JP2017166154A - Wash basin unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wash basin unit expectable to impart a high-grade feeling to a user.SOLUTION: The present invention is a wash basin unit having a human body detection sensor for detecting a user approaching the wash basin unit and an operation part for operating a water discharge state from a water discharge port. The operation part comprises a plate-like member having a light-transmitting part and providing an appearance visually confirmed by the user, a light emission member arranged on the reverse surface side of the plate-like member and visibly displaying an operation area on the surface side of the plate-like member by emitting the light of an operation area sign, operation detection means arranged on the reverse surface side of the plate-like member and detecting the approach or contact of a detection body to the operation area visibly displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member and an operation body member for operating the water discharge state from the water discharge port in accordance with a detection state of the operation detection means. The light emission member visibly displays the operation area on the surface side of the plate-like member by emitting the light of the operation area sign when the human body detection sensor detects the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a watering device such as a bathroom vanity or a kitchen, and more particularly, to a watering device that can give an impression of being “greeted” when a user approaches the watering device.

  In a watering device such as a bathroom vanity, for example, a touch sensor that detects contact with a user's finger is employed to operate (control) the operation of various electric appliances. For example, it has already been proposed that the operation of an anti-fogging heater for anti-fogging a mirror surface in a vanity can be controlled by a touch sensor. As such a prior art document, for example, Patent Document 1 is cited.

  In the bathroom vanity disclosed in Patent Document 1, the sensor area (detection range) of the touch sensor is provided on the mirror surface, and the sensor area is lit and displayed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that the light emission state of the sensor area is turned ON / OFF in accordance with the current operation state of the electric appliance that is the control target, and further, the sensor is adjusted in accordance with the operation state of the electric appliance that is the control target. It also discloses changing the emission color of the region.

JP 2004-164893 A

  The vanity table disclosed in Patent Document 1 is interesting in that it has a variation in the display mode of the sensor area, but even if the light emission state of the sensor area is OFF (the sensor area is turned off). The sensor area must be visible.

  Specifically, as described in paragraph 0025 of Patent Document 1, “when the electric appliance such as the anti-fogging heater is operating, the sensor region S is caused to emit light at the same time, and when the electric appliance is stopped, the sensor In the case where the area S is turned off, the effect that “the user can easily confirm by simply glanced at the OFF state of the electric appliance” can be obtained. In order to turn on the electric appliance after that, Needs to be able to recognize the sensor region S in a light-off state.

  In fact, the vanity table disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a sensor region provided on the mirror surface, so that a portion where the silver film is not formed on the mirror surface is left and / or a part of the mirror surface. However, the sensor region S can be easily recognized even when the surface has been subjected to a roughening process such as blasting and is turned off.

  By the way, the present inventor has intensively studied for the development or realization of a vanity that can give a high-class feeling to the user.

  The vanity in a state where the user is not approaching may be visible from a corridor or the like, for example, but does not need to display a sensor area (operation area). Therefore, if it is possible to provide a clean appearance without displaying the sensor area on the vanity in such a state, it can be expected to give the user a high-class feeling.

  As a result of the study, it has been concluded that it is effective to start displaying the sensor area (operation area) using detection of the approach of the user in order to give the user a high-class feeling.

  This is because, according to the knowledge of the present inventor, when the display of the sensor area is started as the user approaches, the reaction of such a vanity is as if “welcoming” the user. This is because the impression was given and it was confirmed that the user felt a sense of quality.

  The present invention has been made based on the above findings. An object of the present invention is to provide a watering device that can be expected to give a high-class feeling to the user, in particular, a watering device that can be expected to give the user a “greeting” impression. is there.

  The present invention is a watering device comprising a human body detection sensor for detecting a user approaching the watering device, and an operation unit for operating a water discharge state from a water discharge port, wherein the operation unit includes: A plate-like member having a light-transmitting portion and providing an appearance visually recognized by a user; and a surface of the plate-like member arranged on the back side of the plate-like member and emitting an operation area indicator The light emitting member that displays the operation area on the side in a visible manner, and the approach or contact of the detection body to the operation area that is arranged on the back surface side of the plate-like member and displayed on the front surface side of the plate-like member. And an operation main body member for operating the water discharge state from the water discharge port in accordance with the detection state of the operation detection unit, and the human body detection sensor is used by the human body detection sensor. When the approach area is detected, the operation area mark Water around apparatus characterized by being adapted to the visibly display the operation area on the surface side of the plate-like member to emit light to be.

