WO2014097592A1 - Faucet device - Google Patents

Faucet device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014097592A1
WO2014097592A1 PCT/JP2013/007342 JP2013007342W WO2014097592A1 WO 2014097592 A1 WO2014097592 A1 WO 2014097592A1 JP 2013007342 W JP2013007342 W JP 2013007342W WO 2014097592 A1 WO2014097592 A1 WO 2014097592A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
detection
region
unit
water discharge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2013/007342
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
高志 中島
高橋　良和
前田　康成
中岡　敬善
一成 川原
嘉鶴人 若原
Original Assignee
パナソニック株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2012277151A external-priority patent/JP6175722B2/en
Priority claimed from JP2013006814A external-priority patent/JP5945852B2/en
Priority claimed from JP2013045726A external-priority patent/JP6155523B2/en
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
Priority to CN201380066365.8A priority Critical patent/CN104870723B/en
Publication of WO2014097592A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014097592A1/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 generally to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device that automatically discharges water by detecting an object below a spout.
  • Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-154587 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) describes an automatic faucet.
  • This automatic faucet detects the user's hand that is presented below the spout using a human body sensor, and automatically discharges water only while detecting the user's hand.
  • the human body detection sensor erroneously detects sunlight or a dish left in the sink in the middle of washing, and the malfunction of the faucet is detected.
  • switching on and off of the automatic water discharge mode in which water discharge is performed only in a state where an object below the water discharge port is detected by the human body detection sensor can be switched by operating the operation unit.
  • the user needs to touch the operation unit with his / her hand when shifting to the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the user's hand is dirty with oil or detergent or wet with water, there is a possibility that oil, detergent, water or the like may adhere to the operation unit.
  • this automatic faucet there is a possibility that the user feels troublesome to make the automatic water discharge mode “ON”.
  • an object of the present invention is to suppress malfunction due to erroneous detection of the human body detection sensor, and it is difficult for dirt and water to adhere to the water discharger by touching with the user's hand, and easily in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the object is to provide a faucet device that can be transferred.
  • the faucet device includes a water discharge unit, a detection unit, and a control unit.
  • the water discharge portion is provided with a water discharge port that discharges water downward.
  • the said detection part is comprised so that the presence or absence of the object in the area
  • the control unit is configured to switch on / off of the automatic water discharge mode. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit discharges water from the water outlet when the detection unit detects the presence of an object, and discharges the water when the detection unit does not detect the presence of an object. It is configured to stop water discharge from the water mouth.
  • the faucet device further includes a human body detection sensor.
  • the human body detection sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of a human body in the detection region in a non-contact manner using the front side of the water discharger as a detection region.
  • the control unit sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” when the human body detection sensor detects the presence of a human body.
  • the faucet device includes an operation unit for manually switching the water discharge from the water discharge port when the automatic water discharge mode is off.
  • the water discharge portion includes a spout.
  • the spout is provided at the tip of the spout.
  • the spout is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the installation location of the water discharger.
  • the detection area of the human body detection sensor is set so as to always be in front of the water discharger regardless of the rotation position of the spout.
  • control unit turns off the automatic water discharge mode in a state where the presence of a human body is not detected by the human body detection sensor.
  • the faucet device further includes a notification unit.
  • the detection unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor as detection sensors.
  • the first sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of an object in a first region below the spout.
  • the second sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of an object in a second region below the spout.
  • the automatic water discharge mode the presence of an object in the first area is detected based on the output of the first sensor, and the object is present in the second area based on the output of the second sensor.
  • water water is discharged from the water outlet.
  • the notification unit performs notification.
  • the first region includes a region located in front of the second region.
  • the first sensor is a distance measuring sensor and the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
  • the detection unit includes a third sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in a third region below the spout.
  • the third region includes a region located on the front side of the second region.
  • the third sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
  • the detection unit includes a detection sensor.
  • the detection sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of an object in a limited detection area away from the spout.
  • the water faucet device discharges water from the water discharge port when the detection sensor detects that an object is present in the detection area in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the faucet device includes a notification unit and a distance detection unit.
  • the distance detection unit includes the detection sensor or another sensor. When an object is present in a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet, the distance detection unit outputs an output according to a distance from the object to the detection region of the detection sensor. It will change.
