JP2015127477A - Water discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water discharge device capable of reliably detecting the action of a detected object while reducing the influences of noises, and of controlling the discharge of water on the basis of the action.SOLUTION: A control part 300 of a water discharge device 10 can take a first detecting state for detecting the action of a user HB moving to a use position in a detection region SA, and a second detecting state for detecting the status of use (the movement of urine UR) by the user HB while amplifying a doppler signal at an amplification factor higher than an amplification factor in the first detecting state. When detecting that the user HB moves to the use position and rests in the first detecting state, the control part 300 switches over from the first detecting state into the second detecting state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water discharge device that automatically discharges water from a water discharge portion.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a water discharging device installed in a toilet bowl or a wash basin, a device that detects the approach of a user, the movement of a hand, and the like and automatically discharges water based on this is known. Such a water discharge device generally detects an approach of a user by an infrared sensor, but a device that detects a Doppler sensor such as a microwave Doppler sensor has been developed, and its spread has already begun. Yes.

  The Doppler sensor detects an operation of a detection target by transmitting a radio wave (for example, a microwave) having a predetermined frequency and receiving a radio wave reflected by the detection target (for example, a user). Specifically, a Doppler signal is generated based on the transmitted radio wave and the received radio wave, and the operation of the detection target is detected based on the frequency of the Doppler signal. Unlike infrared rays, radio waves are transmitted without being blocked by pottery, so that even when the Doppler sensor of the water discharge device is disposed on the back side of the toilet, for example, the operation of the detection target can be detected.

  The water discharge device provided with such a Doppler sensor is configured to, for example, detect a user's movement (movement) approaching the water discharge device to discharge water, or to use the user (for example, hand washing). It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which water is discharged by detecting the movement of the hand in the urinal or the movement of urine in the male urinal. In the former case, the entire user (human body) is the detection target of the Doppler sensor. In the latter case, the user's hand or excreted urine is the detection target of the Doppler sensor.

  In addition, the detection object of the Doppler sensor installed in the water discharging apparatus does not need to be restricted to one. For example, the water discharge device described in the following Patent Document 1 is installed in a urinal for men, and after urinating by a Doppler sensor after detecting the approach of a user by a Doppler sensor and discharging water (preliminary washing). Is completed and water is discharged (main cleaning) again. That is, both the entire user and urine are the detection targets of the Doppler sensor.

  When detecting the entire movement of the user, the detection target is large, so that the intensity of the radio wave reflected and received by the detection target becomes relatively strong. On the other hand, when detecting the movement of the user's hand or urine, since the detection target is small, the intensity of the radio wave reflected and received by the detection target is relatively weak.

JP 2006-038873 A

  Since the Doppler sensor detects the detection target based on the Doppler signal, which is an electrical signal as described above, noise (power supply noise, etc.) generated inside the water discharge device and external noise received by the antenna Under the influence of (noise from a fluorescent lamp or the like), the waveform of the Doppler signal may change, and detection may fail. In particular, when the detection target is small like urine and the intensity of the radio wave reflected and returned by the detection target is weak, the received radio wave and the generated Doppler signal are buried in noise, and detection fails. Probability is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to reliably detect the operation of the detection target by reducing the influence of noise and to control the discharge of water based on the operation. It is in providing the water discharging apparatus which can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a water discharge device according to the present invention is a water discharge device that automatically discharges water from a water discharge unit, and emits radio waves toward a detection region that attempts to detect the approach and use status of a user. A Doppler signal is generated based on a transmission unit that transmits a signal, a reception unit that receives a radio wave reflected by a detection target in the detection area, a radio wave transmitted by the transmission unit, and a radio wave received by the reception unit A Doppler signal generation unit that detects the operation of the detection target based on the Doppler signal, and controls the discharge of water from the water discharge unit based on the operation, the control unit A first detection state in which the user detects an operation of moving to a use position in the detection region, and amplifying the Doppler signal with an amplification factor higher than the amplification factor in the first detection state, A second detection state for detecting a use situation, and in the first detection state, when detecting that the user has moved to the use position and stopped, from the first detection state, It is configured to switch to the second detection state.

  The water discharge device according to the present invention is a device that detects the approach and use state of a user by a so-called Doppler sensor and controls the discharge of water from the water discharge unit based on these. For example, when a water discharge device is installed in a male urinal, the Doppler sensor detects the approach of the user, discharges water (preliminary washing), and then completes urination (use status) with the Doppler sensor. It can be configured to detect and discharge water (main cleaning) again.

  The water discharging apparatus according to the present invention includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a Doppler signal generation unit, and these constitute the Doppler sensor. A transmission part is a part which transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the detection area | region which is going to detect a user's approach and use condition. The receiving unit is a part that receives the radio wave reflected by the detection target in the detection region.

  The Doppler signal generation unit generates a Doppler signal based on the radio wave transmitted by the transmission unit and the radio wave received by the reception unit. The generated Doppler signal has a frequency (AC component) corresponding to the operating speed of the detection target reflecting the radio wave, and a signal having an intensity (DC component) corresponding to the distance from the detection target to the receiving antenna. Yes.

  The water discharging apparatus according to the present invention further includes a control unit, and the control unit detects the operation of the detection target based on the Doppler signal from the Doppler signal generation unit. Moreover, a control part controls discharge of the water from a water discharging part based on operation | movement of a detection target. With such a configuration, water is automatically discharged from the water discharger based on the approach of the user, the movement of urine, and the like.

