JP5099603B2 - Faucet device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more specifically, to a faucet device that is provided in a hand-washing place, a toilet, a kitchen, and the like and controls water discharge of a water discharge flow using a radio wave sensor using a microwave or the like.

There is known a technique for detecting water to be detected such as a hand or other cleaning object by a sensor disposed in the faucet device and starting water discharge. For example, there is a technique in which a photoelectric sensor is installed in the vicinity of the water discharge port, and only the vicinity of the water discharge portion is used as a detection area, and a reflected signal from the detected body that has reached the vicinity of the water discharge portion is detected and discharged (see Patent Document 1). ). In addition, a radio wave sensor is installed in the water receiving part and the water discharging part, and the detected part close to the faucet device is detected using the Doppler effect, with the water receiving part as a detection area covering a wide area and around the faucet device. There is a technique for discharging water (see Patent Document 2).
Public Utility Sho 61-75570 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-80150

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-75570), since the detection area is limited to the vicinity of the water discharge part, water discharge is performed after the detected object reaches the vicinity of the water discharge port. Can start.
Therefore, according to the above technology, water can be discharged at the timing at which one wants to discharge water, so not only hand washing but also toothbrushing and face washing actions such as offices, hotel rooms, homes, etc. Even if you want to use a little water in a hand washing place, if you reach your hand near the spout, you can start water discharge and you can use it comfortably.

Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-80150), since the detection area is set to a wide area in the water receiving portion and around the faucet device, the detected object is discharged. Water discharge can be started before reaching the vicinity of the water mouth.
Therefore, according to the above technology, water discharge can be started at an early timing, so it can be quickly performed for small stores such as department stores that want to wash their hands quickly in order to respond quickly to customers, or to quickly get on trains. It can be used comfortably in the hand washing area of the station building where you want to wash your hands, because you can finish your hand quickly and quickly.

However, for example, when a faucet device that limits the detection area only to the vicinity of the water discharge unit is installed in a small store such as a department store or a hand washing place in a station building, the user wants to discharge water early but the water discharge is delayed. I felt uncomfortable.
On the other hand, when a faucet device with a detection area set in a wide area within the water receiving section or around the faucet device is installed in an office, hotel room, or home, the user discharges water earlier than when the user wants to drain water. Sometimes, I was surprised and sometimes felt wasted water.
As described above, there is a case where the use situation of each site and the timing of water discharge do not match, and there is a problem that the user cannot use comfortably.
In addition, when the detected object is detected only from the voltage value of the detection signal obtained by reflecting the radio wave radiated from the radio wave sensor, the obtained voltage value depends on the area of the detected object. Further, the voltage value fluctuates depending on the direction of the hand approaching the vicinity of the water discharge port, there is a problem that a constant detection area cannot be set, and the timing at which water discharge is started is not constant.

The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and provides a faucet device that can switch detection areas and can start water discharge at an optimum timing according to each site.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A water discharge part,
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by reflected waves of the radiated radio wave;
A control unit for controlling water discharge from the water discharge unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit;
With
The control unit, when detecting that the detection target is decelerated, a first detection mode for starting water discharge from the water discharge unit;
Having a second detection mode for starting water discharge from the water discharge section when it is detected that the detected object is below a predetermined speed;
A faucet device characterized in that the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be switched is provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The controller is configured to determine the presence / absence of a detection object based on whether or not the amplitude voltage value obtained from the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold,
In the first detection mode, the presence / absence of a detection object is determined by a first threshold value,
In the second detection mode, the presence or absence of the detected object is determined by the second threshold value,
The faucet device is characterized in that the first threshold value and the second threshold value are different from each other.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
The control unit includes a specific operation determination unit that determines a specific operation of the user based on a detection signal from the sensor unit,
The water faucet device is provided in which the specific operation determining means switches between the first detection mode and the second detection mode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention,
A faucet device is provided in which the control unit does not start water discharge from the water discharge unit for a predetermined time after switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode and when switching is confirmed.

According to the present invention, the speed or speed change algorithm obtained from the sensor unit according to the deceleration or substantially stationary operation when the user tries to stop the detected object at the arrival point in order to discharge water, Provides a faucet device that can clearly switch the detection area by switching the threshold value of the voltage value of the amplitude obtained from the sensor unit, and can start water discharge at an optimum timing according to each site.

