JP2017176372A - Automatic washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic washing device capable of suppressing electric power consumption in a standby state and suppressing deterioration of ease of use.SOLUTION: There is provided an automatic washing device in which an on state is a state in which a detection part can detect a human body; an off state is a state in which power supply to at least a part of the detection part is stopped and the detection part has lost a human body detection function; a controller has a normal mode and a first low consumption mode in which setting of an off period and an on delay period are different, when a period of the off state is the off period, and a prescribed period in operating a washing part is the on delay period; and the off period of the first low consumption mode is longer than the off period of the normal mode, and the on delay period of the first low consumption mode is shorter than the on delay period of the normal mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to an automatic cleaning apparatus.

  There is an automatic toilet cleaning device that is attached adjacent to a toilet in a toilet room and is used for cleaning filth and the like. The automatic cleaning apparatus includes an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed in a water passage of the automatic cleaning apparatus main body, a controller that controls toilet cleaning, and a human body detection unit (sensor) that detects an object. The automatic cleaning device detects the user and starts automatic cleaning. As described above, the automatic cleaning device detects the user and cleans the toilet bowl.

  Such an automatic cleaning device is suitably used for a toilet room or a washroom of a public facility because it does not need to be touched and is hygienic as compared with a case where it is operated and directly cleaned by hand. .

  In the automatic cleaning apparatus, if the cleaning operation is started immediately in response to the human body detection by the human body detection unit, for example, the operation is performed even when an insect or the like is covered on the human body detection unit. Therefore, in the automatic cleaning device, the operation is started when the detection state of the human body by the detection unit is continued for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as on-delay time). As a result, malfunctions associated with detection of insects and the like can be suppressed.

  Further, the automatic cleaning apparatus tends to have a longer waiting time than an actual operating time. For example, in the case of an automatic cleaning apparatus installed in an office building, the frequency of use is greatly reduced on holidays such as weekends compared to weekdays. For this reason, in the automatic cleaning apparatus, power consumption in the standby state is reduced.

  In the automatic cleaning device, for example, the detection unit is periodically turned on and off. Thereby, compared with the case where the human body detection part is always on, the power consumption at the time of standby can be suppressed. Further, there is an automatic cleaning device that changes the length of the off state of the human body detection unit. For example, when the standby state is continued for a predetermined time, the off-state time is lengthened. Thereby, the power consumption at the time of standby can be suppressed more.

  However, if the off-state time is increased, the waiting time from when the human body detection unit detects the human body to when the operation is actually started increases, which may reduce the usability of the automatic cleaning device. For example, when the user holds his / her hand over the detection unit in the off state, the waiting time is the sum of the off state time and the on delay time. Therefore, there is a concern that the waiting time becomes longer than usual and the user feels uncomfortable. For this reason, in an automatic cleaning device, it is desired to suppress power consumption in a standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

JP2012-207494A

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cleaning device capable of suppressing power consumption in a standby state and suppressing a decrease in usability.

  1st invention detects a user's human body, and outputs the detection part which has a non-detection state showing a human body non-detection, and a detection state showing a human body detection state, and the detection part is in an ON state And a controller that operates the cleaning unit when the detection state of the detection signal is continued for a predetermined time and the detection signal is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state. The on-state is a state in which the detection unit can detect the human body, and the off-state stops power supply to at least a part of the detection unit, and the detection unit loses the human body detection function. And the controller sets the off-state time as the off-time and the predetermined time when the cleaning unit is operated as the on-delay time, the off-time and the on-delay time. A normal mode and a first low consumption mode having different settings, wherein the off time of the first low consumption mode is longer than the off time of the normal mode, and the on delay of the first low consumption mode The automatic cleaning apparatus is characterized in that the time is shorter than the on-delay time in the normal mode.

  According to this automatic cleaning device, since the off time in the first low consumption mode is longer than the off time in the normal mode, power consumption in the standby state can be suppressed. Further, the on-delay time in the first low consumption mode is made shorter than the on-delay time in the normal mode. Thereby, in the 1st consumption mode, waiting time after a detection part detects a human body until operation is actually started can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the sum of the off time and the on delay time in the first consumption mode is the same as the sum of the off time and the on delay time in the normal mode. This is an automatic cleaning device.

  According to this automatic cleaning device, the user can use it in the same way as in the normal mode even during use in the first low consumption mode, and suppresses power consumption during standby while maintaining usability. can do.

  According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the controller has a normal state and a power saving state in which a part of the operation is stopped and the power consumption is lower than the normal state. The automatic cleaning apparatus is characterized in that the normal state and the power saving state are periodically switched, and the period of the power saving state is overlapped with the period of the off state of the human body detection unit.

