental operation of the specific water discharge start operating part. In other words, it is possible to avoid accidental start of water discharge due to detection by the first sensor 31 in cases such as when placing a container after setting the set water volume Ws.

[0066] The water discharge device 1 includes a water discharge unit 10, a water volume measuring unit 41, a first on-off valve 21 and a second on-off valve 22 as motorized on-off valves, and a control unit 50. The water discharge unit 10 forms a water supply flow path 71, a hot water supply flow path 72, an outflow flow path 73, and a purified water flow path 81 as flow paths. The water volume measuring unit 41 measures an output value according to the amount of water flowing through the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path. The first on-off valve 21 opens and closes the outflow flow path 73. The second on-off valve 22 opens and closes the purified water flow path 81. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The control unit 50 acquires information regarding the set water volume Ws set by operating the smart speaker 3 as a water discharge volume setting operation unit, and executes metered water discharge control to drive one of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 based on the actual measured output value Vr as an output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 so as to discharge this set water volume Ws from the water discharge port 12A of the water discharge unit 10. The control unit 50 has a calibration information acquisition unit 53. The calibration information acquisition unit 53 acquires calibration information Ic of the water volume measuring unit 41. The control unit 50 executes metered water discharge control based on the output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 calibrated by the calibration information Ic.

[0067] In this way, the water discharge device 1 calibrates the water volume measuring unit 41 using the calibration information Ic. This reduces the variation in the output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 caused by the measurement environment. Therefore, the water discharge device 1 can improve the accuracy of metered water discharge.

[0068] The water volume measuring unit 41 is configured with a water wheel type flow sensor. Therefore, a water volume measuring unit 41 with a simple configuration can be realized. The water discharge device 1 can reduce the product error of the flow sensor in the water volume measuring unit 41 and the variation in output value due to water temperature, etc., which may affect the rotation of the water wheel, by using the calibration information Ic. Thus, in the water discharge device 1, it is very significant to calibrate the water volume measuring unit 41.

[0069] The water discharge device 1 includes a water discharge unit 10, a water volume measuring unit 41, a water temperature measuring unit 42, a first on-off valve 21 and a second on-off valve 22 as motorized on-off valves, and a control unit 50. The water discharge unit 10 forms a water supply flow path 71, a hot water supply flow path 72, an outflow flow path 73, and a purified water flow path 81 as flow paths. The water volume measuring unit 41 measures an output value according to the amount of water flowing through the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path. The water temperature measuring unit 42 measures the temperature of water flowing through the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path. The first on-off valve 21 opens and closes the outflow flow path 73. The second on-off valve 22 opens and closes the purified water flow path 81. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The control unit 50 acquires information regarding the set water volume Ws that is set by operating the smart speaker 3 as a water discharge volume setting operation unit, and performs metered water discharge control to drive one of the first opening / closing valve 21 and the second opening / closing valve 22 based on the actual measured output value Vr as an output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 and the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42 so as to discharge this set water volume Ws from the water discharge outlet 12A in the water discharge unit 10.

[0070] That is, the control unit 50 executes feedback control to correct the set output value Vs corresponding to the set water volume Ws according to the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42. In this way, the water discharger 1 updates the set output value Vs at any time according to environmental changes during metered water discharge. Therefore, the water discharger 1 can improve the accuracy of metered water discharge.

[0071] The water discharge device 1 includes a water discharge unit 10, a water volume measuring unit 41, a water information acquiring unit 54, a first on-off valve 21 and a second on-off valve 22 as motorized on-off valves, and a control unit 50. The water discharge unit 10 forms a water supply flow path 71, a hot water supply flow path 72, an outflow flow path 73, and a purified water flow path 81 as flow paths. The water volume measuring unit 41 measures an output value according to the amount of water flowing through the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path. The water information acquiring unit 54 acquires water information Iw as information about the water flowing through the flow paths. The first on-off valve 21 opens and closes the outflow flow path 73. The second on-off valve 22 opens and closes the purified water flow path 81. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22. The control unit 50 acquires information regarding the set water volume Ws that is set by operating the smart speaker 3 as a water discharge volume setting operation unit, and performs metered water discharge control to drive one of the first opening / closing valve 21 and the second opening / closing valve 22 based on the actual measured output value Vr as an output value measured by the water volume measuring unit 41 and the water information Iw acquired by the water information acquisition unit 54 so as to discharge this set water volume Ws from the water discharge outlet 12A in the water discharge unit 10.

[0072] That is, the control unit 50 acquires correction information Ir generated based on the water information Iw acquired by the water information acquisition unit 54. The correction information Ir is information about the amount of water discharged after the valve closing signal is transmitted, i.e., information about the water stop delay. The control unit 50 corrects the set output value Vs corresponding to the set water amount Ws according to this correction information Ir. Therefore, the water discharge device 1 can reduce the measurement error caused by the water stop delay, and can improve the accuracy of the metered water discharge.

[0073] The control unit 50 executes drive control of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 in the subsequent metered water discharge control based on the number of pulse signals as the water information Iw acquired after closing either the first on-off valve 21 or the second on-off valve 22. Therefore, the water discharge device 1 can easily reduce the measurement error caused by the water stop delay, and can improve accuracy.

