JP2006169949A - Automatic faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic faucet prevented from becoming poor in design and appearance due to increase in the diameter of a spout pipe resulting from installation of a plurality of human body detecting sensors in the spout pipe for selecting one spouting mode from among a plurality of spouting modes including a water spouting mode and a hot-water spouting mode. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic faucet has the non-contact human body detecting sensors installed on the spout pipe 16, and automatically spouts and stops spouting on the basis of detection of a human body by the human body detecting sensors. Herein, a water sensor 116 and a hot-water sensor 118 for selecting a spout of water and a spout of hot-water, respectively, are linearly arranged along the axial direction of the spout pipe 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic faucet in which a human body detection sensor is provided on a water discharge pipe.

Conventionally, an automatic faucet that has been provided with a human body detection sensor in the water discharge pipe and that automatically detects water discharge from the water outlet and stops the water by detecting the hand that has been put out without contact (by detecting the human body) It is widely used as a faucet for hand washing.
In this type of automatic faucet, a human body detection sensor is generally provided on the lower surface of the tip of the water discharge pipe in order to detect the hand that is pushed out below the water outlet.
Since such automatic faucets are mainly intended for hand washing, it is only necessary to discharge water while the human body detection sensor detects the hand and stop water when it is not detected. One can achieve its purpose.

However, for example, when washing an object while discharging water, once the human body detection sensor detects a human body, it continues to discharge water even if it becomes a non-detection state, and the water stops when the human body detection sensor detects the human body again. It is desirable to do so.
In this case, this can be realized by alternately detecting a single sensor, but it is also conceivable to provide a human body detection sensor for water discharge and a human body detection sensor for water stoppage.
In addition to kitchen faucets, you may want to supply not only water but also hot water (water of the desired temperature) and purified water. In addition to the human detection sensor for water discharge / water stoppage, water sensors, hot water sensors, and water purification It may be desirable to provide a sensor or a sensor for switching between water and hot water, raw water (water or hot water) and purified water (for switching the flow path).

In detail, this kind of automatic faucet has been applied to kitchen faucets in recent years, but in the case of kitchen faucets, not only washing hands but also pouring water into a container placed in the sink. In addition to the fact that you often have to keep draining water for washing work while using both hands or in addition to being able to perform water discharge and water stop operations while performing sink work. In addition, in addition to draining water during kitchen work, it may be desirable to drain hot water (hot water at a desired temperature), purified water, etc. Therefore, when configuring a kitchen faucet as an automatic faucet, the human body detection sensor is It is desirable that water discharge and water stop are alternately repeated every time a human body is detected, or a plurality of human body detection sensors corresponding to the plurality of water discharge types are provided in the water discharge pipe.
As described above, it is sometimes required to provide a plurality of human body detection sensors in the automatic faucet. In such a case, a plurality of human body detection sensors, for example, a human body detection sensor for water for selecting water discharge ( The water sensor) and the human body detection sensor (hot water sensor) for selecting hot water discharge are arranged separately on the right side and the left side of the tip of the water discharge pipe at the same position in the tube axis direction. It is possible.
By doing so, it is possible to avoid the problem that the human body detection sensor on the right side and the human body detection sensor on the left side simultaneously detect a human body such as a hand as much as possible, and it is easy to avoid erroneous detection by the sensor and thus malfunction of the faucet. Benefits are gained.

However, on the other hand, if it does in this way, the tip part of a water discharge pipe will become thick on either side, and design nature and appearance will get worse.
Although the kitchen faucet has been described above as a representative, the same problem occurs when it is necessary to provide a plurality of human body detection sensors on the water discharge pipe in other automatic faucets.

In addition, Patent Document 1 below discloses an automatic faucet having an inverted U-shaped gooseneck-shaped water discharge pipe and a human body detection unit provided on the water discharge pipe. It is one and is different from the present invention.
Patent Document 2 below discloses an automatic water faucet in which a plurality of switches such as a hot water adjustment switch and a water discharge amount adjustment switch are provided on a water discharge pipe. However, each switch does not detect a human body in a non-contact manner. It is different from the present invention.

JP 2003-293410 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-100559

  The present invention is based on the above circumstances, and in the case where a plurality of human body detection sensors for water discharge, hot water discharge, etc. are provided in the water discharge pipe, the water discharge pipe becomes thick and the design and appearance are deteriorated. It was made for the purpose of providing an automatic faucet that does not occur in particular.

  Thus, in the automatic faucet in which the non-contact type human body detection sensor is provided in the water discharge pipe, the plurality of human body detection sensors are provided in the water discharge pipe, and the plurality of human body detection sensors are provided on the water discharge pipe. It is arranged in the direction of the pipe axis of the water discharge pipe.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction are provided on an upper surface of the water discharge pipe.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first and second aspects, a plurality of the human body detection sensors for selecting a plurality of water discharge types such as water discharge water and hot water discharge water as the human body detection sensor are tube axes of the water discharge pipe. It is arranged in the direction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the water discharge pipe is an inverted U-shaped gooseneck shape, and the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction are arranged at the uppermost position of the water discharge pipe. A water sensor for selecting water spouting and a hot water sensor for selecting hot water spouting are provided as the human body detection sensor. The water sensor is disposed on the front side close to the user, and the hot water sensor is disposed on the back side.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, among the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction, the detection distance of the front human body detection sensor close to the user is It is characterized by being set shorter than the detection distance of the human body detection sensor.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, among the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction, a human body detection sensor on the near side close to the user and a human body detection sensor on the back side However, when the human body is detected substantially simultaneously, the human body detection by the human body detection sensor on the back side is prioritized.

