JP2009127379A - Electronic control faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic control faucet device capable of reducing errors in control of water to be discharged for the travel of an operation lever and improving ease of use. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic control faucet device includes an operation part for controlling flow rate and temperature of water to be discharged in a water faucet, an operation detection part for outputting a condition of the operation part as electric signals, a flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting flow rate of water to be discharged, a temperature adjusting valve for adjusting temperature of water to be discharged, and a control part for setting control target values for flow rate and temperature of water to be discharged and driving the flow rate adjusting valve and the temperature adjusting valve to bring flow rate and temperature close to the control target values. The operation detection part has an acceleration sensor of triaxial output type for detecting a condition of the operation part. The control part stops the detection of condition when output of the acceleration sensor is changed from a stable condition to a changeable condition, resumes the detection of condition when the synthesized value of triaxial outputs of the acceleration sensor coincides with 1g substantially, and starts driving of at least either of the flow rate adjusting valve and the temperature adjusting valve in accordance with the outputs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronically controlled water faucet device, and more specifically, an electronically controlled water faucet device that converts movement of an operation lever of the water faucet device into an electrical signal and operates a flow rate adjustment valve and a temperature adjustment valve by electronic control. About.

  Faucet devices installed in kitchens, washrooms, bathrooms, toilets, etc. have functions for adjusting the flow rate of water (flow control) and temperature adjustment (temperature control) so that it can be used in various applications and usages. Yes. For example, a faucet device of a type called “single lever faucet” or the like is mechanically controlled by a displacement of one operating lever (single lever) moved by the user in the front / rear / left / right direction. ) And the temperature control valve (temperature control valve) to adjust the flow rate and temperature of the discharged water.

  However, in these faucet devices, since the size of the valve for performing flow control and temperature control is large, the design of the faucet body is restricted. In addition, since the operating feeling and operating force of the control lever are determined by the mechanical structure of the valve that performs flow control and temperature control, further improvement in terms of poor operating feeling and heavy operating force, etc. There is room.

  On the other hand, there is a hot water mixing apparatus that converts the movement of the operation lever of the single lever faucet into an electrical signal and operates the flow control valve and the temperature control valve by electronic control (for example, Patent Document 1). In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the operation unit only needs to output an electrical signal, an operation force for mechanically moving the valve of the faucet is unnecessary, and an operation direction and an operation force are not required. The design of the faucet body becomes more free.

  However, since the device described in Patent Document 1 requires a follower piece and a rotary encoder to detect the tilt of the operation lever, there is a problem that the mechanism of this portion becomes large and waterproofing processing is not easy. .

  On the other hand, there is an operation lever device in which an acceleration sensor is built in the operation lever (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). The devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 detect gravitational acceleration by an acceleration sensor, and detect the inclination of the acceleration sensor, that is, the inclination of the operation lever, from the detected value. In these devices, an acceleration sensor is built in the operation lever, whereby the mechanism around the operation lever is simplified and miniaturized.

When the device described in Patent Document 1 and at least one of the devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are combined, the inclination of the operation lever of the faucet device is detected by an acceleration sensor, and the flow control is performed by electronic control. An electronically controlled water faucet device that operates the valve and the temperature control valve can be realized. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the size of the mechanism around the operating lever and to make it waterproof.
JP-A-5-331888 JP 2000-342853 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154030

  However, when the user moves or stops the operation lever, the acceleration sensor detects not only gravitational acceleration but also the component of motion acceleration, so the gravitational acceleration and motion acceleration are combined and the tilt of the operation lever is There is a problem that detection is difficult or impossible. The motion acceleration is so small that it can be ignored when the user moves the operation lever slowly, but becomes so large that it cannot be ignored when the user moves it quickly.

  In addition, not only when the control lever is moved quickly in a single direction, but also when it is moved like a “mischief”, such as moving fast in all directions such as the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, the tilt of the control lever cannot be detected. . Therefore, while the tilt of the control lever cannot be detected, flow control and temperature control cannot be controlled so as to sequentially correspond to the tilt state of the control lever. Will occur. Thereby, the usability of the faucet device is reduced.

  When the operation lever is quickly operated, the acceleration sensor detects a large acceleration, but when an object collides with the operation lever or falls, the acceleration sensor detects a larger acceleration. In this case, it is not easy to determine whether the user is in a hurry to operate the operating lever or whether the user is operating erroneously due to an object colliding with the operating lever.

  The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and provides an electronically controlled water faucet device that can reduce the error of water discharge control with respect to the movement of an operation lever or can improve the usability.

1st invention is the operation part for operating the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of a faucet, the operation detection part which outputs the attitude | position of the said operation part as an electrical signal, The flow control valve which adjusts the said water discharge flow volume, A temperature control valve that adjusts the water discharge temperature, and a control target value for the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature is set according to the output of the operation detection unit, and the flow control valve so as to approach the control target value. A control unit that drives the temperature control valve, the operation detection unit includes a three-axis output acceleration sensor that detects a posture of the operation unit, and the control unit outputs an output of the acceleration sensor. When transitioning from a stable state to a changing state, the detection of the posture is stopped, and when the combined value of the three-axis outputs of the acceleration sensor substantially matches 1 g, the detection of the posture is resumed, and according to the output , At least of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve An electronic control faucet apparatus, characterized in that to start driving the Zureka.
As a result, even when the operation unit is being moved, the movement of the operation unit transitions to a constant velocity motion by observing whether the combined value of the three-axis outputs of the acceleration sensor substantially matches 1 g. The timing is detected, and at that time, the flow control valve and the mixing valve are started to be driven. Therefore, it is possible to start driving the valve without waiting for the operation unit to stand still, and the reaction speed of the faucet increases. That is, the time error between the operation state of the operation unit and the actual water discharge control state can be reduced, and the usability can be improved.

Further, according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit is configured such that, after the operation unit performs a constant velocity motion and the composite value substantially coincides with the 1g, the composite value tends to decrease from an increasing tendency. Or after passing through an inflection point transitioning from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency and again substantially coincides with 1g, a correction amount corresponding to the difference between the inflection point and 1g is added to the control target value. It is characterized by doing.
As a result, by utilizing the difference between the inflection point and the 1g, which corresponds to the momentum when the operation of the operation unit is stopped, the control for estimating the user's intention for the operation is performed, and the water discharge control ends. The delay time until can be shortened. That is, the error of water discharge control can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

According to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the larger the absolute value of the difference, the larger the absolute value of the correction amount.
As a result, when the control lever is rushed to stop, the difference becomes large, and a large correction amount is given to the control of the valve. Therefore, the valve is driven to the target promptly reflecting the user's intention. Predictive control is possible. Therefore, the delay time until the end of water discharge control can be minimized. On the other hand, when the operation lever is stopped slowly, the correction amount of the valve control is also reduced, and an unnecessarily large predictive control is not performed, and the valve control that slowly follows the operation state of the operation lever is possible.

Moreover, 4th invention is 2nd or 3rd invention. WHEREIN: When the said operation part is operated in the direction which increases the said water discharge flow rate, the said correction amount is the said water discharge flow rate so that the said water discharge flow rate may increase. When the operation unit is operated in the direction of decreasing the water discharge flow rate, the correction amount is added to the control target value of the water discharge flow rate so that the water discharge flow rate decreases. It is characterized by that.
As a result, the water discharge flow rate can be set early to a value close to the final control target position, and can be smoothly changed to the final control target position.

