JP7022383B2 - Automatic faucet device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the invention generally relate to automatic faucet devices.

There is an automatic faucet device that detects a user's hand and automatically discharges and stops water according to the detection result (Patent Document 1). By automatically spouting and stopping water, the user does not need to operate a lever or the like, and the usability of the faucet device is improved.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-64260

Some faucet devices have a function of discharging hot water. In such a faucet device, when the water in the pipe is cold, for example, it is necessary to continue to discharge water until the water in the pipe is warm. In the case of a faucet device that manually switches the spouting stop water with a lever or the like, hot water can be spouted by leaving the faucet in a spouted state. However, when discharging hot water with an automatic faucet device, it is necessary to keep holding a hand or the like near the water discharge port and wait in contact with cold water until the hot water is discharged.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and it is not necessary to keep touching cold water in order to discharge hot water, and the user can touch hot water from the initial stage of water discharge automatically. It is intended to provide a faucet device.

The first invention has a mixing section for mixing a water supply pipe and water supplied from a hot water supply pipe, a faucet body having a spout for discharging water supplied from the mixing section, and a downstream side of the mixing section. A temperature detecting means provided in a located water passage, a detecting means for detecting an object to be detected, a control unit for controlling water discharge and water stoppage from the water discharge port according to the detection result of the detection means, and a hot water preparation operation. In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit passes water from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage, and the first temperature or higher is detected by the temperature detecting means. And the automatic faucet device that stops the water flow.

According to this automatic faucet device, the user can execute the hot water preparation operation by operating the operation unit. In the hot water preparation operation, water is automatically passed until the temperature of the water flowing through the water passage reaches the first temperature or higher. Therefore, when using hot water, the user does not need to keep holding his / her hand or the like until the hot water comes out. In addition, after the hot water preparation operation is completed, the user can touch the hot water from the initial stage of spouting.

The second invention is, in the first invention, an automatic faucet device further comprising a first notifying means for notifying that the hot water preparation operation is completed.

According to this automatic faucet device, it is possible to notify the user that hot water can be discharged. In addition, by notifying, the user can know the completion of the hot water preparation operation earlier, and the water temperature of the discharged water can be changed between the completion of the hot water preparation operation and the use by the user. It is possible to suppress the decrease.

A third aspect of the invention is an automatic faucet device in which the first notification means is configured by using the outlet of water flowing through the water passage as the spout.

According to this automatic faucet device, the user can know the completion of the hot water preparation operation by seeing the change from the spouted state to the stopped state or listening to the sound. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user of the completion of the hot water preparation operation in an easy-to-understand manner.

A fourth aspect of the invention is an automatic faucet device further comprising a second notifying means for notifying that the hot water preparation operation is in progress in the second or third invention.

According to this automatic faucet device, it is possible to notify the user that the hot water preparation operation is in progress, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving misunderstanding or anxiety to the user.

A fifth aspect of the invention is an automatic faucet device in which the notification by the second notification means can be distinguished from the notification by the first notification means in the fourth invention.

According to this automatic faucet device, it is possible to inform the user whether the state is during the hot water preparation operation or after the hot water preparation operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, in the hot water preparation operation, the control unit does not execute water discharge and water stop control according to the detection result of the detection means, or It is an automatic faucet device that does not perform detection by the detection means.

According to this automatic faucet device, it is possible to prevent the water flow for preparing hot water from being stopped or the cold water from being discharged from the spout depending on the detection result of the detecting means during the hot water preparation operation.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, in the hot water preparation operation, the first temperature or higher is not detected by the temperature detecting means for a predetermined time from the start of the water flow. The control unit is an automatic faucet device that stops water flow.

According to this automatic faucet device, it is possible to prevent the water from continuing to flow unnecessarily when the first temperature or higher is not detected for some reason.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to seventh inventions, in the hot water preparation operation, the control unit transfers the flow rate of water flowing from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage through the water supply pipe. It is an automatic faucet device that makes it larger than the flow rate of water flowing into the water channel.

According to this automatic faucet device, the hot water preparation operation can be completed in a shorter time.

A ninth aspect of the invention is an automatic faucet further comprising a third notifying means for notifying while the first temperature or higher is detected by the temperature detecting means in any one of the first to eighth inventions. It is a device.