Effects and effects of the invention

As described above, the present invention has a plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the direction of the tube axis of the water discharge tube. In this way, the water discharge tube is prevented from becoming thick, and the design of the water discharge tube, Appearance can be kept good.
Here, each human body detection sensor should perform the required operation corresponding to each human body detection sensor once it detects a human body even if it does not continue to detect the human body. Can do.

The plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction can be provided on the upper surface of the water discharge tube, respectively.
In this way, the operation of holding the hand over the human body detection sensor, that is, the operability when operating the faucet by causing the human body detection sensor to detect the hand is improved.
In the present invention, as the human body detection sensor, a plurality of human body detection sensors for selecting a plurality of water discharge types such as water discharge water and hot water discharge water can be arranged in the tube axis direction of the water discharge pipe. .
Here, each human body detection sensor can be configured to alternately perform water discharge and water stop every time a human body is detected.

  Next, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, with respect to the water discharge pipe having an inverted U-shaped gooseneck shape, a water sensor is provided in a portion facing downward from the uppermost portion toward the tip of the water discharge pipe and closer to the user. The hot water sensor is arranged on the back side, the water sensor for selecting low temperature water is provided at a low position, and the hot water sensor for selecting hot water is provided at a high position. The level of the water discharge and the height of the position of the human body detection sensor for selecting the water discharge type are directly connected sensuously, and these operations are easier to perform.

  Next, the detection distance of the human body detection sensor on the near side close to the user is set shorter than the detection distance of the human body detection sensor on the back side.

Normally, when trying to hold the hand over the human body detection sensor on the back side, that is, when trying to operate the human body detection sensor on the back side, it passes through the human body detection sensor on the near side close to the user and Trying to operate the human detection sensor.
In this case, the human body detection sensor on the near side tends to detect the hand contrary to the intention even though the human body detection sensor on the far side tries to detect the hand.
However, if the detection distance of the human body detection sensor on the front side is set short according to claim 5, such erroneous detection can be effectively prevented, and malfunction of the faucet due to the erroneous detection can be prevented.

  Next, when the human body detection sensor on the near side close to the user and the human body detection sensor on the back side detect the human body substantially simultaneously, priority is given to the human body detection by the human body detection sensor on the back side. It has been done.

For example, when the user tries to operate only the human body detection sensor on the near side, the user usually does not try to extend his hand to the far side of the human body detection sensor on the near side. Therefore, there is little possibility that the human body detection sensor on the back side will be erroneously operated.
On the other hand, when trying to operate the human body detection sensor on the back side, it is usual to extend the hand from the front side of the water discharge pipe to the human body detection sensor on the back side. At this time, the human body detection sensor on the front side and the human body detection sensor on the back side may be in a state of detecting a hand substantially simultaneously.

  Therefore, in this claim 6, when the human body detection sensor on the front side and the human body detection sensor on the back side simultaneously detect the hand, the human body detection by the human body detection sensor on the back side is prioritized. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent the front human body detection sensor from erroneously detecting a hand and causing a malfunction of the faucet even though the rear human body detection sensor is being operated.

  Further, by providing detection distances and priorities by the human body detection sensors according to claims 5 and 6 as described above, a plurality of non-contact type human body detection sensors are provided on the same upper surface of the water discharge pipe, or relatively close to each other. Even if it is provided, the sensor can be used properly and easily.

Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a kitchen hose storage type automatic faucet will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, 10 is a kitchen cabinet, 12 is a counter, and a water faucet main body 14 and a water discharge pipe 16 are provided in a state of standing on the counter 12. Here, the water discharge pipe 16 can be rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the main body 14.
Further, the water discharge pipe 16 has an inverted U-shaped gooseneck shape as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the water discharge pipe 16 has a water discharge port 18 at the tip, and functions as a water discharge head 22 that can be pulled out together with the flexible hose 20 and a holder that holds the water discharge head 22 in the storage position. The water discharge pipe main body 24 having

As shown in FIG. 1, a valve unit 26 is disposed inside the cabinet 10 at a position between the pair of stop cocks 28 and 30.
A water supply main pipe (hereinafter simply referred to as a water supply main pipe) is connected to a water stop cock 28, a branch joint 32, and a connection hose 34 with respect to a water inlet 92 (see FIG. 5A) described later of the valve unit 26. Connected through.
In addition, a hot water supply main pipe (hereinafter simply referred to as a hot water supply main pipe) is connected to a hot water inlet 94 (see FIG. 5A), which will be described later, via a water stop cock 30 and a connection hose 36.
Water and hot water supply pipes 38 and 40 extend upward from the water outlet and the hot water outlet of the valve unit 26, and their tips are connected to the main body portion 14 of the water faucet. 14 is supplied with water and hot water, respectively.

The main body 14 incorporates a mixing valve 58 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, and an outflow pipe 42 through which water or hot water (hot water whose temperature is adjusted by the mixing valve 58) flows out from the downstream portion of the mixing valve 58. It extends downward, and its tip is connected to the flexible hose 20 via a coupler 44.
Here, the hose 20 extends upward from the coupler 44 and then rotates once before being inserted into the main body 14 and the water discharge pipe main body 24 and connected to the water discharge head 22.

