JP5867231B2 - Faucet device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device that controls the opening / closing operation of a water supply valve in accordance with the sensor output of a Doppler sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to detect a hand as an object to be cleaned, a technique for detecting the approach of a hand by radiating radio waves to a water discharge space of a faucet device using a Doppler sensor is known (for example, patents). Reference 1). In the technique of Patent Document 1, a hand is detected by a standing wave component of a radio wave received by a Doppler sensor.

  Here, the sensor output of the Doppler sensor has a limitation (upper limit and lower limit) on the DC level that can be output depending on the characteristics of the device. In addition, the standing wave component in the sensor output of the Doppler sensor may greatly vary in the reference level of the DC level due to the influence of a reflector near the sensor. For this reason, the sensor output input to the control unit from the Doppler sensor may be saturated due to the influence of the reflector near the sensor.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, a urinal washing device having a function of automatically adjusting an offset amount of a sensor output is disclosed (see Patent Document 2). In this urinal washing device, the control unit of the Doppler sensor detects the fluctuation of the DC level, and by offsetting the sensor output so as to follow this fluctuation, the sensor output input to the control part is output by the device. Adjustments are made so that they are within the limits of possible DC levels.

JP 2010-236268 A JP 2010-203201 A

  However, in the Doppler sensor, when a reflection object such as water suddenly appears in the vicinity of the Doppler sensor, the sensor output may saturate because the DC level of the sensor output varies greatly. At this time, even if an offset is applied based on the DC level of the sensor output as in the technique of Patent Document 2 described above, the offset amount of the DC level cannot be adjusted appropriately. This is because the DC level input to the control unit itself is saturated, the DC level of the true sensor output is unknown, and an appropriate offset amount cannot be set.

  At this time, in the technique according to Patent Document 2 described above, the saturation is gradually eliminated by repeating the offset according to the difference between the DC level in the saturated state and the reference level of the DC level. For this reason, when the DC level fluctuates greatly, if the technique according to Patent Document 2 described above is used, saturation cannot be eliminated unless the adjustment of the offset amount is repeated a plurality of times.

  As a result, the signal of the object that should be detected cannot be detected until the saturation is eliminated. Thereby, the reaction speed of the water faucet device is slow, and there is a problem that the user feels inconvenience and discomfort.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the reaction speed of the faucet device by improving the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the detection target.

  One aspect of the faucet device according to the present invention is based on a water supply valve that opens and closes a water supply path to a water outlet, a Doppler sensor that detects a detection target around the water outlet, and a sensor output of the Doppler sensor. And a controller for controlling the opening / closing operation of the water supply valve, and the controller includes first detection means for detecting an output level of a standing wave signal included in a sensor output of the Doppler sensor, In the faucet device that offsets the output level of the standing wave signal by an offset amount corresponding to the output level detected by the first detection means, the control unit detects the output detected by the first detection means for each operating state. A storage unit that stores a level; and a second detection unit that detects a change in an operation state based on a sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and the second detection unit detects a change in the operation state. It is constituted to offset the output level of the standing wave signal with the offset amount according to the output level of each operating state stored in the storage unit.

  In this configuration, the storage unit stores an output level of the standing wave signal for each operation state. Here, the operation state is various operation states of the faucet device, and the physical state in the water discharge space varies when the operation state changes to another operation state. More preferably, the sensor output of the Doppler sensor varies due to the transition of the operation state. More preferably, when the operating state shifts, the output level of the Doppler sensor rapidly changes more than a predetermined amount.

  The control unit offsets the output level of the standing wave signal by an offset amount corresponding to the output level detected by the first detection unit, and when the second detection unit detects a change in the operation state, The output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of each operation state stored in the storage unit.

  That is, the control unit appropriately adjusts the output level offset of the standing wave signal that does not depend on the change of the operation state by the former offset control, and is generated along with the change of the operation state. The offset of the output level of the standing wave signal is adjusted by the latter offset control.

  As a result, the minute offset of the output level of the standing wave signal is appropriately adjusted by the former offset control, and the offset of a relatively large output level that causes the standing wave signal to saturate. Separately, the latter offset control makes it possible to perform complementary offset control by appropriately adjusting the timing based on the detection result of the change in the operating state. As described above, by preventing the generation of the dead period due to the change of the operation state in the object detection, the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the detection object is improved, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  Further, as one of selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the storage unit stores an output level of the standing wave signal in a water discharge state, and the control unit performs other operations. When the second detection means detects a change from a state to a water discharge state, the output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of the water discharge state stored in the storage unit. is there.

  In this configuration, particularly when the operation state changes from another operation state to the water discharge state, this is detected, and the offset amount is suitable for the output level of the water discharge state stored in the storage unit. The offset amount of the output level of the standing wave signal is adjusted. Thereby, the output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of the water discharge state.

  That is, even immediately after the operating state changes from the non-water discharge state to the water discharge state, the detection of the detection target can be continued without generating a dead period in the target detection, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved. I can do it. For example, even if the hand is retracted immediately after the target hand is detected and water discharge is started, it can be detected accurately and the water can be stopped, which improves the user convenience and is useless. Can prevent water discharge

  Further, as one of selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the storage unit stores an output level of the standing wave signal in a standby state, and the control unit performs other operations. When the second detection means detects the transition from the state to the standby state, the output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of the standby state stored in the storage unit. is there.

  In this configuration, particularly when the operating state changes from another operating state to the standby state, this is detected, and the offset amount is suitable for the output level of the standby state stored in the storage unit. The offset amount of the output level of the standing wave signal is adjusted. As a result, the output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level in the standby state.

  Thereby, even immediately after the operating state changes from the non-standby state to the standby state, the detection of the detection target can be continued without generating a dead period in the target detection, and the reaction speed of the faucet device is improved. I can do it. For example, even when a hand is put out immediately after shifting to the standby state, it can be accurately detected and water discharge can be started, so that usability is improved.

  Moreover, as one of the selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the control unit automatically changes the operation state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and in the changed operation state. The output level of the standing wave signal is stored in the storage unit as the output level of the standing wave signal in the operation state.

