JP6651771B2 - Automatic faucet device - Google Patents

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic faucet apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an automatic faucet device that detects a moving speed of a detection target (for example, a user's hand or the like) such as a radio wave sensor (microwave Doppler sensor) to automatically discharge and stop water. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the automatic faucet device described in Patent Literature 1 (see FIG. 1 and the like), a radio wave sensor is disposed at a low position in a bowl portion, and a radio wave is emitted from the radio wave sensor obliquely upward. I have. In other words, the radio wave irradiation direction is directed to the direction in which the user's hand extends toward the water discharge port, which facilitates the detection of the movement of the user's hand. However, in this configuration, since radio waves are directed to the outside of the bowl portion, for example, an approaching motion of the user outside the bowl portion, such as a user looking into a mirror, is erroneously detected as a movement of the user's hand. Erroneous discharge may occur.

  On the other hand, Patent Literature 2 discloses an automatic faucet device (see FIG. 11 and the like) in which radio waves are emitted downward from a radio wave sensor disposed at a position higher than a water outlet. In this automatic faucet apparatus, radio waves are selectively irradiated in three directions. Specifically, the angles of the three radio wave irradiation directions are set stepwise so as to detect the movement of the hand in the movement trajectory of the user's hand inserted into the space above the bowl portion. Therefore, in this automatic faucet device, since the radio wave irradiation direction is directed downward, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the approach operation of the user outside the bowl portion as in the device of Patent Document 1. .

JP 2009-150190 A JP 2006-283441 A

  However, in the automatic faucet device described in Patent Document 2, radio waves are emitted from the back side of the bowl toward the inner surface on the near side (hand insertion side). There is a possibility that a hand rubbing operation of soap water or a draining operation of removing water attached to a hand performed in a state where the hand is retracted from the water port toward the front may be erroneously detected as a hand insertion operation. For this reason, in the device of Patent Literature 2, there is a concern that unnecessary water discharge will continue.

  In order to solve this problem, the inventor of the present invention resets the downward tilt angle of the radio wave irradiation direction to be larger so that the detection range of the radio wave sensor does not include the space where the hand rubbing operation and the draining operation are performed. investigated. The inventor of the present invention has concluded that with this configuration, it is possible to provide an automatic faucet device with good water saving, in which water is not continuously discharged by a hand rubbing operation or a draining operation.

However, in the automatic faucet apparatus in which the inclination angle of the radio wave irradiation direction is reset as described above, the radio wave irradiation direction is directed to the bottom surface of the bowl portion. Therefore, for example, when a user throws away water in a cup into the bowl, if the force of the abandoned water is strong, water will bounce back in the bowl, and the radio wave sensor will detect the bounced water. There is a concern that erroneous water discharge may occur.
That is, the radio wave sensor does not detect this laminar flow while flowing as a laminar flow flowing on the inner surface of the bowl portion. However, this laminar flow causes water to jump up on the back side of the bowl portion, and the water that jumps up moves toward the radio wave sensor, and the water that jumps up disturbs after rising to form a large detection area and falls while spreading. There is a concern that the movement is detected by the radio wave sensor as a movement of the user's hand, and water is erroneously discharged.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described new problem, and provides an automatic faucet device that suppresses erroneous water discharge by detecting water that bounces on the back side of the bowl portion. The purpose is.

  An automatic faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a water discharge section having a water discharge port, a bowl section that receives water discharge from the water discharge port, and a radio wave that is disposed on the back side of the bowl section and radiated downward. An automatic faucet comprising: a sensor unit for acquiring information on a detection target based on a reflected wave; and a control unit for controlling water discharge from a water discharge port of a water discharge unit based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit. In the apparatus, the sensor unit is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet, and the bowl unit includes a water receiving surface that receives water discharged from the water outlet and forms a bottom area of the bowl unit, and a sensor unit. And a sensor arrangement area extending upward from the rear of the water receiving area, including a sensor arrangement surface arranged therein, and a radio wave attenuating means for attenuating radio waves radiated from the sensor unit is provided below the water discharge port. Placed in the sensor placement area at the position It is characterized in that is.

  According to this configuration, the radio wave attenuating means for attenuating the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit is arranged in the sensor arrangement area, and the radio wave attenuating means is located below the water outlet. Accordingly, even if the water flowing on the water receiving surface flows to the sensor arrangement area, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit by the radio wave attenuating means does not easily reach the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sensor unit from erroneously detecting water flowing to the sensor arrangement region.