  In the water discharging apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit can take the first detection state and the second detection state. A 1st detection state is a state which detects the operation | movement which a user moves to the use position in a detection area. In the first detection state, since the entire user (human body) is a detection target, a Doppler signal is generated based on a relatively strong radio wave reflected by the entire user. The second detection state is a state in which the usage status of the user is detected. In this second detection state, the movement of urine excreted from the user, the movement of the user's hand, and the like are to be detected, so a Doppler signal is generated based on relatively weak radio waves reflected by the urine etc. Is done.

  In the second detection state, the intensity of the radio wave reflected and returned by the detection target as described above is weak, and the received radio wave and the generated Doppler signal may be buried in noise. Therefore, in the second detection state, the control unit amplifies the Doppler signal with an amplification factor higher than that in the first detection state. By increasing the amplification factor, it is possible to reliably detect the use state in the second detection state where the intensity of the radio wave reflected and returned by the detection target is weak.

  In the first detection state, the control unit of the water discharge device according to the present invention is configured to switch from the first detection state to the second detection state when detecting that the user has moved to the use position and stopped. . With such a configuration, the control unit does not always amplify the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor, but amplifies the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor only when the user is at the use position, and detects the use state.

  When the control unit always amplifies the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor, the radio wave reaching the receiving unit from the outside (fluorescent lamp, etc.), that is, external noise is also amplified at the same time. There is concern that the detection based on this may fail. On the other hand, in the water discharge device according to the present invention, the control unit is in the second detection state only when the user exists at the use position and the radio wave traveling from the outside toward the receiving unit is blocked and reduced by the user. And) the Doppler signal is amplified with a high amplification factor. For this reason, it becomes possible to reliably detect both the approach of the user and the usage state while reducing the influence of external noise.

  Further, in the water discharge device according to the present invention, in the second detection state, the control unit amplifies a difference between the Doppler signal and a signal obtained by changing the phase of the Doppler signal by 90 degrees, thereby the Doppler It is also preferred to amplify the signal.

  In this preferable aspect, in the second detection state, the control unit amplifies the Doppler signal by amplifying a difference between the Doppler signal and a signal obtained by changing the phase of the Doppler signal by 90 degrees. That is, in the second detection state, the Doppler signal is amplified by so-called differential amplification.

  By performing such amplification, it is possible to amplify the Doppler signal while reducing the influence of noise (power supply noise, etc.) generated inside the water discharge device among the noises included in the Doppler signal before amplification. it can. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect the usage state in the second detection state.

  Moreover, in the water discharging apparatus which concerns on this invention, the said control part is comprised so that it may switch from a said 2nd detection state to a said 1st detection state, if the use by the said user is complete | finished in a said 2nd detection state. It is also preferable that

  After the use by the user is completed, the user moves from the use position, so that the radio wave reaching the receiving unit from the outside (such as a fluorescent lamp), that is, external noise is not blocked by the user. Even in such a state, if the second detection state with a high amplification factor is continued, the external noise that has reached the receiving unit will be amplified with a high amplification factor, and the movement of the user can be accurately detected. It will disappear.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch from the second detection state to the first detection state when it is detected that the use by the user has ended in the second detection state. When the user moves from the use position, since the first detection state is low (or not amplified), the external noise reaching the receiving unit is not greatly amplified. As a result, the movement of the user can be accurately detected.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the water discharging apparatus which can reduce the influence of noise, detect the operation | movement of detection object reliably, and can control discharge of water based on the said operation | movement can be provided.

It is a figure showing typically the state where the discharging apparatus concerning the embodiment of the present invention was installed in the urinal for men. It is a figure which shows the state in which the urinal for men shown in FIG. 1 was installed two or more in the toilet room. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of an antenna unit among the water discharging apparatuses shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the connection of an antenna unit and a control part. It is a figure which shows the structure of the amplifier circuit arrange | positioned between an antenna unit and a control part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which a control part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which a control part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which a control part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which a control part performs. It is a figure which shows the change of the state at the time of using the urinal for men shown in FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the Doppler signal which arrives at a control part. It is a figure which shows typically the state by which the water discharging apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention was installed in the hand-washing machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a water discharge device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a male urinal CP. The water discharge device 10 is installed as a device for supplying washing water from above to the bowl portion BW of the male urinal CP. The water discharge device 10 includes a water supply pipe PI, an on-off valve 100, an antenna unit 200, a control unit 300, and a spreader 400.

  The water supply pipe PI is a pipe for receiving supply of water from a water pipe (water supply channel) (not shown). The downstream end of the water supply pipe PI is connected to the spreader 400. The spreader 400 is an outlet (water discharge portion) of water discharged from the water discharge device 10, and is disposed in an upper portion of the bowl portion BW. The water supplied from the water pipe is discharged from the spreader 400 after passing through the water supply pipe PI, and supplied to substantially the entire bowl portion BW as cleaning water.

  The on-off valve 100 is an electromagnetic on-off valve, and is disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe PI. The on-off valve 100 is opened and closed by the control unit 300 described later, and the discharge of water from the spreader 400 is started or stopped.

  The antenna unit 200 is a sensor for detecting the approach of the user HB to the male urinal CP and the movement (usage status) of the urine UR excreted from the user HB in a non-contact manner. The antenna unit 200 is a so-called Doppler sensor, and transmits a microwave of a predetermined frequency toward the detection area SA that is intended to detect the approach and use status of the user HB, thereby detecting the detection target existing in the detection area SA. The operation of (user HB and urine UR) is detected.

