JP2012067536A - Automatic faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic faucet capable of continuously discharging water during an optimum time without requiring a user to conduct an extra operation.SOLUTION: An automatic faucet 2 comprises: a discharge port for discharging supplied water; an object detection sensor 8 for detecting the existence of an object near the discharge port; a mode switching operation part 51 capable of switching between an automatic discharge mode in which water can be discharged from the discharge port based on the detection state of the object detection sensor 8 and a continuous discharge mode in which water can be discharged from the discharge port regardless of the detection state of the object detection sensor 8; and a control part for controlling water discharge and stop operation based on the discharge mode set by the mode switching operation part and the detection state of the object detection sensor. The control part is provided with extension means which restores the continuous discharge mode to the automatic discharge mode after a prescribed time elapsed since the time point at which the automatic discharge mode is switched to the continuous discharge mode by the mode switching operation part, while extending the prescribed time based on the detection state of the object detection sensor 8 in the continuous discharge mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic faucet that automatically discharges water and stops water based on a detection state of a sensor that detects an object such as a hand, and particularly relates to an automatic faucet having a continuous water discharge function.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic faucet that automatically starts water discharge when a sensor detects an object such as a hand inserted below a water outlet and automatically stops when the sensor stops detecting an object is known.
This type of automatic faucet discharges water only while the sensor is detecting an object, so that it is not necessary to manually operate the water discharge lever or the water discharge switch in the hand washing action, and it has been considered easy to use.

However, with this type of automatic faucet, the use of the dishwashing and face-washing actions may be worse.
More specifically, for the dishwashing action, water and water stop were frequently repeated because hands and tableware frequently enter and exit the detection area of the sensor.
As for the face washing action, when rinsing the face with water, the hand frequently enters and exits the detection area of the sensor, so water discharge and water stop are frequently repeated.
Some users may find it more convenient to continuously discharge water during these actions.

  Therefore, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known as techniques for solving this problem.

  The automatic faucet described in Patent Document 1 includes a continuous water discharge switch. When the continuous water discharge switch is turned on, the automatic water discharge using the sensor is canceled and water is discharged continuously for a certain time.

Further, in the automatic faucet described in Patent Document 2, in the automatic faucet that stops water discharge when the set time limit from the start of water discharge expires, timer means for stopping water discharge when the limit time expires is provided. A reset operation unit for resetting is provided.
In this way, an automatic faucet capable of continuous water discharge can be provided.

JP-A-4-21778 JP 2004-251019 A

However, the automatic faucets described in these patent documents have the following problems.
In the automatic water faucet described in Patent Document 1, since continuous water discharge ends in a fixed time, some users still have poor usability such that the continuous water discharge time is too short.
Moreover, in the automatic water faucet described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to operate the reset operation unit in order to reset the timer means, which is troublesome for the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water faucet capable of continuous water discharge in an optimal time without requiring a user to perform an extra operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water outlet for discharging the supplied water, an object detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object near the water outlet, and detection by the object detection sensor. A mode switching operation unit capable of switching between an automatic water discharge mode capable of water discharge from the water discharge port and a continuous water discharge mode capable of water discharge from the water discharge port regardless of the detection status of the object detection sensor based on the situation And an automatic faucet provided with a control unit for controlling the water discharge operation from the water discharge port based on the water discharge mode set by the mode switching operation unit and the detection status of the object detection sensor. The control unit is configured to return to the automatic water discharge mode after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the mode switching operation unit is switched from the automatic water discharge mode to the continuous water discharge mode. , Characterized in that it comprises an extension means for extending the object detection sensing the predetermined time based on the status of the sensor in the in the continuous water discharge mode.

  Thus, detecting an object during the continuous water discharge mode means that the user is doing something in the vicinity of the water outlet, and in that case, by extending the continuous water discharge time, It is possible to prevent the continuous water discharge from ending during the action.

In addition, the user does not need an extra operation such as a switch operation to extend the continuous water discharge time, and the water discharge time is automatically extended during normal use.
In this way, continuous water discharge can be performed in an optimal time without requiring the user to perform extra operations.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on a period during which the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. To do.
Thereby, since a user's use condition can be grasped | ascertained in detail based on a detection period, more optimal extension time can be set.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on the number of times the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. To do.
Thereby, since a user's use condition can be grasped | ascertained in detail based on the frequency | count of detection, more optimal extension time can be set.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on a time when the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. To do.
Thereby, since a user's use condition can be grasped | ascertained in detail based on detection time, more optimal extension time can be set.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on an interval time when the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. And
Thereby, since a user's use condition can be grasped | ascertained in detail based on detection interval time, more optimal extension time can be set.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the extension means further extends the predetermined time based on a detection status of the object detection sensor during the extended time period.
As a result, in an action where the time of use is long such that the extension of the continuous water discharge time is insufficient, the continuous water discharge may end during use by enabling the re-extension of the continuous water discharge. Absent.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, the automatic faucet further includes a manual water discharge operation unit that manually controls water discharged from the water discharge port.
As a result, inadvertent water discharge can be prevented during the automatic water discharge mode, and in the continuous water discharge mode, water can be temporarily stopped at a timing when water discharge is unnecessary in the user's series of actions. Waste water can be prevented.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the detection area of the object detection sensor is wider in the continuous water discharge mode than in the automatic water discharge mode.
Thereby, since the user's action in the continuous water discharge mode can be detected in a wider range, the continuous water discharge time can be more reliably extended.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the automatic faucet includes a plurality of the object detection sensors, and the extension means detects at least one of the object detection sensors during the continuous water discharge mode. An extension time of the predetermined time is set based on the situation.
Thereby, since the user's action in the continuous water discharge mode can be detected in a wider range, the continuous water discharge time can be more reliably extended.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the automatic water tap which can perform continuous water discharge in optimal time, without making a user perform extra operation can be provided.