A water purifier 46 is also provided inside the cabinet 10, and water from the water supply source pipe is guided to the water purifier 46 through the branch joint 32 and the hose 48 in the upstream portion of the valve unit 26.
The water purifier 46 purifies the tap water by passing it through a filter 66 (see FIG. 2) described later, and a hose 50 for allowing the purified water to flow out extends from the water purifier 46.
The tip of the hose 50 is connected to the hose 20 connected to the water discharge head 22 via a coupler 44.
That is, the purified water flowing out from the water purifier 46 is guided to the water discharge head 22 through the hoses 50 and 20 and discharged from the water discharge port 18 at the tip thereof.

  A controller (control unit) 52 for controlling the operation of the faucet is also provided inside the cabinet 10 below the valve unit 26.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, water and hot water from the water supply main pipe and the hot water supply main pipe are supplied to the mixing valve 58 built in the main body 14 through the water supply path 54 and the hot water supply path 56.
The supplied water and hot water are mixed at a predetermined ratio based on the operation of the lever handle 60 and sent to the water discharge head 22 through the outflow passage 62 at a predetermined flow rate determined based on the operation of the lever handle 60. The water is discharged from the water outlet 18 at the tip.
Here, the lever handle 60 adjusts the mixing ratio of water and hot water, that is, adjusts the temperature by turning left and right, and adjusts the flow rate by turning up and down.

The water from the water supply main pipe is also taken out to the water purification path 64 branched from the water supply path 54 at the upstream portion of the electromagnetic valve 68 and passes through the filter 66 of the water purifier 46 provided on the water purification path 64 for purification there. In addition, the purified water (purified water) bypasses the mixing valve 58 and is guided to the outflow passage 62, and is discharged from the water outlet 18 of the water discharge head 22 through the outflow passage 62.
In each of the water supply path 54, the hot water supply path 56, and the water purification path 64, electromagnetic valves 68, 70, and 72 that open and close the flow path and a check valve 74 that prevents backflow are disposed.
A constant flow valve 73 is provided in the water purification path 64.

A bypass path 76 branches and extends from the water supply path 54 at an upstream portion of the electromagnetic valve 68, and a tip thereof is connected to the hot water supply path 56 and downstream portions of the electromagnetic valve 70 and the check valve 74.
An electromagnetic valve 78 and a check valve 74 for opening and closing the flow path are also provided on the bypass path 76.
These solenoid valves 68, 70, 72, 78 are electrically connected to the controller 52, and their operation is controlled by the controller 52.

In the present embodiment, the bypass path 76 that connects the water supply path 54 and the hot water supply path 56 is provided for the following reason.
That is, when the lever handle 60 is in a state where the hot water flow path in the mixing valve 58 is fully open and the water flow path is fully closed, the human body detection by the human body detection sensor (water sensor 116) described later is performed. This is not possible even if the water is discharged from the water outlet 18 based on the above.
Therefore, the water supply channel 54 and the hot water supply channel 56 are connected by the bypass channel 76, and even if the water channel is fully closed in the mixing valve 58, the water from the water supply source pipe is supplied to the bypass channel 76 and the hot water supply channel. 56, and further, supply to the spout 18 through the outflow passage 62 is possible.

In the automatic water faucet of this embodiment, the electromagnetic valves 68 and 78 are opened and the electromagnetic valves 70 and 72 are closed as shown in FIG. Water from the water supply source pipe is sent to the mixing valve 58 through a part of the hot water supply path 56, and further, water is discharged from the water outlet 18 through the outflow path 62 via the mixing valve 58 (water discharge).
In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, water from the water supply source pipe and hot water from the hot water supply source pipe are respectively supplied under the condition that the solenoid valves 68 and 70 are open and the solenoid valves 72 and 78 are closed. 54 and the hot water supply path 56 are sent to the mixing valve 58 where they are mixed and made hot water at an appropriate temperature, and hot water is discharged from the water outlet 18 through the outflow path 62 (hot water discharge).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14C, when all of the solenoid valves 68, 70 and 78 are closed and only the solenoid valve 72 is open, the water from the water supply source pipe is the water purifier 46, that is, The water is guided to the side of the water purification path 64, passes through the filter 66, becomes purified water, and is discharged from the water outlet 18 through the outflow path 62 (purified water discharge).

FIG. 7 specifically shows the configuration of the mixing valve 58.
As shown in the figure, the mixing valve 58 has a fixed valve body 82 and a movable valve body 84 that slides on the upper surface of the housing 80, and a lever for the movable valve body 84. A handle 60 is operatively connected.
The fixed valve body 82 is provided with water and hot water inlets 86, 86 through which water and hot water sent through the supply pipes 38, 40 upward in the figure are movable valve bodies. It flows into 84 mixing chambers 88.
Then, the hot water or water after temperature adjustment after mixing in the mixing chamber 88 flows out from the outlet 89 to the outflow pipe 42 and is guided to the water outlet 18 through the outflow path 62 of FIG.

4 to 6 specifically show the configuration of the valve unit 26. FIG.
In these drawings, reference numeral 90 denotes a valve body, as shown in FIG. 5, a water inlet 92 and a hot water inlet 94, and an internal flow passage 54a communicating with them and forming a part of the water supply passage 54 and the hot water supply passage 56, 56a.
Electromagnetic valves 68 and 70 (see FIG. 6) are provided on the internal flow paths 54a and 56a.