Further, in a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in a direction to increase the water discharge flow rate, and the operation unit in a direction to decrease the water discharge flow rate. When the absolute value of the difference when operated is the same, the discharged water flow rate is decreased from the absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in a direction to increase the discharged water flow rate. The absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in the direction to be moved is larger.
As a result, since the control speed in the operation in the direction of stopping water can be increased, it is possible to reduce the wasteful water discharge flow rate that flows during the time required to drive the flow control valve. On the other hand, when increasing the water discharge flow rate, the water discharge flow rate can be increased slowly, making it easier to set an appropriate amount, reducing the time until the user finishes adjusting the flow rate, and wasting. The water discharge flow rate can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the second or third aspect of the invention, when the operation unit is operated in a direction to increase the water discharge temperature, the correction amount is set to the water discharge temperature so that the water discharge temperature increases. When the operation unit is operated in a direction to decrease the water discharge temperature, the correction amount is added to the control target value of the water discharge temperature so that the water discharge temperature decreases. It is characterized by that.
As a result, the water discharge temperature can be set early to a value close to the final control target position, and can be smoothly changed to the final control target position.

Further, according to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in a direction to increase the water discharge temperature and the operation unit in a direction to decrease the water discharge temperature. When the absolute value of the difference when operated is the same, the discharged water temperature is lower than the absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the discharged water temperature. The absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in the direction to be moved is larger.
As a result, since the rising speed of the water discharge temperature can be suppressed, the electronically controlled water faucet device can be used more safely.

Further, according to an eighth invention, in any one of the second to seventh inventions, when the absolute value of the difference is less than a predetermined first threshold value, the control target is not added without adding the correction amount. It is characterized by maintaining the value.
As a result, correction (predictive control) during operation of the operation lever is performed only when there is a user's intention to quickly change the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature. Therefore, in the case of slow operation, it is possible to prevent overshooting due to predictive control, and to control the flow control valve and the temperature control valve in accordance with the operation amount of the operation lever.

In a ninth aspect based on any one of the second to eighth aspects, the absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined second threshold value set larger than the first threshold value. The control target value is maintained without adding the correction amount.
As a result, for example, when an object collides with or is caught by the operation lever, or when the user is extremely angry, predictive control during operation of the operation lever is not performed. Therefore, useless flow control and temperature control are suppressed, and stable control and operational feeling can be obtained.

In addition, according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the control unit is configured such that a difference between at least one of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature and a control target value is a predetermined value or less. In some cases, after a lapse of a predetermined time, at least one of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve is set so that the at least one of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature matches the control target value. It is characterized by being driven.
As a result, a large difference does not occur due to the accumulation of minute differences, and the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature at the position where the operation lever finally stops can be realized even if the difference is small.

In addition, according to an eleventh invention, in any one of the first to tenth inventions, the control unit is configured to control the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature based on an output of the acceleration sensor in a more stable state after the change. The control target value is set, and at least one of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve is driven.
As a result, even if there is an error between the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature during operation of the operation lever and the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature at the position where the operation lever is stopped, the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature at the position where the operation lever is stopped After the operation lever is stopped, it is sufficient to drive the error remaining in the predictive control during operation of the operation lever, and there is no sudden change in the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature. The person can use the electronic control faucet device with peace of mind.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronically controlled water tap apparatus which can reduce the error of the water discharge control with respect to a motion of an operation lever, or can improve usability 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 an electronically controlled faucet device according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section of the electronically controlled faucet device according to this embodiment.

  The electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment includes an acceleration sensor 20, an operation unit 22 (hereinafter referred to as “operation lever”), a faucet body 24, and a lead wire 30. The operation lever 22 has an operation tip portion 22a and an operation shaft 22b. Further, the acceleration sensor 20 is built in the operating tip 22 a of the operating lever 22. However, the acceleration sensor 20 may be built in the operation shaft 22 b of the operation lever 22. The operation lever 22 is an operation lever called a “single lever” or the like.

  The faucet body 24 includes a water discharge portion 26 and a support portion 28. The operation lever 22 is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, with the support portion 28 as a substantial center. A lead wire 30 and a water pipe 32 are built in the faucet body 24. One end of the lead wire 30 is connected to the acceleration sensor 20, and the other end is connected to a control unit 36 (see FIG. 3) described in detail later. Further, one end of the water distribution pipe 32 is connected to a solenoid valve 44 (see FIG. 3), which will be described in detail later, and the other end is connected to the water discharger 26.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronically controlled water faucet device according to this embodiment.
The electronic control faucet device 10 of the present embodiment includes an operation detection unit 34, a control unit 36, motors 38 and 39, a temperature control valve 40 (hereinafter referred to as “mixing valve”), a flow control valve 42, And a solenoid valve 44. The electromagnetic valve 44 is necessary when it is not easy to stop the water with the flow control valve 42 alone. If the flow control valve 42 has a function of completely stopping hot water or water, the electromagnetic valve 44 is electromagnetic. The valve 44 may be omitted. However, if the electromagnetic valve 44 is provided, the control target value can be set to a predetermined value at the start of water discharge.

  The operation detection unit 34 includes the acceleration sensor 20 and has a function of outputting an attitude of the operation lever 22 detected by the acceleration sensor 20 such as an inclined state or a rotation state as an electrical acceleration signal. The mixing valve 40 has a function of adjusting water discharge temperature by appropriately mixing hot water and water. The flow control valve 42 has a function of adjusting the water discharge flow rate.

  In the electronic control faucet device 10 of the present embodiment, the attitude of the operation lever 22 detected by the acceleration sensor 20 is converted into an electrical acceleration signal by the operation detection unit 34, and this acceleration signal is transmitted to the control unit 36 through the lead wire 30. Sent to. At this time, the acceleration signal is transmitted as a detection value for each of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, which are detection axes set in the acceleration sensor. The control unit 36 sets the flow rate of water discharge and the control target value of the temperature according to the acceleration signal received from the operation detection unit 34. Further, the control unit 36 drives the mixing valve 40 through the motor 38 so as to substantially match the control target temperature, thereby mixing hot water and water.

  Here, in the present specification, the control target value of the water discharge flow rate includes the control target value of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 42. Similarly, the control target value of the water discharge temperature includes the control target value of the opening degree of the mixing valve 40 (including the mixing ratio of hot water and the like).

  Simultaneously or before and after this, the electromagnetic valve 44 is driven while the flow control valve 42 is driven via the motor 39 so as to substantially match the control target flow rate.

  Moreover, since the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature are controlled based on the attitude of the operation lever 22 detected by the acceleration sensor 20, the electronically controlled water faucet device 10 of the present embodiment has variations in the construction state of the water faucet body 24, and Manufacturing variation (mounting variation) of the acceleration sensor 20 or the electronic control faucet device 10 itself may affect the faucet control.

  Therefore, the control unit 36 measures and stores the normal use mode in which the mixing valve 40 and the flow control valve 42 are controlled (driven) according to the detection value output from the acceleration sensor 20 and the output range of the acceleration sensor 20. Modes. Switching between the normal use mode and the calibration mode can be performed manually by pressing a mode setting switch 46 of the control unit 36. On the other hand, when the operation lever 22 is stationary for a predetermined time at the water stop position, the calibration mode can be automatically switched to the normal use mode.

