JP2009287352A - Automatic faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic faucet device preventing false detection even when a highly reflective object like a drainage port metal member exists in the direction where a light emitting part and a light receiving part are oriented. <P>SOLUTION: In the automatic faucet device, when the angle formed by an axial line 26 of the light emitting part and the axial line 36 of the light receiving part is denoted by θ, a predetermined light emitting angle is denoted by α, the distance between a central axial line of the drainage port metal member 51 arranged in a sink 50 below the light emitting part and the axial line 26 of the light emitting part is denoted by E, a diameter size of the drainage port metal member is denoted by D, and the distance between a lower end of the light emitting part and the drainage port metal member is denoted by L, θ is set to satisfy the relationship shown by the following formula, namely, θ>δ+α/2 provided δ=tan<SP>-1</SP>ä(E+D/2)/L}. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic faucet device that detects an object to be cleaned such as a human hand and automatically discharges water.

Conventionally, for example, an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known as this type of automatic faucet apparatus. This conventional automatic water faucet device is a device that provides a water flow by detecting an object to be cleaned, such as a human hand, using an optical signal, one end connected to a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the other end to a light emitting unit head. And an optical fiber connected to the light receiving unit head. The light projecting / receiving unit head is directed to the faucet case toward the lower sensing area and the wash bowl.
JP-A-5-311709

  However, a sink such as a wash bowl is provided on the side to which the light projecting / receiving head is directed, and a metal fitting is provided on the surface of the sink for guiding the water to the drain pipe. The drain fitting is a metal having a high reflectivity, and the light emitted from the light projecting head may be reflected toward the light receiving head like a mirror surface. And since the output value of the light reception signal reflected by the drain fitting is large, the conventional automatic faucet device erroneously detects the drain fitting and provides a water flow even though there is no object to be cleaned. There is a problem of end.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to erroneously detect even a highly reflective object such as a drain fitting in the direction in which the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are directed. It is an object to provide an automatic water faucet device that prevents this from happening.

In order to achieve the above object, the following technical means are adopted. That is, in the first invention, light is emitted toward the detection target area as a detection target so as to form a predetermined projection angle (α) so as to form a projection area (40). Optical part (2),
A light receiving area (41) including a light projecting area and having a predetermined light receiving angle (β) larger than the light projecting angle is formed so that the light emitted from the light projecting unit is reflected by the object and reflected. And an automatic water faucet device that automatically discharges water when the light receiving unit receives reflected light reflected by a hand that has entered the light projecting area.

In the first invention, the angle formed by the axis (26) of the light projecting unit and the axis (36) of the light receiving unit is θ, the predetermined light projecting angle is α, and the sink (50) below the light projecting unit. The distance between the central axis of the drain fitting (51) provided on the light source and the axis 26 of the floodlight is E, the diameter dimension of the drain fitting is D, and the distance between the lower end of the floodlight and the drain fitting Is L,
θ is characterized in that it is set so as to satisfy the relationship represented by the following Expression 3.

(Formula 3) θ> tan ⁻¹ {(E + D / 2) / L} + α / 2
According to this invention, an angle formed by the axis of the light projecting unit and the axis of the light receiving unit is set so as to satisfy the above formula 3, and the light receiving unit and the light projecting unit are arranged at this angle, thereby The emitted light is irradiated to a portion that is not reflected by the drain fitting. In this way, by configuring an automatic faucet device that has a light emitting area inside the light receiving area that does not irradiate the drain fitting, a highly reflective object such as a drain fitting is erroneously detected. In addition to preventing this, it is possible to accurately detect an object to be cleaned such as a hand that has entered the projection area.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the preceding stage of the first aspect of the invention, the angle formed by the axis (26) of the light projecting unit and the axis (36) of the light receiving unit is θ, the predetermined light projecting angle is α, The distance between the axis of the part (26) and the axis (36) of the light receiving part is P, and the drain fitting (51) provided in the sink (50) below the light projecting part is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Is ε, the diameter dimension of the drain fitting is D, and the distance between the lower end of the light projecting portion and the drain fitting is L,
θ is characterized in that it is set so as to satisfy the relationship represented by the following Expression 4.

