Hydrant device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device for executing water discharge and water stop in a plurality of water discharge modes according to the detection result of detected object by a sensor.SOLUTION: The faucet device according to the embodiment includes a conductive spout body, a first sensor for detecting a detected object in a predetermined detection range, an electrostatic second sensor for performing detection using the spout body as an electrode, and a control device for enabling the execution of a first water discharge mode to switch between water discharge and water stop according to the detection result by the first sensor, and a second water discharge mode to perform water discharge according to the detection result by the second sensor. The control device performs water stop according to the detection result by the first sensor when starting water stop in the second water discharge mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a faucet device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a faucet device that discharges and stops tap water according to the detection result of a detection target by a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the faucet device described above, when it has a plurality of water discharge modes, it is not possible to execute water discharge and stop water according to the detection results of a plurality of water discharge modes according to the detection result of the detection target by the sensor.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a faucet device that executes water discharge and stops water according to a plurality of water discharge modes according to the detection result of a detection target by a sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A faucet device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a conductive spout main body portion, a first sensor that detects a detection target within a predetermined detection range, an electrostatic second sensor that performs detection using the spout main body portion as an electrode, a first water discharge mode that switches water discharge and stops water according to the detection result of the first sensor, and a control device capable of executing a second water discharge mode that discharges water according to the detection result of the second sensor. When the control device starts water discharge in the second water discharge mode, it stops water according to the detection result of the first sensor.

[0007] Accordingly, the faucet device can perform water discharge and water stoppage in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode according to the detection results of the detection targets by the first sensor and the second sensor. When starting water discharge according to the detection result by the second sensor, the faucet device can suppress water stoppage at a timing unintended by the user. The faucet device performs water stoppage in the first water discharge mode and water stoppage in the second water discharge mode according to the detection result by the first sensor, thereby stopping water at a timing when the detection target is outside a predetermined detection range. That is, the faucet device stops water in each mode by the same water stoppage operation of the user. Therefore, the faucet device can, for example, match the water stoppage timing in the first water discharge mode and the water stoppage timing in the second water discharge mode, and can suppress giving a sense of discomfort to the user. Further, the faucet device can perform water discharge in the second water discharge mode while using the existing configuration by using the conductive spout main body portion as an electrode in the second sensor.

[0008] Also, the first water discharge mode is a mode of discharging raw water. The second water discharge mode is a mode of discharging reformed water different from the raw water.

[0009] Accordingly, the faucet device can discharge and stop raw water and reformed water according to the detection results of the detection targets by the first sensor and the second sensor. Therefore, the faucet device can separately discharge a plurality of types of washing water according to the operation of the user. Further, by performing the discharge of the raw water with a high usage frequency in the first water discharge mode, the faucet device can discharge a plurality of types of washing water without changing, for example, the method of discharging the raw water.

[0010] Also, when starting water discharge in the second water discharge mode, the control device continues water discharge until at least a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of water discharge.

[0011] As a result, even if the detection target once moves away from the spout main body after the water outlet device starts water outlet in the second water outlet mode, the water outlet can be continued. For example, when the user touches or holds a hand above or to the side of the spout main body and then moves the hand below the spout main body, the water outlet device can suppress the water stop in the second water outlet mode. Further, for example, when the water outlet device discharges sterilized water in the second water outlet mode, a large amount of sterilized water can be applied to the detection target, and the sterilization effect can be improved.

[0012] Further, the control device starts water outlet in the second water outlet mode and stops water when the detection target is not detected by the first sensor after the lapse of the predetermined time.

[0013] As a result, the water outlet device can execute water stop in the second water outlet mode at the timing when the detection target goes out of the predetermined detection range while discharging water for a predetermined time in the second water outlet mode. Therefore, the water outlet device can, for example, match the water stop timing in the first water outlet mode and the water stop timing in the second water outlet mode, and can suppress giving a sense of discomfort to the user.

[0014] Further, in the first water outlet mode, the control device starts water outlet when the detection time of the detection target by the first sensor continues for a first detection time. In the second water outlet mode, the control device starts water outlet when the detection time of the detection target by the second sensor continues for a second detection time longer than the first detection time.