In the valve body 90, as shown in FIG. 5C, a branch flow path 76a forming a part of the bypass path 76 is branched from the internal water supply flow path 54a, and this branch flow path 76a. An electromagnetic valve 78 (see FIG. 6) for opening and closing the bypass path 76 is provided above.
The valve body 90 is further provided with a joining flow passage 76b that forms the remainder of the bypass passage 76 for joining the branch passage 76a to the hot water supply passage 56 as shown in FIG. The water from the passage 76a is joined to the hot water supply passage 56 by the joint passage 76b, and then sent to the mixing valve 58 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the electromagnetic valves 68, 70, and 78 are a diaphragm valve 98 as a main valve, a back pressure chamber 100 formed behind the diaphragm valve 98, and draining the back pressure chamber 100. A pilot water channel 102 as a drainage water channel to be performed, a plunger valve 104 as a pilot valve that opens and closes the pilot water channel 102, a fixed core 106, and a solenoid 108 that operates the plunger valve 104 with electromagnetic force.
In the electromagnetic valves 68, 70, 78, when the plunger valve 104 is opened by energizing the solenoid 108, the pilot water passage 102 is opened and the pressure in the back pressure chamber 100 is released, and the diaphragm valve 98 as the main valve is opened. Opens the valve.

As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 6 (a), the valve body 90 has a water drain plug 110 for draining water and hot water inside the valve body 90, and a diaphragm valve 98 is manually opened when draining water. An opening operation member 112 is provided.
The opening operation member 112 manually opens the diaphragm valve 98 by rotating the knob 114.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the water discharge pipe main body 24 in the water discharge pipe 16 having an inverted U-shaped gooseneck shape, specifically, the upper surface of the upper part of the water discharge pipe main body 24 downward from the uppermost part. A water sensor (water human body detection sensor) 116 and a hot water sensor (hot water human body detection sensor) 118 are arranged in a line in the tube axis direction at a predetermined interval.
Here, the water sensor 116 is provided on the front side close to the user (on the front side), and the hot water sensor 118 is provided on the back side. Therefore, the water sensor 116 is positioned below the hot water sensor 118, and the hot water sensor 118 is positioned above the water sensor 116.
In the present embodiment, a water purification sensor (a human body detection sensor for water purification) 120 is also provided on the side surface of the water discharge pipe body 24.
A light irradiator 122 is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion of the water discharge pipe main body 24 to irradiate the water or the sink or the container in the sink with light.

In the automatic water faucet of this embodiment, when a hand is held over the water sensor 116 and the water sensor 116 detects this, water is discharged from the water outlet 18 (water discharge). Further, when the hand is held over the water sensor 116 again under the water discharge state, the water discharge stops there. That is, the water is stopped.
On the other hand, when the hand is held over the hot water sensor 118, hot water (temperature-controlled water) whose temperature is adjusted to an appropriate temperature is discharged from the water outlet 18 based on detection of the hand by the hot water sensor 118, Then, when the hand is held over the hot water sensor 118 again during the hot water discharge, the hot water discharge stops there.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when a hand is put out to the side of the distal end portion of the water discharge pipe main body 24, the water purification sensor 120 detects this, and the purified water is discharged from the water outlet 18 (purified water discharge). Further, when the hand is held again against the water purification sensor 120 under the state of water purging, the water purging is stopped there.
As such, the controller 52 controls the operation of the corresponding electromagnetic valves 68, 70, 72, 78.

Here, the detection distance of the water sensor 116 is set shorter than the detection distance of the hot water sensor 118 on the back side.
That is, assuming that each sensor (water sensor 116 and hot water sensor 118) detects the finger of the hand that has been inserted, here the detection distance of the water sensor 116 is about 2 cm, The detection distance is set to about 4 cm.

8 to 11 specifically show the internal structure of the water discharge pipe 16.
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the water discharge pipe body 24 is inserted into the metal pipe 124 with a U-shaped cross section and guides the hose 20 on the inner side. In FIG. 5, the curved inner member 126 that guides the electrical wiring that communicates the respective sensors 116, 118, and 120 for water, hot water, and purified water with the controller 52, and the hose 20 that is provided on the tip side thereof to guide the insertion of the hose 20. A substantially cylindrical guide member 128 and a guide cover 130 covering the guide member 128 from below are provided.

As shown in FIG. 11, a partition plate 131 is fixed to the upper surface of the guide member 128, and sensor units 132 and 134 having the water sensor 116 and the hot water sensor 118 on the upper surface of the partition plate 131. Is placed and fixed, and a resin-made translucent sensor cover 136 is covered from above.
A water purification sensor 120 is attached to the side surface of the guide member 128. A portion of the guide cover 130 corresponding to the water purification sensor 120 is translucent.

The hot water sensor 118 is of a photoelectric type, and as shown in FIG. 12A, the sensor unit 134 having the hot water sensor 118 has a substrate 140, and an infrared light emitting element is provided there. 142, a light receiving element 144, and a microcomputer 146 as a sensor control unit are mounted.
The board 140 is also equipped with an LED 148 for displaying whether or not the hot water discharge state is present. The LED 148 blinks under the hot water discharge state, and the LED 148 is lit and held otherwise. It has become.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, the sensor unit 132 having the water sensor 116 displays whether or not the substrate 140 is in the infrared light emitting element 142, the light receiving element 144, and water spouting. LED 150 is mounted.
Here, the LED 150 blinks if the water is being sprinkled, and if not, the LED 150 is kept lit to display whether the water is being sprinkled.
The sensor unit 132 is also equipped with a three-color (RGB) LED 152 for displaying the current water discharge temperature on the substrate 140.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (C), the sensor unit 138 having the water purification sensor 120 displays on the substrate 140 whether or not the infrared light emitting element 142, the light receiving element 144, and the purified water discharge are in the water. An LED 154 is mounted.
The LED 154 blinks in the clean water discharge, and if not, holds the lighting state to display whether or not the clean water discharge is in progress.

