Faucet System

Abstract

To provide a faucet system that can prevent various inconveniences from occurring further reliably by making it possible to turn a water outlet without touching the water outlet.SOLUTION: A faucet system 1 is equipped with a faucet device 14 that has a water outlet 10a on the tip side. The faucet system 1 is provided with a turning device having an energized operating unit that can be operated by energizing, and an operating unit 8 for operating the energized operating unit, which is configured to be operated by a user without touching the same. The faucet device 14 is configured to be rotatable so that the water outlet 10a rotates right and left when viewed from the user by operating the energized operating unit through operation with respect to the operating unit 8. This allows the user to turn the water outlet 10a without touching the faucet device 14 or the operating unit 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet system having a water discharge portion capable of discharging water into a tub body. [Background technology]

[0002] The faucet system is installed in correspondence with a tank body (e.g., a sink or washbasin, etc.), and the user can switch the water flow on or off by operating a specified control object (e.g., an operating lever, etc.).

[0003] A faucet system has a faucet device that includes a faucet main body that is erected on a predetermined mounting target (for example, a kitchen sink, a washbasin in a bathroom vanity, or a counter near a tub), and a water discharge part that extends from the faucet main body toward an upper position of the tub and has a water discharge outlet formed at its tip. In addition, a technology is known for a faucet system in which the water discharge part is rotatable horizontally relative to the faucet main body, thereby allowing the position of the water discharge part and therefore the water discharge outlet to be changed left and right as seen by the user (for example, see Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-144559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above technology, when adjusting the position of the water outlet (water outlet section), it is necessary to push or pull the side of the tip of the water outlet section with the hand. However, hands may be contaminated with water, foam (e.g., foam from washing hands, face, or dishes), dirt (e.g., dirt originally attached to hands or dirt from cooking), bacteria, viruses, etc., and in the above technology, these may adhere to the water outlet section when adjusting the position of the water outlet. This may result in various inconveniences, such as poor appearance, extra cleaning work, and poor hygiene.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a faucet system that can more reliably prevent the occurrence of the various inconveniences mentioned above by allowing the water outlet to be rotated without touching the faucet device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following describes each of the means suitable for achieving the above object. Note that, as necessary, the specific effects of the corresponding means will be added.

[0008] Means 1. A faucet system having a faucet device attached to a predetermined mounting portion and having a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The water faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit. And, The attachment target portion defines a front space that is visible to a user and a back space that is invisible or difficult to be visible to a user, The rotating device is configured so that at least the energizing operation unit is installed in the rear space, The water faucet device is A faucet main body part at least a portion of which is disposed in the front space and which is rotatable in response to the operation of the energizing operation part; a water outlet portion extending from a portion of the faucet main body located in the front space toward an upper position of the water storage portion and having the water outlet at a tip end thereof; By operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operation unit, the faucet main body rotates, and the water discharge unit and the water discharge port are configured to be rotatable left and right as seen by the user in accordance with the rotation of the faucet main body, The rotation device includes a longitudinal transmission part that transmits a driving force generated by the operation of the energization operation part from the rear space to the front space through a hole formed through the attachment target part, By operating the operating unit, a driving force caused by the operation of the energizing operation unit is transmitted to a portion of the faucet main body located in the front space via the longitudinal transmission unit, and the faucet main body is configured to rotate. A faucet system comprising:

[0009] According to the above-mentioned means 1, the water faucet system includes a rotation device having an energized operating unit (e.g., a motor or the like) that can be operated by energization, and an operation unit for operating the energized operating unit that is configured to be operable by the user without touching it with his / her hands, and the water faucet device rotates so that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by the user by operating the operation unit. Therefore, the water outlet can be rotated without touching the water faucet device or the operation unit. This makes it difficult for the water faucet device and the operation unit to become dirty, and more reliably prevents deterioration of appearance and the occurrence of unnecessary cleaning work. It also more reliably prevents deterioration of hygiene due to the adhesion of dirt, bacteria, viruses, etc. to the water faucet device and the operation unit.

[0010] moreover, The above means 1 According to the present invention, the water spout section and the water outlet can be rotated by rotating the faucet main body, which corresponds to the base portion of the faucet device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the structure relating to the rotation of the water outlet from becoming complicated.

[0011] In addition, the above means 1 According to the present invention, at least the electric operating part of the rotating device is arranged in a rear space that is invisible or difficult for the user to see. Therefore, a neat appearance is more reliably presented to the user, and the appearance quality can be improved. Furthermore, by arranging the electric operating part in the rear space, it is possible to more reliably prevent the electric operating part from being adversely affected by water.

[0012] In addition, The above means 1According to the above, since the driving force is transmitted to the portion of the faucet body located in the front space via the vertical transmission part, it is not necessary to use a faucet body that penetrates the mounting target part. This allows the faucet body to be made smaller (lighter), and the smoothness of the rotation of the faucet body and therefore the spout can be improved. In addition, a larger installation space can be secured below the faucet body for the water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, water conveyance pipe, etc. As a result, it becomes easier to naturally achieve the desired functions of the faucet device, and the ease of installation of the device (system) can be improved.

[0013] Means 2. A faucet system having a faucet device attached to a predetermined mounting portion and having a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so that the water outlet rotates in a predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the first sensor, and rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the second sensor.

[0014] The above means 2 According to the present invention, since a non-contact sensor is used, the water outlet can be rotated without touching the operating part, which more reliably prevents the appearance from deteriorating and unnecessary cleaning work from occurring, and also improves hygiene.

[0015] Also, The above means 2 According to the present invention, since the first and second sensors are provided on both sides of the water discharge section, on the left and right sides as seen from the user, when the water discharge port is rotated using one sensor, it is difficult for the other sensor to mistakenly detect an object to be detected. Therefore, good operability can be obtained.

[0016] moreover, The above means 2According to the above, when the first sensor detects an object to be detected (e.g., a user's hand) and outputs a detection signal, the water outlet (water outlet section) rotates in a predetermined direction, and when the second sensor detects an object to be detected and outputs a detection signal, the water outlet can rotate in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. For example, if the first sensor is provided on the right side and the second sensor is provided on the left side as viewed from the user, when the first sensor detects an object to be detected, the water outlet can be rotated leftward as viewed from the user so as to move away from the object to be detected, and when the second sensor detects an object to be detected, the water outlet can be rotated rightward as viewed from the user so as to move away from the object to be detected. Of course, a configuration in which the water outlet is rotated so as to move closer to the object to be detected when the sensor detects the object to be detected is also possible.

[0017] In this way, the above means 2 According to this, when one of the sensors arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user detects an object to be detected, the water outlet can be rotated in a direction according to the position of the detected object. This makes it easier for the user to understand how to operate the position of the water outlet, and allows the water outlet to be rotated more intuitively. This further increases convenience for the user.

[0018] Means 3. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energized operating unit so that when the detection signals are output from each of the first sensor and the second sensor, the water outlet rotates in a direction corresponding to the order in which the detection signals are output.

[0019] The above means 3According to the above, when a detection signal is output from each of the first and second sensors, the water outlet (water outlet section) can be rotated in a direction according to the order in which the detection signals are output. For example, if the first sensor is provided on the right side and the second sensor is provided on the left side as viewed from the user, when detection signals are output from the first sensor and then the second sensor, that is, when the detected object is moving from right to left, the water outlet can be rotated leftward, and when detection signals are output from the second sensor and then the first sensor, that is, when the detected object is moving from left to right, the water outlet can be rotated rightward.

[0020] Therefore, the above means 3 According to this, when the sensors arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user detect a moving object to be detected (for example, the user's hand), the water outlet can be rotated in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the object to be detected. Therefore, the water outlet can be rotated with the same feeling of operation as when the user holds the water outlet part in his / her hand and rotates it. This can further increase convenience for the user.

[0021] In addition, the water outlet can be prevented from rotating when only one of the sensors detects an object, or when both sensors detect an object simultaneously. This makes it more difficult for the water outlet to rotate unintentionally, which also contributes to improving convenience for users.

[0022] Means 4. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to continue rotating the water outlet while the object to be detected is detected by the first sensor and the second sensor, and to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the object to be detected is no longer detected.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned means 4, the detected object is moved in accordance with the rotation of the water outlet, and the detected object is kept close to the first sensor or the second sensor, so that the water outlet can be rotated as if being pulled or pushed by the detected object.

[0024] Means 5. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so that the water outlet rotates in a predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the first sensor, and rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the second sensor.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned means 5, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned means 2 are achieved.

[0026] moreover, The above means 5 According to the present invention, since the first sensor and the second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharge portion, the visibility of both sensors is improved, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0027] In addition, when manually rotating the water outlet, the tip side of the water outlet is usually the object of operation. 5 According to the invention, a non-contact sensor that can be operated is provided at the tip of the water discharger, which makes it possible to intuitively rotate the water discharge port by performing an operation similar to that performed manually, thereby further improving convenience.

[0028] Means 6. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energized operating unit so that when the detection signals are output from each of the first sensor and the second sensor, the water outlet rotates in a direction corresponding to the order in which the detection signals are output.

[0029] According to the sixth aspect, the same effects as those of the third aspect can be achieved.

[0030] Means 7. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to continue rotating the water outlet while the object to be detected is detected by the first sensor and the second sensor, and to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the object to be detected is no longer detected.

[0031] According to the seventh aspect, the same effects as those of the fourth aspect can be achieved.

[0032] Means 8. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, A faucet system characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the detection signal is output while the water outlet is rotating.

[0033] The above means 8 According to the present invention, when an object to be detected is brought close to the non-contact sensor while the water outlet is rotating and a new detection signal is output, the rotation of the water outlet can be stopped. Therefore, it becomes easier to perform operations related to the rotation of the water outlet.

[0034] means 9 The rotating device is configured to be in a state where the operation of the energizing operation unit for rotating the water outlet can be controlled when the detection of the object by the non-contact sensor continues for a predetermined period of time or more. 2 ~ 8 13. The faucet system according to claim 12,

[0035] The above means 9According to the method, the rotating device is in a state where the operation of the energizing operation unit for rotating the spout can be controlled when the non-contact sensor continues to detect the object for a predetermined time or more, for example, when the detection signal is output for a predetermined time or more. In other words, it is only when the non-contact sensor continues to detect the object for a predetermined time or more that the control for rotating the spout can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the likelihood of unintended rotation of the spout, and to further improve convenience.

[0036] means 10 The water outlet is provided with an electromagnetic valve that can switch between water discharge and water stop, the rotating device is configured to be able to control an operation of the energizing operation unit or the solenoid valve when the detection signal is output, The rotating device has a switching means for switching between a rotation control mode in which the operation of the energizing operation unit can be controlled when the non-contact sensor outputs the detection signal, and a water discharge / stop control mode in which the operation of the solenoid valve can be controlled when the non-contact sensor outputs the detection signal. 2 ~ 9 13. The faucet system according to claim 12,

[0037] The above means 10 According to the present invention, the switching means can switch between a rotation control mode in which the operation of the energized operating unit can be controlled when a detection signal is output from the non-contact sensor, and a water discharge / stop control mode in which the operation of the solenoid valve can be controlled when a detection signal is output from the non-contact sensor. In other words, the object to be controlled in response to the output of a detection signal can be switched between the energized operating unit and the solenoid valve. Therefore, the operation related to the rotation of the spout and the operation related to the spout / stop at the spout can be performed using a common non-contact sensor. This makes it unnecessary to provide a sensor for spouting and stopping water separately from the non-contact sensor, and simplifies the faucet system. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of the faucet system.

[0038] means 11 The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit so that the water outlet is placed at a predetermined set position when the operation of the operation unit is performed in a predetermined manner. 10 13. The faucet system according to claim 12,

[0039] The "preset position" may be, for example, the center position within the range in which the spout can be rotated or an end position within the range in which the spout can be rotated. Of course, these are only examples, and the "preset position" may be any fixed position within the range in which the spout can be rotated, and may be set appropriately depending on the conditions of use, the environment in which the spout can be used, etc. do.

[0040] The above means 11 According to the system, when the detection of the object to be detected is performed in a predetermined manner, for example, when the non-contact sensor detects the object to be detected a certain number of times within a certain time period or when the object to be detected is continuously detected for a certain time period, the water outlet can be automatically rotated to be placed (returned) to a set position. This allows the water outlet to be returned to the set position without touching the faucet device, further improving convenience.

