CN114945307B - Hand dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a hand drying device, which can restrain the increase of cost by detecting the existence of hand and the existence of water in a wash basin by a sensor. The hand drying device (100) of the present disclosure is provided with: a nozzle (3) that blows an air stream toward a drying process space (50) in which an opponent is dried; a blower (2) that generates an air flow; a capacitance sensor (4) which has two electrodes and detects capacitance between the two electrodes; a detection unit (41) which detects that water is present in the wash basin (410) receiving the air flow when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor (4) is equal to or greater than a first water detection threshold, and which detects that a hand is present in the drying processing space (50) when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor (4) is equal to or less than a first hand detection threshold that is less than the first water detection threshold; and an operation control unit (42) that controls the operation of the blower (2) on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit (41).

Description

Hand dryer

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hand drying apparatus that dries wet hands.

Background

In order to keep the hands in a hygienic state, it is necessary to dry the washed hands hygienically. Therefore, a hand drying device that sprays a high-speed air stream onto the hand and blows off water adhering to the hand to dry the hand is used instead of wiping the wet hand after washing with a towel or handkerchief.

As a conventional hand dryer, a face washing integrated hand dryer is known, which includes: a wash basin having a space for storing water; an air nozzle that blows high-speed air into the wash basin; a blower that generates high-speed wind; a hand detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a hand; and a capacitance sensor that detects water accumulated in the wash basin by capacitance, wherein when the capacitance sensor detects that water is accumulated in the wash basin, the capacitance sensor does not supply driving power to the blower even if the hand detection sensor detects the hand, thereby preventing the water accumulated in the wash basin from scattering (for example, refer to patent document 1).

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2014-50473

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the above-described hand dryer, there is a problem in that the cost increases because the electrostatic capacity sensor for detecting water accumulated in the washbasin is provided separately from the hand detection sensor.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a hand drying apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in cost by detecting the presence or absence of a hand and the presence or absence of water in a washbasin with one sensor.

Means for solving the problems

The hand drying device of the present disclosure comprises: a nozzle that blows an air flow toward a drying processing space in which an opponent is dried; a blower that generates an air flow; a capacitance sensor that includes two electrodes and detects capacitance between the two electrodes; a detection unit that detects that water is present in the wash basin receiving the air flow when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor is equal to or greater than a first water detection threshold, and that detects that a hand is present in the drying process space when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor is equal to or less than a first hand detection threshold that is smaller than the first water detection threshold; and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the detection unit.

Further, the hand dryer of the present disclosure includes: a nozzle that blows an air flow toward a drying processing space in which an opponent is dried; a blower that generates an air flow; an infrared sensor that includes an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light and an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light, and detects the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element; a detection unit that detects that water is present in the wash basin receiving the air flow when the amount of light received by the infrared sensor is equal to or less than a third water detection threshold, and that detects that a hand is present in the drying process space when the amount of light received by the infrared sensor is equal to or more than a third hand detection threshold that is greater than the third water detection threshold; and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the detection unit.

Effects of the invention

According to the hand drying apparatus of the present disclosure, the case where the hand is present in the drying processing space and the case where the water is present in the wash basin can be detected by one sensor, and therefore, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view of a washstand provided with a hand dryer according to embodiment 1, as viewed from above.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with the hand dryer according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section A-A of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with the hand dryer according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section B-B of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with the hand dryer according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the electrostatic capacity sensor of the hand dryer of embodiment 1, and shows a state when the hand is not approaching the electrostatic capacity sensor.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the electrostatic capacity sensor of the hand dryer of embodiment 1, and shows a state when a hand approaches the electrostatic capacity sensor.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the hand dryer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the processing circuit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 10 is a timing chart showing a change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor of the hand dryer of embodiment 1.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with a hand dryer according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with a hand dryer according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with a hand dryer according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with a hand dryer according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 17 is a view of a washstand including a hand dryer according to embodiment 4, as viewed from above.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with the hand dryer according to embodiment 4, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand provided with the hand dryer according to embodiment 5, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to section C-C of fig. 1.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to embodiment 5.

Fig. 21 is a timing chart showing a change in the amount of infrared light received by the infrared sensor of the hand dryer of embodiment 5.

Detailed Description

Embodiment 1.

The structure of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a view of a washstand 400 including a hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1, as viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 provided with the hand drying device 100 according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section A-A in fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 provided with the hand drying device 100 according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section B-B of fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 provided with the hand drying device 100 according to embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

For convenience of explanation, in fig. 1 to 4, the x-axis direction is defined as the front-rear direction, the y-axis direction is defined as the left-right direction, and the z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction. In addition, the positive direction in the z-axis direction is defined as the upward direction.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a box-shaped washstand 400 is provided with a hand dryer 100, a water discharge device 200, and a detergent discharge device 300 arranged in the left-right direction. The hand drying device 100 blows out a high-speed air stream and blows out water adhering to the hand, thereby drying the hand. The hand dryer 100 is fixed to the washstand 400 by penetrating through-holes 401 formed in the washstand 400.