  In the said structure, the said control part automatically performs the process which memorize | stores the output level of the said standing wave signal for every operation state in the said memory | storage part at a predetermined timing. That is, the control unit automatically changes the operation state to measure an actual output level in each operation state, and stores this in the storage unit. The execution timing of this process is not particularly limited, but it is preferable when the user is not using the faucet device.

  Thereby, the exact standing wave output level in each operation state can be stored in the storage unit. For example, even when the state of the water discharge area of the faucet device has changed due to dirt, foreign matter, etc., and the output level of the standing wave signal in each operation state has changed, it is stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing. By updating the output level of the stored standing wave signal, an optimum offset corresponding to the current state of the water discharge area can be achieved. Therefore, the reaction rate of the faucet device can be improved.

  Moreover, as one of the selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the control unit automatically changes the operation state to the water discharge state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor. The output level of the standing wave signal is stored in the storage unit as the output level of the standing wave signal in the water discharge state.

  In this configuration, in particular, the control unit automatically executes a process of storing the output level of the standing wave signal related to the water discharge state in the storage unit at a predetermined timing. That is, the operation state is automatically changed to the water discharge state at a predetermined timing, and the output level of the standing wave signal in the water discharge state is stored in the storage unit.

  Thereby, the exact output level of the standing wave in the water discharge state is stored in the storage unit, and the reaction speed of the faucet device when changing from the non-water discharge state to the water discharge state can be improved.

  Further, as one of selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the control unit automatically changes the operation state to a standby state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and in this standby state, The output level of the standing wave signal is stored in the storage unit as the output level of the standing wave signal in the standby state.

  In this configuration, in particular, the control unit automatically executes processing for storing the output level of the standing wave signal in the standby state in the storage unit at a predetermined timing. That is, the operation state is automatically changed to a standby state at a predetermined timing, and the output level of the standing wave signal in the standby state is stored in the storage unit.

  Accordingly, the accurate standing wave output level in the standby state is stored in the storage unit, and the reaction speed of the faucet device when the non-standby state is changed to the standby state can be improved.

  Moreover, as one of the selective aspects of the faucet device according to the present invention, the control unit further includes learning means for learning the water discharge frequency for each time zone, and automatically in a time zone with a low water discharge frequency. The operation state is changed, and the output level of the standing wave signal in this operation state is stored in the storage unit as the output level of the operation state.

  In this configuration, the water discharge frequency is learned as information indicating the use frequency of the user in each time zone, and based on the learning result, the time zone where the water discharge frequency is low, that is, the frequency of use of the faucet device is determined. A low time zone can be specified. Then, the control unit automatically changes the operation state and stores the output level of the standing wave signal in the storage unit as the output level of the operation state in the time zone specified in this way. It has become.

  As a result, the control for storing the output level of the standing wave signal is automatically executed at a timing when the user is unlikely to use the faucet device, and the accurate output level of the standing wave is thus determined. When it is memorized, it becomes difficult to give annoyance and discomfort to the user.

  The faucet device described above includes various aspects such as being implemented in a state of being incorporated in another device or being implemented together with another method. The present invention also provides a faucet system including the faucet device, a driving method of the faucet device having a process corresponding to the configuration of the device described above, a program for causing a computer to realize a function corresponding to the configuration of the device described above, It can also be realized as a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, even immediately after the operating state changes, detection of a detection target can be continued without generating a dead period in detection of the target, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even immediately after the operation state changes from the non-water discharge state to the water discharge state, the detection of the detection target can be continued without generating a dead period in the target detection. The reaction speed of the apparatus can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 3, even after the operation state changes from the non-standby state to the standby state, the detection of the detection target can be continued without causing a dead period in the detection of the target, The reaction speed of the apparatus can be improved.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, the output level of the exact standing wave in each operation state can be memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. Therefore, the reaction rate of the faucet device can be improved.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, the exact output level of a standing wave in a water discharge state can be memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. Therefore, the reaction rate of the faucet device when the water discharge state is changed to the water discharge state can be improved.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, the exact output level of a standing wave in a standby state can be memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. Therefore, the reaction speed of the faucet device when changing from the non-standby state to the standby state can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 7, since the output level of the standing wave is automatically stored at a timing at which the detection object is difficult to be detected around the water outlet, the constant level can be maintained without causing inconvenience or discomfort to the user. Accurate output level of standing wave can be stored.

It is the figure which showed the outline of the faucet device concerning this embodiment in section. It is a block diagram showing the composition of the faucet device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the various threshold values for detecting a target object. It is a figure explaining the various threshold values for detecting a target object. It is a figure explaining a sampling period. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st offset amount adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of 1st Embodiment of a 2nd offset amount adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of 2nd Embodiment of a 2nd offset amount adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of 3rd Embodiment of a 2nd offset amount adjustment process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an output level memory | storage process.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Configuration of the present embodiment:
(2) First offset adjustment process:
(3) First embodiment of second offset processing:
(4) Second embodiment of second offset processing:
(5) Third embodiment of the second offset process:
(6) Output level storage processing:
(7) Summary:

(1) Configuration of the present embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment. The faucet device 1 detects a target object 10 (human body, object, etc.) 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 device 1 includes an electromagnetic valve 11 as a water supply valve, a microwave Doppler sensor 12, and a control unit 13. The electromagnetic valve 11 is provided in the water supply channel 5 and opens and closes the water supply channel 5. When the electromagnetic valve 11 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply channel 5 is discharged from the water outlet 4a. When the electromagnetic valve 11 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply channel 5 is not discharged from the water outlet 4a. It becomes a water state.

  The electromagnetic valve 11 is connected to the control unit 13, and the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 is controlled by the control unit 13. The solenoid valve 11 is electrically controlled according to a control signal from the control unit 13 to open and close the water supply channel 5. Thus, the electromagnetic valve 11 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 microwave Doppler sensor 12 detects the object 10 that approaches the water outlet 4a. The water discharge destination of the water discharge port 4 a becomes a detection region of the microwave Doppler sensor 12. The microwave Doppler sensor 12 detects the position, movement, and the like of the object 10 by transmitting the microwave and receiving the microwave reflected from the object 10 such as a human body that has received the transmitted microwave.