Embodiments of an automatic faucet device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)

  FIG. 1 (a) shows an overview of the first embodiment of the faucet device, FIG. 1 (b) shows a top view of FIG. 1 (a), and FIG. 1 (c) shows FIG. 1 (b). FIG.

A faucet device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used in a water discharge unit 1 and a water discharge port 100 for discharging a water discharge flow, a water receiving unit 2 that receives water discharged from the water discharge unit 1, and a water receiving unit 2. Based on a signal from a radio wave sensor 3 for detecting that a detection object such as a person's hand, toothbrush, cup, dust cloth or the like has entered, a valve part 4 for switching water discharge from the water discharge part 1, and a signal from the radio wave sensor 3 The control unit 5 controls the on / off of the valve unit 4.
Here, the radio wave sensor 3 is disposed on the front side 2a that is a side facing when the user approaches the water receiving unit 2, and the radio wave beam is located in the entire water receiving unit 2 toward the vicinity of the water outlet 100. To be emitted.
Thereby, even if the object to be detected is extended from various heights and angles so as to reach the vicinity of the spout 100 due to the height of the user or the like, it can be reliably detected.
Further, the radio wave beam can be set so as not to be emitted toward the upper portion of the water discharger 1. Thereby, it does not misdetect the thing picking up to the shelf installed in the back of the water discharging part 1, the look of a mirror, etc.
Furthermore, the radio wave sensor 3 can be installed in the water receiving unit 2 so that the excitation direction of the radio wave beam is substantially vertical. When the radio wave sensor 3 is installed on the front side 2 a of the water receiver 2, the object to be discharged is directed from the upper side of the radio wave sensor 3 to the front side of the radio wave sensor 3. In the vertical direction, it is easy to detect the vertical movement of the body to be detected, so that a large detection signal can be obtained, and the water receiving unit 2 crossing the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 installed on the front side 2a of the water receiving unit 2 can be obtained. Since the detection signal obtained by the operation that does not attempt to discharge water, such as the wiping operation in the horizontal direction or the operation across the outside of the faucet device 10, becomes small, it is possible to accurately detect only the operation of the object to be discharged. it can.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for illustrating the radio wave sensor 3.
The radio wave sensor 3 includes an antenna 112, a transmission unit 114, a reception unit 116, and a mixer unit 118. The antenna 112 connected to the transmission unit 114 emits radio waves in a frequency band of 10 kHz to 100 GHz such as high frequency, microwave, or millimeter wave. Specifically, a transmission wave T1 having a frequency of 10.525 GHz is radiated from the antenna 112, for example. A reflected wave or transmitted wave T <b> 2 from a detection object such as a human body is input to the receiving unit 116 via the antenna 112. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, the antenna may have a common transmission side and reception side. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the antenna 112a is connected to the transmission unit 114. The antenna 112b may be connected to the receiving unit 116.
A part of the transmission wave and the reception wave are respectively input to the mixer unit 118 and synthesized, and for example, a detection signal reflecting the Doppler effect is output. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 is output toward the control unit 5.

Next, the control unit 5 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for illustrating the control unit 5.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 5 includes a filter unit 210, a determination unit 230, a valve control unit 240, and a valve unit 4. The filter unit 210 includes a filter 210a and a filter 210b. The filter 210a can be, for example, a filter that passes a detection signal in a predetermined frequency band. The filter 210b can be a filter that passes a detection signal in a frequency band higher than the frequency band of the filter 210a.
In the present embodiment, control is performed from a detection signal obtained with respect to the movement of the detected object. At that time, identification is performed by detecting a signal of less than 100 Hz. .
An operation normally performed by the user, for example, insertion or extraction of a hand, walking, or the like is a signal of less than 100 Hz. Therefore, by detecting a signal of less than 100 Hz, it is possible to discriminate general human movements. Further, when a high frequency of 100 Hz or higher is detected, it is possible to cancel a detection signal obtained from nearby fluorescent lamp noise (100 Hz, 120 Hz), communication noise used in a communication device, or the like.

The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 has a waveform in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a low-frequency baseline. This high frequency component includes information on the Doppler effect. Therefore, the filter unit 210 extracts a high frequency component (Doppler frequency signal) including information on the Doppler effect.

Here, when a detected object such as a human body moves, the wavelength of the reflected wave shifts due to the Doppler effect. The Doppler frequency ΔF (Hz) can be expressed by the following equation (1).