According to this automatic faucet device, for example, when a user executes a hot water preparation operation to use hot water and then another user arrives, the user is also ready for hot water. Can be notified. Therefore, it is possible to prevent another user from unnecessarily operating the operation unit to execute the hot water preparation operation.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic faucet device that does not require continuous contact with cold water to discharge hot water and allows the user to touch hot water from the initial stage of water discharge. Is.

It is a perspective view which illustrates the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on 1st modification. It is a time chart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on the 1st modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on 2nd modification. It is a time chart which shows the operation of the automatic faucet apparatus which concerns on the 2nd modification.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic faucet device according to an embodiment.
The automatic faucet device 1 according to the embodiment is provided on the wash basin 2 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The automatic faucet device 1 may be provided in a place other than the wash basin 2 where water discharge is required, such as a kitchen.

The automatic faucet device 1 includes a faucet main body 4, a detection means 5, an operation unit 6, and a notification means 7. The faucet body 4 has a spout 4a for discharging water. The detecting means 5 is provided near, for example, the faucet main body 4, and detects a detected object such as a hand existing in the detection area 5a. The operation unit 6 is used when executing a hot water preparation operation, which will be described later. The notification means 7 notifies the user of information regarding the hot water preparation operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the automatic faucet device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic faucet device 1 further includes a water supply pipe 10, a hot water supply pipe 12, a mixing unit 14, a temperature detecting means 16, and a control unit 20.

The water supply pipe 10 is connected to a water supply source 10s such as a water supply pipe. The hot water supply pipe 12 is connected to a hot water supply source 12s such as a water heater. A mixing section 14 is provided downstream of the water supply pipe 10 and the hot water supply pipe 12. The water supplied from the water supply pipe 10 and the water (hot water) supplied from the hot water supply pipe 12 are mixed by the mixing unit 14. The mixed water is supplied to the faucet main body 4 and discharged from the spout port 4a.

The water discharge stop from the water discharge port 4a is controlled by the control unit 20. For example, when the detected object is detected by the detection means 5, the control unit 20 opens the solenoid valve 11 provided in the water supply pipe 10 and the solenoid valve 13 provided in the hot water supply pipe 12, and discharges water from the water discharge port 4a. Discharge. When the detected body is no longer detected, the control unit 20 closes the solenoid valves 11 and 13 and stops the water discharged from the water discharge port 4a.

Further, the control unit 20 executes the hot water preparation operation when the operation unit 6 is operated. In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit 20 opens at least the solenoid valve 13 of the hot water supply pipe 12 and allows water to flow from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the mixing unit 14. When water flows through the hot water supply pipe 12, the water is heated in the hot water supply source 12s, and hot water begins to be generated. After that, by continuing to flow water through the hot water supply pipe 12, the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 12 rises, and the hot water is discharged from the spout port 4a.

A temperature detecting means 16 is provided in the water passage 15 located on the downstream side of the mixing unit 14. The water passage 15 is located, for example, between the mixing unit 14 and the spout 4a. The temperature detecting means 16 detects the temperature of the water flowing through the water passage 15. The detection result by the temperature detecting means 16 is output to the control unit 20. For example, the control unit 20 ends the hot water preparation operation when the detected temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

In the hot water preparation operation, the water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 12 through the mixing unit 14 and the temperature detecting means 16 is discharged from, for example, the water discharge port 4a and flows to the drain pipe 18 connected to the bowl 17. Alternatively, the water passage 15 and the drain pipe 18 may be directly connected, and the water flowing through the temperature detecting means 16 may flow to the drain pipe 18 without being discharged from the water discharge port 4a. Alternatively, downstream of the mixing unit 14, the flow path to the water discharge port 4a and the flow path to the water passage 15 provided with the temperature detecting means 16 may be branched. In this case, the water passage 15 is directly connected to, for example, the drain pipe 18, and the water flowing through the temperature detecting means 16 flows to the drain pipe 18. The notification means 7 notifies the user, for example, that the hot water preparation operation has been completed. The notification is performed by, for example, light or sound.

