JP3722056B2

JP3722056B2 - Automatic faucet

Info

Publication number: JP3722056B2
Application number: JP2001367359A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 忠洋本田
Original assignee: 東陶機器株式会社
Priority date: 2001-11-30
Filing date: 2001-11-30
Publication date: 2005-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-30
Also published as: JP2003166267A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、吐水部材に手などを近づけると自動的に吐水する自動水栓であって前記吐水部材が延長ホースとともに保持部材から着脱可能な自動水栓、いわゆるプルアウト式の自動水栓に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
手などを吐水部材に近づけたり、離したりすることによって自動的に吐水、止水する機能を備えた自動水栓は、オフィスビルやホテル、鉄道の駅および公共施設などのトイレや洗面所を中心に広く普及している。このような自動水栓には様々な改良が加えられているが、近年、吐水部材を手で掴んで軸方向に引っ張ると給水ホースととともに吐水部材を保持部材から外して引き出すことのできる、いわゆるプルアウト式の自動水栓が開発され、特開平４−７３３３３号公報、特開平５−１７１６６５号公報などに開示されている。
【０００３】
前記公報に開示されている自動水栓は、吐水部材が保持部材に装着されている場合には、センサの検知信号に基づいて自動的に吐水、止水が行われるとともに、手動操作スイッチの操作によっても吐水、止水を行わせることができ、吐水部材を保持部材から外しているときは、手動操作スイッチの操作によってのみ吐水、止水が行われる機能を備えている。このような自動水栓を洗髪化粧台や浴室用シャワー設備として設置すれば、頭髪や顔面あるいは浴槽などの洗浄対象物に吐水部材を近づけて吐水させることができる。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記公報に開示されている自動水栓は、吐水部材を保持部材から外して使用している場合、手動操作スイッチを操作しない限り、吐水、止水が行われないので、使い勝手が悪く、使用者にとって不便である。特に、吐水部材を引き出した状態で吐水、止水を何度も反復するような使い方をする場合、その都度手動スイッチの操作を繰り返さなければならないので面倒である。また、このような手動操作の繰り返しは、指先の動作が不自由な老人や子供などにとってはかなりの負担となっている。
【０００５】
本発明は、吐水部材装着時は通常の自動水栓の機能を発揮し、保持部材から吐水部材を離脱させているときは手動操作あるいは吐水部材を物体へ接近、離隔させることによって自動的に吐水、止水が行われる機能を備えた自動水栓を提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の自動水栓は、湯水送給ホースが接続された吐水部材と、前記吐水部材を脱着自在に保持する保持部材と、前記湯水送給ホースに接続された開閉弁と、物体の接近、離隔を検知して前記開閉弁に開閉信号を送るために前記吐水部材に設けられた接近センサと、手動操作で前記開閉弁に開閉信号を送るために前記吐水部材に設けられた手動スイッチとを備えた自動水栓であって、前記保持部材に対する前記吐水部材の離脱、装着操作に対応して前記接近センサの検知領域を変化、復元させる検知領域制御手段を設けたことを特徴とする。ここで、接近センサの検知領域を変化させるとは、検知領域を縮小したり、拡大したり、あるいは移動させたりすることをいうが、接近センサの検知領域がゼロ、つまり接近センサの検知機能が停止することは含まないものとする。
【０００７】
このような構成とすることにより、吐水部材が保持部材に装着されている場合は、接近センサが吐水部材に対する物体の接近、離隔を検知して開閉弁を開閉することで自動的に吐水、止水が行われ、手動スイッチを手動操作することで吐水、止水を行うことができるので、通常の自動水栓としての機能を発揮する。また、吐水部材を保持部材から離脱させた場合、前記検知領域制御手段がそれを検知して接近センサの検知領域を変化させるが、接近検知機能は維持され、吐水部材を物体に接近、離隔させることにより自動的に吐水、止水が行われるだけでなく、手動スイッチの操作による吐水、止水もできるので、離脱時の吐水部材の使い勝手が良好となり、便利である。
【０００８】
さらに、保持部材に対する吐水部材の離脱、装着操作に対応して接近センサの検知領域が変化、復元するので、離脱状態にある吐水部材を物体に接近、離隔させたとき、吐水部材装着時と異なる接近距離や接近方向における吐水、止水動作が得られるようになり、吐水部材を保持部材に装着すれば前記検知領域は自動復元するので利便性が向上する。なお、保持部材から吐水部材を離脱させたとき、接近センサの検知領域を縮小させるか、拡大させるか、あるいは移動させるかは、当該自動水栓の設置場所や使い方などに応じて前記検知領域制御手段に予め設定しておくことが可能であり、前記設定はその後変更することもできるので、使用状況の変化にも的確に対応することができる。
【０００９】
ここで、前記検知領域制御手段に、前記保持部材に対する前記吐水部材の離脱、装着操作に対応して前記接近センサの検知領域を縮小、復元させる機能を設けることにより、保持部材から離脱させた状態にある吐水部材は、装着時よりも更に物体に接近させなければ吐水しないようになるので、対象物のみに向けて集中的に吐水することが可能となり、吐水部材を動かしているときに誤って吐水することもなくなるので、使い勝手が更に向上する。また、離脱させた吐水部材を保持部材に元通り装着すれば、接近センサの検知領域は元の状態に復元するので、通常の自動水栓としての機能は維持される。なお、吐水部材を離脱させた状態における、接近センサの縮小時検知領域は、前記検知領域制御手段に予め設定することができ、この設定値はその後、変更することもできるので、使用条件に適した設定を行うことができる。
【００１０】
なお、前記検知領域制御手段によって接近センサの検知領域を縮小させる具体的方法としては、例えば、赤外線を発する赤外線発光部と、前記赤外線発光部から発せられ対象物に当たって反射した赤外線を受ける赤外線受光部とを備え、前記赤外線受光部で受けた赤外線受光量が一定値（以下「閾値」という。）を超えたり、下回ったりしたときに開閉信号を発する赤外線式接近センサの場合、前記赤外線受光部の閾値を上げることで受光感度を弱めたり、赤外線発光部の投光量を低下させたりする方法が好適である。
【００１１】
