JP7243346B2 - automatic dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic hand wash basin with an automatic discharge device installed in a toilet or a wash basin, and in particular, a water discharge part that detects hands and automatically discharges and stops water, and similarly detects hands and automatically discharges water. The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing device provided with a soap dispensing part for dispensing and stopping soap.

In recent years, hand wash basins installed in toilets and washbasin equipment have been equipped with a water discharge unit that automatically discharges water when a hand is held out, and a soap discharge unit that similarly discharges soap when a hand is held out. The number of automatic hand washing machines equipped with the device is increasing. In such an automatic hand washing machine, when the water discharge part and the soap discharge part are installed side by side in a limited narrow space, the sensing ranges of the proximity sensors are close to each other. There was a problem of sensing and discharging.

In order to solve this problem, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-100000, one of the proximity sensors is prohibited from sensing the other proximity sensor while the other is discharging, or a certain delay time is provided until the sensing result is determined. prevent

JP-A-2002-345675

However, with the above method, simultaneous ejection of water and soap is not possible, or it takes time to switch between ejection of water and soap, resulting in a decrease in usability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. To improve usability by enabling simultaneous ejection while preventing the ejection due to the collision, and shortening the time from sensing by a proximity sensor to ejection.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic discharge device that detects a hand and automatically discharges and stops water, and discharges water based on the sensing result of a faucet proximity sensor. a water discharger, a water on-off valve that opens and closes a water flow path for supplying water from a water supply source to the water discharger, a soap discharger that discharges soap based on a sensing result of a soap proximity sensor; A pump that opens and closes a soap channel to supply the soap to the soap discharge part, and operates the water on-off valve and the pump based on the sensing results of the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor. a control unit for controlling, when both the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor are in a non-sensing state, the control unit controls whether the faucet proximity sensor or the soap proximity sensor detects When the sensing signal is continuously received for a first predetermined time, the water on-off valve and the pump start to operate, and when either the faucet proximity sensor or the soap proximity sensor is sensing, The automatic ejection device is characterized in that when the sensing signal from the other sensor is continuously received for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time, the corresponding water on-off valve or the pump starts operating. .

According to this automatic discharger, when neither water nor soap is discharged from each of the water discharge part and the soap discharge part, the water opening/closing valve and the pump are operated when the detection signal is continuously received for the first predetermined time. Therefore, it can be discharged in a short time. In other words, it is possible to speed up the process from when the user puts his or her hand in front of the sensor to when the liquid is discharged, thereby improving usability. Further, when water or soap is being discharged from one of the water discharging part and the soap discharging part, the reception signal from the other sensor is continuously received for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. Therefore, even if it accidentally enters the sensing area of the other sensor, erroneous detection can be suppressed. Also, it is possible to improve usability.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when both the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor are in the sensing state, the control unit detects whether either the faucet proximity sensor or the soap proximity sensor is in the sensing state. After changing from the sensing state to the non-sensing state, when the sensing signal is received again within the third predetermined time and continues for the fourth predetermined time less than the second predetermined time, the corresponding water on-off valve or the pump operates. An automatic dispensing device, characterized in that it is configured to initiate the

According to this automatic ejection device, when both water and soap are being ejected from the water ejection part and the soap ejection part respectively, if it is desired to stop ejection of one of them and restart the ejection immediately after, the third Since ink is ejected by continuously receiving the ink for a fourth predetermined time that is less than or equal to the second predetermined time within the predetermined time, it can be ejected again in a short time. In other words, after the user puts his or her hand away from the front, the time from when the user puts his/her hand up again to when the liquid is discharged can be shortened, thereby improving usability.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, the fourth predetermined time is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time.

According to this automatic ejection device, since the fourth predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the first predetermined time, it is possible to suppress erroneous sensing even when disturbance enters.

According to the present invention, in an automatic ejection device having a water ejection portion and a soap ejection portion, simultaneous ejection is possible while preventing ejection due to erroneous detection by a proximity sensor while one is in use. Ease of use can be improved by shortening the time from sensing by the sensor to ejection.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an automatic ejection device of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention; 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the automatic ejection device of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an automatic ejection device according to an embodiment. The automatic discharge device 1 shown in FIG. A soap discharge unit 5 having a soap proximity sensor 6 for sensing and a pump 7 for discharging and stopping the soap, and an operation signal is transmitted to the water on/off valve 4 based on the sensing result of the proximity sensor 3 for the faucet. , a control unit 8 that transmits an actuation signal to the pump 7 based on the sensing result of the soap proximity sensor 6; Conductive lines 9, 10, 11, 12 are provided for transmitting and receiving electrical signals between.

