JP6347416B2 - Hand dryer - Google Patents

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to a hand dryer.

  There is a hand-drying device that is attached to the wall surface of a toilet room and is used to dry a user's hand after hand-washing. The hand drying device includes a concave hand insertion unit into which a user's hand is inserted, and a hand detection unit that detects the user's hand inserted into the hand insertion unit. The hand drying device detects the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit and blows wind toward the inserted hand. In this way, the hand drying device blows air toward the user's hand and blows away water droplets attached to the hand, thereby drying the user's hand.

  Such hand dryers, for example, do not need to clean up or refill paper towels after use, and are easier to manage than when paper towels are prepared. It is preferably used.

  The hand dryer tends to be longer in standby time than in actual operation. For example, in a hand dryer installed in an office building, the frequency of use is greatly reduced on holidays such as weekends compared to weekdays. For this reason, in the hand dryer, power consumption in the standby state is reduced.

  In the hand dryer, for example, the hand detector is turned on and off periodically. Thereby, compared with the case where the hand detection unit is always on, power consumption during standby can be suppressed.

  Further, in the hand drying device, a hand is detected at a plurality of detection positions in the hand insertion portion. For example, the hand insertion part may be formed in a size having a space so that users of various physiques can insert both hands to dry. In such a case, if the hand detection position by the hand detection unit is only one location, there is a possibility that the hand dryer does not start operation even though the hand is inserted. Therefore, as described above, the hand is detected at a plurality of detection positions, and the inserted hand can be appropriately detected regardless of the position of the hand insertion portion.

  However, if detection is performed at a plurality of detection positions, power consumption during standby is increased. Thus, a hand dryer having a normal mode in which detection is performed at a plurality of detection positions and a power saving mode in which detection at a part of the plurality of detection positions is stopped has also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the method of stopping detection at a part of the plurality of detection positions, as described above, a position where the hand cannot be detected is generated, and the usability of the hand dryer is reduced. For this reason, in a hand dryer, it is desired to suppress power consumption in a standby state and suppress a decrease in usability.

JP 2010-220925 A

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hand-drying device capable of suppressing power consumption in a standby state and suppressing a decrease in usability.

  The first invention is a hand insertion part into which a user's hand can be inserted, a hand inserted at a plurality of detection positions in the hand insertion part, a non-detection state representing non-detection of the hand, A detection state representing the detection of the hand, a hand detection unit that outputs a hand detection signal, a blowout port for blowing air into the hand insertion unit, supplying gas to the blowout port, from the blowout port A gas supply unit that blows out wind and the hand detection unit are periodically switched between an on state and an off state, and the gas supply unit is operated when the hand detection signal is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state. And a control unit that stops the operation of the gas supply unit when the hand detection signal is switched from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the hand detection unit detects the hand in the ON state. Possible state, before The off state is a state in which power supply to at least a part of the hand detection unit is stopped, the hand detection unit loses the hand detection function, and the control unit periodically switches the hand detection unit. When the off-state time at the time of switching is set as the off-time, the normal mode and the first low-consumption mode in which the off-time is longer than the normal mode, and in the first low-consumption mode The hand drying device is characterized in that the hand detection unit is controlled so that the timing of detecting the hand does not overlap at each of the plurality of detection positions.

  According to this hand dryer, the off time in the first low consumption mode is set longer than the off time in the normal mode, so that power consumption in the standby state can be suppressed. Further, in the first low consumption mode, the detection timings of the hands at each of the plurality of detection positions are prevented from overlapping. Thereby, for example, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed as compared with a case where hands are detected simultaneously at each detection position. Furthermore, a hand can be detected appropriately at each detection position while suppressing an increase in power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit determines the frequency of hand detection at at least one of the plurality of detection positions, and the frequency of hand detection at the other detection positions. It is a hand-drying device characterized in that the height is higher.

  According to this hand drying device, the waiting time of the user from when the hand is inserted to when the operation is actually started can be shortened at the detection position where the frequency of hand detection is increased.

  For example, by increasing the frequency of a position where the hand is likely to be inserted in the hand insertion portion, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user while suppressing power consumption. A decrease in usability of the hand dryer can be further suppressed.

  According to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the hand detection unit includes a first detection position on a virtual center line side that is a lateral center of the hand insertion unit, and the first detection position from the virtual center line. At least a second detection position that is farther in the lateral direction, and the control unit sets the frequency of detection of the hand at the first detection position to be higher than the frequency of detection of the hand at the second detection position. It is a hand dryer characterized by being raised.

  According to this hand-drying device, by increasing the frequency of detection near the center of the hand insertion section, which is likely to be inserted by the hand, the power consumption is reduced and the waiting time of the user is shortened. Can do.

  According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the control unit further includes a second low consumption mode, and the off time in the second low consumption mode is the first low consumption mode. It is longer than the off time in the low consumption mode, and the control unit switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode according to a predetermined switching condition. .

  According to this hand dryer, for example, the power consumption during standby can be further suppressed by switching to the second low consumption mode in a time zone with low usage frequency such as a nighttime or holiday of an office building.

  In a fifth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit operates the gas supply unit when the detection state of the hand detection signal is continued for a predetermined time, When the predetermined time for operating the gas supply unit is an on delay time, the on delay time in the first low consumption mode is shorter than the on delay time in the normal mode. Device.

  According to this hand drying device, in the first low consumption mode, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the operation is actually started after the user inserts the hand into the hand insertion portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

  In a sixth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the control unit operates the gas supply unit when the detection state of the hand detection signal is continued for a predetermined time, and operates the gas supply unit. When the predetermined time is an on-delay time, the on-delay time in the second low consumption mode is shorter than the on-delay time in the normal mode.

  According to this hand drying device, in the second low consumption mode, it is possible to shorten the waiting time from when the user inserts his / her hand into the hand insertion portion until the actual operation is started. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

  According to a seventh invention, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the hand detection unit includes a plurality of sensor units that detect a hand inserted into the hand insertion unit, The hand drying apparatus is characterized in that a hand is detected at the plurality of detection positions by a sensor unit.

  According to this hand drying apparatus, the user's hand inserted into the hand insertion portion can be appropriately detected at a plurality of detection positions by the plurality of sensor portions.

  According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the hand detection unit detects a hand inserted into the hand insertion unit in a predetermined detection direction, and the sensor A hand-drying device that detects a hand at the plurality of detection positions by changing the detection direction.

  According to this hand drying device, by changing the detection direction of the sensor unit, it is possible to appropriately detect the user's hand inserted into the hand insertion unit at a plurality of detection positions.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the hand dryer which can suppress the power consumption in a standby state and can suppress the usability fall is provided.

It is a perspective view showing the hand dryer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the hand dryer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a top view showing the hand dryer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the electric constitution of the hand dryer concerning 1st Embodiment. Fig.5 (a)-FIG.5 (f) are timing chart figures showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart figure showing an example of operation of a control part concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart figure showing an example of operation of a control part concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D are timing charts illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the electric constitution of the hand dryer concerning 4th Embodiment. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the control unit according to the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the hand dryer concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the hand dryer concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a front view showing the hand dryer concerning 6th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hand drying device 10 includes a main body 12. The main body 12 has a concave hand insertion portion 14 that allows a user's hand to be inserted. FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section near the center in the lateral direction of the hand dryer 10 (main body 12). In FIG. 2, the flow of wind (gas) is indicated by arrows.

  The hand dryer 10 is used by being attached to a wall surface of a toilet room, for example. The hand drying device 10 detects the hand inserted in the hand insertion unit 14 and blows wind on the hands in the hand insertion unit 14. Thereby, the hand drying apparatus 10 dries a wet hand, for example, by hand washing after using the toilet.

  The manual insertion part 14 opens upwards, for example. The main body 12 has, for example, an open box shape that opens upward. Therefore, the user inserts his hand into the hand insertion portion 14 from the top to the bottom. The opening direction of the manual insertion portion 14 is not limited to the upper side, and may be, for example, the front side or a diagonally upper front side. The opening direction of the hand insertion portion 14 may be any direction in which the user can easily insert a hand.

  Moreover, the opening shape of the hand insertion part 14 is horizontally long. The lateral length of the opening of the manual insertion portion 14 is longer than the length of the opening of the manual insertion portion 14 in the front-rear direction. Thereby, in the hand dryer 10, it can insert in the hand insertion part 14 from upper direction in the state which arranged the right and left hand in the horizontal direction. That is, the user may hang both hands downward and insert the hand into the hand insertion portion 14, and can dry the hand in a natural posture.

  The main body portion 12 includes a front surface portion 12a, a back surface portion 12b, and a pair of side surface portions 12c and 12d. In this example, the main body 12 has a substantially rectangular box shape. The manual insertion portion 14 is, for example, a substantially rectangular recess that is surrounded by the front surface portion 12a, the back surface portion 12b, and the side surface portions 12c and 12d.

  The manual insertion portion 14 includes a front inner surface 14a formed by the front surface portion 12a, a rear inner surface 14b formed by the rear surface portion 12b, and a bottom surface 14c continuous to the lower ends of the inner surface 14a and 14b. Have. Further, both side ends of the inner side surfaces 14a and 14b and the bottom surface 14c are closed by the side surface portions 12c and 12d. The hand insertion unit 14 receives water droplets blown off from the wet hands on each surface.

