JP2020159384A - Solenoid valve device and water discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a solenoid valve device which has suppressed wasteful electric conduction when closing a solenoid valve, and to provide a water discharge device.SOLUTION: A solenoid valve device includes: a self-holding type solenoid valve 30 including a plunger 42 moving between a water cutoff position and a water passing position, a solenoid 44 for moving the plunger between the water cutoff position and the water passing position, a first holding member 46 for holding the plunger at the water cutoff position, and a second holding member 48 for holding the plunger at the water passing position; a current detection part for detecting a current flowing in the solenoid; and a control part for controlling the electric conduction to the solenoid on the basis of the detection result of the current detection part. At the water cutoff operation for moving the plunger from the water passing position to the water cutoff position, after starting the electric conduction to the solenoid, the control part detects a change point where the inclination of the current becomes smaller than the electric conduction start time and then becomes larger again on the basis of the detection result of the current detection part, and stops the electric conduction to the solenoid responding to the detection of the change point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to solenoid valve devices and water discharge devices.

There is a water spouting device that automatically controls spouting and stopping water by detecting an object such as a user's hand with a sensor. The water discharge device includes a solenoid valve device that controls water supply and water stoppage. Such a water discharge device is applied to a water supply device such as a faucet device, a urinal, or a toilet bowl.

The solenoid valve device also uses electric power to open and close the solenoid valve. Therefore, in the solenoid valve device, low power consumption drive of the solenoid valve is required. For example, in a water discharge device that supplies power from a generator or battery that uses the water flow during water discharge, the power consumed by the generator or battery can be reduced by suppressing the power consumption that accompanies the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve. Electricity can be used efficiently. For example, it is possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as battery replacement and reduce the time and effort required for maintenance.

In order to realize low power consumption drive of the solenoid valve, it has been proposed to detect the change in current due to the movement of the plunger when opening the solenoid valve and immediately stop the current supply when the movement of the plunger is completed. (For example, Patent Document 1). As a result, unnecessary energization of the solenoid valve can be suppressed, and power consumption when opening the solenoid valve can be suppressed.

However, when the solenoid valve is closed, it is more difficult to detect the change in current due to the movement of the plunger than when it is opened. Further, since the moving time of the plunger is affected by noise such as water pressure and temperature change, it is difficult to set the time until the moving of the plunger is completed in advance before shipping. Therefore, when the solenoid valve is closed, a sufficiently long energization time is set in advance in consideration of the influence of noise, and the power consumption is larger than when the solenoid valve is opened.

Therefore, in the solenoid valve device and the water discharge device, it is desired to suppress unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve so that the power consumption can be further suppressed.

Japanese Patent No. 3582268

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a solenoid valve device and a water discharge device that suppress unnecessary energization when closing a solenoid valve.

The first invention is an electromagnetic valve device used for a water discharge device and controlling water flow and water stoppage, and is a water passage for flowing water, a water stop position for closing the water channel, and a water flow position for opening the water channel. A plunger that moves to, a solenoid that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water flow position, a first holding member that holds the plunger at the water stop position, and a plunger that holds the plunger at the water flow position. A self-holding type electromagnetic valve having a second holding member, a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the solenoid, and a control unit that controls energization of the solenoid based on the detection result of the current detection unit. The control unit is based on the detection result of the current detection unit after starting energization of the solenoid during the water stop operation for moving the plunger from the water flow position to the water stop position. In addition, after the gradient of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization, a change point that changes so as to increase again is detected, and the energization of the solenoid is stopped in response to the detection of the change point. It is a characteristic solenoid valve device.

According to this solenoid valve device, the change point of the slope of the current is detected, and the energization of the solenoid is stopped in response to the detection of the change point, so that the solenoid valve is closed more than necessary even during the water stop operation. It is possible to suppress the energization and reduce the power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide a solenoid valve device that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve.

In the second invention, in the first invention, the control unit changes the time from the detection of the change point to the stop of energization of the solenoid valve based on the operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve. It is a solenoid valve device characterized by being made to operate.

According to this solenoid valve device, by changing the time from the detection of the change point to the stop of energization to the solenoid based on the operation information, the energization time required to stop the water due to the change in the characteristics of the solenoid valve is changed. Even if it changes, the water can be stopped more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

In the third invention, in the second invention, the operation information is the operation number of the plunger, the control unit counts the operation number of the plunger, and when the operation number is less than a predetermined number, The solenoid valve device is characterized in that the time from the detection of the change point to the stop of energization of the solenoid is shortened as compared with the case where the number of operations is the predetermined number or more.

