JP5007626B2 - Faucet device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device having a flow rate adjustment function or a faucet device having a temperature adjustment function.

  An automatic faucet that starts water discharge by holding a finger near the faucet device and stops water by moving the finger away from the faucet device is widely used. However, generally, such an automatic faucet cannot adjust the flow rate, and the flow rate discharged from the faucet is fixed to a preset flow rate.

  On the other hand, in the automatic water faucet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-332379 (Patent Document 1), the user switches between water discharge and water stop without directly touching the water faucet, and is provided on the side surface of the water discharge section. The human body sensing sensor can change the water discharge flow rate based on the time during which the human body is sensed.

JP 2004-332379 A

  However, in the automatic faucet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-332379, there is a problem that the flow rate is adjusted only in the increasing direction of the flow rate, and the flow rate once increased cannot be decreased again. Further, in the automatic faucet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-332379, the flow rate is increased when the human body sensor continuously senses the human body exceeds a predetermined time, so that the user increases the flow rate. There is a problem that there is a time lag from the time when the flow is intended to be actually increased.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a faucet device that can increase or decrease the water discharge flow rate without the user directly touching the faucet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a faucet device that can quickly adjust the water discharge flow rate without the user touching the faucet directly.
Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a faucet device that can adjust the water discharge temperature without the user touching the faucet directly.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a water faucet device having a flow rate adjustment function, which detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner and a user's operation in a non-contact manner. A second flow sensor, a flow rate varying means for varying the discharged water flow rate, and the first sensor and the second sensor send a signal to the flow rate varying means based on the order in which the operation by the user is detected, thereby increasing the discharged water flow rate. And a control means for decreasing.

  In the present invention configured as described above, the first sensor and the second sensor sense an operation by a user's finger or the like. The control means sends a signal to the flow rate varying means based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sense the operation by the user. The flow rate varying means varies the discharged water flow rate according to a signal sent from the control means.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, since the water discharge flow rate is changed based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sense the operation, the flow rate is increased and decreased using the non-contact type sensor. be able to. Further, according to the present invention configured as described above, since the water discharge flow rate is increased or decreased based on the order in which each sensor senses the operation by the user, the water discharge flow rate is changed based on the sensing time by the sensor. The water discharge flow rate can be changed more rapidly.

In the present invention, preferably, the control means increases the water discharge flow rate when the second sensor senses the operation after the first sensor senses the operation, and the first sensor operates after the second sensor senses the operation. When water is detected, the water discharge flow is reduced.
According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to increase or decrease the water discharge flow rate by changing the direction in which the user moves the fingers and the like.

In this invention, Preferably, it has further the indicator which shows the present water discharge flow rate.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the user can easily visually recognize the current water discharge flow rate.

  In the present invention, preferably, the control means stops water discharge in the water discharge state when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation for a predetermined water stop determination time or longer.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, since the water discharge is stopped when the first sensor or the second sensor detects a signal that is not detected by a normal operation by the user, tap water due to false detection or the like is stopped. Waste can be prevented.

In the present invention, preferably, it further includes a third sensor that senses an operation by the user in a non-contact manner, and the control means starts water discharge when the third sensor detects the operation in the water stop state, and in the water discharge state. Water discharge is stopped when the third sensor senses an operation.
According to the present invention configured as described above, water discharge can be stopped by a single operation regardless of the flow rate of the water discharge.

In the present invention, preferably, the control means increases or decreases the water discharge flow rate, and then the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation for a predetermined continuous operation determination time or longer. Further increase or decrease the water discharge flow rate.
According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to continuously increase or decrease the water discharge flow rate by one operation.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit stops water discharge when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense the operation continuously for a predetermined forced water stop time longer than the continuous operation determination time. Let

  According to the present invention configured as described above, waste of tap water due to erroneous detection or the like can be prevented while allowing the water discharge flow rate to be continuously increased or decreased by one operation.

In addition, the present invention is a water faucet device having a temperature adjustment function, a first sensor that senses a user's operation in a non-contact manner, a second sensor that senses a user's operation in a non-contact manner, and water discharge Temperature changing means for changing the temperature, and control means for changing the water discharge temperature by sending a signal to the temperature changing means based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sensed the operation by the user. It is characterized by that.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the water discharge temperature can be adjusted without the user touching the faucet directly.

According to the faucet device of the present invention, the water discharge flow rate can be increased or decreased without the user touching the faucet directly.
Moreover, according to the faucet device of the present invention, the water discharge flow rate can be quickly adjusted without the user touching the faucet directly.
Furthermore, according to the faucet device of the present invention, the water discharge temperature can be adjusted without the user touching the faucet directly.

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, a faucet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire faucet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to the faucet device body 2, a hose 4 that forms a water channel in the faucet device body 2, and the hose 4. It has two solenoid valves 6a and 6b and a stop cock 8 provided upstream of the solenoid valves 6a and 6b. The faucet device 1 includes a first sensor 10a and a second sensor 10b provided in the faucet device body 2, an indicator 12 for displaying the water discharge flow rate, and electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b based on the sensing signals of the sensors. And a controller 14 which is a control means for controlling.

  The faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the user can perform water discharge, water stoppage, and flow rate adjustment without touching the faucet. That is, when the user holds a finger over the sensor, the sensor senses this, and the controller 14 is configured to open and close the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b based on the sensing signal. In the present embodiment, when the user holds the finger over the sensor and moves the finger from the bottom to the top, water discharge is started or the water discharge flow rate is increased, and when the user moves from the top to the bottom, The water discharge flow rate is reduced or water discharge is stopped.

  The faucet device main body 2 is a metal pipe and is configured to be installed in the vicinity of a sink of a kitchen. The hose 4 is disposed in a cavity inside the faucet device main body 2 and forms a water passage that guides the supplied tap water to the water discharge portion 4 a at the tip of the faucet device main body 2.

  The electromagnetic valves 6 a and 6 b are configured to be opened and closed by a control signal from the controller 14, and flow the supplied tap water into the hose 4 or stop it. The solenoid valves 6a and 6b are connected in parallel, and are set for a small flow rate and a medium flow rate, respectively. In the present embodiment, when the electromagnetic valve 6a is opened, tap water with a small flow rate of about 5 liters / minute is discharged, and when the electromagnetic valve 6b is opened, tap water with a medium flow rate of about 10 liters / minute. Is configured to discharge water. Further, by simultaneously opening the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b, tap water having a large flow rate of about 15 liters / minute is discharged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the solenoid valves 6a and 6b function as flow rate varying means.

  The stop cock 8 is connected to the upstream of the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b, and by closing this, water supply to the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b is stopped. The stop cock 8 is always open during normal use of the faucet device 1.

