JP5849788B2 - Faucet system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet system including a power shut-off detection unit that detects power shut-off of a power supply unit.

  In an automatic water faucet, water discharge is controlled by detecting a human hand with a sensor and driving an electromagnetic valve. In particular, an automatic faucet that uses a latching solenoid valve only consumes power instantaneously when switching between open and closed operations, and usually requires power to maintain an open or closed state. Compared with the solenoid valve, the drive power is less, and it is effective for power saving.

  However, an automatic faucet that employs a latch type solenoid valve maintains an open state when a power failure occurs during water discharge, and therefore continues to discharge water even during a power failure. For this reason, when a power failure occurs, it is necessary to energize the solenoid valve to stop the water.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for driving an electromagnetic valve in a closed manner when a power failure is detected based on a pulse signal generated from a commercial power supply in an automatic faucet employing a latch type electromagnetic valve. According to this technology, a pulse signal generated from a commercial power source detects a power failure by using the fact that the pulse continues while the commercial power source is supplied, and that the pulse also stops when the commercial power source is stopped, Since the solenoid valve is driven to close, the solenoid valve can be energized to stop water when a power failure occurs.

  By the way, some automatic water faucets have a sensor disposed near the water outlet to improve usability. In this case, it is desirable that a series of signal processing units (hereinafter referred to as sensor units) including the sensor is also arranged near the water outlet. By doing in this way, in the detection judgment processing which a sensor part performs based on the sensor output of a minute analog signal, the influence of disturbance noise can be suppressed to the minimum.

  At this time, the solenoid valve is disposed in the drive processing unit of the solenoid valve, the power source unit that generates various power sources from the commercial power source, the power failure detection unit that detects the power failure of the commercial power source (hereinafter referred to as a controller unit), and the like. In general, it is arranged in a place where the user cannot see, such as under the counter and the back of the wall of the washstand. Thereby, the storage space and design of the water outlet can be improved, and the solenoid valve can be driven stably.

  When the sensor unit and the controller unit are separated from each other as described above, it is common to provide a control body such as a microcomputer in both the sensor unit and the controller unit. The processing is usually completed on the controller unit side.

  In this system, when a power failure occurs, the solenoid valve is closed on the controller side regardless of the processing of the sensor unit. However, after a power failure, each part is driven using the electrical energy stored in the electrolytic capacitor provided in the power supply part, so the solenoid valve that consumes a larger amount of electrical energy than the processing of the sensor part can be closed. If it is executed immediately after a power failure, there may be a problem in driving a configuration that requires a certain driving voltage after that.

  For example, in an automatic faucet, the sensor unit may have a function to store and update various parameters (user usage status, detection information, ambient environment information, etc.). If the sensor unit stops operating or the supply voltage becomes lower than the drive voltage and the sensor section operates abnormally, these parameters may become abnormal.

  This is because a minimum drive voltage is determined for a memory or the like for storing information, and if the solenoid valve is driven first, the voltage of the electrolytic capacitor may be lower than the drive voltage of the sensor unit. If the parameters of the sensor unit become abnormal, the sensor unit may malfunction when the automatic faucet is started next time.

  Therefore, as a sequence when a power failure occurs, it is desirable to first complete the processing of the sensor unit that requires a driving voltage of a certain level or more and then perform the closing drive of the solenoid valve. However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the sensor unit cannot grasp the power outage situation, this sequence is not guaranteed.

  Also, for example, in the case of a short-time power outage such as a momentary power failure where the power supply is instantaneously shut off and then immediately recovers, the power supply reset can be avoided by waiting for the power supply to return. In some cases, it is better to wait for recovery from a power outage while keeping the entire system in a low power consumption mode and suppressing consumption without closing the valve. This eliminates the need to reset and erase information stored in a memory or the like so far.

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the sensor unit cannot grasp the power outage situation, when a power outage occurs, it is not possible to perform a process linked to the power outage that waits for recovery from the power outage in the case of a momentary power failure.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a sensor unit grasps a power outage situation. In Patent Document 2, a sensor unit and a controller unit are connected by two signal lines, and a signal for selecting opening / closing of an electromagnetic valve is transmitted by one signal line (hereinafter referred to as a first signal line). Then, a signal for instructing energization of the solenoid valve is transmitted through the other signal line.

  When a power failure is detected, a power failure signal is output from the controller unit to the sensor unit via the first signal line, thereby notifying the sensor unit of the occurrence of the power failure. Thereby, the sensor part can grasp | ascertain the information of a power failure, and can solve the subject of patent document 1 as mentioned above.

JP-A-6-108508 JP 2009-047992 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 2, since both the open / close selection signal of the electromagnetic valve and the power failure signal are transmitted through the same first signal line, one of the logics of the power failure signal is either open / closed. This coincides with one of the logics of the selection signal for selecting.

  Here, if the logic of the “Open” selection signal matches the logic of the power failure signal, if the power outage occurs during water outage, the water discharge will only continue, but if the power outage occurs during the water outage, forced There is a problem that water discharge starts.

  Conversely, if the logic of the “closed” selection signal matches the logic of the power outage signal, the water outage will only continue if a power outage occurs during the water outage, but if a power outage occurs during the water outage The water is forcibly stopped. In this case, there is no problem in forcibly stopping water at the time of a power failure, but there is a problem in that the water discharge state is immediately switched to the water stop state.

  That is, in an H-type bridge circuit that is generally used as a drive circuit for a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve coil is driven as a load, and the solenoid valve is closed from an open energized state for opening the solenoid valve. If the switch is immediately switched to the closed energization state, a through current may flow through the drive circuit. Of course, if a delay circuit that delays switching from the open energized state to the closed energized state for a certain period of time can be provided, a through current can be prevented, but there is a disadvantage that the cost is increased accordingly.

  Also, if the logic of the “Close” selection signal matches the logic of the power failure signal, it will be closed regardless of the processing status of the sensor unit by forcibly switching to closed energization when a power failure occurs during water discharge. Energization is executed. Therefore, the sensor part cannot detect a power failure, and the subject that the sensor part cannot perform the process which a sensor part should perform before execution of the closing drive of the solenoid valve mentioned above remains.

  Of course, it is possible to provide a dedicated signal line for the power failure detection signal separately from the drive signal for the solenoid valve, but the cost is increased and the wiring connection part is also required for the sensor part, so the design of the water outlet is good. There is a demerit that it falls.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by separating the sensor unit and the controller unit and making it possible to detect that the power supply has been interrupted on the sensor unit side, It is an object of the present invention to provide a water faucet system that can arbitrarily control the timing for closing the solenoid valve when the power is shut off without causing a reduction or an increase in cost.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a self-holding electromagnetic valve that opens and closes a water supply path to a water discharge port, a driving unit that controls active / inactive of opening and closing driving of the electromagnetic valve, and the driving unit A control unit that commands opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve, a power supply unit that supplies power to the electromagnetic valve, the drive unit, and the control unit, and a power supply cutoff detection unit that detects the cutoff of the power supply to the power supply unit The control unit controls active / inactive of the open command output to the first signal line and the close command output to the second signal line according to the detection result of the sensor that detects the object. When the opening command for the first signal line is active, the driving unit activates the opening driving of the driving unit through the third signal line to open the electromagnetic valve, and the second When the signal line close command is active In this case, the drive unit, which is performed via the fourth signal line, is activated to close the electromagnetic valve, and the power shutoff detecting unit is configured to turn off the first signal line when the power is shut off. Is controlled to be active, and the open driving of the third signal line is controlled to be inactive.

