JP2010084458A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device which performs water ejection in optimum timing by determining an operation state from the order of variations in the operation of a body to be detected and reducing false detection. <P>SOLUTION: This faucet device includes: a water ejection portion; a valve which switches the ejection and stop of water by opening and closing a water channel communicating with the water ejection portion; a sensor portion for obtaining information on the body to be detected by reflected waves of radiated waves; a frequency dividing portion for dividing alternate-current components of a detection signal from the sensor into predetermined frequency bands; and a valve control portion for controlling the opening/closing of the valve by determining whether or not the ejection of the water from the water ejection portion can be performed on the basis of the divided detection signals. The frequency dividing portion includes a first filter with the first frequency band, and a filter portion which is provided with at least one filter having a frequency band higher than that of the first filter. The valve control portion opens the valve by determining that the water is ejected from the water ejection portion in the case that the body to be detected is not detected according to the detection signal passing through the filter portion after the detection of the body to be detected on the basis of the detection signal passing through the first filter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more specifically, to a faucet device that is provided in a hand-washing place, a toilet, a kitchen, and the like and controls water discharge of a water discharge flow using a radio wave sensor using a microwave or the like.

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 Literature 1, it is possible to detect the movement of the hand approaching the faucet device and the movement of the hand near the faucet device. However, in the method of detecting only the approach of the hand, water is discharged even for a movement that is performed in the vicinity of the faucet device and does not use the faucet device before the hand becomes a slow motion to stop at the arrival point. There is a risk of going.

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, since a signal in a high frequency band is removed by a low-pass filter or signal processing, it is 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 distinguish 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.

The present invention classifies the change in the operation of the detected object into two or more different states including the operation immediately before the stop, determines the detected object and its operation state from the time-series changes between the states, A faucet device capable of discharging water at a timing is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a water discharge section, a valve that opens and closes a water channel leading to the water discharge section, and switches the water discharge from the water discharge section, and information on the object to be detected is acquired by reflected waves of the radiated radio waves. A sensor unit, a frequency classification unit that classifies an AC component of a detection signal from the sensor unit into a predetermined frequency band, and whether or not water discharge from the water discharge unit is determined based on the classified detection signal, and the valve A faucet device comprising a valve control unit for controlling the opening and closing of
The frequency separation unit includes a first filter having a first frequency band;
A filter unit provided with at least one filter having a higher frequency band than the first filter;
Have
The valve control unit detects the detected object based on the detection signal that has passed through the first filter, and then detects the detected object based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit. There is provided a water faucet device that determines to discharge water from the water discharge section and opens the valve.

According to the present invention, there is provided a faucet device capable of reducing false detection and discharging water at an optimal timing by determining the detected object and its operating state from the order of the operation change of the detected object. Is done.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing,
Similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.
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 control unit 200, and a valve 2.
50 and the water discharge part 30 are provided. 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 radiated radio waves,
It is a radio wave sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object to be detected and outputs a detection signal.

The control unit 200 includes a frequency sorting unit 210 and a valve control unit 240.
As will be described in detail later, the control unit 200 classifies the detection signal output from the sensor unit 100 through the cable 150 into a predetermined frequency band, and the water discharge unit 3 based on the classified detection signal.
It is determined whether or not water can be discharged from 0, and the opening and closing of the valve 250 is controlled.
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 a 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 the case where a water heater or the like for generating hot water is installed on the route of the water distribution pipe 10, the control unit 200
It is also possible to supply hot water at an appropriate temperature by driving a water heater or the like on the basis of a signal for driving the valve 250 transmitted from.

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 has a water receiving surface 41.
Further includes a left side surface 42, a rear surface 43, a right side surface 44, and a front surface 45 (hereinafter referred to as at least of the left side surface 42, the rear surface 43, the right side surface 44, and the front surface 45). One is also called the “side”). The water receiving surface 41, the left side surface 42, the rear surface 43, the right side surface 44,
The boundary between the front surface 45 and the like is not necessarily clear. For example, the water receiving surface 41 and the front surface 4
5 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 with a curved surface, it is difficult to identify the side surface. The side which does not receive can be made into a 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. This sensor unit 1
00 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 information about the detected object (presence / absence and state of the detected object) It is a radio wave sensor that detects and outputs a detection signal.