  The antenna unit 200 is arranged on the back side of the male urinal CP (on the side opposite to the position where the user HB stands) and in the vicinity of the spreader 400. The microwave transmitted from the antenna unit 200 passes through the male urinal CP, which is a pottery, and travels toward the detection area SA. Thereafter, the microwave reflected by the detection target passes through the male urinal CP again, reaches the antenna unit 200, and is received by the antenna unit 200.

  The antenna unit 200 is disposed in the upper part of the male urinal CP. For this reason, the direction in which microwaves are transmitted from the antenna unit 200, that is, the direction toward the detection area SA where the approach of the user HB or the movement of the urine UR is to be detected is as shown in FIG. And it is the direction which goes to the downward side.

  The antenna unit 200 generates a Doppler signal based on the transmitted microwave (hereinafter also referred to as “transmitted wave SW”) and the received microwave (hereinafter also referred to as “reflected wave RW”), and the Doppler signal is generated. Is transmitted to the control unit 300. The Doppler signal is a signal having a frequency (AC component) corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the transmission wave SW and the frequency of the reflected wave RW. Moreover, it is also a signal which has the intensity | strength (DC component) according to the distance from the detection target to the antenna unit 200.

  Based on the Doppler signal input from the antenna unit 200, the control unit 300 detects the operation of the detection target (the approach of the user HB, the movement of the urine UR), and operates the on-off valve 100 based on this. The discharge of water from the spreader 400 is controlled. Such a control part 300 is comprised with the computer apparatus provided with CPU, RAM, etc. FIG.

  As will be described in detail later, when the water discharge device 10 according to the present embodiment detects that the user HB has approached the male urinal CP based on the Doppler signal, the water discharge device 10 first discharges a certain amount of water to the bowl portion. Pre-clean BW. Thereafter, when it is detected based on the Doppler signal that the movement of the urine UR is not detected (the urination is completed), the bowl BW is washed again (main washing). That is, the water discharge device 10 uses the entire user HB (human body) as a detection target of the Doppler sensor when making a determination for performing preliminary cleaning, and urine UR when making a determination for performing main cleaning. Is the detection target of the Doppler sensor.

  By the way, in public toilet rooms, a plurality of male urinals CP are often arranged side by side. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of such a toilet room RM. In the toilet room RM, four male urinals CP are arranged along one wall surface, and such wall surfaces face each other. As a result, a total of eight male urinals CP (and the water discharge device 10) are arranged in the toilet room RM.

  When a plurality of male urinals CP provided with the water discharge device 10 are installed in such a state, a plurality of the water discharge devices 10 may cause a false detection of the Doppler sensor due to interference of the microwaves. May end up. That is, the microwaves that have arrived from the other water discharge device 10 may become noise, and the waveform of the generated Doppler signal may change, resulting in failure to detect the user HB or the like. Such noise reaches not only from the other water discharge device 10 as described above, but also from an external device such as a hand-washer HW or a fluorescent lamp arranged in the toilet room RM. Furthermore, the electrical noise (for example, power supply noise) generated inside the water discharge device 10 may change the waveform of the Doppler signal and cause false detection.

  Due to the erroneous detection as described above, the preliminary cleaning or the main cleaning may be performed even though the user HB is not approaching. Conversely, there may be a case where the preliminary cleaning is not performed even though the user HB approaches the male urinal CP along the flow line FL shown in FIG.

  In particular, when the detection target is the urine UR (that is, when the determination for performing the main cleaning is performed), the intensity of the microwave reflected and returned by the urine UR is weak. There is a high possibility that the detected Doppler signal will be buried in noise and detection will fail.

  Therefore, in the water discharge device 10 according to the present embodiment, the influence of noise is reduced by devising the configuration of the antenna unit 200, the control method by the control unit 300, the amplification factor of the Doppler signal, and the like. These devices will be described in detail below.

  The configuration of the antenna unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 200 includes an oscillation circuit 210, a transmission antenna 220, a reception antenna 230, two mixer circuits 241 and 242, and a phase adjustment line 250.

  The oscillation circuit 210 is a circuit that generates a microwave signal (output signal) having a predetermined frequency based on a command from the control unit 300 and outputs the microwave signal to the transmission antenna 220. The output signal from the oscillation circuit 210 is input to the transmission antenna 220 via the transmission line and also to mixer circuits 241 and 242 described later.

  The transmission antenna 220 is an antenna for transmitting the transmission wave SW toward the detection area SA. When an output signal from the oscillation circuit 210 is input to the transmission antenna 220, the transmission signal is transmitted from the transmission antenna 220 to the detection area SA as a transmission wave SW. The frequency of the transmission wave SW is the same as the frequency of the output signal.

  The receiving antenna 230 is an antenna for receiving a microwave (reflected wave RW) reflected by a detection target (user HB or urine UR) in the detection area SA. When the receiving antenna 230 receives the reflected wave RW, the reflected wave RW is converted into an electric signal (received signal) by the receiving antenna 230 and input to the mixer circuits 241 and 242, respectively. The frequency of the received signal is the same as the frequency of the reflected wave RW.

  When the detection target reflecting the transmission wave SW is stationary, the frequency of the transmission wave SW and the frequency of the reflection wave RW coincide. On the other hand, when the detection target reflecting the transmission wave SW is moving, the frequency of the transmission wave SW and the frequency of the reflection wave RW do not match due to the Doppler effect. These frequency differences vary depending on the operating speed of the detection target.