  In the automatic faucet apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the radio wave attenuating means is a radio wave attenuating portion that is integral with the bowl portion and protrudes from the sensor arrangement region.

  According to this configuration, the radio wave attenuating means is a radio wave attenuating portion that is integral with the bowl portion and protrudes from the sensor arrangement area. Thereby, the bowl portion constitutes a radio wave attenuation unit. Therefore, the radio wave attenuating means can be configured with a simple structure.

  In the automatic faucet device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the thickness of the sensor arrangement region is smaller than the thickness of the radio wave attenuation portion.

  According to this configuration, the thickness of the sensor arrangement area is smaller than the thickness of the radio wave attenuation section. This makes it possible to attenuate radio waves radiated downward from the radio wave attenuator while suppressing attenuation of radio waves radiated to the bowl portion. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed without impairing ease of hand washing.

  In the automatic faucet device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the width of the radio wave attenuating portion in the front-back direction increases as it goes downward.

  According to this configuration, the width of the radio wave attenuating portion in the front-rear direction increases as it goes downward. This makes it difficult for radio waves to attenuate near the water outlet. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed without impairing ease of hand washing.

  An automatic faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a water discharge section having a water discharge port, a bowl section that receives water discharge from the water discharge port, and a radio wave that is disposed on the back side of the bowl section and emitted downward. An automatic faucet comprising: a sensor unit for acquiring information on a detection target based on a reflected wave; and a control unit for controlling water discharge from a water discharge port of a water discharge unit based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit. In the device, the sensor section is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet, the bowl section includes a water receiving surface for receiving water discharged from the water outlet, and a water receiving area forming the bottom of the bowl section; A sensor arrangement area including a sensor arrangement surface to be arranged and extending upward from the back of the water receiving area, wherein the radio wave attenuating means for attenuating radio waves radiated from the sensor section is separate from the bowl section. Attenuating member placed in the bowl The radio wave attenuating member extends toward the sensor arrangement region, and the radio wave attenuating member is in contact with the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion, or between the radio wave attenuating member and the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion. Is characterized in that a gap is formed.

  According to this configuration, the radio wave attenuating member is in contact with the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion, or a gap is formed between the radio wave attenuating member and the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion. Thereby, even if the water flowing in the water receiving area flows to the sensor arrangement area, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit by the radio wave attenuating member hardly reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sensor unit from erroneously detecting water flowing to the sensor arrangement region.

  In the automatic faucet device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the width of the radio wave attenuating means in the left-right direction is larger than a detection area of the sensor unit.

  According to this configuration, the width of the radio wave attenuation means in the left-right direction is larger than the detection area of the sensor unit. This makes it difficult for the radio waves radiated from the sensor unit to go around the radio wave attenuation unit. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed more reliably.

  In the automatic faucet device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, a radio wave absorbing member that absorbs radio waves radiated from the sensor unit is provided on the water discharge port side of the radio wave attenuating means.

  According to this configuration, the radio wave absorbing member is provided on the water discharge port side of the radio wave attenuation means. Thereby, the radio wave absorbing member absorbs the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit. Therefore, the possibility that the radio wave reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area is reduced, and it is possible to further suppress the sensor unit from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area.

The automatic faucet device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a water discharge unit having a water discharge port, a bowl part receiving water discharge from the water discharge port, and a rear side of the bowl part, which is radiated downward. A sensor unit that acquires information about a detected object based on a reflected wave of a radio wave, and a control unit that controls water discharge from a water outlet of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal output from the sensor unit. In the automatic faucet device, the sensor portion is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet, and the bowl portion includes a water receiving surface for receiving water from the water outlet, and forms a bottom portion of the bowl portion. Receiving area, a sensor arrangement area including a sensor arrangement surface on which the sensor unit is arranged, and extending upward from the rear of the water receiving area, and a connection area connecting the water receiving area and the sensor arrangement area. When it has said Sen Sensing region by section is formed from the front side of the sensor portion to the rear side of the sensor portion, the connection region is, in a top view, than by the detection region and the sensor portion formed to the rear side of the sensor unit It is characterized by being arranged on the rear side.