  The microwave Doppler sensor 12 is provided inside the faucet 4 near the water outlet 4a, and is arranged to transmit microwaves toward the user side (left side in FIG. 1) of the washstand. The microwave Doppler sensor 12 is used to detect that a human body has approached the spout 4a, that a hand has been pushed out from the human body that has approached the spout 4a toward the spout 4a, and the like.

  The microwave Doppler sensor 12 is connected to the control unit 13 via the connection cable 8. The control unit 13 receives a signal output from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 and detects the position and movement of the object 10 based on this signal.

  In the present embodiment, the microwave Doppler sensor 12 using microwaves is employed as the Doppler sensor. However, for example, a Doppler sensor using ultrasonic waves or millimeter waves may be used. Further, the Doppler sensor may use not only microwaves but also radio waves of other frequencies as propagation waves, and light or the like as propagation waves.

  The controller 13 controls the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 based on a signal output from the microwave Doppler sensor 12. For this reason, the output signal from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is input to the control unit 13 through the connection cable 8 as described above. A control signal for the electromagnetic valve 11 is output from the control unit 13 via the signal line 9.

  As described above, the faucet device 1 of this embodiment includes the electromagnetic valve 11, the microwave Doppler sensor 12, and the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 is based on the sensor output of the microwave Doppler sensor 12. The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 is controlled. Moreover, the control part 13 performs the water discharge according to a user's movement etc. of the water tap apparatus 1 by detecting the target object 10 which approaches the water discharge port 4a. Hereinafter, the details of the electrical configuration of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the microwave Doppler sensor 12 includes an oscillation circuit unit 21, a transmission unit 22, a reception unit 23, and a mixing unit 24. The oscillation circuit unit 21 generates an electrical signal for obtaining a radio wave (microwave) transmitted by the microwave Doppler sensor 12. The oscillation circuit unit 21 generates a signal having a frequency of, for example, 10.525 GHz as an electrical signal, and outputs the signal as a transmission signal S1.

  The transmission unit 22 receives the transmission signal S1 output from the oscillation circuit unit 21, and transmits this transmission signal S1. For example, when the signal generated by the oscillation circuit unit 21 is a signal having a frequency of 10.525 GHz, the transmission unit 22 transmits a microwave of 10.525 GHz.

  The receiving unit 23 receives the reflected wave reflected by the object 10 to be detected by the microwave transmitted from the transmitting unit 22. The receiving unit 23 converts the received reflected wave (a radio wave including a microwave) into an electric signal and outputs it as a received signal S2. Note that the transmission unit 22 and the reception unit 23 have antennas for transmitting and receiving signals.

  The mixing unit 24 mixes (mixes) the transmission signal S1 output from the oscillation circuit unit 21 and the reception signal S2 output from the reception unit 23, and outputs the mixed signal as the sensor output S3. The sensor output S3 output from the mixing unit 24 is input to the control unit 13.

  The sensor output S3 includes a standing wave signal and a Doppler signal. The standing wave signal is used to detect the distance from the object 10, that is, the position of the object 10, and the Doppler signal is used to detect the movement of the object 10.

  Next, the control unit 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 13 includes a low-pass filter unit 31, an amplifier unit 32, a Doppler signal detection unit 33, a standing wave signal detection unit 34, an object detection unit 35, and a solenoid valve control unit. 36, a sensor control unit 37, and a storage unit 38. The object detection unit 35 includes a human body motion detection unit 39 and a human body position detection unit 40. The control unit 13 has a timer 41 for measuring time.

  The control unit 13 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 through a data communication bus or the like. The CPU included in the control unit 13 functions as a calculation unit that performs a predetermined calculation in accordance with a control program or the like stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is one of the memories.

  The control unit 13 has at least an input interface for receiving an input signal from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 and an output interface for outputting a control signal for the electromagnetic valve 11 as an input / output interface.

  The low-pass filter unit 31 includes a low-pass filter unit 31 that removes unnecessary frequency band components due to the influence of noise or the like from the input signal. The low-pass filter unit 31 generates a signal S4 from which a component in a frequency band unnecessary for object detection processing is removed from the sensor output S3 input from the microwave Doppler sensor 12, and the signal S4 is supplied to the amplifier unit 32. Output.

  The amplifier unit 32 receives an input of the signal S4 output from the low-pass filter unit 31, generates an amplified signal S5 obtained by amplifying the input signal, and outputs the amplified signal S5 to the Doppler signal detection unit 33.

  The Doppler signal detection unit 33 receives the amplified signal S5 output from the amplifier unit 32. The Doppler signal detection unit 33 has a filter that removes a component of a frequency band unnecessary for human body detection from the frequency component of the input amplified signal S5, and this filter allows a frequency unnecessary for human body detection from the amplified signal S5. Remove band components. The frequency band unnecessary for human body detection is a frequency band exceeding 50 Hz, for example. The Doppler signal detection unit 33 outputs a signal obtained by removing a frequency band component unnecessary for human body detection from the amplified signal S5 as a human body detection Doppler signal S6.

  That is, the amplified signal S5 output from the amplifier unit 32 includes a DC component that is a standing wave signal and an AC component that is a Doppler signal, and removes components in a frequency band unnecessary for human body detection from the amplified signal S5. By doing so, a Doppler signal is extracted. More specifically, the Doppler signal detection unit 33 extracts the Doppler signal S6 by performing digital filter calculation or the like as software processing by a microcomputer or the like after the amplified signal S5 is converted into a digital signal by A / D conversion. .

  Here, the motion detection of the object 10 (human body etc.) performed based on the Doppler signal S6 will be described. The following equation (1) is a basic equation relating to the Doppler frequency shift. The microwave Doppler sensor 12 detects the movement of the object 10 by performing arithmetic processing based on the following equation (1).

Basic formula: ΔF = FS−Fb = 2 × FS × ν / c (1)
ΔF: Doppler frequency (frequency of Doppler signal included in sensor output S3)
FS: Transmission frequency (frequency of transmission signal S1)
Fb: reflection frequency (frequency of received signal S2)
ν: moving speed of object c: speed of light (300 × 106 m / s)

  As shown in the above formula (1), the microwave of the transmission frequency FS transmitted from the transmission unit 22 is reflected by the object 10 moving at the speed ν. The reception unit 23 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 receives the reflected wave from the object 10. The frequency of the reflected wave received by the receiving unit 23 undergoes a Doppler frequency shift due to relative motion, and has a reflection frequency Fb different from the transmission frequency FS.