(Formula 4) θ> tan ⁻¹ {(Ltan ε + P) / L} + α / 2
According to this invention, the angle formed by the axis of the light projecting unit and the axis of the light receiving unit is set so as to satisfy the above formula 4, and the light receiving unit and the light projecting unit are arranged at this angle. Even if the emitted light is reflected by the drain fitting, it does not reflect in the direction toward the light receiving part. In this way, by configuring an automatic faucet device that is inside the light receiving area and has a light projecting area in which the reflected light of the drain fitting does not go to the light receiving section, a highly reflective object such as the drain fitting can be mistaken. In addition to preventing detection, it is possible to accurately detect an object to be cleaned such as a hand that has entered the light projecting area.

Moreover, it is preferable that the light radiated | emitted from a light projection part is visible light sensed as light to a human eye. According to this invention, by making visible light the light radiated | emitted from a light projection part, it can be visually confirmed where the light projection area is set in the detection object area. As a result, it is possible to visually check at the installation site or the like whether or not the light receiving unit and the light projecting unit are set so as to satisfy the relational expressions (Formula 3 and Formula 4) according to the first invention or the second invention. A product having a desired false detection performance can be reliably installed.

  In addition, the automatic faucet device according to each of the above inventions includes a discharge part (6) for discharging water, a faucet case (1) provided with a light projecting part and a light receiving part, and a light emitting element for outputting light to the light projecting part ( 102) and a main body case (10) in which a light receiving element (103) to which light received by the light receiving unit is input, and a light projecting optical fiber (4) for guiding light output from the light emitting element to the light projecting unit, A light receiving optical fiber (5) for guiding the light received by the light receiving unit to the light receiving element.

  According to the present invention, since the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged at locations other than the faucet case via the optical fiber, the faucet case can be formed in a small size, and an empty space can be provided around the discharge portion. Therefore, an easy-to-use automatic faucet device can be provided.

  Further, the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber are preferably plastic optical fibers. According to this, the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber can be made relatively resistant to bending, and an optical fiber that can be easily routed in the faucet case and other paths can be configured. Therefore, it contributes to downsizing of the storage part such as the faucet case.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means is an example which shows a corresponding relationship with the specific means of embodiment mentioned later.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly show that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also combinations of the embodiments even if they are not specified unless there is a problem with the combination. Is also possible.

(First embodiment)
1st Embodiment which is one Embodiment of this invention is described according to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic faucet device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the light projecting area 40, the light receiving area 41, and the drain fitting 51. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of light emission timing of the light emitting element 102.

  This automatic faucet device automatically detects when there is an object to be cleaned, such as a human hand, in the detection target area for the space below the discharge part where tap water is discharged. This is a device for home use or business use in which water is discharged and stopped, and is used, for example, as a hand-washing plug in a toilet, a kitchen or the like. This automatic faucet device uses a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light to detect objects to be cleaned. It is an apparatus that prevents detection and reliably detects an object to be cleaned.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic faucet device includes a main body case 10 in which a control device 100 is built, a faucet case 1 having a discharge portion 6 (discharge port) through which tap water is discharged, and both cases. And an optical carrier line and a water supply hose 14 disposed therebetween. A water supply pipe 11 through which tap water flows passes through the main body case 10, and the water supply pipe 11 is connected on the suction side of a water supply hose 14 connected to the discharge unit 6.

  Further, an electromagnetic valve 12 and a generator 13 are provided inside the main body case 10. The electromagnetic valve 12 is a valve body that is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 11 and opens and closes the passage of the water supply pipe 11. The generator 13 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 11 and closer to the discharge unit 6 (downstream side) than the electromagnetic valve 12. The generator 13 generates electricity by rotating a built-in water wheel by a water flow in the water supply pipe 11.

  The generator 13 includes a magnet that is a rotor coupled to a rotating shaft of a water turbine, and a stator coil that is disposed radially outward of the rotating shaft with respect to the magnet, and the electromagnetic valve 12 is in an open state. When a water flow is formed, an induced electromotive force is generated in the stator coil by the rotation of the magnet accompanying the rotation of the water wheel.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes various electronic components such as a microcomputer 101, a light emitting element 102, a light receiving element 103, and a capacitor 112, and controls the overall operation of the automatic water faucet device. The microcomputer 101 executes various calculations using signals from the input side of the light receiving element 103 and the like, and has a built-in ROM or RAM as a storage means, and stores a preset control program or an updatable control program. Have.

  The microcomputer 101 sends a signal for causing the light emitting element 102 to emit light via the drive circuit 105. The received light signal of the reflected light from the sensing object output from the light receiving element 103 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 106, held by the sample hold unit 108, converted by the A / D converter 109, and input to the microcomputer 101. The The microcomputer 101 executes various calculations using the signals input in this way, and outputs a signal based on the calculation results to the electromagnetic valve 12 by the drive circuit 110 to control the opening and closing thereof.