The water discharge device 200 discharges the water for cleaning hands. The water discharge device 200 is fixed to the washstand 400 through a through hole 402 formed in the washstand 400. As shown in fig. 3, the water discharge device 200 has a water discharge pipe 210 through which water flows. The water discharge pipe 210 is formed with a water discharge port 211 for discharging water. The water discharge device 200 may be, for example, a device that automatically discharges water by detecting a hand using a sensor such as an infrared sensor, or a device that manually discharges water by pressing a button.

The detergent discharging device 300 discharges the detergent for cleaning the hands. The detergent discharge device 300 is fixed to the washstand 400 through a through hole 403 formed in the washstand 400. The detergent discharge device 300 has a detergent discharge pipe 310 through which a detergent flows. A detergent discharge port 311 for discharging detergent is formed in the detergent discharge pipe 310. The detergent discharge device 300 may be, for example, a device that automatically discharges detergent by detecting a hand using a sensor such as an infrared sensor, or a device that manually discharges detergent by pressing a button.

The washstand 400 is disposed on the floor 501 in contact with the wall 500. A bowl-shaped wash basin 410 is provided at an upper portion of the wash stand 400. The wash basin 410 receives the air flow blown out from the hand drying device 100, the water discharged from the water discharging device 200, and the detergent discharged from the detergent discharging device 300. A drain 411 for draining water is formed at the bottom surface of the wash bowl 410. A drain pipe 600 is connected to the drain port 411.

As shown in fig. 4, the hand dryer 100 includes a case 10 provided below a washstand 400, a main body 20 provided above the washstand 400, and a duct 30 connecting the case 10 and the main body 20.

The case 10 is housed inside the washstand 400. In embodiment 1, the case 10 is mounted to the wall 500. The case 10 may be provided on the floor 501. A blower 2 that generates a high-pressure air flow and a control unit 40 that controls the blower 2 are provided inside the casing 10. An air filter, not shown, is detachably attached to the intake side of the blower 2. The air filter captures dust and trash in the air. As the air filter, for example, a mesh filter or a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate: high efficiency air particulate) filter is used. An end of a duct 30 is connected to the exhaust side of the blower 2.

The other end of the duct 30 is connected to the main body 20. A ventilation path 31 through which the air flow generated by the blower 2 passes is formed inside the duct 30. To improve workability, the duct 30 is formed of a flexible resin that can be bent. The duct 30 may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

The main body 20 is fixed to the washstand 400 through a through hole 401 formed in the washstand 400. In the case where the washing board 400 is not provided with the detergent discharge device 300, the main body 20 may be passed through the through hole 403 for passing through the detergent discharge pipe 310. The main body 20 may be fixed not to the washstand 400 but to the wall 500 above the washstand 400.

The main body 20 is provided with a nozzle 3 that blows an air flow toward the drying process space 50 in which the opponent is dried. One end of the nozzle 3 is connected to a pipe 30. A blowout port 3a that blows out the air flow generated by the blower 2 is formed at the other end of the nozzle 3. The drying process space 50 is a space formed below the air outlet 3a of the nozzle 3, and is a space formed between the air outlet 3a and the bottom of the washbasin 410.

The hand dryer 100 further includes a capacitance sensor 4. The capacitance sensor 4 is a mutual capacitance type capacitance sensor that includes two electrodes and detects capacitance between the two electrodes. The capacitance sensor 4 includes a first electrode 4a, a second electrode 4b, and a circuit portion, not shown, which is connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b and detects capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b. The capacitance sensor 4 is connected to the control unit 40 through wiring not shown.

In embodiment 1, the first electrode 4a is provided inside the main body 20, and the second electrode 4b is provided inside the duct 30. Specifically, the first electrode 4a is disposed above the through-hole 401 of the washstand 400 in the main body 20, and the second electrode 4b is disposed below the through-hole 401 in the duct 30.

The first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are, for example, rectangular parallelepiped, and are arranged vertically in a state where main surfaces are parallel to each other. The first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are provided so that the main surfaces face forward, that is, in the direction in which the drying process space 50 and the washbowl 410 are located. Thereby, the capacitance sensor 4 can detect the capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the washbasin 410.

In order to prevent collision of high-speed air flow passing through the inside of the nozzle 3, the first electrode 4a is provided outside the nozzle 3 inside the main body 20. In order to prevent collision of the high-speed air flow passing through the inside of the ventilation passage 31, the second electrode 4b is provided outside the ventilation passage 31 inside the duct 30.

Here, the principle of the mutual capacitance type capacitance sensor 4 will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4 of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1, and is a diagram showing a state when the hand is not approaching the electrostatic capacity sensor 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4 of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1, and shows a state when a hand approaches the electrostatic capacity sensor 4.

As shown in fig. 5, the capacitance sensor 4 applies a voltage from the circuit portion to the second electrode 4b to form an electric field with the first electrode 4a, and detects the capacitance formed between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b. When a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, an electric field based on capacitive coupling is formed between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b. Since the magnitude of the capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, the capacitance increases when a conductor such as a metal approaches between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b. In addition, when a dielectric such as water having a dielectric constant larger than that of air is close to each other, the capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b increases.

