JP7307878B2 - Solenoid valve device and water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to solenoid valve devices and water spitting devices.

2. Description of the Related Art There is a water discharging device that detects an object such as a user's hand with a sensor and automatically controls water discharge stoppage. The water discharger includes an electromagnetic valve device that controls water supply and water stoppage. Such a water discharging device is applied, for example, to plumbing equipment such as a faucet device, a urinal, or a toilet bowl.

The solenoid valve device also uses electric power to open and close the solenoid valve. For this reason, the solenoid valve device is required to drive the solenoid valve with low power consumption. For example, in a water discharge device that supplies power from a generator or a battery that uses water flow at the time of water discharge, by suppressing the power consumption associated with the opening and closing of a solenoid valve, the power stored by the generator and the battery can be used. Power can be used efficiently. For example, it is possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as battery replacement, thereby reducing the time and effort required for maintenance.

In order to realize low power consumption driving of the solenoid valve, it has been proposed to detect the change in the current accompanying the movement of the plunger when opening the solenoid valve, and immediately stop the current supply in response to the completion of the movement of the plunger. (For example, Patent Document 1). As a result, wasteful energization of the solenoid valve can be suppressed, and power consumption when the solenoid valve is opened can be suppressed.

However, when the solenoid valve is closed, it is more difficult to detect changes in current due to movement of the plunger than when the solenoid valve is opened. In addition, since the movement time of the plunger is affected by noise such as water pressure and temperature changes, it is difficult to set the time until the movement of the plunger is completed before shipment. Therefore, when the solenoid valve is closed, a sufficiently long energization time is preset in consideration of the influence of noise, etc., and power consumption is greater than when the solenoid valve is opened.

Therefore, in the solenoid valve device and the water discharge device, it is desirable to suppress unnecessary energization when the solenoid valve is closed, and to further suppress power consumption.

Japanese Patent No. 3582268

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a solenoid valve device and a water discharge device that suppress unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve.

A first invention is an electromagnetic valve device used in a water discharging device for controlling water flow and water stop, comprising a water channel for flowing water, a water stop position at which the water channel is closed, and a water flow position at which the water channel is opened. a solenoid that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water flow position; a first holding member that holds the plunger at the water stop position; and a plunger that is held at the water flow position. a second holding member, a current detection unit that detects current flowing through the solenoid, and a control unit that controls energization of the solenoid based on the detection result of the current detection unit. and, during a water stopping operation in which the plunger is moved from the water flow position to the water stop position, after starting energization of the solenoid, the control unit is based on the detection result of the current detection unit. and detecting a change point at which the gradient of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of energization and then increases again, and stopping the energization of the solenoid in response to the detection of the change point. It is characterized by a solenoid valve device.

According to this solenoid valve device, by detecting the change point of the slope of the current and stopping the energization of the solenoid in response to the detection of the change point, even when the solenoid valve is closed during the water stopping operation, the Power consumption can be reduced by suppressing energization. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic valve device that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the electromagnetic valve.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit changes the time from detection of the change point to stopping energization of the solenoid based on operation information related to operation of the solenoid valve. This solenoid valve device is characterized by

According to this solenoid valve device, by changing the time from the detection of the change point until the energization of the solenoid is stopped based on the operation information, the energization time required until water stoppage is determined by the change in the characteristics of the solenoid valve. Even when it changes, it is possible to more reliably stop water. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping.

In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the operation information is the number of operations of the plunger, the control section counts the number of operations of the plunger, and when the number of operations is less than a predetermined number of times, The electromagnetic valve device is characterized in that the time from the detection of the change point to the stoppage of energization of the solenoid is shortened compared to when the number of times of operation is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times.

According to this solenoid valve device, when the number of times of operation is less than the predetermined number of times, power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energization time. When the number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the energization time is lengthened, so that even when the first holding member and the second holding member deteriorate due to the movement of the plunger, the water can be stopped more reliably. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping more appropriately.

In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect, the operation information is an elapsed time from the start of energization of the solenoid to the detection of the change point, and the control unit measures the elapsed time and measures the elapsed time. When the time is less than the predetermined time, compared with when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the time from detecting the change point to stopping the energization of the solenoid is shortened. It is a device.

According to this electromagnetic valve device, power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energization time when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time. When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the energization time is lengthened, so that even when the characteristics of the solenoid valve change due to the water temperature or the like, the water can be stopped more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping more appropriately.

