JP2009299283A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device which can eject water in optimum timing by determining a body to be detected and its operating state from a time-series variation of a detection signal. <P>SOLUTION: This faucet device comprises: a water ejection section; a valve for opening/closing a channel to the water ejection section; a sensor section which acquires information on the body detected by a reflected wave of an emitted electric wave; and a valve control section which controls the opening/closing of the valve by determining whether or not the water can be ejected from the water ejection section, on the basis of the detection signal from the sensor section. The valve control section detects the increase or decrease of an amplitude on the basis of the variation of the amplitude per unit time, determines the ejection of the water from the water ejection section when the amplitude of the detection signal increases beyond a predetermined reference value and subsequently decreases to fall short of the predetermined reference value, and performs water ejection by opening the valve. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to a faucet device.

  When a transmission wave such as a microwave hits the object to be detected, 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, as a device for automatically controlling water discharge by detecting a human body, a human body or a metal object is detected, and the presence or absence of the detected body is detected based on the intensity of reflected radio waves from the detected body. An apparatus that discharges water when a detected object is detected is known.
Here, a technique for detecting a moving object using the Doppler effect of radio waves and controlling an external device has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, a technique for detecting a stationary human body based on a detection signal obtained by detecting a standing wave generated by interference between a transmission wave and a reception wave has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). That is, a technique has been proposed in which a standing wave is detected to extract a detection signal composed of a DC component, and based on this, a stationary human body is detected.
JP 2007-71658 A JP 2004-283467 A

  According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to detect the movement of the hand itself approaching the faucet device and the movement of the hand itself in the vicinity of the faucet device. However, only the motion of the moving object itself can be detected. For this reason, it is possible to detect the approach or separation of the hand itself, but there is a possibility that water is discharged even when the movement is performed in the vicinity of the faucet device and the faucet device is not used.

  Moreover, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to detect the state of a stationary object. However, since the state of the object is detected using a standing wave, it is possible to detect a stationary object, but the amplitude varies periodically according to the distance. Therefore, there may be a case where only a small detection signal can be obtained even in an object in the vicinity of the sensor unit, which may cause a false detection. Further, since the standing wave is formed by the detection signal of the direct current component, the detection signal is obtained by removing the alternating current signal having the temporal amplitude fluctuation. For this reason, a signal in a high frequency band is removed by a high-pass filter or signal processing, which makes it difficult to output a detection signal for a fast movement. As a result, it becomes difficult to make a determination on the approaching or moving away of an object. That is, since only a stationary object can be detected, it is difficult to identify an object placed near the faucet device and a hand. In particular, it is difficult to determine what the detected object is because the motion before and after stopping cannot be detected. Furthermore, since only stationary after approaching can be detected, it takes time to confirm the detection, and it is difficult to perform timely water discharge.

  An aspect of the present invention provides a water faucet device that can determine a detected object and its operating state from a time-series change of a detection signal and perform water discharge at an optimal timing.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a water discharge unit, a valve that opens and closes a water channel to the water discharge unit, a sensor unit that acquires information about a detected object by reflected waves of emitted radio waves, and detection from the sensor unit A valve control unit that determines whether or not to discharge water from the water discharge unit based on a signal, and controls the opening and closing of the valve, the valve control unit, based on the amount of change in amplitude per unit time, When the increase or decrease in the amplitude is detected, the amplitude of the detection signal increases beyond a predetermined reference value, and then decreases and falls below the predetermined reference value. There is provided a water faucet device characterized in that the water discharge is determined and the valve is opened to discharge water.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet device capable of determining a detected object and its operating state from a time-series change of a detection signal and discharging water at an optimal timing.

  In the aspect of the present invention, not only the effect that water can be discharged at an optimal timing by detecting the detected object and its operating state from the time-series change of the detection signal, but also the detection by exceeding the reference value. It is possible to more accurately determine an increase or decrease in the amplitude of the signal and to remove the influence of noise and the like.