According to this solenoid valve device, when the number of operations is less than a predetermined number of times, the power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energizing time. When the number of operations is more than a predetermined number of times, by lengthening the energizing time, water can be stopped more reliably even when the first holding member and the second holding member deteriorate due to the movement of the plunger. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the operation information is an elapsed time from the start of energization of the solenoid to the detection of the change point, and the control unit measures the elapsed time and the elapsed time. When the time is less than the predetermined time, the solenoid valve is characterized in that the time from the detection of the change point to the stop of energization of the solenoid is shortened as compared with the case where the elapsed time is the predetermined time or more. It is a device.

According to this solenoid valve device, when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time, the power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energizing time. When the elapsed time is longer than a predetermined time, by lengthening the energizing time, water can be stopped more reliably even when the characteristics of the solenoid valve change due to the water temperature or the like. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit includes a numerical processing program that calculates a current value detected by the current detection unit, and the current of the numerical processing program. It is an electromagnetic valve device having a parameter used for calculating a value, and detecting the change point in real time based on the numerical processing program and the parameter.

According to this solenoid valve device, the delay in the detection of the change point can be suppressed by detecting the change point in real time based on the numerical processing program and the parameter. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress energization more than necessary and reduce power consumption.

A sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the electromagnetic valve device of any one of the first to fifth inventions and a power supply unit for supplying electric power of at least one of a battery and a generator to the electromagnetic valve device. It is a water discharge device.

According to this water discharge device, the change point of the slope of the current is detected, and the energization of the solenoid is stopped in response to the detection of the change point, so that the energization is performed more than necessary even during the water stop operation in which the solenoid valve is closed. This can be suppressed and the power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water discharge device that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solenoid valve device and a water discharge device that suppress unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve.

It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the faucet device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are explanatory views schematically showing the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the faucet device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows an example of the operation of a control part schematically. It is a graph which shows an example of the operation of a control part schematically. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the operation of the control part schematically. It is a flowchart which shows another modification of the operation of a control part schematically. It is a block diagram which shows typically the modification of the faucet device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows an example of the operation of a control part schematically. It is a reference graph diagram which shows the theoretical value of a division value schematically. It is a perspective view which shows the toilet device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the toilet apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 10 (water discharge device) detects an object (human body, object, etc.) and automatically stops water discharge, and the wash basin 11 provided on the wash basin. Water is stopped.

The washbasin 11 is provided in the washbasin counter 12. A faucet 13 (water discharge portion) constituting a spout for discharging water to the bowl surface 11a of the wash basin 11 is provided on the wash counter 12. The faucet 13 has a spout 13a for discharging water, and is provided so that the water discharged from the spout 13a is discharged into the bowl surface 11a of the basin 11.

The water discharged by the faucet 13 from the spout 13a is supplied by the water supply channel 14. The water supply channel 14 guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water pipe to a spout 13a. A drainage channel 15 is connected to the washbasin 11. The drainage channel 15 discharges the water discharged from the water discharge port 13a into the bowl surface 11a of the basin 11.

The faucet device 10 includes a faucet 13 and a water supply channel 14, and further includes a solenoid valve device 20, a sensor unit 22, and a generator 24. The solenoid valve device 20 includes a solenoid valve 30 and a control unit 32. The solenoid valve 30 and the control unit 32 are housed, for example, under the wash basin. The solenoid valve 30 and the control unit 32 are housed in, for example, a cabinet (not shown) provided below the wash counter 12.

The sensor unit 22 is housed inside the faucet 13, for example. However, the sensor unit 22 may be provided separately from the faucet 13. The sensor unit 22 is connected to the control unit 32 of the solenoid valve device 20 via a connection cable 23. For example, the control unit 32 supplies a power supply voltage to the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23, and controls the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23.

The solenoid valve 30 is provided in the water supply channel 14 and opens and closes the water supply channel 14. When the solenoid valve 30 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply channel 14 is discharged from the spout 13a, and when the solenoid valve 30 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply channel 14 is not discharged from the spout 13a. It becomes watery.