In addition, 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, for example, resin or ceramics so that radio waves from the sensor unit 100 are easily radiated.
A material having a low relative dielectric constant (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 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, an operation other than the water discharge operation on the outside of the user side of the faucet device 1 (such as approach of the body) is not erroneously detected. Thus, it is possible to determine the hand (detected body) to be delivered to the water discharger 30 that is the water discharge operation.
Since the sensor unit 100 is installed on the front surface 45, water discharge can be started immediately when the hand enters the water discharge device 1, so that water discharge can be started at a timing earlier than before. As a result, since it is only necessary to put out a hand with respect to the water discharge flow 34 discharged from the water discharge unit 30, it is possible to perform washing without hesitation.

Further, by providing the detection range only in the vicinity of the sensor unit 100, it is possible to detect the state immediately before the hand is stopped by holding the hand near the side surface facing the water discharge unit 30. On the other hand, since the detection range is provided near the side surface, the water will not be discharged unless the user holds his / her hand as intended, so that the user does not want to discharge water (such as an operation of dropping and picking up an object in the water discharge device 1) without accidental water discharge. Can be used with heart.

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 so, in the case where the water receiving part 40 which has installed the sensor part 100 is cleaned, etc., the sensor part 10 is made by the switching part.
It can be set so that no water is discharged by setting 0 to the OFF state. 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 is 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. The switching unit is the sensor unit 1
Since it is used for switching ON / OFF of 00, it is not frequently used. OF
When operated in the F state, the sensor unit 100 is not driven. Therefore, the water receiving part 4
It is desirable to install it so that it can be concealed without being exposed on the surface of zero. 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 start of water discharge is determined based on the information regarding the order of the change in the motion of the detected object (immediately before deceleration or stoppage), the motion near the faucet device 1 (simply the subject such as a hand) Even when the detection body crosses), reliable detection and water discharge can be performed without erroneous detection.

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 cases,
By using the notification by turning on / off the light, it is possible to reliably notify the user.

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.
Is provided. 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 control unit 200.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 200 includes a frequency sorting unit 210 that sorts the detection signal from the sensor unit 100 into a predetermined frequency band, and water discharge based on the detection signal sorted into the frequency band. A valve control unit 24 that determines whether or not water can be discharged from the unit and controls opening and closing of the valve 250.
0 is provided. Here, the control unit 200 will be further described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for illustrating the control unit according to the first specific example.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 201 includes a filter 211, a first filter 212, a filter unit 213, and a valve control unit 241. From the detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 provided in the sensor unit 100, the DC component is first removed by the filter 211. The filtering frequency at this time can be set to, for example, 0.1 Hz to less than 100 Hz for the purpose of detecting the movement of the human body and reducing other disturbances.

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 DC component in the filter 211, only the 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 × 106 m / s)
When the detected object moves relative to the sensor unit 100, as represented by the equation (1),
A detection signal including a frequency ΔF proportional to the speed v is obtained. 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 Doppler frequency ΔF taken out through the filter 211 is measured, the velocity v can be obtained. Further, the frequency division unit 209 having the first filter 212 and the filter unit 213 is further divided into predetermined frequency bands, and a change in speed (deceleration / acceleration) can be known by looking at the transition of each frequency band. it can. 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 control unit 201, it is possible to detect the movement of the hand approaching the faucet device and the movement of the hand in the vicinity of the faucet device, as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. .
However, if you are approaching and you are not surely identifying the movement to stop at the arrival point, any hand approaching movement will be detected. For example, placing an object near the faucet or faucet There is a possibility that water is discharged even for a movement that is not a water discharge operation, which is performed in the vicinity of a faucet device that takes an object in the vicinity.