[0015] As a result, the water-based device can give priority to water outlet in the first mode, for example, when the detection target is simultaneously detected by the first sensor and the second sensor. The water outlet device can suppress, for example, false detection of splashing by the second sensor having a wider detection range of the detection target than the first sensor, and can suppress water outlet due to false detection.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, water spraying and water stopping can be performed in a plurality of water spraying modes according to the detection result of the detection target by the sensor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the faucet device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below. Also, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the dimensional relationships between elements, the ratios of the elements, etc. may be different from reality. There may also be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings are different from each other. Hereinafter, the vertical direction will be defined and described as downward.

[0019] <Configuration of the Faucet Device> The faucet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the spout main body portion 2 of the faucet device 1 is shown in cross section.

[0020] The faucet device 1 is attached to a base 100 such as a washstand, for example, and when it detects a detection target, it sprays and stops the washing water. That is, the faucet device 1 is an automatic faucet that automatically sprays and stops water.

[0021] The detection target includes the human body. The detection target includes the user's hand. The detection target includes the object to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned includes, for example, a toothbrush and a cup.

[0022] The cleaning water includes raw water. The cleaning water may include treated water. The raw water is, for example, tap water. The treated water is sterilized water, purified water, or alkaline ionized water. The sterilized water and the alkaline ionized water are generated, for example, by electrolyzing tap water. The purified water is generated, for example, by passing tap water through a filter. Hereinafter, an example in which tap water is used as the raw water and sterilized water is used as the treated water will be described.

[0023] The faucet device 1 includes a spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), a first water passage 3, a second water passage 4, a first sensor 5, a control device 7, and a water discharge part 10.

[0024] The spout main body 2 is made of a conductive member. The spout main body 2 is made of metal. The spout main body 2 may be made of conductive carbon, conductive plastic, or the like. The water discharge part 10 includes a first water discharge cap 11 and a second water discharge cap 12.

[0025] The spout main body 2 is attached to a base 100 such as a washstand, for example. The spout main body 2 is, for example, substantially L-shaped. The spout main body 2 may be substantially J-shaped or linear.

[0026] The first water discharge cap 11 is provided on the tip side of the spout main body 2. The first water discharge cap 11 discharges the tap water supplied through the first water passage 3. The first water discharge cap 11 is provided so as to discharge the tap water downward or obliquely downward.

[0027] The second water discharge cap 12 is provided, for example, closer to the base 100 side than the first water discharge cap 11. Note that the second water discharge cap 12 may be provided on the tip side of the spout main body 2 or may be provided close to the first water discharge cap 11. The second water discharge cap 12 discharges the sterilized water supplied through the second water passage portion 4. The second water discharge cap 12 is provided so as to discharge the sterilized water obliquely downward or downward.

[0028] The first water discharge cap 11 and the second water discharge cap 12 are preferably made of a plastic such as a resin which is an insulator.

[0029] The first water passage portion 3 includes a first supply pipe 20 and a first valve 21. One end of the first supply pipe 20 is connected to a tap water supply source. The other end of the first supply pipe 20 is connected to the first water discharge cap 11. A part of the first supply pipe 20 is accommodated in the spout main body 2.

[0030] The first valve 21 is provided in the first supply pipe 20. The first valve 21 is an electromagnetic valve and includes an actuator. The actuator includes a motor or the like. The first valve 21 is opened and closed by the actuator. The first valve 21 is opened and closed by the actuator operating based on a signal transmitted from the control device 7. When the first valve 21 opens, tap water is discharged from the first water discharge cap 11. When the first valve 21 closes, the tap water is stopped.

[0031] The second water passage portion 4 includes a second supply pipe 25 and a second valve 26. One end of the second supply pipe 25 is connected to a sterilized water supply source. The other end of the second supply pipe 25 is connected to the second water discharge cap 12. A part of the second supply pipe 25 is accommodated in the spout main body 2.

[0032] The second valve 26 is provided in the second supply pipe 25. The second valve 26 is an electromagnetic valve and includes an actuator. The second valve 26 is opened and closed by the actuator. The second valve 26 is opened and closed by the operation of the actuator based on a signal transmitted from the control device 7. When the second valve 26 opens, the sterilized water is discharged from the second water discharge cap 12. When the second valve 26 closes, the sterilized water is stopped.