  In the said structure, it has the connection by a 1st signal line and the connection by a 2nd signal line between the said control part and the said drive part, It is by a 3rd signal line between the said drive part and the said electromagnetic valve. And the control unit outputs an active or inactive open command to the driving unit via the first signal line, and via the second signal line. An active or inactive closing command is output to the driving unit. The driving unit outputs an active or inactive open drive to the electromagnetic valve via the third signal line, and performs an active or inactive closed drive to the electromagnetic valve via the fourth signal line. Output.

  As a result, the control unit can drive the drive unit via the two signal lines of the first signal line and the second signal line according to the detection result of the sensor. The electromagnetic valve can be opened and closed via the drive unit according to the detection result of the sensor.

  The active open command is a signal for instructing the drive unit to open the electromagnetic valve, and the inactive open command is a signal for not instructing the drive unit to open the electromagnetic valve. It is. The active close command is a signal that commands the drive unit to close the solenoid valve, and the inactive close command is a signal that does not command the drive unit to close the solenoid valve. .

  The active open drive is a drive signal for instructing a drive for opening the solenoid valve, and the inactive open drive is a drive signal for not instructing a drive for opening the solenoid valve. The active closing drive is a drive signal that instructs driving to close the solenoid valve, and the inactive closing drive is a driving signal that does not command driving to close the solenoid valve.

  Further, since only one of the active open command and the active close command performed by the control unit is selectively and exclusively performed, the control unit controls the drive unit to the solenoid valve. The active open drive and the active close drive that are performed on the same are not performed at the same time, and only one of them is selectively and exclusively performed.

  In addition, the power cutoff detection unit notifies the control unit of the cutoff of the power by actively controlling an opening command of the first signal line when the power is turned off.

  Here, in the above configuration, the signal line for instructing opening and closing to the drive unit is composed of the first signal line for outputting the opening command and the second signal line for outputting the closing command. It is a separate transmission line. For this reason, only the active / inactive of the open command, which is one of the signals commanding opening and closing, is transmitted to the first signal line. As a result, the active / inactive ratio in the first signal line is significantly lower than the active ratio.

  Therefore, it is unlikely that the power interruption detection unit actively controls the first signal line opening command while the control unit outputs an active opening command, and the control unit forcibly controls the first signal line opening command. This makes it easier to detect that the signal line becomes an active open command. Further, even if the power shutoff detection unit actively controls the opening command of the first signal line while the control unit is outputting an active opening command, the control unit is activated by the control unit. As soon as the output of the opening command is completed, it is possible to grasp the power cutoff.

  As described above, the power cut-off detection unit notifies the control unit of power cut-off using an active open command in the first signal line, and thus the number of the control units is small. It is possible to quickly detect the power shutdown by the number of wires.

  In addition, the power shutoff detection unit controls the open driving of the third signal line to be inactive when the power is shut off. Therefore, even when the control unit outputs an active open command to the first signal line when the power is shut off, it can be invalidated. In addition, when the power is shut off, the power shut-off detection unit controls the first signal line to be an active open command, whereby the drive unit outputs an active open drive to the third signal line. But this can also be disabled. As described above, since the driving of the solenoid valve of the power supply immediately after the power supply is cut off can be stopped, power consumption immediately after the power supply is cut off can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Furthermore, in the above configuration, as described above, the first signal line for outputting the opening command, the first signal line for outputting the opening command, and the first signal line for outputting the closing command to the driving unit. The two signal lines are separate transmission lines. Thereby, it is possible to individually control the opening command and the closing command, and it is possible to control the opening drive and the closing drive individually.

  That is, if the first signal line for outputting an open command is used as the signal line for the power cutoff detection unit notifying the control unit of the power cutoff in the power source unit, the second signal line is used. Separately, the output timing of the close command can be controlled.

  Similarly, when the power shutoff detection unit detects the power shutoff in the power supply unit, it is possible to control the open driving of the third signal line to be inactive instead of immediately closing the drive. While the opening drive is stopped promptly, the closing drive can be performed by the control unit outputting a closing command via the second signal line at an arbitrary timing.

  That is, when the shutoff of the power supply is detected, the opening operation of the solenoid valve is stopped as quickly as possible, and the shutoff operation of the solenoid valve is notified to the control unit so that the timing of performing the closing operation of the solenoid valve. The control unit can be controlled. At this time, the control unit can switch the sensor and the control unit to a low power consumption mode depending on the situation, and waits for the power to return without closing the solenoid valve. You can also.

  Further, even when a circuit configuration in which the drive unit drives the electromagnetic valve adopts a circuit configuration in which a through current flows when the closed drive is performed immediately after the open drive, the timing for closing the solenoid valve Through-current can be prevented by appropriately adjusting the control.

<Claim 2>
In one of the selective aspects of the present invention, when the controller detects that the first signal line open command is active while outputting the inactive open command to the first signal line, The signal line closing command is activated.

  In this way, the control unit performs a process of closing the solenoid valve by activating the second signal line closing command when detecting the shut-off of the power source. As a result, when the power is shut off, the control unit can control the timing for closing the solenoid valve.

<Claim 3>
In one of the optional aspects of the present invention, when the control unit detects an active open command in the first signal line while outputting an inactive open command to the first signal line, the second control unit detects the second signal. Predetermined processing is executed before the signal line closing command is activated.

  As described above, when the shutoff of the power supply is detected, a predetermined process is executed before the solenoid valve is closed by outputting an active close command to the second signal line. Examples of the predetermined process include a process for saving parameters necessary for various processes being executed in the control unit to a nonvolatile memory, a process for stopping each part of the faucet system, and a detection operation by the sensor are stopped. There is processing to make.

  For example, as the predetermined process, by executing a process of saving parameters necessary for various processes being executed in the control unit to a nonvolatile memory or the like, the control unit and the water Each part of the stopper system can operate normally.

  Further, for example, as the predetermined process, a process for stopping each part of the faucet system or a process for stopping the detection operation by the sensor is performed, so that when the power is restored and restarted, the control part and the faucet Each part of the system can operate normally, and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by quickly stopping unnecessary components. Further, by suppressing wasteful power consumption, it is possible to secure power necessary for various processes including power for closing the solenoid valve and data saving for normally terminating the control unit.

<Claim 4>
In one of the selective aspects of the present invention, even if the power shutoff detecting unit detects that the power shutoff is detected after detecting the power shutoff, the power shutoff is resolved. For a predetermined time, the control for making the first signal line an active open command is continued, and the control for making the third signal line an inactive open drive is continued.

  With this configuration, even when a so-called momentary power failure occurs when the control unit outputs an active open command to the first signal line, the control unit can reliably grasp this. I can do it. The predetermined time is preferably longer than a period during which the control unit outputs an active open command to the first signal line in order to open the solenoid valve.

<Claim 5>
In an optional aspect of the present invention, the open command active logic in the first signal line and the open drive active logic in the third signal line are inverted.

  As described above, when the power shutoff detecting unit detects power shutoff, the first signal line is controlled to be an active open command, and the third signal line is controlled to be an inactive open drive. In other words, the power cutoff detection unit controls the first signal line and the third signal line to reverse logic states when detecting the power cutoff.

  Here, if the active logic is reversed between the first signal line and the third signal line, for example, when the logic of the active open command is low level, the inactive open The driving logic is also low. As a result, when the power-off detection unit detects the power-off, it is only necessary to control both the first signal line and the third signal line to the same logic signal (for example, the same low level). Therefore, the configuration of the power cutoff detection unit can be simplified.