ΔF = Fs−Fb = 2 × Fs × v / c (1)

Where Fs: transmission frequency (Hz)
Fb: reflection frequency (Hz)
v: object moving speed (m / s)
c: speed of light (= 300 × 10 ⁶ m / s)

When the object to be detected moves relative to the radio wave sensor 3, a detection signal including a frequency ΔF proportional to the speed v is obtained as represented by the equation (1). The detection signal has a frequency spectrum, and there is a correlation between the peak frequency corresponding to the peak of the spectrum and the velocity v of the moving object. Therefore, if the high frequency component of the detection signal output from the radio wave sensor 3 (mixer unit 118) is divided into a predetermined frequency band through the filters 210a and 210b, the Doppler frequency ΔF is measured. The speed v can be obtained. In addition, the change in speed (deceleration / acceleration) can be known by looking at the transition of each frequency band. For example, when the determination unit 230 determines that a detection operation for using the faucet device is being performed, the valve control unit 240 may open the valve unit 4 to discharge water. it can. In Japan, a frequency of 10.50 to 10.55 Hz or 24.05 to 24.25 GHz can be used for the purpose of detecting a human body. For convenience of explanation, the case where the detection signal is divided into two frequency bands has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection signal can be divided into three or more frequency bands. If the number of divisions of the frequency band is increased, the operation state of the detected object can be analyzed in more detail.

Also, a filter for removing low frequency components can be provided in the previous stage of the filter unit 210. The detection signal output from the mixer unit 118 has a waveform in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on a low-frequency baseline. Therefore, if a filter for removing low frequency components is provided, only high frequency components (Doppler frequency signals) including information on the Doppler effect can be extracted. In addition, the filtering frequency in this case can be about 0.1-5 Hz, for example.

In addition, in order to detect that the detection target is substantially stationary, a filter that allows a detection signal in a low frequency band including a direct current component to pass therethrough may be provided in the filter unit 210. In this case, as a detection signal in a low frequency band including a DC component, for example, a detection signal including a DC component (0 Hz) and a frequency component exceeding 0 Hz and not more than 10 Hz can be exemplified. Here, “substantially stationary” means not only a stationary state but also a slight movement of the human body just before attempting to be stationary and a slight movement in a state that is conscious of the stationary state (although the person intends to be stationary, it is actually moving with a loose movement) (Movement) and so on.

Here, the filter can be configured by hardware or software. As what constituted the filter with hardware, what provided the resistor (R) and the capacitor (C) as a component can be illustrated, for example. For example, a filter that separates and extracts a necessary frequency band is configured by combining a high-pass filter composed of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) and a low-pass filter with respect to a detection signal from the sensor unit 100. Is possible. When the filter is configured by hardware, it is possible to obtain an inexpensive and simple configuration filter. However, since the set frequency may vary due to the influence of variations in the resistance value and capacitance value of each electronic component (resistor (R), capacitor (C)), more precise frequency setting is performed. If a resistor having a small tolerance between the resistance value and the capacitance value of the capacitor and the capacitor value is selected, filtering can be performed with a value close to the set frequency band.

Examples of the filter configured by software include a digital filter that performs filtering by arithmetic processing using a microcomputer, for example. If a digital filter is used, the frequency to be filtered can be set strictly. Therefore, since it is possible to perform fine frequency division, it can be said that it is suitable for accurately determining the user's operation. However, because of filtering using an arithmetic element such as a microcomputer, the calculation time may be longer as the number of filters increases. In this case, if the calculation time is long, there is a possibility that problems such as a delay in opening and closing time of the valve unit 4 may occur. There is also a problem that filtering cannot be performed on direct current (DC) or frequencies near direct current (DC). Therefore, when speeding up arithmetic processing by software, if the number of filters is reduced or a computing element with a high arithmetic speed is selected, the arithmetic processing is accelerated and detailed filtering processing is performed at high speed. It becomes possible.
Further, the filter unit 210 may be configured by appropriately selecting a filter configured by hardware or software, or by combining both.
The object to be detected can be detected by the circuit configuration as described above.

