JP4314935B2 - Automatic faucet device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention automatically includes an on-off valve that opens and closes the flow of a water channel, a power generation unit that generates power using flowing water energy of the water channel, a power storage unit that stores power generated by the power generation unit, and a control unit that operates by the power of the power storage unit. The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly, to an automatic faucet device that can circulate a water channel without using electricity.

  Conventionally, an automatic faucet provided with an opening / closing means for opening and closing a water channel, a power generation means for generating electricity by flowing water energy of the water channel, a power storage means for storing electric power generated by the power generation means, and a control means operated by the power of the power storage means In order to save time and labor for battery replacement in the equipment and prevent battery troubles in high humidity atmosphere (such as liquid leakage and the occurrence of corrosion and rust), the battery can be stored without using a backup battery. When the means is empty, there is a method in which water is discharged by a manual valve and stored in the power storage means, and the control means is activated when a predetermined power storage amount is reached.

  However, the time required for starting up with the above-described conventional technology depends on the storage capacity of the storage means. For example, if the storage capacity is reduced, the time until activation can be shortened. However, when the storage capacity is reduced, there is a problem that the storage means becomes empty when the storage capacity is not used for a long time (no power generation), and the automatic water faucet device does not operate.

  Conversely, if the power storage means has a large capacity so that the power storage means does not become empty even if it is not used for a long period of time, even if water is discharged by a manual valve and power is stored in the power storage means, a predetermined power storage amount is obtained. It takes a long time until the person has to keep opening the manual valve.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and its purpose is to allow the control means to be activated in a short time when discharging water with a manual valve and storing power in the power storage means. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water faucet device in which the power storage means does not become empty even when it is not used for a long time.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs technical means described in claims 1 to 4. That is, in the first aspect of the present invention, the water flow opening / closing means (30) provided in the middle of the water channel (13c) for opening and closing the flow of the water channel (13c) and the water channel (13c) are provided in the middle of the water channel (13c). 13c) power generation means (40) for generating electricity by running water energy, power storage means (50) for storing electric power generated by the power generation means (40), and operation by electric power stored in the power storage means (50). And an automatic faucet device comprising control means (60) for controlling the opening and closing of the running water opening and closing means (30) and the storage of the electric power generated by the power generation means (40) in the power storage means (50).
A small-capacity storage means (50S) and a large-capacity storage means (50L) are provided as the storage means (50), and the power generated by the power generation means (40) is supplied to the small-capacity storage means (50S) or the large-capacity storage. Switching means (52, 63) for switching to the means (50L), the power is first stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S), and then the control means is based on the electric power stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S) (60) is activated, and then, storage to the large-capacity storage means (50L) is performed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the small-capacity storage means (50S) is charged first, the storage voltage rises instantaneously and quickly reaches the starting voltage of the control means (60). Since it can be reached, the control means (60) can be activated in a short time. Further, by subsequently storing power to the large capacity power storage means (50L), the power storage means (50) is not emptied even when it is not used for a long period of time.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the running water opening / closing means (30) includes a manual opening means (30d) and an electrical opening / closing means (30a). First, a person opens the water channel (13c) with the manual opening means (30d). ) Is stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S) by the operation of flowing water, and then the water channel (13c) is controlled by the control means (60) activated by the electric power stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S). The electrical switching means (30a) is controlled to open the distribution of

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when water is discharged by the manual opening means (30d) and the electric storage means (50) is charged, the person only operates the manual opening means (30d) for a short time. Thus, the small-capacity storage means (50S) is instantly stored, and thereafter, the control means (60) is immediately activated by the stored electric power, and the flow of the water channel (13c) is caused by the activated control means (60). As a result, power storage to the large-capacity power storage means (50L) is automatically advanced. This eliminates the problem that a person has to keep the manual valve open for a long time as in the prior art.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the control means (60) includes the display means (12a), and when the control means (60) is activated, the display means (12a) displays a display. It is characterized by. According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the person can immediately know that the control means (60) is in the activated state by operating it, the activation operation can be prevented from being repeated unnecessarily. The operation can be started.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the control means (60) is provided with a manual opening / closing instruction means (12b) for a person to instruct opening / closing of the flow of the water channel (13c), and a large-capacity storage means. When the close instruction is input from the manual opening / closing instruction means (12b) during the power storage to (50L), the control means (60) indicates that the storage voltage of the large-capacity storage means (50L) is the lowest operating voltage of the control means (60). It is characterized by closing the circulation of the water channel (13c) after storing electricity until it becomes above. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the minimum necessary amount of electricity that can be stored to maintain the activated state of the control means (60) is ensured, so that the operable state is maintained.