In general, when the faucet device 1 is used, the object to be detected moves while gradually decelerating toward the arrival point and finally stops. A detection signal is detected. In addition, since a low frequency is detected immediately before stopping, a high frequency is not detected immediately after. Therefore, in FIG. 4, the frequency band of the first filter 212 is unlikely to appear when moving through the faucet device 1, and can detect only the movement of the hand just before stopping to stop at the arrival point. The frequency band is set (first frequency band). For example, the minimum value of the first frequency band to be set is unlimitedly around 0 Hz (0.1 Hz in this specification), and the maximum value is about 10 Hz. Further, a higher frequency band than the first frequency band is set in the filter unit 213. Thereby, immediately after detecting the hand etc. which are just before a stop at the arrival point based on the detection signal which passed the 1st filter 212, when there is no detection in the filter part 213, a hand etc. stop at an arrival point. It can be determined that it is immediately before. On the other hand, operations other than the water discharge operation (simply that the detected object such as a hand crosses) are not detected by the first filter 212 due to the high speed and immediately after detection by the first filter 212. Therefore, it is possible to identify the operation immediately before the stop at the arrival point other than the water discharge operation.

According to the present embodiment, the detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 provided in the sensor unit 100 is divided, the signal that has passed through the first filter 212, the signal that has passed through the filter unit 213, Whether or not water is discharged from the water discharging unit 30 is determined, and it is determined whether or not the detected object is immediately before the stop from the order of change in the operation of the detected object. Therefore, the details of the detected object and its operating state can be grasped, and erroneous detection can be prevented. For example, when a state in which the detection target is accelerating is detected from a signal that has passed through the filter unit 213, it can be determined that the operation is not an operation for performing the water discharge operation of the faucet device 1. Detection can be prevented. And by prohibiting water discharge, water discharge due to erroneous detection can be prevented.

Moreover, since it can grasp | ascertain a to-be-detected body and its operation state correctly, a quick determination can be performed and water discharge can be performed now at the optimal timing. For example, as described later, it is possible to detect a state in which the detection target is decelerated based on the detection of the signal that has passed through the first filter 212 after the signal that has passed through the filter unit 213 is detected. When a state in which the detected object is just before stopping is detected based on the fact that the signal that has passed through the filter unit 213 is not detected, it can be determined that the operation of the faucet device 1 is to perform a water discharge operation. . By determining the deceleration, the valve controller 240 can immediately open the valve 250 to discharge water at a timely timing.

In the present embodiment, the case where the detection signal is divided into two is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as will be described later, the detection signal can be divided into three or more so that the number of divisions of the high-frequency detection signal is plural (see FIGS. 8 to 10). By doing so, it is possible to analyze the operation state of the detected object in more detail.

In the present embodiment, the first filter 212 having the first frequency band for detecting immediately before the detection object stops and the filter unit 213 having a frequency band higher than the first frequency band are provided. Although illustrated, it is not necessarily limited to this. The frequency band higher than the first frequency band is a frequency band having a frequency higher than the minimum frequency of the first frequency band as the minimum frequency and a frequency higher than the maximum frequency of the first frequency band as the maximum frequency. You can also. That is, there may be an overlapping range in each frequency band.

Next, the determination in the valve control unit 240 will be illustrated in more detail.
5, 6, and 7 are schematic graphs for illustrating the determination method in the valve control unit. 5A, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 7A show the state of the detection signal that passes through the first filter 212, and FIG. 5B and FIG. FIG. 7B shows the state of the detection signal that passes through the filter unit 213. In each figure, the vertical axis represents voltage, and the horizontal axis represents time.

In the determination in the valve control unit 240, it is possible to accurately grasp the details of the operating state of the detected object by considering the order in which the detection conditions set in the first filter 212 and the filter unit 213 are satisfied, respectively. I have to. For example, like the amplitude value A in FIG. 5A, first, immediately after the detection signal passing through the first filter 212 is detected, it passes through the filter unit 213 like the amplitude value B in FIG. 5B. When the detection signal to be detected is not detected, it is determined that the detected object is just before stopping at the arrival point, and the valve controller 240 opens the valve 250 to discharge water.

On the other hand, like the amplitude value A in FIG. 5A, a filter unit such as the amplitude value B in FIG. 5B immediately after the detection signal passing through the first filter 212 is first detected. When a detection signal passing through 213 is detected, the user moves his / her hand from a state in which the user's hand is stationary within the detection range immediately after the body to be detected crosses the water discharge device 1 or stops water. It is determined that the operation is not a water discharge operation, such as an operation returned to the side, and the valve controller 240 does not open the valve 250 so that water discharge is not performed. This can prevent erroneous detection.