FIG. 4 shows a series of operations when the user of the faucet device 10 tries to stop the detected body (hand, toothbrush, cup, etc.) at the arrival point (near the spout 100) in order to discharge water. is there. First, the user enters the body to be detected from above the front side 2a of the water receiving section 2, and the body to be detected starts to hit the radio wave beam of the radio wave sensor 3 (FIG. 4A). Subsequently, the user approaches the object to be detected while decelerating to stop at the arrival point (near the water outlet 100) (FIG. 4B). Thereafter, the object to be detected becomes substantially stationary immediately before stopping at the arrival point (near the spout 100), and finally swings to the arrival point. (FIG. 4 (c)).

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the change in speed or frequency with respect to the distance between the detected object and the arrival point. When the user tries to stop the detected object at the arrival point, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the user brings the detected object closer to the arrival point while decelerating, and finally makes the object approximately stationary.
At this time, for example, in the state of FIG. 4A, the frequency fA in FIG. 5 is obtained (point A). Next, in the state of FIG. 4B, a frequency fB smaller than fA in FIG. 5 is obtained (point B). Further, the frequency fC (C point) lower than fB immediately before stopping at the arrival point, or the frequency fD (D point lower than fC) due to the fluctuation at the moment when the detected object stops and the fluctuation after the stop is reached. ) Is obtained.
In this way, the operation of the user trying to make the detected body reach the arrival point in order to discharge water is decelerated and finally becomes below a predetermined speed (substantially stationary state). From the above characteristics, the detection signal for turning on the valve unit 4 in the control unit 5 can be identified while the user can identify the operation of sending the detected object to the arrival point and discharging water. The timing for starting water discharge can be controlled according to the algorithm. At this time, the frequency of the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 3 is gradually shifted from the high side to the low side, and becomes substantially stationary immediately before stopping, and the detection signal of about low frequency (0 to 10 Hz) is sent to the control unit 5. Is output.

Next, the control flow will be described.
The control unit 5 turns on the valve unit 4 when detecting the deceleration of the detected object, and turns on the valve unit 4 when the detected object falls below a predetermined speed in the first detection mode in which water discharge from the water outlet 100 is started. A second detection mode for starting water discharge from the water discharge port 100 is provided.
Each of the first detection mode and the second detection mode will be described.
First, the first detection mode will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of determining deceleration from a detection signal for each frequency band in the specific example shown in FIG.
In the first detection mode of the control unit 5, filters of a high frequency band fBPFH and a low frequency band fBPFL from which a direct current component is removed are set. 4 and 5, since the detected object is decelerated by a series of operations for discharging water, the radio wave sensor 3 obtains a detection signal whose frequency decreases with time. In other words, this corresponds to the fact that the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal sequentially appears from the high frequency band fBPFH to the low frequency band fBPFL in time series, so that the detection signal near the point A in the high frequency band fBPFH. The voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal in the vicinity of the point B in the low frequency band fBPFL is sequentially obtained.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the high frequency band fBPFH and the low frequency band fBPFL in the deceleration operation of the detection target illustrated in FIG. 6.
Here, for example, the filter can obtain the detection signal with high accuracy by filtering the detection signal through a digital filter corresponding to each frequency band.
Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal in 20 to 30 Hz (FIG. 7A) for the high frequency band fBPFH and 10 to 20 Hz (FIG. 7B) for the low frequency band fBPFL is shown.
Here, threshold values VBPFH1 and VBPPFH2 of voltage values are set in the high frequency band fBPFH, and threshold values VBPFL1 and VBPFL2 of voltage values are set in the low frequency band fBPFL.
First, in the high frequency band fBPFH, the voltage value Vs of the obtained detection signal becomes Vs> VBPFH1 or Vs <VBPFH2, and in the next lower frequency band fBPFL, the voltage is decelerated when Vs becomes Vs> VBPFL1 or Vs <VBPFL2. Therefore, the valve unit 4 can be turned on. Thereby, before a to-be-detected body reaches | attains an arrival point, water discharge can be started at an early timing. Further, since the operation other than the user discharging water to be detected is not the operation to stop at the arrival point, the operation is not decelerated and erroneous detection can be prevented.
Next, the second detection mode will be described.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of determining substantially stationary from a detection signal for each frequency band in the specific example shown in FIG.
In the second detection mode of the control unit 5, a filter of a low frequency band fBPFR including a direct current component is set. As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the detected object is in a substantially stationary state at the end of the series of operations, so the frequency of the detection signal of the detected object is a low frequency, and in the low frequency band fBPFR, near the point C or D The voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal at can be obtained.
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the low frequency band fBPFR in the substantially stationary state of the detection target illustrated in FIG.
Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal at 0 to 10 Hz is represented in the low frequency band fBPFR.
Here, threshold values VBPFR1 and VBPFR2 of voltage values are set in the low frequency band fBPFR.
In the low frequency band fBPFR, when the voltage value Vs of the obtained detection signal becomes Vs> VBPFR1 or Vs <VBPFR2, it is determined that the state is substantially stationary, and the valve unit 4 can be turned on. As a result, water discharge can be started immediately before or after the stop of the detected object at the arrival point, and after the stop, so when the user wants to discharge water, the detected object is brought to the arrival point to discharge water. Therefore, the water can be discharged at the timing intended by the user.
As described above, in the control unit 5, as in the first detection mode and the second detection mode, by appropriately setting the frequency to be set and the algorithm of the frequency change, the timing for detection in a series of operations of the detected object Can be changed. In other words, by setting the algorithms of the first detection mode and the second detection mode in the control unit 5 in advance and making them switchable, the detection area can be set freely and the timing of water discharge can be controlled. In addition, since the operation other than the user discharging water to be detected does not move to stop at the arrival point, the operation does not become a substantially stationary operation, and thus erroneous detection can be prevented.