  According to this automatic cleaning device, the power consumption of the controller can be suppressed during standby, and the power consumption during standby can be further suppressed.

  In a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the controller further includes a second low consumption mode, and the off time in the second low consumption mode is the first low consumption mode. It is longer than the off time of the mode, and the controller switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode according to a predetermined switching condition.

  According to this automatic cleaning apparatus, the power consumption in the standby state can be further suppressed by switching to the second low consumption mode in a time zone with low usage frequency such as nighttime or a holiday of an office building.

  In a fifth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the controller stops the operation of the human body detection unit in the first low consumption mode, the operation of the human body detection unit is performed. When the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the first low consumption mode is changed to the normal mode, and when the operation time of the human body detection unit is less than the predetermined time, the first low consumption mode is continued. This is an automatic cleaning device.

  According to this automatic cleaning device, it is possible to prevent the first consumption mode from being changed to the normal mode due to a malfunction caused by an insect or the like covering the human body detection unit, resulting in an increase in power consumption.

  In a sixth aspect based on the fourth aspect, when the controller stops the operation of the human body detection unit in the second low consumption mode, the operation time of the human body detection unit is a predetermined time or more. The second low consumption mode is changed from the second low consumption mode to the normal mode or the first low consumption mode, and when the operation time of the human body detection unit is less than a predetermined time, the second low consumption mode is continued. Is an automatic cleaning device characterized by

  According to this automatic cleaning device, it is possible to prevent the power consumption from becoming high due to a malfunction caused by an insect or the like covering the human body detection unit and changing from the second consumption mode to the normal mode or the first low consumption mode. Can do.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the automatic washing apparatus which can suppress the power consumption in a standby state and can suppress the usability fall is provided.

It is the schematic which shows the toilet bowl provided with the automatic washing apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block block diagram which shows the function of the whole toilet bowl provided with the automatic washing apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the human body detection part of the automatic washing apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the controller concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the controller concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the third embodiment. It is a block block diagram which shows the function of the whole toilet bowl provided with the automatic washing apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the controller concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the controller concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the controller concerning 5th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described 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)
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic cleaning device 10 is installed in the toilet 1, for example. The automatic cleaning device 10 is a device that detects the presence of a user by the human body detection unit 3 and controls the electromagnetic valve 22 according to the detection result.

  The automatic cleaning device 10 is used by being attached to a toilet room, for example. The automatic cleaning device 10 detects the human body of the user by the human body detection unit 40, supplies water to the drain pipe, and performs automatic cleaning. Thereby, the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 drains the filth after using the toilet, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic cleaning device 10 opens and closes the electromagnetic valve 22 to take in water supplied from the stop valve 21 side and supply water into the toilet 30 via the generator 23. To do. Thereby, the filth in the toilet bowl is drained.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the human body detection unit 40 detects the presence of a human body. The human body detection unit 40 includes, for example, a light emitting unit 41 and a light receiving unit 42. For example, the light emitting unit 41 irradiates infrared light as detection light toward the light receiving unit 42, for example. The light receiving unit 42 receives the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 and outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of received light (brightness) of the infrared light. For the light emitting unit 41, for example, a light emitting diode or a laser diode is used. For the light receiving unit 42, for example, a photodiode is used. The detection light emitted by the light emitting unit 41 is not limited to infrared light, and may be visible light or the like.

  The human body detection unit 40 detects the presence of the user based on the light reception level (output voltage) of the light receiving unit 42. In the human body detection unit 40, for example, when the light emitted from the issuing unit is reflected by the human body and the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 42 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it can be detected that there is a human body. And when the light reception level of the light-receiving part 42 becomes less than a threshold value, it can detect that there is no human body.

  In this example, the human body detection unit 40 is a so-called photoelectric sensor. The human body detection unit 40 is not limited to this, and may be any sensor that can detect the user's human body. The human body detection unit 40 may be, for example, a reflective optical sensor, a distance measurement sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a microwave sensor.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F show an example of a control mode of the human body detection unit 40 by the controller 44.
4A, 4 </ b> C, and 4 </ b> E show the on state and the off state of the human body detection unit 40. On the other hand, FIGS. 4B, 4 </ b> D, and 4 </ b> F show the on state and the off state of the human body detection signal output from the detection unit 40 to the controller 44.

  Here, the ON state of the human body detection unit 40 is a state in which the human body detection unit 40 can detect a human body. The off state of the human body detection unit 40 is a state in which the human body detection unit 40 has lost the human body detection function.