  In order to more accurately determine an increase or decrease in the amplitude of the detection signal, the valve control unit has exceeded the threshold value provided with a plurality of detection signal amplitudes from a low value to a high value. The increase is detected, and the decrease is detected when a plurality of threshold values of the detection signal are reduced from a high value to a low value. it can.

  In order to eliminate the influence of noise or the like, the valve control unit determines that the detection signal has exceeded the threshold when the amplitude of the detection signal has exceeded the threshold for a predetermined time. Then, when a state where the amplitude of the detection signal is lower than the threshold value is predetermined and continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the amplitude is lower than the threshold value.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating a faucet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating the configuration of the faucet device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the faucet device 1 includes a sensor unit 100, a valve control unit 240, a valve 250, and a water discharge unit 30.
As will be described in detail later, the valve control unit 240 determines whether or not to discharge water from the water discharging unit 30 based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit 100 through the cable 150, and controls opening and closing of the valve 250.

  The valve control unit 240 may be integrally provided with a part for determining whether or not to discharge water from the water discharging part 30 based on the detection signal, and a part for controlling opening and closing of the valve 250. May be provided separately. For example, the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the valve opening / closing control may be performed by one CPU, or the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the valve opening / closing control may be performed by another CPU by providing a plurality of CPUs. .

  The water discharge unit 30 and the valve 250 are connected by a water distribution pipe 10. The valve 250 opens and closes the water channel to the water discharger 30. That is, when the valve 250 is opened, water passes through the inside of the water distribution pipe 10 and is discharged from the water discharge port 32 of the water discharge unit 30. On the other hand, when the valve 250 is closed, water is not discharged from the water outlet 32. In the present specification, “water” includes “hot water” and “warm water”. In addition, when a water heater or the like for generating hot water is installed on the route of the water distribution pipe 10, by driving the water heater or the like based on a signal for driving the valve 250 transmitted from the valve control unit 240. It is also possible to supply hot water at an appropriate temperature.

  Below the water discharge port 32, a water receiving portion 40 for receiving water discharged is provided. The water receiving portion 40 has a water receiving surface 41 on which the water discharge flow 34 is landed. In addition, the water receiving unit 40 further includes a left side surface 42, a rear surface 43, a right side surface 44, and a front surface 45 provided around the water receiving surface 41 (hereinafter, the left side surface 42, the rear surface 43, At least one of the right side surface 44 and the front surface 45 is also referred to as a “side surface”). The boundary between the water receiving surface 41 and the left side surface 42, the rear surface 43, the right side surface 44, the front surface 45, etc. is not necessarily clear. For example, the space between the water receiving surface 41 and the front surface 45 may be formed by a continuous curved surface. Further, the water receiving surface 41 and the side surface are not perpendicular to each other, and the water receiving surface 41 and the side surface may be formed at an identifiable angle or shape. In particular, in a wash basin or the like, since most of the surface is formed of a curved surface, it is difficult to identify the side surface. In the case of such a shape, the side that is formed at an angle different from that of the water receiving surface 41 and that does not directly receive water discharge can be used as the side surface. Furthermore, the water receiving surface 41 is not limited to the one formed in a horizontal plane, and may be formed with an inclination. Moreover, all the side surfaces may change according to the shape of the water receiving surface 41 and the water receiving part 40 whole, without having the same length with respect to the depth direction. The discharged water stream 34 discharged from the water discharge port 32 lands in an oblique direction with respect to the water receiving surface 41 as indicated by an arrow (flow direction) 302. However, it is not restricted to this, For example, you may land in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the water receiving surface 41. FIG.

  The sensor unit 100 is provided on the back side of the left side surface 42 of the water receiving unit 40. The sensor unit 100 radiates (transmits) high-frequency radio waves such as microwaves or millimeter waves, receives reflected waves from the detected object of the emitted radio waves, and receives information about the detected object (presence / absence of the detected object). Or a state) and outputs a detection signal.