  As described above, the low-pass filter unit 31 removes high-frequency components from the signal obtained by mixing the transmission signal S1 and the reception signal S2 in the mixing unit 24, thereby removing frequency components other than the Doppler frequency from the sensor output S3. The extracted signal is extracted. Then, a Doppler signal detection unit 33 extracts a component of a frequency band (for example, 50 Hz or less) for human body detection, and a human body detection Doppler signal S6 is obtained.

  The Doppler signal S6 output from the Doppler signal detection unit 33 is input to the human body motion detection unit 39 included in the object detection unit 35. Based on the input Doppler signal S6, the human body motion detection unit 39 detects from the movement of the object 10 that the object 10 has reached a position where it can receive water discharged from the spout 4a.

  On the other hand, the standing wave signal detector 34 also receives the amplified signal S5 output from the amplifier 32. The standing wave signal detector 34 detects a standing wave signal from the input amplified signal S5. As described above, the amplified signal S5 output from the amplifier unit 32 includes a DC component that is a standing wave signal and an AC component that is a Doppler signal. A standing wave signal is extracted from the amplified signal S5 by removing the Doppler signal component.

  Specifically, the standing wave signal detection unit 34 includes a low-pass filter circuit that functions as an AC component removal circuit. The standing wave signal detection unit 34 extracts the standing wave signal by removing the Doppler signal component from the amplified signal S5 using a low-pass filter circuit. That is, the standing wave signal detector 34 extracts and outputs the standing wave signal S7 by removing the AC component from the amplified signal S5 output from the amplifier 32.

  In the standing wave signal detection unit 34, signal processing for improving the accuracy of detecting the distance to the object 10 is appropriately employed. Specifically, for example, the following processing is performed.

  The standing wave signal is a signal that periodically changes so that the signal level (voltage level) decreases as the distance between the microwave Doppler sensor 12 and the object 10 increases. In the standing wave signal whose signal level periodically changes in this way, an abdomen having a large amplitude and a node having a small amplitude are alternately present every ½ cycle, so that the distance to the object 10 is sufficient. Detection accuracy may not be obtained. Here, the signal level of the standing wave signal corresponds to an amplitude value of a waveform that changes periodically.

  Therefore, the standing wave signal detection unit 34 first generates a signal whose phase is shifted from the standing wave signal obtained by the low-pass filter circuit as described above. Next, full-wave rectification is performed on each signal of the standing wave signal output from the low-pass filter circuit and the signal whose phase is shifted. Then, the signals subjected to full wave rectification are added to obtain a combined signal. The synthesized signal thus obtained is a signal having a signal level corresponding to the distance between the microwave Doppler sensor 12 and the object 10.

  By performing such signal processing, a signal whose level increases as the distance between the spout 4a of the faucet 4 where the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is disposed and the human body as the object 10 is closer is obtained as a composite signal. It is done. Thereby, the detection accuracy can be improved with respect to the distance to the object 10. In this signal processing, as the number of standing wave signals that are added and combined and have different phases from each other increases, the calculated combined signal becomes a smooth curve, and higher detection accuracy can be obtained.

  When performing such signal processing for improving the distance detection accuracy with respect to the object 10, the standing wave signal detection unit 34, for example, a phase shift circuit for shifting the phase of the standing wave signal, A full-wave rectifier circuit for performing full-wave rectification, an adder circuit for adding and synthesizing full-wave rectified signals, and the like.

  The standing wave signal S7 output from the standing wave signal detection unit 34 is input to the human body position detection unit 40 included in the object detection unit 35. Based on the input standing wave signal S7, the human body position detection unit 40 indicates that the target object 10 is within a predetermined range with respect to the spout 4a, or that the target object 10 has a predetermined value with respect to the spout 4a. Detects that it is out of range.

  The electromagnetic valve control unit 36 controls the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 based on the detection signal output from the object detection unit 35. Specifically, the electromagnetic valve control unit 36 discharges the target 10 from the spout 4a based on the Doppler signal S6 input from the Doppler signal detection unit 33 in the human body motion detection unit 39 of the target detection unit 35. When it is detected that the position has been reached to receive water, the electromagnetic valve 11 is opened.

  The sensor control unit 37 controls the operation of the microwave Doppler sensor 12. Control of the operation of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 by the sensor control unit 37 includes control of the sampling period of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as “sampling period”).

  The sampling period is an operation period when the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is intermittently operated at a predetermined period. For example, when the operation of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is periodically performed at intervals of 2 msec, the sampling period is 2 msec. In this case, in the microwave Doppler sensor 12, a reflected wave is received from the object 10 by the receiving unit 23 every 2 msec, and a sensor output S3 is output.

  As the number of samplings increases, data can be detected with higher accuracy, but power consumption increases. Conversely, the smaller the number of samplings, the lower the data detection accuracy, but the lower the power consumption.

  The storage unit 38 stores a control program for the faucet device 1 and various data used for water discharge control in the faucet device 1 as described later. The storage unit 38 is configured by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like connected to the CPU.

  3-5 is a figure which shows an example of the method of detecting the approach condition of the target object 10 performed based on the Doppler signal S6 and standing wave signal S7. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining thresholds A, B, and F1 for detecting the object 10, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining thresholds C and F2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a sampling period.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the object detection unit 35 detects the object 10 using the threshold value A related to the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 when waiting for the object 10 to approach. Then, after detecting the approach of the object 10, at the time of preliminary detection waiting for the start of water discharge, the object 10 is detected using the threshold value B related to the amplitude of the standing wave signal S 7 and the threshold value F 1 related to the frequency of the Doppler signal S 6. In detection, the object 10 is detected using the threshold value C related to the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 and the threshold value F2 related to the frequency of the Doppler signal S6.

  More specifically, the threshold A corresponds to the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 detected when the object 10 approaches from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 to the distance d1, as shown in FIG. As a value. That is, the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 is smaller than the threshold A when the object 10 is located farther from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 than the distance d1, and the object 10 is smaller than the distance d1 from the microwave Doppler sensor 12. When entering near, it becomes larger than the threshold A. By using this threshold A, it is possible to detect that the object 10 has approached within a certain range from the washstand.