4 to 5 are schematic views illustrating the relationship between the detection value of the acceleration sensor and time.
The vertical axis represents the acceleration (detected value) of the acceleration sensor 20, and the horizontal axis represents time t. The acceleration on the vertical axis represents one of the accelerations on the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Since the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration changes while drawing substantially similar curves, in this description, the vertical axis acceleration is any of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis accelerations. May be.

  When the operation lever 22 is stationary, the total acceleration value of the acceleration sensor 20 is constant at 1 g (g = gravitational acceleration, the same applies hereinafter). That is, in this case, the acceleration of each axis is also constant at a predetermined value corresponding to the inclination of the operation lever 22 (time: T0). Therefore, since the acceleration sensor 20 can detect only the component of gravitational acceleration, the control unit 36 drives the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 according to the inclination of the operation lever 22 at that time to discharge water flow rate and water discharge temperature. Can be controlled.

  Subsequently, when the user tries to change at least one of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature and moves the operation lever 22 quickly, the acceleration of the acceleration sensor 20 changes, for example, between a decreasing tendency and an increasing tendency, That is, it changes so as to draw a curve having an inflection point A (time: T1). The inflection point A corresponds to the acceleration state when the operation lever 22 starts to move. At this time, since the acceleration sensor 20 detects not only the gravitational acceleration but also the motion acceleration component, only the gravitational acceleration component cannot be separated, and the tilt of the operation lever 22 cannot be detected. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 36 does not start control of the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40.

  Subsequently, as shown in the region X shown in FIG. 4, when the movement of the operating lever 22 being moved by the user transitions to a constant velocity motion, the motion acceleration component becomes zero. Are detected, and only the gravitational acceleration component is detected (time: T2). Therefore, the inclination of the operation lever 22 can be detected, and the control unit 36 starts controlling the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40. While the operation lever 22 is moving at a constant speed, the inclination of the operation lever 22 can be detected. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 36 sequentially detects the inclination of the operation lever 22 and The flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 are sequentially controlled based on the detected value.

  Subsequently, when the user stops the operation of the operation lever 22, the acceleration of the acceleration sensor 20 changes, for example, as a region Y shown in FIG. It changes so that the curve which has the bending point B may be drawn (time: T3). The inflection point B corresponds to the acceleration state when the operation lever 22 starts to be stopped. At this time, as in the case of time T1, the acceleration sensor 20 detects not only the gravitational acceleration but also the motion acceleration component, so that only the gravitational acceleration component cannot be separated, and the tilt of the operation lever 22 is detected. I can't do it. Therefore, the control unit 36 stops detecting the tilt of the operation lever 22.

  Subsequently, when the user stops the operation of the operation lever 22, that is, when the operation lever 22 stops and the acceleration of the acceleration sensor 20 becomes constant, the acceleration sensor 20 does not detect the motion acceleration component again, and the gravitational acceleration. Only the component is detected (time: T4). Therefore, it becomes possible to detect the inclination of the operation lever 22, and the control unit 36 resumes the control of the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40. At this time, as will be described in detail later, the correction amount is set according to the magnitude of the change in the synthesized value of the acceleration in the region Y in FIG. 5, and the control target value is further set. 42 and the mixing valve 40 are controlled.

  As described above, the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment detects the timing at which the movement of the operation lever 22 transitions to a constant velocity motion even while the operation lever 22 is moving, and the electronic control faucet device 10 flows at that time. Since the operation of the valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 is started, the reaction speed of the faucet increases. That is, the error due to the time delay from the operation of the operation lever 22 to the start of driving of the water discharge control can be reduced, and the usability can be improved.

  On the other hand, even when the operation of the operation lever 22 is stopped, the correction amount is set according to the magnitude of the change in the synthesized value of the acceleration, thereby performing control as if the user's intention to operate is performed. The delay time until the end of control can be shortened. That is, the error of water discharge control can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

Next, the detail of operation | movement of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment is demonstrated.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the electronically controlled faucet device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6A is a timing chart illustrating the acceleration in the X direction, and FIG. FIG. 6C is a timing chart illustrating the combined values of the acceleration in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, and FIG. 6C is a timing chart illustrating the opening / closing amount of the flow control valve. ) Is a timing chart illustrating the opening and closing of the on-off valve (solenoid valve).

  In the case of the operation shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the temperature is an intermediate position and the acceleration in the Y direction is always “0”. Further, the control of the water discharge temperature is the same as the timing chart of the water discharge flow rate control shown in FIG.

  In the case of the triaxial acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor 20 represents a stationary state if the total value of the accelerations of the three axes (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) is 1 g as described above. In this stationary state, since the acceleration sensor 20 outputs only the gravitational acceleration component, the inclination of the operation lever 22 can be detected. When the total value of the accelerations of the three axes is not 1 g, the operation lever 22 is operated by the user, and this represents a state in which, for example, motion acceleration other than gravitational acceleration acts on the acceleration sensor 20. The inclination of the operation lever 22 cannot be detected. Although this cannot occur during use of the electronically controlled water faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment, a free fall state is indicated when all three-axis accelerations are “0”.

  Therefore, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 6, when the user does not operate the operation lever 22 (time: T0), the combined value of the acceleration in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction is 1 g. It becomes constant. Subsequently, when the user moves the operation lever 22 quickly to start water discharge (time: T1), the combined value of the accelerations draws a curve having an inflection point E, similar to the acceleration in the X direction. To change. This inflection point E corresponds to the acceleration state when the operation lever 22 starts to move. At this time, since the combined value of acceleration changes without being stabilized at 1 g, the acceleration sensor 20 cannot detect the inclination of the operation lever 22. Therefore, the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment does not start the control of the flow control valve 42.

  Subsequently, when the movement of the operating lever 22 being moved by the user transitions to a constant velocity motion (time: T2), the acceleration sensor 20 does not detect the motion acceleration component, but only the gravity acceleration component. Therefore, the composite value of acceleration is 1 g. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 20 can detect the inclination of the operation lever 22. Therefore, the control unit 36 sets the control target value α based on the inclination of the operation lever 22 at that time, and starts control of the flow control valve 42.

Further, while the operation lever 22 is moving at a constant speed, the composite value of acceleration is constant at 1 g, and the acceleration sensor 20 can detect the inclination of the operation lever 22, so that the inclination of the operation lever 22 is sequentially detected, A control target value is set based on the detected value, and the control unit 36 sequentially controls the flow control valve 42 so as to coincide with the control target value.
In addition, when supplementing the constant velocity motion, when the user moves the control lever 22 by a predetermined amount, the constant velocity motion must be performed between the acceleration state at the time of starting the movement and the deceleration state at the time of stopping, apart from the length of time. A state exists. Therefore, the usability of the water faucet device can be improved by detecting the state of the uniform acceleration motion and quickly driving the valve.

  Subsequently, when the user stops the operation lever 22 (time: T3), the combined value of acceleration changes so as to draw a curve having an inflection point F, similarly to the acceleration in the X direction. This inflection point F corresponds to the acceleration state when the operation lever 22 starts to be stopped. At this time, since the combined value of acceleration changes without being stabilized at 1 g, the acceleration sensor 20 cannot detect the inclination of the operation lever 22. Therefore, the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment stops the resetting of the control target value of the flow control valve 42.