  Further, since the sensor unit 100 is provided on the back side of the left side surface 42, the material of the water receiving unit 40 is a relative dielectric such as resin or ceramic so that radio waves from the sensor unit 100 are easily radiated. A material having a low rate (for example, εr = 2 to 6) is preferable. However, even if the material of the water receiving portion is metal, at least a portion covering the front surface of the sensor portion 100 may be provided with a window portion (not shown) made of a resin or ceramic that is a low non-dielectric constant material. .

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the case where the sensor part 100 was provided in the left side surface 42 was illustrated, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the sensor unit 100 may be provided on a side surface (left side surface 42, right side surface 44, front surface 45) other than the side surface on the side where the water discharge unit 30 is provided.

  For example, the sensor unit 100 can be provided on the back side of the front surface 45, which is a side surface facing the water discharge unit 30. In particular, in the case of a wash basin used only from one direction facing the water discharger 30, it is preferable to provide the sensor unit 100 on the side facing the water discharger 30.

  If the sensor unit 100 is provided on the side surface (front surface 45) facing the water discharge unit 30, a user near the faucet device 1 presents a hand (object to be detected) for the purpose of using the faucet device 1. Can be determined. Therefore, water discharge can be started in a shorter time than before. As a result, it is possible to perform cleaning without wondering where the user puts his hand.

  In addition, by providing the detection range only in the vicinity of the sensor unit 100, it is possible to detect the operating state of the hand that is placed near the side surface facing the water discharger 30. On the other hand, by providing the detection range in the vicinity of the side surface, it is possible to eliminate the detection of the movement of the detected body and the stationary state of the detected body in the vicinity of the water discharging section 30, such as the movement of cleaning the water discharging section 30. For this reason, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the movement of the detection target that does not intend to discharge water.

  Further, a switching unit (not shown) (for example, a switch) that can switch ON / OFF of the power source that drives the sensor unit 100 can be provided. If it does in that way, when cleaning the water receiving part 40 which has installed the sensor part 100, the sensor part 100 can be set to OFF state by the said switching part, and it can set so that water discharge may not be performed. . As a result, even when a hand enters the detection range of the sensor unit 100 when cleaning the water receiving unit 40, water discharge due to erroneous detection can be prevented. In addition, regarding the installation of the switching unit, it is desirable that the switching unit be installed in the vicinity of the water receiving unit 40 where the user can easily operate. For example, it can be installed in the vicinity of a place where the user stands when using the water receiving unit 40. In addition, since the switching unit is used for ON / OFF switching of the sensor unit 100, it is not frequently used. Further, the sensor unit 100 is not driven when operated in the OFF state. Therefore, it is desirable to install it so that it can be concealed without being exposed to the surface of the water receiver 40. For example, a switching unit can be provided in a storage unit that can be opened and closed.

  As will be described later, since the determination of the start of water discharge is performed based on the information regarding the order of movement (movement) of the detected object, the operation in the vicinity of the faucet device 1 (the detected object such as a hand is simply Even when crossing or the like is performed, reliable detection and water discharge can be performed without erroneous detection. Here, it is difficult to distinguish between the insertion of the detected object such as the hand and the crossing of the detected object such as the hand simply by changing the operation. Therefore, as will be described later, by using information regarding the order of motion change, it is possible to identify the motion and position of the sensed object rather than simply determining the presence or absence of the sensed object.

  In addition, the sensor unit 100 can be provided on the back side of the left side surface 42 or the right side surface 44 that is a side surface other than the side surface facing the water discharge unit 30. Such a configuration is particularly suitable when the faucet device 1 is used from a direction other than the side facing the water discharger 30 as in a kitchen.

If the sensor unit 100 is provided on the left side 42 or the right side 44 other than the side facing the water discharger 30, for example, when the faucet device 1 is used from the left side 42 or right side 44 side, A detection range is provided on the flow line of the hand from the position to the water discharger 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the hand only to perform the water discharging operation, and water can be discharged only by moving the hand on the flow line.
Further, even when the faucet device 1 is used from a position facing the water discharger 30, the sensor unit 100 provided on the side surface (left side 42, right side 44) in the left-right direction from the facing side (front 45) side. Can be easily observed or recognized. In addition, it is possible to reduce a situation where the detection position is unclear, such as a photoelectric sensor, and where the detection position for performing the water discharge operation is lost.