In a fifth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit includes a numerical processing program for calculating a current value detected by the current detection unit, and the current value of the numerical processing program. and a parameter used for calculating a value, and detecting the point of change in real time based on the numerical processing program and the parameter.

According to this solenoid valve device, the delay in detection of the change point can be suppressed by detecting the change point in real time based on the numerical processing program and the parameters. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress energization more than necessary, and to further reduce power consumption.

A sixth aspect of the invention is characterized by comprising the solenoid valve device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, and a power supply section that supplies power from at least one of a battery and a generator to the solenoid valve device. It is a water discharging device.

According to this water discharger, by detecting the change point of the slope of the current and stopping the energization of the solenoid in response to the detection of the change point, even when the solenoid valve is closed during the water stopping operation, the energization is excessively increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water discharger that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the electromagnetic valve apparatus and water discharge apparatus which suppressed the useless electricity supply at the time of closing an electromagnetic valve are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing which represents typically the faucet apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a faucet device according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a graph diagram which represents typically an example of operation|movement of a control part. It is a graph diagram which represents typically an example of operation|movement of a control part. It is a flowchart which represents typically the modification of operation|movement of a control part. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing another modified example of the operation of the control unit; It is a block diagram which represents typically the modification of the faucet apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph diagram which represents typically an example of operation|movement of a control part. FIG. 5 is a reference graph diagram schematically showing a theoretical value of a division value; It is a perspective view showing the toilet apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing a toilet device according to a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments 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.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a faucet device 10 (water discharge device) detects an object (a human body, an object, etc.) and automatically stops water discharge. Stop water discharge for

The wash basin 11 is provided on the wash counter 12 . A faucet 13 (water discharger) that constitutes a spout for discharging water to the bowl surface 11 a of the washbasin 11 is provided on the washbasin counter 12 . The faucet 13 has a spout 13 a for spouting water, and is provided so that the water spouted from the spout 13 a is spouted into the bowl surface 11 a of the washbowl 11 .

The water spouted from the spout 13 a by the faucet 13 is supplied through the water supply path 14 . The water supply path 14 guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water pipe to the water outlet 13a. A drainage channel 15 is connected to the washbasin 11 . The drainage channel 15 discharges the water spouted into the bowl surface 11a of the washbasin 11 from the spout 13a.

The faucet device 10 includes a faucet 13 and a water supply passage 14 , and further includes an electromagnetic valve device 20 , a sensor section 22 and a generator 24 . The solenoid valve device 20 includes a solenoid valve 30 and a controller 32 . The solenoid valve 30 and the controller 32 are housed, for example, under the washbasin. The electromagnetic valve 30 and the controller 32 are housed in a cabinet (not shown) provided below the wash counter 12, for example.

The sensor unit 22 is housed inside the faucet 13, for example. However, the sensor unit 22 may be provided separately from the faucet 13 . The sensor section 22 is connected to the control section 32 of the electromagnetic valve device 20 via a connection cable 23 . The control unit 32 , for example, supplies power supply voltage to the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23 and controls the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23 .

The solenoid valve 30 is provided in the water supply path 14 and opens and closes the water supply path 14 . When the electromagnetic valve 30 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply passage 14 is discharged from the water discharge port 13a, and when the electromagnetic valve 30 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply passage 14 is stopped from being discharged from the water discharge port 13a. water state.

The solenoid valve 30 is connected to the controller 32 . The controller 32 drives the solenoid valve 30 to control the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 30 . The electromagnetic valve 30 is electrically controlled in accordance with a control signal from the controller 32 to open and close the water supply passage 14 . Thus, the electromagnetic valve 30 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path 14 for water spouted from the spout 13a.

The solenoid valve 30 is, for example, a self-holding solenoid valve (latching solenoid valve) called a latching solenoid valve, and is operated from a closed state to an open state (open operation) by energizing a solenoid coil in one direction. ), and after that the open state is maintained even if the solenoid coil is de-energized, and when the solenoid coil is energized in the other direction, it moves from the open state to the closed state (close operation), and then the solenoid coil is de-energized. Retains the closed state even if it is cut off.