The solenoid valve 30 is connected to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 drives the solenoid valve 30 to control the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 30. The solenoid valve 30 is electrically controlled according to a control signal from the control unit 32 to open and close the water supply channel 14. In this way, the solenoid valve 30 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply passage 14 for the water discharged from the water discharge port 13a.

The solenoid valve 30 is, for example, a self-holding solenoid valve (latch type solenoid valve) called a latching solenoid valve, and operates from a closed state to an open state (open operation) by energizing the solenoid coil in one direction. ) After that, the open state is maintained even if the energization of the solenoid coil is cut off, and the solenoid coil is energized from the open state to the closed state (closed operation) by energization in the other direction, and then the solenoid coil is energized. It remains closed even when shut off.

The sensor unit 22 detects an object (hand or the like) approaching the spout 13a. The water discharge destination of the water discharge port 13a is the detection region of the sensor unit 22. The sensor unit 22 transmits an optical signal and detects the position, movement, etc. of the object by receiving the reflected signal reflected from the object such as the human body that receives the transmitted optical signal.

The sensor unit 22 is, for example, an optical sensor using an optical signal of infrared light. The optical signal transmitted from the sensor unit 22 may be, for example, visible light. Hereinafter, the optical signal will be described as infrared light. The "infrared light" is, for example, light having a wavelength of 0.7 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. Further, for the sensor unit 22, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like may be used.

The sensor unit 22 is provided inside the faucet 13 near the spout 13a, and is arranged so as to transmit an optical signal toward the user side (left side in FIG. 1) of the wash basin. As a result, the sensor unit 22 makes it possible to detect that the human body is approaching the spout 13a, that the human body that is approaching the spout 13a has extended a hand toward the spout 13a, and the like.

The sensor unit 22 inputs a detection signal representing the detection result of the object to the control unit 32 via the connection cable 23. The control unit 32 detects the presence or absence of an object based on the detection signal input from the sensor unit 22. The control unit 32 detects the position and movement of the object based on the detection signal, for example. Then, the control unit 32 controls the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 30 based on the detection result. Further, the control unit 32 outputs a control signal to the sensor unit 22 to control the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22.

The generator 24 is provided, for example, on the path of the water supply channel 14 between the faucet 13 and the solenoid valve 30, and when the solenoid valve 30 is opened, the generator 24 uses the flow of water flowing through the water supply channel 14 to generate electricity. I do. The generator 24 supplies the generated electric power to the solenoid valve device 20 and the like. The generator 24 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

As described above, in the faucet device 10 of the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 30 is controlled by the control unit 32 based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 22. As a result, water is discharged according to the detection result (movement of the user of the wash basin, etc.) of the object approaching the water discharge port 13a. The control unit 32 discharges water in response to detection of the object, and stops water discharge in response to non-detection of the object. That is, in the faucet device 10, water is automatically discharged while the user is holding out his / her hand or the like near the water discharge port 13a.

The sensor unit 22 is not always operating, but is controlled by the control unit 32 so that it operates at a timing that requires sensing, for example. As a result, the power consumption of the sensor unit 22 can be reduced. For example, the control unit 32 reduces the frequency of the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22 to the extent that the user does not feel inconvenienced. As a result, the power consumption of the faucet device 10 as a whole can be reduced.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are explanatory views schematically showing the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the solenoid valve 30 includes a water channel 40, a plunger 42, a solenoid 44, a first holding member 46, a second holding member 48, and a diaphragm 50. And have.

The water channel 40 is a water channel for flowing water inside the solenoid valve 30. The water channel 40 constitutes a part of the water supply channel 14. The inlet side of the water channel 40 is connected to a water supply source such as a water supply pipe, and the outlet side of the water channel 40 is connected to the faucet 13.

The plunger 42 moves to a water stop position that closes the water channel 40 and a water flow position that opens the water channel 40. In this example, the position shown in FIG. 2A is the water flow position, and the position shown in FIG. 2B is the water stop position. The plunger 42 moves linearly between, for example, a water stop position and a water flow position. The plunger 42 is, for example, rod-shaped. For the plunger 42, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as iron is used.

The solenoid 44 moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position and the water flow position. The solenoid 44 is tubular. The plunger 42 is arranged so as to be inserted inside the solenoid 44. The solenoid 44 generates an electromagnetic force in response to the supply of an electric current to linearly move the plunger 42 inserted therein to the water stop position and the water flow position.