  • the control unit performs notification by the notification unit when an object is present in a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water discharge port in the automatic water discharge mode, and at the time of the notification, the distance The notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to the output of the detection unit.
  • the faucet device includes a second distance detection unit.
  • the second distance detection unit includes the distance detection unit or another sensor.
  • the second distance detection unit is a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor, and when an object is present in a region other than the region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet, The output changes according to the distance from this object to the detection area of the detection sensor.
  • the control unit has an object in a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor and in a region other than the region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water discharge port. Sometimes the notification by the notification unit is performed, and at the time of the notification, the notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to the output of the second distance detection unit.
  • the notification unit is a sound generation unit that emits a notification sound, and the notification sound generated by the notification unit changes according to a distance between the detection region of the detection sensor and the object.
  • the distance detection unit is configured by the detection sensor.
  • the detection sensor is a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor.
  • the detection sensor includes a light projecting unit that irradiates light to the detection region, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the detection region.
  • the detection sensor is configured such that a light projecting direction of the light projecting unit is different from a light receiving direction of the light receiving unit.
  • FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing irradiation light of the first sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 4B is an explanatory view showing irradiation light of the second sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing irradiation light of the third sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of the sink provided with the faucet device of the second embodiment. It is a perspective view of the sink provided with the faucet device of a third embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the faucet device of a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the presence of an object is detected only by the first sensor in the third embodiment
  • FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the presence of the object by the first to third sensors in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the detected state. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the water faucet device of 4th embodiment.
  • the fourth embodiment it is an explanatory diagram showing the time when the notification sound is emitted when the object is located at positions P1 to P4.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sink 2 provided with a faucet device 1 of the present embodiment.
  • a faucet device 1 of the present embodiment In addition, below, it demonstrates on the basis of the direction in the state which installed the faucet device 1 in the sink 2.
  • FIG. 1 the side on which the user stands when viewed from the sink 2 is referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the side on which the user stands when viewed from the sink 2 is the rear side.
  • a sink 20 is provided in the upper part 21 of the sink 2.
  • the sink 20 opens toward the upper side of the sink 2.
  • the bottom surface 200 (the top surface of the bottom portion) of the sink 20 is substantially horizontal.
  • the faucet device 1 has a function of discharging water from above the sink 2 toward the sink 20.
  • the bottom surface 200 (bottom portion) of the sink 20 constitutes a water receiving portion that receives water discharged from the faucet device 1.
  • the user of the faucet device 1 stands in front (front side) of the sink 2. This user can clean the object to be cleaned in the sink 20 using the water discharged from the faucet device 1. Examples of the objects to be cleaned include tableware, cooking utensils, food ingredients, and the like.
  • FIG. 3 shows a system configuration diagram of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a water discharge system.
  • the water discharge system includes a water discharge unit 3, a water supply path 4, and a valve 5.
  • the water supply path 4 is provided inside the sink 2.
  • a water pipe (not shown) and a water heater (not shown) are connected to the upstream side of the water supply path 4 as a water supply source 91.
  • the downstream end of the water supply path 4 is connected to the water discharger 3.
  • the water in the water pipe and the hot water generated by the water heater are mixed.
  • the water thus mixed (mixed water) is supplied from the water supply path 4 to the water discharger 3.
  • the valve 5 is provided in the water supply path 4.
  • the valve 5 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, for example.
  • the valve 5 switches between a state in which the water supply path 4 can pass through and a state in which the water cannot pass through.
  • valve 5 When the valve 5 is opened, the water supply path 4 is in a state in which water can flow, and the water from the water supply source 91 is supplied to the water discharger 3 through the water supply path 4.
  • the valve 5 When the valve 5 is closed, the water supply path 4 is shut off, and water is not supplied to the water discharger 3. That is, the valve 5 constitutes a water discharge switching unit that switches the presence / absence of water discharged from the water discharge unit 3 (detailed below is a water discharge port 310).
  • the water discharge unit 3 constitutes the main body of the faucet device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the water discharger 3 is provided on the upper surface 22 of the sink 2 behind the sink 20. The water discharger 3 may be provided at a location other than the upper surface 22 of the sink 2 behind the sink 20. For example, the water discharger 3 may be provided on a flange or the like that protrudes rearward from the upper end 201 of the sink 20.
  • the water discharge unit 3 includes a vertically long base 30 that rises from the upper surface portion 22 of the sink 2 and a spout 31 that rises from the upper surface portion 300 of the base 30.
