JP2010144496A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device which starts the ejection of water with timing corresponding to the motion of a body to be detected, for example, immediately before a person's hand arrives below a spout. <P>SOLUTION: The faucet device includes: a water ejection portion; a water receiving portion; a valve 250 which switches the ejection and stop of the water from the water ejection portion; an antenna 112 which emits radio waves and receives a reflected signal reflected from the body to be detected; a detection portion 100 which determines the presence or absence of the body to be detected according to the reflected signal received by the antenna 112; and a control portion 200 which identifies a speed of the body to be detected according to a detection signal outputted from the detection portion 100, and controls the opening and closing of the valve 250 on the basis of the result of the identification of the speed. The control portion 200 brings about the opening motion of the valve 250 when it is recognized that the speed of the body to be detected is not changed into a state of a speed higher than a first threshold for a predetermined period of time after being changed into a state of a speed equal to/lower than the first threshold from the state of the speed higher than the first threshold. <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, detects an object to be detected using a radio wave sensor such as a microwave, and starts water discharge. .

As a faucet device that detects a human body and automatically starts water discharge, there has been a device that starts water discharge when it is detected that a human body that is a detection target has reached an arrival point.
Also, in order not to falsely detect other objects, the detection range of the sensor is limited to an area where only the human hand can be detected, and water discharge is started when the human hand reaches the arrival point near the water outlet. was there.

When a transmission wave such as a microwave hits the detection object, a reflected wave or a transmitted wave is generated. By receiving this reflected wave or transmitted wave, a human body can be detected and used for a faucet device or the like. A human body detection device that detects a human body by receiving a reflected wave of a radiated microwave from a human body, obtaining a power spectrum of the Doppler frequency signal, and comparing the peak value with a predetermined threshold is disclosed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-80150

However, there is a problem that the timing of water discharge tends to be delayed if water discharge is started after detection of a body to be detected such as a body or a human hand has reached the arrival point. The power spectrum of the Doppler frequency signal depends on the distance to the sensor and the area of the reflector. Depending on the orientation of the palm of the hand inserted under the spout, a reflected wave with sufficient intensity may not be obtained, and the inserted hand may not be detected reliably.

The present invention provides a water faucet device capable of starting water discharge at an optimal timing according to the movement of a detected object, such as immediately before a human hand reaches under a water discharge port.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A water discharge part,
A water receiving part,
A valve for switching water discharge from the water discharge unit;
An antenna that radiates radio waves and receives a reflected signal reflected by the object to be detected;
A detection unit that determines the presence or absence of a detected object based on a reflected signal received by the antenna;
A control unit for identifying the speed of the detection target based on a detection signal output from the detection unit, and for controlling the opening and closing of the valve based on the result;
A faucet device comprising:
After the control unit has changed from a state in which the speed of the detected object is higher than the first threshold to a state equal to or lower than the first threshold,
Identifying that it does not change to a speed state higher than the first threshold for a predetermined time,
A faucet device is provided that opens the valve.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The control unit has at least two filters that can identify different speeds;
After the first filter identifies that the detected object has reached a predetermined speed toward the water discharger, the opening and closing of the valve is controlled based on the identification result by the second filter that is faster than the speed at that time. A faucet device according to claim 1 is provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The control unit has at least two filters that can identify different speeds;
After the speed is identified by the second filter, when the first filter lower than the current speed is identified, the opening and closing of the valve is controlled based on the identification result by the second filter within the predetermined time. A faucet device according to claim 1 is provided.

According to the present invention, water discharge can be started at an optimal timing according to the motion of the detected object by starting water discharge when it is detected that the detected object has decelerated to a predetermined speed or less.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Drawing 1 is a figure showing the composition of the faucet device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a sectional side view. This water faucet device includes a sensor unit 100 and a control unit 200, and constitutes a water faucet device together with a water supply hose 10, a water outlet (spout) 30, a water receiving unit 40 made of ceramics, and the like.
In the subsequent drawings, the same elements as those described with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The sensor unit 100 radiates (transmits) a high-frequency radio wave such as a microwave or a millimeter wave, receives a reflected wave of the radiated radio wave from the detected object, and determines whether or not the detected object exists within the detectable range A. It is a high-frequency sensor that detects and outputs a detection signal.
2 and 3 are block diagrams of two specific examples of the sensor unit 100 and the control unit 200. FIG.