Specific examples of each component in the automatic faucet device 1 will be described. The following is an example, and if the functions of each component can be realized, the specific configuration of each can be changed as appropriate.
The detection means 5 is a reflection type integral sensor that transmits and receives infrared light. The notification means 7 is a light emitting diode. The temperature detecting means 16 is a thermistor. The control unit 20 is a microcomputer. The mixing unit 14 is a single lever type hot and cold water mixing faucet. According to this mixing faucet, it is possible to switch between water discharge only with water, water discharge only with hot water, and water discharge with a mixture of hot water and water. In addition, by operating the single lever, it is possible to switch between spouting and stopping water, the amount of spouting water, and the mixing ratio of hot water.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic faucet device 1 is provided with an operation unit 8 for switching between automatic and manual discharge stop water. When the operation unit 8 is operated and the mode is switched to the manual mode, the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are always in the open state. By operating the mixing unit 14 (single lever) in this state, the water discharge stop can be controlled manually. When the automatic mode is switched, the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are closed, and the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are opened and closed according to the detection result of the detection means 5. At this time, for example, by setting the mixing unit 14 to the water discharge position and keeping the mixing unit 14 in a state where water can pass through, water discharge stop according to the detection result is automatically performed.
Alternatively, the mixing unit 14 may be provided with another valve controlled by the control unit 20. In the manual mode, the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are opened, and the operation of the other valve is controlled by the operation of the mixing unit 14, so that the water discharge stop can be manually controlled. In the automatic mode, another valve is opened regardless of the state of the mixing unit 14, and the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are opened and closed according to the detection result, so that water discharge is automatically stopped.

Hereinafter, the specific operation of the automatic faucet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the operation unit 6 is operated, the hot water preparation operation is started (step S0). When the hot water preparation operation is started, the control unit 20 determines whether the temperature of the water in the water passage 15 detected by the temperature detecting means 16 (hereinafter referred to as the detected temperature) is equal to or higher than the preset first temperature (hereinafter referred to as the detected temperature). Step S1).

When the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature, the hot water is in a state of being discharged, and the hot water preparation operation is terminated. When the detected temperature is lower than the first temperature, the solenoid valves 11 and 13 are opened, and water flow from the water supply pipe 10 and the hot water supply pipe 12 to the water passage 15 is started (step S2). As the water flows from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the water passage 15, the water in the hot water supply pipe 12 is replaced with the warm water supplied from the hot water supply source 12s, and the temperature of the water flowing through the water passage 15 also rises. ..

While water is flowing through the water passage 15, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature (step S3). When the detected temperature is lower than the first temperature, the control unit 20 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow (step S4). When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow, the control unit 20 stops water flow (step S5) and ends the hot water preparation operation.

When it is determined in step S3 that the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature, the control unit 20 starts the notification by the notification means 7 and stops the water flow (step S6). That is, since the hot water is ready, the hot water preparation operation is completed.

For example, the notification is continuously performed while the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature. Therefore, after the notification is started, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is the first temperature or higher (step S7). While the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature, the determination in step S7 is repeated. If it is determined in step S7 that the detected temperature is lower than the first temperature, the notification is stopped (step S8), and the process is terminated.

In the above-mentioned operation, the first temperature is set to, for example, 28 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less. Further, the predetermined time referred to in step S4 is set to, for example, 3 minutes or more and 5 minutes or less. This predetermined time is set based on, for example, the time from when hot water is started to be supplied from the hot water supply source 12s until all the water in the hot water supply pipe 12 is replaced with hot water.

A specific operation example of the automatic faucet device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the operation unit 6 is pressed at the timing T0 and the operation unit 6 is released at the timing T1, the hot water preparation operation is started (step S0 in FIG. 3). .. When the temperature of the water in the water passage 15 is lower than the first temperature, the water flow is started at the timing T2 (step S2). After that, when the detected temperature becomes the first temperature or higher at the timing T3, the hot water preparation operation is completed. The control unit 20 stops the water flow and starts the notification (step S6). When the detection temperature becomes lower than the first temperature at the timing T4 after the water flow is stopped, the control unit 20 stops the notification (step S8).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, the detection temperature may not reach the first temperature or higher even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow. In this case, the control unit 20 does not perform notification, stops water flow at timing T5 after a predetermined time from timing T2 (step S5), and ends the hot water preparation operation.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the operation unit 6 is operated, if the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature, it is not necessary to allow water to pass through. Therefore, the control unit 20 does not execute the hot water preparation operation and does not pass water. Further, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 4C, the control unit 20 may perform notification regardless of the hot water preparation operation.