  In addition, the faucet system demonstrated above includes various aspects, such as being implemented in the state integrated in another apparatus, or being implemented with another method. The present invention also provides a driving method having a process corresponding to the configuration of the faucet system described above, a driving program for causing a computer to realize a function corresponding to the configuration of the faucet system described above, and a computer-readable recording of the driving program. It can also be realized as a simple recording medium. The inventions of these driving methods, driving programs, and media on which the driving programs are recorded also have the above-described operations and effects.

  According to the first and sixth aspects of the invention, the sensor unit and the controller unit are separately arranged, and it is possible to detect that the power supply has been interrupted on the sensor unit side, thereby improving the design. Without causing a decrease or an increase in cost, it is possible to control the closing timing of the solenoid valve performed when the power supply is cut off on the sensor unit side.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the power is shut off, the control unit can control the timing for closing the electromagnetic valve.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, when a power supply returns and a faucet system restarts, normal operation | movement in each part of the said control part and a faucet system is securable. In addition, when a power-off is detected, a configuration that may be stopped is quickly stopped to prevent wasteful power consumption, and power for closing the solenoid valve or for normally terminating the control unit Electric power necessary for various processes including data saving can be secured.
According to the invention of claim 4, even if a so-called instantaneous interruption occurs when the control unit outputs an active open command to the first signal line, the control unit It is possible to reliably grasp the occurrence.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, the structure of the said power interruption detection part can be simplified.

It is the figure which showed the outline of the external appearance structure of the faucet system in cross section. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the electrical constitution of a faucet system. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure of a faucet system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a solenoid valve control process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows the other example of the circuit structure of a faucet system. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows the other example of the circuit structure of a faucet system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Configuration of the first embodiment:
(2) Solenoid valve control processing:
(3) Operation of the first embodiment:
(4) Other examples of circuit configuration of the faucet system:
(5) Summary:

(1) Configuration of the first embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment. The faucet system 1 detects an object (such as a human body or an object) and automatically discharges water, and discharges water to a wash basin 2 provided in a washstand.

  The basin 2 is provided on the upper surface of the basin counter 3. A water faucet 4 constituting a spout for discharging water to the ball surface 2 a of the basin 2 is provided on the basin counter 3. The faucet 4 has a water discharge port 4 a for discharging water, and is provided so that water discharged from the water discharge port 4 a is discharged into the ball surface 2 a of the basin 2.

  The water discharged from the faucet 4 a by the faucet 4 is supplied by the water supply channel 5. The water supply channel 5 guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water pipe to the water outlet 4a. A drainage channel 6 is connected to the basin 2. The drainage channel 6 discharges water discharged from the water outlet 4a into the ball surface 2a of the basin 2.

  The faucet system 1 includes an electromagnetic valve 7, a sensor unit 11, and a controller unit 12. The sensor unit 11 and the controller unit 12 are separated, the sensor unit 11 is accommodated in the faucet 4, and the solenoid valve 7 and the controller unit 12 are accommodated below the washstand.

  The sensor unit 11 and the controller unit 12 are connected by a connection cable 8. The controller unit 12 supplies a power supply voltage to the sensor unit 11 via the connection cable 8, and the sensor unit 11 controls the controller unit 12 via the connection cable 8.

  The electromagnetic valve 7 is provided in the water supply channel 5 and opens and closes the water supply channel 5. When the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply path 5 is discharged from the water outlet 4a. When the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply path 5 is not discharged from the water outlet 4a. It becomes a water state.

  The electromagnetic valve 7 is connected to the controller unit 12, and the controller unit 12 drives the electromagnetic valve 7 to control the opening / closing operation. The electromagnetic valve 7 is electrically controlled in accordance with a control signal from the controller unit 12 to open and close the water supply channel 5. Thus, the electromagnetic valve 7 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path 5 of water discharged from the water discharge port 4a.

  The solenoid valve 7 is a self-holding solenoid valve called a so-called latching solenoid valve, and operates from the closed state to the open state (opening operation) by energizing the solenoid coil in one direction, and then energizes the solenoid coil. Even if the power is cut off, the open state is maintained and the solenoid coil is operated from the open state to the closed state by energizing the solenoid coil in the other direction (closed operation). .

  The sensor unit 11 detects an object (such as a hand) that approaches the spout 4a. The water discharge destination of the water discharge port 4 a becomes a detection region of the sensor unit 11. The sensor unit 11 detects the position, movement, and the like of the object by transmitting the propagation wave and receiving the propagation wave reflected from the object such as a human body that has received the transmitted propagation wave.

  In the following description, infrared light is used as an example of the propagation wave of the sensor unit 11. However, as the propagation wave used by the sensor unit 11, for example, microwaves, millimeter waves, ultrasonic waves, light, or the like may be used. Alternatively, radio waves of other frequencies may be used for the propagation wave. Further, when using a microwave, a microwave Doppler sensor may be used as the sensor unit 11.

  The sensor unit 11 is provided inside the faucet 4 near the water outlet 4a, and is arranged to transmit a propagation wave toward the user side (left side in FIG. 1) of the washstand. Thereby, the sensor part 11 can detect that a human body has approached the spout 4a, that a hand was pushed out toward the spout 4a from the human body that has approached the spout 4a, and the like.

  The sensor unit 11 is connected to the controller unit 12. The controller unit 12 receives a signal output from the sensor unit 11, and detects the position and movement of the object based on this signal. And the solenoid valve 7 is controlled based on the detection result.

  The controller unit 12 controls the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 7 based on the signal output from the sensor unit 11. Therefore, an output signal from the sensor unit 11 is input to the controller unit 12. In addition, the controller unit 12 outputs a control signal to the electromagnetic valve 7.

  As described above, the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment includes the electromagnetic valve 7, the sensor unit 11, and the controller unit 12, and the sensor unit 11 controls the controller unit 12 based on the detection signal. The opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 7 is controlled. Thereby, the water discharge according to the detection result (movement of the user of a washstand, etc.) of the target object which approaches the water discharge port 4a is performed.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with a specific circuit example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the electrical configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a main part showing an example of the circuit configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment. It is a circuit diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 11 includes a sensor 111 and a control unit 112, and the controller unit 12 includes a drive control unit 121, a valve drive circuit 122, a power shut-off detection unit 123, and a drive unit. The power supply circuit 124 which comprises a power supply part is provided.

  The sensor 111 includes a light projecting element that projects infrared light, a light receiving element that receives infrared light, and an object detection processing unit. The object detection processing unit controls the light projection and light reception timing of the light projecting element and the light receiving element, and performs object detection based on the optical signal received by the light receiving element. When the object detection processing unit detects the object, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 112.

  The control unit 112 includes various functional parts such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output interface, and these various functional parts are connected to each other via a data communication bus or the like.

  The control unit 112 has at least an input / output interface for inputting / outputting an open command signal S1 to / from the drive control unit 121 and an input / output interface for inputting / outputting a close command signal S2 as input / output interfaces.

  The control unit 112 includes at least a memory used as a work area when the CPU performs arithmetic processing, a non-volatile memory for storing various types of information, and a CPU for controlling the faucet system 1. And a memory for storing a control program to be executed. These memories may be prepared separately or a single memory may be shared.

  The sensor unit 11 and the controller unit 12 are connected by a predetermined connection cable. The predetermined connection cable transmits a power supply line L5 and a GND line L6 for transmitting power supplied from the controller unit 12 to the sensor unit 11, and an open command signal S1 output from the sensor unit 11 to the controller unit 12. The first signal line L1 for transmitting the signal and the second signal line L2 for transmitting the closing command signal S2 are constituted by a total of four signal lines.