[0041] In addition, there is no need to wait for the water outlet to be placed (returned) to the set position, and the user can place the water outlet in the set position at their convenience without touching the water faucet device, thus improving user convenience in this respect as well. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is an oblique view showing the faucet system etc. of the first embodiment when viewed from the right side. [Diagram 2] 1 is an oblique view showing the faucet system etc. of the first embodiment when viewed from the left side. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rotating device and the like. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a rotating device and the like with a first case component removed; FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing a rotating device and the like with a first case component, a second intermediate transmission part, and the like removed; FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the rotation device in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by the processing unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device when an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device when an object to be detected is brought close to the second sensor in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the faucet device in the first embodiment when an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor while the faucet device is rotating. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the faucet device when it reaches the limit of its rotatable range in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an oblique view showing a faucet system etc. in a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by a processing unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device in a case where an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor and then the second sensor in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device in a case where an object to be detected is brought close to the second sensor and then the first sensor in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19]13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a rotation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by a processing unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in a lock-on state in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing a process in a non-lock-on state in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device in the third embodiment when an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor or the second sensor in the locked-on state. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the water faucet device in the third embodiment when an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor or the second sensor in the unlocked state. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing that in the third embodiment, when an object to be detected is allowed to approach the first sensor or the second sensor for a predetermined period of time or longer, the state is switched to a locked-on state or a non-locked-on state. [Figure 26] 13 is an oblique view showing a faucet system etc. in a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a rotation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by a processing unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing a rotation control mode process in the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a water discharge / stop control mode process in the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 31] 13 is a schematic front view showing a state when an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor in the water discharge / stop control mode. FIG. [Diagram 32] 13 is a schematic front view showing a state when an object to be detected is brought close to the second sensor in the water discharge / stop control mode. FIG. [Diagram 33]An oblique view showing a faucet system etc. in a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 34] 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL in FIG. 33. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a faucet system and the like in a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a rotation device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 37] 20 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by a processing unit in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 38] 23 is a flowchart showing a counting process in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 39] 13 is a flowchart showing a setting position arrangement process. [Diagram 40] 20 is a flowchart showing a normal operation executed by a processing unit in the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 41] 23 is a flowchart showing a first detection signal response process in the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 42] 23 is a flowchart showing a second detection signal response process in the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a water faucet system etc. in another embodiment. [Diagram 44] 13 is a schematic perspective view, partly cut away, showing a rotation range setting portion according to another embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 45] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a water faucet system equipped with a waste switch in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the faucet system 1 is attached to a kitchen sink 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sink 100"). First, prior to describing the faucet system 1, the sink 100 will be described.

[0044] The sink unit 100 comprises a sink 101, a base 102 to which the sink 101 is fixed at the top and which has a space inside, and two doors 103 for opening and closing the front opening of the base 102. The sink 101 comprises a water storage section 101a capable of storing water, and a flat top plate 101b protruding outward from the top of the water storage section 101a. In this embodiment, the sink 101 corresponds to the "tank body" and the top plate 101b corresponds to the "attachment target section."

[0045] Sink 101 is divided into a front space 104 that is visible to the user and a back space 105 that is not or is difficult for the user to see. In this embodiment, back space 105 refers to the space inside base 102. Also, a mounting hole 101c (see FIG. 3, etc.) that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in a portion of top plate portion 101b that is located behind water storage portion 101a as seen from the user.

[0046] Next, we will explain the faucet system 1. The faucet system 1 is mainly used to switch on and off the supply of water to the sink 101 (particularly the water storage section 101a). The faucet system 1 includes a holding tube section 2, an outer component section 3, an inner component section 4, a water discharge / stop sensor 5, an electromagnetic valve 6, a rotating device 7, and an operating section 8.

[0047] The retaining tube portion 2 is a component that functions as a mounting base for the outer component 3 and the like. The retaining tube portion 2 is cylindrical overall, and includes a flange portion 21 formed on the upper outer periphery and a male thread portion 22 formed on the outer periphery below the flange portion 21, as shown in Fig. 5. The retaining tube portion 2 is attached to the top plate portion 101b in a non-rotatable state by inserting the retaining tube portion 2 into the mounting hole 101c and screwing the male thread portion 22 into a predetermined nut member 11a, so that the top plate portion 101b is sandwiched between the flange portion 21 and the nut member 11a.

[0048] 3, the outer component 3 covers and protects the inner component 4, forms a space for arranging cables (lead wires) and the like for transmitting and receiving signals between the inner component 4, and is also used to obtain a good appearance quality in the faucet system 1. The outer component 3 has a cylindrical shape with a middle part curved at a substantially right angle, and includes an outer first tubular part 31 extending in the vertical direction, an outer second tubular part 32 extending in the horizontal direction, and a curved outer curved tubular part 33 connecting both tubular parts 31, 32.

[0049] The first outer tubular portion 31 is inserted into the inner periphery of the retaining tubular portion 2 with a step portion 31a (see FIG. 5) formed on the outer periphery placed on the upper end surface of the retaining tubular portion 2. This allows the first outer tubular portion 31, and thus the outer component portion 3, to rotate about a rotation axis Ar (see FIG. 5) that passes through the center of the mounting hole 101c and extends vertically. The second outer tubular portion 32 has an opening 32a that penetrates in the vertical direction at a position vertically above the water storage portion 101a at the lower end of the tip side of the second outer tubular portion 32.

[0050] The inner constituent part 4 functions as a flow path for water supplied to the sink 101 (water storage part 101a). The inner constituent part 4 is cylindrical with a middle part curved at a substantially right angle, and includes an inner first tubular part 41 extending in the vertical direction, an inner second tubular part 42 extending in the horizontal direction as a whole, and an inner curved tubular part 43 having a curved shape connecting both tubular parts 41, 42.

[0051] A water outlet 10a that opens vertically downward is provided at the tip of the second inner tubular portion 42. The tip of the second inner tubular portion 42 passes through the opening 32a and is disposed outside the outer component portion 3, so that the water outlet 10a is disposed vertically above the water storage portion 101a of the sink 101.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner constituent part 4 is in a state of being held by the outer constituent part 3. As a result, when the outer constituent part 3 rotates, the inner constituent part 4 also rotates together with the outer constituent part 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the faucet main body 9 that protrudes upward from the sink 101 (top plate 101b) side is configured by the outer first cylindrical portion 31 and the inner first cylindrical portion 41. The faucet main body 9 in this embodiment is attached to the sink 101 (top plate 101b) in a state where it passes through the mounting hole 101c.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outer second cylindrical portion 32, the outer curved cylindrical portion 33, the inner second cylindrical portion 42 and the inner curved cylindrical portion 43 form a water discharge portion 10 that extends from a portion of the faucet main body 9 located in the front space 104 toward an upper position of the water storage portion 101a in the sink 101, that is, extends from the top plate portion 101b toward the water storage portion 101a when viewed in a plan view, and has a water discharge port 10a at its tip. In this embodiment, the faucet main body 9 and the water discharge portion 10 form a faucet device 14 attached to the top plate portion 101b.

[0055] The water discharge / stop sensor 5 is an object to be operated when switching water discharge or water stop at the water outlet 10a, and in this embodiment, it is provided on the front surface of the faucet main body 9 (the first outer tube portion 31). The water discharge / stop sensor 5 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, and includes an irradiating section that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined range in front of the faucet main body 9 (the first outer tube portion 31), a light receiving section (light receiving element) for detecting the light reflected by a detected object (for example, a hand or an object), and a signal output section that outputs a predetermined water discharge / stop signal when the light receiving section detects the light (all not shown). When the light receiving section detects the light, the signal output section outputs a water discharge / stop signal to the solenoid valve control device 12 described later via a predetermined cable (not shown). The position of the water discharge / stop sensor 5 may be changed as appropriate.

[0056] The solenoid valve 6 is a device for switching between spouting and stopping water at the water outlet 10a. The solenoid valve 6 is interposed between the inner component 4 and a predetermined water supply means (not shown). The solenoid valve 6 switches between spouting and stopping water at the water outlet 10a by switching between supplying and stopping water supply from the water supply means to the inside of the inner component 4. The solenoid valve 6 in this embodiment is rotatable relative to the inner component 4, and is configured not to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the faucet main body 9 (the outer component 3 or the inner component 4).

[0057] Furthermore, the operation of the solenoid valve 6 is controlled by a solenoid valve control device 12 (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the solenoid valve control device 12 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 6 so that water discharge or water stop at the water outlet 10a is alternately switched between discharge and stop each time a water discharge / stop signal is output from the water discharge / stop sensor 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, water discharge or water stop at the water outlet 10a is alternately switched between each time an object to be detected is detected by the water discharge / stop sensor 5. The solenoid valve control device 12 can be configured integrally with the water discharge / stop sensor 5 or the solenoid valve 6, for example.

[0058] The rotating device 7 is a device for rotating the faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a by rotating the faucet main body 9. In the rotating device 7, at least the motor 72 is arranged in the back space 105, and in particular, in the rotating device 7 of this embodiment, all of its components (a case 71, a motor 72, a transmission part 73, a pressing part 74, a clutch operation detection switch 75, and a control device 76, each of which will be described below) are arranged in the back space 105. This makes the rotating device 7 invisible or difficult to see from the outside (a user).

[0059] 5 to 9, the rotating device 7 includes a case 71, a motor 72, a transmission unit 73, a pressing part 74, a clutch operation detection switch 75, and a control device 76. In this embodiment, the motor 72 constitutes an "energization operation unit," and the clutch operation detection switch 75 constitutes a "clutch operation detection means." For ease of explanation, the configuration of the control device 76 will be explained after the explanation of the operation unit 8.

[0060] The case 71 accommodates the motor 72, the transmission unit 73, etc. inside, and functions as an attachment unit for the rotating device 7 relative to the holding cylinder unit 2. The case 71 in this embodiment includes a first case component part 711, a second case component part 712, and a third case component part 713, and is configured by assembling these case component parts 711 to 713 using snap fit engagement or the like. Note that in this embodiment, a plurality of seal members 77 are provided to prevent water from entering at least the space in the case 71 that accommodates the motor 72.

[0061] The first case component 711 is for mounting the rotating device 7 to the holding tube 2 while closing one end opening (upper opening) of the second case component 712. The first case component 711 has a shape including a semicircular portion and a semielliptical portion protruding from the center of the arc of the semicircular portion in a plan view. A screw hole portion 711a (see FIG. 5) having a female screw is formed in the semielliptical portion of the first case component 711, and the male screw portion 22 of the holding tube 2 is screwed into the screw hole portion 711a, thereby mounting the case 71 and the rotating device 7 to the holding tube 2. As a result, the rotating device 7 is installed in a state where it cannot rotate with respect to the top plate portion 101b. The mounting target of the rotating device 7 is not necessarily limited to the holding tube 2, and may be, for example, the base 102 or the like.

[0062] In this embodiment, below the nut member 11a, an end face of the nut member 11b screwed with the male thread portion 22 is in surface contact with the first case constituent portion 711. After adjusting the orientation of the turning device 7 to a desired angle, the end face of the nut member 11b is in surface contact with the first case constituent portion 711 while a tightening torque is applied to the nut member 11b, whereby the orientation of the turning device 7 can be more reliably maintained in a constant state.

[0063] The second case component 712 supports the transmission unit 73 and the like, and functions as a main housing section for the motor 72, the transmission unit 73, and the like.

[0064] The third case constituent part 713 is used to close the other end side opening (lower opening) of the second case constituent part 712 while supporting the transmission part 73 and the like.

[0065] The motor 72 is a power source for rotating the faucet main body 9 and the water discharge portion 10 (i.e., the faucet device 14). The motor 72 is housed in a case 71, although not shown, and is equipped with a motor shaft (not shown) that can rotate in both directions when electricity is applied. When electricity is applied to the motor 72, the driving force caused by the rotation of the motor shaft is transmitted to the transmission portion 73.

[0066] The transmission part 73 constitutes a transmission path of the driving force from the motor 72 to the faucet main body 9 (in this embodiment, the outer component part 3). The transmission part 73 includes a motor side transmission part 731, a first intermediate transmission part 732, a second intermediate transmission part 733, and a spout side transmission part 734, and the driving force for rotating the faucet device 14 is transmitted from the motor 72 to the faucet main body 9 in this order.

[0067] The motor-side transmission unit 731 is a part to which the driving force from the motor 72 is directly transmitted, and is configured by interlockingly connecting rotatable reduction gears, shaft parts, etc. The motor-side transmission unit 731 receives the driving force transmitted from the motor 72, and transmits the driving force to the first intermediate transmission unit 732.

[0068] The first intermediate transmission part 732 is a disk-shaped part that rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis Ar by the driving force transmitted from the motor side transmission part 731. A first clutch gear 732a having a plurality of teeth arranged in a circular shape is formed on an end face of the first intermediate transmission part 732 (see FIG. 8, etc.). The first clutch gear 732a is located on the motor 72 side (relative to a second clutch gear 733a described later) in the transmission path of the driving force from the motor 72, and rotates together with the first intermediate transmission part 732.

[0069] The second intermediate transmission part 733 is a part that rotates on the same rotation axis as the rotation axis of the first intermediate transmission part 732 by the driving force transmitted from the first intermediate transmission part 732, and has a shape that combines a circular part and a sector-shaped part that protrudes from the circular part in a plan view. The circular part of the second intermediate transmission part 733 is formed at a position facing the first clutch gear 732a with a second clutch gear 733a having a plurality of teeth arranged in a circular shape (see FIG. 7). The second clutch gear 733a is located closer to the faucet main body 9 than the first clutch gear 732a in the transmission path of the driving force, and is usually engaged with the first clutch gear 732a and rotates when the driving force is transmitted from the first clutch gear 732a.

[0070] Further, a drive gear 733b having a plurality of teeth arranged in an arc is formed on the outer periphery of the sector-shaped portion of the second intermediate transmission part 733 (see FIG. 7). When the second intermediate transmission part 733 rotates in response to the operation of the motor 72, the drive gear 733b rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis Ar.

[0071] As described above, the second clutch gear 733a and the drive gear 733b are provided in the second intermediate transmission part 733. That is, in this embodiment, the second clutch gear 733a and the drive gear 733b are configured as one part (the second intermediate transmission part 733).