  The power storage device 112 is power storage means in the automatic water faucet device, and is a storage battery composed of, for example, a secondary battery, and stores the power generated by the generator 13. The electric power generated by the generator 13 covers the electric power required for the automatic water faucet apparatus such as the microcomputer 101 and the light emitting process of the light emitting element 102. The power generated by the generator 13 is rectified by the rectifier 113, stored in the capacitor 112, and further supplied to the power source 111.

  The light emitting element 102 is a light source for detecting an object, and is connected to the light projecting unit 2 disposed in the faucet case 1 by a light projecting optical fiber 4 that is a light carrying line. The light emitting element 102 is a light emitting diode (LED) that emits visible light toward the light projecting optical fiber 4. The light output from the light emitting element 102 is guided to the light projecting unit 2 by the light projecting optical fiber 4. The visible light has a wavelength of, for example, 600 to 700 nm, more preferably about 650 nm. When such visible light is used, the light emission efficiency of the light emitting diode is improved, and the transmittance of the optical fiber made of plastic is excellent.

  The light receiving element 103 is connected to the light receiving unit 3 disposed in the faucet case 1 by a light receiving optical fiber 5 that is a light carrying line. The light receiving element 103 is formed of a photodiode or the like, receives light guided by the light receiving optical fiber 5, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of received light. As the light receiving element 103, a light receiving element having high sensitivity to the wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting element 102 is used.

  The control device 100 includes a light emission cycle change command unit 114. The light emission cycle change command unit 114 is a unit that outputs a signal to the microcomputer 101 so as to emit light that can be recognized by human eyes from the light projecting unit 2 toward the sink 50 (wash basin). The light emission cycle change command unit 114 is configured to communicate with the microcomputer 101, and may be configured with a switch that can be operated by a human hand. The light emission cycle change command unit 114 outputs a signal that emits light that can be recognized by human eyes to the light emitting element 102 by switching the light emission time ratio by shortening the light emission cycle from that during normal light emission via the microcomputer 101. The structure to do may be sufficient. The light emission period change command unit 114 outputs a signal that emits light recognizable to the human eye to the light emitting element 102 by the operation of the person who installs the automatic water faucet device. 40.

  The light projecting optical fiber 4 and the light receiving optical fiber 5 are preferably made of plastic that is more flexible than quartz or glass and is strong against bending.

  The faucet case 1 is attached in a form protruding from the wall 52 of the room where the automatic faucet device is installed, and a substantially bowl-shaped sink 50 is provided below the faucet case 1. And at the front end side of the faucet case 1, the discharge part 6, the light projection part 2, and the light-receiving part 3 are arrange | positioned so that the detection object area below may be faced. The optical fibers 4 and 5 and the water supply hose 14 are arranged through a hole 53 formed in the wall 52 so as to connect between the faucet case 1 and the main body case 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light projecting unit 2 is provided so that the light emitting end 22 of the light projecting optical fiber 4 is in close contact with the lens 20 that is a light collecting unit, and the periphery of the lens 20 is held by a holder 23. Configured. The holder 23 fixes the light emitting end 22, the lens 20, and the covering portion 25 of the light projecting optical fiber 4 via an adhesive 24, and the holder 23 itself is attached to the faucet case 1. With this structure, the light projecting optical fiber 4 can be firmly fixed without being damaged. Further, the covering portion 25 is not provided on the lens 20 side portion of the light emitting end portion 22. This is to prevent the covering portion 25 from extending due to thermal expansion and entering between the lens 20 and the fiber tip, and to improve the adhesiveness of the adhesive 24. Here, the adhesive is desirably black, which has a high light-absorbing effect, so that light condensing and non-dispersion can be expected, and generation of stray light can be prevented. Further, an O-ring 21 is fitted on the vicinity of the tip of the light emitting end 22 and the O-ring 21 is held by a holder 23 from the outside to ensure a sealing property so that the adhesive 24 does not flow to the lens surface. Yes.