  The off state of the human body detection unit 40 may be, for example, a state where only the power supply to the light emitting unit 41 is stopped and the light receiving unit 42 is operating normally. On the contrary, only the power supply to the light receiving unit 42 may be stopped, and the light emitting unit 41 may be in a normally operating state (a state in which detection light is irradiated). Thus, the off state of the detection unit 40 may be a state in which the power supply to at least a part of the detection unit 40 is stopped and the human body detection function is lost.

  The on state of the human body detection signal is a state where a human body is detected. The OFF state of the human body detection signal is a state where no human body is detected. That is, the ON state of the human body detection signal is a detection state of the human body, and the OFF state of the human body detection signal is a non-detection state of the human body.

  In this example, when the light receiving unit 42 receives the detection light of the light emitting unit 41, the human body detection signal is turned on, and when any of the detection light of the light emitting unit 41 is blocked, the human body detection signal is turned off. It becomes. Further, when the detection unit 40 is in the off state, the human body detection signal is in the off state. As described above, the detection unit 40 detects a human body, and controls a human body detection signal having an off state (non-detection state) indicating non-detection of the human body and an on-state (detection state) indicating detection of the human body. 44.

  FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show an example of a normal mode operation performed by the controller 44 at a normal time. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the controller 44 periodically repeats the ON state and the OFF state of the human body detection unit 40 when the human body detection signal is in the OFF state. Thereby, compared with the case where the human body detection part 40 is always set to ON state, the power consumption in the human body detection part 40 can be suppressed.

  The controller 44 starts measuring a predetermined time when the human body detection signal is switched from the off state to the on state. The controller 44 determines that there is a human body when the human body detection signal remains on for a predetermined time. In other words, the detection of the human body is confirmed. When the human body detection signal is turned on, the controller 44 continues the on state of the human body detection unit 40 until the human body detection signal is turned off.

  The controller 44 continues to turn on the human body detection signal for a predetermined time, and after the human body detection signal has changed from the on state to the off state, opens the electromagnetic valve 22 and supplies water to the drain pipe.

  Thereafter, the controller 44 returns to the operation of periodically switching the human body detection unit 40 between the on state and the off state.

  On the other hand, when the human body detection signal returns from the on state to the off state before the lapse of the predetermined time, the controller 44 periodically switches the human body detection unit 40 between the on state and the off state without driving the electromagnetic valve 22. Return to the action of switching to. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to invasion of insects and the like. For example, unnecessary operations of the automatic cleaning device 10 can be suppressed.

Here, the on-state time when the human body detection unit 40 is repeatedly turned on and off in the normal mode is defined as a first on-time T _ON1 , and the off-state time is _defined as a first off-time T _OFF1 . In the normal mode, a predetermined time measured when the human body detection signal is switched from the off state to the on state is defined as a first on delay time T _delay1 .

The first on time T _ON1 is, for example, 20 ms (milliseconds). The first off time T _OFF1 is, for example, 200 ms. The first on-delay time T _delay1 is, for example, 500 ms. Thus, the first off time T _OFF1 is longer than the first on time T _ON1 . The first on delay time T _delay1 is longer than the first on time T _ON1 . The first on-delay time T _delay1 is longer than the first off-time T _OFF1 .

For example, when the user holds his / her hand on the human body detection unit in a state where the human body detection unit 40 is in the on state, the waiting time of the user until the cleaning of the toilet is started is the first on-delay time T. only _delay1 .

On the other hand, when the user holds the human body while the human body detection unit 40 is in the off state, the waiting time of the _user is the sum of the remaining time of the first off time T _OFF1 and the first on delay time T _delay1. Become. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the maximum waiting time T _dmax1 of the user in the normal mode is T _OFF1 + T _delay1 when the human body detection unit 40 detects the human body at the timing of switching to the off state. It becomes the value of. The maximum waiting time T _dmax1 is, for example, 700 ms.

  FIGS. 4C and 4D show an example of the operation of the controller 44 in the first low consumption mode. The first low consumption mode is an operation mode in which the power consumption necessary for the operation of the human body detection unit 40 is lower than that in the normal mode.

  For example, the controller 44 switches from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous use of the automatic cleaning device 10. Thereby, for example, power consumption can be suppressed in a time zone in which the automatic cleaning device 10 is not used frequently such as at night. As described above, the controller 44 has two operation modes, ie, the normal mode and the first low consumption mode, regarding the operation of the human body detection unit 40. For example, an operation unit such as a changeover switch may be provided so that the normal mode and the first low consumption mode can be selectively switched.