Next, a method for switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode will be described.
Here, when the specific operation determining means determines a detection signal obtained by performing a specific operation different from the operation for causing the detected object to discharge water from the radio wave sensor 3, the first detection mode and the second detection mode are set. Switch. Several methods for determining a user's specific action by the specific action determining means will be described.
First, a method for determining that the object to be detected is held near the radio wave sensor 3 by the specific operation determination unit and switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode will be described.
FIG. 10 is a view when a detected object such as a hand is held near the radio wave sensor 3 installed on the front side 2 a of the water receiving unit 2.
FIG. 11 shows a detection signal output from the radio wave sensor 3 when a hand or the like is held over the radio wave sensor 3 for a predetermined time tc.
Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal in the low frequency band filter 0 to 5 Hz including the direct current component, which can detect the fluctuation after the detection object stops, is shown. The controller 5 does not appear because the distance to the radio wave sensor 3 is long in a series of operations for sending the object to be reached to the destination, and the distance to the radio wave sensor 3 when the object is intentionally held near the radio wave sensor 3. Is set as a threshold value. Therefore, erroneous detection is not caused by a series of motions of the detection target to be discharged.
Further, the control unit 5 is set so that the specific operation determining means does not turn on the valve unit 4 unless the threshold value of the voltage value Vcs exceeds the predetermined time tc continuously, and includes the DC component of the detection signal described above. Because a low-frequency component filter is used, even if the object to be detected crosses the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 instantaneously and quickly by operations other than water discharge (such as wiping and cleaning the water receiving unit 2) It is not mistaken for a specific action.
Therefore, the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be switched reliably.

FIG. 12 is a view when a detected body such as a hand is snapped so as to approach the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 installed on the front side 2a of the water receiving section 2. FIG.
FIG. 13 shows a detection signal output from the radio wave sensor 3 when a hand or the like is snapped on the radio wave sensor 3. Here, the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal when not passing through a filter in a specific frequency band is shown.
Several methods for determining a user's snap action by the specific action determining means will be described based on the detection signal of FIG.
The radio wave sensor 3 does not appear in a series of operations of bringing the detected object to the arrival point, and appears at the beginning when the detected object is intentionally snapped to the radio wave sensor 3, for example, a frequency of 60 Hz or more (FIG. 8A) A detection signal including X points) is obtained. Therefore, in the control unit 5, for example, the snap operation can be determined by setting a filter in a high frequency band of 60 Hz or higher that does not include a DC component and a threshold value of the voltage value.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another method of switching the detection mode by a snap operation toward the radio wave sensor 3 when the radio wave sensor 3 is arranged on the front side 2a or the lateral side of the water receiving unit 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the threshold voltage value of the amplitude can be set in the control unit 5 as Vss1, Vss2, and Vss3 (Vss1 <Vss2 <Vss3).
In the operation of intentionally snapping the detected object to the radio wave sensor 3, the detected object approaches the radio wave sensor 3, so that the maximum value of the voltage value of the amplitude continuously increases.
On the other hand, in the series of operations for sending the detected object to the arrival point, the detected object does not move toward the radio wave sensor 3, and therefore the voltage value of the amplitude does not continuously increase. Therefore, when the maximum value Vt of the voltage value of the detection signal exceeds Vt> Vss1, Vt> Vss2, and Vt> Vss3 in order, the specific operation determination unit determines that the snap operation is performed, and switches between the first detection mode and the second detection mode. be able to.
Here, as a method for switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, a specific operation may be performed by combining an action of holding the object to be detected toward the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 and an action of snapping. For example, it is possible to switch to the first detection mode and the second detection mode each time the user snaps during standby when a specific operation can be determined when the hand is held for a predetermined time.