It is a mimetic diagram which illustrates an automatic faucet concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the automatic faucet concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the operation panel concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic water tap concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic water tap concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic water tap concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic water tap concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic water tap concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the automatic faucet concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the operation panel concerning 7th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the automatic faucet concerning a 7th embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the detection area | region of the object detection sensor concerning 8th Embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram which illustrates an automatic faucet concerning a 9th embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

(First embodiment)
First, the basic configuration of the automatic water faucet according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an automatic faucet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic faucet according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the operation panel according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an automatic faucet 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a washstand 1. The automatic faucet 2 is provided with an object detection sensor 8 on the side of the faucet body 4. The object detection sensor 8 detects an object such as a hand and the like. (Including hot water heated to an appropriate temperature).
In addition, the automatic faucet 2 of this embodiment can be installed in places where water discharge is required, such as a kitchen, in addition to the washstand 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic faucet 2 has a water supply source 28, a faucet body 4, an object detection sensor 8, an electromagnetic valve 26, and an electromagnetic valve 26 based on a detection signal from the object detection sensor 8. And a control unit 24 to be driven. Furthermore, a mode switching switch 51 is provided as a mode switching operation unit for switching the water discharge mode of the automatic faucet 2. The control unit 24 also drives the electromagnetic valve 26 based on the water discharge mode switched by the mode switch 51. Water or hot water is supplied from the water supply source 28, and water or hot water is discharged from the water outlet 30 of the faucet body 4 via the water supply hose 52 and the electromagnetic valve 26 connected to the water supply hose 53.

The object detection sensor 8 has a detection region 12 so as to detect the presence or absence of an object such as a user's hand that is presented near the water outlet 30.
The object detection sensor 8 is a sensor called a reflection type integral sensor having an infrared light projecting element 20 and a light receiving element 22, for example. However, the type of sensor is not limited to this, and may be appropriately changed to a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a ranging photoelectric sensor, or the like.

  The light projected from the light projecting element 20 of the object detection sensor 8 is reflected by, for example, the bowl 43 or the user's hand, and the light receiving element 22 receives the reflected light. The object detection sensor 8 compares the reflection level received by the light receiving element 22 with a preset threshold value, and determines that there is an object if it is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and if there is less than the threshold value, there is no object. And the detection result is output to the control unit 24 through the wiring 56 as an electrical signal.

  Note that the light projecting element 20 of the object detection sensor 8 is configured to project infrared light in a predetermined light projecting axis direction, and the intensity of the infrared light decreases as it deviates from this light projecting axis. In the present embodiment, a region that spreads in a substantially conical shape with the light projection axis as the central axis, in which the intensity of infrared rays on the light projection axis decreases by half, functions as the detection region 12 of the object detection sensor 8. . In addition, the detection area 12 can be changed depending on the directivity of the light projecting element 20 and the threshold value for determining the reflected light received by the light receiving element 22 to detect a human body or the like.

The control unit 24 is provided in the lower part of the wash basin 1, and the object detection sensor 8, the electromagnetic valve 26, and the mode changeover switch 51 each have a wiring 56, a wiring 55, and a wiring 54 that transmit electrical signals. And connected by. The control unit 24 opens and closes the electromagnetic valve 26 based on the detection signal input from the object detection sensor 8 or the input signal of the mode switch 51. Moreover, the control part 24 incorporates the extension means 57 for extending continuous water discharge time.
The control unit 24 can be configured by a microprocessor, a memory, a program for operating these, and the like (not shown above).

As shown in FIG. 3, the mode changeover switch 51 is provided on the operation panel 50. In the present embodiment, the pushbutton type mode changeover switch 51 is exemplified as the mode changeover operation unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slide type switch, a dial type switch, a capacitance sensor type switch, etc. You may change suitably.
Each time the mode switch 51 is pressed, the water discharge mode is alternately switched between the automatic water discharge mode and the continuous water discharge mode.

  The automatic water discharge mode is a water discharge mode in which water can be discharged from the water discharge port 30 based on the detection status of the object detection sensor 8, and the continuous water discharge mode is from the water discharge port 30 regardless of the detection status of the object detection sensor 8. It is a water discharge mode that can stop water discharge. More specifically, in the automatic water discharge mode, when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object, the electromagnetic valve 26 is opened to discharge water, and when the object detection sensor 8 is not detected, the electromagnetic valve 26 is closed to stop water. In the continuous water discharge mode, when the mode is entered, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open and water is discharged, and when the mode is exited, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to close and water is stopped.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is periodically and repeatedly executed so that the detection process of the object detection sensor 8 and the water discharge mode switching process by the mode switch 51 can be controlled without delay.