  The open command signal S1 output from the control unit 112 is input to the drive control unit 121 via the first signal line L1, and the close command signal S2 output from the control unit 112 is driven and controlled via the second signal line L2. Input to the unit 121.

  The opening command signal S1 is a signal for instructing the drive control unit 121 to execute opening driving for opening the solenoid valve 7, and the closing command signal S2 is for closing the solenoid valve 7. This is a signal for instructing the drive control unit 121 to execute the closed drive for valve.

  The drive control unit 121 is connected to the valve drive circuit 122 through the third signal line L3 and the fourth signal line L4. The third signal line L3 is a signal line that transmits the open drive signal S3 between the drive control unit 121 and the valve drive circuit 122, and the fourth signal line L4 is between the drive control unit 121 and the valve drive circuit 122. It is a signal line for transmitting the closed drive signal S4 between them.

  The open drive signal S3 is a signal for instructing the valve drive circuit 122 to execute the valve opening operation for opening the solenoid valve 7, and the close drive signal S4 is the signal for opening the solenoid valve 7. This is a signal for instructing the valve drive circuit 122 to perform a valve closing operation for closing the valve.

  Hereinafter, the output states of these signals S1 to S4 will be described using the word active / inactive. The active open command signal S1 means a signal for instructing the drive control unit 121 to open the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive open command signal S1 is an electromagnetic valve 7 for the drive control unit 121. This means a signal that does not command open driving. The active close command signal S2 means a signal for instructing the drive control unit 121 to close the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive close command signal S2 is an electromagnetic signal for the drive control unit 121. It means a signal that does not command the valve 7 to be closed.

  The active open drive signal S3 means a drive signal for instructing a drive for opening the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive open drive signal S3 is a drive for not instructing a drive for opening the electromagnetic valve 7. Means signal. The active closing drive signal S4 means a driving signal for instructing driving for closing the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive closing driving signal S4 is a driving for not instructing driving for closing the electromagnetic valve 7. Means signal.

  The drive control unit 121 includes an open drive control circuit 121 a that controls the open drive of the valve drive circuit 122, and a closed drive control circuit 121 b that controls the close drive of the valve drive circuit 122. The open drive control circuit 121a performs a close drive control that generates an open drive signal S3 based on the open command signal S1 input from the control unit 112 and outputs the generated signal to the valve drive circuit 122. The closed drive control circuit 121b performs closed drive control that generates a closed drive signal S4 based on the close command signal S2 input from the control unit 112 and outputs the generated signal to the valve drive circuit 122.

  For example, when the open command signal S1 is an active low logic signal and the open drive signal S3 is an active high logic signal, the open drive control circuit 121a generates and outputs a signal obtained by inverting the logic of the open command signal S1. The circuit can be configured. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example of such a circuit, a transistor circuit that generates and outputs a signal whose logic is inverted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the open drive control circuit 121a is configured to open the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 by driving the N type FET and the P type FET because the valve drive circuit 122 is an H type bridge circuit. A current flows in a direction (described later). For this reason, the open drive signal S3 is applied as it is to the gate of the N-type FET, but a voltage obtained by logically inverting the logic of the open drive signal S3 by an inverting circuit is applied to the gate of the P-type FET. It is designed to be applied.

  In this way, by setting the high / low inversion between the active logic of the open command signal S1 and the active logic of the open drive signal S3, the power cut-off detection unit 123 is connected to the first signal line L1 and the third signal line as described later. When controlling the signal line L3, it is only necessary to output a low level logic signal to both. Thereby, the circuit configuration of the open drive control circuit can be simplified.

  For example, when the close command signal S2 is an active low logic signal and the close drive signal S4 is an active high logic signal, the close drive control circuit 121b generates and outputs a signal obtained by inverting the logic of the close command signal S2. The circuit can be configured. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example of such a circuit, a transistor circuit that generates and outputs a signal whose logic is inverted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the closed drive control circuit 121b is configured to close the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 by driving the N-type FET and the P-type FET because the valve drive circuit 122 is an H-type bridge circuit. A current flows in a direction (described later). For this reason, the closed drive signal S4 is applied as it is to the gate of the N-type FET, but a voltage obtained by logically inverting the logic of the closed drive signal S4 by an inverting circuit is applied to the gate of the P-type FET. It is designed to be applied.

  The logical relationship between the open command signal S1 and the open drive signal S3 and the logical relationship between the close command signal S2 and the close drive signal S4 described here are examples, and can be variously changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  When the open drive signal S3 is input via the third signal line L3, the valve drive circuit 122 performs the open drive for opening the electromagnetic valve 7, and the close drive signal S4 is output via the fourth signal line L4. When input, a closing drive for closing the solenoid valve 7 is performed. Thereby, the valve drive circuit 122 may change the open / close state of the electromagnetic valve 7 to a state corresponding to the opening / closing drive of the drive control unit 121, and thus to a state corresponding to the opening / closing command of the control unit 112. I can do it.

  In FIG. 3, the valve drive circuit 122 is configured to drive the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 as a load by an H-type bridge circuit using four transistors (field effect transistors in the figure). In the H-type bridge circuit, a diode is arranged in parallel with each transistor as a countermeasure against the back electromotive force of the solenoid coil that is an inductive load.

  This valve drive circuit 122 causes a current in one direction (open direction) to flow through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the electromagnetic valve 7 in response to the open drive signal S 3 input from the drive control unit 121, and the close is input from the drive control unit 121. A current in the other direction (closed direction) is caused to flow through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 by the drive signal S4. Thereby, the solenoid valve 7 opens / closes according to the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid coil, and opens and closes the water supply path 5.

  The power supply circuit 124 is configured as an AC / DC converter, and generates a DC power supply having a desired voltage by using an AC power supply AC input from an external power supply such as a commercial power supply. In the circuit shown in FIG. 3, a DC power supply is generated by rectifying and smoothing a secondary voltage generated by the switching transformer 124a from the AC power supply AC using a diode bridge circuit 124b and a smoothing capacitor 124c. The direct-current power generated in this way is supplied to each part constituting the faucet system 1.

  Further, the voltage supplied to the sensor unit 11 is adjusted to a desired voltage by the regulator 124d of the smoothed DC power supply. Thereby, CPU etc. which comprise the control part 112 can obtain the stable drive voltage.

  The smoothing capacitor 124c accumulates enough electric charge to perform at least one closing drive of the electromagnetic valve 7 immediately after the power supply is cut off. Thereby, even after the power is shut off, the electromagnetic valve 7 can be driven to close for a certain period of time. Further, the voltage of the smoothing capacitor 124 c immediately after the power supply is cut off is at least equal to or higher than the drive voltage of the control unit 112. As a result, the driving voltage is supplied to the control unit 112 by the smoothing capacitor 124c for a certain period of time after the power supply is shut off.

  However, if the electric energy of the smoothing capacitor 124c is used to drive the solenoid valve 7, the voltage in the smoothing capacitor 124c may be reduced, and the voltage supplied by the smoothing capacitor 124c may be lower than the driving voltage of the control unit 112. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such a situation can be avoided by providing the power cutoff detection unit 123 and performing the electromagnetic valve control processing.

  The power shutdown detection unit 123 monitors the power supply state of the power supply circuit 124, and when detecting that the power supply circuit 124 is turned off, notifies the control unit 112 that the power supply is turned off. Performs shutoff detection output.

