Faucet equipment

Abstract

To provide a faucet device for giving a good use feeling to a user while effectively suppressing occurrence of a detection error in a photoelectric sensor.SOLUTION: A faucet device includes a base end part, a rotation part provided on an upper face side of the base end part so as to be rotatable with respect to the base end part, extending to a front side, and having a water discharge port, a sensor window provided on a side face of the rotation part, a photoelectric sensor provided in the rotation part for transmitting / receiving a signal via the sensor window to detect an object, a changeover device for changing over discharged water to flow to the water discharge port, and a control part for controlling the changeover device according to a state detected by the photoelectric sensor. A projecting element of the photoelectric sensor is set to project detection light to the front side at an angle of θ2 degrees to a right lateral direction in the state that the rotation part is at an initial set position, and the rotation part can be rotated from the initial set position to the sensor window side by an angle of θ1 degrees which satisfies θ1≤θ2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water faucet device. [Background technology]

[0002] A commonly known water faucet device has a configuration that includes a solenoid valve for switching between water supply and stop, a controller for controlling the solenoid valve, a sensor that detects the user's "wave of the hand" to initiate the water supply and stop switching operation, and a faucet body having a manually operated lever that can adjust the temperature and flow rate of the hot and cold water mix (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, a configuration that takes into consideration high-temperature water discharge is also known (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 6-30920 [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-190452 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present inventors have been thoroughly studying the placement of a photoelectric sensor in a type of faucet device (a so-called "faucet device with a swivel function") that includes a base end, a rotating part that is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the base end relative to the base end, extends forward and has a water outlet, a switching device that switches between stopping and releasing water flowing to the water outlet, and a control unit that controls the switching device in response to the detection state of a photoelectric sensor (a sensor that detects the user's "waving of the hand").

[0006] In the above type of water faucet device, the rotating part is rotatable relative to the base end, so that the position of the water outlet can be rotated, providing a high level of convenience.

[0007] The inventors of the present invention initially considered placing a photoelectric sensor at the base end, which is unrelated to the position and orientation of the rotating part. However, as a result of a monitoring survey, it was found that placing the photoelectric sensor on the rotating part located above the base end provided a better user experience than placing it on the base end, which is located relatively lower. (Users seem to want to avoid leaning forward as much as possible.)

[0008] The inventors next considered placing a photoelectric sensor on the upper surface of the back of the rotating part, which is relatively unrelated to the position and orientation of the rotating part. However, a monitoring survey revealed that if an object detection sensor is placed on the upper back of the rotating part, the rotating part may get wet when a wet hand is placed over the sensor, which is unpleasant for users.

[0009] The inventors next considered placing a photoelectric sensor on the side of the rotating part, and as a result of monitoring surveys, this configuration provided the best user experience.

[0010] On the other hand, in the faucet device of the type covered by the present invention, the rotating part is rotatable with respect to the base end, so that the position of the water outlet can be rotated, providing high convenience. However, if the light-projecting element is configured to project detection light straight to the side (or diagonally backward) when the rotating part is in the initial setting position (extending to the front side), when the rotating part is rotated toward the light-projecting window side, the detection light may be reflected by the vanity wall surface or the like that may be present behind the rotating part, resulting in erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor.

[0011] The present invention was devised based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a water faucet device (a so-called "water faucet device with a swing function") that includes a base end, a rotating part that is rotatably provided on the upper surface of the base end with respect to the base end, extends forward and has a water outlet, a switching device that switches between stopping and releasing water flowing to the water outlet, and a control part that controls the switching device according to the detection state of an object detection sensor (a sensor that detects the "waving of a hand" by the user), which is comfortable to use for the user and can effectively suppress the occurrence of false detection by a photoelectric sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] the light-emitting element projects the detection light or detection wave, and a light-receiving element receives the reflected light or reflected wave of the detection light or detection wave projected by the light-emitting element, and when the rotating part is in an initial setting position, the light-emitting element projects the detection light or detection wave forward by θ2 degrees from the side, and the rotating part is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element projects the detection light or detection wave forward by θ2 degrees from the side, and the rotating part is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and the light-emitting element is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window, and

[0013] According to the present invention, a faucet device that is comfortable for the user can be provided by activating a reflective object detection sensor through a sensor window provided on the side of the rotating part.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the rotation angle range θ1 degree on the sensor window side of the rotating part is limited to a range that satisfies θ1≦θ2 when the detection light or detection wave is projected forward by θ2 degrees from the lateral direction with the rotating part in the initial setting position, so that when the rotating part is rotated by the maximum angle (θ2 degrees) toward the sensor window side, the detection light or detection wave is projected just lateral, that is, the detection light or detection wave is not projected backward. This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light or detection wave being reflected by the vanity wall surface or the like that may be present behind the rotating part, resulting in erroneous detection by the reflective object detection sensor.