The sensor unit 100 includes an antenna 112, a transmission unit 114, a reception unit 116, and a difference detection unit 118. The antenna 112 connected to the transmission unit 114 emits radio waves in a frequency band of 10 kHz to 100 GHz such as high frequency, microwave, or millimeter wave. Specifically, a transmission wave T1 having a frequency of, for example, 10.525 GHz is radiated from the antenna 112. A reflected wave or transmitted wave T <b> 2 from a body to be detected such as a body is input to the receiving unit 116 via the antenna 112. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the antenna may have a common transmission side and reception side, or as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 112 a is connected to the transmission unit 114 and the reception unit 116 is connected. May be connected to the antenna 112b.
A part of the transmission wave and the reception wave are respectively input to and synthesized by the difference detection unit 118, and an output signal reflecting the Doppler effect is output. The detection signal output from the difference detection unit 118 is output to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes a filter 210, a frequency detection unit 220, a determination unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a valve 250. From the detection signal output from the difference detection unit 118, first, a high frequency component is removed by the filter 210. The filtering frequency at this time can be set to 100 Hz, for example. Since the speed of approaching or moving away from the body or hand of a user who uses an automatic water faucet (water faucet device) is often 100 Hz or less, in this way, disturbance can be removed and detected accurately. . The detection signal output from the difference detection unit 118 has a waveform in which a high frequency signal is superimposed on a low frequency baseline. The high frequency component includes information on the Doppler effect. That is, when the detected object such as the 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 Equation (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 object to be detected moves relative to the sensor unit 100, an output signal including a frequency ΔF proportional to the velocity v can be obtained as represented by Expression (1). The output 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, the velocity v can be obtained by measuring the Doppler frequency ΔF. In Japan, a frequency in the range of 10.50 to 10.55 GHz or a range of 24.05 to 24.25 GHz can be used for the purpose of detecting a human body.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of the detection signal output from the filter 210.
FIG. 4A is an example of the time characteristic of the speed of the human body as the detection target, and is decelerating over time. The speed of the human body when the user approaches the faucet device and stops at the use position, or the speed of the hand when the user who stops at the use position inserts a hand under the spout and stops is the target. In order to calmly reach the arrival point, the characteristic is that the vehicle decelerates as it approaches the arrival point.
On the contrary, when the object to be detected moves away from the arrival point, the detected object accelerates as it moves away from the arrival point and increases its speed.

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the amplitude (voltage value) of the detection signal (output signal from the filter 210) with respect to the distance from the sensor unit 100 of the detection target such as the user's human body. The amplitude of the detection signal increases as the detected object approaches the sensor unit 100 and the reflected wave from the detected object increases.
Therefore, when the detected object moves away from the sensor unit 100, the amplitude of the detection signal gradually decreases.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a change in the frequency of the detection signal when the speed of the detection target is decelerated as illustrated in FIG. From FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C, it can be seen that the frequency of the detection signal changes according to the speed of the detected object, and the frequency of the detected signal decreases when the detected object decelerates.
Therefore, the speed of the detected object can be detected from the frequency of the detection signal, and the deceleration of the detected object can be detected by decreasing the frequency of the detection signal. It can be detected. In the present embodiment, for example, this determination can be made by the determination unit 220 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the detected object. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show a person's hand or an object to be cleaned such as a toothbrush or cup held in the hand as an object to be detected a, and the object to be detected a decelerates to a predetermined speed or less. FIG. 5A shows a state where the user's human body is located within the detectable range A of the sensor unit 100, and FIG. 5B shows that the sensor unit 100 can detect it. This represents a state in which the user's human body is not located within the range A. The user usually approaches the faucet device from a position away from the faucet device, decelerates and stops in front of the faucet device when approaching the usable position. That is, in either case of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user's body approaches the automatic faucet and decelerates before entering these states.
FIG. 5C illustrates a case where the user's human body is the detected body a and the deceleration of the detected body a that has approached is detected. In this case as well, the user's body decelerates when approaching the faucet device, and stops when the faucet device approaches a usable position.
In the present embodiment, the water discharge is controlled by detecting that the user's body or hand is decelerated when approaching the automatic faucet. That is, the approach of the body to be detected to the water discharge part, that is, the arrival of the water landing point of the water discharge part 40 under the water reception part 40 or the water discharge opening 30, on the trajectory of the water discharge flow, or the water discharge from the water discharge opening 30. When the detected body approaches the point, it detects that the object is decelerated and controls water discharge.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the change in the frequency of the detection signal with respect to the distance to the arrival point targeted by the detection target (detection target).
As shown in FIG. 6, when the detected object (a human hand, the object to be cleaned, the body) moves and reaches the target arrival point, the speed of the detected object decreases as it approaches the arrival point. Accordingly, the frequency of the detection signal is lowered accordingly. Then, when it reaches shortly before the arrival point, the frequency of the detection signal becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold frequency f1. Note that the target destination point here is, for example, in the vicinity of the spout 30 in the case of a human hand or a body to be cleaned, and in front of the faucet device in the case of the body, for example.

Such a characteristic is that the user can detect whether the object to be detected is a human hand, an object to be cleaned (FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B), or a body (FIG. 5C). However, within the detectable range A of the sensor unit 100, the vehicle will decelerate as it approaches the arrival point.