  The threshold B is a value corresponding to the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 detected when the object 10 approaches from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 to a distance d2 (d2 <d1), as shown in FIG. It is as. That is, the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 is smaller than the threshold B when the object 10 is far from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 than the distance d2, and the object 10 is closer than the predetermined distance d2 from the microwave Doppler sensor 12. When entering, it becomes larger than the threshold value B. By using this threshold value B, it is possible to detect that the object 10 has entered the water discharge space.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the threshold value F1 is a value corresponding to the frequency of the Doppler signal S6 when the fluctuation amount of the relative distance to the microwave Doppler sensor 12 becomes a certain value or less. That is, the frequency of the Doppler signal S6 is greater than the threshold value F1 when the relative speed of the object 10 to the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is equal to or greater than a certain value, and the relative speed of the object 10 to the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is less than the certain value. Becomes smaller than the threshold value F. By using this threshold value F1, it can be detected that the object 10 is almost stationary in, for example, the water discharge space and is in a state of waiting for water discharge.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the threshold C is a value corresponding to the amplitude of the low-frequency signal S8 (described later) when the object 10 is separated from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 to a distance d3. The distance d3 is, for example, a distance from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 to the edge of the discharge region by the water discharge port 4a.

  However, the sensor output S3 includes the influence of the reflection of microwaves by water, and this needs to be taken into account in order to detect the detachment of the object 10 from the water discharge area. Therefore, in order to remove the signal due to the reflected component of the microwave due to water from the sensor output S3, the threshold value F2 relating to the frequency is used.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (b), generally, the standing wave signal S7 detected during spitting has at least a low-frequency distribution having a peak value at the frequency f1 and a high frequency having a peak value at the frequency f2. Overlaid with the side distribution. The distribution on the low frequency side is derived from the microwave component reflected by hand, and the distribution on the high frequency side is derived from the microwave component reflected by water.

  In order to leave the distribution on the low frequency side while removing the distribution on the high frequency side, low-pass processing is performed to leave the frequency component below the threshold F2. Of course, bandpass processing that leaves a frequency band corresponding to the distribution on the low frequency side may be performed using two threshold values. Thereby, the standing wave derived from the reflection component by water is removed from the standing wave signal S7, and the separation of the object 10 from the water discharge area can be detected using the threshold value C.

  In this way, the standing wave signal S7 from which the influence of the reflection of the microwave by water is eliminated will be referred to as a low frequency signal S8 below. As shown in FIG. 4A, the amplitude of the low frequency signal s8 is larger than the threshold C when the object 10 is closer than the distance d3 from the microwave Doppler sensor 12, and the object 10 has the microwave Doppler sensor 12. When the distance is further than the predetermined distance d3, the threshold value C is reduced. As described above, by using the threshold C and the threshold F2, it is possible to detect that the object 10 has left the water discharge area.

  In the water discharge detection process and the water stop detection process to be described later, the sampling frequency of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is appropriately set based on the approach / separation situation of the person detected using these threshold values A, B, C, F1, and F2. By adjusting, while realizing power saving related to sampling, high-speed responsiveness related to water discharge and water stop is realized.

  As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, three types of sampling periods of the first period T1, the second period T2, and the third period T3 (T1> T2> T3) are set. The water discharge detection process and the water stop detection process are executed by appropriately switching.

  When the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 is smaller than the threshold A (X <A), sampling is performed at the first period T1 shown in FIG. In this way, by reducing the sampling frequency when the object 10 is farther than the distance d1, it is possible to wait for the approach of a person while suppressing the power consumption related to sampling.

  Also, when the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 is within the range from the threshold A to the threshold B (A <X <B), or when the amplitude of the standing wave signal S7 is larger than the threshold A, the Doppler signal When the frequency of S6 is larger than the threshold value F1 (X> A, fd <F), sampling is performed at the second period T2 shown in FIG.

  As described above, the sampling frequency is set to a medium level after the object 10 approaches within the range of the distances d2 to d1 and before the object 10 stops at a position closer to the distance d2 (water discharge space). Thus, it is possible to wait for the object 10 to stand still in the water discharge space while sampling at a frequency sufficient to detect the timing of starting water discharge.

  When the amplitude value X of the standing wave signal S7 is larger than the threshold value B and the frequency of the Doppler signal S6 is smaller than the threshold value F (X> B, fd <F), water discharge is started, and FIG. Sampling is performed at the third period T3 shown in (c).

  In this way, when water discharge is started, sampling in the third period T3 is started, and then the standing wave signal generated from the sensor output S3 from which the influence of the reflection component due to water is eliminated using the threshold value F2. When the amplitude of S7 is larger than the threshold C (X> C), the sampling in the third period T3 is continued, and when the amplitude becomes smaller than the threshold C (X <C), water discharge is stopped, The sampling period is changed from the third period T3 to the second period T2.

  As a result, after the human hand is positioned closer than the distance d2, the timing at which the human hand moves farther than the distance d2 can be detected as quickly as possible. Thus, water discharge can be stopped and water saving efficiency and user convenience can be improved. Moreover, if the target object 10 leaves | separates from the water discharge space, sampling frequency can be decreased and the power consumption concerning sampling can be suppressed.

(2) First offset amount adjustment processing:
In the faucet device 1 configured as described above, the sensor control unit 37 detects the output level of the standing wave included in the sensor output S3 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12, and an offset amount corresponding to the detected output level. Thus, a first offset amount adjustment process for offsetting the output level of the standing wave is performed. Hereinafter, an example of the first offset adjustment processing will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first offset amount adjustment processing. In the present embodiment, the process shown in FIG. When the process is started, the sensor control unit 37 detects the DC level of the standing wave included in the sensor output S3 (S100). In the present embodiment, for example, the DC level of the standing wave can be detected based on the standing wave signal S7.

  Next, a difference from the reference value of the detected DC level is calculated (S105), and execution of an offset that cancels this difference is instructed to the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S110). As a result, the standing wave component of the sensor output S3 output from the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is appropriately offset and adjusted so that the DC level of the sensor output S3 falls within the output possible range.

