JP2009102889A - Water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water supply system capable of decreasing a malfunction due to disturbance noise even in case of decreasing an emitting light amount of a reflective sensor. <P>SOLUTION: The water-supply system is composed of a reflective sensor 10 emitting light from an emitting light element 12 and receiving the reflective light with a receiving light element 14 and outputting it, a controller 20 detecting the presence/absence of the object in accordance with the light receiving level 24 and instructing the operation for discharging water, a solenoid valve 50 opening/closing the valve on the basis of the instruction by the controller 20 and a water-discharging port 62 discharging the water. The controller 20 includes a light-emitting setting means 22 for setting the plurality of light-emitting amounts, a standard level setting means 26 and a detecting means 34 which sets a plurality of detecting levels 32 adding predetermined offsets to each of a plurality of standard levels 28 and outputs a detecting signal when the light receiving level 24 is larger than the detecting level 32 corresponding to the respective light emitting amount. The controller 20, also, switches over for operation to a plurality of light emitting amounts set by the light emitting amount setting means 22 and instructs the water-discharging operation corresponding to the output of the detecting means 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water supply apparatus, and more specifically, to a water supply apparatus that automatically discharges and stops water according to the detection status of a reflective sensor.

  For example, a water supply device having a reflective sensor discharges water when a user's hand or the like is detected, and stops water when no longer detected and a certain time has elapsed. Therefore, it is necessary to always operate the reflection type sensor. Therefore, the water supply apparatus having the reflective sensor always consumes power.

On the other hand, there exists a water supply apparatus which reduced the light projection amount of the light projection element which a reflective sensor has according to the use condition of a water supply apparatus, and aimed at low power consumption (for example, patent document 1). The water supply device described in Patent Document 1 reduces the amount of light emitted to reduce power consumption, but the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the reflective sensor decreases as the amount of light emitted decreases. The detection distance of the reflective sensor is kept constant by increasing the amplification factor of the light receiving level output amplifier.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-247983

  However, when the amplification factor of the light reception level output amplifier is increased, for example, the light reception level of disturbance noise from a fluorescent lamp or the like is also amplified. For this reason, there is a problem that the influence of disturbance noise is increased and the reflective sensor malfunctions. That is, for example, there is a problem that disturbance noise from a fluorescent lamp or the like is erroneously detected and a water discharge operation is performed.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and provides a water supply apparatus that can reduce malfunction caused by disturbance noise even when the light projection amount of a reflective sensor is reduced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reflective sensor that projects light onto a target object from a light projecting element with a predetermined light quantity, receives the reflected light by a light receiving element, and outputs the received light level as a light receiving level. In the water supply apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines the water discharge operation and instructs a water discharge operation; an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the valve based on an instruction from the control unit; and a water discharge port that discharges water. A light emission amount setting means for setting a plurality of light emission amounts from the light projecting elements, and a reference for setting a plurality of light reception levels in a state where the object is not detected corresponding to each of the plurality of light emission amounts set as reference levels A level setting means and a plurality of detection levels obtained by adding a predetermined offset to each of the plurality of reference levels are set, and a detection signal is output when the light reception level is higher than a detection level corresponding to each light projection amount And the control unit operates by switching to a plurality of light projection amounts set by the light projection amount setting unit, and instructs a water discharge operation according to the output of the detection unit. It is a water supply device.
As a result, a plurality of light projection amounts are set, a reference level is set for each light projection amount, and a value obtained by adding a predetermined offset is used as a detection level. Even when the sensor light projection amount is reduced to reduce consumption. In addition, it is possible to reduce malfunction due to disturbance noise caused by a fluorescent lamp or the like.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the light emission amount setting means can set a first light emission amount and a second light emission amount smaller than the first light emission amount, and the control unit includes: When the detection means outputs the detection signal by the light projection operation by the second light projection amount, the water discharge operation is not instructed and the first light projection amount is switched.
As a result, if it is not possible to determine whether the light reception level due to a small amount of light emission is due to reflection of the object to be detected or due to disturbance noise, the operation is switched to a large light emission amount that is not easily affected by disturbance noise. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be further improved and malfunctions can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control unit continues the intermittent operation for a predetermined time with the predetermined amount of light, and operates the predetermined amount of light at a predetermined interval or at random. It is characterized by switching.
As a result, even if the intermittent operation is continued for a predetermined period with a predetermined light emission amount, the light projection operation in which the light emission amount is switched is performed at a predetermined interval or at random, and the reference level corresponding to each light emission amount By continuously updating the reference level, even if the predetermined period continues for a long period of time, the reference level immediately after the light emission amount has been switched has already coped with the change in the environment, so that an accurate detection operation can be performed.