FIG. 7 illustrates an operation other than the user's hand washing action performed in the water receiving unit 40. This movement is an operation that the user does not intend to use the faucet device. It is necessary to prevent false detection.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a draining operation performed immediately after the user completes hand washing. This action has various cycles and ways of movement depending on the user, and may be flicked only with the fingertip, shake hands, or even swing the entire arm in the height direction. In any case, these operations are accelerated at the beginning of movement, and decelerate and stop as they approach the water receiving section. Moreover, it accelerates when pulling back, decelerates when returning near the user's body, and then stops.
Further, FIG. 7B shows a hand scrub action in which a user uses soap and spreads soap evenly over the palm and back of the hand to remove dirt. This movement also moves up and down in the height direction and vibrates in the front-rear direction when scrubbing the palm and back. In any case, as in FIG. 7 (a), the movement starts to accelerate, and then decelerates and stops. When moving the next hand to the return side, it accelerates at the beginning of movement and decelerates when it stops.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the change in the frequency of the detection signal when the user performs the operations of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIG. 8A shows the movement when the movement of FIG. 7 is clearly captured as a detection signal, and repeats approaching and moving away while decelerating after acceleration. As described above, since the frequency falls below the predetermined frequency f1 at the point P2, if the determination of detection / non-detection is determined at this time, it leads to erroneous detection. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not acceleration will occur next.
FIG. 8B shows the frequency change of the detection signal obtained when the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 100 is irradiated to a part of the hand, fingertip, or arm and the reflected signal from any part is received. It is a graph figure to illustrate. In the Doppler sensor, when the radio wave radiation direction of the moving body and the sensor (in this embodiment, the patch antenna is used, the surface on which the antenna is arranged) is in a straight line direction, the speed of the moving body and the sensor The obtained signal is as shown in equation (1). However, when a predetermined angle θ exists between the moving body and the radiation direction of the radio wave, the Doppler frequency ΔF is a triangle as shown in equation (2) below. Function coefficients are given.
ΔF = Fs−Fb = 2 × Fs × v / c × cos (θ) Formula (2)
Therefore, when radio waves are irradiated on various surfaces of the human body, various angles are generated between the sensor unit and the direction of the reflected radio waves, so that detection signals of various frequencies can be obtained even when moving at a constant speed. When the movement of a person is pulsating, a wide frequency signal is detected at a time as shown in FIG.

For this reason, it is important to determine whether the movement after falling below the predetermined frequency f1 is a movement that is about to stop toward the arrival point or an instantaneous low-speed movement of the repetitive operation. The operation of the control unit 200 will be described with respect to the signals obtained in FIG.

In the specific example shown in FIG. 6, detection output from the sensor unit 100 to the control unit 200 when the detected object moves and falls within the detectable range of the sensor unit 100 and the distance from the arrival point is e1. The frequency of the signal to be detected becomes the threshold f1 (point p1 in FIG. 6). At this time, the point p2 in FIG. 8 is also below the predetermined threshold f1, but in the case of FIG. 8A, the frequency of the detection signal increases after the predetermined time t1, and eventually exceeds the frequency f1 at the point P3. become. Here, when the frequency f2 higher than f1 is set and it is confirmed whether or not the frequency f2 is exceeded, the detection accuracy in the vicinity of f1 is further improved, and the accuracy of identifying frequencies higher than f1 is increased. Based on this result, the determination unit 230 opens the valve 250 and starts water discharge at the timing of the point P3. Similarly, in FIG. 8B, the value is below the threshold value f1 at the point p4, but here, since the detection signal exceeding the frequencies f1 and f2 is obtained at substantially the same timing, the time t1 Each person has various times. Therefore, when the threshold value of f1 is high so that the time from the point p1 in FIG. 6 to the arrival point (e1) is reached periodically from the same timing, deceleration is detected on the front side of the water receiving unit. Therefore, t1 is preferably set longer, and when the threshold value of f1 is low, deceleration is detected on the side closer to the spout, so t1 is preferably set shorter. Conveniently, two judgment algorithms are prepared for a person with a fast hand and a slow person, and the threshold f1 is set high for a fast person and set low for a slow person. In addition, the threshold f2 for determining whether or not the movement is accelerating with a higher degree of accuracy should be slightly separated from f1, and as the distance increases, the difference between deceleration and acceleration can be determined more reliably, but spout from the spout is started. It is better to set with caution because the decision to do is delayed and the user may not be able to start water discharge before reaching the destination. In the present invention, when f1 is set to 10 Hz, f2 is set to 15 Hz, and t1 is set to 0.3 seconds, the object to be detected is further decelerated and reaches the arrival point, but when it reaches just before (e1), the valve 250 The determination unit 230 controls the water discharge start timing so as to start the water discharge, and when the detected object reaches the arrival point without erroneous detection, the water discharge is started without delay.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when it is detected that the detected object is decelerated and becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined speed (v1), there is no speed equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed within a predetermined time. When this is confirmed, water discharge is started assuming that the detected object has reached just before the target arrival point. In order to increase the accuracy, it is preferable to set the second predetermined speed (v2) and determine from the presence / absence of a signal of v2 or higher after detecting a speed lower than v1. Thereby, since water discharge is started simultaneously with a to-be-detected body reaching an arrival point, it can be used comfortably.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a specific example of the detection target in the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the specific example shown in FIG. 9A, a person's hand is a body to be detected a, it is detected that the hand has decelerated to a speed of v1 or less, and a detection signal of speed v2 or more is detected within the predetermined time. If the hand cannot be obtained, it is assumed that the hand has just reached the arrival point (below the spout 30 or on the trajectory of the spout flow).