  Subsequently, when the user stops the operation lever 22, the combined value of acceleration becomes 1 g again (time: T4). Here, the absolute value of the difference between the combined value of acceleration at the inflection point F and 1 g is defined as “inflection point size f”. At this time, based on the inflection point size f, the correction amount β at time T4 is set, the control target value is further set, and the control unit 36 resumes the control of the flow control valve 42. A method of obtaining the correction amount β from the inflection point size f will be described in detail later.

It should be noted that, instead of the absolute value of the difference between the inflection point B of the acceleration in the X direction and the acceleration in the X direction after the operation lever 22 is operated (time: T4), The reason why the correction amount β is set based on the absolute value of the difference from 1g (inflection point size f) is that it is difficult to detect the former absolute value.
The reason will be explained.
In the stage of time: T3, it is not known how much the acceleration in the X direction finally becomes stationary. Therefore, the magnitude of the inflection point B of the acceleration in the X direction in FIG. 6A can be determined at a timing after the time when the operation lever is stationary: T4. On the other hand, since it is known that the synthesized value of acceleration is finally 1 g, it is only necessary to measure the difference between the synthesized value and 1 g. The inflection point F in FIG. This can be determined by the point where the difference between the value and 1 g decreases.

  Subsequently, when the user stops the operation lever 22 and the combined value of acceleration becomes constant again at 1 g, the inclination of the constant operation lever 22 can be detected, so the acceleration sensor 20 does not detect the component of motion acceleration, Only the gravitational acceleration component is detected (time: T5). Therefore, the acceleration sensor 20 can detect the inclination of the operation lever 22, and the control unit 36 sets the final control value based on the inclination of the operation lever 22 at that time, and controls the flow control valve 42. .

  As shown in FIG. 6D, the on-off valve (solenoid valve) 44 is opened by a predetermined amount when the inflection points A and E are detected. However, as described above, since the flow control valve 42 is not opened at this time, water discharge is not started. If the opening / closing valve 44 is opened when the inflection points A and E are detected, when the flow control valve 42 is opened and water discharge is started at time T2, the opening / closing valve 44 is electrically opened. The effect of the time delay until the valve is actually opened is eliminated, the reaction speed of the water discharge control is increased, and a more stable water discharge flow rate can be discharged.

  On the other hand, when the user moves the operation lever 22 quickly in order to stop the water, the control unit 36 similarly controls the flow control valve 42 when the synthesized value of acceleration changes in an unstable manner at 1 g. Is not started (time: T6). Alternatively, the control target value of the flow control valve 42 is not changed and the previous value is maintained (time: T8). When the operation of the operation lever 22 is a constant velocity motion (time: T7), the control target value γ is set based on the inclination of the operation lever 22 at that time, and the control of the flow control valve 42 is started. When the operation of the operation lever 22 is stopped and the resultant acceleration value becomes 1 g again (time: T9), the correction amount δ at time T9 is set based on the “inflection point size h”, and the control target value Then, the control unit 36 controls the flow control valve 42 toward the control target value. The “inflection point size h” is the absolute value of the difference between the combined acceleration value at the inflection point H and 1 g.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the electronically controlled faucet device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a timing chart illustrating the acceleration in the X direction, and FIG. ) Is a timing chart illustrating the combined values of acceleration in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, and FIG. 7C is a timing chart illustrating opening and closing of the flow control valve.
Similar to the operation shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the temperature is an intermediate position and the acceleration in the Y direction is always “0”. Further, the control of the water discharge temperature is the same as the timing chart of the modified example shown in FIG.

  In the operation of this modification, the case where the operation of the operation lever 22 is slow and the difference between the current water discharge flow rate and the water discharge flow rate at the position where the operation lever 22 is stopped is illustrated as an example. Since the operation of the operation lever 22 is slow, the curve representing the acceleration in the X direction does not have the inflection points A and B as described with reference to FIG. Further, the slight difference is, for example, 1% or more and less than 5%, assuming that the opening degree of the flow control valve 42 is 100%. However, the numerical values of 1% and 5% can be changed as appropriate.

  In such a case, the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment maintains the current state of the flow regulating valve 42 until a predetermined time, and does not correct the water discharge flow rate. This is because if the flow control valve 42 is controlled corresponding to a minute difference one by one, a phenomenon called so-called “chattering” may occur, and appropriate control may not be performed.

  On the other hand, if a minute difference is left as it is, it becomes a large difference due to the accumulation of the minute difference, and there is a possibility that proper control cannot be performed. Therefore, when the product of this slight difference and the predetermined duration is 100 or more, for example, by driving the flow control valve 42, the current water discharge flow rate is the final value at which the operation lever 22 is stopped. The water discharge flow rate is controlled at a specific position. By doing in this way, the discharged water flow rate in the position where the operation lever 22 finally stopped can be realized. Other operations are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

Next, the operation lever of the electronically controlled water faucet device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the operation lever of the electronically controlled water faucet device according to this embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the relationship between the angle and the control amount as viewed obliquely from above.
10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the angle and the control amount, FIG. 10 (a) is a schematic top view seen from above, and FIG. 10 (b) is a schematic side view seen from the right side. FIG.

  As will be described later in detail, the operation lever 22 of the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment has, for example, an elastic body 52 therein. In a state where the operation lever 22 stands in the vertical direction, the lower end of the elastic body 52 is fixed to a suitably set place on the faucet body 24, and the acceleration sensor 20 is provided on the upper end of the elastic body 52. Yes. Since the elastic body 52 is not fixed to the operation lever 22, it can move differently from the operation lever 22 inside the operation lever 22.

  At this time, the Z axis set in the acceleration sensor 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elastic body 52 and the operation lever 22, and the X axis and Y axis set in the acceleration sensor 20 are the elastic body 52 and the operation lever. The acceleration sensor 20 is preferably provided so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 22. This is because by making the Z axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elastic body 52 and the operation lever 22, the reference of the direction becomes clear and the acceleration sensor 20 can be attached with high accuracy.

  Since the X axis and the Y axis of the acceleration sensor 20 are parallel to the operation direction of the operation lever 22, the acceleration sensor 20 can easily detect that the operation lever 22 has moved. On the other hand, since the Z axis of the acceleration sensor 20 is parallel to the rotation axis of the elastic body 52, it is not easily affected by the acceleration due to the movement of the operation. When the acceleration sensor 20 is located at the center of rotation of the elastic body 52, the Z axis is orthogonal to the direction of operation movement, and therefore no acceleration of movement occurs with respect to the Z axis. Therefore, the Z axis can always detect only the gravitational acceleration. However, when the acceleration sensor 20 is substantially at the tip of the operation shaft 22b, a centrifugal force is generated in the Z-axis by the movement of the operation, and thus detection in the Z-axis direction is not limited to only gravitational acceleration.