  According to the present invention, when the user is not detected, the operation area indicator is not emitted and the operation area is not displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so as to be visible. When visible, it can provide a simple appearance with a high design and give the user a sense of luxury.

  According to the present invention, when the user is detected, the operation area indicator is emitted and the operation area is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so that the operation area can be visually recognized. This gives the user a sense of quality.

  Preferably, the water-surrounding device further includes a second human body detection sensor that is disposed in the vicinity of the water outlet or the water outlet and detects a user's hand approaching the water outlet. More preferably, the operation area that the light emitting member emits light includes a mode operation area for switching between an automatic water faucet mode and a manual water discharge mode, and the operation detection means is provided to the mode operation area. The operation main body member includes a mode operation detection unit that detects approach or contact of the detection body. When the automatic faucet mode is selected according to a detection state of the mode operation detection unit, the second operation body member is When the user's hand is detected by the human body detection sensor, water discharge is performed, and when the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the mode operation detection means, the second human body detection is performed. Water is not discharged just by detecting the user's hand with the sensor.

  In this case, if the manual water discharge mode is selected, for example, when cleaning the water-circulating device, an unintended user's approach is detected by the second human body detection sensor during the cleaning operation, which is undesirably (automatically performed). ) It is possible to prevent water from being discharged.

  Alternatively, instead of providing the second human body detection sensor, the human body detection sensor is arranged at a position higher than the water discharge port, and forms two effective radio wave regions that extend obliquely forward and downward as a user detection range. The first effective radio wave area of the two effective radio wave areas is formed as a detection range for detecting a user approaching the water-surrounding device based on a first determination threshold, and the two effective radio wave areas are Of these, the second effective radio wave region is preferably formed as a detection range for detecting a user's hand approaching the spout based on a second determination threshold. More preferably, the light emitting member is configured to emit the operation region marker to emit light when the human body detection sensor detects a user based on a first determination threshold in the first effective radio wave region. The operation area is displayed in a visible manner on the front surface side, and the operation area that the light emitting member emits light includes a mode operation area for switching between an automatic faucet mode and a manual water discharge mode. The operation detection means includes mode operation detection means for detecting approach or contact of the detection body to the mode operation area, and the operation main body member is automatically operated according to a detection state of the mode operation detection means. When the faucet mode is selected, water discharge does not occur in response to detection of the user's hand by the human body detection sensor based on the second determination threshold value in the second effective radio wave region. When the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the mode operation detection means, the human body detection sensor is set to the user based on the second determination threshold value in the second effective radio wave region. Water is not discharged just by detecting the hand.

  In this case as well, for example, when the manual water discharge mode is selected at the time of cleaning the water-circulating device, unintentional user approach is detected during the cleaning operation, and water is discharged undesirably (automatically). Can be prevented. In this case, since a single human body detection sensor forms two effective radio wave regions and functions as two types of proximity detection sensors, the configuration of the water-surrounding device can be simplified.

  In addition, the human body detection sensor detects the separation of the user from the water-surrounding device, and the light emitting member emits the operation area indicator when the human body detection sensor detects the separation of the user. It is preferable to stop. Thereby, the state of the water-surrounding device is returned to the state before the user approaches. Alternatively, the light emission in the operation area may be stopped after several seconds have elapsed after detecting the separation of the user. In that case, it is possible to give the impression that the user is “seeing off”. The user may be able to set a time delay (including 0) from when the user's separation is detected until the operation region stops emitting light. However, at least at the time of filing of the present application, the present invention continuously detects the operation region mark for a predetermined time after the human body detection sensor detects the approach of the user, regardless of whether or not the user moves away. It is not excluded that the light is emitted. In such an aspect, it is not always necessary to detect the separation of the user. Specifically, the function of the human body detection sensor can be stopped (for example, the power supply is shut off) for the predetermined time.

  The operation detection means includes, for example, a microwave sensor. The microwave sensor has a track record as a sensor for detecting the user's hand for the automatic faucet function, and can reliably detect the approach of the user's finger or the like even from the back side of the plate-like member. Specifically, it is easy to identify an approach signal such as a user's finger from a noise signal.