  A phase adjustment line 250 is disposed between the receiving antenna 230 and the mixer circuit 242. The phase adjustment line 250 is a circuit that delays the phase of the input signal by 90 degrees and outputs the delayed signal. For this reason, the received signal from the receiving antenna 230 is directly input to the mixer circuit 241 (without phase delay), but is input to the mixer circuit 242 with the phase shifted by 90 degrees (delayed). Is done.

  The mixer circuit 241 receives an output signal from the oscillation circuit 210 and a reception signal from the reception antenna 230. Based on these, the mixer circuit 241 generates the Doppler signal DS1, and transmits the Doppler signal DS1 to the control unit 300.

  Similarly, an output signal from the oscillation circuit 210 and a reception signal from the reception antenna 230 are input to the mixer circuit 242. Based on these, the mixer circuit 242 generates the Doppler signal DS2, and transmits the Doppler signal DS2 to the control unit 300. As described above, the reception signal input to the mixer circuit 242 is obtained by delaying the phase of the reception signal input to the mixer circuit 241 by 90 degrees. Therefore, the Doppler signal DS2 generated by the mixer circuit 242 is substantially equal to a signal obtained by delaying the phase of the Doppler signal DS1 generated by the mixer circuit 241 by 90 degrees.

  As already described, the Doppler signals (DS1, DS2) are signals having a frequency (AC component) corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the transmission wave SW and the frequency of the reflected wave RW, and from the detection target to the antenna unit 200. Is a signal having an intensity (DC component) according to the distance. Therefore, the control unit 300 can detect the movement of the detection target by receiving at least one of the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2, and discharge water (the on-off valve 100 from the spreader 400) based on the movement. Open / close).

  The connection between the antenna unit 200 and the control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of amplifier circuits (G1, G2, G3) are arranged between the antenna unit 200 and the control unit 300. The Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 generated in the antenna unit 200 are not input to the control unit 300 as they are, but are amplified by these amplifier circuits and then input to the control unit 300.

  The control unit 300 has three input ports (AD1, AD2, AD3) for receiving analog signal inputs. An analog signal (amplified Doppler signal) input to the input port AD1 or the like is converted into a digital signal (A / D converted) and processed inside the control unit 300.

  The Doppler signal DS1 generated by the antenna unit 200 is amplified by the amplifier circuit G1, and then input to the input port AD1. The Doppler signal DS2 generated by the antenna unit 200 is amplified by the amplifier circuit G2, and then input to the input port AD2. The amplification factor of the amplification circuit G1 and the amplification factor of the amplification circuit G2 are the same. Therefore, the amplified Doppler signal DS1 input to the input port AD1 is substantially the same as the amplified Doppler signal DS2 input to the input port AD2, and they can be said to be different from each other only in phase.

  A signal (hereinafter also referred to as “Doppler signal DS3”) obtained by amplifying a difference between the Doppler signal DS1 and the Doppler signal DS2 by the amplifier circuit G3 is input to the input port AD3. As shown in FIG. 5, the amplifier circuit G3 is a differential amplifier circuit (subtraction circuit) using an operational amplifier OA. The operational amplifier OA has the Doppler signal DS1 inverted and the Doppler signal DS2 non-inverted. The difference between these is amplified and output as the Doppler signal DS3 from the operational amplifier OA.

  By the way, the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 before amplification are signals including plural kinds of noises. Some of these noises are noises (hereinafter also referred to as “external noises”) caused by radio waves reaching the receiving antenna 230 from an external device such as a fluorescent lamp, and some are generated inside the water discharge device 10. Noise (power noise, etc., hereinafter also referred to as “internal noise”).

  When the Doppler signal DS1 is amplified by the amplifier circuit G1, a signal including information on the operation to be detected is amplified, and a plurality of noises as described above are also uniformly amplified. The same applies when the Doppler signal DS2 is amplified by the amplifier circuit G2.

  On the other hand, in the amplification performed by the amplifier circuit G3, the influence of internal noise among a plurality of types of noise included in the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 before amplification is reduced. This is because the internal noises respectively included in the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 are substantially in phase with each other, and are offset to each other when the difference is input to the operational amplifier OA. As a result, the Doppler signal DS3 output from the operational amplifier OA is a signal that is relatively less affected by noise, although it includes amplified external noise.

  Since the amplifier circuit G3 of this embodiment uses a differential amplifier circuit, the difference between the pre-amplification Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 is extracted, and the Doppler is about 1.4 times the magnitude of the pre-amplification Doppler signal. Can be amplified into a signal. Therefore, even if the amplification factor of the amplification circuit G3 is the same as that of the amplification circuit G1 or the amplification circuit G2, the difference extracted signal is amplified. Therefore, the total amplification factor in the amplification circuit G3 is the amplification circuit G1, It is higher than the amplification factor of G2.

  As will be described later, when the water discharge device 10 detects the movement of the user HB, the water discharge device 10 detects based on the Doppler signal DS1 amplified by the amplifier circuit G1 or the Doppler signal DS2 amplified by the amplifier circuit G2. Do. Although the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit G1 and the like is relatively low, since the intensity of the radio wave reflected by the entire user HB (human body) is high, the detection accuracy does not deteriorate.

  Further, when detecting the movement of the urine UR, the water discharge device 10 performs detection based on the Doppler signal DS3 amplified by the amplifier circuit G3. Although the intensity of the radio wave reflected by the urine UR is low, since the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit G3 and the like is relatively high, the detection accuracy does not deteriorate. Furthermore, since the influence of at least internal noise among a plurality of types of noise is reduced, the reflected wave RW and the Doppler signal DS3 are suppressed from being buried in the noise.

