WO2014006869A1 - Automatic faucet - Google Patents

Automatic faucet Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014006869A1
WO2014006869A1 PCT/JP2013/004065 JP2013004065W WO2014006869A1 WO 2014006869 A1 WO2014006869 A1 WO 2014006869A1 JP 2013004065 W JP2013004065 W JP 2013004065W WO 2014006869 A1 WO2014006869 A1 WO 2014006869A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detection
unit
water
water discharge
detection unit
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PCT/JP2013/004065
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
壮 山本
研治 安達
北地　範行
伊藤　良泰
尚紀 柴田
朋弘 穐田
Original Assignee
パナソニック株式会社
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Application filed by パナソニック株式会社 filed Critical パナソニック株式会社
Publication of WO2014006869A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014006869A1/en

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
    • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic faucet that switches between start and stop of water discharge by object detection of an object detection sensor.
  • an automatic faucet there is an automatic faucet provided with a sensor that detects whether or not an object exists in a detection area near the faucet and a controller that opens a valve when the sensor detects an object.
  • a sensor that detects whether or not an object exists in a detection area near the faucet and a controller that opens a valve when the sensor detects an object.
  • the senor has a tableware / foodstuff detection area for detecting an object located in the direction of water discharge of the water flow discharged from the water outlet, and a hand detection area for detecting a hand having tableware / foodstuff out of the water discharge direction.
  • a tableware / foodstuff detection area for detecting an object located in the direction of water discharge of the water flow discharged from the water outlet
  • a hand detection area for detecting a hand having tableware / foodstuff out of the water discharge direction.
  • an automatic faucet two sensors are provided, and when both of them detect the presence of an object, water discharge starts, and when one sensor stops detecting the presence of an object during water discharge, There is something to stop.
  • this automatic faucet when an object is moved or moved by a washing operation or the like during water discharge, the object is removed from the detection area of one sensor, and this sensor does not detect the presence of the object. There is.
  • automatic switching to a water stop that is not intended by the user may be performed, which may cause discomfort to the user.
  • the present invention has been invented in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent unintentional water stoppage when one detection unit detects no object during water discharge during a washing operation or the like.
  • the object is to provide an automatic faucet that suppresses the switch to.
  • the automatic faucet according to the first aspect of the present invention includes two detection units that detect a predetermined object, and a control unit that starts water discharge when each of the two detection units detects the predetermined object; .
  • the control unit is configured to continue water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units does not detect the predetermined object after the start of water discharge.
  • the control unit in the first aspect, must detect each of the predetermined objects before the predetermined time elapses. Water discharge is stopped, and the water discharge is continued if each of the two detection units detects the predetermined object before the predetermined time elapses.
  • the control unit stops water discharge when each of the two detection units stops detecting the predetermined object. Configured.
  • the automatic faucet in any one of the first to third aspects, includes a water discharging part that discharges water to an external water receiving part.
  • the control unit is configured to control the water discharger according to the detection results of the two detection units.
  • the two detection units are a first detection unit and a second detection unit.
  • Each of the first detector and the second detector has a detection region between the water discharger and the water receiver.
  • the first detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure a distance to the object based on light reflected by the object.
  • the first detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.
  • the second detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure the intensity of the light reflected by the reflector.
  • the second detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the intensity is included in a predetermined range.
  • the automatic faucet 1 is provided on a sink as shown in FIG.
  • the sink has a sink 21.
  • the upper surface of the bottom portion 22 (bottom surface 22 a) is a substantially horizontal surface.
  • the automatic faucet 1 includes a water discharge unit 2, a detection unit 7, and a control unit 9.
  • the water discharge unit 2 is configured to discharge water to the external water receiving unit 20.
  • the water discharge unit 2 includes a base 3 and a water discharge pipe 4.
  • the base 3 is provided on the edge 23 upper surface 23 a of the sink 21. And the base 3 protrudes upwards from the edge part 23, and has a flow path (not shown) inside.
  • the water discharge pipe 4 is provided on the upper surface of the base 3.
  • the water discharge pipe 4 has an inverted U shape.
  • the water discharge pipe 4 has a U-shaped end attached to the base 3.
  • a flow path (not shown) communicating with the flow path of the base 3 is provided inside the water discharge pipe 4. Further, the other end of the U-shape of the water discharge pipe 4 is located above the bottom 22 of the sink 21.
  • the water discharge pipe 4 is provided with a water discharge port 2 a that opens downward at the other end, and water, hot water, and the like are discharged from the water discharge port 2 a toward the bottom portion 22.
  • the bottom portion 22 of the sink 21 is a water receiving portion 20 that receives water discharged downward from the water discharge port 2a.
  • the water outlet 2a side from the base 3 (the edge 23 side to the bottom 22 side of the sink 21) is defined as the front.
  • the edge 23 provided with the base 3 is the rear edge of the sink 21.
  • the water discharger 2 is provided with a valve member 6 for opening and closing the flow path of the base 3 or the flow path of the water discharge pipe 4.
  • the water discharging part 2 switches the start and stop (water stop) of the water discharge from the water discharge port 2a by opening and closing the said flow path with the valve member 6, and opening and closing of this flow path is performed by the control part 9 Be controlled.
  • the detection unit 7 is configured to detect a predetermined object (object) 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 7 has a detection region 8 below the downstream end of the water discharge pipe 4. Specifically, the detection area 8 is located between the water outlet 2a and the bottom 22 of the sink 21, and exists in the discharge area of water discharged from the water outlet 2a. The detection unit 7 detects the presence or absence of an object 30 such as a plate or a hand holding the plate in the detection region 8.
  • Two detection units 7 are provided in the automatic faucet 1. At least a part of the detection region 8 (the detection region 8A of one detection unit 7 and the detection region 8B of the other detection unit 7) of the two detection units 7 overlaps and is positioned. Specifically, the first detection unit 10 that measures the distance to the object 32 that irradiates light toward the detection region 8 and reflects this light, and the light to the water receiving unit 20 side through the detection region 8. And a second detection unit 15 that receives reflected light from the water receiving unit 20 side. That is, the two detection units 7 are the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15. Each of the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 has a detection region 8 (8A, 8B) between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20.
  • the first detection unit 10 is, for example, a so-called ranging reflection type photoelectric sensor (distance setting type photoelectric sensor) that measures the distance to the object 32 by a triangulation method. As shown in FIG. 3, the first detection unit 10 includes a first light projecting unit 11 and a first light receiving unit 12. The first light projecting unit 11 and the first light receiving unit 12 are provided on the base 3.
  • the 1st light projection part 11 has a light projection element which irradiates infrared rays or visible light as irradiation light.
  • the 1st light projection part 11 irradiates light (irradiation light) toward the front diagonally downward direction.
  • the 1st light projection part 11 has an irradiation direction toward the front diagonally downward direction.
  • the 1st light projection part 11 irradiates light toward the bottom face 22a through the detection area 8 (8A). Irradiation light from the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by an object 32 such as the object 30 or the sink 21 (bottom 22) existing in the detection region 8.
  • the first light receiving unit 12 includes, for example, a position detection element (for example, a PSD (Position Sensitive Detector).
  • the first light receiving unit 12 receives light from the detection region 8 and the bottom upper surface 22a.
  • the first light receiving unit 12 receives the irradiation light reflected by the object 32 from the first light projecting unit 11 (light reflected by the object 32).
  • the position (part) that receives the reflected light changes according to the distance from the first light projecting unit 11 to the object 32.
  • the target 32 becomes the object 30, and thus the irradiation light of the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by the object 30.
  • the first light receiving unit 12 is reached (see arrow R1 in the figure).
  • the object 32 becomes the bottom upper surface 22a, so that the irradiation light of the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by the bottom upper surface 22a and reaches the first light receiving unit 12 ( (See arrow R2 in the figure).
  • the first detection unit 10 can detect the position where the reflected light from the first light receiving unit 12 is received, and thereby measure the distance to the object 32. And the 1st detection part 10 detects the presence or absence of the object 30 in the detection area 8 (8A) from this measured distance.
  • the first detection unit 10 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 (8A) and measure the distance to the object 32 based on the light reflected by the object 32.
  • the first detection unit 10 is configured to determine that the object (predetermined object) 30 has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. That is, the first detection unit 10 determines that the object 32 is the object (predetermined object) 30 when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.
  • the second detection unit 15 is, for example, a so-called limited reflection photoelectric sensor.
  • This limited reflection type photoelectric sensor is one in which the directivity angle of light projection / reception is reduced in order to obtain a strong light reception output.
  • the light projecting axis and the light receiving axis intersect at a relatively large angle. Therefore, the operation area of the limited reflection photoelectric sensor is limited to an area (limited area) having only a limited distance range where the light projecting light beam and the light receiving light beam intersect.
  • the second detection unit 15 includes a second light projecting unit 16 and a second light receiving unit 17.
  • the second light projecting unit 16 is provided in the installation unit 5.