  First, it is checked whether or not the water discharge mode has been switched by operating the mode switch 51 (S100). If the switching operation has not been performed (NO in S100), the process proceeds to step S102. If the switching operation has been performed (YES in S100), the water discharge mode is switched (S101), and the process proceeds to step S102. Specifically, when the mode immediately before operating the mode changeover switch 51 is the automatic water discharge mode, the mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode, and conversely, when the mode is the continuous water discharge mode, the mode is switched to the automatic water discharge mode.

  In step S102, the current water discharge mode is determined, and if it is the automatic water discharge mode, the object detection sensor 8 is driven (S103). And when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES of S104), it is determined whether it is now water discharge (S105). If the water is stopped (NO in S105), the solenoid valve 26 is driven to open to start water discharge and then return to the start (S106). If the water has already been discharged (YES in S105), the process returns to the start.

  In step S104, when the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object (NO in S104), it is determined whether or not the water is currently discharged (S107). When it is in the water discharge state (YES in S107), the solenoid valve 26 is driven to close and stop the water, and then return to the start (S108). If the water has already stopped (NO in S107), the process returns to the start.

In step S102, if the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is present (S109). When it is in the water stop state (NO in S109), the extension flag is cleared to 0, the solenoid valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, and the water discharge timer starts measuring from 0 (S110), and then proceeds to step S111. Proceed with If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S109), the process proceeds directly to step S111.
The water discharge timer is a timer that measures the water discharge time during the continuous water discharge mode.

  In step S111, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. If the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S112), the extension flag is set to 1 (S113), and the process proceeds to step S114. If not detected (NO in S112), the process proceeds to step S114 as it is.

  In step S114, it is checked whether or not the water discharge timer has passed 10 minutes. If 10 minutes have passed (YES in S114), the extension flag is checked (S115). If the extension flag is set to 1 (YES in S115), it is next checked whether or not the water discharge timer has passed 15 minutes (S116). If 15 minutes have passed (YES in S116) and the object detection sensor 8 has not detected an object (NO in S117), the extension flag is cleared to 0, the water is stopped by driving the solenoid valve 26 closed, The water discharge timer is stopped, the measurement of the water discharge time is stopped, and the process of switching the water discharge mode to the automatic water discharge mode is performed, and the process returns to the start (S118). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S117), the process returns to the start.

If it is determined in step S114 that the water discharge timer has not passed 10 minutes (NO in S114), the process directly returns to the start.
If the extension flag is not set to 1 in step S115 (NO in S115), the process proceeds to step S117.
If it is determined in step S116 that the water discharge timer has not passed 15 minutes (NO in S116), the process returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is that when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during 10 minutes of continuous water discharge in the continuous water discharge mode, the continuous water discharge time is extended to 15 minutes.

  FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the first embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when extending the continuous water discharge time.

  When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switching switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open to start continuous water discharge (time T10). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but if the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (from time T11 to time T12), the continuous water discharge has passed 10 minutes. (Time T13), 5 minutes is added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended. And if the continuous water discharge time from time T10 passes for 15 minutes, the solenoid valve 26 will be drive-closed and water will be stopped, and water discharge mode will be switched to automatic water discharge mode (time T14).

  In this embodiment, the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes and the extended time of the continuous water discharge time is 5 minutes. However, the length of the time to be set is not limited to this, and can be changed as necessary. May be.

  In this way, not only in the automatic water discharge mode but also in the continuous water discharge mode, it is possible to grasp the movement of the user during the continuous water discharge mode by driving the object detection sensor 8 to grasp the object detection status. it can.

When the dishwashing action and the face washing action are performed in the continuous water discharge mode, objects such as tableware and hands frequently come in and out of the vicinity of the water outlet 30, and in this embodiment, from time T11 to time T12 in the time chart of FIG. It means that tableware and hands were detected during these actions during the period.
In other words, detecting an object during the continuous water discharge mode means that the user is performing some kind of action near the water discharge port 30, and in that case, by extending the continuous water discharge time, It is possible to prevent the continuous water discharge from ending during the action.

  In addition, the user does not need an extra operation such as a switch operation to extend the continuous water discharge time, and the water discharge time is automatically extended during normal use.

More specifically, during the dishwashing operation, the continuous water discharge time is extended by detecting the tableware and the hands that are put in and out in the vicinity of the water discharge port 30, so that the continuous water discharge does not end during the dishwashing operation.
During the face washing action, the continuous water discharge time is extended by detecting the hand that is put in and out of the vicinity of the water outlet 30 while rinsing the face, so that the continuous water discharge does not end during the face washing action.
In this way, continuous water discharge can be performed in an optimal time without requiring the user to perform extra operations.

(Second Embodiment)
From here, the second embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the second embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the second embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 6 is obtained by partially changing the processing content of the flowchart described in FIG. 4, and the processing from step S100 to step S108 in FIG. .

In the present embodiment, since the processing after determining the continuous water discharge mode in the water discharge mode determination in step S102 is different from that in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of that portion.
In step S102, if the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is in progress (S200). When it is in the water stop state (NO in S200), the detection timer is stopped to stop the measurement, the extension time is reset to 0, the solenoid valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, and the water discharge timer is started to measure from 0. (S201), the process proceeds to step S202. If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S200), the process proceeds directly to step S202.