[0033] The first sensor 5 detects the presence or absence of a detection target within a predetermined detection range. The predetermined detection range is a preset range and includes the lower side of the first water discharge cap 11.

[0034] The first sensor 5 is provided, for example, on the tip side of the spout main body 2 rather than the first water discharge cap 11. The first sensor 5 is provided in the vicinity of the first water discharge cap 11. The first sensor 5 is provided adjacent to the first water discharge cap 11. The first sensor 5 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. For example, the first sensor 5 projects detection light and receives the reflected light of the detection light reflected from the detection target to detect the presence or absence of the detection target.

[0035] The second sensor 6 detects the presence or absence of a detection target within a wider detection range than the first sensor 5. The second sensor 6 is an electrostatic sensor using the spout main body 2 as an electrode. The spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) is connected to the control device 7 via the connection part 6a.

[0036] By minimizing the length of the connection part 6a that electrically transmits the detection signal detected by the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) to the control device 7, noise invading from the connection part 6a (for example, a harness) can be suppressed, and the influence on the detection signal can be suppressed.

[0037] Therefore, an electrostatic sensor substrate having an electrostatic sensor IC or the like that can convert a detection signal detected by the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) into a signal that can input the detection signal and determine whether detection is possible may be disposed separately from the control device 7 near the lower side of the base 100 to which the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) is attached. Thereby, the length of the connection portion 6a connecting the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the electrostatic sensor substrate can be shortened.

[0038] When a detection target approaches the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), the capacitance changes. The second sensor 6 detects the presence or absence of the detection target according to the amount of change in capacitance. For example, the capacitance increases when a detection target approaches the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6). Further, the capacitance increases when washing water is discharged from the water discharge portion 10. Further, the capacitance increases when the washing water and the detection target are electrically connected.

[0039] Since the second sensor 6 uses the spout main body 2 as an electrode, it has a detection range around the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) including above the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and on the side of the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6).

[0040] In order to suppress the influence when the washing water in each supply pipe 20, 25 or the water discharge portion 10 is made of a conductive metal or the like and improve the accuracy of water discharge detection by the second sensor 6, a gap is provided between the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the water discharge portion 10 while considering the size and design of the faucet device 1, and it is desirable to increase the distance as much as possible.

[0041] The control device 7 is, for example, a computer, and includes a control unit 7a and a storage unit 7b.

[0042] The storage unit 7b stores programs for controlling various processes executed in the faucet device 1. The storage unit 7b is realized by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory (Flash Memory).

[0043] The control unit 7a controls the operation of the faucet device 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 7b. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and installed from the storage medium into the storage unit 7b of the control device 7. Examples of computer-readable storage media include hard disks and memory cards.

[0044] The control device 7 is capable of executing a first water discharge mode and a second water discharge mode.

[0045] The first water discharge mode is a mode for switching the discharge and stoppage of tap water from the first water discharge cap 11 according to the detection result by the first sensor 5.

[0046] When the control device 7 satisfies the first detection condition of the detection target by the first sensor 5, it generates a signal for opening the first valve 21 and transmits the generated signal to the first valve 21. When the first continuous time (detection time) during which the detection target is continuously detected by the first sensor 5 is equal to or longer than the first predetermined continuous time (first detection time), the control device 7 determines that the first detection condition is satisfied and confirms the detection of the detection target. Then, after the detection of the detection target is confirmed, the control device 7 generates a signal for opening the first valve 21. As a result, the first valve 21 is opened by the actuator, and tap water is discharged from the first water discharge cap 11. The first predetermined continuous time is a preset time.

[0047] When the control device 7 starts discharging tap water, it continues discharging tap water for a first predetermined discharge time. The first predetermined discharge time is a preset time.

[0048] When the control device 7 satisfies the first non-detection condition of the detection target by the first sensor 5 in a state where tap water is discharged from the first discharge cap 11, the control device 7 generates a signal for closing the first valve 21 and transmits the generated signal to the first valve 21. After the elapse of the first predetermined discharge time, when the second continuous time during which the detection target is not continuously detected by the first sensor 5 becomes equal to or longer than the second predetermined continuous time, the control device 7 determines that the first non-detection condition is satisfied and confirms the non-detection of the detection target. Then, when the non-detection of the detection target is confirmed, the control device 7 generates a signal for closing the first valve 21. As a result, the first valve 21 is closed by the actuator, and the tap water is stopped. The second predetermined continuous time is a preset time.