The operation of the automatic ejection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation when both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are not ejected.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation when the water discharger 2 discharges water.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation when the soap dispenser 5 discharges.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation when either the water ejection part 2 or the soap ejection part 5 of the automatic ejection device 1 is ejected.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation when both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are ejected.
FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation when both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are ejected.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation in the case where the water ejection part 2 stops the ejection while both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are ejecting, and the ejection is resumed immediately thereafter.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation in the case of stopping the ejection of the soap ejection part 5 while both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are ejecting, and then restarting the ejection immediately after.
FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the operation in the case where one of the discharges is stopped while both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are being discharged, and the discharge is resumed immediately thereafter.

A case where both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are not discharged will be described with reference to FIG. Steps S18 and S19 are steps when the water discharger 2 is being discharged, and steps S20 and S21 are steps when the soap discharger 5 is being discharged, and will be described later. When the hand is brought close to the faucet proximity sensor 3, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 senses and the soap proximity sensor 6 does not sense (step S22). A first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 is set in a timer (water discharge section 2 sensing delay timer) for measuring the delay time, and measurement is started (step S24). After that, the control unit 8 executes the operation of step S26. The operation of step S26 will be described later. Next, the process returns to step S22, and when it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 detects and the soap proximity sensor 6 does not detect (step S22), step S23 is executed. In step S23, when the hand is brought close to the soap proximity sensor 6, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is sensing (step S23). A first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 is set in the timer for measuring the sensing delay time of No. 5 (soap discharge unit 5 sensing delay timer), and measurement is started (step S25). After that, the control unit 8 executes the operation of step S27. The operation of step S27 will be described later.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the case where water is discharged from the water discharger 2 will be described. When the control unit 8 determines that the measurement of the water discharge unit 2 sensing delay timer has ended while the hand is close to the faucet proximity sensor 3 (step S18), the water discharge unit 2 discharges ( step S28). After that, the control section 8 executes the operations of steps S20 to S21. The operations of steps S20 to S21 will be described later. Next, when the hand is moved away from the faucet proximity sensor 3, if it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is non-sensing (step S29), the water discharge section 2 sensing delay timer is activated. is set to the first predetermined time (sensing delay short time) t13, and measurement is started (step S24). After that, the control unit 8 executes the operation of step S32. In step S32, when the control section 8 determines that the measurement of the water discharge section 2 detection delay timer in FIG. 2 has ended (step S18), the discharge of the water discharge section 2 is stopped (step S19). Next, returning to step S29 in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is not non-sensing (step S29), step S30 is executed. In step S30, when the hand is brought close to the soap proximity sensor 6, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 has sensed and the soap proximity sensor 6 has sensed (step S30). A second predetermined time (sensing delay long time) t14 is set in the sensing delay timer, and measurement is started (step S31). After that, the control unit 8 executes the operation in step S33. The operation of step S33 will be described later.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the case where the soap dispenser 5 discharges will be described. Steps S18 and S19 are omitted since they have already been described. When the control unit 8 determines that the measurement of the soap discharge unit 5 detection delay timer has ended while the hand is close to the soap proximity sensor 6 (step S20), the soap discharge unit 5 discharges the soap (step S20). S34). Next, when the hand is moved away from the soap proximity sensor 6, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is non-sensing (step S29). A first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 is set in the ejection unit 5 sensing delay timer, and measurement is started (step S25). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S32. In step S32, when it is determined that the measurement of the soap dispenser 5 sensing delay timer in FIG. 2 has ended (step S20), the soap dispenser 5 stops discharging (step S19). Next, returning to step S29 in FIG. 4, when it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is not non-sensing (step S29), step S30 is executed. In step S30, when the hand is brought close to the faucet proximity sensor 2, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 senses and the soap proximity sensor 6 senses (step S30). A second predetermined time (sensing delay long time) t14 is set in the discharge section 2 sensing delay timer, and measurement is started (step S35). After that, the control unit 8 executes the operation in step S33. The operation of step S33 will be described later.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the case where either the water ejection portion 2 or the soap ejection portion 5 of the automatic ejection device 1 is ejected will be described. When both the water on-off valve 4 and the pump 7 are not discharging, when the hand approaches the faucet proximity sensor 3, the faucet proximity sensor 3 transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive wire 9, After the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 has elapsed, the control unit 8 transmits an operation signal to the water opening/closing valve 4 via the conductive wire 11, and water is discharged. When the hand is moved away from the faucet proximity sensor 3, the faucet proximity sensor 3 transmits the sensing result to the control unit 8 via the conductive line 9, and the non-sensing continuation is the first predetermined time (sensing delay short time) t13. After a lapse of time, the controller 8 sends an actuation signal to the water on-off valve 4 via the conductive wire 11 to stop the discharge of water. Further, when the hand is brought close to the proximity sensor for soap 6, the proximity sensor for soap 6 transmits the sensing result to the control unit 8 via the conductive wire 10, and the continuation of sensing has passed the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13. Afterwards, controller 8 sends an activation signal to pump 7 via conductive line 12 to dispense soap. When the hand is moved away from the proximity sensor for soap 6, the proximity sensor for soap 6 transmits the sensing result to the control unit 8 via the conductive line 10, and after the continuation of non-sensing has passed the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13. , the control unit 8 sends an actuation signal to the pump 7 via the conductive line 12 to stop dispensing the soap.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to speed up the process from when the hand is brought close to when the ink is ejected, and to improve usability. Further, by making the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 the same for the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5, both of them have the same usability, so that more natural hand washing is possible.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a case in which both the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are ejected will be described. Steps S18, S28, S20, and S34 are omitted because they have already been described. When the hand is moved away from the faucet proximity sensor 3, the control section 8 restarts the water discharge section 2 if it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is sensing (step S23). A third predetermined time t15 is set in a timer (re-discharge timer for water discharge section 2) that continues the time until discharge is started (step S36), and measurement is started (step S36). Short time delay) t13 is set and measurement is started (step S24). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S38. The operation of step S38 will be described later. Next, returning to step S23, when it is determined that the faucet proximity sensor 3 is non-sensing and the soap proximity sensor 6 is non-sensing (step S23), step S22 is executed. In step S22, when the hand is moved away from the soap proximity sensor 6, the controller 8 determines that the faucet proximity sensor 3 senses and the soap proximity sensor 6 does not sense (step S22). 5 is set to the timer (soap discharge unit 5 re-discharge timer) to start measuring (step S37), and the soap discharge unit 5 detection delay timer is set to the first predetermined time t15. A time (sensing delay short time) t13 is set and measurement is started (step S25). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S39. The operation of step S39 will be described later.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the case where the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are discharged at the same time will be described. When the water opening/closing valve 4 is discharging water, when the hand approaches the proximity sensor 6 for soap, the proximity sensor 6 for soap transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive wire 10, and the continuation of the detection continues for the second predetermined time. After the time (sensing delay long time) t14 elapses, the controller 8 sends an actuation signal to the pump 7 via the conductive line 12 to discharge the soap. Further, when the pump 7 is being discharged, when the hand is brought close to the faucet proximity sensor 3, the faucet proximity sensor 3 transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive line 9, and the continuation of the detection continues. After two predetermined time (sensing delay long time) t14 elapses, the control unit 8 transmits an operation signal to the water opening/closing valve 4 via the conductive wire 11, and water is discharged.