[0015] It is further preferable that the light receiving element is disposed rearward of the light emitting element.

[0016] If the light-receiving element is positioned behind the light-projecting element, the risk of the light-receiving element receiving undesired reflected light or reflected waves is reduced, thereby further significantly reducing the possibility of erroneous detection by the reflective object detection sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the sensor holding member further comprises a light-projecting window that houses the light-projecting element and the light-receiving element, while having a light-projecting window that allows the detection light or the detection wave to pass through, and a light-receiving window that allows the reflected light or the reflected wave to pass through, and that the rear end of the light-projecting window is located forward of the light-projecting element when the rotating part is in the initial setting position.

[0018] According to this, the detection light or detection wave (or a part of it) projected (leaked) from the light-projecting element through the rear end of the light-projecting window does not travel toward the rear side (toward the light-receiving window) in a straight lateral direction, thereby significantly reducing the risk that the detection light or detection wave (or a part of it) will be repeatedly refracted inside the sensor window, etc., enter the light-receiving window, reach the light-receiving element, and cause a false detection. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a faucet device that is comfortable to use can be provided by operating a reflective object detection sensor through a sensor window provided on the side of the rotating part. Also, according to the present invention, the rotation angle range θ1 degree on the sensor window side of the rotating part is limited to a range that satisfies θ1≦θ2 when the detection light or detection wave is projected forward by θ2 degrees from the sideways direction when the rotating part is in the initial setting position, so that when the rotating part is rotated by the maximum angle (θ2 degrees) toward the sensor window side, the detection light or detection wave is projected just sideways, that is, the detection light or detection wave is not projected backward. This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light or detection wave being reflected by the vanity wall surface or the like that may be present behind the rotating part, resulting in erroneous detection by the reflective object detection sensor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a bathroom vanity unit on which a faucet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rear position of the bowl portion of the washbasin vanity unit of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base end of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the base end portion of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the base end portion of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a base end portion and a rotating portion of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating part of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating part of the water faucet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the rotating portion in FIG. 9 has been rotated to the left (sensor window side). [Figure 11] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating part of a water faucet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12]12 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the rotating part in FIG. 11 has been rotated to the left (sensor window side). [Figure 13] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating part of a water faucet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the rotating portion in FIG. 13 has been rotated to the left (sensor window side). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] (Overall configuration of the bathroom vanity 100) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a bathroom vanity 100 in which a water faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed, and Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bathroom vanity 100 in Fig. 1 at a rear position of a bowl portion 102.

[0022] The faucet device 1 of this embodiment is a hot and cold water mixing faucet capable of adjusting the flow and temperature of hot and cold water. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a hot water inlet 2 and a cold water inlet 3 are provided on a lower wall surface 103 of a vanity unit 100, and the hot water inlet 2 is connected to a hot and cold water mixing valve 21 (see Figure 6 described later) in a base end portion 10 of the faucet device 1 via a hot water supply solenoid valve 52 and a hot water supply pipe 22, and the cold water inlet 3 is connected to the same hot and cold water mixing valve 21 via a water supply solenoid valve 53 and a water supply pipe 23.

[0023] The hot and cold water mixing valve 21 is of a known configuration and is capable of controlling (operating) flow and temperature adjustments using a single lever cartridge. Specifically, hot water is supplied through a hot water supply pipe 22, cold water is supplied through a water supply pipe 23, and after being mixed to a desired flow rate and temperature according to the position and attitude of the single lever cartridge, the water is discharged through a water outlet pipe 24 and a hose 25.

[0024] Hose 25 is connected to water outlet pipe 24, and passes through hose spacer guide 26 fixed to water outlet pipe 24, thereby restricting its movement in the space below washstand 100. In addition, below hose spacer guide 26, stopper 27 is attached to hose 25, restricting the amount by which hose 25 can be pulled out.

[0025] The faucet device 1 of this embodiment is disposed above the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100 with a gap of about 4 cm.

[0026] The faucet device 1 of this embodiment comprises a substantially U-shaped base end 10 having a right-side (one side) protrusion, a flow and temperature control lever 20 (flow and temperature control control section) provided on the right-side (one side) side of the right-side (one side) protrusion of the base end 10, and a rotating section 30 (including a pull-out member 40 described later) provided on the upper surface side of the base end 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the base end 10.

[0027] (Base end portion 10 of faucet device 1) The faucet device 1 is fixed to the bathroom vanity unit 100 at its base end portion 10.

