JP2019056272A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a faucet device capable of performing a display that can give some meaning to a water flow.SOLUTION: A desired pattern is displayed on a bubble mixed water flow with respect to the bubble mixed water flow by projecting light from a display unit 13 from the back side of the bubble mixed water flow discharged from a discharge port 9b. For example, a pattern formed on a pattern board 15 can be displayed on the bubble mixed water flow by transmitting the light to the display unit 13 through an optical fiber 12 and projecting the light through the pattern board 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet device, and is particularly suitable for application to an automatic faucet device that detects the approach of a part of a user such as a hand and automatically discharges water.

  Conventionally, Patent Literature 1 proposes a faucet device with an illumination function that performs illumination by illuminating a water flow. For example, a beautiful water flow is created by irradiating light through an optical fiber from the back side of the water flow discharged from the discharge port of the faucet and causing a part or all of the water flow to shine in the vicinity of the discharge port.

JP 2000-336710 A

  However, since the faucet device shown in Patent Document 1 merely illuminates part or all of the water flow, it can only express the beauty of the water flow.

  An object of this invention is to provide the water faucet device which can perform the display which can give a certain meaning with respect to a water flow in view of the said point.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a faucet device for flowing water, wherein the faucet case (9) having a discharge port (9b) for discharging water is discharged from the discharge port. And a display unit (11, 12, 13, 18, 21 to 23) for displaying at least one of characters, symbols, and figures by projecting the water flow.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to display at least one of characters, symbols, and figures with respect to the water flow from the discharge port. Therefore, it is possible to provide a faucet device that does not simply shine the water flow, but can display something that can satisfy some meaning with respect to the water flow and can directly transmit it to the user.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means shows an example of a corresponding relationship with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is the figure which showed the mode when displaying on a water flow with the faucet device shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of a bubble mixed part. It is IV-IV sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view of a pattern board. It is an enlarged view of the area | region R of FIG. 5 in the case of comprising a pattern board by stamping a metal plate. It is a front view of a cover when a water flow is generated. It is the figure which showed the mode of the water flow discharged from the side surface and the bubble mixing part of the cover. It is a bottom view of a cover. It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a bottom view of a display unit. It is a front view of a display unit. It is the figure which showed the mode when displaying on a water flow with the faucet device shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 4th embodiment. It is the figure which showed the mode when it displayed on a water flow with the faucet device shown in FIG. It is the table | surface which showed the content which can be displayed when a 7-core fiber is used. It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 5th embodiment. It is the figure which showed the mode when displaying on a water flow with the faucet device shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the section composition of the faucet device concerning a 6th embodiment. It is the figure which showed the mode when it displayed on a water flow with the faucet device shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other will be described with the same reference numerals.

(First embodiment)
A faucet device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the faucet device, the left and right direction when viewed from the front side of the faucet device, the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. .

  The faucet device shown in FIG. 1 is attached to, for example, a washbasin or a washstand (not shown), and is used to discharge a water flow into the washbasin based on water supplied from a water supply pipe. Here, as an example of the faucet device, an automatic faucet device that automatically discharges water by detecting the approach of a part of a user such as a hand will be described as an example. It may be a manual faucet device in which is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device includes a water supply pipe 1, a solenoid valve 2, a generator 3, a water supply hose 4, a controller 5, a light emitter 6, a light receiver 7, an optical fiber 8, a water faucet case 9, and air bubbles mixed Part 10, light emitter 11, optical fiber 12, display unit 13, and the like. In the present embodiment, among these components, the light emitter 11, the optical fiber 12, and the display unit 13 constitute a display unit that performs display by light projection. The water supply pipe 1, the electromagnetic valve 2, the generator 3, the controller 5, the light emitter 6, and the light receiver 7 are integrated as a function main body 100.

  The water supply pipe 1 is composed of a pipe-like member, one end is connected to a water pipe or the like, and the other end is connected to a water supply hose 4, and the tap water supplied from the water pipe is guided to the water supply hose 4.

  The solenoid valve 2 controls ON / OFF of water supply, that is, communication / blocking of the water supply pipe 1, and is controlled by the controller 5. For example, the solenoid valve 2 is normally cut off, but when approaching by the user's hand or the like is detected as will be described later, the drive signal is output from the controller 5 to switch to the communication state. Thereby, the water supply pipe 1 is brought into a communication state, and tap water is guided to the water supply hose 4.

  The generator 3 is provided in the water supply pipe 1, generates power based on the flow of water when water is supplied from the water supply pipe 1, and generates electric power consumed by the controller 5. For example, the generator 3 includes a water wheel, a magnet, and a coil (not shown), the magnet is coaxially connected to the water wheel, and the coil is installed outside the magnet. When the electromagnetic valve 2 is in communication and water flows into the water supply pipe 1, the water wheel is rotated by the water flow. Then, when the magnet is rotated together with the water wheel, power is generated by generating an induced electromotive force in a coil installed outside the magnet.

