JP2009235737A - Faucet unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely perform the continuity of water ejection or the control of water stop by discriminating among the states of ejected water flows on the basis of a detection signal obtained by making a transmitter pulse from a sensor section reflected from the ejected water flow. <P>SOLUTION: This faucet unit includes: a water ejection section; a water receiving section which receives the water ejected from the water ejection section; a valve which switches between the ejection and stop of the water from the water ejection portion; the sensor section which emits a radio wave and obtains information on a body to be detected from a reflected wave reflected from the body to be detected; and a control section which determines the closing of the valve on the basis of the detection signal obtained from the sensor section. Characteristically, the control section puts the valve into an opened state when the sensor section detects a flow 12 of the water running on a surface of a body to be washed, and puts the valve into a closed state when the sensor section detects a flow 11 of the water directly ejected to the water receiving section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a faucet device including a control unit that performs a determination to close the valve based on a detection signal obtained by reflecting a transmission wave from a sensor unit from a water discharge flow, wherein the control unit includes the discharge unit. The present invention relates to a faucet device that reliably continues water discharge or performs water stop control by identifying the state of water flow.

  A reflected wave is generated when a transmission wave from the sensor hits the water during spitting. Since water can be detected by receiving this reflected wave, a technique is known that uses this as detection means for automatic water stop control of the faucet device.

For example, at the same time as water is discharged, it is easy to detect scattered water hitting the hand, and automatic water stop control is performed by setting a radio wave beam so that it is difficult to detect a naturally flowing water discharge flow. An automatic water discharge control device that automatically stops water is disclosed. (Patent Document 1)
JP 2006-193954 A

  When automatic water stop control is performed by detecting the water discharge flow, automatic water stop control is performed by identifying the flow of water scattered by hitting the object to be cleaned and the flow of water discharged directly from the water receiving portion. It is possible to do. However, when a water discharge flow is applied to the object to be cleaned which is configured by a flat surface such as a cutting board, a phenomenon occurs in which the water discharge flow is not scattered and propagates through the surface of the object to be cleaned. For the scattered water flow disclosed in the prior art, since the discharged water flow moves in various directions and at various speeds with respect to the sensor, the amplitude value of the detection signal is used to directly enter the water receiving unit. Discrimination from the flow of discharged water can be realized relatively easily. However, in the case of water flow along the surface of the object to be cleaned, the vector direction and speed of water movement are relatively stable compared to the water flow scattered by the object to be cleaned, so the amplitude value of the detection signal is simply used. Even then, there is a possibility that water discharge cannot be continued.

Therefore, in the present invention, a water faucet that can perform more reliable water discharge continuation and water stop control by identifying the water flow that travels on the surface of the object to be cleaned from the flow of water that is directly discharged to the water receiving portion. The object is to provide a device.

According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the object, a water discharge unit, a water receiving unit that receives water discharged from the water discharge unit, a valve that switches water discharged from the water discharge unit, and a radio wave are emitted. A faucet device comprising: a sensor unit that acquires information about the detected object from a reflected wave reflected by the detected object; and a control unit that determines whether to close the valve based on a detection signal obtained from the sensor unit When the control unit detects the flow of water that travels on the surface of the object to be cleaned, the control unit opens the valve and detects the flow of water discharged directly to the water receiving unit. A faucet device characterized by closing a valve is provided.

According to the present invention, in a faucet device provided with a control unit that makes a determination to close the valve based on a detection signal obtained from a reflected wave from a discharged water flow, when a flat object to be cleaned such as a cutting board is washed By detecting the flow of water on the surface of the water reliably, the water discharge is continued, and when the flow of water discharged directly to the water receiving part is detected, the water stop control is performed, making it more convenient for the user. Good automatic water stop control is realized.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram relating to a first embodiment of the present invention. The faucet device 1 radiates a water discharge unit 10, a water receiving unit 20 that receives water discharged from the water discharge unit 10, a valve 40 that switches water discharged from the water discharge unit 10, and a radio wave. A water faucet device comprising: a sensor unit 50 that acquires information about a detected object from a reflected wave that has been reflected; and a control unit 41 that determines whether to close the valve based on a detection signal obtained from the sensor unit. When the sensor unit 50 detects the flow 12 of water that travels on the surface of the body 70 to be cleaned as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 41 opens the valve 40 and the water flow 11 that is directly discharged into the water receiving unit 20. Is detected, the valve 40 is closed. Since the conventional method of distinguishing between the water flow 13 and the water flow 11 scattered by the object to be cleaned as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to perform good water stop control. For example, it is particularly effective in the operation of cleaning a cutting board in a kitchen that tends to be in a state such as a water flow 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 41 includes a valve control unit 44 that uses the received signal obtained from the sensor unit 50 as an input signal and controls valve opening and closing based on the input signal.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram relating to the second embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 41 includes a first filter 42 that passes a predetermined frequency band upstream of the valve control unit. As shown in FIG. 4, when the filter 42 is used as compared with the case where the signal obtained by reflection on the discharged water flow is used without frequency processing, the flow 12 of the water passing through the object to be cleaned and the water receiving unit The difference appears in the signal 11 of the water flow 11 directly discharged into the water 20. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably perform the continuous water discharge by detecting the transmitted water 12 and the automatic water stop control by identifying the naturally flowing water 11.