In such a situation, since the user does not recognize that the water is discharged, if the water is discharged, there is a possibility that problems such as wetting of the user's cuffs may occur. However, in the determination in the valve control unit 240, it is possible to accurately grasp the operation state (movement trajectory) of the detected object from the order in which the detection signals are detected. Therefore, such unintentional water discharge is not performed, and a quick and accurate determination can be performed, so that water can be discharged at an optimal timing.

The conditions detected in each of the first filter 212 and the filter unit 213 are, for example, predetermined voltage values set up and down based on a reference value as in detection conditions 1 and 2 in FIG. On the other hand, it can be determined by whether or not the amplitude value of the detection signal has reached.

Here, only the water discharge operation can be determined with higher accuracy from the passage of time of the voltage value which is the amplitude value of the detection signal. For example, when an object to be detected such as a hand approaches the sensor unit 100 in order to perform a water discharge operation of the faucet device 1, the amplitude value is an amplitude value A as shown in FIG. The voltage value will increase over time. Conversely, when the detected object moves away from the sensor unit 100, the voltage value, which is an amplitude value, decreases with the passage of time, such as the amplitude value C in FIG. Therefore, in addition to the state immediately before the stop, by detecting the state of approach or separation, it is possible to determine the operation other than the water discharge operation and the water discharge operation with higher accuracy. For example, when the sensor unit 100 is installed in such a positional relationship that the water discharge operation approaches the sensor unit 100 (in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the object to be detected is provided to the water discharge unit 30 installed on the rear surface 43. When the water discharge operation is determined, or when the water discharge operation is determined by placing the hand in the vicinity of the sensor unit 100 on the rear surface 43, the left side surface 42, the right side surface 44, or the front surface 45), the voltage value increases. Therefore, the approach can be added to the determination condition of the water discharge operation. Further, when the sensor unit 100 is installed in such a positional relationship that the water discharge operation moves away from the sensor unit 100 (in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the object to be detected is provided to the water discharge unit 30 installed on the front surface 45. When the water discharge operation is determined, for example, the voltage value decreases, so that the distance can be added to the determination condition of the water discharge operation.

Furthermore, only the water discharge operation can be determined with higher accuracy by increasing the order of the determination conditions. For example, when a detection signal such as the amplitude value F in FIG. 7B is detected in the filter 213 immediately before detection with the detection signal passing through the first filter 212, the amplitude value F is detected. Immediately after that, the deceleration of the detected object can be detected based on the detection of the amplitude value E in FIG. Since the water discharge operation is a deceleration operation regardless of the installation position of the sensor unit 100, the amplitude immediately before the stop is detected by sequentially detecting the amplitude value E of FIG. 7A and the amplitude value G of FIG. In addition, by detecting the deceleration state before that, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of crossing of the water discharge device 1, and therefore, it is possible to determine operations other than the water discharge operation and the water discharge operation with higher accuracy.

Next, the determination element in the valve control unit 240 will be described in detail.
Examples of the determination element in the valve control unit 240 include an amplitude value, a frequency value, and a time of a signal obtained by filtering the detection signal output from the sensor unit 100.

In the determination using the amplitude value of the waveform, the distance to the detected object can be known. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a determination may be made by setting a predetermined threshold (for example, the detection conditions 1 to 14 described above) for a range in which a detection target is desired to be detected. it can. Since the amplitude value is a parameter depending on the distance, it can be directly reflected in the detection range. Therefore, it is easy to set a threshold value for a desired detection range. 5, 6, and 7, the threshold value is set to the higher / lower side of the reference value (upper / lower limit setting), but may be either one of them. it can. For example, by performing predetermined signal processing (for example, half-wave rectification, full-wave rectification), it is possible to make a determination for one threshold value.

It is also possible to provide three or more threshold values. If the number of threshold values to be set is increased, it can be detected that the amplitude value sequentially exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, for example, if three or more threshold values are provided for the detection signal passing through the filter 213, it is possible to identify which range the detected object is moving. As a result, it is possible to accurately and reliably grasp the movement, position, etc. of the object to be detected, for example, to prevent false detection of movement that is difficult to perform in the vicinity of the spout, such as movement of water. Can do.