In the specific example shown in FIG. 9B, a hand having a body to be cleaned such as a toothbrush or a cup is used as the body to be detected a. Some objects to be cleaned such as toothbrushes and cups held in the hand are difficult to detect by the sensor unit 100, but the movement and speed of these objects to be cleaned are the same as the hand of the person holding the object.
Therefore, with regard to the water discharge start timing for cleaning the object to be cleaned, which is difficult to detect, when it is detected that the hand holding the object is decelerated to the speed v1 or less, the object to be cleaned reaches the arrival point (discharge). It can be considered that it reached just before the water mouth 30 or on the trajectory of the water discharge flow.

In the specific example shown in FIG. 9C, the body to be cleaned such as a toothbrush or a cup is the body to be detected a. Some objects to be cleaned such as toothbrushes and cups held in the hand can be detected (easily detected) by the sensor unit 100.
Therefore, for the above-described objects to be cleaned, these objects to be cleaned are the objects to be detected a, and the object to be cleaned decelerates to a speed of v1 or less with respect to the timing of water discharge for cleaning these objects to be cleaned. If a detection signal with a speed of v2 or higher cannot be obtained within the predetermined time, water discharge is started on the assumption that the object to be cleaned has reached just under the water discharge port 30 or on the trajectory of the water discharge flow. .

In the specific example shown in FIG. 9D, when the water discharge port 30 does not protrude from the water receiving unit 40, the body is the detected object a. When the water outlet 30 is difficult for the user to understand, such as when the water outlet 30 does not protrude from the water receiving portion 40 as shown in FIG. 9D, the user does not know how the water comes out. , Hard to put out.
Thus, in such a case, if the body is decelerated and detected that the body decelerates to a speed v1 or less, and a detection signal having a speed v2 or more cannot be obtained within the predetermined time. Then, the valve 250 is opened to start water discharge, and water is discharged instantaneously or continuously in advance.
Thereby, the user can know the trajectory of the water discharge flow and can put out his hand without hesitation.

In the specific example shown in FIG. 9E, when the user is on a wheelchair, the body is the detected object a. As shown in FIG. 9 (e), when it is difficult for the user to put out his hand to the back of the water receiving section 40, such as when the user is in a wheelchair, If it is detected that the body decelerates to the speed v1 or less as the detected object a and a detection signal of the speed v2 or more cannot be obtained within the predetermined time, the valve 250 is opened and instantaneously or continuously in advance. Water is discharged.
Since a user such as a wheelchair needs only to put his hand or a cup in a place where water has been discharged in advance, if the hand is not extended to the back of the water receiving section 40, water discharge will not be started without being detected. Can be used in posture.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the water discharge start procedure by the control unit 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
The control unit 200 acquires a detection signal from the sensor unit 100 (step S1), and obtains and stores the frequency of the detected object from the detection signal (step S2).

In this case, for example, the frequency having the maximum amplitude in the entire frequency band (0 to 100 Hz) of the detection signal is obtained as the frequency of the detected object.

Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the detected object is decelerated to a predetermined speed v1 or less based on the obtained frequency of the detected object (step S3).
This deceleration determination of the detected object is determined by comparing the frequency of the detected object obtained this time with the frequency of the detected object already obtained before the previous time and a preset threshold value f1.

As a procedure for determining deceleration in this case, for example, the frequency of the detected object obtained last time and the previous time exceeds the threshold f1, and the frequency of the detected object calculated this time is equal to or less than the threshold f1 (therefore, the detection signal of the previous detection signal). If it is lower than the frequency), it is determined that the detected object has decelerated to become the speed v1 or less, and otherwise, the speed of the detected object exceeds the speed v1. It determines with the to-be-detected body decelerating and not being below speed v1. It should be noted that the frequency of the detected object obtained last time and the last time can be stored in the storage means 240 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and read out.

As a result, when it is determined that the detected object is not decelerated and the speed is not lower than v1 (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S1 and the detection signal is acquired again.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the detected object decelerates to the speed v1 or less (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to the next step.

Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the detected object has accelerated to a predetermined speed v1 or higher (here, set to v2) based on the obtained frequency of the detected object (step S4). .
This acceleration determination of the detected object is determined by comparing the frequency of the detected object obtained this time with the frequency of the detected object already obtained before the previous time and a preset threshold value f2.

As in the case of deceleration, the acceleration determination procedure in this case is, for example, that the frequency of the detected object obtained last time and before the previous time is lower than the threshold f2, and the frequency of the detected object determined this time is equal to or higher than the threshold f2 (accordingly, the previous time). If it is higher than the frequency of the detection signal, it is determined that the detected object has accelerated to the speed v2 or higher. Otherwise, the detected object speed is lower than the speed v2. Therefore, it is determined that the detected object is decelerated as it is and does not exceed the speed v2.

As a result, when the detected object is accelerated to become the speed v2 or more (NO in step S4), the process returns to step S1 and the detection signal is acquired again.
If it is determined that the detected object is at speed v2 or less (YES in step S4), the valve 250 is opened to start water discharge (step S5).

According to the first embodiment described above, if it is detected that the detected object is decelerated and becomes less than or equal to a predetermined speed, and if a detection signal of speed v2 or higher cannot be obtained within the predetermined time, water is discharged. By starting, water is discharged at the same time that the detected object reaches the target arrival point, and it can be used comfortably.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
When there are two movements of approaching the body and inserting a hand or a cup, such as when a user walks and approaches a faucet device and puts out a hand or cup Two decelerations, body deceleration and hand deceleration, are detected.
Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, even if the first deceleration is detected, the water discharge is not started because it is a deceleration of the body. Water discharge is started as a deceleration of the cleaning body.

That is, the first detected body is decelerated to a speed equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed (v3) using the first detected body as a body and the second detected body as a hand or a cup. After detecting the first deceleration), if it is detected that the second detected object is decelerated to be equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed (referred to as v4), the determination unit 230 determines the second detected object. Water discharge is started on the assumption that the body has reached just before the target arrival point.
This makes it possible to discriminate between the approach of the body and the insertion of a hand, a cup, etc., and water discharge is not started only by the approach of the body, and the hand or the body to be cleaned reaches the arrival point (e.g. Water is discharged at the same time as reaching () on the trajectory, and can be used comfortably while suppressing unnecessary water discharge.

FIG. 11 is a top view for explaining the operation of the detected object in the second embodiment of the present invention. The user approaches the faucet device and performs a series of operations for taking out the hand or the object to be cleaned (toothbrush) or the cup held in the hand.
First, as shown to Fig.11 (a), the user who is the 1st to-be-detected body (body) b1 walks close to the faucet device, decelerates as the faucet device is approached, and the faucet device Reach the previous destination. Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the user moves the hand or the body to be cleaned, which is the second body to be detected b2, and the hand or the body to be cleaned approaches the water discharge section, that is, receives water. It decelerates as it approaches the arrival point such as the landing point of the water receiving unit 40 under the part 40 or the water discharge port 30 or on the trajectory of the water discharge flow or from the water discharge port 30.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the frequency of the detection signal with respect to the distance from the target arrival point of the detection target (detection target). In this specific example, the arrival point is assumed to be below the water discharge port 30 or the trajectory of the water discharge flow, which is the arrival point of the second object to be detected (such as a user's hand).

As shown in FIG. 12, as the user moves and approaches the faucet device, the speed of the first object to be detected (user's body) decreases, and the frequency of the detection signal decreases accordingly. When reaching just before the stopper device, the user decelerates and the speed becomes the first predetermined speed v3 or less, and the frequency of the detection signal becomes lower than the threshold frequency f3 (point p5 in FIG. 12). When the speed of the user is v3 and the frequency of the detection signal is f3, the distance of the user from the arrival point of the second object to be detected is e2.

Next, when the user moves his / her hand, the speed of the second object to be detected (such as the user's hand) decreases as the user approaches the arrival point, as in the case of the user's body. When reaching just before the point, the user's hand or the like is decelerated and the speed thereof becomes the second predetermined speed v4 or less, and the frequency of the detection signal becomes low and becomes the threshold frequency f4 or less. When the speed of the second object to be detected (user's hand, object to be cleaned) is v4 and the frequency of the detection signal is f4, the distance of the second object to be detected from the arrival point is e3 (<e2) It is. Note that the magnitude relationship between the predetermined speeds v3 and v4 and the magnitude relationship between the threshold frequencies f3 and f4 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 12, and may be substantially the same or as illustrated in FIG. The magnitude relationship may be opposite to that in the specific example.

