JP2010163743A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device capable of starting water discharge at optimum timing by surely detecting the operation of a detected body for water discharge without erroneous detection caused by water sticking to the inside wall surface of a water receiving part which flows along the inside wall surface of the water receiving part. <P>SOLUTION: The faucet device includes: a water discharge part for discharging a discharge flow from a water discharge port; a valve for switching the discharge and cut-off of water from the water discharge part; the water receiving part for receiving the discharge flow discharged from the water discharge port; a sensor acquiring information on the detected body by the reflected wave of a radiated radio wave; and a control part for controlling the opening/closing of the valve based on detection signals from the sensor. The sensor is disposed near the wall surface of the water receiving part. The control part places the valve in opening operation when it is detected that a voltage value of the detection signal is not higher than a second threshold lower than a reference value which is a substantially the central value of amplitude of the detection signal within a first predetermined time after the voltage value becomes not lower than a first threshold higher than the reference value. <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.

There is known a technique for detecting water to be detected such as a hand or other cleaning object by a sensor disposed in the water faucet device and discharging water. For example, a technology that installs a radio wave sensor at the bottom of the water receiving unit and on the user side, emits radio waves only to the user side of the water receiving unit, detects the detected object that has entered the water receiving unit, and discharges water (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-232282 A

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-232282), by radiating radio waves only to the user side of the water receiving unit, without erroneous detection in the discharged water flow discharged from the water discharging unit. , Can stop water.

However, in Patent Document 1, after the user performs a face washing action (hand washing, gargle, face washing, etc.), water adheres to the inner wall surface of the water receiving portion where the radio wave sensor is disposed, and the water is received by the water receiving portion. There was a problem of misdetecting that it was transmitted along the inner wall surface of the water and discharging water.

The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and there is no erroneous detection due to the water adhering to the inner wall surface of the water receiving unit traveling along the inner wall surface of the water receiving unit, and the object to be detected for discharging water is provided. Provided is a water faucet device capable of reliably detecting an operation and starting water discharge.

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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
After the voltage value of the detection signal is equal to or higher than a first threshold value that is higher than a reference value that is substantially the center value of the amplitude of the detection signal,
If it is detected that the second threshold value is lower than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
A faucet device is provided that opens the valve portion.

According to one embodiment 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
After the voltage value of the detection signal is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than a reference value that is the center value of the amplitude of the detection signal,
If it is detected that the first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
A faucet device is provided that opens the valve portion.

According to one embodiment 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
From the detection signal of the sensor unit, a filter unit that allows only an AC component to pass through,
Based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit, the valve unit is opened,
After the amplitude of the detection signal is equal to or higher than a first threshold value higher than the reference value,
Within a first predetermined time, the second threshold value is lower than the reference value,
Furthermore, if it is detected that the first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the second predetermined time,
A faucet device is provided that opens the valve portion.

According to one embodiment 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
From the detection signal of the sensor unit, a filter unit that allows only an AC component to pass through,
Based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit, the valve unit is opened,
After the amplitude of the detection signal is equal to or lower than a second threshold value lower than the reference value,
The first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
Further, when it is detected that the second threshold value is lower than the reference value within the second predetermined time,
A faucet device is provided that opens the valve portion.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The sensor unit is
A faucet device is provided, wherein the faucet device is disposed in the water receiving portion so that a direction in which the radio wave is emitted and a wall surface of the water receiving portion in which the sensor portion is disposed are substantially orthogonal to each other.

According to the present invention, there is no false detection due to the water adhering to the inner wall surface of the water receiving unit traveling along the inner wall surface of the water receiving unit, and the operation of the detected body for discharging water is reliably detected to start water discharge. A water faucet device that can be provided can be provided.

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

FIG. 1 is a view showing an overview of the first embodiment of the faucet device.
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. Based on a signal from a radio wave sensor 3 for detecting that a detection object such as a person's hand, toothbrush, cup, dust cloth or the like has entered, a valve part 4 for switching water discharge from the water discharge part 1, and a signal from the radio wave sensor 3 The control unit 5 controls the on / off of the valve unit 4.
Here, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed on the front side 2a that is a side facing when the user approaches the water receiving unit 2, and the radio wave beam is located in the entire water receiving unit 2 toward the vicinity of the water outlet 100. To be emitted.
Thereby, even if the object to be detected is extended from various heights and angles so as to reach the vicinity of the spout 100 due to the height of the user or the like, it can be reliably detected.
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.