The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 in a water stop position. The first holding member 46 is, for example, a coil spring. The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 at the water stop position by, for example, applying an urging force for urging the water stop position side to the plunger 42.

The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 at a water passage position. The second holding member 48 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 at the water passage position by, for example, applying an suction force to be attracted to the water passage position side to the plunger 42.

The diaphragm 50 is provided between the water channel 40 and the plunger 42. In the diaphragm 50, when the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, a pressure difference is generated on both sides of the diaphragm 50, the diaphragm 50 moves, and the water channel 40 is closed together with the plunger 42. The diaphragm 50 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

In the solenoid valve 30, the plunger 42 can be moved to the water stop position and the water flow position depending on the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid 44.

When the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the urging force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring, becomes larger than the attractive force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the plunger 42 is held at the water stop position by the urging force of the first holding member 46.

On the other hand, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passage position, the attractive force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet, becomes larger than the urging force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passage position, the plunger 42 is held at the water passage position by the suction force of the second holding member 48.

Contrary to the above, the first holding member 46 may be a permanent magnet and the second holding member 48 may be a coil spring. The configuration of the first holding member 46 and the second holding member 48 may be any configuration capable of holding the position of the plunger 42.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the faucet device 10 further includes a power supply unit 26. The power supply unit 26 is connected to the generator 24 and the battery 28. The power supply unit 26 supplies the electric power of the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the solenoid valve device 20 and the like. For example, the power supply unit 26 converts the DC power supplied from the generator 24 and the battery 28 into DC power having a predetermined voltage value, and supplies the DC power to each unit such as the electromagnetic valve device 20 and the sensor unit 22.

The battery 28 is detachably attached to a holder or the like (not shown). The battery 28 is detachably connected to the power supply unit 26. When the voltage of the battery 28 drops, the battery 28 is replaced.

In this example, the power supply unit 26 is connected to the generator 24 and the battery 28. The power supply unit 26 may be connected to at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28. The power supply unit 26 may be configured to be able to supply the electric power of at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the solenoid valve device 20.

The solenoid valve device 20 further includes a current detection unit 34 and a drive circuit 36. The current detection unit 34 detects the current flowing through the solenoid 44. The current detection unit 34 is connected to the control unit 32 and inputs the current detection result to the control unit 32.

The drive circuit 36 is connected to the power supply unit 26 and the solenoid 44. The drive circuit 36 switches between supplying the current to the solenoid 44 and stopping the supply of the current to the solenoid 44 based on the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 26. Further, the drive circuit 36 makes it possible to switch the direction of the current supplied to the solenoid 44. That is, the drive circuit 36 enables the plunger 42 to move to the water stop position and to the water flow position.

The control unit 32 controls the energization of the solenoid 44 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 22 and the detection result of the current detection unit 34. The control unit 32 is connected to the drive circuit 36. The control unit 32 controls the energization of the solenoid 44 by controlling the operation of the drive circuit 36 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 22 and the detection result of the current detection unit 34.

FIG. 4 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 during the water flow operation for moving the plunger 42 from the water stop position to the water flow position.

The control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 in response to the switching from the non-detection state to the detection state of the sensor unit 22, thereby supplying the solenoid 44 with a current in the direction of moving the plunger 42 to the water passage position. (Timing T11 in FIG. 4).

During the water flow operation, when the plunger 42 starts moving from the water stop position to the water flow position, a counter electromotive force due to an inductive action is generated in the solenoid 44 as the plunger 42 moves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, during the water flow operation, the current increases from the start of energization and then decreases once. Then, when the movement of the plunger 42 to the water flow position is completed, the counter electromotive force disappears, so that the current increases again.

The control unit 32 detects a change point CP1 in which the current increases, then decreases once, and then increases again, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, during the water flow operation. By driving the drive circuit 36 in response to the detection of CP1, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped (timing T12 in FIG. 4). As a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary energization of the solenoid 44 during the water flow operation, and to reduce the power consumption of the solenoid valve device 20 and the faucet device 10.

When the plunger 42 moves to the water flow position, the water channel 40 opens. In other words, the solenoid valve 30 opens. Therefore, the water is discharged from the spout 13a of the faucet 13. Further, when the plunger 42 moves to the water flow position, the plunger 42 is held at the water flow position by the second holding member 48. Therefore, even after the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped, the plunger 42 is held at the water flow position, and the water discharge state of the faucet 13 is maintained.

