JP2010144471A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device enabling water to be ejected and stopped at the optimum timing. <P>SOLUTION: This faucet device includes: a water ejection section for ejecting ejected water flow from an ejection port; a valve section for changing between the ejection of water from the water ejection section and the stop of water, a water receiving section for receiving the ejected water flow ejected from the ejection port; a sensor section for acquiring the information on the body to be detected by the reflected wave of an emitted radio wave, and a control unit for controlling the opening/closing of the valve section according to the detection signal from the sensor section. The sensor section is installed in the water receiving section so as to emit radio wave toward the water ejection section. The control unit opens the valve section when detecting the body to be detected according to the detection signal from the sensor section when the valve section is closed, and closes the valve section when the body to be detected near the water ejection port of the water ejection section according to the detection signal from the sensor section when the valve section is opened. <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.

A technique is known in which water is detected and water is stopped by detecting a detected object such as a hand or other cleaning object by a sensor disposed in the faucet device. For example, a photoelectric sensor is installed in the vicinity of the water discharge port, only the vicinity of the water discharge unit is set as a detection area for determining water discharge and water stop, and a reflection signal from the detected object that has reached the vicinity of the water discharge unit is detected to discharge water and discharge water. There is a technique of stopping water when the reflected signal from the detected object is no longer detected away from the vicinity of the portion (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, a radio wave sensor is installed in the water receiving part and the water discharging part, and the object to be detected close to the water faucet device is detected using the water receiving part as a detection area for judging water discharge and water stopping over a wide area and around the faucet device. There is a technique of stopping water when the water is discharged from the water spouting device and the faucet device and the reflected signal from the detected object is not detected (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-75570 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-80150

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-75570), since the detection area is limited to the vicinity of the water discharger, there is no false detection due to movements other than the vicinity of the water discharger. . For example, when the valve is closed, it is detected on the user's side of the water receiving unit after it has reached the vicinity of the spout without failing to detect it by mistake, such as squeezing a hand when washing with soap. The body can be detected and discharged. In addition, when the valve is open, the water can be stopped immediately after the object is moved away from the vicinity of the spout after the water has been used. It can be used without draining water by detecting the action of sweeping the body water, the action of wiping the body to be detected, or the action of throwing away the water collected in the cup or hand.

Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-80150), since the detection area is set to a wide area in the water receiving portion and around the faucet device, the detected object is discharged. Water discharge can be started before reaching the vicinity of the water mouth.
Therefore, since water discharge can be started at an early timing, a hand washing action can be completed quickly and in a short time.

However, in Patent Document 1, since the detection area is limited to the vicinity of the water discharge unit, when water is discharged, detection is performed after the detected body reaches the arrival point, and water discharge is started. There was a case where I felt uncomfortable when I wanted to wash my hands quickly.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, since the detection area is set to a wide area in the water receiving portion and the periphery of the faucet device, when the water is stopped, the detection object is separated from the faucet device periphery. Since the water stoppage is not detected later and the water stoppage is started, the water stoppage is delayed.
As described above, the water discharge area for detecting the detected object for discharging water and the area where the detected object is not detected for stopping water are the same area. Therefore, it was difficult to satisfy the requirement of the faucet device that the water stop was performed quickly after use.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and provides a water faucet device capable of discharging and stopping water at an optimal timing.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A water discharger that discharges the water discharge from the water outlet;
A valve portion for switching water discharge from the water discharge portion, water stop, and
A water receiving portion for receiving the water discharge discharged from the water outlet;
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by reflected waves of the radiated radio wave;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the valve unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit;
With
The sensor unit is installed in the water receiving unit so as to radiate radio waves toward the water discharging unit,
The controller is
When the valve unit is closed, when the detected object is detected based on the detection signal from the sensor unit, the valve unit is opened.
When the valve part is opened,
Provided is a water faucet device that closes the valve unit when a detected object is detected in the vicinity of a water discharge port of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The controller is
A water faucet device is provided that closes the valve unit when it is detected that only the water discharge is in a state based on a detection signal from the sensor unit when the valve unit is opened.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The water faucet device is provided in which the sensor unit is disposed in the water receiving unit on a side opposite to a side on which the water discharging unit is disposed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The controller is
A water faucet device is provided in which, when the valve is closed, the valve portion is not opened even if a detected object is detected near the wall surface of the water receiving portion where the sensor portion is disposed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
A water faucet device is provided in which the sensor unit does not change a radiation direction of a radio wave beam when the valve is closed and when the valve is opened.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the water faucet device which can discharge and stop water at the optimal timing is provided by setting the optimal detection area respectively before water discharge and water discharge.

Embodiments of an automatic faucet device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)

  FIG. 1 (a) shows an overview of the first embodiment of the faucet device, FIG. 1 (b) shows a top view of FIG. 1 (a), and FIG. 1 (c) shows FIG. 1 (b). FIG.

A faucet device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used in a water discharge unit 1 and a water discharge port 100 for discharging a water discharge flow, a water receiving unit 2 that receives water discharged from the water discharge unit 1, and a water receiving unit 2. Radio wave sensor 3 for detecting the intrusion of the detected object such as a person's hand, toothbrush, cup, rag, etc., the state of the water discharge flow, the valve unit 4 for switching the water discharge and water stop from the water discharge unit 1, and the radio wave sensor 3 is configured with a control unit 5 that controls opening and closing of the valve unit 4 on the basis of a signal from 3.
Here, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed on the front side 2a, which is a side facing when the user approaches the water receiving unit 2, and the radio wave beam is emitted toward the vicinity of the water outlet 100.