  The light receiving unit 3 is configured to hold the periphery of the light receiving end 30 of the light receiving optical fiber 5 with a holder 31. The holder 31 fixes the light receiving end 30 and the covering portion 33 of the light receiving optical fiber 5 via an adhesive 32, and the holder 31 itself is attached to the faucet case 1. Again, the adhesive is preferably black for the reasons described above. With this structure, the light receiving optical fiber 5 can be firmly fixed without being damaged. Since the light receiving unit 3 does not include a condensing unit such as a lens, the light receiving unit 3 receives reflected light at a light receiving angle of the optical fiber itself. Therefore, the target area where the light receiving unit 3 can receive the reflected light reflected by the sensing object is wide. For example, when a plastic optical fiber is used, the reflected light is received in the detection target area included in a substantially cone having an apex angle (light receiving angle) of about 60 °, that is, a cone angle of about 30 °. Can do.

  The light receiving unit 3 is arranged such that the axes 26 and 36 are at an angle θ with respect to the light projecting unit 2 such that the tip sides of the light receiving unit 2 approach each other. Further, the axes 26 and 36 are in a relationship such that they intersect in a detectable area formed toward the sink 50. The distal end of the light receiving unit 3 and the distal end of the light projecting unit 2 are arranged at a distance P. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the axis 36 direction of the light receiving unit is arranged in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the direction of the axis 36 of the light receiving unit forms a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. It may be arranged so as to be inclined.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the axis 26 of the light projecting unit coincides with the axis (optical axis) of light projected toward the sink 50 below, and the apex angle α is centered on this optical axis. A conical light projecting area 40 (an area indicated by a hatched portion in FIG. 1) having an angle (twice the cone angle) is formed. The light projecting area 40 is an area included in a cone formed so as to widen toward the sink 50 at a cone angle α / 2, and is also a detection area that occupies a part of the light receiving area 41. The apex angle α (light projection angle α) is an angle within a range in which light emitted from the tip of the light projecting optical fiber 4 diffuses around the optical axis. The cone angle α / 2, which is half the apex angle, is an angle obtained by narrowing the radiation angle 60 ° of the optical fiber for projection 4 itself to, for example, a range of 5 ° to 20 ° by the lens 20.

  The light receiving unit 3 forms a conical light receiving area 41 having an apex angle β (twice the cone angle) around the axis 36 direction of the light receiving unit toward the sink 50 below. The angle β is larger than the angle α, and is about 60 ° because a plastic optical fiber is used in this embodiment. In the light receiving area 41 and the light projecting area 40, the axis of each area forms an angle θ below the discharge unit 6, and the areas intersect each other.

  The light receiving area 41 has a size including substantially the entire light projecting area 40 and includes other areas in the area other than the light projecting area 40, but light is projected in the other areas. Therefore, no reflected light is generated, and the light receiving unit 3 receives only the reflected light from the light rays in the light projecting area 40. As described above, the light projecting area 40 is a space included in the light receiving area 41 and has a predetermined setting that is set so as not to detect reflected light from a fitting provided at the drain (hereinafter referred to as a drain fitting 51). It is space.

  The light receiving unit 3 collects and receives only the light reflected in the light receiving area 41 included in the light projecting area 40. Then, the amount of electricity of the received light reception signal (output value of the light reception amount) is guided from the light receiving unit 3 to the light receiving optical fiber 5 and input to the light receiving element 103.

  Next, setting conditions for installing the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the angle θ formed by the light emitting unit axis 26 (which coincides with the optical axis) and the light receiving unit axis 36 (which coincides with the optical axis) is set to satisfy the following Expression 5. The

(Formula 5) θ> δ + α / 2 where δ = tan ⁻¹ {(E + D / 2) / L}
It is.

  E is the distance between the central axis of the drain fitting 51 and the axis 26 of the light projecting part, and is the length of the positional deviation between the light projecting part 2 and the drain fitting 51 in the horizontal direction. D is the diameter dimension of the drain fitting 51, for example, about 50 to 60 mm. L is a distance between the lower ends of the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3 and the drain fitting 51. Further, α is a projection angle (radiation angle) emitted from the light projecting unit 2 and is twice the cone angle, for example, 5 ° to 20 °. β is the apex angle (light receiving angle) of the area where the light receiving unit 3 can receive light, which is twice the cone angle, for example, 60 °. δ is a value calculated by the above formula, but in the example shown in FIG. 4, the vertical line dropped from the light projecting unit 2 and the side surface of the cone formed by the light projecting area 40 (the side surface closest to the vertical line). The ridgeline).

  As shown in Equation 5, θ is set to be larger than the value obtained by adding δ calculated by the above equation to the cone angle α / 2 formed by the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2. Since the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 does not hit the drain fitting 51, it is not reflected by the drain fitting 51. Conversely, when θ is equal to or less than (δ + α / 2), the light projecting area 40 moves to the left so as to rotate clockwise around the light projecting unit 2 from the position shown in FIG. Since it comes in contact, the light reflected by the drain fitting 51 is generated.