The current waveform shown in the upper part of FIG. 4 is not a waveform in which the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped at the timing T12, but an energization of the solenoid 44 even after the change point CP1 is exceeded in order to clearly show that the current increases again. It shows the state of continuing to do so for convenience.

FIG. 5 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 during the water stop operation for moving the plunger 42 from the water passage position to the water stop position.

The control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 in response to the switching from the detection state to the non-detection state of the sensor unit 22 to supply a current in the direction of moving the plunger 42 to the water stop position to the solenoid 44. (Timing T21 in FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, the change in the current due to the movement of the plunger 42 is smaller in the water stop operation than in the water flow operation. Therefore, in the water stop operation, the control unit 32 starts energizing the solenoid 44, and then the slope of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34. The change point CP2 that changes so as to increase again is detected, and the drive circuit 36 is driven in response to the detection of the change point CP2 to stop the energization of the solenoid 44 (timing T22 in FIG. 5). As a result, unnecessary energization of the solenoid 44 can be suppressed even during the water stop operation, and the power consumption of the solenoid valve device 20 and the faucet device 10 can be reduced.

The control unit 32 starts counting the minute time Δt from the time when the change point CP2 is detected, and stops energizing the solenoid 44 when the minute time Δt elapses from the time when the change point CP2 is detected.

When moving the plunger 42 from the water passage position to the water stop position, the first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 in the water stop position rather than the force that the second holding member 48 tries to hold the plunger 42 in the water stop position. It is necessary to energize the solenoid 44 until the plunger 42 moves to the boundary position where the force to be held is larger. If the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position, the plunger 42 returns to the water flow position due to the force of the second holding member 48.

As described above, by stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 when a minute time Δt has elapsed from the detection of the change point CP2, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position. It can be suppressed. Therefore, the plunger 42 can be moved to the water stop position more reliably while suppressing unnecessary energization and reducing power consumption. That is, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

However, the energization of the solenoid 44 may be stopped when the change point CP2 is detected without waiting for the passage of the minute time Δt. In this case, wasteful energization can be further suppressed and power consumption can be further suppressed.

When the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, the water channel 40 closes. In other words, the solenoid valve 30 closes. Therefore, the water is stopped so that the water is not discharged from the spout 13a of the faucet 13. Further, when the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, the plunger 42 is held at the water stop position by the first holding member 46. Therefore, even after the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped, the plunger 42 is held in the water stop position, and the water stop state of the faucet 13 is maintained.

In the current waveform shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the change point CP2 is set in order to clearly show that the current waveform changes so that the slope of the current increases again, not the waveform in which the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped at the timing T22. For convenience, the state in which the solenoid 44 is continuously energized even after the voltage is exceeded is shown.

As described above, in the faucet device 10 and the solenoid valve device 20 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 32 moves the plunger 42 from the water passage position to the water stop position, the solenoid 44 is moved to the solenoid 44. After starting the energization of, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, the change point CP2 that changes so that the slope of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization and then increases again is detected, and the change point CP2 is detected. In response to the detection of, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped.

In this way, by detecting the change point CP2 of the slope of the current and stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2, the solenoid valve 30 is closed more than necessary even during the water stop operation. It is possible to suppress the energization and reduce the power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide the faucet device 10 and the solenoid valve device 20 that suppress unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve 30.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit.
Those having substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, the control unit 32 counts the number of operations of the plunger 42 according to the movement of the plunger 42 (steps S101 and 102 in FIG. 6). The number of operations of the plunger 42 may be counted by 1 for each of the movement of the plunger 42 from the water stop position to the water flow position and the movement from the water flow position to the water stop position, or from the water stop position to the water flow position. One round trip to move to and return to the water stop position may be counted as one count.

After counting the number of operations of the plunger 42, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S103 in FIG. 6).

When the control unit 32 determines that the number of operations is less than the predetermined number of times, the control unit 32 sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 to the stop of energization of the solenoid 44 to the first time t1 (step of FIG. 6). S104).

On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the number of operations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the control unit 32 sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 to the stop of energization of the solenoid 44 to the second time t2 (FIG. 6). Step S105). The second hour t2 is longer than the first hour t1.