[0049] The second discharge mode is a mode in which the disinfected water is discharged from the second discharge cap 12 according to the detection result by the second sensor 6. In the second discharge mode, the disinfected water is stopped according to the detection result by the first sensor 5.

[0050] When the control device 7 satisfies the second detection condition of the detection target by the second sensor 6, the control device 7 generates a signal for opening the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26. When the third continuous time (detection time) during which the detection target is continuously detected by the second sensor 6 becomes equal to or longer than the third predetermined continuous time (second detection time), the control device 7 determines that the second detection condition is satisfied and confirms the detection of the detection target. Then, after the detection of the detection target is confirmed, the control device 7 generates a signal for opening the second valve 26. As a result, the second valve 26 is opened by the actuator, and the disinfected water is discharged from the second discharge cap 12. The third predetermined continuous time is a preset time. The third predetermined continuous time is longer than the first predetermined continuous time.

[0051] For example, when the detection target is extended below the spout main body 2 and the detection target is detected by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6 almost simultaneously, the confirmation of the detection by the first sensor 5 is earlier than the confirmation of the detection by the second sensor 6. Therefore, in this case, the tap water is discharged.

[0052] When the control device 7 starts discharging the sterilized water, it continues to discharge the sterilized water until at least a second predetermined discharge time (predetermined time) has elapsed since the start of the discharge. The second predetermined discharge time is a preset time. The second predetermined discharge time is, for example, the time until the detection target moves from above the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) to below the second discharge cap 12. Thereby, for example, after the detection target is held above the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the discharge of the sterilized water is started, until the detection target moves below the second discharge cap 12, the control device 7 can suppress the sterilized water from stopping.

[0053] When the control device 7 starts discharging the sterilized water, if the detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5 after the second predetermined discharge time has elapsed since the start of the discharge of the sterilized water, the control device 7 stops the sterilized water.

[0054] When the sterilized water is being discharged from the second discharge cap 12 and the second non-detection condition of the detection target by the first sensor 5 is satisfied, the control device 7 generates a signal for closing the second valve 26 and transmits the generated signal to the second valve 26. After the second predetermined discharge time has elapsed, when the second continuous time becomes equal to or longer than the fourth predetermined continuous time, the control device 7 determines that the second non-detection condition is satisfied and confirms the non-detection of the detection target. Then, when the non-detection of the detection target is confirmed, the control device 7 generates a signal for closing the second valve 26. As a result, the second valve 26 is closed by the actuator and the sterilized water is stopped. The fourth predetermined continuous time is a preset time. The fourth predetermined continuous time is, for example, the same time as the second predetermined continuous time. The fourth predetermined continuous time may be a time different from the second predetermined continuous time.

[0055] Note that when the control device 7 discharges tap water according to the detection result of the first sensor 5 and the detection target is detected by the second sensor 6, the control device 7 does not discharge the sterilized water. Also, when the control device 7 discharges the sterilized water according to the detection result of the second sensor 6 and the detection target is detected by the first sensor 5, the control device 7 does not discharge the tap water.

[0056] In this embodiment, the stop of the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode is performed based on the detection result by the first sensor 5. The reason for stopping the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode based on the detection result by the first sensor 5 will be described.

[0057] <Description of Comparative Example> Here, with reference to FIG. 2, a comparative example in which the sterilized water is stopped when the detection result by the second sensor 6, that is, when the detection target is not detected by the second sensor 6, will be described. FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the time change of the capacitance when the user approaches the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) in the faucet device 1 of the comparative example.

[0058] When there is no hand near the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), the capacitance is small and hardly changes. At time t1, when the user approaches the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) with a hand, the capacitance increases.

[0059] When the third continuous time, which is the continuous detection time of the hand detected by the second sensor 6 at time t2, becomes equal to or longer than the third predetermined continuous time, the detection of the detection target is confirmed and the discharge of the sterilized water is started. When the discharge of the sterilized water is started, since the sterilized water flows through the second supply pipe 25, the capacitance increases.