[0072] Furthermore, the second intermediate transmission part 733 is disposed between the first case component part 711 and the second case component part 712, but is normally located on the second case component part 712 (first intermediate transmission part 732) side due to the pressing force applied from the pressing part 74, and is disposed in a state in which a predetermined gap is provided between the second intermediate transmission part 733 and the first case component part 711. The second intermediate transmission part 733 is movable toward this gap side, and when the second intermediate transmission part 733 moves toward the gap side, the meshing of both clutch gears 732a, 733a is released.

[0073] The outlet side transmission part 734 is a part that rotates about the same rotation axis as the rotation axis Ar by the driving force transmitted from the second intermediate transmission part 733. The outlet side transmission part 734 is fixed to the outer periphery of the outer component part 3 (faucet main body part 9), and the outer component part 3 (faucet main body part 9) rotates as the outlet side transmission part 734 rotates.

[0074] In addition, a driven gear 734a having multiple teeth arranged in the circumferential direction is formed in a predetermined range on the outer periphery of the outlet-side transmission part 734, and the driven gear 734a is meshed with the drive gear 733b. As a result, when the motor 72 is operated to rotate the drive gear 733b, the driven gear 734a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive gear 733b. As a result, the driving force by the operation of the motor 72 is transmitted to a portion of the faucet main body 9 located in the back space 105, causing the faucet device 14 and therefore the outlet 10a to rotate.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the water faucet device 14 is unable or difficult to rotate due to the water discharger 10 coming into contact with some obstacle such as a hand or an object, the second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) is configured to be unable or difficult to rotate. The second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) also becomes unable to rotate when it reaches the limit of its rotatable range and comes into contact with the case 71. Here, when the second intermediate transmission part 733 reaches the limit of its rotatable range, the water faucet device 14 also reaches the limit of its rotatable range. In this embodiment, the rotatable range of the water faucet device 14 (water discharger 10) is set to a predetermined angle less than 180° (e.g., 120°), and in this embodiment, the water faucet device 14 (water discharger 10) is rotatable by a predetermined angle (e.g., 60°) to the left and right as viewed by the user. However, the range within which the water faucet device 14 (water discharge portion 10) can rotate is not limited to the above and may be changed as appropriate.

[0076] The pressing part 74 is a part for pressing the second intermediate transmission part 733 against the first intermediate transmission part 732. In this embodiment, the pressing part 74 is formed of a predetermined coil spring, and is provided in a compressed state between the first case component part 711 and the second intermediate transmission part 733. As a result, the second intermediate transmission part 733 is usually pressed against the first intermediate transmission part 732 without moving toward the gap on the above-mentioned first case component part 711 side, and the second clutch gear 733a is maintained in a state of meshing with the first clutch gear 732a.

[0077] By providing the transmission part 73 and the pressing part 74 configured as described above, when the water faucet device 14 becomes unable or difficult to rotate during operation of the motor 72, and the second clutch gear 733a becomes unable or difficult to rotate, the driving force from the motor 72 acts, and the second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) moves toward the gap. That is, the second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) moves in a direction to release the meshing of both clutch gears 732a, 733a. As a result, the transmission of the driving force from the first clutch gear 732a to the second clutch gear 733a is interrupted, and the transmission of the driving force from the motor 72 to the faucet main body 9 is interrupted. Therefore, when the water faucet device 14 becomes unable or difficult to rotate, further rotation of the water faucet device 14 is stopped. In this embodiment, the first clutch gear 732a, the second clutch gear 733a and the pressing part 74 form a clutch section 78 that can cut off the transmission of driving force when the water discharge section 10 becomes unable or difficult to rotate while the motor 72 is operating (see Figure 5).

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, by providing a clutch unit 78, even when the water faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotational range due to the operation of the motor 72, the clutch unit 78 is activated and the rotation of the water outlet unit 10 is stopped.

[0079] Furthermore, by providing the clutch unit 78, it is possible to rotate the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10) by applying an external force (for example, the user pushing or pulling the water outlet 10) without operating the motor 72, for example during a power outage.

[0080] The clutch operation detection switch 75 is used to detect that the second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) has moved toward the gap, i.e., in the direction of disengaging the two clutch gears 732a, 733a.

[0081] The clutch operation detection switch 75 has a protrusion that can protrude into and retract from the housing space of the second intermediate transmission part 733 in the case 71 (see FIG. 8, not shown in FIG. 5). When the protrusion protrudes into the housing space (more specifically, when the protrusion changes from a recessed state to a protruding state), the clutch operation detection switch 75 outputs a predetermined forced stop signal to the control device 76. That is, when the second intermediate transmission part 733 (second clutch gear 733a) moves toward the gap against the pressing force applied by the pressing part 74, a forced stop signal is output from the clutch operation detection switch 75 to the control device 76.

[0082] Next, a description will be given of the operation unit 8. The operation unit 8 is used when the user operates the motor 72 to rotate the water faucet device 14 without touching it with his or her hand. The operation unit 8 is equipped with a non-contact sensor such as an infrared sensor, and a first sensor 81 and a second sensor 82 are provided as the non-contact sensors.

[0083] 1 and 2, the first sensor 81 is located on one of both sides of the water discharger 10, on the right side as seen by the user. In contrast, the second sensor 82 is located on the other of both sides of the water discharger 10, on the left side as seen by the user.

[0084] The first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 each include an irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined range on the side of the water discharge unit 10 with light of a predetermined wavelength at fixed short intervals, a light receiving unit (light receiving element) for detecting the light reflected by a detected object (e.g., a hand), and a signal output unit that outputs a predetermined detection signal when the light is detected by the light receiving unit (not shown). Both sensors 81 and 82 can detect an approaching detected object by the reflected light being incident on the light receiving unit, and when the detected object is detected, the signal output unit outputs a detection signal. The output detection signal is input to the control device 76 via a predetermined signal line (not shown). In this embodiment, when the first sensor 81 detects the detected object, that is, when the reflected light is input to the light receiving unit, it outputs a first detection signal as a detection signal. On the other hand, when the second sensor 82 detects the detected object, it outputs a second detection signal as a detection signal.

[0085] Next, a description will be given of the control device 76. The control device 76 is configured with, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, input / output terminals, etc., and includes a processing unit 761 and a motor control unit 762.

[0086] The processing unit 761 performs a calculation based on the input signal and generates a command according to the calculation result. In detail, when the first detection signal is output from the first sensor 81 while the motor 72 is not operating (i.e., when the first detection signal is input to the control device 76), the processing unit 761 generates a first rotation command as a command to rotate the water faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, a direction from right to left as seen by the user). On the other hand, when the second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82 while the motor 72 is not operating (i.e., when the second detection signal is input to the control device 76), the processing unit 761 generates a second rotation command as a command to rotate the water faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (in this embodiment, a direction from left to right as seen by the user). The processing unit 761 is capable of grasping whether the motor 72 is operating via the motor control unit 762.

[0087] In addition, when a first detection signal or a second detection signal is output from sensors 81, 82 during operation of motor 72, processing unit 761 generates a rotation stop command as a command to stop the operation of motor 72 and, ultimately, the rotation of faucet device 14.

[0088] Furthermore, when a forced stop signal is input from the clutch operation detection switch 75, the processing unit 761 generates a forced stop command as a command to forcibly stop the motor 72.

[0089] The motor control unit 762 controls the operation of the motor 72 based on the command generated by the processing unit 761. In detail, when a first rotation command is generated, the motor control unit 762 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 72 so that the motor shaft rotates in a specific direction. As a result, the water faucet device 14 (the water discharge unit 10 and the water outlet 10a) rotates in a specific direction (in this embodiment, a direction from right to left as seen by the user) unless it is impossible or difficult to rotate. On the other hand, when a second rotation command is generated, the motor control unit 762 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 72 so that the motor shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the specific direction. As a result, the water faucet device 14 rotates in the direction opposite to the specific direction (in this embodiment, a direction from left to right as seen by the user) unless it is impossible or difficult to rotate.

[0090] Furthermore, when a rotation stop command or a forced stop command is generated, the motor control unit 762 cuts off the current to stop the operation of the motor 72. This causes the rotation of the water faucet device 14 to stop.

[0091] Incidentally, motor control section 762 may control the operation of motor 72 so that when a forced stop command is generated, water faucet device 14 is rotated slightly in the opposite direction to the previous rotation direction and then stopped. In this case, water discharge section 10 and the like are stopped in a state away from obstacles, etc., so that the load applied to obstacles, water discharge section 10, transmission section 73, etc. can be reduced. In addition, both clutch gears 732a, 733a can be more reliably returned to the meshed state, and smoother rotation of water faucet device 14 can be ensured the next time water faucet device 14 is rotated.

[0092] Next, the normal operation of the processor 761 related to the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 10. The normal operation of the processor 761 is repeated at regular short intervals.

[0093] First, in step S11, it is confirmed whether or not the motor 72 is operating. If the motor 72 is operating (i.e., the water faucet device 14 is rotating) (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the motor 72 is not operating (i.e., the water faucet device 14 is stopped) (step S11: No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0094] In step S12, it is confirmed whether the first or second detection signal has been output from the sensors 81, 82 (i.e., whether the first or second detection signal has been input to the control device 76). If the first or second detection signal has been output (step S12: Yes), a rotation stop command is generated in step S13, and the process returns to step S11. Upon generating the rotation stop command, the motor control unit 762 cuts off the power supply to the motor 72, and the operation of the motor 72 is stopped. As a result, the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) is stopped. On the other hand, if neither the first nor second detection signal has been output while the motor 72 is operating (step S12: No), step S13 is skipped and the process returns to step S11.

[0095] In step S14, it is confirmed whether or not a first detection signal has been output from the first sensor 81 (i.e., whether or not a first detection signal has been input to the control device 76). If a first detection signal has been output (step S14: Yes), a first rotation command is generated in step S15, and the process returns to step S11. With the first rotation command generated, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) rotates in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, if a first detection signal has not been output (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0096] In step S16, it is confirmed whether or not a second detection signal has been output from the second sensor 82 (i.e., whether or not a second detection signal has been input to the control device 76). If a second detection signal has been output (step S16: Yes), a second rotation command is generated in step S17, and the process returns to step S11. By generating the second rotation command, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. On the other hand, if a second detection signal has not been output (step S16: No), no command is generated, and the process returns to step S11.

[0097] When a forced stop signal is output from clutch operation detection switch 75 (i.e., when a forced stop signal is input to control device 76), processing unit 761 interrupts the normal operation described above and generates an emergency stop command. As a result, if current is being applied to motor 72, current to motor 72 is cut off, and the operation of motor 72 and therefore the rotation of faucet device 14 are forcibly stopped.

[0098] The faucet system 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above operates as follows when operated by a user: That is, as shown in Fig. 11, when the user brings a detection object Do, such as a hand, close to the first sensor 81 while the faucet device 14 is stopped, the faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, a direction from right to left as seen by the user, and a direction away from the detection object Do).

[0099] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, when the user brings the object to be detected Do close to the second sensor 82 while the water faucet device 14 is stopped, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in the direction opposite to the specified direction (in this embodiment, from left to right as seen by the user, in the direction away from the object to be detected Do).

[0100] 13, if the detected object Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the water faucet device 14 is rotating, the rotation of the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a is stopped. At this time, the rotation of the water faucet device 14 can be stopped by placing the detected object Do, such as a hand, on the front side in the rotation direction of the water outlet 10. In other words, it is possible to stop the rotation of the water faucet device 14 by a natural action that is thought to be likely to be made when stopping the rotation of the water faucet device 14.

[0101] 14, when the water faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotatable range, the clutch operation detection switch 75 operates to stop the rotation of the water faucet device 14. If the water discharger 10 or other part comes into contact with an obstacle or the like and becomes unable or difficult to rotate, the clutch operation detection switch 75 also operates to stop the rotation of the water faucet device 14.

[0102] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the water outlet 10a can be rotated without touching the water faucet device 14 or the operating unit 8 (sensors 81, 82). This makes it possible to make the water faucet device 14 and the operating unit 8 less susceptible to dirt, more reliably preventing a decrease in appearance and the need for extra cleaning work. It also more reliably prevents a decrease in hygiene due to the adhesion of dirt, bacteria, viruses, etc. to the water faucet device 14 and the operating unit 8.

[0103] Moreover, the entire rotating device 7 is disposed in the rear space 105 which is invisible or difficult for the user to see. Therefore, a neat appearance is presented to the user, and the appearance quality can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, because the operating unit 8 is made up of non-contact sensors (first sensor 81 and second sensor 82), the water outlet 10a can be rotated without touching the operating unit 8. This more reliably prevents poor appearance and unnecessary cleaning work from occurring, and also improves hygiene.

[0105] Additionally, the portion of the faucet main body 9 to which the power generated by the operation of the motor 72 is transmitted is located in the back space 105. This makes it possible to further simplify the structure of the portion of the faucet system 1 that is located in the front space 104. As a result, the appearance quality can be further improved.

[0106] In addition, since the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are provided on both sides of the water discharger 10, on the left and right sides as seen by the user, when one of the sensors 81 (82) is used to rotate the water discharge port 10a, it is unlikely that the object to be detected Do will be mistakenly detected by the other sensor 82 (81). Therefore, good operability can be obtained.

[0107] Additionally, when one of the sensors 81, 82 arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user detects an object to be detected Do, the water outlet 10a can be rotated in a direction according to the position of the object to be detected Do. This makes it easier for the user to understand how to operate the position of the water outlet 10a, and allows the water outlet 10a to be rotated more intuitively. This further increases convenience for the user.