また、前記吐水部材が前記保持部材から離脱しているとき、前記手動スイッチまたは前記接近センサのいずれか一方からの開閉信号を優先する優先制御手段を設けることが望ましい。前記手動スイッチからの開閉信号を優先する優先制御手段を設けることにより、センサの感知、非感知を確認することなしに手動スイッチの操作により使用者の意図通りに吐水、止水を行うことが可能となり、前記接近センサからの開閉信号を優先する優先制御手段を設けることにより手動スイッチによる吐水、止水を確認することなしにセンサの感知機能を利用してやはり使用者の意図通りに吐水、止水することが可能となる。
【００１２】
なお、前記吐水部材が前記保持部材に装着されているときは、前記接近センサまたは前記手動スイッチのうち先に開放信号を発した方の信号を優先することが望ましい。これにより、接近センサまたは手動スイッチからの信号によって吐水が開始された後、他方の接近センサまたは手動スイッチからの信号によって吐水が中断されることなく継続して吐水させることができるようになる。
【００１３】
また、前記保持部材から離脱状態にある前記吐水部材からの連続的吐水が一定時間を超えると前記開閉弁を自動的に閉止する自動止水手段を設けることにより、保持部材から離脱させて吐水している吐水部材を洗面台や浴室床面の上に放置するなど、接近センサの検知領域に物体が存在する状態で吐水中の吐水部材が放置された場合に、そのまま吐水し続けて周囲が浸水したり、水道水が浪費されたりするのを防止することができる。なお、前記一定時間は予め設定することができ、その後、使用条件に応じて短縮、延長することもできる。
【００１４】
この場合、前記一定時間内に、前記接近センサに対する物体の接近、離隔または前記手動スイッチの操作が行われると前記一定時間の計測を再開始するリセット機能を前記自動止水手段に設けることが望ましい。ここで再開始とは前記一定時間の計測を０からやりなおすことをいう。これにより、吐水部材を離脱させた状態で長時間に亘って連続吐水させたい場合、吐水中に手動スイッチを操作したり、吐水部材を対象物に接近、離隔させたりすれば、前記リセット機能により前記一定時間の計測が再度はじめから開始されるので、洗浄中に吐水が中断するような不便さをなくすことができる。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は本発明の実施の形態である自動水栓を示す概略構成図、図２は図１における矢線Ａ視図、図３は図１に示す自動水栓のブロック制御図、図４は図１に示す自動水栓の吐水部材を離脱させた状態を示す概略構成図である。
【００１６】
図１，図２に示すように、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、プルアウト式自動水栓とも呼ばれるものであり、柔軟な湯水送給ホース２が基端部に接続され湯水供給ホース２を経由して送給される湯水を吐出する吐水口３ａを有する吐水部材３と、この吐水部材３を脱着自在に保持する保持部材４と、湯水送給ホース２に湯水混合器具５を介して接続された給水管６および給湯管７と、給水管６および給湯管７にそれぞれ配置された電磁開閉弁８などを備え、給水管６、給湯管７の基端部はそれぞれ電磁開閉弁８を経由して水道管Ｃ、送湯管Ｈに配管されている。
【００１７】
後述するように、電磁開閉弁８が開放されると、水道管Ｃ、送湯管Ｈから送給される湯および水が湯水混合器具５へ流れ込み、ここで互いに混合され適切な温度となった湯水が湯水送給ホース２および吐水部材３を経由して吐水口３ａから吐き出される。
【００１８】
また、吐水部材３には、吐水口３ａに対する物体の接近、離隔を検知して電磁開閉弁８に開閉信号を送る接近センサ９と、手動操作によって電磁開閉弁８に開閉信号を送る手動スイッチ１０とが設けられ、保持部材４には、この保持部材４に対する吐水部材３の離脱、装着状態を識別する脱着識別スイッチ１１が設けられている。そして、図３に示すように、接近センサ９、手動スイッチ１０、脱着識別スイッチ１１および電磁開閉弁８はいずれも総合制御装置１２に電気的に接続されている。接近センサ９は、総合制御装置１２からの給電によって赤外線を発する発光部９ａと、この発光部９ａから発され物体に当たって反射した赤外線を受ける受光部９ｂなどで構成されている。
【００１９】
吐水部材３が保持部材４に装着されているとき、接近センサ９は、受光部９ｂで受けた赤外線受光量に応じた信号を総合制御装置１２へ送信しているが、図５に示すように、時刻ｔ１において吐水口３ａに手を差し出すことによって受光部９ｂで受ける赤外線受光量が予め設定された一定値（閾値）を超えたり、差し出していた手を時刻ｔ２において引っ込めることによって受光部９ｂで受ける赤外線受光量が閾値より下回ったりすると、総合制御装置１２へ送られる信号が変化するので、その信号変化に基づいて総合制御装置１２が電磁開閉弁８へ開放信号、閉止信号を送り、電磁開閉弁８の開閉を行う。
【００２０】
総合制御装置１２には、図６に示すように、保持部材４に対する吐水部材３の離脱、装着操作に対応して、接近センサ９の検知領域を通常の広状態から狭状態へ切り替えたり、狭状態から広状態へ復元させたりする機能を有する検知領域制御手段が設けられている。本実施形態では、吐水部材３を保持部材４から離脱させたとき、図７に示すように、接近センサ９の受光部９ｂの閾値を閾値Ｘまで上げることでその受光感度を弱め、これによって接近センサ９の検知領域を縮小させる方式を採用している。すなわち、保持部材４に対する吐水部材３の離脱、装着操作に対応して接近センサ９の受光部９ｂの閾値を上昇、復帰させることで検知領域を縮小、復元させる。
【００２１】
したがって、吐水部材３を保持部材４から離脱させると図７で示したように受光部９ｂの閾値が閾値Ｘまで上昇するので、時刻ｔ３で吐水口３ａに物体が接近して赤外線受光量がＲ１まで増加しても吐水口３ａから吐水されることはなく、物体が更に吐水口３ａに接近し赤外線受光量がＲ２まで増加して閾値Ｘを超えると吐水口３ａから吐水が行われる。
【００２２】
なお、保持部材４に対する吐水部材３の離脱、装着操作に対応して、接近センサ９の検知領域を通常の広状態から狭状態へ切り替える検知領域制御手段としてはこれに限定するものではないので、前述した方式のほか、保持部材４に対する吐水部材３の離脱、装着操作に対応して発光部９ａの赤外線投光量を低下、復帰させることによって検知領域を縮小、復元させる方式なども採用可能である。
【００２３】
この方式の場合、閾値は設定値のままで変化させないが、保持部材４から吐水部材３の離脱させると発光部９ａの赤外線投光量が低下する結果、図８に示すように、受光部９ｂの受光量もＲ３まで低下するので、時刻時刻ｔ４で吐水口３ａに物体が接近して赤外線受光量がＲ４まで増加しても吐水口３ａから吐水されることはなく、物体が更に吐水口３ａに接近し赤外線受光量がＲ５まで増加して閾値を超えると吐水口３ａから吐水が行われることとなる。
【００２４】
図１に示すように、吐水部材３が保持部材４に装着されているときは、脱着識別スイッチ１１が装着状態であることを認識し、総合制御装置１２が接近センサ９の検知領域をいわゆる装着モード（広状態）に保っているので、吐水部材３の吐水口３ａに手などを近づけると、接近センサ９がそれを検知して総合制御装置１２へ開放信号を送り、この信号に基づいて２つの電磁開閉弁８が開放され、湯水混合器具５で設定された温度の湯水が吐水口３ａから吐出される。
【００２５】