  In addition, the user can be identified by the five senses by notifying the user that the hand (detected body) has entered the detection range by the notification means. By doing so, it is possible to clarify where the detection position for performing the water discharge operation is, so that the operation for the operation can be further facilitated. As a notification means, what performs notification by lighting on / off of light, notification by voice, etc. can be illustrated, for example. It is desirable that the notification means is appropriately selected according to the installation environment of the faucet device. For example, a faucet device installed in a public facility or the like cannot be recognized by voice because the surrounding noise is large. In such a case, it is possible to perform reliable notification to the user by using notification by turning on / off the light.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for illustrating the sensor unit 100.
The sensor unit 100 includes an antenna 112, a transmission unit 114, a reception unit 116, and a mixer unit 118. The antenna 112 connected to the transmission unit 114 emits radio waves in a frequency band of 10 kHz to 100 GHz such as high frequency, microwave, or millimeter wave. Specifically, a transmission wave T1 having a frequency of, for example, 10.525 GHz is radiated from the antenna 112. A reflected wave or transmitted wave T <b> 2 from a detection object such as a human body is input to the receiving unit 116 via the antenna 112. Here, the antenna may have a common transmission side and reception side as shown in FIG. 3A, or an antenna 112a is connected to the transmission unit 114 as shown in FIG. 3B. The antenna 112b may be connected to the receiving unit 116.
A part of the transmission wave and the reception wave are respectively input to the mixer unit 118 and synthesized, and for example, a detection signal (reflection signal) reflecting the Doppler effect is output. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 is output toward the valve control unit 240.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for illustrating the configuration from the sensor unit to the valve according to the present embodiment.
5 and 6 are block diagrams for illustrating the configuration from the sensor unit to the valve according to the comparative example.
First, a comparative example will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the configuration according to the first comparative example, a sensor unit 100, a filter 211, a filter 212, a filter 213, a valve control unit 241, and a valve 250 are provided. A low frequency component is first removed from the detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 provided in the sensor unit 100 by the filter 211. The filtering frequency at this time can be set to 3 Hz to less than 100 Hz for the purpose of detecting the movement of the human body and reducing other disturbances, for example.

  Here, the detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 has a waveform in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a certain voltage or a low-frequency baseline. This high frequency component includes information on the Doppler effect. Therefore, by removing the low frequency component in the filter 211, only the high frequency component (Doppler frequency signal) including information on the Doppler effect is extracted.

Here, when a detected object such as a human body moves, the wavelength of the reflected wave shifts due to the Doppler effect. The Doppler frequency ΔF (Hz) can be expressed by the following equation (1).

ΔF = Fs−Fb = 2 × Fs × v / c (1)

Where Fs: transmission frequency (Hz)
Fb: reflection frequency (Hz)
v: object moving speed (m / s)
c: speed of light (= 300 × 10 ⁶ m / s)

When the object to be detected moves relative to the sensor unit 100, a detection signal including a frequency ΔF proportional to the velocity v is obtained as represented by Expression (1). The detection signal has a frequency spectrum, and there is a correlation between the peak frequency corresponding to the peak of the spectrum and the velocity v of the moving object. Therefore, if the high-frequency component extracted through the filter 211 is further divided into predetermined frequency bands through the filter 212 and the filter 213 and the Doppler frequency ΔF is measured, the velocity v can be obtained. it can. Also, the change in speed (deceleration / acceleration) can be known by looking at the transition of each frequency band. For example, when the valve control unit 241 confirms that the vehicle is decelerating, the valve 250 can be opened to discharge water. In Japan, a frequency of 10.50 to 10.55 GHz or 24.05 to 24.25 GHz can be used for the purpose of detecting a human body.