  • the base 30 constitutes a base part (root part) of the water discharge part 3 protruding upward from the sink 2.
  • the base 30 is fixed to the sink 2 and cannot be rotated with respect to the sink 2.
  • a base end portion 311 (end portion on the root side) of the spout 31 is provided so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis with respect to the upper surface portion 300 of the base 30.
  • the spout 31 can be rotated to the left and right with respect to the upper surface portion 22 of the sink 2. That is, the spout 31 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the installation location of the water discharger 3.
  • the direction around the vertical axis means that the rotation axis direction is parallel to the vertical direction.
  • the rotation range of the spout 31 is set to a limited range so that the water discharge port 310 is always positioned on the front side of the base 30 in a plan view, for example.
  • the spout 31 protrudes forward as shown in FIG. 1, that is, when the base 30 is viewed from the front, the spout 31 is in the left-right direction with respect to the base 30. A description will be given with reference to the direction in the state of being arranged at the overlapping position.
  • the spout 31 is formed in a tubular shape that is curved in an inverted U shape when viewed from the side. That is, the spout 31 is folded downward on the front side after protruding upward from the base 30. The spout 31 protrudes forward from the base 30 in plan view. The tip of the spout 31 is located in front of the base 30 and above the sink 20. A spout 310 that opens downward is provided at the tip of the spout 31.
  • a water discharge channel (not shown) for supplying water to the water discharge port 310 is formed inside the water discharge unit 3.
  • the water discharge channel extends from the lower end of the base 30 to the water discharge port 310 of the spout 31.
  • the upstream end of the water discharge channel is connected to the downstream end of the water supply channel 4 shown in FIG.
  • the valve 5 When the valve 5 is in an open state, water is supplied from the water supply path 4 to the water discharge path, and this water is discharged from the water discharge port 310 toward the sink 20 below.
  • the faucet device 1 further includes a detection unit 6 and a control unit 7.
  • the detection unit 6 includes a plurality of detection sensors (sensors 60 to 62).
  • the control unit 7 includes an automatic water discharge mode provided as a water discharge mode (method for executing water discharge).
  • the control unit 7 is configured to switch on / off of the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the automatic water discharge mode is a mode for realizing water saving.
  • the water faucet device 1 uses the detection unit 6 to determine whether or not the object 90 (see FIG. 4) exists in the region 65 (see FIG. 1) below the water discharge port 310. (Whether or not the object 90 exists) is detected.
  • the object 90 detected by the detection unit 6 include a part of a human body (such as a user's hand), tableware such as a dish, cooking utensils, food ingredients, and the like.
  • the region 65 is referred to as an object detection region 65 as necessary.
  • the detection using the detection unit 6 is performed constantly or intermittently in the automatic water discharge mode under the control of the control unit 7.
  • the object detection area 65 is an area in which all three of the detection area 602 of the sensor 60, the detection area 612 of the sensor 61, and the detection area 622 of the sensor 62 overlap.
  • the object detection region 65 exists at a position away from the water outlet 310 and away from the bottom surface 200 (bottom part) of the sink 20, and is located at an upper portion between the water outlet 310 and the bottom of the sink 20. ing.
  • the object detection area 65 overlaps with a part of the area (water discharge area) through which water discharged from the water discharge port 310 passes.
  • the object detection area 65 is located in front of the base 30.
  • the faucet device 1 In the automatic water discharge mode, the faucet device 1 automatically switches to a water discharge state in which water is discharged from the water outlet 310 when the detection unit 6 detects the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65. Further, when the faucet device 1 detects that the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65 by the detection unit 6 in the automatic water discharge mode, the water faucet device 1 automatically enters the water discharge stop state in which the water discharge from the water outlet 310 is stopped. Switch to That is, the faucet device 1 automatically switches to the water discharge stop state when the detection unit 6 does not detect the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the faucet device 1 enters the water discharge state only when the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the water discharger 3 is provided with sensors 60 to 62 as detection sensors that constitute the detector 6.
  • the sensors 60 to 62 are used for controlling the opening / closing of the valve 5 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the sensor 60 is referred to as a first sensor 60
  • the sensor 61 is referred to as a second sensor 61
  • the sensor 62 is referred to as a third sensor 62 as necessary.