Further, the radio wave beam can be set so as not to be emitted toward the upper portion of the water discharger 1. Thereby, it does not misdetect the thing picking up to the shelf installed in the back of the water discharging part 1, the look of a mirror, etc.
Furthermore, the radio wave sensor 3 can be installed in the water receiving unit 2 so that the excitation direction of the radio wave beam is substantially vertical. When the radio wave sensor 3 is installed on the front side 2 a of the water receiver 2, the object to be discharged is directed from the upper side of the radio wave sensor 3 to the front side of the radio wave sensor 3. In the vertical direction, it is easy to detect the vertical movement of the body to be detected, so that a large detection signal can be obtained, and the water receiving unit 2 crossing the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 installed on the front side 2a of the water receiving unit 2 can be obtained. Since the detection signal obtained by the operation that does not attempt to discharge water, such as the wiping operation in the horizontal direction or the operation across the outside of the faucet device 10, becomes small, it is possible to accurately detect only the operation of the object to be discharged. it can.

Here, the faucet device 10 has a detection area depending on whether the valve unit 4 is in a closed state (a state in which water is discharged from water stop before water discharge) or an open state (a state in which water discharge is continued or stopped from water discharge). Is set.
When the valve unit 4 is closed, a water discharge area a in which the entire water receiving unit 2 serves as a detection area is set. Thereby, even if the user is pushed out from various heights and angles so as to cause the user (the hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.) to reach the vicinity of the spout 100 due to a difference in height or the like, the detection can be reliably performed.
Further, when the valve unit 4 is open, a water stop area b is set in which only the vicinity of the water outlet 100 is a detection area. As a result, the user finishes the washing action, etc. during the water discharge, moves the hand etc. to the user side of the water receiving part 2, and performs the action after use (sweeping water, wiping hands, throwing away water, water However, these actions will not be detected erroneously and water discharge will not be continued.
Here, when the valve unit 4 is open, the detected body is mainly used as the water discharge flow, and the user is using the water discharge flow (water turbulent by hands or water collected in a cup) or used. Whether or not (only the water discharge flow) is determined from the state of the water discharge flow, and it is determined whether to continue water discharge or to stop water discharge.

Thus, the water discharge area a and the water stop area b can be switched by switching the control (algorithm) in which the radio wave sensor 3 determines the detection of the detected object in accordance with the opening and closing of the valve unit 4. Details of the control method when the valve unit 4 is opened and closed will be described later.

Further, as described above, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed in the water receiving unit 2 and radiates radio waves toward the water discharge unit 1 (near the water discharge port 100), and the water discharge area a has the entire water receiving unit 2 as an area. Since the water stop area b is only in the vicinity of the water outlet 100, there is no need to change the radiation direction of the radio wave beam when the valve unit 4 is opened and closed, so the circuit configuration of the radio wave sensor 3 is complicated so that the radio wave can be varied. Therefore, it can be realized with a simple circuit configuration.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating the radio wave sensor 3.
The radio wave sensor 3 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 10.525 GHz is radiated from the antenna 112, for example. 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, as shown in FIG. 2A, the antenna may have a common transmission side and reception side. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the antenna 112a is connected to the transmission unit 114. 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 reflecting the Doppler effect is output. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 is output toward the control unit 5.

Next, the control unit 5 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for illustrating the control unit 5.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 5 includes a filter unit 210, a determination unit 230, a valve control unit 240, a valve unit 4, and a storage unit 260. The filter unit 210 includes a filter 210a and a filter 210b. The filter 210a can be, for example, a filter that passes a detection signal in a predetermined frequency band. The filter 210b can be a filter that passes a detection signal in a frequency band higher than the frequency band of the filter 210a.
In the present embodiment, control is performed from a detection signal obtained with respect to the movement of the detected object. At that time, identification is performed by detecting a signal of less than 100 Hz. .
An operation normally performed by the user, for example, insertion or extraction of a hand, walking, or the like is a signal of less than 100 Hz. Therefore, by detecting a signal of less than 100 Hz, it is possible to discriminate general human movements. Further, when a high frequency of 100 Hz or higher is detected, it is possible to cancel a detection signal obtained from nearby fluorescent lamp noise (100 Hz, 120 Hz), communication noise used in a communication device, or the like.

The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 has a waveform in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a low-frequency baseline. This high frequency component includes information on the Doppler effect. Therefore, the filter unit 210 extracts a high frequency component (Doppler frequency signal) including information on the Doppler effect.

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 radio wave sensor 3, a detection signal including a frequency ΔF proportional to the velocity v is obtained as represented by the equation (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 of the detection signal output from the radio wave sensor 3 (mixer unit 118) is divided into a predetermined frequency band via the filters 210a and 210b, the Doppler frequency ΔF is measured. v can be obtained. In addition, the change in speed (deceleration / acceleration) can be known by looking at the transition of each frequency band. For example, when the determination unit 230 determines that a detection operation for using the faucet device is being performed, the valve control unit 240 may open the valve unit 4 to discharge water. it can. In Japan, a frequency of 10.50 to 10.55 Hz or 24.05 to 24.25 GHz can be used for the purpose of detecting a human body. For convenience of explanation, the case where the detection signal is divided into two frequency bands has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection signal can be divided into three or more frequency bands. If the number of divisions of the frequency band is increased, the operation state of the detected object can be analyzed in more detail.

