Faucet device

Abstract

To inhibit unpleasantness from being given to users by the driving sound of an actuator for controlling a valve element.SOLUTION: A faucet device in the embodiment includes a water discharge part, a hot water and water mixture part, the actuator, a control device, and an operation part, the hot water and water mixture part having a body casing, a temperature sensing energization part, and a valve element. The control device regulates the position in the axial direction of the valve element with an actuator driven to a predetermined position corresponding to a set temperature or by a predetermined drive amount when receiving information of the set temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a faucet device in which feedback control is performed for adjusting the discharge water temperature is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, when performing temperature control by feedback control, even when the set temperature in the discharged water is constant, the actuator may be driven to control the valve body. Therefore, there has been a problem that the user is given an uncomfortable feeling by the driving sound of the actuator.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a faucet device capable of suppressing giving an uncomfortable feeling to the user by the driving sound of an actuator for controlling a valve body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A faucet device according to one embodiment comprises a water discharge unit that discharges water into a bathroom, a hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes hot and cold water supplied to the water discharge unit, an actuator that operates the hot and cold water mixing unit, a control device that controls the drive of the actuator, and an operation unit that transmits information of a set temperature to the control device upon operation by the user, wherein the hot and cold water mixing unit comprises a main casing having a water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixed hot and cold water outlet, a temperature-sensing biasing unit whose biasing force changes according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water and which can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the water inlet, and a valve body that is slidably mounted in the axial direction within the main casing and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the water inlet, and the control device adjusts the axial position of the valve body by driving the actuator to a predetermined position or by a predetermined amount of drive corresponding to the set temperature when it receives the information of the set temperature.

[0007] In a faucet device, temperature adjustment is performed by a temperature-sensing biasing unit, so the actuator for controlling the valve body is not driven except when changing the set temperature. Therefore, the faucet device can suppress the noise of the actuator that would cause discomfort to the user. Furthermore, even though the temperature is adjusted spontaneously by the temperature-sensing biasing unit, if feedback control is performed based on the results of this temperature adjustment, it may hinder the spontaneous temperature adjustment and cause the water discharge temperature to become unstable. According to the temperature control of the present invention, the spontaneous temperature adjustment performance of the temperature-sensing biasing unit can be fully utilized.

[0008] Furthermore, the control device fixes the opening degree of the valve body after the set temperature has been changed until the next change in the set temperature occurs.

[0009] The faucet device can further suppress the unpleasant noise caused by the actuator's operation between changes in the set temperature setting and the next command for setting change.

[0010] Furthermore, after the set temperature has been changed, the control device does not drive the actuator to change the valve opening until the next change in the set temperature occurs.

[0011] The faucet device can further suppress the unpleasantness caused by the actuator's operating noise (operating sound) between changes in the set temperature setting and the next command for setting change.

[0012] Furthermore, the actuator is a motor, and the control device releases the excitation of the motor after driving it to the predetermined position or by the predetermined amount of drive.

[0013] The faucet device stops the power supply to the motor after it has been driven. This allows the faucet device to suppress increased power consumption and motor heat generation.

[0014] Furthermore, the motor is a stepping motor, and the stepping motor and the valve body are fixed in an aligned state.

[0015] Because the stepping motor and valve body of the faucet are pre-aligned, the faucet can accurately dispense water at the desired temperature without the need for feedback control during water flow. This improves the user experience of the faucet.

[0016] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting water temperature, and the water discharge section has a first water discharge section and a second water discharge section located at a lower position than the first water discharge section. The control device controls the water to be discharged from the second water discharge section if the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature.

[0017] The faucet system allows users to easily recognize whether the faucet is malfunctioning or whether the temperature is temporarily unstable, compared to when the water supply is shut off when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature. Furthermore, because the faucet system dispenses water from a second outlet located lower than the first outlet, it prevents users from being doused in large amounts of hot water from the outlet when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature.

[0018] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting water temperature, and the control device operates the actuator so that the valve body moves in a direction that reduces the opening of the hot water inlet when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature.

[0019] The faucet allows the user to easily determine whether the faucet is malfunctioning or if the temperature is temporarily unstable, compared to when the water supply is shut off when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature. Furthermore, because the faucet dispenses water from a second outlet located lower than the first outlet, it prevents the user from being doused in a large amount of hot water from the outlet when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature.

[0020] Furthermore, if the operating unit is operated continuously within a predetermined time to raise the set temperature, it restricts the set temperature from being changed beyond the predetermined temperature.

[0021] The faucet device can be designed so that when a user changes the set temperature, the control unit does not receive a signal indicating a continuous operation to increase the set temperature within a predetermined time, thereby preventing the set temperature from rising to an unintended level. This improves the safety of the faucet device.

[0022] Furthermore, the control device is capable of performing a calibration mode in which it adjusts the predetermined position or predetermined drive amount setting according to at least one of the installed environment and product variations, the actuator is a motor, the calibration mode is performed by the control device driving the motor while discharging water from the water discharge unit, and during the calibration mode, the control device releases the excitation of the motor after driving it.

[0023] The faucet device stops the power supply to the motor after it has been driven. This allows the faucet device to suppress increased power consumption and motor heat generation during calibration mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to suppress giving discomfort to the user by the driving sound of the actuator for controlling the valve body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a bathroom unit in which a faucet device according to an embodiment is provided. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a remote control according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a faucet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a faucet body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mixing faucet unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a spindle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view in the direction of arrow looking inside the temperature control side motor unit in the VIII direction shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of temperature control. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of initial processing and hot water supply temperature determination processing in calibration mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of normal optimization processing in calibration mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of temperature control table allocation processing in calibration mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the calculation of the allocation coefficient. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the calculation of the allocation coefficient. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram for calculating the allocation coefficient. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is installed in a bathroom unit 10, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bathroom unit 10 in which the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is installed.

[0027] In a Cartesian coordinate system, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as "left," and the negative direction of the X-axis is defined as "right." Furthermore, the positive direction of the Y-axis is defined as "backward," and the negative direction of the Y-axis is defined as "forward." Additionally, the positive direction of the Z-axis is defined as "upward," and the negative direction of the Z-axis is defined as "downward." Therefore, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0028] The bathroom unit 10 comprises a bathtub 11, a first counter 12, a second counter 13, and a faucet device 1. In the following description, when there is no distinction between water, hot water, and mixed hot and cold water that is dispensed by the faucet device 1, the terms "hot water" will be used.

[0029] The first counter 12 is attached to the wall 14a of the bathroom unit 10. The first counter 12 protrudes into the bathroom from the wall 14a. The first counter 12 is located above the washing area floor 15 of the bathroom unit 10. The faucet body 3 of the faucet device 1 is housed in the first counter 12. A hot water outlet 25a is provided at the lower end of the first counter 12. The hot water outlet 25a is provided on the first counter 12 so that the direction of hot and cold water discharge is downward.

[0030] The second counter 13 is attached to the wall 14a. The second counter 13 protrudes into the bathroom from the wall 14a. The second counter 13 is positioned above the first counter 12. For example, the second counter 13 is positioned to extend above the bathtub 11. However, the second counter 13 does not necessarily have to extend above the bathtub 11.