In addition, as shown in fig. 6, when a conductor that is a part of a human body such as a hand approaches between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, a part of an electric field is guided to the human body, and the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b becomes small. That is, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b is reduced because the electrostatic shield is brought into a state where the electrostatic shield is close to the human body ground between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b. In this way, when a grounded conductor such as a hand approaches between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b becomes small.

In the present embodiment, when water is present in the washbasin 410, the capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b increases, and when the drying treatment space 50 has a hand, the capacitance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b decreases. Accordingly, when the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or higher than the water detection threshold for determining whether or not water is present in the wash basin 410, the presence of water in the wash basin 410 is detected, and when the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or lower than the hand detection threshold for determining whether or not the drying process space 50 is provided with a hand, the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 can be detected by the single electrostatic capacitance sensor 4. The term "water is contained in the wash bowl 410" means, for example, "water is contained in the wash bowl 410", or "water discharged from the water discharge device 200 flows in the wash bowl 410".

Next, the configuration of the control system of the hand dryer 100 will be described with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 7, the control unit 40 receives the detection result of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4 as a signal. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the blower 2 based on the received signal.

The control unit 40 includes a detection unit 41 and an operation control unit 42. The detection unit 41 detects the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 based on the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4. The detection unit 41 transmits the detection result of the presence or absence of the hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of the water in the wash basin 410 to the operation control unit 42 as a signal. The operation control unit 42 controls the operation of the blower 2 based on the detection result of the detection unit 41.

The control unit 40 is implemented as a processing circuit having a hardware configuration shown in fig. 8, for example. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the processing circuit according to embodiment 1. As shown in fig. 8, the control unit 40 includes, for example, a processor 91 as an arithmetic unit and a memory 92 as a storage unit. The processor 91 executes a program stored in the memory 92, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 40. That is, the detection unit 41 and the operation control unit 42 are controlled by the processor 91 and the memory 92. Further, the functions of the control unit 40 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories.

Next, the operation of the hand dryer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the user places the hand in the drying process space 50 after washing the hand, the detection unit 41 receives a detection result of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4, and detects that the hand is present in the drying process space 50. The operation control unit 42 receives the detection result of the detection unit 41, and drives the blower 2. Thus, the high-speed air flow generated by the blower 2 is blown out from the nozzle 3, and the water droplets adhering to the hand are blown off. The blown-off water drops fall into the washbowl 410 and are discharged from the water outlet 411.

Here, a shutoff valve, not shown, capable of closing the drain 411 is provided in the washbasin 410. Therefore, the user may want to dry his/her hands in a state where water is stored in the washbasin 410. At this time, the high-speed air flow blown out from the nozzle 3 may collide with the water stored in the washbowl 410 without hitting the hand, and the water may be scattered. In addition, even when water is discharged from the water discharge device 200 in a state where water is not stored in the washbasin 410, there is a possibility that the high-speed air flow collides with the water discharged from the water discharge device 200 and the water may be scattered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 is detected based on the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4, and when water is present in the wash basin 410, the driving of the blower 2 is stopped.

Next, the operation of the control unit 40 will be described with reference to fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 according to embodiment 1.

When the power of the hand dryer 100 is turned on, the control unit 40 starts control from "start" in fig. 9. In step S1, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value. The reference value is a value obtained from the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4, and is, for example, an average value of the capacitances detected by the capacitance sensor 4.

Next, in step S2, the detection unit 41 sets a water detection threshold for determining whether or not water is present in the wash basin 410 and a hand detection threshold for determining whether or not a hand is present in the drying process space 50. In embodiment 1, a first water detection threshold is set as a water detection threshold, and a first hand detection threshold and a second hand detection threshold are set as hand detection thresholds.

The detection unit 41 sets a first water detection threshold by adding a first fixed value to the reference value updated in step S1. The detection unit 41 also sets the first hand detection threshold value by subtracting the second fixed value from the reference value. The detection unit 41 sets the second hand detection threshold by adding the first fixed value to the first hand detection threshold. That is, the first hand detection threshold is smaller than the first water detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold is larger than the first hand detection threshold.

The capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 fluctuates with time according to changes in the installation environment of the hand dryer 100, such as the temperature and the installation state of the surrounding conductors. Therefore, by updating the reference value based on the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 and setting the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold based on the reference value, it is possible to exclude the influence of the change in the setting environment of the hand dryer 100 and the change with time.

Here, the first water detection threshold may be set so that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or higher than the first water detection threshold when water is stored in the wash basin 410, or so that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or higher than the first water detection threshold when water discharged from the water discharge device 200 flows in the wash basin 410.

The first hand detection threshold is set so that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or less than the first hand detection threshold when there is no water in the wash basin 410 and the drying process space 50 has a hand. The second hand detection threshold is set so that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or less than the second hand detection threshold when water is present in the wash basin 410 and the drying process space 50 has hands. The second hand detection threshold is set by adding a first fixed value to the first hand detection threshold, but a value different from the first fixed value may be added.

Next, in step S3, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not a first set time has elapsed after the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold are set. The first set time is a preset value, and corresponds to the update period of the water detection threshold and the hand detection threshold. The first set time is stored in the detection unit 41.