On the other hand, the water discharge head 22 has a cylindrical core member 156 and a cover 158 that covers the core member 156 from the outer peripheral side, as shown in FIG. Watertight connection is fixed.
At the tip of the water discharge head 22, there is provided a switching operation unit 160 for switching the water discharged from the water discharge port 18 from straight water discharge to shower water discharge or vice versa.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a temperature display ring 162 is attached between the water discharge pipe body 24 and the water discharge head 22 so as to be sandwiched between them in the pipe axis direction.
The temperature display ring 162 is made of a light-transmitting resin having a substantially ring shape, and a rearward extending portion 164 is integrally formed as shown in the partial enlarged view of FIG. Light from the three-color LED 152 is irradiated to the extending portion 164.
The light emitted from the three-color LED 152 to the extending portion 164 passes through the inside of the temperature display ring 162 and is emitted from the outer peripheral surface to the periphery.

The three-color LED 152 is a unitized LED that develops red, green, and blue, and can change color continuously and continuously, and the temperature display ring 162 changes its color. Based on, the water discharge temperature is displayed.
That is, when the water discharge temperature is low, blue is displayed, when the water discharge temperature is high, red is displayed, and when the water discharge temperature is in the middle, a color corresponding to them is developed and the current water discharge temperature is indicated by the color change.

In the present embodiment, when the water purification sensor 120, the hot water sensor 118, and the water sensor 116 detect the hands substantially simultaneously, the detection by the water purification sensor 120 has the highest priority, and then the hot water sensor 118. Detection by is prioritized.
Specifically, when the water purification sensor 120 detects a hand, the detection of the other sensors, that is, the hot water sensor 118 and the water sensor 116 is invalidated for a certain period of time, and the detection by the hot water sensor 118 and the water sensor 116 is performed after a certain time has elapsed. Is activated.
Further, when the hot water sensor 118 detects a hand, the detection by the water sensor 116 is invalidated for a certain time, and the detection by the water sensor 116 is validated after a certain time has elapsed.
The controller 52 controls the operation of water discharge as such.

15 and 16 specifically show the contents of control by the controller 52 as flowcharts.
As shown in FIG. 15, first, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the water sensor 116 is invalidated by detecting the hand by the water purification sensor 120, the hot water sensor 118, and the like. If the sensor 116 has not been invalidated, it is determined whether or not the water sensor 116 has detected a hand in step S12. As a result, if it is determined that the water sensor 116 has detected a hand, In step S14, the water sensor 116 is disabled for a certain time (for example, several hundreds mS in this case), and then in step S16, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is in progress. In the water state, water spouting is executed (step S18).
On the other hand, if it is the current water spouting, the water spouting is stopped or stopped in step S20.
Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

If it is determined in step S10 that the water sensor 116 is invalid, the process proceeds to step S22 to determine whether or not the invalid time has ended, and if the invalid time has ended as a result, In step S24, the water sensor 116 is validated (step S24).
Then, step S26 is executed.

In step S26, it is next determined whether or not the hot water sensor 118 is invalid. If it is determined that the hot water sensor 118 is not invalid, it is determined in step S28 whether or not the hot water sensor 118 has detected a hand.
As a result, when the hot water sensor 118 detects a hand, the detection of the water sensor 116 and the hot water sensor 118 is invalidated for a predetermined time in step S30, and then in step S32 whether or not the current hot water is being sprinkled. Is judged.
If it is not the current hot water spouting, the hot water spouting is executed in step S34, and if it is the hot water spouting, the hot water spouting is stopped or stopped in step S36.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S42.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S26 that the hot water sensor 118 is invalid, it is subsequently determined in step S38 whether or not the invalid time has expired. Validation is performed (step S40).
Then, step S42 is executed.

In this step S42, it is determined whether or not the water purification sensor 120 is invalid. If it is determined that the water purification sensor 120 is not invalid, it is determined in step S44 whether or not the water purification sensor 120 has detected a hand. If it is determined that the water sensor 120 detects the hand, the water sensor 116, the hot water sensor 118, and the water purification sensor 120 are disabled for a certain time in step S46, and then the current water purification in step S48. It is determined whether or not the water is discharged, and if it is not the purified water discharge, the purified water discharge is executed in step S50.
If it is currently clean water spouting, stop of the clean water spouting, that is, water stopping is executed in step S52.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S42 that the water purification sensor 120 is invalid, it is then determined in step S54 whether or not the invalid time has ended. Validation is performed (step S56).
Thereafter, the steps after S10 are executed again.

FIG. 17 shows the control content as a time chart.
Water purification sensor 120 detects the hand in drawing T _3, the predetermined time B when you turned on other sensor (hot water sensor 118, the water sensor 116) results are invalidated, the heated water sensor 118 thereafter Even if a hand is detected, the detection is invalidated, and until the water purification sensor 120 detects the hand again, the water purification electromagnetic valve 72 is maintained in an open state, and the purified water is discharged from the water outlet 18. Continue to be.
Next, when the water purification sensor 120 detects the hand again, the water purification electromagnetic valve 72 is closed, and the purified water discharge stops there.

