JP2011184888A - Automatic water discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic water discharge device capable of discharging water at a proper temperature by accurately grasping a hand temperature, when washing a user's hands considerably changing in temperature. <P>SOLUTION: Characteristically, this automatic water discharge device AFa sets a target water temperature on the basis of the user's hand temperature measured by a thermopile 20, controls an electromagnetic valve 42 and a heat exchanger 40 so as to increase a water temperature to the set target temperature, and controls the electromagnetic valve 42 so that the electromagnetic valve 42 can discharge the water, the temperature of which is increased by the electromagnetic valve 42 and the heat exchanger 40 controlled as above, to a water discharge area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic water discharge device that determines insertion of a user's hand into a water discharge area and starts water discharge at least automatically based on a result of the determination.

  When a person puts the whole body in warm water like when taking a bath, or when the whole body is bathed in warm water like taking a shower, how many times the temperature of the hot water feels comfortable A temperature difference of several degrees greatly affects comfort. Therefore, how to adjust the temperature of shower water discharge is very important in a shower device for a person to take a shower throughout the body.

  As an example of a conventional general shower device, the water temperature is detected by a water temperature detection sensor, and the hot water and tap water are adjusted by adjusting the flow rate adjustment valves on the hot water side and the tap water side so as to keep the water temperature at a constant temperature. A shower device that mixes water and discharges water toward a user is known. This constant temperature should also be referred to as a target temperature set according to the preference of the user taking a shower, and is set to a different temperature depending on the user. In such a shower device, when water discharge is started, water remaining in the water pipe is pushed out and discharged, and subsequently, hot water whose temperature is adjusted is discharged. The water discharge temperature after the start of water discharge is raised from a fairly low temperature close to water that is not raised to its target temperature.

  By the way, in such a conventional shower apparatus, in order to avoid a situation in which the user feels uncomfortable if the user is too hot, water having a low temperature is discharged at the beginning of water discharge, and then the hot water is discharged by increasing the temperature. It is configured as follows. By being configured in this way, when water discharge is started, water remaining in the water pipe is pushed out and discharged, and then temperature-adjusted hot water is discharged. Will rise.

  Although such a conventional shower apparatus is inevitable in its structure, hot water whose temperature has been adjusted is discharged to some extent, and after reaching a steady state, hot water having an appropriate temperature is discharged. Then, the shower apparatus which can discharge the warm water of suitable temperature from the beginning of water discharge is proposed (refer the following patent document 1).

  The shower device described in Patent Literature 1 below includes a CCD camera that detects the direction of the shower water flow discharged from the shower water outlet and the position of the user who wants to take a shower, and the shower discharge on the surface of the user's body. A thermoviewer that measures the skin temperature at the site of water flow and the direction of the shower water flow recognized by the CCD camera and the position of the person recognizes the site of the shower water flow and is detected by this information and the thermoviewer. Based on the skin temperature information, an arithmetic device that calculates a user's posture and an initial water flow temperature suitable for the user, and a control device that automatically changes the temperature of the shower water discharge flow from the initial water flow temperature. ing. The shower apparatus described in the following Patent Document 1 is set so that the water flow temperature at the start of showering becomes the skin temperature by such a configuration, and then gradually the desired water flow from the skin temperature according to the user's preference. The temperature rises.

JP-A-4-303405

  By the way, a person's body temperature does not change greatly when viewed as a whole body, and can be considered to be substantially constant except for a special situation such as getting sick. Considering only dealing with the situation of the whole body with such a small temperature fluctuation, the above-mentioned conventional technology functions so as to exhibit a certain effect within this range, and it is comfortable for each human being. It can be said that it can cope with the temperature difference felt.

  However, in an automatic water discharge device for washing hands, it is difficult to always perform water discharge that makes the user feel comfortable with such simple temperature control. Humans have the function of controlling body temperature by circulating blood. And it is generally known that the part which controls body temperature is a hand and a leg which are peripheral parts. In particular, since the hands are constantly exposed, the heat exchanger between the outside air temperature and the body temperature is constantly strong. Therefore, the temperature of the hand changes greatly compared to other parts of the human body. Especially when you go out in the winter and enter the room, the body temperature is kept constant at around 37 degrees, but even if you take warming measures such as gloves, it may go down to around 20 degrees. If no heat retention measures are taken, the temperature may drop to a lower temperature. In the conventional technique described above, the water flow temperature at the beginning of the shower is set to be the skin temperature, and then gradually increases from the skin temperature to the desired water flow temperature according to the user's preference. Is supposed to take a shower on the whole body without much temperature change, not hand washing.

  Therefore, the present inventors have studied to provide an automatic water discharge device capable of accurately grasping the temperature of the hand and discharging water at an appropriate temperature when washing a hand having a large temperature change. We discovered that there is a new problem due to the large temperature change. Specifically, the increase or decrease in the temperature of a human hand is often linked to the increase or decrease in the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the temperature of the human hand is lowered, the ambient temperature may also be lowered, and it becomes difficult to measure the temperature separately from the temperature of the human hand and the ambient temperature. In this case, only the sensor for measuring the temperature of the user's hand is used to both measure the temperature of the user's hand and detect that the user's hand is below the spout. In other words, when the ambient temperature and the hand temperature are close to each other, it becomes extremely difficult to control the start of water discharge.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to determine whether the user's hand is inserted into the water discharge area, and to automatically start water discharge at least automatically based on the result of the determination. When washing hands with large temperature changes, it is possible to more reliably grasp the temperature of the hand and discharge water at an appropriate temperature, and reliably determine the insertion of the hand into the water discharge area, An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water discharge device capable of discharging water after temperature adjustment to water at an appropriate temperature.

  In order to solve the above problems, an automatic water discharge apparatus according to the present invention is an automatic water discharge apparatus that determines insertion of a user's hand into a water discharge area and automatically starts water discharge based on the result of the determination. , Water discharge means having a water discharge port for discharging water into the water discharge area, hand insertion determination means for determining insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area, temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature of the user's hand, and Water temperature adjusting means for increasing the temperature of water discharged from the water discharging means, control means for controlling the water discharging means and the water temperature adjusting means based on the determination result of the manual insertion determining means and the measurement result of the temperature measuring means, The control means sets a target water target temperature based on the temperature of the user's hand measured by the temperature measurement means, and increases the water temperature to increase the water temperature to the set target temperature. Adjustment means Controlling and discharging the water whose temperature has been increased by the water temperature adjusting means controlled in this way to the water discharge area after the hand insertion determining means determines that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area. The water discharge means is controlled as described above.

  Since the human hand also functions as a body temperature adjusting means, it is configured so that the temperature can be easily exchanged. As a result, the hand temperature tends to fluctuate as compared with the temperature of the entire body. Especially in winter, the temperature of the hand is lower than the temperature of the whole body, and the way of feeling the temperature due to the lower temperature relative to the temperature of the whole body is different from other parts of the body. It is very different. Therefore, in the automatic water discharge device according to the present invention, it is possible to perform water discharge at an appropriate temperature regardless of how the temperature of the hand changes by providing such a characteristic of hand temperature change, and provide a comfortable hand wash. To do.