The sensor unit 22 detects an object (such as a hand) approaching the spout 13a. The water discharge destination of the water discharge port 13 a is the detection area of the sensor section 22 . The sensor unit 22 transmits an optical signal and receives a reflected signal reflected from an object such as a human body that receives the transmitted optical signal, thereby detecting the position, movement, and the like of the object.

The sensor unit 22 is, for example, an optical sensor using an optical signal of infrared light. The optical signal transmitted from the sensor unit 22 may be, for example, visible light. In the following description, the optical signal is assumed to be infrared light. In addition, "infrared light" is, for example, light with a wavelength of 0.7 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. Further, for the sensor unit 22, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like may be used.

The sensor unit 22 is provided inside the faucet 13 near the spout 13a, and is arranged so as to transmit an optical signal toward the user's side of the washbasin (the left side in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the sensor unit 22 can detect that a human body has approached the water discharge port 13a, or that a human body that has approached the water discharge port 13a has extended a hand toward the water discharge port 13a.

The sensor unit 22 inputs a detection signal representing the detection result of the object to the control unit 32 via the connection cable 23 . The control unit 32 detects the presence or absence of the object based on the detection signal input from the sensor unit 22 . The control unit 32 detects the position, movement, etc. of the object based on the detection signal, for example. Then, the controller 32 controls the opening/closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 30 based on the detection result. Also, the control unit 32 outputs a control signal to the sensor unit 22 to control the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22 .

The generator 24 is provided, for example, on the path of the water supply passage 14 between the faucet 13 and the solenoid valve 30, and generates electricity by utilizing the flow of water flowing through the water supply passage 14 when the solenoid valve 30 is opened. I do. The generator 24 supplies the generated power to the electromagnetic valve device 20 and the like. Note that the generator 24 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

As described above, in the water faucet device 10 of the present embodiment, the opening/closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 30 is controlled by the controller 32 controlling based on the detection signal of the sensor 22 . As a result, water is spouted according to the detection result of the object approaching the water spout 13a (such as the movement of the user of the washbasin). The control unit 32 spouts water when the object is detected, and stops water spouting when the object is not detected. In other words, the faucet device 10 automatically spouts water while the user holds out his or her hand near the spout 13a.

The sensor unit 22 does not always operate, but is controlled by the control unit 32 so as to operate at the timing when sensing is required, for example. Thereby, power consumption of the sensor unit 22 can be reduced. For example, the control unit 32 reduces the frequency of the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22 to the extent that the user does not feel inconvenient. As a result, the power consumption of the entire water faucet device 10 can be reduced.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electromagnetic valve 30 includes a water channel 40, a plunger 42, a solenoid 44, a first holding member 46, a second holding member 48, a diaphragm 50 and have

The water channel 40 is a water channel for flowing water inside the solenoid valve 30 . The water channel 40 constitutes part of the water supply channel 14 . The inlet side of the water channel 40 is connected to a water supply source such as a water supply pipe, and the outlet side of the water channel 40 is connected to the faucet 13 .

The plunger 42 moves to a water stop position that closes the water channel 40 and a water flow position that opens the water channel 40 . In this example, the position shown in FIG. 2(a) is the water flow position, and the position shown in FIG. 2(b) is the water stop position. The plunger 42 linearly moves, for example, between a water stop position and a water flow position. The plunger 42 is rod-shaped, for example. A ferromagnetic material such as iron is used for the plunger 42, for example.

A solenoid 44 moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position and the water flow position. Solenoid 44 is tubular. The plunger 42 is arranged in a state of being inserted inside the solenoid 44 . The solenoid 44 linearly moves the plunger 42 inserted therein to the water stop position and the water flow position by generating an electromagnetic force in response to the supply of current.

The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 at the water stop position. The first holding member 46 is, for example, a coil spring. The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 at the water stop position by, for example, applying an urging force to the plunger 42 toward the water stop position.

The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 in the water-passing position. The second holding member 48 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 at the water passage position, for example, by applying an adsorption force to the plunger 42 to attract the plunger 42 toward the water passage position.

A diaphragm 50 is provided between the water channel 40 and the plunger 42 . When the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, the diaphragm 50 moves due to a pressure difference between both surfaces of the diaphragm 50 , closing the water channel 40 together with the plunger 42 . Incidentally, the diaphragm 50 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

In the electromagnetic valve 30 , the plunger 42 can be moved between the water stopping position and the water passing position depending on the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid 44 .

When the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the biasing force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring, becomes larger than the attracting force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the plunger 42 is held at the water stop position by the biasing force of the first holding member 46 .