As shown in FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 FIG. 4 (d), the controller 44, the first low consumption mode, the second on-time _{T ON2,} the second off-time _{T OFF2,} second on-delay time T _delay2 is set. In this example, the second on-time _{T ON2} is the same as the first on-time _{T ON1.} On the other hand, the second off time T _OFF2 is longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . Thus, in the first low consumption mode, the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . That is, in the first low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time is set higher than that in the normal mode. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress power consumption when the human body detection signal is turned off and the human body detection unit 40 is periodically turned on and off.

The second on-delay time T _delay2 is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . In this way, in the first low consumption mode, the second on-delay time T _delay2 is set shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, even when the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1, it is possible to suppress the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 from becoming too long.

The second on time T _ON2 is, for example, 20 ms. The second off time T _OFF2 is, for example, 400 ms. The second on-delay time T _delay2 is, for example, 400 ms. In this case, the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 in the first low consumption mode is 800 _ms of T _OFF2 + T _delay2 .

FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F show a reference example of the operation of the controller 44. In the operation of the reference example, only the off time is changed to the second off time T _OFF2 from the operation in the normal mode. That is, the operation of the reference example is an operation in which only the off time is increased without changing the on delay time. In this case, the maximum waiting time T _dmax is T _OFF2 + T _delay1 . T _dmax is, for example, 900 ms.

  As described above, in the operation in which only the off time is increased, the power consumption in the standby state when not in use can be suppressed, but the time from when the user holds the human body to when the operation is actually started becomes longer. There is a possibility that. For example, the user may be suspected of malfunctioning. As described above, in an operation in which only the off-time is extended, there is a possibility that the user may feel uncomfortable and the usability of the automatic cleaning device is reduced.

In contrast, in the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the first low consumption mode, the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1 and the second on delay time T _delay2 is set. It is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, in the automatic cleaning apparatus 10, the maximum waiting time _Tdmax2 can be shortened as compared with the case where only the off time is increased. Therefore, in the automatic cleaning apparatus 10, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the controller 44 of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 starts operating in the normal mode, first, the human body detection unit 40 is turned off (step S101).

After turning off the human body detection unit 40, the controller 44 performs time measurement using an internal timer, a clock, or the like, and whether or not the first off time T _OFF1 has elapsed from the timing when the human body detection unit 40 was turned off. Is determined (step S102).

When it is determined that the first off time T _OFF1 has not elapsed, the controller 44 continues the off state of the human body detection unit 40. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first off time T _OFF1 has elapsed, the controller 44 switches the human body detection unit 40 from the off state to the on state (step S103).

  After turning on the human body detection unit 40, the controller 44 determines whether or not the human body detection signal is on (step S104).

When the controller 44 determines that the human body detection signal is in the on state, the controller 44 subsequently determines whether or not the on state of the human body detection signal is continued for the first on-delay time T _delay1 (steps S105 and S106).

If the human body detection signal is switched from the on state to the off state before the first on-delay time T _delay1 elapses, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S101 and turns off the human body detection unit 40.

On the other hand, the controller 44 determines whether or not the ON state of the human body detection signal is continued for the first ON delay time T _delay1 and then the human body detection signal is switched to the OFF state (step S107). When the human body detection signal is turned off, the electromagnetic valve 22 is started to open (step S108). Thereby, the controller 44 supplies water to the drain pipe and performs toilet cleaning.

  When determining that the human body detection signal is not in the on state in step S104, the controller 44 determines whether or not the mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use of the automatic cleaning device 10 (step S109).

When it is determined that the mode switching time has not elapsed, the controller 44 subsequently determines whether or not the first on-time _TON1 has elapsed (step S110). If the controller 44 determines that the first on-time _TON1 has not elapsed, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first on-time _TON1 has elapsed, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S101 and turns off the human body detection unit 40.

  If the controller 44 determines in step S109 that the mode switching time has elapsed, the controller 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode (step S111).

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when starting the operation in the first low consumption mode, the controller 44 first turns off the human body detection unit 40 (step S201).

The controller 44 determines whether or not the second off time T _OFF2 has elapsed from the timing when the human body detection unit 40 is turned off after the human body detection unit 40 is turned off (step S202).

When the controller 44 determines that the second off time T _OFF2 has not elapsed, the controller 44 continues the off state of the human body detection unit 40. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second off time T _OFF2 has elapsed, the controller 44 _switches the human body detection unit 40 from the off state to the on state (step S203). At this time, the second off time T _OFF2 is longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . Thereby, in the first low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time can be made higher than in the normal mode, and the power consumption in the standby state can be suppressed as compared with the normal mode.