  In the invention according to claim 5, when the storage voltage of the storage means (50) becomes equal to or lower than the first predetermined voltage, the control means (60) sets the storage voltage of the storage means (50) to the first time. (2) The electrical opening / closing means (30a) is controlled to open the flow of the water channel (13c) until a predetermined voltage or higher is reached. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the power storage means (50) is not emptied even when it is not used for a long time, and the activated state of the control means (60) is automatically maintained. In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means shows the correspondence with the specific means of embodiment mentioned later.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an automatic faucet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a fixed water stopper of a hot and cold water mixing plug system that fills a bathtub, and has a function of automatically stopping water when a preset amount of hot water is reached. It is a metal fitting. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a fixed stop cock 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the fixed stop cock 10, and FIG. 3 is a fixed stop water. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing a structural outline of a stopper body 13. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the control device (control means of the present invention) 60.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed stop cock 10 of this embodiment is a type attached to the wall surface where the bathtub and washroom in a bathroom adjoin. When hot water is filled in the bathtub, the water outlet is operated by operating a water discharge / water stop switch (manual opening / closing instruction means of the present invention) 12b in the operation panel 12 provided on the upper surface of the fixed stopcock main body 13. The water mixture can be automatically stopped when a predetermined amount of hot water filling (to be described later) is completed by automatically discharging mixed water having a desired hot water temperature from 13b.

  The fixed stop cock 10 of this embodiment has connected the hot water mixing tap main body 11 which mixes hot water, and the fixed stop cock main body 13 which opens and closes the water channel of the mixed water mixed via the water supply pipe 13a. . Further, the hot and cold water mixing plug body 11 is provided with a temperature control handle (temperature setting means) 14 on the right end side, a flow path switching handle 15 on the front side, and a flow rate adjustment handle 19 on the left end side. 16 is a shower hose, 17 is a cold water flow channel, and a hot water flow channel 18 (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided.

  On the other hand, the fixed stopcock body 13 is provided with an operation panel 12 on the upper surface side. The operation panel 12 includes a display unit (display means of the present invention) 12a for displaying the temperature of the mixed water to be discharged. A water discharge / water stop switch 12b is provided. The hot water temperature display on the display unit 12a also serves as a display lamp indicating that the fixed stop cock 10 is in a system activated state. Reference numeral 12c in the figure denotes an operation unit, and when the surface is pressed with a finger or the like, the water discharge / water stop switch 12b is operated to output an electrical instruction to the control device 60 described later. ing.

  Here, the schematic structure of the hot and cold water mixing plug body 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the hot and cold mixing plug main body 11 includes, in addition to the hot and cold mixing means 20 for mixing hot water and water, a flow rate adjusting means 80 for adjusting the flow rate of the mixed water mixed by the hot and cold mixing means 20, It is comprised from the flow-path switching means 70 which switches a flow path for the mixed water mixed into either the water supply pipe | tube 13a or the shower hose 16. FIG. Further, the upstream end of the hot water mixing means 20 is connected to clean water (water pipe) through a water supply pipe (not shown), and a cold water inflow path 17 through which normal temperature water flows and a hot water supply through a hot water supply pipe (not shown). And a hot water inflow passage 18 through which hot water discharged from the water heater flows.

  The hot and cold mixing means 20 includes a valve body (not shown) made of a thermostat in which a temperature sensing body such as a thermo wax is accommodated, and a rotation / reciprocation conversion member (not shown) that converts the rotation angle of the temperature control handle 14 into a reciprocating motion. The temperature control handle 14 is rotated so that the mixed water can be set to a desired hot water temperature. Thereby, the hot water and water which flowed in from the cold water inflow path 17 and the hot water inflow path 18 are mixed so as to have a desired hot water temperature.

  Further, the flow rate adjusting means 80 is provided with a flow rate adjusting handle 19, and the flow rate adjusting handle 19 is rotated so that the flow rate of the mixed water by the flow rate adjusting means 80 can be adjusted. The flow path switching means 70 is provided with a flow path switching handle 15. By turning the flow path switching handle 15, the mixed water can be switched to either the water supply pipe 13a or the shower hose 16, and the water supply It has a stop function for stopping water to either the pipe 13a or the shower hose 16, and a function for adjusting the flow rate.