  • the installation portion 5 is provided at the distal end portion (end portion on the discharge port side) of the water discharge pipe 4 and is formed to protrude rearward from the discharge pipe 4.
  • the second light receiving unit 17 is provided on the base 3.
  • the 2nd light projection part 16 has a light projection element which irradiates infrared rays or visible light as irradiation light. And the 2nd light projection part 16 irradiates light (irradiation light) toward the front diagonally downward direction. For this reason, the second light projecting unit 16 irradiates light toward the bottom upper surface 22a through the detection region 8 (8B). And the irradiation light from the 2nd light projection part 16 cross
  • the detection area 8 (8A, 8B) is included around this intersection.
  • the second light receiving unit 17 includes, for example, a light receiving element that receives irradiation light from the second light projecting unit 16. Further, the second light receiving unit 17 has a light receiving direction obliquely downward and forward. The light receiving axis of the second light receiving unit 17 intersects the light projecting axis of the second light projecting unit 16 at the bottom upper surface 22a. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, the second light receiving unit 17 receives irradiation light (see arrow R ⁇ b> 3 in the figure) reflected by the bottom upper surface 22 a, and the bottom 22 is reflected by the reflector 34 of the second detection unit 15. It has become.
  • the operation area of the second detection unit 15 is limited to the bottom upper surface 22a which is farther from the detection area 8 (8B) in the irradiation direction.
  • the irradiation light of the 2nd light projection part 16 reflects on the bottom upper surface 22a which is the reflector 34, and advances to the 2nd light-receiving part 17 side.
  • the second detection unit 15 causes a part or all of the irradiation light from the second light projecting unit 16 to be reflected or absorbed by the object 30, for example. It becomes difficult to reach the bottom upper surface 22a. In this case, it is difficult for the second detector 15 to receive the reflected light from the reflector 34 (bottom surface 22a) by the second light receiver 17. And when it becomes difficult to receive reflected light in the 2nd light-receiving part 17, the 2nd detection part 15 is compared with the case where the predetermined output value in detection information (detection result) does not reduce the reflected light from the reflector 34. descend. That is, the second detection unit 15 detects a change in the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 17 and thereby detects (discriminates) the presence or absence of the object 30 in the detection region 8 (8B).
  • the second detection unit 15 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 (8B) and measure the intensity (output value) of the light reflected by the reflector 34.
  • the second detection unit 15 is configured to determine that the object (predetermined object) 30 has been detected when the measured light intensity (output value) is within a predetermined range. That is, the second detection unit 15 determines that the reflector 34 is the object (predetermined object) 30 when the intensity is included in the predetermined range.
  • the control unit 9 determines that the first detection unit 10 has detected the presence of an object when the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 is a predetermined distance or less. And the control part 9 determines with the 2nd detection part 15 having detected object presence, when the said predetermined output value of the 2nd light-receiving part 17 is a predetermined range (below predetermined value). Further, the control unit 9 discharges water from the water discharge pipe 4 to the water receiving unit 20 based on the detection information (detection result) of the detection unit 7 such as the distance to the object 32 and the predetermined output value. Switch between no (water discharge and water stop).
  • the controller 9 is configured to control the water discharger 2 according to the detection results of the two detectors 7 (the first detector 10 and the second detector 15).
  • the control unit 9 is configured to start water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) detects a predetermined object 30 (water discharge control). After the start of water discharge, the control unit 9 continues water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30. (Continuous control).
  • the control unit 9 stops water discharge if each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30 before the fixed time elapses (stop control).
  • the control unit 9 is configured to stop water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30 (water stop control).
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 detection of the presence or absence of an object by the two detection units 7 (first detection unit 10 and second detection unit 15) will be described.
  • 5 shows a state in which the presence of an object is detected by both detection units 10 and 15
  • FIG. 6 shows a state in which the presence of an object is detected by one detection unit 7 (second detection unit 15 in the illustrated example)
  • FIG. 7 shows a state where both the detection units 10 and 15 detect the absence of an object.
  • the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected the presence of an object (the object 30 is in the detection region 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water stop to water discharge. In other words, the control unit 9 starts water discharge when the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance and the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined value at the time of water stoppage.
  • the water discharge control is performed (see P1 in FIG. 8).
  • the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected no object (the object 30 is not in the detection region 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water discharge to water stop. In other words, at the time of water discharge, the control unit 9 causes the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 to exceed a predetermined distance (not including the predetermined distance), and the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 exceeds a predetermined value. In the case of (not including a predetermined value), water stop control for stopping water discharge is performed.
  • the object 30 when the object 30 is moved or moved during cleaning (water discharge), as shown in FIG. 6, the object 30 is positioned in the detection region 8 of one detection unit 7 and the remaining one ( On the other hand, it may be located outside the detection area 8 of the detection unit 7.
  • the control unit 9 detects the presence of an object in one of the two detection units 7 (for example, the second detection unit 15), and detects the other detection unit 7 (for example, the first detection unit 10). ) Determines that no object is detected. And the control part 9 performs continuation control which continues water discharge based on this determination result (refer P3 in FIG. 8), and makes the automatic water tap 1 continue water discharge.
  • the control unit 9 performs stop control for stopping water discharge (see P4 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water discharge to water stop.
  • the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected the presence of the object, cancels the measurement of the stop control time, and resets the measurement time.
  • the control unit 9 continuously discharges water (maintains water discharge) while both the detection units 7 detect the presence of an object.
  • the control part 9 performs the maintenance control which maintains water discharge, when the presence of an object is detected by both of the two detection parts 7 during the continuous control.
  • the control unit 9 newly measures the time every time continuous control is performed.
  • control unit 9 determines that the one detection unit 7 that has detected the presence of the object has detected no object, and performs water stop control (see P2 in FIG. 8).
  • the control unit 9 is not limited to the conditions shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, but the second detection unit 15 detects the absence of an object and the first detection unit 10 detects the presence of an object during water discharge. If so, continue control.
  • the control unit 9 performs stop control.
  • the automatic faucet 1 performs the control for starting water discharge when both the two detection units 7 that detect the presence or absence of the object 30 and the detection unit 7 detect the presence of the object. It is an automatic water faucet provided with the control part 9 to perform.
  • the control unit 9 performs control to continue water discharge when one of the detection units 7 detects the presence of an object after the start of water discharge and the other one of the detection units 7 detects no object, and continuation of water discharge by this control In some cases, control is performed to stop water discharge when detection of the absence of an object by the remaining one detection unit 7 continues for a certain period of time.
  • the automatic faucet 1 includes the two detection units 7 and the control unit 9 that starts water discharge when both the detection units 7 detect the presence of an object, thereby easily detecting the object 30.
  • the automatic faucet 1 can easily improve the detection accuracy for the object 30, and can detect the presence of the object with high accuracy and start water discharge.
  • the automatic faucet 1 continues the water discharge when the control unit 9 has the continuation control as described above, and the detection of the presence of the object is only one of the detection units 7 in the water discharge. Can do. Accordingly, the automatic faucet 1 can suppress unintentional switching to water stop when the object 30 is moved or moved by a cleaning operation or the like. Therefore, the automatic faucet 1 can make it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable due to unintended switching to water stoppage.
  • the automatic faucet 1 is configured so that the control unit 9 has the stop control, so that when the detection unit 7 that has detected the absence of an object does not re-detect the presence of the object for a certain time T1, the continuous water control continues to discharge water. It can be stopped after a certain time T1.
  • the automatic faucet 1 can be switched to water stop after a certain period of time T1 when, for example, hot water (hot water) is used and one of the detectors 7 detects that an object is present due to steam or the like after use. Thus, unintended continuation of water discharge can be suppressed.
  • the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment includes a water discharge unit 2 that discharges water toward an external water receiving unit 20.
  • the two detection units 7 each have a detection region 8 between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20.
  • the 1st detection part 10 which measures the distance to the target object 32 which irradiated light toward the detection area 8 and reflected this light, and the water receiving part 20 via the detection area 8
  • a second detector 15 that receives reflected light from the water receiver 20 side by irradiating light on the side.
  • the first detection unit 10 detects the presence of an object when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.
  • the second detection unit 15 detects the presence of an object when the output value of the light receiving unit (second light receiving unit) 17 that receives the reflected light is within a predetermined range.
  • the automatic faucet is provided with two detection units 7 having different detection areas 7 such as a distance setting type photoelectric sensor and a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor, and different detection conditions 7 as the two detection units 7. It is possible to easily detect the low-reflectance object 30 such as tableware or foodstuffs, and it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to steam or the like. Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 can easily improve the detection accuracy for the object 30 and can easily perform various controls such as water discharge control, continuous control, and stop control.
  • the detection of the presence or absence of the object 30 by the detection unit 7 is not limited to the determination by the control unit 9, but the determination is performed by the detection unit 7 and the determination result is output to the control unit 9, or the determination is performed.
  • a unit may be provided and the determination result of the determination unit may be output to the control unit 9.