  If θ becomes too large, the light projecting area 40 moves from the position shown in FIG. 4 so as to rotate counterclockwise around the light projecting unit 2. For this reason, the upper limit of θ is set to an angle at which the light projecting area 40 does not come out of the light receiving area 41.

  For example, in the case where the central axis of the drain fitting 51 is provided at a position displaced by 27.5 mm (E = 27.5) in the horizontal direction from the axis 26 of the light projecting portion, the diameter dimension D of the drain fitting 51 is When 55 mm, the distance L between the lower end of the light projecting unit 2 and the drain fitting 51 is 150 mm, and the cone angle α / 2 is 10 °, by substituting each value into Equation 5 and calculating, Equation 5 The right side of is about 30 °. Therefore, if θ is set to be larger than about 30 ° under these conditions, an automatic water faucet device that does not erroneously detect the drain fitting 51 can be obtained.

  The operation of the automatic water faucet device having the above configuration will be described. When the power is turned on, the microcomputer 101 of the control device 100 sends a light emission signal to the drive circuit 105 at a predetermined cycle and emits light from the light emitting element 102. This light emission signal is generated, for example, by turning on the light emitting element 102 for 1 μsec, continuing to turn off the light emission for 0.25 sec, and lighting it for 1 μsec. Then, by repeating this processing, the control device 100 continues to emit light for a predetermined time with a predetermined period, and light is emitted from the light projecting unit 2 toward the light projecting area 40 with a predetermined period.

  Here, at the timing when the light emitting element 102 emits light, the light receiving signal received by the light receiving unit 3 and output to the light receiving element 103 by the light receiving optical fiber 5 is held. Next, light emission from the light emitting element 102 is stopped. The held light reception signal is A / D converted and then input to the microcomputer 101 for arithmetic processing. Then, it is determined whether or not the light reception signal output from the light receiving element 103 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

  When it is determined that the light reception signal output from the light receiving element 103 is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control device 100 has an object to be cleaned such as a human hand in the detection target area because the output value is low. The solenoid valve 12 is closed through the drive circuit 110. At such a light reception signal level, the light reflected by the portion on the inner wall surface of the sink 50 where the light projection area 40 is projected is received by the light receiving unit 3. At this time, the tap water stops flowing from the water supply pipe 11 to the water supply hose 14 and power generation by the generator 13 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the light reception signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control device 100 detects a strong light reception signal, so that an object to be cleaned such as a human hand is in the light projecting area 40. The solenoid valve 12 is opened through the drive circuit 110, assuming that it exists. In this case, the reflected light reflected by the portion included in the light projecting area 40 of the object to be cleaned is received by the light receiving unit 3. At this time, the tap water flows to the water supply hose 14 side through the water supply pipe 11, reaches the discharge part 6 of the faucet case 1, and is discharged from the discharge part 6 toward the inner wall surface of the sink 50. Accordingly, the generator 13 generates electric power by a water flow, and the electric power is stored in the battery 112.

  In this automatic water faucet device, by continuing each of the above processes, water discharge is continued by maintaining the electromagnetic valve 12 in an open state while a light reception signal having an output value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected. If the light reception signal becomes an output value less than the predetermined threshold value, the electromagnetic valve 12 is closed to stop water discharge.

  As described above, the light receiving unit 3 does not detect the reflected light from the highly reflective non-cleaning target object such as the drain fitting 51 in any case, and the cleaning target object is detected in the light projecting area 40. A signal with a high output value can be received only when it enters.

  Next, a case where light recognizable by a person is projected from the light projecting unit 2 will be described. For example, when the light emission cycle change command unit 114 is operated, the microcomputer 101 sends a light emission signal as shown in FIG. 5 to the light emitting element 102 via the drive circuit 105. The light emission signal is guided to the light projecting unit 2 by the light projecting optical fiber 4, and recognizable light is emitted to the light projecting area 40. FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an example of the timing of light emission when the light emitting element 102 emits visible light.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when a command to emit recognizable light is sent from the light emission period change command unit 114, the microcomputer 101 turns on the light emission signal of the light emitting element 102 for 1 μsec via the drive circuit 105. Thereby, the lighting of the light emitting element 102 is continued for 1 μsec. Next, the microcomputer 101 turns off the light emission signal of the light emitting element 102 through the drive circuit 105 for 100 μsec. Thereby, the light-emitting element 102 is continuously turned off for 100 μsec. The repetition of turning on and off is continued for a predetermined time or while a command is sent from the light emission cycle change command unit 114.