[0028] Figure 3 is an oblique view of the base end 10 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, Figure 4 is a plan view of the base end 10 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, Figure 5 is a front view of the base end 10 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base end 10 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment.

[0029] 3 to 6, the base end 10 is a hollow member having a substantially U-shaped shape with a protruding portion on the right side (one side), and has a small diameter cylindrical portion 13 on the upper surface side. A sensor holding member 32 (see FIGS. 7 and 8), which will be described later, is fitted into the small diameter cylindrical portion 13.

[0030] As shown in particular in Figure 4, small diameter tubular portion 13 is provided with a substantially cylindrical hose guide hole 15. The central axis of hose guide hole 15 is shifted to the left of the central axes of small diameter tubular portion 13 and base end portion 10. A cylindrical hose guide 17 (see Figures 3 and 6) is attached to hose guide hole 15, and hose 25 is inserted through hose guide 17. A space is provided between hose guide 17 and sensor holding member 32. In other words, hose guide 17 is positioned so that it does not come into contact with sensor holding member 32 (does not directly transmit load), at least during normal use of faucet device 1.

[0031] A harness guide hole 14 having a generally arc-shaped cylindrical shape is provided adjacent to the right side of the hose guide hole 15. This harness guide hole 14 prevents undesired load from being applied to the harness 33h (which extends from a photoelectric sensor 33 (an example of a reflective object detection sensor) described below, passes through the inside of the faucet device 1, and reaches the controller box 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2)) inserted inside the rotating part 30 when the rotating part 30 is rotated.

[0032] Furthermore, by combining the hose guide hole 15 and the harness guide hole 14 in the above-described form, both guide holes 15, 14 can be arranged in a minimal layout, resulting in excellent design.

[0033] The inner diameter of hose guide hole 15 is preferably smaller than the sum of the outer diameter of hose guide 17 and the outer diameter of harness 33h. This effectively prevents incorrect assembly during installation and maintenance of faucet device 1.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, a hot and cold water mixing valve 21 is housed inside the right side (one side) protruding portion of the base end portion 10.

[0035] (Flow and temperature control lever 20 (flow and temperature control section) of faucet device 1) The hot and cold water mixing valve 21 is a single-lever cartridge valve, and the single lever portion thereof serves as a flow and temperature adjustment operation lever 20 (flow and temperature adjustment operation section).

[0036] (Rotating part 30 of faucet device 1) Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base end portion 10 and rotating portion 30 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, Figure 8 is an exploded oblique view of the rotating portion 30 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, Figure 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the rotating portion 30 of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the rotating portion 30 in Figure 9 rotated to the left (towards the sensor window 34).

[0037] 7 and 8, the sensor holding member 32 (made of POM) of the rotating part 30 is detachably attached to the outer member 31 (made of brass casting) of the rotating part 30. Specifically, it is detachably attached from the lower side via three fixing screws 35.

[0038] 8 to 10, a horizontally long sensor window 34 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided in the upper left portion of the outer casing member 31. A light-projecting window 32a and a light-receiving window 32b provided at the tip of the sensor fitting portion 32f of the sensor holding member 32 face the sensor window 34.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the light-projecting window 32a is formed as an oblique cut opening surface of the light-projecting side tunnel 32c, which has a substantially rectangular prism shape, and similarly, the light-receiving window 32b is formed as an oblique cut opening surface of the light-receiving side tunnel 32d, which has a substantially rectangular prism shape.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a photoelectric sensor 33 (an example of a reflective object detection sensor) is fitted into and held by a sensor fitting portion 32f of the sensor holding member 32.

[0041] 9 and 10, the photoelectric sensor 33 has a light-projecting element 33a that projects detection light, and a light-receiving element 33b that receives reflected light of the detection light projected by the light-projecting element 33a. The light-receiving element 33b is disposed behind the light-projecting element 33a.

[0042] The light-projecting element 33a is configured to project detection light diagonally forward (in this embodiment, toward the front at 30 degrees (an example of θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction) when the rotating unit 30 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in a state extended toward the front as shown in FIG. 9). The detection light projected from the light-projecting element 33a passes through the light-projecting-side tunnel 32c and the light-projecting window 32a, and is transmitted through the sensor window 34, and the reflected light of the detection light passes through the sensor window 34, passes through the light-receiving window 32b and the light-receiving-side tunnel 32d, and reaches the light-receiving element 33b.

[0043] This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotation unit 30, causing a false detection by the photoelectric sensor 33, even when the rotation unit 30 is rotated toward the sensor window 34 (left side). Fig. 10 shows such a state. In Fig. 10, the rotation unit 30 is rotated toward the sensor window 34 (left side) by 30 degrees (= θ2 degrees) (as described later, in this embodiment, the 30 degrees (= θ2 degrees) is the maximum rotation angle (θ1 degree) of the rotation unit 30 toward the sensor window 34), but there is an extremely small risk of the detection light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 10) projected from the light-emitting element 33a being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, causing a false detection by the photoelectric sensor 33.