  • the second detection unit 15 is not limited to the bottom upper surface 22 a made of the reflective material 34, and the inner surface of the edge 23 of the sink 21 may be made of the reflective material 34.
  • the second detection unit 15 may detect the presence of an object when the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
  • the second detection unit 15 uses the object 30 as the reflection object 34 and the second light receiving unit 17 receives the reflected light from the detection region 8 (the object 30), so that the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is Increased compared to no object.
  • the second detection unit 15 only needs to detect the presence of an object when the output value is within a predetermined range.
  • the automatic faucet 1 may include two second detection units 15 as the two detection units 7.
  • the two second detection units 15 have different conditions for detecting the presence of an object.
  • one of the second detection units 15 detects the presence of an object by reducing the output value by the object 30 in the detection region 8 with the bottom upper surface 22a and the like as the reflection object 34.
  • the remaining second detection unit 15 detects the presence of an object by increasing the output value of the object 30 in the detection region 8 by using the object 30 in the detection region 8 as the reflection object 34.
  • the two detection units 7 are not limited to a part of each other or one of the detection regions 8 or all of both, but may be close to each other without overlapping. .
  • the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment has the following first feature.
  • the automatic faucet 1 includes two detection units 7 that detect a predetermined object 30 and a control unit 9 that starts water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 detects the predetermined object 30. And comprising.
  • the control unit 9 is configured to continue water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30 after the start of water discharge.
  • the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment may have the following second to fifth features.
  • the second to fifth features are arbitrary features.
  • the control unit 9 stops water discharge if each of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30 before the fixed time elapses, and the fixed time elapses. If each of the two detection units 7 detects a predetermined object 30 by the time, water discharge is continued.
  • control unit 9 is configured to stop water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30.
  • the automatic faucet 1 includes a water discharge unit 2 that discharges water to the external water receiving unit 20.
  • the controller 9 is configured to control the water discharger 2 according to the detection results of the two detectors 7.
  • the two detection units 7 are a first detection unit 10 and a second detection unit 15.
  • Each of the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 has a detection region 8 (8A, 8B) between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20.
  • the first detection unit 10 is configured to output light toward the detection area 8 ⁇ / b> A and measure the distance to the object 32 based on the light reflected by the object 32.
  • the first detection unit 10 is configured to determine that the predetermined object 30 has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.
  • the second detection unit 15 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 ⁇ / b> B and measure the intensity of the light reflected by the reflector 34.
  • the second detection unit 15 is configured to determine that the predetermined object 30 has been detected when the intensity is included in the predetermined range.
  • the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, so that when the object 30 is moved or moved in the water discharge, for example, by a cleaning operation or the like, an unintended stop is performed. Switching to water can be suppressed. Thereby, according to this embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable due to unintended switching to water stoppage. And since the automatic faucet 1 of this embodiment was equipped with the above-mentioned structure, for example, when using hot water (hot water) or the like, detection of the presence of an object in one detection unit 7 continued with steam after use. In this case, the continuation of unintentional water discharge can be suppressed by switching to water stop after a lapse of a certain time.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)

Abstract

This automatic faucet is provided with two detection units for detecting a prescribed object, and a control unit which starts water discharge when each of the two detection units has detected the prescribed object. The control unit is configured such that once started, water discharge is continued until a certain period of time has elapsed even if one of the two detection units no longer detects the prescribed object.

Description

自動水栓Automatic faucet
　本発明は、物体検知センサの物体検知により吐水の開始と停止とを切り替える自動水栓に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an automatic faucet that switches between start and stop of water discharge by object detection of an object detection sensor.
　従来から、自動水栓として、水栓近傍の検知エリア内に物体が存在するか否かを検知するセンサと、センサが物体を検知するとバルブを開弁するコントローラとを備えた自動水栓がある（例えば文献１［日本国公開特許公報第２００１－３２９５８３号］参照）。 Conventionally, as an automatic faucet, there is an automatic faucet provided with a sensor that detects whether or not an object exists in a detection area near the faucet and a controller that opens a valve when the sensor detects an object. (See, for example, Document 1 [Japanese Published Patent Publication No. 2001-329583]).
　この自動水栓では、センサが、吐水口から吐水する水流の吐水方向に位置する物体を検知する食器・食材検知エリアと、吐水方向から外れた食器・食材を持つ手を検知する手検知エリアとを有する。そして、この自動水栓は、食器・食材検知エリアと手検知エリアの何れか又は両方に物体が存在することで、吐水を開始する。 In this automatic faucet, the sensor has a tableware / foodstuff detection area for detecting an object located in the direction of water discharge of the water flow discharged from the water outlet, and a hand detection area for detecting a hand having tableware / foodstuff out of the water discharge direction. Have The automatic faucet starts water discharge when an object is present in either or both of the tableware / food detection area and the hand detection area.
　しかしながら、この自動水栓では、検知エリアの一方のみに物体が存在した状態で吐水するため、水栓からの水を受けるシンクに茹で汁等の湯を流した際や水栓から湯を吐出した際等に、湯気を物体と検知して吐水を開始する場合がある。そして、この自動水栓は、湯気を検知する間、吐水を継続するため、水栓が湯を吐出する場合、吐水（湯の吐出）が停止しなくなる恐れがある。 However, with this automatic faucet, water is discharged when an object is present only on one side of the detection area, so hot water such as boiled juice is poured into the sink that receives water from the faucet, or hot water is discharged from the faucet. In some cases, water vapor may be detected by detecting steam as an object. And since this automatic water faucet continues water discharge while detecting steam, when the water faucet discharges hot water, there is a possibility that water discharge (hot water discharge) may not stop.
　そこで、自動水栓としては、センサを二つ設けて、両方で物体の存在を検知した際に吐水を開始して、吐水中に一方のセンサが物体の存在を検知しなくなった際に吐水を停止するものがある。ところで、この自動水栓では、吐水中に、洗浄動作等で物体を動かしたり移動したりした際に、一方のセンサの検知エリアから物体が外れて、このセンサが物体の存在を検知しなくなることがある。この場合、この自動水栓では、使用者が意図しない止水への自動切替が行われて、使用者に不快感を与えることがある。 Therefore, as an automatic faucet, two sensors are provided, and when both of them detect the presence of an object, water discharge starts, and when one sensor stops detecting the presence of an object during water discharge, There is something to stop. By the way, with this automatic faucet, when an object is moved or moved by a washing operation or the like during water discharge, the object is removed from the detection area of one sensor, and this sensor does not detect the presence of the object. There is. In this case, with this automatic faucet, automatic switching to a water stop that is not intended by the user may be performed, which may cause discomfort to the user.
　そこで、本発明は、前記従来の問題点に鑑みて発明したものであり、その目的とするところは、洗浄動作等で吐水中に一方の検知部が物体無を検知した場合の意図しない止水への切り替わりを抑制した自動水栓を提供することにある。 Therefore, the present invention has been invented in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent unintentional water stoppage when one detection unit detects no object during water discharge during a washing operation or the like. The object is to provide an automatic faucet that suppresses the switch to.
　本発明に係る第１の形態の自動水栓は、所定の物体を検知する二つの検知部と、前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知した際に吐水を開始させる制御部と、を備える。前記制御部は、吐水の開始後に前記二つの検知部の一方が前記所定の物体を検知しなくなっても一定時間が経過するまでは吐水を継続させるように構成される。 The automatic faucet according to the first aspect of the present invention includes two detection units that detect a predetermined object, and a control unit that starts water discharge when each of the two detection units detects the predetermined object; . The control unit is configured to continue water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units does not detect the predetermined object after the start of water discharge.
　本発明に係る第２の形態の自動水栓では、第１の形態において、前記制御部は、前記一定時間が経過するまでに前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知しなければ吐水を停止し、前記一定時間が経過するまでに前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知すれば吐水を継続するように構成される。 In the automatic faucet according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control unit must detect each of the predetermined objects before the predetermined time elapses. Water discharge is stopped, and the water discharge is continued if each of the two detection units detects the predetermined object before the predetermined time elapses.
　本発明に係る第３の形態の自動水栓では、第１または第２の形態において、前記制御部は、前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知しなくなれば吐水を停止させるように構成される。 In the automatic faucet according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the control unit stops water discharge when each of the two detection units stops detecting the predetermined object. Configured.
　本発明に係る第４の形態の自動水栓では、第１～第３の形態のいずれか１つにおいて、自動水栓は、外部の水受部への吐水を行う吐水部を備える。前記制御部は、前記二つの検知部の検知結果に応じて前記吐水部を制御するように構成される。 In the automatic faucet according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the automatic faucet includes a water discharging part that discharges water to an external water receiving part. The control unit is configured to control the water discharger according to the detection results of the two detection units.
