JP2009233089A - Modular kitchen - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a modular kitchen, in which a user can easily recognize the operation state of the modular kitchen, in the modular kitchen operated by using a sensor installed on a sink side wall surface. <P>SOLUTION: The modular kitchen includes: a sink provided for a counter; a water delivery part; a bulb for switching delivery water from the water delivery part; a sensor part for acquiring information on an object to be detected; and a control unit for controlling opening/closing of the bulb on the basis of a detection signal outputted by the sensor part. The modular kitchen further includes a notification part for notifying a user of the operation state of the modular kitchen. The sensor part is provided on the reverse side on an inner wall surface of the sink. The notification part changes a form of notification according to an operation state of the modular kitchen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system kitchen provided with a notification unit that allows a user to easily recognize the operating state of the system kitchen in a system kitchen that can be operated using a sensor installed on a sink side wall surface.

  When the transmission wave from the sensor hits the detected object, a reflected wave is generated. Since a detected object such as a human body can be detected by receiving the reflected wave, a technique is known that uses this as a detection means for automatic control of water discharge of the faucet device.

For example, a kitchen device is described in which a photoelectric switch is provided on the side wall surface of a sink and a hand or tableware is brought close to a faucet to operate the switch to discharge water. (Patent Document 1)
JP 2004-190445 A

When an infrared sensor or the like is used, in order to prevent a reduction in detection accuracy, for example, it is necessary to cancel a noise signal due to illumination light around the sensor or reflected light reflected from the illumination light to the sink. However, in the system kitchen as in Patent Document 1, since the sensor is installed on the side wall surface of the sink, for example, not only the influence on the detection signal due to lighting etc. is cancelled, but also a pan or dish placed in the sink It is also necessary to deal with changes in the detection signal due to such influences. Therefore, the adjustment time 100 for canceling these noises becomes relatively long. For example, during the adjustment time 100, the user puts his / her hand in the detection area of the sensor, and there is a high possibility that the noise will not be detected.

Therefore, in the present invention, in the system kitchen in which the sensor is installed on the sink side wall surface, for example, the user can easily recognize the operation state of the sensor by providing a notification unit that notifies information about the operation state of the system kitchen. The purpose of this is to provide a system kitchen that can be operated reliably.

According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the object, a sink installed in a counter, a water discharge unit, a valve for switching water discharged from the water discharge unit, and a sensor unit that acquires information about a detected object And a control unit that controls opening and closing of the valve based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit, and further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the operating state of the system kitchen. The system unit is provided in which the sensor unit is installed on the back side of the inner wall side surface of the sink, and the notification unit has a notification form that changes depending on an operation state of the system kitchen.

