JP2010229748A - Automatic faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic faucet capable of efficiently displaying a using state of a faucet body while maintaining the amount of electric power for controlling a water ejection/stop control means. <P>SOLUTION: This automatic faucet 10 includes: the faucet body 12; a generator 13 which is mounted inside the faucet body 12; a storage means 14 for storing the amount of the electric power generated by the generator 13; a sensor 15 which detects a user of the automatic faucet 10; a controller 17 which serves as a control means for controlling the ejection/stop of the water from a spout 16 of the faucet body 12 using the amount of the electric power stored in the storage means 14, without being supplied with the electric power from the outside, depending on detection by the sensor 15; and a display means 18 for displaying the state of the faucet body 12 using the amount of the electric power stored in the storage means 14. The display means 18 is automatically put into a display state or a nondisplay one depending on the state of the generation of the electric power from the in-use generator 13 of the automatic faucet 10 so that the amount of the electric power stored in the storage means 14 cannot become equal to/smaller than the amount of the electric power required for the control of the controller 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic water faucet having a function of sensing a hand held by a user and automatically discharging and stopping water.

  In restaurants, hotels, large commercial facilities, toilets and washrooms of public facilities such as railway stations, automatic faucets that automatically discharge and stop water when a user puts out or retracts hands are widely used. In recent years, there has been proposed a faucet with a built-in power generation unit that generates electricity using running water flowing through the water channel when water is discharged (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The faucet described in Patent Document 1 is a method of discharging and stopping water by a manual operation, but a temperature display unit that electrically displays the temperature of discharged water, and a power generation unit that generates power using a water flow that circulates in the water channel Is provided in the spout head, and the power from the power generation unit is supplied to the temperature display unit to display the temperature of the spout.

JP 2002-266394 A

  Since the faucet described in Patent Document 1 can use all of the power generated by the power generation unit provided in the spout head for only the water discharge temperature display in the temperature display section, a situation where power is insufficient is unlikely to occur. However, in addition to the water discharge temperature display, if multiple functions such as solenoid valve opening / closing / sensor sensing are to be activated using only the electric power generated using the water flow at the time of water discharge, the solenoid valve can be opened / closed / sensor sensing. Since it is necessary to ensure the necessary power at all times, it is difficult to continuously display “hot water display” and “water display” using light emitting elements such as LEDs when the power is low. become.

  In other words, in an automatic faucet that opens and closes a solenoid valve and senses the sensor only with the electric power generated by the generator built in the faucet body, the flow rate state, temperature control state, or features of the automatic faucet are displayed efficiently. Actually, there is no automatic faucet having the function of

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic faucet that can efficiently display the use state of the faucet body while maintaining the amount of power for controlling the water discharge / stop water control means.

The automatic faucet of the present invention includes a faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of power generated by the generator, a sensor unit for sensing a user, and the sensor Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of electric power stored in the power storage means without receiving external power supply in response to sensing of the section, and stored in the power storage means An automatic faucet provided with display means for displaying the state of the faucet body using the electric power,
The display means is displayed according to the power generation state of the generator during use of the automatic water faucet so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than the amount of power required when controlling the control means. It is characterized by being hidden. Here, the state of the faucet body means that the automatic faucet is in a state of water discharge or water stop, the temperature state of hot water being discharged, the automatic faucet being an eco product, etc. Means display.

  With such a configuration, the state of the automatic faucet body is monitored by monitoring the power generation state of the generator that is using the automatic faucet while holding the power amount necessary for controlling the control means in the power storage means. Can be efficiently displayed on the display means. That is, when the user is using the automatic faucet, it is possible to display more efficiently and to inform the user of the state of the faucet body.

  Here, if the display means is configured to display when the generated power of the generator is a certain amount or more, the power to control the control means by a relatively simple control mechanism can be efficiently secured and The status of the faucet body can be displayed.