[0031] The second counter 13 houses a portion of the faucet device 1. Specifically, the second counter 13 houses a portion of the tap 21 and a portion of the hand shower 22 of the faucet device 1. The spout 21a of the tap 21 is exposed on the second counter 13. The spout 21a of the tap 21 is positioned on the second counter 13 so that the direction of hot and cold water discharge is downward.

[0032] Furthermore, the shower hose 22a of the hand shower 22 of the faucet device 1 is connected to the second counter 13. The shower hose 22a is connected to the shower water channel housed in the second counter 13.

[0033] The overhead shower 23 and the warm pillar 24 of the faucet device 1 are installed on the ceiling 16 of the bathroom unit 10. The overhead shower 23 and the warm pillar 24 are installed as a single unit.

[0034] The overhead shower 23 sprays hot water over a wider area of ​​the user than the hand shower 22. For example, the overhead shower 23 is configured to spray hot water over the user's entire body. The warm pillar 24 straightens and discharges the hot water into a single stream. In other words, the warm pillar 24 straightens and discharges the hot water so that it flows down in a continuous column.

[0035] A remote control 4 (operating unit) for the faucet device 1 is mounted on the wall portion 14b of the bathroom unit 10. The remote control 4 may also be mounted on the wall portion 14a where the first counter 12 and the second counter 13 are installed.

[0036] The remote control 4 receives various user operations on the faucet body 3. Specifically, the remote control 4 receives the operation to set the temperature (set temperature) of the hot and cold water on the faucet body 3. The remote control 4 receives the operation to set the flow rate of the hot and cold water on the faucet body 3. The remote control 4 receives the operation to switch between discharging and shutting off the hot and cold water. The remote control 4 receives the operation to switch the destination of the hot and cold water. The remote control 4 has a sound output unit and emits sound. When operated by the user, the remote control 4 transmits an operation signal corresponding to each operation to the control device 7 (see Figure 3) of the faucet device 1.

[0037] The remote control 4 includes, for example, a temperature adjustment button 41, a water volume adjustment button 42, and a switch button 43, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a front view of the remote control 4 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The temperature adjustment button 41 is a button for adjusting the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water in the faucet body 3. The temperature adjustment button 41 includes a high temperature button 41a and a low temperature button 41b. The high temperature button 41a is a button for increasing the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. The low temperature button 41b is a button for decreasing the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water. The remote control 4 displays the temperature setting status of the mixed hot and cold water on the first display unit 45a. When the high temperature button 41a or the low temperature button 41b is operated, the display on the first display unit 45a changes according to the operation of each button 41a or 41b.

[0039] Furthermore, the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water in the faucet body 3 can be adjusted within a predetermined temperature range. When the low-temperature button 41b is operated and the set temperature of the mixed hot and cold water falls below the lowest temperature in the predetermined temperature range, the faucet body 3 will not mix hot water with cold water, and cold water will be dispensed.

[0040] The water volume adjustment button 42 is a button for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet device 1. The water volume adjustment button 42 includes an increase button 42a and a decrease button 42b. The increase button 42a is a button for increasing the flow rate of hot and cold water. The decrease button 42b is a button for decreasing the flow rate of hot and cold water. The remote control 4 displays the water volume setting status of the hot and cold water on the second display unit 45b. When the increase button 42a or the decrease button 42b is operated, the display on the second display unit 45b changes according to the operation of each button 42a or 42b. The flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet device 1 can be adjusted within a predetermined flow rate range.

[0041] The selector button 43 is a button for switching between hot and cold water discharge and shut-off in the faucet device 1. The selector button 43 is also a button for switching the destination of the hot and cold water discharge in the faucet device 1. The selector button 43 includes a faucet button 43a, a hand shower button 43b, an overhead shower button 43c, and a warm pillar button 43d. Each of the buttons 43a to 43d can be switched to "ON" or "OFF" by the user.

[0042] When buttons 43a to 43d of the switch button 43 are set to "OFF", no hot or cold water is dispensed. In other words, the faucet device 1 is in a shut-off state.

[0043] When any one of the buttons 43a to 43d of the toggle button 43 is pressed from the "OFF" state, and that button 43 becomes "ON", hot or cold water is dispensed. In other words, the faucet device 1 changes from a shut-off state to a water-dispensing state.

[0044] If one of the toggle buttons 43 is set to "ON" and another toggle button 43 is pressed, the toggle button 43 that is set to "ON" is changed, and the destination of the hot and cold water is switched.

[0045] For example, when the hand shower button 43b is set to "ON", hot and cold water is dispensed from the hand shower 22. In this state, if the faucet button 43a is pressed, the hand shower button 43b is set to "OFF" and the faucet button 43a is set to "ON". As a result, the destination of the hot and cold water is changed from the hand shower 22 to the faucet 21, and the hot and cold water is dispensed from the faucet 21.

[0046] If the toggle button 43, which is currently in the "ON" position, is pressed again, the pressed toggle button 43 will switch to the "OFF" position, and buttons 43a to 43d on the toggle button 43 will also switch to the "OFF" position, stopping the flow of hot and cold water. In other words, the faucet device 1 will switch from a water-discharging state to a water-stopping state.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the buttons 43a to 43d is configured so that the user can identify whether it is "ON" or "OFF". For example, the toggle button 43 that is "ON" lights up, and the toggle button 43 that is "OFF" is off.

[0048] Here, a faucet device 1 capable of dispensing hot and cold water from an overhead shower 23, a warm pillar 24, a hand shower 22, and a tap 21 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the faucet device 1 may not have an overhead shower 23 or a warm pillar 24.

[0049] Next, the outline of the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the outline of the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 3, the flow of hot and cold water is shown by solid arrows, and communication lines are shown by dashed lines.

[0050] The faucet device 1 comprises multiple water outlets 2, a faucet body 3, a remote control 4, and a communication unit 5.

[0051] The multiple water outlets 2 include a faucet 21, a hand shower 22, an overhead shower 23, a warm pillar 24, and a hot water waiting outlet 25a (see Figure 1) connected to the residual water discharge channel 25.

[0052] The faucet body 3 comprises a mixing faucet unit 50, a water discharge switching unit 30, and a control device 7.

[0053] The mixing faucet unit 50 includes a hot and cold water mixing section 80, a flow rate adjustment section 100, a temperature sensor 48, and a temperature sensor 49. Hot water is supplied to the hot and cold water mixing section 80 from a hot water source 37. Cold water is also supplied to the hot and cold water mixing section 80 from a water source 44. The temperature sensor 48 is located upstream of the hot and cold water mixing section 80 and detects the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water source 37. The temperature sensor 49 is located downstream of the hot and cold water mixing section 80 and detects the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing section 80. A shut-off valve 38 is provided in the hot water supply passage 39 between the hot and cold water mixing section 80 and the hot water source 37. A shut-off valve 45 is provided in the cold water supply passage 46 between the hot and cold water mixing section 80 and the water source 44.