  Next, a specific operation of the water discharge device 10 according to the situation in which the male urinal CP is used will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the overall flow of processing performed by the control unit 300. FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing details of some of the processing contents of the processing shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a change in state when the male urinal CP is used by the user HB.

  FIG. 11 is a graph for explaining Doppler signals (DS1, DS2, DS3) reaching the control unit 300. FIG. 11A shows the time variation of the frequency of the Doppler signals (DS1, DS2, DS3). FIG. 11B shows the Doppler signal DS1 reaching the input port AD1 as a change in voltage over time. FIG. 11C shows the Doppler signal DS2 reaching the input port AD2 as a change in voltage over time. FIG. 11D shows the Doppler signal DS3 reaching the input port AD3 as a change in voltage over time.

  <Standby> In the state where the male urinal CP is not used and the user HB does not exist in the detection area SA (state ST1 shown in FIG. 10), the male urinal CP is the user. Waiting to detect the approach of HB. At this time, the transmission antenna 220 is transmitting the transmission wave SW toward the detection area SA, and the reception antenna 230 is a reflected wave RW (in this case, a microwave reflected by a stationary object such as a floor surface of the toilet room RM). Is received).

  Transmission of the transmission wave SW by the transmission antenna 220 and reception of the reflected wave RW by the reception antenna 230 are continuously performed not only during standby but also in the process of using the male urinal CP. Accordingly, Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 are continuously input to the input ports AD1, AD2, and AD3 of the control unit 300, respectively. However, the control unit 300 does not always detect the detection target based on all of them, but performs calculation processing and detection using only some of them, and the others are used for calculation processing and detection. Ignore without. Specifically, only a part of the input ports AD1, AD2, and AD3 is validated and others are invalidated to select signals used for arithmetic processing.

  During standby (state ST1), control unit 300 uses only Doppler signals DS1 and DS2 for arithmetic processing and ignores Doppler signal DS3. Therefore, in step S01 shown in FIG. 6, the input ports AD1 and AD2 are validated and the input port AD3 is invalidated. In order to detect the approach of the user HB, that is, to detect the movement of the user HB to the use position in the detection area SA, the control that enables only the input ports AD1 and AD2 as described above. Hereinafter, the state of the unit 300 is referred to as a “first detection state”.

  Waveforms of Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 input to the controller 300 during standby are shown as graphs from time t0 to time t1 in FIG. At the time of standby, since the user HB does not exist in the detection area SA, the transmission wave SW is reflected by a stationary object (floor surface or the like). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, all of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 are zero-frequency signals.

  <At the time of approach> When the user HB approaches to use the male urinal CP and stops at the use position in the detection area SA (when the state ST2 shown in FIG. 10 is reached), the control unit 300 Detects the approach and stop.

  The waveforms of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, DS3 input to the controller 300 when approaching (state ST2) are shown as graphs from time t1 to time t2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, as the user HB approaches, the amplitudes of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 gradually increase. This indicates that the intensity of the reflected wave RW gradually increases. Further, as is clear from FIG. 11A in particular, the frequencies of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 are constant values for a while, then decrease, and finally become zero. . This indicates that the user HB approaches at a constant speed, then decelerates, and finally stops at the use position.

  In step S02 following step S01, it is determined whether or not the user HB has approached the male urinal CP by the control unit 300 in the first detection state. If it is detected that the user HB has moved to the use position in the detection area SA and stopped (if the determination in step S02 is YES), the process proceeds to step S03 to perform preliminary cleaning. If the approach of the user HB is not detected and it is determined that the state ST1 in FIG. 10 is maintained (if the determination in step S02 is NO), the process returns to step S01 and the first detection state is continued.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the specific processing content of step S02. In step S02, the waveform of the Doppler signal DS1 input to the valid input port AD1 and the waveform of the Doppler signal DS2 input to the valid input port AD2 are each sampled and controlled. Is stored in a storage device. The control unit 300 executes a series of arithmetic processing shown in FIG. 7 based on the waveform stored in the storage device (filter processing may be performed as necessary). As will be described below, what is necessary for the arithmetic processing in step S02 is the amplitude and frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 and the like, and the phase difference between the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2. Therefore, not the entire waveform but only the amplitude, frequency, and phase difference may be stored in the storage device.

  In step S21, it is determined whether or not the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS1 exceeds preset threshold values (upper limit threshold UTH1, lower limit threshold LTH1). When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS1 exceeds the upper limit threshold value UTH1 or falls below the lower limit threshold value LTH1, the intensity of the reflected wave RW is strong, that is, the user HB exists in the detection area SA. Therefore, the process proceeds to the following step S22. When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS1 is between the lower limit threshold value LTH1 and the upper limit threshold value UTH1, it is estimated that the intensity of the reflected wave RW is weak, that is, the user HB does not exist in the detection area SA. Therefore, the process returns to step S01. Note that the above determination may be made based on the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS2. In this case, it is determined whether the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS2 exceeds the threshold values (upper limit threshold value UTH2 and lower limit threshold value LTH2) shown in FIG.

  In step S22, based on the phase difference between the Doppler signal DS1 and the Doppler signal DS2, it is determined whether the user HB is moving, that is, whether it is approaching or leaving. When the moving direction of the user HB is the approaching direction, the process proceeds to step S23. If the moving direction of the user HB is away, it is estimated that there is a low possibility that the male urinal CP will be used thereafter, and the process returns to step S01.