  Actually, the center of rotation of the operation lever 22 is a portion where the operation shaft 22b is attached to the faucet body 24, and is also a portion that influences the operation force, so that processing accuracy with the fixed portion is required. Therefore, it is not easy to attach the acceleration sensor 20 to a portion where the operation shaft 22b is attached to the faucet body 24. Further, from the viewpoint of the design of the electronically controlled water faucet device 10, it is preferable that the acceleration sensor 20 is built in a substantially central portion or a substantially tip portion of the operation shaft 22b.

  Further, in a state where the operation lever 22 stands in the vertical direction, the X axis set in the acceleration sensor 20 is parallel to the front-rear direction as viewed from the user, and the Y axis set in the acceleration sensor 20 is the user. It is preferable to provide the acceleration sensor 20 so as to be parallel to the left-right direction when viewed from the viewpoint. When the acceleration sensor 20 is provided so that the Z-axis set in the acceleration sensor 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elastic body 52, the X-axis and the Y-axis in the state where the operation lever 22 stands in the vertical direction. Each axis acceleration (detected value of gravitational acceleration) is “0”.

  At this time, the operation lever 22 is operated in the vertical direction, and the water discharge flow rate is controlled with θ1 as an inclination angle (hereinafter referred to as “elevation angle”) with respect to the horizontal plane when the elastic body 52 and the operation lever 22 are inclined in the vertical direction. Can do. Further, by operating the operation lever 22 in the left-right direction, the water discharge temperature can be controlled with θ2 being the rotation angle in the horizontal plane with respect to the front when the elastic body 52 and the operation lever 22 are rotated in the left-right direction. That is, as described above, the control unit 36 drives the flow control valve 42 based on the elevation angle θ1 of the operation lever 22 to control the water discharge flow rate, and controls the mixing valve 40 based on the rotation angle θ2 of the operation lever 22. The water discharge temperature can be controlled by driving.

なお、図１０（ａ）に表したθ２のように、前方に対する右側方への水平面内の回動角度θ２を正とし、前方に対する左側方への水平面内の回動角度θ２を負と設定する。また、図１０（ｂ）に表したθ１のように、水平面に対する上方への仰角θ１を正と設定する。 At this time, the relational expression between θ1 and θ2 and the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis can be set as the following expression, for example.

As shown in θ2 shown in FIG. 10A, the rotation angle θ2 in the horizontal plane to the right side with respect to the front is set to be positive, and the rotation angle θ2 in the horizontal plane to the left side with respect to the front is set to be negative. . Further, as shown by θ1 shown in FIG. 10B, the upward elevation angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal plane is set to be positive.

  Expression (3) is a relational expression when a triaxial acceleration sensor is used as the acceleration sensor 20. Thus, if a triaxial acceleration sensor is used as the acceleration sensor 20, the water discharge flow rate can be controlled by the detected value of the Z axis, and the water discharge temperature is controlled by the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis. Therefore, calculation and control are simplified. Note that a biaxial acceleration sensor may be used as the acceleration sensor 20. In this case, the elevation angle θ1 and the rotation angle θ2 are obtained by the equations (1) and (2).

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of the operation lever.
As described above, the operation lever 22 has, for example, the elastic body 52 inside. The elastic body 52 is made of, for example, a rubber material. The acceleration sensor 20 is provided at the upper end 52a of the elastic body 52. The installation direction of the acceleration sensor 20 is as described above, for example. Further, the end face 52b is fixed at a suitably set place in the faucet body 24. The operation lever 22 and the elastic body 52 are not fixed and have a double structure. Therefore, the elastic body 52 can move differently from the operation lever 22 inside the operation lever 22.

  Since the elastic body 52 is fixed at the lower end 52b, for example, when the operation lever 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 200, that is, in the direction in which the rotation angle θ2 is positive (see FIG. 10 (a)). When 22 is rotated, the elastic body 52 is twisted in the direction of the arrow 202. With this operation, the acceleration sensor 20 also rotates in the direction of the arrow 202.

  Therefore, when the elastic body 52 faces forward in a substantially horizontal plane (θ1 = 0 degrees) as in the operation of the operation lever 22 shown in FIG. 8, the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis are about 1 g, When the rotation angle θ2 is about 45 degrees compared to about 0 g, the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis are about 0.7 g and 0.7 g, respectively. When the acceleration sensor 20 is stationary, the square root of the sum of the squares of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is “1”. When θ2 is about 45 degrees, the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis are about 0.7 g and 0.7 g, respectively.

  Further, when the rotation angle θ2 of the elastic body 52 is about 45 degrees, the twist angle of the elastic body 52 with respect to the arrow 202 is appropriately set so as to be about 45 degrees. Thus, when the operating lever 22 is rotated in the left-right direction, the acceleration sensor 20 is also rotated at the same time, and the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis change.

Next, a specific operation of the electronically controlled faucet device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the main routine of the operation of the electronically controlled faucet device according to this embodiment.
First, A / D conversion (analog / digital conversion) of the detection value output from the acceleration sensor 20 is performed (step S104). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis subjected to A / D conversion is about “1” (step S106).

  When the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis subjected to A / D conversion is about “1” (step S106: Y), the operation lever 22 is in a stable state after the operation, that is, It is determined that the operation lever 22 is in a stopped state, and a control target setting subroutine, which will be described in detail later, is performed (step S200). On the other hand, when the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis subjected to A / D conversion is not about “1” (step S106: N), the operation lever 22 is started to be unstable. It is determined that the operation lever 22 is not stopped, that is, the operation control subroutine described later is performed (step S300).

  Subsequently, the difference between the water discharge flow rate in the current setting of the flow control valve 42 and the water discharge flow rate of the control target is “less than 1%” when the opening degree of the flow control valve 42 is 100%. It is determined whether it is “1% or more and less than 5%” or “5% or more” (step S108). If the difference is less than 1% (step S108: difference <1%), the current position of the flow regulating valve 42 is maintained without performing valve driving. If the difference is 5% or more (step S108: difference ≧ 5%), the flow regulating valve 42 is driven so that the water discharge flow rate becomes the control target water discharge flow rate (step S112). Further, if the difference is 1% or more and less than 5% (step S108: 5%> difference ≧ 1%), it is determined whether the product of the difference and the duration is 100 or more (step S108). S110). When the product of the difference and the duration is 100 or more (step S110: Y), the flow control valve 42 is driven so that the water discharge flow rate becomes the control target water discharge flow rate (step S112).

  If a minute difference is left as it is, it becomes a large difference due to accumulation of the minute difference, and there is a possibility that proper control cannot be performed. Therefore, in step S110 and step S112, when the product of this slight difference and the predetermined duration is 100 or more, the current water discharge flow rate is changed to the operation lever by driving the flow control valve 42. 22 is corrected to the water discharge flow rate at the final position. By doing in this way, the discharged water flow rate in the position where the operation lever 22 finally stopped can be realized.

  Note that the ratio (%) determined in step S108 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the duration and product (100) determined in step S110 are not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Subsequently, the difference between the water discharge temperature in the current setting of the mixing valve (temperature control valve) 40 and the water discharge temperature of the control target is “less than 1 ° C.”, “1 ° C. or more and less than 3 ° C.”, or “3 It is determined whether it is “° C. or higher” (step S114). If the difference is less than 1 ° C. (step S114: difference <1 ° C.), the process directly returns to step S104. If the difference is 3 ° C. or more (step S114: difference ≧ 3 ° C.), the mixing valve (temperature control valve) 40 is driven so that the water discharge temperature becomes the control target water discharge temperature (step S118). Further, if the difference is 1 ° C. or more and less than 3 ° C. (step S114: 3 ° C.> difference ≧ 1 ° C.), it is determined whether the product of the difference and the duration is 100 or more (step S116). ). When the product of the difference and the duration is 100 or more (step S116: Y), the mixing valve 40 is driven so that the water discharge temperature becomes the control target water discharge temperature (step S118).