[0054] The hot and cold water mixing unit 80 mixes the hot water supplied from the hot water source 37 with the cold water supplied from the cold water source 44. Specifically, the hot and cold water mixing unit 80 switches whether or not to mix hot water with cold water. The hot and cold water mixing unit 80 also adjusts the ratio of hot water mixed with cold water to adjust the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water.

[0055] The hot and cold water mixing unit 80 is equipped with a motor 62. The motor 62 is, for example, a stepping motor, and the rotational position (drive amount) of the motor 62 is controlled by the number of steps. In response to the operation of the temperature adjustment button 41 of the remote control 4, the motor 62 drives the temperature control valve 82 (valve body, see Figure 6) to switch whether or not to mix hot water with cold water.

[0056] Furthermore, the hot and cold water mixing unit 80 adjusts the ratio of hot water to cold water by driving the motor 62 in response to the operation of the temperature adjustment button 41 on the remote control 4, thereby driving the temperature control valve 82 (see Figure 6). In addition, even when the temperature adjustment button 41 is not operated, the hot and cold water mixing unit 80 can automatically adjust the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water by adjusting the ratio of the flow rate of hot water to the flow rate of cold water according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, for example, if the temperature of the hot water changes and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water changes.

[0057] The flow rate adjustment unit 100 receives hot and cold water from the hot and cold water mixing unit 80. When hot and cold water is discharged from the discharge unit 2, the flow rate adjustment unit 100 adjusts the flow rate of the hot and cold water being discharged.

[0058] The flow rate adjustment unit 100 is equipped with a motor 72. The motor 72 is, for example, a stepping motor, and the rotational position (drive amount) of the motor 62 is controlled by the number of steps. The flow rate adjustment unit 100 adjusts the flow rate of hot and cold water by driving the flow control valve 102 (see Figure 6) through the operation of the water volume adjustment button 42 on the remote control 4 by driving the motor 72.

[0059] The water discharge switching unit 30 switches between discharging or shutting off the hot and cold water flowing out of the mixing faucet unit 50. In other words, the water discharge switching unit 30 switches between discharging or shutting off the hot and cold water from the water discharge unit 2. The water discharge switching unit 30 also switches the destination of the hot and cold water. The faucet device 1 performs the switching between discharging or shutting off the hot and cold water from the water discharge unit 2 using the water discharge switching unit 30, and adjusts the flow rate of the hot and cold water when it is being discharged using the flow rate adjustment unit 100.

[0060] The water discharge switching unit 30 is equipped with a plurality of solenoid valves 31 to 35. Specifically, the water discharge switching unit 30 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 31, a second solenoid valve 32, a third solenoid valve 33, a fourth solenoid valve 34, and a fifth solenoid valve 35.

[0061] The first to fourth solenoid valves 31 to 34 can be switched to "closed (OFF)" or "open (ON)" depending on the operation of the switch button 43.

[0062] When the first to fourth solenoid valves 31 to 34 are "closed", no hot or cold water is discharged from the faucet 21, hand shower 22, overhead shower 23, or warm pillar 24. When any one of the first to fourth solenoid valves 31 to 34 is "open", hot or cold water is discharged from the faucet 21, hand shower 22, overhead shower 23, or warm pillar 24 corresponding to the open solenoid valve.

[0063] The first solenoid valve 31 switches between discharging or shutting off hot and cold water at the faucet 21. The second solenoid valve 32 switches between discharging or shutting off hot and cold water at the hand shower 22. The third solenoid valve 33 switches between discharging or shutting off hot and cold water at the overhead shower 23. The fourth solenoid valve 34 switches between discharging or shutting off hot and cold water at the warm pillar 24.

[0064] For example, if the first solenoid valve 31 is "open" and the second to fourth solenoid valves 32 to 34 are "closed", hot and cold water will be discharged from the faucet 21.

[0065] The fifth solenoid valve 35 can be switched to "closed (OFF)" or "open (ON)" in response to the switching of the water discharge mode by the remote control 4 or operation by an external device 6 (for example, a remote control installed in the washroom). The fifth solenoid valve 35 is a valve for discharging residual water from the hose of the hand shower 22 or from the piping, and is normally kept in the "closed" position. In other words, the fifth solenoid valve 35 is set to "open" when residual water treatment is required. When the fifth solenoid valve 35 is "open", residual water is discharged from the hot water outlet 25a via the residual water discharge channel 25.

[0066] The control device 7 controls the motors 62 and 72, and the first to fourth solenoid valves 31 to 4th solenoid valves 34 in response to the operation of the faucet body 3 received by the remote control 4. The control device 7 also controls the fifth solenoid valve 35 in response to the operation of, for example, the remote control 4 or an external device 6.

[0067] The control device 7 is a controller. The control device 7 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various circuits. The control device 7 may also include hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0068] The communication unit 5 receives operation signals from the remote control 4 and the external device 6, and transmits the received operation signals to the control device 7. The remote control 4 and the external device 6 are connected to the communication unit 5 by wired or wireless communication. The control device 7 is connected to the communication unit 5 by wired or wireless communication.

[0069] Next, the faucet body 3 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the faucet body 3. The faucet body 3 includes a mixing faucet unit 50, a water discharge switching unit 30, and a control device 7 (see Figure 3), as well as a flow path unit 9. The faucet body 3 is attached to the wall 14a of the bathroom unit 10 (see Figure 1) by the flow path unit 9.

[0070] The flow path unit 9 has a hot water supply channel 39 (see Figure 3) that allows hot water supplied from the hot water source 37 (see Figure 3) to flow into the mixing faucet unit 50, a water supply channel 46 (see Figure 3) that allows water supplied from the water source 44 (see Figure 3) to flow into the mixing faucet unit 50, and a flow path that allows hot and cold water to flow from the mixing faucet unit 50 to each water outlet 2. The flow path unit 9 is also provided with a water outlet switching section 30. The flow path unit 9 is also provided with shut-off valves 38 and 45 (see Figure 3). The flow path unit 9 is also provided with a residual water discharge channel 25.

[0071] In the faucet body 3, a flow path unit 9 is provided at the rear, and a mixing faucet unit 50 is provided in front of the flow path unit 9. A portion of the flow path unit 9 is provided above the mixing faucet unit 50. In addition, a control box 7a housing the control device 7 is provided in front of the mixing faucet unit 50.

[0072] Next, the mixing faucet unit 50 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mixing faucet unit 50. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 5.

[0073] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mixing faucet unit 50 comprises a unit body 51, a temperature control motor unit 60, a flow control motor unit 70, a hot and cold water mixing unit 80, and a flow rate adjustment unit 100. The mixing faucet unit 50 has a spout 52 on the unit body 51, and hot and cold water is discharged from the spout 52.

[0074] The unit body 51 extends in the left-right direction. The hot and cold water mixing section 80 and the flow rate adjustment section 100 are inserted into the unit body 51 in the left-right direction. That is, the insertion direction of the hot and cold water mixing section 80 and the flow rate adjustment section 100 coincides with the left-right direction.