In addition, according to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the control unit further includes a time measuring unit that measures time with a predetermined period as a cycle, and the control unit divides the cycle. The predetermined light projection amount is switched for each of a plurality of time zones.
As a result, in environments where the lights of the surrounding lighting devices are turned off at fixed times such as at night or early morning, disturbance noise such as fluorescent lights is low during that time, so even if the light intensity is set to a small value, the noise The influence of malfunction due to is small, and the power consumption of the water supply device can be reduced by reducing the amount of light emitted.

In addition, according to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the control unit is configured to measure time for a predetermined period as a period, and for each of a plurality of time zones obtained by dividing the period. Storage means for storing the number of times the solenoid valve is driven to open, and the control unit switches a predetermined light projection amount according to the number of times of driving in the time period.
Thereby, according to the actual use state (the number of times the solenoid valve is opened), the power consumption can be reduced by resetting the light projection amount, and the water supply device is easy to use. Can be supplied.

In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the control unit is configured to reduce the predetermined amount of light emitted in a time period that is less than the predetermined number of times compared to a time period in which the number of times of driving in the time period is greater than the predetermined number. It is characterized by being made small.
As a result, if the actual use state (the number of times the solenoid valve is opened) is small, the power consumption can be reduced by setting the light projection amount to be small, and there is no practical problem. An easy-to-use water supply device can be supplied.

  According to the present invention, the present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and even when the light projection amount of the reflective sensor is decreased, water supply that can reduce malfunction due to disturbance noise. An apparatus is provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a water supply apparatus according to this embodiment.

  The water supply apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a reflective sensor 10, a control unit 20, a water supply source 40, an electromagnetic valve 50, and a faucet body 60. The reflective sensor 10 is provided inside the faucet body 60 and has a light projecting element 12 and a light receiving element 14. The reflective sensor 10 is a sensor called an integral sensor, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate.

  The control unit 20 is provided below the wash basin 70, and includes a light projection amount setting unit 22, a reference level setting unit (hereinafter referred to as “reference level changing unit”) 26, and a detection unit 34. The faucet body 60 has a water outlet 62 provided so as to face the bowl portion 72 of the wash basin 70. The solenoid valve 50 is provided in a water supply pipe line 52 that connects the water supply source 40 and the water outlet 62. The reflective sensor 10 and the control unit 20 are connected by a wiring 16 that transmits an electrical signal.

  The light projecting element 12 is provided so as to face the bowl portion 72, and projects light having a plurality of light projection amounts set by the light projection amount setting means 22 toward the bowl portion 72. Note that information on the light projection amount set by the light projection amount setting means 22 is transmitted to the light projecting element 12 through the wiring 16. The light projected from the light projecting element 12 is reflected by, for example, the bowl portion 72 or the user's hand, and the light receiving element 14 receives the reflected light. The light receiving element 14 outputs the received reflected light as an electric signal of a light receiving level 24 to the control unit 20 through the wiring 16.

  The light receiving level 24 received from the light receiving element 14 by the control unit 20 is transmitted to the reference level changing means 26. The reference level changing means 26 performs arithmetic processing based on the light reception level 24 and changes the setting of the reference level 28. Here, as described in detail later, the reference level 28 represents a light reception level in a state where an object such as a user's hand is not sensed, that is, only a reflected light from the bowl portion 72. The plurality of reference levels 28 set by the reference level changing means 26 are set as a plurality of detection levels 32 by adding an appropriately set offset (hereinafter referred to as “deviation value”) 30 to each reference level 28. . At this time, the detection means 34 compares the light reception level 24 with the detection level 32, and outputs a detection signal when the light reception level 24 is higher than the detection level 32. As a result, the control unit 20 opens the electromagnetic valve 50 to perform a water discharge operation.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a time chart when the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus according to the specific example of the present embodiment is large.
FIG. 4 is a time chart when the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus according to the specific example of the present embodiment is small.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the reflective sensor. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the pulse width, and FIG. ) Is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the pulse height, and FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the number of times of light projection.

  The time charts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 show the case where the disturbance noise is relatively small. Here, the disturbance noise is, for example, infrared noise or sunlight generated from a fluorescent lamp, electromagnetic noise generated from an inverter, or the like. In this specific example, the magnitude of the disturbance noise is set to “15”, for example.