  The automatic water discharge device according to the present invention based on such a concept includes a control unit that controls the water discharge unit and the water temperature adjustment unit based on the measurement result of the temperature measurement unit, and the control unit measures the temperature measurement unit. The target water target temperature is set based on the temperature of the user's hand. Since the temperature measuring means measures the temperature of the user's hand, the temperature can be reliably measured no matter how the temperature of the user's hand changes. Since the target temperature for raising the water temperature is set based on the temperature of the user's hand that is reliably measured in this way, the target temperature should be appropriate to reflect the temperature change of the user's hand. Can do. Therefore, since warm water with the appropriate temperature corresponding to the temperature change of the user's hand can be discharged to the water discharge area in this way, when washing a hand with a large temperature change, the temperature of the hand is accurately grasped and the water with the appropriate temperature is obtained. It becomes possible to discharge water.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, it is devised to reliably determine the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area. Specifically, the increase or decrease in the temperature of a human hand is often linked to the increase or decrease in the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the temperature of the human hand is lowered, the ambient temperature may also be lowered, and it becomes difficult to measure the temperature separately from the temperature of the human hand and the ambient temperature. In this case, both the temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature of the user's hand, both the temperature measurement of the user's hand and the detection of the user's hand coming below the spout. If the atmosphere temperature and the hand temperature are close to each other, it is extremely difficult to control the start of water discharge. Therefore, in the present invention, the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area is reliably determined by providing hand insertion determination means for determining the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area. After providing the hand insertion determining means, the water temperature adjusting means increases the temperature, and after the hand insertion determining means determines that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharging area, the water is discharged to the water discharging area. Yes. By adjusting the timing of temperature adjustment and the timing of starting water discharge in this way, cold water that has not been temperature-adjusted is discharged, and it is reliably avoided that the user feels cold. When washing a large hand, it is possible to accurately grasp the temperature of the hand and to discharge water at an appropriate temperature at an appropriate timing.

  Moreover, in the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on this invention, it is also preferable that the said temperature measurement means starts the measurement of the temperature of a hand, after the said hand insertion determination means determines with the user's hand having been inserted in the said water discharge area | region.

  In this preferred embodiment, since the temperature measurement means starts measuring the temperature of the hand after the hand insertion determination means determines that the hand has been inserted into the water discharge area, the temperature measurement means is kept in a standby state until the start timing. Therefore, the power saving effect can be measured and the temperature can be measured reliably.

  Further, in the automatic water discharging apparatus according to the present invention, the hand insertion determining means and the temperature measuring means are arranged so that the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharging area can be determined after measuring the temperature of the user's hand. It is also preferable that

  In this preferred embodiment, since the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area can be determined after the temperature of the user's hand is measured, the hand insertion determining means has inserted the hand into the water discharge area. It can be determined that the temperature of the hand is being measured by the temperature measuring means at the timing when it is determined that the temperature has been met. Therefore, even when the ambient temperature and the hand temperature are close to each other, the water can be discharged after the temperature adjustment is reliably performed.

  Further, in the automatic water discharging apparatus according to the present invention, the temperature measuring means is configured to be able to measure the temperature when a user's hand is inserted into the temperature measuring area, and surrounds the water discharging area. It is also preferable that the temperature measurement region is formed.

  In this preferred embodiment, since the temperature measurement region is formed so as to surround the water discharge region, the hand insertion determining means does not insert the hand into the water discharge region regardless of the direction in which the hand is inserted. It can be determined that the temperature of the hand is being measured by the temperature measuring means at the timing when it is determined that the temperature has been met.

  Further, in the automatic water discharge device according to the present invention, the water discharge to the water discharge area is suspended for a predetermined time even after the hand insertion determining means determines that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area. It is also preferable to do.

  In this preferred embodiment, even after it is determined that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area, the water discharge to the water discharge area is suspended for a predetermined time, and the temperature is also utilized during the predetermined time. The temperature of the hand can be reliably measured by the measuring means. Therefore, even when the ambient temperature and the hand temperature are close to each other, the water can be discharged after the temperature adjustment is reliably performed.

  Moreover, in the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on this invention, when the measurement of the temperature of a user's hand by the said temperature measurement means is completed, it is also preferable to shorten the said predetermined time.

  In this preferred embodiment, when the measurement of the temperature of the user's hand is completed, the predetermined time is shortened, so water discharge is started immediately after the temperature measurement of the user's hand is completed or at the timing when the temperature adjustment is finished. Therefore, both reliable temperature adjustment and water discharge at an appropriate timing can be achieved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when washing a hand with a large temperature change, the automatic water discharging apparatus which can grasp | ascertain the temperature of a hand accurately and can discharge water of suitable temperature can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the automatic water discharging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the automatic water discharging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the temperature of a hand and the water discharge temperature in the automatic water discharge apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the temperature change of a hand. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the automatic water discharging apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of the automatic water discharging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of the automatic water discharging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the sensing area of a thermopile and an infrared sensor in the automatic water discharging apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  An automatic water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that determines insertion of a user's hand into a water discharge region and automatically starts water discharge based on the result of the determination, and the temperature of the user's hand The hot water having an appropriate temperature according to the temperature is discharged. An external configuration of an automatic water discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an automatic water discharge device AFa according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic water discharge device AFa is a device that is attached to the wash basin WB and discharges hot water to the bowl surface of the wash basin WB.

  The automatic water discharge device AFa includes a water discharge unit 1a (water discharge unit) and a temperature measurement unit 2a (temperature measurement unit). The water discharge part 1a is attached to the back side deck part of the washbasin WB. The water discharger 1a includes a water discharge port 10 (water discharge means) and an infrared sensor 11 (hand insertion determination means).

  The water discharge port 10 is a room temperature water or a water discharge region (a region including a portion where the user's hand H is present at the position Hw) set between the bowl surface of the basin WB and the water discharge port 10. This is the part that discharges water that has been heated. The infrared sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the insertion of the user's hand H into the water discharge area, and outputs a predetermined signal when the user's hand is inserted into the water discharge area.

  The temperature measurement part 2a is the back side deck part of the washbasin WB, and is attached to the right side of the part to which the water discharge part 1a is attached. The temperature measurement unit 2 a includes a thermopile 20 (temperature measurement unit), an infrared sensor 21 (manual insertion determination unit), and a notification unit 22.

  The thermopile 20 has an infrared absorption film as a hot junction and a plurality of thermocouples connected in series or in parallel with cold junctions therebetween, and measures the temperature of the user's hand H in a non-contact manner. is there. The thermopile 20 has a built-in thermistor that measures the ambient temperature (reference temperature). Therefore, the atmospheric temperature can also be measured. The infrared sensor 21 is for determining whether the user's hand H is inserted into a temperature measurement region (a region including a portion where the user's hand H is present at the position Hpa) set above the temperature measurement unit 2a. A sensor that outputs a predetermined signal when a user's hand is inserted into the temperature measurement region. The notification unit 22 indicates whether or not the adjustment to the appropriate temperature has been completed. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 22 emits blue light when the temperature is being adjusted, and emits red light when the temperature is adjusted. Emits light.

  A user who uses the automatic water discharge device AFa first inserts the hand H into the temperature measurement region formed on the thermopile 20 of the temperature measurement unit 2a by positioning the hand H at the position Hpa. In the initial state, the notification unit 22 of the temperature measurement unit 2a emits blue light, indicating that the temperature is being adjusted. When the hand H is positioned at the position Hpa and the hand H is inserted into the temperature measurement region, the temperature of the hand H is acquired by the thermopile 20.

  When the temperature of the hand H is acquired by the thermopile 20, the control unit (not shown in FIG. 1 and will be described later in detail. The control unit) sets the target water target temperature based on the acquired temperature. Then, the temperature control unit (not shown in FIG. 1, details will be described later. Temperature adjusting means) is controlled so as to raise the temperature of the water to the set target temperature. When the temperature control by the temperature adjustment unit is completed, the notification unit 22 emits red light, indicating that the temperature adjustment is completed.

  In response to the notification of the completion of the temperature adjustment by the notification unit 22, the user moves the hand H from the position Hpa to the position Hw. In this movement, the user turns the palm downward so that the palm faces the temperature measuring unit 2a at the position Hpa, and turns the palm upward so that the palm faces the spout 10 at the position Hw. When the user moves the hand H to the position Hw, the user enters the water discharge region, so the infrared sensor 11 of the water discharger 1a detects the hand H and discharges the hot water whose temperature adjustment is completed from the water discharge port 10.

  An automatic water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that determines insertion of a user's hand into a water discharge region and automatically starts water discharge based on the result of the determination, and the temperature of the user's hand Therefore, the water is not limited to that shown in FIG. The automatic water discharging apparatus as a modification is shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3.

  The automatic water discharge device AFb shown in FIG. 2 is provided with the thermopile 20, the infrared sensor 21, and the notification unit 22 that constitute the temperature measurement unit 2a in the automatic water discharge device AFa provided above the water discharge unit 1b. Therefore, in the automatic water discharge device AFb, the temperature measurement region is formed above the water discharge portion 1b, and the water discharge region is formed below the water discharge portion 1b.