[0108] Furthermore, when the object to be detected Do is brought close to the non-contact sensor (sensors 81, 82) while the water outlet 10a is rotating and a new first or second detection signal is output, the rotation of the water outlet 10a can be stopped. This makes it easier to perform operations related to the rotation of the water outlet 10a.

[0109] Furthermore, when the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) becomes unable or difficult to rotate due to, for example, the water discharge unit 10 coming into contact with an obstacle such as a nearby person or object while the motor 72 is in operation, the clutch unit 78 can block the transmission of the driving force from the motor 72 to the water faucet main body 9. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which the driving force from the motor 72 continues to be transmitted to the water faucet device 14 even when the water faucet device 14 is unable or difficult to rotate. As a result, various benefits can be obtained, such as improved safety for users, protection of objects around the water faucet device 14, and prevention of breakdowns and damage to the water faucet system 1.

[0110] In addition, by providing the clutch portion 78, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a can be rotated by applying an external force while preventing damage to parts, etc. This makes it more convenient for the user.

[0111] In addition, the clutch unit 78 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the second clutch gear 733a is unable or difficult to rotate, the driving force transmitted from the motor 72 acts on the second clutch gear 733a, causing the second clutch gear 733a to move in a direction that disengages the two clutch gears 732a, 733a, and as a result, the transmission of the driving force is cut off. Therefore, the clutch unit 78 can be configured with a relatively simple structure using the two clutch gears 732a, 733a. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the costs associated with manufacturing and maintaining the faucet system 1.

[0112] Furthermore, clutch operation detection switch 75 can detect that second clutch gear 733a has moved in the direction that disengages both clutch gears 732a, 733a, in other words, that clutch unit 78 has functioned, and based on the detection by clutch operation detection switch 75, the turning device 7 can control the operation of motor 72 to stop the turning of faucet device 14. Therefore, when clutch unit 78 has functioned, further turning of faucet device 14 can be stopped, improving safety for the user and more effectively protecting objects around faucet device 14.

[0113] Furthermore, by providing the clutch operation detection switch 75, the operation of the motor 72 can be stopped when the water faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotatable range and the second clutch gear 733a becomes unable or difficult to rotate. Therefore, there is no need to provide a special mechanism for stopping the operation of the motor 72 when the water faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotatable range. This makes it possible to more effectively reduce costs associated with the manufacture of the water faucet system 1.

[0114] In addition, second intermediate transmission part 733 includes second clutch gear 733a and drive gear 733b, and second clutch gear 733a and drive gear 733b are configured as one part (second intermediate transmission part 733). Therefore, faucet system 1 can be simplified, and costs related to manufacturing, etc. can be further reduced. Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are provided on both sides of the water discharger 10 (second outer tubular portion 32). In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are provided on the tip surface of the water discharger 10 (second outer tubular portion 32) on the left and right sides as seen from the user. In the second embodiment, the first sensor 81 is located on the right side as seen from the user, and the second sensor 82 is located on the left side as seen from the user.

[0115] Similar to the first embodiment, the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are provided with an irradiation unit (not shown) that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength. However, the light irradiation ranges of both sensors 81, 82, i.e., the detection ranges of the object to be detected, do not overlap, and are set at positions separated on the left and right as viewed from the user. Similarly to the first embodiment, when an object to be detected is detected, the first sensor 81 outputs a first detection signal, and the second sensor 82 outputs a second detection signal.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the processing unit 761 controls the motor control unit 762 so that when the motor 72 is not operating, the processing unit 761 rotates the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a in a predetermined direction when a first detection signal is output from the first sensor 81, and rotates the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction when a second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82. In other words, when the motor 72 is not operating, if a detection signal is output from one of the two sensors 81, 82, the water faucet device 14 is configured to rotate unless the water faucet device 14 is unable or difficult to rotate.

[0117] In contrast, in the second embodiment, the processing unit 761 controls the operation of the motor 72 so that when a detection signal is output from each of the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 while the motor 72 is not operating, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in a direction corresponding to the order in which these detection signals are output. In other words, in the second embodiment, the water faucet device 14 will not rotate if only one of the sensors 81, 82 outputs a detection signal.

[0118] Here, the operation of the processor 761 in the second embodiment will be described in more detail. When the first sensor 81 first outputs a first detection signal while the motor 72 is not operating, and the second sensor 82 outputs a second detection signal within a preset period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) from the first detection signal output, the processor 761 generates a first rotation command as a command to rotate the water faucet device 14 in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, a direction from right to left as seen by the user). When the first rotation command is generated, the motor control unit 762 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 72 so that the motor shaft rotates in a specific direction. As a result, the water faucet device 14 rotates in the predetermined direction unless it is impossible or difficult to rotate.

[0119] Furthermore, when the second sensor 82 first outputs a second detection signal while the motor 72 is not operating, and then the first sensor 81 outputs a first detection signal within a preset period of time after the second detection signal is output, the processing unit 761 generates a second rotation command as a command to rotate the water faucet device 14 in the direction opposite to the specified direction (in this embodiment, the direction from left to right as seen by the user). When the second rotation command is generated, the motor control unit 762 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 72 so that the motor shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the specific direction. As a result, the water faucet device 14 rotates in the direction opposite to the specified direction unless it is impossible or difficult to rotate.

[0120] Meanwhile, similarly to the first embodiment, when the first detection signal or the second detection signal is output from the sensors 81, 82 during operation of the motor 72, the processing unit 761 generates a rotation stop command as a command to stop the rotation of the water faucet device 14. In addition, when a forced stop signal is input from the clutch operation detection switch 75, the processing unit 761 generates a forced stop command as a command to forcibly stop the motor 72.

[0121] Next, normal operation of the processor 761 related to the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0122] First, in step S21, it is confirmed whether the motor 72 is operating. If the motor 72 is operating (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22, and if the motor 72 is not operating (step S21: No), the process proceeds to step S24. Note that the processes of steps S22 and S23 are almost the same as the processes of steps S12 and S13 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] In step S24, it is confirmed whether or not a first detection signal has been output from the first sensor 81. If the first detection signal has been output (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0124] In step S25, it is confirmed whether or not a second detection signal has been output from the second sensor 82, and if a second detection signal has been output (step S25: Yes), the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, a first rotation command is generated, and the process returns to step S21. By generating the first rotation command, the water faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) rotates in the predetermined direction.

[0125] On the other hand, if the second detection signal has not been output (step S25: No), in step S26, it is confirmed whether a certain time has passed since the output of the first detection signal. Whether the certain time has passed can be confirmed by using a predetermined timer. If the certain time has not passed (step S26: No), the process returns to step S25. As a result, confirmation of whether the second detection signal has been output within the certain time after the output of the first detection signal (i.e., the process of step S25) is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, if the certain time has passed (step S26: Yes), that is, if the second detection signal has not been output within the certain time after the output of the first detection signal, the process returns to step S21.

[0126] If a negative determination is made in step S24, that is, if the first detection signal is not output when the motor 72 is not operating, in step S28, it is confirmed whether or not the second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82. If the second detection signal is output (step S28: Yes), the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if the second detection signal is not output (step S28: No), the process returns to step S21.

[0127] In step S29, it is confirmed whether or not a first detection signal has been output from the first sensor 81, and if a first detection signal has been output (step S29: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, a second rotation command is generated, and the process returns to step S21. By generating the second rotation command, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0128] On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S29: No), in step S30, it is confirmed whether or not a certain time has passed since the output of the second detection signal. If the certain time has not passed (step S30: No), the process returns to step S29. As a result, confirmation of whether or not the first detection signal has been output within the certain time after the output of the second detection signal is repeated. On the other hand, if the certain time has passed (step S30: Yes), that is, if the first detection signal has not been output within the certain time after the output of the second detection signal, the process returns to step S21.

[0129] As in the first embodiment, when a forced stop signal is output from the clutch operation detection switch 75, the processing unit 761 interrupts the normal operation and generates an emergency stop command, which cuts off current to the motor 72 if it is energized, and forcibly stops the operation of the motor 72.

[0130] The faucet system 1 according to the second embodiment configured as described above operates as follows when operated by a user. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, when the faucet device 14 is stopped, the user moves the object Do to be detected, such as a hand, from right to left, and brings the object Do to be detected close to the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 in this order, and the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction (in the second embodiment, a direction from right to left as seen by the user). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the faucet device 14 is stopped, the user moves the object Do to be detected from left to right, and brings the object Do to be detected close to the second sensor 82 and the first sensor 81 in this order, and the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a rotate in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (in the second embodiment, a direction from left to right as seen by the user). That is, in the second embodiment, the faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) rotates in the same direction as the movement direction of the object Do to be detected.

[0131] As in the first embodiment, if the object to be detected Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the water faucet device 14 is rotating, the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped. When the water faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotatable range, the clutch operation detection switch 75 operates and the rotation of the water faucet device 14 is stopped.

[0132] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are provided at the tip of the water discharger 10, so that the visibility of both sensors 81, 82 is improved, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0133] Furthermore, when manually rotating the water outlet, the tip of the water outlet is usually the object of operation, but according to the second embodiment, a non-contact sensor (sensors 81, 82) that is the object of operation is provided at the tip of the water outlet 10. This makes it possible to intuitively rotate the water outlet 10a by an operation similar to that in manual operation, further improving convenience.

[0134] In addition, when the sensors 81, 82 arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user detect a moving object Do to be detected, the water outlet 10a can be rotated in a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the object Do. Therefore, the user can rotate the water outlet 10a with the same operational feeling as when the user holds the water discharger 10 in his / her hand and rotates it. This further increases convenience for the user.

[0135] Also, the water outlet 10a will not rotate if the object to be detected Do is simply detected by one of the two sensors 81, 82. Furthermore, the water outlet 10a will not rotate even if the object to be detected Do is detected simultaneously by both sensors 81, 82. This makes it more difficult for the water outlet 10a to rotate unintentionally, which also contributes to improving convenience for the user. Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured such that when the motor 72 is not operating, an object to be detected is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82, and the operation of the motor 72 is controlled to rotate the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) unless the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is unable or difficult to rotate. In other words, when the motor 72 is not operating, if an object to be detected approaches the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is normally configured to rotate.

[0136] In contrast, in the third embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured to control the operation of the motor 72 to enable the water faucet device 14 and, in turn, the water outlet 10a to be rotated when the detection of the object to be detected by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 (i.e., the non-contact sensor) continues for a preset predetermined time or longer. In other words, simply bringing the object to be detected close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 may not be enough to rotate the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a), and in this case, in order to rotate the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a), it is necessary to keep the object to be detected close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for a predetermined time or longer. In this third embodiment, the control device 76 is configured as follows to switch between a state (called the "locked-on state") in which the faucet device 14 (outlet 10a) can be rotated upon detection of an object by the sensors 81, 82 and a state (called the "non-locked-on state") in which the faucet device 14 (outlet 10a) cannot be rotated upon detection of an object by the sensors 81, 82, to store these states, and to perform control according to these states.

[0137] That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the control device 76 includes a lock-on state storage unit 763 and a lock-on determination unit 764.

[0138] The lock-on state storage unit 763 is configured with, for example, a RAM, and stores information indicating the locked-on state or the non-locked-on state.

[0139] The lock-on determination unit 764 constitutes a part of the processing unit 761 (it may be separate from the processing unit 761), and switches between the locked-on state and the non-locked-on state based on the first detection signal or the second detection signal output from the sensors 81, 82 and the information stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763. More specifically, the lock-on determination unit 764 determines whether the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal from the sensors 81, 82 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., one second) or more when the motor 72 is not in operation (i.e., whether the first detection signal or the second detection signal continues to be input to the control device 76 for a predetermined time or more). Then, when the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal continues for a predetermined time or more, if information indicating the locked-on state is stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763, the lock-on determination unit 764 switches (updates) the information stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763 to information indicating the non-locked-on state. On the other hand, if information indicating the non-locked-on state is stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763, the lock-on determination unit 764 switches the information stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763 to information indicating the locked-on state.

[0140] Furthermore, processing unit 761 is configured to change the operation when a first detection signal or a second detection signal is output from sensors 81, 82, according to the information stored in lock-on state storage unit 763. In more detail, when motor 72 is not operating and lock-on state storage unit 763 stores information indicating that the motor is in a locked-on state (i.e., the motor is in a locked-on state), processing unit 761 generates a first rotation command as a command to rotate faucet device 14 and thus water outlet 10a in a predetermined direction when a first detection signal is output from first sensor 81. As a result, water outlet 10a will rotate in the predetermined direction if it is in a rotatable state.

[0141] Furthermore, when the motor 72 is not operating and in the locked-on state, if the second sensor 82 outputs a second detection signal, the processing unit 761 generates a second rotation command as a command to rotate the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. As a result, if the water outlet 10a is in a rotatable state, it will rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0142] In contrast, when the motor 72 is not operating, if the lock-on state memory 763 stores information indicating that the motor 72 is in the unlocked state (i.e., the motor 72 is in the unlocked state), the processor 761 does not generate any special command even if the first or second detection signal is output from the sensors 81, 82. Therefore, in the unlocked state, even if an object to be detected is brought close to the sensors 81, 82, the water outlet 10a does not rotate. In other words, in the third embodiment, the water outlet 10a can be rotated using the sensors 81, 82 only in the locked state.