  • the first sensor 60 is a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance to an object by a triangular distance measuring method. Specifically, the first sensor 60 is a distance measuring reflection type photoelectric sensor (distance setting type photoelectric sensor).
  • the first sensor 60 includes a first light projecting unit 600 and a first light receiving unit 601.
  • the first light projecting unit 600 and the first light receiving unit 601 are provided on the base 30.
  • the first light projecting unit 600 is composed of a light projecting element.
  • the 1st light projection part 600 irradiates infrared rays as irradiation light.
  • the 1st light projection part 600 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light.
  • the light irradiation direction of the first light projecting unit 600 is set obliquely downward in the front where the object detection area 65 and the bottom of the sink 20 exist. In a state where the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65, the light (irradiation light) emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 passes through the object detection area 65 and reaches the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
  • the first light receiving unit 601 includes a position detecting element (for example, PSD (Position Sensitive Detector).
  • PSD Position Sensitive Detector
  • the first light receiving unit 601 receives light from the object detection region 65 and the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
  • the light emitted from the light projecting unit 600 reaches the first light receiving unit 601 after being reflected by an object such as the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65 or the bottom of the sink 20.
  • the detection region 602 of the first sensor 60 is an overlapping portion of the light projecting region of the first light projecting unit 600 and the light receiving region of the first light receiving unit 601.
  • the detection region 602 is referred to as a first region 602 as necessary.
  • a part of the first area 602 overlaps with the object detection area 65.
  • the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 travels as indicated by the arrow 80 after being reflected by the object 90.
  • One light receiving unit 601 is reached.
  • a light spot (a spot of light) is formed at a position on the first light projecting unit 600 side of the first light receiving unit 601.
  • the object detection area 65 specifically, the first area 602
  • the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 passes through the object detection area 65.
  • the light that has passed through the object detection region 65 is reflected by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and then travels as indicated by the arrow 81 to reach the first light receiving unit 601.
  • a light spot is formed on the first light receiving unit 601 at a position away from the first light projecting unit 600. That is, the position of the light spot formed on the first light receiving unit 601 changes according to the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the object. Therefore, the distance to the object can be measured by detecting the position of the light spot formed on the first light receiving unit 601 by the first sensor 60.
  • the second sensor 61 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor, and is composed of a limited reflection photoelectric sensor.
  • the limited reflection type photoelectric sensor has a small directivity angle of light projection and reception in order to obtain a strong light reception output.
  • the light projecting axis and the light receiving axis intersect at a relatively large angle. For this reason, the operation area of the limited reflection type photoelectric sensor is limited to the area (limited area) where the projection light beam (light beam emitted from the light projecting unit) and the received light beam (light beam received by the light receiving unit) intersect. Yes.
  • the second sensor 61 includes a second light projecting unit 610 and a second light receiving unit 611 shown in FIG.
  • the second light projecting unit 610 is provided in the installation unit 32.
  • the installation portion 32 is provided at the tip side of the spout 31.
  • the installation part 32 protrudes rearward from the front part folded back below the spout 31.
  • the installation part 32 is located in the vicinity of the water outlet 310.
  • the second light projecting unit 610 is composed of a light projecting element.
  • the second light projecting unit 610 emits infrared rays downward as irradiation light.
  • the 2nd light projection part 610 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light.
  • the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 crosses the light projecting area of the second light projecting unit 610.
  • the second light receiving unit 611 is composed of a light receiving element.
  • the second light receiving unit 611 is provided on the base 30 of the water discharging unit 3.
  • the second light receiving unit 611 is located behind the second light projecting unit 610.
  • the second light receiving unit 611 is provided so as to receive light coming from the front obliquely lower side. That is, the light receiving direction of the second light receiving unit 611 is set obliquely downward in front of the bottom of the sink 20.
  • the light projecting axis of the second light projecting unit 610 and the light receiving axis of the second light receiving unit 611 substantially intersect at the upper surface of the bottom of the sink 20. That is, the operation area of the second sensor 61 is limited to the vicinity of the upper surface of the bottom of the sink 20. The operation area of the second sensor 61 is located farther than the object detection area 65 when viewed from the second light projecting unit 610.
  • the detection area 612 in which the presence or absence of the object 90 is detected by the second sensor 61 is an area through which light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 passes. That is, a region between the second light projecting unit 610 and a portion of the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 that is irradiated with light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is a detection region 612. Further, a region between the portion irradiated with light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and the second light receiving unit 611 is also a detection region 612.