[0075] On the left side of the unit body 51, there is a hot water inlet 53 which is connected to the hot water supply passage 39 (see Figure 3). In the middle of the unit body 51 in the left-right direction, there is a water inlet 54 which is connected to the cold water supply passage 46 (see Figure 3). The unit body 51 has the hot water inlet 53 and the cold water inlet 54 located adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0076] The temperature control motor unit 60 comprises a cover 61 and a motor 62 and is located at the left end of the unit body 51. The cover 61 is located at the left end of the unit body 51 via a spacer 55. The motor 62 is located inside the cover 61. The flow control motor unit 70 comprises a cover 71 and a motor 72 and is located at the right end of the unit body 51. The cover 71 is located at the right end of the unit body 51 via a spacer 56. The motor 72 is located inside the cover 71.

[0077] Motor 62 is an actuator that operates the hot and cold water mixing unit 80. Motor 62 switches whether or not to mix hot and cold water depending on the rotation position (drive amount) of motor 62. Also, when discharging mixed hot and cold water, motor 62 sets the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water depending on the rotation position (drive amount) of motor 62. Motor 72 adjusts the flow rate of hot and cold water depending on the rotation position (drive amount) of motor 72.

[0078] The hot and cold water mixing unit 80 comprises a main casing 81, a temperature control valve 82, a temperature-sensing spring 83 (temperature-sensing biasing unit), a bias spring 84, a liner 85, and a spindle 86.

[0079] The main casing 81 comprises a first main casing 87 and a second main casing 88. The peripheral wall of the first main casing 87 has a hot water inlet 87a, which is an inlet for hot water to flow into the internal space of the main casing 81, and a water inlet 87b, which is an inlet for cold water to flow into the same internal space. The right end of the second main casing 88 has a mixed hot and cold water outlet 88a. The hot water inlet 87a, the water inlet 87b, and the mixed hot and cold water outlet 88a are holes that connect the internal space of the main casing 81 to the outside. The hot water inlet 87a and the water inlet 87b are formed in the middle of the main casing 81 in the left-right direction, such that the hot water inlet 87a is located to the left of the water inlet 87b.

[0080] The outer peripheral space of the main casing 81 is partitioned by sealing members, O-rings 89a, 89b, and 89c. As a result, the outer peripheral space of the main casing 81 forms an annular channel 89 for hot water facing the hot water inlet 87a, and an annular channel 90 for cold water facing the cold water inlet 87b.

[0081] A water discharge channel 91 is formed in the internal space of the main casing 81. The water discharge channel 91 can communicate with the water outlet 52 via the mixed hot and cold water outlet 88a and the flow control valve 102.

[0082] The temperature-sensing spring 83 is housed in the second main casing 88. The temperature-sensing spring 83 is provided in the water discharge channel 91. The temperature-sensing spring 83 is a spring whose spring constant changes according to temperature, and is made of, for example, a shape memory alloy (SMA). The temperature-sensing spring 83 biases the temperature control valve 82 to the left.

[0083] The bias spring 84 is housed in the first main casing 87, which is located to the left of the second main casing 88. The bias spring 84 is installed in the water discharge channel 91. The bias spring 84 is a spring whose spring constant is approximately constant with respect to temperature. The bias spring 84 biases the temperature control valve 82 to the right.

[0084] The temperature control valve 82 is located inside the right side of the first main casing 87. The temperature control valve 82 is slidably mounted in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the first main casing 87. The temperature control valve 82 moves left-right in response to the biasing force of the bias spring 84 and the biasing force of the temperature-sensing spring 83, adjusting the communication state between the annular flow path 89 for hot water and the annular flow path 90 for cold water and the discharge flow path 91.

[0085] Specifically, the temperature control valve 82 is held in a position where the biasing force of the bias spring 84 and the biasing force of the temperature-sensing spring 83 are balanced. As the temperature control valve 82 moves to the right, the opening of the hot water inlet 87a increases and the opening of the cold water inlet 87b decreases, so the amount of hot water supplied to the discharge channel 91 increases and the amount of cold water decreases, causing the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water to rise. As the temperature control valve 82 moves to the left, the opening of the hot water inlet 87a decreases and the opening of the cold water inlet 87b increases, so the amount of hot water supplied into the main casing 81 decreases and the amount of cold water increases, causing the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water to fall.

[0086] The liner 85 abuts against the end of the bias spring 84 opposite to the temperature control valve 82 and is connected to the motor 62 via a spindle 86. The spindle 86 converts the rotational motion of the motor 62 into linear motion of the liner 85 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the liner 85 moves in the left-right direction in accordance with the rotation of the motor 62.

[0087] In the hot and cold water mixing unit 80, the liner 85 moves left and right in accordance with the rotation position of the motor 62, and the position of the left end of the bias spring 84 is changed. Therefore, the hot and cold water mixing unit 80 can change the position of the temperature control valve 82 at which the biasing force of the bias spring 84 and the biasing force of the temperature-sensing spring 83 are balanced, in accordance with the rotation position of the motor 62. Thus, when the hot and cold water mixing unit 80 discharges mixed hot and cold water, it can set the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water to a temperature corresponding to the rotation position of the motor 62.

[0088] Furthermore, when discharging mixed hot and cold water, for example, if the temperature of the hot water changes and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water changes, the temperature-sensing spring 83 expands and contracts in accordance with the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, causing the temperature control valve 82 to move left and right, and the balance position of the temperature control valve 82 to be automatically changed. As a result, the amount of hot water and cold water flowing into the discharge channel 91 is adjusted, and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water is automatically adjusted.

[0089] The flow rate adjustment unit 100 comprises a spindle 101 and a flow control valve 102. One end of the spindle 101 is connected to the motor 72, and the other end is connected to the flow control valve 102.

[0090] The flow control valve 102 is installed in the water discharge channel 91. The flow control valve 102 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor 72. A communication port 102a is formed in the flow control valve 102. The flow control valve 102 is installed so as to face the water discharge port 52 of the unit body 51. By rotating in accordance with the rotation of the motor 72, the flow control valve 102 changes the flow rate by changing the communication area between the communication port 102a and the water discharge port 52.

[0091] Specifically, when the motor 72 is in a predetermined shut-off position, the communication port 102a does not communicate with the water outlet 52. Therefore, when the motor 72 is in a predetermined shut-off position, no hot or cold water is discharged from the water outlet 2.

[0092] When the motor 72 rotates from the shut-off position to the discharge position, for example, the communication port 102a communicates with the discharge port 52. As a result, hot and cold water is discharged from the discharge port 52.

[0093] The flow control valve 102 can change the area in which the communication port 102a and the discharge port 52 communicate, depending on the rotation position of the motor 72. In other words, the flow rate adjustment unit 100 can adjust the flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the discharge port 2 in accordance with the rotation position of the motor 72.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 7 does not perform fine adjustments by feedback control in the temperature flow control of the faucet device 1. Also, even when transitioning from a water discharge state to a water stop state, the control device 7 does not perform a process to return motors 62 and 72 to their origin position (control reference position) each time the water stops. As a result, it is expected that loss of synchronism may occur, and as these gradually accumulate, the opening positions of motors 62 and 72 will shift. To prevent this, the control device 7 performs a process called "origin setting," which returns the positions of motors 62 and 72 to their origin position, at regular intervals or other timings.