  Specifically, when the flow path switching handle 15 is set at an intermediate position, both the water supply pipe 13a and the shower hose 16 are stopped, and when turned to the shower side end, the maximum flow rate flows out from the shower hose 16. The flow rate is gradually reduced by turning in the middle position. Then, when the rotation is further started from the intermediate position, the water supply pipe 13a side starts to open, the flow rate is gradually increased with the rotation, and the maximum flow rate is discharged from the water supply pipe 13a when further rotated to the end. Thereby, the amount of water discharged from the water supply pipe 13a or the shower hose 16 can be adjusted according to the user's preference. And the mixed water which flowed out to the water supply pipe 13a flows into the fixed stopcock main body 13.

  Next, the configuration outline of the fixed water stopper main body 13 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the metering stopcock main body 13 of the present embodiment has a running water opening / closing means 30 that opens and closes a water channel 13 c from the water supply pipe 13 a to the water discharge port 13 b, and a magnet on the downstream side of the flowing water opening / closing means 30. A power generator (power generation means) 40, which includes a water wheel 40a and a stator coil 40b and generates electricity by rotating the water wheel 40a with magnets by flowing water energy of the mixed water flowing through the water channel 13c, and stores the electric power generated by the power generator 40. The power storage capacitor (power storage means of the present invention) 50 and a control device 60 that controls the running water opening / closing means 30 when power is supplied by the power storage capacitor 50.

  The generator (power generation means) 40 also serves as a flow rate measurement means for detecting the rotation of the water wheel 40a with magnet from the output waveform and measuring the flow rate of the mixed water flowing through the water channel 13c. Next, the flowing water opening / closing means 30 includes a pilot valve 30b that opens and closes by an electromagnetic valve (electrical opening / closing means of the present invention) 30a including a solenoid and the like, and a main valve 30c including a diaphragm. By energizing and opening the pilot valve 30b which led a part of the mixed water, the diaphragm is operated to open the main valve 30c.

  Thus, even if the electric power applied to the electromagnetic valve 30a is small, the main valve 30c that requires a large power by operating the diaphragm by the pressure of the mixed water that has passed through the pilot valve 30b that operates with a small power is operated. It is. The electromagnetic valve 30a is controlled by the control device 60 to open / close the pilot valve 30b. In addition, 30d shown in the figure is a manual valve (manual opening means of the present invention), and is a valve that opens the main valve 30c by the user's human power. This makes it possible to forcibly open the main valve 30c when there is no electric power stored in a storage capacitor 50, which will be described later, or when a device such as the control device 60 or the electromagnetic valve 30a fails.

  The power generation means 40 is also a flowing water amount measurement means, and includes a water wheel 40a with a magnet and a stator coil 40b. The magnet-equipped water wheel 40a is disposed in the water channel 13c of the mixed water, and converts the flowing water energy of the mixed water flowing through the water channel 13c into a rotational force. This rotational force is transmitted to the stator coil 40b to generate electric power. Then, the generated power is converted into direct current by a rectifier (described later) provided in the control device 60, further adjusted in voltage, and then stored in a power storage capacitor 50 as power storage means.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, in order to measure the amount of water discharged from the water outlet 13b, the output waveform of the generator 40 generated by the rotation of the magnet-equipped water wheel 40a is output to the control device 60, and the output waveform is counted. Thus, the integrated water discharge amount is calculated in terms of the rotational speed of the magnet-equipped water wheel 40a. In addition, the amount of water discharge demonstrated here shows the flow volume L / min which mixed water discharges from the water outlet 13b, Comprising: The relationship between the amount of water discharge and the rotation speed of the waterwheel 40a with a magnet becomes a substantially proportional relationship. Therefore, it is set in advance so that the amount of water discharge can be obtained by converting the counted output waveform into the rotation speed.

  Here, the rotational speed signal is obtained from the output waveform generated from the generator 40 for the rotational speed of the water turbine 40a with magnet. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a rotational sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the water turbine 40a with magnet is provided. The numerical signal may be output to the control device 60. Further, 13d shown in FIG. 3 is a current plate, which rectifies the water flow discharged from the water discharge port 13b from dynamic pressure to static pressure and discharges the water to the outside. 3 is a water temperature sensor, which is provided on the downstream side of the magnet-equipped water wheel 40a, detects the hot water temperature of the mixed water discharged from the water outlet 13b, and sends the temperature information to the CPU 61 which will be described later. Connected to output.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control device 60 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control device 60 is composed of a CPU 61 composed of a well-known microcomputer centering on a CPU, ROM, and RAM disposed on the circuit board shown in FIG. 3, and other electronic components connected to the CPU 61. And provided below the operation panel 12.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 61 controls the electromagnetic valve 30 a for opening and closing the main valve 30 c based on the operation mode, and the water discharge amount based on the output waveform (rotation speed count) from the generator 40. Control processing of a control program that performs measurement and calculation means, control of a notification buzzer (not shown), control of the display unit 12a, and the like is provided.