When detecting unit 41 determines in step S3 that the first set time has elapsed after the first water detection threshold value, the first hand detection threshold value, and the second hand detection threshold value are set, it returns to step S1 to update the reference value, and sets the first water detection threshold value, the first hand detection threshold value, and the second hand detection threshold value again.

Thus, the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold can be updated periodically, and changes in the setting environment of the hand dryer 100 and the influence of changes with time can be eliminated.

When detecting unit 41 determines in step S3 that the first set time has not elapsed after the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold are set, the flow advances to step S4.

In step S4, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than a first water detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that water is present in the wash basin 410 when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold, and detects that water is not present in the wash basin 410 when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the first water detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S4 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold, the flow advances to step S5. In step S5, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than a second hand detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50 when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than the second hand detection threshold, and detects that there is no hand in the drying process space 50 when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is greater than the second hand detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S5 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or smaller than the second hand detection threshold, the routine returns to step S5, and step S5 is repeated until it is determined that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is greater than the second hand detection threshold. In this way, even if the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than the second hand detection threshold and the presence of a hand in the drying process space 50 is detected in step S5, the driving of the blower 2 is stopped, and therefore, the blower 2 is driven when water is present in the wash basin 410, and the water in the wash basin 410 can be prevented from scattering.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S5 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is larger than the second hand detection threshold value, the flow proceeds to step S4. The operations of step S4 and step S5 are repeated until the detection unit 41 determines in step S4 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the first water detection threshold. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S4 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the first water detection threshold, it detects that there is no water in the wash basin 410, and the flow proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than a first hand detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50 when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than the first hand detection threshold, and detects that there is no hand in the drying process space 50 when the capacitance is greater than the first hand detection threshold.

When it is determined in step S6 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is larger than the first hand detection threshold value, the routine returns to step S3. When it is determined in step S6 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or smaller than the first manual detection threshold, the flow advances to step S7, and the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 at the first air volume.

When the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 in step S7, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than a first hand detection threshold in step S8. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S8 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or smaller than the first hand detection threshold, the routine returns to step S8 again, and step S8 is repeated until it is determined that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is greater than the first hand detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S8 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is larger than the first hand detection threshold, the flow proceeds to step S9, and the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2. When the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2 in step S9, the process proceeds to step S3.

Fig. 10 is a timing chart showing a change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 1. In fig. 10, a first water detection threshold is indicated by a broken line, first and second hand detection thresholds are indicated by a one-dot chain line, and the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is indicated by a solid line. The time intervals of the times T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T8, T9, T10 are update periods of the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold.

At time T1, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value, and further updates the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold. At time T1a, water begins to accumulate in the wash basin 410. At time T1b, the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that water is present in the wash basin 410. At times T2 and T3, since the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold and it is detected that water is present in the wash basin 410, the detection unit 41 stops updating the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold.

At time T3a, when the hand is placed in the drying process space 50, the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or less than the second hand detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that the hand is present in the drying process space 50. In embodiment 1, at time T3a, even if the detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50, the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2. At times T4 and T5, since the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold and it is detected that water is present in the wash basin 410, the detection unit 41 stops updating the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold.

At time T4a, the water in the wash basin 410 begins to drain. At time T5a, when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is lower than the first water detection threshold, the detection unit 41 detects that there is no water in the wash basin 410. At times T6 and T7, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value and further updates the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold.

At time T7a, when the hand is placed in the drying process space 50, the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or smaller than the first hand detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that the hand is present in the drying process space 50. At time T7a, the detection unit 41 detects that there is no water in the wash basin 410 and that there is a hand in the drying process space 50, and therefore the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 at the first air volume. At times T8, T9, and T10, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value, and further updates the first water detection threshold value, the first hand detection threshold value, and the second hand detection threshold value.

According to the hand drying apparatus 100 of embodiment 1, the presence or absence of a hand in the drying treatment space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 are detected by the single capacitance sensor 4, so that it is not necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 separately from a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a hand. Thus, the hand drying device 100 having the hand detection function and the water detection function can be realized while suppressing an increase in cost.

Further, since it is not necessary to provide a space for providing a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 separately from a space for providing a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a hand, the hand drying apparatus 100 having the hand detection function and the water detection function can be realized while suppressing an increase in the size of the hand drying apparatus 100.

In addition, when a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 is used separately from a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a hand, it is necessary to update the reference value by each sensor, but the reference value can be updated at the same time by performing hand detection and water detection by one sensor.

Further, since the blower 2 is driven only when there is no water in the wash basin 410 and when the drying process space 50 has a hand, it is possible to prevent the blower 2 from being driven when there is water in the wash basin 410, thereby preventing the water in the wash basin 410 from scattering.

In addition, when there is no water in the wash basin 410 and no hand is present in the drying process space 50, the reference value is periodically updated to set the water detection threshold and the hand detection threshold, and therefore, the influence of the change in the setting environment of the hand drying device 100, such as the temperature and the setting state of the surrounding conductors, and the change with time can be eliminated.

Further, since the update of the reference value is stopped when water is present in the wash basin 410 and when the drying process space 50 has a hand, it is possible to prevent the water detection threshold and the hand detection threshold from being changed to erroneous values when the reference value is updated when water is present in the wash basin 410 and when the drying process space 50 has a hand.