In the second embodiment, after the second object to be detected decelerates to the speed v4, the valve 250 is opened at a timing at which the speed v5 for determining acceleration is not detected within the predetermined time t2. Thus, water discharge can be started when the second object to be detected (user's hand, object to be cleaned) reaches the arrival point (below the water discharge port 30 or on the trajectory of the water discharge flow).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a water discharge start procedure by the control unit 200 in the second embodiment.
The control unit 200 acquires a detection signal from the sensor unit 100 (step S1), obtains the frequency of the first detected object from the detection signal, and stores it in the storage unit 240 (step S2).

In this case, for example, the frequency having the peak value of the amplitude in the frequency band (0 to 100 Hz) of the detection signal is set as the frequency of the first object to be detected.

Next, the determination unit 230 determines whether or not the first detected body (body) has decelerated to a predetermined speed v3 or less based on the obtained frequency of the first detected body (step S30). S3).
In the deceleration determination of the first detected object, the frequency of the first detected object obtained this time, the frequency of the first detected object already obtained before the previous time, and a preset threshold f3. Is determined by comparing with. Note that the frequency of the first detected object already obtained before the previous time, the preset threshold value f3, and the like can be stored in the storage means 240 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

As a procedure for determining deceleration in this case, for example, the frequency of the first detected object obtained last time and the previous time exceeds the threshold value f3, and the frequency of the first detected object obtained this time is equal to or less than the threshold value f3 ( Therefore, if it is lower than the previous frequency), it is determined that the first object to be detected has decelerated to a speed of v3 or less (the first deceleration was detected). It is determined that the first object to be detected is not decelerated to the speed v3 or less (the first deceleration detection is not performed). At this time, as in the first embodiment, a threshold value f3 + α corresponding to a speed higher than the speed v3 is set, and if f3 + α does not exceed the predetermined time (t1), the deceleration is confirmed, and if it exceeds, the process returns to step S1.

As a result, when it is determined that the first detected body (body) is not decelerated to the speed v2 or less and the first deceleration detection is not yet performed (NO in step S3), the above Returning to step S1, the detection signal is acquired again.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the first detected object is decelerated to the speed v3 or less and the first deceleration is detected (YES in step S3), the control unit 200, for example, performs the first deceleration. After storing the detection, the process proceeds to step S10.

The control unit 200 acquires the detection signal again in step S10, and obtains the frequency of the second detected object (such as the user's hand or a cup held in the hand) from the acquired detection signal (step S10). S11).

In this case, after performing the first deceleration detection, it is necessary to switch the frequency to be determined from that of the first detection object to that of the second detection object. Therefore, it is considered that the frequency of the first detected object is already equal to or lower than the first threshold value f3. Therefore, after the first deceleration detection is performed, the frequency of the second detected object is first obtained. For example, after elapse of a predetermined time t1 or more, detection is continued using the frequency having the maximum amplitude in the frequency band exceeding f3 of the detection signal as the frequency of the second object to be detected.

Next, the determination unit 230 determines whether or not the second object to be detected (hand or object to be cleaned) has decelerated to a predetermined speed v4 or less (step S12).
For example, the deceleration of the second object to be detected is determined by, for example, detecting the frequency of the second object to be detected this time, the frequency of the second object to be detected before the previous time, or a preset threshold f4. It can be determined by comparing with.

Then, it is determined in the same procedure as the first body deceleration detection determination whether or not the first body to be detected (such as a hand or a cup) has decelerated to a speed of v4 or less (step S12). However, f4 is used as the frequency threshold.

As a determination procedure of the second deceleration detection, for example, the frequency of the second detected object detected last time and the previous time exceeds the threshold value f4, and the frequency of the second detected object detected this time is the threshold value. If it is less than f4 (thus lower than the previous frequency), it is determined that the second object to be detected has decelerated to speed v4 or less (the second deceleration was detected), and so on. Otherwise, it is determined that the second object to be detected is decelerated and does not fall below the speed v4 (the second deceleration detection is not performed).

As a result, when it is determined that the second object to be detected (hand or object to be cleaned) is not decelerated to the speed v3 or less and the second deceleration detection has not yet been performed (in step S12). NO), the process returns to step S10 and the detection signal is acquired again.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the second object to be detected is decelerated to the speed v3 or less and the second deceleration is detected (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to the next step.

Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the detected object has accelerated to a predetermined speed v5 or higher based on the obtained frequency of the detected object (step S13).
This acceleration determination of the detected object is determined by comparing the frequency of the detected object obtained this time with the frequency of the detected object already obtained before the previous time and a preset threshold value f5.

As in the case of deceleration, the acceleration determination procedure in this case is, for example, that the frequency of the detected object obtained last time and the previous time is lower than the threshold value f5, and the frequency of the detected object determined this time is equal to or higher than the threshold value f5 (accordingly, the previous time). If it is higher than the frequency of the detection signal, it is determined that the detected object has accelerated to a speed of v5 or higher. Otherwise, the speed of the detected object is lower than the speed v5. Therefore, it is determined that the detected object is decelerated as it is and does not reach the speed v5 or more.