  According to this configuration, the connection region is disposed behind the detection region of the sensor unit. Thereby, for example, when the user discards the water etc. in the cup vigorously on the water receiving surface, the water flows from the water receiving region toward the connection region, and along the connection region, rather than the detection region by the sensor unit. Water bounces behind. Therefore, it is possible to make the water that has bounced out of the range of the detection region of the sensor unit, and it is possible to suppress the sensor unit from erroneously detecting the water that bounces in the connection region.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, erroneous water discharge by detecting the water which bounced in the back side of a bowl part can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view showing the automatic faucet apparatus concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing composition of a sensor part and a control part concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing typically the flow of water of the bowl part concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the automatic faucet apparatus concerning a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the automatic faucet apparatus concerning a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a side sectional view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view showing the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a side sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. It is a side sectional view showing the automatic faucet device concerning a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
<Configuration of automatic faucet device>
First, the configuration of the automatic faucet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic faucet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are side sectional views showing the automatic faucet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the automatic faucet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the sensor unit and the control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic faucet device 2 includes a bowl part 4 and a water discharging part 6.
A water discharge port 8 is formed at the tip of the water discharge section 6, and water is discharged from the water discharge port 8 toward the bowl section 4. The bowl portion 4 is made of ceramic and receives water spouted from the spout 8. The water received in the bowl 4 is discharged to the outside through a drain port 10 formed in the bowl 4. In the specification of the present application, water includes hot water.

  Further, in the present specification, the direction in which the water discharging section 6 is provided with respect to the bowl section 4 is upward (upward), and the opposite side is downward (downward). The direction in which the water discharge section 6 is provided to the user is the rearward direction (rearward), the opposite side is the frontward direction (frontward), and the right side is rightward with the rearward direction being perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. The direction (right) and the left side are left directions (left).

As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic faucet device 2 further includes a sensor unit 12 and a control unit 14. The sensor unit 12 is a microwave sensor that emits a microwave. The used frequency is, for example, about 10 GHz or about 24 GHz.
The sensor unit 12 is disposed on the back side of the bowl unit 4 and emits a radio wave downward, and acquires information on the detected object based on a reflected wave of the emitted radio wave. Then, the acquired information is transmitted to the control unit 14. Further, the sensor section 12 is disposed on the back side of the bowl section 4 and at a position higher than the height position of the water discharge port 8. Therefore, the water outlet 8 is included in the detection area A of the sensor unit 12 described later.
The control section 14 is provided on the rear side of the bowl section 4 so as to be invisible to the user. The control unit 14 receives information on the detected object from the sensor unit 12 and controls the water discharge from the water discharge port 8.

On the back side of the bowl part 4, a water supply pipe 16 extending from the downstream side of the water discharge part 6 is provided. The water supply pipe 16 is connected to a water supply source (not shown). An on-off valve 18 for discharging water from the water discharging unit 6 and stopping water is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 16. The opening / closing valve 18 is opened / closed by a command from the control unit 14, and the water discharge from the water discharge port 8 is controlled.
The portion exposed to the bowl portion 4 is referred to as a water discharge portion 6, and the upstream side of the portion exposed to the bowl portion 4 is referred to as a water supply pipe 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the bowl portion 4 includes a water receiving region 4a forming the bottom of the bowl portion 4, and a sensor arrangement region 4b formed to extend upward from the rear of the water receiving region 4a. And Further, the bowl portion 4 is formed with a wall portion 4d rising from a front end portion, a left end portion and a right end portion of the water receiving area 4a.

  On the upper surface of the water receiving area 4a, a water receiving surface 4e for receiving water discharged from the water discharging port 8 is formed, and a drain port 10 is provided at the center rear side of the water receiving area 4a. The front side of the water receiving surface 4e is inclined downward from the front end toward the drain port 10, and the rear side of the water receiving surface 4e is toward the drain port 10 from the rear end (the sensor arrangement area 4b side). It is inclined downward. The front side and the rear side of the water receiving surface 4e are formed as substantially flat surfaces. The drain port 10 communicates with a drain pipe 20 extending downward from the drain port 10, and water received at the water receiving surface 4 e is discharged to the drain pipe 20 via the drain port 10.

The sensor arrangement area 4b is formed so as to extend upward from the water receiving area 4a, and is formed on a rear surface of the sensor arrangement area 4b when viewed from the front in FIG. 3 (a surface on the back side of the sensor arrangement area 4b). Has a sensor arrangement surface 4f. The sensor section 12 is provided above the sensor arrangement surface 4f. In addition, the front surface (the surface opposite to the sensor arrangement surface 4f) of the sensor arrangement region 4b as viewed from the front in FIG. 3 is below the sensor unit 12 and above the upper end of the wall unit 4d. The water discharge section 6 is provided so that the water discharge port 8 is located at the bottom. The front surface of the sensor arrangement region 4b is formed as a substantially flat surface.
Further, the sensor arrangement area 4b is provided with a plate-shaped radio wave attenuator 22a (radio wave attenuating means) which is integral with the bowl portion 4 and protrudes forward from the sensor arrangement area 4b. The radio wave attenuator 22a is located below the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and above the water receiving area 4a. In other words, the radio wave attenuator 22a is provided between the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and the water receiving area 4a.