After turning on the human body detection unit 40, the controller 44 determines whether or not the human body detection signal is on (step S204). When the controller 44 determines that the human body detection signal is not in the on state, the controller 44 subsequently determines whether or not the second on time _TON2 has elapsed (step S205).

When the controller 44 determines that the second on-time _TON2 has not elapsed, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S204. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second on-time _TON2 has elapsed, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S201 and turns off the human body detection unit 40.

If the controller 44 determines in step S204 that the human body detection signal is on, then the controller 44 determines whether or not the human body detection signal is on for the second on-delay time T _delay2 (step S206, S207).

When the human body detection signal is switched from the on state to the off state before the second on-delay time T _delay2 elapses, the controller 44 returns to the operation of step S201 and turns off the human body detection unit 40.

On the other hand, the controller 44 determines whether or not the ON state of the human body detection signal is continued for the second ON delay time T _delay2 and then the human body detection signal is switched to the OFF state (step S208). When the human body detection signal is turned off, the opening of the electromagnetic valve 22 is started in the same manner as described above (step S209). At this time, the second on-delay time T _delay2 is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, even when the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1, it is possible to suppress the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 from becoming too long.

  Thereafter, the controller 44 returns the operation mode from the first low consumption mode to the normal mode, and resumes the operation of Step S101 in the normal mode (Step S210).

  Thus, in the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and suppress usability deterioration. The automatic cleaning apparatus 10 can achieve both low power consumption and good usability.

  5 and 6 show an example of switching from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode when the mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use of the automatic cleaning device 10. Switching from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode is not limited to the elapse of the mode switching time.

  For example, as described above, each mode may be selectively switched using an operation unit or the like. In the above embodiment, the normal mode is restored after the end of the first low consumption mode. For example, when each mode is selectively switched using the operation unit, the process may return to step S201 after step S212 in FIG. 7 and the operation in the first low consumption mode may be repeated.

In this example, the second on-time _{T ON2} is the first on-time _{T ON1} substantially the same, the second on-time _{T ON2} may be different from the first on-time _{T ON1.} For example, in the first low-consumption mode, the second on-time _{T ON2} may be shorter than the first on-time _{T ON1.} Thereby, for example, power consumption in the standby state can be further suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the second embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show an example of the operation in the normal mode of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D show an example of the operation of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment in the first low consumption mode.
Note that substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, in this example, the controller 44 determines that the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 in the first low consumption mode is substantially _equal to the maximum waiting time T _dmax1 in the normal mode. so that the same, set the second on-time _{T ON2} of the first low-consumption mode, the second off-time _{T OFF2,} a second on-delay time _{T delay2,} the. In this example, the sum of the second off time T _OFF2 and the second on delay time T _delay2 in the first low consumption mode is the sum of the first off time T _OFF1 and the first on delay time T _{delay1 in} the normal mode. It is substantially the same.

As described above, the first off time T _OFF1 is, for example, 200 ms, and the first on delay time T _delay1 is, for example, 500 ms. In this case, for example, the second off time T _OFF2 is set to 400 ms, and the second on delay time T _delay2 is set to 300 ms. Thus, the maximum waiting time _{T Dmax1} the normal mode, and the respective maximum waiting time _{T Dmax2} the first low-consumption mode can be substantially the same at 700 ms.

Thus, the maximum waiting time T _{dmax2 in} the first low consumption mode is _set to be substantially the same as the maximum waiting time T _dmax1 in the normal mode. Thereby, for example, the usability of the automatic cleaning device 10 in the first low consumption mode can be made substantially the same as the usability in the normal mode. For example, the uncomfortable feeling given to the user can be further suppressed. Further, when the on-delay on the long side has elapsed, the time of the non-detection state may be changed to be short, or the time of the off state of the detection unit may be shortened. Thereby, the fall of a user's usability can be suppressed.

The maximum waiting time _{T Dmax1} the normal mode and the first low-consumption mode of the maximum waiting time _{T Dmax2,} may not match exactly. For example, the absolute value of the difference between T _dmax1 and T _dmax2 is set to 10 ms or less. _Thus, it is possible to suppress the difference between the _{T Dmax1} and _{T Dmax2} from being felt by the user. That is, it is possible to appropriately suppress a sense of discomfort given to the user and appropriately suppress a decrease in usability.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E show an example of the operation in the normal mode of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, in this example, the controller 44 has a normal state and a power saving state. The normal state is, for example, an active mode in a microcomputer, and is a state in which each part of the automatic cleaning device 10 can be normally controlled. The normal state is, for example, a state in which the control described in the above embodiments is possible. The power saving state is a state in which, for example, some operations such as the STOP mode and the HALT mode in the microcomputer are stopped, and the power consumption in the controller 44 is reduced from the normal state. The power saving state is, for example, a state in which execution of the control described in each of the above embodiments becomes impossible due to the stop of some functions.