Even when the water purification sensor 120 is turned on for the second time, that is, even if the water purification sensor 120 is turned on for the second time in order to stop the purified water discharge, another sensor (a hot water sensor) is subsequently turned on for a predetermined time B. 118, the water sensor 116) is treated as invalid.
Accordingly, even if the water sensor 116 detects a hand during the predetermined time B, the detection is treated as invalid, and therefore the water solenoid valve 68 and the bypass solenoid valve 78 are kept closed and discharged. Water discharge from the water port 18 is not performed.

On the other hand, at T ₁ in the figure, the water sensor 116 detects the hand and is turned on, and based on this, the water electromagnetic valve 68 and the bypass electromagnetic valve 78 are opened, and water is discharged from the water outlet 18. When the hot water sensor 118 detects a hand in the middle of the operation, the water sensor 116 is immediately invalidated for a predetermined time A, and the bypass electromagnetic valve 78 is closed (at this time, the water At the same time, the solenoid valve 70 for hot water on the hot water supply passage 56 is opened and water and hot water are sent to the mixing valve 58 and further to the water outlet 18. The hot water adjusted to the set temperature is discharged.
Then, when the hot water sensor 118 detects a hand for the second time, that is, when the hot water sensor 118 is turned on, the water solenoid valve 68 on the water supply passage 54 and the hot water solenoid valve 70 on the hot water supply passage 56 are turned on. When the valve is closed, the temperature of the hot water discharged is stopped.
Also at this time, the water sensor 116 is invalidated for a predetermined time A.

In T ₂ in the figure, when the hot water sensor 118 is turned on, the water solenoid valve 68 and the hot water solenoid valve 70 are opened, and when the temperature-controlled hot water is discharged, the water sensor Even if 116 detects a hand, that is, when it is turned on, switching to water spouting is not performed, and hot water spouting is continued as it is.

In this case, water is discharged immediately when the water sensor 116 is turned on. However, after the water sensor 116 is turned on, another sensor (hot water sensor 118, The presence or absence of the ON operation of the water purification sensor 120) may be waited, and if there is no ON operation during that time, water may be discharged for the first time.
This also applies to the hot water sensor 118. After the hot water sensor 118 is turned on, it waits for a predetermined time whether or not the water purification sensor 120 is turned on. You may make it.

  As described above, the automatic water faucet of the present embodiment has the water sensor 116 and the hot water sensor 118 arranged in a line in the direction of the pipe axis of the water discharge pipe 16, so that the water discharge pipe 16 is prevented from becoming thick. The design and appearance of the water pipe 16 can be kept good.

Further, since the water sensor 116 and the hot water sensor 118 are provided on the upper surface of the water discharge pipe 16, the operability when operating the water faucet by causing the sensors 116 and 118 to detect the hand is good.
Further, hot water having a high temperature is selected with the water sensor 116 on the near side close to the user, the hot water sensor 118 on the back side, and more specifically, the water sensor 116 for selecting water having a low temperature. Since the hot water sensor 118 is provided at a high position, the level of the water discharge and the water sensor 116 for selecting the water discharge type and the height of the hot water sensor 118 are directly connected sensuously. The operation becomes easier.

Further, in this example, the detection distance of the water sensor 116 on the near side near the user is set shorter than the detection distance of the hot water sensor 118 on the back side, and the water sensor 116 on the near side and the back side are also added. When the hot water sensor 118 detects a hand at substantially the same time, the human body detection by the hot water sensor 118 is prioritized. Nevertheless, erroneous detection such that the water sensor 116 on the front side detects the hand can be effectively prevented, and malfunction of the faucet due to the erroneous detection can be prevented.
For this reason, although the non-contact type sensors 116 and 118 for water and hot water are provided on the same upper surface of the water discharge pipe 16, each sensor can be easily used properly and the automatic faucet can be satisfactorily used without any trouble. The operation can be performed easily.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 18A, the water sensor 116, the hot water sensor 118, and the water purification sensor 120 are arranged on the upper surface of the water discharge pipe 16. This is an example in which the water sensor 116, the hot water sensor 118, and the water purification sensor 120 are arranged in a line in this order from the front side to the back side.
18B is an example in which a water purification sensor 120 is provided on the upper surface and the front side of the water discharge pipe 16, and a water sensor 116 and a hot water sensor 118 are provided side by side on the rear side.

19 and 20 show another embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the water from the water supply main pipe and the hot water from the hot water supply main pipe are supplied directly to the mixing valve 58 in the main body 14 without going through the valve unit as described above, and the outflow path An electromagnetic valve 172 for opening and closing the outflow path 62 is provided in the coupler 170 that connects the outflow pipe 42 and the hose 20 constituting the 62.
That is, here, an electromagnetic valve 172 for discharging or stopping temperature-controlled hot water from the water outlet 18 is provided on the secondary side (downstream side) of the mixing valve 58.

On the other hand, the second water supply passage 174 is branched and extended from the water supply passage 54 at the upstream portion of the mixing valve 58, and the tip thereof is connected to the outflow passage 62 and the downstream portion of the electromagnetic valve 172.
On the second water supply path 174, a constant flow valve 73 and an electromagnetic valve 176 that opens and closes the second water supply path 174 are provided.