  • the detection area 612 is referred to as a second area 612 as necessary.
  • the first region 602 includes a non-overlapping region 603 that is located in front of the region overlapping with the second region 612 and does not overlap with the second region 612.
  • the light irradiated from the second light projecting unit 610 is blocked by the object 90. For this reason, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 does not easily reach the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and does not easily reach the second light receiving unit 611.
  • the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20.
  • the light reaching the bottom of the sink 20 in this way is reflected toward the second light receiving unit 611 side by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 as indicated by an arrow 82. For this reason, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 easily reaches the second light receiving unit 611.
  • the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611 (the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611) varies depending on the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 by detecting a change in the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611.
  • the third sensor 62 is a reflection type photoelectric sensor, and is composed of a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor.
  • the third sensor 62 includes a third light projecting unit 620 and a third light receiving unit 621 shown in FIG.
  • the third light projecting unit 620 is provided in the installation unit 32.
  • the third light projecting unit 620 is located behind the second light projecting unit 610.
  • the third light projecting unit 620 is composed of a light projecting element.
  • the 3rd light projection part 620 irradiates infrared rays toward the front diagonally downward as irradiation light.
  • the 3rd light projection part 620 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light.
  • the third light projecting unit 620 irradiates light from the rear side of the second light projecting unit 610 toward the front obliquely downward so as to cross the light irradiated downward from the second light projecting unit 610.
  • the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection area 65 and is applied to the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20. .
  • This light reaches the front side of the region irradiated with the irradiation light of the second light projecting unit 610 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
  • the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 traverses the irradiation area of the light irradiated from the third light projecting unit 620 downward.
  • the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 may overlap the irradiation region of the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
  • the third light receiving part 621 is composed of a light receiving element.
  • the third light receiving unit 621 is provided on the base 30 of the water discharging unit 3.
  • the third light receiving unit 621 is located on the rear side of the third light projecting unit 620.
  • the third light receiving unit 621 is provided so as to receive light from the object detection region 65 existing obliquely below the front. That is, the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 is set to be obliquely below the front where the object detection area 65 exists.
  • the light projecting direction of the third light projecting unit 620 is the lower side, while the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 is the front side, and the light projecting direction of the third light projecting unit 620 and the third light receiving unit 621 The light receiving direction is different.
  • the light projecting axis of the third light projecting unit 620 and the light receiving axis of the third light receiving unit 621 intersect at the object detection area 65. That is, the operation area (detection area) of the third sensor 62 is limited to the object detection area 65.
  • the detection area 622 of the third sensor 62 is an area where the light projecting area of the third light projecting unit 620 and the light receiving area of the third light receiving unit 621 overlap. That is, the detection area 622 of the third sensor 62 overlaps with the operation area of the third sensor 62.
  • the detection area 622 is referred to as a third area 622 as necessary.
  • the third region 622 is located below the water outlet 310 and is separated from the water outlet 310 downward.
  • the third region 622 includes a non-overlapping region 623 that is located in front of the region overlapping with the second region 612 and does not overlap with the second region 612. A part of the non-overlapping area 623 overlaps with the non-overlapping area 603 of the first area 602.
  • the upper area, the lower area, the front area, the rear area, the left area, and the right area of the third area 622 are non-detection areas outside the operation area (detection area 622) of the third sensor 62.
  • the third region 622 is set in a range where the distance from the water outlet 310 in the vertical direction is 100 mm or more and 150 mm or less.
  • the left-right width and the front-rear width of the third region 622 are set to 50 mm.
  • region 622 are not restricted above.
  • the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the third region 622.
  • the light reflected by the object 90 travels to the third light receiving unit 621 side as indicated by an arrow 83.
  • the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 easily reaches the third light receiving unit 621.
  • the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20. For this reason, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is difficult to reach the third light receiving unit 621. That is, the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 varies depending on whether or not the object 90 is present in the third region 622. Therefore, the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65 can be detected by detecting a change in the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621.
  • the control unit 7 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 constantly or intermittently irradiates light from the first light projecting unit 600 toward the bottom of the sink 20 and simultaneously outputs the first light receiving unit 601. To monitor. In addition, when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 shifts from the second light projecting unit 610 to the sink 20 simultaneously with the irradiation of the light from the first light projecting unit 600 or with a very short time shift. The light is irradiated toward the bottom of the light receiving unit, and at the same time, the output of the second light receiving unit 611 is monitored.