  Note that the term “power cutoff” as used herein refers to a general power failure such as the supply of commercial power from the power company being stopped, or the supply of commercial power to this equipment being stopped by the breaker shutoff operation. As a matter of course, the supply of AC power to the apparatus stops when the plug of the apparatus is disconnected from the outlet of the commercial power supply, or the power supply voltage is not output from the power supply circuit 124 due to a malfunction of the power supply circuit 124. Including. However, as described above, even when the power is shut off, power is supplied from the smoothing capacitor 124c to each part of the faucet system 1.

  In FIG. 3, the power cutoff detection unit 123 is connected to the output terminal T <b> 1 of the secondary winding of the switching transformer 124 a of the power circuit 124. The power shutdown detector 123 monitors the voltage at the output terminal T1, and the voltage at the output terminal T1 (actually, the voltage obtained by smoothing the voltage at the output terminal T1 with an electrolytic capacitor 123b4 described later) is higher than a predetermined voltage. When the voltage is high, the interruption detection output is not performed, and the interruption detection output is performed when the voltage at the output terminal T1 falls below a predetermined voltage.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the power shutdown detection unit 123 includes a logic IC 123a having a first terminal 123a1 and a second terminal 123a2. The collector of the NPN transistor 123b1 is connected to the first terminal 123a1 of the logic IC 123a. The transistor 123b1 has a collector connected to a constant voltage source, an emitter connected to the ground, and an emitter and a base connected by a protective resistor 123b2.

  In addition, a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage of the output terminal T1 at a predetermined ratio by the voltage dividing circuit 123b3 configured by a divided resistor is input to the base of the transistor 123b1. In the voltage dividing circuit 123b3, an electrolytic capacitor 123b4 is connected in parallel to the resistance on the low voltage side of the dividing resistor, and the voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit 123b3 is smoothed. That is, the electrolytic capacitor 123b4 removes the periodic component of the AC power supply AC from the voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit 123b3.

  In the power cutoff detection unit 123 configured as described above, when the voltage of the output terminal T1 of the power supply circuit 124 is higher than a predetermined voltage, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 123b1 becomes larger than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 123b1. When a low-level voltage signal is input to the first terminal 123a1 and the voltage of the output terminal T1 of the power supply circuit 124 falls below a predetermined voltage, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 123b1 becomes smaller than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 123b1, so that the first A high level voltage signal is input to one terminal 123a1.

  At this time, the logic IC 123a outputs a high level voltage from the second terminal 123a2 while a low level voltage signal is input to the first terminal 123a1, and the high level voltage is output to the first terminal 123a1. When a voltage signal is input, a low level voltage is output from the second terminal 123a2.

  In other words, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is not shut off, a low level voltage signal is input to the first terminal 123a1, so that the logic IC 123a outputs a high level voltage from the second terminal 123a2, and the power supply circuit 124. When the power supply is cut off, a high level voltage signal is input to the first terminal 123a1, and thus the logic IC 123a outputs a low level voltage from the second terminal 123a2.

  A conversion circuit 123c for generating a low level voltage signal from a low level logic signal is connected to the second terminal 123a2 of the logic IC 123a. The conversion circuit 123c is also connected to the first signal line L1 and the third signal line L3. The conversion circuit 123c outputs nothing while a high level logic signal is input from the second terminal 123a2, and when a low level logic signal is input from the second terminal 123a2, the conversion circuit 123c outputs a low level logic signal. Generated and output to the first signal line L1 and the third signal line L3.

  As described above, the power cutoff detection unit 123 controls the first signal line L1 to be active and the third signal line L3 to be inactive when the power cutoff is detected. The signal line L1 and the third signal line L3 are controlled to the same low level logic state. This is because the active logic of the open command signal S1 in the first signal line L1 and the active logic of the open drive signal S3 in the third signal line L3 are inverted in this embodiment. By adopting such a logical relationship, the configuration of the power shutdown detection unit 123 can be simplified.

  Of course, the active logic of the open command signal S1 in the first signal line L1 and the active logic of the open drive signal S3 in the third signal line L3 may be made common. In this case, when the power is shut off, the first signal line L1 and the third signal line L3 are controlled to the inverted logic state.

  The logic IC 123a has a built-in delay circuit 123a3, and outputs a low-level logic signal output from the second terminal 123a2 by a predetermined time when the power-off detection unit 123 detects the power-off. It has the function to do. That is, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is cut off and the output of a low level logic signal from the second terminal 123a2 is started, the low voltage from the second terminal 123a2 is kept until a predetermined time elapses after the interruption of the power supply is canceled. Continue to output level logic signal.

  This predetermined time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the water discharge control executed for the controller 112 to open the solenoid valve 7. For example, when the time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state is about 20 ms, the time required for the water discharge control is, for example, about 20 ms. The predetermined time extended by the delay circuit 123a3 is set to be sufficiently longer than 20 ms, for example, 100 ms.

  As a result, even when the power shutdown detection unit 123 performs the shutdown detection output during the period when the control unit 112 outputs the active open command signal S1 (low level) to the first signal line L1, the control is performed. The first signal line L1 is maintained at a low level until after the unit 112 finishes outputting the active open command signal S1 to the first signal line L1.

  That is, even when the power supply is interrupted during the water discharge control, the power supply interruption detection unit 123 keeps the first signal line L1 active until the control unit 112 finishes the water discharge control. As a result, when the power supply is interrupted, the control unit 112 is reliably notified of the power supply interruption, and the control unit 112 can reliably detect the occurrence of the power supply interruption.

  In the above-described example, the logic IC 123a detects the presence / absence of power shutdown based on the average voltage level of the output terminal T1, but the logic IC 123a performs power shutdown based on the presence / absence of a periodic component in the voltage of the output terminal T1. It can also detect the presence or absence. When the input of the AC power supply AC is not interrupted, the periodic component remains in the voltage at the output terminal T1, and when the input of the AC power supply AC is interrupted, the periodic component disappears from the voltage at the output terminal T1. It is.

  Specifically, the electrolytic capacitor 123b4 shown in FIG. 3 is deleted, or the electrolytic capacitor 123b4 shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with a ceramic capacitor. Then, the turn-on voltage of the transistor 123b1 is adjusted within a fluctuation range (ideally, an average value of the fluctuation range) of the voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit 123b3. Thus, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is not cut off, a periodic rectangular wave is input to the first terminal 123a1, and when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is cut off, a periodic rectangular wave is applied to the first terminal 123a1. Waves are not input.

  Here, while the periodic rectangular wave is input to the first terminal 123a1, the logic IC 123a outputs a high-level voltage from the second terminal 123a2, and the logic IC 123a is periodically connected to the first terminal 123a1. When the rectangular wave is not input, a low level voltage is output from the second terminal 123a2.

  Thus, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is not shut off, a periodic rectangular wave is input to the first terminal 123a1, so that the logic IC 123a outputs a high level voltage from the second terminal 123a2, and the power supply circuit 124. When the power source is cut off, a periodic rectangular wave is not input to the first terminal 123a1, so that the logic IC 123a can output a low level voltage from the second terminal 123a2. That is, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of power interruption based on the presence or absence of a periodic component in the voltage at the output terminal T1.

  When the electrolytic capacitor 123b4 shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with a ceramic capacitor, a minute noise component is removed from the voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit 123b3, so that the cycle accurately reflects the frequency of the AC power supply AC. A rectangular wave can be input to the first terminal 123a1.

(2) Solenoid valve control processing:
Next, processing related to control of the solenoid valve performed using the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of electromagnetic valve control processing. The electromagnetic valve control process is started when power supply to the faucet system 1 is started, and is continuously executed while normal power is supplied to the faucet system 1.