As a result, when the detected object accelerates to a speed of v5 or more (NO in step S13), the process returns to step S10 and the detection signal is acquired again.
If it is determined that the detected object is at speed v5 or less (YES in step S13), the control unit 200 opens the valve 250 and starts water discharge (step S4).

According to the second embodiment, the first detection target (user's body) and the second detection target (the user's hand and the target to be cleaned in the hand) are decelerated twice. When detection is detected, water discharge is started to distinguish the body from the hand and the cleaning body, and water is discharged at the same time as the hand and the cleaning body reach the target arrival point, while suppressing unnecessary water discharge comfortably. Can be used.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 14 (a) shows an overview of the third embodiment of the faucet device, FIG. 14 (b) shows a top view of FIG. 14 (a), and FIG. 14 (c) shows FIG. 14 (b). FIG.

  A faucet device 500 shown in FIG. 14 includes a spout 510 for supplying tap water, a ceramic water receiving unit 520 that receives water discharged from the spout 510, and a user's hand inside the water receiving unit 520. Based on a signal from the sensor 530, a radio wave sensor 530 that detects that a detection object, such as an object to be cleaned, such as a cup, a rag, or the like, has entered, a valve 540 that switches spout water from the spout 510, and a signal from the sensor unit 530 It is comprised with the control part 550 which controls 540 on and off. Here, unlike the first and second embodiments, the radio wave sensor 530 is disposed on the front side 520a of the water receiving portion 520.

The faucet device 500 has a detection area in the vicinity of the spout used as a water discharge start switch that starts water discharge from the spout when only the vicinity of the water receiving section 520 is detected, and a hand that is immediately put out if a hand is put out. Two detection areas, a detection area in the vicinity of the water outlet, can be set so that water can be supplied, and the former will be described below as a first detection area a and the latter as a second detection area b.
Since the sensor unit 530 reflects light or metal, it can detect regardless of the material of the detection object. When the first detection area a is set, an object to be cleaned such as a user's hand is present. When intruded, the sensor unit 530 detects the object to be detected, and the result is transferred to the control unit 550. The control unit 550 opens the valve 540 and discharges tap water from the spout 510. Therefore, the 1st detection area a is an area which has a switch function, and provided the marker 560 using the glaze in the edge part 520a before this water-receiving part 520 so that a user may put out a hand easily. However, as another method, the water receiving portion 2 is formed of a resin or glass material that transmits visible light, and a light emitting member such as an LED is turned on to induce the user's washing action. May be. In this case, the second detection area b is an area having an automatic water stop function for identifying whether to continue water supply from the spout 510 or to switch to water stop. The advantage of this detection method is that it is unexpected when the user wants to start water discharge from the spout, for example, for the act of placing an object in the water receiving part or taking up the thing placed in the water receiving part, Since tap water is not supplied from the spout 510, it is possible to provide a water-saving faucet device that does not wet sleeves and clothes.
On the other hand, when the detection area is set in the second detection area b, since the action of putting out the hand and the cleaning action are established by one action, the hand washing operation can be performed quickly. It becomes a faucet device.

  The speed of the hand of the user's hand toward both the first and second detection areas in the present embodiment exhibits the same behavior as in FIG. 4A described in the first embodiment. However, when the amplitude (voltage) of the detection signal with respect to the distance from the sensor unit 530 of the hand is shown in FIG. 15, reflection from the hand until the hand approaches the sensor unit 530, that is, until the first detection area is approached. Since the wave becomes larger, the amplitude becomes larger. Thereafter, when moving toward the second detection area, the movement becomes far away from the sensor unit 530, so that the amplitude decreases.

Therefore, in the case of controlling from the spout 510 using the detected object that has been delivered to the first detection area as a trigger, if the control unit 550 is implemented according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 shown in the first embodiment, the detected object It is possible to provide an easy-to-use water faucet device 500 in which water is supplied before reaching the first detection area. Further, even when water is supplied by using the detected object that has been delivered to the second detection area as a trigger, the control unit 550 may perform control based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 described in the first embodiment. Since the amplitude obtained from the detected object is attenuated, the threshold value of the voltage value for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined frequency (for example, f1) is lowered as compared with the case of approaching the first embodiment or the first detection area. Alternatively, it is better to provide an amplifier circuit and increase the amount corresponding to the decrease in amplitude. The amplitude value and the frequency are obtained by the sensor unit 530 when the detected object reaches the arrival point depending on the angle formed by the direction in which the radio wave is transmitted / received from the sensor unit 530 and the direction of the detected object that the user presents. Since the frequency and amplitude of the signal change, it goes without saying that the signal is appropriately adjusted according to the positional relationship between the water receiving unit 520, the spout 510, and the sensor unit 530.
In any case, according to the present invention, water can be supplied to the user at an early timing before the detected object reaches the target, so that the object to be cleaned is presented to the water. Therefore, it is possible to provide a faucet device that is easy to use.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the faucet device.