  The user who uses the automatic water discharger AFb first inserts the hand H into the temperature measurement region formed on the thermopile 20 of the water discharger 1b by positioning the hand H at a position Hpb above the water discharger 1b. In this state, the notification unit 22 emits blue light, indicating that the temperature is being adjusted. When the hand H is positioned at the position Hpb and the hand H is inserted into the temperature measurement region, the temperature of the hand H is acquired by the thermopile 20.

  When the temperature of the hand H is acquired by the thermopile 20, the control unit (not shown in FIG. 2 and will be described later in detail, the control unit) sets a target water target temperature based on the acquired temperature. Then, the temperature control unit (not shown in FIG. 2 and will be described in detail later: temperature adjusting means) is controlled so as to raise the temperature of the water to the set target temperature. When the temperature control by the temperature adjustment unit is completed, the notification unit 22 emits red light, indicating that the temperature adjustment is completed.

  In response to the notification of the temperature adjustment completion by the notification unit 22, the user moves the hand H from the position Hpb to the position Hw. In this movement, the user turns the palm downward so that the palm faces the thermopile 20 at the position Hpb, and turns the palm upward so that the palm faces the spout 10 at the position Hw. When the user moves the hand H from the position Hpb to the position Hw, the user returns the palm to move the hand H around the water discharger 1b. When the user moves the hand H to the position Hw, the user enters the water discharge region, so that the infrared sensor 11 of the water discharger 1b detects the hand H and discharges the hot water whose temperature has been adjusted from the water discharge port 10.

  Although the automatic water discharge device AFa and the automatic water discharge device AFb described above have different arrangements of the thermopile 20 and the like, the temperature measurement region is formed above the water discharge region, and the temperature of the hand H is acquired in the temperature measurement region. This is a so-called two-action mode in which the temperature of the water discharge is adjusted and the hand H is moved to the water discharge region to discharge water. On the other hand, the automatic water discharge device AFc shown in FIG. 3 is an example in which the water discharge region and the temperature measurement region are arranged on the same side and water can be discharged in one action.

  In the automatic water discharge device AFc, the infrared sensor 21 is omitted from the automatic water discharge device AFb, the thermopile 20 is moved to the water discharge port 10 side, and is arranged on the same side as the infrared sensor 11. A user who uses the automatic water discharge device AFc first brings the hand H closer to the water discharger 1c from below and from the front of the water discharger 1c. A thermopile 20 is disposed below and in front of the water discharger 1c so that a temperature measurement region can be formed. When the hand H is positioned at a position Hpc below and in front of the water discharger 1c and the hand H is inserted into the temperature measurement region, the thermopile 20 acquires the temperature of the hand H.

  When the temperature of the hand H is acquired by the thermopile 20, the control unit (not shown in FIG. 3 and will be described later in detail, the control unit) sets the target water target temperature based on the acquired temperature. Then, the temperature control unit (not shown in FIG. 3 and will be described in detail later. Temperature adjusting means) is controlled so as to raise the temperature of the water to the set target temperature. When the temperature control by the temperature adjustment unit is completed, the notification unit 22 emits red light, indicating that the temperature adjustment is completed.

  Upon receiving the notification of the completion of temperature adjustment by the notification unit 22, the user further advances the hand H from the position Hpc and moves it to the position Hw. In this movement, the user turns the palm upward so that the palm faces the thermopile 20 at the position Hpc, and turns the palm upward so that the palm faces the spout 10 at the position Hw. In moving the hand H from the position Hpc to the position Hw, the user moves the hand H forward with the palm facing upward. When the user moves the hand H to the position Hw, the user enters the water discharge region, so that the infrared sensor 11 of the water discharger 1c detects the hand H and discharges the hot water whose temperature adjustment is completed from the water discharge port 10.

  Next, a functional configuration of the automatic water discharge device AFa according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic water discharge device AFa.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic water discharge device AFa includes a water discharge unit 1a, a temperature measurement unit 2a, a control unit 3 (control unit), a temperature adjustment unit 4 (water temperature adjustment unit), and a manual valve HV. ing. The water discharger 1 a has a water discharge port 10 and an infrared sensor 11. The temperature measurement unit 2 a includes a thermopile 20, an infrared sensor 21, and a notification unit 22. The temperature adjustment unit 4 includes a heat exchanger 40 (water temperature adjusting means), an electromagnetic valve 41 (water temperature adjusting means), and an electromagnetic valve 42 (water temperature adjusting means).

  The heat exchanger 40 is configured to receive normal temperature water, raise the temperature to a predetermined high temperature, and supply high temperature hot water. The heat exchanger 40 is supplied with water passing through the manual valve HV and the electromagnetic valve 42. The manual valve HV functions as a stop cock and is always open in a normal use state. The heat exchanger 40 performs power ON / OFF and the like based on a signal output from the control unit 3.

  The electromagnetic valve 42 is a valve for supplying water to the heat exchanger 40 and the electromagnetic valve 41 which is a three-way valve as a temperature control valve. The electromagnetic valve 42 is configured to open and close the valve based on a signal output from the control unit 3, and the supply of water to the heat exchanger 40 and the electromagnetic valve 41 is adjusted by opening and closing the valve. .

  The electromagnetic valve 41 is a three-way valve that functions as a temperature control valve. The electromagnetic valve 41 is supplied with water supplied from the electromagnetic valve 42 and hot hot water supplied from the heat exchanger 40. The electromagnetic valve 41 adjusts the opening and closing of the valve on the electromagnetic valve 41 side and the valve on the heat exchanger 40 side based on a signal output from the control unit 3, and mixes water with hot hot water to give a predetermined value. The hot water of temperature is supplied to the water discharger 1a.

  Next, a control configuration of the automatic water discharge device AFa according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the automatic water discharge device AFa.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 3 is configured to receive signals output from the thermopile 20, the infrared sensor 21, and the infrared sensor 11 and acquire information transmitted by these signals. Yes. The control unit 3 is also connected to a generator GE, and is supplied with electric power generated by the generator GE. The control unit 3 is configured such that signals are output to the notification unit 22, the heat exchanger 40, the electromagnetic valve 41, and the electromagnetic valve 42, and information transmitted by these signals is output to each unit. Yes.

  Therefore, the control unit 3 is based on the measurement results of the thermopile 20 that functions as the temperature measurement unit and the infrared sensors 11 and 21 that function as the manual insertion determination unit, and the temperature control unit 4 (heat exchange unit) that functions as the water discharge unit and the water temperature adjustment unit. Controller 40, electromagnetic valves 41, 42), and discharges hot water at a predetermined temperature from the water outlet 10 of the water discharger 1a.

  Next, the basic concept of the temperature calculation of the control unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the temperature of the finger of the subject's hand and how the water feels with respect to the temperature of the finger. The “cold”, “slightly cold”, “slightly appropriate temperature”, “optimum temperature”, “ It shows the result of hearing by classifying it into “slightly hot” and “hot”.

  It is widely known that humans recognize not the result of recognizing the absolute temperature of the input temperature, but the relative temperature difference between the temperature of the hand and the input temperature as the perceived temperature. The experimental results shown in FIG. 6 also supported the theory.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 20 ° C., it feels “slightly cold” when the water discharge temperature is 20 ° C. to 25 ° C. at a low temperature setting as hot water. Furthermore, when the temperature of water is 25 ° C. to 28.5 ° C., it feels “slightly appropriate temperature”, and when the temperature of water is 28.5 ° C. to 32.5 ° C., it feels “appropriate temperature” and the temperature of water is 32. At 5 ° C to 35 ° C, I feel "somewhat appropriate temperature". Furthermore, when the temperature of the water exceeds 35 ° C., it feels “hot” and does not feel “somewhat hot” between “somewhat moderate temperature” and “hot”. Moreover, when the temperature of a hand is as low as 20 degreeC, it has suggested that it does not feel cold in the water discharge temperature area of 20-40 degreeC.