(3) First embodiment of second offset amount adjustment processing:
The sensor control unit 37 also executes the following second offset adjustment process while executing the above-described first offset amount adjustment process. In the first embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process, when a change in the operation state of the faucet device 1 is detected, control is performed to appropriately offset the output level of the standing wave.

  Thereby, even if the output level of the sensor output S3 changes suddenly with the change of the operation state, the output level is instantaneously offset by an appropriate offset amount. Therefore, the generation of the dead period in the object detection is prevented, the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the object 10 is improved, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, a suitable offset amount is stored in the storage unit 38 for each operation state, and when the control unit 13 detects a change in the operation state of the faucet device 1, it is stored in the storage unit 38. Control is performed to appropriately offset the output of the standing wave according to the output level related to the operating state after the change.

  Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the second offset adjustment process according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the sensor control unit 37 for controlling the operation of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 cycles the first embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process shown in FIG. Is running.

  When the second offset amount adjustment process shown in FIG. 7 is started, the sensor control unit 37 determines whether the operation state has changed based on the sensor output S3 (or the standing wave signal S7 and the Doppler signal S6). (S100).

  When a change in the operating state is detected (S100: Yes), an offset amount corresponding to the changed operating state is acquired from the storage unit 38, the offset amount is changed (S105), and the change in the operating state is detected. If not detected (S100: No), the offset amount is not changed. Specifically, when detecting a change in the operating state, the sensor control unit 37 instructs the microwave Doppler sensor 12 to change the offset amount.

  As a result, when the operating state changes and the output level of the sensor output S3 changes, the offset amount of the output level (DC level) of the sensor output S3 is instantaneously adjusted. Therefore, saturation of the output level of the sensor output S3 hardly occurs, the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the object 10 is improved, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  Here, the operation state according to the present embodiment is various operation states of the faucet device 1, and the physical state in the water discharge space varies when the operation state changes to another operation state. More preferably, there are various operating states that can be shifted under the control of the control unit 13, and the sensor output of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 varies depending on the shifting of the operating state. More preferably, when the operating state shifts, the output level of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 rapidly changes more than a predetermined amount.

  Specific examples of such an operation state include a water discharge state in which the faucet device 1 discharges water and a standby state in which the faucet device 1 waits without discharging water. Hereinafter, as a specific example of the second offset adjustment process, a second offset adjustment process performed when the standby state changes to the water discharge state and a second offset adjustment process performed when the water discharge state changes to the standby state will be described. .

(4) Second embodiment of second offset amount adjustment processing:
In the second embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process, the control unit 13 outputs the water discharge state stored in the storage unit 38 when the object detection unit 35 detects a change from the non-water discharge state to the water discharge state. In accordance with the level, control is performed to offset the output level of the standing wave included in the sensor output S3.

  Thereby, even if the output level of the sensor output S3 changes suddenly with the change from the non-water discharge state to the water discharge state, the output level is offset by an offset amount suitable for the water discharge state, and the sensor output S3 Becomes difficult to saturate. Therefore, the detection efficiency which detects the approach of the target object 10 improves, and the reaction speed of a faucet device can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the water discharge detection process including the second embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process. The water discharge detection process shown in the same figure is executed by the interlocking of the units constituting the control unit 13.

  One of the water discharge detection process shown in the figure and the water stop detection process described later is selectively executed during the normal operation of the faucet device 1, and the water discharge detection process shown in FIG. 8 ends. Then, a water stop detection process shown in FIG. 9 described later is started. Conversely, when the water stop detection process shown in FIG. 9 is finished, the water discharge detection process shown in FIG. 8 is started.

  When the water discharge detection process shown in FIG. 8 is started, first, the sampling period is set to the first period T1 (S200). Specifically, the sensor control unit 37 outputs a control signal instructing the change of the sampling period to the first period T <b> 1 to the microwave Doppler sensor 12. Thereby, the microwave Doppler sensor 12 comes to operate intermittently with the first period T1.

  Next, the object detection unit 35 samples the sensor output S3 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S205), and compares the amplitude of the standing wave included in the sensor output S3 with the threshold A (S210). In the faucet device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the amplitude of the standing wave is actually specified from the standing wave signal S7 extracted from the amplified signal S5 generated based on the sensor output S3, and the standing wave The amplitude is compared with a value corresponding to the threshold value A.

  Here, when the amplitude of the standing wave is smaller than the threshold value A (S210: No), it is determined that the object 10 is not in the surroundings, and the sampling period remains at the first period T1, and the steps S205 to Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the amplitude of the standing wave is larger than the threshold value A (S210: Yes), it is determined that the object 10 is in the vicinity and the response to the operation of the object 10 is improved. To the operating state for

  At this time, the sensor control unit 37 changes the sampling period to the second period T2 in order to shift to the operation state for preliminary detection (S215). Specifically, the sensor control unit 37 outputs a control signal for instructing the change to the second period T2 to the microwave Doppler sensor 12, whereby the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is configured to be in the second period. It will operate intermittently at T2.

  Next, the sensor control unit 37 resets the counter in order to count the time after shifting to the operation state for preliminary detection (S220). Counting by the counter is performed using, for example, a clock signal supplied from the timer 41.

  Next, the object detection unit 35 samples the sensor output S3 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S225), and specifies the frequency of the Doppler signal included in the sensor output S3 by calculation (S230). In the faucet device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the frequency is actually specified based on the Doppler signal S6 extracted from the amplified signal S5 generated based on the sensor output S3.

  The frequency of the Doppler signal is specified by performing a predetermined frequency calculation process on a plurality of sampling results. The object detection unit 35 holds the sampling results for a plurality of times in order to perform this frequency calculation process. Examples of the predetermined frequency calculation process include FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), frequency filter, peak / bottom detection, and the like.

  Next, the object detection unit 35 compares the frequency of the Doppler signal included in the sensor output S3 with the threshold F1 (S235), and compares the amplitude of the standing wave signal included in the sensor output S3 with the threshold B ( S240). Again, in practice, the comparison is performed using the frequency and amplitude specified based on the Doppler signal S6 and the standing wave signal S7.

  If the frequency of the Doppler signal is greater than the threshold value F1 (S235: No), the counter is incremented regardless of the comparison result between the standing wave signal amplitude and the threshold value B (S260). Further, when the frequency of the Doppler signal is smaller than the threshold value F1 (S235: Yes) and the amplitude of the standing wave signal is smaller than the threshold value B (S240: No), the counter is incremented (S260).