[0044] In addition, the rear end of the light-projecting window 32a is located forward of the light-projecting element 33a when the rotating unit 30 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in a state where it is extended forward as shown in FIG. 9). As a result, the detection light projected from the light-projecting element 33a and transmitted through the light-projecting window 32a travels forward at least θ degrees (see FIG. 9) in the lateral direction. In other words, (a part of) the detection light projected (leaked) from the light-projecting element 33a through the rear end of the light-projecting window 32a does not travel rearward (toward the light-receiving window 32b) in the lateral direction. This significantly reduces the risk that (a part of) the detection light will repeatedly refract inside the sensor window 34, etc., enter the light-receiving window 32b, reach the light-receiving element 33b, and cause erroneous detection.

[0045] Returning to Fig. 8, sensor fitting portion 32f of sensor holding member 32 is located on the upper end side of sensor holding member 32. A cylindrical portion 32h that rotatably fits with small diameter cylindrical portion 13 of base end portion 10 is provided on the lower end side of sensor holding member 32. Sensor fitting portion 32f and cylindrical portion 32h are connected by curved guide portion 32g that guides hose 25 so as to change the direction of hose 25 by approximately 90 degrees.

[0046] 7, the screw 36 (an example of an angle restriction member) is fixed to the outer shell member 31 of the rotating part 30 so as to pass through the through hole of the cylindrical part 32h of the sensor holding member 32 (the through hole is larger in diameter than the screw 36 so that the screw 36 and the cylindrical part 32h do not come into contact with each other). The screw 36 is movable in the circumferential direction in the circumferential groove 13g provided in the small diameter cylindrical part 13 of the base end part 10, that is, the rotatable angle of the rotating part 30 is defined as the circumferential angle of the screw 36 that can move in the circumferential groove 13g (the range defined by both the left and right ends (an example of an angle restriction cooperating part) of the circumferential groove 13g is the rotatable angle range). In this embodiment, the range from a rotation position of 30 degrees (see FIG. 10) on the left side (the sensor window 34 side) to a rotation position of 60 degrees on the right side is the rotatable angle range. In addition, an O-ring 37 is provided below the screw 36, and an anti-rattle ring 38 for preventing the outer casing member 31 from rattling is provided above the screw 36.

[0047] The photoelectric sensor 33 is disposed above a screw 36 (an example of an angle restriction member), and the sensor holding member 32 is connected to the rotating part 30 and extends from above to below the screw 36. The base end 10 has a small diameter tube portion 13 (an example of an insertion portion) located inside the rotating part 30 and extending above the screw 36, and the sensor holding member 32 further has a tubular portion 32h (a cylindrical portion in this embodiment) located between the rotating part 30 and the small diameter tube portion 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, a pull-out member 40 is provided on the front side (front surface side) of the outer casing member 31 of the rotating part 30. The pull-out member 40 is connected to the hose 25 and can move toward or away from the outer casing member 31. The pull-out member 40 is also a part of the rotating part 30, and the water outlet 41 is provided in the pull-out member 40.

[0049] (Control of faucet device 1) The flow and temperature adjustments are controlled by the user manually operating the flow and temperature adjustment lever 20 .

[0050] The switching from water stop to water discharge is controlled by the photoelectric sensor 33 detecting the user's "waving of the hand". Specifically, the detection signal of the photoelectric sensor 33 is transmitted to a controller box 55 (controller) via a harness 33h, and a predetermined drive signal is transmitted from the controller box 55 to the hot water supply solenoid valve 52 and the water supply solenoid valve 53 (an example of a switching device) via a harness (not shown) (see Figs. 1 and 2). In this embodiment, the opening of the water supply solenoid valve 53 precedes the opening of the hot water supply solenoid valve 52 by a predetermined time in order to prevent the user from getting burned.

[0051] The switch from water flowing to water stopping may be controlled by the photoelectric sensor 33 detecting the user's "hand wave" again, or the water may be automatically stopped after a predetermined time or amount of water flow has been reached.

[0052] Although not shown in the figure, a commercial AC power source is connected to the controller box 55. The harness 33h that connects the photoelectric sensor 33 to the controller box 55 includes a signal line and a power supply line. Similarly, the harness (not shown) that connects the photoelectric sensor 33 to the hot water supply solenoid valve 52 and the cold water supply solenoid valve 53 also includes a signal line and a power supply line.