  Here, the electric power required for the automatic faucet device is obtained by the power generation of the generator 3, but the faucet is not provided with the generator 3, but with another power supply unit such as a battery. You may make it obtain electric power required as an apparatus.

  The water supply hose 4 is made of a deformable rubber material or the like, and is disposed in the faucet case 9 by being deformed along the shape of the faucet case 9. One end of the water supply hose 4 is connected to the water supply pipe 1, and the other end is connected to the bubble mixing part 10. For this reason, the tap water led from the water supply pipe 1 is led to the bubble mixing part 10 through the water supply hose 4.

  The controller 5 controls the discharge of water in the faucet device and controls the irradiation of the water flow by the faucet device with light. The controller 5 is provided with a light emitter 6, a light receiver 7, and a light emitter 11. In addition, although not shown, a storage battery for storing power generated by the generator 3, a control my computer, and other electronic components are not shown. Etc. are provided.

  The light emitter 6 is used as a light source for detecting an object that generates sensing light for detecting the approach of a user's hand, for example. The light emitted from the light emitter 6 is output from the tip of the faucet case 9 to the outside through the optical fiber 8. For example, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) that outputs visible light having a wavelength near 650 nm is used for the light emitter 6. The reason why visible light having a wavelength of about 650 nm is used is that, as will be described later, light transmittance is relatively good when a plastic fiber is used as the optical fiber 8, and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiver 7 is high. It is.

  The light receiver 7 is for detecting an object. When the light output from the light emitter 6 is reflected by a user's hand or the like, a part of the reflected light returns through the optical fiber 8 for light reception. The object is detected by receiving the light. The light receiver 7 outputs a detection signal indicating that an object has been detected when the amount of received light is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the light receiver 7 is packaged with a signal processing circuit or the like to be integrated into an integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as IC). It is made up of photo IC etc.

  The optical fiber 8 guides the light emitted from the light emitter 6 to the tip of the faucet case 9 and outputs the light toward the outside, and a part of the reflected light from the user's hand or the like. A light receiving optical fiber 8 b led from the tip of the faucet case 9 to the light receiver 7 is constituted. The optical fiber 8 is made of, for example, a plastic fiber. As described above, since the optical fiber 8 is made of a plastic fiber, it is inexpensive and can withstand bending of a small diameter, so that it can be easily accommodated in the small faucet case 9. .

  When a part of the reflected light of the light output from the light emitter 6 returns to the light receiver 7, the controller 5 performs signal processing on the photo IC that constitutes the light receiver 7, and the received light amount of the reflected light is predetermined. If the value is greater than or equal to the value, a detection signal indicating that an object has been detected is output. The microcomputer outputs a drive command signal for the electromagnetic valve 2 based on this detection signal, so that the electromagnetic valve 2 is turned on for a predetermined period, that is, communicated, so that water flows from the water supply pipe 1 to the water supply hose 4. It has become.

  The faucet case 9 is a part constituting the outer shape of the part that supplies water in the faucet device. The faucet case 9 is formed of a tubular member having a hollow inside, and is attached to a washstand or a washbasin. In the case of the present embodiment, the faucet case 9 has a structure having a connection portion 9a, a discharge port 9b, a tip portion 9c, and the like.

  The connection part 9a is a part attached to a washstand etc., for example, is attached to a washstand etc. by screwing etc., and stands up from a washstand upwards.

  The discharge port 9b is an outlet for discharging water guided through the water supply hose 4 disposed in the hollow portion of the faucet case 9. Water is discharged from the discharge port 9b and flows into the washbasin. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the discharge port 9 b has a flat shape that is wider in the lateral direction than in the depth direction.

  The distal end portion 9c is connected to the connection portion 9a, and is a portion that directs the discharge port 9b from the connection portion 9a toward the front side, that is, toward the user side of the faucet device. In the case of the present embodiment, the distal end portion 9c is bent toward the near side from the connecting portion 9a and then bent further downward or obliquely downward. Hereinafter, a portion of the tip portion 9c that is directed downward or obliquely downward is referred to as a downward portion 9e. Since the tip of the downward portion 9e is a discharge port 9b, the discharge port 9b is directed downward or obliquely downward. In the case of the present embodiment, the display unit 13 is disposed on the back surface of the downward portion 9e, that is, the surface opposite to the user.

  The bubble mixing unit 10 is connected to the tip of the water supply hose 4 and generates water mixed with bubbles by mixing water and air supplied from the water supply hose 4 and discharges the water from the discharge port 9b. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the bubble mixing part 10 is configured to include a spout case 10a and a bubble unit 10b.

  The spout case 10 a is a hollow tubular member, and includes a housing portion 10 aa for housing the bubble unit 10 b and a cylindrical portion 10 ab connected to the water supply hose 4.

  The accommodating portion 10aa is formed in a flat shape whose size is larger than that in the depth direction in the lateral direction, here, an elongated column shape, and accommodates the bubble unit 10b with the internal space as the accommodating space. Further, an air introduction hole 10ac is formed in a part of the accommodating portion 10aa, for example, one surface in the depth direction, so that air can be introduced into the internal space.