In this way, the control unit 32 counts the number of operations of the plunger 42, and when the number of operations is less than the predetermined number, the minute time Δt is shortened as compared with the case where the number of operations is the predetermined number or more. As a result, power consumption can be further suppressed. When the number of operations is more than a predetermined number of times, by lengthening the energizing time, even if the first holding member 46 or the second holding member 48 deteriorates due to the movement of the plunger 42, the operation is stopped more reliably. Can do water. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing another modified example of the operation of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 7, in this example, when the plunger 42 is moved from the water passage position to the water stop position, the elapsed time ET from the start of energization of the solenoid 44 to the detection of the change point CP2. (See FIG. 5) is timed (steps S201, 202 in FIG. 7).

After measuring the elapsed time ET, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S203 in FIG. 7).

When the control unit 32 determines that the elapsed time ET is less than a predetermined time, the control unit 32 sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 to the stop of energization of the solenoid 44 to the first time t1 (FIG. 7). Step S204).

On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the control unit 32 sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 to the stop of energization of the solenoid 44 to the second time t2 (FIG. Step S205 of step 7). The second hour t2 is longer than the first hour t1.

For example, when the temperature of the solenoid 44 rises due to the temperature of water (hot water) flowing through the water channel 40 or the like, the resistance value of the solenoid 44 rises, so that the magnetic force generated when energized decreases. Then, when the magnetic force decreases, the moving speed of the plunger 42 becomes slow, and the elapsed time ET becomes long. As described above, when the elapsed time ET is long and the minute time Δt is short, there is a high possibility that the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position.

On the other hand, in this example, when the control unit 32 clocks the elapsed time ET and the elapsed time ET is less than the predetermined time, the minute time Δt is shortened as compared with the case where the elapsed time ET is the predetermined time or more. To do. As described above, when the elapsed time ET is less than the predetermined time, the power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energizing time. When the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, by lengthening the energizing time, water can be stopped more reliably even when the characteristics of the solenoid valve 30 change due to water temperature or the like. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the minute time Δt is changed based on the number of operations of the plunger 42. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the minute time Δt is changed based on the elapsed time ET. The parameter for changing the minute time Δt is not limited to the number of operations of the plunger 42 and the elapsed time ET, and may be arbitrary operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve 30. The operation information may be, for example, arbitrary information related to the elapsed time ET (moving speed of the plunger 42).

In this way, by changing the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 to the stop of energization of the solenoid 44 based on the operation information, the energization time required until the water is stopped due to the change in the characteristics of the solenoid valve 30. Even when (the time until the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position) changes, the water can be stopped more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a modified example of the faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the faucet device 10a and the solenoid valve device 20a, the control unit 32 has a numerical processing program 52 and a parameter 54. The numerical processing program 52 is a program that calculates the current value detected by the current detection unit 34. The parameter 54 is a parameter used for calculating the current value of the numerical processing program 52. The control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 during the water stop operation in real time based on the numerical processing program 52 and the parameter 54.

FIG. 9 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 32 calculates the division value DV from the current value CV detected by the current detection unit 34 in real time by using the numerical processing program 52. The division value DV is a value obtained by dividing the current value CV by the elapsed time t from the start of energization. The numerical processing program 52 is a program for calculating the division value DV.

The control unit 32 calculates the auxiliary straight line AL in real time from the division value DV calculated by the numerical processing program 52. The control unit 32 is based on, for example, the division value DV when the first predetermined time ta has elapsed from the start of energization and the division value DV when the second predetermined time tb longer than the first predetermined time ta has elapsed. , Auxiliary straight line AL is calculated in real time. The auxiliary straight line AL may be stored in the control unit 32 as a predetermined value without being calculated in real time. For example, the auxiliary straight line AL may be updated by periodically performing the above calculation without calculating each time the water stop operation is executed.

When the plunger 42 is in the vicinity of the water flow position, the division value DV changes along the auxiliary straight line AL even after the second predetermined time tb. Then, when the plunger 42 moves from the water flow position to the water stop position, the division value DV is separated from the auxiliary straight line AL due to the change in the inductance of the solenoid 44 accompanying the movement of the plunger 42.

The control unit 32 calculates the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL in real time, and detects when the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL becomes the parameter α (parameter 54) or more as the change point CP2. To do. In this case, the control unit 32 stops energizing the solenoid 44 when the change point CP2 is detected.

The parameter α may be a fixed value or may be changed based on the operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve 30 as in the above-mentioned minute time Δt. The larger the parameter α, the longer it takes to stop energization. Therefore, for example, the parameter α may be increased when the number of operations of the plunger 42 is a predetermined number of times or more, or when the elapsed time ET is a predetermined time or more.