  When the electromagnetic valve control process is started, the control unit 112 deactivates the open command signal S1 and the close command signal S2 (S100). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is not opened / closed immediately after the electromagnetic valve control process is started, and the electromagnetic valve 7 maintains the current open / closed state.

  In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed when the faucet system 1 is activated. This is because, according to the electromagnetic valve control process according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 7 is reliably closed before the faucet system 1 stops. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve 7 is maintained in the closed state before and after step S100 is performed.

  Next, the control unit 112 drives the sensor 111 to detect an object near the water outlet 4a (S105). Thereby, the control unit 112 can detect the presence / absence of an object in the detection region of the sensor 111.

  Next, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the water is being discharged from the water outlet 4a (S110). In addition, the control part 112 has memorize | stored the execution condition of water discharge control (S120) and water stop control (S130, S155) in memory, and refers to which of water discharge control or water stop control was performed immediately before It can be determined whether the water is discharged or stopped.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the water is discharged (S110: Yes), it is then determined whether or not the sensor 111 has detected an object (S125). Here, when an object is detected by the object detection in step S105 (S125: No), the water stop state is skipped by skipping the water stop control in step S130, and the object is detected by the object detection in step S105. If not (S125: Yes), water stop control is executed to stop water discharge (S130).

  The water stop control is performed by making the close command signal S2 of the second signal line L2 active and then deactivating the close command signal S2 after a predetermined waiting time. The predetermined waiting time is a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the open state to the closed state, for example, a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the open state to the closed state. Is about 20 ms, the predetermined waiting time is, for example, about 20 ms.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the water is stopped (S110: No), it is then determined whether the sensor 111 detects an object (S115). If an object is detected by the object detection in step S105 (S115: Yes), the water discharge control is executed to start water discharge (S120), and the object is not detected by the object detection in step S105. In the case (S115: No), the water discharge control in step S120 is skipped and the water stop state is continued.

  The water discharge control is performed by making the open command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 active and then deactivating the open command signal S1 after a predetermined waiting time. The predetermined standby time is a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state. For example, a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state. Is about 20 ms, the predetermined waiting time is, for example, about 20 ms.

  Next, the control unit 112 acquires the voltage of the port connected to the first signal line L1, and determines whether the voltage indicates a high level or a low level (S135).

  Here, when the control unit 112 detects a low level indicating that the open command is active as the voltage of the port (S135: Yes), the control unit 112 determines that the power is cut off and determines that the power is cut off. If the port voltage is in any other state (S135: No), the control unit 112 determines that it is not forcibly active, and executes the process of step S105.

  In step S135, when the first signal line L1 is a low-level voltage indicating that the open command is active (S135: Yes), the control unit 112 stops the sensor 111 (S140). Thereby, consumption of the electrical energy stored in the smoothing capacitor 124c can be suppressed as much as possible. Of course, other configurations other than the configuration necessary for normally closing the solenoid valve 7 and the control unit 112 can also be stopped.

  Next, various shutdown processes for normally terminating the faucet system 1 are executed under the control of the control unit 112 (S145).

  For example, when the control unit 112 has a function of storing / updating the usage status of the user, detection information, information on the surrounding environment, and the like, a process for completing the process related to the information is executed. . As a result, various parameters of these information are stored in a non-volatile memory that does not volatilize even when the power is turned off, and it is possible to prevent abnormal operation when the faucet system 1 resumes operation.

  For example, the sensor 111 is stopped. Thereby, the sensor 111 does not consume power, and the consumption of power stored in the smoothing capacitor 124c can be suppressed. After that, when power is supplied again to the faucet system 1 and the operation starts, normal operation can be performed.

  Next, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the water is being discharged (S150). If the water is being discharged (S150: Yes), the water stop control is executed to stop the water discharge (S155). If the water is being stopped (S150: No), the water stop control in step S155 is skipped, and step S135 is performed. The processing from is executed again. Thereby, before interruption | blocking of a power supply generate | occur | produces and the faucet system 1 stops, it can be made into a water stop state reliably.

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the first signal line L1 has changed to a high level indicating inactivity while repeating the processing of steps S135 to S155, that is, when it is detected that the interruption of the power supply has been resolved (S135: No), the process returns to the normal solenoid valve control process (S105 to S130).

  As a result, when the power supply is cut off for a short time, such as a momentary power interruption, the faucet system 1 can be operated again without being completely stopped. It is not necessary to erase the reset.

  Of course, when a predetermined waiting time is provided between step S140 and step S145, and the interruption of the power supply is resolved during this period, the normal discharge in step S105 is not performed without performing the processing in steps S145 to S155. You may make it return to the process which controls water.

  If it does in this way, it will be in the low power consumption state which suppressed power consumption in sensor 111 grade | etc., Waits for the return from a power failure, suppressing power consumption, and if the power supply is interrupted for a short time, the control part 112 will be terminated normally. To return to the normal solenoid valve control process (S105 to S130) without performing the process for closing or driving the solenoid valve 7, and when the power shutoff does not return in a short time, Processing and the closing drive of the solenoid valve 7 are performed.

  As described above, according to the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 124 detects the power supply cutoff while controlling the closing and opening of the solenoid valve 7 using the two signal lines. I can do it.

(3) Operation of the first embodiment:
The operation of the faucet system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 5-10 is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the faucet system 1 when a solenoid valve control process is performed under various conditions.

(3-1) Normal operation:
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when the power supply is not shut off. In the figure, the power supply is not shut off, and water discharge and water stop are performed depending on the presence or absence of an object.

  In the figure, when an object is detected (t1), water discharge control is executed (t1 to t2). Since the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by this water discharge control, the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the object has disappeared (t3), water stop control is executed (t3 to t4). Since the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed by this water stop control, the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

(3-2) Power interruption occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when the interruption of the power supply occurs during water discharge. In the figure, the power is shut off after the water discharge control is completed and before the water stop control is started (t7).

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (t5), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (t5 to t6). Thereby, since the solenoid valve 7 is opened, the water discharge state is entered, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, since the power supply is interrupted while water discharge continues, the open command signal S1 is forcibly changed from inactive to active (t7). At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is forcibly changed to inactive, but since it is originally inactive, the logic state does not change in the drawing.

  When the control unit 112 detects that the opening command signal S1 is forcibly changed to active, the control unit 112 executes water stop control (t7 to t8). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

  As described above, in the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the interruption of the power supply generated during the water discharge, and the control unit 112 can perform electromagnetic waves at a desired timing when the interruption of the power supply occurs. The valve 7 can be driven to be closed and changed to a water stop state.

(3-3) Power interruption occurs during water discharge control:
FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when a power interruption occurs during water discharge control. In the figure, the power is shut off from the start of the water discharge control to the completion of the water discharge control (t10).

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (t9), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (t9 to t11). However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the power supply is interrupted while the control unit 112 is performing water discharge control (t10). That is, when the open command signal S1 changes from inactive to active and the open drive signal S3 changes from inactive to active (t9), the power supply is cut off while waiting for a predetermined waiting time to elapse. (T10).

  When the power shutoff occurs (t10), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated by the power shutoff detection unit 123, but since it is originally a period in which the control unit 112 is actively controlling, the control unit 112 Cannot detect forced active at this point.

  At the same time, since the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly made inactive by the power interruption detection unit 123, the water discharge control of the open drive signal S3 is interrupted in a shorter time than originally (t10). However, it is unclear whether or not the solenoid valve 7 has been opened when the power supply is cut off. The solenoid valve 7 may remain closed or the solenoid valve 7 may be opened. There is also a possibility.