  The faucet device 700 includes a spout 710 for supplying tap water, a water receiving unit 720 for receiving water discharged from the spout 710, a control unit 750, and a valve 740 for switching the water discharged from the spout 710. It is configured. The spout 710 includes a sensor unit 730, a waveguide 760 for guiding radio waves transmitted / received from the antenna of the radio wave sensor 730 to the water outlet 735 of the spout 730, and a water supply hose 770 for conveying water from the valve to the water outlet. Has been.

The size of the waveguide 760 is determined on the basis of the frequency of the radio wave to be used and the oscillation mode to be passed. Here, the waveguide 760 has a shape assuming a TE10 mode that can minimize the size. The shape may be a square or a circle, and may be determined by the design of the spout 710, and a square shape is adopted here. In addition, a sealing member 780 for preventing entry of tap water is inserted into the open end 760a of the waveguide 760 on the side of the water discharge outlet 735. Note that the waveguide 760 is not limited to a linear structure, and even if it is bent or curved, if it is ensured with respect to the frequency to be used, the radio wave from the antenna is hardly attenuated. Since it is possible to transmit to the water outlet, the waveguide may be configured together with the spout structure so as to connect the sensor portion and the water outlet, and the sensor portion may be arranged on the water receiving portion side shown in the drawing. Alternatively, it may be arranged inside the spout on the upper surface of the water receiving part, or may be arranged in the water receiving part regardless of the inside of the spout. In any case, it is possible to provide a structure that is easy to maintain when there is a failure in the sensor unit.

With this arrangement, the radio wave radiated from the antenna of the sensor unit 730 passes through the inside of the waveguide 760, passes through the sealing member 780, and then radiates toward the water receiving unit 720. When the hand to be cleaned is present near the spout 710, the radio wave reflected from the hand passes through the sealing member 780 and the waveguide 760 and can be received by the antenna of the sensor unit 730.
Even if the faucet device is configured in this way, the configuration of the sensor unit 730 and the water discharge algorithm executed by the control unit 750 are omitted as in the first embodiment, but before the hand to be delivered reaches the destination point. Since water can be supplied from the spout 710 at an early timing, an easy-to-use faucet device can be provided.

It is a figure showing the structure of the water faucet device concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram of a specific example of a sensor unit 100 and a control unit 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a specific example of a sensor unit 100 and a control unit 200. FIG. It is a figure explaining the characteristic of the above-mentioned detection signal outputted from sensor part 100 in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the to-be-detected body in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the frequency of the detection signal with respect to the distance from the target arrival point of the to-be-detected body in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining other than the cleaning action of the to-be-detected body in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the frequency of 1 detection signal other than the cleaning action of FIG. It is a side view explaining the specific example of the to-be-detected body in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the water discharge start procedure by the control part 200 in 1st Embodiment. It is a top view explaining operation | movement of the to-be-detected body in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the frequency of the detection signal with respect to the distance from the target arrival point of the to-be-detected body (detection target object) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the water discharge start procedure by the control part 200 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the characteristic of the said detection signal output from the sensor part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10,770 water supply hose,
30, 510, 710 spout,
40, 520, 720 water receiving section,
100, 530, 730 sensor part,
112, 112a, 112b antenna,
114 transmitter,
116 receiver,
118 difference detection unit,
200, 550, 750 control unit,
210 filters,
220 frequency detector,
230 determination unit,
250, 540, 740 valves,
500,700 faucet device,
760 waveguide,
780 sealing member,

Claims (3)

A water discharge part,
A water receiving part,
A valve for switching water discharge from the water discharge unit;
An antenna that radiates radio waves and receives a reflected signal reflected by the object to be detected;
A detection unit that determines the presence or absence of a detected object based on a reflected signal received by the antenna;
A control unit for identifying the speed of the detection target based on a detection signal output from the detection unit, and for controlling the opening and closing of the valve based on the result;
A faucet device comprising:
After the control unit has changed from a state in which the speed of the detected object is higher than the first threshold to a state equal to or lower than the first threshold,
Identifying that it does not change to a speed state higher than the first threshold for a predetermined time,
A faucet device that opens the valve. The control unit has at least two filters that can identify different speeds;
After the first filter identifies that the detected object has reached a predetermined speed toward the water discharger, the opening and closing of the valve is controlled based on the identification result by the second filter that is faster than the speed at that time. The faucet device according to claim 1. The control unit has at least two filters that can identify different speeds;
After the speed is identified by the second filter, when the first filter lower than the current speed is identified, the opening and closing of the valve is controlled based on the identification result by the second filter within the predetermined time. The faucet device according to claim 1.

Images