As for the pass frequency band of the filter 42, 10-30 Hz is used in the embodiment of the present invention, but it is not necessarily limited to 10-30 Hz in consideration of the tolerance of components constituting the filter, the sensor installation position, and the like.

Further, as a detection algorithm, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the voltage value in the filter 42 continues to be equal to or lower than a predetermined first threshold value 80 for a predetermined time or longer, the water is stopped. If such an algorithm is used, for example, it is possible to prevent the voltage value from dropping instantaneously during detection of water being transmitted and causing erroneous stop water. In addition, by providing the filter 42 with the threshold value 80 and the second threshold value 81, for example, when a peak value 90 that is greater than or equal to the threshold value 80 and less than or equal to the threshold value 81 is detected, the water flow 12 that is transmitted, When detected, it may be detected that the water flow 13 is scattered.

For example, the faucet device 1 is provided with a mechanism capable of adjusting the amount of water discharged from the water discharge unit 10 by distinguishing between water that is transmitted and scattered, and when a large amount of scattered water 13 is generated, Judging that it is bouncing a lot, the flow rate of water discharged from the water discharge unit 10 is reduced, or when a lot of water 12 is transmitted, the flow rate is increased in order to wash more quickly. In addition, it is possible to realize a water faucet device that suppresses water splashing and allows the user to work efficiently.

About the said time, the pass frequency band of a filter, and a threshold value, you may write a fixed value in the control part 41 at the time of production of the faucet device 1, or a user sets, or the faucet device 1 itself uses a learning function. And write it.

The learning function is determined in consideration of, for example, the average value and variation of the temporal change in the voltage value of the detection signal obtained from the water 11 that flows naturally from the water discharger 10 and flows naturally.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the position of the sensor unit 50 is set upward by a height located at the center between the sink bottom surface and the sink top surface of the sink left wall surface 21. Thereby, since it becomes difficult to detect the flow 11 of water scattered upon hitting the water receiving portion, it becomes easier to identify the water flows 11, 12, and 13.

For example, when a metal plate or the like is to be washed, the plate reflects the transmission wave from the sensor unit 50, so the sensor is installed at a position where sensing is performed from the surface facing the surface on which the water discharge flows. If this happens, the transmitted water 12 cannot be detected. Therefore, by installing the sensor unit 50, for example, under the water discharge unit 10, the water discharge flow can be more stably sensed without being affected by the way of washing the plate, so that the water flow 11, 12, 13 can be more discriminated. It becomes easy to do.

Further, by using the first filter 42, the water discharge is continued not only when the water 12 traveling on the surface of the body 70 to be cleaned but also when the water 12 scattered upon hitting the body 71 as shown in FIG. 5 is detected. It is possible. Since a plurality of movements of water such as the water flow 11 that is transmitted and the water flow 12 that is scattered can be identified by one filter operation, it can be realized without increasing the number of parts or the calculation program.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram relating to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 41 includes a first filter 42 and a second filter filter 43 in parallel before the valve control unit 44. The filter 43 is a filter having a frequency that is higher than the maximum frequency passing through the filter 42 as a minimum passing frequency, and detects the water flow 13 that is transmitted by the filter 42 and the water flow 13 that is scattered by the filter 43. FIG. 7 shows a detection signal of the water flow 11 directly discharged into the water receiving portion, a detection signal at the time of cleaning the upper surface of the cutting board in which a large flow of transmitted water 12 appears, and a knife cleaning in which a large amount of scattered water flow 13 appears. For example, by setting the filter 42 to 10 to 30 Hz and the filter 43 to 40 to 80 Hz, the disturbance of the discharged water flow 11 when the body to be cleaned is inserted into the discharged water flow 11 It is possible to identify whether the water flow 12 travels through the cleaning object or the water flow 13 that scatters against the object to be cleaned. As an identification algorithm, for example, the voltage value of the detection signal that has passed through the filter 42 exceeds a predetermined threshold 80, and the voltage value of the detection signal that has passed through the filter 43 does not exceed a predetermined third threshold 82. If the detection signal that has passed through the filter 42 exceeds the threshold value 80 and the detection signal that has passed through the filter 43 exceeds the threshold value 82, Judge that there is. By discriminating between the water flow 12 transmitted and the water flow 13 scattered using a plurality of filters, it is not necessary to perform peak detection as shown in FIG. 8, and it is possible to make an earlier determination.

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 when the side wall surface of the water receiving part or the faucet device 1 has a counter part around the water receiving part. Alternatively, it may be installed on the counter surface near the corner of the water receiving unit 20. 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. For example, the form of water discharge by shower, rectification | straightening, foam, and the combination of these forms may be sufficient.