  The first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b are non-contact sensors attached to the front end portion of the faucet device body 2 so that when a user holds a finger or the like near the sensor, the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b are detected. It is configured. In this embodiment, each sensor is attached to the side surface of the faucet device main body 2, and the second sensor 10b is disposed above and obliquely behind the first sensor 10a. For this reason, when the user moves the finger from the bottom to the top side of the faucet device main body 2, the first sensor 10a first senses the finger, and then the second sensor 10b senses the finger. Conversely, when the user moves his / her finger from the top to the bottom, first, the second sensor 10b senses the finger, and then the first sensor 10a senses the finger. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b are infrared non-contact sensors. That is, each sensor is always irradiated with infrared light, and the sensor can sense the user's operation by receiving the infrared light reflected by the user's finger.

  The indicator 12 is attached to the upper surface of the faucet device main body 2 and is configured to display the water discharge flow rate of the faucet device 1 based on a signal from the controller 14. In the present embodiment, the indicator 12 includes three LEDs, which are all turned off when the water stops, one is turned on when the small flow is discharged, two are turned on when the medium flow is discharged, and three are turned on when the large flow is discharged.

  The controller 14 is configured to send control signals to the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b based on the detection signals of the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b, and to open and close them. Further, the controller 14 is configured to send a signal to the indicator 12 and change the display of the indicator 12 in accordance with the current water discharge flow rate. Specifically, the controller 14 includes a microprocessor, a memory, a program stored therein, and the like (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, when the sensor senses movement from the bottom to the top of the user's finger, that is, after the first sensor 10a senses the finger, the second sensor 10b senses the finger, the controller 14 The electromagnetic valve 6a is opened to perform a small flow rate water discharge. When the sensor again senses the movement from the bottom to the top, the controller 14 closes the electromagnetic valve 6a and opens the electromagnetic valve 6b to start medium flow water discharge. When the sensor senses movement from the bottom to the top again, the controller 14 opens the solenoid valve 6a and starts large-volume water discharge.

  On the other hand, when the sensor senses the movement of the user's finger from the top to the bottom, that is, after the second sensor 10b senses the finger, the first sensor 10a senses the finger, the controller 14 causes the electromagnetic valve 6a to be turned on. Close and reduce the flow rate from large flow rate water discharge to medium flow rate water discharge. Similarly, the controller 14 decreases the water discharge flow rate by one step each time movement from the top of the finger to the bottom is detected, and stops water discharge when the flow rate is reduced from the low flow water discharge state.

  Next, control by the controller 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine of control by the controller 14. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increasing process, and FIG. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of a subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increasing process shown in FIG. 7 and 8 are flowcharts of a subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate reduction process shown in FIG.

  First, in step S201 of FIG. 2, which is the main routine, whether or not the first sensor 10a senses an operation by the user, that is, whether or not reflected light of infrared light is received by the first sensor 10a. To be judged. If infrared light is not received by the first sensor 10a, the process proceeds to step S202, where it is determined whether the second sensor 10b has sensed an operation by the user. When the infrared light is not received by the second sensor 10b, the process returns to step S201, and the above processing is repeated until the infrared light is received by any one of the sensors.

  If it is determined in step S201 that infrared light has been received by the first sensor 10a, the process proceeds to step S203, where the integration of the first sensor on timer T1on is started and the first sensor detection flag F1 is set. Is set to 1. The first sensor on timer T1on is configured to integrate the elapsed time from the time when the infrared light is sensed by the first sensor 10a. Next, in step S204, the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase process shown in FIG. 3 is executed, and the water discharge flow rate increase process (water discharge start process with a small flow rate in the water stop state) and the like are executed. Processing in the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that infrared light has been received by the second sensor 10b, the process proceeds to step S208, where the integration of the second sensor on timer T2on is started and the second sensor detection flag is started. F2 is set to 1. The second sensor on timer T2on is configured to integrate the elapsed time from the time when the infrared light is sensed by the second sensor 10b. Next, in step S209, a subroutine of water discharge flow rate reduction processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed, and water discharge reduction processing (water stop processing in a water discharge state with a small flow rate) and the like are executed. The process in the subroutine of the discharged water flow rate reduction process will be described later.

  After the process in step S204 or S209 ends, the process proceeds to step S205, where it is determined whether or not the first sensor 10a continues to receive infrared light. When the first sensor 10a does not receive infrared light, the process proceeds to step S206, and when infrared light continues to be received, the process of step S205 is repeated. Similarly, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the second sensor 10b continues to receive infrared light. If infrared light is received, the process of step S206 is repeated.

  If neither the first sensor 10a nor the second sensor 10b receives infrared light, it is determined that one operation by the user has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the first sensor detection flag F1 and the second sensor detection flag F2 are set to 0, the process returns to the processing loop of steps S201 and S202, and the above processing is repeated.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the water discharge flow rate increase processing routine called in step S204 of FIG. 2 will be described.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, steps S302 to S304 mainly relate to the discharged water flow rate increasing process when the second sensor 10b receives infrared light after the first sensor 10a receives infrared light. Steps S306 to S308 are mainly processes for stopping water when the first sensor 10a continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined time or more, while the second sensor 10b does not receive infrared light. is there. Further, steps S309 to S311 are mainly performed by the first sensor 10a when infrared light is received by the first sensor 10a and neither the first sensor nor the second sensor receives infrared light for a predetermined time. This is a process for ignoring the first light reception and returning the process to the main routine.

  First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not infrared reflected light is received by the second sensor 10b. If infrared light is received by the second sensor 10b, the process proceeds to step S302, and if not, the process proceeds to step S306. When it is determined in step S301 that the second sensor 10b receives infrared light, the first sensor 10a senses infrared light in step S201 (FIG. 2), and then the second sensor 10b Since it corresponds to the case where infrared light is sensed, the water discharge flow rate is increased in the processing after step S302.

  First, in step S302, the integration of the second sensor-on timer T2on is started and the second sensor detection flag F2 is set to 1. The second sensor on timer T2on is configured to integrate the elapsed time from the time when the infrared light is sensed by the second sensor 10b. Next, in step S303, the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called to increase the water discharge flow rate.

  When the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is completed, the process of step S304 of FIG. 3 is executed. In step S304, the false detection prevention process shown in FIG. 6 is executed. In the false detection prevention process, an operation to decrease the water discharge flow rate is detected immediately after execution of the water discharge flow increase subroutine, or any sensor continues to receive reflected light for a long time, etc. Malfunction is prevented. Processing in the subroutine shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described later.