[0053] (Action and effect of the faucet device 1) According to the faucet device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the photoelectric sensor 33 is activated through the sensor window 34 provided on the left side (opposite the flow and temperature adjustment lever 20) of the rotating part 30, providing a good usability for the user. In particular, the risk of erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 33 when operating the flow and temperature adjustment lever 20 can be significantly reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor 33 employed in the faucet device 1 of this embodiment is small (particularly thin) and low-cost, making it effective in controlling the water discharge and stop of the faucet device 1.

[0055] Furthermore, in the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, the light-projecting element 33a projects detection light diagonally forward (30 degrees forward from the side in this embodiment) when the rotating part 30 is in the initial setting position (i.e., extended forward as shown in Fig. 9). Therefore, even when the rotating part 30 is rotated toward the light-projecting window 32a (see Fig. 10), the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotating part 30, or the like, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 33 can be significantly reduced (see Fig. 10).

[0056] In particular, in this embodiment, when the rotating part 30 is in the initial setting position (i.e., when extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 9), the detection light is projected forward by 30 degrees (θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction, and the rotation angle range θ1 degrees on the sensor window 34 side of the rotating part 30 is limited to a range that satisfies θ1≦30 (θ2). Therefore, when the rotating part 30 is rotated 30 degrees (θ2 degrees), which is the maximum angle, on the sensor window 34 side, the detection light is projected just lateral, that is, the detection light is not projected backward. This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the washstand 100, which may be present behind the rotating part 30, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 33.

[0057] Furthermore, in the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, the light receiving element 33b is disposed behind the light emitting element 33a. This also reduces the risk of the light receiving element 33b receiving undesired reflected light, further reducing the possibility of erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 33.

[0058] Furthermore, in the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, a sensor holding member 32 is provided which houses the light projecting element 33a and the light receiving element 33b while having a light projecting window 32a which allows the transmission of detection light and a light receiving window 32b which allows the transmission of reflected light, and the rear end of the light projecting window 32a is located forward of the light projecting element 33a when the rotating part 30 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in the state where it is extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 9). As a result, (a part of) the detection light projected (leaked) from the light projecting element 33a through the rear end of the light projecting window 32a does not proceed rearward (toward the light receiving window 32b) in the lateral direction, and therefore the risk that (a part of) the detection light will repeatedly refract inside the sensor window 34, etc., enter the light receiving window 32b, reach the light receiving element 33b, and cause erroneous detection can be significantly reduced.

[0059] According to the water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the rotating part 30 is provided with a screw 36 (an example of an angle restriction member), and the screw 36 restricts the rotatable angle of the rotating part 30 from a circumferential position where the screw 36 abuts against one end (an example of an angle restriction cooperating part) of the circumferential groove 13g of the base end 10 by rotating the rotating part 30 to a circumferential position where the screw 36 abuts against the other end (an example of an angle restriction cooperating part) of the circumferential groove 13g of the base end 10 by rotating the rotating part 30 to the other side, while the screw 36 does not come into contact with the sensor holding member 32 (it penetrates a large through hole provided in the cylindrical part 32h of the sensor holding member 32). That is, a layout is adopted in which the screw 36 does not come into contact with the sensor holding member 32. As a result, the load received when the screw 36 abuts against the base end 10 (the corresponding angle regulating cooperating portion) is not directly transmitted to the sensor holding member 32 and ultimately to the photoelectric sensor 33, making it less likely that undesirable positional deviation of the photoelectric sensor 33 (especially with respect to the sensor window 34) will occur.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, a hose guide 17 is attached inside the base end 10, and a hose 25 connected to (the pull-out member 40 of) the rotating part 30 is inserted through the hose guide 17 to supply water to the water outlet 41, while the hose guide 17 does not come into contact with the sensor holding member 32. As a result, the load applied to the hose guide 17 by the hose 25 as the rotating part 30 rotates is not directly transmitted to the sensor holding member 32 and therefore to the photoelectric sensor 33, making it difficult for undesirable positional deviation of the photoelectric sensor 33 (particularly with respect to the sensor window 34) to occur.

[0061] Furthermore, in the water faucet device 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that a gap is formed (at least in part) between the cylindrical portion 32h of the sensor holding member 32 and the rotating portion 30. The presence of such a gap allows water to be well discharged even when water enters the rotating portion 30. In addition, the presence of such a gap makes it easy to insert the photoelectric sensor 33 and the sensor holding member 32 into the rotating portion 30 when attaching the photoelectric sensor 33 and the sensor holding member 32 from below the rotating portion 30 toward the inside of the rotating portion 30. Furthermore, since the cylindrical portion 32h of the sensor holding member 32 is disposed between the rotating portion 30 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 13 (an example of an insertion portion), even if the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the rotating portion 30 is not substantially circular, the cylindrical portion 32h and the small diameter cylindrical portion 13 can ensure the rotation performance between the rotating portion 30 and the sensor holding member 32.