[0060] At time t3, when the hand approaches the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the sterilized water gets on the hand, the sterilized water and the user are in an electrically connected state, and the capacitance increases.

[0061] The capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 varies depending on the distance between the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the hand. For example, when the first predetermined water stop capacitance is set so that the sterilizing water is stopped immediately after the hand is removed from below the second water discharge cap 12, if the distance of the hand below the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) becomes longer, at time t4, the capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 may become smaller than the first predetermined water stop capacitance. In such a case, the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example may erroneously detect that the hand has been removed from below the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), and there is a risk of stopping the sterilizing water. Therefore, the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example gives a sense of discomfort to the user.

[0062] In order to prevent such false detection, in the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example, when the state where the capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined water stop capacitance continues for the fifth predetermined duration, it is also conceivable to stop the sterilizing water. The fifth predetermined duration is a preset time and is a time for preventing the sterilizing water from being stopped due to false detection.

[0063] In this case, for example, at time t5, if the capacitance becomes larger than the first predetermined water stop capacitance and the fifth continuous time during which the capacitance continuously becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined water stop capacitance is shorter than the fifth predetermined duration, the sterilizing water is not stopped.

[0064] However, in such a case, at time t6, even if the hand is removed from below the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) and the capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined water stop capacitance, the discharge of the sterilizing water continues until time t7 when the fifth predetermined duration elapses. Therefore, although the user has removed the hand from below the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), the discharge of the sterilizing water continues, so the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example gives a sense of discomfort to the user. Furthermore, the sterilizing water is discharged wastefully.

[0065] In addition, since the water pressure of the sterilized water varies depending on the installation environment for the faucet device 1, for example, it is necessary to make the first predetermined water stop capacity learned according to the installation environment, and the control becomes complicated.

[0066] In the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example, it is also conceivable to set so as to stop the sterilized water when the user holds his / her hand over the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6) during the discharge of the sterilized water. In this case, for example, when the capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined water stop capacity, the sterilized water is stopped. However, when the position of the sterilized water that has come into contact with the hand is near the spout main body 2 (second sensor 6), the capacitance detected by the second sensor 6 may become equal to or greater than the second predetermined water stop capacity, and there is a risk that the sterilized water may be stopped due to false detection.

[0067] As described above, the faucet device 1 according to the comparative example may cause false detection regarding the stopping of the sterilized water, which may give the user a sense of discomfort.

[0068] Therefore, as described above, the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment starts the discharge of the sterilized water according to the detection result of the second sensor 6 and stops the sterilized water according to the detection result of the first sensor 5 in the second discharge mode.

[0069] <Water discharge process in the first mode> Next, the tap water discharge process in the first mode according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the tap water discharge process according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the first valve 21 is closed and the tap water is not being discharged.

[0070] The control device 7 determines whether or not the first detection condition is satisfied (S100). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether or not the first continuous time during which the detection target is continuously detected by the first sensor 5 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined continuous time.

[0071] When the control device 7 does not satisfy the first detection condition (S100: No), the current process is terminated.

[0072] When the control device 7 satisfies the first detection condition (S100: Yes), it determines whether sterilized water is being discharged (S101).

[0073] When the control device 7 is discharging sterilized water (S101: Yes), it ends the current process. That is, when the control device 7 is discharging sterilized water, even if the first detection condition is satisfied, it does not discharge tap water.

[0074] When the control device 7 is not discharging sterilized water (S101: No), it starts discharging tap water (S102).

[0075] The control device 7 determines whether the discharge time since starting to discharge tap water has elapsed the first predetermined discharge time (S103). When the discharge time since starting to discharge tap water has not elapsed the first predetermined discharge time (S103: No), the control device 7 continues to discharge tap water and repeats the determination in step S103.

[0076] When the discharge time since starting to discharge tap water has elapsed the first predetermined discharge time (S103: Yes), the control device 7 determines whether the first non-detection condition is satisfied (S104). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether the second continuous time during which the detection target is not continuously detected by the first sensor 5 is equal to or longer than the second predetermined continuous time.