  The front surface (the surface opposite to the sensor disposition surface 4f) of the water receiving surface 4e and the sensor disposition region 4b may not be formed as a flat surface, and may be formed at least partially as a curved surface.

The radio wave attenuator 22a is made of ceramic like the bowl 4, and attenuates radio waves radiated from the sensor 12. The thickness in the front-rear direction of the sensor arrangement region 4b is formed smaller than the thickness in the vertical direction of the radio wave attenuator 22a.
The thickness of the sensor arrangement region 4b in the front-rear direction is a thickness through which radio waves are easily transmitted, for example, half the wavelength of the radio wave attenuating portion of the radio wave radiated from the sensor section 12, and is formed in the vertical direction of the radio wave attenuating portion 22a. It is preferable that the thickness is formed to be a thickness at which radio waves are hardly transmitted, for example, 3/4 wavelength of the radio wave attenuating portion of the radio waves radiated from the sensor unit 12.
Further, the bowl portion 4 may not be formed of ceramics, but may be formed of a material having a property of transmitting radio waves, such as resin or artificial marble. Further, the radio wave attenuating portion 22a does not have to be formed of pottery, and may be formed of, for example, a material having a property of attenuating radio waves, such as resin or artificial marble.

A radio wave absorbing member 24 is provided on the water outlet 8 side (upper side) of the radio wave attenuator 22a so as to cover the upper surface of the radio wave attenuator 22a. The radio wave absorbing member 24 absorbs a radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12. The radio wave absorbing member 24 is obtained by kneading a magnetic material such as sendust or ferrite into a rubber-like base material such as silicon. Radio waves are absorbed by the magnetic loss of the magnetic material.
The radio wave absorbing member 24 may be a member that absorbs a radio wave, and may be, for example, a member that reflects a radio wave on the front and back surfaces of the member and absorbs the radio wave by a phase difference between the reflected waves. Further, the radio wave absorbing member 24 does not necessarily have to be provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the detection region A is formed in a substantially elliptical shape so that the region gradually widens from the sensor unit 12 toward the lower front by the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12. ing. Here, since the sensor unit 12 is a microwave sensor, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 and its reflected wave pass through the sensor arrangement area 4b of the bowl unit 4 provided on the front side of the sensor unit 12. . The width of the radio wave attenuating portion 22a in the left-right direction is formed to be larger than the width of the detection region A of the radio wave radiated from the sensor portion 12 in the horizontal direction.

  The left and right ends of the radio wave attenuator 22a may be formed integrally with at least one of the left and right walls 4d.

  The radio wave detection area A is a radio wave area having a predetermined intensity, and is defined by a threshold for detecting a detection target by the control unit 14 described later. In other words, the detection area A increases when the threshold value for detecting the detection target is reduced, and decreases when the threshold value is increased.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor unit 12 includes a transmission unit 12a, a reception unit 12b, an oscillation circuit 12c, and a mixer circuit 12d.
First, a signal of a radio wave radiated by the oscillation circuit 12c is generated and transmitted to the transmission unit 12a and the mixer circuit 12d. The signal of the radio wave transmitted from the oscillation circuit 12c to the transmission unit 12a is radiated as it is from the transmission unit 12a to the bowl unit 4 side as a radio wave. Then, the reflected wave of the radio wave radiated from the transmitting unit 12a is received by the receiving unit 12b. The radio signal received by the receiving unit 12b is transmitted to the mixer circuit 12d. The mixer circuit 12d generates a detection signal based on the signal of the transmission wave transmitted from the transmission unit 12a and the signal of the reflection wave received by the reception unit 12b, and transmits the detection signal to the control unit 14.

The control unit 14 has a determination unit 14a and a storage unit 14b.
The determination unit 14a of the control unit 14 receives the detection signal transmitted from the mixer circuit 12d of the sensor unit 12, and determines whether the detection target is detected based on the signal. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the voltage of the detection signal is lower than a threshold set in the storage unit 14b. When the determination unit 14a determines that the detection target is detected, a signal is sent from the determination unit 14a to the on-off valve 18, the on-off valve 18 is opened, and water is discharged from the water discharge port 8. Conversely, when the determination unit 14a determines that the detected object is not detected, a signal is sent from the determination unit 14a to the on-off valve 18, the on-off valve 18 is closed, and water is stopped from the water discharge port 8. Be watered.