また、吐水口３ａ近くにある手などを遠ざけると、接近センサ９がそれを検知して総合制御装置１２へ閉止信号を送り、この信号に基づいて２つの電磁開閉弁８が閉止され、吐水口３ａからの吐水が停止する。また、吐水部材３が保持部材４に装着されている場合、手動スイッチ１０を操作することによっても吐水、止水を行うことも可能であり、このような吐水、止水動作は通常の自動水栓と同様である。
【００２６】
なお、本実施形態の自動水栓１においては、吐水部材３が保持部材４に装着された状態にあるときは、接近センサ９または手動スイッチ１０のうち、先に信号を発した方からの開閉信号を優先し、後から信号を発した方の開閉信号は受け付けない先発優先制御手段を総合制御装置１２に設けている。したがって、図９に示すように、接近センサ９（または手動スイッチ１０）からの信号で吐水が開始されると、後から手動スイッチ１０（または接近センサ９）によって信号が発されても当該信号で吐水が停止されることがなく、最初に信号を発した接近センサ９（または手動スイッチ１０）が次の信号が発するまで継続して吐水されるという効果が得られる。
【００２７】
次に、図４に示すように、吐水部材３を保持部材４から離脱させると、脱着識別スイッチ１１がそれを認識して総合制御装置１２へ信号を送り、総合制御装置１２が接近センサ９の検知領域を縮小して、いわゆる離脱モード（狭状態）に変更する。これによって、保持部材４から離脱させた状態にある吐水部材３は、装着モードのときよりも更に物体に接近させなければ吐水しないようになるので、頭髪部分など比較的狭い領域にある対象物のみに向けて集中的に吐水することができ、使用位置まで吐水部材３を移動させているときに誤って吐水することもないので使い勝手に優れ、便利である。
【００２８】
また、吐水部材３を対象物に接近、離隔させるだけで、自動的に吐水、止水が行われるので、吐水、止水を何度も繰り返すような場合の肉体的負担を軽減することができるだけでなく、手動スイッチ１０の操作が苦手な老人、子供あるいは肢体不自由者などでも容易に使用できる。
【００２９】
また、離脱させた吐水部材３を保持部材４に元通り装着すれば、脱着識別スイッチ１１がそれを検知して総合制御装置１２へ信号を送り、総合制御装置１２からの信号で接近センサ９の検知領域は元の状態に復元するので、通常の自動水栓としての機能が復帰する。なお、吐水部材３を離脱させた状態における、接近センサ９の狭状態検知領域は、総合制御装置１２内の検知領域制御手段に予め設定することができ、この設定値はその後、変更することもできるので、使用条件に適した設定を行うことができる。
【００３０】
また、本実施形態では、吐水部材３が保持部材４から離脱しているとき、手動スイッチ１０からの開閉信号を優先するように切り替えることのできる優先制御手段を総合制御装置１２に設けている。したがって、手動スイッチ１０優先に切り替えた状態で、吐水部材３を保持部材４から離脱させると、図１０に示すように、接近センサ９からの開閉信号によっても吐水、止水は行われるが、手動スイッチ１０が開閉信号を発すると、後から接近センサ９が開閉信号を発してもこれを無視するようになっている。
【００３１】
このような優先制御手段により、接近センサ９の感知、非感知を確認することなしに手動スイッチ１０を操作するだけで、使用者の意図通りに吐水、止水を行うことができるという効果が得られる。なお、総合制御装置１２内の前記優先制御手段を切り替えることにより、接近センサ９からの開閉信号を優先するように設定することもできる。
【００３２】
また、本実施形態では、保持部材４から離脱状態にある吐水部材３からの連続的吐水が一定時間を超えると電磁開閉弁８を自動的に閉止する自動止水手段を総合制御装置１２に設けている。また、前記一定時間内に、接近センサ９の検知領域内における接近センサ９に対する物体の接近、離隔または手動スイッチ１０の操作が行われると前記一定時間の計測を再開始するリセット機能を前記自動止水手段に設けている。
【００３３】
したがって、保持部材４から離脱させた状態で吐水している吐水部材３を洗面台や浴室床面の上に放置するなど、接近センサ９の検知領域に物体が存在する状態で吐水中の吐水部材３が放置された場合、図１１に示すように、吐水中に手動スイッチ１０からの信号があればリセット機能が作動し、この時点から一定時間が経過するまで吐水は続行されるが、その後、吐水部材３を持ち上げるなどして接近センサ９の検知領域から物体を離隔させれば吐水は停止される。一方、吐水開始後、手動スイッチ１０が操作されない状態が一定時間を超えると、自動止水手段が異常事態と判断して自動的に吐水を停止するようになっている。
【００３４】
また、前述と同様、接近センサ９の検知領域に物体が存在する状態で吐水中の吐水部材３が放置された場合、図１２に示すように、吐水中に吐水部材３を動かすなどして接近センサ９の検知領域内で接近センサ９に対し物体を接近、離隔させれば、その受光部９ｂの赤外線受光量の変化（閾値を超えた領域内での変化）を総合制御装置１２が検知してリセット機能を作動させ、この時点から一定時間が経過するまで吐水は続行されるが、その後、吐水部材３を持ち上げるなどして接近センサ９の検知領域から物体を離隔させれば吐水は停止される。一方、吐水開始後、接近センサ９の検知領域内における接近センサ９に対する物体の接近、離隔がなく受光部９ｂの赤外線受光量の変化がない状態が一定時間を超えると、自動止水手段が異常事態と判断して自動的に吐水を停止するようになっている。
【００３５】
すなわち、保持部材４から離脱状態にある吐水部材３の接近センサ９が接近した対象物を検知して吐水が開始された後、前記一定時間内に手動スイッチ１０が操作されないとき、あるいは、前記一定時間内に接近センサ９の検知領域における接近センサ９に対する物体の接近、離隔がないときは、いずれのときも異常事態と判断して自動的に止水される。
【００３６】
このような自動止水手段を設けたことにより、使用者の忘却などで洗面台や浴室床面などに吐水状態で放置された吐水部材がそのまま吐水し続けて周囲が浸水したり、水道水が浪費されたりするのを防止することができる。なお、総合制御装置１２内の自動止水手段を調節することにより、前記一定時間は予め設定することができ、その後、使用条件に応じて前記一定時間を短縮、延長することもできる。
【００３７】
また、前記自動止水手段は、前記一定時間内に、接近センサ９への物体の接近、離隔または手動スイッチ１０の操作が行われると前記リセット機能が作動するので、吐水部材３を離脱させた状態で長時間に亘って連続吐水させたい場合、吐水中に手動スイッチ１０を操作したり、吐水部材３をその検知領域の範囲内で対象物に接近、離隔させたりすれば、長時間を要する洗浄作業の途中で吐水が中断するような不便さを回避することができる。
【００３８】
以上のように、自動水栓１において、吐水部材３が保持部材４に装着されている場合は、接近センサ９が吐水部材３に対する物体の接近、離隔を検知して電磁開閉弁８が開閉されることによって自動的に吐水、止水が行われ、手動スイッチ１０を手動操作することによって吐水、止水を行うことができるので、通常の自動水栓としての機能を発揮する。また、吐水部材３を保持部材４から離脱させた場合、脱着識別スイッチ１１がそれを検知して接近センサ９の検知領域を縮小させるが、接近センサ９の接近検知機能は維持され、吐水部材３を物体に接近、離隔させるだけで自動的に吐水、止水が行われるだけでなく、手動スイッチ１０の操作による吐水、止水もできるので、離脱時の吐水部材３の使い勝手が良好であり、便利である。