On the other hand, a hot water sensor 118 and a water sensor 116 are provided on the upper surface of the water discharge pipe 16 in a line in the pipe axis direction.
However, here, the hot water sensor 118 is provided on the front side (front side) close to the user, and the water sensor 116 is provided on the back side.

  Also in this embodiment, the detection distance of the hot water sensor 118 on the near side close to the user is set shorter than the detection distance of the water sensor 116 on the back side, and the hot water sensor 118, the water sensor 116, However, when the human body is detected substantially simultaneously, the human body detection by the water sensor 116 on the back side is prioritized.

  In this embodiment, since the water from the second water supply channel 174 bypasses the mixing valve 58 and is discharged from the water outlet 18, it does not have a function of adjusting the flow rate at the time of water discharge, and is constant. Water is discharged from the water outlet 18 at a flow rate.

FIG. 20 specifically shows the internal structure of the coupler 170.
As shown in the figure, here, in the coupler 170, a water drain plug 110 and an opening operation member 112 that opens a diaphragm valve 98 that forms the main valve of the electromagnetic valve 172 are incorporated together with the electromagnetic valve 172.

FIG. 21 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Here, a water purification path 64 is provided instead of the second water supply path 174, and a hot water sensor 118 and water purification are provided on the upper surface of the water discharge pipe 16 correspondingly. The hot water sensor (raw water sensor) 118 is provided on the front side close to the user, and the water purification sensor 120 is provided on the back side.
In this embodiment, if the handle 60 is fully rotated to the water side, water is spouted from the spout 18 instead of hot water. That is, here, the hot water sensor 118 functions as a raw water sensor for discharging raw water from the water outlet 18.
However, here, the hot water sensor 118 will be described as one for discharging hot water from the water outlet 18.

Also in this example, among the hot water sensor 118 and the water purification sensor 120, the water purification sensor 120 on the back side has priority over the water sensor 118 on the near side close to the user, and the detection distance is The detection distance of the hot water sensor 118 on the near side is set shorter than that of the water purification sensor 120.
In the case of this embodiment, it is basically the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 except that purified water discharge is performed instead of water discharge.
Here, although the explanation has been made assuming that the water purification sensor 120 on the back side is prioritized over the hot water sensor 118, the water sensor 118 on the near side may be prioritized over the water purification sensor 120 in some cases.
Since the frequency of hot water spouting is higher than that of purified water spouting, the convenience of use of the faucet may be improved by giving priority to hot water spouting which is frequently used over purified water spouting which is less frequently used.

  In addition, even if priority is given to the water purification sensor 120 over the hot water sensor (raw water sensor) 118 as described above, the water purification sensor 120 may be operated in some cases (the water purification sensor 120 may manually detect the water purification sensor 120). When the hand is extended, there is a possibility that the hot water sensor 118 mistakenly detects the hand first.

  For example, when water is being discharged, when a hand is pushed over the water purification sensor 120 to stop the water purification, the hot water sensor 118 first detects this, and the water is discharged instantaneously. The water purging sensor 120 detects the hand again at the next moment when the hand that has been sent out is extended above the water purifying sensor 120. In addition to stopping the water discharge operation, the purified water discharge is started again, and as a result, it is possible that the purified water continues to come out even though the hand is pushed out to stop the purified water discharge.

FIG. 22A shows an example of control for preventing the occurrence of such a problem.
FIG. 22A is an example in which the purified water discharge is stopped when any of the hot water sensor 118 and the purified water sensor 120 detects a human body in the purified water discharge.

Specifically, when the hot water sensor 118 detects a human body in the purified water discharge while the purified water electromagnetic valve 72 is open, the purified water electromagnetic valve 72 closes and the purified water discharge stops. That is, the water is stopped.
Moreover, even when the water purification sensor 120 detects the human body while discharging the purified water based on the human body detection by the water purification sensor 120, the water purification water discharge stops there.
In addition, even when the water purification sensor 120 detects a human body in the hot water spout while detecting the human body by the hot water sensor 118, the hot water electromagnetic valve 172 is closed and the hot water discharge stops.
In the figure, T is the sensor state ignorance time, and is set to 0.5 seconds here.

On the other hand, FIG. 22 (B) shows that the hot water discharge stops when the hot water sensor 118 detects the human body during the clean water discharge (conversely, the hot water discharge stops when the clean water sensor 120 detects the human body during the hot water discharge). This is an example.
In other words, the human body detection sensor is not a human body detection sensor corresponding to the type of water discharge, that is, when the human body detection sensor 118 (water purification sensor 120 for hot water discharge) detects the human body with respect to the opposite water detection sensor, that is, the purified water discharge. This is an example of stopping the operation.
Specifically, for example, when the electromagnetic valve 72 for water purification is in an open state and water is being discharged, the water discharge is stopped only when the hot water sensor 118 opposite to the water purification sensor 120 detects a human body.

Next, FIG. 23 (A) is an example in the case where water discharge is stopped at a fixed time after water discharge.
Specifically, after the water purification electromagnetic valve 72 is opened and water purification is started, even if the water purification sensor 120 is turned on within a predetermined time T, that is, the water purification sensor 120 detects the human body. However, the purified water spouting does not stop, and the purified water spouting automatically stops after a certain time T has elapsed from the start of the water spouting.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 23 (B), when a certain time T has elapsed after starting the water purification, the water purification is stopped during that time, that is, the water purification sensor 120 is turned on again within the certain time T after the water purification starts. When it is operated, that is, when a human body is detected, the timer is reset, and time counting is started again from there.
These control examples are generally applicable as a control method for stopping water discharge when one of the two types of water discharge is discharged.

