JPH04194237A - Automatic water feed device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically feed water by providing an infrared ray sensor having directivity in a prescribed range on the sideway of a faucet provided with a solenoid, and sensing the infrared ray to open the solenoid valve. CONSTITUTION:An automatic water feed device is constituted so that a faucet 1 provided with a solenoid valve 3 to open or close water feed, an infrared ray sensor 5 sideways arranged at an ejecting port 4, and a water tank 6 provided with a human body sensor 11 are connected to a drain pipe 9 through a dust receiving part 8. The sensible range of the infrared ray sensor 5 is set to be about 30cm in proximity to the upper face of the water tank 6. A weak infrared ray emitted from the hand of a human body is sensed with the infrared sensor 5, and the solenoid valve 3 is opened to let flow water. Hereby, water can be fed only by approaching to the faucet 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic water supply device that detects a command using a sensor and automatically supplies water.

2. Description of the Related Art In general, there is a demand for water faucets for sinks and the like in kitchen equipment that automatically supply water without operating the pulp of the faucet.

A conventional automatic water supply device of this kind has a sensor 25 installed next to the spout 24 of the faucet 21, as shown in FIG.
A water tap 22 having a solenoid valve 23 disposed near it is fixed to a back guard 27. Further, there is a garbage receptacle 28 at the drain port of the sink 26, which allows water to flow into a drain pipe 29.

When the lower part of the faucet 21 is sensed by the sensor 25, the electromagnetic valve 23 is activated to automatically supply water.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In such a conventional structure, the user must wet his/her hands every time water is supplied, resulting in poor workability.

The present invention solves such conventional problems and aims to provide a water supply device that can automatically supply water without having to wet one's hands.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above objects, the automatic water supply device of the present invention has the following features:
An infrared sensor is provided near the spout part of the faucet, and the sensing range of the infrared sensor is about 30 ann around the top surface of the aquarium.

Function: The automatic water supply device of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, and utilizes the fact that the body temperature of the hand emits weak infrared rays, and detects the infrared rays with an infrared sensor to open the solenoid valve and cause water to flow from the faucet.

Example Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a faucet 1 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 3 for opening and closing water supply. An infrared sensor 5 is provided next to a spout 4 of a faucet 1 so as to face forward. A water tank 6 is provided below the spout 4, and a back guard 7 is tightly attached to the rear of the water tank 6. A garbage receptacle 8 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 6, and a drain pipe 9 is connected to this. Further, a human body sensor 11 is installed in front of the water tank 6.

FIG. 2 shows the portion of the infrared sensor 5 that detects infrared rays from a human body (hand) in the horizontal direction.

The sensing range is 30 marks around the top of the tank. FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram, in which the infrared sensor 5 has input terminals A and B, and the human body sensor 11 has input terminal C.
,D. Further, the solenoid valve 3 has output terminals E, F and solenoid valve terminals M, N. The delay device 12 has command side terminals G, H, an input terminal Op, and output terminals Q, R, and IJ.

Furthermore, the testing device 13 has an input terminal L and an output terminal ST.

In the above configuration, the water supply opening/closing of the faucet 1 is controlled by the solenoid valve 3, so the current ON/OFF of the solenoid valve 3 is controlled by the solenoid valve 3.
The water flows or stops. The relay of the solenoid valve 3 is actuated by the current detection of the infrared sensor 5 which detects weak infrared rays generated by a human hand. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 3 is opened after a delay of a certain number of seconds by the delay device 12, so the flow of tap water comes out with a delay of several seconds. Furthermore, the current value of the infrared sensor 5 is read again after a certain number of seconds after the human hand is detected by the infrared sensor 5. If the current value is larger than the certain value, the water volume is more than doubled, and if it is smaller than the certain value, the water volume is It stops.

The human body detection sensor 11 detects the presence of a human body in front of the aquarium 6 and works in conjunction with the infrared sensor 5. Even if the human body sensor 11 senses this, it is impossible for it to malfunction unless the human body sensor 11 senses it.