  In step S23, based on the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1, it is determined whether or not the speed of the approaching user HB has turned to deceleration. As shown in the graph from time t1 to time t2 in FIG. 11A, when the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 starts to decrease from a certain value, the moving speed (approaching speed) of the user HB in the detection area SA. ) Has been decelerated, the process proceeds to step S03. If the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 is a constant value, the process returns to step S22 and waits until the frequency decreases.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. If the determination in step S02 is YES, it is estimated that the user HB has approached and decelerated as described above. Therefore, in the subsequent step S03, the control unit 300 opens the on-off valve 100 for a certain period of time. As a result, a certain amount of water is discharged from the spreader 400, and the bowl part BW is preliminarily cleaned.

  <At the time of excretion> When the user HB standing at the use position excretes in the male urinal CP (state ST3 shown in FIG. 10), the control unit 300 detects the movement of the excreted urine UR. .

  The waveforms of Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 input to control unit 300 during excretion (state ST3) are shown as graphs from time t2 to time t3 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when excretion is started, the frequency of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, DS3 increases due to the movement of the urine UR. Since the moving speed of the urine UR is substantially constant, the graph of FIG. 11A showing a change in the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 or the like is a rectangular wave. When excretion is completed, since there is no moving object in the detection area SA, the frequencies of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 are all zero.

  The movement of the urine UR is detected based on the Doppler signal DS3. Therefore, in step S04 following step S03, the control unit 300 invalidates the input ports AD1 and AD2, and validates only the input port AD3. The state of the control unit 300 in which only the input port AD3 is validated as described above in order to detect the movement of the urine UR (urination) will be referred to as a “second detection state” below. In the second detection state, the Doppler signal is amplified with an amplification factor (amplification factor of the amplification circuit G3) higher than that in the first detection state (amplification factor of the amplification circuit G3), and urination (that is, use of the user HB) This is a state for detecting (status).

  In step S05 following step S04, the control unit 300 in the second detection state determines whether urination is started and then ended. If it is detected that urination has ended (if the determination in step S05 is YES), the process proceeds to step S06, and preparations for performing the main cleaning described later are made. If the end of urination is not detected, or even the start of urination is not detected (if the determination in step S05 is NO), the process returns to step S01. In this case, the control unit 300 returns to the first detection state and enters a standby state.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the specific processing content of step S05. In step S05, the waveform of the Doppler signal DS3 input to the valid input port AD3 is sampled and stored in the storage device included in the control unit 300. The control unit 300 executes a series of arithmetic processing shown in FIG. 8 based on a waveform stored in the storage device (filter processing may be performed as necessary). As will be described below, what is necessary for the calculation process in step S02 is the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS3 and the like. Therefore, only the amplitude, not the entire waveform, may be stored in the storage device.

  In step S51, it is determined whether or not the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS3 exceeds preset threshold values (upper limit threshold UTH3, lower limit threshold LTH3). When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS3 exceeds the upper threshold value UTH3 or falls below the lower threshold value LTH3, the intensity of the reflected wave RW is strong, that is, urination is performed and the urine UR is moving. Therefore, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S52. When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS3 is between the lower threshold LTH3 and the upper threshold UTH3, the intensity of the reflected wave RW is weak, that is, urination has not been performed (urination was not started). Therefore, the process returns to step S01. Since the time from reaching the use position until urination starts is different for each user, is urination performed after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the start of step S05? It may be determined whether or not.

  In step S52, the time during which the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS3 is kept exceeding the threshold values (upper limit threshold value UTH3, lower limit threshold value LTH3) is measured. When the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS3 decreases and becomes between the lower limit threshold value LTH3 and the upper limit threshold value UTH3, the elapsed time (hereinafter also referred to as “urination time”) is stored in the storage device of the control unit 300. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, it is determined whether or not the stored urination time is longer than a predetermined time. If the urination time is longer than the predetermined time, it is estimated that urination was actually performed, and the process proceeds to step S06. If the urination time is shorter than the predetermined time, it is estimated that urination was not actually performed (a false detection), and the process returns to step S01.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. If the determination in step S05 is yes, it is estimated that urination was actually performed and that urination was completed. For this reason, in the subsequent steps, preparation for performing the main cleaning is performed. In the water discharging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the main cleaning is not performed immediately when it is detected that the urination is completed, but the user HB has performed away (the state ST4 shown in FIG. 10 has been entered). ) Is detected and then the main cleaning is performed. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect, and may be configured to perform the main cleaning immediately when it is detected that urination is completed (when it is determined YES in step S05). Good.

  <During Separation> In step S06, the input ports AD1 and AD2 are enabled again, and the input port AD3 is disabled. In other words, the second detection state is returned to the first detection state in order to detect the movement of the user HB away. The waveforms of Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 input to the controller 300 after step S06 are shown as graphs after time t3 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the amplitude of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, DS3 gradually decreases as the user HB moves away. This indicates that the intensity of the reflected wave RW is gradually weakened. Further, as is clear from FIG. 11A in particular, the frequencies of the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 gradually increase for a while and thereafter become a constant value. This indicates that the user HB goes away with acceleration (from speed 0) and then leaves at a constant speed.