　本発明に係る第５の形態の自動水栓では、第４の形態において、前記二つの検知部は、第１検知部と、第２検知部とである。前記第１検知部と前記第２検知部のそれぞれは、前記吐水部と前記水受部との間に検知領域を有する。前記第１検知部は、前記検知領域に向けて光を出力し、対象物で反射された光に基づいて前記対象物までの距離を測定するように構成される。前記第１検知部は、前記距離が所定距離以下の場合に前記所定の物体を検知したと判定するように構成される。前記第２検知部は、前記検知領域に向けて光を出力し、反射物で反射された光の強度を測定するように構成される。前記第２検知部は、前記強度が所定範囲に含まれる場合に前記所定の物体を検知したと判定するように構成される。 In the automatic faucet according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the two detection units are a first detection unit and a second detection unit. Each of the first detector and the second detector has a detection region between the water discharger and the water receiver. The first detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure a distance to the object based on light reflected by the object. The first detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The second detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure the intensity of the light reflected by the reflector. The second detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the intensity is included in a predetermined range.
本発明に係る一実施形態の自動水栓の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the automatic faucet of one embodiment concerning the present invention. 上記自動水栓のブロック図である。It is a block diagram of the said automatic water tap. 上記自動水洗の第１検知部の動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the 1st detection part of the said automatic water washing. 上記自動水洗の第２検知部の動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the 2nd detection part of the said automatic water washing. 上記自動水洗の動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the said automatic water washing. 上記自動水洗の動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the said automatic water washing. 上記自動水洗の動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the said automatic water washing. 上記自動水洗の制御部による制御を説明するタイミングチャートである。It is a timing chart explaining control by the control part of the above-mentioned automatic water washing.
　本発明に係る一実施形態の自動水栓１は、例えば、図１に示すように、流し台に設けられる。流し台は、シンク２１を有する。シンク２１は底部２２の上面（底部上面２２ａ）が略水平な面になっている。 The automatic faucet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on a sink as shown in FIG. The sink has a sink 21. In the sink 21, the upper surface of the bottom portion 22 (bottom surface 22 a) is a substantially horizontal surface.
　自動水栓１は、図２に示すように、吐水部２と、検知部７と、制御部９とを備える。 As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic faucet 1 includes a water discharge unit 2, a detection unit 7, and a control unit 9.
　吐水部２は、外部の水受部２０への吐水を行うように構成される。吐水部２は、図１に示すように、ベース３と、吐水管４とを備える。ベース３は、シンク２１の縁部２３上面２３ａに設けてある。そして、ベース３は縁部２３から上方に突出しており、内部に流路（不図示）を有する。 The water discharge unit 2 is configured to discharge water to the external water receiving unit 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the water discharge unit 2 includes a base 3 and a water discharge pipe 4. The base 3 is provided on the edge 23 upper surface 23 a of the sink 21. And the base 3 protrudes upwards from the edge part 23, and has a flow path (not shown) inside.
　吐水管４は、ベース３の上面に設けてある。吐水管４は逆Ｕ字状になっている。吐水管４はＵ字の一端がベース３に取り付けてある。そして、吐水管４の内部には、ベース３の流路と連通する流路（不図示）が設けてある。また、吐水管４はＵ字の他端がシンク２１の底部２２の上方に位置する。吐水管４はこの他端に、下方に開口した吐水口２ａが設けてあり、吐水口２ａから底部２２に向けて水や湯等が吐出される。 The water discharge pipe 4 is provided on the upper surface of the base 3. The water discharge pipe 4 has an inverted U shape. The water discharge pipe 4 has a U-shaped end attached to the base 3. A flow path (not shown) communicating with the flow path of the base 3 is provided inside the water discharge pipe 4. Further, the other end of the U-shape of the water discharge pipe 4 is located above the bottom 22 of the sink 21. The water discharge pipe 4 is provided with a water discharge port 2 a that opens downward at the other end, and water, hot water, and the like are discharged from the water discharge port 2 a toward the bottom portion 22.
　そのため、シンク２１の底部２２は、吐水口２ａから下方に吐出された水を受ける水受部２０になっている。以下、ベース３から吐水口２ａ側（シンク２１の縁部２３から底部２２側）を前方と定義して説明する。なお、この場合、ベース３を設けた縁部２３は、シンク２１の後縁部となる。 Therefore, the bottom portion 22 of the sink 21 is a water receiving portion 20 that receives water discharged downward from the water discharge port 2a. In the following description, the water outlet 2a side from the base 3 (the edge 23 side to the bottom 22 side of the sink 21) is defined as the front. In this case, the edge 23 provided with the base 3 is the rear edge of the sink 21.
　更に、吐水部２は、ベース３の流路又は吐水管４の流路に、この流路を開閉させる弁部材６が設けてある。そして、吐水部２は、弁部材６で前記流路を開閉することで、吐水口２ａからの吐水の開始と停止（止水）とを切り替えており、この流路の開閉は制御部９によって制御される。 Furthermore, the water discharger 2 is provided with a valve member 6 for opening and closing the flow path of the base 3 or the flow path of the water discharge pipe 4. And the water discharging part 2 switches the start and stop (water stop) of the water discharge from the water discharge port 2a by opening and closing the said flow path with the valve member 6, and opening and closing of this flow path is performed by the control part 9 Be controlled.
　検知部７は、所定の物体（物体）３０を検知するように構成される。検知部７は、図１に示すように、吐水管４の下流端より下側に検知領域８を有する。具体的には、検知領域８が、吐水口２ａとシンク２１の底部２２との間に位置し、且つ吐水口２ａから吐出される水の吐出領域に存在する。そして、検知部７は、この検知領域８における皿やこれを持つ手等の物体３０の有無を検知する。 The detection unit 7 is configured to detect a predetermined object (object) 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 7 has a detection region 8 below the downstream end of the water discharge pipe 4. Specifically, the detection area 8 is located between the water outlet 2a and the bottom 22 of the sink 21, and exists in the discharge area of water discharged from the water outlet 2a. The detection unit 7 detects the presence or absence of an object 30 such as a plate or a hand holding the plate in the detection region 8.
　検知部７は、自動水栓１に二つ設けてある。二つの検知部７は、検知領域８（一方の検知部７の検知領域８Ａと他方の検知部７の検知領域８Ｂ）の少なくとも一部が重複して位置する。具体的には、検知領域８に向けて光を照射してこの光を反射した対象物３２までの距離を測定する第１検知部１０と、検知領域８を介して水受部２０側に光を照射して水受部２０側からの反射光を受光する第２検知部１５とを備える。つまり、二つの検知部７は、第１検知部１０と、第２検知部１５とである。第１検知部１０と第２検知部１５のそれぞれは、吐水部２と水受部２０との間に検知領域８（８Ａ，８Ｂ）を有する。 Two detection units 7 are provided in the automatic faucet 1. At least a part of the detection region 8 (the detection region 8A of one detection unit 7 and the detection region 8B of the other detection unit 7) of the two detection units 7 overlaps and is positioned. Specifically, the first detection unit 10 that measures the distance to the object 32 that irradiates light toward the detection region 8 and reflects this light, and the light to the water receiving unit 20 side through the detection region 8. And a second detection unit 15 that receives reflected light from the water receiving unit 20 side. That is, the two detection units 7 are the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15. Each of the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 has a detection region 8 (8A, 8B) between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20.
　第１検知部１０は、例えば、三角測距方式で対象物３２までの距離を測定する所謂測距反射型光電センサ（距離設定型光電センサ）になっている。第１検知部１０は、図３に示すように、第１投光部１１と第１受光部１２とを備える。第１投光部１１及び第１受光部１２はベース３に設けてある。 The first detection unit 10 is, for example, a so-called ranging reflection type photoelectric sensor (distance setting type photoelectric sensor) that measures the distance to the object 32 by a triangulation method. As shown in FIG. 3, the first detection unit 10 includes a first light projecting unit 11 and a first light receiving unit 12. The first light projecting unit 11 and the first light receiving unit 12 are provided on the base 3.
　第１投光部１１は、照射光として赤外線又は可視光線を照射する投光素子を有する。第１投光部１１は前斜め下方に向けて光（照射光）を照射する。言い換えると、第１投光部１１は、前斜め下方に向けて照射方向を有する。そして、第１投光部１１は、検知領域８（８Ａ）を通過して底部上面２２ａに向けて光を照射する。第１投光部１１からの照射光は、検知領域８に存在する物体３０やシンク２１（底部２２）等の対象物３２で反射する。 The 1st light projection part 11 has a light projection element which irradiates infrared rays or visible light as irradiation light. The 1st light projection part 11 irradiates light (irradiation light) toward the front diagonally downward direction. In other words, the 1st light projection part 11 has an irradiation direction toward the front diagonally downward direction. And the 1st light projection part 11 irradiates light toward the bottom face 22a through the detection area 8 (8A). Irradiation light from the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by an object 32 such as the object 30 or the sink 21 (bottom 22) existing in the detection region 8.