  When the process by the false detection prevention process routine shown in FIG. 6 is completed, the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the process of step S305 is executed, and the process of the subroutine of FIG. In step S305, the integration times of the first sensor on timer T1on, the second sensor on timer T2on, the first sensor off timer T1off, and the second sensor off timer T2off are reset.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 in FIG. 3 that the second sensor 10b is not receiving infrared light, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, it is determined whether or not the first sensor 10a receives infrared light. If the first sensor 10a receives infrared light, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the first sensor-on timer T1on that has started integration in step S203 (FIG. 2) is less than the water stoppage determination time t2. If the first sensor 10a receives infrared light, the second sensor 10b does not receive light, and the accumulated time is less than the water stoppage determination time t2, the processes of step S301, step S306, and step S307 are repeated. In the present embodiment, the water stoppage determination time t2 is set to about 1 second.

  If the second sensor 10b receives infrared light while the processes in these steps are repeated, the process proceeds to step S302, and the above-described subroutines (steps S303 and S304) in FIGS. 5 and 6 are executed. Further, when the water stoppage determination time t2 has elapsed with the processes of step S301, step S306, and step S307 being repeated, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the controller 14 switches the solenoid valves 6a and 6b so that water discharge is stopped, and sets the variable N to zero. Thus, when only the first sensor 10a continues to receive infrared light, it is determined that there is some misdetection, and water discharge is stopped. After the water discharge is stopped, the process of step S305 is executed, and the process of the subroutine of FIG. 3 ends.

  Furthermore, when it is determined in step S306 that the first sensor 10a is not receiving infrared light, and while the processes in steps S301, S306, and S307 are repeated, the first sensor 10a is red. If no external light is received, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the value of the first sensor sensing flag F1 is determined. Since the value of the first sensor detection flag F1 is set to 1 in step S203 of FIG. 2, when the process of step S309 is executed for the first time in the subroutine shown in FIG. 3, the value of the first sensor detection flag F1 is In this case, the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, the integration of the first sensor off timer T1off is started, and the value of the first sensor detection flag F1 is set to zero.

  Next, in step S310, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the first sensor off timer T1off that has started integration in step S311 has reached a predetermined sensor sensing waiting time t1. If the sensor sensing waiting time t1 has not elapsed, the process returns to step S301. After returning to step S301, when neither the first sensor 10a nor the second sensor 10b receives infrared light, the processes of steps S301, S306, S309, and S310 are repeated. If the sensor sensing waiting time t1 elapses while this processing is repeated, the processing moves from step S310 to step S305, and the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 ends. As described above, after it is determined in step S201 in FIG. 2 that infrared light is received by the first sensor 10a, both the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b emit infrared light over a predetermined sensor sensing waiting time t1. If no light is received, the process is terminated assuming that the first sensor 10a is erroneously detected or erroneously operated, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. In this embodiment, the sensor sensing waiting time t1 is set to about 1 second.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the process by the water discharge flow rate increase subroutine will be described. The processing by this subroutine is called and executed in step S303 in FIG.

  First, in step S501, the value of the variable N representing the water discharge state is determined. The variable N is a variable that is set to 0 in the water stop state, 1 for a small amount of water discharge, 2 for a medium amount water discharge, and 3 for a large amount of water discharge. If it is determined in step S501 that the variable N is other than 3, N is increased by 1 in step S502 to increase the water discharge flow rate. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the variable N is 3, there is no room for further increasing the water discharge flow rate, so the process of step S502 is bypassed.

  Next, when it is determined in step S503 that the variable N is 1, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the controller 14 switches the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b so that a small amount of water is discharged. That is, the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic valve 6a and closes the electromagnetic valve 6b.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the variable N is other than 1, the process proceeds to step S504, and in step S504, it is determined whether or not the variable N is 2. If it is determined that the variable N is 2 in step S504, the process proceeds to step S506, and in step S506, the controller 14 switches the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b so that the medium amount water discharge is performed. That is, the controller 14 closes the electromagnetic valve 6a and opens the electromagnetic valve 6b.

  Further, when it is determined in step S504 that the variable N is other than 2, the process proceeds to step S507, and in step S507, the controller 14 switches the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b so that a large amount of water is discharged. That is, the controller 14 opens the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing by the false detection prevention processing routine will be described. The processing by this subroutine is called and executed in step S304 in FIG.

  First, in step S601 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the first sensor 10a senses an operation by the user. When the infrared light is not received by the first sensor 10a, the process proceeds to step S602, where the integration of the first sensor off timer T1off is started and the first sensor detection flag F1 is set to zero. . The first sensor off timer T1off is configured to integrate the elapsed time from the time when the infrared light is no longer sensed by the first sensor 10a. Next, in step S603, it is determined whether or not the second sensor 10b senses an operation by the user. If the infrared light is not received by the second sensor 10b, the process proceeds to step S604, where the integration of the second sensor off timer T2off is started and the second sensor detection flag F2 is set to zero. .

  Next, step S605 is executed. That is, when the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b sequentially detect infrared light and the discharged water flow rate is increased, when the first and second sensors no longer receive infrared light, step S605 is executed. . In step S605, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the first sensor off timer T1off is less than a predetermined continuous operation inhibition time t3. When the accumulated time of the first sensor off timer T1off is less than the continuous operation prohibition time t3, the process of step S605 is repeated, and when the continuous operation prohibition time t3 is reached, the process proceeds to step S606. Similarly, in step S606, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the second sensor off timer T2off is less than the continuous operation prohibition time t3. When the accumulated time of the second sensor off timer T2off is less than the continuous operation prohibition time t3, the process of step S606 is repeated. When the continuous operation prohibition time t3 is reached, the process of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6 ends.

  As a result of the above-described steps S605 and S606, immediately after the water discharge flow rate is increased by the processing of step S303 in FIG. 3 (before the continuous operation prohibition time t3 elapses), the flow increase operation or the flow decrease operation is erroneously detected. Is prevented. In the present embodiment, the continuous operation prohibition time t3 is set to about 0.3 seconds. Preferably, the continuous operation prohibition time t3 is set to about 0.2 to 0.5 seconds.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the first sensor 10a senses an operation by the user, the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the first sensor-on timer T1on that has started integration in step S203 (FIG. 2) is less than a predetermined water stoppage determination time t2. If the accumulated time of the first sensor on timer T1on is less than the water stoppage determination time t2, and the first sensor 10a continues to receive infrared light, the processes of steps S601 and S607 are repeated. Next, when the accumulated time of the first sensor on timer T1on reaches the water stoppage determination time t2, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, the controller 14 switches the electromagnetic valves 6a and 6b so that water discharge is stopped. That is, the controller 14 closes the solenoid valves 6a and 6b and sets the variable N to zero. Thus, after the flow rate increasing operation is sensed, when the first sensor 10a continues to receive infrared light, it is determined that there is some missensing, and water discharge is stopped.