  62 is an electromagnetic valve drive circuit, which drives the electromagnetic valve 30a based on a command signal from the CPU 61 and outputs a signal for opening and closing the main valve 30c. Reference numeral 64 denotes a charging circuit including a rectifier, which rectifies and smoothes the AC voltage generated by the generator 40 and converts the voltage to DC before stabilizing the voltage with a constant voltage IC or the like. A notification buzzer (not shown) emits a sound to notify the user when a hot water filling to be described later is completed based on a command from the CPU 61.

  The display unit 12 a is provided on the circuit board, and is configured to display the temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 51 on the operation panel 12 based on a command from the CPU 61. The hot water temperature display of the display unit 12a also serves as a display lamp indicating that the fixed stop cock 10 is in a system activated state. The electromagnetic valve 30a is connected to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 62, the generator 40 is connected to the charging circuit 64, and the storage capacitor 50 has one end connected to the charging circuit 64 and the other end serving as a power source for the CPU 61. It is connected to the.

  The water discharge / water stop switch 12b of the present embodiment instructs the CPU 61 to provide different operation signals according to a plurality of operation modes, thereby instructing the water discharge / water stop opening / closing control in the hot water filling. Further, the water discharge / water stop switch 12 b outputs an electrical instruction to the CPU 61 using an open / close switch that opens and closes an electric circuit connected to the CPU 61. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in order to operate the water discharge / stop switch 12b provided on the circuit board in the same manner as the display unit 12a, the operation unit 12c provided on the operation panel 12 is operated by pressing. By applying a force, the water discharge / water stop switch 12b opens and closes the electric circuit.

  Next, the structure of the main part of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. A portion surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 4 is a portion added to the conventional circuit in the present invention. First, 50S is a small-capacitance capacitor (small-capacity storage means of the present invention), which is provided near the charging circuit 64 in addition to the large-capacity capacitor (large-capacity storage means of the present invention) 50L as the conventional storage means 50. is there. Reference numeral 63 denotes a second voltage detection circuit, specifically a switching IC with a reference voltage. In this embodiment, when the reference voltage is 5 V and the stored voltage 5 V on the small capacitor 50S side is detected, the switching capacitor 52 is connected to the large capacitor 50L side. The second voltage detection circuit 63 and the switching transistor 52 constitute the switching means of the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the present invention related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the voltage transition at point A (corresponding to the storage voltage of the small capacitor 50S) and point B (corresponding to the storage voltage of the large capacitor 50L) in FIG. It is a time chart which shows the timing which the valve 30a opens. First, in order to start the fixed stop cock, the main valve 30c is opened by the manual valve 30d to discharge water, and the electric power from the generator 40 that generates electricity by the flowing water energy is stored in the small-capacitance capacitor 50S. .

The terminal voltage V _SC of the small-capacitance capacitor 50S is equal to I × T / C _S. In addition, I is a storage current value (A), T is a storage time (s), and _CS is a capacitor capacity (F). For example, if C _S = 10000 μF and the storage current 30 mA, the minimum operating voltage of the CPU 61 reaches 2 V after about 0.7 seconds. A reset signal is output to the CPU 61 at the detection voltage 2V of the first voltage detection circuit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and the CPU 61 starts its operation. The CPU 61 monitors the voltage of the small-capacitance capacitor 50S, and when the voltage reaches a predetermined value (in this embodiment, the system starting voltage 4V in FIG. 5) (at the time point a in FIG. 5), the electromagnetic wave is passed through the solenoid valve drive circuit 62. A valve opening signal is applied to the valve 30a. At this time, even if the manual valve 30d is closed, the main valve 30c remains open and water discharge continues.