In embodiment 1, the first electrode 4a is provided inside the main body 20 and the second electrode 4b is provided inside the duct 30, but both the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b may be provided inside the main body 20 or inside the duct 30. The first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are provided so as to sandwich the through hole 401 of the washstand 400 in the vertical direction, but the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b may be both provided above the through hole 401 or below the through hole 401. Even in this case, the control of embodiment 1 can be performed as long as the main surfaces of the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are provided so as to face forward, that is, in the direction in which the drying process space 50 and the washbasin 410 are located, and the capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the washbasin 410 can be detected.

The first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b may be provided outside the hand dryer 100, not inside the main body 20 or inside the duct 30. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 including a hand dryer 100 according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 including the hand dryer 100 according to the modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 11, the first electrode 4a may be attached to the outer surface of the main body 20, and the second electrode 4b may be attached to the outer surface of the pipe 30. As shown in fig. 12, the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b may be attached to the outer surface of the washbasin 410, that is, the outer periphery of the washbasin 410, on the inner side of the washbasin 400. Even in this case, the control of embodiment 1 can be performed as long as the main surfaces of the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are provided so as to face forward, that is, in the direction in which the drying process space 50 and the washbasin 410 are located, and the capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the washbasin 410 can be detected.

In embodiment 1, the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are arranged in the vertical direction with the main surfaces parallel to each other and the side surfaces facing each other, but the arrangement relationship of the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b is not limited to this. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 including a hand dryer 100 according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 including a hand dryer 100 according to a modification of embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 13, the first electrode 4a may be disposed in a position forward of the outlet 3a of the nozzle 3 in the main body 20 so that the main surface thereof faces downward, and the second electrode 4b may be disposed in a position rearward of the outlet 3a of the nozzle 3 in the main body 20 so that the main surface thereof faces downward. As shown in fig. 14, the first electrode 4a may be disposed in a position forward of the outlet 3a of the nozzle 3 in the main body 20 so that the main surface thereof faces downward, and the second electrode 4b may be disposed in a position rearward of the outlet 3a of the nozzle 3 in the main body 20 so that the main surface thereof faces forward. In this case, although it is necessary to expand the detection range so that the capacitance sensor 4 can detect the capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the wash basin 410, the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 may be reduced, the control of embodiment 1 may be performed if the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b are provided so that the main surfaces face the drying process space 50 and the wash basin 410, and the capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the wash basin 410 may be detected.

In embodiment 1, the detection unit 41 in the control unit 40 detects the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 based on the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4, but the detection unit 41 may be provided outside the control unit 40. For example, the detection unit 41 may be provided in the electrostatic capacity sensor 4, and the operation control unit 42 in the control unit 40 may receive the detection result of the detection unit 41 in the electrostatic capacity sensor 4 as a signal to control the operation of the blower 2.

Embodiment 2.

In embodiment 2, the structure of the hand dryer 100 is the same as that of embodiment 1, but the operation of the control unit 40 is different from that of embodiment 1. In embodiment 1, when it is detected that water is present in the wash basin 410, the driving of the blower 2 is stopped even if a hand is present in the drying process space 50. On the other hand, in embodiment 2, when it is detected that there is water in the wash basin 410, the blower 2 is driven at a smaller air volume when it is detected that there is a hand in the drying process space 50 than when there is no water in the wash basin 410. Items not described in particular are the same as those of embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for the same functions and structures. The description of the same functions and structures as those of embodiment 1 will be omitted.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 according to embodiment 2. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S4 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the first water detection threshold, the flow advances to step S5. In step S5, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than a second hand detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S5 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is larger than the second hand detection threshold, the process returns to step S4. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S5 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than the second hand detection threshold, the routine proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 at the second air volume. The second air volume is smaller than the first air volume, which is the air volume when the blower 2 is driven in step S7. For example, when the operation control unit 42 can drive the blower 2 with 2 air volumes of "strong" and "weak", the first air volume is "strong", and the second air volume is "weak".

Next, in step S11, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or less than a second hand detection threshold. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S11 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or smaller than the second hand detection threshold, the routine returns to step S11 again, and step S11 is repeated until it is determined that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is greater than the second hand detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S11 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is larger than the second hand detection threshold, the flow proceeds to step S12, and the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2. When the driving of the blower 2 is stopped in step S12, the flow advances to step S4.

In the hand drying apparatus 100 according to embodiment 1, since the driving of the blower 2 is stopped when water is present in the wash basin 410, there is a problem in that the hand cannot be dried and the convenience of use is poor when water is present in the wash basin 410. According to the hand drying apparatus 100 of embodiment 2, when water is present in the wash basin 410 and the drying treatment space 50 has hands, the blower 2 is driven at the second air volume smaller than the first air volume, so that even when water is present in the wash basin 410, scattering of water in the wash basin 410 can be suppressed and the hands can be dried.

Embodiment 3.