  The lateral width of the opening of the manual insertion portion 14 is, for example, 30 cm (25 cm or more and 50 cm or less). The width in the front-rear direction of the opening of the manual insertion portion 14 is, for example, 15 cm (8 cm or more and 20 cm or less). Thereby, even if it is a user of what physique, for example, both hands can be inserted in the hand insertion part 14, and a hand can be dried.

  The shapes of the main body portion 12 and the hand insertion portion 14 are not limited to the above, and may be any shape into which a hand can be inserted. For example, the side portions 12c and 12d may be omitted. That is, the hand insertion portion 14 may have a groove shape with the upper side and both sides open. As described above, the shape of the hand insertion portion 14 may be a shape in which a part other than the opening for inserting the hand is opened.

  The main body 12 has a plurality of air outlets 15 and 16 for blowing wind into the manual insertion part 14. The outlet 15 is provided on the inner side surface 14a. The outlet 16 is provided on the inner side surface 14b. Each outlet 15 and 16 is, for example, a substantially circular opening. A plurality of each of the outlets 15 and 16 are provided in the main body 12. The plurality of outlets 15 are provided on the inner side surface 14a so as to be arranged in a substantially straight line in the lateral direction (horizontal direction). The plurality of outlets 16 are arranged on the inner side surface 14b in a substantially straight line in the horizontal direction.

  The blowout ports 15 and 16 are provided, for example, in the vicinity of the upper ends (open ends) of the inner side surfaces 14a and 14b, and blow off the wind obliquely downward. That is, each of the outlets 15 and 16 blows water droplets toward the bottom surface 14c. Thereby, it can suppress that the water droplet blown off covers a user.

  The shape of the outlets 15 and 16 may be any shape. The number of outlets 15 and 16 may be any number. For example, one slit-like outlet that extends in the lateral direction may be provided in the main body 12. The blowout port may have any shape and number that can blow the wind appropriately on the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14.

  The main body 12 has, for example, a pair of vent holes 18 provided in the side surfaces 12c and 12d. Each air vent 18 allows the air blown from each air outlet 15, 16 to escape to the outside of the manual insertion portion 14. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress the wind containing water droplets from being folded back in the hand insertion portion 14 toward the user side. In other words, it is possible to suppress the blown water droplets from moving toward the user side. Each vent hole 18 is provided with a plurality of louvers 18a. Each louver 18a suppresses that a water droplet leaks outside via each vent 18, for example.

  The hand dryer 10 includes a water receiving tray 20, a fan motor unit 22, air ducts 23 and 24, a fin heater 26, a filter 28, an air intake duct 30, a sound absorbing material 32, an illumination unit 34, a hand, And a detection unit 40. The fan motor unit 22, the air ducts 23 and 24, the fin heater 26, the filter 28, the air intake duct 30, the sound absorbing material 32, the illumination unit 34, and the hand detection unit 40 are provided in the main body 12.

  For example, the water receiving tray 20 is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body 12. The main body 12 has a drainage groove (not shown), and sends water droplets received on each surface of the manual insertion portion 14 to the water receiving tray 20 via the drainage groove. Thereby, the water receiving tray 20 collects the water droplets blown off in the manual insertion portion 14.

  The fan motor unit 22 is a gas supply unit that supplies gas to each of the air outlets 15 and 16 and blows air from the air outlets 15 and 16. The fan motor unit 22 has a rotation drive shaft 22a. The rotational drive shaft 22a of the fan motor unit 22 is disposed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the front surface portion 12a and the back surface portion 12b of the main body portion 12.

  A suction port 22 b is provided at the upstream end of the casing of the fan motor unit 22. A blowout port 22 c is provided at the downstream end of the fan motor unit 22. The outlet 22c is formed to open upward. The supply of gas to each of the outlets 15 and 16 is not limited to the fan motor unit 22, and any fan or pump capable of supplying gas may be used.

  The air duct 23 is provided on the front side of the main body 12, and sends the gas supplied from the fan motor unit 22 to each outlet 15 on the front side. The blower duct 24 is provided on the back side of the main body 12 and sends the gas supplied from the fan motor unit 22 to each outlet 16 on the back side. That is, the air duct 23 connects between the air outlet 22c and each air outlet 15, and the air duct 24 connects between the air outlet 22c and each air outlet 16. As a result, the gas supplied from the fan motor unit 22 is sent to the outlets 15 and 16 and blown out from the outlets 15 and 16.

  For example, when the hand dryer 10 is used, each of the air ducts 23 and 24 has a flow path cut-off so that the air volume supplied to the front side (palm side) is larger than the air volume supplied to the back side (back side). The area is set. The channel cross-sectional area is a cross-sectional area of an opening portion through which gas passes in the air ducts 23 and 24. For example, the minimum channel cross-sectional area of the air duct 23 is larger than the minimum channel cross-sectional area of the air duct 24. Thereby, the flow volume of the gas which flows into the ventilation duct 23 side becomes larger than the flow volume of the gas which flows into the ventilation duct 24 side, and the air volume on the front side becomes larger than the air volume on the back side.

  The fin heater 26 is provided at the outlet 22 c of the fan motor unit 22. The fin heater 26 is a heating unit that warms the gas (air) blown from the blowout port 22c. In the hand dryer 10, the warm air warmed by the fin heater 26 can be blown out from the blowout ports 15 and 16. Thereby, the drying performance of a user's hand can be improved, for example. For example, the user's hand can be dried in a shorter period of time than when unheated air is blown out. The fin heater 26 is provided as necessary and can be omitted. The hand drying apparatus 10 may blow out unheated air supplied from the fan motor unit 22 from the blowout ports 15 and 16. The heating unit that warms the gas supplied from the fan motor unit 22 is not limited to the fin heater 26 and may be any heater that can heat the gas.

  As described above, the water receiving tray 20 is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body 12. In addition, an air inlet 12e for taking in gas from the outside is provided at the bottom of the main body 12. The air inlet 12 e is provided on the back side of the water receiving tray 20 at the bottom of the main body 12. The filter 28 is provided in the intake port 12e. The filter 28 suppresses entry of dust and the like into the main body 12.

  The intake duct 30 is connected to the intake port 12e. The upstream end 30a of the intake duct 30 is disposed on the filter 28 of the intake port 12e. The intake duct 30 communicates the upstream end 30a with the intake port 12e, and extends substantially straight upward from the upstream end 30a along the back surface portion 12b of the main body portion 12.

  The sound absorbing material 32 is provided adjacent to the suction port 22 b of the fan motor unit 22 in the upper part of the intake duct 30. The sound absorbing material 32 absorbs sound leaked from the suction port 22 b during operation of the fan motor unit 22.

  By operating the fan motor unit 22, the hand dryer 10 takes in air outside the main body 12 from the air inlet 12 e and sucks it into the air intake duct 30 through the filter 28. The sucked air is supplied from the fan motor unit 22 to the outlets 15 and 16 via the air ducts 23 and 24. Thereby, a wind blows off from each blower outlet 15,16.

  The illumination unit 34 illuminates the inside of the manual insertion unit 14. For example, when the hand is inserted into the hand insertion unit 14, the illumination unit 34 emits light toward the hand insertion unit 14 to illuminate the inside of the hand insertion unit 14. Moreover, the illumination part 34 can also function as a display part which displays the operation state of the hand-drying apparatus 10, for example by blinking with a predetermined pattern. Thus, the illumination unit 34 is also provided with a function as a display unit. Thereby, for example, while the number of parts of the hand dryer 10 can be reduced, it is possible to suppress a decrease in design of the hand dryer 10 accompanying the addition of the display unit.

  In this example, the two illumination parts 34 are provided in the back surface part 12b of the main-body part 12 (refer FIG. 1). The two illumination parts 34 are arranged in the back surface part 12b along with the horizontal direction. The number and arrangement of the illumination units 34 are not limited to this, and any number and arrangement that can appropriately illuminate the inside of the hand insertion unit 14 may be used.

  The hand detection unit 40 detects the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14. The hand detection unit 40 includes, for example, a light emitting unit 41 and a light receiving unit 42. The light emitting part 41 is provided on the front face part 12a. The light receiving part 42 is provided on the back surface part 12b. For example, the light emitting unit 41 is disposed below each outlet 15, and the light receiving unit 42 is disposed below each outlet 16. The light emitting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42 are arranged at positions facing each other with the hand insertion unit 14 interposed therebetween. The arrangement of the light emitting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42 is not limited to this, and may be any arrangement that can detect a hand. For example, contrary to the above, the light receiving part 42 may be provided on the front surface part 12a and the light emitting part 41 may be provided on the back surface part 12b.

  For example, the light emitting unit 41 irradiates infrared light as detection light toward the light receiving unit 42. The light receiving unit 42 receives the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 and outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of received light (brightness) of the infrared light. For the light emitting unit 41, for example, a light emitting diode or a laser diode is used. For the light receiving unit 42, for example, a photodiode is used. The detection light emitted by the light emitting unit 41 is not limited to infrared light, and may be visible light or the like.

  The hand detection unit 40 detects the user's hand based on the light reception level (output voltage) of the light receiving unit 42. In the hand detection unit 40, for example, when the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 42 is equal to or higher than a threshold value, it can be detected that no hand is inserted. And when the light irradiated from the light emission part 41 is interrupted by the hand inserted in the hand insertion part 14, and the light reception level of the light-receiving part 42 becomes less than a threshold value, it can detect that the hand was inserted.