  In this way, since the light emission time ratio of the light emission time to the issuance stop time is 1%, in the case of the above-described normal light emission (light emission time ratio of 4 ppm by repeatedly turning on for 1 μsec and turning off for 0.25 sec). ), The light emission time ratio is larger, so that the light visible to the human eye is emitted from the light projecting unit 2. Therefore, a circular illumination portion (spotlight) is illuminated on the inner wall surface of the sink 50. Then, by confirming this illumination portion, it is possible to recognize which area under the discharge unit 6 is set to detect the light projecting area 40.

  In order to emit the recognizable light, in addition to the light emission signal having the light emission time ratio of 1%, a light emission signal that increases the light emission time ratio by continuously lighting the light emitting element 102 is sent. (Refer to the right side emission signal shown in FIG. 5).

  This recognizable light emission is performed at the time of construction or maintenance such as service, so that the location of the floodlighting area 40 is recognized so that there is no non-cleaning target object such as the drain fitting 51 in the floodlighting area 40. Can be set. That is, the installer or the like, for example, emits recognizable light from the light projecting unit 2 by operating a switch of the light emission cycle change command unit 114. Then, when a highly reflective object such as the drain fitting 51 is included in the illumination portion that illuminates the inner wall surface of the sink 50 by visual confirmation, the installer or the like corrects the angle of the highly reflective object. . As a result, it is possible to correct the displacement of the positional relationship of each member that occurs during on-site construction that cannot be taken into consideration in the design at the time of shipment so that the above formula 5 is satisfied, and erroneous detection of the drain fitting 51 etc. The desired detection performance of prevention can be ensured.

  The effects brought about by the automatic faucet device according to this embodiment will be described below. In the conventional automatic water faucet device, in order to prevent erroneous detection of the drain fitting provided in the sink, both the light projection angle of the light projecting area and the light receiving angle of the light receiving area are set to be narrowed by a lens or the like. In this case, if the angle θ formed by the axis of the light projecting unit and the axis of the light receiving unit is set to be large, the intersection between the light projecting area and the light receiving area is reduced, so that the detectable area is small and the drain fitting is misplaced. Although it can be prevented from being detected, the area in which an object to be cleaned such as a human hand can be detected has also become smaller, causing problems. Conversely, if the angle θ formed by the axis of the light projecting unit and the axis of the light receiving unit is set to be small, the area that can be detected with respect to the former will be large, but the light utilization rate will be poor and people's hands will be slightly separated When detected at a spot, the output level of the received light signal was low, causing problems in practical use.

  Therefore, the automatic faucet device emits light toward the detection target area as a detection target in a divergent shape so as to form a predetermined light projection angle α, and forms the light projection area 40. And a light receiving area 41 including a light projecting area 40 and having a predetermined light receiving angle β larger than the light projecting angle α so as to receive reflected light reflected by the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 when it hits an object. And a light receiving unit 3. Furthermore, this automatic water faucet device has a drain port provided in the sink 50 below the light projecting unit, where θ is the angle formed by the axis 26 of the light projecting unit and the axis 36 of the light receiving unit, and α is the predetermined light projecting angle. When the distance between the central axis of the metal fitting 51 and the axis 26 of the light projecting portion is E, the diameter dimension of the drain fitting is D, and the distance between the lower end of the light emitting portion and the drain fitting is L, θ is set so as to satisfy the relationship expressed by the above-described Expression 5.

  According to this configuration, by arranging the light receiving unit 3 and the light projecting unit 2 so as to satisfy the above formula 5, the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 is irradiated to a portion that is not reflected by the drain fitting 51. become. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a highly reflective object such as the drain fitting 51 and to accurately detect the object to be cleaned that has entered the light projecting area 40.

  The automatic faucet device receives light by the faucet case 1 provided with the discharge unit 6, the light projecting unit 2, and the light receiving unit 3, and the light emitting element 102 and the light receiving unit 3 that output light to the light projecting unit 2. The main body case 10 in which the light receiving element 103 to which the received light is input is housed, the light projecting optical fiber 4 for guiding the light output from the light emitting element 102 to the light projecting unit 2, and the light received by the light receiving unit 3 as the light receiving element And a light receiving optical fiber 5 led to 103.