According to the present invention, in the system kitchen in which the sensor is installed on the sink side wall surface, by providing the notification unit that displays the operation state of the system kitchen, for example, the operation state of the sensor unit, the user uses the sensor unit. It becomes easy to determine whether or not the valve can be opened and closed by the operation, and a reliable operation is possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram relating to an embodiment of the present invention. The system kitchen 1 includes a sink 20, a water discharge unit 10, a valve 40 that opens and closes the water channel 30 to the water discharge unit 10, a sensor unit 50 installed on the side wall surface 21 of the sink 20, and a signal obtained from the sensor unit 50. Based on the control unit 41 that controls the opening and closing of the valve 40, and a notification unit 60 that leaves the operating state of the system kitchen 1 to the user. Since the notification form of the notification unit 60 changes depending on the operating state of the system kitchen 1, for example, it becomes possible for the user to easily determine whether or not the operation by the sensor can be used. Can be realized.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram relating to the second embodiment. The system kitchen 1 is obtained from the sink 20, the counter 22, the water discharge unit 10, the valve 40 that opens and closes the water channel 30 to the water discharge unit 10, the sensor unit 50 installed on the side wall surface 21 of the sink 20, and the sensor unit 50. At least one display unit 61 included in the configuration of the control unit 41 that controls the opening / closing of the valve 40 and the notification unit 60 that notifies the user of the operation state of the system kitchen 1 based on the received signal is provided. The display form of the display unit 61 changes depending on the operating state of the system kitchen 1. Further, the display unit 61 is installed on a counter surface adjacent to the installation surface of the sensor unit 50. If the display unit 61 is installed on the side wall surface of the sink 20 as shown in FIG. 1, it is difficult for the user in front of the counter 22 to check the display unit 61, and therefore the user moves to the front side of the sink 20 and moves to the sink side wall surface 21. , Or performing an operation using the sensor unit 50, the user may be burdened by the body, or wasteful water may be discharged. Therefore, installing the display unit 61 on the counter 22 has an effect of making it easier for a user working in front of the counter to visually recognize the display unit 61. Further, when the display unit 61 is installed in the vicinity of the sensor unit 50, if the light is lit, the user working in front of the counter 22 when the water discharge operation is performed by the sensor unit 50 is detected. Since this is a guide for the position to send out, the operation can be performed more smoothly.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram relating to the third embodiment. The system kitchen 1 is obtained from the sink 20, the counter 22, the water discharge unit 10, the valve 40 that opens and closes the water channel 30 to the water discharge unit 10, the sensor unit 50 installed on the side wall surface 21 of the sink 20, and the sensor unit 50. A control unit 41 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve 40 based on the received signal and at least two display units 61 for notifying the user of the operating state of the system kitchen 1. The display form changes depending on the operating state of the kitchen 1. Further, at least one display unit 61 is installed on each of the counter surface and the sink side wall surface adjacent to the installation surface of the sensor unit 50. As shown in FIG. 2, if the cleaning operation is performed only in front of the sink 20 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the user may bend over to the back and perform the operation. There is a possibility that it is difficult to visually recognize 61. Therefore, by installing the display unit 61 also on the installation surface of the sensor unit 50, there is an effect that it is easier to visually recognize when the user is performing a washing operation in front of the counter 22. Further, when the display unit 61 installed on the sensor unit 50 installation surface is installed in the vicinity of the sensor unit 50, if the light is turned on, the user who is in front of the sink can perform a water discharge operation with the sensor unit 50. Since it becomes a standard of the position where a to-be-detected body is put out, operation can be performed more smoothly.

Since the sensor unit installed on the back side of the sink side wall surface 21 is affected not only by a noise signal due to an environment such as lighting around the system kitchen 1, but also by a noise signal due to tableware placed in the sink 20, As shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment time 100 for adjusting the sensor to the optimum state for detecting the detected object may be longer. Therefore, when the sensor unit 50 is in a state in which the water discharge operation by the user cannot be detected during the adjustment time 100 and the sensor unit 50 is in a state in which the sensor unit 50 can detect the water discharge operation by the user during the adjustment time 100, the display unit 61. 4, the valve 40 is open, or the valve 40 is closed and the sensor unit 50 cannot detect the water discharge operation by the user, and the valve 40 is closed. 50 is a state in which the water discharge operation by the user can be detected, and the display form changes. By not changing the display form of the display unit 61 when the valve 40 is closed, the user can be prevented from operating the sensor unit 50 during the adjustment time 100, and more reliable operation is possible for the user. It becomes.

Further, the display unit 61 may change its display form in order to notify the user that the sensor unit 50 is in the adjustment time 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve 40 is open, the valve 40 is closed, the sensor unit 50 cannot detect the water discharge operation by the user, the valve 40 is closed, and the sensor unit The display form may be changed in a state in which 50 can detect the water discharge operation by the user. By changing the display form in this way, the user can recognize the operation state of the sensor and the operation state of the valve 40 in more detail.

If the control unit 41 can determine the adjustment time 100 before adjustment, the valve 40 is less likely to be operated by the user during the adjustment time 100 when the adjustment time 100 is extremely short such that it falls below a predetermined time. Even if it is closed and the adjustment time 100 is in progress, the valve 40 may be closed and the display mode may be changed to a state in which there is no adjustment. This eliminates the need for the process of determining whether or not the adjustment has been completed, so that it is possible to notify the user that the sensor unit 50 can be operated more quickly, and the user can perform more efficient work. It can be performed. As an example of a method for determining whether or not the adjustment time 100 is short before adjustment, there is a method using a difference between the voltage value 110 acquired from the sensor unit 50 and the target adjusted voltage value 112 as shown in FIG. is there. That is, when the value 113 corresponding to the absolute value of the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold value 111, it is determined that the adjustment time 100 is not shortened. Further, when the value 105 corresponding to the absolute value of the difference falls below a predetermined threshold value 101, it is determined that the adjustment time 100 is short.