  In this example, the hand detection unit 40 is a so-called transmissive optical sensor (photo interrupter). The hand detection unit 40 is not limited to this, and may be any sensor that can detect the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14. The hand detection unit 40 may be, for example, a reflective optical sensor, a distance measuring sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a microwave sensor.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the hand drying device according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in this example, the hand detection unit 40 includes three light emitting units 41 (sensor units) including a first light emitting unit 41 a to a third light emitting unit 41 c. Each light emission part 41a-41c is located in a line with a horizontal direction. The 1st light emission part 41a is arrange | positioned in the center vicinity of the horizontal direction of the front surface part 12a. The 2nd light emission part 41b is arrange | positioned in the horizontal end vicinity of the front-surface part 12a. The 3rd light emission part 41c is arrange | positioned near the other end of the horizontal direction of the front-surface part 12a. The second light emitting unit 41b is disposed near the left end of the front surface portion 12a when viewed from the user side, and the third light emitting unit 41c is disposed near the right end of the front surface portion 12a.

  Each light emitting part 41 a to 41 c faces the light receiving part 42. Each of the light emitting units 41 a to 41 c causes detection light to enter the light receiving unit 42. The light receiving unit 42 receives the detection light of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c. The hand detection unit 40 detects that a hand has been inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 when the detection light of any of the three light emitting units 41a to 41c is blocked.

  As described above, the hand detection unit 40 is provided with the three light emitting units 41a to 41c. Thereby, insertion of the hand into the hand insertion part 14 which has a horizontally long opening shape can be detected more appropriately. In this example, the second light emitting unit 41b disposed near the left end of the front surface portion 12a and the third light emitting unit 41c disposed near the right end of the front surface portion 12a are arranged in the vicinity of the center of the back surface portion 12b. The detection light is irradiated obliquely toward the. Thereby, in the hand detection part 40, a hand can be detected over substantially the whole hand insertion part 14. FIG. Even if the hand is inserted into any position of the hand insertion portion 14, the user's hand can be detected appropriately. Moreover, in the hand detection part 40, the one light-receiving part 42 is used in common with respect to each of the three light emission parts 41a-41c. Thereby, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed while improving the detection performance of the inserted hand.

  The hand detection unit 40 performs hand detection at a plurality of detection positions by the plurality of light emitting units 41. In this example, the hand is detected at three detection positions by the three light emitting units 41 of the light emitting units 41a to 41c. In this example, the detection position is a position on the path between the light emitting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42. In other words, the hand detection unit 40 performs hand detection in a plurality of detection areas in the hand insertion unit 14. The detection area is, for example, linear. In this example, the light emitting unit 41 is shown as the sensor unit. The sensor unit is not limited to this, and may be any sensor that can detect a hand. The number of sensor units and detection positions is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. The number of sensor units and detection positions may be arbitrary.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the hand dryer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the hand dryer 10 further includes a control unit 44, a power supply circuit 46, and a zero cross detection unit 48.

  The power supply circuit 46 has a pair of input terminals 46a and 46b, and is connected to the AC power supply 2 via the input terminals 46a and 46b. The AC power source 2 is, for example, a commercial power source. The AC power supply 2 supplies AC power to the hand dryer 10.

  The power supply circuit 46 includes a charge storage element 50, a rectification unit 52, and a power conversion unit 54. The charge storage element 50 is connected between the input terminals 46a and 46b. The charge storage element 50 functions as a noise cut filter, for example, and suppresses noise included in AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2.

  The rectifying unit 52 rectifies AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2. The rectifier 52 converts, for example, AC power from the AC power source 2 into pulsating power. The power conversion unit 54 converts the power rectified by the rectification unit 52 into DC power corresponding to the control unit 44 and the like, and supplies the converted DC power to the control unit 44 and the like. The rectification unit 52 and the power conversion unit 54 convert AC power of AC 100V (effective value) into DC power of about 5V to 15V, for example. The control unit 44 is driven by power supply from the power supply circuit 46.

  An EEPROM 60, a heater on / off switch 61, an air volume changeover switch 62, and a power switch 63 are connected to the control unit 44. Each switch 61-63 has an operation part which a user can operate, for example, and is provided in main part 12 in the state where the operation part was exposed to the exterior of main part 12.

  The EEPROM 60 stores various programs and data necessary for controlling the hand dryer 10. For example, the control unit 44 reads out various programs from the EEPROM 60 and performs sequential processing to control each unit of the hand dryer 10 in an integrated manner.

  The heater on / off switch 61 inputs a signal indicating whether or not the fin heater 26 is used to the control unit 44. When a signal indicating the use of the fin heater 26 is input from the heater on / off switch 61, the control unit 44 drives the fin heater 26 when driving the fan motor unit 22, and the blowout ports 15 and 16. Blow hot air from. On the other hand, when a signal indicating that the fin heater 26 is not used is input from the heater on / off switch 61, the controller 44 does not drive the fin heater 26 when driving the fan motor unit 22. Unheated air is blown out from the air outlets 15 and 16.

  The air volume changeover switch 62 inputs a signal indicating the setting of the air volume of the air blown from each of the air outlets 15 and 16 to the control unit 44. For example, the control unit 44 changes the driving conditions of the fan motor unit 22 in accordance with the setting of the air volume changeover switch 62, thereby changing the air volume of the air blown from each of the air outlets 15 and 16 stepwise or continuously. .

  The power switch 63 switches the power to the hand dryer 10 on and off. For example, when the power switch 63 is switched on, the power supply circuit 46 supplies power to the control unit 44 through the operation, and the control unit 44 starts the operation. That is, the hand dryer 10 is ready for use. The power switch 63 may be provided between the input terminals 46a and 46b and the charge integration terminal 50 to directly turn on / off the power from the AC power supply 2.

  The zero cross detector 48 is connected between the input terminals 46 a and 46 b via the changeover switch 70. In other words, the zero cross detector 48 is connected to the power supply circuit 46 in parallel. Accordingly, the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2 is input to the zero cross detection unit 48 by turning on the changeover switch 70.

  The zero cross detection unit 48 detects the zero cross of the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2 and inputs a zero cross detection signal to the control unit 44. For example, the zero cross detection unit 48 compares the absolute value of the input AC voltage with a predetermined threshold, and detects the zero cross when the absolute value of the AC voltage is equal to or less than the threshold.

  The fan motor unit 22 is connected between the input terminals 46 a and 46 b via the changeover switch 71. Thereby, by setting the changeover switch 71 to the ON state, the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 2 is input to the fan motor unit 22 and the fan motor unit 22 is driven. That is, when the changeover switch 71 is turned on, the wind blows out from the outlets 15 and 16.

  The fin heater 26 is connected between the input terminals 46 a and 46 b via the changeover switch 72. Thereby, by setting the changeover switch 72 to the ON state, the AC power supplied from the AC power source 2 is input to the fin heater 26 and the fin heater 26 is driven.

  The illumination unit 34 is connected to the output of the power conversion unit 54 via the changeover switch 73. Thereby, by setting the changeover switch 73 to the ON state, the DC power output from the power conversion unit 54 is supplied to the illumination unit 34, and the illumination unit 34 is turned on.

  The hand detection unit 40 is connected to the output of the power conversion unit 54 via the changeover switch 74. Thereby, by setting the changeover switch 74 to the ON state, the DC power output from the power conversion unit 54 is supplied to the hand detection unit 40 and the hand detection unit 40 is driven. That is, when the changeover switch 74 is turned on, the hand detection unit 40 can detect the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14. The hand detection unit 40 is connected to the control unit 44 and inputs a detection result (hand detection signal) of the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 to the control unit 44.

  For example, when the changeover switch 74 is turned on, DC power is supplied to each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, and detection light is emitted from each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c. The changeover switch 74 has, for example, a switch that can be switched on / off for each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, and individually switches the supply of power to the light emitting units 41a to 41c. Further, when a reverse bias voltage is applied to the photodiode of the light receiving unit 42, the reverse bias voltage is applied to the light receiving unit 42 by turning on the changeover switch 74. Thereby, a voltage corresponding to the amount of detection light received is output from the light receiving unit 42 to the control unit 44 as a hand detection signal.

  The changeover switches 70 to 74 are connected to the control unit 44. The changeover switches 70 to 74 are turned on / off by the control unit 44. The control unit 44 individually controls lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting units 41 a to 41 c by switching on and off of the switches of the changeover switch 74.

Fig.5 (a)-FIG.5 (f) are timing chart figures showing an example of operation | movement of the control part concerning 1st Embodiment.
FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F show an example of a control mode of the hand detection unit 40 by the control unit 44.
5A, 5C, and 5E show the on state and the off state of the hand detection unit 40. FIG. On the other hand, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5D, and FIG. 5F represent the on state and the off state of the hand detection signal output from the hand detection unit 40 to the control unit 44.

  Here, the on state of the hand detection unit 40 is a state in which the hand detection unit 40 can detect the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14. In this example, the changeover switch 74 is turned on and DC power is supplied to the hand detection unit 40. More specifically, it is a state in which power is supplied to any one of the light emitting units 41a to 41c to light them. The OFF state of the hand detection unit 40 is a state in which the hand detection unit 40 has lost the function of detecting the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14. In this example, the changeover switch 74 is turned off and the supply of DC power to the hand detection unit 40 is stopped.