【００３９】
なお、保持部材４から吐水部材３を離脱させたとき、接近センサ９の検知領域を縮小させるか、拡大させるか、あるいは移動させるかは、当該自動水栓１の設置場所や使い方などに応じて総合制御装置１２内の検知領域制御手段に予め設定しておくことが可能であり、前記設定はその後変更することもできるので、使用状況の変化にも的確に対応することができる。
【００４０】
【発明の効果】
本発明により、以下に示す効果を奏する。
【００４１】
（１）湯水送給ホースが接続された吐水部材と、前記吐水部材を脱着自在に保持する保持部材と、前記湯水送給ホースに接続された開閉弁と、物体の接近、離隔を検知して前記開閉弁に開閉信号を送るために前記吐水部材に設けられた接近センサと、手動操作で前記開閉弁に開閉信号を送るために前記吐水部材に設けられた手動スイッチとを備えた自動水栓に、前記保持部材に対する前記吐水部材の離脱、装着操作に対応して前記接近センサの検知領域を変化、復元させる検知領域制御手段を設けたことにより、吐水部材装着時は通常の自動水栓の機能を発揮し、保持部材から離脱させた吐水部材の物体への接近、離隔によっても自動的に吐水、止水が行われるようになるので、使い勝手が良好となり、便利である。
【００４２】
（２）前記検知領域制御手段に、前記保持部材に対する前記吐水部材の離脱、装着操作に対応して前記接近センサの検知領域を縮小、復元させる機能を設けることにより、保持部材から離脱させた状態にある吐水部材は、装着時よりも更に物体に接近させなければ吐水しないようになるので、対象物のみに向けて集中的に吐水することが可能となり、吐水部材を動かしているときに誤って吐水することもなくなるので、使い勝手が更に向上する。
【００４３】
（３）前記吐水部材が前記保持部材から離脱しているとき、前記手動スイッチからの開閉信号を優先する優先制御手段を設けることにより、センサの感知、非感知を確認することなしに手動スイッチの操作により使用者の意図通りに吐水、止水させることが可能となり、前記接近センサからの開閉信号を優先する優先制御手段を設けることにより手動スイッチによる吐水、止水を確認することなしにセンサの感知により使用者の意図通りに吐水、止水を行うことが可能となる。
【００４４】
（４）前記保持部材から離脱状態にある前記吐水部材からの連続的吐水が一定時間を超えると前記開閉弁を自動的に閉止する自動止水手段を設けることにより、接近センサの検知領域に物体が存在する状態で吐水中の吐水部材が放置された場合に、そのまま吐水し続けて周囲が浸水したり、水道水が浪費されたりするのを防止することができる。
【００４５】
（５）前記一定時間内に、前記接近センサに対する物体の接近、離隔または前記手動スイッチの操作が行われると前記一定時間の計測を再開始するリセット機能を前記自動止水手段に設けることにより、吐水部材を離脱させた状態で長時間に亘って連続吐水させたい場合に吐水が中断するような不便さをなくすことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態である自動水栓を示す概略構成図である。
【図２】図１における矢線Ａ視図である。
【図３】図１に示す自動水栓の制御ブロック図である。
【図４】図１に示す自動水栓において吐水部材を離脱させた状態を示す概略構成図である。
【図５】受光部の赤外線受光量の変化と閾値との関係を示すグラフである。
【図６】吐水部材の脱着状態と接近センサの検知領域の変化との関係を示すシーケンス図である。
【図７】吐水部材を離脱させた状態における受光部の赤外線受光量の変化と閾値との関係を示すグラフである。
【図８】発光部の赤外線投光量を低下させた状態における受光部の赤外線受光量の変化と閾値との関係を示すグラフである。
【図９】吐水部材を保持部材に装着した状態における吐水、止水動作を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１０】吐水部材を保持部材から離脱させた状態における吐水、止水動作を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１１】吐水部材を保持部材から離脱させた状態における自動止水手段の機能を示すシーケンス図である。
【図１２】吐水部材を保持部材から離脱させた状態における自動止水手段の機能を示すシーケンス図である。
【符号の説明】
１自動水栓
２湯水送給ホース
３吐水部材
３ａ吐水口
４保持部材
５湯水混合器具
６給水管
７給湯管
８電磁開閉弁
９接近センサ
１０手動スイッチ
１１脱着識別スイッチ
１２総合制御装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic faucet that automatically discharges water when a hand or the like is brought close to the water discharge member, and the water discharge member can be detached from a holding member together with an extension hose, a so-called pull-out type automatic water faucet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Automatic faucets with the function of automatically discharging and stopping water when a hand or the like is brought close to or away from a water discharge member are mainly used in toilets and washrooms in office buildings, hotels, railway stations and public facilities. Widely popular. Various improvements have been added to such an automatic faucet, but in recent years, when the water discharge member is grasped by hand and pulled in the axial direction, the water discharge hose and the water discharge member can be removed from the holding member and pulled out, so-called. A pull-out type automatic faucet has been developed and disclosed in JP-A-4-73333, JP-A-5-171665, and the like.