Also, a filter for removing low frequency components can be provided in the previous stage of the filter unit 210. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 has a waveform in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a low-frequency baseline. Therefore, if a filter for removing low frequency components is provided, only high frequency components (Doppler frequency signals) including information on the Doppler effect can be extracted. In addition, the filtering frequency in this case can be about 0.1-5 Hz, for example.

In addition, in order to detect that the detection target is substantially stationary, a filter that allows a detection signal in a low frequency band including a direct current component to pass therethrough may be provided in the filter unit 210. In this case, as a detection signal in a low frequency band including a DC component, for example, a detection signal including a DC component (0 Hz) and a frequency component exceeding 0 Hz and not more than 10 Hz can be exemplified. Here, “substantially stationary” means not only a stationary state but also a state including a slight fluctuation of the human body immediately before attempting to be stationary.

Here, the filter can be configured by hardware or software. As what constituted the filter with hardware, what provided the resistor (R) and the capacitor (C) as a component can be illustrated, for example. For example, a filter that separates and extracts a necessary frequency band is configured by combining a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter configured by a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) with respect to a detection signal from the radio wave sensor 3. Is possible. When the filter is configured by hardware, it is possible to obtain an inexpensive and simple configuration filter. However, since the set frequency may vary due to the influence of variations in the resistance value and capacitance value of each electronic component (resistor (R), capacitor (C)), more precise frequency setting is performed. If a resistor having a small tolerance of the resistance value and the capacitance value of the capacitor is selected, it is possible to perform filtering with a value close to the set frequency band.

Examples of the filter configured by software include a digital filter that performs filtering by arithmetic processing using a microcomputer, for example. If a digital filter is used, the frequency to be filtered can be set strictly. Therefore, since it is possible to perform fine frequency division, it can be said that it is suitable for accurately determining the user's operation. However, because of filtering using an arithmetic element such as a microcomputer, the calculation time may be longer as the number of filters increases. In this case, if the calculation time is long, there is a possibility that problems such as a delay in opening and closing time of the valve unit 4 may occur. There is also a problem that filtering cannot be performed on direct current (DC) or frequencies near direct current (DC). Therefore, when speeding up arithmetic processing by software, if the number of filters is reduced or a computing element with a high arithmetic speed is selected, the arithmetic processing is accelerated and detailed filtering processing is performed at high speed. It becomes possible.
Further, the filter unit 210 may be configured by appropriately selecting a filter configured by hardware or software, or by combining both.
The object to be detected can be detected by the circuit configuration as described above.

From here, the control method in each time of opening and closing of the valve part 4 is demonstrated.
As described above, the control unit 5 detects the object to be detected in accordance with the closed state of the valve unit 4 (state in which water is discharged from water stop before water discharge) or the open state (state in which water discharge is continued or stopped from water discharge). Controls (algorithms) for determining the detection of each are set.
First, a control method when the valve unit 4 is closed will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a series of operations when the user of the faucet device 10 tries to stop the detected body (hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.) at the arrival point (near the spout 100) in order to discharge water. is there.
First, the user enters the body to be detected from above the front side 2a of the water receiving section 2, and the body to be detected starts to hit the radio wave beam of the radio wave sensor 3 (FIG. 4A). Subsequently, the user approaches the object to be detected while decelerating to stop at the arrival point (near the water outlet 100) (FIG. 4B). Thereafter, the object to be detected becomes substantially stationary immediately before stopping at the arrival point (near the spout 100), and finally swings to the arrival point. (FIG. 4 (c)).

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the change in speed or frequency with respect to the distance between the detected object and the arrival point. When the user tries to stop the detected object at the arrival point, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the user brings the detected object closer to the arrival point while decelerating, and finally makes the object approximately stationary.
At this time, for example, in the state of FIG. 4A, the frequency fA in FIG. 5 is obtained (point A). Next, in the state of FIG. 4B, a frequency fB smaller than fA in FIG. 5 is obtained (point B). Further, in the state of FIG. 4C, the state is substantially stationary, and a frequency fC (point C) smaller than fB is obtained immediately before stopping at the arrival point.
In this way, the operation of the user trying to make the detected body reach the arrival point in order to discharge water is decelerated and finally becomes below a predetermined speed (substantially stationary state). From the above features, the user can identify the action to send the detected object to the arrival point and try to discharge water,
In the control part 5, the timing which starts water discharge can be controlled according to the algorithm of the detection signal for opening the valve part 4. FIG. At this time, the frequency of the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 is gradually shifted from the high side to the low side, and becomes substantially stationary immediately before stopping, and the detection signal of about low frequency (0 to 10 Hz) is sent to the control unit 5. Is output.
When the valve unit 4 is closed, the control unit 5 determines whether to open the valve unit 4 by setting a speed and an algorithm for changing the speed according to the specific operation of the detection target for discharging water.