[0077] When the control device 7 does not satisfy the first non-detection condition (S104: No), it continues to discharge tap water and repeats the determination in step S104.

[0078] When the control device 7 satisfies the first non-detection condition (S104: Yes), it stops discharging tap water (S105).

[0079] <Water discharge process in the second mode> Next, referring to FIG. 4, the water discharge process of the sterilizing water in the second mode according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the water discharge process of the sterilizing water according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the second valve 26 is closed and no sterilizing water is discharged.

[0080] The control device 7 determines whether or not the second detection condition is satisfied (S200). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether or not the third continuous time during which the detection target is continuously detected by the second sensor 6 is equal to or longer than the third predetermined continuous time.

[0081] If the control device 7 does not satisfy the second detection condition (S200: No), the current process ends.

[0082] If the control device 7 satisfies the second detection condition (S200: Yes), it determines whether or not tap water is being discharged (S201).

[0083] If the control device 7 is discharging tap water (S201: Yes), the current process ends. That is, when the control device 7 is discharging tap water, even if the second detection condition is satisfied, the sterilizing water is not discharged.

[0084] If the control device 7 is not discharging tap water (S201: No), it starts discharging the sterilizing water (S202).

[0085] The control device 7 determines whether or not the water discharge time since the start of discharging the sterilizing water has elapsed the second predetermined water discharge time (S203). If the water discharge time since the start of discharging the sterilizing water has not elapsed the second predetermined water discharge time (S203: No), the control device 7 continues to discharge the sterilizing water and repeats the determination in step S203.

[0086] When the water discharge time since the start of the discharge of the sterilized water has elapsed the second predetermined water discharge time (S203: Yes), the control device 7 determines whether or not the second non-detection condition is satisfied (S204). Specifically, the control device 7 determines whether or not the second continuous time during which the detection target is not continuously detected by the first sensor 5 is equal to or longer than the fourth predetermined continuous time.

[0087] When the control device 7 does not satisfy the second non-detection condition (S204: No), it continues to discharge the sterilized water and repeats the determination in step S204.

[0088] When the control device 7 satisfies the second non-detection condition (S204: Yes), it stops the discharge of the sterilized water (S205).

[0089] <Effect> The faucet device 1 includes a conductive spout main body portion 2, a first sensor 5, and a control device 7. The first sensor 5 detects a detection target within a predetermined detection range. The second sensor 6 is an electrostatic sensor that performs detection using the spout main body portion 2 as an electrode. The control device 7 is capable of executing a first water discharge mode in which water discharge and water stop are switched according to the detection result by the first sensor 5, and a second water discharge mode in which water discharge is performed according to the detection result by the second sensor 6. When the control device 7 starts water discharge in the second water discharge mode, it stops the water discharge according to the detection result by the first sensor 5.

[0090] As a result, the faucet device 1 can perform water discharge and water stop in the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode according to the detection results of the detection targets by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6. When the faucet device 1 starts water discharge according to the detection result by the second sensor 6, it can suppress water stop at a timing unintended by the user. The faucet device 1 performs water stop in the first water discharge mode and water stop in the second water discharge mode according to the detection result by the first sensor 5, and stops water at a timing when the detection target is out of the predetermined detection range. That is, the faucet device 1 stops water in each mode by the same water stop operation of the user. Therefore, the faucet device 1 can, for example, match the water stop timing in the first water discharge mode and the water stop timing in the second water discharge mode, and can suppress giving a sense of discomfort to the user. Further, the faucet device 1 can perform water discharge in the second water discharge mode while using the existing configuration by using the conductive spout body portion 2 as an electrode in the second sensor 6.

[0091] The first water discharge mode is a mode of discharging tap water. The second water discharge mode is a mode of discharging sterilized water different from tap water.

[0092] As a result, the faucet device 1 can discharge and stop tap water and sterilized water according to the detection results of the detection targets by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6. Therefore, the faucet device 1 can separately discharge a plurality of types of washing water according to the operation of the user. Further, the faucet device 1 can discharge a plurality of types of washing water without changing the method of discharging tap water, for example, by performing the discharge of tap water with a high usage frequency in the first water discharge mode.