  Alternatively, the operation detection means may include a capacitance sensor. A capacitance sensor is a sensor that detects the change in capacitance that occurs when a user's finger or the like approaches the electrode, and it is simple in configuration and reliably detects the approach of the user's finger or the like. can do.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a plate-shaped member is arrange | positioned above a water outlet. In this case, since the scattered water droplets are unlikely to adhere to the plate-like member, it is effectively prevented that the operation detecting means erroneously detects the water droplets as a user's finger or the like.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the plate-shaped member is inclined at an angle larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. In this case, even if water droplets scattered for some reason adhere to the plate-like member, the water droplets flow down along the inclination, so that it is effective that the operation detection means erroneously detects the water droplet as a user's finger or the like. Is prevented.

  In addition, the human body detection sensor can also be configured by, for example, a microwave sensor disposed on the back side of the plate-like member. In this case, since the human body detection sensor can also be concealed inside the water-surrounding device, the design of the water-surrounding device can be further simplified.

  The water-surrounding device further includes an illumination device that illuminates the periphery of the water-surrounding device when the human body detection sensor detects a user, and an illumination operation unit for operating the illumination state of the illumination device, The lighting operation unit has a portion that transmits light, and is disposed on the back side of the lighting operation plate member that provides an appearance visually recognized by a user, and the lighting operation region A light emitting member for lighting operation that displays the lighting operation region in a visible manner on the surface side of the plate member for lighting operation by emitting a sign, and a light emitting member for lighting operation arranged on the back side of the plate member for lighting operation, Illumination operation detection means for detecting the approach or contact of the sensing object to the illumination operation area displayed on the surface side of the operation plate-like member so as to be visible, and the illumination device according to the detection state of the illumination operation detection means Operate lighting status A lighting operation main body member, and the lighting operation light-emitting member emits the lighting operation area marker when the human body detection sensor detects a user to emit light. It is preferable that the illumination operation area is displayed on the surface side of the panel so as to be visible.

  In this case, when the user is not detected, the lighting operation area does not emit light, and the lighting operation area is not displayed on the surface side of the plate member so as to be visible. It can provide a simple design with high design and give the user a sense of quality. Also, in this case, when the user is detected, the illumination operation area indicator is emitted and the illumination operation area is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so that it can be visually recognized. The user can be given a high-quality impression. The user can appropriately control the lighting state of the lighting device through an operation on the lighting operation area (approach or contact of the user's finger or the like).

  According to the present invention, when the user is not detected, the operation area indicator is not emitted and the operation area is not displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so as to be visible. When visible, it can provide a simple appearance with a high design and give the user a sense of luxury. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the user is detected, the operation area indicator is emitted and the operation area is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so that the user can visually recognize the user. It is possible to give the user a sense of quality by giving the impression that the user is doing.

It is a schematic front view of the vanity table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic front view of the vanity stand of FIG. 1 after a user approaches. It is an enlarged view of the operation area displayed so that visual recognition is possible. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the detail of a structure of an operation part (corresponding to the III-III line cross section of FIG. 3). It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the detail of a structure of an illumination operation part. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the example of the inclined plate-shaped member. It is a figure explaining the 1st effective electromagnetic wave area | region formed with a human body detection sensor. It is a figure explaining the 2nd effective electromagnetic wave area | region formed by a human body detection sensor.

  Next, a bathroom vanity according to an embodiment of the watering device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view before the user of the vanity table according to the present embodiment approaches, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front view after the user of the vanity table of FIG. 1 approaches. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the operation area displayed so as to be visible, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of the configuration of the operation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vanity table 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a water outlet 11 at a substantially central front, and a plate-like member 21 extending in the left-right direction is provided above the water outlet 11. It has been. And the human body detection sensor 12 which detects a user's approach to the vanity 1 is provided in the back surface side of the plate-shaped member 21. As shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor 12 is a microwave sensor.

  The plate-like member 21 of the present embodiment is made of a material that transmits light only in the thin part, and the member that emits light on the back side of the thin part is visible from the front side, but about the other back side members Is not visible from the front side. Therefore, the human body detection sensor 12 of this embodiment is concealed on the back side of the plate-like member 21. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the design of the vanity 1 is simple.

  And the vanity stand 1 by this embodiment is displayed so that the operation area | region of the operation part 20 for manipulating the water discharge state from the water discharge port 11 is visible when the human body detection sensor 12 detects a user. (See FIG. 2). In other words, before the human body detection sensor 12 detects the user, the operation area of the operation unit 20 for operating the water discharge state from the water discharge port 11 is not displayed so as to be visible (see FIG. 1). .

  The operation area displayed in the present embodiment is a mode operation area MO for switching between the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) and the manual water discharge mode (MANU) as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. It is an area.