[0095] Here, the alignment of the motor 62 and the temperature control valve 82 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 7 is a side view of the spindle 86. Figure 8 is a view of the inside of the temperature control side motor section 60 in direction VIII shown in Figure 5.

[0096] The motor 62 has a spline 86a formed on the left end of the spindle 86 shown in Figure 7, and a recess that can engage with the tip portion 86b which has a shape in which a part of the circumferential surface has been flattened (a so-called D-cut), and is connected to the spindle 86 at the recess.

[0097] The spacer 55 has a protrusion on the surface that joins with the unit body 51, and by engaging with a recess in the unit body 51, it is positioned (restricted) in the rotational direction with respect to the left-right axis. The cover 61 has a protrusion on the surface that joins with the spacer 55, and by engaging with a recess in the spacer 55, it is positioned in the rotational direction. As shown in Figure 8, the motor 62 is positioned by being attached to the cover 61 with screws 63, thus achieving rotational positioning. The spindle 86 and spacer 55 are assembled using an assembly mold (jig), thereby restricting the rotational direction between the spindle 86 and the spacer 55.

[0098] In this way, the unit body 51, spacer 55, cover 61, motor 62, and spindle 86 are each positioned in the rotational direction, so that the rotational direction between the motor 62 and the spindle 86 coincides. Therefore, in the mixing faucet unit 50, the spindle 86 is connected to the recess of the motor 62 up to its tip 86b, and the motor 62 to the temperature control valve 82 is positioned. In this way, the motor 62 and the temperature control valve 82 are fixed in an aligned state.

[0099] Because the motor 62 and temperature control valve 82 of the faucet device 1 are pre-aligned, water can be accurately dispensed at the target set temperature without the need for feedback control during water discharge. This improves the user experience of the faucet device 1.

[0100] Next, the temperature control of the faucet device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for temperature control.

[0101] As shown in Figure 9, the control device 7 receives a request from the remote control 4 to change the temperature control setting (step S101).

[0102] Next, the control device 7 obtains the temperature control set value from the remote control 4 (step S102). The temperature control set value is the set temperature value transmitted from the remote control 4.

[0103] Next, the control device 7 obtains a temperature control correction value from the remote control 4 (step S103). The temperature control correction value is a value used to correct the temperature control set value to a higher or lower temperature. The temperature control correction value is preset by the remote control 4.

[0104] Next, the control device 7 drives the motor 62 to a predetermined rotation position based on the temperature control opening table (step S104), and then terminates the process. The temperature control opening table is data that stores, for example, the relationship between the set temperature and the rotation position of the motor 62. For example, if the temperature control set value is 40°C and the temperature control correction value is +1°C, the control device 7 refers to the table value (rotation position) for 41°C in the temperature control opening table.

[0105] As described above, in the faucet device 1, the hot and cold water mixing section 80 includes a main casing 81 having a cold water inlet 87b, a hot water inlet 87a, and a mixed hot and cold water outlet 88a; a temperature-sensing spring 83 whose biasing force changes according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water and which can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet 87a and the cold water inlet 87b; and a temperature control valve 82 that is slidably mounted in the axial direction within the main casing 81 and which can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet 87a and the cold water inlet 87b. When the control device 7 receives information on the set temperature, it adjusts the axial position of the temperature control valve 82 by driving the motor 62 to a predetermined rotation position corresponding to the set temperature, or by a predetermined amount of drive.

[0106] Since the faucet device 1 adjusts the temperature using a temperature-sensing spring 83, the motor 62 for controlling the temperature control valve 82 is not driven except when changing the set temperature. Therefore, the faucet device 1 can suppress the noise of the motor 62 from causing discomfort to the user. Furthermore, even though the temperature is adjusted spontaneously by the temperature-sensing spring 83, if feedback control is performed based on the result of this temperature adjustment, it may hinder the spontaneous temperature adjustment and cause the water discharge temperature to become unstable. According to the temperature control of the present invention, the spontaneous temperature adjustment performance of the temperature-sensing spring 83 can be fully utilized.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the temperature control of the present invention, the faucet device 1 does not need to constantly check the current output, as in feedback control. Also, since the faucet device 1 does not loop through its processing, it can be implemented with simple processing.

[0108] Furthermore, after the control device 7 drives the motor 62 in step S104, it stops the power supply to the motor 62 and releases the excitation of the motor 62 until it receives a request to change the temperature control setting in step S101. As a result, the opening degree of the temperature control valve 82 is fixed after the motor 62 is driven in step S104 until it receives a request to change the temperature control setting in step S101.

[0109] By controlling the system in this way, the faucet device 1 can further suppress the unpleasant noise caused by the motor 62's operation after a temperature setting change until the next setting change command is received. In addition, the faucet device 1 can suppress the increase in power consumption and the heat generated by the motor 62.

[0110] Alternatively, after a set temperature has been changed, the control device 7 does not drive (excite) the motor 62 to change the opening degree of the temperature control valve 82 until the next set temperature change is made. As a result, after the motor 62 is driven in step S104, the opening degree of the temperature control valve 82 is fixed until the next request for a temperature setting change in step S101 is received.

[0111] By controlling the system in this way, the faucet device 1 can further suppress the unpleasantness caused by the motor 62's operating noise (operating sound) after changing the set temperature until the next setting change command is received.

[0112] Furthermore, the remote control 4 has an upper limit set for the temperature range of the set temperature (for example, 45°C). Here, if the temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature of 55°C or higher for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), the control device 7 switches the water discharge to a water discharge unit 2 (second water discharge unit) located at a lower position than the water discharge unit 2 (first water discharge unit) that is currently discharging water. The second water discharge unit is not particularly limited as long as it is located lower than the first water discharge unit, but the hot water waiting spout 25a located at the lowest position is preferred.

[0113] Furthermore, the control device 7 may perform a fault diagnosis of the faucet device 1 after switching the water discharge to the second water outlet. Specifically, the control device 7 drives the motor 62 to bring the temperature to the normal temperature range (or low temperature range) and checks whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 49 has eased. For example, if the temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature below a second predetermined temperature (for example, 42°C), the control device 7 sets the motor 62 to its home position and returns to normal control. If the temperature sensor 49 continues to detect a temperature higher than the second predetermined temperature, the control device 7 stops the water discharge from the second water outlet and displays an error on the remote control 4 indicating that high temperature has been detected.

[0114] Alternatively, the control device 7 may operate the motor 62 so that the temperature control valve 82 moves in a direction that reduces the opening of the hot water inlet 87a when the temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature above a first predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. This allows the control device 7 to lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge unit 2.