  According to this configuration, since the light emitting element 102 and the light receiving element 103 can be arranged at a place other than the faucet case 1, the faucet case 1 can be formed in a small size, and an empty space can be formed around the discharge portion 6. .

  In addition, since the light projecting optical fiber 4 and the light receiving optical fiber 5 are plastic optical fibers, the optical transport line can be made relatively resistant to bending, and the optical fiber is disposed inside the faucet case 1. The degree of freedom is increased, a small faucet case 1 can be formed, and an easy-to-use automatic faucet device can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, another form of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 with respect to setting conditions for installing the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 strikes the drain fitting 51, and is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the light projecting area 40 </ b> A, the light receiving area 41, and the drain fitting 51. is there. In FIG. 6, the inner wall surface of the sink 50 is omitted for easy viewing.

  The setting condition of the present embodiment is based on the premise that the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 strikes the drain fitting 51, but in a direction in which the light reflected by the drain fitting 51 cannot be received by the light receiving unit 3. It is set to reflect. This setting condition focuses on the fact that, even if the radiated light from the light projecting unit 2 hits the drain fitting 51, it will not be erroneously detected unless the reflected light is reflected at an angle that reaches the light receiving unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the angle θ formed by the light emitting unit axis 26 (matches the optical axis) and the light receiving unit axis 36 (matches the optical axis) is set so as to satisfy the following Expression 6. The

(Expression 6) θ> δ + α / 2 where δ = tan ⁻¹ {(Ltan ε + P) / L}
It is.

  P is the distance between the front end of the light receiving unit 3 and the front end of the light projecting unit 2. L is a distance between the lower ends of the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3 and the drain fitting 51. ε is an inclination angle of the drain fitting 51 with respect to the horizontal plane. Further, α is a projection angle (radiation angle) emitted from the light projecting unit 2 and is twice the cone angle, for example, 5 ° to 20 °. Although not shown, β is an apex angle (light receiving angle) of an area in which the light receiving unit 3 can receive light, which is twice the cone angle, for example, 60 °. δ is a value calculated by the above formula, but in the example shown in FIG. 6, the vertical line dropped from the light projecting unit 2 and the side surface of the cone formed by the light projecting area 40A (the side surface closest to the vertical line). The ridgeline).

  As in Equation 6, θ is set to be larger than the value obtained by adding δ calculated by the above equation to the cone angle α / 2 formed by the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2. Even when the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 hits the drain fitting 51, the light reflected by the drain fitting 51 is not reflected toward the light receiving unit 3 and does not reach the light receiving unit 3.

  The reflected light shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 represents the direction of light reflected by the drain outlet fitting 51 when ε = 0, that is, when the drain fitting 51 is arranged in parallel to the horizontal plane. This reflected light is largely reflected on the right side of the drawing (opposite side of the light projecting unit 2) than the light receiving unit 3, and this reflected light is not erroneously detected.

  In FIG. 6, the reflected light shown by the broken line is ε = γ, that is, when the drain fitting 51 is installed at an angle γ with respect to the horizontal direction (drain fitting 51 shown by the broken line). Represents the direction of the light reflected by the light receiving portion 3 and is not received by the light receiving section 3. Here, γ is an angle formed by a vertical line drawn from the light receiving unit 3 and a vertical line with respect to the plane of the drain fitting.

  Thus, in a situation where the drain fitting 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, if θ is set to be larger than the value obtained by adding δ calculated by Equation 6 to the cone angle α / 2, the light projection is performed. The incident angle when the light radiated from the portion 2 hits the drain fitting 51 is further larger than the incident angle shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, if θ is too large, the light projecting area 40A moves so as to rotate counterclockwise around the light projecting unit 2. For this reason, the upper limit of θ is set to an angle at which the light projecting area 40 </ b> A is positioned so as not to be out of the light receiving area 41.

  Also in this embodiment, if the visual confirmation by emitting the recognizable light of the first embodiment is performed, the installer or the like irradiates the desired position with the illumination portion that illuminates the inner wall surface of the sink 50. Whether the reflected light is incident on the light receiving unit 3 or not can be confirmed. This makes it possible to correct misalignment of each member that occurs during construction at the site that cannot be taken into account in the design at the time of shipment, and to install an automatic faucet device so that the specified product specifications can be exhibited. be able to.