  Furthermore, in the bathroom vanity 1 of this embodiment, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the approach of the user, the illumination operation unit 60 for operating the illumination state of the illumination device 61 that illuminates the periphery of the bathroom vanity 1. The lighting operation area is also displayed so as to be visible (see FIG. 2). In other words, before the human body detection sensor 12 detects the approach of the user, the illumination operation area of the illumination operation unit 60 for operating the illumination state of the illumination device 61 is not displayed so as to be visible (FIG. 1).

  The illumination operation area displayed in the present embodiment is an illumination operation area LO for switching ON / OFF of the illumination device 61, as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 3, and is a substantially square area.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 20 is arranged on the plate-shaped member 21 and the back surface side of the plate-shaped member 21, and the mode operation region mark (in this embodiment, the outline of the mode operation region MO having a substantially square shape). And a light emitting member 22 that displays the mode operation region MO in a visible manner on the surface side of the plate-like member 21 by emitting light.

  More specifically, the plate-like member 21 of the present embodiment is made of an ABS resin plate having a thickness of about 3 mm, and the contour-corresponding portion 21c of the mode operation region MO is processed thinly (line width is about 1 mm, thickness is about 1 mm). ing. The light emitting member 22 is composed of LEDs arranged in the contour equivalent portion 21c of the mode operation region MO. When such a light emitting member 22 emits light, the light is transmitted through the contour corresponding portion 21c of the plate-like member 21, and the outline of the mode operation region MO is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member 21, and as a result In addition, the mode operation area MO is visible.

  Then, on the back surface side of the plate-like member 21, a mode for detecting the approach or contact of the detection body (usually the user's finger) to the mode operation area MO displayed in a visible manner on the front surface side of the plate-like member 21. A capacitance sensor 23 is provided as operation detection means (an example of operation detection means).

  The capacitance sensor 23 is connected to an operation main body member 24 that operates the water discharge state from the water discharge port 11 in accordance with the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23. Specifically, the operation main body member 24 of the present embodiment switches between the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) and the manual water discharge mode (MANU) every time the detection body approaches or contacts the mode operation region MO. It is supposed to function as follows.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an area displaying “AUTO”, an area displaying “MANU”, and a mark imitating a hand are displayed adjacent to the mode operation area MO. And a region to be provided. Specifically, the plate-like member 21 is processed thinly along these characters and marks, and the light emitting member made of LED is arranged on the back side of the thin portion, and the light emitting member is By emitting light, each character and mark is visually recognized on the surface side of the plate-like member 21 through the thin portion.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting member corresponding to the characters “AUTO”, the light emitting member corresponding to the characters “MANU”, and the light emitting member corresponding to the mark imitating the hand correspond to the contour corresponding portion of the mode operation region MO. When the light emitting member 22 does not emit light, no light is emitted. That is, before the human body detection sensor 12 detects a user, neither “AUTO” nor “MANU” nor a mark imitating a hand is displayed so as to be visible (see FIG. 1).

  When the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) is selected, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the user and the light emitting member 22 corresponding to the contour corresponding portion of the mode operation region MO emits light, “AUTO” The mark and the mark imitating the hand are also made to emit light. At this time, the characters “MANU” may remain unlit, or may be emitted with another color with weak intensity or weak impression. Conversely, when the manual water discharge mode (MANU) is selected, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the user and the light emitting member 22 corresponding to the contour corresponding portion of the mode operation region MO emits light, "And a mark imitating a hand also emit light. At this time, the characters “AUTO” may remain unlit, or may be emitted in another color with weak intensity or weak impression.

  When the capacitance sensor 23 detects the approach or contact of the detection object to the mode operation region MO while the light emitting member 22 corresponding to the contour corresponding portion of the mode operation region MO is emitting light, the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) ) And the manual water discharge mode (MANU) are switched, and in conjunction with this, the light emission state of the characters “AUTO” and the light emission state of the characters “MANU” are switched.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the user who has approached the spout 11 is located at the site corresponding to the root of the spout 11 (which is a suitable example, but please confirm). A second human body detection sensor 15 for detecting a hand is provided. In the present embodiment, the second human body detection sensor 15 is also a microwave sensor.

  When the automatic faucet mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the second human body detection sensor 15 is controlled by the operation main body member 24. The water is automatically discharged for a predetermined time while the hand is detected or after the second human body detection sensor 15 detects the user's hand.