  The off state of the hand detection unit 40 may be, for example, a state in which only power supply to the light emitting unit 41 is stopped and the light receiving unit 42 is operating normally. On the contrary, only the power supply to the light receiving unit 42 may be stopped, and the light emitting unit 41 may be in a normally operating state (a state in which detection light is irradiated). Thus, the off state of the hand detection unit 40 may be a state where power supply to at least a part of the hand detection unit 40 is stopped and the hand detection function is lost.

  The on state of the hand detection signal is a state in which the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 is detected. The OFF state of the hand detection signal is a state in which the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 is not detected. That is, the on state of the hand detection signal is a hand detection state, and the off state of the hand detection signal is a non-detection state of the hand.

  In this example, when the light receiving unit 42 receives the detection light of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, the hand detection signal is turned off, and any of the detection light of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is blocked. The hand detection signal is turned on. Further, when the hand detection unit 40 is in the off state, the hand detection signal is in the off state. In this way, the hand detection unit 40 detects the hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 14, and is in an off state (non-detection state) indicating hand non-detection and an on state (detection state) indicating hand detection. The hand detection signal having the above is output to the control unit 44.

  FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show an example of a normal mode operation performed by the control unit 44 at a normal time. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the control unit 44 periodically repeats the on state and the off state of the hand detection unit 40 when the hand detection signal is in the off state. Thereby, compared with the case where the hand detection part 40 is always on, the power consumption in the hand detection part 40 can be suppressed.

  When the hand detection signal is switched from the off state to the on state, the control unit 44 starts measuring a predetermined time. The control unit 44 determines that a hand has been inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 when the ON state of the hand detection signal continues for a predetermined time. In other words, the hand detection is confirmed. When the hand detection signal is turned on, the control unit 44 continues the on state of the hand detection unit 40 until the hand detection signal is turned off.

  After the ON state of the hand detection signal is continued for a predetermined time, the control unit 44 drives the fan motor unit 22 by turning the changeover switch 71 on, and blows out the air from each of the outlets 15 and 16, and the changeover switch 73. The inside of the hand insertion unit 14 is illuminated by turning on the illumination unit 34 in the on state. Further, when the fin heater 26 is set to ON by the heater ON / OFF switch 61, the control unit 44 sets the changeover switch 72 to the ON state after the hand detection signal has been turned ON for a predetermined period of time. The heater 26 is driven, and hot air is blown out from the blowout ports 15 and 16. That is, the control unit 44 delays the driving of the fan motor unit 22 by a predetermined time from the timing when the hand detection signal is switched to the on state.

  When the hand detection signal is switched from the on state to the off state, the control unit 44 stops the operations of the fan motor unit 22, the fin heater 26, and the illumination unit 34. Thereafter, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of periodically switching the hand detection unit 40 between the on state and the off state.

  On the other hand, when the hand detection signal returns from the on state to the off state before the lapse of the predetermined time, the control unit 44 switches the hand detection unit 40 between the on state and the off state without driving the fan motor unit 22 or the like. Return to the operation of periodically switching to. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to invasion of insects and the like. For example, unnecessary operations of the hand dryer 10 can be suppressed.

Here, when the on / off of the hand detection unit 40 is repeated in the normal mode, the on-state time is _{defined as a} first on-time T _ON1 , and the off-state time is _defined as a first off-time T _OFF1 . In the normal mode, a predetermined time measured when the hand detection signal is switched from the off state to the on state is defined as a first on delay time T _delay1 .

The first on time T _ON1 is, for example, 20 ms (milliseconds). The first off time T _OFF1 is, for example, 200 ms. The first on-delay time T _delay1 is, for example, 500 ms. Thus, the first off time T _OFF1 is longer than the first on time T _ON1 . The first on delay time T _delay1 is longer than the first on time T _ON1 . The first on-delay time T _delay1 is longer than the first off-time T _OFF1 .

For example, when the user inserts a hand into the hand insertion unit 14 in a state where the hand detection unit 40 is in the on state, the waiting time of the user until the wind blows from each of the outlets 15 and 16 is the first on-delay. Only time _Tdelay1 .

On the other hand, when the user inserts a hand into the hand insertion unit 14 in a state where the hand detection unit 40 is in the off state, the waiting time of the user is the remaining time of the first off time T _OFF1 and the first on delay time T. _This is the sum of _delay1 . Therefore, the maximum waiting time T _dmax1 of the user in the normal mode is T _OFF1 + T _delay1 when the hand is inserted at the timing when the hand detection unit 40 is switched to the OFF state, as shown in FIG. 5B. It becomes the value of. The maximum waiting time T _dmax1 is, for example, 700 ms.

  FIGS. 5C and 5D show an example of the operation of the control unit 44 in the first low consumption mode. The first low power consumption mode is an operation mode in which the power consumption required for the operation of the hand detection unit 40 is lower than that in the normal mode.

  For example, the control unit 44 switches from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous use of the hand dryer 10. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed, for example, at night when the frequency of use of the hand dryer 10 is low. As described above, the control unit 44 has two operation modes for the operation of the hand detection unit 40, that is, the normal mode and the first low consumption mode. For example, an operation unit such as a changeover switch may be provided so that the normal mode and the first low consumption mode can be selectively switched.

As shown in FIG. 5 (c) and FIG. 5 (d), the control unit 44, in the first low-consumption mode, the second on-time _{T ON2,} the second off-time _{T OFF2,} second on-delay time T _delay2 is set. In this example, the second on-time _{T ON2} is the same as the first on-time _{T ON1.} On the other hand, the second off time T _OFF2 is longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . Thus, in the first low consumption mode, the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . That is, in the first low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time is set higher than that in the normal mode. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppress power consumption when the hand detection signal is turned off and the hand detection unit 40 is periodically turned on and off.

The second on-delay time T _delay2 is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . In this way, in the first low consumption mode, the second on-delay time T _delay2 is set shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, even when the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1, it is possible to suppress the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 from becoming too long.

The second on time T _ON2 is, for example, 20 ms. The second off time T _OFF2 is, for example, 400 ms. The second on-delay time T _delay2 is, for example, 400 ms. In this case, the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 in the first low consumption mode is 800 _ms of T _OFF2 + T _delay2 .

5E and 5F show a reference example of the operation of the control unit 44. FIG. In the operation of the reference example, only the off time is changed to the second off time T _OFF2 from the operation in the normal mode. That is, the operation of the reference example is an operation in which only the off time is increased without changing the on delay time. In this case, the maximum waiting time T _dmax is T _OFF2 + T _delay1 . T _dmax is, for example, 900 ms.

  As described above, in the operation with only the off time being increased, the power consumption in the standby state when not in use can be suppressed, but the operation is actually started after the user inserts the hand into the hand insertion portion. There is a possibility that the time will be longer. For example, the user may be suspected of malfunctioning. As described above, in the operation in which only the off time is extended, there is a possibility that the user may feel uncomfortable and the usability of the hand dryer is reduced.

On the other hand, in the hand drying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the first low consumption mode, the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1 and the second on delay time T _delay2 is set. It is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, in the hand dryer 10, compared with the case where only OFF time is lengthened, the largest waiting time _Tdmax2 can be shortened. Therefore, in the hand dryer 10, power consumption in the standby state can be suppressed, and a decrease in usability can be suppressed.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the operation of the control unit 44 in the first low consumption mode.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the hand detection signal is in an off state and the control unit 44 periodically repeats the on state and the off state of the hand detection unit 40, each of the light emitting units 41 a to 41 c is turned on. The ON timing of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is controlled so that the periods are not overlapped. That is, in the first low consumption mode, the control unit 44 controls the hand detection unit 40 so that the hand detection timing does not overlap at each of the plurality of detection positions. The control unit 44 controls the hand detection unit 40 so that the hand detection periods do not overlap each other at the plurality of detection positions. In addition, it is preferable that the interval until one of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is turned on and then the other light emitting unit is turned on, that is, the time interval of the off state is the same.

  Thereby, even when a plurality of light emitting units 41a to 41c are provided in the hand detection unit 40, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed. For example, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed as compared with a case where each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is simultaneously turned on. Further, by sequentially turning on each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, the inserted hand can be appropriately detected regardless of the position of the hand inserting unit 14 inserted by the user. That is, a decrease in usability of the hand dryer 10 can be suppressed.

  In addition, by making the ON state periods of the light emitting units 41a to 41c not overlap, for example, it is possible to suppress instantaneously required power. For example, the load on the power supply circuit 46 can be reduced. For example, the failure of the power supply circuit 46 can be suppressed, and the reliability of the hand dryer 10 can be improved.

  For example, the control unit 44 sequentially turns on the left second light emitting unit 41b, the center first light emitting unit 41a, and the right third light emitting unit 41c in this order, returns to the second light emitting unit 41b, and repeats this. In this case, the frequency with which each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is turned on is substantially the same.

The control unit 44 is substantially the same each ON time of each light emitting portion 41a~41c second on-time _{T ON2.} And the control part 44 makes each OFF time of each light emission part 41a- _41c substantially the same by 2nd OFF time _TOFF2 . The on-time and off-time of each light emitting unit 41a-41c may be different. However, when the on-time and off-time of each light-emitting part 41a-41c are made different, the total time of the on-time and off-time of one light-emitting part is an integral multiple of the total time of another light-emitting part. It is preferable to do so. Thereby, it can suppress that each light emission part 41a-41c will be in an ON state simultaneously. In addition, when each light emission part 41a-41c will be in an ON state simultaneously, it is good also as control which prohibits any one ON.