  The cylindrical portion 10ab is formed on one end side of the accommodating portion 10aa. For example, the water supply hose 4 and the spout case 10a are connected by fitting the water supply hose 4 into the cylindrical portion 10ab.

  The bubble unit 10b is obtained by unitizing each part for mixing air into the water supplied from the water supply hose 4. The bubble unit 10b generates a water flow that is thin in the depth direction and wide in the left-right direction so that a bright and clear display can be performed. Specifically, the bubble unit 10b includes a nozzle 10ba, a mesh 10bb, a current plate 10bc, a foam case 10bd, and an O-ring 10be.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 10 ba is formed by opening a plurality of holes in a horizontal row on an oval plate material, narrowing the water flow from the water supply hose 4, increasing the flow rate, and discharging water To do. Thus, by using the nozzle 10ba having a plurality of holes opened in a horizontal row, it is possible to generate a thin, uniform and wide area water flow.

  The mesh 10bb is for entraining fine air into the water coming out of the nozzle 10ba to generate a bubble-mixed water flow. In the case of the present embodiment, the mesh 10bb is configured by molding a resin oval plate material into a mesh shape, and the two are arranged side by side in series, so that finer air can be added to the water. Entrainment is possible.

  The rectifying plate 10bc rectifies and discharges the water flow mixed with bubbles. The water discharged from the rectifying plate 10bc is output toward the user as a bubble-mixed water flow discharged from the discharge port 9b. In the case of the present embodiment, the rectifying plate is also constituted by a resin-made oval plate material molded into a lattice shape.

  The foam case 10bd accommodates and integrates the nozzle 10ba, the mesh 10bb, and the current plate 10bc. In the case of the present embodiment, the foam case 10bd is formed in a long columnar shape, and the nozzle 10ba, the mesh 10bb, and the current plate 10bc are disposed therein. It may be formed by molding. Further, an air introduction hole 10bf is formed in the foam case 10bd. The air introduction hole 10bf is connected to the air introduction hole 10ac of the housing portion 10aa, and air is introduced between the nozzle 10ba and the mesh 10bb in the foam case 10bd through the air introduction holes 10ac and 10bf. Yes. More specifically, when the water flows out from the nozzle 10ba more vigorously, the space on the outlet side of the nozzle 10ba becomes a negative pressure, the air is sucked from the air introduction holes 10ac, 10bf, and the air is caught in the water discharged from the nozzle 10ba. .

  In this way, the bubble mixing unit 10 is configured. Since the nozzle 10ba, the mesh 10bb, the rectifying plate 10bc, and the like have a flat shape, the bubble-containing water flow that passes through the bubble mixing portion 10 and is discharged from the discharge port 9b also has a flat shape. And since it is set as the bubble mixing water flow which mixed the bubble in water in this way, the water splash at the time of a user washing with water can be suppressed. Further, as will be described later, the light projected from the display unit 13 is scattered by the bubbles, so that the light can be visually recognized more clearly. Moreover, water is whitened by making it into a bubble mixed water flow, and it can also make the projected light stand out more.

  Furthermore, since the holes of the nozzles 10ba are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction so that the bubble-containing water flow is discharged in a flat shape, the water flow width becomes wide even with a small flow rate, and is projected from the display unit 13 in a large area. It is possible to perform display with light. Further, since the thickness of the water flow can be reduced, the attenuation of light can be reduced, and a brighter and clearer display can be achieved. Experimentally, when the thickness of the water flow is 2 to 10 mm, a particularly bright and clear display can be performed based on light passing through the optical fiber 12 described later. For this reason, the thickness of the water flow is set to be 2 to 10 mm based on the relationship between the amount of water in the automatic water faucet, the number of holes formed in the nozzle 10ba, and the hole diameter.

  The light emitter 11 is a light source that outputs light used for display by the display unit 13. For example, a known visible light LED is used for the light emitter 11. The light emitter 11 is controlled by the controller 5 and is driven with a detection signal when the approach of the user is detected as a drive signal, and emits light only during the water discharge period by the automatic water faucet. Therefore, when the water is not discharged, that is, when the water faucet device is not used, the light emitter 11 is lit and no unnecessary power is consumed.

  The optical fiber 12 guides the light output from the light emitter 11 serving as a light source to the display unit 13. For example, the optical fiber 12 is made of a plastic fiber or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 9 ca corresponding to the first opening is formed at a position where the display unit 13 to be described later is provided in the distal end portion 9 c of the faucet case 9, that is, on the inner surface. Yes. Similarly, an opening 13aa corresponding to the second opening is formed at a position attached to the faucet case 9 in a case 13a of the display unit 13 to be described later. Since the optical fiber 12 is guided into the display unit 13 from the faucet case 9 by being inserted into the openings 9ca and 13aa, the optical fiber 12 is not exposed to the outside and the aesthetics are not impaired. It is like that.