  That is, it is suggested that the user can judge that the water temperature is appropriate even when the water discharge temperature is 38 ° C. or lower, compared with the hot water temperature of the current automatic faucet that discharges hot water at a constant temperature (around 38 to 40 ° C.). It also suggests that cold hands (20 ° C.) do not feel cold even in cold hot water (20-25 ° C.). Such temperature judgment mechanism can be explained by knowledge of physiology. Humans perceive warmth by the relative temperature between their own (hand) temperature and the amount of heat input. Therefore, if the temperature of the hot water is slightly higher than the temperature of one's hand (hand), it is determined that the temperature of the hot water is warm or not cold. The experimental results described in this section also indicate that when the hand temperature is as low as 20 ° C., it is not recognized that the hand is cold in the 20-40 ° C. water discharge temperature interval, which is consistent with the theory.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of water exceeds 35 ° C., it feels “hot”. This is a result of recognizing the hot water temperature when the temperature difference between the hand (hand) and the amount of heat input is large and the temperature is higher than the actual temperature. That is, it is considered that it is difficult to obtain comfort for cold hands (20 ° C.) with the current automatic water faucet temperature (around 38-40 ° C.).

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 25 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 25 ° C., and feels “slightly cold” when the temperature of the water is 25 ° C. to 30 ° C. . Furthermore, when the water temperature is 30 ° C. to 31.5 ° C., it feels “slightly appropriate temperature”, and when the water temperature is 31.5 ° C. to 34.5 ° C., it feels “appropriate temperature”, and the water temperature is 34.degree. At 5 ° C to 36 ° C, I feel "somewhat appropriate temperature". Furthermore, when the temperature of the water is 36 ° C. to 37 ° C., it feels “slightly hot”, and when the temperature of the water exceeds 37 ° C., it feels “hot”.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 30 ° C., the water feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 27 ° C., and when the temperature of the water is 27 ° C. to 33.5 ° C., it feels “somewhat cold” ing. Furthermore, when the temperature of the water is 33.5 ° C. to 34.5 ° C., it feels “somewhat appropriate temperature”, and when the temperature of the water is 34.5 ° C. to 36 ° C., it feels “appropriate temperature” and the temperature of the water is 36 ° C. At ~ 36.5 ° C, I feel "somewhat appropriate temperature". Furthermore, when the temperature of water is 36.5 ° C. to 37.5 ° C., it feels “slightly hot”, and when the temperature of water exceeds 37.5 ° C., it feels “hot”.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 34 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 28 ° C., and feels “slightly cold” when the temperature of the water is 28 ° C. to 34 ° C. . Furthermore, when the temperature of the water is 34 ° C. to 35.5 ° C., it feels “slightly appropriate temperature”, and when the temperature of the water is 35.5 ° C. to 36.5 ° C., it feels “appropriate temperature” and the temperature of the water is 36. At 5 ° C. to 37 ° C., it feels “slightly appropriate temperature”. Furthermore, when the temperature of the water is 37 ° C. to 38 ° C., it feels “slightly hot”, and when the temperature of the water exceeds 38 ° C., it feels “hot”.

  Regarding the temperature distribution as described above, “cold” to “slightly cold” are combined as “cold”, “slightly appropriate temperature” to “stable temperature” are sandwiched between “slightly appropriate temperature” and “slightly hot”, and “slightly hot”. It is as follows when "hot" is bundled with "hot".

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 20 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 25 ° C. The feeling of “appropriate temperature” is when the temperature of the water is 25 ° C. to 35 ° C. I feel “hot” when the temperature of the water exceeds 35 ° C.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 25 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. The feeling of “appropriate temperature” is when the temperature of water is 30 ° C. to 36 ° C. I feel "hot" when the water temperature exceeds 36 ° C.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 30 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 33.5 ° C. The feeling of “appropriate temperature” is when the water temperature is 33.5 ° C. to 36.5 ° C. I feel “hot” when the temperature of the water exceeds 36.5 ° C.

  When the temperature of the finger of the hand is 34 ° C., it feels “cold” when the temperature of the water is 20 ° C. to 34 ° C. The feeling of “appropriate temperature” is when the water temperature is 34 ° C. to 37 ° C. I feel “hot” when the temperature of the water exceeds 37 ° C.

  The control unit 3 determines an optimal water temperature corresponding to the hand temperature based on such a background. In this embodiment, when the finger temperature is 20 ° C., the water discharge temperature is set to 29.5 ° C., and when the finger temperature is 25 ° C., the water discharge temperature is set to 32.5 ° C. If the finger temperature is 30 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 34.5 ° C. If the finger temperature is 34 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 35 ° C. .

  Here, the relationship between the temperature of the finger of the hand and the temperature of the palm will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram comparing the temperature of the fingertip of the hand and the temperature of the palm in each winter time zone. The left side of FIG. 7 shows the temperature of the fingertips, the temperature immediately after entering the indoor from the morning in the winter and the temperature after staying indoor in the afternoon in the winter. Is 6. The right side of FIG. 7 shows the temperature of the palm of the hand, the temperature immediately after entering the house from the outdoors in the morning in the winter, and the temperature after staying indoors in the afternoon in the winter. Is 6.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the average fingertip temperature varies from 22 ° C. to 34 ° C., and the palm temperature varies from 27 ° C. to 31 ° C. Compared to the fact that the body temperature of the whole body is substantially stabilized at 36 ° C. to 37 ° C., it can be said that the temperature fluctuations of the fingertips and palms are extremely large. Also, the fingertips of the hand are sensitive to temperature fluctuations in addition to severe temperature fluctuations.

  Next, an example of specific water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3. In the timing chart shown in FIG. 8, (a) shows the measured value of the infrared sensor 21 indicating the distance information of the user's hand in the temperature measurement region, and (b) shows the temperature of the user's hand in the temperature measurement region. The measured value of the thermopile 20 is shown, (c) shows the measured value of the infrared sensor 11 indicating the presence or absence of the user's hand in the water discharge area, (d) shows the temperature of the discharged water calculated by the control unit 3, (e ) Shows the flow rate of water discharged by the control unit 3. The timing chart shown in FIG. 8 is a timing chart when the automatic water discharge device AFa described with reference to FIG. 1 or the automatic water discharge device AFb described with reference to FIG. 2 is used.

  At time t1, the user brings his hand closer to the temperature measurement area (the hand H is closer to the position Hpa of the hand H in FIG. 1 and the hand H is closer to the position Hpb in FIG. 2), and the infrared sensor 21 measures that the hand has approached. The value V1 is output ((a) of FIG. 8). Since the thermopile 20 outputs the average value of the measurement region, the temperature of both the user's hand and the space is still measured at time t1, and the rise of the measurement value is gentle (see FIG. 8). (B)).

  Since the user can grasp the intention of using the automatic water discharge device AFa (AFb) by the output of the measurement value V1 of the infrared sensor 21, the remaining water from the water discharge port 10 to the heat exchanger 40 is discharged. The controller 3 opens the electromagnetic valve 41 and discharges water at the flow rate Q1 ((e) of FIG. 8). At time t1, although the temperature of the user's hand is not grasped, the control unit 3 controls the electromagnetic valve 41 so as to discharge water while raising the temperature for preparation ((d) in FIG. 8).

  From time t1 to time t2, the user inserts his / her hand into the temperature measurement area, and the measurement area of the thermopile 20 covers all the user's hands (position Hpa of hand H in FIG. 1, hand in FIG. 2). The user's hand is inserted up to the position Hpb) of H. After time t2, the measured value V2 of the thermopile 20 is constant, and this measured value V2 is assumed to indicate the temperature of the user's hand ((b) of FIG. 8).

  The control unit 3 regards the measured value V2 as the temperature of the user's hand and controls the electromagnetic valve 42 so that the water discharge temperature becomes the temperature T2. In order to obtain the measurement value V2, it is also a preferable aspect to confirm that the measurement value indicated by the signal output from the thermopile 20 is constant and obtain the measurement value V2 as a result of the confirmation. However, in the present embodiment, the measurement value indicated by the signal output from the thermopile 20 at a time t2 after a predetermined time (for example, after 0.1 sec) from the time t1 is regarded as indicating the temperature of the user's hand. ing. By doing in this way, the measured value V2 can be obtained without confirming that the measured value indicated by the signal output from the thermopile 20 is constant, and the time required for temperature adjustment is shortened.