FIG. 24A shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the front and rear and top and bottom arrangements of the hot water sensor (raw water sensor) 118 and the water purification sensor 120 are reversed to provide a water purification sensor. This is an example in which a hot water sensor 118 is provided on the back side with 120 on the front side.
In the single faucet, the raw water sensor on the back side is the water sensor 116 (see (B)).

FIG. 25 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.
Of these, (A) is an example in which an ON sensor 180 for water discharge and an OFF sensor 182 for water stop are arranged in the water discharge pipe 16 and in the tube axis direction. Here, the OFF sensor 182 is on the near side and the ON sensor 180 is on the back side. It is arranged.
On the other hand, the example of (B) is an example in which the ON sensor 180 is arranged on the near side and the OFF sensor 182 is arranged on the back side, contrary to (A).

Next, FIG. 26 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Here, as a human body detection sensor, an on / off sensor 184 for causing water discharge / water stop, a switching sensor 186 for switching the flow path, Is arranged in the water discharge pipe 16 and in the pipe axis direction.
Here, the on / off sensor 184 is disposed on the front side, and the switching sensor 186 is disposed on the back side.
On the other hand, the example of (B) is an example in which the switching sensor 186 is arranged on the near side and the on / off sensor 184 is arranged on the far side, contrary to this.

FIG. 27 shows another modified example in which a plurality of human body detection sensors are arranged in the direction of the tube axis, and a protrusion 188 is provided on the water discharge pipe 16 (here, the protrusion 188 is provided on the side surface of the water discharge pipe 16). This is an example in which a plurality of human body detection sensors 190 and 192 are arranged in the protruding portion 188 in the tube axis direction.
Here, the various sensors in the above example can be used as the human body detection sensor 190, and another human body detection sensor of a different type can be used as the human body detection sensor 192.
In addition, instead of providing the protrusion 188 on the side of the water discharge pipe 16 and providing the human body detection sensors 190 and 192 there, such a human body detection sensor is provided on the side surface of the water discharge pipe 16 without the protrusion 188. 190 and 192 may be arranged in the tube axis direction.

FIG. 28 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the second water supply channel 174 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and the water purification channel 64 in the embodiment of FIG. 21 are omitted, and the water discharge pipe 16 is provided with only a hot water sensor 118. Yes.
About another point, it is the same as that of embodiment shown in FIGS.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be configured in various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the automatic water tap which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow path of the automatic water tap of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the water discharging pipe and various sensors of the embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the valve unit of the embodiment. It is a perspective view which cut | disconnects and shows the valve unit of FIG. 4 by a mutually different cut surface. It is sectional drawing in the cut surface different from FIG. 5 of the valve unit of FIG. It is a figure which shows the mixing valve in the embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the water discharging pipe of FIG. It is a figure at the time of separating the water discharge head in FIG. 8 from the water discharge pipe main body. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8. It is the figure which showed a part of FIG. 10 in detail. It is the figure which showed each human body detection sensor in the same embodiment. It is a figure at the time of performing purified water spouting. It is explanatory drawing of the flow-path switching in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of control of the controller in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is the figure which represented the control content by a controller with the time chart. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the internal structure of the coupler in FIG. 19 in detail. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of control in the example of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of control. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

16 Water discharge pipe 116 Water sensor (human body detection sensor)
118 Hot water sensor (human body detection sensor)
120 Water purification sensor (human body detection sensor)
180 ON sensor (human body detection sensor)
182 Off sensor (human body detection sensor)
184 On / off sensor (human body detection sensor)
186 Switching sensor (human body detection sensor)
190,192 Human Body Detection Sensor

Claims (6)

In an automatic faucet in which a non-contact type human body detection sensor is provided in a water discharge pipe, a plurality of the human body detection sensors are provided in the water discharge pipe, and the plurality of human body detection sensors are arranged in the tube axis direction of the water discharge pipe. Automatic faucet characterized by.   2. The automatic water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction are provided on an upper surface of the water discharge tube.   3. The human body detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the human body detection sensors for selecting a plurality of water discharge types such as water discharge water and hot water discharge water are arranged in the tube axis direction of the water discharge pipe. Automatic faucet characterized by.   4. The water discharge pipe according to claim 3, wherein the water discharge pipe has an inverted U-shaped gooseneck shape, and the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the pipe axis direction are directed from the uppermost portion of the water discharge pipe toward the tip. A water sensor for selecting water spout and a hot water sensor for selecting hot water spout are provided as the human body detection sensor, and the water sensor is used by the user. An automatic water faucet, characterized in that the hot water sensor is arranged on the back side near the water.   In any one of Claims 1-4, the detection distance of the human body detection sensor of the near side near a user among the several human body detection sensors arranged in the said tube-axis direction is from the detection distance of the human body detection sensor of a back | inner side. Automatic faucet characterized by being set short.   6. The human body detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein, of the plurality of human body detection sensors arranged in the tube axis direction, the human body detection sensor on the near side close to the user and the human body detection sensor on the far side are substantially simultaneously detecting the human body. An automatic water faucet characterized in that priority is given to human body detection by a human body detection sensor on the back side when it is done.

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