  Although the first low consumption mode has been described as an example in FIG. 6, the control unit 44 also sets the hand detection signal in the normal state to the on state of the hand detection unit 40 when the hand detection signal is off, as in the first low consumption mode. When the OFF state is periodically repeated, the ON timing of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is controlled so that the ON state periods of the respective light emitting units 41a to 41c do not overlap. However, in the normal mode, for example, the turn-on timings of the light emitting units 41a to 41c may be controlled so that at least a part of the respective on-state periods of the light emitting units 41a to 41c overlap. In the normal mode, each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c may be turned on substantially simultaneously.

7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the control unit 44 of the hand drying apparatus 10 starts operating in the normal mode, first, the first light emitting unit 41a of the hand detecting unit 40 is turned off (step S101). That is, the power supply to the first light emitting unit 41a is stopped, and the first light emitting unit 41a is turned off. In other words, the off state of the first light emitting unit 41a is the unlit state of the first light emitting unit 41a.

After the first light emitting unit 41a is turned off, the control unit 44 measures time using an internal timer, a clock, or the like, and the first off time T _OFF1 elapses from the timing when the first light emitting unit 41a is turned off. It is determined whether or not (step S102).

When it is determined that the first off time T _OFF1 has not elapsed, the control unit 44 continues the off state of the first light emitting unit 41a. On the other hand, when it determines with 1st off time _TOFF1 having passed, the control part 44 switches the 1st light emission part 41a from an OFF state to an ON state (step S103). That is, power is supplied to the first light emitting unit 41a, and the first light emitting unit 41a is turned on. In other words, the ON state of the first light emitting unit 41a is a lighting state of the first light emitting unit 41a.

  The control unit 44 determines whether or not the hand detection signal is on after the first light emitting unit 41a is turned on (step S104).

When it is determined that the hand detection signal is in the on state, the control unit 44 subsequently determines whether or not the on state of the hand detection signal is continued for the first on-delay time T _delay1 (steps S105 and S106). . Moreover, the control part 44 continues the ON state of the 1st light emission part 41a, when it determines with a hand detection signal being an ON state.

When the hand detection signal is switched from the on state to the off state before the first on-delay time T _delay1 elapses, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S101 and turns off the first light emitting unit 41a. Thus, when it determines with a hand detection signal being an ON state, the ON state of the 1st light emission part 41a is continued until a hand detection signal becomes an OFF state.

On the other hand, when the ON state of the hand detection signal is continued for the first on-delay time T _delay1 , the control unit 44 starts driving the fan motor unit 22 (step S107). Subsequently, the control unit 44 starts driving the fin heater 26 (step S108). Thereby, the control part 44 blows out warm air from each blowing outlet 15 and 16, and dries a user's hand. In addition, when the ON state of the hand detection signal is continued for the first ON delay time T _delay1 , the control unit 44 lights the illumination unit 34 and illuminates the hand insertion unit 14.

  After driving the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the hand detection signal is switched to the off state, and the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater are switched until the hand detection signal is switched to the off state. 26 is continued (step S109). That is, the control unit 44 continues the driving state of the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 until the user pulls out the hand from the hand insertion unit 14.

  When determining that the hand detection signal has been switched from the on state to the off state, the control unit 44 stops the operation of the fin heater 26 and stops the operation of the fan motor unit 22 (steps S110 and S111). That is, the blowing of wind from each of the outlets 15 and 16 is stopped. After stopping the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S101 and turns off the first light emitting unit 41a.

  When it is determined in step S104 that the hand detection signal is not in the on state, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use of the hand dryer 10 (step S112). Although not shown, step S112 may be provided between step S101 and step S102.

When it is determined that the mode switching time has not elapsed, the control unit 44 subsequently determines whether or not the first on-time _TON1 has elapsed (step S113). When it is determined that the first on-time _TON1 has not elapsed, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first on-time _TON1 has elapsed, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S101 and turns off the first light emitting unit 41a.

  When determining that the mode switching time has elapsed in step S112, the control unit 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode (step S114).

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the operation of the first low consumption mode is started, the control unit 44 first turns off the first light emitting unit 41a of the hand detection unit 40 (step S201).

After the first light emitting unit 41a is turned off, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the second off time T _OFF2 has elapsed from the timing when the first light emitting unit 41a is turned off (step S202).

When it is determined that the second off time T _OFF2 has not elapsed, the control unit 44 continues the off state of the first light emitting unit 41a. On the other hand, when determining that the second off time T _OFF2 has elapsed, the control unit 44 _switches the first light emitting unit 41a from the off state to the on state (step S203). At this time, the second off time T _OFF2 is longer than the first off time T _OFF1 . Thereby, in the first low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time can be made higher than in the normal mode, and the power consumption in the standby state can be suppressed as compared with the normal mode.

After turning on the hand detection unit 40, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the hand detection signal is on (step S204). When it is determined that the hand detection signal is not in the on state, the control unit 44 subsequently determines whether or not the second on time _TON2 has elapsed (step S205).

When it is determined that the second on-time _TON2 has not elapsed, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S204. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second on-time _TON2 has elapsed, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S201 and turns off the first light emitting unit 41a.

If it is determined in step S204 that the hand detection signal is in the on state, the control unit 44 subsequently determines whether or not the on state of the hand detection signal is continued for the second on-delay time T _delay2 (step S206). , S207).

When the hand detection signal is switched from the on state to the off state before the second on-delay time T _delay2 elapses, the control unit 44 returns to the operation of step S201 and turns off the first light emitting unit 41a.

On the other hand, when the ON state of the hand detection signal continues for the second ON delay time T _delay2 , the control unit 44 starts driving the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 as described above, and the hand detection signal is turned OFF. The driving state of the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 is continued until the state is switched (steps S208 to S212). At this time, the second on-delay time T _delay2 is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Thereby, even when the second off time T _OFF2 is set longer than the first off time T _OFF1, it is possible to suppress the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 from becoming too long.

  Thereafter, the control unit 44 returns the operation mode from the first low consumption mode to the normal mode, and resumes the operation of Step S101 in the normal mode (Step S213).

  7 and 8, only the operation related to the first light emitting unit 41a is described for the sake of simplicity. The control unit 44 performs the same processing as that of the first light emitting unit 41a on the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c. When the hand detection signal is switched from the off state to the on state in any of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, the control unit 44 continues the on state of the light emitting unit and determines whether or not the on delay time has elapsed. I do. During this time, the other light emitting units are kept off.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the hand detection signal is in the off state and the control unit 44 periodically repeats the on state and the off state of the hand detection unit 40, each of the light emitting units 41 a to 41 c. The on timing of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c is controlled so that the periods of the on state do not overlap. The timing for detecting the hand is prevented from overlapping at each of the plurality of detection positions.

  Thereby, even when a plurality of light emitting units 41a to 41c are provided in the hand detection unit 40, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed. Further, by sequentially turning on each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c, the inserted hand can be appropriately detected regardless of the position of the hand inserting unit 14 inserted by the user.

  Thus, in the hand dryer 10 according to the present embodiment, even when the plurality of light emitting units 41a to 41c are provided, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability. The hand dryer 10 can achieve both low power consumption and good usability.

  7 and 8 show an example of switching from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode when the mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use of the hand dryer 10. Switching from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode is not limited to the elapse of the mode switching time.

  For example, as described above, each mode may be selectively switched using an operation unit or the like. In the above embodiment, the normal mode is restored after the end of the first low consumption mode. For example, when each mode is selectively switched using the operation unit, the process may return to step S201 after step S212 in FIG. 8 and the operation in the first low consumption mode may be repeated.

In this example, the second on-time _{T ON2} is the first on-time _{T ON1} substantially the same, the second on-time _{T ON2} may be different from the first on-time _{T ON1.} For example, in the first low-consumption mode, the second on-time _{T ON2} may be shorter than the first on-time _{T ON1.} Thereby, for example, power consumption in the standby state can be further suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation in the first low consumption mode of the hand dryer 10 according to the second embodiment.
Note that substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, the control unit 44 sets the frequency at which the central first light emitting unit 41a is turned on, the frequency at which the left second light emitting unit 41b is turned on, and the right side The frequency is set higher than the frequency at which the third light emitting unit 41c is turned on. That is, in this example, the control unit 44 determines the frequency of hand detection at the center detection position among the three detection positions arranged in the lateral direction of the hand insertion unit 14 from the frequency of detection of the hands at the detection positions on both sides. Also make it high.

  The control unit 44 turns on the first light emitting unit 41a twice while turning on the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c once. More specifically, the first light emitting unit 41a, the second light emitting unit 41b, the first light emitting unit 41a, and the third light emitting unit 41c are turned on in this order, and the process returns to the first light emitting unit 41a. That is, in this example, the frequency at which the first light emitting unit 41a is turned on is twice the frequency at which the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c are turned on.

  A relatively large number of users tend to insert their hands on the center side of the hand insertion portion 14. Therefore, as described above, the frequency of turning on the first light emitting unit 41a provided near the center is higher than the frequency of turning on the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c provided on the left and right. Make it high. Thereby, for example, the frequency of detection near the center can be increased while maintaining substantially the same power consumption as in the example shown in FIG.