  According to such a configuration, as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to detect the movement of the hand itself approaching the faucet device and the hand movement itself in the vicinity of the faucet device. . However, only the motion of the moving object itself can be detected. For this reason, it is possible to detect the approach and separation of the hand itself, but also detect the movement in the vicinity of the faucet device. Therefore, it is performed in the vicinity of the faucet device such as placing an object in the vicinity of the faucet or taking an object in the vicinity of the faucet, and discharges water even for movements not intended to use the faucet device 1. There is a fear.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the configuration according to the second comparative example, a sensor unit 100, a filter 214, a valve control unit 241, and a valve 250 are provided. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 provided in the sensor unit 100 is first removed from the high frequency component by the filter 214. Therefore, only the baseline signal (DC component) having a low frequency is extracted from the detection signals output from the mixer unit 118. Although the DC component does not include information on the Doppler effect, a detection signal generated according to the distance from the sensor unit 100 to the detection target can be obtained.

  According to such a configuration, the state of a stationary hand can be detected as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2. However, although a detection signal generated according to the distance can be obtained, since the standing wave is a signal whose voltage value periodically varies, it is difficult to uniquely determine the distance with respect to the voltage value. . For this reason, even when there is an object to be detected in the vicinity of the sensor unit 100, only a small voltage value may be obtained. As a result, it may be difficult to distinguish from a distant object. In particular, since high-frequency components including the Doppler signal are removed, it is difficult to predict the movement of the detected object from the detection signal. For this reason, it is very difficult to determine the state (for example, distance) of the detected object to be detected. As a result, it takes time to determine the detection of the detected object, and it is difficult to perform timely water discharge.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a sensor unit 100, a filter 211, a valve control unit 240, and a valve 250 are provided.
A low frequency component is first removed from the detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 provided in the sensor unit 100 by the filter 211. The filtering frequency at this time can be set to 3 Hz to less than 100 Hz for the purpose of detecting the movement of the human body and reducing other disturbances, for example. Note that the filter 211 is not necessarily required, but it is preferably provided from the viewpoint of noise reduction.
The valve control unit 240 determines the detected object and its operating state from the time-series change in the voltage value of the detection signal obtained in this way, and discharges water at an optimal timing.
Next, the determination in the valve control unit 240 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 7 is a schematic graph for illustrating the relationship between the state of the detection object and the voltage value of the detection signal. FIG. 7A shows a case where the amplitude of the detection signal S1 increases with the passage of time, and FIG. 7C shows a case where the amplitude of the detection signal S2 decreases with the passage of time. FIG. 7B shows a case where the amplitude illustrated in FIG. 7A is converted into a voltage value, and FIG. 7D illustrates the amplitude illustrated in FIG. 7C as a voltage value. This shows the case of conversion.
Since the magnitude of the detection signal is determined by the amount of reflection of the radio wave reflected by the object to be detected, the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal increases as the distance from the sensor unit 100 increases. Therefore, it is possible to know an approximate distance from the magnitude (voltage value) of the detection signal to the detected object. Further, it is possible to know the approach or separation of the detected object from the fluctuation tendency of the detection signal.

  When the amplitude of the detection signal S1 increases as time passes as shown in FIG. 7A, the voltage value of the detection signal S1 increases as time passes as shown in FIG. 7B. Therefore, when such a detection signal S <b> 1 is detected, it can be seen that the detected object moves so as to approach the sensor unit 100. Further, the approximate distance to the detected object can be known from the magnitude of the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal S1 at that time.

  When the amplitude of the detection signal S2 decreases as time passes as shown in FIG. 7C, the voltage value of the detection signal S2 decreases as time passes as shown in FIG. 7D. Therefore, when such a detection signal S <b> 2 is detected, it can be seen that the detection target is moving away from the sensor unit 100. Further, the approximate distance to the detected object can be known from the magnitude of the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal S2 at that time.