As described above, the switching action can be accurately determined by determining the specific detection signal that appears only when the detected object performs a specific operation on the radio wave sensor 3 with the specific operation determination unit. Thus, for example, even when only the administrator of the faucet device 10 wants to switch the detection mode but does not want the user to switch, only the administrator knows the specific operation for switching. When the user uses it normally, it is not switched, and the administrator can easily switch at the site according to the usage status of the user of the faucet device 10 at each site. In addition, since one sensor can realize the operation to discharge the water to be detected and the operation to switch between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, it is not necessary to provide a separate sensor or switch, and a faucet device is realized with a simple configuration. it can.

Further, switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be determined by other than the specific operation.
For example, a member is connected to the water receiving portion 2 in order to fix the radio wave sensor 3, and the member is provided with an angle adjusting means that can adjust the angle of the radio wave sensor 3. Contact or non-contact switches A and B are installed on the member, connected to the control unit 5 by a cable or the like for transmitting a signal, and the control unit 5 is set in the first detection mode or according to the set angle of the radio wave sensor 3. An output signal for setting the second detection mode is configured to be output. For example, when the radio wave sensor 3 is installed so that the radio wave beam is directed toward the water outlet 100, the switch A attached to the member by the radio wave sensor 3 reacts. When the switch A reacts, an output signal for setting the first detection mode is output to the control unit, and water discharge is started when the deceleration of the detected object is detected. As a result, the radio wave beam detects a detected object that will surely reach the arrival point even if it is drawn from various heights and angles to reach the detected object near the spout 100 depending on the height of the user. it can.
Further, when the radio wave sensor 3 is installed such that the radio wave beam is directed about 20 mm below the water outlet 100, the switch B attached to the member by the radio wave sensor 3 reacts. When the switch B reacts, an output signal is sent to the control unit and the second detection mode is set, and the water discharge is started by detecting a speed below a predetermined speed at which only a substantially stationary state can be detected. As a result, when the object to be detected is sent very close to touch the spout 100, the radio wave is not radiated there, so the spout is not started and the spout discharged from the spout unit 1 is not started. It is possible to prevent the water flow from hitting the body to be detected and the splashed water flow from adhering to the water discharge unit 1 and becoming dirty. Thus, if the first detection mode and the second detection mode are switched according to the angle of the radio wave sensor 3 and the like, not only the setting of the radio beam and the switching of the detection mode can be performed at the same time, but also the installer can Since it is sufficient to set according to the request of the administrator at the point of time, it is possible to easily switch between the first detection mode and the second detection mode while eliminating the trouble of setting by the administrator himself.

As another switching method, a mechanical switch can be provided in a place where it is difficult for the user's eyes and hands to reach. Furthermore, by making it difficult to understand, such as by encrypting the switching operation method or by locking it, only the administrator can easily set the first detection mode and the second detection mode according to the usage situation in the field. It can also be set.
As described above, various switching methods between the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be realized.

In addition, the control unit 5 does not start water discharge from the water discharge unit for a predetermined time from the time of switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode or from the time of switching confirmation. Accordingly, the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be reliably switched regardless of any operation during the switching. In addition, at the moment when switching is confirmed, even if the detected object such as the hand that has switched remains in the vicinity of the sensor, it is possible to reliably switch between the first detection mode and the second detection mode without erroneous detection. can do.