[0003]
In the automatic faucet disclosed in the above publication, when the water discharge member is attached to the holding member, the water is automatically discharged and stopped based on the detection signal of the sensor, and the manual operation switch is operated. The water can be discharged and stopped, and when the water discharging member is removed from the holding member, the water discharging and water stopping functions are provided only by operating the manual operation switch. If such an automatic faucet is installed as a hair-washing vanity or a bathroom shower facility, water can be discharged by bringing the water discharge member close to the object to be cleaned such as the hair, face or bathtub.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the automatic faucet disclosed in the above publication is used with the water discharge member removed from the holding member, water discharge and water stop are not performed unless the manual operation switch is operated. Inconvenient for. In particular, when the water discharge member is pulled out and used in such a way that water discharge and water stop are repeated many times, it is troublesome because the operation of the manual switch must be repeated each time. In addition, such repeated manual operation is a considerable burden for an elderly person or a child who is unable to move the fingertip.
[0005]
The present invention exhibits the function of a normal automatic faucet when the water discharge member is mounted, and when the water discharge member is detached from the holding member, the water discharge is automatically performed by manual operation or by moving the water discharge member closer to or away from the object. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic faucet having a function of stopping water.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The automatic water faucet of the present invention includes a water discharge member to which a hot water supply hose is connected, a holding member that detachably holds the water discharge member, an on-off valve connected to the hot water supply hose, an approach of an object, An proximity sensor provided in the water discharge member for detecting a separation and sending an open / close signal to the open / close valve, and a manual switch provided in the water discharge member for sending an open / close signal to the open / close valve by manual operation. An automatic water faucet provided with a detection area control means for changing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member with respect to the holding member. Here, changing the detection area of the proximity sensor means reducing, expanding, or moving the detection area, but the detection area of the proximity sensor is zero, that is, the detection function of the proximity sensor is Stopping is not included.
[0007]
By adopting such a configuration, when the water discharge member is mounted on the holding member, the proximity sensor detects the approach and separation of the object with respect to the water discharge member and automatically opens and closes the open / close valve to automatically discharge and stop the water discharge. Water is discharged and water can be discharged and stopped by manually operating the manual switch, so that it functions as a normal automatic faucet. Further, when the water discharge member is detached from the holding member, the detection area control means detects it and changes the detection area of the proximity sensor, but the proximity detection function is maintained, and the water discharge member approaches and separates the object. Thus, not only water is automatically discharged and stopped, but also water can be discharged and stopped by operating a manual switch.
[0008]
Furthermore, since the detection area of the proximity sensor changes and restores in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharging member with respect to the holding member, when the water discharging member in the detached state is approached and separated from the object, it is different from when the water discharging member is mounted. Water discharge and water stop operations in the approach distance and the approach direction can be obtained, and if the water discharge member is attached to the holding member, the detection area is automatically restored, so that convenience is improved. Whether the detection area of the proximity sensor is reduced, enlarged, or moved when the water discharge member is detached from the holding member is determined according to the detection area control according to the installation location and usage of the automatic faucet. It is possible to set in advance in the means, and since the setting can be changed after that, it is possible to appropriately cope with a change in the usage situation.
[0009]
Here, the detection area control means is provided with a function of reducing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member with respect to the holding member, thereby removing the discharge member from the holding member. Since the water discharging member in FIG. 1 will not discharge water unless it is closer to the object than when it is attached, it becomes possible to discharge water intensively toward only the object, and when the water discharging member is moved, Since there is no need to discharge water, usability is further improved. Moreover, if the detached water discharging member is mounted on the holding member as it is, the detection area of the proximity sensor is restored to the original state, so that the function as a normal automatic water faucet is maintained. Note that the detection area of the proximity sensor when the water discharge member is detached can be set in advance in the detection area control means, and this set value can be changed thereafter, which is suitable for use conditions. Settings can be made.
[0010]
As a specific method for reducing the detection area of the proximity sensor by the detection area control means, for example, an infrared light emitting part that emits infrared light, and an infrared light receiving part that receives infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting part and reflected by an object In the case of an infrared proximity sensor that emits an open / close signal when the amount of infrared light received by the infrared light receiving unit exceeds or falls below a certain value (hereinafter referred to as “threshold”), A method of decreasing the light receiving sensitivity by increasing the threshold value or reducing the light projection amount of the infrared light emitting unit is preferable.