The effect of the embodiment will be described.
According to the automatic faucet device 1 according to the embodiment, the user can execute the hot water preparation operation by operating the operation unit 6. In this hot water preparation operation, water is automatically passed from the mixing unit 14 to the water passage 15 without the user holding a hand or the like over the detection means 5. Then, when the temperature of the water flowing through the water passage 15 becomes the first temperature or higher, the water flow is stopped and the preparation for discharging the hot water is completed. Therefore, when the user wants to discharge hot water from the faucet main body 4, it is not necessary to keep holding his / her hand or the like until the hot water comes out. Further, since the water in the water passage 15 is warm after the hot water preparation operation is completed, the user can touch the hot water from the initial stage of water discharge.

Desirably, the automatic faucet device 1 includes a notification means 7 (first notification means) for notifying that the hot water preparation operation is completed. By providing the notification means 7, it is possible to notify the user that the hot water can be discharged. In addition, by notifying, the user can know the completion of the hot water preparation operation earlier, and the temperature of the discharged water between the completion of the hot water preparation operation and the use by the user can be determined. It is possible to suppress the decrease.

Alternatively, instead of the notification means 7, the water discharge from the water discharge port 4a in the hot water preparation operation may be used as the first notification means. In other words, the first notification means may be configured by using the outlet of the water flowing through the water passage 15 as the spout 4a.
When the water flowing through the water passage 15 is discharged from the water discharge port 4a, the water discharge is stopped when the hot water preparation operation is completed. The user can know the completion of the hot water preparation operation by seeing the change from the spouted state to the stopped water state and listening to the change in sound. By doing so, it is possible to inform the user of the completion of the hot water preparation operation in an easy-to-understand manner.
Alternatively, the automatic faucet device 1 may include both the configuration and the notification means 7. This makes it possible to more reliably notify the user of the completion of the hot water preparation operation.

Further, during the hot water preparation operation, the control unit 20 does not execute water discharge and water stop control according to the detection result of the detection means 5. Alternatively, the control unit 20 stops the operation of the detection means 5 and does not execute the detection by the detection means 5. This is because the following problems may occur if water discharge is stopped according to the detection result during the hot water preparation operation.
For example, when water is being discharged from the spout port 4a in the hot water preparation operation, if the user brings his / her hands closer to each other and separates them, the water will be stopped and the hot water preparation will not be completed. Further, in the hot water preparation operation, if the user brings his / her hand close to the water while the water is flowing directly from the water passage 15 to the drain pipe 18, cold water is discharged from the spout 4a and is caught in the user's hand.
Such a problem can be prevented by not performing the spouting stop according to the detection result during the hot water preparation operation.

When control other than water discharge and water stop from the water discharge port 4a is performed based on the detection by the detection means 5, the control unit 20 does not stop the operation of the detection means 5 and discharges water according to the detection result. And it is desirable not to perform water stop control. According to this control method, other control based on the detection result of the detection means 5 can be executed even during the hot water preparation operation.

It is desirable that the automatic faucet device 1 further includes a second notifying means for notifying that the hot water preparation operation is in progress. The second notifying means may be provided separately from the notifying means 7 (first notifying means), or the notifying means 7 may function as the second notifying means.
For example, when water flows from the water passage 15 to the spout 4a in the hot water preparation operation, the water continues to be discharged even if there is no object to be detected in the detection area 5a during the hot water preparation operation. Therefore, there is a possibility that a person other than the person who operates the operation unit 6 may misunderstand that the automatic faucet device 1 is out of order. Further, when the water flowing through the water passage 15 directly flows to the drainage pipe 18, the water flow is invisible to the user. For this reason, the user does not know whether the hot water preparation operation is actually executed, which may cause anxiety.
With respect to these problems, the automatic faucet device 1 is provided with the second notification means, so that the user can be notified that the hot water preparation operation is in progress. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving a misunderstanding or anxiety to the user.

It is desirable that the notification by the second notification means indicating that the hot water preparation operation is in progress can be distinguished from the notification by the notification means 7 indicating that the hot water preparation operation is completed. By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to understand whether the automatic faucet device 1 is in the hot water preparation operation or after the hot water preparation operation.
For example, the notification means 7 and the second notification means may be provided separately. By providing the two notification means separately, it becomes possible to distinguish the notification by these notification means.
When the notifying means 7 also functions as the second notifying means, the method of notifying by the second notifying means is different from the method of notifying by the notifying means 7. The two notification methods are different, so that they can be distinguished. For example, when the notifying means 7 emits light or sound, the notifying means 7 emits a different color of light or a different sound during the hot water preparation operation than when the hot water preparation operation is completed. This makes it possible to distinguish between the two notifications.