For example, the off time of the first light emitting unit 41a is set to the second off time _TOFF2 . In this case, the off time of the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c is longer than the second off time _TOFF2 . Thereby, for example, the power consumption can be further suppressed without _{increasing the} maximum waiting time _Tdmax2 in the central portion. In addition, the hand can be detected also in the left and right portions.

Conversely, the off time of the second light emitting unit 41b and the third light emitting unit 41c is set to the second off time _TOFF2 . In this case, the off time of the first light emitting unit 41a is shorter than the second off time _TOFF2 . Thereby, for example, the maximum waiting time _Tdmax2 in the central portion can be further shortened while suppressing an increase in power consumption. In addition, it is possible to prevent the maximum waiting time T _dmax2 from becoming long in the left and right portions.

  Thus, the detection frequency of the position where the hand is likely to be inserted in the hand insertion unit 14 is increased. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed more, waiting time can be shortened, and the usability of the hand dryer 10 can be further improved.

  In the normal mode, the control unit 44 may switch on / off the light emitting units 41a to 41c by the control illustrated in FIG. 9, or may turn on / off the light emitting units 41a to 41c by the control illustrated in FIG. You may switch off. That is, in the normal mode, the light emitting units 41a to 41c are switched on / off by the control shown in FIG. 6, and in the first low consumption mode, the light emitting units 41a to 41c are turned on by the control shown in FIG. -You may switch off.

  In this example, the detection frequency of the first light emitting unit 41a near the center is increased. For example, the hand detection unit 40 has a first detection position on the virtual center line side that is the center in the horizontal direction of the hand insertion unit 14, and a second detection position that is further away from the virtual center line in the horizontal direction than the first detection position And the control unit 44 makes the frequency of detection of the hand at the first detection position higher than the frequency of detection of the hand at the second detection position.

  The position where the detection frequency is increased is not limited to the vicinity of the center, but may be the right side or the left side. For example, when the hand drying device 10 is arranged close to the side wall of the toilet room, the hand is likely to be inserted into the hand insertion portion 14 from the direction opposite to the side wall. Therefore, in such a case, the detection frequency of the second light emitting unit 41b or the third light emitting unit 41c located on the side opposite to the side wall may be increased. For example, when the opening shape of the hand insertion part 14 is a left-right asymmetric shape, possibility that a hand will be inserted in the wide side of a frontage is high. Therefore, in such a case, the detection frequency of the second light emitting unit 41b or the third light emitting unit 41c located on the wide side of the frontage may be increased. That is, the control unit 44 may make the frequency of hand detection at at least one detection position among the plurality of detection positions higher than the frequency of hand detection at other detection positions.

  For example, a switching unit for selectively switching the detection frequency of each of the light emitting units 41a to 41c may be provided so that the position where the detection frequency is increased can be selectively switched according to the setting of the switching unit. Further, as described above, when the detection frequency on the right side or the left side is increased, for example, the detection position near the center may be omitted, and the detection positions may be set at two positions on the right side and the left side.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D are timing charts illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show an example of the operation in the normal mode of the hand dryer 10 according to the third embodiment.
FIG.10 (c) and FIG.10 (d) represent an example of the operation | movement at the time of the 1st low consumption mode of the hand dryer 10 concerning 3rd Embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10 (a) ~ FIG 10 (d), in this example, the control unit 44, the maximum waiting time _{T Dmax2} in the first low-consumption mode is a maximum waiting time _{T Dmax1} in the normal mode so as to be substantially the same, it sets the second on-time _{T ON2} of the first low-consumption mode, the second off-time _{T OFF2,} a second on-delay time _{T delay2,} the. In this example, the sum of the second off time T _OFF2 and the second on delay time T _delay2 in the first low consumption mode is the sum of the first off time T _OFF1 and the first on delay time T _{delay1 in} the normal mode. It is substantially the same.

As described above, the first off time T _OFF1 is, for example, 200 ms, and the first on delay time T _delay1 is, for example, 500 ms. In this case, for example, the second off time T _OFF2 is set to 400 ms, and the second on delay time T _delay2 is set to 300 ms. Thus, the maximum waiting time _{T Dmax1} the normal mode, and the respective maximum waiting time _{T Dmax2} the first low-consumption mode can be substantially the same at 700 ms.

Thus, the maximum waiting time T _{dmax2 in} the first low consumption mode is _set to be substantially the same as the maximum waiting time T _dmax1 in the normal mode. Thereby, for example, the usability of the hand dryer 10 in the first low consumption mode can be made substantially the same as the usability in the normal mode. For example, the uncomfortable feeling given to the user can be further suppressed. The decline in usability can be further suppressed.

The maximum waiting time _{T Dmax1} the normal mode and the first low-consumption mode of the maximum waiting time _{T Dmax2,} may not match exactly. For example, the absolute value of the difference between T _dmax1 and T _dmax2 is set to 10 ms or less. _Thus, it is possible to suppress the difference between the _{T Dmax1} and _{T Dmax2} from being felt by the user. That is, it is possible to appropriately suppress a sense of discomfort given to the user and appropriately suppress a decrease in usability.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the hand dryer according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, the hand dryer 100 further includes an illuminance meter 64, a mode switch 65, and a timer 66.

  The illuminometer 64 is connected to the control unit 44. For example, the illuminance meter 64 is provided in the main body 12 so that at least a part thereof is exposed to the outside, and measures the illuminance outside the main body 12. The illuminance meter 64 measures the illuminance of, for example, a toilet room in which the hand dryer 100 is installed. The illuminance meter 64 inputs the illuminance measurement result to the control unit 44.

  The mode switch 65 is connected to the control unit 44. For example, the mode switch 65 has an operation unit that can be operated by the user, and inputs a switching signal according to the operation of the operation unit to the control unit 44.

  The timer 66 is provided in the control unit 44. The timer 66 measures time and inputs time information to the control unit 44. The timer 66 may be externally attached to the control unit 44. The time information may be received from an external device, for example.

FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the control unit according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F, in this example, the control unit 44 further includes a second low consumption mode. In the second low consumption mode, the control unit 44 sets a third on time T _ON3 , a third off time T _OFF3, and a third on delay time T _delay3 . In this example, the third on-time _{T ON3} is the same as the first on-time _{T ON1} and second on-time _{T ON2.} On the other hand, the third off time T _OFF3 is longer than the second off time T _OFF2 . The third off time T _OFF3 is, for example, about 800 ms to 1000 ms.

In the second low consumption mode, the third off time T _OFF3 is made longer than the second off time T _OFF2 of the first low consumption mode. That is, in the second low consumption mode, the ratio of the off time is made higher than that in the first low consumption mode. Thereby, when the second low consumption mode is set, the power consumption in the standby state can be further suppressed than in the first low consumption mode.

The third on-delay time T _delay3 is, for example, the same as the second on-delay time T _delay2 . In this example, the third on-delay time T _delay3 is shorter than the first on-delay time T _delay1 . Accordingly, in the second low consumption mode, the maximum waiting time T _dmax3 is longer than the maximum waiting time T _{dmax2 in} the first low consumption mode. The second low power consumption mode is, for example, an operation mode that allows an increase in waiting time and increases the power consumption suppression effect.

The third on delay time T _delay3 may be different from the second on delay time T _delay2 . The third on delay time T _delay3 may be longer or shorter than the second on delay time T _delay2 . The third on-delay time _Tdelay3 may be the same as the first on-delay time _Tdelay1 , for example. The third on-time _{T ON3} may be different from the first on-time _{T ON1} and second on-time _{T ON2.}

  The mode switch 65 is used for switching between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode. For example, the control unit 44 switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode in accordance with a switching signal from the mode switch 65. For example, the mode switch 65 may be configured to further select the normal mode.

  For example, in the hand dryer 100 installed in a toilet room of an office building, there are times when the usage frequency is extremely reduced, such as at midnight or on holidays. In such a time zone, the hand dryer 100 is set to the second low consumption mode by operating the mode switch 65 or the like. Thereby, power consumption can be further suppressed while suppressing a decrease in usability of the hand dryer 100.

  For example, a notification unit for notifying that the second low consumption mode is set is provided in the hand dryer 100, and when the second low consumption mode is set, a longer hand is inserted. The user may be prompted. The notification unit may be any member capable of notification, such as a display for notification by characters or a speaker for notification by voice. For example, the illumination unit 34 may be used as a notification unit.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, steps S301 to S313 are substantially the same as steps S101 to S113 described with respect to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, when determining that the mode switching time has elapsed in step S312, the control unit 44 determines whether to switch to the second low consumption mode based on a predetermined switching condition ( Step S314). Although not shown, step S312, step S314, step S315, and step S316 may be provided between step S301 and step S302.

  For example, the control unit 44 performs the determination using the switching signal of the mode switch 65 as a switching condition. When the first low consumption mode is set by the mode changeover switch 65, the control unit 44 determines to switch to the first low consumption mode. On the other hand, when the second low consumption mode is set by the mode switch 65, the control unit 44 determines to switch to the second low consumption mode.

  When determining to switch to the first low consumption mode, the control unit 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode (step S315). For example, the control unit 44 executes the process described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first low consumption mode.

  On the other hand, when determining to switch to the second low consumption mode, the control unit 44 switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the second low consumption mode (step S316). Since the processing flow in the second low consumption mode is substantially the same as the processing flow in the first low consumption mode, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, the control unit 44 is further provided with the second low consumption mode. Thereby, for example, the power consumption in the standby state of the hand dryer 100 can be further suppressed. Moreover, the usability of the hand dryer 100 can be further improved by enabling switching between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode.