[0011]
In addition, it is desirable to provide priority control means that prioritizes an open / close signal from either the manual switch or the proximity sensor when the water discharge member is detached from the holding member. By providing priority control means that prioritizes the open / close signal from the manual switch, it is possible to perform water discharge and water stop according to the user's intention by operating the manual switch without confirming whether the sensor is detected or not. By providing priority control means that prioritizes the open / close signal from the proximity sensor, it is possible to use the sensing function of the sensor without confirming water discharge or water stop by a manual switch, and also to discharge or stop water as intended by the user. It becomes possible to water.
[0012]
In addition, when the water discharging member is attached to the holding member, it is desirable to give priority to the signal of the proximity sensor or the manual switch that has issued the opening signal first. Thereby, after water discharge is started by the signal from the proximity sensor or the manual switch, the water discharge can be continued without being interrupted by the signal from the other proximity sensor or the manual switch.
[0013]
Further, by providing an automatic water stop means that automatically closes the on-off valve when a continuous water discharge from the water discharge member in a state of being separated from the holding member exceeds a predetermined time, water is discharged from the holding member. If the water discharge member in the water discharge is left in a state where there is an object in the detection area of the proximity sensor, such as leaving the water discharge member on the washstand or the bathroom floor surface, And waste of tap water can be prevented. In addition, the said fixed time can be preset and can also be shortened and extended according to use conditions after that.
[0014]
In this case, it is desirable to provide the automatic water stopping means with a reset function for restarting the measurement of the predetermined time when an object approaches or moves away from the proximity sensor or the manual switch is operated within the predetermined time. . Here, restarting means restarting the measurement for a predetermined time from zero. Thus, when it is desired to continuously discharge water for a long time with the water discharge member detached, the reset function can be used by operating a manual switch during water discharge or by approaching or separating the water discharge member from the object. Since the measurement for the predetermined time is started again from the beginning, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that water discharge is interrupted during cleaning.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view taken along arrow A in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a block control diagram of the automatic faucet shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the state which removed the water discharging member of the automatic water tap shown in FIG.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic faucet 1 of this embodiment is also called a pull-out type automatic faucet, and a flexible hot water supply hose 2 is connected to the base end portion to connect the hot water supply hose 2. A water discharge member 3 having a water discharge port 3 a for discharging hot water supplied via, a holding member 4 for detachably holding the water discharge member 3, and a hot water supply hose 2 are connected via a hot water mixing device 5. The water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 7, and the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 8 disposed in the water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 7, respectively. The water pipe C and the hot water supply pipe H are connected.
[0017]
As will be described later, when the electromagnetic on-off valve 8 is opened, hot water and water supplied from the water pipe C and the hot water supply pipe H flow into the hot water mixing device 5, where they are mixed with each other and have an appropriate temperature. Hot water is discharged from the water discharge port 3 a via the hot water supply hose 2 and the water discharge member 3.
[0018]
The water discharge member 3 includes an approach sensor 9 that detects the approach and separation of an object from the water discharge port 3a and sends an open / close signal to the electromagnetic open / close valve 8, and a manual switch 10 that sends an open / close signal to the electromagnetic open / close valve 8 by manual operation. The holding member 4 is provided with an attachment / detachment identification switch 11 for identifying whether the water discharge member 3 is detached from or attached to the holding member 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the proximity sensor 9, the manual switch 10, the attachment / detachment identification switch 11, and the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 8 are all electrically connected to the general control device 12. The proximity sensor 9 includes a light emitting unit 9a that emits infrared rays by power supply from the general control device 12, and a light receiving unit 9b that receives infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit 9a and reflected by an object.
[0019]
When the water discharge member 3 is attached to the holding member 4, the proximity sensor 9 transmits a signal corresponding to the amount of received infrared light received by the light receiving unit 9b to the general control device 12, as shown in FIG. The amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit 9b exceeds a predetermined value (threshold value) by pushing out the hand to the spout 3a at time t1, or the light receiving unit 9b retracts the hand that has been drawn out at time t2. When the amount of received infrared light falls below a threshold value, the signal sent to the general control device 12 changes. Based on the change in the signal, the general control device 12 sends an open signal and a close signal to the electromagnetic open / close valve 8 to The valve 8 is opened and closed.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 6, the integrated control device 12 switches the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 from the normal wide state to the narrow state in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member 3 with respect to the holding member 4. Detection area control means having a function of restoring from a state to a wide state is provided. In this embodiment, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, as shown in FIG. 7, the light receiving sensitivity is weakened by increasing the threshold value of the light receiving unit 9 b of the proximity sensor 9 to the threshold value X. A method of reducing the detection area of the sensor 9 is adopted. That is, the detection area is reduced and restored by increasing and returning the threshold value of the light receiving unit 9b of the proximity sensor 9 in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member 3 with respect to the holding member 4.
[0021]
Accordingly, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, the threshold value of the light receiving portion 9b rises to the threshold value X as shown in FIG. 7, so that the object approaches the water discharge port 3a at time t3 and the amount of received infrared light is R1. The water is not spouted from the spout 3a even if it increases until the object further approaches the spout 3a, the amount of received infrared light increases to R2, and exceeds the threshold value X, water is discharged from the spout 3a.
[0022]
Note that the detection region control means for switching the detection region of the proximity sensor 9 from the normal wide state to the narrow state in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member 3 with respect to the holding member 4 is not limited to this. In addition to the above-described method, a method of reducing or restoring the detection area by reducing or returning the infrared light projection amount of the light emitting unit 9a in response to the detachment or mounting operation of the water discharging member 3 with respect to the holding member 4 can be employed. .