In embodiment 3, the structure of the hand dryer 100 is the same as that of embodiment 2, but the operation of the control unit 40 is different from that of embodiment 2. In embodiment 3, there is a second water detection threshold for determining whether the wash basin 410 is full of water. Items not described in particular are the same as those of embodiment 2, and the same reference numerals are used for the same functions and structures. The description of the same functions and structures as those of embodiment 2 will be omitted.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 according to embodiment 3. When the reference value is updated in step S1, the flow advances to step S21. In step S21, the detection unit 41 sets a water detection threshold and a hand detection threshold. In embodiment 3, a first water detection threshold and a second water detection threshold are provided as water detection thresholds, and a first hand detection threshold and a second hand detection threshold are provided as hand detection thresholds.

The detection unit 41 sets a first water detection threshold by adding a first fixed value to the reference value updated in step S1, and sets a second water detection threshold by adding a third fixed value to the reference value. The third fixed value is greater than the first fixed value. That is, the second water detection threshold is greater than the first water detection threshold. The detection unit 41 also sets the first hand detection threshold value by subtracting the second fixed value from the reference value, and sets the second hand detection threshold value by adding the first fixed value to the first hand detection threshold value.

The second water detection threshold is a value for determining whether the water in the wash bowl 410 is full, and is set so that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 becomes equal to or higher than the second water detection threshold when the water in the wash bowl 410 is full. Here, the full water is, for example, a state in which 8 or more of the capacity of the washbasin 410 is filled with water. The state in which the water is filled with water is not limited to 8 or more times the capacity of the washbasin 410, and means a state in which the washbasin 410 is filled with water to such an extent that the water in the washbasin 410 may be scattered even if the blower 2 is driven at the second air volume smaller than the first air volume.

Next, in step S22, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not a first set time period set in advance has elapsed after the first water detection threshold value, the second water detection threshold value, the first hand detection threshold value, and the second hand detection threshold value are set. When the detection unit 41 determines that the first set time has elapsed after the first water detection threshold, the second water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold are set, it returns to step S1. When detecting unit 41 determines in step S22 that the first set time has not elapsed after the first water detection threshold, the second water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold are set, it proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than a second water detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that the water in the washbasin 410 is full when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or higher than the second water detection threshold value, and detects that the water in the washbasin 410 is not full when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the second water detection threshold value.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S23 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is equal to or greater than the second water detection threshold, the routine returns to step S23 again, and step S23 is repeated until it is determined that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the second water detection threshold. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S23 that the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4 is smaller than the second water detection threshold value, the flow advances to step S4.

In the hand drying apparatus 100 according to embodiment 2, when water is present in the wash basin 410 and the drying treatment space 50 is provided with hands, the blower 2 is driven at the second air volume smaller than the first air volume even when the wash basin 410 is full of water, and therefore, there is a possibility that water in the wash basin 410 may fly. According to the hand dryer 100 of embodiment 3, when the water in the washbasin 410 is filled, the driving of the blower 2 is stopped, so that the water in the washbasin 410 can be prevented from scattering.

In addition, when the interior of the washbasin 410 is not full of water, the blower 2 is driven at the second air volume smaller than the first air volume even if the washbasin 410 is filled with water, so that the hands can be dried while suppressing the scattering of water in the washbasin 410.

As described above, according to the hand dryer 100 of embodiment 3, the operation of the blower 2 can be changed according to the amount of water in the wash basin 410. In embodiment 3, the first water detection threshold and the second water detection threshold are set as the water detection threshold, but the water detection threshold may be set to 3 or more according to the amount of water in the wash basin 410, and the air volume of the blower 2 may be adjusted according to the amount of water in the wash basin 410.

Embodiment 4.

In embodiment 4, the structure of the hand drying apparatus 100 is different from embodiments 1 to 3. The hand drying apparatus 100 of embodiments 1 to 3 has the case 10, the main body 20, and the duct 30, but the hand drying apparatus 100 of embodiment 4 has the main body 60 provided on the washstand 400. Items not described in particular are the same as those in embodiments 1 to 3, and the same reference numerals are used for the same functions and structures. In addition, the description of the same functions and structures as those of embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted.

Fig. 17 is a view of a washstand 400 including the hand drying device 100 according to embodiment 4, as viewed from above. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 provided with the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 4, and is a cross-sectional view showing a section C-C of fig. 17.

As shown in fig. 18, a blower 2 that generates a high-pressure air flow, a control unit 40 that controls the blower 2, and a nozzle 3 that blows the air flow toward a drying process space 50 in which an opponent is drying are provided in a main body 60 provided in a washstand 400. The main body 60 is fixed to the washstand 400 by inserting the screws 5 into through holes 404 formed in the washstand 400 and fastening them with screw holes, not shown, formed in the main body 60.

In embodiment 4, the first electrode 4a of the capacitance sensor 4 is provided at the lower portion of the main body 60 so that the main surface faces forward, that is, in the direction in which the drying process space 50 and the washbowl 410 are located. The second electrode 4b of the capacitance sensor 4 is provided on the outer surface of the washbasin 410, that is, on the outer periphery of the washbasin 410, inside the washbasin 400.

The first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b may be provided on the outer surface of the washbasin 410, or may be provided inside the main body 60.

The operation of the control unit 40 of embodiment 4 is the same as that of embodiments 1 to 3, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

As in the hand dryer 100 of embodiment 4, even if the configuration of the hand dryer 100 is different from those of embodiments 1 to 3, the same effects as in embodiments 1 to 3 can be obtained as long as the electrostatic capacitance in the drying process space 50 and the washbowl 410 can be detected by the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4 b.