On the other hand, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passing position, the attracting force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet, becomes larger than the biasing force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passing position, the plunger 42 is held at the water passing position by the adsorption force of the second holding member 48 .

Contrary to the above, the first holding member 46 may be a permanent magnet and the second holding member 48 may be a coil spring. The configuration of the first holding member 46 and the second holding member 48 may be any configuration that can hold the position of the plunger 42 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the faucet device 10 further includes a power supply section 26 . The power supply section 26 is connected to the generator 24 and the battery 28 . The power supply unit 26 supplies electric power from the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the electromagnetic valve device 20 and the like. The power supply unit 26 converts, for example, DC power supplied from the generator 24 and the battery 28 into DC power having a predetermined voltage value, and supplies the DC power to each unit such as the solenoid valve device 20 and the sensor unit 22 .

The battery 28 is detachably attached to a holder (not shown) or the like. The battery 28 is detachably connected to the power supply section 26 . When the voltage of the battery 28 drops, the battery 28 is replaced.

In this example, a power supply 26 is connected to a generator 24 and a battery 28 . The power supply unit 26 may be connected to at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28 . The power supply unit 26 may be configured to be able to supply power from at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the electromagnetic valve device 20 .

The solenoid valve device 20 further includes a current detector 34 and a drive circuit 36 . The current detector 34 detects current flowing through the solenoid 44 . The current detection unit 34 is connected to the control unit 32 and inputs the current detection result to the control unit 32 .

The drive circuit 36 is connected to the power supply section 26 and the solenoid 44 . The drive circuit 36 switches between supplying current to the solenoid 44 and stopping current supply to the solenoid 44 based on the power supplied from the power supply unit 26 . Further, the drive circuit 36 can switch the direction of the current supplied to the solenoid 44 . That is, the drive circuit 36 enables the plunger 42 to move to the water stop position and to the water flow position.

The control section 32 controls energization of the solenoid 44 based on the detection result of the sensor section 22 and the detection result of the current detection section 34 . The controller 32 is connected to the drive circuit 36 . The control unit 32 controls energization of the solenoid 44 by controlling the operation of the drive circuit 36 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 22 and the detection result of the current detection unit 34 .

FIG. 4 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the operation of the controller 32 during the water supply operation of moving the plunger 42 from the water stop position to the water supply position.

The control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 in response to the switching of the sensor unit 22 from the non-detection state to the detection state, thereby supplying the solenoid 44 with current in the direction to move the plunger 42 to the water supply position. (Timing T11 in FIG. 4).

During the water supply operation, when the plunger 42 starts to move from the water stop position to the water supply position, a back electromotive force is generated in the solenoid 44 due to the movement of the plunger 42 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, during the water flow operation, the current increases from the start of energization and then decreases once. Then, when the movement of the plunger 42 to the water passing position is completed, the counter electromotive force disappears, so the current increases again.

During the water supply operation, the control unit 32 detects a change point CP1 at which the current increases, decreases once, and then increases again based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, and detects this change point CP1. By driving the driving circuit 36 in response to the detection of CP1, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped (timing T12 in FIG. 4). As a result, wasteful energization of the solenoid 44 can be suppressed during the water supply operation, and power consumption of the solenoid valve device 20 and the faucet device 10 can be reduced.

When the plunger 42 moves to the water passing position, the water channel 40 opens. In other words, the solenoid valve 30 opens. Therefore, a water spouting state in which water is spouted from the spout 13a of the faucet 13 is established. Further, when the plunger 42 moves to the water passing position, the plunger 42 is held at the water passing position by the second holding member 48 . Therefore, even after the solenoid 44 is de-energized, the plunger 42 is held at the water-passing position, and the faucet 13 maintains the water spouting state.

Note that the current waveform shown in the upper part of FIG. 4 is not the waveform in which the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped at the timing T12, but in order to clearly show that it increases again, the energization of the solenoid 44 is continued even after the change point CP1 is exceeded. It expresses the state of continuing to do so for the sake of convenience.

FIG. 5 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 during the water stopping operation of moving the plunger 42 from the water passing position to the water stopping position.