  The display unit 13 irradiates the bubble-mixed water flow discharged from the discharge port 9b with light to display at least one of characters, symbols, and figures. As described above, since the light from the light source is guided to the display unit 13 using the optical fiber 12, the display unit 13 includes components necessary for light emission and light emission control such as a light emitter and a printed circuit board. It is not done. For this reason, high reliability can be ensured even in the display unit 13 in which water easily enters, and miniaturization is possible. In the present embodiment, since the display unit 13 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port 9b, the distance to the water stream is short, and the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 is not attenuated so much and bright and clear light is emitted. It is possible to irradiate the water stream. Further, since the display unit 13 is arranged on the back side of the water flow, the display can be performed from the back side of the water flow, the display does not disturb the user's vision and rises with respect to the water flow. Can be.

  Specifically, the display unit 13 is configured such that the mirror 14 and the symbol board 15 are disposed in the case 13a, and the cover 16 is attached to the case 13a.

  For example, the outer shape of the case 13a is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the mirror 14 and the symbol board 15 are accommodated in the internal space.

  The mirror 14 changes the light irradiation angle so that the light output from the optical fiber 12 is irradiated toward the symbol plate 15. For example, the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 generally has a conical shape with an emission angle of 60 ° due to the relationship between the core and the clad when the optical fiber 12 is made of a plastic fiber. For this reason, the irradiation position of the light when irradiating the symbol board 15 can be adjusted by changing the angle of the emitted light of the optical fiber 12 by the mirror 14 and guiding it to the symbol board 15. In addition, the light emission direction by the optical fiber 12 can be prevented from being restricted, and the light can be projected from the back surface of the water flow without taking a place, so that the display unit 13 can be downsized. In addition, it is preferable that the irradiation angle of the light changed by the mirror 14 is a direction in which the optical axis is perpendicular to the symbol board 15 and toward the eyes of the user in front. By doing so, an image similar to the design of the design board 15 can be displayed in the water stream, and the user can visually recognize the image as it is.

  The symbol board 15 is a board in which at least one of characters, symbols, and figures is described as a symbol. Here, the symbol plate 15 is a plate that transmits light at the symbol part. By using such a symbol board 15, an arbitrary display can be easily created. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the symbol board 15 is configured by a board on which “Hinomaru” which is a Japanese flag and “JAPAN” which is an English character notation are performed. The pattern board 15 is one type, but a plurality of types may be prepared and switched automatically or manually.

  For example, the pattern plate 15 is formed by applying a light shielding material to a transparent glass plate or the like by printing or the like. In the example of FIG. 5, the symbol board 15 is configured by applying a light shielding material to portions other than the contents to be displayed. Further, the pattern plate 15 is also configured by punching a substrate made of a light shielding material, for example, a metal plate by etching or the like. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, if a plurality of holes are formed in a dot shape, various contents can be displayed. When the light reflected by the mirror 14 is irradiated from the back surface side of such a pattern board 15, the light passes through a portion other than the light shielding material, and is irradiated to the back surface of the bubble mixed water flow discharged from the discharge port 9b. Is done. As a result, the contents to be displayed in the water flow, in the case of this embodiment, the characters “Hinomaru” and “JAPAN” are displayed. In addition, by projecting light from the back of the bubble-containing water stream, the brightest light can be delivered to the user, and the white water stream can be seen as if the design is floating.

  The cover 16 is for preventing the splash of water generated when water is discharged from the discharge port 9 b from adhering to the symbol board 15. By protecting the display unit 13 with the cover 16, it becomes possible to perform clear display over a long period of time. For example, the cover 16 is made of a transparent acrylic plate or the like. If the spray adheres to the pattern board 15, a clear display by the projected light may not be performed. For this reason, the cover 16 suppresses the adhesion of the splash to the symbol board 15, thereby enabling a clear display. In addition, since the cover 16 should just be transparent in the part which permeate | transmits the light projected from the symbol board 15, it is not necessary to be transparent about the other part.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the cover 16 has a bottom surface 16a that extends in the width direction of the water flow discharged from the discharge port 9b, and is provided on both sides of the bottom surface 16a and is directed to the near side in the depth direction from the bottom surface 16a. It has the side wall 16b and the support part 16c arrange | positioned at the back surface side of the bottom face 16a.

  The bottom surface 16a is a smooth surface such as a flat surface and is a surface along the direction of water flow. As shown in FIG. 1, when the water flow discharged from the discharge port 9b goes obliquely downward, the bottom surface 16a is also inclined so as to be a surface along the direction. And the bottom face 16a is arrange | positioned so that the back | inner side of a water flow may be touched. In this way, the turbulence of the water flow can be suppressed by forming the bottom surface 16a as a smooth surface so as to be a surface along the back side of the water flow and just in contact with the back side of the water flow. Further, the bottom surface 16a is washed away every time water is discharged from the discharge port 9b due to the water flow coming into contact with the bottom surface 16a. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt, and it is also possible to suppress the spray from adhering to the portion of the bottom surface 16a through which light passes, as in the case where the bottom surface 16a is arranged away from the water flow.