  In this way, even if there is a slight difference, when the product of the difference and the predetermined duration becomes 100 or more, the current discharge water temperature can be set to the operating lever 22 by driving the mixing valve 40. The water discharge temperature at the final stopped position is corrected. Therefore, similarly to the case of the water discharge flow rate, the water discharge temperature at the position where the operation lever 22 is finally stopped can be realized.

Next, the control target setting subroutine will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control target setting subroutine of the electronically controlled water faucet device according to this embodiment.
First, the control target value of the water discharge flow rate is set from the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 20 according to the water discharge flow rate table (see FIG. 21) described in detail later (step S202). Subsequently, a control target value of the water discharge temperature is set from the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 20 according to a water discharge temperature table (see FIG. 22) described in detail later (step S204). Subsequently, the control target setting subroutine is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 12 (step S206).

  Thus, when the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is about “1” and the acceleration sensor 20 can detect the tilt of the operation lever 22, the detected value of the acceleration sensor 20 at that time For example, a table stored as data in a memory or the like provided in the control unit 36 is referred to. By doing so, the control target value of water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature can each be set. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform calculation in the control target setting subroutine, and the correction amount of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature can be obtained simply.

  Further, in order to prevent a sudden change in the water discharge flow rate, a correction amount obtained by multiplying the difference amount between the water discharge flow rate of the final control target at the position where the operation lever 22 is stopped and the current water discharge flow rate by a predetermined ratio is set. It is also possible to add the current water discharge flow rate over time and control it to change stepwise to the final control target water discharge flow rate.

Next, a method for obtaining the water discharge flow rate table (see FIG. 21) and the water discharge temperature table (see FIG. 22) will be described with reference to the drawings.
The electronically controlled water faucet device according to the present embodiment can determine the control amounts θ1 and θ2 by referring to a table, for example, assuming control by a microcomputer and avoiding complicated calculation of trigonometric functions. That is, the control target value of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature can be determined with reference to the table obtained from the combination of the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis. Note that such a table can be stored as data in a memory provided in the control unit 36, for example.

  As a precondition for obtaining the table, the elevation angle θ1 of the operation lever 22 is set to 0 to 60 degrees. That is, it is assumed that the structure of the support portion 28 to which the operation lever 22 is attached is designed so that θ1 can be operated in the range of 0 to 60 degrees. Here, when θ1 is 0 degrees, the discharged water flow rate is minimized (control target value = 0), and when θ1 is 60 degrees, the discharged water flow rate is maximized (control target value = 100). That is, when θ1 is 0 degree, the water stop state is set, and the water discharge flow rate is increased as θ1 increases. Further, the rotation angle θ2 of the operation lever 22 is set to 0 ± 60 degrees. In other words, it is assumed that the structure of the support portion 28 to which the operation lever 22 is attached is designed so that θ2 can be operated in the range of 0 ± 60 degrees. Here, when θ2 is +60 degrees, the water discharge temperature is 15 degrees (minimum temperature), and when θ2 is −60 degrees, the water discharge temperature is 45 degrees (maximum temperature). That is, the water discharge temperature is set to 30 ± 15 degrees.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the elevation angle θ1 of 0 degrees represents a state where the operation lever 22 is at the lowermost end of the movable range, and the rotation angle θ2 is 0 degrees. This represents a state in which the operation lever 22 faces forward, that is, toward the user in a substantially horizontal plane. Further, the rotation angle θ2 to the right with respect to the front is set to be positive, and the rotation angle θ2 to the left with respect to the front is set to be negative. Further, the upward elevation angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal plane is set to be positive.

  The reason why the water discharge temperature is set to the lowest temperature when θ2 is +60 degrees and the water discharge temperature is set to the highest temperature when θ2 is −60 degrees is that the conventional method of using a single lever faucet is followed. For each detected value of the X-axis and the Y-axis, calculation is performed for a range of ± 1 g that may occur due to gravitational acceleration. The minimum unit of gravitational acceleration is 0.1 g. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate. In this calculation method, the detected values of the X axis and the Y axis are used without using the detected value of the Z axis.

First, √ (X ² + Y ² ) is calculated from the detected value (X) on the X axis and the detected value (Y) on the Y axis. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, when the acceleration sensor 20 is stationary, the square root of the sum of the squares of the detected values of the X-axis and the Y-axis does not exceed 1 g of the gravitational acceleration, so the table shown in FIG. From this, the range exceeding “1” is excluded. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG.

Since the elevation angle θ1 of the operating lever is 0 to 60 degrees, the range of cos θ1 is 0.5 to 1. That is, from the formula (1), the range of √ (X ² + Y ² ) is 0.5 to 1. Therefore, the range where √ (X ² + Y ² ) is less than 0.5 is excluded from the table shown in FIG. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, θ1 is obtained from Expression (1) for each value in the table shown in FIG. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in the range of the table shown in FIG. 16, the detected value (X) of the X axis and the detected value (Y) of the Y axis are substituted into Expression (2) to obtain θ2. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, since the rotation angle θ2 of the operation lever 22 is 0 ± 60 degrees, the range where θ2 exceeds 0 ± 60 degrees is excluded from the table shown in FIG. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG. Similarly, a range where θ2 exceeds 0 ± 60 degrees is excluded from the table shown in FIG. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, for each value in the table shown in FIG. 19, the water discharge flow rate when θ1 is 0 degrees is assigned as the minimum (control target value = 0), and the water discharge flow rate when θ1 is 60 degrees is maximized. (Control target value = 100) is assigned. The calculation result table is as shown in FIG. Similarly, for each value in the table shown in FIG. 20, the water discharge temperature when θ2 is +60 degrees is assigned to 15 degrees (minimum temperature), and the water discharge temperature when θ2 is −60 degrees. Is assigned 45 degrees (maximum temperature). The calculation result table is as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature are assigned to the control amounts θ1 and θ2, respectively. Therefore, the control microcomputer only needs to have the tables shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, and in order to set the final control target value from the detected values of the X-axis and the Y-axis, in the flowchart shown in FIG. In steps S202 and S204, the tables in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be referred to, respectively.

Next, the in-operation control subroutine will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a control subroutine during operation of the electronically controlled water faucet device according to this embodiment.
In step S106 of the main routine shown in FIG. 12, if the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is not “1”, it is determined that the operation lever 22 has been operated, and FIG. Enter the in-operation control subroutine.

  First, the correction direction of the water discharge temperature and the water discharge flow rate is determined from the direction in which the operation lever 22 moves, that is, the direction in which the acceleration output from the acceleration sensor 20 changes (step S302). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is “1” (step S304). If the combined value of the detected values of the X, Y, and Z axes is not “1” (step S304: N), the combined value of the detected values of the X, Y, and Z axes is “1” again. It is determined whether or not (step S304). This is a state waiting for the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis to be “1”. That is, as described above, when the operation lever 22 is in the acceleration state at which the operation starts to move and the combined value of the acceleration changes in an unstable manner at 1 g, the control unit 36 controls the flow control valve 42 and The control (drive) of the mixing valve 40 is not started.