A control flow when the valve unit 4 is closed will be described in detail.
When the valve unit 4 is closed, the control unit 5 opens the valve unit 4 when detecting the deceleration of the detected body, and starts the water discharge from the water outlet 100, and the detected body is below a predetermined speed. If it becomes, the valve | bulb part 4 is opened and the 2nd water discharge detection mode which starts the water discharge from the water discharge port 100 is provided.
Each of the first water discharge detection mode and the second water discharge detection mode will be described.
First, the first water discharge detection mode will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of determining deceleration from a detection signal for each frequency band in the specific example shown in FIG.
In the first water discharge detection mode of the control unit 5, filters of a high frequency band fBPFH and a low frequency band fBPFL from which a direct current component has been removed are set. 4 and 5, since the detected object is decelerated by a series of operations for discharging water, the radio wave sensor 3 obtains a detection signal whose frequency decreases with time. In other words, this corresponds to the fact that the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal sequentially appears from the high frequency band fBPFH to the low frequency band fBPFL in time series, so that the detection signal near the point A in the high frequency band fBPFH. The voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal in the vicinity of the point B in the low frequency band fBPFL is sequentially obtained.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the high frequency band fBPFH and the low frequency band fBPFL in the deceleration operation of the detection target illustrated in FIG. 6.
Here, for example, the filter can obtain the detection signal with high accuracy by filtering the detection signal through a digital filter corresponding to each frequency band.
Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal in 20 to 30 Hz (FIG. 7A) for the high frequency band fBPFH and 10 to 20 Hz (FIG. 7B) for the low frequency band fBPFL is shown.
Here, threshold values VBPFH1 and VBPPFH2 of voltage values are set in the high frequency band fBPFH, and threshold values VBPFL1 and VBPFL2 of voltage values are set in the low frequency band fBPFL.
First, in the high frequency band fBPFH, the voltage value Vs of the obtained detection signal becomes Vs> VBPFH1 or Vs <VBPFH2, and in the next lower frequency band fBPFL, the voltage is decelerated when Vs becomes Vs> VBPFL1 or Vs <VBPFL2. Therefore, the valve unit 4 can be opened. Thereby, before a to-be-detected body reaches | attains an arrival point, water discharge can be started at an early timing.
Next, the second water discharge detection mode will be described.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of determining a substantially stationary state from a detection signal in a low frequency band in the specific example shown in FIG.
In the second water discharge detection mode of the control unit 5, a filter of a low frequency band fBPFR including a direct current component is set. As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the detected object is in a substantially stationary state at the end of the series of operations, so the frequency of the detected signal of the detected object is a low frequency, and the detected signal near the point C in the low frequency band fBPFR. Can be obtained.
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the low frequency band fBPFR in the substantially stationary state of the detection target illustrated in FIG.
Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal at 0 to 10 Hz is represented in the low frequency band fBPFR.
Here, threshold values VBPFR1 and VBPFR2 of voltage values are set in the low frequency band fBPFR.
In the low frequency band fBPFR, when the voltage value Vs of the obtained detection signal becomes Vs> VBPFR1 or Vs <VBPFR2, it is determined that the state is substantially stationary, and the valve unit 4 can be opened. Thereby, water discharge can be started immediately before the body to be detected stops at the arrival point.

As a result, even if the user is forced to discharge water, the object to be detected enters the radio wave beam even if the object to be detected is stopped from the obliquely upper height of the water discharge unit 1 outside the radio wave beam range to stop near the water outlet 100. Since the frequency of the detected object is 10 Hz or less, it can be detected immediately before reaching the arrival point, and the control unit 5 opens the valve unit 4 so that water discharge is started at an early timing. It can be used comfortably.

As described above, when the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed in the water receiving unit 2 and the radio wave beam is radiated toward the water discharge unit 1, the control unit 5 sets the first water discharge detection mode and the second water discharge detection mode. By setting it, the water discharge area a can be set.
Thus, since the user can reliably detect the object to be stopped at the arrival point in order to discharge water and can start discharging water at an optimal early timing, the user can use it comfortably. In addition, by detecting deceleration and substantially stationary and starting water discharge, the passing motion such as a hand crossing the water receiving unit 2 momentarily or the periphery of the faucet device 10 is decelerated or substantially stationary. Since this is not an operation, these false detections can be prevented.

Next, a control method when the valve unit 4 is opened will be described.
When the valve unit 4 is opened, the control unit 5 mainly detects the state of the water discharge flow in the vicinity of the water discharge port 100 with the radio wave sensor 3, and continues the water discharge from the water discharge unit 1 based on the obtained detection signal (valve. It is determined whether the part 4 remains open) or whether the water is stopped (the valve part 4 is closed).
Here, the state of the water discharge flow includes the state of only the water discharge flow, the state in which the detected body (hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.) hits the water discharge flow, and the water discharge flow is disturbed, and the detected body (in the hand or cup). The state where the water discharge is accumulated is determined.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a faucet device in the case of only the water discharge flow and in the case of using the water discharge,
FIG. 10 (a) shows a state of only the water discharge flow, FIG. 10 (b) shows a state where the water discharge flow hits the body to be detected (hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.), and FIG. Represents the state where water is stored in a cup or both hands.
The state of only the water discharge flow in FIG. 10 (a) is when the user is not using water, and the state where the water in FIG. 10 (b) and FIG. It can be seen that is in use.
Here, when the valve unit 4 is open, the control unit 5 identifies the state of only the water discharge flow and the state where the water hits the detection target, and determines that the water is stopped when the state of the water discharge flow only is reached. The water stop detection mode which closes the part 4 is provided.
In the present invention, the flow rate of the discharged water flow is a constant flow rate by a metering valve (not shown).

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a detection signal that has passed through a high-pass filter that removes a DC component from the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 in each of the cases illustrated in FIGS. The frequency of the filter can be about 0.1 to 5 Hz, for example.
Here, when the detected object hits the water discharge flow and is disturbed, a part of the disturbed water discharge flow also scatters in the direction approaching the radio wave sensor 3, so that the distance between the radio wave sensor 3 and the water discharge flow becomes short. The voltage value is larger than the detection signal of only the discharged water flow.
In addition, when the discharged water flow is pooled in a cup or the like, the discharged water flow settles in the cup and becomes a slowly oscillating motion of about 0 to 5 Hz, so that the voltage value is smaller than the detection signal of only the discharged water flow.
However, when the cup or the like is made of metal, for example, the radio wave beam may be reflected by the metal and the water in the cup may not be seen. In that case, not the state of the water discharge, but the fluctuation of the hand holding the cup and the cup itself is observed in the vicinity of the water outlet 100 with a slowly swaying movement of about 0 to 5 Hz. It can be judged as.