[0115] By performing the control as described above, when the temperature sensor 48 detects a high temperature, the user can easily confirm whether the faucet device 1 is malfunctioning or not, and whether the temperature is temporarily unstable, compared to when the water supply is shut off. In addition, since the faucet device 1 dispenses water from the second water outlet, which is located lower than the first water outlet, it is possible to prevent the user from being doused in a large amount of hot water from the water outlet 2 when the temperature sensor 48 detects a high temperature.

[0116] Furthermore, if the remote control 4 is operated continuously within a predetermined time to raise the set temperature, it will restrict the set temperature from being changed to a third predetermined temperature (for example, 42°C) or higher. For example, continuous operation includes repeatedly pressing a button or holding down a button (long press operation).

[0117] For example, if the user repeatedly presses the high-temperature button 41a within a predetermined time, the remote control 4 will disable the operation (for example, raising the temperature from 42°C to 43°C) once the set temperature has been changed to the third predetermined temperature. After that, if the user presses the high-temperature button 41a again, the operation will be enabled.

[0118] For example, if the user presses and holds the high temperature button 41a within a predetermined time, the remote control 4 will disable the operation (for example, raising the temperature from 42°C to 43°C) once the set temperature has been changed to a third predetermined temperature. Then, if the user stops pressing the high temperature button 41a and then resumes pressing the high temperature button 41a, the remote control 4 will allow the set temperature to be changed to a temperature higher than the third predetermined temperature. The remote control 4 may also output a sound to indicate that the operation to raise the set temperature has been disabled.

[0119] By performing the control as described above, when a user changes the set temperature, the faucet device 1 can prevent the set temperature from rising to an unintended level by not sending setting change signals from the remote control 4 to the control device 7 within a predetermined time frame. This improves the safety of the faucet device 1.

[0120] Furthermore, the control device 7 is capable of executing a calibration mode. The calibration mode is a mode in which the control device 7 adjusts the predetermined rotation position or predetermined drive amount setting according to at least one of the environment in which the faucet device 1 is installed and product variations. In calibration mode, for example, multiple target temperatures are set, and the control device 7 performs a process to adjust the water discharge temperature to the target temperature for each target temperature. In this process, the control device 7 drives the motor 62 to make the water discharge temperature the target temperature while discharging water from the water discharge unit 2 (for example, the hot water waiting spout 25a), and searches for the rotation position or drive amount of the motor 62 for each target temperature. Based on the searched rotation position or drive amount of the motor 62, the control device 7 can adjust the predetermined rotation position or predetermined drive amount setting.

[0121] During calibration mode, the control device 7 stops powering the motor 62 and releases the excitation until the motor 62 is driven again. This allows the faucet device 1 to suppress increased power consumption and heat generation of the motor 62 during calibration mode.

[0122] Next, the calibration mode will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 15. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for the initial processing and hot water temperature determination processing in the calibration mode. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for the normal optimization processing in the calibration mode. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for the temperature control table assignment processing in the calibration mode. Figures 13 to 15 are explanatory diagrams for the calculation of the assignment coefficients.

[0123] In addition to the "calibration mode" described above, the control device 7 can also perform a "water discharge mode." The "water discharge mode" is a mode in which, upon receiving set temperature information from the remote control 4, the control device adjusts the axial position of the temperature control valve 82 by driving the motor 62 to a predetermined rotation position or by a predetermined amount of drive corresponding to the set temperature.

[0124] The temperature control processing procedure in "water discharge mode" is the same as the processing from steps S101 to S104 described above.

[0125] Next, we will explain the "calibration mode" in detail. The "calibration mode" is performed by the user operating the remote control 4. Specifically, when the user presses and holds the low temperature button 41b and the water increase button 42a on the remote control 4 simultaneously for 3 seconds to access the settings screen and selects "Calibration," the first display unit 45a or the second display unit 45b will display whether or not the "calibration mode" needs to be performed. Then, when the user selects "Execute Calibration Mode" on the remote control 4, the calibration mode is executed. In addition, while the calibration mode is being executed, the first display unit 45a or the second display unit 45b of the remote control 4 will display "Calibration mode in progress." Since the faucet device 1 can be calibrated using the remote control 4 used for normal water dispensing operations, a dedicated setting remote control is not required. It may also be possible to temporarily interrupt or cancel the execution of the calibration mode by operating the remote control 4 while the calibration mode is being executed.

[0126] In "Calibration Mode," initial processing (steps S201 to S204) and hot water temperature determination processing (steps S205 to S209) are performed first.

[0127] As shown in Figure 10, the control device 7 sets the origin of the motors 62 and 72 and opens the fifth solenoid valve 35 (step S201). The faucet device 1 performs calibration while discharging water from the hot water outlet 25a by opening the fifth solenoid valve 35. The control device 7 can improve the accuracy of the calibration by driving the motor 62 while checking the environment during actual water discharge.

[0128] Next, the control device 7 drives the motor 62 to reach a first predetermined temperature (step S202). For example, the first predetermined temperature is set to 42°C.

[0129] Next, the control device 7 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the motor 62 was driven (step S203). For example, the first predetermined time is set to 5 minutes.

[0130] If the control device 7 determines that a first predetermined time has elapsed since the motor 62 was driven (step S203: Yes), it terminates the calibration process. In this case, the control device 7 terminates the process without updating the temperature control opening table.

[0131] If the control device 7 determines that a first predetermined time has not elapsed since the motor 62 was driven (step S203: No), it determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 48 is greater than a second predetermined temperature (step S204). For example, the second predetermined temperature is set to 32°C. The determinations in steps S203 and S204 are intended to determine whether the power to the water heater, which is the hot water source 37, is turned on or not.

[0132] If the control device 7 determines that the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature sensor 48 is below the second predetermined temperature (step S204: No), it returns to step S203.

[0133] If the control device 7 determines that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 48 is greater than a second predetermined temperature (step S204: Yes), it determines whether the hot water temperature has stabilized at or above a third predetermined temperature (step S205). For example, the control device 7 can determine whether the hot water temperature has stabilized by the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 48 staying within a predetermined range for a certain period of time.

[0134] When the control device 7 determines that the hot water temperature has stabilized at or above the third predetermined temperature (step S205: Yes), it sets the origin of the motor 62 (step S206) and proceeds to the normal optimization process shown in Figure 11. In this way, the control device 7 starts adjusting the rotation position setting of the motor 62 after the hot water temperature has stabilized. The faucet device 1 suppresses the heat absorption of cooled castings when the flow path unit 9 (see Figure 4) is composed of castings, and the influence of the start-up of the water heater, enabling accurate temperature control during calibration. As a result, the control device 7 can improve the accuracy of calibration.

[0135] If the control device 7 determines that the hot water temperature has not stabilized above the third predetermined temperature (step S205: No), it determines that the hot water temperature is below the appropriate temperature and assigns a fixed table to the temperature control opening table (step S207). The fixed table is pre-set based on evaluation data under predetermined conditions (for example, water temperature of 15°C in the water supply channel 46, hot water temperature of 40°C in the hot water supply channel 39, both at a pressure of 0.2 MPa). In this way, if the hot water temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature, the control device 7 controls it using a dedicated table. This allows the faucet device 1 to check whether the hot water temperature is appropriate and, depending on the situation, to display on the remote control 4 whether the hot water temperature is appropriate to the user. The faucet device 1 can prevent lukewarm water from being dispensed when the hot water temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature. This allows the faucet device 1 to prevent a decrease in user convenience.