  On the other hand, when the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is “1” (step S304: Y), the operation lever 22 is in a stationary state or is moving at a constant speed. State. Therefore, the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is reset to “0” (step S306). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are stable (step S308). This means that it is determined whether the operation lever 22 is in a stationary state or is in a state of performing a constant velocity motion.

  When the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are not stable (step S308: N), the operation lever 22 is in a state of moving at a constant speed. Tilt can be detected. Therefore, the control target setting subroutine S200 shown in FIG. 13 is performed, and the control target values of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature are set by the tables shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (step S200). Subsequently, based on the control target value set in step S200, the control unit 36 drives the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 (step S312).

  Subsequently, it is determined again whether the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is “1” (step S314). If the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is “1” (step S314: Y), it is determined that the constant velocity movement of the operation lever 22 is continued, and the X-axis, It is determined whether or not the detected values of the Y axis and the Z axis are stable (step S308). Subsequently, control target values for the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature are set (step S200), and the control unit 36 drives the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 (step S312). That is, when the constant velocity motion of the operation lever 22 continues, the acceleration sensor 20 sequentially detects the inclination of the operation lever 22, and the control unit 36 controls the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 based on the detected value. Are controlled sequentially.

  On the other hand, if the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is not “1” (step S314: N), it is predicted that the user has performed an operation of stopping the operation lever 22 at that time. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the difference between the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis and 1 g has reached the peak value (step S316). When the difference between the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis and 1 g is not a peak value but tends to increase (step S316: N), the X axis, the Y axis, It is then determined whether or not the combined value of the detected values of the Z axis is “1” (step S314).

  When the difference between the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis and 1 g reaches a peak value and transitions to a decreasing trend (step S316: Y), the X-axis, Y at that time The absolute value of the difference between the detected value of the axis and the Z-axis and 1 g is stored as the inflection point size (step S318). Subsequently, it is determined again whether or not the combined value of the detected values of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis is “1” (step S314), and the detected values of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are determined. When the composite value is “1” (step S314: Y), it is predicted that the operation lever 22 is stationary, so that the detected values of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are again stable. It is determined whether or not (step S308).

  When the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are stable (step S308: Y), the operation lever 22 is stationary, and a flow rate correction amount table that will be described in detail later. (See FIG. 24), the flow rate correction amount is set based on the inflection point size stored in step S318 (step S320). Subsequently, the flow rate correction amount set in step S320 is added to the current target flow rate to set a new control target flow rate (step S322).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the control target value (%) set in step S322 is 0 or more and 100 or less (step S324). When the control target value is not 0 or more and 100 or less (step S324: N), the control target value is limited to be 0 or more and 100 or less (step S326). As described above, in the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment, the minimum control target value of the water discharge flow rate is set to “0” and the maximum control target value is set to “100”. This is because it is a condition.

  Subsequently, the temperature correction amount is set based on the inflection point size stored in step S318 by using a temperature correction amount table (see FIG. 25) described in detail later (step S328). Subsequently, the temperature correction amount set in step S328 is added to the current target temperature to set a new control target temperature (step S330).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the control target value (° C.) set in step S330 is 15 or more and 45 or less (step S332). When the control target value is not 15 or more and 45 or less (step S332: N), the control target value is limited to be 15 or more and 45 or less (step S334). As described above, in the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment, the minimum control target value of the water discharge temperature is set to “15” and the maximum control target value is set to “45”. This is because it is a condition. Subsequently, the in-operation control subroutine is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 12 (step S336).

  After returning to the main routine shown in FIG. 12, whether or not the combined value of the detected values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is about “1”, that is, the operation lever 22 is stabilized. It is determined whether or not there is (step S106). In the case where a stable error occurs between the control target value and the current water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature, the current water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature are indicated by the operation lever 22. Correction is made to the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature at the final stopped position. By doing in this way, the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature in the position where the operation lever 22 finally stopped are realizable.

FIG. 24 is a table illustrating the flow rate correction amount.
FIG. 25 is a table illustrating the temperature correction amount.
As described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, the electronic control faucet device 10 according to the present embodiment refers to a table stored in advance in a memory or the like in step S320 and step S328. Obtain the flow rate correction amount and temperature correction amount.

  The row of the table shown in FIG. 24 exemplifies the “inflection point size (g)” of the combined values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis accelerations divided by 0.1 (g). Yes. In addition, the columns of the table shown in FIG. 24 are illustrated by dividing into cases where the water discharge flow rate is increased and cases where it is decreased. For example, when the inflection point size of the combined value of acceleration is “0.4” and the discharge water flow rate is increased, “9” is set as the flow rate correction amount. On the other hand, when decreasing the discharged water flow rate, “−12” is set as the flow rate correction amount.

  Further, for example, when the inflection point size of the combined value of acceleration is “0.8” and the discharge water flow rate is increased, “21” is set as the flow rate correction amount. On the other hand, when the discharged water flow rate is decreased, “−28” is set as the flow rate correction amount.

  As described above, the larger the “inflection point size” when the operation lever 22 is stopped, the larger the absolute value of the correction amount is added to the current water discharge flow rate. Correction (predictive control) reflecting the user's intention that the inflection point when stopping is large is possible. Therefore, the delay time from the operation of the operation lever 22 to the end of the water discharge control can be shortened.

  In addition, even if the “inflection point size” is the same, the absolute value of the flow rate correction amount when the discharged water flow rate is decreased is set larger than the absolute value of the flow rate correction amount when it is increased. Since the control speed at the time of watering can be increased, the wasteful water discharge flow rate that flows during the time required to stop water can be reduced. On the other hand, when the water discharge flow rate is increased, the water discharge flow rate can be increased slowly, so that it is easier to set an appropriate amount, and it is possible to reduce the wasteful water discharge flow rate without taking time and effort for adjusting the flow rate. .

  Further, for example, when the inflection point size of the acceleration synthesized value is less than “0.1 (first threshold)”, “0” is set as the flow rate correction amount. That is, the correction of the water discharge flow rate is not performed. On the other hand, when the inflection point size of the composite value of acceleration is larger than “1.0 (second threshold)”, “0” is set as the flow rate correction amount. That is, the correction of the water discharge flow rate is not performed.

  In this way, when the inflection point size is less than the first threshold value, correction of the water discharge flow rate is not performed, and therefore correction (predictive control) is performed only when there is a user's intention to change the water discharge flow rate quickly. ) Is performed. Therefore, in the case of a slow operation, the flow control valve 42 can be controlled in accordance with the operation amount of the operation lever 22. On the other hand, since the water discharge flow rate is not corrected even when the inflection point size is larger than the second threshold value, for example, when an object or the like collides with the operation lever 22 or is caught, or the user is extremely struck. In such a case, correction (predictive control) during operation of the operation lever 22 is not performed. Therefore, useless driving of the flow control valve 42 is suppressed, and stable control and operational feeling can be obtained.