  The control unit 112 performs control to change the opening command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 from active to inactive when the original standby period in the water discharge control has elapsed (t11). However, the first signal line L1 remains active because it is forcibly activated by the power interruption detection unit 123.

  When the water discharge control ends (t11), the control unit 112 checks the logical state of the port to which the first signal line L1 is connected. Here, since the logical state of the port is active which is not the result of the control by the control unit 112 (inactive), the control unit 112 detects power-off and executes water stop control (from t12 to t12). t13). Thereby, even if the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by the water discharge control, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is stopped.

  As described above, even if the power supply is interrupted during the water discharge control, the power interruption detection unit 123 forcibly changes the open drive signal S3 to be inactive to interrupt the water discharge control. Even when the valve is opened and the water discharge is started, the control unit 112 detects this after the water discharge control is completed and changes the electromagnetic valve 7 to the water stop state. There is no risk of continuing.

(3-4) Power interruption occurs during water stop control
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when a power interruption occurs during the water stop control. In the figure, after the water discharge control is completed, the water stop control is started because the object is no longer detected. However, the power supply is shut off during the water stop control (t17).

  In the figure, when an object is detected (t14), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (t14 to t15). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened to enter a water discharge state, and water discharge from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the object has disappeared (t16), the water stop control is started (t16 to t18). However, when the close command signal S2 changes from inactive to active and the close drive signal S4 changes from inactive to active (t16), the power supply is cut off while waiting for a predetermined waiting time to elapse. (T17).

  When the power interruption occurs (t17), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated from inactive by the power interruption detection unit 123. Thereby, the control unit 112 detects forced active.

  At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly made inactive by the power interruption detection unit 123 (t17). However, since the open drive signal S3 is originally inactive, the logic state does not change in FIG. .

  At this time, the control unit 112 continues the normal water stop control as it is without changing the control of the close command signal S2 or the close drive signal S4 (t17 to t18). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

  As described above, even if the power supply is interrupted during the water stop control, the control unit 112 continues the water stop control and changes the solenoid valve 7 to the water stop state. There is no risk of being continued.

(3-5) Power interruption occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a second example of the operation of the faucet system 1 when a power interruption occurs during water discharge. In the figure, the power is cut off after the water discharge control is completed and before the water stop control is started (t21). Note that FIG. 9 also includes a timing chart relating to sensor driving, and a process for stopping sensor driving is performed as a predetermined process when a power-off is detected.

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (t19), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (t19 to t20). Thereby, since the solenoid valve 7 is opened, the water discharge state is entered, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, since the power supply is shut off while water discharge continues, the open command signal S1 is forcibly changed from inactive to active (t21). At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is forcibly changed to inactive (t21), but since it is originally inactive, the logic state is not changed in the drawing.

  When the control unit 112 detects that the opening command signal S1 is forcibly changed to inactive, the control unit 112 performs various processes (the processes of steps S140 and S145 in the electromagnetic valve control process) before executing the water stop control. (T21 to t22). In this timing chart, processing for stopping sensor driving is performed as an example of various processing. Thereby, the control part 112 can perform various processes in the state in which sufficient drive voltage is supplied.

  Thereafter, by performing water stop control with driving of the solenoid valve 7 after various processes are completed (t22 to t23), the solenoid valve 7 is closed to enter a water stop state (t23), and the water outlet 4a. The water discharge from is stopped.

  Thus, by controlling the timing for closing the solenoid valve 7, the control unit 112 can execute various processes in a state where a sufficient drive voltage is supplied. Therefore, there is no possibility that the faucet system 1 operates abnormally when it is started next time. Of course, there is no possibility that water discharge will continue after the power is shut off.

(3-6) Power outage occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when a momentary power interruption occurs during water discharge. In the figure, an instantaneous power failure occurs between the start of water discharge control and the completion of water discharge control (t25 to t26). FIG. 10 also shows a timing chart showing the power-off state in order to show the momentary power failure timing.

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (t24), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (t24 to t27). However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, an instantaneous power failure occurs while the control unit 112 is performing water discharge control (t25 to t26). That is, when the open command signal S1 changes from inactive to active and the open drive signal S3 changes from inactive to active (t24), the power supply is cut off while waiting for a predetermined waiting time to elapse. (T25).

  When the power shutoff occurs (t25), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated by the power shutoff detection unit 123. However, since the control unit 112 is originally actively controlled, the control unit 112 is activated. Cannot detect forced active at this point.

  At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly deactivated by the power interruption detection unit 123, so that the water discharge control of the open drive signal S3 is interrupted in a shorter time than originally (t25). However, it is unclear whether or not the solenoid valve 7 has been opened when the power supply is cut off. The solenoid valve 7 may remain closed or the solenoid valve 7 may be opened. There is also a possibility.

  Here, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, since the power supply is disconnected before the original standby time in the water discharge control of the control unit 112 elapses, the control unit 112 finishes the original water discharge control and the first signal line. When the logical state of the port to which L1 is connected is checked, the power shutoff has been resolved.

  However, when the power-off detection unit 123 detects the power-off, the power-off detection unit 123 continues to output the power-off detection until a predetermined time elapses after the power-off is released (t26 to t30). As described above, the predetermined time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the water discharge control executed by the control unit 112 to open the electromagnetic valve 7.

  That is, when the control unit 112 finishes the original water discharge control (t27) and checks the logical state of the port to which the first signal line L1 is connected, the power state is canceled, but the logical state of the port Is active (t28), not the result of the control by the control unit 112 (inactive).

  Thereby, the control part 112 detects the interruption | blocking of a power supply, and performs water stop control (t28-t29). Thereby, even if the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by the water discharge control, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is stopped.

  As described above, even if a momentary power failure occurs during the water discharge control, the power shutoff detection unit 123 forcibly changes the open drive signal S3 to be inactive to interrupt the water discharge control and the power returns from the power failure. Even after the interruption, the interruption detection output continues for a predetermined time. Thereby, the control part 112 can detect instantaneous stop after water discharge control is complete | finished, can change the solenoid valve 7 to a water stop state, and can stop water discharge.

(4) Other examples of the circuit configuration of the faucet system:
11 and 12 are circuit diagrams illustrating other examples of the circuit configuration of the faucet system 1.
In the example of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 11, the second terminal 123a2 of the logic IC 123a is directly connected to the open drive control circuit 121a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the open drive control circuit 121a includes a PNP transistor 121a1, and the inverting circuit of the valve drive circuit 122 connected to the open drive control circuit 121a includes an NPN transistor 122c. The transistor 121a1 has a base connected to the first signal line L1, an emitter connected to a predetermined constant voltage line via a resistor, and a collector connected to the base of the transistor 122c. The emitter and base of the transistor 121a1 are connected by a resistor. On the other hand, the transistor 122c has an emitter connected to the ground. Note that, in the transistors 121a1 and 122c, the emitter and the base are connected via a resistor.

  The collector of the transistor 121a1 connected in this way is connected to the gate of the FET 122a related to the open drive of the valve drive circuit 122, and the collector of the transistor 122c is connected to the gate of the FET 122b related to the open drive of the valve drive circuit 122. Yes.

  Here, the second terminal 123a2 of the logic IC 123a is connected to the emitter of the transistor 121a1, and the potential of the emitter of the transistor 121a1, that is, the logic state of the third signal line L3 is determined by the logic signal output from the second terminal 123a2. Be controlled. More specifically, since the collector potential of the transistor 121a1 is determined by the emitter potential, the logic state of the third signal line L3 is indirectly controlled by manipulating the emitter potential.

  First, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is not shut off, the high level voltage output from the second terminal 123a2 does not particularly affect the operation of the transistors 121a1 and 122c, and the transistors 121a1 and 122c It operates according to the open command signal S1 input via the line L1.