  The detection timer is a timer that measures the time during which the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object, the water discharge timer is a timer that measures the water discharge time during the continuous water discharge mode, and the extended time is a length that extends the water discharge time. It is time to set

  In step S202, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. If the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S203), it is checked whether the detection timer is measuring (S204). If measurement is not in progress (NO in S204), the detection timer starts measuring from 0 (S205), and the process proceeds to step S209. If measurement is in progress (YES in S204), the process proceeds directly to step S209.

  If the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object in step S203 (NO in S203), it is checked whether the detection timer is measuring (S206). If measurement is in progress (YES in S206), the detection timer is stopped to stop measurement (step S207), and a time obtained by adding the currently set extension time and the current detection timer value is set as a new extension time. Then (S208), the process proceeds to step S209. If the detection timer is not being measured (NO in S206), the process proceeds to step S209 as it is.

In step S209, it is checked whether or not the time that the water discharge timer has added 10 minutes and the extension time has elapsed. If the time has elapsed (YES in S209), the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object. If no object is detected (NO in S210), the extended time is reset to 0, the water is stopped by closing the electromagnetic valve 26, and the water discharge timer is stopped to discharge the water. The measurement is stopped and the process of switching the water discharge mode to the automatic water discharge mode is performed, and the process returns to the start (S211). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S210), the process returns to the start.
If it is determined in step S209 that the water discharge timer has not elapsed the sum of 10 minutes and the extended time (NO in S209), the process returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is that the continuous water discharge time is extended based on the period during which the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during 10 minutes of continuous water discharge in the continuous water discharge mode.

  FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the second embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when extending the continuous water discharge time.

  When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switching switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open to start continuous water discharge (time T20). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but if the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (from time T21 to time T22), the continuous water discharge passes after 10 minutes. (Time T23), 3 minutes are added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended. The extension time is set based on the period during which the object detection sensor 8 has detected the object. In this embodiment, the period during which the object is detected (from time T21 to time T22) is set as the extension time as it is. ing.

  And if the continuous water discharge time from time T20 passes 13 minutes, the solenoid valve 26 will be driven to close and water will be stopped, and water discharge mode will be switched to automatic water discharge mode (time T24).

In addition, in this embodiment, although the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes, the length of the time to set is not restricted to this, You may change suitably as needed.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the setting of the extension time, the period during which the object was detected is set as the extension time as it is, but the setting method is not limited to this, and the calculation process is performed for the detection period. And may be changed as appropriate. For example, a value obtained by doubling the detection period may be used as the extension time, or a value obtained by halving the detection period may be used as the extension time.

In this way, since the extension time of the continuous water discharge time is set based on the detection period of the object, it can be expected that the time until the current action will end if the detection period is long. If the detection period is short and the detection period is short, the time until the current action is completed can be expected to be shortened, so the extension time can be shortened.
That is, since the user's usage status can be grasped in more detail based on the detection period, a more optimal extension time can be set.

(Third embodiment)
From here, the third embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the third embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic faucet according to the third embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 is obtained by partially changing the processing content of the flowchart described in FIG. 4, and the processing from step S100 to step S108 in FIG. .

In this embodiment, since the process after determining with the continuous water discharge mode by the water discharge mode determination of step S102 differs from FIG. 4, the flowchart of the part is shown in FIG.
If the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode in step S102, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is in progress (S300). When it is in a water stop state (NO in S300), the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0, the number of detections is reset to 0, the extension time is reset to 0, the solenoid valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, and the water discharge timer is set to 0. From the start of measurement (S301), the process proceeds to step S302. If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S300), the process proceeds directly to step S302.

The number of detections is the number of times the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object, the water discharge timer is a timer for measuring the water discharge time in the continuous water discharge mode, and the extension time is the time for setting the length for extending the water discharge time. is there.
In step S302, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. When the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S303), it is checked whether the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (S304). If it is not set to 1 (NO in S304), the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (S305), the number of detections is added once (S306), and the value of the number of detections is set as a new extension time in minutes. (S307), and the process proceeds to step S309. If the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (YES in S304), the process proceeds directly to step S309.
If the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object in step S303 (NO in S303), the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0 (S308), and the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S309, it is checked whether the water discharge timer has passed the sum of the extended time and 10 minutes. If the time has passed (YES in S309), the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object. If no object is detected (NO in S310), the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0, the number of detections is reset to 0, the extension time is reset to 0, Water stoppage due to the closed drive, stoppage of the water discharge timer, stop measurement of the water discharge time, and processing for switching the water discharge mode to the automatic water discharge mode are performed, and the process returns to the start (S311). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S310), the process returns to the start.

  If it is determined in step S309 that the water discharge timer has not elapsed the sum of 10 minutes and the extension time (NO in S309), the process returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is that the continuous water discharge time is extended based on the number of times the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during 10 minutes of continuous water discharge in the continuous water discharge mode.

  FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet according to the third embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when extending the continuous water discharge time.

  When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switching switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open to start continuous water discharge (time T30). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but if the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (from time T31 to time T32), the continuous water discharge passes after 10 minutes. (Time T33), 3 minutes are added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended. The extension time is set based on the number of times that the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object. In this embodiment, the extension time is set to 3 times, which is the number of times detected in the period from time T31 to time T32, in minutes. It is set.