  In addition, the bottom face 16a does not need to be in the position just in contact with the back side of the water flow. However, by setting the bottom surface 16a to a position just in contact with the back side of the water flow, it can be prevented from hitting the water flow deeply, and bubbles contained in the water can be prevented from disappearing or water splashing can be prevented. Moreover, it becomes possible to maintain a uniform water flow with a flat shape, and a clear display on the water flow can be performed.

  Further, the bottom surface 16a is larger in the depth direction on the discharge port 9b side than on the side away from the discharge port 9b. That is, the dimension in the depth direction of the bottom surface 16a is gradually enlarged as it approaches the discharge port 9b. As a result, the bottom surface 16a can be smoothly brought into contact with a flat water flow immediately after being discharged from the discharge port 9b, and the disturbance of the water flow can be further suppressed.

  The side wall 16b is formed so as to extend from both lateral sides of the bottom surface 16a toward the front side in the depth direction, that is, toward the user side. On the water flow side, the boundary position with the bottom surface 16a is smooth, for example, like an R shape. It is a curved surface. The lateral wall 16b can suppress splashing in the lateral direction.

  The support portion 16c is erected so as to protrude from the back surface side of the bottom surface 16a, that is, one surface opposite to the surface in contact with the water flow, to the back side in the depth direction. The cover 16 is attached to the display unit 13 by fixing the support portion 16c to the case 13a.

  Although the case where the cover 16 is fixed to the display unit 13 has been described here, the cover 16 may be fixed to the faucet case 9.

  As described above, the faucet device of the present embodiment is configured. The faucet device configured as described above is used, for example, when a user puts out a hand with respect to the faucet device.

  Specifically, the water faucet device outputs sensing light from the light emitter 6 based on the power stored in the power generated by the generator 3, and from the discharge port 9b through the optical fiber 8a. Irradiating light for sensing. And when a user puts out a hand with respect to a faucet device, the reflected light will be transmitted to the light receiver 7 through the optical fiber 8b. If the light receiver 7 detects that the amount of reflected light received is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a detection signal is output from the light receiver 7, and the electromagnetic valve 2 is brought into a communication state based on the detection signal. Based on this, water is caused to flow from the water supply pipe 1 to the water supply hose 4, and further, air is mixed into the water at the bubble mixing unit 10 and discharged from the discharge port 9 b of the faucet case 9 as a bubble mixed water flow. Therefore, the user can perform hand washing using the water discharged from the discharge port 9b. Next, when the user moves his hand away from the faucet device, the controller 5 shuts off the solenoid valve 2 when the amount of reflected light transmitted to the light receiver 7 is less than a predetermined value and the detection signal from the light receiver 7 is not output. The state is controlled and water discharge is stopped.

  And when such water discharge is performed, the display including at least one of the character, the symbol, and the figure to the bubble mixed water flow is performed using the display unit 13 or the like.

  That is, light emission by the light emitter 11 is performed based on the detection signal of the light receiver 7, and the light is guided to the display unit 13 through the optical fiber 12. Then, the angle of the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber 12 is changed by the mirror 14 and the pattern board 15 is irradiated. This light is transmitted through the symbol board 15 to become light only for the portion of the symbol to be displayed, and is irradiated from the back side to the bubble-containing water stream discharged from the discharge port 9b through the bottom surface 16a of the cover 16. As a result, the desired pattern is displayed in the bubble-containing water flow, and in the case of this embodiment, the characters “Hinomaru” and “JAPAN” are displayed as shown in FIG. And the light emission from the light-emitting device 11 is stopped at the timing or before the discharge of water from the discharge port 9b is stopped, and the display of the symbol on the bubble mixed water flow is ended.

  Thus, it becomes possible to display a desired pattern with respect to the water flow from the discharge port 9b. Therefore, it is possible to provide a faucet device that does not simply shine the water flow, but can display something that can satisfy some meaning with respect to the water flow and can directly transmit it to the user.

  In recent years, automatic faucet devices have been installed in many facilities such as train stations and toll road service area commercial facilities, and are widely used by the public. In addition, since the user always sees the vicinity of the discharge part of the faucet device when washing hands, the user can touch the eyes of many users by displaying something on the water discharged from the discharge port 9b. Therefore, for example, if a message or logo that promotes the facility is displayed as a symbol, effective advertising can be performed.

  Moreover, it can display so that it may surface by displaying from the back side with respect to a water flow, especially by performing display with respect to a bubble mixed water flow. For this reason, the user can feel beauty and can understand the meaning of the display, which can leave a strong impression.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the number of colors used for display is changed with respect to the first embodiment, and the others are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the faucet device of the present embodiment, display in a plurality of colors can be performed. As shown in FIG. 8, the water faucet device of the present embodiment includes a first light emitter 11 a and a second light emitter 11 b as the light emitter 11, and the first optical fiber 12 a and the second optical fiber as the optical fiber 12. 12b. Further, the display unit 13 includes a first mirror 14a for changing the angle of light emitted from the first optical fiber 12a and a second angle for changing the angle of light emitted from the second optical fiber 12b. And a mirror 14b.