  Since the timing chart shown in FIG. 8 is a timing chart when the automatic water discharge device AFa or the automatic water discharge device AFb is used, the user corresponds the hand H to the water discharge region from positions Hpa and Hpb corresponding to the temperature measurement region. It is necessary to move to the position Hw to perform, and a predetermined time is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a completion notification for notifying that the water temperature adjustment has been completed in a state where the water discharge temperature has not fully increased to the temperature T2 is performed, and the time for the user to move the hand H from the temperature measurement region to the water discharge region is set. The water temperature is adjusted effectively. Specifically, from time t1 to time t3, the notification unit 22 emits blue light to indicate that temperature adjustment is in progress, and after time t3, the notification unit 22 emits red light to complete temperature adjustment. I'm trying to show you that.

  Upon receiving the guidance by the notification unit 22, the user recognizes that the temperature adjustment has been completed at time t <b> 3, and moves the hand H from the position Hpa, Hpb corresponding to the temperature measurement region to the position Hw corresponding to the water discharge region. Moving. In the meantime, the water discharge temperature rises to the temperature T2, and reaches an appropriate temperature state by the time t4. At time t4, since the user's hand H moves to a position Hw corresponding to the water discharge area, the measured value of the infrared sensor 11 indicating the presence / absence of the user's hand H in the water discharge area is the hand H in the water discharge area. A measured value indicating that is output. When hand washing ends at time t5 and the hand H moves away from the water discharge area, the measurement value of the infrared sensor 11 becomes a measurement value indicating that the hand H is not in the water discharge area, and the control unit 3 closes the electromagnetic valve 42 to discharge water. Exit.

  In addition, the notification unit 22 has a function of guiding and notifying the user of a water discharge state (temperature) and an operation method, and also has a function of controlling the temperature experienced by the user. In recent studies, when warm-colored visual information was given and when cold-colored visual information was given, the sensory temperature was higher than the actual temperature in the subject group to which the warm-colored visual information was applied. It is known that in the subject group, the sensible temperature is lower than the actual temperature. Therefore, in accordance with the temperature of the user's hand, in accordance with the change of the temperature of the hot water discharged, the setting of changing the color displayed from the notification unit 22 is also made.

  When the water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3 described with reference to FIG. 8 is divided for each phase, from the viewpoint of the water discharge mode, the period from time t1 to immediately before time t4 is the remaining water removal period, and from time t4 The period until the time t5 is a water receiving period for the user. From the viewpoint of temperature adjustment, the temperature adjustment period is from immediately after time t1 to immediately before time t4. From the viewpoint of the notification mode, the preparation display period is from time t1 to time t3, and the appropriate temperature display period is from time t3 to time t5.

  The water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3 described with reference to FIG. 8 is extremely useful control for reliably measuring the temperature of the user's hand H. By the way, as explained with reference to FIG. 7, since the fingertip has a delicate sensitivity with a large temperature change at the fingertip, the temperature of the fingertip of the hand is surely grasped to determine the water discharge temperature. Is more preferable. Therefore, an example of specific water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3 and an example in which the temperature of the fingertip can be reliably measured will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3. In the timing chart shown in FIG. 9, (a) shows the measured value of the infrared sensor 21 indicating the distance information of the user's hand in the temperature measurement region, and (b) shows the temperature of the user's hand in the temperature measurement region. The measured value of the thermopile 20 is shown, (c) shows the measured value of the infrared sensor 11 indicating the presence or absence of the user's hand in the water discharge area, (d) shows the temperature of the discharged water calculated by the control unit 3, (e ) Shows the flow rate of water discharged by the control unit 3. The timing chart shown in FIG. 9 is a timing chart when the automatic water discharge device AFa described with reference to FIG. 1 or the automatic water discharge device AFb described with reference to FIG. 2 is used.

  At time t1, the user brings his hand closer to the temperature measurement area (the hand H is closer to the position Hpa of the hand H in FIG. 1 and the hand H is closer to the position Hpb in FIG. 2), and the infrared sensor 21 measures that the hand has approached. The value V1 is output ((a) of FIG. 9). Since the thermopile 20 outputs the average value of the measurement region, the temperature of both the user's hand and the space is still measured at time t1, and the rise of the measurement value is gentle (see FIG. 9). (B)).

  Since the user can grasp the intention of using the automatic water discharge device AFa (AFb) by the output of the measurement value V1 of the infrared sensor 21, the remaining water from the water discharge port 10 to the heat exchanger 40 is discharged. The controller 3 opens the electromagnetic valve 41 and discharges water at the flow rate Q1 ((e) of FIG. 9).

  By the way, the user's hand enters the temperature measurement area from time t1, and the palm enters the temperature measurement area, and the thermopile 20 measures the temperature of the palm. Therefore, when the measured value of the thermopile 20 is stabilized at a somewhat high temperature, it is considered that the thermopile 20 is measuring the palm temperature. Since the temperature of the fingertip of the hand is the temperature from when the user's hand enters the temperature measurement area until the palm temperature is measured, the initial measured value of the thermopile 20 and the measured value of the palm temperature. It is considered that the measured value between the measured value V2 and the temperature indicates the temperature. Therefore, in this embodiment, the measured value V3 of the thermopile 20 at time t2 after a predetermined time (about 0.07 sec) from time t1 is used as the temperature of the fingertip of the hand.

  The control unit 3 regards the measured value V3 as the temperature of the fingertip of the user's hand, and controls the electromagnetic valve 42 so that the water discharge temperature becomes the temperature T2. In this way, the measured value V3 can be obtained without waiting until the measured value indicated by the signal output from the thermopile 20 becomes constant, and the time required for temperature adjustment is shortened. From the viewpoint of detecting the temperature of the fingertip of the hand, the measurement value of the thermopile 20 after the elapse of a predetermined time from the time t1 is not limited to being regarded as the temperature of the fingertip of the hand, for example, the initial value and the maximum measurement of the thermopile 20 An intermediate value between the two values may be regarded as the temperature of the fingertip, or the measured value of the thermopile 20 at a time that is a predetermined time (about 0.03 sec) after the time when the maximum measured value of the thermopile 20 is detected may be regarded as the temperature of the fingertip. .

  In the present embodiment, at the stage where the water discharge temperature has risen to the temperature T2 (time t3), the completion notification for notifying that the water temperature adjustment has been completed is performed. Specifically, from time t1 to time t3, the notification unit 22 emits blue light to indicate that temperature adjustment is in progress, and after time t3, the notification unit 22 emits red light to complete temperature adjustment. I'm trying to show you that.

  Upon receiving the guidance by the notification unit 22, the user recognizes that the temperature adjustment has been completed at time t <b> 3, and moves the hand H from the position Hpa, Hpb corresponding to the temperature measurement region to the position Hw corresponding to the water discharge region. Moving. At time t4, since the user's hand H moves to a position Hw corresponding to the water discharge area, the measured value of the infrared sensor 11 indicating the presence / absence of the user's hand H in the water discharge area is the hand H in the water discharge area. A measured value indicating that is output. When hand washing ends at time t6 and the hand H leaves the water discharge area, the measurement value of the infrared sensor 11 becomes a measurement value indicating that the hand H is not in the water discharge area, and the control unit 3 closes the electromagnetic valve 42 to discharge water. Exit.

  In this aspect, after starting water discharge at time t4, the water discharge temperature is raised from time t5. This is because even a cold hand can maintain a comfortable feeling by discharging hot water at a temperature slightly higher than the initial temperature while washing hands with warm water. Such temperature control can be explained by an expression mechanism of the nervous system that leads to a sensed temperature. For example, when hot water first adjusted to the hand temperature reaches the hand, a temperature sensor (sensory device) provided in the hand emits a pulse signal to the central nerve based on the temperature information of the hand and hot water. As a result, the human recognizes that the initial temperature is warm and comfortable according to the amount of pulses delivered. In addition to the pathway for recognizing this temperature, it is known as a knowledge of physiology that the pulse signal emitted from this sensory organ decreases (acclimates) with time. Therefore, in order to maintain warmth and comfort in the period of washing hands, after starting water discharge at time t4, the user gradually raises the temperature from time t5 after a predetermined time has elapsed (about 5 to 7 seconds). It is possible to provide hot and cold water that always feels the optimum temperature.