[0143] In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the first detection signal or the second detection signal is output from the sensors 81, 82 while the motor 72 is in operation, the processing unit 761 generates a rotation stop command.

[0144] Next, normal operation of the processing unit 761 related to the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) in this third embodiment will be described with reference to a flow chart such as FIG.

[0145] First, in step S41, it is confirmed whether the motor 72 is operating. If the motor 72 is operating (step S41: Yes), the process proceeds to step S42, and if the motor 72 is not operating (step S41: No), the process proceeds to step S44. Note that the processes of steps S42 and S43 are almost the same as the processes of steps S12 and S13 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] If the motor 72 is not operating, in step S44, it is determined whether or not information indicating a locked-on state is stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763 (i.e., whether or not the locked-on state is in effect). If the locked-on state is in effect (step S44: Yes), the process proceeds to step S45, where a process for the locked-on state is executed, and the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, if the locked-on state is not in effect (if the non-locked-on state is in effect) (step S44: No), the process proceeds to step S46, where a process for the non-locked-on state is executed, and the process returns to step S41.

[0147] Next, the process in the locked-on state will be described with reference to Fig. 21. First, in step S51, it is confirmed whether or not a first detection signal has been output from the first sensor 81. If the first detection signal has been output (step S51: Yes), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S51: No), the process proceeds to step S57.

[0148] In step S52, it is determined whether the first short input flag is off. The first short input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 continued for less than the predetermined time, such as when the object approaches the first sensor 81 for an instant. If the first short input flag is off (step S52: Yes), the first short input flag is set to on in step S53, and the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if the first short input flag is already set to on (step S52: No), step S53 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S54.

[0149] In step S54, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first short input flag was set to ON. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S54: No), the process returns to step S51. By the processes of steps S51 and S54, it is confirmed whether the first detection signal has been continuously output within a predetermined time since the first short input flag was set. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S54: Yes), that is, if the first detection signal has been continuously output for a predetermined time or more since the first short input flag was set to ON, the first long input flag is set to ON in step S55. The first long input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 has continued for the predetermined time or more, such as when the object has been approaching the first sensor 81 for a relatively long time. After step S55, the first short input flag is reset to OFF in step S56, and the process proceeds to step S63.

[0150] On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S51: No), in step S57, it is confirmed whether or not the second detection signal has been output from the second sensor 82. If the second detection signal has been output (step S57: Yes), the process proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if the second detection signal has not been output (step S57: No), the process proceeds to step S63.

[0151] In step S58, it is determined whether the second short input flag is off. The second short input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the second sensor 82 continued for less than the predetermined time. If the second short input flag is off (step S58: Yes), the second short input flag is set to on in step S59, and the process proceeds to step S60. On the other hand, if the second short input flag is already set to on (step S58: No), step S59 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S60.

[0152] In step S60, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the second short input flag was set to ON. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S60: No), the process returns to step S57. By the processes of steps S57 and S60, it is confirmed whether the second detection signal has been continuously output within a predetermined time since the second short input flag was set. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S60: Yes), that is, if the second detection signal has been continuously output for a predetermined time or more since the second short input flag was set to ON, the second long input flag is set to ON in step S61. The second long input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the second sensor 82 has continued for the predetermined time or more. After step S61, the second short input flag is reset to OFF in step S62, and the process proceeds to step S63.

[0153] In step S63, it is determined whether the first short input flag is on. If the first short input flag is on (step S63: Yes), a first rotation command is generated in step S64, and the process proceeds to step S69. By generating the first rotation command, the water faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction.

[0154] On the other hand, if the first short input flag is off (step S63: No), in step S65, it is determined whether the second short input flag is on. If the second short input flag is on (step S65: Yes), in step S66, a second rotation command is generated, and the process proceeds to step S69. By generating the second rotation command, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0155] Furthermore, if the second short input flag is off (step S65: No), in step S67, it is determined whether the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on. If the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on (step S67: Yes), in step S68, the information stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763 is switched to information indicating a non-lock-on state, and the process proceeds to step S69. On the other hand, if both long input flags are off (step S67: No), the lock-on state processing is terminated without switching the information.

[0156] Then, in step S69, the flags (such as the first short input flag) set in the lock-on state process are turned off, and the lock-on state process ends.

[0157] Next, the non-lock-on state process will be described with reference to Fig. 22. First, in step S71, it is confirmed whether or not a first detection signal has been output from the first sensor 81. If the first detection signal has been output (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S71: No), the process proceeds to step S74.

[0158] In step S72, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial first detection signal was output in this non-lock-on state processing. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S72: No), the process returns to step S71. The processes in steps S71 and S72 confirm whether the first detection signal has continued to be output within a predetermined time since the initial first detection signal was output. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S72: Yes), that is, if the first detection signal has continued to be output for a predetermined time or longer, in step S73, the first long input flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S77.

[0159] On the other hand, if the first detection signal has not been output (step S71: No), in step S74, it is confirmed whether or not the second detection signal has been output from the second sensor 82. If the second detection signal has been output (step S74: Yes), the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if the second detection signal has not been output (step S74: No), the process proceeds to step S77.

[0160] In step S75, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first second detection signal was output in this non-lock-on state processing. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S75: No), the process returns to step S74. The processes in steps S74 and S75 confirm whether the second detection signal has been continuously output within a predetermined time since the first second detection signal was output. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S75: Yes), that is, if the second detection signal has been continuously output for a predetermined time or longer, in step S76, the second long input flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S77.

[0161] In step S77, it is determined whether the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on. If the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on (step S77: Yes), in step S78, the information stored in the lock-on state storage unit 763 is switched to information indicating the locked-on state, and the process proceeds to step S79. On the other hand, if both long input flags are off (step S77: No), the non-lock-on state process is terminated without switching the information.

[0162] Then, in step S79, the flags (such as the first long input flag) set in the non-lock-on state processing are turned off, thereby ending the non-lock-on state processing.

[0163] The faucet system 1 according to the third embodiment configured as described above operates as follows when operated by a user. That is, in the locked-on state, as in the first embodiment, when the faucet device 14 is stopped and an object to be detected Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined time, the faucet device 14 and thus the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction or in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, as shown in Fig. 23. Also, when the object to be detected Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the faucet device 14 is rotating, the rotation of the faucet device 14 and thus the water outlet 10a is stopped.

[0164] On the other hand, in this third embodiment, as shown in Figure 24, when in the non-locked state, the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) will not rotate even if the detected object Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined period of time.

[0165] Also, as shown in Figure 25, if the detected object Do continues to approach the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for a predetermined period of time or longer while the faucet device 14 is stopped, the locked-on state will be switched to the non-locked-on state, and the non-locked-on state will be switched to the locked-on state.

[0166] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the rotation device 7 is in a state (locked-on state) in which the operation of the motor 72 for rotating the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) can be controlled when the non-contact sensors (sensors 81, 82) continue to detect the object Do for a predetermined period of time or more. In other words, it is only when the non-contact sensors (sensors 81, 82) continue to detect the object Do for a predetermined period of time or more that the rotation device 7 is in a state in which control for rotating the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) can be performed. This makes it even more difficult for the water outlet 10a to rotate unintentionally, further improving convenience. [Fourth embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a water discharge / stop sensor 5 is provided to switch water discharge or water stop at the water outlet 10a. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the water discharge / stop sensor 5 is not provided, and the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 are configured to also function as the water discharge / stop sensor 5.

[0167] In the fourth embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured to selectively control the operation of the motor 72 or the solenoid valve 6 when a first detection signal or a second detection signal is output so that the sensors 81, 82 also function as the water discharge / stop sensor 5. In more detail, the control device 76 in the fourth embodiment includes a mode storage unit 765, a mode switching unit 766, and a solenoid valve control unit 767, as shown in Fig. 27. In this embodiment, the mode switching unit 766 corresponds to the "switching means."

[0168] The mode storage unit 765 stores information indicating the target of operational control when the first detection signal or the second detection signal is output. The mode storage unit 765 is configured with, for example, a RAM, and stores information indicating the rotation control mode or the water discharge / stop control mode. The rotation control mode is a state in which the motor 72 can be controlled (i.e., the motor 72 is the target of operational control) when the first detection signal or the second detection signal is output from the sensors 81, 82. On the other hand, the water discharge / stop control mode is a state in which the solenoid valve 6 can be controlled (i.e., the solenoid valve 6 is the target of operational control) when the first detection signal or the second detection signal is output from the sensors 81, 82.

[0169] The mode switching unit 766 constitutes a part of the processing unit 761 (it may be separate from the processing unit 761), and switches between the rotation control mode and the water discharge / stop control mode based on the first or second detection signal output from the sensors 81, 82 and the information stored in the mode storage unit 765. More specifically, the mode switching unit 766 determines whether the output of the first or second detection signal from the sensors 81, 82 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., one second) or more when the motor 72 is not in operation. Then, when the output of the first or second detection signal continues for a predetermined time or more, if the mode storage unit 765 stores information indicating the rotation control mode, the mode switching unit 766 switches (updates) the information stored in the mode storage unit 765 to information indicating the water discharge / stop control mode. On the other hand, when information indicating the water discharge / stop control mode is stored in the mode memory unit 765, the mode switching unit 766 switches the information stored in the mode memory unit 765 to information indicating the rotation control mode.

[0170] Next, a processing unit 761 in the fourth embodiment will be described before describing the solenoid valve control unit 767. The processing unit 761 performs calculations based on input signals and generates commands according to the calculation results, as in the first embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, the generated commands are changed according to information related to the mode stored in the mode storage unit 765.

[0171] In more detail, when the motor 72 is not operating and information indicating that the mode is the rotation control mode is stored in the mode storage unit 765 (when the mode is the rotation control mode), the processing unit 761 generates a first rotation command when a first detection signal is output from the first sensor 81 for less than a predetermined time. Also, when the motor 72 is not operating and the mode is the rotation control mode, the processing unit 761 generates a second rotation command when a second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined time. When the first rotation command or the second rotation command is generated, the operation of the motor 72 is controlled by the motor control unit 762, and the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate. Therefore, in the rotation control mode, the first sensors 81, 82 are used to operate the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a).

[0172] On the other hand, when the motor 72 is not operating and the mode memory unit 765 stores information indicating that the mode is the water discharge / stop control mode (i.e., when the mode is the water discharge / stop control mode), if the first detection signal is output from the first sensor 81 for less than a predetermined time, the processing unit 761 generates a water discharge command as a command to discharge water from the water outlet 10a. Also, when the motor 72 is not operating and the mode is the water discharge / stop control mode, if the second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined time, the processing unit 761 generates a water stop command as a command to stop water at the water outlet 10a.

[0173] The solenoid valve control unit 767 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 6 to switch between water discharge and water stop at the water outlet 10a. In detail, when a water discharge command is generated by the processing unit 761 (i.e., when a first detection signal is output from the first sensor 81 in the water discharge / stop control mode), the solenoid valve control unit 767 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 6 to discharge water at the water outlet 10a. On the other hand, when a water stop command is generated by the processing unit 761 (i.e., when a second detection signal is output from the second sensor 82 in the water discharge / stop control mode), the solenoid valve control unit 767 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 6 to stop water at the water outlet 10a. Note that if a water discharge command is generated when water is already being discharged at the water outlet 10a, or if a water stop command is generated when water is already stopped at the water outlet 10a, the solenoid valve control unit 767 maintains the solenoid valve 6 in its current state.

[0174] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the water discharge / stop control mode, the sensors 81 and 82 are used to switch between water discharge and water stop at the water outlet 10a. Also, in the first embodiment, the water discharge / stop sensor 5 is a common operation target for both water discharge and water stop at the water outlet 10a, but in the fourth embodiment, the first sensor 81 is a dedicated operation target for water discharge at the water outlet 10a, and the second sensor 82 is a dedicated operation target for water stop at the water outlet 10a.

[0175] Next, normal operations of the processing unit 761 related to the rotation of the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) and the spouting or stopping of water at the water outlet 10a in this fourth embodiment will be described with reference to a flow chart such as FIG.

[0176] First, in step S81, it is confirmed whether the motor 72 is operating. If the motor 72 is operating (step S81: Yes), the process proceeds to step S82, and if the motor 72 is not operating (step S81: No), the process proceeds to step S84. Note that the processes of steps S82 and S83 are almost the same as the processes of steps S12 and S13 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] If the motor 72 is not operating, in step S84, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the mode is the rotation control mode is stored in the mode storage unit 765 (i.e., whether or not the mode is the rotation control mode). If the mode is the rotation control mode (step S84: Yes), the process proceeds to step S85, where the rotation control mode processing is executed, and the process returns to step S81. On the other hand, if the mode is not the rotation control mode (i.e., if the mode is the water discharge / stop control mode) (step S84: No), the process proceeds to step S86, where the water discharge / stop control mode processing is executed, and the process returns to step S81.

[0178] In the rotation control mode process, the process shown in Fig. 29 is performed. The processes of steps S91 to S107, and S109 performed in the rotation control mode process are almost the same as the processes of steps S51 to S67, and S69 in the lock-on state process in the third embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0179] Furthermore, in the rotation control mode process, if the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on (step S107: Yes), in step S108, the information stored in the mode storage unit 765 is switched to information indicating the water discharge / stop control mode. By this process, in the rotation control mode, if the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal from the sensors 81, 82 continues for a predetermined time or more, the mode is switched from the rotation control mode to the water discharge / stop control mode.