  On the other hand, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is cut off, the transistor 121a1 is turned off by the low-level voltage output from the second terminal 123a2, thereby turning off the transistor 122c. The transistor 122c is forcibly turned off because the emitter potential of the transistor 121a1 serving as the base voltage source is fixed at a low level. Further, the low level voltage output from the second terminal 123a2 is transmitted to the first signal line L1 via a resistor connecting the emitter and base of the transistor 121a1.

  That is, the open command signal S1 output to the first signal line L1 is forcibly made active (low level) and output to the third signal line L3 by the low-level cutoff detection output from the power cutoff detector 123. The open drive signal S3 to be made is forcibly made inactive (low level).

  As described above, when the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 11 is adopted, the first signal line L1 is forcibly activated by one line using the signal output from the second terminal 123a2 of the logic IC 123a. And control for forcibly inactivating the third signal line L3 can be realized. Therefore, the circuit configuration can be simplified.

  Further, the power cutoff detection unit 223 shown in FIG. 12 is realized without using a logic IC. In the figure, the power cutoff detection unit 223 and the first signal line L1 and the third signal line L3 have the same connection relationship as in FIG. 11, but of course, the connection relationship shown in FIG. 3 is adopted. Also good.

  In FIG. 12, the power cutoff detection unit 223 has a period from the voltage at the dividing point of the dividing resistor and the voltage dividing circuit 223 a that divides the voltage at the output terminal T1 of the secondary winding of the switching transformer 124 a of the power circuit 124 by the dividing resistor. A smoothing circuit 223b that removes components and smoothes them, and a transistor circuit 223c that outputs a low-level voltage according to the voltage at the dividing point of the dividing resistor.

  The smoothing circuit 223b includes a diode 223b1, a diode 223b2, a resistor 223b3, and an electrolytic capacitor 223b4. The diode 223b1 has a cathode connected to the dividing point of the dividing resistor of the voltage dividing circuit 223a, and the diode 223b2 has an anode connected to the dividing point of the dividing resistor of the voltage dividing circuit 223a via the resistor 223b3. The anode of the diode 223b1 and the cathode of the diode 223b2 are connected to the positive electrode of the electrolytic capacitor 223b4. The negative electrode of the electrolytic capacitor 223b4 is connected to the ground. That is, two diodes are connected in parallel in opposite directions, one connection portion and the ground are connected by an electrolytic capacitor, and the other connection portion is connected to a dividing point of the dividing resistor of the voltage dividing circuit 223a. .

  As a result, if the output level of the power supply circuit 124 is equal to or higher than a certain level, the power shutoff detection unit 223 outputs nothing, and if the output level of the power supply circuit 124 falls below the certain level, a low level voltage signal is output. Output. Therefore, the logic of the first signal line L1 and the third signal line L3 can be controlled similarly to the circuit shown in FIG.

  Further, when the output of the power supply circuit 124 is cut off due to a momentary power failure and the output level falls below a certain level, even if the voltage of the output terminal T1 of the power supply circuit 124 subsequently recovers above the certain level, the smoothing circuit 223b By the action of the resistor 223b3, the voltage at the dividing point of the dividing resistor does not rise to the turn-on voltage of the transistor 223c1 of the transistor circuit 223c until a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Similar to the delay circuit 123a3 according to the above-described embodiment, the predetermined time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the water discharge control performed by the control unit 112 to open the electromagnetic valve 7.

  In other words, when the power supply of the power supply circuit 124 is cut off and the output of the low level voltage signal is started, the power cut-off detection unit 223 continues to maintain the low level until a predetermined time elapses even if the power cut-off is canceled. Continue to output the voltage signal. Therefore, the control part 112 can detect the instantaneous stop which generate | occur | produced in the water discharge, and can perform various processes, also when the power interruption detection part 223 shown in FIG. 12 is employ | adopted.

(5) Summary:
As described above, according to the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, the power cutoff detection unit 123 actively controls the open command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 when the power is shut off, and the first The open drive signal S3 of the three signal line L3 is controlled to be inactive. As a result, when the power is shut off, the controller 112 can close the solenoid valve at a desired timing while avoiding the solenoid valve 7 from being opened.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced, the combinations are changed, the known technique, and the above-described implementations. Configurations in which the configurations disclosed in the embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced or the combinations are changed are also included. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but extends to the matters described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Faucet system, 2 ... Basin, 2a ... Ball surface, 3 ... Wash-basin counter, 4 ... Faucet, 4a ... Water outlet, 5 ... Water supply channel, 6 ... Drainage channel, 7 ... Solenoid valve, 8 ... Connection cable 11 ... sensor unit, 12 ... controller unit, 111 ... sensor, 112 ... control unit, 121 ... drive control unit, 121a ... open drive control circuit, 121b ... closed drive control circuit, 121a1 ... transistor, 122 ... valve drive circuit, 122a, 122b ... FET, 122c ... transistor, 123 ... power cutoff detection unit, 123a ... logic IC, 123a1 ... first terminal, 123a2 ... second terminal, 123a3 ... delay circuit, 123b ... rectangular wave generation circuit, 123b1 ... transistor, 123b2: Protection resistor, 123b3: Voltage dividing circuit, 123b4 ... Electrolytic capacitor, 123c ... Conversion circuit, 124 ... Power supply circuit, 124a Switching transformer, 124b ... Diode bridge circuit, 124c ... Smoothing capacitor, 124d ... Regulator, 223 ... Power supply cutoff detector, 223a ... Voltage dividing circuit, 223b ... Smoothing circuit, 223b1 ... Diode, 223b2 ... Diode, 223b3 ... Resistance, 223b4 ... Electrolytic capacitor, 223c ... transistor circuit, 223c1 ... transistor, AC ... AC power supply, L1 ... first signal line, L2 ... second signal line, L3 ... third signal line, L4 ... fourth signal line, L5 ... power supply line, L6 ... GND line

Claims (5)

A self-holding solenoid valve that opens and closes the water supply channel to the water outlet;
A drive unit for controlling active / inactive of the open drive and the close drive of the solenoid valve;
A control unit that commands the drive unit to open and close the solenoid valve;
A power supply unit that supplies power to the solenoid valve, the drive unit, and the control unit;
A power-off detection unit for detecting power-off in the power supply unit;
Have
The control unit controls active / inactive of the open command output to the first signal line and the close command output to the second signal line according to the detection result of the sensor that detects the object,
When the opening command for the first signal line is active, the driving unit activates the opening driving of the driving unit through the third signal line to open the electromagnetic valve, and the second signal When the line closing command is active, the drive unit that is performed via the fourth signal line is activated to close the solenoid valve,
The power shutoff detecting unit, when detecting power shutoff, actively controls an opening command for the first signal line, and controls opening of the third signal line to be inactive. Stopper system.   The control unit activates a close command for the second signal line when detecting an active open command for the first signal line while outputting an inactive open command to the first signal line. The faucet system according to claim 1.   When the controller detects an active open command in the first signal line while outputting an inactive open command to the first signal line, the control unit performs a predetermined operation before activating the close command of the second signal line. The faucet system according to claim 2, wherein processing is performed.   The power-off detection unit detects the power-off and detects that the power-off has been resolved, and activates the first signal line for a predetermined time after the power-off is resolved. The control according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control to make the open command is continued and the control to make the third signal line open to be inactive is continued. Stopper system.   5. The active logic of the open command in the first signal line and the active logic of the open drive in the third signal line are inverted. 6. Faucet system.

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