  In the present embodiment, the water temperature discharged from the water discharge port 11 can be adjusted by a known water temperature adjusting lever 17 (see FIG. 1). Further, the water temperature adjusting lever 17 of the present embodiment can adjust not only the water temperature but also the opening / closing (ON / OFF) or the flow rate of the water discharged from the water outlet 11 when the manual water discharging mode is selected. It has become.

  That is, in the water discharge port 11 of the present embodiment, when the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the second human body detection sensor 15 is controlled by the operation main body member 24. Water is not automatically discharged just by detecting the hand, and manual operation of the water temperature adjusting lever 17 is required for water discharge.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, the distance (gap) between the plate-like member 21 and the light emitting member 22 is defined by the spacer 25. If the light emitting member 22 is too close to the plate-like member 21, the position of the issuing member 22 may be visually recognized from the surface side during light emission, which is not preferable. For example, when the thickness of the plate member 21 made of ABS resin is 3 mm and the thickness of the thin contour equivalent portion 21 c is 1 mm, the distance between the plate member 21 and the light emitting member 22 is preferably about 5 mm to 15 mm. It is. The spacer 25 also has a function of preventing light leakage. In order to prevent light from leaking into the thin portion where light is not desired to be transmitted, the light is disposed around the thin portion where light is desired to be transmitted.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the lighting operation unit 60 includes a plate-like member 21 serving as a plate-like member for lighting operation, and a lighting operation area marker (substantially in this embodiment) disposed on the back side of the plate-like member 21. A light emitting member 62 that displays the illumination operation area LO in a visible manner on the surface side of the plate-like member 21 by emitting light of the square-shaped illumination operation area LO).

  More specifically, in the plate-like member 21 of the present embodiment, the contour equivalent portion 21d of the lighting operation region LO is also processed to be thin. The light emitting member 62 is made up of LEDs arranged in a portion corresponding to the contour of the illumination operation area LO. When such a light emitting member 62 emits light, light is transmitted through the contour corresponding portion 21d of the plate-like member 21, and the contour of the illumination operation region LO is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member 21, resulting in In addition, the lighting operation area LO can be visually recognized.

  And the illumination which detects the approach or contact of the detection body (usually a user's finger | toe) to the illumination operation area | region LO displayed on the back surface side of the plate-shaped member 21 so that visual recognition is possible on the surface side of the plate-shaped member 21. A capacitance sensor 63 is provided as an operation detection unit.

  The capacitance sensor 63 is connected to a lighting operation main body member 64 that operates the lighting state of the lighting device 61 according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 63. Specifically, the lighting operation main body member 64 of the present embodiment functions to switch the lighting device 61 between ON and OFF every time the sensing object approaches or contacts the lighting operation region LO. ing.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an area displaying “ON” characters, an area displaying “OFF” characters, and a mark imitating a light bulb are displayed adjacent to the lighting operation area LO. And a region to be provided. Specifically, the plate-like member 21 is processed thinly along these characters and marks, and the light emitting member made of LED is arranged on the back side of the thin portion, and the light emitting member is By emitting light, each character and mark is visually recognized on the surface side of the plate-like member 21 through the thin portion.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting member corresponding to the characters “ON”, the light emitting member corresponding to the characters “OFF”, and the light emitting member corresponding to the mark imitating a light bulb correspond to the contour corresponding portion of the illumination operation area LO. When the light emitting member 62 does not emit light, no light is emitted. That is, before the human body detection sensor 12 detects the approach of the user, neither “ON” characters nor “OFF” characters nor a mark imitating a light bulb are displayed so as to be visible (see FIG. 1).

  In the present embodiment, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the approach of the user, the lighting device 61 is turned on, and the light emitting member 62 corresponding to the contour corresponding portion of the lighting operation area LO emits light simultaneously. The letters “ON” and a mark imitating a light bulb also emit light. At this time, the characters “OFF” may remain unlit, or may be emitted with another color with weak intensity or weak impression.