Therefore, the valve control unit 240 can detect the detected object and its operating state from such a time-series change in the voltage value of the detection signal.
For example, when it is detected that the voltage value has decreased after the voltage value of the detection signal has increased, the user brings the object to be detected closer to the sensor unit 100 with the intention of using the faucet device 1 and then the object is covered. It can be determined that the detection body has moved away. Therefore, such an operation can be determined as a detection operation for using the faucet device 1, and the valve 250 can be opened to discharge water.
8 and 9 are schematic graphs for illustrating the determination method in the valve control unit. FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which a plurality of determination conditions (predetermined threshold values) are provided, and the approach and separation of the detected object are determined in the order in which the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal exceeds this. . 8A shows a case where the amplitude of the detection signal increases with the passage of time and then decreases, and FIG. 8B shows the amplitude illustrated in FIG. 8A converted into a voltage value. Represents the case.
When the amplitude of the detection signal increases with the passage of time as shown in FIG. 8A and then decreases, the voltage value of the detection signal also increases with the passage of time and then decreases as shown in FIG. 8B. Then, the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal increases in order from the determination condition (predetermined threshold) having the lowest value (determination condition (predetermined threshold) 1 → 2 → 3), and then the highest value When the amplitude (voltage value) decreases from the determination condition (predetermined threshold) to the lower determination condition (predetermined threshold) (determination condition (predetermined threshold) 3 → 2 → 1), It can be determined that the detection body approaches the sensor unit 100 and then moves away. Then, such an operation can be determined as a detection operation for using the faucet device 1, and the valve 250 can be opened to discharge water.
In addition, after the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal exceeds (or falls below) the determination condition (predetermined threshold), it may stagnate once and then exceed the next determination condition (next predetermined threshold) again. It may be (or may be lower), or a plurality of determination conditions (predetermined threshold values) may be exceeded (or may be lower) at a time.

  Here, since the detection signal vibrates up and down with respect to the reference value (horizontal axis in FIG. 8A), it is necessary to provide a determination condition (predetermined threshold) above and below the reference value as it is. There is. In this case, if the detection signal is full-wave rectified or half-wave rectified with respect to the reference value, the number of determination conditions (predetermined threshold values) can be reduced, so that signal processing can be performed easily. .

Further, regarding the determination of whether or not the determination condition (predetermined threshold) has been exceeded, the influence of noise can be eliminated by taking into account the time after the determination condition (predetermined threshold) is exceeded. By doing so, it is possible to improve detection accuracy. For example, for each determination condition (predetermined threshold), when the state where the detection signal exceeds the threshold continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the determination condition (predetermined threshold) has been exceeded. be able to. Further, for each determination condition (predetermined threshold), when the state in which the amplitude of the detection signal is below the threshold continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the determination condition (predetermined threshold) is below can do. In this way, erroneous detection can be prevented when the threshold value is instantaneously exceeded (below) due to noise or the like.
In addition, when the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal increases beyond a predetermined value (reference value) and then decreases and falls below the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not water discharge is possible. You can also. By doing so, the influence of noise can be removed, and detection accuracy can be improved. For example, when the determination condition 1 in FIG. 8B is set to a predetermined value (reference value), and exceeds this value and then falls below, the above-described determination of whether or not to discharge water can be performed.
It is also possible to detect an increase or decrease in amplitude based on the amount of change in amplitude per unit time. For example, it can be detected that when the amount of change in amplitude per unit time increases, it increases and decreases when it decreases.
The “reference value” is a boundary value for discriminating between the detection signal and the noise, and is a so-called baseline where the detection judgment is not made unless the amplitude exceeds the reference value. Therefore, the “threshold value” for determining increase or decrease in amplitude is provided in a range exceeding the “reference value” (a range higher than the reference value on the positive side and a range lower than the reference value on the negative side).
The reference value can be changed according to the installation location of the faucet device. In this case, a learning function or the like can be provided and the adjustment can be automatically performed, or a switch or the like can be provided and the adjustment can be performed from the outside. Note that the learning function or the like can function when the power is turned on.