  In the above embodiment, the switching signal from the mode switch 65 is the switching condition for determining whether to switch to the second low consumption mode. The switching condition is not limited to this, and may be any condition that can be determined for switching.

  For example, when the illuminance measured by the illuminance meter 64 is less than a predetermined value, it may be a time zone of low usage frequency such as at night. Therefore, in the determination in step S314, the measurement result of the illuminance meter 64 is used as a switching condition. When the illuminance is a predetermined value or more, it is determined to switch to the first low consumption mode, and when the illuminance is less than the predetermined value. The switching to the second low consumption mode may be determined.

  For example, using the time information of the timer 66 as a switching condition, it is determined to switch to the first low consumption mode in a first time zone such as daytime (for example, from 7:00 to 21:00), and a second time such as nighttime is determined. In the band (for example, from 21:00 to 7:00 on the next day), switching to the second low consumption mode may be determined.

  For example, based on the time information of the timer 66, the frequency of use of the hand dryer 100 is stored in a storage unit such as the EEPROM 60, and a time zone with a high usage frequency or a time zone with a low usage frequency is automatically learned. Also good. For example, every time the hand dryer 100 is used, the control unit 44 accumulates the use time in the storage unit as use frequency information regarding the use frequency of the hand dryer 100. Switching to the second low consumption mode may be determined based on this usage frequency information. That is, when the time at which it is determined whether or not to switch to the second low consumption mode is a time at which the use frequency is high in the use frequency information, the switch to the first low consumption mode is determined and the use frequency information When it is a time of low usage frequency, it may be determined to switch to the second low consumption mode. For example, date and day information may be included in the time information of the timer 66 so that a time zone that is frequently used for each date or day of the week can be determined.

  For example, a first mode switching time and a second mode switching time longer than the first mode switching time are prepared, and the first low consumption mode is set when the first mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use. In addition, the second low consumption mode may be set when the second mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use.

  Further, the number of low-consumption modes is not limited to two, and three or more low-consumption modes may be provided with different on-time, off-time, and on-delay time settings.

(Fifth embodiment)
14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a modification of the operation in the first low consumption mode. FIG. 15 shows a modification of the operation in the second low consumption mode. As described above, in FIGS. 14 and 15, a modified example of the operation in the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode is represented as the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 44 _drives the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 according to the detection of the hand by the hand detection unit 40 and the passage of the second on-delay time T _delay2 , and the hand detection signal Whether or not the operation time from the start of operation of the fan motor unit 22 to the stop after the drive of the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 is stopped in accordance with the change from the on state to the off state is longer than a predetermined time. Is determined (step S413). In FIG. 14, steps S401 to S412 are substantially the same as steps S201 to S212 described with reference to FIG.

  For example, the control unit 44 starts timing with the start of driving of the fan motor unit 22 at step S408, stops timing with the stop of driving of the fan motor unit 22 at step S412, and counts the measured time with a predetermined time. Compare Thereby, the control part 44 determines whether the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is more than predetermined time.

  When it determines with it being more than predetermined time, the control part 44 returns operation mode from 1st low consumption mode to normal mode, and restarts operation | movement of normal mode (step S414). On the other hand, when it determines with it being less than predetermined time, the control part 44 returns to step S401 and continues operation | movement of a 1st low consumption mode.

  When the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is less than the predetermined time, for example, it may be a malfunction that an insect or the like has entered the hand insertion unit 14. Therefore, when the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is less than the predetermined time, the first low consumption mode is continued. Thereby, it can suppress that it returns to normal mode by malfunctioning and power consumption becomes high, for example.

  The predetermined time for determining the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is, for example, 2 seconds. The control unit 44 returns to the normal mode when the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is 2 seconds or longer, and continues the first low consumption mode when the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is less than 2 seconds. .

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the second low consumption mode, the control unit 44 stops the driving of the fan motor unit 22 and the fin heater 26 in the same manner as in the first low consumption mode, and then the fan motor unit 22 It is determined whether or not the operation time from the start of the operation to the stop is a predetermined time or more. Then, the control unit 44 returns the operation mode from the second low consumption mode to the normal mode when it is longer than the predetermined time, and continues the operation in the second low consumption mode when it is less than the predetermined time. Thereby, also in 2nd low consumption mode, the increase in the power consumption resulting from malfunctioning can be suppressed.

  For example, when the first mode switching time has elapsed since the previous use, the first low consumption mode is set, and when the second mode switching time has elapsed, the second low consumption mode is set. It is conceivable to gradually change from the normal mode to the first low consumption mode and from the first low consumption mode to the second low consumption mode. In such a case, for example, when it is determined that the operation time of the fan motor unit 22 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the second low consumption mode may be returned to the first low consumption mode.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a hand dryer according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a hand dryer according to the sixth embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the hand drying device 200 includes a main body 202. The main body 202 includes a functional unit 204, a water receiving unit 206 provided below the functional unit 204, and a hand insertion unit 208 provided between the functional unit 204 and the water receiving unit 206. The hand-drying apparatus 200 is installed in a toilet room etc., for example, with the back surface in contact with a wall surface such as a toilet room.

  The manual insertion portion 208 has a concave shape that allows the user's hand to be inserted. In this example, the hand insertion portion 208 has a groove shape that opens forward and in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the hand dryer 200, the hand is inserted into the hand insertion portion 204 from the front to the rear (wall side).

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the functional unit 204 includes a first case 210 that forms a space therein, an internal case 212 provided in the first case 210, and a blower 214 ( A gas supply unit) and a heater 216.

  In addition, a hand detection unit 220 and a control unit 222 are provided below the inner case 212 inside the first case 210, and a nozzle member 224 is provided below the inner case 212. Further, a temperature sensor 226 is disposed so as to be inserted into the nozzle member 224.

  The blower 214 has a motor 230 disposed therein and a fan (not shown) connected to the output shaft of the motor 230. The motor 230 is an electric motor that is driven when electric power is supplied, and the supply of electric power is controlled by the control unit 222. Further, the motor 230 sucks air from the blower inlet 232 and takes it in by rotating the fan via its output shaft. The taken-in air flows to the motor 230 side, and is blown out to the outside from a blower outlet 234 opened outside.

  The hand detection unit 220 is a sensor for detecting that a user's hand has been inserted into the hand insertion unit 208. For example, the hand detection unit 220 irradiates infrared rays into the hand insertion unit 208, and receives infrared rays reflected by the user's hand when the user's hand is inserted into the hand insertion unit 208. Then, the user's hand is detected. The hand detection unit 220 is, for example, a distance measuring sensor that detects the user's hand according to the distance of the reflecting object reflected by infrared rays. When detecting the insertion of the user's hand, the hand detection unit transmits a hand detection signal to the control unit 222.

  The nozzle member 224 is connected to an inner case outlet 212a at the lower end of the inner case 212 so that the inside of the nozzle member 224 communicates with the inner case outlet 212a. A slit-shaped air outlet 224 a is provided at the lower end portion of the nozzle member 224 and protrudes into the manual insertion portion 208 from the lower surface of the first case 210. Moreover, the nozzle member 224 is formed so that the internal cross-sectional area thereof gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. Inside the nozzle member 224, a temperature sensor 226 is inserted from the outside, and is configured to be able to detect the temperature of air.

  The heater 216 is provided in the vicinity of the inner case outlet 212a, and is configured such that air flowing from the inner case outlet 212a into the nozzle member 224 can pass through the inside. In addition, the heater 216 generates heat when supplied with electric power, and can heat the air passing through the heater 216 by heat transfer. The supply of this electric power is controlled by the control unit 222, and the larger the electric power supplied, the larger the output of the heater 216, and the higher the temperature of the passing air.

  The water receiving part 206 includes a second case 240 integrally formed of a resin material, and a water receiving tray 250 disposed below the second case 240. The second case 240 includes a back plate 241 extending along the wall surface and a bottom plate 242 extending forward from the lower end of the back plate 241. Further, side plates 243 projecting forward or upward so as to be continuous are provided on both sides of the back plate 241 and the bottom plate 242 and the front end portions. The second case 240 configured as described above and the lower surface of the first case 210 define a hand insertion portion 208 that is open at the front and left and right sides. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the bottom plate 242 is provided with a drain hole 260 penetrating in the vertical direction. The water discharged downward from the drain hole 260 is configured to be stored in a water receiving tray 250 disposed below the bottom plate 242.

  When power is supplied to the hand dryer 200, the hand detection unit 220 irradiates the hand insertion unit 208 with infrared rays and waits for insertion of the user's hand. When the user's wet hand is inserted into the hand insertion unit 208 and the hand detection unit 220 detects it, the hand detection unit 220 transmits a hand detection signal to the control unit 222. Receiving the hand detection signal, the control unit 222 starts supplying power to the motor 230 and the heater 216, and starts driving and outputting them.

  When the motor 230 starts driving, a fan (not shown) connected to the output shaft starts to rotate. By the rotation of the fan, air is sucked in as indicated by an arrow Fa from the first suction port 261 and the second suction port 262 provided on the side surfaces near the back surface of the functional unit 204 and the water receiving unit 206, respectively.

  The air sucked from the first suction port 261 and the second suction port 262 is formed by the first back air passage 271 formed by the back surface and the wall surface of the functional unit 204 and the back surface and the wall surface of the water receiving unit 206, respectively. The second back air passage 272 flows toward the filter member 280 provided at the lower back of the functional unit 204. The filter member 280 is a mesh-like member through which air can pass, and is configured to be able to remove foreign matters contained in the air when passing.