  Similarly, if it is determined in step S603 that the second sensor 10b senses an operation by the user, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the second sensor-on timer T2on that has started integration in step S302 (FIG. 3) is less than a predetermined water stoppage determination time t2. When the integration time of the second sensor on timer T2on is less than the water stoppage determination time t2, and the second sensor 10b continues to receive infrared light, the processes of steps S603 and S608 are repeated. Next, when the accumulated time of the second sensor on timer T2on reaches the water stoppage determination time t2, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, the controller 14 switches the solenoid valves 6a and 6b so that water discharge is stopped, and sets the variable N to zero. Thus, after the flow rate increasing operation is sensed, if the second sensor 10b continues to receive infrared light, it is determined that there is some missensing and water discharge is stopped.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the water discharge flow rate reduction processing routine called in step S209 of FIG. 2 will be described.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, steps S402 to S404 mainly relate to the discharged water flow rate reduction process when the first sensor 10a receives infrared light after the second sensor 10b receives infrared light. Steps S406 to S408 are mainly processes for stopping water when the second sensor 10b continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined time or more while no infrared light is received by the first sensor 10a. is there. Further, steps S409 to S411 are mainly performed by the second sensor 10b when the infrared light is once received by the second sensor 10b and neither the first sensor nor the second sensor receives the infrared light for a predetermined time. This is a process for ignoring the first light reception and returning the process to the main routine.

  The processes in steps S402 to S404 in FIG. 4 are processes similar to steps S302 to S304 in FIG. 3, and a process for reducing the discharged water flow rate is executed in the opposite manner to the process in FIG. The subroutine shown in FIG. 7 called in step S403 is a subroutine for decreasing the water discharge flow rate by one step. In the subroutine shown in FIG. 7, when the variable N representing the water discharge state is other than 0, the value of the variable N is reduced by 1, and if the reduced variable N is 2, the medium amount water discharge is 1. A small amount of water is discharged. Further, when the value of the variable N is 0, the water is stopped.

  Also, the subroutine shown in FIG. 8 called in step S404 performs the same processing as the subroutine shown in FIG. That is, immediately after the discharged water flow rate is decreased by the process of step S403 in FIG. 4 (before the continuous operation prohibition time t3 elapses), it is detected that the flow rate increase operation or the flow rate decrease operation is erroneously detected in step S805. This is prevented by S806. If the first sensor 10a or the second sensor 10b continues to receive infrared light after the flow rate reduction operation is detected, it is determined that there is some false detection (steps S807 and S808). The water discharge is stopped.

  Next, the operation of the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 9A to 9D are timing charts showing the timing of receiving infrared light by the first sensor 10a and the second sensor 10b.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the user holds his / her finger over the sensor and moves the finger from the bottom to the top in the water stop state, first, the first sensor 10a receives infrared light reflected by the finger. Next, the second sensor 10b receives infrared light. Thereby, only the electromagnetic valve 6a is opened and a small amount of water discharge is started. In the present embodiment, detection by each sensor is determined at the start of light reception. For this reason, as shown on the left side of FIG. 9 (a), when the first sensor 10a receives infrared light and then the first sensor 10a stops receiving light and then the second sensor 10b starts receiving light, As shown on the right side of FIG. 9 (a), the first sensor 10a starts to receive infrared light, and water is discharged in both cases when light reception by the second sensor 10b is started during light reception by the first sensor 10a. A flow rate increasing process is executed. That is, in any case, after the first sensor 10a senses an operation by the user, the controller 14 recognizes that the second sensor 10b senses the operation, and increases the water discharge flow rate step by step.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the user moves his / her finger from the top to the bottom, when the first sensor 10a starts to receive light after the light reception by the second sensor 10b, Even when the first sensor 10a starts to receive light while the two sensors 10b are receiving light, the discharged water flow rate is decreased step by step.

  The controller 14 increases the discharged water flow rate by one step each time the user performs such a discharged water flow rate increase operation (FIG. 5), and decreases the discharged water flow rate by one step each time the user performs the discharged water flow rate decreasing operation (FIG. 5). 7).

  As shown in FIG. 9C, after the first sensor 10a starts to receive infrared light, the controller 14 receives the infrared light after the first sensor 10a starts to receive infrared light, and starts receiving light by the first sensor 10a. When a predetermined water stoppage determination time t2 has elapsed (see step S607 in FIG. 6), water discharge is stopped. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), the controller 14 determines that the second sensor 10b starts to receive light after the first sensor 10a starts to receive infrared light, and starts from the start of light reception by the second sensor 10b. When the water stoppage determination time t2 elapses (see step S608 in FIG. 6), water discharge is stopped.

  Similarly, after the second sensor 10b starts to receive infrared light, the controller 14 receives the infrared light from the first sensor 10b, and the predetermined water stoppage determination time t2 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the second sensor 10b. If it passes (refer step S807 of FIG. 8), water discharge will be stopped. Furthermore, after the second sensor 10b starts to receive infrared light, the controller 14 starts receiving light from the first sensor 10a, and when a predetermined water stop determination time t2 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the first sensor 10a ( 8), the water discharge is stopped.

  According to the faucet device of the first embodiment of the present invention, since the discharged water flow rate is changed based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sense the operation, the flow rate is changed using a non-contact type sensor. can do.

  Further, according to the faucet device of the present embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are mounted side by side on the side surface of the faucet device, and the controller detects the operation after the first sensor senses the operation. When the operation is detected, the water discharge flow rate is increased. After the second sensor detects the operation, when the first sensor detects the operation, the water discharge flow rate is decreased. Can be made.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device of the present embodiment, water discharge is stopped when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation for more than the water stoppage determination time. Water waste can be prevented.
Moreover, according to the faucet device of this embodiment, since the indicator which shows the discharged water flow rate is provided, the user can recognize the present discharged water flow rate visually easily.

  Next, a faucet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The faucet device of the present embodiment is a hot and cold water mixing faucet, and is different from the first embodiment described above in that the temperature adjustment operation by the user is detected in a non-contact manner and the control process by the controller. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire faucet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a faucet device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a faucet device body 102, a shower hose 104 disposed in the faucet device body 102, the shower hose 104 and a water supply pipe. And the two solenoid valves 106a and 106b connected to the water supply pipe. The faucet device 100 includes an electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 that is a temperature variable means provided upstream of the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b, a hot water supply stop cock 108a connected to the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107, and a water supply device. And a water stop cock 108b. Further, the faucet device main body 102 is provided with a first sensor 110a and a second sensor 110b that sense a flow rate adjustment operation, and a third sensor 111 that senses a water discharge / water stop operation. In addition, the faucet device main body 102 is provided with an indicator 112 that displays the water discharge flow rate and a temperature adjustment sensor 113 that senses a temperature adjustment operation. Furthermore, the water faucet device 100 includes a controller 114 that is a control unit that controls the electromagnetic valves 106 a and 106 b and the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 based on the sensing signals of the sensors.