  When the counter is incremented (S260), it is determined whether the count value of the counter is a predetermined value or more (S265). When the counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S260: Yes), it is determined that there is no person, and the sampling period is returned to the first period T1 (S200), thereby waiting for the approach of the object 10. Transition to the standby state. On the other hand, when the counter is less than the predetermined value (S265: No), the processing of step S225 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the frequency of the Doppler signal is smaller than the threshold value F1 (S235: Yes) and the amplitude of the standing wave signal is larger than the threshold value B (S240: Yes), the solenoid valve 11 is shifted from the closed state to the open state. (S245). Specifically, the object detection unit 35 inputs a predetermined drive signal to the electromagnetic valve control unit 36. Thereby, discharge of water is started from the spout 4a. That is, the operation state changes from the standby state to the water discharge state.

  At this time, the sensor control unit 37 changes the offset value of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S250). That is, when detecting a change in the operation state from the standby state to the water discharge state, the sensor control unit 37 acquires information indicating the output level of the water discharge state stored in the storage unit 38 and outputs the information to the microwave Doppler sensor 12. The change to the offset amount corresponding to the output level of the water discharge state is instructed.

  Thereby, even if the operation state changes from the standby state to the water discharge state, the offset amount of the output level (DC level) of the sensor output S3 is instantaneously adjusted. Therefore, saturation of the output level of the sensor output S3 is less likely to occur, a dead period is not generated in the object detection, the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the object 10 is improved, and the reaction speed of the faucet device is improved. Can do.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the offset amount is adjusted after opening the solenoid valve 11 (S250), but the timing for adjusting the offset amount is before or after the solenoid valve 11 is closed. Alternatively, the process can be executed at an arbitrary timing as long as the condition is satisfied in step S240.

(5) Third embodiment of second offset amount adjustment processing:
In the third embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process, the control unit 13 discharges water stored in the storage unit 38 when the object detection unit 35 detects that the operation state has changed to the standby state. Control is performed to appropriately offset the output level of the standing wave according to the output level of the state.

  Thereby, even if the output level of the sensor output S3 changes suddenly with the change from the water discharge state to the standby state, the output level is offset by an offset amount suitable for the standby state. It becomes difficult to saturate. Therefore, the detection efficiency which detects the approach of the target object 10 improves, and the reaction speed of a faucet device can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the second offset amount adjustment process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the water stop detection process. In addition, the water stop detection process shown to the same figure is also performed because each part which comprises the control part 13 interlock | cooperates.

  When the water stop detection process shown in FIG. 9 is started, first, the sampling period is set to the third period T3 (S300). Specifically, the sensor control unit 37 outputs a control signal for instructing the change of the sampling period to the third period T3 to the microwave Doppler sensor 12. Thereby, the microwave Doppler sensor 12 comes to operate intermittently with the third period T3.

  Next, the sensor control part 37 sets (resets) the counter for counting the time for specifying the timing of water stop (S305). As will be described later, this counter is used to determine whether the state in which the object 10 is separated from the range of the water discharge area continues for a predetermined time. Note that the counting by the counter is also performed using a clock signal supplied from the timer 41, for example.

  Next, the object detection unit 35 samples the sensor output S3 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S310), and executes a low-pass process that leaves a frequency component equal to or lower than the threshold F2 for the sensor output S3 (S315). Thereby, the low frequency signal S8 which remove | eliminated the standing wave originating in the reflection component by water from standing wave signal S7 is generable.

  Next, the amplitude of the low frequency signal S8 is compared with the threshold value C (S320). Here, when the amplitude of the low frequency signal S8 is larger than the threshold value C (S320: No), it indicates that the hand of the person who is the object 10 is within the range of the water discharge region, so the process returns to step S305. The count value of the counter t2 is once reset to 0 (S305). On the other hand, if the amplitude of the low-frequency signal S8 is smaller than the threshold C (S320: Yes), it indicates that the hand of the person 10 as the object 10 has left the range of the water discharge area, so the counter t2 is incremented. (S325).

  Next, the sensor control unit 37 compares the counter t2 with the threshold value X2 (S330). Here, when the counter t2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value X2 (S330: Yes), it indicates that the state in which the object 10 is separated from the range of the water discharge region continues for a time corresponding to the threshold value X2. Then, the electromagnetic valve 11 is shifted from the open state to the closed state (S335). Specifically, the object detection unit 35 inputs a predetermined drive signal to the electromagnetic valve control unit 36. Thereby, the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped. That is, the operating state changes from the water discharge state to the standby state.

  At this time, the sensor control unit 37 changes the offset value of the microwave Doppler sensor 12 (S340). Specifically, when detecting a change in the operation state from the water discharge state to the standby state, the sensor control unit 37 acquires information indicating the output level of the standby state stored in the storage unit 38, and the microwave Doppler sensor 12 is instructed to change the offset amount according to the output level in the standby state.

  Thereby, when the operation state changes from the water discharge state to the standby state, the offset amount of the output level (DC level) of the sensor output S3 is instantaneously adjusted. Therefore, saturation of the output level of the sensor output S3 hardly occurs, the detection efficiency for detecting the approach of the object 10 is improved, and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the offset amount is adjusted after the electromagnetic valve 11 is driven to close. However, the timing for adjusting the offset amount may be before or after the electromagnetic valve 11 is closed. If the condition is satisfied in step S330, it can be executed at an arbitrary timing.

(6) Output level storage processing:
The output level for each operation state stored in the storage unit 38 described above may be stored in the storage unit 38 by the sensor control unit 37 at a predetermined timing. That is, the sensor control unit 37 automatically changes the operating state at a predetermined timing, and stores the output level of the standing wave signal S5 in the changed operating state as the output level of the operating state. Good. Hereinafter, output level storage processing for storing the output level for each operation state in the storage unit 38 at an appropriate timing will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the output level storing process. The processing shown in the figure is executed by the interlocking of the respective units constituting the control unit 13. When the output level storage process is started, the sensor control unit 37 determines whether or not it is time to use the faucet device 1 by the user (S400). This determination may be made based on whether or not the user is actually detected around the faucet device 1, but based on the learning result of the learning means for learning the use frequency of the faucet device 1. It can also be specified.