  • the control unit 7 shifts from the third light projecting unit 620 to the object detection region simultaneously with the light irradiation from the second light projecting unit 610 or shifted for a very short time. Light is emitted toward 65 and simultaneously the output of the third light receiving unit 621 is monitored. Then, when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 is based on the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60, the output of the second light receiving unit 611, and the output of the third light receiving unit 621. The presence / absence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 is determined. It should be noted that the object 90 is not detected by the sensors 60 to 62 during use other than the automatic water discharge mode.
  • Table 1 shows criteria for determining whether or not the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 by the control unit 7.
  • the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the output (for example, detection voltage) of the second light receiving unit 611 is equal to or less than a preset first threshold value.
  • the first case it is determined that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65.
  • the second case when the output (for example, the detection voltage) of the third light receiving unit 621 exceeds the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as the second case), the control unit 7 sets the object 90 in the object detection region 65. It is determined that there is.
  • the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65 in cases other than these two examples. That is, the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65 when neither the first case nor the second case is present.
  • the predetermined distance is shorter than the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the bottom of the sink 20 and longer than the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the object detection area 65.
  • the first threshold value is smaller than the output (detection voltage value) of the second light receiving unit 611 when the irradiation light of the second light projecting unit 610 is reflected by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
  • the first threshold value is larger than the output (detection voltage value) of the second light receiving unit 611 when the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65. is there.
  • the second threshold value is smaller than the output (detection voltage value) of the third light receiving unit 621 when the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65. It is.
  • the second threshold value is larger than the output of the third light receiving unit 621 when the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20.
  • the second threshold (see X1 in FIG. 12) is set to 250 mV.
  • the first sensor 60 which is a distance measuring reflection type photoelectric sensor, has an object having a lower reflectance than the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 that detect the presence or absence of the object 90 according to the change in the amount of received light. It is suitable for detecting the presence or absence of 90.
  • the first sensor 60 since the first sensor 60 has high detection sensitivity, when steam or the like is present in the first region 602, the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 is reflected by steam or the like and reaches the first light receiving unit 601.
  • the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60 may be a predetermined distance or less.
  • the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65.
  • the light receiving area of the third sensor 62 is set wider than the light receiving area of the second sensor 61, and the third sensor 62 has a lower detection sensitivity for the object 90 having a lower reflectance than the second sensor 61. .
  • the output of the third light receiving unit 621 may be a value equal to or less than the second threshold value.
  • the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65 and reaches the first light receiving unit 601, and reaches the object measured by the first sensor 60. The distance is below a predetermined distance.
  • the control unit 7 determines that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65.
  • the light receiving area of the first sensor 60 and the light receiving area of the second sensor 61 are narrower than the light receiving area of the third sensor 62. For this reason, even if there is a small object 90 or a hand holding the small object 90 below the spout 310, the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 does not hit the object 90, and the object measured by the first sensor 60 The distance to the object may exceed the predetermined distance. In this case, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 may not strike the object 90, and the output of the second light receiving unit 611 may exceed the first threshold value.
  • the control unit 7 determines that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65.
  • the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65.
  • the control unit 7 determines whether or not there is water discharge from the water discharge unit 3 (water discharge port) based on the detection result, that is, the determination result of the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65. Whether to discharge water from 310) is switched. The switching of the presence or absence of water discharge is performed by the control unit 7 driving the valve 5 shown in FIG.
  • the control unit 7 opens the valve 5 and discharges water from the water discharge port 310 to the sink 20.
  • the user can wash the object 90 by applying the water discharged from the water outlet 310 to the object 90 such as a hand or a dish inserted below the water outlet 310.
  • the control unit 7 closes the valve 5 and stops water discharge from the water discharge port 310.
  • water discharge from the water discharge unit 3 may be enabled or disabled.
  • the automatic water discharge mode is “OFF”
  • the user manually operates the operation unit provided in the water discharger 3 to discharge the water discharger. The presence or absence of water discharge from 3 is switched.
  • this operation part may be provided in either the base 30 or the spout 31.
  • this operation part may be provided in places other than the water discharging part 3.