[0023]
In the case of this method, the threshold value remains the set value and is not changed. However, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, the infrared light projection amount of the light emitting unit 9a is reduced. As a result, as shown in FIG. Since the amount of received light also decreases to R3, even if an object approaches the spout 3a at time t4 and the amount of received infrared light increases to R4, water is not discharged from the spout 3a, and the object further enters the spout 3a. When approaching and the amount of received infrared light increases to R5 and exceeds the threshold value, water is discharged from the water outlet 3a.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the water discharge member 3 is attached to the holding member 4, it recognizes that the attachment / detachment identification switch 11 is in the attached state, and the general control device 12 attaches the detection region of the proximity sensor 9 to the so-called attachment. Since the mode (wide state) is maintained, when a hand or the like is brought close to the water discharge port 3a of the water discharge member 3, the proximity sensor 9 detects it and sends an open signal to the integrated control device 12. Two electromagnetic on-off valves 8 are opened, and hot water having a temperature set by the hot water / mixing device 5 is discharged from the water outlet 3a.
[0025]
When the hand near the water discharge port 3a is moved away, the proximity sensor 9 detects it and sends a closing signal to the general control device 12, and based on this signal, the two electromagnetic on-off valves 8 are closed. Water discharge from 3a stops. Further, when the water discharge member 3 is attached to the holding member 4, it is possible to perform water discharge and water stop by operating the manual switch 10. It is the same as a stopper.
[0026]
In the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment, when the water discharge member 3 is attached to the holding member 4, the access sensor 9 or the manual switch 10 is opened / closed from the one that issued the signal first. Prior control means for giving priority to the signal and not accepting the opening / closing signal of the one that issued the signal later is provided in the integrated control device 12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when water discharge is started by a signal from the proximity sensor 9 (or the manual switch 10), even if a signal is issued later by the manual switch 10 (or the proximity sensor 9), Water discharge is not stopped, and the effect that the proximity sensor 9 (or the manual switch 10) that has issued the signal continuously discharges water until the next signal is issued is obtained.
[0027]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, the attachment / detachment identification switch 11 recognizes it and sends a signal to the comprehensive control device 12. The detection area is reduced and changed to a so-called separation mode (narrow state). As a result, the water discharging member 3 that is in the state of being detached from the holding member 4 does not discharge water unless it is closer to the object than in the wearing mode, so only the object in a relatively narrow region such as the hair portion. The water can be discharged intensively toward the use position, and since it does not accidentally discharge water when the water discharge member 3 is moved to the use position, it is excellent in convenience and convenient.
[0028]
Moreover, since water discharge and water stop are automatically performed only by making the water discharge member 3 approach and separate from a target object, the physical burden in the case of repeating water discharge and water stop many times can only be reduced. In addition, it can be easily used by an elderly person, a child, or a handicapped person who is not good at operating the manual switch 10.
[0029]
Further, when the detached water discharge member 3 is mounted on the holding member 4 as it is, the attachment / detachment identification switch 11 detects it and sends a signal to the integrated control device 12, and the signal from the integrated control device 12 receives the signal from the proximity sensor 9. Since the detection area is restored to the original state, the normal automatic faucet function is restored. In addition, the narrow state detection area of the proximity sensor 9 in the state where the water discharge member 3 is detached can be set in advance in the detection area control means in the integrated control device 12, and this set value can be changed thereafter. Therefore, the setting suitable for the use conditions can be performed.
[0030]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the water discharging member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, priority control means capable of switching so as to give priority to the open / close signal from the manual switch 10 is provided in the general control device 12. Therefore, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4 in the state where the manual switch 10 is switched to priority, as shown in FIG. 10, water discharge and water stop are also performed by an open / close signal from the proximity sensor 9. When the switch 10 issues an opening / closing signal, this is ignored even if the proximity sensor 9 issues an opening / closing signal later.
[0031]
With such priority control means, it is possible to perform water discharge and water stop as intended by the user simply by operating the manual switch 10 without confirming whether the proximity sensor 9 is detected or not. It is done. In addition, it can also set so that the opening / closing signal from the proximity sensor 9 may be prioritized by switching the priority control means in the integrated control device 12.
[0032]
Further, in the present embodiment, the integrated control device 12 is provided with an automatic water stop means that automatically closes the electromagnetic on-off valve 8 when the continuous water discharge from the water discharge member 3 that is in the detached state from the holding member 4 exceeds a certain time. ing. In addition, when the object is approached or separated from the proximity sensor 9 within the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 or the manual switch 10 is operated within the predetermined time, a reset function for restarting the measurement for the predetermined time is automatically stopped. Provided in water means.
[0033]
Therefore, the water discharging member that is discharged while the object is present in the detection region of the proximity sensor 9 such as leaving the water discharging member 3 discharged from the holding member 4 on the washstand or the bathroom floor. 11 is left unattended, as shown in FIG. 11, if there is a signal from the manual switch 10 during water discharge, the reset function is activated, and water discharge continues until a certain time elapses from this point. If the object is separated from the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 by lifting the water discharge member 3 or the like, the water discharge is stopped. On the other hand, when the state where the manual switch 10 is not operated exceeds a certain time after the start of water discharge, the automatic water stop means determines that an abnormal situation has occurred and automatically stops water discharge.
[0034]
Similarly to the above, when the water discharge member 3 in the water discharge is left in a state where an object is present in the detection area of the proximity sensor 9, the water discharge member 3 is moved in the water discharge as shown in FIG. If the object is moved toward or away from the proximity sensor 9 within the detection area of the sensor 9, the total control device 12 detects a change in the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit 9b (change within the area exceeding the threshold). The reset function is activated, and the water discharge continues until a certain time elapses from this point. Thereafter, the water discharge is stopped if the object is separated from the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 by lifting the water discharge member 3 or the like. The On the other hand, after the start of water discharge, if there is no change in the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit 9b without an approach or separation of the object with respect to the proximity sensor 9 within the detection area of the proximity sensor 9, the automatic water stopping means is abnormal. The water discharge is automatically stopped according to the situation.
[0035]
That is, after the proximity sensor 9 of the water discharging member 3 in the detached state from the holding member 4 detects the approached object and the water discharge is started, when the manual switch 10 is not operated within the predetermined time, or the constant If there is no approach or separation of the object to the proximity sensor 9 in the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 within the time, it is determined that an abnormal situation has occurred and water is automatically stopped.
[0036]
By providing such an automatic water stopping means, the water discharging member left in the water discharging state on the wash basin or bathroom floor due to the user's forgetting etc. continues to discharge water as it is, and the surrounding water is submerged or tap water is It can be prevented from being wasted. In addition, the said fixed time can be preset by adjusting the automatic water stop means in the comprehensive control apparatus 12, and after that, the said fixed time can also be shortened and extended according to use conditions.