  The effects brought about by the automatic faucet device according to this embodiment will be described below. In this automatic faucet device, the angle formed by the axis 26 of the light projecting part and the axis 36 of the light receiving part is θ, the predetermined light projecting angle is α, and the axis 26 of the light projecting part and the axis 36 of the light receiving part are The distance between the lower end of the light projecting unit 2 and the drain port fitting 51 is assumed to be P, the angle at which the drain port fitting 51 provided in the sink 50 below the light projecting unit is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction is ε. Is set so as to satisfy the relationship represented by the above-described equation (6).

  According to this configuration, by arranging the light receiving unit 3 and the light projecting unit 2 so as to satisfy the above formula 6, even if the light emitted from the light projecting unit 2 is reflected by the drain fitting 51, the light receiving unit 3 Does not reflect in the direction toward. As a result, similarly to the automatic faucet device of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of highly reflective objects such as the drain fitting 51 and the object to be cleaned that has entered the light projecting area 40. Can be detected accurately.

It is the mimetic diagram showing the schematic structure of the automatic faucet device concerning a 1st embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device 100. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a light projecting unit 2 and a light receiving unit 3. FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the relationship between the light projection area 40, the light-receiving area 41, and the drain port metal fitting 51. FIG. 6 is a time chart illustrating an example of light emission timing when the light emitting element emits recognizable light. It is the schematic diagram which showed the relationship between the light projection area 40A which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, the light-receiving area 41, and the drain port metal fitting 51.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Faucet case 2 ... Light projection part 3 ... Light reception part 4 ... Optical fiber for light emission 5 ... Optical fiber for light reception 6 ... Discharge part 10 ... Main body case 26 ... Axis line of a light projection part 36 ... Axis line of a light reception part 40 ... Light projection Area 41 ... Light receiving area 50 ... Sink 102 ... Light emitting element 103 ... Light receiving element

Claims (5)

A light projecting unit (2) that radiates light toward a detection target area as a detection target so as to form a predetermined light projection angle (α) and forms a light projection area (40);
A light receiving area (41) including the light projecting area and having a predetermined light receiving angle (β) larger than the light projecting angle so that the light emitted from the light projecting unit is reflected by the object and reflected. A light receiving portion (3) for forming
An automatic faucet device that automatically discharges water when the light receiving unit receives reflected light reflected by a hand entering the light projecting area,
An angle formed by the axis line (26) of the light projecting unit and the axis line (36) of the light receiving unit is θ, the predetermined light projecting angle is α, and the sink (50) below the light projecting unit is provided. The distance between the central axis of the drain fitting (51) and the axis 26 of the floodlight is E, the diameter dimension of the drain fitting is D, and the distance between the lower end of the floodlight and the drain fitting. Is L,
The automatic faucet device is characterized in that θ is set so as to satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula 1.
(Formula 1) θ> tan ⁻¹ {(E + D / 2) / L} + α / 2 A light projecting unit (2) that radiates light toward a detection target area as a detection target so as to form a predetermined light projection angle (α) and forms a light projection area (40);
A light receiving area (41) including the light projecting area and having a predetermined light receiving angle (β) larger than the light projecting angle so that the light emitted from the light projecting unit is reflected by the object and reflected. A light receiving portion (3) for forming
An automatic faucet device that automatically discharges water when the light receiving unit receives reflected light reflected by a hand entering the light projecting area,
The angle formed by the axis (26) of the light projecting unit and the axis (36) of the light receiving unit is θ, the predetermined light projection angle is α, and the axis (26) of the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit The distance from the axis (36) is P, the angle at which the drain fitting (51) provided in the sink (50) below the light projecting portion is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction is ε, and the drain fitting When the diameter dimension is D and the distance between the lower end of the light projecting portion and the drain fitting is L,
The automatic faucet device is characterized in that the θ is set so as to satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula 2.
(Formula 2) θ> tan ⁻¹ {(Ltan ε + P) / L} + α / 2   3. The automatic faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the light projecting unit is visible light sensed as light by human eyes. A faucet case (1) provided with a discharge part (6) for discharging water, the light projecting part and the light receiving part;
A main body case (10) that houses a light emitting element (102) that outputs light to the light projecting unit and a light receiving element (103) that receives light received by the light receiving unit;
A light projecting optical fiber (4) for guiding the light output from the light emitting element to the light projecting unit;
A light receiving optical fiber (5) for guiding the light received by the light receiving section to the light receiving element;
The automatic faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   5. The automatic faucet device according to claim 4, wherein the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber are plastic optical fibers.

Images