  Note that the control unit 14 may store the number of times that the detection target has been detected by the determination unit 14a and the time period thereof in the storage unit 14b, and perform learning control based on the stored information. Specifically, based on the information stored in the storage unit 14b, the detected object is frequently detected (or not detected), that is, the automatic faucet device 2 is frequently used (or used). No) time zone is determined. Then, for example, in the time zone where the automatic faucet device 2 is determined to be a frequently used time zone, the detection area A of the sensor unit 12 is enlarged, and it is determined that the automatic faucet device 2 is not used much. In the time zone, the detection area A of the sensor unit 12 is reduced. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced while improving the usability of the user.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the automatic faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a side sectional view schematically showing the flow of water in the bowl portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user holds his hand over the detection area A of the automatic faucet device 2, the sensor unit 12 transmits a detection signal indicating detection of a hand as a detection target to the control unit 14. Based on the detection signal received from the sensor unit 12, the control unit 14 determines that a hand, which is a detection target, has been detected, and performs control to open the on-off valve 18. When the on-off valve 18 is opened, water is discharged from the water discharge port 8 to the bowl part 4 through the water supply pipe 16 and the water discharge part 6. The spouted water allows the user to wash his / her hands.

  Here, a case where the radio wave attenuator 22a is not provided will be described. For example, when the user throws away the water or the like in the cup to the water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving region 4a, water flows from the water receiving region 4a toward the lower side of the sensor arrangement region 4b, and the water flows from the water receiving surface 4e. Water rebounds along the front surface (the surface opposite to the sensor disposition surface 4f) of the sensor disposition region 4b. Then, there is a concern that the rebounded water enters the detection area A, the sensor unit 12 detects the rebounded water as a detection target, and erroneous discharge occurs.

  On the other hand, in the automatic faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a radio wave attenuator 22 a is provided below the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8. Thus, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 is attenuated by the radio wave attenuator 22a, and the reflected wave reflected after passing through the radio wave attenuator 22a is also attenuated by the radio wave attenuator 22a. Therefore, for example, it is suppressed that the sensor unit 12 detects water that has bounced from the water receiving area 4a to the sensor arrangement area 4b.

  Since the radio wave absorbing member 24 is provided above the radio wave attenuating portion 22a, the radio wave absorbing member 24 absorbs the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12. Therefore, as compared with the case where the radio wave absorbing member 24 is not provided, for example, the detection of the water that bounces from the water receiving area 4a to the sensor arrangement area 4b by the sensor unit 12 is further suppressed.

  According to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the radio wave attenuator 22a (radio wave attenuating means) for attenuating the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 is arranged in the sensor arrangement area 4b, The part 22 a is located below the water outlet 8. Thereby, even if the water flowing on the water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving area 4a flows to the sensor arrangement area 4b, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 by the radio wave attenuator 22a reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b. It becomes difficult. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sensor unit 12 from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b.

  Further, according to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the radio wave attenuating means is the radio wave attenuating portion 22a which is integral with the bowl portion 4 and protrudes from the sensor arrangement region 4b. Thereby, the bowl part 4 constitutes a radio wave attenuation means. Therefore, the radio wave attenuating means can be configured with a simple structure.

  Further, according to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the sensor arrangement area 4b is smaller than the thickness of the radio wave attenuating portion 22a. It is possible to attenuate the radio wave radiated below the radio wave attenuator 22a while suppressing it. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed without impairing ease of hand washing.

  Further, according to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, the width of the radio wave attenuator 22a in the left-right direction is larger than the detection area A of the sensor unit 12. This makes it difficult for radio waves radiated from the sensor unit 12 to go around the radio wave attenuation unit 22a. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed more reliably.

  Further, in the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, the radio wave absorbing member 24 is provided on the water discharge port 8 side of the radio wave attenuation unit 22a. Thereby, the radio wave absorbing member 24 absorbs the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12. Therefore, the possibility that the radio wave reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b is reduced, and it is possible to further suppress the sensor unit 12 from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b.