Further, when the hot water preparation operation is executed, if the detected temperature does not reach the first temperature or higher for a predetermined time from the start of water flow, it is desirable that the control unit 20 stops the water flow.
For example, even if water is passed from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the water passage 15, hot water is not supplied if the hot water supply source 12s (water heater) is out of order. Further, when the mixing unit 14 is provided in the lever for manually operating the water discharge stop, water may not flow from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the mixing unit 14 or the flow rate of the flowing water may be small depending on the state of the lever. Or something. In this case, the water heater does not ignite and hot water is not supplied. Alternatively, if the temperature detecting means 16 is out of order, the detected temperature does not exceed the first temperature.
In these cases, if water flow is continued for a long time, water will be wasted. By stopping the water flow by the control unit 20 after the elapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the water from continuing to flow unnecessarily when the detected temperature does not reach the first temperature or higher for some reason.

During the hot water preparation operation, it is desirable that the control unit 20 make the flow rate of the water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the water passage 15 larger than the flow rate of the water flowing from the water supply pipe 10 to the water passage 15. According to this control method, hot water can be guided to the hot water supply pipe 12 faster, and the hot water preparation operation can be completed in a shorter time.

Further, it is desirable that the automatic faucet device 1 is provided with a third notification means that continuously notifies while the temperature detecting means 16 detects the first temperature or higher. In other words, the third notification means continuously performs notification while the detection temperature is the first temperature or higher, regardless of the hot water preparation operation. The third notifying means may be provided separately from the notifying means 7, or the notifying means 7 may function as the third notifying means.
By providing the third notification means, for example, when a user executes a hot water preparation operation to use the hot water and then another user comes, the hot water is also discharged to that user. Can be notified that Alternatively, after a user discharges hot water without executing the hot water preparation operation, or after manually discharging hot water, the hot water is immediately discharged even if the hot water preparation operation is not executed. It is in a state. In this case, by performing the notification by the third notification means, it is possible to notify another user that the hot water is being discharged.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent another user from unnecessarily operating the operation unit 6 to execute the hot water preparation operation.

The third notification means may continuously perform notification while the second temperature or higher, which is lower than the first temperature, is detected. The second temperature is set to, for example, a temperature at which the user does not feel cold when touched.

(First modification)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the first modification.
The operation of steps S0 to S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, the same as the operation of steps S0 to S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

When water flow is started in step S2, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is the second temperature or higher (step S10). The second temperature is lower than the first temperature. When the detected temperature is lower than the second temperature, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow (step S11). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the water flow is stopped (step S12), and the hot water preparation operation is completed.

When the second temperature or higher is detected in step S10, the control unit 20 starts notification (step S13) and determines whether the detected temperature is the first temperature or higher (step S14). When the detected temperature is lower than the first temperature, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow (step S15). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step S14 is executed again.

When the first temperature or higher is detected in step S14, the control unit 20 stops water flow (step S16) and completes the hot water preparation operation. Further, in step S15, even if the predetermined time has elapsed, the water flow is stopped. This is because if the detected temperature does not reach the first temperature or higher even after a lapse of a predetermined time, some trouble may exist.

After the water flow is stopped, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is the second temperature or higher (step S17). When the detection temperature is lower than the second temperature, the control unit 20 stops the notification (step S18) and ends the process. If the detected temperature is the second temperature or higher, step S17 is repeated.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the first modification.
In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the operation unit 6 is operated at timings T0 and T1 (step S0), and water flow is started at timing T2 (step S2). After the start of water flow, when the detection temperature becomes the second temperature or higher at the timing T10, the notification is started (step S13). After that, when the detected temperature becomes the first temperature or higher at the timing T11, the water flow is stopped (step S16), and the hot water preparation operation is completed. After the water flow is stopped, the water temperature drops, and the detected temperature becomes lower than the first temperature and higher than the second temperature at the timing T12, but the notification is continued here. After that, when the detected temperature becomes lower than the second temperature at the timing T13, the notification is stopped (step S18).

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the detection temperature is lower than the second temperature for a predetermined time after the water flow is started at the timing T2. No notification is performed, water flow is stopped at timing T14 (step S12), and the hot water preparation operation ends.