FIG. 10 is a reference graph diagram schematically showing the theoretical value of the division value.
As shown in FIG. 10, the division value DV obtained by dividing the current value CV by the elapsed time t can theoretically be represented by a combination of two linear functions LF1 and LF2. The linear function LF1 depends on the inductance of the solenoid 44 when the plunger 42 is located at the water flow position. The linear function LF2 depends on the inductance of the solenoid 44 when the plunger 42 is in the water stop position.

In this way, the division value DV can be represented by two linear functions LF1 and LF2. Actually, it is shown in FIG. 9 due to the change in the inductance of the solenoid 44 at the position between the water flow position and the water stop position of the plunger 42 and the influence of the magnetic force of the second holding member 48 which is a permanent magnet. As described above, the division value DV seems to be slightly distorted with respect to the two linear functions LF1 and LF2.

The auxiliary straight line AL corresponds to the linear function LF1. The division value DV changes along the linear function LF1 when the plunger 42 is located at the water flow position, and changes along the linear function LF2 after the plunger 42 moves from the water flow position to the water stop position. To do. Therefore, the change point CP2 can be detected by calculating the difference between the auxiliary straight line AL and the division value DV.

The change point CP2 is, more precisely, the intersection of the linear function LF1 and the linear function LF2. However, when the change point CP2 is detected in real time based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, it is difficult to accurately detect the intersection of the linear function LF1 and the linear function LF2. Therefore, as described above, the parameter α is set, and the time when the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL becomes equal to or greater than the parameter α is detected as the change point CP2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the plunger 42 from stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 before reaching the boundary position, and it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

The current I flowing through the solenoid 44 can be represented by the following equation 1. In Equation 1, t is the time, and t ₀ is the time when the solenoid 44 is energized. That is, t−t ₀ represents the elapsed time from the start of energization. Further, in Equation 1, τ is a time constant, and is a value represented by τ = L / R when the resistance component of the solenoid 44 is R and the inductance component of the solenoid 44 is L. Further, in Equation 1, I ₀ is the maximum current (current in a steady state) flowing through the solenoid 44, and is represented by I ₀ = V / R when the voltage applied to the solenoid 44 is V.

数１の指数関数をテイラー展開すると、以下の数２となる。

The Taylor expansion of the exponential function of Equation 1 yields Equation 2 below.

数２の高次側を省略すると、電流Ｉは、以下の数３で近似することができる。

Omitting the higher-order side of Equation 2, the current I can be approximated by Equation 3 below.

従って、数３を経過時間（ｔ−ｔ_０）で除算すると、除算値ＤＶ（Ｉ／（ｔ−ｔ_０））は、以下の数４で表すことができる。

Therefore, when the equation 3 is divided by the elapsed time (tt ₀ ), the division value DV (I / (tt ₀ )) can be represented by the following equation 4.

すなわち、一次関数ＬＦ１、ＬＦ２は、Ｉ_０／τを切片とし、−Ｉ_０（ｔ−ｔ_０）／２τ^２を傾きとする一次関数である。

That is, the linear functions LF1 and LF2 are linear functions with I ₀ / τ as the intercept and −I ₀ (t−t ₀ ) / 2τ ² as the slope.

In this way, the division value DV can be represented by the linear functions LF1 and LF2. Therefore, for example, when the time constant τ is known in advance, the auxiliary straight line AL may be calculated in advance based on the equation 4 or the like and stored in the control unit 32 as a constant value.

As described above, the faucet device 10a and the solenoid valve device 20a detect the change point CP2 in real time based on the numerical processing program 52 and the parameter 54. As a result, the delay in the detection of the change point CP2 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the energization more than necessary and to reduce the power consumption.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the toilet device according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the toilet device 100 (water discharge device) includes a toilet bowl 102, a water supply channel 14, an electromagnetic valve device 20, and a sensor unit 22. In addition, those having substantially the same function and configuration as the faucet device 10 described with respect to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The toilet bowl 102 has a concave bowl portion and a spout (not shown) for discharging wash water into the bowl portion. The toilet bowl 102 flushes the filth and the like excreted in the bowl portion by discharging the washing water supplied through the water supply channel 14 into the bowl portion from the spout. That is, in this example, the toilet bowl 102 functions as a water discharge unit. In other words, the toilet bowl 102 is a Western-style sitting toilet bowl.