(Second embodiment)
<Configuration of automatic faucet device>
Next, an automatic faucet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic faucet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an automatic faucet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
7 and 8, the same parts as those of the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor arrangement area 4b is provided with a radio wave attenuator 22b (radio wave attenuating means) that is integral with the bowl portion 4 and protrudes forward from the sensor arrangement area 4b. The radio wave attenuator 22b is located below the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and above the water receiving area 4a. In other words, the radio wave attenuator 22b is provided between the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and the water receiving area 4a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper end of the radio wave attenuator 22b is formed gently along the sensor arrangement area 4b, and the width of the radio wave attenuator 22b in the front-rear direction is formed to increase as it goes downward. I have. In other words, the upper surface of the radio wave attenuator 22b is formed so as to be inclined downward from the rear toward the front. As a result, the water attached to the upper surface of the radio wave attenuator 22b flows toward the water receiving area 4a of the bowl 4.

  Although not shown, the width of the radio wave attenuator 22b in the left-right direction is formed to be larger than the width of the detection area A of the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 in the horizontal direction.

  According to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the radio wave attenuator 22b (radio wave attenuating means) for attenuating the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 is arranged in the sensor arrangement area 4b, The portion 22b is located below the water outlet 8. Accordingly, even if the water flowing on the water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving area 4a flows to the sensor arrangement area 4b, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 by the radio wave attenuation unit 22b reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b. It becomes difficult. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sensor unit 12 from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b.

  Further, according to the automatic faucet apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the radio wave attenuating means is the radio wave attenuating portion 22b which is integral with the bowl portion 4 and protrudes from the sensor arrangement area 4b. Thereby, the bowl part 4 constitutes a radio wave attenuation means. Therefore, the radio wave attenuating means can be configured with a simple structure.

  Further, according to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the width of the radio wave attenuating portion 22b in the front-rear direction increases toward the lower side. This makes it difficult for the radio wave to attenuate near the water discharge port 8. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed without impairing ease of hand washing.

  Further, in the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the width of the radio wave attenuator 22b in the left-right direction is larger than the detection area A of the sensor unit 12. This makes it difficult for radio waves radiated from the sensor unit 12 to go around the radio wave attenuation unit 22b. Therefore, erroneous detection can be suppressed more reliably.

In addition, in this embodiment, the bowl part 4 does not need to be formed with ceramics, for example, What is necessary is just to be formed with materials which transmit radio waves, such as resin and artificial marble. Further, the radio wave attenuating portion 22a does not have to be formed of pottery, and may be formed of, for example, a material having a property of attenuating radio waves, such as resin or artificial marble.
Further, a radio wave absorbing member 24 may be provided above the radio wave attenuator 22b.

(Third embodiment)
<Configuration of automatic faucet device>
Next, an automatic faucet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic faucet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing an automatic faucet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
9 and 10, the same parts as those of the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, a plate-shaped radio wave attenuation member 22 c that attenuates radio waves radiated from the sensor unit 12 is disposed in the bowl unit 4. The radio wave attenuation member 22c is formed separately from the bowl portion 4.
Note that the radio wave attenuating member 22c may be made of the same ceramic as the bowl portion 4, or may be made of a material having a property of attenuating radio waves, such as resin, artificial marble, and metal.

As shown in FIG. 10, the radio wave attenuating member 22c is located below the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and above the water receiving area 4a. In other words, the radio wave attenuation member 22c is provided between the sensor unit 12 and the water outlet 8 and the water receiving area 4a. The radio wave attenuation member 22c extends toward the sensor arrangement region 4b of the bowl portion 4, and the rear end of the radio wave attenuation member 22c contacts the sensor arrangement region 4b of the bowl portion 4.
The thickness in the front-rear direction of the sensor arrangement region 4b is formed smaller than the thickness in the vertical direction of the radio wave attenuation member 22c.

  Note that a gap may be formed between the radio wave attenuation member 22c and the sensor arrangement region 4b. In this case, the width in the front-rear direction of the gap formed between the radio wave attenuating member 22c and the sensor arrangement region 4b can prevent the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 below the radio wave attenuating member 22c from passing through the gap. It is preferably as small as possible.

Below the radio wave attenuating member 22c, there is provided a support rod extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the radio wave attenuating member 22c toward the drain port 10 and the drain pipe 20. The support rod is formed integrally with the radio wave attenuating member 22 c and is supported in the drain pipe 20. When the automatic faucet device 2 is viewed from above, the drainage port 10 is concealed by the radio wave attenuation member 22c.
The radio wave attenuating member 22c may move up and down together with the support rod by operating an operation unit (not shown), and the drain port 10 may be closed by moving the radio wave attenuating member 22c to the lowest position. That is, the radio wave attenuation member 22c may be configured to function as a pop-up drain plug.