Here, when the control unit 5 switches from the first detection mode to the second detection mode, the control unit 5 can set the threshold value of the amplitude voltage value to be increased. As a result, only the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3 can be set as the detection area, and water discharge is started only when the detected body is substantially stationary in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3, that is, when the detected body is held near the radio wave sensor 3. Can do.
By identifying that the hand is held up as in FIGS. 10 and 11, water discharge can be started.
Thereby, the radio wave sensor 3 can be started to discharge water like a non-contact switch.
At this time, when the radio wave sensor 3 is installed on the front side 2a of the water receiving unit 2, water discharge can be started by the user holding his hand near the radio wave sensor 3 in an easy posture. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to present the body to be detected to the water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge unit 1, the water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge port 100 is not directed directly downward but is discharged toward the center of the water receiving unit 2. In the case where it is installed so that the water flow is discharged, it is only necessary to start the water discharge by holding up the hand, and then the detected object should be presented to the discharged water flow. The faucet device 10 can be used in an easy posture even for a wheelchair or the like that is difficult to be delivered to the vicinity of the water outlet 100.

FIG. 15 is a diagram in which a notification means 110 such as light is installed in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 3. By making the current detection mode status and switching time visible, such as lighting, blinking, and changing the color, it is easy for the administrator, contractor, or user to switch the detection mode. be able to. In addition, it is possible to switch the current control status or switching status by making a sound at the time of switching confirmation, or by modifying the shape such as unevenness so that it can be understood even if you touch the contact type switch etc. The user can be notified, and it is possible to easily determine the switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode.

FIG. 16 shows an overview of a second embodiment in which the faucet device of the present invention is configured as a kitchen faucet device.

The kitchen faucet device 30 includes a water discharge unit 21 for discharging a water discharge flow from the water discharge port 101, a water receiving unit 22 for receiving a water discharge flow discharged from the water discharge unit 21, and a user's interior in the water receiving unit 22. A cooking device such as a hand, a kitchen knife or a cutting board, or a radio wave sensor 23 for detecting that an object to be detected such as an object to be cleaned has entered, a valve unit 24 for switching the water discharged from the water discharging unit 21, and a radio wave Based on a detection signal from the sensor 23, the control unit 25 is configured to control the on / off of the valve unit 24. A cooking work table 31 is provided adjacent to the water receiving unit 22.
Here, the radio wave sensor 23 is installed in a state of being concealed on the side of the water receiving unit 22 other than the water discharging unit 1 and the surface where the user approaches, and on the lower side of the cooking work table 31.

The control unit 25 detects the deceleration of the detected object and starts water discharge, and the second detection that detects that the detected object is below a predetermined speed (substantially stationary) and starts water discharge. Has a mode.
When the first detection mode is set, as in the first embodiment, using a filter of a high frequency band and a low frequency band, the deceleration is determined, the valve unit 4 is turned on, and the water discharged from the water outlet 101 is discharged. Can be started. Thereby, since the water discharge from the water discharge port 101 can be started before the detection target body reaches the arrival point, the water discharge is started at an early timing.
Therefore, it can be used comfortably when, for example, it is desired to quickly wash away the stains on the kitchen knife from the cooking work table 31 while cutting the food. In addition, by detecting the deceleration and starting water discharge, a passing motion such as a hand crossing the water receiving unit 22 for a moment or crossing the periphery of the kitchen faucet device 30 does not slow down. , Can prevent false detection.

Even when the second detection mode is set, as in the first embodiment, a substantially stationary state is determined using a filter that allows a detection signal in a low frequency band to pass through, the valve unit 24 is turned on, and the discharge is performed. Water discharge from the water mouth 21 can be started. Thereby, when a user wants to discharge water, the to-be-detected body is made to stand still in the vicinity of the water discharge port 21, so that water discharge from the water discharge port 21 can be started at a timing desired by the user.
Furthermore, the threshold voltage value of the amplitude can be set high when switching from the first detection mode. Thus, it is possible to set so that water discharge is started only when the detected object is held near the radio wave sensor 23. Therefore, it is not erroneously detected when the various kitchen tools are placed in the sink or picked up from the sink, and the object to be detected is substantially stationary in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 23, that is, at the timing when water is to be discharged. Since water discharge can be started, it can be used comfortably.

As for the method for switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, as in the first embodiment, a specific operation for holding the hand over the radio wave sensor 23 or snapping the hand is detected and switched by the specific operation detection means. The detection mode can be switched by various methods such as a method, a method of switching by the installation position and angle of the radio wave sensor 23, and a method of switching by a mechanical switch.

Further, as in the first embodiment, a notification means 26 for light, sound, shape, etc. can be provided in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 23. Thereby, the current detection mode and the state at the time of switching can be notified to the administrator, the installer, or the user, and the detection mode can be easily switched.