In the example shown in FIG. 6 (c), after the water flow is started at the timing T2, the detection temperature becomes the second temperature or higher at the timing T10, and the notification is started (step S13). However, after that, since the detected temperature was lower than the second temperature for a predetermined time from the start of water flow, the water flow was stopped at the timing T14 (step S16), and the hot water preparation operation was completed. After that, when the detected temperature becomes lower than the second temperature at the timing T15, the notification is stopped (step S18).

Alternatively, as in the example shown in FIG. 4C, if the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature when the operation unit 6 is operated, the hot water preparation operation is not executed because the hot water has already been prepared. ..

The effect of this modification will be described.
For example, if the temperature at which the hot water preparation operation is completed and the water is stopped and the temperature at which the notification is started are the same, the temperature of the water in the water passage 15 drops even if the notification is performed, and the notification is immediately notified. It may stop. Further, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 16 varies. Therefore, for example, after the water is stopped and the notification is stopped, the notification may be performed again and the notification may become unstable. Such instability of notification may give the user a misunderstanding that the notification means 7 is defective.

Regarding this problem, in the automatic faucet device according to the present modification, after the hot water preparation operation is completed and the water is stopped, the notification means 7 is used while the second temperature or higher, which is lower than the first temperature, is detected. Notify. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the notification from being stopped immediately after the hot water preparation operation is completed and the water is stopped. Further, after the time has passed since the water was stopped, the temperature of the pipes and the like constituting the water passage 15 began to decrease as compared with immediately after the water was stopped, so that the change in the water temperature with respect to time was large. By stopping the notification at a timing when the change in water temperature is larger, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the notification and the stop of the notification are repeated due to the variation in the detection temperature by the temperature detecting means 16.
Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to prevent the notification that the user is notified of the completion of the hot water preparation operation from becoming unstable.

Further, in the automatic faucet device according to the present modification, when the detection temperature becomes the second temperature or higher during the hot water preparation operation, the notification is started. As a result, the user can know that the discharged water is almost warmed up before the completion of the hot water preparation operation, and the completion of the hot water preparation operation is near.

The above-mentioned third notification means may be provided in the automatic faucet device according to this modification. In that case, for example, the third notification means performs notification when the detection temperature is the first temperature or higher and when the detection temperature is the second temperature or higher, regardless of the hot water preparation operation. By doing so, there is no difference in the temperature at which the notification is started except during the hot water preparation operation and the hot water preparation operation, and it is less likely to cause misunderstanding or confusion to the user.

If the difference between the second temperature and the first temperature is large, the temperature rise from the start of the notification to the completion of the hot water preparation operation and the water stoppage becomes large, which may give the user a sense of discomfort. .. If the difference between the second temperature and the first temperature is small, as described above, the notification may be stopped immediately after the water is stopped, or the notification and the stop may be repeated. Therefore, it is desirable that the difference between the second temperature and the first temperature is 1 degree or more and 5 degrees or less. More preferably, the difference is 1 degree or more and 3 degrees or less.

(Second modification)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the second modification.
The operation of steps S0 to S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, the same as the operation of steps S0 to S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

When water flow is started in step S2, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature (step S20). When the detected temperature is lower than the first temperature, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of water flow (step S21). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the water flow is stopped (step S22), and the hot water preparation operation is completed.

When the first temperature or higher is detected in step S20, the control unit 20 starts the notification and stops the water flow (step S23). After that, the control unit 20 determines whether the detected temperature is the second temperature or higher (step S24). If the detected temperature is the second temperature or higher, step S24 is repeated. If the detected temperature is less than the second temperature, the control unit 20 stops the notification (step S25) and ends the process.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic faucet device according to the second modification.
In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the operation unit 6 is operated at timings T0 and T1 (step S0), and water flow is started at timing T2 (step S2). After the start of water flow, when the detection temperature becomes the first temperature or higher at the timing T20, the notification is started, the water flow is stopped (step S21), and the hot water preparation operation is completed. After the water flow is stopped, the detection temperature becomes lower than the first temperature and higher than the second temperature at the timing T21, but the notification is continued. After that, when the detected temperature becomes lower than the second temperature at the timing T22, the notification is stopped (step S25).

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the detection temperature is lower than the first temperature for a predetermined time after the water flow is started at the timing T2. No notification is performed, water flow is stopped at timing T23 (step S22), and the hot water preparation operation ends. Further, even if the detected temperature becomes the second temperature or higher between the timings T2 and T23, the notification is not performed.