　第１受光部１２は、例えば、位置検知素子（例えばＰＳＤ素子（Ｐｏｓｉｔｉｏｎ　Ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｅ　Ｄｅｔｅｃｔｏｒ）を有する。第１受光部１２は、検知領域８や底部上面２２ａから来た光を受ける。 The first light receiving unit 12 includes, for example, a position detection element (for example, a PSD (Position Sensitive Detector). The first light receiving unit 12 receives light from the detection region 8 and the bottom upper surface 22a.
　すなわち、第１受光部１２は、第１投光部１１から対象物３２で反射された照射光（対象物３２での反射光）を受ける。そして、第１受光部１２は、反射光を受ける位置（部位）が、第１投光部１１から対象物３２までの距離に応じて変化する。 That is, the first light receiving unit 12 receives the irradiation light reflected by the object 32 from the first light projecting unit 11 (light reflected by the object 32). In the first light receiving unit 12, the position (part) that receives the reflected light changes according to the distance from the first light projecting unit 11 to the object 32.
　具体的には、図３に示すように、例えば検出領域に物体３０が存在する場合、対象物３２が物体３０となるため、第１投光部１１の照射光は、物体３０で反射して第１受光部１２に到達する（図中矢印Ｒ１参照）。また、検出領域に物体３０が存在しない場合、対象物３２が底部上面２２ａとなるため、第１投光部１１の照射光は、底部上面２２ａで反射して第１受光部１２に到達する（図中矢印Ｒ２参照）。 Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, when the object 30 exists in the detection region, the target 32 becomes the object 30, and thus the irradiation light of the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by the object 30. The first light receiving unit 12 is reached (see arrow R1 in the figure). Further, when the object 30 is not present in the detection region, the object 32 becomes the bottom upper surface 22a, so that the irradiation light of the first light projecting unit 11 is reflected by the bottom upper surface 22a and reaches the first light receiving unit 12 ( (See arrow R2 in the figure).
　そのため、第１検知部１０は、第１受光部１２の反射光を受けた位置を検知し、これによって対象物３２までの距離を測定することができる。そして、第１検知部１０は、この測定した距離から、検知領域８（８Ａ）における物体３０の有無を検知する（区別する）。 Therefore, the first detection unit 10 can detect the position where the reflected light from the first light receiving unit 12 is received, and thereby measure the distance to the object 32. And the 1st detection part 10 detects the presence or absence of the object 30 in the detection area 8 (8A) from this measured distance.
　つまり、第１検知部１０は、検知領域８（８Ａ）に向けて光を出力し、対象物３２で反射された光に基づいて対象物３２までの距離を測定するように構成される。第１検知部１０は、距離が所定距離以下の場合に物体（所定の物体）３０を検知したと判定するように構成される。つまり、第１検知部１０は、距離が所定距離以下の場合に、対象物３２が物体（所定の物体）３０であると判定する。 That is, the first detection unit 10 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 (8A) and measure the distance to the object 32 based on the light reflected by the object 32. The first detection unit 10 is configured to determine that the object (predetermined object) 30 has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. That is, the first detection unit 10 determines that the object 32 is the object (predetermined object) 30 when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.
　第２検知部１５は、例えば、所謂限定反射型光電センサになっている。この限定反射型光電センサとは、強い受光出力を得るために投受光の指向角度を小さくしたものである。そして、限定反射型光電センサは、投光軸と受光軸が比較的大きな角度で交差する。そのため、限定反射型光電センサの動作領域は、投光光芒と受光光芒が交差する限られた距離範囲のみの領域（限定領域）に限定される。 The second detection unit 15 is, for example, a so-called limited reflection photoelectric sensor. This limited reflection type photoelectric sensor is one in which the directivity angle of light projection / reception is reduced in order to obtain a strong light reception output. In the limited reflection photoelectric sensor, the light projecting axis and the light receiving axis intersect at a relatively large angle. Therefore, the operation area of the limited reflection photoelectric sensor is limited to an area (limited area) having only a limited distance range where the light projecting light beam and the light receiving light beam intersect.
　第２検知部１５は、第２投光部１６と第２受光部１７とを備える。第２投光部１６は設置部５に設けられる。設置部５は、吐水管４の先端部（吐出口側の端部）に設けてあり、吐出管４から後方に突出して形成してある。第２受光部１７は、ベース３に設けてある。 The second detection unit 15 includes a second light projecting unit 16 and a second light receiving unit 17. The second light projecting unit 16 is provided in the installation unit 5. The installation portion 5 is provided at the distal end portion (end portion on the discharge port side) of the water discharge pipe 4 and is formed to protrude rearward from the discharge pipe 4. The second light receiving unit 17 is provided on the base 3.
　第２投光部１６は、照射光として赤外線又は可視光線を照射する投光素子を有する。そして、第２投光部１６は前斜め下方に向けて光（照射光）を照射する。そのため、第２投光部１６は、検知領域８（８Ｂ）を通過して底部上面２２ａに向けて光を照射している。そして、第２投光部１６からの照射光は、第１投光部１１からの照射光に交差しており、第１検知部１０及び第２検知部１５は各々、この照射光の交点を含むこの交点周辺に、検知領域８（８Ａ，８Ｂ）を有する。 The 2nd light projection part 16 has a light projection element which irradiates infrared rays or visible light as irradiation light. And the 2nd light projection part 16 irradiates light (irradiation light) toward the front diagonally downward direction. For this reason, the second light projecting unit 16 irradiates light toward the bottom upper surface 22a through the detection region 8 (8B). And the irradiation light from the 2nd light projection part 16 cross | intersects the irradiation light from the 1st light projection part 11, and the 1st detection part 10 and the 2nd detection part 15 respectively show the intersection of this irradiation light. The detection area 8 (8A, 8B) is included around this intersection.
　第２受光部１７は、例えば、第２投光部１６からの照射光を受ける受光素子を有する。また、第２受光部１７は、前斜め下方に受光方向を有する。そして、第２受光部１７は受光軸が第２投光部１６の投光軸と、底部上面２２ａで交差する。言い換えると、第２受光部１７は、図４に示すように、底部上面２２ａで反射した照射光（図中矢印Ｒ３参照）を受けており、底部２２が第２検知部１５の反射物３４になっている。 The second light receiving unit 17 includes, for example, a light receiving element that receives irradiation light from the second light projecting unit 16. Further, the second light receiving unit 17 has a light receiving direction obliquely downward and forward. The light receiving axis of the second light receiving unit 17 intersects the light projecting axis of the second light projecting unit 16 at the bottom upper surface 22a. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, the second light receiving unit 17 receives irradiation light (see arrow R <b> 3 in the figure) reflected by the bottom upper surface 22 a, and the bottom 22 is reflected by the reflector 34 of the second detection unit 15. It has become.
　そのため、第２検知部１５の動作領域は、照射方向において検知領域８（８Ｂ）よりも遠方となる底部上面２２ａに限定される。そして、第２投光部１６の照射光は、反射物３４である底部上面２２ａで反射して、第２受光部１７側に進行する。 Therefore, the operation area of the second detection unit 15 is limited to the bottom upper surface 22a which is farther from the detection area 8 (8B) in the irradiation direction. And the irradiation light of the 2nd light projection part 16 reflects on the bottom upper surface 22a which is the reflector 34, and advances to the 2nd light-receiving part 17 side.
　ところで、第２検知部１５は、検知領域８（８Ｂ）に物体３０が存在する場合、第２投光部１６からの照射光の一部或いは全部が、例えば物体３０での反射や吸収等で、底部上面２２ａに到達し難くなる。この場合、第２検知部１５は、反射物３４（底部上面２２ａ）からの反射光を、第２受光部１７で受光し難くなる。そして、第２受光部１７で反射光を受光し難くなると、第２検知部１５は、検知情報（検知結果）における所定の出力値が、反射物３４からの反射光が低減されない場合に比べて低下する。すなわち、第２検知部１５は、第２受光部１７の受光量の変化を検知し、これによって検知領域８（８Ｂ）における物体３０の有無を検知する（区別する）。 By the way, when the object 30 exists in the detection region 8 (8B), the second detection unit 15 causes a part or all of the irradiation light from the second light projecting unit 16 to be reflected or absorbed by the object 30, for example. It becomes difficult to reach the bottom upper surface 22a. In this case, it is difficult for the second detector 15 to receive the reflected light from the reflector 34 (bottom surface 22a) by the second light receiver 17. And when it becomes difficult to receive reflected light in the 2nd light-receiving part 17, the 2nd detection part 15 is compared with the case where the predetermined output value in detection information (detection result) does not reduce the reflected light from the reflector 34. descend. That is, the second detection unit 15 detects a change in the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 17 and thereby detects (discriminates) the presence or absence of the object 30 in the detection region 8 (8B).
　つまり、第２検知部１５は、検知領域８（８Ｂ）に向けて光を出力し、反射物３４で反射された光の強度（出力値）を測定するように構成される。第２検知部１５は、測定された光の強度（出力値）が所定範囲に含まれる場合に物体（所定の物体）３０を検知したと判定するように構成される。つまり、第２検知部１５は、強度が所定範囲に含まれる場合に、反射物３４が物体（所定の物体）３０であると判定する。 That is, the second detection unit 15 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 (8B) and measure the intensity (output value) of the light reflected by the reflector 34. The second detection unit 15 is configured to determine that the object (predetermined object) 30 has been detected when the measured light intensity (output value) is within a predetermined range. That is, the second detection unit 15 determines that the reflector 34 is the object (predetermined object) 30 when the intensity is included in the predetermined range.