  According to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, the radio wave attenuation member 22c is in contact with the sensor arrangement area 4b of the bowl portion 4, or the radio wave attenuation member 22c and the sensor of the bowl portion 4 are in contact with each other. A gap is formed between the arrangement area 4b. Thereby, even if the water flowing on the water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving area 4a flows to the sensor arrangement area 4b, the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 by the radio wave attenuating member 22c reaches the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b. It becomes difficult. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sensor unit 12 from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the sensor arrangement area 4b.

  In the present embodiment, the radio wave absorbing member 24 may be provided above the radio wave attenuating member 22c.

  Further, the radio wave attenuation member 22c may be provided so as to cover the entire water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving area 4a. In this case, a gap is provided between the rear end of the radio wave attenuation member 22c and the sensor arrangement region 4b.

(Fourth embodiment)
<Configuration of automatic faucet device>
Next, an automatic faucet apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating an automatic faucet apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing an automatic faucet apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
11 to 13, the same parts as those of the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view taken along the line XII-II in FIG. 11, similarly to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the bowl portion 4 has a water receiving region 4 a forming the bottom of the bowl portion 4 and a sensor formed to extend upward from the rear of the water receiving region 4 a. It has an arrangement area 4g and a connection area 4c for connecting the water receiving area 4a and the sensor arrangement area 4g. Further, the bowl portion 4 is formed with a wall portion 4d that rises from the front end portion, the left and right end portions of the water receiving area 4a.

  On the upper surface of the water receiving area 4a, a water receiving surface 4e for receiving water discharged from the water discharging port 8 is formed, and a drain port 10 is provided at the center rear side of the water receiving area 4a. The water receiving surface 4e is inclined downward from the front end toward the drain port 10.

  The sensor arrangement region 4g is formed so as to extend forward and upward from the connection region 4c, and is formed on a surface on the rear side of the sensor arrangement region 4g when viewed from the front in FIG. 12 (a surface on the back side of the sensor arrangement region 4g). Has a sensor arrangement surface 4f. A sensor section 12 is provided above the sensor arrangement surface. In addition, on the front surface (the surface opposite to the sensor arrangement surface 4f) of the sensor arrangement region 4g when FIG. 12 is viewed from the front, the sensor unit 12 is below the sensor unit 12 and above the upper end of the wall unit 4d. The water discharge section 6 is provided so that the water discharge port 8 is located at the bottom. The front surface of the sensor arrangement region 4g is formed as a substantially flat surface.

  In addition, the surface on the front side of the water receiving surface 4e and the sensor arrangement region 4g (the surface opposite to the sensor arrangement surface 4f) may not be formed as a flat surface, and may be formed as a curved surface.

The connection region 4c is formed continuously from the rear end of the water receiving region 4a, and is formed behind the rear end of the drain port 10 and further behind the detection region A of the sensor unit 12. ing. In addition, a sensor arrangement area 4g is formed continuously from the upper end of the connection area 4c toward the front upper side. Here, the expression that the connection region 4c is formed behind the detection region A of the sensor unit 12 means that the connection region 4c is formed on a line (XII-XII line) extending in the center front-rear direction of the sensor unit 12 in FIG. This means that the connection area 4c is formed behind the detection area A of the sensor unit 12.
In addition, a portion where the angle C between the normal M of the maximum directivity direction N of the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 and the front surface of the connection region 4c when viewed from the front in FIG. 13 is 90 ° or more. The connection region 4c is provided such that the rear end of the connection region 4c is formed in the connection region 4c.
Note that the maximum directivity direction of the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 is a direction in which the radio wave is radiated to the farthest distance from the sensor unit 12 under the condition that the intensity of the radio wave radiated from the sensor unit 12 is the same. . In the present embodiment, the direction is the center of the sensor unit 12 and is perpendicular to the surface from which radio waves are radiated.

  Here, for example, when the user throws away the water or the like in the cup into the water receiving surface 4e of the water receiving region 4a of the bowl portion 4, the water flows from the water receiving region 4a toward the connection region 4c. Then, the water rebounds along the front surface of the connection region 4c. On the other hand, the connection area 4c is formed behind the detection area A of the sensor unit 12. Therefore, the splashed water falls on the water receiving surface 4e or flows down along the connection area 4c without entering the detection area A of the sensor unit 12.