In the determination using the frequency of the waveform, the state of acceleration / deceleration of the detected object can be known as described above. In the above description, deceleration is detected by using a plurality of filters so that the first filter 212 is sequentially detected from the filter unit 213. However, even in one filter (in one frequency band), the period of the amplitude value is detected. Deceleration can be detected by detecting a change in frequency from the change in. Since the first filter 212 and the filter unit 213 can detect the deceleration from the change in frequency before the operation immediately before the stop, it can be detected with higher accuracy. In addition, by combining with the detection using the voltage value of the amplitude value, it is possible to include approximate distance information, so that detection can be performed with higher accuracy.

In the determination using the inclination of the waveform, it is possible to determine whether the detected object is approaching or moving away. In this case, for example, the approach / separation can be determined by the slope of a straight line connecting the extreme values of the amplitude (one side with respect to the reference value or each extreme value when rectified). Here, since the amount of reflection varies depending on each detected object, the amplitude value described above may also vary. In such a case, if determination using the inclination of the waveform is performed, it is not necessary to set a threshold value or the like according to each detected object, and an approximate distance can be grasped only by the amount of inclination. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the movement (approach / separate) of the detected object. Further, when an object enters the detection range from a direction different from the radiation vector direction of the sensor unit 100 (radio wave sensor), the waveform slope becomes steep. Therefore, we can know such a movement,
On the other hand, more reliable water discharge control can be performed. That is, it is effective as a determination element when a detection object such as a hand is presented from multiple directions such as a kitchen.
The number of extreme values of the waveform can be used as a reference similar to time by combining with the amplitude value described above.
Regarding the time, for example, it can be used for judgment such as erroneous detection by combining with the amplitude value. In the determination using the amplitude value described above, the threshold value may be instantaneously exceeded due to noise or the like. Even in such a case, if the determination is performed based on the time exceeding the threshold, erroneous detection due to noise can be prevented, so that detection can be performed with higher accuracy.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for illustrating a control unit according to the second specific example.
9 and 10 are schematic graphs for illustrating the determination method in the valve control unit. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 203 is provided with a frequency sorting unit 216 and a valve control unit 240. The frequency sorting unit 216 includes a first filter 210a and a filter unit 215. As described above, the first filter 210a is a filter that allows a low-frequency component detection signal to pass through in order to detect the detection target immediately before stopping, and is set to a frequency band of about 0.1 to 10 Hz, for example. (First frequency band). The filter unit 215 includes a filter that allows a detection signal having a frequency higher than the first frequency band of the first filter 210a to pass therethrough.

Here, the filter unit 215 has a configuration in which filters having a plurality of different frequency bands are connected in parallel in order to further finely classify the passing frequency bands. That is, in the case illustrated in FIG. 8, the filter unit 215 is configured by n filters 215 a (filter: 215 b,..., Filter 215 n (n: integer)). Each filter has a different frequency band. in this case,
For example, the frequency band can be set continuously such that the filter 215a is 10 to 15 Hz, the filter 215b is 15 to 20 Hz, and the filter 215a is 10 to 10 Hz.
It is also possible to set only the minimum frequency band necessary for detection, such as 20 Hz and the filter 215 b of 30 to 40 Hz.

Also in the case illustrated in FIG. 8, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the state immediately before the detection target is stopped is detected based on the detection signal that passes through the first filter 210 a, and then passes through the filter unit 215. When the detection target is not detected based on the detection signal, a signal for opening is transmitted from the valve control unit 240 to the valve 250. Further, before detecting a detection signal passing through the first filter 210a, detection can be performed with higher accuracy by detecting deceleration based on the detection signal passing through the filter unit 215.

The filter unit 215 is provided with a plurality of stages of filters having different frequency bands,
In the case of the examples illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the frequency band described above is a lower frequency band, and the frequency band illustrated below is a high frequency band.