  When the storage of the small-capacitance capacitor 50S further proceeds and reaches the reference voltage (5V in the present embodiment) of the second voltage detection circuit (switching IC) 63 (at the time point b in FIG. 5), the switching transistor 52 is turned on, and the large capacity Power storage to the capacitor 50L begins. Since power storage in the large-capacity capacitor 50L is performed from both the generator 40 and the small-capacitance capacitor 50S, when power storage in the large-capacity capacitor 50L is performed, the voltage of the small-capacitance capacitor 50S decreases. When the voltage drops, the switching transistor 52 is turned off, the power storage in the large capacity capacitor 50L is stopped, and the power storage in the small capacity capacitor 50S is resumed. By repeating this operation, the terminal voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor 50L gradually increases.

The terminal voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor 50L is a terminal voltage like the small capacitor _{50S V LC = I × T /} C L. In addition, _CL is the capacity (F) of the large-capacity capacitor. For example, if C _L = 1F and the storage current 30 mA, it takes about 167 seconds for the terminal voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor 50L to reach 5V. Normally, the hot water filling to the bathtub discharges about 200 L, so even if the flow rate is 16 L / min, the hot water filling time takes about 12.5 minutes. Therefore, sufficient electric power for storing the large-capacity capacitor 50 L can be obtained. During discharging, the rotation speed of the generator 40 is measured, and when the set flow rate is reached, a valve closing signal is output to the electromagnetic valve 30a to stop the water.

During still water, power is supplied from the large-capacity capacitor 50L to the CPU 61 and the like. If the current consumption of the CPU 61 and the like is about 2 μA, T = C _L × (5 V−2 V) / current consumption (2 μA) = 17 days until the voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor 50L decreases from 5 V to 2 V. Within this period, the system can be maintained. That is, without opening the manual valve 30d, the electromagnetic valve 30a can be opened by a switch operation to perform a water discharge operation.

  Next, features in this embodiment will be described. First, a small-capacitance capacitor 50S and a large-capacitance capacitor 50L are provided as the power storage means 50, and the second voltage detection circuit serves as a switching means for switching the supply of power generated by the generator 40 to the small-capacitance capacitor 50S or the large-capacitance capacitor 50L. 63 and the switching transistor 52, first, the small-capacitance capacitor 50S is charged, and then the control device 60 is started by the electric power stored in the small-capacitance capacitor 50S. Power storage to 50L is performed.

  According to this, since the small-capacitance capacitor 50S is charged first, the stored voltage increases instantaneously and can reach the starting voltage of the control device 60 in a short time. 60 can be activated. Further, by storing electricity in the large-capacity capacitor 50L after that, the electricity storage means 50 is not emptied even when it is not used for a long time.

  Further, as the flowing water opening / closing means 30, a manual valve 30d and an electromagnetic valve 30a are provided. First, when a person operates the manual valve 30d to flow water through the water passage 13c, the small capacity capacitor 50S is charged. The solenoid valve 30a is controlled to open the flow of the water channel 13c by the control device 60 activated by the electric power stored in the capacitor 50S.

  According to this, when water is discharged from the manual valve 30d and the power storage means 50 is stored, the small capacitor 50S is instantaneously stored by simply operating the manual valve 30d for a short time, and thereafter the power storage. The control device 60 is immediately activated by the generated electric power, and the activated control device 60 ensures the circulation of the water channel 13c and the power storage in the large-capacity capacitor 50L is automatically advanced. This eliminates the problem that a person has to keep the manual valve open for a long time as in the prior art.

  In addition, the control device 60 includes a display unit 12a, and when the control device 60 is activated, a display is displayed on the display unit 12a. According to this, since it is possible for a person to know that the control device 60 is activated immediately after the operation, it is possible to prevent the activation operation from being repeated unnecessarily and to start the operation immediately.

  Further, the control device 60 includes a water discharge / water stop switch 12b for allowing a person to open and close the circulation of the water channel 13c, and is closed by the water discharge / water stop switch 12b during power storage in the large-capacity capacitor 50L. When the instruction is input, the control device 60 stores power until the stored voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor 50L becomes equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage of the control device 60, and then closes the flow of the water channel 13c. According to this, in order to secure the minimum necessary amount of power storage sufficient to maintain the activated state of the control device 60, the operable state is maintained.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing an outline of the structure of an automatic faucet 90 for washing hands according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Instead of the manual switch, water is discharged by an input of a photoelectric or ultrasonic sensor 46 that detects a user's hand or the like. In the case of the automatic faucet 90 for hand-washing, since the water discharge time per one is short, it is difficult to perform sufficient power storage even immediately after starting, but the control device 60 has a power storage voltage of the power storage means 50 equal to or lower than the first predetermined voltage. In this case, the electromagnetic valve 30a is opened and the water discharge operation is performed for a predetermined time or until the stored voltage of the power storage means 50 becomes equal to or higher than the second predetermined voltage.