  In step S07 following step S06, it is determined by the control unit 300 in the first detection state whether the user HB has moved away from the male urinal CP. If it is detected that the user HB has moved away from the detection area SA (if the determination in step S07 is YES), the process proceeds to step S08 and main cleaning is performed. If the movement away from the user HB is not detected (if the determination in step S07 is NO), the process returns to step S06 and waits until the movement of the user HB is detected.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the specific processing content of step S07. In step S07, the waveform of the Doppler signal DS1 input to the valid input port AD1 and the waveform of the Doppler signal DS2 input to the valid input port AD2 are sampled, respectively, and the control unit 300. Is stored in a storage device. The control unit 300 executes a series of arithmetic processing shown in FIG. 9 based on the waveform stored in the storage device (filter processing may be performed as necessary). As will be described below, what is necessary for the calculation processing in step S07 is the amplitude and frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 and the like, and the phase difference between the Doppler signals DS1 and DS2. Therefore, not the entire waveform but only the amplitude, frequency, and phase difference may be stored in the storage device.

  In step S71, it is determined whether the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS1 exceeds preset threshold values (upper limit threshold UTH1, lower limit threshold LTH1). When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS1 exceeds the upper limit threshold value UTH1 or falls below the lower limit threshold value LTH1, the intensity of the reflected wave RW is strong, that is, the user HB exists in the detection area SA. Therefore, the process proceeds to the following step S72. When the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS1 is between the lower limit threshold value LTH1 and the upper limit threshold value UTH1, it is estimated that the intensity of the reflected wave RW is weak, that is, the user HB does not exist in the detection area SA. Is done. However, in this case, since there is a high possibility of erroneous detection, the process returns to step S06 to determine the presence of the user HB again.

  Note that the above determination may be made based on the amplitude of the Doppler signal DS2. In this case, it is determined whether the amplitude (voltage) of the Doppler signal DS2 exceeds the threshold values (upper limit threshold value UTH2 and lower limit threshold value LTH2) shown in FIG.

  In step S72, based on the phase difference between the Doppler signal DS1 and the Doppler signal DS2, it is determined whether the moving direction of the user HB, that is, whether the user HB is approaching or leaving. If the moving direction of the user HB is away, the process proceeds to step S73. If the moving direction of the user HB is the approaching direction, there is a high possibility of erroneous detection, so the process returns to step S06 to determine the moving direction of the user HB again.

  In step S73, based on the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1, it is determined whether or not the speed of the user HB going away has changed from acceleration to constant speed. As shown in the graph after time t3 in FIG. 11A, when the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 increases and becomes constant, it is estimated that the user HB moves away from the detection area SA. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S08. If it is not detected that the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1 is increased after the frequency is increased, the process returns to step S72 to wait for the detection.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. If the determination in step S07 is YES, it is estimated that the user HB has performed away from the detection area SA as described above. Therefore, in the subsequent step S08, the control unit 300 opens the on-off valve 100. As a result, water is discharged from the spreader 400, and the main cleaning of the bowl portion BW is performed.

  As described above, it is possible to detect the movement of the user HB in step S08 and perform the main cleaning at the timing when the moving speed becomes constant, but it is determined as YES in step S07. Then, the main cleaning may be performed only on the condition that a certain period has passed.

  As mentioned above, as for the water discharging apparatus 10 which concerns on this embodiment, the control part 300 can take a 1st detection state and a 2nd detection state. The first detection state is a state in which only the input ports AD1 and AD2 are validated, and is a state in which an operation in which the user HB moves to a use position in the detection area SA is detected. In this first detection state, since the entire user HB (human body) is a detection target, a Doppler signal is generated based on a relatively strong microwave reflected by the entire user HB. The second detection state is a state in which only the input port AD3 is validated, and is a state in which the usage state (movement of the urine UR) of the user HB is detected. In the second detection state, since the movement of the urine UR excreted from the user HB is a detection target, a Doppler signal is generated based on the relatively weak microwave reflected by the urine UR.

  In the second detection state, the intensity of the microwave reflected back by the detection target as described above is weak, and the received microwave (reflected wave RW) and the generated Doppler signal may be buried in noise. is there. Therefore, in the second detection state, the control unit 300 amplifies the Doppler signal with an amplification factor (amplification factor of the amplification circuit G3) higher than the amplification factor (amplification factor of the amplification circuits G1 and G2) in the first detection state. It is said. By increasing the amplification factor, it is possible to reliably detect the use state (movement of urine UR) in the second detection state where the intensity of the microwave reflected and returned by the detection target is weak.

  In particular, when the frequency of the microwave transmitted from the antenna unit is increased to 24 GHz for the purpose of downsizing the antenna unit, the intensity of the microwave reflected back by the detection target becomes very weak. . However, according to the present invention, even in the above case, it is possible to reliably detect the use status (movement of the urine UR).

  When detecting that the user HB has moved to the use position and stopped in the first detection state, the control unit 300 performs preliminary cleaning and switches from the first detection state to the second detection state (step of FIG. 6). S04). With such a configuration, the control unit 300 does not always amplify the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor, but amplifies the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor only when the user HB is present at the use position. UR movement) is detected.

  When the control unit 300 always amplifies the Doppler signal with a high amplification factor, the microwave that reaches the receiving antenna 230 from the outside (fluorescent lamp or the like), that is, external noise is also amplified at the same time. There is concern that detection based on the Doppler signal will fail. On the other hand, in the water discharge device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit only when the user HB is present at the use position and the microwave from the outside toward the reception antenna 230 is blocked and reduced by the user HB. 300 amplifies the Doppler signal at a high gain (becomes the second detection state). For this reason, it is possible to reliably detect both the approach and the usage status of the user HB while reducing the influence of external noise.