  In the time chart diagram shown in FIG. 3, the light projection amount (first light projection amount) projected from the light projecting element 12 is larger than the light projection amount (second light projection amount) in the time chart diagram shown in FIG. The reference level 28 at this time is set to “12” (first reference level 28), for example. At this time, the reference level 28 represents a light reception level in a state where there is no user's hand, for example, only a reflected light from the bowl portion 72. That is, the light reception level in the environmental state where the water supply apparatus is waiting is shown.

  In the time chart shown in FIG. 3, the deviation value 30 added to the reference level 28 is set to, for example, “15” (first deviation value 30). Therefore, the detection level 32 in the time chart shown in FIG. 3 is “27” (first detection level) obtained by adding the first reference level 28 “12” and the first deviation value 30 “15”. 32). At this time, since the magnitude “15” of the disturbance noise is smaller than the first detection level 32 “27”, the detection unit 34 does not detect this disturbance noise. Therefore, the control unit 20 does not open the solenoid valve 50 and does not perform the water discharging operation.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user brings his hand close to the water outlet 62 in order to perform a hand washing operation, the detection unit 34 detects that the light reception level 24 at this time is higher than the first detection level 32. Therefore, the control unit 20 opens the electromagnetic valve 50 to perform a water discharge operation. After that, when the user's hand washing operation is finished, the light receiving level 24 becomes smaller than the first detection level 32, and when an appropriately set time has elapsed, the control unit 20 drives the electromagnetic valve 50 to close, Perform water stop operation.

  In the water supply apparatus according to this specific example, when the state in which the light reception level 24 is lower than the first detection level 32 continues for a certain time or longer, the light projection amount setting means 22 is used to reduce the power consumption. Can be set smaller than the amount of light projected in the time chart shown in FIG. At this time, the predetermined time during which the light reception level 24 is lower than the first detection level 32 can be set as appropriate.

  The reflection type sensor 10 of the water supply apparatus according to this example uses, for example, an intermittent projection type integration sensor. Therefore, when the amount of light projected from the light projecting element 12 is reduced, the pulse width of the reflective sensor 10 is shortened as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. For example, when the light projection amount in the time chart diagram shown in FIG. 3 is about 30 μsec, the light projection amount in the time chart diagram shown in FIG. 4 is about 15 μsec. As a result, the amount of light projected from the light projecting element 12 can be reduced. However, the method of changing the light projection amount is not limited to this, and as shown in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5B, the pulse height may be changed, that is, the light intensity may be changed, As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5C, the number of times of light projection per unit time may be changed.

  In this way, the reference level 28 newly set according to the light emission amount set to be small is set to, for example, “6” (second reference level 28) as shown in the time chart of FIG. In the time chart shown in FIG. 4, the deviation value 30 added to the reference level 28 is set to, for example, “12” (second deviation value 30). The first and second deviation values 30 can be set as appropriate and are kept constant.

  Therefore, the detection level 32 in the time chart shown in FIG. 4 is “18” (second detection level) obtained by adding the second reference level 28 “6” and the second deviation value 30 “12”. 32) is newly set. That is, when the light reception level 24 is lower than the first detection level 32 for a predetermined time or longer, the light emission amount setting means 22 sets the light emission amount to be smaller, so that the control unit 20 sets the second reference level. The operation of newly setting 28 and the second detection level 32 is performed.

  Even at this time, since the magnitude “15” of the disturbance noise is smaller than the second detection level 32 “18”, the detection unit 34 does not detect this disturbance noise. Therefore, the control unit 20 does not open the solenoid valve 50 and does not perform the water discharging operation. On the other hand, similarly to the time chart diagram shown in FIG. 3, when the user brings his hand close to the spout 62 to perform the hand washing operation, the control unit 20 performs the same operation as the time chart diagram shown in FIG. .

  As a method for changing the setting of the reference level 28, for example, the first and second reference levels 28 are stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the reference level changing means 26, and the stored reference levels 28 are read out. There is a way to change the settings. That is, for example, when the first reference level 28 is stored as “12” and the second reference level 28 is stored as “6”, and the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount large, the first reference level 28 is stored. The reference level 28 “12” is read out. On the other hand, when the reference level 28 is set small, the second reference level 28 “6” is read out and set. In this way, since the first and second deviation values 30 to be added are appropriately set to constant values, the first and second detection levels 32 are automatically set and changed.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, as a method of changing the setting of the reference level 28, for example, a method in which the reference level changing unit 26 changes the setting by using the light receiving level 24 received from the light receiving element 14 by the control unit 20 as a new reference level 28. Can also be adopted. In this way, the reference level changing unit 26 can newly set the reference level 28 corresponding to the environmental situation such as the wetness of the bowl portion 72, for example. Since the first and second deviation values 30 to be added are appropriately set to constant values, the first and second detection levels 32 are automatically set and changed.