Embodiment 5.

In embodiments 1 to 4, the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 are detected based on the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 4. On the other hand, in embodiment 5, instead of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4, the infrared sensor 6 is used to detect the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410. Items not described in particular are the same as those in embodiments 1 to 4, and the same reference numerals are used for the same functions and structures. In addition, the description of the same functions and structures as those of embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a washstand 400 provided with the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 5, and corresponds to the cross-section C-C of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 19, the hand dryer 100 includes an infrared sensor 6 instead of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4. The infrared sensor 6 is provided in the main body 20, for example, in front of the outlet 3a of the nozzle 3.

The infrared sensor 6 includes an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light and an infrared light receiving element that receives the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element, and detects the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element. The infrared sensor 6 is connected to the control unit 40 through wiring not shown.

The infrared sensor 6 is provided such that the infrared light emitting element emits infrared rays toward the inside of the wash basin 410. The infrared light receiving element receives the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element and reflected by the wash basin 410, and outputs a signal indicating the light receiving amount of the infrared light to the detecting section 41.

The detection unit 41 detects the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 based on the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6. The operation control unit 42 controls the operation of the blower 2 based on the detection result of the detection unit 41.

Here, when the drying processing space 50 has a hand, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting element are reflected by the hand, and thus the light receiving amount of the infrared rays increases. In addition, when water is present in the wash bowl 410, the infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element is absorbed by the water, and thus the amount of light received by the infrared light is reduced.

Accordingly, when the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or less than the water detection threshold for determining whether or not water is present in the wash basin 410, the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 can be detected by the single infrared ray sensor 6, since the presence or absence of a hand in the drying process space 50 is detected when the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or more than the hand detection threshold for determining whether or not a hand is present in the drying process space 50.

The operation of the control unit 40 will be described with reference to fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 according to embodiment 5.

In step S31, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value. The reference value is a value obtained from the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6, and is, for example, an average value of the amounts of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6.

In step S32, the detection unit 41 sets a water detection threshold for determining whether or not water is present in the wash basin 410 and a hand detection threshold for determining whether or not a hand is present in the drying process space 50. In embodiment 5, a third water detection threshold is provided as the water detection threshold, and a third hand detection threshold is provided as the hand detection threshold. The detection section 41 sets a third water detection threshold value by subtracting a third fixed value from the reference value updated in step S31. The detection unit 41 sets the third hand detection threshold by adding a fourth fixed value to the reference value.

In step S33, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not a first set time period set in advance has elapsed after the third water detection threshold and the third hand detection threshold are set. When the detection unit 41 determines that the first set time has elapsed after the third water detection threshold and the third hand detection threshold are set, it returns to step S31 to update the reference value, and sets the third water detection threshold and the third hand detection threshold again.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S33 that the first set time has not elapsed after the third water detection threshold and the third hand detection threshold are set, the flow advances to step S34.

In step S34, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or less than a third water detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that water is present in the wash basin 410 when the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or less than the third water detection threshold value, and detects that water is not present in the wash basin 410 when the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is greater than the third water detection threshold value.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S34 that the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or less than the third water detection threshold value, the flow proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than a third hand detection threshold. The detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50 when the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or more than the third hand detection threshold value, and detects that there is no hand in the drying process space 50 when the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is less than the third hand detection threshold value.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S35 that the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than the third hand detection threshold, the routine returns to step S35, and repeats step S35 until it is determined that the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is smaller than the third hand detection threshold. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S35 that the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is smaller than the third hand detection threshold, the flow advances to step S34. The operations of step S34 and step S35 are repeated until the detection unit 41 determines in step S34 that the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is greater than the third water detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S34 that the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is larger than the third water detection threshold value, the flow proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than a third hand detection threshold.

When it is determined in step S36 that the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is smaller than the third hand detection threshold, the process returns to step S33. When it is determined in step S36 that the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than the third hand detection threshold, the flow advances to step S37, and the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 at the first air volume.

In step S38, the detection unit 41 determines whether or not the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than a third hand detection threshold. When the detection unit 41 determines in step S38 that the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or greater than the third hand detection threshold, the routine returns to step S38 again, and repeats step S38 until it is determined that the amount of light received by the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is smaller than the third hand detection threshold.

When the detection unit 41 determines in step S38 that the amount of received infrared light detected by the infrared sensor 6 is smaller than the third hand detection threshold, the flow advances to step S39, and the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2. When the driving of the blower 2 is stopped in step S39, the flow advances to step S33.

Fig. 21 is a timing chart showing a change in the amount of received infrared light detected by the infrared sensor 6 of the hand dryer 100 according to embodiment 5. In fig. 21, a third water detection threshold is indicated by a one-dot chain line, a third hand detection threshold is indicated by a broken line, and the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is indicated by a solid line. The time intervals of the times T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T8, T9, T10 are the update periods of the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold.