  When the continuous water discharge time from time T30 has passed 13 minutes, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to close and stop water, and the water discharge mode is switched to the automatic water discharge mode (time T34).

In addition, in this embodiment, although the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes, the length of the time to set is not restricted to this, You may change suitably as needed.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for the setting of the extension time, the number of times the object is detected is set as the extension time as it is in minutes, but the setting method is not limited to this, and calculation processing is performed for the number of detections. You may go and change as appropriate. For example, a value obtained by doubling the number of detections may be set in minutes as an extended time, or a value obtained by halving the number of detections may be set in minutes as an extended time.

In this way, since the extension time of the continuous water discharge time is set based on the number of detections of the object, it can be expected that the time until the current action will end if the number of detections is large, so the extension time is also If the number of times of detection is small and the number of times of detection is small, it can be expected that the time until the current action is completed is shortened, so that the extension time can be shortened.
That is, since the user's usage status can be grasped in more detail based on the number of times of detection, a more optimal extension time can be set.

(Fourth embodiment)
From here, the fourth embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the fourth embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic faucet according to the fourth embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 10 is obtained by partially changing the processing content of the flowchart described in FIG. 4, and the processing from step S100 to step S108 in FIG. .

In the present embodiment, since the processing after determining the continuous water discharge mode in the water discharge mode determination in step S102 is different from that in FIG. 4, FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of that portion.
In step S102, if the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is present (S400). If it is in the water stop state (NO in S400), the extended time is reset to 0, the solenoid valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, the water discharge timer starts measuring from 0 (S401), and then the process proceeds to step S402. . If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S400), the process proceeds directly to step S402.
The water discharge timer is a timer for measuring the water discharge time in the continuous water discharge mode, and the extension time is a time for setting a length for extending the water discharge time.

In step S402, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. If the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S403), the current water discharge timer value is set as a new extension time (S404), and the process proceeds to step S405. If the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object (NO in S403), the process proceeds to step S405 as it is.
In step S405, it is checked whether the water discharge timer has passed the sum of the extended time and 10 minutes, and if that time has passed (YES in S405), the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object. If the object is not detected (NO in S406), the extended time is reset to 0, the water is stopped by closing the electromagnetic valve 26, and the water discharge timer is stopped to discharge the water. The measurement is stopped and the process of switching the water discharge mode to the automatic water discharge mode is performed, and the process returns to the start (S407). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S406), the process returns to the start.
If it is determined in step S405 that the water discharge timer has not elapsed for 10 minutes plus the extended time (NO in S405), the process returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is that the continuous water discharge time is extended based on the time when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during continuous water discharge for 10 minutes in the continuous water discharge mode.

FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet according to the fourth embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when extending the continuous water discharge time.
When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open to start continuous water discharge (time T40). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but if the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (from time T41 to time T42), the continuous water discharge passes after 10 minutes. (Time T43), 5 minutes are added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended. The extension time is set based on the time when the object detection sensor 8 detects the object. In this embodiment, the extended time is the last time (time T42) when the object was detected starting from the start of water discharge (time T40). The extension time is set as it is.

  And if the continuous water discharge time from time T40 passes 15 minutes, the solenoid valve 26 will be drive-closed and water will be stopped, and water discharge mode will be switched to automatic water discharge mode (time T44).

In addition, in this embodiment, although the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes, the length of the time to set is not restricted to this, You may change suitably as needed.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for the setting of the extension time, the time at which the object was last detected is set as the extension time as it is, but the setting method is not limited to this, and calculation processing is performed on the detection time. And may be changed as appropriate. For example, a value obtained by doubling the detection time may be used as the extension time, or a value obtained by halving the detection time may be used as the extension time. Further, it may be set based on the time (time T41) when the object is first detected, instead of the time (time T42) when the object is detected last.

In this way, since the extension time of the continuous water discharge time is set based on the detection time of the object, it can be expected that the time until the current action will end if the detection time is late, so the extension time is also If the detection time is set earlier, the time until the current action is completed can be expected to be shortened, so the extension time can be shortened.
That is, since the user's usage status can be grasped in more detail based on the detection time, a more optimal extension time can be set.

(Fifth embodiment)
From here, the fifth embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the fifth embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the fifth embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 12 is obtained by partially changing the processing content of the flowchart described in FIG. 4, and the processing from step S100 to step S108 in FIG. .

In the present embodiment, since the processing after determining the continuous water discharge mode in the water discharge mode determination in step S102 is different from that in FIG. 4, FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of that portion.
In step S102, if the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is in progress (S500). If it is still water (NO in S500), the detection interval timer is stopped to stop the measurement, the current detection interval timer value is reset to 0, the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0, the extension time is reset to 0, The electromagnetic valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, and the water discharge timer starts measuring from 0 (S501), and then proceeds to step S502. If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S500), the process proceeds directly to step S502.

The detection interval timer is a timer that measures the period between the previous detection time and the current detection time, the water discharge timer is a timer that measures the water discharge time during the continuous water discharge mode, and the extended time is a length that extends the water discharge time. It is time to set
In step S502, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. If the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S503), it is checked whether the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (S504). If it is not set to 1 (NO in S504), the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (S505), the current detection interval timer value is set as a new extension time (S506), and the detection interval timer is set. The measurement starts from 0 (S507) and proceeds to step S509. If the detection continuation flag is set to 1 (YES in S504), the process proceeds directly to step S509.