  As a result, the power storage means 50 is not emptied even when it is not used for a long time, and the activated state of the control device 60 is automatically maintained. Note that the reference numerals shown in FIG. 6 correspond to those described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing an outline of the structure of an automatic water faucet device in which the pilot valve 30b according to another embodiment is a manual valve 30d as it is. In the first embodiment described above, the main valve 30c is directly operated by the manual valve 30d. However, as shown in FIG. 7, an automatic faucet device having a structure in which the pilot valve 30b is manually operated directly on the electromagnetic valve 30a portion. There may be. Further, in the first embodiment described above, the voltage is detected by the second voltage detection circuit 63 and the storage of electric power to the large-capacitance capacitor 50L is switched. However, the power supply voltage may be monitored and switched by the CPU 61. .

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a fixed stop cock 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the fixed stopcock 10 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional structure diagram showing an outline of the structure of the fixed water stopper main body 13 of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure outline | summary of the control apparatus 60 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the voltage transition in the A point and B point in FIG. 4 after opening the manual valve 30d, and the opening timing of the solenoid valve 30a. It is a cross-sectional structure figure which shows the structure outline | summary of the automatic faucet 90 for hand-washing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure outline | summary of the automatic water faucet apparatus which made the pilot valve 30b in other embodiment the manual valve 30d as it is.

Explanation of symbols

12a ... Display section (display means)
12b ... Water discharge / water stop switch (manual opening / closing instruction means)
13c: Water channel 30: Flowing water opening / closing means 30a: Solenoid valve (electrical opening / closing means)
30d ... Manual valve (manual opening means)
40 ... Generator (power generation means)
50. Capacitor for power storage (power storage means)
50L ... Large-capacity capacitor (large-capacity storage means)
50S... Small capacity capacitor (small capacity power storage means)
52. Switching transistor (switching means)
60 ... Control device (control means)
63 ... Voltage detection circuit (switching means)

Claims (5)

A running water opening and closing means (30) provided in the middle of the water channel (13c) for opening and closing the circulation of the water channel (13c);
A power generation means (40) provided in the middle of the water channel (13c) for generating electricity by flowing water energy flowing through the water channel (13c);
Power storage means (50) for storing electric power generated by the power generation means (40);
Operated by the power stored in the power storage means (50), opens and closes the running water switching means (30), and stores the power generated by the power generation means (40) in the power storage means (50). In an automatic faucet device comprising control means (60) for controlling,
A small-capacity storage means (50S) and a large-capacity storage means (50L) are provided as the storage means (50), and supply of electric power generated by the power generation means (40) is supplied to the small-capacity storage means (50S) or Switching means (52, 63) for switching to the large-capacity storage means (50L),
First, the small-capacity storage means (50S) is charged, and then the control means (60) is activated by the electric power stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S). An automatic faucet device characterized in that power is stored in a large-capacity storage means (50L).   The flowing water opening / closing means (30) includes a manual opening means (30d) and an electric opening / closing means (30a). First, a person operates the manual opening means (30d) to flow water into the water channel (13c). As a result, the small-capacity storage means (50S) is charged, and the control means (60) activated by the electric power stored in the small-capacity storage means (50S) causes the water channel (13c) to flow. 2. The automatic faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical opening / closing means (30a) is controlled to open.   The said control means (60) is provided with the display means (12a), and when the said control means (60) is starting, a display is given to the said display means (12a), or characterized by the above-mentioned. The automatic faucet device according to claim 2.   The control means (60) is provided with a manual opening / closing instruction means (12b) for a person to give an instruction to open and close the circulation of the water channel (13c) and during power storage to the large-capacity storage means (50L). When a closing instruction is input from the manual opening / closing instruction means (12b), the control means (60) is in charge until the storage voltage of the large-capacity storage means (50L) becomes equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage of the control means (60). The automatic water faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the water channel (13c) is closed after electricity is stored.   When the storage voltage of the power storage means (50) is equal to or lower than a first predetermined voltage, the control means (60) is configured to perform the predetermined time or until the power storage voltage of the power storage means (50) is equal to or higher than a second predetermined voltage. The automatic faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the electrical switching means (30a) is controlled so as to open the flow of the water channel (13c).

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