　制御部９は、第１検知部１０で測定した距離が所定距離以下の場合に、第１検知部１０が物体有を検知したと判定する。そして、制御部９は、第２受光部１７の前記所定の出力値が所定範囲（所定値以下）の場合に、第２検知部１５が物体有を検知したと判定する。更に、制御部９は、対象物３２までの前記距離や前記所定の出力値等の検知部７の検知情報（検知結果）に基づいて、吐水管４から水受部２０に水を吐出するか否か（吐水と止水と）を切り替える。 The control unit 9 determines that the first detection unit 10 has detected the presence of an object when the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 is a predetermined distance or less. And the control part 9 determines with the 2nd detection part 15 having detected object presence, when the said predetermined output value of the 2nd light-receiving part 17 is a predetermined range (below predetermined value). Further, the control unit 9 discharges water from the water discharge pipe 4 to the water receiving unit 20 based on the detection information (detection result) of the detection unit 7 such as the distance to the object 32 and the predetermined output value. Switch between no (water discharge and water stop).
　制御部９は、二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）の検知結果に応じて吐水部２を制御するように構成される。制御部９は、二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知した際に吐水を開始させるように構成される（吐水制御）。制御部９は、吐水の開始後に二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）の一方が所定の物体３０を検知しなくなっても一定時間が経過するまでは吐水を継続させるように構成される（継続制御）。制御部９は、一定時間が経過するまでに二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知しなければ吐水を停止し（停止制御）、一定時間が経過するまでに二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知すれば吐水を継続する（維持制御）ように構成される。制御部９は、二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０および第２検知部１５）のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知しなくなれば吐水を停止させるように構成される（止水制御）。 The controller 9 is configured to control the water discharger 2 according to the detection results of the two detectors 7 (the first detector 10 and the second detector 15). The control unit 9 is configured to start water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) detects a predetermined object 30 (water discharge control). After the start of water discharge, the control unit 9 continues water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30. (Continuous control). The control unit 9 stops water discharge if each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30 before the fixed time elapses (stop control). If the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) detect the predetermined object 30 before the predetermined time elapses, the water discharge is continued (maintenance control). . The control unit 9 is configured to stop water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 (the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15) does not detect the predetermined object 30 (water stop control).
　以下に、図５～図８を参照して、二つの検知部７（第１検知部１０、第２検知部１５）での物体の有無の検知について説明する。なお、図５は両方の検知部１０，１５で物体有を検知した状態を示し、図６は一方の検知部７（図示例では第２検知部１５）で物体有を検知した状態を示し、図７は両方の検知部１０，１５で物体無を検知した状態を示す。 Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, detection of the presence or absence of an object by the two detection units 7 (first detection unit 10 and second detection unit 15) will be described. 5 shows a state in which the presence of an object is detected by both detection units 10 and 15, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the presence of an object is detected by one detection unit 7 (second detection unit 15 in the illustrated example), FIG. 7 shows a state where both the detection units 10 and 15 detect the absence of an object.
　具体的には、止水時に、例えば、自動水栓１で物体３０を洗浄する際等に、図５に示すように、使用者が第１検知部１０及び第２検知部１５の両方の検知領域８内に亘って物体３０を位置させることがある。この場合、制御部９は、二つの検知部７の両方が物体有（物体３０が検知領域８に有ること）を検知したと判定する。これによって、自動水栓１は、止水から吐水に切り替わる。言い換えると、制御部９は、止水時に、第１検知部１０で測定した距離が所定距離以下で、且つ第２受光部１７の前記出力値が所定値以下となった場合に、吐水を開始する吐水制御を行う（図８中のＰ１参照）。 Specifically, when the water is stopped, for example, when the object 30 is washed with the automatic faucet 1, the user detects both the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 as shown in FIG. The object 30 may be positioned over the region 8. In this case, the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected the presence of an object (the object 30 is in the detection region 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water stop to water discharge. In other words, the control unit 9 starts water discharge when the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance and the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined value at the time of water stoppage. The water discharge control is performed (see P1 in FIG. 8).
　そして、吐水時に、例えば、物体３０の洗浄が完了する等で、図７に示すように、使用者が第１検知部１０及び第２検知部１５の両方の検知領域８から外れて位置するように物体３０を動かしたり移動させたりすることがある。この場合、制御部９は、二つの検知部７の両方が物体無（物体３０が検知領域８に無いこと）を検知したと判定する。これによって、自動水栓１は、吐水から止水に切り替わる。言い換えると、制御部９は、吐水時に、第１検知部１０で測定した距離が所定距離を超過し（所定距離を含まない）、且つ第２受光部１７の前記出力値が所定値を超過する（所定値を含まない）場合に、吐水を停止させる止水制御を行う。 Then, at the time of water discharge, for example, the cleaning of the object 30 is completed, so that the user is positioned out of the detection areas 8 of both the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 as shown in FIG. The object 30 may be moved or moved. In this case, the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected no object (the object 30 is not in the detection region 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water discharge to water stop. In other words, at the time of water discharge, the control unit 9 causes the distance measured by the first detection unit 10 to exceed a predetermined distance (not including the predetermined distance), and the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 exceeds a predetermined value. In the case of (not including a predetermined value), water stop control for stopping water discharge is performed.
　また、例えば、洗浄中（吐水中）に物体３０を動かしたり移動させたりした際等に、図６に示すように、物体３０が一方の検知部７の検知領域８に位置し且つ残り一方（他方）の検知部７の検知領域８から外れて位置することがある。この場合、制御部９は、二つの検知部７のうち、一方の検知部７（例えば第２検知部１５）が物体有を検知し、残りの一方の検知部７（例えば第１検知部１０）が物体無を検知したと判定する。そして、制御部９は、この判定結果に基づいて、吐水を継続する継続制御を行い（図８中のＰ３参照）、自動水栓１に吐水を継続させる。 Further, for example, when the object 30 is moved or moved during cleaning (water discharge), as shown in FIG. 6, the object 30 is positioned in the detection region 8 of one detection unit 7 and the remaining one ( On the other hand, it may be located outside the detection area 8 of the detection unit 7. In this case, the control unit 9 detects the presence of an object in one of the two detection units 7 (for example, the second detection unit 15), and detects the other detection unit 7 (for example, the first detection unit 10). ) Determines that no object is detected. And the control part 9 performs continuation control which continues water discharge based on this determination result (refer P3 in FIG. 8), and makes the automatic water tap 1 continue water discharge.
　更に、この継続制御での吐水継続時に、前記残りの一方の検知部７（他方の検知部７）での前記物体無の検知が一定時間Ｔ１継続した（一定時間Ｔ１経過した）場合、制御部９は、吐水を停止させる停止制御を行う（図８中のＰ４参照）。これによって、自動水栓１は、吐水から止水に切り替わる。 Further, when water discharge is continued in this continuous control, if the remaining one detection unit 7 (the other detection unit 7) continues to detect the absence of the object for a certain time T1 (a certain time T1 has elapsed), the control unit 9 performs stop control for stopping water discharge (see P4 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 switches from water discharge to water stop.
　また、前記継続制御を行う条件を満たした状態で、その経過時間が一定時間Ｔ１に達していないときの継続制御での吐水継続時に、例えば、物体３０が動いたり移動したりした際に、物体３０が両方の検知部７の検知領域８に亘って位置することがある。この場合、制御部９は、二つの検知部７の両方が物体有を検知したと判定して、停止制御用の時間の測定を解除して、測定時間をリセットする。言い換えると、制御部９は、二つの検知部７の両方で物体有を検知した場合、両方の検知部７で物体有を検知している間、常時吐水を継続する（吐水を維持する）。このように、制御部９は、前記継続制御中に、二つの検知部７の両方で物体有を検知した場合、吐水を維持する維持制御を行う。そして、制御部９は、継続制御を行う毎に、新たに前記時間の測定を行う。 Further, when the object 30 moves or moves, for example, when the water discharge is continued in the continuous control when the elapsed time does not reach the predetermined time T1 in a state where the conditions for performing the continuous control are satisfied, 30 may be located over the detection area 8 of both detectors 7. In this case, the control unit 9 determines that both of the two detection units 7 have detected the presence of the object, cancels the measurement of the stop control time, and resets the measurement time. In other words, when the presence of an object is detected by both of the two detection units 7, the control unit 9 continuously discharges water (maintains water discharge) while both the detection units 7 detect the presence of an object. Thus, the control part 9 performs the maintenance control which maintains water discharge, when the presence of an object is detected by both of the two detection parts 7 during the continuous control. The control unit 9 newly measures the time every time continuous control is performed.