  On the other hand, if the display means is configured to display according to the amount of power generated by the generator, the power to control the control means is efficiently secured by monitoring the amount of generated power, and the user is given water. The state of the plug body can be displayed.

Next, the automatic faucet of the present invention includes a faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of power generated by the generator, and a sensor unit for sensing a user. Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the power storage means without receiving external power supply in response to sensing by the sensor unit; and the power storage means An automatic faucet comprising display means for displaying the state of the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the water faucet,
Display / non-display of the display means according to the amount of power stored in the power storage means so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than or equal to the first power amount required for controlling the control means. It is characterized by doing.

  With such a configuration, by monitoring the amount of power stored in the power storage means, it is possible to efficiently display the state of the faucet body to the user while reliably maintaining the amount of power for controlling the control means. it can. That is, not only when the user is using the automatic faucet, but also when the user intends to use it, the user can be notified of the state of the faucet body more efficiently.

  In this case, when the amount of power stored in the power storage means is less than or equal to the first power amount, the display means is not displayed, and the amount of power stored in the power storage means is greater than the first power amount and the second power When the amount is less than or equal to the amount, the display means can be configured to display different from normal.

  With such a configuration, when the amount of power stored in the power storage means is close to the first power amount necessary for controlling the control means, a display different from normal is displayed, so that the user can store the power in the power storage means. It is possible to inform the user that the power consumed is low and to encourage the user to use it. Further, the display means can be displayed more efficiently by blinking or the like as a display different from the normal display.

Furthermore, the automatic faucet of the present invention includes a faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of power generated by the generator, a sensor unit for sensing a user, Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the power storage means without receiving external power supply in response to sensing by the sensor unit, and storage in the power storage means An automatic faucet provided with a display means for displaying the state of the faucet body using the amount of electric power, and a storage means for storing the use state of the user based on the sensing of the sensor unit,
The display means is displayed / hidden in accordance with the storage means so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than or equal to the amount of power required for controlling the control means.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to store the user's actual usage state and perform calculation so as to leave the amount of power for controlling the control means, and change display / non-display. The state of the faucet body can be displayed efficiently. That is, not only when the user uses the automatic faucet but also when the user tries to use it, the user can be notified of the state of the faucet body more efficiently.

  In this case, the storage means may store the number of users for a certain period and display the display means during a period in which the number of users is a certain value or more.

  With such a configuration, the display means is displayed on the display means during a period when the number of users is large, and the display means can be displayed if there are many users even when the amount of stored power is small. The display means can be displayed efficiently.

  On the other hand, the storage means stores information based on an elapsed time after a predetermined operation and a total time used by a user, and displays / hides the display means based on a ratio of the elapsed time and the total time. It can also be.

  With such a configuration, it is determined whether or not the automatic faucet is a frequently used faucet, and if it is a faucet that is frequently used even when the amount of stored power is small, a display is made. Therefore, the display means can be displayed more efficiently.

  In addition, the storage means may store the number of users and the usage time for a certain period, and may display / hide the display means based on the amount of power generated by the number of users and the usage time. .

  With such a configuration, the display unit is controlled based on whether or not the usage frequency is a high time zone, and the amount of generated electric power based on the number of users and the usage time, and as a result, stored in the power storage unit. Even if the amount of electric power is small, the display means can be displayed in a time zone where the frequency of use is high, so that the display means can be displayed more efficiently.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic faucet that can efficiently display the use state of the faucet body while maintaining the amount of power for controlling the water discharge / stop water control means.