  When the water discharge temperature control by the control unit 3 described with reference to FIG. 9 is classified for each phase, from the viewpoint of the water discharge mode, the time t1 to the time t3 is the remaining water removal period, and the time t4 to the time t6. This is the period for receiving water for the user. From the viewpoint of temperature adjustment, the temperature adjustment period is from time t2 to time t3. From the viewpoint of the notification mode, the preparation display period is from time t1 to time t3, and the appropriate temperature display period is from time t3 to time t6.

  Next, the configuration of the water discharger 1b of the automatic water discharger AFb described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the water discharger 1b, where (a) shows a plan view and (b) shows a side view.

  A thermopile 20, an infrared sensor 21, and a notification unit 22 are provided on the upper surface 101 of the water discharger 1b. The thermopile 20 and the infrared sensor 21 are provided in the vicinity of the tip of the water discharger 1b and are arranged so as to be directed in the same direction as much as possible. A notification unit 22 is provided behind the thermopile 20 and the infrared sensor 21. The notification unit 22 transmits a character indicating hot water “hot water” through a half mirror, a character indicating a water discharge temperature of “34.5 ° C.”, blue light indicating whether temperature adjustment is being performed or temperature adjustment is completed, or Red light can be displayed. In addition, although the alerting | reporting part 22 alert | reported information with the character and light, the alerting | reporting aspect of information is not restricted to this, It is also preferable to alert | report by an audio | voice.

  Further, on the upper surface 101 of the water discharger 1b, a pictograph as a mode notification unit is displayed behind the notification unit 22. The pictograph as this mode notifying means is for guiding the hand to close and close the hand.

  A water outlet 10 and an infrared sensor 11 are provided on the lower surface 102 of the water discharger 1b. As described above, the infrared sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a hand is in the water discharge region below the water discharge port 10.

  Next, the configuration of the water discharger 1c of the automatic water discharge device AFc described with reference to FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the water discharger 1b, where (a) shows a plan view and (b) shows a side view.

  A notification unit 22 is provided on the upper surface 103 of the water discharger 1c. The notification unit 22 includes characters indicating hot water “hot water”, characters indicating the water discharge temperature “34.5 ° C.”, blue light or red light indicating whether the temperature adjustment is being performed or the temperature adjustment is completed, Is configured to be displayed. A water outlet 10 is provided on the lower surface 104 of the water discharger 1c.

  A thermopile 20 and an infrared sensor 11 are provided on the front surface 105 of the water discharger 1c. The thermopile 20 and the infrared sensor 11 are arranged so as to be directed in the same direction as much as possible in the front.

  In the water discharge part 1c, since it is going to grasp | ascertain the temperature of the hand which approaches the water discharge area | region directly under the water discharge port 10, it is comprised so that the role of the infrared sensor 21 can also be fulfilled by providing the infrared sensor 11. Yes.

  Since the automatic water discharge device AFc is configured to grasp the temperature even when the hand approaches the direct water discharge region, it is necessary to devise the sensing direction of the thermopile 20 and the infrared sensor 11. The outline is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the sensing area Sa <b> 1 of the thermopile 20 is configured to be narrower than the sensing area Sa <b> 2 of the infrared sensor 11. This is because the thermopile 20 that detects the temperature of the hand takes longer to sense than the infrared sensor 11 that determines only insertion of the hand, and it is desired to acquire the temperature of the hand before the start of water discharge. It is due to.

  Since the human hand also functions as a body temperature adjustment means, it is configured so that the temperature can be easily exchanged. As a result, the hand temperature tends to fluctuate compared to the temperature of the whole body (Fig. 6 and FIG. 7). Especially in winter, the temperature of the hand is lower than the temperature of the whole body, and the way of feeling the temperature due to the lower temperature relative to the temperature of the whole body is different from other parts of the body. It is very different. Therefore, in the automatic water discharge device AFa, AFb, AFc according to the present embodiment, it is possible to discharge water at an appropriate temperature regardless of how the temperature of the hand changes by dealing with the characteristics of the temperature change of the hand. It provides a comfortable hand wash.

In the automatic water discharge device AFa, AFb, AFc according to the present embodiment based on such a concept,
Further, based on the measurement result of the thermopile 20 as the temperature measuring means, the electromagnetic valves 41 and 42 as the water discharge means, the electromagnetic valve 41 as the water temperature adjusting means, and the control unit 3 as the control means for controlling the heat exchanger 40 are provided. ing. The control unit 3 sets a target water target temperature based on the temperature of the user's hand H measured by the thermopile 20. Since the thermopile 20 measures the temperature of the user's hand H, the temperature can be reliably measured regardless of how the temperature of the user's hand H changes. Since the target temperature for raising the temperature of the water is set based on the temperature of the user's hand H that has been reliably measured in this way, the target temperature should be an appropriate one that reflects the temperature change of the user's hand H. can do. Therefore, since warm water having an appropriate temperature corresponding to the temperature change of the user's hand H can be discharged to the water discharge area in this way, the temperature of the hand H can be accurately grasped when washing the hand H having a large temperature change. It becomes possible to discharge water at an appropriate temperature.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the water raised to target temperature is discharged to the water discharge area | region, the user can touch the hot water temperature-controlled according to the temperature of the hand H from the beginning of water discharge. Therefore, it is possible to perform hand washing with warm water corresponding to the temperature of the hand H of the user himself / herself without feeling cold by touching cold water whose temperature is not adjusted.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the residual water treatment which discharges the low temperature water which remains between the heat exchanger 40 and the spout 10 is executed, the user is prevented from touching the cold residual water at the beginning of water discharge. Can guide you. Furthermore, since the temperature of the user's hand H is measured and the water temperature is adjusted in parallel with the residual water treatment, it is possible to discharge water that has been raised to the target temperature to the water discharge area immediately after the residual water treatment is completed. The user can touch the hot water whose temperature is adjusted according to the temperature of his / her hand H from the beginning of water discharge.

  In the present embodiment, the adjustment notification for notifying that the water temperature adjustment is being executed and the completion notification for notifying the completion of the water temperature adjustment are executed in parallel with the water temperature adjustment. You can be sure of the stage of the adjustment. Therefore, the user can perform comfortable hand washing with the hot water adjusted to the appropriate temperature without inserting the hand H into the water discharge area at the stage when the water not adjusted to the appropriate temperature is being discharged.

  When the control unit 3 performs adjustment notification and completion notification in this way, the user waits with the hand positioned outside the water discharge area during the adjustment notification, so that the user recognizes that the water temperature has reached an appropriate temperature. There is a time lag after putting the hand into the water discharge area. Therefore, in this embodiment, the completion notification is executed before the completion of the water temperature adjustment, so that the time for the user to move the hand from the outside of the water discharge area (temperature measurement area) to the water discharge area can be used for the water temperature adjustment. Accordingly, the user can feel the time until the water temperature adjustment is completed without any burden on the user, and when the user inserts the hand H into the water discharge area, the appropriate temperature is obtained. The water can be configured to be discharged.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the optimum water temperature corresponding to the hand temperature is determined. Specifically, when the finger temperature is 20 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 29.5 ° C, and when the finger temperature is 25 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 32.5 ° C. If the finger temperature is 30 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 34.5 ° C. If the finger temperature is 34 ° C, the water discharge temperature is set to 35 ° C. .

  Thus, when it is measured that the temperature of the user's hand H is the first temperature (for example, 20 ° C.) that is lower than the second temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the difference in the target temperature of the water temperature The first target temperature (for example, 20 ° C.) than the difference (4.5 ° C.) of the second target temperature (for example, 34.5 ° C.) to the second temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) , 29.5 ° C.) is set to be large.