As described above, when the radio wave sensor 23 is installed on the side of the water receiving unit 22, the user responds to a deceleration or a substantially stationary operation to stop the detected body at the arrival point in order to discharge water. The detection area can be clearly switched by switching the speed and speed change algorithm, or the speed and speed change algorithm and the threshold value, and water discharge can be started at an optimal timing according to the usage method.

As described above, according to the present invention, the speed or speed obtained from the sensor unit according to the deceleration or the substantially stationary operation when the user tries to stop the detected object at the arrival point in order to discharge water. A faucet device that can clearly switch the detection area by switching the threshold value of the voltage value of the amplitude obtained from the change algorithm and the sensor unit, and can easily start water discharge at each site easily at the optimal timing Can be provided.

The embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.
As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, number, and the like of each element included in the faucet device 10 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the number of filters, the frequency band, the connection form, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed. Further, the valve control unit 240 may be integrally provided with a part for determining whether or not to discharge water from the water discharging part based on the separated detection signal and a part for controlling opening and closing of the valve parts 4 and 24. Alternatively, both portions may be provided separately. For example, the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the opening and closing control of the valve units 4 and 24 may be performed by one CPU, or the determination of whether or not water discharge is possible and the opening and closing control of the valve units 4 and 24 are provided separately. The CPU may be used. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is combined can be combined as much as possible, and what combined these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the characteristics of the present invention are included.

1 is an overview of a first embodiment of a faucet device. It is a block diagram for illustrating a radio wave sensor. It is a block diagram for illustrating a control part. It is the figure which showed a series of operation | movement when the user of a faucet device tries to stop a to-be-detected body at an arrival point in order to discharge water. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the speed or frequency with respect to the distance of a to-be-detected body and an arrival point. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of judging deceleration from a detection signal for every frequency band. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in the high frequency band and the low frequency band in the deceleration operation of the detection object. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the method to determine substantially stillness from a detection signal for every frequency band. It is a graph which illustrates the time change of the voltage value of the amplitude of the detection signal obtained in a low frequency band in the substantially stationary state of the detection object. It is a figure when holding to-be-detected bodies, such as a hand, in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor installed in the front side of the water receiving part. It is a figure which shows the detection signal output from a radio wave sensor, when holding a hand etc. over a radio wave sensor for a predetermined time. It is a figure when to-be-detected bodies, such as a hand, are snapped so that it may approach in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor installed in the front side of a water receiving part. It is a figure which shows the detection signal output from a radio wave sensor when a hand etc. are snapped to a radio wave sensor. It is the figure which showed another method which switches a detection mode by the snap operation | movement which goes to a radio wave sensor, when a radio wave sensor is arrange | positioned at the front side or side of a water receiving part. It is the figure which installed alerting means, such as light, in the vicinity of a radio wave sensor. It is a general-view figure of the 2nd Example which comprised the faucet device of this invention with the kitchen faucet device.

Explanation of symbols

1 21 Water discharge unit 2 22 Water reception unit 3 23 Radio wave sensor 4 24 Valve unit 5 25 Control unit 30 Kitchen faucet device 31 Cooking work table 100 101 Water discharge port 112 Antenna 114 Transmission unit 116 Reception unit 118 Mixer unit 210 Filter unit 230 Determination Part 240 Valve control part

Claims (4)

A water discharge part,
A sensor unit that acquires information about the object to be detected by reflected waves of the radiated radio wave;
A control unit for controlling water discharge from the water discharge unit based on a detection signal from the sensor unit;
With
The control unit, when detecting that the detection target is decelerated, a first detection mode for starting water discharge from the water discharge unit;
Having a second detection mode for starting water discharge from the water discharge section when it is detected that the detected object is below a predetermined speed;
A faucet device characterized in that the first detection mode and the second detection mode can be switched. The controller is configured to determine the presence / absence of a detection object based on whether or not the amplitude voltage value obtained from the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold,
In the first detection mode, the presence / absence of a detection object is determined by a first threshold value,
In the second detection mode, the presence or absence of the detected object is determined by the second threshold value,
The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value and the second threshold value are different from each other. The control unit includes a specific operation determination unit that determines a specific operation of the user based on a detection signal from the sensor unit,
The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific operation determining means switches between the first detection mode and the second detection mode. 4. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not start water discharge from the water discharge unit for a predetermined time after switching between the first detection mode and the second detection mode and when switching is confirmed. .

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