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, and a valve unit 4. 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 frequency of the filter 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.

Here, in the first embodiment of the faucet device 10, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed on the front side 2 a of the water receiving unit 2, and the radio wave beam is radiated toward the vicinity of the water outlet 100. As a result, the operation in which the user tries to stop the detected body at the arrival point (near the water outlet 100) in order to discharge water is substantially parallel to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam radiated from the radio wave sensor 3. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the frequency and distance information of the detected object from the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3.
At this time, there is a case where the operation (crossing operation) of the detected object is performed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam.
For example, when the water adhering to the wall surface of the water receiving unit where the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed travels toward the lower part in the water receiving unit 2, this corresponds to the time when the radio wave beam radiation direction of the radio wave sensor 3 crosses.
Since this operation is not related to the operation for the user to discharge water, unintentional water discharge may occur.

Here, a detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 when the detection target is substantially parallel or substantially orthogonal to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam of the radio wave sensor 3 will be described in order.
First, a detection signal obtained by a water discharge operation of a detection object (hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.) moving in a direction substantially parallel to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam 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. It is. 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 an example of a change in speed or frequency with respect to a distance between a detection target (a hand, a toothbrush, a cup, and the like) and an 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 (about 20 to 30 Hz) in FIG. 5 is obtained (point A). Next, in the state of FIG. 4B, a frequency fB (about 10 to 20 Hz) smaller than fA in FIG. 5 is obtained (point B). Furthermore, it becomes a substantially stationary state, and a frequency fC (about 5 to 10 Hz) (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 a predetermined speed or less (substantially stationary state). Or, by detecting a speed below a predetermined speed and opening the valve, water discharge can be started at an optimal timing before the detected object reaches the arrival point.

As a control flow for detecting deceleration and starting water discharge, for example, in the control unit 5, a filter in a high frequency band (about 20-30 Hz) that can detect the frequency fA and a low frequency band that can detect the frequency fB ( If the filter has two different frequency bands excluding the DC component, such as a filter of about 10-20 Hz, and fA is determined by the high frequency band filter, then fB is detected by the low frequency band filter, The valve can be opened by determining that the vehicle is decelerating.
Moreover, as a control flow for detecting a substantially stationary state and starting water discharge, for example, the control unit 5 includes a low frequency band (0-10 Hz) filter including a DC component that can detect the frequency fC, and is low. If fC is detected by a filter in the frequency band (0-10 Hz), it is determined that the filter is substantially stationary and the valve can be opened.
This eliminates the need for the user to stop the hand and wait for the water until the user has detected the object to be detected at the arrival point (near the water outlet 100) and discharged water from the water outlet 100, which is convenient.

Here, FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the change in time and the voltage value of the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 in the series of operations of the detection target in FIGS. 4 and 5.
As described above, since the operation of the body to be discharged is decelerated from about 20 to 30 Hz and finally becomes a predetermined speed or less (substantially stationary state), it is oscillated with a period corresponding to the frequency changing in time series. A waveform is obtained.
Here, when the distance L from the front side 2a of the water receiving unit 2 to the arrival point (here, the water outlet 100) is about 200 to 300 mm, the time required for the detected body to reach the point C from the point A is 0.3 to 1. It takes about 0.0s. Therefore, the detection signal obtained at this time has a waveform that amplifies a plurality of times around the reference value.
In the present specification, the reference value is a bias voltage in a detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 (a constant voltage obtained when nothing is detected in the state where the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed in the water receiving unit 2). Value) or a DC voltage is removed from the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 by a filter or the like, and a bias voltage (for example, a central voltage applied in a circuit configuration of a minimum of 0 V and a maximum of 5 V is applied by the controller 5. 5V etc.).

As described above, when the detected object moves in a direction substantially parallel to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam, the radio wave sensor 3 centers the reference value at a frequency (period) equivalent to the actual frequency of the detected object. Thus, a detection signal having a large amplitude on the upper and lower sides is obtained.