Here, the notification unit 60 may include a sound output device 63 such as a speaker as at least one of the components. By notifying the user of the operation state of the system kitchen 1 by sound, the user does not need to move the human body to visually recognize the notification unit, and can work more efficiently.

Furthermore, since the user does not need to visually recognize the sound output device 63, it can be concealed in the sink portion or the counter portion of the system kitchen 1 as shown in FIG. Compared with the display unit 61, there is an effect that the appearance of the system kitchen 1 is not impaired. Specifically, it is disposed below the counter surface 22 or the sink 20 and on the back side of the counter leading edge 24.

Further, the sound output device 63 has the same effect as the change in the display form of the display unit 61 by changing the notification form almost simultaneously with the timing when the display form of the display unit 61 changes.

The notification unit 60 may include at least the display unit 61 and a sound output device 63 that changes the display form when the display form of the display part 61 changes and the valve 40 opens. Thereby, for example, when a child performs water discharge using a sensor, even if an adult is away from the kitchen facility 1, the operation state can be confirmed by sound, so that attention can be directed to the child.

The notification unit 60 may include at least a display unit 61 and a sound output device 63 that changes the display mode when the display mode of the display unit 61 changes. From the sound output unit 63 such as when the periphery of the system kitchen 1 is noisy. In an environment where it is difficult to hear the emitted sound, the operation state of the system kitchen 1 can be recognized by the display unit 61. In other environments, the operation of the system kitchen 1 can be performed by the sound output unit 63 without looking at the display unit. It is also possible to recognize the state, and the user can perform more efficient work.

It describes about the water discharging part 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the water discharger 10 does not need to be installed at the described position, and may be installed on the counter surface near the corner of the sink 20 or the side wall surface 21 of the sink. Further, the shape of the water discharge unit 10 and the form of water discharge need not be limited to the shape as shown in FIG. With regard to the water discharge form, for example, a water discharge form by shower, rectification, foam, or a combination of these forms may be used.

In addition, the sink side wall surface described in the present invention refers to a surface at least partially in contact with the bottom surface of the sink 20.

Next, the sink 20 and the counter 22 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the boundary between the bottom surface of the sink 20 and the side wall surface 21 and the boundary between the side wall surface 21 and the counter 22 do not necessarily have to be corners. It may be a curved surface. Further, the surface of the counter 22 or the sink 20 does not necessarily have to be a horizontal and flat shape. For example, the surface of the counter 22 or the sink 20 may have an uneven structure that prevents a placed object from slipping, and the water easily flows. It may be inclined to.

Next, the shape of the display unit 61 will be described. The shape of the display unit 61 is not limited to a circle or ellipse as shown in FIG. 1, but may be a linear or angular shape such as a triangle, a quadrangle, or a star. Moreover, a character and a sentence may be sufficient.

Next, the control unit 41 will be described. Details of the control unit 41 are shown in FIG. The reception signal obtained from the sensor unit 50 is input, and first, the signal processing unit 42 performs a filtering process for obtaining a target signal. Based on the signal obtained from the signal processing unit 42, the control unit 43 outputs a signal for controlling valve opening / closing. It is also possible to input a signal obtained from the sensor unit without passing through the signal processing unit 42 and output a signal for controlling valve opening / closing. In this case, since the signal processing unit 42 is not necessary, the circuit can be simplified.

Next, the sensor unit 50 will be described. The sensor unit 50 is installed on the sink side wall surface 21. For example, when the sensor is installed on the counter 22, there is a possibility that when the user puts a pan, a cutting board or the like in the detection area during cooking, erroneous detection is performed, and useless water is discharged. In addition, when the sensor is installed on the back side of the sink bottom surface 23 so as to provide a detection area on the upper surface side, the user is performing a washing operation, and if the water being worked enters into the detection area, it is erroneously detected and wasted. There is a risk of spitting water. By installing the sensor unit 50 on the sink side wall surface 21 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneous detection of water in an operation of placing an object or a washing operation.