In addition, in embodiment of this invention, the shower is used as a water discharge form. In the detection signal related to the flow directly discharged into the water receiving part, the discharge water form of the shower has the smallest voltage value compared to foam and rectification, and the effect is easy to distinguish from the flowing water flow 12 and the scattered water flow 13. is there.

Next, the water receiver 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the boundary portion between the bottom surface and the side wall surface of the water receiving portion 20 does not necessarily have to be a corner, and may be a curved surface that makes the boundary portion smooth, for example. Moreover, the surface of the water receiving part 20 does not necessarily need to be a horizontal and flat shape, for example, it may have an uneven structure or the like so that the placed object does not slip, and the water can easily flow. It may be inclined.

In order to detect the speed of the detected object, the sensor unit 50 uses a radio wave sensor having a frequency set in the vicinity of 10.5 GHz as one aspect of the present embodiment. The frequency band to be used is not particularly limited to the above frequency, and the same effect can be obtained at other frequencies. The speed information of the detected object is obtained by obtaining the difference between the transmission frequency in the microwave sensor and the received frequency reflected by the detected object.

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 faucet device 1 may discharge water from the water discharge unit 10 in accordance with the movement of the detected object in the detection area set by the sensor unit 50. For example, when a detection area is set in the inner space of the water receiving unit 20 in the vicinity of the sensor unit 50 and a speed change is detected in which the detection target is decelerated in the detection area, or when the detection target is substantially stationary, that is, includes fluctuations. Water discharge from the water discharge unit 10 may be performed when a stationary state is detected or when a speed change is detected in which the vehicle is decelerated and becomes substantially stationary. Further, when detecting a change in speed that is accelerated or at a constant speed, by not discharging water, it is no longer possible to detect a detected object that passes through the detection area 51. The possibility of erroneous detection when an object held in the hand passes through the detection area can be reduced. Moreover, when the hand when putting an object in the water receiving part 20 temporarily becomes substantially stationary in the detection area by discharging water from the water discharging part 10 only when the substantially stationary state has passed for a predetermined time or more. The possibility of erroneous detection can be reduced, and detection accuracy is further improved.

It is a figure showing the structure of the water discharging apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing a mode that the water discharged from the water discharging part 10 is transmitted to the to-be-cleaned body 70. FIG. It is a figure showing the structure of the control part 41 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the detection signal of the water 11 transmitted naturally and the water 12 transmitted. It is a figure showing a mode that the water discharged from the water discharging part 10 hits the to-be-cleaned body 71, and is scattered. It is a figure showing the structure of the control part 41 concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the frequency distribution of the detection signal of the water 11 which flows naturally, the water 12 which propagates, and the water 13 which are scattered. It is a figure which shows the signal which passed the filter 42 or the filter 43 with respect to the detection signal of the water 12 which flows naturally, the water 12 which propagates, and the water 13 which are scattered.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water faucet apparatus 10 Water discharging part 11 Water discharged directly to the water discharging part 12 Water which propagates the surface of to-be-cleaned body 13 Scattered water 20 Water receiving part 21 Water receiving part side wall surface 30 Water channel 40 Valve 41 Control part 42 1st Filter 43 Second filter 44 Valve control unit 50 Sensor unit 70 Object to be cleaned 71 in which water discharge is easily transmitted Object to be cleaned 80 in which water discharge is easily scattered First threshold value 81 Second threshold value 82 Third threshold value

Claims (4)

A water discharge part,
A water receiving portion that receives water discharged from the water discharging portion, and a valve that switches water discharged from the water discharging portion;
A sensor unit that radiates a radio wave and acquires information about the detected object from a reflected wave reflected by the detected object;
Based on a detection signal obtained from the sensor unit, a control unit that determines to close the valve;
A faucet device comprising:
The control unit opens the valve when the sensor unit detects the flow of water traveling on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and closes the valve when the flow of water discharged directly to the water receiving unit is detected. A faucet device characterized by that. The controller is
A first filter that passes a predetermined frequency band, and when a detection signal that has passed through the first filter exceeds a predetermined threshold, detecting a flow of water that travels on the surface of the object to be cleaned;
The faucet device according to claim 1. The controller is
When the voltage value of the detection signal that has passed through the first filter exceeds the predetermined threshold,
Judging that the flow of water that travels through the cleaning body or water that scatters against the body to be cleaned, the valve is opened,
When the valve is in an open state, if it falls below the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the flow of water is directly discharged into the water receiving unit, and the valve is closed.
The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2. The controller is
A maximum frequency passing through the first filter;
Than the maximum frequency that passes through the first filter,
A second filter having a high frequency as a minimum pass frequency,
When the voltage value of the detection signal that has passed through the first filter exceeds the predetermined threshold value, and the voltage value of the detection signal that has passed through the second filter does not exceed the second predetermined threshold value. It is determined that the flow of water is transmitted along the surface of the object to be cleaned,
When the voltage value of the detection signal passing through the first filter exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the voltage value of the detection signal passing through the second filter exceeds a second predetermined threshold value Determining that the flow of water is scattered by the object to be cleaned;
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

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