  The row of the table shown in FIG. 25 illustrates the “inflection point size (g)” of the combined values of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis accelerations divided by 0.1 (g). Yes. Moreover, the column of the table shown in FIG. 25 is divided into the case where the water discharge temperature is raised and the case where it is lowered. For example, when the inflection point size of the combined value of acceleration is “0.4” and the water discharge temperature is increased, “5” is set as the temperature correction amount. On the other hand, when the discharged water temperature is lowered, “−6” is set as the temperature correction amount.

  Further, for example, when the inflection point size of the combined value of acceleration is “0.8” and the water discharge temperature is increased, “11” is set as the temperature correction amount. On the other hand, when the discharged water temperature is lowered, “−14” is set as the temperature correction amount.

  In this way, the user who hurries when stopping the operation lever 22 because the larger the “inflection point size” when stopping the operation lever 22 is, the larger the absolute value of correction amount is added to the current water discharge temperature. Correction (predictive control) reflecting the intention of the above becomes possible. Therefore, the delay time from the operation of the operation lever 22 to the end of the temperature adjustment of the discharged water can be shortened.

  In addition, even if the “inflection point size” is the same, the absolute value of the temperature correction amount when lowering the water discharge temperature is set larger than the absolute value of the temperature correction amount when increasing the water discharge temperature. Since the rate of temperature rise can be suppressed, the electronically controlled water faucet device 10 can be used more safely.

  Further, for example, when the inflection point size of the combined value of acceleration is less than “0.1 (first threshold)”, “0” is set as the correction amount of the water discharge temperature. That is, the water discharge temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the inflection point size of the synthesized value of acceleration is larger than “1.0 (second threshold)”, “0” is set as the correction amount of the water discharge temperature. That is, the water discharge temperature is not corrected. In this way, the same effect as described with reference to FIG. 24 can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the combined value of the accelerations of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis changes to a state that does not stabilize at 1 g, the control unit 36 performs flow control. The control of the control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 is not started, or the control of the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 is stopped. On the other hand, even when the operation lever 22 is being moved, the timing at which the movement of the operation lever 22 transitions to a constant velocity motion is detected, and the flow control valve 42 and the mixing valve 40 are started to be driven at that time. Therefore, the reaction speed of the faucet increases. That is, the error of water discharge control can be reduced, and usability can be improved.
Further, when the operation of the operation lever 22 is stopped, the correction amount of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature is set based on the inflection point size of the combined value of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis accelerations. Therefore, it is possible to perform control as if the user's intention for the operation is estimated, and to shorten the delay time until the end of the water discharge control. That is, the error of water discharge control can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

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, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the electronic control faucet device 10 and the like, the installation form of the acceleration sensor 20, 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 mimetic diagram illustrating the electronically controlled faucet device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a schematic cross section which illustrates the cross section of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the relationship between the detection value of an acceleration sensor, and time. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the relationship between the detection value of an acceleration sensor, and time. It is a timing chart which illustrates operation of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart which illustrates the modification of operation of the electronically controlled faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates operation | movement of the operation lever of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is the model perspective view which looked at the relationship between an angle and control amount from diagonally upward. It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between an angle and a controlled variable. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the internal structure of an operation lever. It is a flowchart which illustrates the main routine of operation | movement of the electronically controlled water faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the control target setting subroutine of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the process of calculating | requiring the table of the water discharge flow volume and water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled faucet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the water discharge flow rate of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a table showing the water discharge temperature of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the control subroutine during operation of the electronically controlled water faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a table which illustrates flow volume correction amount. It is a table which illustrates temperature correction amount.

Explanation of symbols

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronically controlled water faucet device, 20 Acceleration sensor, 22 Operation lever (operation part), 22a Operation front-end | tip part, 22b Operation shaft, 24 Water faucet body, 26 Water discharge part, 28 Support part, 30 Lead wire, 32 Water distribution pipe, 34 Operation detection unit, 36 control unit, 38, 39 motor, 40 mixing valve (temperature control valve), 42 flow control valve, 44 on-off valve (solenoid valve), 46 mode setting switch, 52 elastic body, 52a upper end, 52b lower end ( End face), 200, 202 arrow

Claims (11)

An operation unit for operating the water discharge flow rate and water discharge temperature of the faucet;
An operation detection unit that outputs an attitude of the operation unit as an electrical signal;
A flow control valve for adjusting the water discharge flow rate;
A temperature control valve for adjusting the water discharge temperature;
In accordance with the output of the operation detection unit, a control target value of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature is set, and a control unit that drives the flow control valve and the temperature control valve to approach the control target value;
With
The operation detection unit includes a three-axis output acceleration sensor that detects the attitude of the operation unit,
When the control unit transitions from a stable state to a state where the output of the acceleration sensor changes, the control unit stops detecting the posture,
When the combined value of the three-axis outputs of the acceleration sensor substantially coincides with 1 g, the detection of the posture is resumed, and at least one of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve is driven according to the output. An electronically controlled faucet device.   The control unit has an inflection point at which the composite value transitions from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency or from a decreasing tendency to an increasing tendency after the operation unit performs a constant velocity motion and the composite value substantially matches the 1g. 2. The electronically controlled water according to claim 1, wherein a correction amount corresponding to a difference between the inflection point and the 1 g is added to the control target value after substantially matching the 1 g again after passing through Stopper device.   The electronic control faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the absolute value of the correction amount increases as the absolute value of the difference increases. When the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the water discharge flow rate, the correction amount is added to the control target value of the water discharge flow rate so that the water discharge flow rate increases.
The correction amount is added to a control target value of the water discharge flow rate so that the water discharge flow rate decreases when the operation unit is operated in a direction to decrease the water discharge flow rate. Or the electronically controlled water faucet device of 3.   The absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the water discharge flow rate and the absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in the direction of decreasing the water discharge flow rate are the same When the operation unit is operated in the direction of decreasing the discharged water flow rate, the correction value is smaller than the absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the discharged water flow rate. The electronic control faucet device according to claim 4, wherein the absolute value of the quantity is larger. When the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the water discharge temperature, the correction amount is added to the control target value of the water discharge temperature so that the water discharge temperature increases.
The correction amount is added to a control target value of the water discharge temperature so that the water discharge temperature decreases when the operation unit is operated in a direction to decrease the water discharge temperature. Or the electronically controlled water faucet device of 3.   The absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the water discharge temperature is the same as the absolute value of the difference when the operation unit is operated in the direction of decreasing the water discharge temperature. The correction when the operation unit is operated in the direction of lowering the water discharge temperature than the absolute value of the correction amount when the operation unit is operated in the direction of increasing the water discharge temperature. The electronically controlled water faucet device according to claim 6, wherein the absolute value of the quantity is larger.   The control target value is maintained without adding the correction amount when the absolute value of the difference is less than a predetermined first threshold value. Electronic control faucet device as described.   The control target value is maintained without adding the correction amount when the absolute value of the difference is larger than a predetermined second threshold set larger than the first threshold. The electronically controlled water faucet device according to any one of claims 2 to 8.   When the difference between at least one of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature and the control target value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature. The at least one of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve is driven so that the at least one of the above coincides with the control target value. Electronically controlled faucet device.   The control unit sets a control target value of the water discharge flow rate and the water discharge temperature based on the output of the acceleration sensor in a more stable state after the change, and at least one of the flow control valve and the temperature control valve The electronic control faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control faucet device is driven.

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