Next, a detection signal obtained by a detected object that moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam (water that adheres to the wall surface of the water receiving portion and propagates toward the lower portion in the water receiving portion 2) will be described. To do.
FIG. 7 shows a series of operations when water adhering to the front side 2a of the water receiving section 2 crosses the radiation direction of the radio wave sensor 3 after the user performs a cleaning action with the faucet device 10 or the like. .
At this time, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the front 2a of the water receiving portion 2.
In the present specification, the vicinity of the wall surface means that the distance from the radio wave sensor 3 to the inside of the wall surface is about 5 to 20 mm.
Furthermore, by arranging the radio wave sensor 3 so that the direction in which the radio wave beam radiated from the radio wave sensor 3 is radiated and the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the radio wave sensor 3 is arranged are substantially orthogonal, Can be accurately detected, and the difference from the substantially parallel motion can be clearly identified.
At this time, first, water adhering to the front side 2a of the water receiver 2 starts to hit the radio wave beam of the radio wave sensor 3 above the radio wave sensor 3 (FIG. 7A). Then, it descends along the water receiving part 2 and comes to the front in the radiation direction of the radio wave beam (FIG. 7B). Thereafter, it moves away from the radio wave sensor 3 and deviates from the radio wave beam (FIG. 7C).

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the change in speed or frequency with respect to the distance between the detection target (water attached to the wall surface of the water receiving unit and traveling toward the lower part in the water receiving unit 2) and the arrival point.
Depending on the operation of the detected object, the frequency obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 differs depending on the traveling direction of the detected object with respect to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam of the radio wave sensor 3.
Here, the frequency fd of the detection signal obtained by the radio wave sensor 3 can be expressed by the following equation (2), where F is the true frequency of the detected object.

fd = Fcos θ (2)

Where fd: frequency of the detected object obtained by the radio wave sensor F: true frequency of the detected object θ: angle formed by a straight line connecting the sensor and the detected object and the moving direction of the detected object

Here, when the object to be detected moves substantially parallel to the radio wave sensor 3, θ is about 0 degree, so cos θ is about 1.
That is, the radio wave sensor 3 obtains a detection signal that has an amplitude at a frequency fd equivalent to the actual frequency F of the detected object.
On the other hand, when the detected object moves substantially orthogonal to the radio wave sensor 3, for example, in the state of FIG. 7A, the frequency fE (about 10 Hz) in FIG. 8 is obtained (point E). Thereafter, θ increases as the water traveling through the water receiving unit 2 approaches the radiation direction of the radio wave beam, so the frequency fd gradually decreases. Next, in the state of FIG. 7B, θ is about 90 degrees (cos θ is about 0), and thus instantaneously becomes 0 Hz (point F). Thereafter, θ decreases as the water traveling through the water receiver 2 moves away from the radiation direction of the radio wave beam, and the frequency fd gradually increases. In the state of FIG. 7C, the frequency fG (about 10 Hz) in FIG. 8 is obtained (point G).

Here, FIG. 9 shows the time and voltage value of the detection signal that is passed through the filter containing the DC component from the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 3 in the series of operations of the water passing through the water receiving unit 2 of FIGS. It is a graph which illustrates a change.
As described above, the substantially stationary state of the detection object for discharging water can be detected with high accuracy by the filter containing the DC component.
Here, the frequency band of the filter is 0 to 10 Hz.
At this time, when the detected object starts to hit the radio wave beam above the radio wave sensor 3 (point E in FIG. 8), a minute voltage value of about 10 Hz is obtained. Thereafter, the frequency fd gradually decreases to approach the radio wave sensor 3, and the voltage value begins to increase (point H). And when it comes to the front of the radio wave sensor 3 (F point) and becomes 0 Hz, the largest amplitude is obtained. Thereafter, since the detected object is moved away from the radio wave sensor 3, the voltage value decreases while the frequency fd gradually increases (point J). Then, the voltage value becomes a very small voltage around 10 Hz until the detected object is separated from the radio wave beam (point G).
Therefore, the detection signal that has passed through the filter containing the direct current component has a waveform that has a large amplitude only on one side with the reference value as the center.