  The faucet device 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the user can perform water discharge, water stoppage, flow rate adjustment, and temperature adjustment without touching the faucet. That is, water is discharged by the user holding his / her finger over the third sensor. Water stoppage is switched, and the water discharge flow rate is adjusted by holding a finger over the first and second sensors. Further, the water discharge temperature is adjusted by the user holding his / her finger over the temperature adjustment sensor 113. In the present embodiment, each time the user holds his / her finger over the third sensor 111, water discharge or water stop is switched, and the user holds his / her finger over the first and second sensors to move the finger from the bottom to the top. In such a case, the water discharge flow rate is increased, and when it is moved from the top to the bottom, the water discharge flow rate is decreased. Moreover, it is comprised so that the temperature of the discharged hot water can be raised-lowered by similarly moving the finger held over the temperature control sensor 113. FIG.

  The faucet device main body 102 is a metal pipe and is configured to be installed in the vicinity of a sink in a kitchen. The shower hose 104 is disposed in a cavity inside the faucet device main body 102, and is configured such that a shower head 104a attached to the tip can be pulled out from the faucet device main body 102 and used.

The connection joint 105 is configured to connect the shower hose 104 and a water supply pipe to which the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b are connected.
The solenoid valves 106a and 106b are connected in parallel and are configured to be opened and closed by a control signal from the controller 114, and the supplied tap water flows into the shower hose 104 or stops. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b function as flow rate varying means.

  The electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 is configured to mix the supplied hot water and water as appropriate and cause the temperature-controlled hot water to flow out. Further, the mixing ratio of the supplied hot water and water is changed by a signal inputted from the controller 114, and the temperature of the hot water flowing out can be changed.

  The hot water supply stop cock 108a and the water supply stop cock 108b are connected upstream of the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107, and the supply of hot water and water to the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 is stopped by closing them. can do. It should be noted that the hot water supply stop cock 108a and the water supply stop cock 108b are always open when the faucet device 100 is in normal use.

  The first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b are non-contact sensors attached to the front end portion of the faucet device body 102 so that when a user holds a finger or the like near the sensor, the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b sense this. It is configured. In the present embodiment, the first and second sensors are attached to the right side surface of the faucet device body 102, and the second sensor 110b is disposed above and obliquely rearward of the first sensor 110a.

  The third sensor 111 is a non-contact sensor attached to the back side of the distal end portion of the faucet device main body 102. Water discharge is started when the user holds a finger or the like near the third sensor in the water stop state, and water discharge is stopped when the finger or the like is held in the water discharge state. In the present embodiment, water discharge is started at a flow rate that was set when water discharge was stopped last time.

  The indicator 112 is attached to the upper surface of the faucet device main body 102 and is configured to display the water discharge flow rate of the faucet device 100 based on a signal from the controller 114.

  The temperature adjustment sensor 113 is a non-contact type sensor attached to the tip of the faucet device main body 102, and is configured to detect this when the user holds a finger or the like near the sensor. In the present embodiment, the temperature adjustment sensor 113 is attached to the left side surface of the faucet device main body 102 and includes a first temperature adjustment sensor and a second temperature adjustment sensor. The second temperature adjustment sensor is disposed above and obliquely behind the first temperature adjustment sensor so that the water discharge temperature can be changed by the same operation as the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b for flow rate adjustment. It is configured.

  The controller 114 is configured to send control signals to the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b based on the detection signals of the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b, and to open and close them. The controller 114 is configured to send a signal to the indicator 112 and change the display of the indicator 112 according to the current water discharge flow rate. Further, the controller 114 is configured to send a control signal to the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 based on the detection signal of the temperature adjustment sensor 113 to change the set temperature. Further, the control of the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b by the controller 114 and the control of the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 are executed in parallel.

  In addition, control of the electromagnetic temperature control valve 107 by the controller 114 changes set temperature by the control flow similar to control of the discharged water flow rate in 1st Embodiment, Therefore It abbreviate | omits description.

  Next, control by the controller 114 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main routine for control by the controller 114. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increasing process, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the water discharge flow rate decreasing process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase process shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate reduction process shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1101 of FIG. 11, which is the main routine, it is determined whether or not the water is stopped. If the water is stopped, the process proceeds to step S1102. If the water is discharged, the process proceeds to step S1108. . That is, the variable SW is a variable indicating whether or not the water discharge state is present. The variable SW is ON when the electromagnetic valve 106a or 106b is opened, and is OFF when both electromagnetic valves are closed. Is done.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether the third sensor 111 senses a user operation. If the third sensor 111 senses the user's operation, the process proceeds to the water discharge process in step S1103 and subsequent steps. If not sensed, the process in step S1102 is repeated. When the water faucet device 100 is in the water stop state and the third sensor 111 does not sense the user's operation, the process of step S1102 is repeated until the third sensor 111 senses the user's operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1101 that the variable SW is ON, that is, the water discharge state, the process proceeds to step S1108, where it is determined whether or not the third sensor 111 has sensed the user's operation. The When the third sensor 111 senses the user's operation, the process proceeds to step S1109, and the water stop process is executed thereafter.

  That is, in step S1109, a variable N representing the water discharge state is stored in a memory (not shown) in the controller 114, and this value is used at the next start of water discharge. Next, in step S1110, first, the controller 114 sends a control signal to the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b to open only the electromagnetic valve 106a to enter a small flow rate water discharge state. Next, a control signal is sent to the electromagnetic valve 106a to close it and set the water stop state, and to turn off the value of the variable SW. Further, in step S1111, it is determined whether or not the third sensor 111 continues to receive infrared light. If the third sensor 111 continues to receive infrared light, the processing in step S1111 is repeated.

  When infrared light is no longer received by the third sensor 111, the process proceeds to step S1112. In step S1112, the value of the third sensor detection flag F3 is set to 0, one process of the main routine is terminated, and the process returns to step S1101. The third sensor detection flag F3 is a flag indicating whether or not the third sensor 111 has received infrared light. If the third sensor 111 receives infrared light, the third sensor detection flag F3 indicates 1; 0.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1102 that infrared light is received by the third sensor 111, that is, if the third sensor 111 receives infrared light for the first time in a water-stopped state, step S1103 and subsequent steps. The water discharge start process is executed. That is, in step S1103, the integration of the third sensor on timer T3on is started and the value of the third sensor detection flag F3 is set to 1. The third sensor on timer T3on is a timer that accumulates elapsed time after infrared light is received by the third sensor 111. Next, in step S1104, the controller 114 opens and closes the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b according to the value of the variable N indicating the water discharge state, and starts water discharge. For example, when the value of the variable N is 1, that is, when the previous water discharge is terminated with the low flow water discharge, the controller 114 opens only the electromagnetic valve 106a. Further, when the value of the variable N is 2, only the electromagnetic valve 106b is opened to start medium flow water discharge, and when the value of the variable N is 3, the electromagnetic valves 106a and 106b are opened to generate a large flow rate. Start water discharge. Next, in step S1105, the controller 114 changes the value of the variable SW to ON, and proceeds to step S1106.