[0037]
In addition, the automatic water stopping means causes the water discharging member 3 to be detached because the reset function is activated when an object approaches or separates from the proximity sensor 9 or the manual switch 10 is operated within the predetermined time. When it is desired to continuously discharge water for a long time in a state, it takes a long time to operate the manual switch 10 during water discharge or to move the water discharge member 3 close to or away from the object within the detection area. It is possible to avoid inconvenience that water discharge is interrupted during the cleaning operation.
[0038]
As described above, in the automatic faucet 1, when the water discharge member 3 is attached to the holding member 4, the proximity sensor 9 detects the approach and separation of the object with respect to the water discharge member 3 and the electromagnetic on-off valve 8 is opened and closed. Thus, water discharge and water stop are automatically performed, and water discharge and water stop can be performed by manually operating the manual switch 10, so that the function as a normal automatic water faucet is exhibited. Further, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, the attachment / detachment identification switch 11 detects it and reduces the detection area of the proximity sensor 9, but the proximity detection function of the proximity sensor 9 is maintained, and the water discharge member 3. Since the water can be discharged and stopped by operating the manual switch 10 by simply moving the object closer to and away from the object, the user can use the water discharge member 3 at the time of separation. Convenient.
[0039]
Note that, when the water discharge member 3 is detached from the holding member 4, whether the detection area of the proximity sensor 9 is reduced, enlarged, or moved depends on the installation location and usage of the automatic faucet 1. It is possible to set in advance in the detection area control means in the integrated control device 12, and the setting can be changed after that, so that it is possible to accurately cope with a change in use situation.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects.
[0041]
(1) A water discharge member to which a hot water supply hose is connected, a holding member that detachably holds the water discharge member, an on-off valve connected to the hot water supply hose, and an approach and separation of an object are detected. An automatic faucet comprising an proximity sensor provided in the water discharge member for sending an open / close signal to the open / close valve and a manual switch provided in the water discharge member for sending an open / close signal to the open / close valve by manual operation In addition, by providing a detection area control means for changing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharging member with respect to the holding member, a normal automatic water faucet is installed when the water discharging member is mounted. Water discharge and water stop are automatically performed by the approach and separation of the water discharge member that exhibits its function and is detached from the holding member, so that it is convenient and convenient.
[0042]
(2) A state in which the detection area control means is detached from the holding member by providing a function for reducing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member with respect to the holding member. Since the water discharging member in FIG. 1 will not discharge water unless it is closer to the object than when it is attached, it becomes possible to discharge water intensively toward only the object, and when the water discharging member is moved, Since there is no need to discharge water, usability is further improved.
[0043]
(3) When the water discharge member is detached from the holding member, by providing priority control means that prioritizes the open / close signal from the manual switch, the manual switch can be operated without confirming whether the sensor is detected or not. It is possible to discharge and stop the water as intended by the user, and by providing priority control means that prioritizes the open / close signal from the proximity sensor, the sensor can be turned on without checking the water discharge or water stop by a manual switch. By sensing, water can be discharged and stopped as intended by the user.
[0044]
(4) By providing an automatic water stop means that automatically closes the on-off valve when continuous water discharge from the water discharge member in a state of being detached from the holding member exceeds a certain time, an object is provided in the detection region of the proximity sensor. When the water discharge member in the water discharge is left in a state where there is water, it is possible to prevent the surroundings from being submerged and the surrounding water from being discharged or the tap water being wasted.
[0045]
(5) By providing the automatic water stop means with a reset function that restarts the measurement of the predetermined time when the object is approached, separated or operated by the manual switch within the predetermined time. It is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the water discharge is interrupted when it is desired to continuously discharge water for a long time with the water discharge member detached.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view on arrow A in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the automatic faucet shown in FIG.
4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a water discharging member is detached from the automatic water faucet shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between a change in the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit and a threshold value;
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a relationship between a desorption state of the water discharge member and a change in the detection area of the proximity sensor.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relationship between a change in the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit and a threshold value in a state where the water discharging member is detached.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing a relationship between a change in the amount of infrared light received by the light receiving unit and a threshold value when the infrared light projection amount of the light emitting unit is reduced.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing water discharge and water stop operations in a state where the water discharge member is mounted on the holding member.
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing water discharge and water stop operations in a state where the water discharge member is detached from the holding member.
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the function of the automatic water stopping means in a state where the water discharging member is detached from the holding member.
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the function of the automatic water stopping means in a state where the water discharging member is detached from the holding member.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Automatic faucet
2 Hot water supply hose
3 Water discharge members
3a spout
4 Holding members
5 Hot and cold water mixing equipment
6 Water supply pipe
7 Hot water pipes
8 Solenoid valve
9 Proximity sensor
10 Manual switch
11 Detachment identification switch
12 Total control device

Claims

A water discharge member to which a hot water supply hose is connected, a holding member that detachably holds the water discharge member, an on-off valve connected to the hot water supply hose, and an on-off valve that detects the approach and separation of an object. An automatic faucet provided with an proximity sensor provided in the water discharge member for sending an open / close signal to the water supply and a manual switch provided in the water discharge member for sending an open / close signal to the open / close valve by manual operation. ,
An automatic water faucet comprising a detection area control means for changing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to the detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member with respect to the holding member.

2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the detection area control means has a function of reducing and restoring the detection area of the proximity sensor in response to a detachment and mounting operation of the water discharge member with respect to the holding member.

The automatic water faucet according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising priority control means for prioritizing an open / close signal from either the manual switch or the proximity sensor when the water discharge member is detached from the holding member.

The automatic water stop means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an automatic water stop means that automatically closes the on-off valve when continuous water discharge from the water discharge member in a state of being detached from the holding member exceeds a predetermined time. Water faucet.

5. The automatic water stop means according to claim 4, wherein a reset function is provided in the automatic water stop means to restart the measurement of the predetermined time when an object approaches or separates from the proximity sensor or the manual switch is operated within the predetermined time. Automatic faucet.