At time T1, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value, and further updates the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold. At time T1a, water begins to accumulate in the wash basin 410. At time T1b, the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 becomes equal to or less than the third water detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that water is present in the wash basin 410. At times T2 and T3, since the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 becomes the third water detection threshold or less and it is detected that water is present in the wash basin 410, the detection unit 41 stops updating the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold.

At time T3a, when the hand is placed in the drying process space 50, the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 becomes equal to or greater than the third hand detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that the hand is present in the drying process space 50. In embodiment 5, at time T3a, even if the detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50, the operation control unit 42 stops driving the blower 2. In addition, at time T3a, when the detection unit 41 detects that there is a hand in the drying process space 50, the blower 2 may be driven at a second air volume smaller than the first air volume as in embodiment 2.

At times T4 and T5, since the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 is equal to or less than the third water detection threshold and it is detected that water is present in the wash basin 410, the detection unit 41 stops updating the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold.

At time T5a, the water in the wash basin 410 begins to drain. At time T5b, when the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 exceeds the third water detection threshold, the detection unit 41 detects that there is no water in the wash basin 410. At times T6 and T7, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value and further updates the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold.

At time 7a, when the hand is placed in the drying process space 50, the light receiving amount of the infrared ray detected by the infrared ray sensor 6 becomes equal to or greater than the third hand detection threshold, and the detection unit 41 detects that the hand is present in the drying process space 50. At time 7a, the detection unit 41 detects that there is no water in the wash tub 410 and that there is a hand in the drying process space 50, and therefore the operation control unit 42 drives the blower 2 at the first air volume. At times T8, T9, and T10, the detection unit 41 updates the reference value, and further updates the third hand detection threshold and the third water detection threshold.

According to the hand drying apparatus 100 of embodiment 5, the presence or absence of a hand in the drying processing space 50 and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 are detected by the single infrared sensor 6, so that it is not necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of water in the wash basin 410 separately from the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a hand. Thus, the hand drying device 100 having the hand detection function and the water detection function can be realized while suppressing an increase in cost. As described above, even if the infrared sensor 6 is used instead of the electrostatic capacity sensor 4, the effect of the present disclosure can be obtained by detecting the presence or absence of a hand and the presence or absence of water in the wash basin with one sensor.

The configuration shown in the above embodiment shows an example of the present disclosure, and other known techniques may be combined, and a part of the configuration may be omitted or changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Description of the reference numerals

2 blower, 3 nozzle, 3a outlet, 4 electrostatic capacity sensor, 4a first electrode, 4b second electrode, 5 screw, 6 infrared sensor, 10 box, 20 main body, 30 pipe, 31 ventilation path, 40 control part, 41 detection part, 42 operation control part, 50 drying process space, 60 main body, 91 processor, 92 memory, 100 hand drying device, 200 water discharge device, 210 water discharge pipe, 211 water discharge port, 300 detergent discharge device, 310 detergent discharge pipe, 311 detergent discharge port, 400 wash basin, 401-404 through hole, 410 wash basin, 411 water discharge port, 500 wall, 501 floor, 600 drain pipe.

Claims (8)

1. A hand drying apparatus, wherein the hand drying apparatus comprises:

a nozzle that blows an air flow toward a drying processing space in which an opponent is dried;

a blower that generates the air flow;

a capacitance sensor that includes two electrodes and detects capacitance between the two electrodes;

a detection unit that detects that water is present in the wash basin receiving the air flow when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor is equal to or greater than a first water detection threshold, and that detects that a hand is present in the drying process space when the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor is equal to or less than a first hand detection threshold that is smaller than the first water detection threshold; and

and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the detection unit.

2. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the detection unit detects that a hand is present in the drying processing space when the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor is equal to or less than a second hand detection threshold that is greater than the first hand detection threshold when it detects that water is present in the wash basin.

3. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

the detection unit updates the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold when a preset set time elapses after the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold are set.

4. A hand drying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the detection unit stops updating of the first water detection threshold, the first hand detection threshold, and the second hand detection threshold when water is detected in the wash basin and when a hand is detected in the drying process space.

5. The hand drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the operation control unit stops driving of the blower when the detection unit detects that water is present in the wash basin.

6. The hand drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the operation control unit drives the blower at a first air volume when the detection unit detects that there is no water in the wash basin and that there is a hand in the drying process space, and drives the blower at a second air volume smaller than the first air volume when the detection unit detects that there is water in the wash basin and that there is a hand in the drying process space.

7. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein,

the detection unit detects that the water in the washbasin is full when the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor is equal to or more than a second water detection threshold value which is larger than the first water detection threshold value,

the operation control unit stops the driving of the blower when the detection unit detects that the water in the washbasin is full.

8. A hand drying apparatus, wherein the hand drying apparatus comprises:

a nozzle that blows an air flow toward a drying processing space in which an opponent is dried;

a blower that generates the air flow;

an infrared sensor that includes an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light and an infrared light receiving element that receives the infrared light, and detects the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element;

a detection unit that detects that water is present in the wash basin receiving the air flow when the amount of light received by the infrared sensor is equal to or less than a third water detection threshold, and that detects that a hand is present in the drying processing space when the amount of light received by the infrared sensor is equal to or more than a third hand detection threshold that is greater than the third water detection threshold; and

And an operation control unit that controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the detection unit.

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