FIG. 6 is a time chart when the light projection amount of the water supply device according to the comparative example is small.
Similar to the water supply apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the water supply apparatus according to this comparative example reduces the power consumption when the light receiving level 24 is lower than the first detection level 32 for a predetermined time or longer. Therefore, the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount projected from the light projecting element 12 to be smaller than the light projection amount in the time chart shown in FIG.

  At this time, since the light projection amount is set small, the light reception level 24 received from the light receiving element 14 by the control unit 20 is also small. Therefore, the water supply apparatus according to this comparative example increases the amplification factor of the output amplifier of the light receiving level 24 so as to keep the detection distance of the sensor substantially constant, and the light projection amount is large (see, for example, FIG. 3). The reference level 28 and the detection level 32 are increased so as to be substantially the same. However, increasing the amplification factor of the light receiving level 24 output amplifier also amplifies the disturbance noise, and the disturbance noise may be larger than the detection level 32 in some cases. That is, the water supply apparatus according to this comparative example may malfunction due to the influence of disturbance noise.

  On the other hand, the water supply apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 does not increase the amplification factor of the output amplifier of the light reception level 24, but sets the reference level 28 and the detection level 32 to be newly smaller. The detection distance of the sensor is kept substantially constant. Therefore, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 4, the disturbance noise remains smaller than the detection level 32, and malfunctions due to the influence of the disturbance noise can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the operation of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
First, the power supply device is turned on (step S100). When the power is turned on, the water supply device performs an operation of a light projection amount setting subroutine, which will be described in detail later, and sets the light projection amount (step S200). Subsequently, the reflective sensor 10 projects light according to the set light projection amount (step 300). Subsequently, the water supply device performs a water discharge control subroutine which will be described in detail later, and performs water discharge or water stop operation (step S400). Subsequently, the water supply device performs an operation of a reference level update subroutine, which will be described in detail later, and updates the reference level 28 (step S500). Subsequently, the water supply apparatus performs a use frequency learning subroutine, which will be described in detail later, and performs an operation of setting the light projection amount according to the frequency with which the user uses the water supply apparatus (step S600).

Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the water discharge control subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
First, the control unit 20 determines whether water or the like is being discharged from the water outlet (step S402). When water or the like is not discharged from the water outlet (step S402: N), it is determined whether the light projection amount at that time is large or small (step S404). When the amount of emitted light is large (step S404: large), the control unit 20 sets, for example, “15” (first deviation value 30) as the deviation value 30 (step S406). Subsequently, the control unit 20 adds the first deviation value 30 “15” to the reference level 28 (first reference level 28) when the light projection amount is large, and the value is detected level 32 (first detection level). Level 32) is set (step S408).

  On the other hand, when the light projection amount is small (step S404: small), the control unit 20 sets, for example, “12” (second deviation value 30) as the deviation value 30 (step S410). Subsequently, the control unit 20 adds the second deviation value 30 “12” to the reference level 28 (second reference level 28) when the light projection amount is small, and sets the value to the detection level 32 (second detection level). Level 32) is set (step S412).

  Subsequently, the detection unit 34 determines whether or not the detection level 32 set in step S408 and step S412 is lower than the light reception level 24 transmitted from the light receiving element 14 (step S414). When the detection unit 34 determines that the detection level 32 is lower than the light reception level 24 (step S414: Y (detection)), the control unit 20 opens the electromagnetic valve 50 to perform a water discharge operation. . On the other hand, when the detection unit 34 determines that the detection level 32 is higher than the light reception level 24 (step S414: N (non-detection)), the control unit 20 does not drive the electromagnetic valve 50 to open. The water discharge control subroutine is returned (S422).

  In step S402, when water or the like is discharged from the water outlet (step S402: Y), it is determined whether or not the light reception level 24 is stable for a certain time (step S418). When the light reception level 24 is stable for a certain time (step S418: Y (non-detection)), the control unit 20 performs the water stop operation by driving the electromagnetic valve 50 to be closed. On the other hand, when the light reception level 24 is not stable for a certain time (step S418: N (detection)), the control unit 20 continues the water discharging operation with the electromagnetic valve 50 opened, and returns to the water discharge control subroutine ( S422). Note that the fixed time during which the light receiving level 24 is stable can be set as appropriate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the reference level update subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
First, the control unit 20 determines whether the light projection amount is large or small (step S502). If the light projection amount is large (step S502: high), it is determined whether or not the light reception level 24 is stable for a certain time (step S504). When the light reception level 24 is stable for a certain time (step S504: Y), the control unit 20 adds “1” to the first counter (step S506).