  In step S1106, it is determined whether the third sensor 111 continues to receive infrared light. If the third sensor 111 continues to receive infrared light, the process proceeds to step S1107, and no infrared light is received. In the case, the process proceeds to step S1113. In step S1107, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the third sensor on timer T3on is less than a predetermined forced water stop time t5. If the integration time of the third sensor-on timer T3on that has started integration in step S1103 has reached the forced water stop time t5, the process proceeds to step S1109, and the water stop process after step S1109 is executed. In this case, when water is continuously discharged for a predetermined forced water stop time t5 or more, the controller 114 determines that there is some misdetection, and forcibly stops water discharge. In the present embodiment, the forced water stop time t5 is set to about 60 seconds.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1107 that the accumulated time of the third sensor on timer T3on is less than the predetermined forced water stop time t5, the process returns to step S1106, and the processes of steps S1106 and S1107 are repeated.

  In step S1106, the processes in steps S1113 to S1121 executed when the third sensor 111 does not receive infrared light correspond to steps S201 to S209 of the main routine (FIG. 2) in the first embodiment, respectively. Is. The processes in steps S1113 to S1121 are the same as those in the first embodiment except for the processes in the subroutine called in steps S1116 and S1121, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the control flow of the water discharge flow rate increase process called in step S1116 of FIG. 11 will be described.
In the subroutine shown in FIG. 12, infrared light is received by the first sensor 110a in the water discharge state (step S1113), the first sensor on timer T1on starts integration, and the value of the first sensor detection flag F1 is set to 1. (Step S1115) and then called.

  First, in step S1201 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the second sensor 110b has received infrared light. If infrared light is received, the process proceeds to step S1202, and a water discharge flow rate increase process is executed. If infrared light is not received, the process proceeds to step S1206. Steps S1206 to S1211 are a process for stopping water when the first sensor 110a continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined time or more and no second light is received by the second sensor 110b, and the first sensor After the infrared light is once received by 110a and the first and second sensors do not receive the infrared light for a predetermined time, the first light reception by the first sensor 110a is ignored and the process returns to the main routine. The process is executed. These processes in steps S1206 to S1211 are the same as those in steps S306 to S311 in FIG.

  In step S307 (FIG. 3) corresponding to step S1207 (FIG. 12), it was determined whether or not the accumulated time of the first sensor on timer T1on is less than 1 second (water stoppage determination time t2). However, in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the timer is less than 60 seconds (forced water stop time t5). Moreover, in step S1208, the water stop process corresponding to step S1109 thru | or S1112 of FIG. 11 is performed. That is, a variable N representing a water discharge state is stored in a memory (not shown). Next, a control signal is sent to each solenoid valve to stop the water, and the value of the variable SW is turned OFF. Further, it is determined whether or not the third sensor 111 continues to receive infrared light. When the infrared light is no longer received, the value of the third sensor detection flag F3 is set to 0, and the water stop process in step S1208. Ends.

  On the other hand, in step S1202 that is executed when infrared light is received by the second sensor 110b, the second sensor on timer T2on starts integration, and the value of the second sensor detection flag F2 is set to 1. Next, in step S1203, a subroutine for executing the water discharge flow rate increasing process shown in FIG. 14 is called. Further, when the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 ends, the process proceeds to step S1205, where the values of the first sensor on timer T1on, the second sensor on timer T2on, the first sensor off timer T1off, and the second sensor off timer T2off are processed. Is reset to zero. Further, the value of the variable X used in the subroutine of FIG. 14 is also reset to 0. When the process in step S1205 ends, the process moves to the main routine of FIG.

Next, a processing flow for increasing the water discharge flow rate will be described with reference to FIG.
Steps S1401 to S1405 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 are processes for increasing the value of the variable N representing the water discharge state by 1 and discharging water at a flow rate corresponding to the value. Further, steps S1406 to S1412 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 are processes for further increasing the discharged water flow rate when the first sensor 110a continues to receive infrared light after increasing the discharged water flow rate by one step. . Similarly, steps S1413 to S1418 are processes for further increasing the discharged water flow rate when the second sensor 110b continues to receive infrared light after increasing the discharged water flow rate by one step.

  First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable N representing the water discharge state is 3. In the present embodiment, the variable N takes any one of 1 representing a small amount of water discharge, 2 representing a medium amount water discharge, and 3 representing a large amount of water discharge. In the present embodiment, since the stop of water discharge is controlled by the variable SW, the value of the variable N does not become 0 indicating the water stop state. If the value of the variable N is 1 or 2, the process proceeds to step S1402. If the value of the variable N is 3, the process proceeds to step S1405.

  When the value of the variable N is 3, there is no room for further increasing the water discharge flow rate, so the process proceeds to step S1405 without increasing the value of the variable N, and the controller 114 opens the solenoid valves 106a and 106b. A large amount of water is discharged. In addition, when each solenoid valve has already been opened, the solenoid valve is not opened and closed, and a large water discharge state is maintained.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1401 that the value of the variable N is not 3, the process proceeds to step S1402, where the value of the variable N is incremented by 1. Next, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable N is 2. If the value of the variable N is 2, the process proceeds to step S1404; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1404, the controller 114 opens only the solenoid valve 106b and sets it to a medium amount water discharge state.

  Next, in step S1406, the value of the variable X is incremented by one. The variable X is a variable for controlling the continuous process of increasing the water discharge flow rate, and is set to 0 when the subroutine of FIG. 14 is called and step S1406 is executed for the first time (the value of the variable X is shown in FIG. 12). In step S1205). Therefore, in the subroutine of FIG. 14, the value of the variable X becomes 1 after the first execution of step S1406.

  Next, in step S1407, it is determined whether or not the first sensor 110a continues to receive infrared light. If infrared light is not received by the first sensor 110a, the process proceeds to step S1408, and if it is received, the process proceeds to step S1409. In step S1409, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the first sensor-on timer T1on that has started integration in step S1115 of FIG. 11 has reached a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4. In the present embodiment, the continuous operation determination time t4 is set to about 1 second. If the integration time has not reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the process returns to step S1407, and if the integration time has reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the process proceeds to step S1410. Accordingly, when the infrared light continues to be received by the first sensor 110a and the integration time has not reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the processes of steps S1407 and S1409 are repeated.