A control flow when a filter including a direct current component in the control unit 5 is used will be described.
FIG. 10 is a graph showing the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 in terms of time and voltage value by the operation of the body to be discharged (operation that is substantially parallel to the radio wave sensor 3), as in FIG. It is.
In addition, as in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 shows the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 in terms of time and voltage value by the operation of water passing through the water receiving unit 2 (operation that is substantially orthogonal to the radio wave sensor 3). FIG.
Here, a threshold value VDC1 having a voltage value larger than the reference value and a threshold value VDC2 smaller than the reference value are set in the control unit 5. The threshold values VDC1 and VDC2 are values that do not exceed the amplitude obtained before or after the detection signal obtained by the water passing through the water receiving section 2 suddenly increases or decreases (before the H point or after the J point in FIG. 11). Is set.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating the determination procedure in the determination unit 230 of the control unit 5.
First, the presence or absence of a signal having a predetermined frequency (0 to 10 Hz) is determined (S1).
Next, it is determined whether the voltage value Vs is Vs> VDC1 (or Vs <VDC2) (S2).
When the condition of S2 is satisfied, the timer T1 (0.5 s) starts (S3).
Next, it is determined whether the timer T1 (0.5 s) has elapsed (S4).
If the timer T1 has not elapsed, it is determined whether the voltage value Vs is Vs <VDC2 (or Vs> VDC1) (S5).
In S4, when the timer T1 has elapsed, it is determined that the operation is not a water discharge operation (the operation of water transmitted through the water receiving unit 2), and the valve opening operation is not determined.
When the condition of S5 is satisfied, it is determined that the operation is to discharge water, the valve opening operation is determined (S6), the control unit 5 opens the valve unit 4, and the water discharged from the water discharging unit 1 is discharged. Be started.
When using a detection signal that has passed a filter containing a direct current component from the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 3, the operation of the body to be detected that discharges water and the water that passes through the water receiving unit 2 can be identified by the control flow described above. Water discharge can be started at an optimal timing immediately before the detection target arrives at (stops) the detected object by detecting a substantially stationary operation and discharging water without erroneously detecting the water passing through the water receiving unit 2.

Next, FIG. 13 shows the time and voltage value of a detection signal that is passed through a filter that does not contain a direct current component from the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 3 in the series of operations of water that passes through the water receiving section 2 of FIGS. It is a graph which illustrates the change of.
As described above, the filter that does not contain a direct current component can accurately detect the deceleration of the detection target for discharging water.
Here, the frequency band of the filter is 20 to 30 Hz on the high frequency band and 10 to 20 Hz on the low frequency band. The amplitude change as shown in FIG. 13 is observed in both the high side filter and the low side filter. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
When the detected object starts to hit the radio wave beam above the sensor of FIG. 8 (point E), a minute voltage value of about 10 Hz is obtained. Thereafter, the frequency fd gradually decreases to approach the radio wave sensor 3, and the voltage value begins to increase (point H). Then, when it comes to the front of the radio wave sensor 3 (point F) and becomes 0 Hz, it is out of the frequency band, so the detection signal cannot be obtained and the voltage value becomes zero. Therefore, immediately before that, the voltage value starts to decrease (point K). After passing through the front of the radio wave sensor 3, the water passing through the water receiving section 2 moves away from the radiation direction of the radio wave beam, so the voltage value decreases as it is.
Thereafter, since the frequency fd gradually increases because of moving away from the radio wave sensor 3, the voltage value returns to the vicinity of the reference value (point J). Therefore, immediately before that, the voltage value starts to increase (point L). And until it deviates from a radio wave beam (G point), it becomes a minute voltage value around 10 Hz.
Therefore, the detection signal that has passed through the filter that does not contain a DC component has a waveform that greatly increases once in the vertical direction with the reference value as the center.