  • a human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the front surface of the base 30 of the water discharger 3.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is used for automatically switching on / off of the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor. Although not shown, the human body detection sensor 63 includes a light projecting unit that emits infrared light or visible light, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the human body after being irradiated from the light projecting unit.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 may be a limited reflection photoelectric sensor similar to the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62, or may be a sensor other than the limited reflection photoelectric sensor.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is located below the spout 31.
  • the detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area facing the front surface portion of the base 30. That is, the detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area away from the base 30 to the front side, and is an area where a user standing on the front side of the sink 20 exists.
  • the detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is referred to as a human body detection area 630 as necessary.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30 fixed to the sink 2. For this reason, the human body detection area 630 is fixed. That is, the human body detection sensor 63 is set so that the human body detection region 630 is always located on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31. Therefore, the faucet device 1 detects the presence / absence of a human body in the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharger 3 using the human body detection sensor 63 even when the rotation position of the spout 31 is changed to any position. be able to.
  • the control unit 7 irradiates light from the light projecting unit of the human body detection sensor 63 constantly or intermittently and monitors the output of the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63 at the same time, regardless of whether the automatic water discharge mode is turned on or off.
  • the control unit 7 determines that a human body is present in the human body detection region 630 when the amount of received light detected by the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63 exceeds a preset threshold, and when the amount of light received is less than the threshold, the human body is detected in the human body detection region 630. Judge that there is no. That is, it is detected whether or not a human body exists in the human body detection area 630 on the front side of the base 30 based on the output of the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63.
  • the control unit 7 automatically switches on / off of the automatic water discharge mode based on the detection result by the human body detection sensor 63. Specifically, the control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” (shifts to the automatic water discharge mode) when the human body detection sensor 63 detects that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630. In addition, the control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF” in a state where it is not detected that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630. As a result, the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” only when it is detected that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630.
  • the user can set the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” only by standing in front of the sink 20 of the sink 2 when using the sink 2. Further, the user can “turn off” the automatic water discharge mode simply by moving to a position away from the front side of the sink 20 after using the sink 2.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 of the present embodiment is provided in the spout 31 as shown in FIG.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the front surface portion of the spout 31 that protrudes downward from the upper portion.
  • a detection area (human body detection area 630) of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area facing the front portion of the spout 31. That is, the human body detection region 630 is a region on the front side of the spout 31 and is a region where a user of the faucet device 1 standing on the front side of the sink 20 exists.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30 fixed to the sink 2. For this reason, the human body detection region 630 is always located on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotational position of the spout 31.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 of the present embodiment is provided on the rotatable spout 31. For this reason, the human body detection region 630 may be disengaged from the region on the front side of the water discharger 3 as the spout 31 rotates. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a sensor having a detection area 630 wider than the human body detection sensor 63 of the first embodiment is employed as the human body detection sensor 63.
  • the human body detection area 630 of this embodiment has a larger left-right width than the human body detection area 630 of the first embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the spout 31 is rotated to any position within the rotation range, the detection region 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 always includes the front side of the water discharger 3. . That is, also in the present embodiment, the human body detection region 630 is always set on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotational position of the spout 31.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided in the spout 31 that can rotate with respect to the sink 2, the presence or absence of the user standing in front of the water discharger 3 is detected and the automatic water discharge mode is set. Can be easily switched on and off.
  • FIG. 6 shows a sink 2 provided with the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a notification unit 10.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a light emitting unit 100 and a sounding unit 101 as the notification unit 10.
  • the light emitting unit 100 is provided on the upper surface of the spout 31.
  • the light emission part 100 may be provided in the location other than the water discharging part 3, and places other than the water discharging part 3.
  • the light emitting unit 100 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode whose emission color is orange.
  • the light emitting unit 100 can be changed to any one of a lighting state, a blinking state, and a light-off state.
  • the control unit 7 changes the lighting state, blinking state, and extinguishing state of the light emitting unit 100.
  • the sound generation unit 101 is provided on the base 30, for example.
  • the sound generation unit 101 may be provided in the spout 31 or may be provided in a place other than the water discharge unit 3.
  • the sound generation unit 101 is constituted by a speaker, for example.