Here, threshold values VM1 and VM2 larger than the amplitude of only the water discharge flow and threshold values VC1 and VC2 smaller than the amplitude of the water discharge flow are set in the control unit 5.
When the detection signal Vs is Vs> VM1 or Vs <VM2, the control unit 5 can determine that the detection target is hitting the water discharge flow, keep the valve unit 4 in the open state, and can continue water discharge.
Further, when the detection signal Vs is VC2 <Vs <VC1, it can be determined that the water discharge flow is accumulated in the detection object, and the valve portion 4 can be left open to continue the water discharge.
However, when the detection signal Vs is VC1 <Vs <VM1 or VM2 <Vs <VC2, it is determined that the state is only the water discharge flow, the valve unit 4 is closed, and the water can be stopped.
Thus, after the water discharge is started, the water discharge is surely continued in a state where the user is using water as shown in FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, as shown in FIG. If the water discharge is no longer used, the water can be stopped quickly, so it can be used comfortably.

In addition, as another determination method in the water stop detection mode of the control unit 5, the state of the water discharge flow can be determined based on the voltage value of the detection signal in a specific frequency band.
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the power spectrum of the detection signal in each of the water discharge flows described above, FIG. 12 (a) is a state of only the water discharge flow, and FIG. 12 (b) is an object to be detected (hand, toothbrush). FIG. 12C shows a state in which water is accumulated in the object to be detected (such as a cup or both hands).
In the state of only the water discharge flow in FIG. 12A, the water discharge flow is regular, and therefore a certain predetermined range of frequencies (about 5 to 30 Hz) appears.
In the state where water is applied to the detected object in FIG. 12B and is disturbed, after a low-frequency (about 0 to 10 Hz) water discharge flowing along the surface of the detected object or after passing through the detected object. From low frequency to high frequency (about 0 to 100 Hz), such as a flowing water flow of about medium frequency (about 10 to 50 Hz) flowing down and a high level of water discharge (about 50 to 100 Hz) that collides with the object to be detected and scatters. appear.
In addition, in the state where water is collected in the detected object (cup, both hands, etc.) in FIG. 12 (c), the water settles in the cup, or the hand holding the cup or the cup itself fluctuates. A low frequency (about 0 to 5 Hz) appears.
That is, it can be seen that the frequency bands are different from each other in FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state of each water discharge flow in an arbitrary frequency band.
Here, the control unit 5 includes a filter having a frequency band of 20-30 Hz and a filter having a frequency band of 60-70 Hz.
The valve opening / closing state corresponding to the state of each discharged water flow will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
The control unit 5 determines the state of the water discharge flow based on a combination of whether or not the threshold value of the voltage value set in each frequency band is exceeded with only the water discharge flow as a reference.
FIG. 13A shows a voltage value of a detection signal obtained by a filter in a frequency band of 20-30 Hz. Here, the detection signal when the object to be detected hits water is not shown in the figure because it is not greatly different from the discharged water flow and is not used for determination of discrimination from the discharged water flow alone.
The threshold values VTC1 and VTC2 in the frequency band of 20-30 Hz are set to values lower than the amplitude of the detection signal obtained only in the water discharge flow state. At this time, in a state where water is stored in a glass or the like, there is no frequency component of 20-30 Hz, so that a voltage value hardly appears.
FIG. 13B shows a voltage value of a detection signal obtained by a filter having a frequency band of 60 to 70 Hz. Here, the detection signal when water is accumulated in a cup or the like is not shown in the figure because it is not greatly different from the water discharge flow and is not used for determination of only the water discharge flow.
The threshold values VTM1 and VTM2 in the frequency band of 60 to 70 Hz are set to values higher than the amplitude of the detection signal obtained only in the water discharge flow state. At this time, when the object to be detected is in contact with water, a large voltage value appears because a large number of frequency components of 60 to 70 Hz are included.

As described above, in each frequency band, by setting a threshold value based on the detection signal of only the discharged water flow, in the case of 20-30 Hz, the detection signal Vs obtained is Vs> VTC1 or Vs <VTC2 In this case, only the water discharge flow can be identified from only the water discharge flow and the state where water is accumulated in a cup or the like.
Further, in the case of 60-70 Hz, when the detection signal Vs obtained is Vs <VTM1 or Vs> VTM2, it is possible to identify only the discharged water flow from only the discharged water flow and the state where the detected object has hit the water.
Therefore, the state of each discharged water flow can be identified by using the frequency bands of 20-30 Hz and 60-70 Hz.
Here, the control unit 5 can be set to close the valve unit 4 when Vs> VTC1 or Vs <VTC2 and Vs <VTM1 or Vs> VTM2.
As a result, when the user finishes the cleaning action, etc., the state of only the water discharge flow (the state in which the user does not use the faucet device 10) is judged at the moment when the hand or the like is separated from the water discharge flow, and the user quickly stops. Because it can be used for water, it can be used comfortably.
On the other hand, in a state where the detected object has hit water or a state where water is accumulated in a cup or the like, it is not a condition for determining only the water discharge flow, so the control unit 5 leaves the valve unit 4 in an open state, Water discharge can be continued.