  Subsequently, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the first counter is “100” or more (step S508). That is, determining whether or not the first counter is “100” or more is equivalent to determining whether or not a suitably set time has elapsed. When it is determined that the first counter is “100” or more (step S508: Y), the reference level changing unit 26 sets the received light level 24 at that time as the first reference level 28 (step S510). ).

  As described above, the first reference level 28 may be set by reading the first reference level 28 stored in advance as described above. In this way, the update of the first reference level 28 is completed (step S512), and the reference level update subroutine is returned (step S532). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first counter is not equal to or greater than “100” (step S508: N), the reference level update subroutine is returned without updating the first reference level (step S532).

  In step S504, when the light reception level 24 is not stable for a certain time (step S504: N), the first counter is reset to “0” (step S514). Subsequently, the first reference level 28 is set as being updated (step S516), and the reference level update subroutine is returned (step S532).

  In step S502, even when the light projection amount is small (step S502: small), it is determined whether or not the light reception level 24 is stable for a certain time (step S518). The steps after step S518 are the same as the steps after step S504 in which the first counter is replaced with the second counter and the first reference level 28 is replaced with the second reference level 28. The description is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a light projection amount setting subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
First, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the first or second reference level 28 is being updated (step S202). The update of the first and second reference levels 28 corresponds to step S516 and step S530 in the flowchart shown in FIG. When it is determined that the first or second reference level 28 is being updated (step S202: Y), it is determined whether the previous light emission amount is large or small (step S204).

  When the previous light emission amount is small (step S204: small), the light emission amount setting means 22 sets the light emission amount large (step S206). On the other hand, when the previous light projection amount is large (step S204: high), the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount small (step S208). Subsequently, the light projection amount setting subroutine is returned (step 216).

  In step S202, when it is determined that the first or second reference level 28 is not being updated (step S202: N), the number of days in the time zone in which the user is not using the water supply device is 7 consecutive days. It is determined whether or not the above is true (step S210). This corresponds to a use frequency learning subroutine which will be described in detail later. Note that the number of days determined in step S210 is not limited to “7”, and can be set as appropriate.

  When it is determined that the number of days in the time zone when the user is not using the water supply device is not more than 7 consecutive days (step S210: N), the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount large (step S212). . On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of days in the time zone when the user is not using the water supply device is 7 consecutive days or more (step S210: Y), the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount small (step S210). S214). Subsequently, the light projection amount setting subroutine is returned (step 216).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the usage frequency learning subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
Moreover, FIG. 12 is a table | surface which illustrates the usage frequency of a water supply apparatus, FIG.12 (a) is a table | surface which illustrates the usage frequency of the first day when power was turned on, FIG.12 (b) is 7 from power-on. It is a table | surface which illustrates the usage frequency of a day.
In this specific example, a usage frequency learning subroutine that divides a day every hour and records the usage frequency every hour will be described as an example.
When the usage frequency learning subroutine is incorporated in the main routine, the control unit 20 drives the electromagnetic valve in a plurality of time zones that divide the period by a timing unit that measures time with a period set as appropriate. Storage means for storing the number of times the drive has been performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the detection unit 34 has detected a user's hand, for example (step S602). Whether or not the detection means 34 has detected corresponds to step 414 in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the detection means 34 detects (step S602: Y), “1” is set in the use flag in order to leave a used record (step S604). On the other hand, when the detection means 34 has not detected (step S602: N), since there is no need to leave a used record, “1” is not set in the use flag.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the timer has passed 1 hour (step S606). However, this timer is not limited to 1 hour, and may be 0.5 hour, for example. If it is determined that the timer has passed 1 hour (step S606: Y), the timer is reset and the elapsed time is returned to “0” (step S608).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the use flag is set to “1” (step S610). If the use flag is set to “1” (step S610: Y), the number of unused days is reset to “0”. That is, if there is a record used, it means that the number of unused days is not added. On the other hand, when the use flag is not set to “1” (step S610: N), “1” is added to the number of unused days. That is, when there is no record used, “1” is added as the number of unused days.