  The case 13a is provided with a partition 13ab to prevent interference between the light emitted from the first optical fiber 12a and the light emitted from the second optical fiber 12b, and the first optical fiber 12a and the second light are provided. A space in which the fiber 12b is disposed is partitioned. There are also two openings 13aa formed in the case 13a and two openings 9ca formed in the faucet case 9, and the first optical fiber 12a and the second optical fiber 12b are inserted through each of the openings.

  In the water faucet device configured as described above, for example, red light is emitted from the first light emitter 11a and blue light is emitted from the second light emitter 11b, so that display in two colors can be performed. Specifically, “Hinomaru” can be displayed in red and “JAPAN” can be displayed in blue.

  As described above, by providing the light emitter 11, the optical fiber 12, and the mirror 14 in accordance with the number of colors to be displayed, it is possible to perform display in a plurality of colors.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the number of colors used for display is changed with respect to the first embodiment, and the display is performed without using the mirror 14 or the symbol board 15, and the rest is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the faucet device of this embodiment, the emitted light from the optical fiber 12 is directly irradiated to the flowing water discharged from the discharge port 9b while enabling display in a plurality of colors. As shown in FIG. 9, the faucet device of the present embodiment includes first to fourth light emitters 11 a to 11 d as the light emitter 11, and first to fourth optical fibers 12 a to 12 d as the optical fiber 12. I have. And the front-end | tip of 1st-4th optical fiber 12a-12d is exposed from the display unit 13, and the front-end | tip of 1st-4th optical fiber 12a-12d is turned to flowing water.

  Further, a display contrast 13b having a circular portion at the tip from the case 13a of the display unit 13 is provided. The contrast object 13b protrudes to the back surface of the running water and is in contact with the running water. The contrast object 13b is used as a part of the display, and the color is, for example, a color to be recognized as a display, in this case, black.

  In the faucet device configured as described above, the light from the first to fourth optical fibers 12a to 12d is directly irradiated to the water flow. And the light radiate | emitted from the front-end | tip of the 1st-4th optical fibers 12a-12d is projected on a water stream as a circular display. Further, the contrast object 13b is also visible from the surface side of the water flow, and is recognized by the user together with the light display.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, there are five displays by four circular lights from the first to fourth optical fibers 12a to 12d and a circular display by the contrast object 13b. The circular shapes are arranged in a W shape. For this reason, when the user uses the faucet device, as shown in FIG. 11, five circular shapes are displayed with respect to the bubble-mixed water flow, and a mark that images the Olympics can be displayed. “Olympic Games” and “Olympic Olympic Figures” are both “registered trademarks”.

  In this way, it is possible to perform display by directly irradiating the water flow with the light of the optical fiber 12, or display by a combination of light and the contrast object 13b. In this case, the display unit 13 does not need to include the mirror 14 and the symbol plate 15 for reflecting the light of the optical fiber 12, so that the configuration can be simplified. Further, since the light projecting portion is the end face of the optical fiber 12, the area of the light projecting portion is very small, and it is difficult for splash and dirt to adhere. Even if it arrives, the cover 16 can be omitted because it is a simple design and has little influence on the display.

  Furthermore, when using the contrast object 13b, a black display that cannot be displayed by light irradiation can be performed. According to the experiment, when the thickness of the bubble-mixed water flow is 7 mm or less, the contrast product 13b can be seen through even if the black contrast product 13b is disposed on the back side of the bubble-mixed water flow. When the thickness of the bubble-mixed water flow exceeds 7 mm, the user can be more surely recognized if the contrast object 13b enters the water flow as in this embodiment.

  In the case of the present embodiment, since the light from the first to fourth optical fibers 12a to 12d is directly irradiated onto the water flow, it is not necessary to consider the interference of the emitted light. For this reason, the display unit 13 does not include the partition plate 13ab. Further, when the contrast object 13b enters the water flow, it becomes resistance to the water flow, and therefore, the portion other than the tip portion constituting a part of the display is made thinner than the tip portion. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to suppress the disturbance of the water flow by the contrast object 13b, and also to suppress the disturbance of the display by the surrounding light.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the symbol plate 15 is omitted from the first embodiment and only the optical fiber 12 is used for display. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and are different from the first embodiment. Only will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the faucet device of the present embodiment, the size of the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 is adjusted by the light projection lens 17, and the irradiation angle is changed by the mirror 14 to the back of the bubble mixed water flow. The light is projected. Thus, the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 is used as it is, that is, the light having the tip shape of the optical fiber 12 is used for display.

  In the case of this embodiment, as the optical fiber 12, a multi-core fiber in which a plurality of thin strands are bundled and coated, here, a seven-core fiber in which seven strands are bundled, is used, and a desired display is made with the multi-core fiber. Like to do. For example, in the case of a seven-core fiber, the tip shape becomes a hexagonal shape by arranging six strands so as to surround the central strand. Display can be performed using all of the seven strands, or display can be performed using a part thereof. When all the strands are used, the light transmitted from each strand of the multicore fiber is emitted as it is. When only some of the strands are used, light that is not used among the strands of the multicore fiber is invalidated or deleted, so that light is emitted only from the necessary fibers.

  For example, when two adjacent strands located above the seven strands are invalidated or deleted, five circular shapes can be displayed as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the optical fiber 12 can be constituted by a multi-core fiber, and display on the water flow can be performed using all or a part of the plurality of strands. Thereby, the symbol board 15 can be eliminated and the apparatus can be simplified. In addition, since the display can be performed without being affected by scratches on the symbol board 15, the durability is excellent.

  In such an apparatus, when the optical fiber 12 is constituted by a seven-core fiber, for example, as shown in the chart of FIG. 14, the seven-core, the Olympics, the circle, the x, the −, the <, the>, the mountain, the V, and the like Each symbol can be displayed.

  In addition to the case where the optical fiber 12 is a multi-core fiber, the display is performed based on the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 in the same manner as described above even when the optical fiber 12 is formed of a multi-core fiber in which many cores are embedded in one clad. be able to. In addition, the projection lens 17 adjusts the size of light emitted from the optical fiber 12 to adjust the display size, and the mirror 14 changes the irradiation angle. May be omitted, and the light emitted from the optical fiber 12 may be directly guided to the water flow. In the above description, the 7-core fiber is taken as an example. Of course, the optical fiber 12 may be configured by combining a number of strands other than the 7-core.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, display is performed by projecting light from a position away from the water flow with respect to the first embodiment, and the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus different parts from the fourth embodiment. Only explained.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the faucet device of the present embodiment, a light projecting unit 18 is attached to the connection portion 9 a of the faucet case 9 instead of the display unit 13, and projects light toward the water flow from a remote position. Display. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the light emitter 11, the optical fiber 12, and the light projecting unit 18 constitute a display unit that performs display by light projection.

  Specifically, in the case of this embodiment, the light emitter 11 includes a first light emitter 11a and a second light emitter 11b, and the optical fiber 12 includes a first optical fiber 12a and a second optical fiber 12b. Further, the light projecting unit 18 includes a first light projecting lens 19 a and a second light projecting lens 19 b as the light projecting lens 19.

  An opening 9aa is formed in the connecting portion 9a, and the tip of each optical fiber 12 arranged in the faucet case 9 is exposed to the outside from the opening 9aa. And the 1st light projection lens 19a and the 2nd light projection lens 19b are arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip of each of the 1st optical fiber 12a and the 2nd optical fiber 12b.

  About the 1st optical fiber 12a, it is comprised with one fiber, and circular light can be irradiated. About the 2nd optical fiber 12b, it is comprised with the multi-core fiber and can irradiate five circular light as demonstrated in 4th Embodiment. For example, red light is emitted from the first light emitter 11a and blue light is emitted from the second light emitter 11b, thereby performing display in two colors.

  In the water faucet device configured as described above, by projecting light from a distant position, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the Olympics can be displayed under the Hinomaru. As described above, even when the light is projected from a position away from the water flow, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the display can be performed based on the light projection from a distant position, it is difficult for the user to recognize the light projection unit 18. For this reason, since only the display appears in the water flow for the user, a greater surprise can be given.

  Furthermore, various displays can be performed by using a plurality of optical fibers 12 and configuring the optical fibers 12 with different fibers, that is, by combining different fibers.

  In the present embodiment, the light projecting lenses 19a and 19b are for reducing the size so that the light emitted from each optical fiber 12 falls within the water flow width. For example, when the optical fiber 12 is made of a plastic fiber, the emission angle of the emitted light is limited to a conical shape of 60 ° as described above, and this is narrowed down to a desired angle by the light projecting lenses 19a and 19b. . Thereby, even if it projects from a distant position, it becomes possible to display according to the water flow width.

  Moreover, it can replace with the optical fiber 12 and can also display by the combination of LED and a light projection lens. However, since a general LED does not incorporate a mechanism for geometrically limiting the radiation angle, it is not possible to create a clear circular spot light even if it is narrowed by a projection lens. For this reason, it is preferable to display using the optical fiber 12 as described above.

  Here, an example in which two displays are combined using two optical fibers 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to two, and a plurality of displays can be combined.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the display form is changed with respect to the fifth embodiment, and the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts different from the fifth embodiment will be described.

  In the faucet device of this embodiment, the display can be changed in various ways. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, instead of the light emitter 11, the optical fiber 12, and the light projecting unit 18, an information transmission / reception device 21, a transmission line 22, and a projector that can communicate with an information center 20 provided outside. 23. The arrangement of the information transmitting / receiving device 21, the transmission line 22, and the projector 23 is the same as that of the light emitter 11, the optical fiber 12, and the light projecting unit 18. In the case of the present embodiment, the information transmission / reception device 21, the transmission line 22, and the projector 23 constitute a display unit that performs display by light projection.

  The information center 20 transmits various types of information indicating display contents to be displayed to the information transmitting / receiving device 21 and is provided, for example, in a faucet device management facility. The information transmission / reception device 21 corresponds to an information transmission unit that outputs image information indicating display contents, and transmits image information to be displayed to the projector 23 through the transmission line 22 based on the received information. In this way, it is possible to perform display that is sequentially changed based on various information transmitted from the information center 20. As a result, various displays can be performed instead of a fixed display. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, in addition to displaying a time such as “It is 12:00 now”, a plurality of advertisements are displayed. It is also possible to display videos and the like. Therefore, the advertising effect can be further enhanced. In addition, it is possible to display corresponding contents that change from moment to moment, as in live broadcasts.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be appropriately changed within the scope described in the claims.

  That is, the above embodiments are not irrelevant to each other and can be appropriately combined unless the combination is clearly impossible. In each of the above-described embodiments, it is needless to say that elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily indispensable except for the case where it is clearly indicated that the element is essential and the case where the element is clearly considered essential in principle. Yes. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, it is clearly limited to a specific number when clearly indicated as essential and in principle. The number is not limited to the specific number except for the case. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the component, etc., the shape, unless otherwise specified and in principle limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to the positional relationship or the like.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the mode of displaying the bubble-mixed water flow has been described. However, the display can also be performed for the water flow in which bubbles are not mixed. However, a clearer and more prominent display can be performed by mixing bubbles.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the display is performed by projecting light from the back side of the water flow, but this is because the clearest display for the user can be performed, and display is performed by projecting light from other than the back surface. May be performed.

  In addition, although the light is guided through the optical fiber 12, the display unit 13 may include the light emitter 11 directly and light may be directly projected from the light emitter 11.

6, 11 Light-emitting part 7 Light-receiving part 8, 12 Optical fiber 9 Water faucet case 10 Bubble mixing part 13 Display unit 14 Mirror 15 Pattern board 16 Cover 17 Projection lens

Claims (15)

A faucet device for flowing water,
A faucet case (9) having a discharge port (9b) for discharging the water;
A display unit (11, 12, 13, 18, 21 to 23) that displays at least one of characters, symbols, and figures by projecting the water flow discharged from the discharge port; Faucet equipment. An automatic faucet in which the water flow is automatically generated;
In the faucet case, a bubble mixing part (10) for generating a bubble mixed water flow as the water flow by mixing air bubbles into the water,
2. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the bubble-containing water flow has a thickness of 2 to 10 mm in a depth direction as viewed from the front side of the faucet case. The bubble mixing part has a nozzle (10ba) in which a plurality of holes for discharging the water are opened in a space where the air is mixed into the water.
The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle has the plurality of holes arranged in a row in a transverse direction intersecting the depth direction.   The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit performs the display from a back side of the water flow. The display unit includes a display unit (13) that performs the light projection.
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit is provided at a distal end portion (9c) where the discharge port is formed in the faucet case.   The display unit includes an optical fiber (12) disposed in the faucet case, and a light emitter (11) that outputs light to the optical fiber, and the display unit passes the optical fiber through the optical fiber. The faucet device according to claim 5 which guides light. A first opening (9ca) is formed at a position where the display unit is provided in the faucet case,
The display unit has a case (13a) attached to the faucet case and a second opening (13aa) connected to the first opening at a position of the case attached to the faucet case. Formed,
The faucet device according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber is guided from the faucet case into the display unit through the first opening and the second opening.   The faucet device according to claim 7, wherein the display unit includes a mirror (14) that changes an irradiation angle of light emitted from a tip of the optical fiber and guides the water flow.   The said display part has the symbol board (15) which described at least 1 of the said character, the symbol, and the figure as a symbol, The display to the said water flow is performed by performing the said light projection through this symbol board. The faucet device according to any one of 1 to 8. The display unit is attached to the faucet case, an information transmission unit (21) that outputs image information of display contents, a transmission line (22) that is disposed in the faucet case and transmits the image information. A projector (23) that performs display according to image information transmitted through the transmission line,
An opening (9aa) is formed at the position where the projector is mounted in the faucet case,
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission line is led from the faucet case to the projector through the opening.   The display unit includes a light emitter (11) that outputs the light, and an optical fiber (12) that guides light output from the light emitter, and the display is emitted from a tip of the optical fiber. The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water faucet device is performed with light.   The faucet device according to claim 11, wherein a projection lens (17) for adjusting the magnitude of light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber is provided at the tip of the optical fiber.   The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a cover (16) that suppresses adhesion of the water from the water flow to the display unit between the display unit and the water flow. apparatus.   The faucet device according to claim 13, wherein the cover has a bottom surface (16a) in contact with the water flow, and a portion of the bottom surface in contact with the water flow is a flat surface.   The faucet device according to claim 14, wherein the bottom surface is in contact with a back side of the water flow.

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