[0180] Next, the water discharge / stop control mode process will be described. In the water discharge / stop control mode process, the process shown in Fig. 30 is performed. The processes in steps S111 to 123, 125, 127, and 129 performed in the rotation control mode process are almost the same as the processes in steps S91 to 103, 105, 107, and 109 in the rotation control mode process, so their description will be omitted.

[0181] Furthermore, in the water discharge / stop control mode process, if the first short input flag is on (step S123: Yes), a water discharge command is generated in step S124. The generation of the water discharge command causes water to be discharged from the water discharge port 10a.

[0182] Furthermore, in the water discharge / stop control mode process, if the second short input flag is on (step S125: Yes), a water stop command is generated in step S 126. The generation of the water stop command causes water to be stopped at the water discharge port 10a.

[0183] Additionally, in the water discharge / stop control mode process, if the first long input flag or the second long input flag is on (step S127: Yes), in step S128, the information stored in the mode storage unit 765 is switched to information indicating the rotation control mode. By this process, in the water discharge / stop control mode, if the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal from the sensors 81, 82 continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, the mode is switched from the water discharge / stop control mode to the rotation control mode.

[0184] The faucet system 1 according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above operates as follows when operated by a user. That is, in the rotation control mode, as in the first embodiment, when the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped and the detected object Do approaches the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined time, the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction or in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Also, when the detected object Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is rotating, the rotation of the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a is stopped.

[0185] On the other hand, in this fourth embodiment, when the water discharge / stop control mode is selected, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, when the object to be detected Do is brought close to the first sensor 81 for less than a predetermined time, water is discharged from the water outlet 10a, and when the object to be detected Do is brought close to the second sensor 82 for less than a predetermined time, water is stopped from the water outlet 10a.

[0186] In addition, when the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped, if the detected object Do continues to approach the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the rotation control mode is switched to the water discharge / stop control mode, and the water discharge / stop control mode is switched to the rotation control mode.

[0187] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the mode switching unit 766 can switch between the rotation control mode and the water discharge / stop control mode, and the object to be controlled in response to the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal can be switched between the motor 72 and the solenoid valve 6. Therefore, the operation related to the rotation of the faucet device 14 (the water outlet 10a) and the operation related to the water discharge / stop at the water outlet 10a can be performed using a common non-contact sensor (sensors 81, 82). This makes it unnecessary to provide a water discharge / stop sensor 5 for stopping water discharge separately from the non-contact sensor, and simplifies the faucet system 1. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of the faucet system 1.

[0188] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, in the water discharge / stop control mode, the first sensor 81 is used for water discharge, and the second sensor 82 is used for water stop. Therefore, since the roles of the two sensors 81, 82 in the water discharge / stop control mode are clearly divided, operations related to water discharge / stop can be performed more easily and intuitively, further improving convenience for the user. Fifth embodiment Next, the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 8 is composed of non-contact sensors (first sensor 81 and second sensor 82). In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, a first foot switch 15 and a second foot switch 16 are provided as the operation unit, and these foot switches 15, 16 allow the user to operate the motor 72 and thus the water outlet 10a using parts of the body other than the hands (basically the feet).

[0189] The foot switches 15, 16 are arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, for example, on the front surface of the leg of the base 102. Each foot switch 15, 16 has a pressed part that is the object of a pressing operation, and a signal output part (not shown) that outputs a predetermined detection signal when the pressed part is pressed. Each foot switch 15, 16 outputs a detection signal from the signal output part when the pressed part is pressed. The output detection signal is input to the control device 76 via a predetermined signal line (not shown). In the fifth embodiment, the first foot switch 15 corresponds to the first sensor 81 in the first embodiment, and is capable of outputting a first detection signal as a detection signal. On the other hand, the second foot switch 16 corresponds to the second sensor 82 in the first embodiment, and is capable of outputting a second detection signal as a detection signal.

[0190] The water faucet system 1 according to the fifth embodiment configured as described above operates as follows when operated by a user. That is, when the user operates first foot switch 15 (presses the pressable portion) while the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, when the user operates second foot switch 16 while the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0191] Then, if the first foot switch 15 or the second foot switch 16 is operated again while the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is rotating, the rotation of the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) will be stopped. Even if the first foot switch 15 or the second foot switch 16 is not operated while the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is rotating, if the faucet device 14 reaches the limit of its rotatable range, the clutch operation detection switch 75 will operate and the rotation of the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) will be stopped.

[0192] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the operating section is composed of foot switches 15, 16 that can be operated by parts of the user other than the hands. Therefore, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a can be rotated while the hands are free to use, improving convenience for the user. Sixth Embodiment Next, the sixth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the faucet main body 9 (the outer first tubular portion 31 and the inner first tubular portion 41) is provided in a state in which it passes through the mounting hole 101c and penetrates the top plate portion 101b. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, the faucet main body 9 does not penetrate the top plate portion 101b, and the entire faucet main body 9 is configured to be disposed in the front space 104.

[0193] In addition, in FIG. 35, the faucet main body 9 is shown in a simplified form, but the faucet main body 9 in this sixth embodiment includes an outer first tubular portion 31 and an inner first tubular portion 41, as in the first embodiment. In addition, in this sixth embodiment, a water supply pipe w, a hot water supply pipe h, a water conduit c, a cable k (lead wire), and the like (each shown in a simplified form in FIG. 35) are provided below or inside the faucet main body 9. The water and hot water supplied from each pipe w, h are configured to flow into the water conduit c, and an electromagnetic valve 6 is interposed in the water conduit c. The part of the water conduit c downstream of the electromagnetic valve 6 constitutes the inner component 4 (not shown in FIG. 35), and water is discharged from the water outlet 10a (not shown in FIG. 35) located at the tip side of that part (the inner component 4). In addition, the cable k includes one that transmits output signals from the sensors 81, 82 to the control device 76 and one that transmits output signals from the water discharge / stop sensor 5 to the electromagnetic valve 6.

[0194] Now, to explain the faucet system 1 in the sixth embodiment in more detail, the faucet system 1 includes a base portion 20 interposed between the holding tube portion 2 and the faucet main body portion 9. In Fig. 35, the base portion 20 is shown in a simplified form. The base portion 20 includes a device connecting portion 20a that protrudes downward, and is fixed to the holding tube portion 2 with the device connecting portion 20a inserted into a hole portion 101d formed through the top plate portion 101b. As a result, the base portion 20 is installed in a state where it cannot rotate relative to the sink 101 (top plate portion 101b).

[0195] In the sixth embodiment, the holding tube portion 2 is not directly attached to the rotating device 7, does not have a male screw portion 22, and is fixed to the sink 101 (top plate portion 101) by an attachment structure (not shown). In the sixth embodiment, the above-mentioned water supply pipe w, hot water supply pipe h, water guide pipe c, cable k, etc. are inserted into the holding tube portion 2.

[0196] Furthermore, when the base portion 20 is fixed to the holding tube portion 2, it has a main body portion insertion hole 20b that communicates with the internal space of the holding tube portion 2 and extends vertically, and a transmission portion insertion hole 20c that penetrates the device connecting portion 20a. The faucet main body portion 9 is inserted and installed in the upper part of the main body portion insertion hole 20b, so that it does not penetrate the top plate portion 101b and is entirely disposed in the front side space 104. A predetermined packing (not shown), such as an X-ring, is disposed between the base portion 20 and the faucet main body portion 9 to prevent water from entering between them.

[0197] Additionally, in this sixth embodiment, in addition to the water discharge / stop sensor 5 (not shown in FIG. 35), a lever portion 13 is provided on the upper portion of the base portion 20 on the water storage portion 101a side. By operating the lever portion 13, it is possible to switch between a water discharge enabled state and a water discharge disabled state at the water outlet 10a, and to adjust the amount of water discharged from the water outlet 10a and the water temperature. In this sixth embodiment, when the water discharge enabled state is achieved by operating the lever portion 13, water can be discharged from the water outlet 10a using the water discharge / stop sensor 5.

[0198] Also in the sixth embodiment, the transmission part 73 of the rotation device 7 includes a first intermediate transmission part 732, a second intermediate transmission part 733, and a spout side transmission part 734, and the spout side transmission part 734 is disposed in the front space 104 in response to the faucet main body 9 being disposed in the front space 104. The transmission part 73 in the sixth embodiment includes a third intermediate transmission part 735 for transmitting a driving force from the second intermediate transmission part 733 located in the back space 105 to the spout side transmission part 734 located in the front space 104. The third intermediate transmission part 735 includes a rod-shaped longitudinal transmission part 735a, a one-end side transmission part 735b provided at one end of the longitudinal transmission part 735a, and an other-end side transmission part 735c provided at the other end of the longitudinal transmission part 735a.

[0199] The vertical transmission part 735a is rotatably inserted through the transmission part insertion hole 20c, and transmits the driving force by the operation of the motor 72 from the back space 105 to the front space 104 through the hole 101d. The one end side transmission part 735b is rotatable together with the vertical transmission part 735a, and a gear provided on its outer periphery is meshed with the spout side transmission part 734 (driven gear 734a). The other end side transmission part 735c is rotatable together with the vertical transmission part 735a, and a gear provided on its outer periphery is meshed with the second intermediate transmission part 733 (drive gear 733b).

[0200] In the sixth embodiment, the motor side transmission part 731 is integrated with the first intermediate transmission part 732. Also, a male screw 714 is fixed to the first intermediate transmission part 732, and a pressing part 74 is sandwiched between a head portion of the male screw 714 and the second intermediate transmission part 733, so that the second intermediate transmission part 733 is pressed against the first intermediate transmission part 732.

[0201] In the faucet system 1 of the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the motor 72 is operated by operating the operation unit 8 (sensors 81, 82), and the driving force caused by the operation of the motor 72 is transmitted to a portion of the faucet main body 9 located in the front space 104 via the third intermediate transmission unit 735 (longitudinal transmission unit 735a, etc.). As a result, the faucet device 14 and ultimately the water outlet 10a rotate, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0202] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, basically, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. In addition, since the driving force is transmitted to the portion of the faucet body 9 located in the front space 104 via the vertical transmission part 735a, it is not necessary to use a faucet body 9 that penetrates the sink 101 (top plate part 101b). This allows the faucet body 9 to be made smaller (lighter), and the smoothness of the rotation of the faucet body 9 and therefore the spout 10a can be improved. In addition, a larger installation space can be secured below the faucet body 9 for the water supply pipe w, hot water supply pipe h, water conduit c, etc. As a result, it becomes easier to naturally perform the desired functions of the faucet device 14, and the ease of installation of the faucet device 14 (faucet system 1) can be improved. Seventh embodiment Next, the seventh embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the rotation device 7 does not have a function to automatically change the position of the water outlet 10a in the rotation direction over time, and is configured to maintain the position of the water outlet 10a after the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) rotates. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured to be able to control the operation of the motor 72 so that the water outlet 10a returns to a predetermined set position when the sensors 81, 82 do not detect an object for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0203] More specifically, in the seventh embodiment, the rotation device 7 is provided with a position detector 79 as shown in FIG. 36. The position detector 79 is provided in a portion of the faucet main body 9 or the transmission unit 73 that (always) rotates with the rotation of the spout 10a (for example, the second intermediate transmission unit 733, etc.), and is composed of an encoder (not shown) capable of detecting the rotation angle of the faucet main body 9 or the portion. The position detector 79 is used to determine whether the spout 10a is located at the set position, whether the spout 10a is located to the left or right of the set position as seen by the user, and whether the spout 10a has rotated. The position detector 79 can output a signal (information) related to the rotation angle of the spout 10a to the motor control unit 762.

[0204] In addition, the motor control unit 762 sends information about the rotation angle of the water outlet 10a to the processing unit 761 based on the output signal from the position detection device 79. This enables the processing unit 761 to grasp the position of the water outlet 10a in the rotation direction.

[0205] Furthermore, when the processor 761 determines that the water outlet 10a has rotated based on the output signal from the position detector 79, it starts measuring time. The time measurement can be performed using a specified timer. Then, when the measured time exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) while the water outlet 10a is placed in a position other than the set position, the processor 761 performs processing to return the water outlet 10a to the set position.

[0206] That is, the processing unit 761 detects whether the water outlet 10a is located to the left or right of the set position as seen by the user, based on the output signal from the position detection device 79. Then, the processing unit 761 generates a first rotation command or a second rotation command based on the detected position of the water outlet 10a. That is, the processing unit 761 generates a first rotation command when the water outlet 10a is located to the left of the set position as seen by the user. On the other hand, the processing unit 761 generates a second rotation command when the water outlet 10a is located to the right of the set position as seen by the user. By generating the first rotation command or the second rotation command, the motor control unit 762 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 72, and the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate so as to return to the set position.

[0207] Furthermore, after generating the first rotation command or the second rotation command, the processing unit 761 generates a rotation stop command when it determines that the spout 10a has been placed in the set position based on the output signal from the position detection device 79. With the generation of the rotation stop command, the motor control unit 762 stops the supply of electricity to the motor 72. As a result, the spout 10a is placed (returned) to the set position.

[0208] Furthermore, the "set position" of the water outlet 10a may be, for example, a position at the center of the rotatable range of the water outlet 10a or a position at the edge of the rotatable range, but is not limited to these and may be a predetermined fixed position within the rotatable range of the water outlet 10a.