  The learning means stores, for example, water discharge frequency data created by summing up the number of water discharges for each time zone in the storage unit 38, and performs predetermined statistical processing on the water discharge frequency data, thereby performing each time zone. The frequency of use can be calculated. The sensor control unit 37 sets the time zone in which the learning means calculates the least frequently used time zone during which water discharge is difficult to be performed, that is, the time zone when the person who is the object 10 is less likely to use the faucet device 1. Can be specified as

  If the sensor control unit 37 determines that it is a timing when the faucet device 1 is used or easily used by the user (S400: Yes), the sensor control unit 37 proceeds to step S400 until the timing when it is not used or difficult to be used by the user. Repeat the judgment process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the timing of the faucet device 1 is not used or difficult to be used by the user (S400: No), the operating state is changed to a predetermined operating state (S405). Then, the output level of the standing wave signal S7 is specified (S410), and the specified output level is stored in the storage unit 38 as the output level in the current operating state (S415).

  As described above, the output level of the standing wave in the predetermined operation state is automatically stored at a timing when the object 10 is not detected or hardly detected in the vicinity of the spout, thereby causing inconvenience and discomfort to the user. Without being able to store the exact output level of the standing wave in a predetermined operating state.

  If the output level is saturated due to the change of the operation state performed in step S405, the output level is equal to the input characteristic of the control unit 13 by executing the first offset adjustment process or the second offset adjustment process described above. Until it falls within the range, the determination of the output level in step S410 is awaited.

  When the output level falls within the range of the DC level that can be input to the control unit 13, a value obtained by adding the total amount of offsets obtained by the first offset adjustment process and the second offset adjustment process to the actual output level. Is stored in the storage unit 38 as the output level in the current operating state (S415).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether output level acquisition and storage have been completed for all operation states stored in the storage unit 38 (S420). When the processing is completed for all the operation states (S420: Yes), the output level storage processing is finished. When there is an incomplete operation (S420: No), the processing is performed for all the predetermined operation states. Step S405 is repeated until the process is completed.

  By executing the output level storing process described above, it is possible to store the exact standing wave output level in each operation state in accordance with the water discharge of the faucet device 1 and the actual condition of the surface of the basin in the storage unit. . Therefore, the reaction rate of the faucet device can be improved.

(7) Summary:
As described above, the faucet device 1 includes the electromagnetic valve 11, the microwave Doppler sensor 12 that detects the object 10 around the spout 4 a, and the sensor output S 3 of the microwave Doppler sensor 12. A control unit 13 for controlling the opening / closing operation of the standing wave signal. The control unit 13 detects the output level of the standing wave signal S7 included in the sensor output S3, and the standing wave signal with an offset amount corresponding to the output level. The output level of S7 is offset, and the control unit 13 further includes a storage unit 38 that stores the output level of the standing wave signal S7 for each operation state, and operates based on the sensor output S3. When a change in state is detected, the output level of the standing wave signal S7 is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of each operation state stored in the storage unit 38. . Thereby, even immediately after an operating state changes, the detection of the target object 10 can be continued and the reaction speed of the faucet device can be improved.

  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 device, 2 ... Basin, 2a ... Ball surface, 3 ... Wash counter, 4 ... Faucet, 4a ... Water outlet, 5 ... Water supply channel, 6 ... Drainage channel, 8 ... Connection cable, 9 ... Signal line DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Object, 11 ... Solenoid valve, 12 ... Microwave Doppler sensor, 13 ... Control part, 21 ... Oscillation circuit part, 22 ... Transmission part, 23 ... Reception part, 24 ... Mixing part, 31 ... Low pass filter part, 32 ... Amplifier unit, 33 ... Doppler signal detection unit, 34 ... Standing wave signal detection unit, 35 ... Object detection unit, 36 ... Solenoid valve control unit, 37 ... Sensor control unit, 38 ... Storage unit, 39 ... Human body motion Detection unit, 40 ... human body position detection unit, 41 ... timer, S3 ... sensor output, T1 ... first cycle, T2 ... second cycle, T3 ... third cycle

Claims (7)

A water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path to the water outlet;
A Doppler sensor for detecting a detection object around the water outlet;
A control unit for controlling the opening and closing operation of the water supply valve based on the sensor output of the Doppler sensor,
The control unit includes first detection means for detecting an output level of a standing wave signal included in a sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and the constant is set with an offset amount corresponding to the output level detected by the first detection means. In the faucet device that offsets the output level of the standing wave signal,
The control unit further includes a storage unit that stores an output level detected by the first detection unit for each operation state, and a second detection unit that detects a change in the operation state based on a sensor output of the Doppler sensor. And when the second detection means detects a change in the operation state, the output level of the standing wave signal is offset by an offset amount corresponding to the output level of each operation state stored in the storage unit. A water faucet device. The storage unit stores an output level of the standing wave signal in a water discharge state,
When the second detection unit detects a change from another operation state to a water discharge state, the control unit is configured to detect the standing wave signal with an offset amount corresponding to the output level of the water discharge state stored in the storage unit. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the output level is offset. The storage unit stores an output level of the standing wave signal in a standby state,
When the second detection unit detects the transition from another operation state to the standby state, the control unit is configured to output the standing wave signal with an offset amount corresponding to the output level of the standby state stored in the storage unit. The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output level of the water is offset.   The control unit automatically changes the operating state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and sets the output level of the standing wave signal in the changed operating state to the standing wave signal in the operating state. The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output level is stored in the storage unit.   The control unit automatically changes the operation state to the water discharge state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and sets the output level of the standing wave signal in the water discharge state to the standing wave in the water discharge state. 5. The faucet device according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores the signal output level.   The control unit automatically changes the operation state to a standby state regardless of the sensor output of the Doppler sensor, and sets the output level of the standing wave signal in the standby state to the standing wave in the standby state. 5. The faucet device according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores the signal output level.   The control unit further includes learning means for learning the water discharge frequency for each time zone, and automatically changes the operation state in a time zone with a low water discharge frequency, and outputs the standing wave signal in this operation state The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a level is stored in the storage unit as an output level of the operation state.

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