  The controller 44 periodically repeats the normal state and the power saving state in a standby state where no human body is detected.

For example, the controller 44 sets the human body detection unit 40 to the on state in the normal state, and switches the human body detection unit 40 from the on state to the off state after the first on-time _TON1 has elapsed. After switching the human body detection unit 40 to the off state, the controller 44 switches from the normal state to the power saving state.

Then, the controller 44, before the lapse of the first off-time T _OFF1, switches from the power saving state to the normal state, the ON state the hand detecting portion 40 in response from the OFF state to the lapse of the first off-time T _OFF1 Switch.

  Hereinafter, in the standby state, the controller 44 repeats the above processing to periodically switch the human body detection unit 40 between the on state and the off state, and periodically switches between the normal state and the power saving state. On the other hand, when a human body is detected by the human body detection unit 40, the controller 44 continues the normal state and the on state of the human body detection unit 40, and controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 22 as described in the above embodiments. .

  As described above, the controller 44 overlaps the period of the human body detection unit 40 in the normal state and the period of the power saving state in the period of the human body detection unit 40 in the off state. That is, the controller 44 sets the human body detection unit 40 to the on state within the period of the normal state, and sets itself to the power saving state within the period of the off state of the human body detection unit 40. For example, the controller 44 synchronizes the period of the normal state with the period of the on state of the human body detection unit 40 and synchronizes the period of the power saving state with the period of the off state of the human body detection unit 40.

  Thus, when the human body detection unit 40 is in the off state, the controller 44 is set in the power saving state. Thereby, the power consumption in a standby state can be suppressed more. In this example, an example is shown in which the controller 44 is placed in the power saving state during the normal mode. Similarly, the controller 44 periodically repeats the normal state and the power saving state even in the first low power consumption mode. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed more.

  Switching between the normal state and the power saving state of the controller 44 may be performed only in one of the normal mode and the first low consumption mode. That is, the controller 44 only needs to be able to switch between the normal state and the power saving state in at least one of the normal mode and the first low consumption mode.

  For example, the controller 44 switches the human body detection unit 40 from the off state to the on state immediately after switching from the power saving state to the normal state. Then, for example, the controller 44 switches from the normal state to the power saving state immediately after switching the human body detection unit 40 from the on state to the off state.

  The time from the switching timing of the controller 44 to the normal state to the switching timing of the human body detection unit 40 to the on state is, for example, 0.1 ms or more and 1 ms or less. The time from the switching timing of the human body detection unit 40 to the OFF state to the switching timing of the controller 44 to the power saving state is, for example, 0.1 ms or more and 1 ms or less. Thereby, the power consumption in the controller 44 in the standby state can be appropriately suppressed while appropriately controlling the switching of the human body detection unit 40.

  For example, the switching of the human body detection unit 40 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the controller 44 from the normal state to the power saving state may be substantially simultaneous. On the other hand, when the human body detection unit 40 is switched to the on state, it is preferable to start up the controller 44 as quickly as possible, for example, for the time required to stabilize the operation of the controller 44.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the automatic cleaning apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, the automatic cleaning apparatus 100 further includes a mode changeover switch 65 and a timer 66.

  The mode switch 65 is connected to the controller 44. For example, the mode switch 65 has an operation unit that can be operated by the user, and inputs a switching signal corresponding to the operation of the operation unit to the controller 44.

  The timer 66 is provided in the controller 44. The timer 66 counts time and inputs time information to the controller 44. The timer 66 may be externally attached to the controller 44. The time information may be received from an external device, for example.

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the controller according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10F, in this example, the controller 44 further includes a second low consumption mode. In the second low consumption mode, the controller 44 sets a third on time T _ON3 , a third off time T _OFF3, and a third on delay time T _delay3 . In this example, the third on-time _{T ON3} is the same as the first on-time _{T ON1} and second on-time _{T ON2.} On the other hand, the third off time T _OFF3 is longer than the second off time T _OFF2 . The third off time T _OFF3 is, for example, about 800 ms to 1000 ms.

In the second low consumption mode, the third off time T _OFF3 is made longer than the second off time T _OFF2 of the first low consumption mode. That is, in the second low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time is made higher than that in the first low consumption mode. Thereby, when the second low consumption mode is set, the power consumption in the standby state can be further suppressed than in the first low consumption mode.