  This is because, as shown in FIG. 6, when the temperature of a human hand is lowered, the lower limit temperature that is felt to be slightly appropriate when the temperature is raised from a low water temperature tends to be lowered. This corresponds to the fact that the lower limit temperature, which is felt to be hot, tends to be lower. More specifically, when the temperature of a human hand decreases, the lower limit temperature that is felt to be a moderate temperature when the temperature is raised from a low water temperature tends to decrease. The lowering range of the lower limit temperature, which is considered to be a moderate temperature, is larger than the lowering range. On the other hand, when the temperature of the water is further raised, the lower limit temperature that is felt hot when the temperature is raised from a lower water temperature tends to be lower. The range of decline is small.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the temperature of a human hand is lowered, the temperature at which it starts to feel somewhat appropriate decreases, while the temperature at which it feels hot rises relatively, and the temperature range in which it does not feel uncomfortable is widened. There is a tendency. Therefore, if the temperature of the user's hand becomes low by using this widening of the temperature band, the target temperature of the water discharge is made relatively high, so that the coldness and heat of the water discharge can be extremely reduced. It is controlled so that the subsequent temperature rise can be easily performed without making it feel.

  As described above, when the temperature of the human hand is lowered, the temperature at which it starts to feel somewhat appropriate temperature decreases, while the temperature at which it feels hot is relatively increased, and the temperature range in which it does not feel uncomfortable tends to be widened. Therefore, when the first temperature (for example, 18 ° C.) that is the measurement temperature of the hand is lower than the predetermined temperature (for example, 20 ° C.), the first target temperature is not lowered as it is, By setting the target temperature to a predetermined minimum target temperature (for example, 29.5 ° C.), it is possible to control the user to easily raise the temperature without making the user feel the coldness or heat of the discharged water extremely. it can.

  As described above, the sense of the human hand is relatively higher in the sense of the finger at the end than the sense of the palm. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the temperature of the finger as described with reference to FIG. 9 and adjust the temperature based on the temperature of the finger so that the user feels that the temperature is more appropriate. However, the finger is thin with respect to the palm, and temperature measurement by the thermopile 20 is not easy. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the human hand is reliably increased without increasing the measurement accuracy of the thermopile 20 by utilizing the fact that the palm temperature tends to be relatively higher than the temperature of the finger at the end. It is devised to measure the temperature of the finger. Specifically, the temperature of the user's hand measured by the thermopile is at least a third temperature (corresponding to the measured value V3 shown in FIG. 9) and a fourth temperature (corresponding to the measured value V2 shown in FIG. 9). When there are two, the third temperature, which is relatively low, is regarded as the temperature of the user's finger, and corresponds to the third target temperature corresponding to the third temperature (corresponding to the temperature T2 shown in FIG. 9). ) Is set as the target temperature for temperature adjustment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the temperature of the user's hand is continuously measured for a predetermined time, and the third temperature (measured value shown in FIG. 9) is measured during this continuous measurement. V3) and the fourth temperature (corresponding to the measured value V2 shown in FIG. 9), the temperature from the fingertip to the palm can be continuously measured, and the temperature is relatively low. A certain third temperature (corresponding to the measured value V3 shown in FIG. 9) can be measured more reliably.

  In this embodiment, while the thermopile 20 continuously measures the temperature of the user's hand, the palm temperature is high enough to be regarded as the palm temperature (for example, corresponding to the measured value V2 in FIG. 9). It is also preferable to recognize the temperature obtained by subtracting a predetermined temperature (for example, 5 ° C.) from the palm temperature as the temperature of the hand H of the user.

  The increase or decrease in the temperature of the human hand is often linked to the increase or decrease in the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the temperature of the human hand is lowered, the ambient temperature may also be lowered, and it becomes difficult to measure the temperature separately from the temperature of the human hand and the ambient temperature. In particular, if the temperature of the user's finger is measured and an attempt is made to set the target temperature based on the temperature of the finger, air will exist if the user does not closely contact the adjacent fingers, and the measured result will be There is concern that it will be unclear whether the temperature is the finger temperature or the ambient temperature.

  On the other hand, since the palm is a wide area, if it is continuously measured for a predetermined time, a temperature higher than that of the finger is continuously measured for a certain time. Therefore, it can be said that measuring the palm temperature is more reliable than measuring the finger temperature. Therefore, if the palm temperature is measured as high as the palm temperature during continuous temperature measurement, the measured temperature is regarded as the palm temperature, and the temperature obtained by subtracting the predetermined temperature from the palm temperature is determined. It is also preferable to consider the temperature of the finger.

  In the automatic water discharge device AFa, AFb, or AFc according to the present embodiment, one thermopile 20 is provided, but at least two thermopiles 20 are provided, or a plurality of temperature measuring elements (heat absorption films) provided in the thermopile 20 are provided. By changing to a multi-element type, it is also preferable to recognize a higher temperature as the temperature of the user's hand H by simultaneously measuring a plurality of temperatures.

  The region detected by the thermopile 20 has a circular shape (see FIG. 12), but the temperature detection is performed by enlarging / reducing the circular detection area according to the temperature detection target (fingertip, palm). Perform level optimization. Furthermore, as a more optimized method, the palm and finger shape is long in the direction in which it is pushed out. By making the circular detection area elliptical, the target can be accurately captured within the detection area, and the temperature Increase the detection level. It is also preferable to recognize the temperature of the user's hand H by the method described above.

  As described above, if the temperature of the user's finger is measured and the target temperature is set based on the temperature of the finger, air is present between the fingers unless the user touches adjacent fingers. There is a concern that it may become unclear whether the result is the finger temperature or the ambient temperature. Therefore, if this preferred embodiment is adopted, the measurement result of the higher temperature among the temperature point results measured using the thermopile 20 is regarded as the temperature result indicating the temperature of the user's finger, and the user's hand H Can be recognized as the temperature.

  The conventional automatic water discharge device is configured such that when water discharge is started, cold residual water is discharged, warm water whose temperature is gradually raised is discharged, and hot water whose temperature has been raised to a target temperature is discharged. On the other hand, as described above, the temperature of the human hand is likely to change, and the appropriate temperature range of the sensory temperature fluctuates in response to the temperature of the hand changing temperature, so that the user can experience the overshoot of cold and heat. It becomes more difficult to make it feel comfortable and comfortable. That is, in the conventional automatic water discharging apparatus, the temperature that is felt to be appropriate temperature passes away in an instant, and the comfortable water discharging is not necessarily performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the set target temperature is maintained until a predetermined time elapses after the discharge time of water from the water discharge port 10 starts. Continuously discharges water at an appropriate temperature corresponding to the temperature of the current hand, providing more comfortable water discharge for the user, and sufficient comfort without giving a sense of incompatibility when compared to conventional automatic water discharge devices Can be given.

  In such an increase adjustment of the water discharge temperature, when the set target temperature is the sixth target temperature lower than the fifth target temperature, the increase adjustment is executed so that the increase temperature range to the water discharge temperature is increased. It is also preferable.

  In the initial stage of water discharge, the water discharge temperature is increased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water discharge while avoiding the user feeling cold by performing water discharge at a constant target temperature (time t4 to t5 in FIG. 9). The increase adjustment is executed (time t5 to t6 in FIG. 9) so as to increase the increase temperature width if the initial target temperature is the sixth target temperature at a low temperature. The temperature of the hand, which was initially low, rises, and the temperature of warm water that ultimately feels comfortable and comfortable is not much different between individuals, so by adjusting the water discharge temperature in this way, Temperature control that matches the sense of temperature rise can be achieved.

  Further, the automatic water discharge devices AFa and AFb according to the present embodiment are provided so that the thermopile 20 can measure the temperature of the user's hand H in the temperature measurement region where the user's hand H does not reach the water discharge region. The water outlet 10 and the thermopile 20 are arranged so that the user's hand H goes to the water discharge area via the temperature measurement area.