  When the accumulated time reaches the continuous operation determination time t4 in this state, the process proceeds to step S1410, where it is determined whether or not the value of the variable X is 1. In the subroutine of FIG. 14, when the process in step S1406 is executed only once, the value of variable X is 1. In this case, the process returns to step S1401. By returning to step S1401, the value of the variable N is increased by 1, and the discharged water flow rate is increased by one step. That is, after the user performs an operation to increase the water discharge flow rate by holding the finger over the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b, the finger is determined to be a predetermined continuous operation at a position where the reflected light is received by the first sensor 110a. If the time t4 is maintained, the water discharge flow rate is further increased by one step. On the other hand, if the value of the variable X is not 1, that is, if the value of the variable X is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S1411.

  In step S1411, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the first sensor on timer T1on has reached a predetermined forced water stop time t5. If the accumulated time has not reached the forced water stop time t5, the process returns to step S1407. Accordingly, when the infrared light continues to be received by the first sensor 110a and the accumulated time has not reached the forced water stop time t5, the processes of steps S1407 to S1411 are repeated.

  In this state, when the accumulated time reaches the forced water stop time t5, the process proceeds to step S1412. In step S1412, the water stop process similar to step S1208 (FIG. 12) mentioned above is performed, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if the first sensor 110a does not receive infrared light while the processes in steps S1407 to S1411 are repeated, the process proceeds from step S1407 to step S1408. In step S1408, integration of the first sensor off timer T1off is started, and the value of the first sensor detection flag F1 is set to zero.

  Next, in step S1413, it is determined whether the second sensor 110b continues to receive infrared light. If infrared light is not received by the second sensor 110b, the process proceeds to step S1414. If infrared light is received, the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1415, it is determined whether or not the integration time of the second sensor on timer T2on that has started integration in step S1202 of FIG. 12 has reached a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4. If the integration time has not reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the process returns to step S1413. If the integration time has reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the process proceeds to step S1416. Therefore, when the infrared light continues to be received by the second sensor 110b and the integration time has not reached the continuous operation determination time t4, the processes of steps S1413 and S1415 are repeated.

  When the accumulated time reaches the continuous operation determination time t4 in this state, the process proceeds to step S1416, where it is determined whether or not the value of the variable X is 1. If the value of the variable X is 1, the process returns to step S1401. By returning to step S1401, the value of the variable N is increased by 1, and the discharged water flow rate is increased by one step. That is, after the user performs an operation to increase the water discharge flow rate by holding the finger over the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b, the finger is placed in a predetermined continuous operation position at a position where the reflected light is received by the second sensor 110b. If the time t4 is maintained, the water discharge flow rate is further increased by one step. On the other hand, if the value of the variable X is not 1, that is, if the value of the variable X is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S1417.

  In step S1417, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the second sensor on timer T2on has reached a predetermined forced water stop time t5. If the accumulated time has not reached the forced water stop time t5, the process returns to step S1413. Therefore, when the infrared light continues to be received by the second sensor 110b and the accumulated time has not reached the forced water stop time t5, the processes of steps S1413 to S1417 are repeated.

  In this state, when the accumulated time reaches the forced water stop time t5, the process proceeds to step S1418. In step S1418, a water stop process similar to that in step S1412 described above is executed, and the process of the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends.

  On the other hand, if the second sensor 110b stops receiving infrared light while the processes in steps S1413 to S1417 are repeated, the process proceeds from step S1413 to step S1414. In step S1414, the integration of the second sensor off timer T2off is started and the value of the second sensor detection flag F2 is set to zero.

  Next, in steps S1419 and S1420, it is determined whether or not the accumulated time of the first sensor off timer T1off and the second sensor off timer T2off has reached a predetermined continuous operation inhibition time t3, respectively. Those processes are repeated. The processing in steps S1419 and S1420 is the same as the processing in steps S605 and S606 in FIG. Thus, when the process of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is completed, the process shifts to the main routine shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the water discharge flow rate reduction processing routine called in step S1121 in FIG. 11 will be described.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, steps S1302 and S1303 mainly relate to the discharge water flow rate reduction process when the first sensor 110a receives infrared light after the second sensor 110b receives infrared light. Steps S1306 to S1308 are the same as steps S1206 to S1208 in FIG. 12, and steps S1309 to S1311 are the same as steps S1209 to S1211 in FIG.

  The process in steps S1302 and S1303 in FIG. 13 is a process similar to the process in steps S1202 and S1203 in FIG. 12, and a process for reducing the discharged water flow rate is executed opposite to the process in FIG. The subroutine shown in FIG. 15 called in step S1303 is a subroutine for decreasing the water discharge flow rate by one step. In the subroutine shown in FIG. 15, when the variable N representing the water discharge state is other than 1, the value of the variable N is reduced by 1. If the value of the reduced variable N is 2, the medium amount water discharge is 1. A small amount of water is discharged.

  Further, the processing after step S1506 is the same processing as the processing after S1406 in FIG. That is, in the process up to step S1505, after the water discharge flow rate has been reduced by one step, the first sensor 110a or the second sensor 110b has received infrared light for a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4 or more. One-stage water discharge flow is reduced. In addition, after the flow rate reduction operation is detected, when the first sensor 110a or the second sensor 110b continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined forced water stop time t5 or more, water discharge is stopped.

  Next, the operation of the faucet device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 16A and 16B are timing charts showing the light reception timing of infrared light by the first sensor 110a and the second sensor 110b.

  First, when the user holds his / her finger over the third sensor 111 in the water stop state, the controller 114 detects this and starts water discharge. At the start of water discharge, water discharge is performed at a flow rate set when the faucet device 100 was used last time. In the water discharge state, when the user holds a finger over the first and second sensors and moves the finger from the bottom to the top, the water discharge flow rate is increased by one step. However, when a large amount of water has already been discharged, the operation of increasing the water discharge flow rate is ignored. Conversely, in the water discharge state, when the user holds his / her finger over the first and second sensors and moves the finger from the top to the bottom, the water discharge flow rate is reduced by one step. However, when a small amount of water has already been discharged, the operation of decreasing the water discharge flow rate is ignored and the water is not stopped by this operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16A, after the infrared light reflected by the finger is received by the first sensor 110a, when the second sensor 110b starts to receive the infrared light, the controller 114 performs one step. Increase the water discharge flow rate. Furthermore, after the water discharge flow rate is increased, if the first sensor 110a continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4 from the start of light reception by the first sensor 110a, the controller 114 performs another step of water discharge. The flow rate is increased (see step S1409 in FIG. 14). When this state further continues and a predetermined forced water stop time t5 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the first sensor 110a, the controller 114 determines that the sensor is erroneously detected or erroneously operated and stops water discharge (step S1411 in FIG. 14). reference).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, after the reflected infrared light is received by the first sensor 110a, when the second sensor 110b starts to receive the infrared light, the controller 114 performs the one-stage water discharge flow rate. Increase. Furthermore, if the second sensor 110b continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4 from the start of light reception by the second sensor 110b after the water discharge flow rate is increased, the controller 114 performs another step of water discharge. The flow rate is increased (see step S1415 in FIG. 14). When this state further continues and a predetermined forced water stop time t5 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the second sensor 110b, the controller 114 determines that the sensor is erroneously detected or erroneously operated and stops water discharge (step S1417 in FIG. 14). reference).