　なお、前記継続制御を行う条件を満たした状態で、その経過時間が一定時間Ｔ１に達していないときの継続制御での吐水継続時に、例えば、物体３０が動いたり移動したりした際に、物体３０が両方の検知部７の検知領域８から外れて位置することがある。この場合、制御部９は、前記物体有を検知していた前記一方の検知部７が物体無を検知したと判定して、止水制御を行う（図８中のＰ２参照）。もちろん、制御部９は、図５～図７や図８に示す条件のみに限らず、吐水中に、第２検知部１５が物体無を検知し、且つ第１検知部１０が物体有を検知した場合、継続制御を行う。そして、この一方が物体有で他方が物体無の検知が一定時間Ｔ１経過した場合、制御部９は停止制御を行う。 In addition, when the object 30 moves or moves, for example, when the water discharge is continued in the continuous control when the elapsed time does not reach the predetermined time T1 while the condition for performing the continuous control is satisfied, 30 may be located out of the detection area 8 of both detection units 7. In this case, the control unit 9 determines that the one detection unit 7 that has detected the presence of the object has detected no object, and performs water stop control (see P2 in FIG. 8). Of course, the control unit 9 is not limited to the conditions shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, but the second detection unit 15 detects the absence of an object and the first detection unit 10 detects the presence of an object during water discharge. If so, continue control. When the detection that one of the objects is present and the other is not detected has elapsed for a certain time T1, the control unit 9 performs stop control.
　以上述べたように、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、物体３０の有無を検知する二つの検知部７と、この検知部７の両方が物体有を検知した際に吐水を開始させる制御を行う制御部９とを備えた自動水栓である。制御部９は、吐水の開始後に一方の検知部７が物体有を検知し且つ残りの一方の検知部７が物体無を検知した場合に吐水を継続する制御と、この制御での吐水の継続時に残りの一方の検知部７での物体無の検知が一定時間継続した場合に吐水を停止させる制御とを行うものである。 As described above, the automatic faucet 1 according to the present embodiment performs the control for starting water discharge when both the two detection units 7 that detect the presence or absence of the object 30 and the detection unit 7 detect the presence of the object. It is an automatic water faucet provided with the control part 9 to perform. The control unit 9 performs control to continue water discharge when one of the detection units 7 detects the presence of an object after the start of water discharge and the other one of the detection units 7 detects no object, and continuation of water discharge by this control In some cases, control is performed to stop water discharge when detection of the absence of an object by the remaining one detection unit 7 continues for a certain period of time.
　このように、自動水栓１は、二つの検知部７と、検知部７の両方で物体有を検知した際に吐水を開始する制御部９とを備えたことで、物体３０を検知し易くすることができ、且つ湯気等での誤検知による誤吐水を生じ難くすることができる。これによって、自動水栓１は、物体３０に対する検知精度を向上し易くすることができて、精度良く物体有を検知して、吐水を開始することができる。 As described above, the automatic faucet 1 includes the two detection units 7 and the control unit 9 that starts water discharge when both the detection units 7 detect the presence of an object, thereby easily detecting the object 30. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult to cause erroneous water discharge due to erroneous detection due to steam or the like. As a result, the automatic faucet 1 can easily improve the detection accuracy for the object 30, and can detect the presence of the object with high accuracy and start water discharge.
　そして、自動水栓１は、制御部９が前述のような継続制御を有したことで、吐水中に、物体有の検知が一方の検知部７のみになった場合に、吐水を継続することができる。これによって、自動水栓１は、洗浄動作等で物体３０を動かしたり移動したりした際に、意図しない止水への切り替わりを抑制することができる。そのため、自動水栓１は、意図しない止水への切り替わりによる不快感を使用者に与え難くすることができる。 The automatic faucet 1 continues the water discharge when the control unit 9 has the continuation control as described above, and the detection of the presence of the object is only one of the detection units 7 in the water discharge. Can do. Accordingly, the automatic faucet 1 can suppress unintentional switching to water stop when the object 30 is moved or moved by a cleaning operation or the like. Therefore, the automatic faucet 1 can make it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable due to unintended switching to water stoppage.
　更に、自動水栓１は、制御部９が停止制御を有したことで、物体無を検知した検知部７が物体有を一定時間Ｔ１の間に再検知しない場合、継続制御で継続した吐水を、一定時間Ｔ１経過後に停止することができる。これによって、自動水栓１は、温水（湯）使用時等で、使用後も湯気等で一方の検知部７が物体有と検知した場合に、一定時間Ｔ１経過後に止水に切り替えることができて、意図しない吐水の継続を抑制することができる。 Furthermore, the automatic faucet 1 is configured so that the control unit 9 has the stop control, so that when the detection unit 7 that has detected the absence of an object does not re-detect the presence of the object for a certain time T1, the continuous water control continues to discharge water. It can be stopped after a certain time T1. As a result, the automatic faucet 1 can be switched to water stop after a certain period of time T1 when, for example, hot water (hot water) is used and one of the detectors 7 detects that an object is present due to steam or the like after use. Thus, unintended continuation of water discharge can be suppressed.
　また、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、外部の水受部２０に向けて吐水する吐水部２を備える。二つの検知部７は各々、吐水部２と水受部２０との間に検知領域８を有する。この二つの検知部７として、検知領域８に向けて光を照射してこの光を反射した対象物３２までの距離を測定する第１検知部１０と、検知領域８を介して水受部２０側に光を照射して水受部２０側からの反射光を受光する第２検知部１５とを備える。第１検知部１０は、距離が所定距離以下の場合に物体有を検知する。第２検知部１５は、反射光を受光する受光部（第２受光部）１７の出力値が所定範囲の場合に物体有を検知するものである。 Further, the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment includes a water discharge unit 2 that discharges water toward an external water receiving unit 20. The two detection units 7 each have a detection region 8 between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20. As these two detection parts 7, the 1st detection part 10 which measures the distance to the target object 32 which irradiated light toward the detection area 8 and reflected this light, and the water receiving part 20 via the detection area 8 And a second detector 15 that receives reflected light from the water receiver 20 side by irradiating light on the side. The first detection unit 10 detects the presence of an object when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The second detection unit 15 detects the presence of an object when the output value of the light receiving unit (second light receiving unit) 17 that receives the reflected light is within a predetermined range.
　つまり、自動水栓は、二つの検知部７として、例えば距離設定型光電センサと限定反射型光電センサ等の検知領域８や検知条件等の異なる二種類の検知部７を備えたことで、黒色の食器や食材等の低反射率の物体３０を検知し易くすることができ、且つ湯気等での誤検知を生じ難くすることができる。これによって、自動水栓１は、物体３０に対する検知精度を向上し易くすることができて、吐水制御や継続制御、停止制御等の各種制御を行い易くすることができる。 That is, the automatic faucet is provided with two detection units 7 having different detection areas 7 such as a distance setting type photoelectric sensor and a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor, and different detection conditions 7 as the two detection units 7. It is possible to easily detect the low-reflectance object 30 such as tableware or foodstuffs, and it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to steam or the like. Thereby, the automatic faucet 1 can easily improve the detection accuracy for the object 30 and can easily perform various controls such as water discharge control, continuous control, and stop control.
　例えば、検知部７による物体３０の有無の検知を、制御部９で判定するものに限らず、前記判定を検知部７で行い判定結果を制御部９に出力するものや、前記判定を行う判定部を設けてこの判定部での判定結果を制御部９に出力するもの等であってもよい。また例えば、第２検知部１５は、底部上面２２ａを反射物３４としたものに限らず、シンク２１の縁部２３内面を反射物３４としたものであってもよい。 For example, the detection of the presence or absence of the object 30 by the detection unit 7 is not limited to the determination by the control unit 9, but the determination is performed by the detection unit 7 and the determination result is output to the control unit 9, or the determination is performed. A unit may be provided and the determination result of the determination unit may be output to the control unit 9. Further, for example, the second detection unit 15 is not limited to the bottom upper surface 22 a made of the reflective material 34, and the inner surface of the edge 23 of the sink 21 may be made of the reflective material 34.
　また例えば、第２検知部１５は、第２受光部１７の出力値が所定値以上の場合に、物体有を検知するものであってもよい。この場合、第２検知部１５は、物体３０を反射物３４として、第２受光部１７が検知領域８（物体３０）からの反射光を受光することで、第２受光部１７の出力値が物体無の場合に比べて増加する。すなわち、第２検知部１５は、前記出力値が所定範囲の場合に物体有を検知するものであればよい。 For example, the second detection unit 15 may detect the presence of an object when the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the second detection unit 15 uses the object 30 as the reflection object 34 and the second light receiving unit 17 receives the reflected light from the detection region 8 (the object 30), so that the output value of the second light receiving unit 17 is Increased compared to no object. In other words, the second detection unit 15 only needs to detect the presence of an object when the output value is within a predetermined range.