According to this embodiment, by providing the second predetermined time (sensing delay long time) t14, when one is being ejected, the hand is unintentionally brought close to the other proximity sensor momentarily. can prevent discharge due to erroneous sensing, and when the other proximity sensor is intentionally brought close to the other proximity sensor, simultaneous discharge from the water on-off valve 4 and the pump 7 is possible.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a case will be described in which the discharge of the water discharger 2 is stopped in a state where both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are being discharged, and the discharge is resumed immediately thereafter. Steps S18, S19, S20, S34, S29, S25, and S32 are omitted because they have already been described. When the water discharger 2 stops discharging while both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are discharging, and immediately after that the hand is brought close to the faucet proximity sensor 3, the controller 8 controls the faucet proximity sensor 3. If the proximity sensor 3 senses and the soap proximity sensor 6 senses (step S30), step S39 is executed. In step S39, when the control unit 8 determines that the water ejection unit 2 re-ejection timer is measuring (step S39), the water ejection unit 2 detection delay timer is set to the fourth predetermined time (during detection delay time) t16. Then, measurement is started (step S40). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S33. Note that step S33 is omitted because it has been described above. Next, returning to step S39, when the control unit 8 determines that the water ejection unit 2 re-ejection timer is not measuring (step S39), the water ejection unit 2 sensing delay timer is set to the second predetermined time (sensing delay length). Time) t14 is set and measurement is started (step S40). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S33. Note that step S33 is omitted because it has been described above.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a case will be described in which the discharge of the soap discharger 5 is stopped in a state in which both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are discharged, and the discharge is resumed immediately thereafter. Steps S18, S28, S20, S21, S29, S24, and S32 are omitted because they have already been described. When the soap dispenser 5 stops discharging while both the water dispenser 2 and the soap dispenser 5 are discharging, and the hand is brought close to the soap proximity sensor 6 immediately thereafter, the controller 8 detects the proximity sensor for the faucet. If the sensor 3 senses and the soap proximity sensor 6 senses (step S30), step S41 is executed. In step S41, when the controller 8 determines that the soap dispenser 5 re-discharge timer is measuring (step S41), it sets the soap dispenser 5 detection delay timer to a fourth predetermined time (time during detection delay) t16. Then, measurement is started (step S42). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S33. Note that step S33 is omitted because it has been described above. Next, returning to step S41, when the controller 8 determines that the soap dispenser 5 re-discharge timer is not counting (step S41), the soap dispenser 5 sensing delay timer is set to the second predetermined time (sensing delay length). Time) t14 is set and measurement is started (step S31). After that, the control unit 8 executes step S33. Note that step S33 is omitted because it has been described above.