Also in the automatic faucet device according to the present modification, as in the first modification, after the first temperature or higher is detected and the water is stopped, notification is performed until the detected temperature becomes less than the second temperature. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the notification is stopped immediately after the notification is started, or the notification and the notification are repeatedly stopped due to the variation in the detection temperature by the temperature detecting means 16.

On the other hand, in the automatic faucet device according to the present modification, unlike the first modification, the notification is started when the detection temperature is the first temperature or higher. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the detected temperature becomes the second temperature or higher during the hot water preparation operation, but the first temperature is not reached, the notification is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being continuously notified even though the hot water preparation operation is not completed, and it is possible to notify the user only of the completion of the hot water preparation operation.

Further, the above-mentioned third notification means may be provided in the automatic faucet device according to the present modification. In that case, the third notification means starts notification when the detection temperature becomes the first temperature or higher, for example, except during the hot water preparation operation. After that, the third notification means continues the notification until the detection temperature drops below the second temperature. By doing so, there is no difference between the temperature at which the notification is started and the temperature at which the notification is stopped except during the hot water preparation operation and the hot water preparation operation, and it is less likely to cause misunderstanding or confusion to the user.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. The above-mentioned embodiments which have been appropriately designed by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the automatic faucet device are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed.
Further, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

1 Automatic faucet device, 2 Washbasin, 4 Faucet body, 4a spout, 5 Detection means, 5a Detection area, 6 Operation unit, 7 Notification means, 8 Operation unit, 10 Water supply pipe, 10s water supply source, 11 Solenoid valve , 12 hot water supply pipe, 12s hot water supply source, 13 solenoid valve, 14 mixing part, 15 water passage, 16 temperature detection means, 17 bowl, 18 drainage pipe, 20 control unit, S0 to S8, S10 to S18, S20 to S25 step, T0-T5, T10-T15, T20-T23 Timing

Claims (8)

A mixing section that mixes the water supply pipe and the water supplied from the hot water supply pipe,
A faucet body having a spout for discharging water supplied from the mixing portion, and a faucet body.
A temperature detecting means provided in a water passage located on the downstream side of the mixing portion, and
Detection means to detect the object to be detected and
A control unit that controls water discharge and water stoppage from the water discharge port according to the detection result of the detection means.
The operation unit for executing the hot water preparation operation,
Equipped with
In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit
Water is passed from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage, and when the temperature detecting means detects the first temperature or higher, the water flow is stopped .
If the temperature detecting means does not detect the first temperature or higher for a predetermined time from the start of the water flow, the water flow is stopped.
Automatic faucet device. A mixing section that mixes the water supply pipe and the water supplied from the hot water supply pipe,
A faucet body having a spout for discharging water supplied from the mixing portion, and a faucet body.
A temperature detecting means provided in a water passage located on the downstream side of the mixing portion, and
Detection means to detect the object to be detected and
A control unit that controls water discharge and water stoppage from the water discharge port according to the detection result of the detection means.
The operation unit for executing the hot water preparation operation,
Equipped with
In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit
Water is passed from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage, and when the temperature detecting means detects the first temperature or higher, the water flow is stopped.
The flow rate of water flowing from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage is made larger than the flow rate of water flowing from the water supply pipe to the water passage.
Automatic faucet device. A mixing section that mixes the water supply pipe and the water supplied from the hot water supply pipe,
A faucet body having a spout for discharging water supplied from the mixing portion, and a faucet body.
A temperature detecting means provided in a water passage located on the downstream side of the mixing portion, and
Detection means to detect the object to be detected and
A control unit that controls water discharge and water stoppage from the water discharge port according to the detection result of the detection means.
The operation unit for executing the hot water preparation operation,
A third notifying means for notifying while the first temperature or higher is detected by the temperature detecting means,
Equipped with
In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit makes water flow from the hot water supply pipe to the water passage, and when the temperature detecting means detects the first temperature or higher, the automatic faucet device stops the water flow. .. The automatic faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first notifying means for notifying that the hot water preparation operation has been completed. The automatic faucet device according to claim 4 , wherein the first notification means has an outlet of water flowing through the water passage as the spout. The automatic faucet device according to claim 4 or 5 , further comprising a second notifying means for notifying that the hot water preparation operation is in progress. The automatic faucet device according to claim 6 , wherein the notification by the second notification means can be distinguished from the notification by the first notification means. In the hot water preparation operation, the control unit does not execute control of water discharge and water stop according to the detection result of the detection means, or does not execute detection by the detection means according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The described automatic faucet device.

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