  Thereafter, when the light emitting member 62 corresponding to the contour corresponding portion of the illumination operation area LO emits light, the capacitance sensor 63 detects the approach or contact of the detection object to the illumination operation area LO. The selected state is switched to the state, and in conjunction with this, ON / OFF of the lighting device 61 is operated (ON / OFF of the lighting state of the lighting device is switched), and the light emission state of “ON” and “ The light emission state of the characters “OFF” is switched.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, the gap (gap) between the plate-like member 21 and the light emitting member 62 is defined by the spacer 65. If the light emitting member 62 is too close to the plate-like member 21, the position of the issuing member 62 may be visually recognized during light emission, which is not preferable. For example, when the thickness of the plate member 21 made of ABS resin is 3 mm and the thickness of the thin contour equivalent portion 21d is 1 mm, the distance between the plate member 21 and the light emitting member 62 is preferably about 5 mm to 15 mm. It is. The spacer 65 also has a function of preventing light leakage. In order to prevent light from leaking into the thin portion where light is not desired to be transmitted, the light is disposed around the thin portion where light is desired to be transmitted.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, before the human body detection sensor 12 detects a user, the operation area of the operation unit 20 for operating the water discharge state from the water discharge port 11 is not displayed so as to be visible. For this reason, the vanity table 1 of this embodiment can provide a simple appearance with high designability when it is visible from a corridor or the like, for example, and can give a high-class feeling to the user.

  Then, in the vanity table 1 of the present embodiment, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the user, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation region mark is emitted and the operation region is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member 21. Is displayed so as to be visible. Such an operation of the bathroom vanity 1 gives an impression that the user is “greeted” and can give the user a higher-class feeling.

  If it demonstrates in detail, the operation area | region of this embodiment will be the operation area | region of the operation part 20 for operating the water discharge state from the water outlet 11, and the illumination state of the illuminating device 61 which illuminates the periphery of the bathroom vanity 1. It is the illumination operation area | region of the illumination operation part 60 for operating. More specifically, the operation area of the operation unit 20 is a substantially square mode operation area MO for switching between the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) and the manual water discharge mode (MANU). The operation area is a substantially square illumination operation area LO for switching ON / OFF of the illumination device 61. And the light emitting member according to having detected the approach of the user by the human body detection sensor 12 by having processed the parts 21c and 21d of the plate-shaped member 21 corresponding to the outline of each operation area | region MO and LO thinly. When the light sources 22 and 62 emit light, the light passes through the contour equivalent portions 21c and 21d of the plate-like member 21, and the contours of the operation regions MO and LO are displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member 21. Each operation area MO, LO becomes visible.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, simultaneously with the light emission of the portions corresponding to the contours of the operation areas MO and LO, the letters “AUTO” or “MANU” (the letters “AUTO” in FIG. 2), The imitated mark, the letters “ON” or “OFF” (the letter “ON” in FIG. 2), and the mark imitating a light bulb are displayed, so that the user is “greeted”. Can provide a solid impression.

  In the present embodiment, the capacitance sensor 23 detects the approach or contact of the detection body (usually the user's finger) to the mode operation region MO, so that the automatic faucet mode (AUTO) and the manual water discharge mode ( MANU). Accordingly, the light emission state of the characters “AUTO” and the light emission state of the characters “MANU” are also switched.

  When the automatic faucet mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the second human body detection sensor 15 is controlled by the operation main body member 24. The water is automatically discharged for a predetermined time after the second hand detection sensor 15 detects the user's hand.

  On the other hand, when the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the second human body detection sensor 15 is controlled by the operation main body member 24. Even if a hand is detected, water is not automatically discharged (the water temperature adjustment lever 17 needs to be manually operated for water discharge).

  Further, when the capacitance sensor 63 detects the approach or contact of the detection object to the illumination operation region LO, the illumination device 61 is turned on / off (the illumination device is switched on / off). ) And the light emission state of the character “ON” and the light emission state of the character “OFF” are switched.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a state where the user is not detected, the operation area markers corresponding to the operation areas MO and LO are not emitted, and the operation area is located on the surface side of the plate-like member 21. Since MO and LO are not displayed so as to be visible, for example, when visible from a corridor or the like, a simple appearance with high design can be provided, and a sense of quality can be given to the user.

  According to the present embodiment, when the approach of the user is detected, the operation region markers corresponding to the operation regions MO and LO are emitted, and the operation regions MO and LO can be visually recognized on the surface side of the plate-like member 21. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a high-class feeling by giving the impression that the user is “welcoming”.

  Moreover, according to the vanity 1 of this embodiment, the human body detection sensor 12 is comprised by the microwave sensor arrange | positioned at the back surface side of the plate-shaped member 21, and is concealed inside the vanity 1. Yes. This also makes the design of the vanity 1 simpler.