The control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 in response to the switching from the detection state to the non-detection state of the sensor unit 22, thereby supplying the solenoid 44 with current in the direction to move the plunger 42 to the water stop position. (Timing T21 in FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, during the water-stopping operation, the change in current due to the movement of the plunger 42 is smaller than during the water-flowing operation. For this reason, during the water stopping operation, the control unit 32 starts energizing the solenoid 44, and based on the detection result of the current detecting unit 34, after the slope of the current becomes smaller than when energization started. , the change point CP2 is detected to increase again, and the driving circuit 36 is driven in response to the detection of the change point CP2, thereby stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 (timing T22 in FIG. 5). As a result, even during the water stop operation, unnecessary energization of the solenoid 44 can be suppressed, and the power consumption of the solenoid valve device 20 and the faucet device 10 can be reduced.

The control unit 32 starts timing the minute time Δt from the point of detection of the change point CP2, and stops energizing the solenoid 44 after the minute time Δt has elapsed from the point of detection of the change point CP2.

When the plunger 42 is moved from the water-flowing position to the water-stopping position, the force exerted by the first holding member 46 to move the plunger 42 to the water-stopping position is greater than the force exerted by the second holding member 48 to hold the plunger 42 at the water-stopping position. It is necessary to energize the solenoid 44 until the plunger 42 moves to the boundary position where the force to hold it is greater. If the solenoid 44 is de-energized before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position, the force of the second holding member 48 causes the plunger 42 to return to the water flow position.

As described above, by stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 when the minute time Δt has elapsed from the detection of the change point CP2, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position. can be suppressed. Therefore, the plunger 42 can be more reliably moved to the water stop position while reducing power consumption by suppressing unnecessary energization. That is, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping.

However, the energization of the solenoid 44 may be stopped at the point when the change point CP2 is detected without waiting for the minute time Δt to elapse. In this case, wasteful energization can be further suppressed, and power consumption can be further suppressed.

When the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, the water channel 40 is closed. In other words, the solenoid valve 30 is closed. Therefore, a water stop state in which water is not discharged from the spout 13a of the faucet 13 is established. Further, when the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, the plunger 42 is held at the water stop position by the first holding member 46 . Therefore, even after the solenoid 44 is de-energized, the plunger 42 is held at the water stop position, and the water stop state of the faucet 13 is maintained.

Note that the current waveform shown in the upper part of FIG. 5 is not a waveform in which energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped at timing T22, but a change point CP2 to clearly show that the slope of the current changes to increase again. For the sake of convenience, a state in which the solenoid 44 continues to be energized even after exceeding is shown.

As described above, in the water faucet device 10 and the solenoid valve device 20 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 32 moves the plunger 42 from the water flow position to the water stop position during the water stop operation, the solenoid 44 is After the energization is started, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, the change point CP2 at which the gradient of the current becomes smaller than that at the start of the energization and then becomes larger again is detected. is detected, energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped.

In this way, by detecting the change point CP2 of the slope of the current and stopping the energization of the solenoid 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2, even during the water stopping operation when the solenoid valve 30 is closed, Power consumption can be reduced by suppressing energization. Therefore, it is possible to provide the water faucet device 10 and the solenoid valve device 20 that suppress unnecessary energization when the solenoid valve 30 is closed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a modification of the operation of the control section.
It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiment in terms of function and configuration, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, the control unit 32 counts the number of operations of the plunger 42 according to the movement of the plunger 42 (steps S101 and 102 in FIG. 6). The number of operations of the plunger 42 may be counted by counting each movement of the plunger 42 from the water stop position to the water flow position and from the water flow position to the water flow stop position, or counting from the water stop position to the water flow position. 1 count may be counted as one reciprocation from moving to and returning to the water stop position again.

After counting the number of operations of the plunger 42, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S103 in FIG. 6).

When the control unit 32 determines that the number of operations is less than the predetermined number, it sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 until the energization of the solenoid 44 to the first time t1 (step t1 in FIG. 6). S104).

On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the number of operations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the control unit 32 sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 until the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped to the second time t2 (see FIG. 6). step S105). The second time t2 is longer than the first time t1.

In this manner, the control unit 32 counts the number of operations of the plunger 42, and when the number of operations is less than the predetermined number, the minute time Δt is shortened compared to when the number of operations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. Thereby, power consumption can be further suppressed. When the number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the energization time is lengthened, so that even when the first holding member 46 and the second holding member 48 deteriorate due to the movement of the plunger 42, the plunger 42 can be stopped more reliably. water can be done. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping more appropriately.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing another modification of the operation of the control section.
As shown in FIG. 7, in this example, when the plunger 42 is moved from the water flow position to the water stop position, the control unit 32 controls the elapsed time ET from the start of energization of the solenoid 44 to the detection of the change point CP2. (see FIG. 5) is clocked (steps S201 and 202 in FIG. 7).