When the infrared sensor 5 senses infrared rays from a human body (hand), the infrared rays are input to terminals A and B shown in FIG. Furthermore, the human body sensor 11 also senses infrared rays from the human body (waist region) and inputs the infrared rays to C and D. When water is to be dispensed, the voltage from the output terminal EF of the solenoid valve 3 is transmitted to the solenoid valve terminal MN, causing the solenoid valve 3 to open and close. In addition, the input terminal OP of the delay device 12
After a certain period of time has elapsed, the input signal is output to the output terminal IJ via the output terminal QR.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the electrical characteristics of the delay device 12. During the time from 1+ to t2, a voltage of P+ (V) is input from Fo, and the voltage is set to E during the time from t3 to t4 by the timer. The voltage is delayed from E to E.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the unit time, for example, Pl
P2 for a certain period of time from when the current of Sl flows to the position of
When a current of 82 flows at the position, the approach of the hand is judged as standard, but a current of T flows at Pl and T2 at P2.
If a current flows, it can be determined as a sudden approach. That is, S
2 The larger the difference between Sl and T2-T indicates the degree of approach speed. Conversely, SI at P+ and P2
If the difference in TI'T2 is greater than 32, it can be determined that the hand is suddenly removed.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the description of the embodiments, according to the present invention, the infrared sensor that controls the solenoid valve is located near the spout of the faucet, and the range in which infrared rays are sensed is around 30 degrees around the top surface of the aquarium.
Because e+ has a specific degree and directionality, not only can you dispense water without having to wet your hands, but you can also dispense water just by approaching the faucet with your hand, without having to move your hand all the way to the bottom of the faucet. The body is very comfortable because it gives out. Also, since both hands can be used, work efficiency is improved. In addition, a time lag device (1 to 3 seconds) is installed between the infrared sensor and the control device including the solenoid valve, so water does not come out immediately when you approach the faucet, but rather allows time for water to flow. You won't have to worry about it, and it will help you save water.

Furthermore, if the sensor detection level rises above a certain limit within a unit time (1 to 2 seconds), the water volume increases, and conversely, if it falls beyond a certain limit, the water is stopped by closing the valve. It has the effect of increasing water saving and time efficiency. This way, it works more in line with human emotions and gives a sense of security.

In addition, water is dispensed by sensing the human body in front of the aquarium in conjunction with an infrared sensor near the faucet, so there is no possibility that the infrared sensor may malfunction due to the temperature of the water in the pot or the like in the aquarium and water comes out when no one is present. It is economical because it does not cause any loss.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the main parts, Figure 3 is an electric block diagram of the infrared sensor, human body sensor, and control unit, Figure 4 is the electrical characteristics of the delay device, Figure 5 is when the hand or infrared sensor approaches the sensor. FIG. 6 is a sensor output characteristic diagram when the hand is away from the infrared sensor, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional example. 1... Faucet, 3... Solenoid valve, 4...
...Ejection part, 5...Infrared sensor, 6...
...Aquarium. Name of agent: Patent attorney Haruaki Koba and two others Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 114 tfi ie t3 t+
t5 (See) 115 Figure PI pp (mm-8ec) Figure 6 pt pp (tnm-8ec)

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Equipped with a solenoid valve that opens and closes the faucet and an infrared sensor that controls this solenoid valve, the infrared sensor is installed near the spout of the faucet, and the infrared sensing range is set to 30 cm around the top surface of the aquarium. An automatic water supply device that is set at a certain level. (2) The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a time delay device for providing a time lag between the infrared sensor and the control device including the electromagnetic valve. (3) When the sensor detection level shows an increase exceeding a certain limit within the sensing range of the infrared sensor within a unit time, the amount of water ejected increases, and conversely, the same detection level shows a decline exceeding a certain limit. 2. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising movement sensing means for closing the solenoid valve when the electromagnetic valve is closed. (4) The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a human body sensor, and wherein the solenoid valve is opened when the human body sensor and the infrared sensor sense the same.