  Thus, since the thermopile 20 is provided so that the temperature of the user's hand H can be measured in the temperature measurement region where the user's hand H is not applied to the water discharge region, the thermopile 20 can be reliably used in the region not affected by the water discharge. In addition, the temperature of the user's hand can be measured, and it is possible to reliably prevent the hand from being pushed out into the cold water discharge. Moreover, since the spout 10 and the thermopile 20 are arranged so that the user's hand H is directed to the water discharge region via the temperature measurement region, the user's hand H is directed from the temperature measurement region to the water discharge region. Can also be used to adjust the temperature of the water discharge.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the infrared sensor 21 as a hand insertion determination means for determining insertion of the hand into the temperature measurement region is provided, and the control means 3 performs a residual water treatment based on the determination result of the infrared sensor 21. is there. As described above, since the residual water treatment can be performed at the same time as the insertion of the hand into the temperature measurement region, the residual water treatment can be reliably performed at the timing when the cold residual water is not touched at the beginning of water discharge. .

  Here, the infrared sensor 21 is taken as an example as a trigger sensor for performing hand insertion determination and residual water treatment, but other sensors capable of determining the user's hand may be used. For example, a microwave, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may be used.

  Further, the automatic water discharge devices AFa and AFb according to the present embodiment are arranged so that the temperature measurement region is formed above the water discharge region. In the automatic water discharge device AFa, the thermopile 20 is disposed away from the water discharge portion 1a. On the other hand, the thermopile 20 is also arranged on the upper surface 103 of the automatic water discharge device AFb.

  As described above, the thermopile 20 can be disposed on the upper surface 103 of the water discharger 1b, or the thermopile 20 can be separated from the water discharger 1a, so that the temperature measurement region can be formed above the water discharge region. The person recognizes that his / her hand is inserted into the water discharge area via a space above the water discharge area. Further, the user turns the palm downward in the temperature measurement region and receives the water discharge with the palm upward in the water discharge region, so that the user performs an operation of inverting his / her hand unconsciously. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the hand movement is different from that of the conventional automatic water discharge device that inserts the hand directly into the water discharge region, and the temperature measurement of the hand in the temperature measurement region can be reliably performed.

  Moreover, in the automatic water discharging apparatus AFb, a pictograph as a mode notifying unit that performs a notification for guiding the mode of inserting the hand into the temperature measurement region is formed on the upper surface 103 of the water discharging unit 1b, and the pictograph as the mode notifying unit is A notification for guiding the user to close and insert the fingertip of the hand into the temperature measurement region is performed.

  As described above, it is assumed that the user unconsciously spreads and inserts the fingertip into the temperature measurement region, making it difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the fingertip. In view of this, it is possible to reliably measure the temperature of the fingertip by performing notification that guides the user to insert the fingertip of the hand into the temperature measurement region. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reliably measure the temperature of the fingertip by informing the user to close the fingertip of the hand in the temperature measurement region and insert it with no gap. .

  Further, the automatic water discharge device AFc according to the present embodiment is devised to reliably determine the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area. Specifically, the increase or decrease in the temperature of a human hand is often linked to the increase or decrease in the ambient temperature. Therefore, if the temperature of the human hand is lowered, the ambient temperature may also be lowered, and it becomes difficult to measure the temperature separately from the temperature of the human hand and the ambient temperature. In this case, only the thermopile 20 for measuring the temperature of the user's hand is used to both measure the temperature of the user's hand and detect that the user's hand has come below the spout 10. If the atmosphere temperature and the hand temperature are close to each other, it is extremely difficult to control the start of water discharge. Therefore, in the automatic water discharge device AFc, the infrared sensor 11 is provided so as to function as a hand insertion determining unit for determining the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge region, thereby reliably inserting the user's hand into the water discharge region. Judgment. After the infrared sensor 11 is provided and the infrared sensor 11 determines that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area, hot water is discharged into the water discharge area. By adjusting the timing of temperature adjustment and the timing of starting water discharge in this way, cold water that has not been temperature-adjusted is discharged, and it is reliably avoided that the user feels cold. When washing a large hand, it is possible to accurately grasp the temperature of the hand and to discharge water at an appropriate temperature at an appropriate timing.

  Further, in the automatic water discharge device AFc according to the present embodiment, the thermopile 20 may be configured to start measuring the temperature of the hand H after the infrared sensor 11 determines that the user's hand H has been inserted into the water discharge region. preferable. If comprised in this way, the thermopile 20 can be made into a standby state until the start timing, a power-saving effect can be measured and temperature measurement can be performed reliably.

  Moreover, in the automatic water discharging apparatus AFc which concerns on this embodiment, the infrared sensor 11 and the thermopile 20 are arrange | positioned so that insertion of the user's hand H to the water discharging area can be determined after measuring the temperature of the user's hand H. (See FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). By arranging in this manner, it can be determined that the temperature measurement of the hand by the thermopile 20 is being performed at the timing when the infrared sensor 11 determines that the hand H has been inserted into the water discharge area.

  In the automatic water discharge device AFc according to the present embodiment, the temperature measurement region is formed so as to surround the water discharge region. By forming in this way, no matter which direction the hand is inserted into the water discharge area, the temperature measurement of the hand by the thermopile 20 is performed at the timing when the infrared sensor 11 determines that the hand H has been inserted into the water discharge area. It can be determined that this is being done.

  Further, in the automatic water discharge device AFc according to the present embodiment, even after it is determined by the infrared sensor 11 that the user's hand H has been inserted into the water discharge area, water discharge to the water discharge area is suspended for a predetermined time. It is also preferable. By comprising in this way, the measurement of the temperature of the hand by the thermopile 20 can be reliably performed also using the predetermined time.

  The predetermined time is also preferably shortened when the measurement of the temperature of the user's hand H by the thermopile 20 is completed. By configuring in this way, water discharge can be started immediately after the temperature measurement of the user's hand H is completed or at the timing when the temperature adjustment is completed, and the water discharge at a reliable temperature adjustment and appropriate timing Can be made compatible.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a: Water discharge part 1b: Water discharge part 1c: Water discharge part 2a: Temperature measurement part 3: Control part 4: Temperature control part 40: Heat exchanger 41,42: Electromagnetic valve GE: Generator HV: Manual valve 10: Water discharge port 11 : Infrared sensor 20: Thermopile 21: Infrared sensor 22: Notification unit AFa: Automatic water discharge device AFb: Automatic water discharge device AFc: Automatic water discharge device H: Hand Hpa: Position Hpb: Position Hpc: Position Hw: Position WB: Basin

Claims (6)

An automatic water discharge device that determines insertion of a user's hand into the water discharge region and starts water discharge automatically based on the result of the determination,
Water discharge means having a water discharge port for discharging water to the water discharge area;
Hand insertion determining means for determining insertion of a user's hand into the water discharge area;
Temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the user's hand;
Water temperature adjusting means for increasing the temperature of water discharged from the water discharging means;
Control means for controlling the water discharge means and the water temperature adjustment means based on the determination result of the manual insertion determination means and the measurement result of the temperature measurement means,
The control means sets a target water target temperature based on the temperature of the user's hand measured by the temperature measuring means, and the water temperature adjusting means is configured to increase the water temperature to the set target temperature. Controlling and discharging the water whose temperature has been increased by the water temperature adjusting means controlled in this way to the water discharge area after the hand insertion determining means determines that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area. Thus, the automatic water discharging apparatus characterized by controlling the water discharging means.   The automatic water discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature measurement unit starts measuring the temperature of the hand after the manual insertion determination unit determines that a user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge region.   The hand insertion determining means and the temperature measuring means are arranged so as to be able to determine the insertion of the user's hand into the water discharge area after measuring the temperature of the user's hand. The automatic water discharging apparatus according to 1. The temperature measuring means is configured to be able to measure the temperature when a user's hand is inserted into the temperature measuring region,
The automatic water discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature measurement region is formed so as to surround the water discharge region.   The water discharge to the water discharge area is suspended for a predetermined time even after it is determined that the user's hand has been inserted into the water discharge area by the hand insertion determining means. The automatic water discharging apparatus as described.   6. The automatic water discharge device according to claim 5, wherein when the measurement of the temperature of the user's hand by the temperature measuring means is completed, the predetermined time is shortened.

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