[0136] Next, the control device 7 sets the motor 62 to its home position (step S208).

[0137] Next, the control device 7 drives motors 62 and 72 to their default positions (step S209) and terminates the calibration process. For example, the default position of motor 62 is the rotational position of motor 62 corresponding to the median value of the set temperature (for example, 40°C). The default position of motor 72 is the rotational position of motor 72 corresponding to the median value of the flow rate.

[0138] Next, we will explain the processing procedure for the normal optimization process in "Calibration Mode".

[0139] As shown in Figure 11, the control device 7 performs PID control at the first target temperature (step S210). Specifically, the control device 7 uses PID control to calculate the rotational position of the motor 62 with the first target temperature as the target temperature, and drives the motor 62 at the calculated rotational position. For example, the first target temperature is set to 35°C. Although PID control is used to adjust the water discharge temperature to the target temperature, it is not limited to this method, and various control methods may be used to adjust the water discharge temperature to the target temperature.

[0140] Next, the control device 7 determines whether the third predetermined time has continued since the start of PID control in step S210 (step S211). For example, the third predetermined time is set to 60 seconds.

[0141] If the control device 7 determines that the third predetermined time has not been maintained since the start of PID control in step S210 (step S211: No), it determines whether the deviation e in the PID control is below the fourth predetermined temperature and whether that state (hereinafter simply referred to as "the state below the fourth predetermined temperature") has continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S212).

[0142] If the control device 7 determines that the condition of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has not continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S212: No), it returns to step S211.

[0143] Next, if the control device 7 determines that the PID control for the first target temperature in step S210 has continued for a third predetermined time (step S211: Yes), or if it determines that the temperature has remained below the fourth predetermined temperature for a fourth predetermined time (step S212: Yes), it records data based on the search results (step S213). Specifically, the control device 7 records the amount of drive of the motor 62 (number of steps) and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water detected by the temperature sensor 49 (first temperature) as temperature change points at the timing of step S213.

[0144] Next, the control device 7 performs PID control at the second target temperature (step S214). Specifically, the control device 7 uses PID control to calculate the rotational position of the motor 62 with the second target temperature as the target temperature, and drives the motor 62 at the calculated rotational position. For example, the second target temperature is set to 40°C.

[0145] Next, the control device 7 determines whether the third predetermined time has continued since the start of the PID control in step S214 (step S215).

[0146] If the control device 7 determines that the third predetermined time has not continued since the start of PID control in step S214 (step S215: No), it determines whether the state of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S216).

[0147] If the control device 7 determines that the condition of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has not continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S216: No), it returns to step S215.

[0148] If the control device 7 determines that the PID control in step S214 has continued for a third predetermined time (step S215: Yes), or if it determines that the state of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has continued for a fourth predetermined time (step S216: Yes), it records data based on the search result (step S217). Specifically, the control device 7 records the amount of drive of the motor 62 (number of steps) and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water detected by the temperature sensor 49 (second temperature) as temperature change points at the timing of step S217.

[0149] Next, the control device 7 performs PID control at the third target temperature (step S218). Specifically, the control device 7 uses PID control to calculate the rotational position of the motor 62 with the third target temperature as the target temperature, and drives the motor 62 to achieve the calculated rotational position. For example, the third target temperature is set to 45°C.

[0150] Next, the control device 7 determines whether the third predetermined time has continued since the start of the PID control in step S218 (step S219).

[0151] If the control device 7 determines that the third predetermined time has not been continued since the start of PID control in step S218 (step S219: No), it determines whether the rotation position of the motor 62 has reached the upper limit rotation position (step S220).

[0152] If the control device 7 determines that the rotation position of the motor 62 has not reached the upper limit rotation position (step S220: No), it determines whether the condition of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S221).

[0153] If the control device 7 determines that the condition of being below the fourth predetermined temperature has not continued for the fourth predetermined time (step S221: No), it returns to step S219.

[0154] If the control device 7 determines that the PID control in step S218 has continued for a third predetermined time (step S219: Yes), or if the state of being below the fourth predetermined temperature continues for a fourth predetermined time (step S221: Yes), it records data based on the search results (step S222) and proceeds to the normal optimization process shown in Figure 12. Specifically in step S222, the control device 7 records the amount of drive of the motor 62 (number of steps) and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water detected by the temperature sensor 49 (third temperature) at the timing of step S222.

[0155] If the control device 7 determines that the upper limit rotation position has been reached (step S220: Yes), it waits for a fifth predetermined time (step S223). For example, the fifth predetermined time is set to 30 seconds.

[0156] Next, the control device 7 sets the upper limit rotation position to the rotation position at the third target temperature (step S224).

[0157] Next, the control device 7 records data based on the search results (step S222) and proceeds to the normal optimization process shown in Figure 12. Specifically in step S222, the control device 7 records the upper limit rotation position of the motor 62 and the temperature of the mixed hot water (third temperature) detected by the temperature sensor 49 as temperature change points.

[0158] As shown in Figure 13, the temperature change points can be plotted on a graph with the rotational position of the motor 62 on the horizontal axis and the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water detected by the temperature sensor 49 on the vertical axis, with the temperature change point recorded in step S213 as point A, the temperature change point recorded in step S217 as point B, and the temperature change point recorded in step S222 as point C.

[0159] Next, we will explain the processing procedure for assigning a temperature control table in "calibration mode".

[0160] As shown in Figure 12, the control device 7 calculates the allocation coefficient (step S225). Specifically, the control device 7 calculates the slope and intercept of the linear equation of the line AB connecting points A(s1,t1) and B(s2,t2) as shown in Figure 14, and also calculates the slope and intercept of the linear equation of the line BC connecting points B(s2,t2) and C(s3,t3) as shown in Figure 15. The allocation coefficient is the slope and intercept of the linear equation of line AB and the linear equation of line BC.

[0161] Next, the control device 7 closes the fifth solenoid valve 35 (step S226). By closing the fifth solenoid valve 35, the control device 7 stops the discharge of water from the hot water outlet 25a.

[0162] Next, the control device 7 performs interpolation of the table values ​​(step S227). Specifically, the control device 7 calculates the rotational position of the motor 62 for each set temperature (for each temperature that can be set by the remote control 4) based on the allocation coefficient calculated in step S225. For example, at set temperatures below the second target temperature, the control device 7 calculates the rotational position of the motor 62 based on a linear equation of the line AB. Also, at set temperatures higher than the second target temperature, the control device 7 calculates the rotational position of the motor 62 based on a linear equation of the line BC.

[0163] Although the rotational position of the motor 62 is calculated based on three temperature change points, this is not particularly limited. Alternatively, three or more temperature change points may be searched, and a linear equation for the straight line between two of these temperature change points may be calculated in order of increasing target temperature. The rotational position of the motor 62 may then be calculated for each set temperature, similar to the case with three points. The control device 7 can improve the accuracy of its calibration by using three or more temperature change points.