[0062] Second embodiment Next, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating part 230 of a water faucet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating part 230 of Figure 11 rotated to the left (towards the sensor window 234).

[0063] The flushing device of the second embodiment, similarly to the flushing device 1 of the first embodiment, comprises a substantially U-shaped base end 10 with a right-side (one-side) protrusion, a flow and temperature adjustment control lever 20 (flow and temperature adjustment control section) provided on the right-side (one-side) side of the right-side (one-side) protrusion of the base end 10, and a rotating section 230 (including a pull-out member 240 described later) provided on the upper surface of the base end 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the base end 10.

[0064] 11 and 12, a horizontally elongated sensor window 234 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided in an upper left portion of an outer casing member 231 of the rotating portion 230. A light projecting window 232a and a light receiving window 232b provided at the tip of a sensor fitting portion 232f of a sensor holding member 232 face the sensor window 234. The light projecting window 232a is formed as an obliquely cut opening surface of a light projecting side tunnel 232c having a substantially rectangular prism shape, and similarly, the light receiving window 232b is formed as an obliquely cut opening surface of a light receiving side tunnel 232d having a substantially rectangular prism shape.

[0065] The photoelectric sensor 233 is fitted and held in the sensor fitting portion 232f of the sensor holding member 232. The photoelectric sensor 233 has a light-projecting element 233a that projects detection light, and a light-receiving element 233b that receives reflected light of the detection light projected by the light-projecting element 233a. The light-receiving element 233b is disposed behind the light-projecting element 233a.

[0066] The light-projecting element 233a is configured to project detection light diagonally forward (in this embodiment, toward the front at 45 degrees (an example of θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction) when the rotating part 230 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in a state extended toward the front side as shown in FIG. 11). The detection light projected from the light-projecting element 233a passes through the light-projecting side tunnel 232c and the light-projecting window 232a, and is transmitted through the sensor window 234, and the reflected light of the detection light passes through the sensor window 234, passes through the light-receiving window 232b and the light-receiving side tunnel 232d, and reaches the light-receiving element 233b.

[0067] This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotation unit 230, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 233, even when the rotation unit 230 is rotated toward the sensor window 234 (left side). Fig. 12 shows such a state. In Fig. 12, the rotation unit 230 is rotated toward the sensor window 234 (left side) by 45 degrees (= θ2 degrees) (as described later, in this embodiment, the 45 degrees (= θ2 degrees) is the maximum rotation angle (θ1 degree) of the rotation unit 230 toward the sensor window 234), but there is an extremely small risk of the detection light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 12) projected from the light-emitting element 233a being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 233.

[0068] Furthermore, the rear end of the light-projecting window 232a is located forward of the light-projecting element 233a when the rotating unit 230 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in the state where it is extended toward the front side as shown in FIG. 11). As a result, the detection light projected from the light-projecting element 233a and transmitted through the light-projecting window 232a travels forward in the lateral direction. In other words, (a part of) the detection light projected (leaks) from the light-projecting element 233a through the rear end of the light-projecting window 232a does not travel rearward (toward the light-receiving window 232b) in the lateral direction. This significantly reduces the risk that (a part of) the detection light will repeatedly refract inside the sensor window 234, etc., enter the light-receiving window 232b, reach the light-receiving element 233b, and cause erroneous detection.

[0069] 7, a screw 36 (an example of a rotation angle restricting member) is fixed to an outer member 231 of a rotating part 230 so as to pass through a through hole of a cylindrical part of a sensor holding member 232 (the through hole is larger in diameter than the screw 36 so that the screw 36 does not come into contact with the cylindrical part). The screw 36 is movable in a circumferential direction in a circumferential groove 13g provided in a small diameter cylindrical part 13 of a base end part 10, that is, a rotatable angle of the rotating part 230 is defined as a circumferential angle of the screw 36 movable in the circumferential groove 13g (a range defined by both left and right ends (an example of an angle restricting cooperating part) of the circumferential groove 13g is a rotatable angle range). Here, in this embodiment, a range from a 45 degree rotation position (see FIG. 12) on the left side (sensor window 234 side) to a 90 degree rotation position on the right side is a rotatable angle range.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the light-projecting element 233a projects the detection light diagonally forward (45 degrees forward from the side in this embodiment) when the rotating part 230 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in a state where it is extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 11). Therefore, even when the rotating part 230 is rotated toward the light-projecting window 232a (see FIG. 12), the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotating part 230, or the like, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 233 can be significantly reduced (see FIG. 12).