If the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object in step S503 (NO in S503), the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0 (S508), and the process proceeds to step S509.
In step S509, it is checked whether the water discharge timer has passed the sum of the extended time and 10 minutes. If the time has elapsed (YES in S509), the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object. If no object is detected (NO in S510), the detection interval timer is stopped, the detection interval timer value is reset to 0, the detection continuation flag is cleared to 0, and the extended time is reached. The zero reset, water stop by driving the solenoid valve 26 closed, stop the water discharge timer to stop measuring the water discharge time, and switch the water discharge mode to the automatic water discharge mode, and return to the start (S511). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S510), the process returns to the start.
If it is determined in step S509 that the water discharge timer has not elapsed the sum of 10 minutes and the extension time (NO in S509), the process returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is that the continuous water discharge time is extended based on the interval time when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during 10 minutes of continuous water discharge in the continuous water discharge mode.

  FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet according to the fifth embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when extending the continuous water discharge time.

When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to open to start continuous water discharge (time T50). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (time T51 to time T54), the continuous water discharge has elapsed 10 minutes. (Time T55), 5 minutes are added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended. The extension time is set based on the previous time when the object detection sensor 8 detected the object and the detection interval time which is the current time. In this embodiment, the time when the detection of the previous object is started (time T51). The time from the start of detection of the object to the time (time T53) is set as the extension time.
And if the continuous water discharge time from time T50 passes 15 minutes, the solenoid valve 26 will be drive-closed and water will be stopped, and water discharge mode will be switched to automatic water discharge mode (time T56).

In addition, in this embodiment, although the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes, the length of the time to set is not restricted to this, You may change suitably as needed.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, regarding the setting of the extended time, the interval time from the time when the detection of the previous object is started (time T51) to the time when the detection of the current object is started (time T53) is set as the extended time. The setting method is not limited to this, and may be appropriately changed by performing arithmetic processing on the interval time. For example, a value obtained by doubling the interval time may be used as the extension time, or a value obtained by halving the interval time may be used as the extension time. Further, it may be set based on the interval time of the time when the detection of the object is ended (time T52 and time T54) instead of the time when the detection of the object is started (time T51 and time T53).

In this way, since the extension time of the continuous water discharge time is set based on the detection interval time of the object, if the detection interval time is long, it can be expected that the time until the current action is completed will be extended. If the time is lengthened and the detection interval time is short, it can be expected that the time until the current action is completed can be shortened, so the extension time can be shortened.
That is, since the user's usage status can be grasped in more detail based on the detection interval time, a more optimal extension time can be set.

(Sixth embodiment)
From here, the sixth embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the sixth embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the sixth embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 14 is obtained by partially changing the processing content of the flowchart described in FIG. 4, and the processing from step S100 to step S108 in FIG. .
In the present embodiment, since the processing after determining the continuous water discharge mode in the water discharge mode determination in step S102 is different from that in FIG. 4, FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of that portion.
In step S102, if the current water discharge mode is the continuous water discharge mode, it is determined whether or not the current water discharge is present (S600). If the water is stopped (NO in S600), the extension flag is cleared to 0, the re-extension flag is cleared to 0, the solenoid valve 26 is opened to start water discharge, and the water discharge timer starts measuring from 0 ( S601), the process proceeds to step S602. If the water discharge state has already been reached (YES in S600), the process proceeds directly to step S602.
The water discharge timer is a timer that measures the water discharge time during the continuous water discharge mode.

In step S602, the object detection sensor 8 is driven. If the object detection sensor 8 detects an object (YES in S603), the extension flag is set to 1 (S604), and the process proceeds to step S605. If the object detection sensor 8 does not detect an object (NO in S603), the process proceeds to step S605 as it is.
In step S605, it is checked whether or not the water discharge timer has passed 10 minutes. If that time has passed (YES in S605), it is checked whether or not the extension flag is set to 1 (S606). . If the extension flag is set to 1 (YES in S606), it is checked whether or not the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (S607). If an object has been detected (YES in S607), the process is repeated. The extension flag is set to 1 (S608), and the process proceeds to step S609. If the object detection sensor 8 has not detected an object (NO in S607), the process proceeds directly to step S609.

If the water discharge timer has not passed 10 minutes in step S605 (NO in S605), the process returns to the start.
If the extension flag is not set to 1 in step S606 (NO in S606), the process proceeds to step S612.

In step S609, it is checked whether the water discharge timer has passed 15 minutes. If the time has passed (YES in S609), it is checked whether the re-extension flag is set to 1 (S610). ). If the re-extension flag is set to 1 (YES in S610), it is checked whether the water discharge timer has passed 20 minutes (S611). If 20 minutes have elapsed (YES in S611), it is checked whether or not the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (S612). If no object has been detected (NO in S612), an extension flag is set. Clearing of 0, re-extension flag 0 clearing, water stoppage by closing driving of solenoid valve 26, stoppage of water discharge timer to stop measurement of water discharge time, and process to switch water discharge mode to automatic water discharge mode, Return to the start (S613). If the object detection sensor 8 has detected an object (YES in S612), the process returns to the start.
In step S609, if the water discharge timer has not passed 15 minutes (NO in S609), the process returns to the start.
If the re-extension flag is not set to 1 in step S610 (NO in S610), the process proceeds to step S612.
If it is determined in step S611 that the water discharge timer has not passed 20 minutes (NO in S611), the process directly returns to the start.