[0209] Next, normal operation of the processor 761 related to rotation of the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 37. Note that the processes in steps S11 to S17 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description of these processes will be omitted.

[0210] In the seventh embodiment, when the motor 72 is not operating and both the first detection signal and the second detection signal are not being output, that is, when a negative judgment is made in step S16, the process proceeds to steps S18 and S19, where counting processing and setting position arrangement processing are performed.

[0211] The counting process is a process for measuring the time elapsed since the most recent rotation of the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a). In the counting process, as shown in FIG. 38, first, in step S18-1, an output signal from the position detector 79 is used to determine whether or not the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) has rotated. This determination is made by comparing the rotation angle determined by the output from the position detector 79 in the previous step S18-1 with the rotation angle similarly determined in the current step S18-1, and if there is a difference between these, it is determined that the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) has rotated. If the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) has rotated (step S18-1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18-2, and if the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) has not rotated (step S18-1: No), the counting process ends and the process proceeds to the set position arrangement process in step S19.

[0212] In step S18-2, a time measurement reset process is performed. That is, the time measurement is stopped and the measured time is reset to an initial value (for example, 0). This process is performed in order to re-measure the time when the water faucet device 14 (spout 10a) is rotated again during time measurement. In step S18-3 following step S18-2, a time measurement start process is performed. In the time measurement start process, time measurement is started. After step S18-3, the setting position arrangement process of step S19 is performed.

[0213] The set position arrangement process is a process for arranging the spout 10a at the set position. In the set position arrangement process, as shown in FIG. 39, first, in step S19-1, it is determined whether or not the conditions for carrying out the processes in step S19-2 and thereafter in the set position arrangement process are met. In the seventh embodiment, in step S19-1, it is determined whether or not the measured time in the counting process has exceeded a preset predetermined time. If the measured time has not exceeded the predetermined time (step S19-1: No), the set position arrangement process is terminated and the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the measured time has exceeded the predetermined time (step S19-1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19-2. Note that if time measurement has not been performed, the measured time is set to an initial value, and therefore a negative determination is made in step S19-1.

[0214] In step S19-2, the output signal from the position detector 79 is used to determine whether or not the spout 10a is located at the set position. If the spout 10a is located at the set position (step S19-2: Yes), there is no need to rotate the water faucet device 14 (spout 10a), so steps S19-3 to S19-7 are skipped and the process moves to step S19-8. On the other hand, if the spout 10a is not located at the set position (step S19-2: No), in step S19-3, the output signal from the position detector 79 is used to determine whether or not the spout 10a is located to the left of the set position as viewed by the user.

[0215] If the water outlet 10a is located to the left of the set position as seen by the user (step S19-3: Yes), a first rotation command is generated in step S19-4. On the other hand, if the water outlet 10a is located to the right of the set position as seen by the user (step S19-3: No), a second rotation command is generated in step S19-5. By generating the first rotation command or second rotation command, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate towards the set position.

[0216] After steps S19-4 and S19-5, in step S19-6, the output signal from the position detector 79 is used to repeatedly determine whether the spout 10a is located at the set position until the spout 10a is located at the set position. If the spout 10a is located at the set position (step S19-6: Yes), a rotation stop command is generated in step S19-7. This stops the spout 10a at the set position.

[0217] In step S19-8 following step S19-7, a reset process is performed on the information used as the basis for determining whether or not to perform the processes in and after step S19-2. In the seventh embodiment, in the reset process, a time measurement reset process similar to step S18-2 is performed to reset the measured time to an initial value (for example, 0). After step S18-7, the process returns to step S11.

[0218] The faucet system 1 according to the seventh embodiment configured as described above operates as follows. That is, similarly to the first embodiment, when a detected object is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 while the faucet device 14 (outlet 10a) is stopped, the faucet device 14 and therefore the outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction or in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Furthermore, when a detected object is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the faucet device 14 (outlet 10a) is rotating, the rotation of the faucet device 14 and therefore the outlet 10a is stopped.

[0219] On the other hand, if the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) has been rotated to a position other than the set position, when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed since the most recent rotation of the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a), the water outlet 10a will automatically rotate to be positioned at the set position.

[0220] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, basically the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0221] In addition, according to the seventh embodiment, when no operation is performed on the operating unit 8 (detection of an object by the sensors 81, 82) for a predetermined period of time or more, the water outlet 10a can be automatically rotated and placed (returned) to a predetermined set position. Therefore, the water outlet 10a can be returned to the set position without touching the water faucet device 14, further improving convenience.

[0222] Furthermore, the water outlet 10a will basically be located in the set position (unless it has been rotated recently), and the state in which the water outlet 10a is located in the set position will be the normal state for the user. Therefore, when the water faucet system 1 is used after a certain amount of time has passed since the water outlet 10a was rotated, the position of the water outlet 10a will be less likely to differ from the normal state (because the water outlet 10a will automatically return to the set position). This further improves convenience for the user. Eighth embodiment Next, the eighth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured to be able to control the operation of the motor 72 so that the water outlet 10a returns to a predetermined set position when the sensors 81, 82 do not detect an object for a predetermined period of time or longer. In contrast, in the eighth embodiment, the rotation device 7 is configured to be able to control the operation of the motor 72 so that the water outlet 10a returns to a predetermined set position when the sensors 81, 82 detect an object in a predetermined manner.

[0223] In detail, as in the seventh embodiment described above, the processing unit 761 is capable of determining, based on the output signal from the position detection device 79, whether the water outlet 10a is located at the set position, and whether the water outlet 10a is located to the left or right of the set position as seen by the user.

[0224] And, the processing unit 761 basically generates a first rotation command when the first sensor 81 outputs a first detection signal while the motor 72 is not operating, and generates a second rotation command when the second sensor 82 outputs a second detection signal. However, if the output of the first detection signal or the second detection signal continues for a predetermined time or more, the processing unit 761 executes a process to return the water outlet 10a to the set position. That is, in the eighth embodiment, "when the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 continues for a predetermined time or more" corresponds to "when the detection of the object by the sensors 81, 82 is performed in a predetermined manner set in advance." Note that the "predetermined manner" can be changed as appropriate. For example, "when the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 is performed a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time" or "causing the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 to detect the object in a certain procedure" may correspond to "when the detection of the object by the sensors 81, 82 is performed in a predetermined manner set in advance."

[0225] Next, normal operation of the processor 761 related to rotation of the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) in this eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 40. Note that since the processes in steps S11 to S14 and S16 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, descriptions of these processes will be omitted.

[0226] In the eighth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 40, when the first detection signal is output while the motor 72 is not operating, i.e., when the determination in step S14 is affirmative, a first detection signal response process is performed in step S150. On the other hand, when the second detection signal is output while the motor 72 is not operating, i.e., when the determination in step S16 is affirmative, a second detection signal response process is performed in step S160.

[0227] In the first detection signal response process, first, in step S150-1, a first short input flag is set to ON as shown in Fig. 41. As in the third embodiment, the first short input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 continued for less than the predetermined time, such as when the object approaches the first sensor 81 for an instant.

[0228] In the processing of steps S150-2 and S150-3 following step S150-1, it is determined whether the output of the first detection signal has been continuously performed for a predetermined time or more. If the output of the first detection signal has been continuously performed for a predetermined time or more (step S150-2: Yes), in steps S150-4 and S150-5, the first long input flag is changed from OFF to ON, and the first short input flag is turned OFF. As in the third embodiment, the first long input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the first sensor 81 has continued for the predetermined time or more, such as when the object continues to approach the first sensor 81 for a relatively long time. After the processing of step S150-5, the process proceeds to step S150-6.

[0229] On the other hand, if the output of the first detection signal is not performed continuously for a predetermined period of time or longer, i.e., if the first sensor 81 detects the object for only a relatively short period of time (step S150-3: No), the first long input flag is turned off and the first short input flag is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S150-6.

[0230] In steps S150-6 to S150-9, processing is performed according to the state (on or off) of the first short input flag and the first long input flag. That is, if the first short input flag is on (step S150-6: Yes), a first rotation command is generated in step S150-7, and the first short input flag is turned off in step S150-8, and the first detection signal response processing is terminated. By generating the first rotation command, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the spout 10a rotate in a predetermined direction.

[0231] On the other hand, if the first short input flag is off (step S150-6), that is, if the first long input flag is on, a setting position arrangement process is performed in step S150-9, and the first detection signal response process is terminated. This setting position arrangement process is basically the same as the setting position arrangement process in the seventh embodiment. However, in this eighth embodiment, in step S19-1, a determination is made as to whether or not the first long input flag is on as a determination as to whether or not the conditions for performing the processes in step S19-2 and thereafter are satisfied, and if the first long input flag is on, the process proceeds to step S19-2. Also, in the reset process in step S19-8, a process is performed to turn off the first long input flag.

[0232] Next, the second detection signal response process will be described. In this process, as shown in Fig. 42, first, in step S160-1, the second short input flag is set to ON. As in the third embodiment, the second short input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the second sensor 82 continued for less than the predetermined time, such as when the object approaches the second sensor 82 for an instant.

[0233] In steps S160-2 and S160-3 following step S160-1, it is determined whether the output of the second detection signal has continued for a predetermined time or more. If the output of the second detection signal has continued for a predetermined time or more (step S160-2: Yes), in steps S160-4 and S160-5, the second long input flag is changed from off to on, and the second short input flag is turned off. As in the third embodiment, the second long input flag is information indicating that the detection of the object by the second sensor 82 has continued for the predetermined time or more, such as when the object continues to approach the second sensor 82 for a relatively long time. After the process of step S160-5, the process proceeds to step S160-6.

[0234] On the other hand, if the output of the second detection signal is not performed continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, i.e., if the second sensor 82 detects the object for only a relatively short period of time (step S160-3: No), the second long input flag is turned off and the second short input flag is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S160-6.

[0235] In steps S160-6 to S160-9, processing is performed according to the state (on or off) of the second short input flag and the second long input flag. That is, if the second short input flag is on (step S160-6: Yes), a second rotation command is generated in step S160-7, and the second short input flag is turned off in step S160-8, and the second detection signal response processing is terminated. By generating the second rotation command, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the spout 10a rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0236] On the other hand, if the second short input flag is off (step S160-6: No), that is, if the second long input flag is on, the setting position arrangement process is performed in step S160-9, and the second detection signal response process is terminated. This setting position arrangement process is basically the same as the setting position arrangement process in the seventh embodiment. However, in this setting position arrangement process, in step S19-1, a determination is made as to whether or not the second long input flag is on as a determination as to whether or not the conditions for performing the processes in step S19-2 and subsequent steps are satisfied, and if the second long input flag is on, the process proceeds to step S19-2. Also, in the reset process in step S19-8, a process is performed to turn off the second long input flag.

[0237] The faucet system 1 according to the eighth embodiment configured as described above operates as follows. That is, similarly to the first embodiment, when a detected object is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for a relatively short time while the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped, the faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a rotate in a predetermined direction or in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Also, when a detected object is brought close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 again while the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is rotating, the rotation of the faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a is stopped.

[0238] On the other hand, when the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is stopped and the water outlet 10a is positioned in a position other than the set position, if an object to be detected continues to approach the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the water outlet 10a will rotate and be positioned in the set position.

[0239] As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, basically the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0240] In addition, according to the eighth embodiment, when the operation unit 8 (sensors 81, 82) detects an object to be detected in a predetermined manner, the water outlet 10a can be automatically rotated to be placed (returned) to the set position. This allows the water outlet 10a to be returned to the set position without touching the water faucet device 14, further improving convenience.

[0241] Also, unlike the seventh embodiment, there is no need to wait for time to pass until the water outlet 10a is placed (returned) to the set position, and the user can place the water outlet 10a in the set position at their convenience without touching the water faucet device 14. Therefore, in this respect as well, convenience for the user can be improved.

[0242] The technical ideas in the first to eighth embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0243] (a) In the above second embodiment and the like, sensors 81, 82 are provided on the tip surface of water discharger 10, but sensors 81, 82 may also be provided on the side surface (top surface) of the tip of water discharger 10, as shown in FIG.

[0244] In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, the sensors 81 and 82 are arranged on the left and right sides as viewed from the user, but the sensors 81 and 82 may be arranged above and below or front and rear as viewed from the user.

[0245] (b) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, a rotation range setting section may be provided to enable the rotation range of the faucet device 14 and thus the water outlet 10a to be set in multiple stages. For example, as shown in Fig. 44, the rotation range setting section 17 can be configured with a rotation restricting protrusion 171 protruding from the outer periphery of the faucet main body 9 (outer component 3), a plurality of insertion holes 172 formed in the upper end surface of the holding tube 2, and a rod-shaped section 173 that can be inserted into the insertion holes 172 with its upper portion protruding from the upper end surface of the holding tube 2. In this configuration, the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a can be rotated within a range up to the point where the rotation restricting protrusion 171 comes into contact with the rod-shaped section 173, and the rotation range of the faucet device 14 and the water outlet 10a can be set in multiple stages by adjusting the installation position of the rod-shaped section 173. Therefore, it is easily possible to prevent the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) from reaching an undesirable position in relation to surrounding objects, etc., thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0246] Incidentally, rotation range setting section 17 is established on the premise of the presence of clutch section 78 and clutch operation detection switch 75. In other words, by providing clutch section 78 and clutch operation detection switch 75, it becomes possible to set (adjust) the rotation range of faucet device 14 and water outlet 10a without any particular change to the configuration of turning device 7, simply by physically limiting the rotation of faucet device 14 and water outlet 10a to a certain range.