[0071] In particular, in this embodiment, when the rotating part 230 is in the initial setting position (i.e., when it is extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 11), the detection light is projected forward by 45 degrees (θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction, and the rotation angle range θ1 degrees on the sensor window 234 side of the rotating part 230 is limited to a range that satisfies θ1≦45 (θ2). Therefore, when the rotating part 230 is rotated by the maximum angle of 45 degrees (θ2 degrees) on the sensor window 234 side, the detection light is projected just in the lateral direction, that is, the detection light is not projected backward. This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100 that may be present behind the rotating part 230, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 233.

[0072] Third embodiment Next, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating portion 330 of a water faucet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating portion 330 of Figure 13 rotated to the left (towards the sensor window 334).

[0073] The flushing device of the third embodiment, similarly to the flushing device 1 of the first embodiment, comprises a substantially U-shaped base end 10 with a right-side (one-side) protrusion, a flow and temperature adjustment control lever 20 (flow and temperature adjustment control section) provided on the right-side (one-side) side of the right-side (one-side) protrusion of the base end 10, and a rotating section 330 (including a pull-out member 340 described later) provided on the upper surface of the base end 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the base end 10.

[0074] 13 and 14, a horizontally long sensor window 334 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided in an upper left portion of an outer casing member 331 of the rotating portion 330. A light projecting window 332a and a light receiving window 332b provided at the tip of a sensor fitting portion 332f of a sensor holding member 332 face the sensor window 334. The light projecting window 332a is formed as an obliquely cut opening surface of a light projecting side tunnel 332c having a substantially rectangular prism shape, and similarly, the light receiving window 332b is formed as an obliquely cut opening surface of a light receiving side tunnel 332d having a substantially rectangular prism shape.

[0075] The photoelectric sensor 333 is fitted and held in a sensor fitting portion 332f of the sensor holding member 332. The photoelectric sensor 333 has a light-projecting element 333a that projects detection light, and a light-receiving element 333b that receives reflected light of the detection light projected by the light-projecting element 333a. The light-receiving element 333b is disposed behind the light-projecting element 333a.

[0076] The light-projecting element 333a is configured to project detection light diagonally forward (in this embodiment, toward the front at 60 degrees (an example of θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction) when the rotating part 330 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in a state extended toward the front as shown in FIG. 13). The detection light projected from the light-projecting element 333a passes through the light-projecting-side tunnel 332c and the light-projecting window 332a, and is transmitted through the sensor window 334, and the reflected light of the detection light passes through the sensor window 334, passes through the light-receiving window 332b and the light-receiving-side tunnel 332d, and reaches the light-receiving element 333b.

[0077] This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotation unit 330, causing a false detection by the photoelectric sensor 333, even when the rotation unit 330 is rotated toward the sensor window 334 (left side). Fig. 14 shows such a state. In Fig. 14, the rotation unit 330 is rotated toward the sensor window 334 (left side) by 60 degrees (= θ2 degrees) (as described later, in this embodiment, the 60 degrees (= θ2 degrees) is the maximum rotation angle (θ1 degree) of the rotation unit 330 toward the sensor window 334), but there is an extremely small risk of the detection light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 14) projected from the light-emitting element 333a being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, causing a false detection by the photoelectric sensor 333.

[0078] Furthermore, the rear end of the light-projecting window 332a is located forward of the light-projecting element 333a when the rotating unit 330 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in the state where it is extended forward as shown in FIG. 13). As a result, the detection light projected from the light-projecting element 333a and transmitted through the light-projecting window 332a travels forward in the lateral direction. In other words, (a part of) the detection light projected (leaks) from the light-projecting element 333a through the rear end of the light-projecting window 332a does not travel rearward (toward the light-receiving window 332b) in the lateral direction. This significantly reduces the risk that (a part of) the detection light will repeatedly refract inside the sensor window 334, etc., enter the light-receiving window 332b, reach the light-receiving element 333b, and cause erroneous detection.

[0079] 7, a screw 36 (an example of a rotation angle restricting member) is fixed to an outer member 331 of a rotating part 330 so as to pass through a through hole of a cylindrical part of a sensor holding member 332 (the through hole is larger in diameter than the screw 36 so that the screw 36 does not come into contact with the cylindrical part). The screw 36 is movable in a circumferential direction in a circumferential groove 13g provided in a small diameter cylindrical part 13 of a base end part 10. That is, a rotatable angle of the rotating part 230 is defined as a circumferential angle of the screw 36 movable in the circumferential groove 13g (a range defined by both left and right ends (an example of an angle restricting cooperating part) of the circumferential groove 13g is a rotatable angle range). Here, in this embodiment, a range from a 60 degree rotation position (see FIG. 14) on the left side (sensor window 334 side) to a 120 degree rotation position on the right side is a rotatable angle range.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the light-projecting element 333a projects the detection light diagonally forward (60 degrees forward from the lateral direction in this embodiment) when the rotating part 330 is in the initial setting position (i.e., in the state where it is extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 13). Therefore, even when the rotating part 330 is rotated toward the light-projecting window 332a (see FIG. 15), it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100, which may be present behind the rotating part 330, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 333 (see FIG. 14).