A control flow in the case of using a filter that does not include a DC component in the control unit 5 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a graph showing the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 in terms of time and voltage value by the operation of water passing through the water receiving unit 2, as in FIG. 13.
Here, a threshold value VDC1 having a voltage value larger than the reference value and a threshold value VDC2 smaller than the reference value are set in the control unit 5. The threshold values VDC1 and VDC2 are values that do not exceed the amplitude obtained before or after the detection signal obtained by the water passing through the water receiving section 2 suddenly increases or decreases (before the H point or after the J point in FIG. 11). Is set.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for illustrating the determination procedure in the determination unit 230 of the control unit 5. Here, in FIG. 15, an example of the flowchart in the 10-20 Hz low frequency band which finally judges water discharge in deceleration is shown.
First, the presence / absence of a signal having a predetermined frequency (10 to 20 Hz) is determined (S11).
Next, it is determined whether the voltage value Vs is Vs> VDC1 (or Vs <VDC2) (S12).
When the condition of S12 is satisfied, the timer T1 (0.5 s) starts (S13).
Next, it is determined whether the timer T1 (0.5 s) has elapsed (S14).
If the timer T1 has not elapsed, it is determined whether the voltage value Vs is Vs <VDC2 (or Vs> VDC1) (S15).
In S14, when the timer T1 has elapsed, it is determined that the operation is not a water discharge operation (the operation of water transmitted through the water receiving unit 2), and the valve opening operation is not determined.
When the condition of S15 is satisfied, the timer T2 (0.5 s) starts (S16).
Next, it is determined whether the timer T2 (0.5 s) has elapsed (S17).
If the timer T2 has not elapsed, it is determined whether the voltage value Vs is Vs <VDC2 (or Vs> VDC1) (S18).
In S17, when the timer T2 has elapsed, it is determined that the operation is not to discharge water (that is, the operation of water transmitted through the water receiving unit 2), and the determination of the valve opening operation is not performed.
When the condition of S18 is satisfied, it is determined that the operation is to discharge water, the valve opening operation is determined (S19), the control unit 5 opens the valve unit 4, and the water discharged from the water discharging unit 1 is discharged. Be started.
When using a detection signal that has passed through a filter that passes only a frequency component that does not include a DC component from the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 3, the operation of the body to be detected that discharges water and the water receiving unit 2 are controlled by the control flow described above. Optimum timing immediately before the detected object reaches (stops) the target object by detecting the operation of decelerating and discharging water without erroneously detecting it with the water transmitted through the water receiver 2. You can start water discharge.

From the above, from the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3, in both cases where the DC component is included and when the DC component is not included, the operation of the body to be detected that causes water discharge to move substantially parallel to the radio wave sensor Detected object that can be identified by the control flow according to the difference in the operation of water transmitted through the water receiver 2 that moves substantially orthogonal to the radio wave sensor, and that is discharged without erroneous detection in the water transmitted through the water receiver 2 Water discharge can be started at the optimal early timing in the operation.

Further, in the faucet device 10 described above, the arrival point is the vicinity of the spout 100, but water discharge is performed by bringing the detected object close to the front of the radio wave sensor 3 with the vicinity of the front of the radio wave sensor 3 as the arrival point. You may make it start.
Thereby, the radio wave sensor 3 can be started to discharge water like a non-contact switch.
At this time, when the radio wave sensor 3 is installed on the front side 2a of the water receiving unit 2, water discharge can be started by the user holding his hand near the radio wave sensor 3 in an easy posture. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to present the body to be detected to the water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge unit 1, the water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge port 100 is not directed directly downward but is discharged toward the center of the water receiving unit 2. In the case where it is installed so that the water flow is discharged, it is only necessary to start the water discharge by holding up the hand, and then the detected object should be presented to the discharged water flow. The faucet device 10 can be used in an easy posture even for a wheelchair or the like that is difficult to be delivered to the vicinity of the water outlet 100.
Even when the object to be detected is brought close to the radio wave sensor 3 to start water discharge, the water discharge operation is an operation that moves substantially parallel to the radio wave sensor 3, so that the control unit 5 corresponds to the detection signal used. By setting the control flow, water discharge can be started at an optimum early timing in the operation of the detection target to be discharged without erroneous detection with water transmitted through the water receiving unit 2.

FIG. 16 shows an overview of a second embodiment in which the faucet device 10 of the present invention is constituted by a kitchen faucet device 30.
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 in the vicinity of the 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. The radio wave beam is emitted toward the vicinity of the water outlet 101.