  The air that has passed through the filter member 280 from the wall surface side to the front side changes its flow direction upward as indicated by an arrow Fb and flows into an intake duct 281 provided downstream. Then, the air flows through the intake duct 281, and flows into the inner case 212 from the inner case inlet 212 b opened toward the wall surface W side, as indicated by the arrow Fc.

  A blower 214 is accommodated in the inner case 212 with the blower inlet 232 facing the inner case inlet 212b. The air that passes through the inner case inlet 212 b and flows into the blower 214 from the blower inlet 232 reaches the vicinity of the motor 230. Since the motor 230 driven by power supply generates Joule heat in its windings and the like, the air flowing in the vicinity of the motor 230 is heated to raise the temperature. The heated air is blown out from the blower outlet 234 as indicated by an arrow Fd.

  The air blown out from the blower outlet 234 flows between the blower 214 and the inner case 212 and reaches the lower inner case outlet 212a. As described above, the heater 216 is disposed in the vicinity of the inner case outlet 212a, and the air passes through the heater 216 and further flows to the upper end of the nozzle member 224 below. Since the heater 216 receives heat and generates heat, the passing air is heated by heat transfer, and further heated to flow into the nozzle member 224. At this time, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 226 is the temperature of air heated by the motor 230 and the heater 216 and flowing into the nozzle member 224.

  As described above, the nozzle member 224 is formed so that its internal cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. Therefore, the air that has flowed into the inside from the upper end portion of the nozzle member 224 heads toward the lower end portion while accelerating, and blows out from the blowout port 224a into the manual insertion portion 208 as indicated by an arrow Fe. Water droplets adhering to the wet hand (not shown) of the user inserted into the hand insertion portion 208 are blown away by the air blown out from the blowout port 224a. Thereby, the wet hand of the user inserted in the hand insertion portion 208 is dried.

FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a hand dryer according to the sixth embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, the hand detection unit 220 includes a sensor unit 290 and a direction change unit 294. The sensor unit 290 detects a hand inserted into the hand insertion unit 208 in a predetermined detection direction. The direction changing unit 294 changes the detection direction of the sensor unit 290.

  The sensor unit 290 includes, for example, a light emitting unit 291 and a light receiving unit 292. For example, the light emitting unit 291 emits infrared light as detection light. For example, the light emitting unit 291 emits detection light from the functional unit 204 toward the water receiving unit 206. The light receiving unit 292 receives, for example, reflected light of detection light reflected by the water receiving unit 206 or the user's hand, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of received light.

  The sensor unit 290 is a distance measuring sensor, for example. For example, the sensor unit 290 measures the distance from the voltage output from the light receiving unit 292 to the object reflected based on the triangular distance measurement method, the phase difference distance measurement method, or the like. The sensor unit 290 detects, for example, that a hand has been inserted into the hand insertion unit 14 when the distance from the light emitting unit 291 to the water receiving unit 206 is a reference and the distance of the reflection object is closer than the reference distance. To do. The sensor unit 290 is not limited to a distance measuring sensor, and may be any sensor that can detect a hand in a predetermined detection direction, such as a pyroelectric sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

  The direction changing unit 294 changes the direction of the detection direction by moving the sensor unit 290, for example. The direction changing unit 294 changes the detection direction in three directions, for example, near the center of the hand insertion unit 14, near the right end, and near the left end by rotating the sensor unit 290 about the front-rear direction.

  Thus, in this example, the hand detection unit 220 detects a hand at a plurality of detection positions by changing the detection direction. The direction changing unit 294 is not limited to the one that changes the direction of the detection direction by moving the sensor unit 290, but may be one that changes the detection direction by optically changing the traveling direction of the detection light, for example. Good.

  The sensor unit 290 and the direction change unit 294 are connected to the control unit 222, for example. The on / off state of the light emitting unit 291 is controlled by the control unit 222. A change in the detection direction of the sensor unit 290 by the direction changing unit 294 is controlled by the control unit 222.

  For example, the control unit 222 controls the direction changing unit 294 to sequentially change the detection direction of the sensor unit 290 to each detection position. Then, by turning on the light emitting unit 291 at each detection position, the hand is detected at each detection position. Thus, also in the hand detection part 220, the timing which detects a hand does not overlap in each of a some detection position.

  Further, in the hand detection unit 220, for example, the detection position near the center is detected by changing the detection position in the order of near the center, near the right end, near the center, and near the left end, and by detecting the hand at each detection position while repeating this. The frequency of hand detection in can be made higher than the frequency of hand detection at detection positions on both sides.

  In the hand dryer 200 configured as described above, a normal mode and a first low consumption mode are provided. Thereby, similarly to each said embodiment, the power consumption in a standby state can be suppressed and the fall of usability can be suppressed.

  Also, in the hand drying apparatus 200, the timing of hand detection at each of the plurality of detection positions does not overlap. Thereby, for example, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed as compared with a case where hands are detected simultaneously at each detection position. Furthermore, a hand can be detected appropriately at each detection position while suppressing an increase in power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the standby state and to suppress a decrease in usability.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the hand dryer 10, 100, 200, etc. are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

  10, 100, 200 Hand dryer, 12 Main body part, 14 Hand insertion part, 15, 16 Outlet, 18 Vent, 20 Water receiving tray, 22 Fan motor unit, 23, 24 Air duct, 26 Fin heater, 28 Filter , 30 Intake duct, 32 Sound absorbing material, 34 Illumination unit, 40 Hand detection unit, 41 Light emission unit, 42 Light reception unit, 44 Control unit, 46 Power supply circuit, 48 Zero cross detection unit, 50 Charge storage element, 52 Rectification unit, 54 Power Conversion unit, 60 EEPROM, 61 Heater on / off switch, 62 Air flow switch, 63 Power switch, 64 Illuminance meter, 65 Mode switch, 66 Timer, 70 to 74 Changeover switch, 202 Main unit, 204 Function unit, 206 Water receiver Part 208 hand insertion part 210 first case 21 Inner case, 214 Blower, 216 Heater, 220 Hand detection unit, 222 Control unit, 224 Nozzle member, 226 Temperature sensor, 230 Motor, 232 Blower inlet, 234 Blower outlet, 240 Second case, 241 Back plate, 242 Bottom plate, 243 Side plate, 250 water receiving tray, 260 drain hole, 261 first suction port, 262 second suction port, 271 first rear air channel, 272 second rear air channel, 280 filter member, 281 intake duct, 290 sensor unit, 291 Light emitting unit, 292 light receiving unit, 294 direction change unit

Claims (8)

A hand insertion part into which a user's hand can be inserted;
A hand that detects a hand inserted at a plurality of detection positions in the hand insertion unit and outputs a hand detection signal having a non-detection state indicating non-detection of the hand and a detection state indicating detection of the hand. A detection unit;
An air outlet for blowing air into the manual insertion portion;
A gas supply unit for supplying gas to the outlet and blowing out air from the outlet;
The hand detection unit is periodically switched between an on state and an off state, and when the hand detection signal is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state, the gas supply unit is operated, and the hand detection signal is detected. A control unit that stops the operation of the gas supply unit when the state is switched to the non-detection state;
With
The on state is a state in which the hand detection unit can detect the hand,
The off state is a state in which power supply to at least a part of the hand detection unit is stopped, and the hand detection unit loses the hand detection function,
The control unit, when the time of the OFF state when periodically switching the hand detection unit is an off time, a normal mode and a first low consumption mode in which the off time is longer than the normal mode, And in the first low-consumption mode, the hand detection device controls the hand detection unit so that the timing of detecting a hand does not overlap at each of the plurality of detection positions.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of hand detection at at least one of the plurality of detection positions is higher than the frequency of hand detection at the other detection positions. The hand dryer described. The hand detection unit includes a first detection position on a virtual center line side that is a horizontal center of the hand insertion unit, and a second detection position that is separated from the virtual center line in the lateral direction with respect to the first detection position. And having at least
The hand dryer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit makes the frequency of detecting the hand at the first detection position higher than the frequency of detecting the hand at the second detection position. The control unit further includes a second low consumption mode,
The off time of the second low consumption mode is longer than the off time of the first low consumption mode,
The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit switches between the first low consumption mode and the second low consumption mode according to a predetermined switching condition. . The control unit operates the gas supply unit when the detection state of the hand detection signal is continued for a predetermined time,
The on-delay time in the first low consumption mode is shorter than the on-delay time in the normal mode when the predetermined time for operating the gas supply unit is an on-delay time. Item 5. The hand drying device according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The control unit operates the gas supply unit when the detection state of the hand detection signal is continued for a predetermined time,
The on-delay time in the second low consumption mode is shorter than the on-delay time in the normal mode when the predetermined time for operating the gas supply unit is an on-delay time. Item 4. The hand drying apparatus according to Item 4.   The hand detection unit includes a plurality of sensor units that detect a hand inserted into the hand insertion unit, and detects the hand at the plurality of detection positions by the plurality of sensor units. The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The hand detection unit includes a sensor unit that detects a hand inserted into the hand insertion unit in a predetermined detection direction, and a direction change unit that changes the detection direction of the sensor unit, and the detection direction The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a hand is detected at the plurality of detection positions by changing the position.

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