In the toilet device 100 configured as described above, the solenoid 44 is energized when the control unit 32 moves the plunger 42 from the water passage position to the water stop position in the same manner as in the first embodiment. After starting, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, the change point CP2 that changes so that the slope of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization and then increases again is detected, and the change point CP2 is detected. In response to, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped. As a result, even during the water stop operation in which the solenoid valve 30 is closed, it is possible to suppress the energization more than necessary and reduce the power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide the toilet device 100 that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve 30.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the toilet device according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the toilet device 200 (water discharge device) includes a urinal 202, a water supply channel 14, an electromagnetic valve device 20, and a sensor unit 22.

The urinal 202 has a concave bowl portion and a spout (not shown) for discharging wash water into the bowl portion. The urinal 202 flushes the surface of the bowl portion by discharging the washing water supplied through the water supply channel 14 into the bowl portion from the spout. That is, in this example, the urinal 202 functions as a water discharge unit.

In the toilet device 200 configured as described above, the solenoid 44 is energized during the water stop operation in which the control unit 32 moves the plunger 42 from the water passage position to the water stop position, as in the first embodiment. After starting, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, the change point CP2 that changes so that the slope of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization and then increases again is detected, and the change point CP2 is detected. In response to, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped. As a result, even during the water stop operation in which the solenoid valve 30 is closed, it is possible to suppress the energization more than necessary and reduce the power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide the toilet device 200 that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve 30.

As described above, the water discharge device may be a faucet device, a toilet device using a toilet bowl, or a toilet device using a urinal. The water discharge device is not limited to these, and may be any water discharge device that detects an object and controls water discharge stoppage.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiment, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the faucet device 10, the toilet devices 100, 200, and the like are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed.
In addition, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

10, 10a faucet device, 11 washbasin, 12 washbasin counter, 13 faucet (water spout), 13a spout, 14 water supply channel, 15 drainage channel, 20, 20a solenoid valve device, 22 sensor section, 23 connection cable, 24 Generator, 26 Power supply, 28 Battery, 30 Solenoid valve, 32 Control, 34 Current detector, 36 Drive circuit, 40 Faucet, 42 Plunger, 44 Solenoid, 46 1st holding member, 48 2nd holding member, 50 Diaphragm, 52 Numerical processing program, 54 parameters, 100 toilet equipment, 102 toilet bowl, 200 toilet equipment, 202 urinal

Claims (6)

A solenoid valve device used in a water discharge device to control water flow and water stoppage.
A water channel for flowing water, a plunger that moves to a water stop position that closes the water channel and a water flow position that opens the water channel, a solenoid that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water flow position, and the plunger. A self-holding solenoid valve having a first holding member for holding the water stop position and a second holding member for holding the plunger at the water flow position.
A current detector that detects the current flowing through the solenoid, and
A control unit that controls energization of the solenoid based on the detection result of the current detection unit,
With
The control unit starts energizing the solenoid during the water stop operation for moving the plunger from the water flow position to the water stop position, and then, based on the detection result of the current detection unit, the current is generated. An electromagnetic valve characterized in that after the inclination becomes smaller than that at the start of energization, a change point that changes so as to increase again is detected, and the energization of the solenoid is stopped in response to the detection of the change point. apparatus. The solenoid according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the time from the detection of the change point to the stop of energization of the solenoid valve based on the operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve. Valve device. The operation information is the number of operations of the plunger.
The control unit counts the number of operations of the plunger, and when the number of operations is less than the predetermined number, the current is applied to the solenoid from the detection of the change point as compared with the case where the number of operations is the predetermined number or more. The solenoid valve device according to claim 2, wherein the time required to stop the solenoid valve is shortened. The operation information is the elapsed time from the start of energization of the solenoid to the detection of the change point.
The control unit measures the elapsed time, and when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time, the energization of the solenoid is stopped from the detection of the change point as compared with the case where the elapsed time is the predetermined time or more. The solenoid valve device according to claim 2, wherein the time required for the operation is shortened. The control unit includes a numerical processing program that calculates a current value detected by the current detection unit, and a parameter used for calculating the current value of the numerical processing program, and the numerical processing program and the above. The electromagnetic valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the change point is detected in real time based on a parameter. The solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of a battery and a generator to the solenoid valve device, and
A water spouting device characterized by being equipped with.

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