　また例えば、自動水栓１は、二つの検知部７として、第２検知部１５を二つ備えたものであってもよい。この場合、例えば、二つの第２検知部１５は夫々、物体有を検知する条件が異なることが好ましい。具体的には、例えば、一方の第２検知部１５は、底部上面２２ａ等を反射物３４として検知領域８の物体３０によって出力値が低下することで物体有を検知する。そして、残り一方の第２検知部１５は、検知領域８の物体３０を反射物３４として検知領域８の物体３０によって出力値が増加することで物体有を検知する。また例えば、二つの検知部７は、互いの検知領域８の一部又は一方の全部又は両方の全部が重なったものに限らず、重ならずに近接して位置するもの等であってもよい。 For example, the automatic faucet 1 may include two second detection units 15 as the two detection units 7. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the two second detection units 15 have different conditions for detecting the presence of an object. Specifically, for example, one of the second detection units 15 detects the presence of an object by reducing the output value by the object 30 in the detection region 8 with the bottom upper surface 22a and the like as the reflection object 34. Then, the remaining second detection unit 15 detects the presence of an object by increasing the output value of the object 30 in the detection region 8 by using the object 30 in the detection region 8 as the reflection object 34. Further, for example, the two detection units 7 are not limited to a part of each other or one of the detection regions 8 or all of both, but may be close to each other without overlapping. .
　以上述べたように、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、以下の第１の特徴を有する。 As described above, the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment has the following first feature.
　第１の特徴では、自動水栓１は、所定の物体３０を検知する二つの検知部７と、二つの検知部７のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知した際に吐水を開始させる制御部９と、を備える。制御部９は、吐水の開始後に二つの検知部７の一方が所定の物体３０を検知しなくなっても一定時間が経過するまでは吐水を継続させるように構成される。 In the first feature, the automatic faucet 1 includes two detection units 7 that detect a predetermined object 30 and a control unit 9 that starts water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 detects the predetermined object 30. And comprising. The control unit 9 is configured to continue water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30 after the start of water discharge.
　また、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、以下の第２～第５の特徴を有していてもよい。なお、第２～第５の特徴は任意の特徴である。 Further, the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment may have the following second to fifth features. The second to fifth features are arbitrary features.
　第２の特徴では、第１の特徴において、制御部９は、一定時間が経過するまでに二つの検知部７のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知しなければ吐水を停止し、一定時間が経過するまでに二つの検知部７のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知すれば吐水を継続するように構成される。 In the second feature, in the first feature, the control unit 9 stops water discharge if each of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30 before the fixed time elapses, and the fixed time elapses. If each of the two detection units 7 detects a predetermined object 30 by the time, water discharge is continued.
　第３の特徴では、第１または第２の特徴において、制御部９は、二つの検知部７のそれぞれが所定の物体３０を検知しなくなれば吐水を停止させるように構成される。 In the third feature, in the first or second feature, the control unit 9 is configured to stop water discharge when each of the two detection units 7 does not detect the predetermined object 30.
　第４の特徴では、第１～第３のいずれか１つの特徴において、自動水栓１は、外部の水受部２０への吐水を行う吐水部２を備える。制御部９は、二つの検知部７の検知結果に応じて吐水部２を制御するように構成される。 In the fourth feature, in any one of the first to third features, the automatic faucet 1 includes a water discharge unit 2 that discharges water to the external water receiving unit 20. The controller 9 is configured to control the water discharger 2 according to the detection results of the two detectors 7.
　第５の特徴では、第４の特徴において、二つの検知部７は、第１検知部１０と、第２検知部１５とである。第１検知部１０と第２検知部１５のそれぞれは、吐水部２と水受部２０との間に検知領域８（８Ａ，８Ｂ）を有する。第１検知部１０は、検知領域８Ａに向けて光を出力し、対象物３２で反射された光に基づいて対象物３２までの距離を測定するように構成される。第１検知部１０は、距離が所定距離以下の場合に所定の物体３０を検知したと判定するように構成される。第２検知部１５は、検知領域８Ｂに向けて光を出力し、反射物３４で反射された光の強度を測定するように構成される。第２検知部１５は、強度が所定範囲に含まれる場合に所定の物体３０を検知したと判定するように構成される。 In the fifth feature, in the fourth feature, the two detection units 7 are a first detection unit 10 and a second detection unit 15. Each of the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 15 has a detection region 8 (8A, 8B) between the water discharge unit 2 and the water receiving unit 20. The first detection unit 10 is configured to output light toward the detection area 8 </ b> A and measure the distance to the object 32 based on the light reflected by the object 32. The first detection unit 10 is configured to determine that the predetermined object 30 has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. The second detection unit 15 is configured to output light toward the detection region 8 </ b> B and measure the intensity of the light reflected by the reflector 34. The second detection unit 15 is configured to determine that the predetermined object 30 has been detected when the intensity is included in the predetermined range.
　以上述べたように、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、上述の構成を備えたことで、吐水中に、例えば、洗浄動作等で物体３０を動かしたり移動したりした際に、意図しない止水への切り替わりを抑制することができる。これによって、本実施形態によれば、意図しない止水への切り替わりによる不快感を使用者に与え難くすることができる。そして、本実施形態の自動水栓１は、上述の構成を備えたことで、例えば温水（湯）使用時等で使用後も湯気等で一方の検知部７での物体有の検知が継続した場合、一定時間経過後に止水に切り替えて、意図しない吐水の継続を抑制することができる。 As described above, the automatic faucet 1 of the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, so that when the object 30 is moved or moved in the water discharge, for example, by a cleaning operation or the like, an unintended stop is performed. Switching to water can be suppressed. Thereby, according to this embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable due to unintended switching to water stoppage. And since the automatic faucet 1 of this embodiment was equipped with the above-mentioned structure, for example, when using hot water (hot water) or the like, detection of the presence of an object in one detection unit 7 continued with steam after use. In this case, the continuation of unintentional water discharge can be suppressed by switching to water stop after a lapse of a certain time.

Claims (5)

  1. 　所定の物体を検知する二つの検知部と、
    　前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知した際に吐水を開始させる制御部と、
    　を備え、
    　前記制御部は、吐水の開始後に前記二つの検知部の一方が前記所定の物体を検知しなくなっても一定時間が経過するまでは吐水を継続させるように構成される
    　ことを特徴とする自動水栓。     Two detectors for detecting a predetermined object;
    A control unit that starts water discharge when each of the two detection units detects the predetermined object;
    With
    The control unit is configured to continue water discharge until a predetermined time elapses even if one of the two detection units no longer detects the predetermined object after the start of water discharge. plug.
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記一定時間が経過するまでに前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知しなければ吐水を停止し、前記一定時間が経過するまでに前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知すれば吐水を継続するように構成される
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の自動水栓。     The control unit stops water discharge if each of the two detection units does not detect the predetermined object before the predetermined time elapses, and each of the two detection units until the predetermined time elapses. The automatic water faucet according to claim 1, wherein water is continuously discharged when the predetermined object is detected.
  3. 　前記制御部は、前記二つの検知部のそれぞれが前記所定の物体を検知しなくなれば吐水を停止させるように構成される
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の自動水栓。     The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to stop water discharge when each of the two detection units no longer detects the predetermined object.
  4. 　外部の水受部への吐水を行う吐水部を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記二つの検知部の検知結果に応じて前記吐水部を制御するように構成される
    　ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の自動水栓。     It has a water discharger that discharges water to an external water receiver,
    2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the water discharge unit according to detection results of the two detection units.
  5. 　前記二つの検知部は、第１検知部と、第２検知部とであり、
    　前記第１検知部と前記第２検知部のそれぞれは、前記吐水部と前記水受部との間に検知領域を有し、
    　前記第１検知部は、前記検知領域に向けて光を出力し、対象物で反射された光に基づいて前記対象物までの距離を測定するように構成され、
    　前記第１検知部は、前記距離が所定距離以下の場合に前記所定の物体を検知したと判定するように構成され、
    　前記第２検知部は、前記検知領域に向けて光を出力し、反射物で反射された光の強度を測定するように構成され、
    　前記第２検知部は、前記強度が所定範囲に含まれる場合に前記所定の物体を検知したと判定するように構成される
    　ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の自動水栓。     The two detection units are a first detection unit and a second detection unit,
    Each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit has a detection region between the water discharge unit and the water receiving unit,
    The first detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure a distance to the object based on light reflected by the object;
    The first detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance,
    The second detection unit is configured to output light toward the detection region and measure the intensity of the light reflected by the reflector,
    The automatic faucet according to claim 4, wherein the second detection unit is configured to determine that the predetermined object has been detected when the intensity is included in a predetermined range.
PCT/JP2013/004065 2012-07-02 2013-07-01 Automatic faucet WO2014006869A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

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JP2012021352A (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-02-02 Toto Ltd Automatic faucet

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JP2010133115A (en) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-17 Toto Ltd Faucet device
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JP2012112125A (en) * 2010-11-22 2012-06-14 Panasonic Corp Automatic faucet device

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