As described above, it is possible to accurately identify the state of each water discharge flow by comparing in an arbitrary frequency band, determine the state of only the water discharge flow, and quickly stop water.
In the present invention, the state of the discharged water flow is compared using two frequency bands. However, the number of filters is not limited, and one or three or more filters may be used as long as they can be compared.
The determination may be made in combination with the high-pass filter described above.

Here, depending on how the frequency band is selected, the amplitude of the state of each water discharge flow may not be the same magnitude relationship as the high-pass filter described above.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a voltage value of a detection signal obtained by a filter having a frequency band of 0-5 Hz.
For example, when a frequency band of 0 to 5 Hz is used, the amplitude is larger in a state where water is accumulated in the detected object (such as a cup or both hands) than in a state where only the discharged water flow is present.
In this case, the control unit 5 can set the threshold value in the frequency band of 0-5 Hz to VCT1 and VCT2 that are larger than the amplitude in the state of only the water discharge flow.
Thereby, when the detection signal Vs obtained is Vs <VCT1 or Vs> VCT2, it is possible to identify only the discharged water flow from only the discharged water flow and the state where water is accumulated in a cup or the like.

Here, a method for setting the threshold value of the voltage value that is set based on only the water discharge flow in the water stoppage detection mode of the control unit 5 will be described.
The control unit 5 includes storage means 260 (see FIG. 2), and the threshold value is stored in the storage means 260.
The determination unit 230 controls the opening / closing of the valve unit 4 by comparing the voltage value of the detection signal acquired from the radio wave sensor 3 with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 260. The same control is performed in the water discharge detection mode.

The threshold value used in the water stop detection mode may be determined in advance and stored in the storage means 260 before the faucet device 1 is used for the first time by the user at the site. Even after the start of use, the threshold value can be appropriately determined by learning and stored in the storage means 260.

When the threshold value is determined in advance, for example, when the faucet device 10 is designed, the threshold value can be determined in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the storage unit 260.
Alternatively, before the faucet device 10 is manufactured and shipped at the factory, or when the faucet device 10 is installed on site, the threshold value can be determined by discharging water and stored in the storage means 260.

On the other hand, when the threshold value is determined by learning, for example, after the faucet device 10 is started to operate at the site, the control unit 5 causes the water discharge unit to discharge water every predetermined time, and the threshold value is based on the detection signal in that state. Can be determined and stored in the storage means 260. Such determination and storage of the threshold value may be performed in a time zone (for example, at night) when the faucet device 10 is used less frequently.
In addition, the control unit 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) learns a time zone in which the faucet device 10 is used in a low frequency, and performs threshold value determination and storage in the time zone in which the usage frequency is determined in this way. You can also In addition, when one or both of water discharge and water stoppage is executed a predetermined number of times, a threshold value can be newly determined and stored.

By appropriately learning the threshold value after the faucet device 10 starts operating, for example, the detection signal obtained from the discharged water flow changes due to the use environment (supply water pressure, etc.) changing in the middle. Even in such a field, the faucet device 10 can always be operated based on the optimum threshold value.

As described above, when the radio wave sensor 3 is arranged in the water receiving unit 2 and a radio beam is radiated toward the water discharge unit 1, the water stop area is set by setting the water stop detection mode in the control unit 5. b can be set.
As a result, the user can finish the cleaning action and immediately detect the water discharge immediately after separating his / her hand from the water discharge flow, so that the user can use the water comfortably. it can.

FIG. 15 is a diagram in which a water discharge prohibition area s is set in the faucet device 10 in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 in which the radio wave sensor 3 is arranged in addition to the water discharge area a and the water stop area B. is there.
The faucet device 10 can set the water discharge prohibition area s in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed by the control unit 5 when the valve unit 4 is closed.
In the water discharge prohibition area s, the control unit 5 does not perform the opening operation of the valve unit 4 even if the detection target is detected in the water discharge detection mode.
Thereby, for example, when a user performs a hand washing action using soap before water discharge, false detection is performed in the operation of squeezing the hand on the user side of the water receiving unit 2 to extend the soap on the hand to the entire hand. Without doing so, the water discharge can be started at an early timing when the hand is put out near the water outlet 100 thereafter.
In addition, when the user finishes the cleaning action, etc., and the hand or cup is removed from the water discharge flow, the valve is closed by the water stop detection mode and water stop is performed. 2 The user's hand in 2 is used to sweep the water of the subject to be wet after washing, to throw away the water accumulated in the cup, to spit out the water contained in the mouth, It is possible to realize quick water stopping without wiping, or adhering to the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed, and misdetecting water traveling on the wall surface and continuing to discharge water. .

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a detection signal obtained in an operation of squeezing a hand on the user side of the water receiving unit 2 in order to extend soap, etc., attached to the hand to the whole hand by a filter of a frequency band of 10-20 Hz. .
Since the hand-gripping operation is about 10-20 Hz and the operation is in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3, the detection signal appears greatly because the distance from the radio wave sensor 3 is short.
Therefore, when the voltage value Vs of the detection signal becomes Vs> BPFT1 or Vs <BPFT2, the control unit 5 can determine that the operation is a hand-holding operation and prohibit the valve unit 4 from being opened.

In addition, FIG. 17 shows an operation of sweeping the water of the object to be detected wet after cleaning, an operation of throwing away water collected in a cup or both hands into the water receiving part 2 by a filter in a frequency band of 50-90 Hz, It is the figure which showed the detection signal obtained in the operation | movement of the water which discharges the contained water in the water receiving part.
Since these operations are about 50-90 Hz and are in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3, since the distance to the radio wave sensor 3 is short, a large detection signal appears (M portion in FIG. 14, which sweeps water). The operation is repeated several times).
Therefore, when the voltage value Vs of the detection signal becomes Vs> BPFM1 or Vs <BPFM2, the control unit 5 determines that the operation is to sweep the discharged water flow or to discard or discharge the discharged water flow to the water receiving unit 2. Opening the valve unit 4 can be prohibited.