The third on-delay time T _delay3 is, for example, the same as the second on-delay time T _delay2 . Accordingly, in the second low consumption mode, the maximum waiting time T _dmax3 is longer than the maximum waiting time T _{dmax2 in} the first low consumption mode. The second low power consumption mode is, for example, an operation mode that allows an increase in waiting time and increases the power consumption suppression effect.

The third on delay time T _delay3 may be different from the second on delay time T _delay2 . The third on delay time T _delay3 may be longer or shorter than the second on delay time T _delay2 . The third on-delay time _Tdelay3 may be the same as the first on-delay time _Tdelay1 , for example. The third on-time _{T ON3} may be different from the first on-time _{T ON1} and second on-time _{T ON2.}

  The mode switch 65 is used for switching between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode. For example, the controller 44 switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode in accordance with a switching signal from the mode changeover switch 65. For example, the mode switch 65 may be configured to further select the normal mode.

  For example, in the automatic cleaning device 10 installed in a toilet room of an office building, there are times when the usage frequency is extremely reduced, such as late at night or on holidays. In such a time zone, the automatic cleaning device 10 is set to the second low consumption mode by operating the mode changeover switch 65 or the like. Thereby, power consumption can be further suppressed while suppressing a decrease in usability of the automatic cleaning device 10.

  For example, the automatic cleaning device 10 is provided with a notification unit for notifying that the second low consumption mode is set, and when the second low consumption mode is set, the human body is detected longer. The user may be prompted. The notification unit may be any member capable of notification, such as a display for notification by characters or a speaker for notification by voice.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the controller according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 11, steps S301 to S310 are substantially the same as steps S101 to S110 described with respect to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, when it is determined in step S309 that the mode switching time has elapsed, the controller 44 determines whether to switch to the second low consumption mode based on a predetermined switching condition (step S309). S311).

  For example, the controller 44 determines using the switching signal of the mode switch 65 as a switching condition. When the first low consumption mode is set by the mode switch 65, the controller 44 determines to switch to the first low consumption mode. On the other hand, when the second low consumption mode is set by the mode switch 65, the controller 44 determines to switch to the second low consumption mode.

  When the controller 44 determines to switch to the first low consumption mode, the controller 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode (step S312). For example, the controller 44 executes the process described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first low consumption mode.

  On the other hand, when determining to switch to the second low consumption mode, the controller 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the second low consumption mode (step S313). Since the processing flow in the second low consumption mode is substantially the same as the processing flow in the first low consumption mode, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the controller 44 is further provided with the second low consumption mode. Thereby, for example, the power consumption in the standby state of the automatic cleaning device 10 can be further suppressed. Moreover, the usability of the automatic cleaning device 10 can be further improved by enabling switching between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode.

  In the above embodiment, the switching signal from the mode switch 65 is the switching condition for determining whether to switch to the second low consumption mode. The switching condition is not limited to this, and may be any condition that can be determined for switching.

  For example, using the time information of the timer 66 as a switching condition, it is determined to switch to the first low consumption mode in a first time zone such as daytime (for example, from 7:00 to 21:00), and a second time such as nighttime is determined. In the band (for example, from 21:00 to 7:00 on the next day), switching to the second low consumption mode may be determined.

  For example, the usage frequency of the automatic cleaning device 10 may be stored in the storage unit based on the time information of the timer 66, and the time zone with the high usage frequency or the time zone with the low usage frequency may be automatically learned. For example, every time the automatic cleaning apparatus 10 is used, the controller 44 accumulates the use time in the storage unit as use frequency information related to the use frequency of the automatic cleaning apparatus 10. Switching to the second low consumption mode may be determined based on this usage frequency information. That is, when the time at which it is determined whether or not to switch to the second low consumption mode is a time at which the use frequency is high in the use frequency information, the switch to the first low consumption mode is determined and the use frequency information When it is a time of low usage frequency, it may be determined to switch to the second low consumption mode. For example, date and day information may be included in the time information of the timer 66 so that a time zone that is frequently used for each date or day of the week can be determined.

  For example, a first mode switching time and a second mode switching time longer than the first mode switching time are prepared, and the first low consumption mode is set when the first mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use. In addition, the second low consumption mode may be set when the second mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use.

  Further, the number of low-consumption modes is not limited to two, and three or more low-consumption modes may be provided with different on-time, off-time, and on-delay time settings.