Further, the detection area 51 of the sensor unit 50 is set in the vicinity of the sink side wall surface 21. For example, if a detection area is set widely in the sink inner space, a user who does not intend to discharge water may enter the detection area and make a false detection when a pan or the like is placed in the sink. . Therefore, in this embodiment, there is a possibility of erroneous detection by setting a detection area in a space near the sink side surface 21 that becomes an obstacle when moving a hand or a washing object in work in the kitchen and is relatively rarely used. Can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, as one aspect of the present embodiment for reducing false detection, the sensor unit detects speed information of the detection target. For example, when the control unit 41 detects a speed change in which the detection target decelerates within the detection area 51, or when detecting a substantially stationary state, that is, a stationary state including fluctuations, within the detection area 51, Detected by performing water discharge from the water discharge unit 10 when detecting a speed change that decelerates in 51 and becoming substantially stationary, and not discharging water when a speed change that is accelerated or at a constant speed is detected. Since there is no longer any detection of the object to be detected that passes through the area 51, there is a possibility that a user's hand that does not intend to discharge water or an object held in the hand will be erroneously detected when the object passes through the detection area. Can be reduced. Further, by performing water discharge from the water discharge unit 10 only when the substantially stationary state has passed for a predetermined time or more, a false detection occurs when the hand when placing an object in the sink 20 is temporarily stopped in the detection area temporarily. Can be reduced, and the detection accuracy is further improved.

As an embodiment for detecting a speed change, there are a radio wave sensor that acquires information on a detection object by radio waves such as microwaves, and an ultrasonic sensor that acquires information on a detection object by ultrasonic waves. That is, the speed of the detected object is detected using a Doppler signal generated when the transmission wave is reflected by the detected object. The radio wave sensor can detect a standing wave caused by interference between a transmission wave and a reception wave, and the ultrasonic sensor measures the time from when an ultrasonic wave is transmitted until it is received. The distance information between the detection body and the sensor can be acquired. Thereby, the detection area 51 can be realized in the vicinity of the sink side wall surface 21 where the sensor unit 50 is installed.
In addition, an infrared sensor may be used as a form for detecting a substantially stationary detection object and detecting a distance from the detection object.

In the present embodiment, a radio wave sensor having a frequency set near 10.5 GHz is used. The frequency band to be used is not particularly limited to the above frequency, and the same effect can be obtained at other frequencies. By obtaining the difference between the transmission frequency and the frequency of the reflected wave reflected from the detected object, speed information of the detected object is acquired.

When the radio wave sensor is used, it can be installed on the back side of the installation surface. Thereby, there exists an effect which does not impair the external appearance of the system kitchen 1. FIG. In addition, the possibility of sensor failure due to the influence of water or the like adhering to the installation surface during work is greatly reduced.

The number of the display units 61 does not have to be only one on each surface as shown in FIG. 1 and the like. For example, when a plurality of display units 61 are installed, for example, when the adjustment time 100 becomes shorter as time passes, By changing the display form of the part, the user can grasp the time required until the adjustment is completed.

The display unit 61 may change the display method according to the temperature and form of water discharged from the water discharge unit 10 as well as information related to the sensor unit 50. For example, the system kitchen 1 includes a sensor that detects the temperature of water discharged from the water discharge unit 10, and based on the detected temperature, the display unit is, for example, red for a high temperature and blue for a low temperature. The color of 61 changes. Thereby, since a user performs water discharge operation by the sensor part 50 and can recognize the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge part 10 intuitively before touching water discharge, a user accidentally puts a hand in hot water. The risk of burns can be reduced. In addition, by operating the water heater, the temperature of the discharged water rises to the set temperature, and it can be confirmed visually whether it is at an appropriate temperature, so that you do not put out your hands on unwarmed water, You can work comfortably.

The change in the display form of the display unit 61 is, for example, a change in display cycle such as lighting to blinking, a change in emission color such as red to blue, or a change in luminance from lighting on to lighting off or lighting from lighting off. Say to change to change.

The change in the notification form of the audio output device 63 means that, for example, a sound is continuously output for a predetermined time or a sound is periodically output for a predetermined time. Further, the timbre may be changed depending on the operation state of the system kitchen 1.

Moreover, the water discharge part 10 is equipped with the rotation mechanism so that it can wash in the position where a user can wash easily, and the display form of the display part 61 may change by rotating the water discharge part 10. FIG. Due to the change, the angle at which the water discharger 10 is to be rotated can be adjusted while confirming with the display unit 61, so that it becomes easy to match the target rotation angle.