  Subsequently, “0” is set in the use flag, and the use flag is reset (step S616). Subsequently, “1” is added to the time zone (H) (step S618). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time zone (H) is “24” or more (step S620). If it is determined that the time zone (H) is greater than or equal to “24” (step S620: Y), the time zone (H) is reset to “0” (step S622), and the usage frequency learning subroutine is returned. (Step S624). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the time zone (H) is “24” or more (step S620: N), the usage frequency learning subroutine is returned without resetting the time zone (H) to “0” ( Step S624).

  If it is not determined in step S606 that the timer has passed 1 hour (step S606: N), the usage frequency learning subroutine is returned as it is (step S624).

An example of this usage frequency learning subroutine will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, in this specific example, the usage frequency learning subroutine for dividing the day every hour and recording the usage frequency every hour is given as an example. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the water supply device is used even once for each time period (H), the item “used / unused” is “○”. Is described. On the other hand, when it has never been used, “x” is described in the “used / unused” item.

  According to the example shown in FIG. 12A, when the time zone is “0 to 9” and “20 to 22”, it is assumed that the water supply device has never been used, and “used / unused”. “X” is described in the item, and “1” is described in each time zone in the “unused days (days)” item. Further, since the current time zone is “23”, the data in this frame has not been updated yet, and an initial value “X” is described in the “used / unused” item. In addition, since FIG. 12A represents the use frequency of the first day when the power is turned on, all the light projection amounts are set to “large”.

  Subsequently, the same recording is performed, and according to an example of the use frequency on the seventh day from the power-on as shown in FIG. 12B, the time zones are “0-9” and “20-22”. Indicates that the water supply device has not been used even once for seven consecutive days, and “7” is described in the “Unused days” item. Further, since the current time zone is “23”, the data in this frame has not been updated yet, and “6” is described in the “Unused days” item.

  At this time, when the time zone is “0-9” and “20-22”, “7” is described in the “unused days” item, so the light emission amount setting means 22 sets the light emission amount to “small”. Set to. On the other hand, in the time periods “10 to 19” and “23”, since the “unused days” item is less than “7”, the light projection amount setting unit 22 sets the light projection amount to “large”. . The number of unused days for which the light projection amount setting unit 22 changes the light projection amount to “small” is not limited to “7” and can be set as appropriate.

FIG. 13 is a time chart illustrating a modification of the usage frequency learning subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
In the present modification, the control unit 20 sets a larger first reference level 28 by setting a large amount of light in advance in the time period “6 to 21”. On the other hand, in the time zones “0 to 6” and “21 to 23”, a smaller second reference level 28 is set by setting the light projection amount small in advance.

  By doing in this way, the power consumption of a water supply apparatus can be reduced simply, without setting a usage frequency learning subroutine. However, the setting of the time zone is not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed in advance.

  As described above, according to the present specific example, when the state in which the light reception level 24 is lower than the first detection level 32 continues for a certain time or longer, the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount smaller. Thus, the control unit 20 newly sets the second reference level 28 and the second detection level 32. Therefore, the water supply apparatus according to this example can reduce malfunction due to the influence of disturbance noise. Furthermore, when the number of opening operations of the solenoid valve 50 is small by the usage frequency learning subroutine, the light projection amount is set to “small”, so that the power consumption of the water supply device can be reduced.

FIG. 14 is a time chart when the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus according to another specific example of the present embodiment is large.
FIG. 15 is a time chart when the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus according to another specific example of the present embodiment is small.
The time charts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 show the case where the disturbance noise is relatively large. In this specific example, the magnitude of the disturbance noise is set to “21”, for example. Further, the first and second reference levels 28, the first and second deviation values 30, and the first and second detection levels 32 are the same as the respective values described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the light projection amount is large (in the case of the first light projection amount), the magnitude “21” of the disturbance noise is smaller than the first detection level 32 “27”. The means 34 does not detect this disturbance noise. Therefore, the control unit 20 does not open the solenoid valve 50 and does not perform the water discharging operation. This is the same as in the case of the time chart described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the light projection amount is small (in the case of the second light projection amount), the disturbance noise magnitude “21” is greater than the first detection level 32 “18”. Therefore, the detection means 34 detects this disturbance noise. In such a case, the light projection amount setting means 22 switches the reference level 28 from the second reference level 28 “6” to the first reference level 28 “12” by setting the light projection amount large. Further, regarding the deviation value 30, the control unit 20 switches from the second deviation value 30 “12” to the first deviation value 30 “15”. That is, the control unit 20 switches the detection level 32 from the second detection level 32 “18” to the first detection level 32 “27” without instructing the water discharge operation.