It is a top view which shows the automatic water faucet which is 1st embodiment of this invention in a partially transparent state. It is the sectional view on the AA line in FIG. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is CC sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the automatic water tap shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic water tap shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic water tap shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic faucet which is 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic faucet which is 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic faucet which is 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the function of the automatic faucet which is 3rd embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, an automatic faucet 10 according to the first embodiment includes a faucet body 12 fixed to a predetermined installation member 11 and a generator 13 mounted inside the faucet body 12. Power storage means 14 for storing the power generated by the generator 13, a sensor unit 15 for sensing a user of the automatic faucet 10, and a power storage means without receiving external power supply in response to the detection of the sensor unit 15. The controller 17, which is a control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the water outlet 16 of the faucet body 12 using the amount of electric power stored in the faucet body 14, and the faucet body 12 using the electric power stored in the power storage means 14. Display means 18 for displaying the state of the above. Here, the state of the faucet body 12 refers to whether the automatic faucet 10 is in a water discharge or water stop state, the temperature state of the hot water discharged from the spout 16, and the automatic faucet 10 is ecological. It means an indication that it is a product, but it is not limited to these.

  Further, the faucet body 12 is discharged from the electromagnetic valve 19 that opens and closes the flow path to the water discharge port 16 according to a signal from the controller 17, the backup battery 20 for ensuring the control function of the controller 17, and the water discharge port 16. A hot water mixing valve 22 and the like for changing the temperature of the hot water to be performed are arranged, and a water supply pipe 23 and a hot water supply pipe 24 piped from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the installation member 11 are respectively connected to the hot water mixing valve 22. Yes.

  The automatic faucet 10 is used in the same manner as a conventional automatic faucet. When the user puts his / her hand toward the sensing area of the sensor unit 15 near the spout 16 or retracts, the spout 16 automatically Hot water is discharged or stopped. In addition, when the temperature control lever 21 provided on the side surface of the faucet body 12 is manually operated, the hot water / water mixing valve 22 is operated to change the mixing ratio of hot water and the water to adjust the temperature of hot water discharged from the water outlet 16. Can do.

  In the automatic faucet 10, according to the power generation state of the generator 13 in use of the automatic faucet 10, so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means 14 does not become less than the amount of power necessary for controlling the controller 17. The display means 18 is automatically displayed / hidden. Therefore, while the electric power necessary for controlling the controller 17 is held in the power storage means 14, the state of the faucet body 12 is efficiently displayed on the display means 18 according to the power generation state of the generator 13 that is using the automatic faucet 10. It can be displayed well.

  As a control method in this case, a method of displaying the display means 18 when the generated power of the generator 13 is a certain amount or more can be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 17 determines whether or not the output (generated power) of the generator 13 is greater than or equal to the reference. (S11), if YES (over the reference), the display means 18 is in the display state (S12), and if NO (below the reference), the display means 18 is in the non-display state (S13). With such a control method, it is possible to display the state of the faucet body 12 on the display means 18 while efficiently securing the power for controlling the controller 17 with a relatively simple control mechanism.

  On the other hand, a control method of displaying the display means 18 according to the amount of power generated by the generator 13 can also be adopted. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the controller 17 determines whether the amount of power generated by the generator 13 (the amount of generated power) is greater than or equal to a reference amount. (S15), if YES (over the reference amount), the display means 18 is in the display state (S16), and if NO (below the reference amount), the display means 18 is in the non-display state (S17). As the generated power amount, either the generated power amount from the discharge start in the continuous discharge from the water discharge port 16 or the generated power amount in the latest predetermined period can be applied. By adopting such a control method, the state of the faucet body 12 can be displayed on the display means 18 while efficiently securing the power for controlling the controller 17 by monitoring the amount of power generated by the generator 13. it can. According to the amount of power generated in the most recent predetermined period, it is possible to display efficiently not only when the user uses the automatic faucet 10, but also when the automatic faucet 10 is not used. The user can be informed of the state of the faucet body 12.

  Next, the automatic faucet 30 which is 2nd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated based on FIG.5 and FIG.8. As shown in FIG. 5, the schematic configuration of the automatic faucet 30 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the automatic faucet 10 described above, but in the automatic faucet 30, the amount of power stored in the power storage means 14 is the controller 17. The display means 18 is displayed / hidden according to the amount of power stored in the power storage means 14 so as not to be less than or equal to the first power amount required for controlling the power. In this way, the state of the faucet body 12 can be efficiently displayed on the display unit 18 while the amount of power for controlling the controller 17 is reliably maintained by monitoring the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 14. .