After measuring the elapsed time ET, the control unit 32 determines whether the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S203 in FIG. 7).

If the control unit 32 determines that the elapsed time ET is less than the predetermined time, it sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 until the energization of the solenoid 44 to the first time t1 (see FIG. 7). step S204).

On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it sets the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 until the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped to the second time t2 (Fig. 7 step S205). The second time t2 is longer than the first time t1.

For example, when the temperature of the solenoid 44 rises due to the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing through the water channel 40, the resistance value of the solenoid 44 rises, so the magnetic force generated when energized decreases. When the magnetic force decreases, the moving speed of the plunger 42 slows down and the elapsed time ET lengthens. Thus, if the minute time Δt is short when the elapsed time ET is long, there is a high possibility that the energization of the solenoid 44 will be stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position.

In contrast, in this example, the control unit 32 measures the elapsed time ET, and when the elapsed time ET is less than the predetermined time, the minute time Δt is shortened compared to when the elapsed time ET is equal to or greater than the predetermined time. do. In this way, when the elapsed time ET is less than the predetermined time, power consumption can be further suppressed by shortening the energization time. When the elapsed time ET is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the energization time is lengthened, so that even when the characteristics of the solenoid valve 30 change due to the water temperature or the like, the water can be stopped more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping more appropriately.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the minute time Δt is changed based on the number of operations of the plunger 42 . In the example shown in FIG. 7, the minute time Δt is changed based on the elapsed time ET. A parameter for changing the minute time Δt is not limited to the number of operations of the plunger 42 or the elapsed time ET, and any operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve 30 may be used. The operational information may be, for example, any information related to the elapsed time ET (moving speed of the plunger 42).

In this way, by changing the minute time Δt from the detection of the change point CP2 until the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped based on the operation information, the change in the characteristics of the solenoid valve 30 determines the energization time required until the water stops. Even when (the time required for the plunger 42 to reach the boundary position) changes, the water can be stopped more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and reliable water stopping.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a modification of the faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the water faucet device 10a and the solenoid valve device 20a, the control unit 32 has a numerical processing program 52 and parameters 54 . The numerical processing program 52 is a program for calculating the current value detected by the current detection section 34 . A parameter 54 is a parameter used for calculation of the current value of the numerical processing program 52 . Based on the numerical processing program 52 and the parameters 54, the control unit 32 detects in real time the change point CP2 during the water stopping operation.

FIG. 9 is a graph diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 32 uses the numerical processing program 52 to calculate the division value DV from the current value CV detected by the current detection unit 34 in real time. The division value DV is a value obtained by dividing the current value CV by the elapsed time t from the start of energization. The numerical processing program 52 is a program for calculating the division value DV.

The control unit 32 calculates the auxiliary straight line AL from the division value DV calculated by the numerical processing program 52 in real time. The control unit 32, for example, based on the division value DV at the time when the first predetermined time ta has passed since the start of the energization and the division value DV at the time when the second predetermined time tb longer than the first predetermined time ta has passed , the auxiliary straight line AL is calculated in real time. Note that the auxiliary straight line AL may be stored in the control unit 32 as a predetermined value without being calculated in real time. For example, the auxiliary straight line AL may be updated by periodically performing the above calculation without calculating each time the water stop operation is performed.

When the plunger 42 is in the vicinity of the water flow position, the division value DV changes along the auxiliary straight line AL even after the second predetermined time tb. When the plunger 42 moves from the water flow position to the water stop position, the division value DV departs from the auxiliary straight line AL due to the change in the inductance of the solenoid 44 accompanying the movement of the plunger 42 .

The control unit 32 calculates the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL in real time, and detects the time when the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL becomes equal to or greater than the parameter α (parameter 54) as the change point CP2. do. In this case, the controller 32 stops energizing the solenoid 44 when the change point CP2 is detected.

The parameter α may be a fixed value, or may be changed based on operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve 30, like the minute time Δt described above. The larger the parameter α, the longer the time until energization is stopped. Therefore, for example, when the number of operations of the plunger 42 is a predetermined number or more, or when the elapsed time ET is a predetermined time or more, the parameter α may be increased.