FIG. 9 exemplifies a case in which the approach and separation of the detected object are determined from the time-series change in the amplitude of the detection signal. FIG. 9A shows a case where the amplitude of the detection signal increases with time and then decreases, and FIG. 9B shows the amplitude illustrated in FIG. 9A converted into a voltage value. Represents the case.
When the amplitude of the detection signal increases with the passage of time as shown in FIG. 9A and then decreases, the voltage value of the detection signal also increases with the passage of time as shown in FIG. 9B and then decreases. In such a case, as described above, it can be determined that the detected object approaches the sensor unit 100 and then moves away. Then, such an operation can be determined as a detection operation for using the faucet device 1, and the valve 250 can be opened to discharge water.

  Here, since the detection signal vibrates up and down with respect to the reference value (horizontal axis in FIG. 9A), the amplitude of the detection signal is up and down with respect to the reference value as shown in FIG. 9A. Will appear. In this case, if the detection signal is full-wave rectified or half-wave rectified with respect to the reference value, it is possible to determine only on one side, so that signal processing can be easily performed.

  Further, the amplitude does not increase or decrease in one direction but may vary within a certain range. For this reason, it is desirable to detect fluctuations from a plurality of amplitudes rather than detecting fluctuations from one amplitude at a time. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise or the like, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of approaching or moving away.

  In addition, the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal increases beyond a predetermined value (reference value; see FIG. 9B) and then decreases and falls below the predetermined value (reference value). In such a case, it is possible to determine whether water discharge is possible. By doing so, the influence of noise can be removed, and detection accuracy can be improved.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the detected object and its operating state from the time-series change in the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal, and to discharge water at an optimal timing. Further, it is not necessary to have a complicated configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5 in order to detect the detected object and its operating state. Further, it is possible to determine the operating state of the detected object without performing a complicated calculation as illustrated in FIG.

It is a model perspective view for illustrating the faucet device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram for showing the composition of a faucet device. It is a block diagram for illustrating a sensor part. It is a block diagram for illustrating the composition from a sensor part to a valve concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram for illustrating the composition from the sensor part concerning a comparative example to a valve. It is a block diagram for illustrating the composition from the sensor part concerning a comparative example to a valve. It is a schematic graph for demonstrating the relationship between the state of a to-be-detected body, and the voltage value of a detection signal. It is a schematic graph for demonstrating the determination method in a valve | bulb control part. It is a schematic graph for demonstrating the determination method in a valve | bulb control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water faucet device, 10 Water distribution pipe, 30 Water discharging part, 32 Water discharging port, 40 Water receiving part, 41 Water receiving surface, 42 Left side surface, 43 Rear surface, 44 Right side surface, 45 Front surface, 100 Sensor part, 211 Filter, 240 Valve control Part, 250 valves

Claims (3)

A water discharge part,
A valve for opening and closing a water channel to the water discharge part;
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by a reflected wave of the radiated radio wave;
A valve control unit that determines whether water discharge from the water discharge unit is possible based on a detection signal from the sensor unit, and controls opening and closing of the valve;
With
The valve control unit detects an increase or decrease in the amplitude based on an amount of change in amplitude per unit time, and the amplitude of the detection signal increases beyond a predetermined reference value, and then decreases. When it falls below the predetermined reference value, it is determined to discharge water from the water discharge unit, and the valve is opened to execute water discharge. The valve control unit
Detecting the increase by sequentially exceeding the threshold value provided in the range where the amplitude of the detection signal exceeds the reference value from a low value to a high value,
2. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the decrease is detected when the threshold value provided with a plurality of amplitudes of the detection signal falls below a threshold value in order from a higher value to a lower value. The valve control unit
When the state in which the amplitude of the detection signal exceeds the threshold continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the threshold has been exceeded,
The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein when the state where the amplitude of the detection signal is below the threshold value is predetermined and continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the amplitude is below the threshold value.

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