  Thus, even when the reference level 28, the deviation value 30, and the detection level 32 are switched, the control unit 20 is limited to the case where the detection unit 34 determines that the light reception level 24 is higher than the detection level 32. The electromagnetic valve 50 is driven to open to perform a water discharge operation. Therefore, as shown in the time charts of FIGS. 14 and 15, even when the disturbance noise is relatively large, the malfunction due to the influence of the disturbance noise is achieved by switching the reference level 28, the deviation value 30, and the detection level 32. Can be reduced.

Hereinafter, a subroutine illustrating the operation of the water supply apparatus according to this example will be described with reference to the drawings.
The main routine, the reference level update subroutine (step S500), and the usage frequency learning subroutine (S600) are the same as the flowcharts described with reference to FIGS. Omitted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the water discharge control subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, step S414 is provided separately and independently from the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 in correspondence with each of step S408 and step S412 (step S414a and step S414b). . Further, step S424 is added after the step (step S414b) in which the detection means 34 compares and determines the second detection level and the light reception level 24. The other steps are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the detection unit 34 determines that the second detection level 32 is smaller than the light reception level 24 (step S414b: Y), the control unit 20 sets a request flag for changing the light projection amount to “large”. “1” is set (step S424), and the water discharge control subroutine is returned (step S422). On the other hand, when it is determined that the second detection level 32 is higher than the light reception level 24 (step S414b: N), the water discharge control subroutine is directly returned (step S422). Note that the step of setting “1” in the request flag (step S424) relates to step S218 in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the light projection amount setting subroutine of the water supply apparatus according to this example.
First, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a request flag for changing the light projection amount to “large” is set to “1”. The step of setting the request flag to “1” corresponds to step S424 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If the request flag is set to “1” (step S218: Y), the request flag for changing the setting of the light projection amount to “large” is reset to “0” (step S220). Subsequently, the light projection amount setting means 22 sets the light projection amount to “large” (step S222), and returns the light projection amount setting subroutine (step S216). On the other hand, when the request flag is not set to “1” (step S218: N), the description is omitted because it is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to this example, the first deviation value 30 is changed to the second deviation value 30 from the first reference level 28 to the second reference level 28 by increasing the light projection amount. Even when switching from the first detection level 32 to the second detection level 32, only when the detection means 34 determines that the light reception level 24 is greater than the detection level 32, The controller 20 opens the electromagnetic valve 50 to perform a water discharge operation. Therefore, even when there is a large disturbance noise when the light projection amount is small, it is possible to further reduce malfunction due to the influence of the disturbance noise. This specific example may have a function of a modification of the use frequency learning subroutine described with reference to FIG. According to this, the same effect as that described with reference to FIG. 13 can be obtained.

FIG. 18 is a time chart of a water supply apparatus according to still another specific example of the present embodiment.
When the water supply device according to this specific example is performing the detection operation at the second reference level 28 when the light projection amount is small (in the case of the second light projection amount), the water supply device is intermittently set for an appropriately set time, Alternatively, the detection operation is performed by randomly switching to the first reference level 28 when the light projection amount is large (in the case of the first light projection amount). That is, when the detection operation is being performed at the second detection level 32, the detection operation is performed by switching to the first detection level 32 intermittently or randomly for an appropriately set time.

  According to this, even when the detection operation when the light emission amount is small is performed for a long time, the detection operation when the light emission amount is large is intermittently performed, and the reference level corresponding to the large light emission amount is updated. As a result, a more accurate detection operation can be performed. This is because the reference level is updated to the latest state according to the environmental change even if the detection operation is performed by switching the light projection amount. Here, the environmental change includes, for example, a change in the wetness of water in the bowl portion 72.

  In addition, operation | movement of the water supply apparatus concerning this example is the same as that of FIGS. 7-12 or FIGS. Furthermore, this specific example may have a function of a modified example of the use frequency learning subroutine described with reference to FIG. According to this, the effect similar to the effect demonstrated referring FIGS. 7-13 and FIGS. 16-17 can be acquired.

Although the water supply apparatus demonstrated above was mentioned as the example provided in the washstand 70, it is not restricted only to this, For example, you may be provided in the urinal or the toilet bowl.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a urinal provided with a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The water supply device shown in FIG. 19 includes a reflective sensor 10, a control unit 20, a water supply source 40, an electromagnetic valve 50, and a faucet body 60. The reflective sensor 10 is provided inside the faucet body 60 and has a light projecting element and a light receiving element (not shown). This reflective sensor 10 detects the presence or absence of a user standing in front of the urinal 80.