[0081] In particular, in this embodiment, when the rotating part 330 is in the initial setting position (i.e., when it is extended to the front side as shown in FIG. 13), the detection light is projected forward by 60 degrees (θ2 degrees) from the lateral direction, and the rotation angle range θ1 degrees on the sensor window 334 side of the rotating part 330 is limited to a range that satisfies θ1≦60 (θ2). Therefore, when the rotating part 330 is rotated by the maximum angle of 60 degrees (θ2 degrees) on the sensor window 334 side, the detection light is projected just lateral, that is, the detection light is not projected backward. This significantly reduces the risk of the detection light being reflected by the upper wall surface 101 of the bathroom vanity unit 100 that may be present behind the rotating part 330, causing erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 333.

[0082] As the reflective object detection sensor, a microwave sensor that uses electromagnetic waves such as microwaves, an ultrasonic sensor that uses ultrasonic waves, or the like may be used instead of the photoelectric sensor 33 that uses visible light or infrared light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Faucet equipment 2 Hot water outlet 3 Water inlet 10 Proximal end 13 Small diameter cylinder part 13g circumferential groove 14 Harness guide hole 15 Hose guide hole 17 Hose Guide 20 Temperature control lever 21 Hot and cold water mixing valve 22 Hot water pipe 23 Water supply pipe 24 Outlet pipe 25 Hose 26 Hose spacer guide 27 Stopper 30 Rotating section 31 External components 32 Sensor holding member 32a Floodlight 32b Receiving window 32c Light-emitting tunnel 32d Receiving tunnel 32f Sensor fitting part 32g Curved guide 32h Cylindrical part 33 Photoelectric Sensor 33a Light emitting element 33b Photodetector 33h Harness 34 Sensor window 35 Fixing screw 36 bis 37 O-ring 38 Screw retaining ring 40 Pull-out member 41 Outlet 52 Hot water supply solenoid valve 53 Water supply solenoid valve 55 Controller Box 100 Bathroom vanity 101 Upper wall 102 Bowl section 103 Lower Wall 230 Rotating Part 231 Outer shell components 232 Sensor holding member 232a Floodlight 232b Receiving window 232c Light-emitting tunnel 232d Receiving tunnel 232f Sensor fitting part 233 Photoelectric Sensor 233a Light emitting element 233b Photodetector 234 Sensor window 240 Pull-out member 330 Rotating Part 331 Outer shell components 332 Sensor holding member 332a Floodlight 332b Receiving window 332c Light-emitting tunnel 332d Receiving tunnel 332f Sensor fitting part 333 Photoelectric Sensor 333a Light emitting element 333b Photodetector 333h Harness 334 Sensor window 340 Pull-out member

Claims

1. A water faucet device, A base end portion and A rotating part is provided on an upper surface side of the base end so as to be rotatable with respect to the base end, extends forward, and has a water outlet; A sensor window provided on a side surface of the rotating portion; a reflective object detection sensor provided in the rotating portion and capable of detecting an object by transmitting and receiving a signal through the sensor window; A switching device for switching between stopping and discharging water flowing to the water outlet; A control unit that controls the switching device in response to a detection state of the reflective object detection sensor; Equipped with The reflective object detection sensor includes: a light-projecting element for projecting a detection light or detection wave; a light receiving element that receives a reflected light or a reflected wave of the detection light or the detection wave projected by the light projecting element; It has The light-projecting element projects the detection light or the detection wave forward by θ2 degrees from a lateral direction when the rotating portion is in an initial setting position, The rotating portion is rotatable from the initial setting position toward the sensor window by θ1 degrees, which satisfies θ1≦θ2. A water faucet device characterized by the above.

2. The light receiving element is disposed behind the light emitting element. The water faucet device according to claim 1 .

3. a sensor holding member that houses the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and has a light emitting window that allows the detection light or the detection wave to pass therethrough and a light receiving window that allows the reflected light or the reflected wave to pass therethrough; Further comprising: The rear end of the light projection window is located forward of the light projection element when the rotating portion is in the initial setting position. The water faucet device according to claim 2 .

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