  According to the automatic faucet device 2 according to the above-described fourth embodiment of the present invention, the connection region 4c is disposed behind the detection region A of the sensor unit 12. Thus, for example, when the user discards water or the like in the glass to the water receiving surface 4e, the water flows from the water receiving region 4a toward the connection region 4c, and moves along the connection region 4c. Water rebounds behind the detection area A. Therefore, the water that bounces out of the range of the detection area A of the sensor section 12 can be prevented, and the sensor section 12 can be prevented from erroneously detecting the water flowing to the connection area 4c.

  In addition, the front surface (the surface opposite to the sensor disposition surface 4f) of the water receiving surface 4e and the sensor disposition region 4g may not be formed as a flat surface, and may be formed at least partially as a curved surface.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiments, those to which a person skilled in the art has appropriately changed the design are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention.
The elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as far as technically possible, and those combinations are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

2 automatic faucet device 4 bowl part 4a water receiving area 4b, 4g sensor arrangement area 4c connection area 4d wall part 4e water reception surface 4f sensor arrangement surface 6 water discharge part 8 water discharge port 10 drain port 12 sensor part 12a transmission part 12b reception part 12c Oscillator circuit 12d Mixer circuit 14 Control unit 14a Judgment unit 14b Storage unit 16 Water supply pipe 18 Open / close valve 20 Drain pipe 22a, 22b Radio wave attenuation unit 22c Radio wave attenuation member 24 Radio wave absorption member

A Detection area

Claims (8)

A water discharge section having a water discharge port, a bowl section for receiving water discharge from the water discharge port, and information on the detected object based on a reflected wave of a radio wave that is disposed on the back side of the bowl section and emitted downward. An automatic faucet device comprising: a sensor unit to be obtained; and a control unit that controls water discharge from a water outlet of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal output by the sensor unit.
The sensor unit is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet,
The bowl portion includes a water receiving surface that receives water discharged from the water discharge port and includes a water receiving region that forms a bottom portion of the bowl portion, and a sensor placement surface where the sensor portion is disposed. A sensor arrangement area extending toward
An automatic faucet apparatus, wherein a radio wave attenuating means for attenuating a radio wave radiated from the sensor unit is arranged in the sensor arrangement area at a position below the water outlet.   The automatic faucet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave attenuating unit is a radio wave attenuating unit that is integral with the bowl unit and protrudes from the sensor arrangement area.   The automatic faucet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the sensor arrangement area is smaller than the thickness of the radio wave attenuation part.   The automatic faucet apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the width of the radio wave attenuating portion in the front-rear direction increases as it goes downward. A water discharge section having a water discharge port, a bowl section for receiving water discharge from the water discharge port, and information on the detected object based on a reflected wave of a radio wave that is disposed on the back side of the bowl section and emitted downward. An automatic faucet device comprising: a sensor unit to be obtained; and a control unit that controls water discharge from a water outlet of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal output by the sensor unit.
The sensor unit is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet,
The bowl portion includes a water receiving surface that receives water discharged from the water discharge port and includes a water receiving region that forms a bottom portion of the bowl portion, and a sensor placement surface where the sensor portion is disposed. A sensor arrangement area extending toward
Radio wave attenuating means for attenuating radio waves radiated from the sensor unit is a radio wave attenuating member that is provided separately from the bowl unit and disposed on the bowl unit,
The radio wave attenuation member is extended toward the sensor arrangement area,
Wherein the radio wave attenuating member is in contact with the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion, or a gap is formed between the radio wave attenuating member and the sensor arrangement region of the bowl portion. Stopper device.   The automatic faucet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a width of the radio wave attenuating unit in the left-right direction is larger than a detection area of the sensor unit.   The radio wave absorbing member that absorbs radio waves radiated from the sensor unit is provided on the water discharge port side of the radio wave attenuating means, The radio wave attenuating means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Automatic faucet device. A water discharge section having a water discharge port, a bowl section for receiving water discharge from the water discharge port, and information on the detected object based on a reflected wave of a radio wave that is disposed on the back side of the bowl section and emitted downward. An automatic faucet device comprising: a sensor unit to be obtained; and a control unit that controls water discharge from a water outlet of the water discharge unit based on a detection signal output by the sensor unit.
The sensor unit is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the height of the water outlet,
The bowl portion includes a water receiving surface that receives water discharged from the water discharge port and includes a water receiving region that forms a bottom portion of the bowl portion, and a sensor placement surface where the sensor portion is disposed. And a connection area connecting the water receiving area and the sensor arrangement area,
A detection area by the sensor unit is formed from a front side of the sensor unit to a rear side of the sensor unit,
The automatic faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the connection area is disposed behind a detection area of the sensor section formed to a rear side of the sensor section in a top view .

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