  As a control method in this case, as shown in FIG. 8, is the controller 17 whether or not the electric energy stored in the electric storage means 14 exceeds the reference 1 (second electric energy)? (S31), if YES, the display means 18 is always lit (S32), and if NO, whether the amount of power stored in the storage means 14 exceeds the reference 2 (first power amount) or not ? (S33), if YES, the display means 18 is in a blinking state (display different from normal) (S34), and if NO, the display means 18 is in a non-display state (S35).

  With such a control method, when the stored power amount of the power storage unit 14 is close to the reference 2 (first power amount) required when the controller 17 is controlled, the display unit 18 displays a display (flashing) different from normal. By doing so, it is possible to inform the user of the use state of the faucet body 12, so that it can be displayed on the display means 18 more efficiently.

  Next, the automatic faucet 50 which is 3rd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated based on FIG.5 and FIG.9 ~ FIG.11. As shown in FIG. 5, the schematic configuration of the automatic faucet 50 of the present embodiment is a storage means (not shown) that stores the use state of the user in the automatic faucet 10 described above based on the detection of the sensor unit 15. ) Is added, and the display means 18 is displayed / non-displayed according to the storage means so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means 14 does not become less than the amount of power required for controlling the controller 17. Display. With such a configuration, the use state of the user can be stored in the storage unit, and the calculation can be performed so as to leave the amount of power for controlling the controller 17 to change the display / non-display of the display unit 18. Therefore, the state of the faucet body 12 can be efficiently displayed to the user.

  As a control method in this case, as shown in FIG. 9, after the power is turned on (S41), the controller 17 counts the number of users per hour based on the information sensed by the sensor unit 15 (S42). The storage means stores the number of people in use during the period (for example, the number of people in use 24 hours the previous day) (S43), and whether the number of people on the previous day exceeds the standard 3 (fixed value)? Is determined by the controller 17 (S44). If YES, the display means 18 is always lit (S45). If NO, whether the number of people on the previous day exceeds the standard 4 (a constant value) smaller than the standard 3 mentioned above? Is determined by the controller 17 (S46). If YES, the display means 18 blinks (S47). If NO, the display means 18 is turned off (S48). Note that the storage process (S43) of the number of users for a certain period (for example, the number of users for 24 hours the previous day) in the storage means is completed every 24 hours (S49) and is constantly updated.

  In this way, if the control method is to change the display mode of the current day based on the usage record of the previous day, the display unit 18 is in the display state during a period when the number of users is large, and the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 14 is small. However, since the display means can be displayed (always lit) if there are many users, the display means 18 can be displayed efficiently.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage means stores information based on the elapsed time after power-on and the user's usage time (water discharge time), and the ratio of the elapsed time and the usage time is above the reference. or not? If the determination is NO (S51), the display means 18 is not displayed (S52) if NO, and the display means 18 can be displayed (S53) if YES.

  With such a control method, it can be determined whether or not the automatic faucet 50 is a frequently used faucet, so that the display means 18 can be displayed more efficiently.

  In addition, a control method may be employed in which the storage unit stores the number of users and the usage time for a certain period, and the display unit 18 is displayed / hidden based on the amount of power generated by the number of users and the usage time. .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, after the power is turned on (S61), the number of users and the usage time for each hour are counted (S62), and the generated power amount for a certain period (for example, the generated power amount for 24 hours on the previous day). ) Is stored in the storage means (S63), and whether or not the sum of the power generation amount of the previous day and the current power storage amount of the power storage means 14 exceeds the reference 5 (a constant value)? Is determined by the controller 17 (S64). If YES, the display means 18 is always lit (S65). If NO, whether or not the sum of the power generation amount of the previous day and the current power storage amount of the power storage means 14 exceeds a reference 6 (a constant value) smaller than the reference 5 described above? Is determined by the controller 17 (S66). If YES, the display means 18 blinks (S67). If NO, the display means 18 is turned off (S68). Note that the storage process (S63) of the generated power amount (for example, the generated power amount during 24 hours the previous day) in the storage means is completed every 24 hours (S69) and is constantly updated.