[0074] In the metered water discharge control, the control unit 50 executes drive control of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 based on information on water temperature as water information Iw acquired while either the first on-off valve 21 or the second on-off valve 22 is open. That is, the control unit 50 executes feedback control to correct the set output value Vs corresponding to the set water volume Ws according to the water temperature measured by the water temperature measuring unit 42. Therefore, the water discharge device 1 can improve the accuracy of metered water discharge.

[0075] The water discharge device 1 has a first on-off valve 21 that opens and closes the outflow flow path 73 as a flow path, and a second on-off valve 22 that opens and closes the purified water flow path 81 as a flow path. The control unit 50 obtains information on the type of water to be discharged from the water discharge unit 10, and executes control to drive one of the first on-off valve 21 and the second on-off valve 22 depending on the type of water. In this way, the water discharge device 1 can execute metered discharge of multiple types of water.

[0076] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] The water discharge device is not limited to use in a kitchen sink, but can be used in any water-related area such as a washbasin in a bathroom.

[0078] The water discharge device may discharge only either the raw water or the purified water.

[0079] The configuration, shape, size, etc. of the water discharger according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment. There is no particular restriction on the shape, arrangement, etc. of each component of the water discharger.

[0080] The electrically operated on-off valve according to the present disclosure is not limited to the solenoid valve exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, the electrically operated on-off valve may be any of various valves that are electrically operated under the control of a control unit, such as an electrically operated cylinder valve or an electrically operated ball valve.

[0081] The configuration of the control unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0082] The water discharge amount setting operation unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to the smart speaker exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. may be adopted as the water discharge amount setting operation unit. In this case, the water discharge amount setting operation may be performed by voice operation, or by operation of a touch panel or a keyboard. The water discharge amount setting operation unit is not limited to an external device, and may be, for example, an input means dedicated to the water discharge device according to the present disclosure, or the like, in which the water discharge device has a function as a water discharge amount setting operation unit.

[0083] The water discharge start operation unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to the sensors exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, a smart speaker, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like having the function may be used as the water discharge start operation unit. In this case, the water discharge start operation may be performed by voice operation, or by operation of a touch panel or a keyboard.

[0084] In the water discharge device according to the present disclosure, the operation unit in which the water discharge start operation in the metered water discharge is enabled may be configured to allow only the water discharge start operation by the water discharge amount setting operation unit that sets the set water amount. For example, when the water discharge amount is set by a smart speaker, all water discharge start operations by other water discharge start operation units may be disabled, and only the water discharge start operation by the smart speaker may be accepted. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent unexpected water discharge due to erroneous operation of other water discharge start operation units.

[0085] In the water discharge device according to the present disclosure, none of the configuration related to obtaining calibration information, the configuration related to obtaining correction information, and the configuration related to updating the set output value are essential configurations.

[0086] When the water flow rate measuring unit is provided, the configuration thereof is not particularly limited as long as it measures an output value corresponding to the amount of water flowing through the flow path. When the water flow rate measuring unit is configured with a flow sensor, the type of the flow sensor is not limited to a water wheel type, but may be any type such as an ultrasonic type, an electromagnetic type, or a Karman vortex type.

[0087] When the water temperature measuring unit is provided, its arrangement is not limited to the arrangement exemplified in the above embodiment. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, between the water amount measuring unit and the first on-off valve in the outflow flow path, or between the first on-off valve and the mixing valve. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, in the water supply flow path and the hot water supply flow path. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, downstream of the check valve in the water supply flow path and between the check valve and the stop valve. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, in the water purification flow path. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, between the water purification cartridge and the check valve in the water purification flow path. The water temperature measuring unit may be arranged, for example, in two or more of the arrangements in the embodiment and the above-mentioned arrangements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...water discharge device, 3...smart speaker (water discharge volume setting operation section), 10...water discharge section, 21...first on-off valve (electric on-off valve), 22...second on-off valve (electric on-off valve), 31...first sensor (water discharge start operation section), 32...second sensor (water discharge start operation section), 33...third sensor (water discharge start operation section), 71...water supply flow path (flow path), 72...hot water supply flow path (flow path), 73...outflow flow path (flow path), A...water discharge area, A1...detection area, Ws...set water volume

Claims

1. A water discharge portion having a flow path formed therein; an electric on-off valve that opens and closes the flow path; A control unit that controls the drive of the electric on-off valve; Equipped with The control unit acquires information regarding a set water volume set by operating a water discharge volume setting operation unit that sets the amount of water discharged from the water discharge unit, and executes metered water discharge control to drive the electric opening / closing valve so as to discharge the set water volume from the water discharge unit; In the metered water discharge control, the control unit opens the electric on-off valve to start metered water discharge by acquiring information regarding a water discharge start instruction output by operation of a water discharge start operation unit that instructs the water discharge unit to start discharging water, A plurality of the water discharge start operating units are provided, In the metered water discharge control, when the control unit acquires information regarding the set water volume, the water discharge device maintains the electric opening / closing valve in a closed state even if a specific one of the multiple water discharge start operating units is operated.

2. The water discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the specific water discharge start operating unit is a sensor having a detection area that is at least a part of a water discharge area from the water discharge unit.

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