  In the second detection state, the control unit 300 amplifies the Doppler signal by amplifying the difference between the Doppler signal DS1 and the Doppler signal DS2 corresponding to the phase change of the Doppler signal DS1 by 90 degrees by the amplifier circuit G3. To do. That is, in the second detection state, the Doppler signal is amplified by so-called differential amplification.

  By performing such amplification, Doppler reduces the influence of noise (power supply noise, etc.) generated inside the water discharge device 10 among noises included in the Doppler signals (DS1, DS2) before amplification. It is possible to amplify the signal. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect the usage state (movement of urine UR) in the second detection state.

  After the use of the male urinal CP by the user HB is finished, the user HB moves away from the use position, so the microwave that reaches the receiving antenna 230 from the outside (fluorescent lamp, etc.), that is, external noise is used. Will not be blocked by the person HB. Even in such a state, if the second detection state with a high amplification factor is continued, the external noise that has reached the receiving antenna 230 is amplified with a high amplification factor, and the movement of the user HB is accurately detected. Will not be able to.

  Therefore, the control unit 300 is configured to switch from the second detection state to the first detection state when detecting that the use by the user HB is completed in the second detection state (step S06 in FIG. 6). When the user HB moves away from the use position, the first detection state with a low amplification factor is set, so that the external noise reaching the receiving antenna 230 is not greatly amplified. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the movement of the user HB.

  In this embodiment, for example, in step S23 of FIG. 7, the approach of the user HB is determined based on the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1. However, the method for detecting the approach (or moving away) of the user HB is not limited to such a method, and determination may be made based on other than the frequency of the Doppler signal DS1. For example, in the graph such as the Doppler signal DS1 shown in FIG. 11, the determination may be made based on the number of peaks of the waveform. Since the number of peaks of the waveform changes based only on the distance between the user HB and the receiving antenna 230, regardless of the moving speed of the user HB, the approach (or separation) of the user HB depends on the number of peaks of the waveform. Movement). The same applies to step S73 in FIG.

  Although the example which installed the water discharging apparatus 10 which concerns on embodiment of this invention in male urinal CP was demonstrated above, the application range of this invention is not restricted to male urinal CP. The present invention can be applied to various devices (for example, hand-washing machines) that discharge water toward the human body. Moreover, in the water discharging apparatus 10 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it was set as the circuit structure by which the Doppler signals DS1, DS2, and DS3 are each continuously input into input port AD1, AD2, AD3 of the control part 300, However, Doppler signal The same effect can be obtained by switching the DS1, DS2, and DS3 signals with an analog switch or the like and sequentially inputting the signals to the single input port AD of the control unit 300 to perform arithmetic processing.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a water discharge device 10a according to another embodiment of the present invention is installed in a hand-washer HW. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the antenna unit 200a is disposed on the back side of the hand-washing machine HW, and microwaves are transmitted toward the user HB side (obliquely upper side). Detected. When the antenna unit 200a detects that the hand of the user HB has approached the spout 400a, the controller 300a opens the on-off valve 100a and starts discharging water from the spout 400a.

  Also in this embodiment, the control unit 300a can take the first detection state and the second detection state, and can perform the same control as the control shown in FIG. In the first detection state, the Doppler signal is amplified with a low amplification factor, thereby detecting the approach of the user HB. When the approach of the user HB is detected, the control unit 300a switches to the second detection state. Thereafter, the Doppler signal is amplified with a high amplification factor to detect the movement of the hand of the user HB.

  At the same time as switching to the second detection state, it is desirable that the period for transmitting the microwave from the transmission antenna 220 is shorter than the period in the first detection state. By increasing the microwave transmission cycle only when the user HB approaches, it is possible to reliably detect the movement of the user's HB hand while suppressing power consumption.

  When the movement of the hand of the user HB is detected in the second detection state, the control unit 300a opens the on-off valve 100, and discharge of water from the spout 400a (water discharge unit) is started.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a: Water discharging apparatus 100, 100a: On-off valve 200, 200a: Antenna unit 210: Oscillation circuit 220: Transmitting antenna 230: Reception antenna 241 and 242: Mixer circuit 250: Phase adjustment line 300, 300a: Control part AD1, AD2 , AD3: input port G1, G2, G3: amplifier circuit OA: operational amplifier 400: spreader 400a: spout CP: male urinal BW: bowl part HB: user HW: hand-washer PI: water supply pipe RM: toilet room RW: Reflected wave SW: Transmission wave SA: Detection area UR: Urine

Claims (3)

A water discharge device that automatically discharges water from a water discharge unit,
A transmission unit that transmits radio waves toward a detection area that attempts to detect the approach and usage of the user;
A receiver that receives radio waves reflected by the detection target in the detection area;
A Doppler signal generator that generates a Doppler signal based on the radio wave transmitted by the transmitter and the radio wave received by the receiver;
A controller that detects the operation of the detection target based on the Doppler signal and controls the discharge of water from the water discharger based on the operation;
The controller is
A first detection state in which the user detects an operation of moving to a use position in the detection area;
Amplifying the Doppler signal with an amplification factor higher than the amplification factor in the first detection state, and taking a second detection state for detecting the usage status of the user,
In the first detection state, when it is detected that the user has moved to the use position and stopped, the water discharge is configured to switch from the first detection state to the second detection state. apparatus. In the second detection state, the control unit
The water discharging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Doppler signal is amplified by amplifying a difference between the Doppler signal and a signal obtained by changing the phase of the Doppler signal by 90 degrees. The controller is
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the use by the user is detected in the second detection state, the second detection state is switched to the first detection state. 4. The water discharge apparatus of description.

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