  The point in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is that when the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during 10 minutes of continuous water discharge in the continuous water discharge mode, the continuous water discharge time is extended to 15 minutes, and the object detection sensor 8 is further extended during the extended period. When an object is detected, the continuous water discharge time is further extended to 20 minutes.

FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic water faucet according to the sixth embodiment, and particularly shows the operation when the continuous water discharge time is extended again.
When the water discharge mode is switched to the continuous water discharge mode by the operation of the mode switching switch 51, the electromagnetic valve 26 is opened to start continuous water discharge (time T60). This continuous water discharge stops when the predetermined time of 10 minutes elapses, but if the object detection sensor 8 detects an object during this 10 minutes (from time T61 to time T62), the continuous water discharge passes after 10 minutes. (Time T63), 5 minutes is added as the extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended.

When the object detection sensor 8 detects an object again during the period of extending the water discharge time (from time T64 to time T65), the continuous water discharge does not end even after the extension time of 15 minutes has elapsed (time T66). ), 5 minutes are added as the re-extension time, and the continuous water discharge time is extended again.
Then, when the continuous water discharge time from time T60 has passed 20 minutes, the electromagnetic valve 26 is driven to close and water is stopped, and the water discharge mode is switched to the automatic water discharge mode (time T67).

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined time of the continuous water discharge time is 10 minutes, the extended time of the continuous water discharge time is 5 minutes, and the re-extension time of the continuous water discharge time is 5 minutes. Without being limited, it may be changed as needed.

Thus, when an object is detected again during the extension period of continuous water discharge, it can be expected that the user's series of actions will continue even after the extension period has elapsed. In this case, the continuous water discharge time is extended again.
In other words, in the act of long use time that is not enough time to extend the continuous water discharge time once, continuous water discharge does not end during use by enabling re-extension of continuous water discharge. .

(Seventh embodiment)
From here, the seventh embodiment will be described.
FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating an operation panel according to the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic faucet according to the seventh embodiment.

  The automatic faucet 2 according to the seventh embodiment is the first embodiment in that a water discharge lever 60 and a continuous water discharge switch 61 are added as a manual water discharge operation unit for manually controlling water discharge. And different. Other configurations may be the same as those described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the automatic faucet 2 of this embodiment is provided with a water discharge lever 60 and a continuous water discharge switch 61 on the operation panel 50 as a manual water discharge operation unit.
The continuous water discharge switch 61 can perform a water discharge operation during the continuous water discharge mode, and water discharge and water stop from the water discharge port 30 are repeated each time the switch is manually pressed. More specifically, every time the switch is pressed, the electromagnetic valve 26 is repeatedly opened and closed.

Although the water discharge lever 60 can also perform a water discharge operation by manual operation, it can be operated both in the automatic water discharge mode and in the continuous water discharge mode.
That is, in the case of water discharge in the automatic water discharge mode, the water discharge state from the water discharge port 30 is continued if the water discharge lever 60 is opened, and the water stop state can be forcedly closed by closing the water discharge lever 60. When the water is stopped in the automatic water discharge mode, the water stop state is continued regardless of whether the water discharge lever 60 is opened or closed.
In the continuous water discharge mode, the water discharge state from the water discharge port 30 is continued if the water discharge lever 60 is opened, and the water stop state can be forcedly closed by closing the water discharge lever 60.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the continuous water discharge switch 61 is connected to the control unit 24 by a wiring 64, and the water discharge lever 60 is provided in the path of the water supply hose 52. The water discharge lever 60 may be provided in the path of the water supply hose 53.

Thus, since the user can manually control the water discharge regardless of the detection status of the object detection sensor 8, the water discharge port which is the detection region 12 of the object detection sensor 8 during the automatic water discharge mode. When it is desired to temporarily place something in the vicinity of 30, if the spout water lever 60 is closed, water will not be discharged from the spout 30 without permission.
In the continuous water discharge mode, when the dishes are washed with a sponge in the dishwashing action, or when the face wash is put on the face in the face washing action, the water discharge lever 60 is closed or the continuous water discharge switch. By operating 61, water can be temporarily stopped.
In other words, inadvertent water discharge can be prevented during the automatic water discharge mode, and in the continuous water discharge mode, water can be temporarily stopped at a timing when water discharge is unnecessary during a series of user actions. Can prevent water.

(Eighth embodiment)
From here, the eighth embodiment will be described.
The basic configuration of the automatic faucet 2 according to the eighth embodiment may be the same as that described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG. To do.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating the detection region of the object detection sensor according to the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 18A shows the detection region 12 of the object detection sensor 8 in the automatic water discharge mode, and FIG. 18B shows the detection region 62 of the object detection sensor 8 in the continuous water discharge mode. Yes. The detection area 62 in the continuous water discharge mode is wider than the detection area 12 in the automatic water discharge mode.