FIG. 10 is a reference graph schematically showing the theoretical value of the division value.
As shown in FIG. 10, the division value DV obtained by dividing the current value CV by the elapsed time t can theoretically be represented by a combination of two linear functions LF1 and LF2. Linear function LF1 depends on the inductance of solenoid 44 when plunger 42 is in the water-passing position. Linear function LF2 depends on the inductance of solenoid 44 when plunger 42 is in the water stop position.

Thus, the division value DV can be represented by two linear functions LF1 and LF2. 9 due to changes in the inductance of the solenoid 44 between the water-flowing position and the water-stopping position of the plunger 42 and the magnetic force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet. As above, the division value DV appears to be slightly distorted with respect to the two linear functions LF1, LF2.

Auxiliary straight line AL corresponds to linear function LF1. The division value DV changes along a linear function LF1 when the plunger 42 is positioned at the water flow position, and changes along a linear function LF2 after the plunger 42 moves from the water flow position to the water stop position. do. Therefore, the change point CP2 can be detected by calculating the difference between the auxiliary straight line AL and the division value DV.

The change point CP2 is, more precisely, the intersection of the linear functions LF1 and LF2. However, when the change point CP2 is detected in real time based on the detection result of the current detector 34, it is difficult to accurately detect the intersection of the linear functions LF1 and LF2. Therefore, the parameter α is set as described above, and the point of time when the difference between the division value DV and the auxiliary straight line AL becomes equal to or greater than the parameter α is detected as the change point CP2. As a result, it is possible to prevent energization of the solenoid 44 from being stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position, thereby achieving both low power consumption and reliable water stoppage.

A current I flowing through the solenoid 44 can be represented by Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, t is time, and _t0 is the time when energization of the solenoid 44 is started. That is, _tt0 represents the elapsed time from the start of energization. In Expression 1, τ is a time constant, and is a value expressed by τ=L/R, where R is the resistance component of the solenoid 44 and L is the inductance component of the solenoid 44 . In Equation 1, I ₀ is the maximum current flowing through the solenoid 44 (current in steady state), and when the voltage applied to the solenoid 44 is V, I ₀ =V/R.

数１の指数関数をテイラー展開すると、以下の数２となる。

Taylor expansion of the exponential function of Formula 1 results in Formula 2 below.

数２の高次側を省略すると、電流Ｉは、以下の数３で近似することができる。

Omitting the higher order side of Equation 2, the current I can be approximated by Equation 3 below.

従って、数３を経過時間（ｔ－ｔ_０）で除算すると、除算値ＤＶ（Ｉ／（ｔ－ｔ_０））は、以下の数４で表すことができる。

Therefore, when Equation 3 is divided by the elapsed time (tt ₀ ), the division value DV (I/(tt ₀ )) can be expressed by Equation 4 below.

すなわち、一次関数ＬＦ１、ＬＦ２は、Ｉ_０／τを切片とし、－Ｉ_０（ｔ－ｔ_０）／２τ^２を傾きとする一次関数である。

That is, the linear functions LF1 and LF2 are linear functions having an intercept of I ₀ /τ and a slope of −I ₀ (t−t ₀ )/2τ ² .

Thus, the division value DV can be represented by linear functions LF1 and LF2. Therefore, for example, when the time constant τ is known in advance, the auxiliary straight line AL may be calculated in advance based on Equation 4, etc., and stored in the controller 32 as a constant value.

As described above, the faucet device 10a and the solenoid valve device 20a detect the change point CP2 in real time based on the numerical processing program 52 and the parameters 54. FIG. As a result, the delay in detection of the change point CP2 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress energization more than necessary, and to further reduce power consumption.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the toilet device according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11 , the toilet device 100 (water discharge device) includes a toilet bowl 102 , a water supply channel 14 , an electromagnetic valve device 20 and a sensor section 22 . It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to parts that are substantially the same in terms of function and configuration as the water faucet device 10 described in relation to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The toilet bowl 102 has a concave bowl portion and a spout (not shown) for discharging cleansing water into the bowl portion. The toilet bowl 102 washes away excreted dirt and the like in the bowl portion by discharging flush water supplied through the water supply path 14 into the bowl portion from the spout. That is, in this example, the toilet bowl 102 functions as a water discharger. The toilet bowl 102 is, in other words, a Western-style seated toilet bowl.