  On the other hand, after the infrared light reflected by the finger is received by the second sensor 110b, when the first sensor 110a starts to receive the infrared light, the controller 114 increases or decreases the one-stage water discharge flow rate. If the second sensor 110b continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4 or more after the start of light reception by the second sensor 110b after the water discharge flow rate is reduced, the controller 114 performs another step of water discharge. Reduce the flow rate. When this state further continues and a predetermined forced water stop time t5 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the second sensor 110b, the controller 114 determines that the sensor is erroneously detected or erroneously operated, and stops water discharge.

  In addition, after the reflected infrared light is received by the second sensor 110b, when the first sensor 110a starts to receive infrared light, the controller 114 decreases the one-stage water discharge flow rate. Furthermore, if the first sensor 110a continues to receive infrared light for a predetermined continuous operation determination time t4 or more after the start of light reception by the first sensor 110a after the water discharge flow rate is reduced, the controller 114 performs another step of water discharge. Reduce the flow rate. When this state further continues and a predetermined forced water stop time t5 has elapsed from the start of light reception by the first sensor 110a, the controller 114 determines that the sensor is erroneously detected or erroneously operated and stops water discharge.

  According to the faucet device of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the third sensor senses an operation, water discharge is started at the water discharge flow rate set in the previous water discharge, so the water discharge flow rate is frequently used. Can be obtained as soon as possible. Further, since the third sensor detects the operation, the water discharge is stopped, so that the water discharge can be stopped by one operation even when the large flow rate and the medium flow rate are discharged.

  Further, according to the faucet device of the present embodiment, if the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense the operation for the continuous operation determination time after increasing the discharged water flow rate, the discharged water flow rate is further increased, After the flow rate is decreased, if the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense the operation for the continuous operation determination time or more, the discharged water flow rate is further reduced. Therefore, the discharged water flow rate is continuously increased by one operation. Or can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the faucet device of the present embodiment, since the water discharge is stopped when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense the operation for more than the forced water stop time, the water discharge is stopped. While allowing increase / decrease, it is possible to prevent waste of tap water due to false detection or the like.

  Further, according to the faucet device of the present embodiment, the electromagnetic temperature control valve is adjusted based on the order in which each temperature adjustment sensor senses the operation, and the water discharge temperature is changed. The set temperature can be changed.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, a various change can be added to embodiment mentioned above. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, an infrared sensor is used as a non-contact sensor, but any non-contact sensor can be applied to the present invention. In the embodiment described above, the water discharge flow rate can be changed in three stages, but the step of changing the flow rate can be arbitrarily set. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the water discharge flow rate is changed by opening and closing the two electromagnetic valves. However, any flow rate variable means such as a flow rate adjustment valve that can continuously change the water discharge flow rate is provided. It can be applied to the invention.

It is a block diagram showing composition of the whole faucet device by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of control by a controller. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which performs a discharged water flow rate increase process. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which performs a discharged water flow rate reduction process. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the discharged water flow rate reduction process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the discharged water flow rate reduction process shown in FIG. It is a timing chart showing the light reception timing of the infrared light by a 1st sensor and a 2nd sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the whole faucet device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main routine of control by a controller. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which performs a discharged water flow rate increase process. It is a flowchart of the subroutine which performs a discharged water flow rate reduction process. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the water discharge flow rate increase process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the subroutine called by the subroutine of the discharged water flow rate reduction process shown in FIG. It is a timing chart showing the light reception timing of the infrared light by a 1st sensor and a 2nd sensor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Faucet device by 1st Embodiment of this invention 2 Faucet device main body 4 Hose 6a, 6b Solenoid valve 8 Stop cock 10a 1st sensor 10b 2nd sensor 12 Indicator 14 Controller (control means)
100 faucet device according to second embodiment of the present invention 102 faucet device main body 104 shower hose 104a shower head 105 connection joint 106a, 106b solenoid valve 107 solenoid temperature control valve (temperature variable means)
108a Water supply stop cock 108b Water supply stop cock 110a First sensor 110b Second sensor 111 Third sensor 112 Indicator 113 Temperature control sensor 114 Controller (control means)
t1 sensor detection waiting time t2 water stoppage determination time t3 continuous operation prohibition time t4 continuous operation determination time t5 forced water stoppage time F1 first sensor detection flag F2 second sensor detection flag F3 third sensor detection flag T1on first sensor on timer T2on Second sensor on timer T1off First sensor off timer T2off Second sensor off timer

Claims (8)

A faucet device with a flow adjustment function,
A first sensor that senses a user operation without contact;
A second sensor for sensing a user's operation without contact;
Flow rate varying means for varying the water discharge flow rate;
Control means for increasing and decreasing the discharged water flow rate by sending a signal to the flow rate variable means based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sensed an operation by a user;
A faucet device comprising:   The control means increases the water discharge flow rate when the second sensor senses the operation after the first sensor senses the operation, and the first sensor senses the operation after the second sensor senses the operation. Then, the faucet device according to claim 1, which reduces the water discharge flow rate.   Furthermore, the faucet device according to claim 1 or 2 which has an indicator which shows the current water discharge flow rate.   3. The water according to claim 2, wherein in the water discharge state, the control means stops water discharge when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation for a predetermined water stoppage determination time or longer. Stopper device.   Furthermore, it has the 3rd sensor which senses operation by a user non-contacting, The said control means will start water discharge, if the said 3rd sensor detects operation in the water stop state, and the said 3rd sensor in the water discharge state The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein water discharge is stopped when an operation is sensed.   The control means further increases the water discharge flow rate when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation for a predetermined continuous operation determination time after increasing or decreasing the water discharge flow rate. The faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the faucet device is increased or decreased.   The control means stops water discharge when the first sensor or the second sensor continues to sense an operation continuously for a predetermined forced water stop time longer than the continuous operation determination time. 6. The faucet device according to 6. A faucet device having a temperature adjustment function,
A first sensor that senses a user operation without contact;
A second sensor for sensing a user's operation without contact;
Temperature variable means for varying the water discharge temperature;
Control means for changing the water discharge temperature by sending a signal to the temperature variable means based on the order in which the first sensor and the second sensor sensed an operation by a user;
A faucet device comprising:

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