With reference to FIG. 10, a case will be described in which the discharge is stopped in a state in which both the water discharger 2 and the soap discharger 5 are being discharged, and the discharge is resumed immediately thereafter. When both the water on-off valve 4 and the pump 7 are discharging, when the hand is moved away from the faucet proximity sensor 3, the faucet proximity sensor 3 transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive wire 9, After the non-sensing continuation has passed the first predetermined time (sensing delay short time) t13, the control unit 8 transmits an operation signal to the water opening/closing valve 4 via the conductive wire 11 to stop discharging water and close the faucet. When the hand is brought close to the faucet proximity sensor 3 again within the third predetermined time t15 after moving the hand away from the sensor 3, the faucet proximity sensor 3 transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive line 9. Then, after a fourth predetermined time (during sensing delay time) t16, which is shorter than the second predetermined time (long sensing delay time) t14, the controller 8 sends an operation signal to the water opening/closing valve 4 via the conductive wire 11. Send to and squirt water. Further, when both the water on-off valve 4 and the pump 7 are discharging, when the hand is moved away from the soap proximity sensor 6, the soap proximity sensor 6 transmits the detection result to the control unit 8 via the conductive wire 10, After the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13 has elapsed, the control unit 8 transmits an operation signal to the pump 7 via the conductive wire 12 to stop the soap discharge, and the soap proximity sensor 6 When the hand is brought closer to the soap proximity sensor 6 again within the third predetermined time t15 after the hand is moved away, the soap proximity sensor 6 transmits the sensing result to the control unit 8 via the conductive line 10, and the sensing continues. After a fourth predetermined time (during sensing delay time) t16, which is shorter than the second predetermined time (long sensing delay time) t14, the controller 8 transmits an actuation signal to the pump 7 via the conductive wire 12 to discharge the soap. do.

According to the present embodiment, in a state in which the water ejection part 2 and the soap ejection part 5 are simultaneously ejected, the ejection of either one of them is stopped, and immediately after that ejection is resumed, the third predetermined time t15 is the second predetermined time. Ejection is started after a fourth predetermined time (intermediate sensing delay time) t16, which is shorter than (sensing delay long time) t14, so that ejection can be started early at the time of re-sensing, and usability can be improved.

The fourth predetermined time (intermediate sensing delay time) t16 is set to be equal to or longer than the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13. This is because, if the fourth predetermined time (intermediate sensing delay time) t16 is less than the first predetermined time (short sensing delay time) t13, there is a possibility of ejection due to erroneous sensing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Automatic discharge device 2... Water discharge part 3... Faucet proximity sensor 4... Water opening/closing valve 5... Soap discharge part 6... Soap proximity sensor 7... Pump 8... Control part 9, 10, 11, 12... Conductive wire

Claims (3)

An automatic discharge device that detects a hand and automatically discharges and stops,
a water discharger for discharging water based on the sensing result of the faucet proximity sensor;
a water on-off valve that opens and closes a water flow path to supply water from a water supply source to the water discharge part;
a soap discharger for discharging soap based on a sensing result of a soap proximity sensor; a pump for opening and closing a soap channel to supply the soap to the soap discharger; the faucet proximity sensor and the soap; a control unit that controls the operation of the water on-off valve and the pump based on the sensing result of the proximity sensor for
When both the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor are in a non-sensing state, the control unit continues the sensing signal from the faucet proximity sensor or the soap proximity sensor for a first predetermined time. When received, the water on-off valve and the pump start operating,
When either one of the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor is detecting, and the sensing signal from the other sensor continues to be received for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. An automatic discharge device, characterized in that it is configured to initiate operation of the corresponding water on-off valve or pump. When both the faucet proximity sensor and the soap proximity sensor are in the sensing state, the control unit changes either the faucet proximity sensor or the soap proximity sensor from the sensing state to the non-sensing state. After the change, when the sensing signal is received again within a third predetermined time continuously for a fourth predetermined time less than the second predetermined time, the corresponding water on-off valve or the pump starts operating. The automatic dispensing device according to claim 1 . 3. The automatic ejection device according to claim 2 , wherein said fourth predetermined time is longer than said first predetermined time.

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