  Further, according to the vanity table 1 of the present embodiment, by selecting the manual water discharge mode at the time of cleaning the apparatus, an unintended user's hand can be obtained by the second human body detection sensor 15 during the cleaning operation. It is possible to prevent water from being detected and being undesirably (automatically) discharged.

  As is clear from FIG. 1, the plate-like member 21 of this embodiment is disposed above the water discharge port 11. As a result, it is difficult for the scattered water droplets to adhere to the plate-like member 21, so that the capacitance sensors 23 and 63, which are operation detection means, erroneously detect the water droplets as a user's finger or the like. Is prevented.

  In addition, since the operation detection unit or the illumination operation detection unit of the present embodiment is configured by the capacitance sensors 23 and 63, it is possible to reliably detect the approach of the user's finger or the like with a simple configuration. Can do. Needless to say, the operation detection unit or the illumination operation detection unit may be configured by microwave sensors in the same manner as the second human body detection sensor 15.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting members 22 and 62 (and the light emitting members corresponding to the characters and marks) of the operation unit 20 and the lighting operation unit 60 emit light when the human body detection sensor 12 no longer detects the user. It is preferable to stop the operation. Thereby, the state of the vanity 1 is returned to the state before the user's approach (state of FIG. 1).

  Alternatively, the light emitting members 22 and 62 (and the light emitting members corresponding to the characters and marks) of the operation unit 20 and the illumination operation unit 60 are set to a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) after the human body detection sensor 12 no longer detects the user. ) May be stopped after elapse. In that case, it is possible to give the impression that the user is “seeing off”. It is preferable that the user or the like can set a time delay (including 0) from when the approach detection is interrupted until the operation area stops emitting light.

  In addition, it is preferable that the plate-shaped member 21 is inclined at an angle larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. Such an improved example is shown in FIG. If the inclination as shown in FIG. 6 is adopted, even if a water droplet scattered for some reason adheres to the plate-like member 21, the water droplet flows down along the inclination. It is effectively prevented that the 63 erroneously detects a water droplet as a user's finger or the like.

  Further, the human body detection sensor 12 and the second human body detection sensor 15 can be integrated. That is, it is possible to realize a mode in which the function of the second human body detection sensor 15 of the above embodiment is performed by using the single human body detection sensor 12. Such an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this case, for example, the human body detection sensor 12 is disposed at a position higher than the water discharge port 11 and forms two effective radio wave regions FR and SR that extend diagonally forward and downward as a user detection range. Of the two effective radio wave areas, the first effective radio wave area FR is formed as a detection range for detecting a user who has approached the vanity 1 based on the first determination threshold. The second effective radio wave region SR is formed as a detection range for detecting the user's hand approaching the spout 11 based on the second determination threshold.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the human body detection sensor 12 detects the user based on the first determination threshold in the first effective radio wave area FR, the light emitting members 22 and 62 display the operation area indicator (operation area MO). , LO contour information) is emitted to display the operation regions MO and LO on the surface side of the plate-like member 21 so as to be visible.

  When the automatic faucet mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the second determination in the second effective radio wave region SR is performed by the control of the operation main body member 24 as shown in FIG. In response to detection of the user's hand by the human body detection sensor 12 based on the threshold value, water is automatically discharged from the water outlet 11 while the detection continues or for a predetermined time after the detection. . When the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the capacitance sensor 23, the human body detection sensor 12 is controlled based on the second determination threshold value in the second effective radio wave region SR by the control of the operation main body member 24. Even if the user's hand is detected, the water is not automatically discharged (the manual operation of the water temperature adjusting lever 17 is required for water discharge).

  In the above embodiment, a method of forming a thin portion is adopted as a structure in which the plate-like member 21 transmits light, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, it is also possible to employ a method in which a light transmitting material is used as the plate-like member 21 and a light-impermeable coating material is printed in an area where light is not desired to be transmitted.