Further, FIG. 18 shows a detection signal obtained in the operation of water that is attached to the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the radio wave sensor 3 is arranged by a filter of a low frequency band 0-5 Hz including a direct current component and is transmitted through the wall surface. FIG.
Since the operation of water traveling on the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 is about 0-5 Hz and is an operation in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3, the detection signal appears greatly because the distance from the radio wave sensor 3 is short.
Therefore, when the voltage value Vs of the detection signal satisfies Vs> VMT, the control unit 5 determines that the operation is water that travels along the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 and prohibits the valve unit 4 from being opened. it can.

As described above, the control unit 5 sets the water discharge prohibition area s in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed when the valve unit 4 is closed, before determining the water discharge detection mode. Since it is possible to determine an operation other than the operation of discharging water, the valve unit 4 is opened before reaching (stopping) the arrival point by the first and second water discharge detection modes, while preventing erroneous detection. Since the water discharge can be started at a very early timing, the user can use it comfortably.

In FIG. 19, the general-view figure of the 2nd Example which comprised the faucet device 10 of this invention with the kitchen faucet device 30 is shown.
The kitchen faucet device 30 includes a water discharge unit 21 for discharging a water discharge flow from the water discharge port 101, a water receiving unit 22 for receiving a water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge unit 21, and a user's interior in the water receiving unit 22. A radio wave sensor 23 for detecting that a detection object such as a cooking utensil such as a hand, a kitchen knife or a cutting board or a food material has entered, a valve unit 24 for switching water discharge from the water discharge unit 21, and a detection signal from the radio wave sensor 23 And a control unit 25 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve unit 24. A cooking work table 31 is provided adjacent to the water receiving unit 22.
Here, the radio wave sensor 23 is installed in a state of being concealed on a side surface other than the surface on which the water discharging unit 1 of the water receiving unit 22 is disposed and the surface on which the user approaches and below the cooking work table 31.

When the valve unit 24 is closed, the control unit 25 detects a first water discharge detection mode in which deceleration of the detected object is detected and water discharge is started, and detects that the detected object is below a predetermined speed (substantially stationary). And a second water discharge detection mode for starting water discharge.
As in the first embodiment, the first water discharge detection mode determines deceleration using a filter of a high frequency band and a low frequency band, and the second water discharge detection mode uses a filter that passes a detection signal of a low frequency band, By judging a substantially stationary state, the valve part 4 can be opened and the water discharge from the water discharge port 101 can be started. Thus, water discharge from the water discharge port 101 can be started before the detected body reaches the arrival point, so that water discharge is started at an optimal early timing.
Therefore, it can be used comfortably when, for example, it is desired to quickly wash away the stains on the kitchen knife from the cooking work table 31 while cutting the food. In addition, by detecting deceleration and substantially stationary and starting water discharge, movements such as a hand crossing the water receiving portion 22 for a moment will not slow down or be substantially stationary, thus preventing these false detections. be able to. As described above, when the radio wave sensor 23 is disposed in the water receiving unit 22 and the radio wave beam is radiated toward the water discharge unit 21, the control unit 25 sets the first water discharge detection mode and the second water discharge detection mode. By setting it, the water discharge area c can be set.

In addition, the control unit 25, when the valve unit 24 is open, is similar to the first embodiment, mainly in the state of the water discharge flow in the vicinity of the water discharge port 100 (the state of only the water discharge flow and the detected object (hand, tableware, The ingredients (such as food) hit the water discharge flow, and the water discharge flow is disturbed and the water discharge flow is accumulated in the body to be detected (in the hand or the container) based on the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3. When the state is identified and it is judged that the object to be detected is in contact with water and distorted, or that the object to be detected is in a state where water is accumulated (a state in which water discharge is used), the valve unit 24 is opened. Water discharge is continued in the state, and when only the water discharge flow (state where the water discharge flow is not used) is determined, the valve unit 24 is closed to stop water.
As a result, the user can finish the cleaning action and immediately detect the water discharge immediately after separating his / her hand from the water discharge flow, so that the user can use the water comfortably. it can.
As described above, when the radio wave sensor 23 is disposed in the water receiving unit 22 and the radio wave beam is emitted toward the water discharge unit 21, the water stop detection mode is set in the control unit 25, so that the water stop area is set. d can be set.

Further, the kitchen faucet device 30 sets the water discharge prohibition area t in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 22 where the radio wave sensor 23 is arranged, as in the first embodiment, when the valve unit 24 is closed by the control unit 25. be able to.
In the water discharge prohibition area s, the control unit 5 does not perform the opening operation of the valve unit 4 even if the detection target is detected in the water discharge detection mode.
Thus, various kitchen tools are not erroneously detected when attempting to place various kitchen tools in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 23 in the water receiving unit 22 or picking up from the water receiving unit 22, and thereafter, a hand or the like is placed near the water outlet 100. When presenting, water discharge can be started at an early timing.
Further, when the user uses the water discharge flow by a cleaning action or the like, and the object to be detected is separated from the vicinity of the water discharge port 100, the valve is closed by the water stop detection mode and water stop is performed, and the first and second water discharges are performed again. After returning to the detection mode, an operation of sweeping the water of the body to be detected wet after cleaning, or an operation of throwing away the water accumulated in the cup, which is performed in the vicinity of the side surface where the radio wave sensor 23 in the water receiver 22 is installed Or the action of spitting water contained in the mouth, the action of wiping hands with a towel, or the like, being attached to the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving part 2 where the radio wave sensor 23 is disposed, After that, the water discharge can be started at an optimum early timing when the hand or the like is subsequently presented to the vicinity of the water discharge port 101.