[0164] Next, the control device 7 updates all the table data (step S228). Specifically, the control device 7 updates all the data in the temperature control opening table based on the rotation position of the motor 62 calculated in step S227.

[0165] Next, the control device 7 sets the motor 62 to its home position (step S229).

[0166] Next, the control device 7 drives the motors 62 and 72 to their default positions (step S230) and terminates the process.

[0167] As described above, in the faucet device 1, the control device 7 is capable of performing a calibration mode that adjusts the setting of a predetermined position or predetermined drive amount according to at least one of the installed environment (water pressure, hot water temperature) and product variations.

[0168] By controlling the system in this way, the faucet device 1 can adjust for individual differences in the temperature, pressure, temperature, and pressure of the hot water supply line 39 and cold water supply line 46, as well as the temperature control of the SMA thermostatic valve, according to the specific site. As a result, the faucet device 1 only needs to move the temperature control valve 82 with the motor 62 when changing the set temperature, and while water is being dispensed, it only needs to adjust the temperature using the temperature-sensing spring 83, enabling highly accurate temperature control according to the set temperature. Furthermore, the faucet device 1 can maximize its advantage of reducing the time it takes for the temperature to stabilize when there are temperature changes or pressure fluctuations in the water supply or hot water supply while water is being dispensed.

[0169] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0170] <Note> (1) A spout that dispenses water into the bathroom, A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes the hot and cold water supplied to the water outlet, An actuator for operating the hot water mixing section, A control device for controlling the drive of the actuator, An operation unit that transmits information about the set temperature to the control device in response to an operation by the user, A faucet device equipped with, The aforementioned hot and cold water mixing section is A main casing having a water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed hot and cold water outlet, A temperature-sensitive biasing unit that changes its biasing force according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, It has a valve body that is slidably mounted in the axial direction within the main casing and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, The control device is A faucet device that, upon receiving information about the set temperature, adjusts the axial position of the valve body by driving the actuator to a predetermined position or by a predetermined amount of drive corresponding to the set temperature. (2) The faucet device according to (1), wherein the control device fixes the opening degree of the valve body after the set temperature has been changed until the next change in the set temperature is made. (3) The faucet device according to (1), wherein the control device does not change the opening degree of the valve body by driving the actuator after the set temperature has been changed until the next change in the set temperature occurs. (4) The actuator is a motor, The faucet device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control device releases the excitation of the motor after driving it to the predetermined position or by the predetermined amount of drive. (5) The motor is a stepping motor, The faucet device according to (4), wherein the stepping motor and the valve body are fixed in an aligned state. (6) Equipped with a temperature sensor to detect water temperature, The water discharge section comprises a first water discharge section and a second water discharge section located at a lower position than the first water discharge section. The control device is If the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature, A faucet device according to any one of (1) to (5) that controls the water to be discharged from the second water outlet. (7) Equipped with a temperature sensor to detect water temperature, The control device is If the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature, A faucet device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the actuator is driven so that the valve body moves in a direction that reduces the opening of the hot water inlet. (8) The faucet device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the operating unit is continuously operated within a predetermined time to raise the set temperature, and the operating unit restricts the set temperature from being changed beyond a predetermined temperature. (9) The control device is capable of performing a calibration mode that adjusts the predetermined position or predetermined drive amount setting according to at least one of the installed environment and product variations. The actuator is a motor, The calibration mode is performed by the control device, which drives the motor while discharging water from the water outlet. The faucet device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein, during the calibration mode, the control device drives the motor and then releases the excitation of the motor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1. Faucet device 2. Water outlet 4. Remote control (operating unit) 7 Control device 10 Bathroom Units 21. Faucet (water outlet) 22 Hand shower (water outlet) 23. Overhead shower (water outlet) 24 Warm pillar (water outlet) 25a Hot water waiting spout (spout section) 49 Temperature Sensor 50 Mixing Faucet Unit 51 Unit body 62 Motors (Actuators) 80 Hot water mixing section 81 Main casing 82 Temperature control valve (valve body) 83 Temperature-sensing spring (temperature-sensing biasing part) 87. First main casing 87a Hot water inlet 87b Water inlet 88 Second main casing 88a Mixed Soup Outlet

Claims

1. A spout that dispenses water into the bathroom, A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes the hot and cold water supplied to the water outlet, An actuator for operating the hot water mixing section, A control device for controlling the drive of the actuator, An operation unit that transmits information about the set temperature to the control device in response to an operation by the user, A faucet device equipped with, The aforementioned hot and cold water mixing section is A main casing having a water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed hot and cold water outlet, A temperature-sensitive biasing unit that changes its biasing force according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, It has a valve body that is slidably mounted in the axial direction within the main casing and is capable of adjusting the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, The control device is Without performing feedback control during water discharge, Upon receiving the information of the set temperature, the axial position of the valve body is adjusted by driving the actuator to a predetermined position or by a predetermined amount of drive corresponding to the set temperature. The control device is a faucet device that, after the set temperature has been changed, drives the actuator and does not change the opening degree of the valve body until the next change in the set temperature occurs.

2. A water outlet that discharges water into the bathroom, A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes the hot and cold water supplied to the water outlet, An actuator for operating the hot water mixing section, A control device for controlling the drive of the actuator, An operation unit that transmits information about the set temperature to the control device in response to an operation by the user, A faucet device equipped with, The aforementioned hot and cold water mixing section is A main casing having a water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed hot and cold water outlet, A temperature-sensitive biasing unit that changes its biasing force according to the temperature of the mixed hot and cold water, and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, It has a valve body that is slidably mounted in the axial direction within the main casing and can adjust the opening degree of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, The control device is Without performing feedback control during water discharge, Upon receiving the information of the set temperature, the axial position of the valve body is adjusted by driving the actuator to a predetermined position or by a predetermined amount of drive corresponding to the set temperature. The actuator is a motor, The control device is a faucet device that releases the excitation of the motor after driving it to the predetermined position or by the predetermined amount of drive.

3. The motor is a stepping motor, The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the stepping motor and the valve body are fixed in an aligned state.

4. Equipped with a temperature sensor to detect water temperature, The water discharge section comprises a first water discharge section and a second water discharge section located at a lower position than the first water discharge section. The control device is If the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water is controlled to be discharged from the second water outlet.

5. Equipped with a temperature sensor to detect water temperature, The control device is If the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor during water discharge is above a predetermined temperature, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is driven so that the valve body moves in a direction that reduces the opening of the hot water inlet.

6. The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating unit is continuously operated within a predetermined time to increase the set temperature, and the operating unit is configured to prevent the set temperature from being changed beyond a predetermined temperature.

7. The control device is capable of performing a calibration mode that adjusts the predetermined position or predetermined drive amount setting according to at least one of the installed environment and product variations. The actuator is a motor, The calibration mode is performed by the control device, which drives the motor while discharging water from the water outlet. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein, during the calibration mode, the control device drives the motor and then releases the excitation of the motor.

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