  Further, as the human body detection sensor 12, in addition to the microwave sensor, an infrared sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like can be employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washroom vanity 11 Water outlet 12 Human body detection sensor 15 2nd human body detection sensor 17 Water temperature adjustment lever 20 Operation part 21 Plate-shaped member (ABS resin)
22 Light Emitting Member (LED)
23 Capacitance sensor (operation detection means)
24 Operation body member 25 Spacer MO mode operation region 60 Illumination operation part 61 Illumination device 62 Light emitting member (LED)
63 Capacitance sensor (lighting operation detection means)
64 Illumination operation main body member 65 Spacer LO Illumination operation area FR 1st effective radio wave area SR 2nd effective radio wave area

Claims (10)

A human body detection sensor for detecting a user's approach to the water-surrounding device;
An operation unit for operating the water discharge state from the water outlet;
A watering device comprising:
The operation unit is
A plate-like member having a portion that transmits light and providing an appearance visually recognized by a user;
A light emitting member that is disposed on the back side of the plate-like member and causes the operation region to be displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member so as to be visible by causing the operation region indicator to emit light;
An operation detecting means for detecting the approach or contact of the detection body to the operation area, which is arranged on the back surface side of the plate-like member and is displayed so as to be visible on the surface side of the plate-like member;
An operation main body member for operating the water discharge state from the water discharge port according to the detection state of the operation detection means,
Have
The light emitting member is configured such that when the human body detection sensor detects a user, the operation region is displayed on the surface side of the plate-like member by causing the operation region marker to emit light. A watering device. A second human body detection sensor that is disposed in the vicinity of the water outlet or the water outlet and detects a user's hand that has approached the water outlet;
The operation area that the light emitting member emits light includes a mode operation area for switching between the automatic water discharge mode and the manual water discharge mode,
The operation detection means includes mode operation detection means for detecting the approach or contact of the detection body to the mode operation area,
The operation main body member is
When the automatic water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the mode operation detection means, water discharge is made according to detection of the user's hand by the second human body detection sensor,
When the manual water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the mode operation detection means, water discharge is not performed only by detecting the user's hand by the second human body detection sensor. The water-circulating device according to claim 1. The human body detection sensor is arranged at a position higher than the spout (“rear” has been deleted), and forms two effective radio wave areas extending diagonally forward and downward as a user detection range,
Of the two effective radio wave areas, the first effective radio wave area is formed as a detection range for detecting a user approaching the water-surrounding device based on a first determination threshold,
Of the two effective radio wave areas, the second effective radio wave area is formed as a detection range for detecting a user's hand approaching the spout based on a second determination threshold,
The light emitting member emits the operation area marker on the surface side of the plate-like member when the human body detection sensor detects a user in the first effective radio wave area based on the first determination threshold. The operation area is displayed so as to be visible,
The operation area that the light emitting member emits light includes a mode operation area for switching between an automatic water discharge mode and a manual water discharge mode,
The operation detection means includes mode operation detection means for detecting the approach or contact of the detection body to the mode operation area,
The operation main body member is
When the automatic water discharge mode is selected according to the detection state of the mode operation detection means, according to the detection of the user's hand by the human body detection sensor based on the second determination threshold in the second effective radio wave region. And water is discharged.
When the manual water discharge mode is selected in accordance with the detection state of the mode operation detection means, the human body detection sensor simply detects the user's hand based on the second determination threshold in the second effective radio wave region. The water-circulating device according to claim 1, wherein water discharge is not performed. The human body detection sensor is adapted to detect the separation of the user from the water-surrounding device,
4. The light emitting member according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting member is configured to stop light emission of the operation area marker when the human body detection sensor detects a separation of a user. 5. Water around equipment. The water operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation detection means includes a microwave sensor. The water-surrounding device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection unit includes a capacitance sensor. The water-circulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plate-like member is disposed above the water discharge port. The water-circulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plate-like member is inclined at an angle larger than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The water-surrounding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the human body detection sensor is a microwave sensor disposed on a back surface side of the plate-like member. A lighting device that illuminates the periphery of the water-surrounding device when the human body detection sensor detects a user;
An illumination operation unit for operating the illumination state of the illumination device;
Further comprising
The lighting operation unit
A plate member for lighting operation that has a portion that transmits light and provides an appearance visually recognized by a user;
A light emitting member for lighting operation that is arranged on the back side of the plate member for lighting operation and causes the lighting operation region to be displayed on the surface side of the plate member for lighting operation by causing the lighting operation region marker to emit light, and
Illumination operation detecting means arranged on the back side of the lighting operation plate-like member and detecting the approach or contact of the detection body to the illumination operation area displayed so as to be visible on the front surface side of the lighting operation plate-like member When,
A lighting operation main body member for operating a lighting state of the lighting device according to a detection state of the lighting operation detection means;
Have
When the human body detection sensor detects a user, the lighting operation light-emitting member displays the lighting operation region on the surface side of the lighting operation plate member so that the lighting operation region can be visually recognized by emitting light. The water-surrounding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the water-surrounding device is configured to be made to be.

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