  In this way, if it is a control method that changes the display form of the current day based on the amount of power generated on the previous day, whether it is a time zone with high use frequency and the amount of power generated by the number of users and the time of use, As a result of controlling the display means 18 based on this, it is possible to display the display means 18 in a time zone where the amount of generated power is large even if the amount of power stored in the power storage means 14 is small. The display means 18 can be displayed.

  In addition, in embodiment mentioned above, although the description about the sensor which detects the temperature state of the hot water discharged from the spout 16 as a structure was abbreviate | omitted, the sensor which detects a flow volume in a flow path as needed is omitted. The temperature state can be displayed on the display means 18 by arranging and controlling. The flow rate can also be displayed by providing a separate flow rate sensor.

  The automatic faucet of the present invention can be widely used in restaurants, hotels, large commercial facilities, public facilities such as railway stations, and toilets.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 30, 50 Automatic faucet 11 Installation member 12 Faucet body 13 Generator 14 Power storage means 15 Sensor part 16 Water outlet 17 Controller 18 Display means 19 Electromagnetic valve 20 Backup power source 21 Temperature control lever 22 Hot water mixing valve 23 Water supply pipe 24 Hot water pipe

Claims (9)

A faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of electric power generated by the generator, a sensor unit for sensing a user, and externally in response to sensing by the sensor unit Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the power storage means without receiving the power supply, and the water using the amount of power stored in the power storage means An automatic faucet provided with a display means for displaying the state of the stopper body,
The display means is displayed according to the power generation state of the generator during use of the automatic water faucet so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than the amount of power required when controlling the control means. Automatic faucet characterized by non-display.   The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the display means is displayed when the power generated by the generator is equal to or greater than a certain amount.   The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the display means is displayed according to the amount of power generated by the generator. A faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of electric power generated by the generator, a sensor unit for sensing a user, and externally in response to sensing by the sensor unit Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the power storage means without receiving the power supply, and the water using the amount of power stored in the power storage means An automatic faucet provided with a display means for displaying the state of the stopper body,
Display / non-display of the display means according to the amount of power stored in the power storage means so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than or equal to the first power amount required for controlling the control means. Automatic faucet characterized by   When the amount of power stored in the power storage means is less than or equal to the first power amount, the display means is hidden, and the amount of power stored in the power storage means is greater than the first power amount and less than or equal to the second power amount. 5. The automatic faucet according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays different from normal. A faucet body, a generator mounted on the faucet body, power storage means for storing the amount of electric power generated by the generator, a sensor unit for sensing a user, and an external input in response to sensing by the sensor unit Control means for controlling water discharge / stop water from the faucet body using the amount of power stored in the power storage means without receiving power supply, and the faucet using the amount of power stored in the power storage means An automatic faucet comprising display means for displaying the state of the main body, and storage means for storing the use state of the user based on the sensing of the sensor unit,
The automatic water is characterized in that the display means is displayed / hidden in accordance with the storage means so that the amount of power stored in the power storage means does not become less than or equal to the amount of power required for controlling the control means. plug.   7. The automatic water faucet according to claim 6, wherein the storage means stores the number of users for each fixed period and displays the display means during a period in which the number of users is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.   The storage means stores information based on an elapsed time after a predetermined operation and a total time used by a user, and displays / hides the display means based on a ratio of the elapsed time and the total time. The automatic water faucet according to claim 6.   The said storage means memorize | stores the number of users and usage time of a fixed period, and displays / hides the said display means based on the electric power generation amount by the said number of users and the said usage time. Automatic faucet as described.

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