When determining the water discharge operation immediately before deceleration and stop, as the first filter 210a and the filter unit 215 to be used, the filter unit 215 is configured with one frequency band as shown in FIG. Is detected by detecting the amplitude value E of the first filter 210a immediately after the amplitude value E of the filter unit 215 is detected. By using it as a condition for detecting both just before deceleration and just before stopping so as to detect immediately before, the number of filters can be reduced and the load on the control unit 200 can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the filter unit 215 is configured with a plurality of frequency bands, and deceleration is detected by the amplitude value I of the filter unit 215 and the amplitude value H of the first filter 210a, and the amplitude value of the first filter 210a. By detecting the frequency band separately so as to detect immediately before the stop by H and the amplitude value J of the frequency band of the filter unit 215, it can be detected with higher accuracy. Note that, in the frequency bands of the plurality of filters of the filter unit 215, the magnitude relationship between the frequency band for detecting deceleration and the frequency band for detecting immediately before stopping is not particularly limited (the reverse of FIG. 9 may be used).

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the amplitude value L may be sequentially detected from the amplitude value N of the filter unit 215, and deceleration may be detected only in the frequency band of the filter unit 215. In addition to the above-described two amplitude values N and L, detection can be made with higher accuracy by sequentially detecting up to the amplitude value K of the first filter 210a to detect deceleration. Although not shown in the figure, after detection based on the amplitude value K of the first filter 210a, immediately before the stop because it is not detected in the frequency band of the filter unit 215 set by a plurality of filters in order to detect just before the stop. Can be detected with higher accuracy.

As described above, by detecting the time immediately before the deceleration and stop by detecting the first filter 210a and the filter unit 215 in time series, it is possible to sequentially perform the determination in accordance with the order in which the detection target performs the water discharging operation. Therefore, reliable water discharge with fewer false detections can be performed. Moreover, since a quicker and more accurate determination can be performed, water discharge can be performed at a more optimal timing.

The embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.
As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, number, and the like of each element included in the faucet device 1 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the number of filters, the frequency band, the connection form, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the valve control unit includes water discharge from the water discharge unit based on the separated detection signal. A part for determining whether or not the valve is openable and a part for controlling opening and closing of the valve may be provided integrally, or both parts may be provided separately. For example, one CPU may determine whether or not to discharge water and control the opening and closing of the valve, or a plurality of CPUs may be used to determine whether or not water discharge is possible and control the opening and closing of the valve. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is combined can be combined as much as possible, and what combined these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the characteristics of the present invention are included.

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 control part concerning the 1st example. 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. It is a schematic graph for demonstrating the determination method in a valve | bulb control part. It is a block diagram for illustrating the control part concerning the 2nd example. 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

1 faucet device, 10 water distribution pipe, 30 water discharge part, 32 water discharge port, 34 water discharge flow, 40 water reception part,
41 Water receiving surface, 42 Left side surface, 43 Rear surface, 44 Right side surface, 45 Front surface, 100 Sensor unit,
112 antenna, 112a antenna, 112b antenna, 114 transmitter,
116 reception unit, 118 mixer unit, 200 control unit, 201 control unit, 203 control unit, 209 frequency classification unit, 210 frequency classification unit, 210a first filter,
211 filter, 212 first filter, 213 filter unit, 215 filter unit, 215a to 215n filter, 216 frequency sorting unit, 240 valve control unit,
241 Valve control unit, 250 valve, 302 arrow (flow direction)

Claims (3)

A water discharge part,
A valve that opens and closes the water channel leading to the water discharger, and switches the water discharge from the water discharger;
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by reflected waves of the radiated radio wave;
A frequency separation unit that separates the AC component of the detection signal from the sensor unit into a predetermined frequency band;
A valve control unit that determines whether or not to discharge water from the water discharging unit based on the separated detection signal, and controls opening and closing of the valve;
A faucet device comprising:
The frequency separation unit includes a first filter having a first frequency band;
A filter unit provided with at least one filter having a higher frequency band than the first filter,
The valve control unit detects the detected object based on the detection signal that has passed through the first filter, and then detects the detected object based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit. The water faucet device that determines to discharge water from the water discharge section and opens the valve. The valve control unit detects the detection target based on the signal that has passed through the filter unit, and then detects the detection target based on the detection signal that has passed through the first filter, and then further detects the filter unit. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein, when the detection target is not detected based on the detection signal that has passed, it is determined to discharge water from the water discharge unit, and the valve is opened. The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of filters having different frequency bands are connected in parallel to the filter unit.

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