In the toilet device 100 configured as described above, as in the first embodiment, the controller 32 energizes the solenoid 44 during the water stop operation to move the plunger 42 from the water flow position to the water stop position. After the start of , based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, a change point CP2 is detected at which the slope of the current changes so that it becomes smaller and then increases again after the start of energization, and the change point CP2 is detected. , the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped. As a result, even when the electromagnetic valve 30 is closed to stop the water flow, it is possible to prevent excessive energization and reduce power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide the toilet apparatus 100 that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve 30 .

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12 , the toilet device 200 (water discharge device) includes a urinal 202 , a water supply channel 14 , an electromagnetic valve device 20 and a sensor section 22 .

The urinal 202 has a concave bowl portion and a spout (not shown) for discharging cleansing water into the bowl portion. The urinal 202 flushes the surface of the bowl portion by discharging cleansing water supplied through the water supply path 14 into the bowl portion from the spout. That is, in this example, the urinal 202 functions as a water discharger.

In the toilet device 200 configured as described above, as in the first embodiment, the controller 32 energizes the solenoid 44 when the water is stopped by moving the plunger 42 from the water flow position to the water stop position. After the start of , based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, a change point CP2 is detected at which the slope of the current changes so that it becomes smaller and then increases again after the start of energization, and the change point CP2 is detected. , the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped. As a result, even when the electromagnetic valve 30 is closed to stop the water flow, it is possible to prevent excessive energization and reduce power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide the toilet device 200 that suppresses unnecessary energization when closing the solenoid valve 30 .

Thus, the water discharging device may be a faucet device, a toilet device using a urinal, or a toilet device using a urinal. The water discharger is not limited to these, and may be any water discharger that detects an object and controls water discharge stoppage.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above embodiments 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, etc. of each element included in the faucet device 10, the toilet devices 100 and 200, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10, 10a faucet device 11 wash basin 12 wash counter 13 faucet (spout) 13a spout 14 water supply channel 15 drainage channel 20, 20a solenoid valve device 22 sensor unit 23 connection cable 24 generator 26 power supply unit 28 battery 30 solenoid valve 32 control unit 34 current detection unit 36 drive circuit 40 water channel 42 plunger 44 solenoid 46 first holding member 48 second holding member 50 Diaphragm 52 Numerical processing program 54 Parameter 100 Toilet device 102 Toilet bowl 200 Toilet device 202 Urinal

Claims (5)

A solenoid valve device that is used in a water discharge device and controls water flow and water stop,
a water channel for flowing water, a plunger that moves to a water stop position that closes the water channel and a water flow position that opens the water channel, a solenoid that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water flow position, and the plunger a self-holding solenoid valve having a first holding member that holds the plunger at the water stop position and a second holding member that holds the plunger at the water flow position;
a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the solenoid;
a control unit that controls energization of the solenoid based on the detection result of the current detection unit;
with
During a water stop operation in which the plunger is moved from the water supply position to the water stop position, the control unit controls the current flow based on the detection result of the current detection unit after starting the energization of the solenoid. Detecting a change point where the slope becomes smaller than that at the start of energization and then increases again, and stops energizing the solenoid when a predetermined time has passed since the detection of the change point , A solenoid valve device, wherein a time from detection of the change point to de-energization of the solenoid is changed based on operation information related to the operation of the solenoid valve. The operation information is the number of operations of the plunger,
The control unit counts the number of operations of the plunger, and when the number of operations is less than a predetermined number of times, compared with when the number of operations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, energization of the solenoid from the detection of the change point is performed. 2. The electromagnetic valve device according to claim 1, wherein the time until stopping is shortened. The operation information is the elapsed time from the start of energization of the solenoid to the detection of the change point,
The control unit measures the elapsed time, and when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time, stops energizing the solenoid after detecting the change point compared to when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time. 2. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, wherein the time until the time is shortened. The control unit has a numerical processing program for calculating the current value detected by the current detection unit, and parameters used in the numerical processing program for calculating the current value, and the numerical processing program and the The solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the change point is detected in real time based on the parameters. Claims 1 to 4 a solenoid valve device according to any one of
a power supply unit that supplies power from at least one of a battery and a generator to the solenoid valve device;
A water discharge device comprising:

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