In addition, when the user cleans the inside of the sink, a part of the water discharge part 10 is provided so that the part of the water discharge part 10 can be detached and used, and the state is not separated from the separated state The display form of the display unit 61 may change. For example, when the water discharge unit 10 is disconnected, the display unit 61 blinks, and when the original state is not disconnected, the display unit 61 is turned on. Thereby, when the water discharger 10 is cut off and used, it can be easily confirmed on the display unit whether the water discharger 10 can be accurately returned. As a result, the user erroneously determines that the water discharge unit 10 has been returned to its original state, and when the water is discharged, the water discharge unit 10 wobbles due to the water pressure due to the water discharge flow, and the water discharge flows out of the sink. Can reduce the danger.

The control unit 41 may perform automatic water stop control based on a signal obtained by reflecting the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 50 from the water discharged from the water discharge unit 10 or the object to be cleaned. Specifically, when a hand or an object is inserted in the water discharge flow, and the water discharged from the water discharge hits the object to be cleaned or the object to be cleaned moving during the washing operation is detected, the valve 40 is kept open. If the hand or object is not inserted in the water discharge flow and the water discharge flow does not scatter and passes through the detection area of the sensor unit 50, the automatic water stop control is performed by closing the valve 40. Do. By allowing the user to stop the water without any operation, for example, it is possible to prevent the water from being drawn out after rinsing a dish or the like and moving it to a drainer.

The system kitchen 1 may be provided with an operation unit that forcibly stops detection by the sensor unit 50. By providing the operation unit, for example, the driving power of the sensor unit 50 is saved. Alternatively, erroneous detection can be prevented when work is performed in the detection area 51, for example, wiping and cleaning. Moreover, about the said operation part, you may provide another operation parts, such as the sensor part 50 or a switch. Further, by operating the operation unit, the user can easily recognize that the user has operated the operation unit and the operation result by greatly changing the display form of the display unit 61. I can do it. In addition, the operation unit is integrated with the display unit 61, so that the number of parts is reduced, the design is simplified, and the design of the system kitchen 1 is not further impaired.

It is a figure showing the structure of the water discharging apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the water discharging apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the water discharging apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the change method of the display form of the display part concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the change method of the display form of a display part for a user to know the information of a system kitchen in more detail. It is a figure explaining the algorithm concerning the form of the 5th Example of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the water discharging apparatus concerning the form of the 6th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water faucet device 10 Water discharging part 20 Sink 21 Sink side wall surface 23 Sink bottom face 24 Counter front edge 30 Water channel 40 Valve 41 Control part 50 Sensor part 51 Sensor detection area 100 Adjustment time 110 Acquisition signal 111 from sensor part Threshold value 112 Adjustment target Value 113 The absolute value of the difference between the acquired signal from the sensor unit and the target value for adjustment

Claims (7)

A sink installed on the counter;
A water discharge part,
A valve for switching water discharge from the water discharge unit;
A sensor unit for acquiring information about the detected object;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the valve based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit;
A system kitchen with
A notification section for notifying a user of the operation state of the system kitchen;
The sensor unit is installed on the back side of the inner wall side surface of the sink,
The notification section of the notification section changes depending on the operation state of the system kitchen. The notification unit
At least a light emitter such as an LED
Installed on the counter surface adjacent to the installation surface of the sensor unit;
The system kitchen according to claim 1. Furthermore, the notification unit
Installed on the installation surface of the sensor unit;
The system kitchen according to claim 2. The notification unit
The valve is open,
Or a state in which the valve is closed and the sensor unit cannot obtain information on the object to be detected;
The notification form is different in a state in which the valve is closed and the sensor unit can acquire information on the detected object.
The system kitchen according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The notification unit
After the valve is closed, when the sensor unit is unable to obtain information on the detected object for a predetermined time or less,
The system kitchen according to claim 4, wherein the valve is closed and the sensor unit is notified in a notification form indicating a state in which information about the detected object can be acquired.
The notification unit
At least a light emitter such as an LED,
It has a sound output device such as a speaker,
The sound output device is
At substantially the same time as the display form of the illuminant changes and the bulb opens,
The notification form changes for a predetermined time;
The system kitchen according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The notification unit
At least equipped with a sound output device such as a speaker,
The sound output device is
Being located below the counter surface or sink and disposed behind the counter front edge,
The system kitchen according to claim 1, wherein:

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