  As a method for widening the detection area, for example, if the light projecting power of the light projecting element 20 is increased, the sensitivity of the light receiving element 22 is increased, or the threshold for determining the presence of an object is decreased, the control unit 24 This can be realized simply by changing the program. That is, if the execution program of the control unit 24 is branched in the automatic water discharge mode and in the continuous water discharge mode, it is possible to provide two detection areas with one automatic water tap 2.

In this way, by widening the detection area at the time of continuous water discharge mode, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the user more widely, washing dishes with a sponge at a position where water discharge is not required during the dishwashing action, Even if the facial cleansing is foamed at a position where water discharge is not required during the face washing action, the action can be detected.
That is, since the user's action in the continuous water discharge mode can be detected in a wider range, the continuous water discharge time can be more reliably extended.

(Ninth embodiment)
From here, the ninth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating an automatic faucet according to the ninth embodiment.
The automatic faucet 2 according to the ninth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that another object detection sensor 6 is added. Other configurations may be the same as those described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the schematic diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, the automatic faucet 2 of the present embodiment includes two object detection sensors.
The two object detection sensors are arranged at a predetermined interval so as to sandwich the faucet body 4 from both sides. One object detection sensor 8 has the detection area 12 as described in the first embodiment, and the other object detection sensor 6 similarly has the detection area 10. These two detection regions overlap in the water discharge direction of the water discharge port 30 to constitute an overlap detection region 14.

The overlap detection area 14 is an area where the two detection areas overlap and extends three-dimensionally. In FIG. 19, two detection regions are conceptually illustrated as regions of a diagram that includes two object detection sensors and is cut along a certain cross section that extends in the left-right direction.
In addition, two detection areas do not overlap outside the overlap detection area 14 in the horizontal direction, and only the object detection sensor 6 detects the object, and only the object detection sensor 8 detects the human body. A second single detection region 15b is formed.

  Regarding water discharge control during the automatic water discharge mode, water discharge may be started when an object is detected by either one of the two object detection sensors, or water discharge is started only when both of the objects are detected. You may do it. In the former case, water can be discharged over a wider range, and in the latter case, water can be discharged in a narrower range. Which one to select may be determined by the shape of the washstand 1 or the arrangement of sensors.

In the continuous water discharge mode, the continuous water discharge time is extended when an object is detected by either one of the two object detection sensors. That is, compared with the case of one object detection sensor, it has a detection area for continuous water discharge time extension over a wider range.
In the present embodiment, the number of object detection sensors is two, but the number is not limited to two and may be more than that.

In this way, when there are multiple object detection sensors, if even one is detected, the continuous water discharge time will be extended, so the user's movement can be detected over a wider area, and water discharge is required during the dishwashing act. Even if the dish is washed with a sponge at a position where it does not, or the face wash is foamed at a position where water discharge is not required during the face washing action, the action can be detected.
That is, since the user's action in the continuous water discharge mode can be detected in a wider range, the continuous water discharge time can be more reliably extended.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, etc. of each element provided in the automatic faucet 2 and the like, the installation forms of each object detection sensor, each switch, etc. 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.
For example, control combining the second embodiment and the seventh embodiment can be easily invented from the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wash-stand 2 ... Automatic faucet 4 ... Faucet body 6 ... Object detection sensor 8 ... Object detection sensor 10 ... Detection area 12 ... Detection area 14 ... Duplicate detection area 15a ... Single detection area 15b ... Single detection area 20 ... Throw Optical element 22 ... Light receiving element 24 ... Control part 26 ... Solenoid valve 28 ... Water supply source 30 ... Water outlet 43 ... Bowl part 50 ... Operation panel 51 ... Mode change switch (mode change operation part)
52 ... Water supply hose 53 ... Water supply hose 54 ... Wiring 55 ... Wiring 56 ... Wiring 57 ... Extension means 60 ... Water discharge lever (manual water stop operation part)
61 ... Continuous water discharge switch (manual water discharge operation section)
62 ... Detection area 64 ... Wiring

Claims (9)

A spout for discharging the supplied water;
An object detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object near the water outlet;
Switching between an automatic water discharge mode in which water can be discharged from the water outlet and a continuous water discharge mode in which water can be discharged from the water outlet regardless of the detection status of the object detection sensor based on the detection status by the object detection sensor. Possible mode switching operation part,
Based on the water discharge mode set by the mode switching operation unit and the detection status of the object detection sensor, a control unit for controlling the water discharge operation from the water outlet,
In automatic faucet equipped with
The control unit returns to the automatic water discharge mode when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the mode switching operation unit is switched from the automatic water discharge mode to the continuous water discharge mode, and the object detection sensor in the continuous water discharge mode An automatic faucet comprising extension means for extending the predetermined time based on the detection status of 2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on a period during which the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. 2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on the number of times the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on the time when the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. 2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on an interval time when the object detection sensor detects the object during the continuous water discharge mode. 6. The automatic according to claim 1, wherein the extension means further extends the predetermined time based on a detection status of the object detection sensor during the extended time period. Water faucet. The said automatic water faucet is further provided with the manual water discharge operation part which controls the water discharge from the said water discharge port manually, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Automatic faucet. The automatic water according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a detection area of the object detection sensor is wider in the continuous water discharge mode than in the automatic water discharge mode. plug. The automatic faucet includes a plurality of the object detection sensors, and the extension means sets the extension time of the predetermined time based on the detection status of at least one of the object detection sensors during the continuous water discharge mode. The automatic faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein