JP2019060212A - Electronic faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic faucet device causing no failure at power failure with excellent electric power efficiency.SOLUTION: There is provided an electronic faucet device that controls water discharge by controlling a motor valve comprising: a control part controlling the motor valve by utilizing a commercial power supply as power source; a power failure detecting part which detects power failure of the commercial power supply; an electric double layer capacitor which stores the electric power to supply to the motor valve during power failure of the commercial power supply; a step-up part which boosts the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor; and a motor valve drive capacitor which further stores the output of the step-up part. The control part intermittently supplies the motor valve with the electric power stored in the motor valve drive capacitor during power failure of the commercial power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic faucet device that controls water discharge by controlling a motor valve.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an electronic faucet device has been developed which controls tap water by controlling a motor valve. The motor valve is a valve capable of finely adjusting the opening degree of the flow path by a motor, and is used, for example, for analog adjustment of the temperature and flow rate of the water faucet device.

  The electronic faucet device that controls the stop water by controlling the motor valve is of a type that controls only opening and closing in binary (the value of whether it discharges a certain amount of water or stops completely). Unlike electronic faucet devices that use valves, temperature and flow rate can be finely controlled, and unlike simple toilet hand-washing, they are particularly effective in kitchens and vanities that use a wide variety of faucet applications. is there.

  Here, the type of valve that controls only opening and closing consumes only the power required for the change between the open state and the closed state, and thus consumes relatively low power. Therefore, it is relatively easy to construct a backup power supply for the interruption of the commercial power supply.

  On the other hand, since the valve of the type that controls the motor (motor valve) opens and closes the valve by driving and rotating the motor, compared with the valve of the type that controls only opening and closing, the energizing time is Power consumption is also long for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to back up a larger amount of electrical energy for the construction of a backup power supply for the power failure of the commercial power supply, and it is necessary to devise. If the construction of the backup power supply is insufficient, there may also be a problem that it can not operate at the time of a power failure. Specifically, "a power failure may occur during use (water discharge) and the water may be left" or "the water may not be discharged due to the power failure".

  Under such background, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a spare battery is provided and placed in advance. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration using an electric double layer capacitor.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2-122282 Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 11-101359 gazette

  Although a configuration in which a spare battery (primary battery or secondary battery) is provided as a backup power supply is functionally sufficient, there is a problem of high cost. In addition, although it is desirable for the water faucet device to guarantee about 10 years of operation, there is also a problem that the spare battery will deteriorate in several years.

  The configuration using the electric double layer capacitor is advantageous in that it is less expensive than a spare battery and is less likely to deteriorate. However, electric double layer capacitors generally have large output resistance (several ohms to several tens of ohms), so if you try to drive a motor valve directly and try to output a large current, the power utilization factor is very high. It gets worse.

  Specifically, assuming that the operating conditions of the motor valve are a drive voltage of 12 V, a load current of 100 mA, and a charge voltage of the electric double layer capacitor of 3 V, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is up to 12 V, four times higher Since it is necessary to boost, if the boosting efficiency of the boosting circuit is 80%, an output current of 100 mA × 12 V ÷ 3 V ÷ 80% = 500 mA is required from the electric double layer capacitor.

  Here, assuming that the output resistance (internal equivalent resistance) of the electric double layer capacitor is 5 Ω, the power consumed by this 5 Ω output resistance is 5 Ω × 500 mA × 500 mA = 1.25 W, and the power consumed by the motor (12 V × This means that a power loss similar to that of 100 mA = 1.2 W occurs. That is, since only about half of the energy possessed by the electric double layer capacitor can be supplied to the motor, conversely, it is necessary to store about twice the energy required to drive the motor at the time of a power failure. is there.

  The present invention has been made based on the above findings. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic faucet device which is free from problems at the time of a power failure and which is excellent in power efficiency.

  The present invention is an electronic water faucet device for controlling water stoppage by controlling a motor valve, wherein a control unit for controlling the motor valve using a commercial power source as a power source, and a power failure detection of the commercial power source A power failure detection unit, an electric double layer capacitor for storing power supplied to the motor valve at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, a booster unit for boosting the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor, and the booster unit A motor valve driving capacitor for further storing the output of the motor valve, and the control unit intermittently supplies the electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor to the motor valve at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply. An electronic faucet device characterized in that

  According to the present invention, by using the electric double layer capacitor as the backup power supply system, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of being inexpensive and hardly causing deterioration. Then, at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is boosted and stored further in the motor valve drive capacitor, and the power stored in the motor valve drive capacitor is intermittently supplied to the motor valve. The degree of power loss occurring inside the electric double layer capacitor can be suppressed.

  The booster preferably includes an output suppression unit for suppressing an output current after being boosted to a first predetermined value or less.

  In this case, the degree of power loss can be effectively suppressed by suppressing the output current.

  Preferably, the output suppressing unit has a resistor provided on the output side of the boosting unit such that the output current after being boosted by the boosting unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined value.

  In this case, since the output current is effectively suppressed by the inexpensive resistor, the extent of the power loss can be effectively suppressed at low cost.

  Further, the electronic faucet device includes a battery that operates when the commercial power source fails, a battery detection unit that determines the presence or absence of the battery, and a function that is connected in parallel with the output suppression unit and shorts the output suppression unit. The electric double layer capacitor further includes a short circuit capable of selecting valid / invalid, and when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is not present at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is determined by the booster. At this time, the short circuit is invalidated, and the output current after being boosted is suppressed to a first predetermined value or less by the output suppression unit, and the output from the booster is stored in the motor valve driving capacitor. The electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor is intermittently supplied to the motor valve, and at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, When it is determined that the battery is present by the battery detection unit, the voltage of the battery is boosted by the booster unit, and at this time, the short circuit is enabled and the output current after boosted is output by the output suppression unit. It is preferable that the output from the booster be continuously supplied to the motor valve without being suppressed.

  As described above, when the battery is used in combination, it is preferable to adopt control according to the capacity of the battery.

  Specifically, at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is not present, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is boosted by the booster unit, and at this time, after being boosted. The output current of the motor is suppressed to a first predetermined value or less by the output suppression unit, the output by the booster is stored in the motor valve driving capacitor, and the electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor is intermittently interrupted by the motor The voltage of the battery is boosted by the booster unit when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is present at the time of power failure of the commercial power supply, while the voltage is supplied to the valve. The output current from the booster is continuously supplied to the motor valve without being suppressed by the output suppressor. It is preferred that is as the are.

  When a battery is present, the high output capability of the battery can be used to continuously supply voltage to the motor valve to stop water early. On the other hand, if there is no battery, an electric double layer capacitor is used, but its output capacity is low, and if voltage is continuously supplied to the motor valve, much energy is consumed inside the electric double layer capacitor. , I will lose the energy needed to stop the water. In this case, priority is given to the power efficiency as a system from electric double layer capacitor to motor valve drive, and intermittent voltage supply to the motor valve prolongs the time until closing, but the water shut off is surely performed. can do.

  Further, the electronic faucet apparatus includes a plurality of motor valves, and the control unit is configured to simultaneously supply power to the plurality of motor valves when the commercial power is not interrupted. The control unit is configured to selectively supply power to any one of the plurality of motor valves when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is present at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply. Is preferred.

  That is, by selecting one of the plurality of motor valves and supplying power one by one (driving), the output current of the booster circuit is limited at most to the current for one motor valve. Therefore, the output capability of the booster circuit can be designed to be low, and miniaturization can be achieved. In addition, even if a non-new and exhausted battery is used, the possibility of stably driving the motor valve is high. Furthermore, rather than driving a plurality of motor valves simultaneously and opening and closing them in a short time, the time required for opening and closing as a faucet device becomes longer by the number of motor valves to be driven when driving one by one. It is possible to realize a more reliable opening and closing operation.

  Further, the control unit is configured to continuously control the opening degree of the motor valve when the commercial power is not interrupted, and the control unit is configured to control the battery when the commercial power is interrupted. It is preferable that the opening degree of the motor valve be controlled stepwise when the detection unit determines that the battery is present.

  According to this, in the case of driving by a battery, the frequency of moving the motor valve finely decreases, and as a result, the power consumption is reduced and the battery lasts longer. Also, the user can notice from the movement of the motor valve that when the change in flow rate or temperature is gradual, it is in an operation state corresponding to a power failure. This makes it possible to notice, for example, a situation in which the outlet is disconnected due to the user's fault, and unnecessary battery consumption can be avoided, and the occurrence of battery exhaustion at the time of a power failure can be effectively prevented.

  According to the present invention, by using the electric double layer capacitor as the backup power supply system, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of being inexpensive and hardly causing deterioration. Then, at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is boosted and stored further in the motor valve drive capacitor, and the power stored in the motor valve drive capacitor is intermittently supplied to the motor valve. The degree of power loss can be suppressed.

It is a structure schematic diagram of the electronic faucet device by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic circuit diagram of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the table at the time of a non-power failure about valve opening degree. It is an example of the table at the time of a power failure about valve opening degree. It is an example of a timing chart in the case of capacitor | condenser feeding of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is an example of a timing chart in the case of dry cell power feeding of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart example of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart example of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart example of the electronic faucet apparatus of FIG.

  An electronic faucet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic faucet of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment is a faucet device for mixing hot and cold water, and the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water conduit 8 is adjusted by the hot water motor valve 12. The amount of water supplied from the water conduit 10 is adjusted by the water motor valve 14. Then, the hot water supplied from the hot water conduit 8 and the water supplied from the water conduit 10 are mixed and discharged from the water discharge port 24.

  Both the hot water motor valve 12 and the water motor valve 14 are controlled by the controller 20. The control unit 20 is connected to an operation lever 22 which allows the user to manually adjust the supply amount of hot water and water. The operation lever 22 converts the operation angle of the lever into an electric signal and operates the control unit 20 using a rotation sensor, an inclination sensor, an acceleration sensor for detecting a gravitational acceleration with respect to the earth axis, or the like as an operation amount detection means. It is output as information. For example, in the electronic faucet faucet device 1 of FIG. 1, when the control lever 22 is inclined in the left and right direction in the drawing in parallel with the drawing, the mixing ratio of hot water and water changes. An operation similar to a general mechanical single lever faucet such that the amount of mixed water changes when the operation lever 22 is tilted in the direction is realized by the combination of the information output of the operation lever 22 and the control of the control unit 20 it can.

  Then, FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the circuit part which performs electric control of the electronic faucet apparatus 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a commercial power supply (AC) of 100 V is converted to DC by the power supply circuit 101 to generate a DC voltage of 12 V, and the DC voltage is supplied to the control unit 20 as a power source. . Further, a motor valve driving capacitor 105 is connected to the power supply of the control unit 20. The motor valve driving capacitor 105 acts to stabilize the 12 V power supply, and has a role of so-called smoothing capacitor, which suppresses the fluctuation of 12 V when the motor valves 12 and 14 are energized. The control unit 20 is a so-called microcomputer chip in the present embodiment.

  The control unit 20 is connected to the hot water motor valve 12 and the water motor valve 14 via dedicated motor drivers 12 d and 14 d respectively. Further, a DC voltage of 12 V is supplied to the motor drivers 12 d and 14 d. That is, a drive command is output from the control unit 20, and the motor drivers 12d and 14d supply the conduction energy to the hot water motor valve 12 and the water motor valve 14 using a DC voltage of 12V. Here, although the motor of the motor valve is assumed to be a stepping motor (abbreviation: STPM), the motor may be another type, for example, a brush motor.

  Also, the input port P03 of the control unit 20 functions as a power failure detection unit that detects a power failure of the commercial power supply. A power failure signal is supplied from the power supply circuit 101 to the input port P03 when a power failure occurs.

  At the output portion of the power supply circuit 101, an electric double layer capacitor 103 is provided via a step-down unit 102 that steps down a 12V DC voltage to 5V. The electric double layer capacitor 103 is a capacitor for storing in advance the power supplied to each of the motor valves 12 and 14 when the commercial power source fails. For example, one about 1 F (farad) is suitable.

  The electric double layer capacitor 103 is connected to a booster 104 for boosting the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 103. Booster 104 has a configuration of a conventionally known boost type switching regulator including boost IC 104a, and boosts a voltage of about 1 to 5 V (the voltage of electric double layer capacitor 103 fluctuates depending on the operating state) to 12 V It is supposed to

  The step-up IC 104 a is configured to control ON / OFF of the operation of the switching operation based on a command signal from the output port P 02 of the control unit 20. Further, the boosted voltage signal is fed back to the boosting IC 104a.

  When a power failure occurs, the 12 V voltage signal boosted by the booster 104 is used as a power supply instead of the 12 V DC voltage that would otherwise have been obtained by the power supply circuit 101 from a commercial power supply. It is supplied to the motor drivers 12d, 14d and the like. However, in order to suppress power loss (to be described in detail later), a resistor 104 b (for example, a resistor of about 50 to 200 Ω) is inserted as an output suppression unit of the booster unit 104. The resistor 104b is connected in parallel with the short circuit means 104c. The shorting means 104c is a transistor, and ON / OFF is controlled by the output port P01 of the control unit 20, that is, validity / invalidity of the output suppressing function of the resistor 104b is controlled. Then, the motor valve driving capacitor 105 (for example, about 2200 to 4700 uF) is charged by the boosted voltage, and thereafter, it is intermittently supplied to the respective motor valves 12 and 14 through the motor drivers 12 d and 14 d. It is supposed to be.

(Basic action at the time of blackout)
When a power failure occurs, the voltage of 5 V of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is boosted by the booster 104 and supplied to the controller 20 as a power source. However, when the electric double layer capacitor 103 is used as a power source, the control unit 20 opens the transistor of the short circuit means 104 c by turning off the port P 01. Therefore, the presence of the resistor 104b suppresses the current of the booster 104 small, and in proportion thereto, the output current of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is also suppressed. As a result, the power loss due to the internal resistance of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is reduced, and the power loss of the generation circuit of the 12V power source using the electric double layer capacitor 103 as an energy source is suppressed. It is difficult to drive. For example, assuming that the current required to drive the motor valves 12 and 14 is 100 mA and the resistor 104 b is 100 Ω, the voltage of 100 Ω × 100 mA = 10 V drops due to the resistor 104 b even if only one motor valve 12 and 14 is driven. And the drive voltage is insufficient. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the boosted voltage is used to charge the motor valve driving capacitor 105 with a small current through the resistor 104b, and then the motor valve 12 and 14 are driven by the discharge of the motor valve driving capacitor 105. This operation is to be repeated.

  By such an operation, it is possible to efficiently use the power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 103 to return each of the motor valves 12 and 14 that were in the valve open state at the time of the power failure to the valve closed state. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation where water discharge continues at the time of a power failure.

  The charge of the motor valve drive capacitor 105 by the boosting unit 104 and the subsequent discharge (power supply to the motor-valves 12, 14) are charged by stopping driving the motor valves 12, 14 for a relatively long predetermined time. By securing the time, the discharge time is limited by driving the motor valves 12, 14 for a relatively short time. Thus, driving is performed intermittently while maintaining the voltage of the motor valve drive capacitor 105 at a voltage that can drive the motor valves 12 and 14.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the electric double layer capacitor 103 is used as a backup power supply system, the device configuration is inexpensive, and deterioration does not easily occur. Then, at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is boosted to charge the motor valve driving capacitor 105, and the electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor 105 is intermittently transmitted to the motor valves 12 and 14. Thus, even if the electric double layer capacitor 103 has a large internal resistance, the degree of power loss can be suppressed.

In particular, the step-up unit 104 includes the resistor 104 b (output suppressing unit) for suppressing the output current after boosting to a predetermined value or less (for example, about 10 mA), so that the degree of power loss can be effectively achieved. It can be suppressed.
(Configuration related to power supply by dry cell)

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, a dry cell 201 for operation during a power failure may be provided in parallel with the electric double layer capacitor 103.

  The input port AD of the control unit 20 functions as a dry cell detection unit that determines the presence or absence of the dry cell 201. The voltage signal of the dry cell 201 is supplied to the input port AD, and the presence or absence of a cell (primary cell or secondary cell) can be determined by A / D converting this voltage.

  In the control unit 20, when the dry cell 201 is present, the voltage of the dry cell 201 is boosted by the booster 104. Specifically, the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is maintained at 5 V in the uninterrupted state, but the voltage drops gradually when it is used for the generation of the 12 V power supply after the power outage. Assuming that the voltage of the dry cell 201 is 3 V, when the voltage of the dry cell 201 falls below that, power is supplied from the dry cell to the booster 104.

  Here, in parallel with the resistor 104b, a shorting means 104c for shorting the resistor 104b is provided, and the control unit 20 controls ON / OFF of the operation of the shorting means 104c. Thereby, when it is determined that the dry cell 201 is present, the short circuit means 104c shorts the resistor 104b, so theoretically it becomes 0 Ω (substantially having a finite resistance component due to the ability of the transistor of the short circuit means 104c). It does not act as an output suppression unit.

(Basic action at the time of power supply by dry cell)
When a power failure occurs, the voltage signal of 5 V of the dry cell 201 is boosted by the boosting unit 104 and supplied to the control unit 20 as a power source. In this case, the short circuit means 104c is effective (ie, short circuit), and the current suppressing function by the resistor 104b is ineffective, and it is possible to drive the motor valves 12 and 14 continuously.

  As described above, when the power supply by the dry cell 201 is used in combination, the high output capability of the dry cell can be used to continuously supply a voltage to the motor valves 12 and 14 to stop the water more quickly. It can be realized. On the other hand, when there is no dry cell, or when the power of the dry cell is exhausted and the voltage drops, the electric double layer capacitor 103 is used. In this case, although the time until closing is extended due to the intermittent voltage supply to the motor valves 12 and 14, the water shutoff can be reliably performed.

(Spare battery other than dry battery)
In the description of the present specification, the dry battery 201 may be replaced by another type of secondary battery or a spare battery.

(Motor valve alternate operation)
It is general that the control unit 20 supplies power to the two motor valves 12 and 14 simultaneously at the time of uninterrupted power supply of the commercial power supply. However, it is preferable that the control unit 20 supply power to the two motor valves 12 and 14 alternately at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply.

  By supplying (driving) the motor valves 12 and 14 with electric power one by one, downsizing of the booster unit 104 can be achieved. Further, even with the exhausted dry battery 201, the possibility of stably driving the motor valves 12, 14 increases. Furthermore, rather than driving the two motor valves 12, 14 simultaneously and opening and closing quickly, driving one by one can result in more reliable opening and closing operations.

(Stepwise drive of motor valve)
Further, the control unit 20 continuously controls the opening degree of the motor valves 12 and 14 at the time of uninterrupted power supply of the commercial power supply, and at the time of the power failure of the commercial power supply, the control unit 20 Preferably, the opening degree is controlled stepwise.

  That is, FIG. 4 shows an example of a non-power failure table for the valve opening degree, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a power failure table for the valve opening degree. It is preferable to use

  According to this, since the frequency of moving the motor valves 12 and 14 is finely reduced at the time of the power failure of the commercial power supply, the power consumption is reduced as a result, and the dry cell 201 lasts longer. In addition, the user can notice from the movement of the motor valves 12 and 14 that when the flow rate and temperature change is gradual, it is in the operation state for power failure. As a result, for example, it is possible to notice a situation in which the outlet is disconnected, and it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of battery exhaustion at the time of a power failure.

(Timing chart of FIG. 6: capacitor feeding)
FIG. 6 is a timing chart example in the case of capacitor feeding of the electronic water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. In this case, the input port AD of the control unit 20 determines the absence of the dry cell 201 (without the dry cell), and the control unit 20 does not operate the short circuit means 104 c (limit resistance ON).

  If a power failure does not occur, the motor valves 12 and 14 are appropriately driven by the commercial power source. That is, the output of the power supply circuit 101 supplies a voltage of 12 V to the control unit 20 and the motor valve driving capacitor 105. Further, in the present embodiment, an operation input device (for example, an acceleration sensor fixed to the operation lever 22) for converting the inclination (operation angle) of the operation lever 22 into an electric signal is provided, and the control unit In order to communicate with 20, the control unit 20 continuously recognizes the operating state of the control lever 22 by the user. The control unit 20 calculates the water discharge amount of hot water and water according to the state of the operation lever 22 and drives the motor valves 12 and 14. In addition, if a power failure does not occur, the control unit 20 does not operate the boosting unit 104 (boosting OFF), so the output potential of the boosting unit 104 is equal to the output potential of the electric double layer capacitor 103.

  When a power failure occurs, the input port P03 of the control unit 20 detects a power failure of the commercial power supply as a power failure detection unit. Then, the control unit 20 operates the boosting unit 104 (boosting ON), and supplies power to the motor valve driving capacitor 105 and the control unit 20 via the resistor 104 b. When charging of the motor valve driving capacitor 105 is completed, the motor valves 12 and 14 are driven to the closed state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the motor drive is continued while the motor valves 12 and 14 are alternately switched and the charging time (the motor driving pause time) is interposed. The booster unit 104 continues to operate. The time when the motor valves 12 and 14 are not driven is the charge timing of the motor valve drive capacitor 105, and the time when any one is driven is the discharge timing. The control unit 20 appropriately controls the timing of the charge / discharge, so that the voltage of the motor valve driving capacitor 105 can drive the motor valves 12 and 14 (there is a predetermined margin with respect to the rated 12 V) And the output current of the electric double layer capacitor 103 is also limited to a low value, so that unnecessary loss can be prevented.

  With such an operation, the motor valves 12 and 14 that were in the valve open state at the time of the power failure are reliably closed even if it takes time, using the power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 103. It can be returned. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation where water discharge continues at the time of a power failure.

  In the example of FIG. 6, after the occurrence of the power failure, the communication with the operation input device (built in the operation lever 22) is stopped. This is because the energy stored in the electric double layer capacitor 103 completely shuts off the water faucet and stops it, and thereafter water is not discharged.

(Timing chart of Fig. 7: dry cell battery feed)
FIG. 7 is an example of a timing chart in the case of dry cell power feeding of the electronic water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. In this case, the input port AD of the control unit 20 determines the presence of the dry battery 201 (dry battery is present), and the control unit 20 operates the short circuit means 104 c (limit resistance OFF) when a power failure occurs.

  If a power failure does not occur, the motor valves 12 and 14 are appropriately driven by the commercial power source. In the present embodiment, the operation in the uninterrupted state is the same as that of FIG. 6 described above.

  When a power failure occurs, the input port P03 of the control unit 20 detects a power failure of the commercial power supply as a power failure detection unit. Then, the control unit 20 operates the boosting unit 104 (boosting ON) to boost the power of the dry battery and to supply it to the motor valves 12 and 14.

  In the example of FIG. 7, after the occurrence of a power failure, power supply to the two motor valves 12 and 14 is alternately performed by a predetermined amount, and water shutoff is temporarily performed. In addition, after power failure occurs, the cycle of communication to the operation input device is long to save power.

(Flowchart of FIG. 8 to FIG. 10)
8 to 10 are flowchart examples of the electronic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the occurrence of a power failure and the presence or absence of a dry cell are detected by the input port P03 of the control unit 20 and the input port AD of the control unit 20 (STEP 01, STEP 02).

<No power failure (mode 1)>
If a power failure has not occurred (No in STEP 03), first, “mode 1” is set as the operation mode for state determination. Next, a status flag of "automatic closing not complete" is set. This is information necessary for operation after a power failure occurs. Next, the operation of the booster 104 is turned off by the port P02 (STEP 04). Next, the operation input information (the operation state of the operation lever 22) is read in synchronization with the operation input information reading timing of, for example, 100 Hz (STEP 05, STEP 06).

  The read operation input information is information on how much the user of the faucet wants to spout water and hot water, that is, how much the water and hot water valves want to be opened (in the range of 0 to 100%). . Therefore, the operation input information (opening degree 0 to 100% of the valve) is converted into the number of drive steps of the motor valves 12 and 14 (range of 0 to 256 steps) based on the non-power failure table (see FIG. 4) This is set as the target valve position of water and hot water (STEP 08, STEP 09).

  In the non-power failure table, the target valve position continuously corresponds to the operation input information. Although both are in a proportional relationship in FIG. 4, this may be a curve. By continuously responding, it is possible to finely operate the motor valves 12 and 14 for subtle movement of the control lever 22, and the power consumption for driving the motor valves 12 and 14 is increased. However, the electronic faucet The operation of the device 1 is smooth and finely reflects the intention of the user.

  In FIG. 10, the motor valves 12 and 14 are driven to the target valve position set in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, if the current position of the water motor valve 14 does not match the target valve position, the water motor valve 14 is driven by one step (STEP 11 and STEP 12).

  Similarly, if the current position of the hot water motor valve 12 does not match the target valve position, the hot water motor valve 12 is driven by one step (STEP 13 and STEP 14). At STEP 15, it is confirmed whether the operation mode is "mode 3". Since the mode is "mode 1" at the time of non-power failure, the operations of STEP 16 and STEP 17 are skipped (not executed).

  Then, it returns to STEP01. The operations up to this point are all implemented using the power of a commercial power source. Thus, while reading the operation input information at 100 Hz, the target valve position according to the operation state of the operation lever 22 is set, and the operation of driving the motor valves 12 and 14 to this target valve position is repeated and continued. The faucet device 1 realizes an operation in which hot water and water spouting are controlled.

<During dry cell power supply (mode 2)>
If a power failure occurs (Yes in STEP 03) and there is a dry cell (Yes in STEP 21), the operation mode is set to "mode 2", and the operation of the booster 104 and the short circuit means 104c is turned ON (STEP 24). For example, the operation input information is read in synchronization with the operation input information reading timing of 10 Hz (STEP 25 and STEP 26). The operation input information read timing (STEP 05) at the time of non-power failure was 100 Hz, but it is late (10 Hz) compared to this because the battery is operating, the faucet response The priority is given to prolonging the operation period by the battery rather than the power, and the power saving operation is performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not water shutoff has been implemented once after the occurrence of a power failure (automatic closing has been completed) (STEP 27).

  Once water shutoff (automatic closing) has been carried out (Yes in STEP 27), the target valve position of water and hot water is determined based on the read operation input information and the power failure table (see FIG. 5). It is set (STEP 28 and STEP 29).

  Here, in the power failure table, the relationship between the operation input information and the target valve position is stepwise (stepwise). Due to this relationship, the drive of the motor valves 12 and 14 is performed only when the control lever 22 is moved to a certain extent. Although it can not cope with slight operation of the control lever 22, the motor valves 12 and 14 respond when the user clearly wants to change the water discharge amount, that is, when the control lever 22 is moved to a large extent. As a result, the opportunity to energize the motor valves 12, 14 is reduced, the power consumption is reduced, and the operation period of the dry cell is extended.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the motor valve 14 for water and the motor valve 12 for hot water are alternately driven one step at a time, as in the case of a power failure (STEP 11 to STEP 14).

  On the other hand, if water stop (automatic closing) confirmation has not been performed even once after a power failure (No in STEP 27), automatic water stop operation or water stop confirmation operation is performed.

  That is, if the water outage state occurs at the time of the power failure (Yes in STEP 41), the water stop (automatic closing) confirmation is stored (STEP 43), and the determination in the next STEP 27 becomes Yes.

  If both the hot and cold water are not in a water stop state (No in STEP 41) (No in STEP 41), a difference between the target valve position and the target valve position is determined (STEP 46). If the current valve position of the hot water or water does not match the target valve position (No in STEP 46), the process proceeds to STEP 11 of FIG. 10 in order to drive the valve to the target valve position.

  When STEP46 is Yes, the magnitudes of the opening degree of the motor valve 12 for hot water and the motor valve 14 for water are compared, and when the opening degree of the motor valve 12 for hot water is larger, the target valve position of the motor valve 12 for hot water The current valve position is decreased by 16 steps (STEP 47, STEP 48). If the opening degree of the water motor valve 14 is larger, the target valve position of the water motor valve 14 is decreased by 16 steps from the current valve position (STEP 47, STEP 49).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, while the current position of the water motor valve 14 does not match the target valve position, only the water motor valve 14 is driven one step at a time (STEP 11 and STEP 12).

  Alternatively, while the current position of the hot water motor valve 12 does not match the target valve position, only the hot water motor valve 12 is driven one step at a time (STEP 13 and STEP 14).

  As a result, when the opening of the motor valve 14 for water and the motor valve 12 for hot water are larger, power supply for closing operation is first performed, and after both openings become equal, alternately It is driven to close every 16 steps.

  Since the operation mode is "mode 2", the operations of STEP 16 and STEP 17 are skipped.

  This operation is repeated, and when both the hot water and the water the motor valves 12 and 14 are at the water shut position (both steps are 0 steps or less), Step 41 becomes Yes and stores that "automatic closing has been completed" (STEP 43). That is, even if the dry cell 201 is present, when a power failure occurs, the water faucet is temporarily put in a water stop state.

  Thereafter, it is determined as Yes in STEP 27 and the above-described operation is performed.

<When feeding a capacitor (mode 3)>
If a power failure occurs (Yes in STEP 03) and there is no dry cell (No in STEP 21), the operation mode is set to "mode 3", the operation of the booster 104 is turned ON, and the operation of the short circuit means 104c Is turned off (STEP 34), and the operation input information is (forced) taken as the water stop position (STEP 36).

  And it joins to STEP41 in mode 2. In the capacitor feeding mode 3, there is no operation of reading the operation input information, that is, the motor valves 12 and 14 are not energized according to the operation lever 22.

  As a result, as in mode 2, of the water motor valve 14 and the hot water motor valve 12, the one for which the opening degree is large is first supplied with power for closing operation, and the both opening degrees become equal. Are alternately driven to close by 16 steps.

In mode 3, the timer is operated each time the current valve position reaches the target valve position inscribed every 16 steps (STEP 15 to STEP 17).
By providing a timer for waiting time (here, 1 second) in STEP 17, the energization of the motor valve 12 or 14 is stopped. That is, power consumption at the motor valve is halted. During this time, the motor valve driving capacitor 105 is charged while the current of the output of the booster 104 is limited by the resistor 104 b. Then, the motor valve 12 or 14 is driven again for 16 steps, while the motor valve driving capacitor 105 is discharged. Thus, the operation (drive period) in which the motor valve for hot water or water is closed by 16 steps (drive period) and the 1 second pause time (charge period) are repeated to suppress the output current of the booster 104, that is, the electric double layer A water stop operation is performed while suppressing the power loss of the internal resistance of the capacitor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic faucet apparatus 8 Conduit for hot water 10 Conduit for water 12 Motor valve for hot water 12d Dedicated motor driver 14 Motor valve for water 14d Dedicated motor driver 20 Control part (microcomputer)
Reference Signs List 22 control lever 24 spout 101 power supply circuit 102 step-down unit 103 electric double layer capacitor 104 step-up unit 104 a boost IC
104b Resistance (output suppression unit)
104c Short circuit means 105 Motor valve drive capacitor 201 dry cell

Claims (6)

An electronic faucet device for controlling water stopping by controlling a motor valve, comprising:
A control unit that controls the motor valve using a commercial power source as a power source;
A power failure detection unit that detects a power failure of the commercial power source;
An electric double layer capacitor for storing in advance electric power supplied to the motor valve at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply,
A booster for boosting the voltage of the electric double layer capacitor;
A motor valve driving capacitor for further storing the output of the booster unit;
Equipped with
The electronic faucet device, wherein the control unit intermittently supplies the electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor to the motor valve at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply. The electronic faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the booster unit includes an output suppression unit for suppressing an output current after being boosted to a first predetermined value or less. The output suppressing unit has a resistor provided on the output side of the boosting unit such that the output current after being boosted by the boosting unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. The electronic faucet apparatus of claim 2. A battery that operates at the time of a power failure of the commercial power source;
A battery detection unit that determines the presence or absence of the battery;
A shorting means connected in parallel to the output suppression unit and capable of selecting enabling / disabling of the function of shorting the output suppression unit;
And further
When the battery detection unit determines that the battery is not present at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply,
The voltage of the electric double layer capacitor is boosted by the booster unit, the short circuit means is invalidated at this time, and the boosted output current is suppressed by the output suppression unit to a first predetermined value or less.
The output from the booster is stored in the motor valve driving capacitor,
The electric power stored in the motor valve driving capacitor is intermittently supplied to the motor valve,
On the other hand, when the battery detection unit determines that there is a battery at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply,
The voltage of the battery is boosted by the booster unit, and at this time, the short circuit is enabled, and the output current after being boosted is not suppressed by the output suppression unit.
The electronic faucet device according to claim 1, wherein an output from the pressure booster is continuously supplied to the motor valve. The electronic faucet device comprises a plurality of motor valves,
The control unit is configured to simultaneously supply power to the plurality of motor valves when the commercial power source is not interrupted.
The control unit is configured to selectively supply power to any one of the plurality of motor valves when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is present at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply. The electronic faucet device according to claim 4, characterized in that The control unit is configured to continuously control the opening degree of the motor valve when the commercial power is not interrupted.
The control unit is configured to control the opening degree of the motor valve stepwise when the battery detection unit determines that the battery is present at the time of a power failure of the commercial power supply. The electronic faucet apparatus of Claim 4.

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