(Fifth embodiment)
12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the controller according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows a modification of the operation in the first low consumption mode. FIG. 13 shows a modification of the operation in the second low consumption mode. As described above, in FIGS. 12 and 13, a modified example of the operation in the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode is illustrated as the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 44 detects the human body by the human body detection unit 40, the passage of the second on-delay time T _delay2 , and the change of the human body detection signal from the on state to the off state. After the opening drive is started, it is determined whether or not the human body detection signal is on for a predetermined time or longer (step S409). In FIG. 12, steps S401 to S409 are substantially the same as steps S201 to S209 described with reference to FIG.

  For example, the controller 44 compares the time from when the electromagnetic valve 22 is opened in Step S406 to Step S409 (the time when the human body detection signal is on) with a predetermined time. Thereby, the controller 44 determines whether or not the ON state time of the human body detection signal is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

  If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the controller 44 returns the operation mode from the first low consumption mode to the normal mode, and resumes the operation in the normal mode (step S411). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is less than the predetermined time, the controller 44 returns to step S401 and continues the operation in the first low consumption mode.

  If the human body detection signal is on for less than a predetermined time, it may be a malfunction when, for example, an insect covers the human body detection unit. Therefore, when the time when the human body detection signal is on is less than the predetermined time, the first low consumption mode is continued. Thereby, it can suppress that it returns to normal mode by malfunctioning and power consumption becomes high, for example.

  The predetermined time for determining the ON state time of the human body detection signal is, for example, 2 seconds. The controller 44 returns to the normal mode when the operation time from the previous cleaning is 2 seconds or more, and continues the first low consumption mode when the ON state of the human body detection signal is less than 2 seconds. .

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the second low consumption mode, the controller 44 performs the open time of the human body detection signal after the electromagnetic valve 22 is opened in the same manner as in the first low consumption mode. It is determined whether or not this is the case. Then, the controller 44 returns the operation mode from the second low consumption mode to the normal mode if it is longer than the predetermined time, and continues the operation in the second low consumption mode if it is less than the predetermined time. Thereby, also in 2nd low consumption mode, the increase in the power consumption resulting from malfunctioning can be suppressed.

  For example, when the first mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use, the first low consumption mode is set, and when the second mode switching time has elapsed, the second low consumption mode is set. It is conceivable to gradually change from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode and from the first low consumption mode to the second low consumption mode. In such a case, for example, when it is determined that the ON state time of the human body detection signal is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the second low consumption mode may be returned to the first low consumption mode.

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, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the automatic cleaning apparatuses 10, 100, 200, 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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic washing apparatus, 1 Toilet bowl, 3, 40 Human body detection part, 21 Water stop valve 22 Solenoid valve, 23 Generator, 44 Controller, 41 Light emission part, 42 Light reception part, 65 Changeover switch, 66 Timer

Claims (6)

A detection unit that performs detection of a human body of the user and outputs a detection signal having a non-detection state indicating non-detection of a human body and a detection state indicating a human body detection state;
The detection unit is periodically switched between an on state and an off state, the detection state of the detection signal is continued for a predetermined time, and the cleaning unit is operated when the detection signal is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state Having a controller, and
The on state is a state in which the detection unit can detect the human body,
The period off state is a state in which power supply to at least a part of the detection unit is stopped, and the detection unit loses the human body detection function,
The controller sets the off-time and the on-delay time different from the first mode when the off-state time is the off-time and the predetermined time when the cleaning unit is operated is the on-delay time. With low consumption mode,
The off time in the first low consumption mode is longer than the off time in the normal mode, and the on delay time in the first low consumption mode is shorter than the on delay time in the normal mode. Automatic cleaning device.   The automatic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sum of the off time and the on delay time in the first consumption mode is the same as a sum of the off time and the on delay time in the normal mode.   The controller has a normal state and a power saving state by stopping some operations and reducing power consumption than the normal state, and periodically switching between the normal state and the power saving state The automatic cleaning apparatus, wherein the power saving state period is overlapped with the off state period of the detection unit.   The controller further includes a second low consumption mode, wherein the off time in the second low consumption mode is longer than the off time in the first low consumption mode, and the controller is configured to respond to a predetermined switching condition. An automatic cleaning apparatus that switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode.   When the operation time of the cleaning unit is a predetermined time or longer when the operation of the cleaning unit is stopped in the first low consumption mode, the controller switches from the first low consumption mode to the normal mode. Thus, when the operation time of the cleaning unit is less than a predetermined time, the first low consumption mode is continued.   When the operation time of the cleaning unit is a predetermined time or more when the operation of the cleaning unit is stopped in the second low consumption mode, the controller switches from the second low consumption mode to the normal mode or The automatic cleaning apparatus is configured to continue the second low consumption mode when the first low consumption mode is set and the operation time of the cleaning unit is less than a predetermined time.

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