[0247] (c) In the first embodiment, the water outlet 10a is configured to rotate in a direction away from the object to be detected Do, but it may also be configured to rotate in a direction approaching the object to be detected Do.

[0248] (d) In the first embodiment described above, when an object to be detected is detected by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is configured to continue rotating unless a rotation stop condition is met, such as the generation of a rotation stop command. In contrast, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) may be configured to rotate a fixed angle when an object to be detected is detected by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82, in other words, the water faucet device 14 and therefore the water outlet 10a may be configured to automatically stop after rotating a fixed angle.

[0249] Also, the water outlet 10a may be configured to continue rotating while the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82 continue to detect the object to be detected, and the rotation of the water outlet 10a may be stopped when the object to be detected is no longer detected. In this configuration, the object to be detected is moved in accordance with the rotation of the water outlet 10a, and the object to be detected is kept close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82, so that the water outlet 10a rotates as if it is being pulled or pushed by the object to be detected.

[0250] In the first embodiment and the like, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is configured to stop rotating when an object to be detected is detected by the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82 while the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is rotating. In other words, the water faucet device 14 is configured to be able to operate to stop the rotation of the water outlet 10a by targeting both sensors 81, 82. On the other hand, the water faucet device 14 may be configured so that when the water outlet 10a is rotating in a predetermined direction, one of the two sensors 81, 82 is the object of operation to stop the rotation of the water outlet 10a, and when the water outlet 10a is rotating in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the other of the two sensors 81, 82 is the object of operation to stop the rotation of the water outlet 10a. For example, in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, when the water outlet 10a is rotating in a predetermined direction, the first sensor 81 becomes the target of operation for stopping the rotation of the water outlet 10a, and when the water outlet 10a is rotating in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the second sensor 82 becomes the target of operation for stopping the rotation of the water outlet 10a.

[0251] (e) In the above second embodiment, the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) is configured to rotate in the same direction as the movement direction of the detected object Do, but the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) may also be configured to rotate in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the detected object Do.

[0252] Furthermore, in a configuration in which sensors 81, 82 are arranged as in the second embodiment, the water faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) may be configured to rotate when one of the sensors 81, 82 detects an object to be detected Do. In other words, the method for operating the water outlet part 10 in the first embodiment may be applied to the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0253] (f) In the third embodiment, the locked-on state is maintained unless an operation for switching is performed. Alternatively, the locked-on state may be automatically switched to the non-locked-on state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the locked-on state was switched to.

[0254] (g) The switching between the locked-on state and the unlocked state in the third embodiment, and the switching between the rotation control mode and the water discharge / stop control mode in the fourth embodiment are configured to be performed by keeping the detected object close to the sensors 81, 82 for a predetermined time or more using the control device 76 (particularly the lock-on determination unit 764 and the mode switching unit 766). Alternatively, for example, the switching may be performed by keeping the detected object close to the sensors 81, 82 for a time that is equal to or longer than a predetermined lower limit time (e.g., 3 seconds) and equal to or shorter than a predetermined upper limit time (e.g., 4 seconds). Also, the switching may be performed by bringing the detected object close to the sensors 81, 82 in a certain order (e.g., bringing the detected object close to the first sensor 81, the second sensor 82, and the first sensor 81 in this order).

[0255] In addition, switching between the locked-on state and the unlocked state, and between the rotation control mode and the water discharge / stop control mode may be performed using a manual switch. For example, the lock-on state or the rotation control mode may be achieved by turning on the manual switch, while the unlocked state or the water discharge / stop control mode may be achieved by turning off the manual switch.

[0256] (h) In the fourth embodiment, in the water discharge / stop control mode, the water discharge or stop at the water outlet 10a is switched by bringing a detected object close to the first sensor 81 or the second sensor 82. In contrast, in the water discharge / stop control mode, when a detection signal is output from each of the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82, the operation of the solenoid valve 6 may be controlled so that water is discharged or stopped at the water outlet 10a according to the order in which these detection signals are output. In other words, the operating method for rotating the water outlet 10a in the second embodiment may be used as the operating method for switching between water discharge and water stop.

[0257] According to this configuration, in the water discharge / stop control mode, for example, when the detection signals are output in the order of the first sensor 81 and the second sensor 82, one of water discharge and water stop is performed, and conversely, when the detection signals are output in the order of the second sensor 82 and the first sensor 81, the other of water discharge and water stop is performed. Therefore, it is possible to make it less likely that water will be discharged or stopped unintentionally, compared to when water discharge or water stop is performed simply by the detection of the object Do by one of the two sensors 81, 82. This makes it possible to more effectively improve convenience for the user.

[0258] (i) Although not described in the above embodiments, in the third and fourth embodiments, a display means (such as a lamp that can emit light in two colors) may be provided to externally display that the device is in a locked-on or unlocked state, or that the device is in a rotation control mode or water discharge / stop control mode.

[0259] (j) In the fifth embodiment, the foot switches 15, 16 are configured to perform operations related to the rotation of the water outlet 10a, but the foot switches 15, 16 may also be configured to be capable of switching between water discharge and water stop at the water outlet 10a. In this configuration, the object of operation by the foot switches 15, 16 may be switched to the rotation device 7 (motor 72) or the solenoid valve 6 by, for example, a manual switch or a sensor.

[0260] (k) In the fifth embodiment, the foot switches 15 and 16 are given as examples of operating parts that can be operated using parts of the user other than the hands, but such operating parts are not limited to foot switches. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 45, a first waist switch 18 and a second waist switch 19 that can be used to rotate the water outlet 10a using the user's waist or the surrounding area may be used. In this case, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment are achieved. The configuration of the waist switches 18 and 19 is the same as that of the foot switches 15 and 16, and a first detection signal is output by pressing the first waist switch 18, and a second detection signal is output by pressing the second waist switch 19.

[0261] (l) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, from the standpoint of preventing water from flowing out of the water storage section 100a, it is preferable to set the rotational range of the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) so that the water outlet 10a is always positioned vertically above the water storage section 101a.

[0262] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of further improving convenience by increasing the range in which the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) can be rotated, the range in which the faucet device 14 (water outlet 10a) can be rotated may be set so that the water outlet 10a can be positioned away from vertically above the water storage section 101a. When set in this manner, the device may be configured so that water cannot be discharged from the water outlet 10a or water discharge is stopped when the water outlet 10a is positioned away from vertically above the water storage section 101a.

[0263] (m) In the clutch portion 78 of the above embodiment, the second intermediate transmission portion 733 (second clutch gear 733a) is configured to be movable in a direction to release the meshing between the two clutch gears 732a, 733a, but the first intermediate transmission portion 732 (first clutch gear 732a) may be movable in a direction to release the meshing between the two clutch gears 732a, 733a. Of course, both intermediate transmission portions 732, 733 (both clutch gears 732a, 733a) may be movable in a direction to release the meshing between the two clutch gears 732a, 733a.

[0264] (n) In the above embodiment, the motor 72 is given as an example of an energized operation unit. However, an actuator other than a motor that operates when energized (such as a solenoid) may also be used as the energized operation unit.

[0265] (o) In the first embodiment and the like, the water outlet 10a is configured to switch between water outlet and water stop each time the water outlet sensor 5 detects an object, and water outlet 10a continues to be discharged unless the water outlet sensor 5 detects an object. In contrast, the water outlet 10a may be configured to continue to be discharged for a fixed period of time. This configuration may be applied to the configuration according to the fourth embodiment, that is, the configuration in which sensors 81, 82 are used to switch between water outlet and water stop.

[0266] (p) The shape of the water discharger 10 in the above embodiment is an example and may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, although the outer second tubular portion 32 and the inner second tubular portion 42 in the above embodiment extend horizontally, for example, the outer second tubular portion 32 etc. may be configured to extend obliquely upward from the outer first tubular portion 31 side.

[0267] (q) In the above embodiment, the sink 101 is exemplified as a tank body, but the tank body to which the technical concept of the present invention can be applied is not limited to a sink. Therefore, for example, the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to tank bodies other than sinks, such as bathtubs and washbasins.

[0268] (r) In the above embodiment, the top plate 101b of the sink 101 is given as the attachment target, but the attachment target is not limited to the top plate 101b of the sink 101 and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the attachment target may be a counter in a kitchen.

[0269] (s) The water faucet system 1 may have an operating lever for switching between spouting and stopping water at the water outlet 10a. In this case, the water spout / stop sensor 5 may not be provided.

[0270] The faucet system 1 may also be capable of supplying hot water from the water outlet 10a.

[0271] (t) The arrangement position of the rotation device 7 is not limited to that in the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the entire rotation device 7 may be arranged in the front space 105. [Explanation of symbols]

[0272] 1...faucet system, 6...solenoid valve, 7...rotating device, 8...operation unit, 9...faucet main body, 10...water outlet, 10a...water outlet, 14...faucet device, 15...first foot switch (operation unit), 16...second foot switch (operation unit), 72...motor (energized operating unit), 73...transmission unit, 75...clutch operation detection switch (clutch operation detection means), 78...clutch unit, 81...first sensor (non-contact sensor), 82...second sensor (non-contact sensor), 101...sink (tank body), 101a...water storage unit, 101b...top plate unit (mounting target unit), 101c...mounting hole, 101d...hole portion, 104...front space, 105...rear space, 732a...first clutch gear, 733a...second clutch gear, 733b...drive gear, 734a...driven gear, 735a...vertical transmission unit.

Claims

1. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined attachment part and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage part in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, The attachment target portion defines a front space that is visible to a user and a back space that is invisible or difficult to be visible to a user, The rotating device is configured so that at least the energizing operation unit is installed in the rear space, The water faucet device is A faucet main body part at least a portion of which is disposed in the front space and which is rotatable in response to the operation of the energizing operation part; a water outlet portion extending from a portion of the faucet main body located in the front space toward an upper position of the water storage portion and having the water outlet at a tip end thereof; By operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operation unit, the faucet main body rotates, and the water discharge unit and the water discharge port are configured to be rotatable left and right as seen by the user in accordance with the rotation of the faucet main body, The rotation device includes a longitudinal transmission part that transmits a driving force generated by the operation of the energization operation part from the rear space to the front space through a hole formed through the attachment target part, This faucet system is characterized in that by operating the operating unit, the driving force caused by the operation of the energizing operating unit is transmitted via the vertical transmission unit to a portion of the faucet main body located in the front space, causing the faucet main body to rotate.

2. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so that the water outlet rotates in a predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the first sensor, and rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the second sensor.

3. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energized operating unit so that when the detection signals are output from each of the first sensor and the second sensor, the water outlet rotates in a direction corresponding to the order in which the detection signals are output.

4. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided, which are arranged on both sides of the water discharger, on the left and right sides as seen from a user, and each of which is capable of outputting the detection signal, The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to continue rotating the water outlet while the object to be detected is detected by the first sensor and the second sensor, and to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the object to be detected is no longer detected.

5. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal; The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so that the water outlet rotates in a predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the first sensor, and rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the detection signal is output from the second sensor.

6. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal; The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energized operating unit so that when the detection signals are output from each of the first sensor and the second sensor, the water outlet rotates in a direction corresponding to the order in which the detection signals are output.

7. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, The water faucet device has a water discharge portion that extends from the attachment portion side toward the water storage portion side when viewed in a plan view and has the water discharge port at a tip end side, As the non-contact type sensor, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the tip of the water discharger, arranged on the left and right sides as seen from the user, with detection ranges of the object to be detected separated to the left and right, and each capable of outputting the detection signal; The faucet system is characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to continue rotating the water outlet while the object to be detected is detected by the first sensor and the second sensor, and to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the object to be detected is no longer detected.

8. A faucet system including a faucet device that is attached to a predetermined mounting portion and has a water outlet that discharges water into a water storage portion in a tank body, A rotating device having an energization operation part that can be operated by energization; an operation unit for operating the energization operation unit, the operation unit being configured so as to be operable by a user without touching the operation unit with his / her hands; The faucet device is configured to be rotatable such that the water outlet rotates left and right as seen by a user by operating the operating unit to operate the energizing operating unit, the operation unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an approaching object without contact and outputting a predetermined detection signal when the object is detected; The rotating device is configured to be able to control the operation of the energizing operation unit based on an output of the detection signal, A faucet system characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energizing operating unit so as to stop the rotation of the water outlet when the detection signal is output while the water outlet is rotating.

9. The faucet system described in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the rotation device is configured to be in a state where the operation of the energized operating unit for rotating the water outlet can be controlled when detection of an object by the non-contact sensor continues for a predetermined period of time or longer.

10. A solenoid valve is provided for switching between water discharge and water stop at the water discharge port. the rotating device is configured to be able to control an operation of the energizing operation unit or the solenoid valve when the detection signal is output, The faucet system described in any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the rotation device has a switching means that can switch between a rotation control mode in which the operation of the energized operating unit can be controlled when the detection signal is output from the non-contact sensor, and a water discharge / stop control mode in which the operation of the solenoid valve can be controlled when the detection signal is output from the non-contact sensor.

11. The faucet system described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rotation device is configured to control the operation of the energized operating unit so that the water outlet is positioned at a predetermined set position when the operating unit is operated in a predetermined manner.

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