  The control unit 20 is provided at a further rear portion such as a wall surface (not shown) provided at the rear of the urinal 80 so that it cannot be seen by the user. The faucet body 60 has a water outlet 62 provided toward the urinal 80. The solenoid valve 50 is provided in a water supply conduit 52 that connects the water supply source 40 and the faucet body 60. The reflective sensor 10 and the control unit 20 are connected by a wiring 16 that transmits an electrical signal.

  Even if it is a water supply apparatus with which such a urinal 80 was equipped, it has the structure, operation | movement, etc. which were demonstrated referring FIGS. 2-18, and is the same as that of the case of the water supply apparatus with which the washstand 70 was equipped. An effect can be obtained.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the water supply device and the like, the installation form of the reflective sensor 10 and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the water supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the water supply apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a time chart figure in case the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus concerning the specific example of this embodiment is large. It is a time chart figure in case the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus concerning the specific example of this embodiment is small. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the reflective sensor, FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the pulse width, and FIG. FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the pulse height and FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the light projection amount and the number of times of light projection. It is a time chart figure in case the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus concerning a comparative example is small. It is a flowchart figure showing the main routine of operation | movement of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the water discharge control subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the reference level update subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the light emission amount setting subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the use frequency learning subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a table | surface which illustrates the usage frequency of a water supply apparatus, FIG.12 (a) is a table | surface which illustrates the usage frequency of the first day which turned on power, FIG.12 (b) shows the usage frequency of the 7th day from power activation. It is a table | surface which illustrates. It is a time chart which illustrates the modification of the usage frequency learning subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a time chart figure in case the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment is large. It is a time chart figure in case the light projection amount of the water supply apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment is small. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the water discharge control subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the light emission amount setting subroutine of the water supply apparatus concerning this example. It is a time chart figure of the water supply apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the urinal provided with the water supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Reflective sensor, 12 Light emitting element, 14 Light receiving element, 16 Wiring, 20 Control part, 20 Solenoid valve, 22 Light emission amount setting means, 24 Light reception level, 26 Reference level change means, 28 Reference level, 30 Deviation value, 32 Detection level, 34 detection means, 40 water supply source, 50 solenoid valve, 52 water supply pipe, 60 faucet body, 62 water outlet, 70 wash basin, 72 bowl part, 80 urinal

Claims (6)

A reflective sensor that projects light from a light projecting element onto a target with a predetermined light intensity, receives the reflected light by a light receiving element, and outputs the received light level;
A control unit that determines the presence or absence of the object according to the light reception level and instructs a water discharge operation;
An electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the valve based on an instruction of the control unit;
A spout for discharging water;
In the water supply apparatus with
The controller is
Light projection amount setting means for setting a plurality of light projection amounts from the light projecting elements;
Reference level setting means for setting a plurality of received light levels as a reference level in a state where the object is not detected corresponding to each of the plurality of set light projection amounts;
Detection means for setting a plurality of detection levels obtained by adding a predetermined offset to each of the plurality of reference levels, and outputting a detection signal when the light reception level is larger than a detection level corresponding to each light projection amount;
And having
The control unit operates by switching to a plurality of light projection amounts set by the light projection amount setting unit, and instructs a water discharge operation according to an output of the detection unit.   The light projection amount setting unit can set a first light projection amount and a second light projection amount smaller than the first light projection amount, and the control unit can detect the detection unit by a light projection operation using the second light projection amount. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the detection signal is output, the water discharge operation is not instructed and the first light projection amount is switched.   3. The water supply according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the predetermined light projection amount at a predetermined interval or at random during operation while continuing the intermittent operation for a predetermined time with the predetermined light projection amount. apparatus. The controller is
A timing means for measuring time with a predetermined period as a cycle;
The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit switches the predetermined light projection amount for each of a plurality of time zones obtained by dividing the cycle. The controller is
A time measuring means for measuring time with a predetermined period as a cycle;
Storage means for storing the number of times the solenoid valve is driven to open for each of a plurality of time zones obtained by dividing the cycle;
Further comprising
The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit switches a predetermined light projection amount according to the number of times of driving in the time period.   6. The water supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reduces the predetermined light projection amount in a time period less than the predetermined number of times compared to a time period in which the number of times of driving in the time period is greater than the predetermined number of times. .