Here, in order to discharge water, the object to be detected (hand, knife, etc.) is spouted from the cooking work table 31 side to the vicinity of the water discharge port 101, or the radio wave sensor is used from the front side of the cooking work table 31 or the water receiving unit 22. 3, even when the object to be detected is held up and discharged, it is substantially parallel to the radiation direction of the radio wave beam radiated from the radio wave sensor 3.
On the other hand, after washing hands, tableware, foodstuffs, etc., the water splashes on the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 and moves along the wall surface of the water receiving unit 2 where the sensor is arranged. It is substantially orthogonal to the radiation direction of the beam.
Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 includes a DC component and a DC component that does not contain a DC component. From the difference between the operation of the detector and the operation of the water that passes through the water receiver 2 that moves substantially orthogonal to the radio wave sensor, it can be identified by the control flow corresponding to each, without erroneous detection with the water that passes through the water receiver 2, Water discharge can be started in the operation of the object to be discharged. At this time, water discharge can be started at an optimal timing before the detected body reaches (stops) the detected body by detecting the deceleration operation or the substantially stationary state of the detected body and discharging the water.
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,
Water discharge can be started in the operation of the detection target to be discharged without erroneous detection with water transmitted through the water receiver 2.

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 graph which illustrates the change of the voltage value of the detection signal obtained from time and an electromagnetic wave sensor in a series of operation | movement of a to-be-detected body. This shows a series of operations when the water adhering to the front side of the water receiving section 2 crosses the radiation direction of the radio wave sensor after the user performs a cleaning action with the faucet device. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the speed or frequency with respect to the distance of a to-be-detected body (water etc. which adhere to the wall surface of a water receiving part, and are transmitted toward the lower part in a water receiving part) and an arrival point. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the time and voltage value of the detection signal which passed the filter containing a direct current component from the detection signal of a radio wave sensor in the series operation of the water which passes along a water receiving part. It is the graph which represented the detection signal obtained from a radio wave sensor by the time and the voltage value by the operation | movement (operation | movement substantially parallel with respect to a radio wave sensor) of the to-be-detected body to discharge water. It is the graph which represented the detection signal obtained from a radio wave sensor by time and a voltage value by the operation | movement (operation | movement substantially orthogonal to a radio wave sensor) of the water which passes along a water receiving part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the determination in the determination part of a control part. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the time and voltage value of the detection signal which passed the filter which does not contain a direct current component from the detection signal of a radio wave sensor in the series operation of the water which passes along a water receiving part. It is the graph which represented the detection signal obtained from a radio wave sensor by time and a voltage value by operation | movement of the water which propagates a water receiving part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the determination in the determination part of a control part. It is a general-view figure of the 2nd Example which comprised the faucet device of this invention with the kitchen faucet device.

1 21 Water discharging part 2 22 Water receiving part 3 23 Radio wave sensor 4 24 Valve part 5 25 Control part 10 Water faucet device 30 Kitchen faucet device 31 Cooking work table 100 101 Water outlet 112 Antenna 114 Transmitting part 116 Receiving part 118 Mixer part 210 Filter unit 230 Determination unit 240 Valve control unit

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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
After the voltage value of the detection signal is equal to or higher than a first threshold value that is higher than a reference value that is substantially the center value of the amplitude of the detection signal,
If it is detected that the second threshold value is lower than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
A faucet device that opens the valve portion. 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
After the voltage value of the detection signal is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than a reference value that is the center value of the amplitude of the detection signal,
If it is detected that the first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
A faucet device that opens the valve portion. 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
From the detection signal of the sensor unit, a filter unit that allows only an AC component to pass through,
Based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit, the valve unit is opened,
After the amplitude of the detection signal is equal to or higher than a first threshold value higher than the reference value,
Within a first predetermined time, the second threshold value is lower than the reference value,
Furthermore, if it is detected that the first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the second predetermined time,
A faucet device that opens the valve portion. 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 disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface of the water receiving unit,
The controller is
From the detection signal of the sensor unit, a filter unit that allows only an AC component to pass through,
Based on the detection signal that has passed through the filter unit, the valve unit is opened,
After the amplitude of the detection signal is equal to or lower than a second threshold value lower than the reference value,
The first threshold value is higher than the reference value within the first predetermined time,
Further, when it is detected that the second threshold value is lower than the reference value within the second predetermined time,
A faucet device that opens the valve portion. The sensor unit is
The direction in which a radio wave is radiated and the water receiving portion wall surface on which the sensor portion is arranged are arranged in the water receiving portion so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other. Faucet device.

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