[0093] When the control device 7 starts discharging sterilized water in the second water discharge mode, it continues to discharge sterilized water until at least the second predetermined water discharge time has elapsed since the start of water discharge.

[0094] As a result, even if the detection target once moves away from the spout main body 2 after the water discharge by the second water discharge mode is started, the water faucet device 1 can continue the water discharge. For example, when the user touches or holds a hand above or to the side of the spout main body 2 and then moves the hand below the spout main body 2, the water faucet device 1 can suppress stopping the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode. Further, when the water faucet device 1 discharges the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode, a large amount of the sterilized water can be applied to the detection target, and the sterilization effect can be improved.

[0095] The control device 7 starts discharging the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode, and stops the sterilized water when the detection target is not detected by the first sensor 5 after the elapse of the second predetermined water discharge time.

[0096] As a result, the water faucet device 1 can execute stopping the sterilized water in the second water discharge mode at the timing when the detection target goes out of the predetermined detection range while discharging the sterilized water for the second predetermined water discharge time by the second water discharge mode. Therefore, the water faucet device 1 can, for example, match the water stop timing in the first water discharge mode and the water stop timing in the second water discharge mode, and can suppress giving a sense of discomfort to the user.

[0097] In the first water discharge mode, the control device 7 starts discharging the tap water when the first continuous time of the detection target by the first sensor 5 continues for the first predetermined continuous time. In the second water discharge mode, the control device 7 starts discharging the sterilized water when the third continuous time of the detection target by the second sensor 6 continues for the third predetermined continuous time which is longer than the first predetermined continuous time.

[0098] As a result, the water-based device can prioritize the water discharge in the first mode, for example, when the detection target is detected almost simultaneously by the first sensor 5 and the second sensor 6. The water faucet device 1 can suppress false detection of, for example, water splashing by the second sensor 6 having a wider detection range of the detection target than the first sensor 5, and can suppress the discharge of the sterilized water.

[0099] The faucet device 1 according to the modified example may execute the discharge of tap water according to the number of detections of the detection target by the first sensor 5. For example, the faucet device 1 according to the modified example may determine that the first detection condition is satisfied when the number of detections of the detection target by the first sensor 5 is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number within a predetermined time. Similarly, the faucet device 1 according to the modified example may execute the stoppage of tap water according to the number of non-detections of the detection target by the first sensor 5.

[0100] In addition, the faucet device 1 according to the modified example may execute the discharge of sterilized water according to the number of detections of the detection target by the second sensor 6. The faucet device 1 according to the modified example may execute the stoppage of sterilized water according to the number of non-detections of the detection target by the first sensor 5.

[0101] The faucet device 1 according to the modified example may change the method of discharging tap water in the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode. For example, in the first discharge mode, tap water is discharged in a shower manner. In the second discharge mode, tap water is discharged in a straight manner.

[0102] Further effects and modified examples can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments represented and described as above. Accordingly, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1 Faucet device 2 Spout main body 5 First sensor 6 Second sensor 7 Control device 21 First valve 26 Second valve

Claims

1. A conductive spout body portion, a first sensor for detecting a detection target within a predetermined detection range, an electrostatic second sensor that performs detection using the spout body portion as an electrode, and a control device capable of executing a first water discharge mode for switching between water discharge and water stoppage according to the detection result of the first sensor, and a second water discharge mode for discharging water according to the detection result of the second sensor. The water faucet device comprises: the detection range of the first sensor includes the lower part of the spout body portion, the detection range of the second sensor is the periphery of the spout body portion including the side and the upper part of the spout body portion, and is wider than the detection range of the first sensor. The control device: when starting water discharge in the second water discharge mode, continues water discharge until at least a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of water discharge. The water faucet device starts water discharge in the second water discharge mode and stops water discharge when no detection target is detected by the first sensor after the predetermined time has elapsed.

2. The first water discharge mode is a mode of discharging raw water. The water faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the second water discharge mode is a mode of discharging reformed water different from the raw water.

3. The control device: in the first water discharge mode, starts water discharge when the detection time of the detection target by the first sensor continues for a first detection time. In the second water discharge mode, starts water discharge when the detection time of the detection target by the second sensor continues for a second detection time longer than the first detection time. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2.

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