As described above, even in the configuration of the kitchen faucet device 30 in which the radio wave sensor 23 is installed on the lower side of the side surface of the water receiving unit 22, the faucet device 10 installed on the front side as in the first embodiment. Similarly, it is possible to provide a faucet device that can discharge and stop water at an optimal timing.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the valve unit 4 or 24 is closed, according to the deceleration or the substantially stationary operation when the user tries to stop the detected body at the arrival point in order to discharge water. , The water discharge areas a and c by the speed and speed change algorithm obtained from the radio wave sensor 3, and the preparation before water discharge performed by the user side of the water receiving section 2 and 22 (extending soap to the whole hand, etc.) And the speed and speed change algorithm obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 according to the action after use (sweeping water, wiping hands, throwing away water, spitting water) and the water passing through the water receiving units 2 and 22 To form the water discharge prohibition detection areas s and t,
When the valve parts 4 and 24 are open, the water stop areas b and d are formed by the speed and speed change algorithms obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 according to the state of the water discharge flow near the water outlets 100 and 101. It is possible to provide a faucet device that can discharge and stop water at a proper 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 10 and the kitchen faucet device 30 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. Further, 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 based on the separated detection signal and a part for controlling opening and closing of the valve parts 4 and 24. Alternatively, both portions may be provided separately. For example, the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the opening and closing control of the valve units 4 and 24 may be performed by one CPU, or the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the opening and closing control of the valve units 4 and 24 are provided separately. The CPU may be used. 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.

1 is an overview of a first embodiment of a faucet device. It is a block diagram for illustrating a radio wave sensor. It is a block diagram for illustrating a control part. It is the figure which showed a series of operation | movement when the user of a faucet device tries to stop a to-be-detected body at an arrival point in order to discharge water. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the speed or frequency with respect to the distance of a to-be-detected body and an arrival point. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of judging deceleration from a detection signal for every frequency band. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the high frequency band and the low frequency band in the deceleration operation of the detection object. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the method to determine substantially stillness from a detection signal for every frequency band. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in a low frequency band in the substantially stationary state of the detection object. It is a schematic diagram showing the water faucet device in the case of using only the water discharge flow and water discharge. It is a graph which illustrates the detection signal which passed the high-pass filter which removes a direct-current component from the detection signal obtained from a radio wave sensor in each case represented to Drawing 10 (a)-(c). It is a graph which illustrates the power spectrum of the detection signal in the state of each discharged water flow. It is the figure which showed the state of each discharged water flow in arbitrary frequency bands. It is the figure which showed the voltage value of the detection signal obtained with the filter of a 0-5Hz frequency band. It is the figure where the water discharge prohibition area s is set in the wall surface vicinity of the said water receiving part 2 by which the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 is arrange | positioned at the faucet device. It is the figure which showed the detection signal obtained in the operation | movement which rubs a hand on the user side of a water receiving part, in order to extend the soap etc. which were attached to the hand to the whole hand with the filter of the frequency band of 10-20 Hz. 50-90Hz frequency band filter to sweep the water of the object to be wet after washing, the operation of throwing away the water collected in the cup or both hands into the water receiving part, the water contained in the mouth in the water receiving part It is the figure which showed the detection signal obtained in the operation | movement of the water sprinkled in. It is the figure which showed the detection signal obtained in the operation | movement of the water which adheres to the wall surface of the said water receiving part by which the radio wave sensor is arrange | positioned with the filter of the low frequency band 0-5Hz containing a direct current component, and is transmitted through a wall surface. It is a general-view figure of the 2nd Example which comprised the faucet device of this invention with the kitchen faucet device.

Explanation of symbols

1 21 Water discharge unit 2 22 Water reception unit 3 23 Radio wave sensor 4 24 Valve unit 5 25 Control unit 30 Kitchen faucet device 31 Cooking work table 100 101 Water discharge port 112 Antenna 114 Transmission unit 116 Reception unit 118 Mixer unit 210 Filter unit 230 Determination Unit 240 valve control unit 260 storage means

Claims (5)

A water discharger that discharges the water discharge from the water outlet;
A valve portion for switching water discharge from the water discharge portion, water stop, and
A water receiving portion for receiving the water discharge discharged from the water outlet;
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by reflected waves of the radiated radio wave;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the valve unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit;
With
The sensor unit is installed in the water receiving unit so as to radiate radio waves toward the water discharging unit,
The controller is
When the valve unit is closed, when the detected object is detected based on the detection signal from the sensor unit, the valve unit is opened.
When the valve part is opened,
A faucet device that closes the valve unit when a detected object is detected in the vicinity of a water discharge port of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit. The controller is
2. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein when the valve portion is opened, the valve portion is closed when it is detected that only the water discharge is in a state based on a detection signal from the sensor portion. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is disposed in the water receiving unit on a side opposite to a side on which the water discharging unit is disposed. The controller is
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the valve is closed, the valve portion is not opened even if a detected object is detected near the wall surface of the water receiving portion where the sensor portion is disposed. . The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor unit does not change a radiation direction of a radio wave beam when the valve is closed and when the valve is opened.

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