  • control unit 7 controls the light emitting unit 100 and the sound generation unit 101 as follows based on the outputs of the sensors 60 to 62 detected in the monitoring in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the control unit 7 detects that the object 90 is present in the first region 602 and detects that the object 90 is not present in the second region 612 and the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • First notification is performed. That is, when it is detected that the object 90 is present in the first area 602 and the object 90 is not present in the second area 612 in a state where water discharge from the water outlet 310 is stopped. First, the first notification is performed.
  • the control unit 7 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612 in the automatic water discharge mode, and detects that the object 90 does not exist in the first region 602 and the third region 622. At that time, the second notification is performed.
  • control part 7 does not perform alerting
  • the light emitting unit 100 is lit in an orange light emitting color, and a sound is emitted from the sounding unit 101 at the same time.
  • the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101 is, for example, a sound that prompts the user to change the position and orientation of the object 90 so that the object 90 is detected by all the sensors 60 to 62.
  • the object 90 exists in the non-overlapping area 603 located in front of the second area 612 in the first area 602 as shown in FIG. 8A. Further, it is assumed that the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 strikes the object 90 and is reflected in a direction other than the third light receiving unit 621 side. Therefore, the sound generated from the sound generation unit 101 in the first notification prompts an operation of moving the object 90 to the rear side where the object detection area 65 is located and tilting the object 90 toward the rear side where the third light receiving part 621 is located. Is preferred.
  • the light emitting unit 100 is turned on and a sound is emitted from the sound generation unit 101. Therefore, the user can recognize that the object 90 exists in the first area 602 but does not exist in the second area 612 and the third area 622.
  • the automatic discharge mode detects that the object 90 exists in the second area 612 and detects that the object 90 does not exist in the first area 602 and the third area 622
  • the light emitting unit 100 blinks in orange emission color. That is, the light emitting unit 100 blinks in the same emission color as that at the time of the first notification.
  • the light emission state of the light emitting unit 100 is changed. For this reason, the user can recognize that the object 90 exists in the second region 612 but does not exist in the first region 602 and the third region 622.
  • the sound generator 101 does not emit a sound.
  • the object 90 such as a dish placed on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 or the object 90 such as a dish placed on the upper surface part 22 of the sink 2 is emitted from the second light projecting unit 610. It is assumed that it is blocked by. For this reason, when the user confirms the flashing of the light emitting unit 100, the user moves the object 90 such as a dish placed on the bottom surface of the sink 20 or the sink 2 to a place other than the second region 612, etc. It is possible to make it possible to perform appropriate automatic water discharge by detection of 60 to 62.
  • the sound generator 101 may emit a sound.
  • a sound for urging the user to move the object 90 in the second area 612 to the other can be cited.
  • FIG. 9 shows the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment performs notification by the notification unit 10A (see FIG. 10) when the object 90 is disposed at a position close to the third region 622 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. .
  • This notification is performed only when the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65. That is, when the water discharge is not performed in the automatic water discharge mode, the notification by the notification unit 10A is performed only when the object 90 is disposed at a position close to the third region 622.
  • the faucet device 1 of this embodiment includes a notification unit 10A, a distance detection unit 11, and a second distance detection unit 12 shown in FIG.
  • the distance detection unit 11 is referred to as a first distance detection unit 11 as necessary.
  • the water faucet device 1 includes a sounding unit 101A shown in FIG. 10 as a notification unit 10A.
  • the sound generation unit 101A is constituted by a speaker, for example.
  • the sound generation unit 101 ⁇ / b> A is provided on the spout 31 or the base 30. Note that the sound generation unit 101A may be provided at a location other than the water discharge unit 3 as long as it is a position that can be notified to the user of the faucet device 1.
  • the first distance detection unit 11 changes the output according to the distance from the object 90 to the third region 622 when the object 90 exists in the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. is there.
  • the first distance detection unit 11 according to the present embodiment includes a third sensor 62.
  • the second distance detection unit 12 moves from the object 90 to the third region.
  • the output changes according to the distance up to 622.
  • the second distance detection unit 12 of the present embodiment includes a third sensor 62.
  • the control unit 7 determines whether or not the object 90 is arranged at a position close to the third region 622 based on the output of the third sensor 62 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. Specifically, the control unit 7 emits a pulse signal as shown in FIG. 11 from the third light projecting unit 620 of the third sensor 62 when detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65 in the automatic water discharge mode. . Further, the control unit 7 monitors the output of the third light receiving unit 621 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. The pulse signal is generated by causing the third light projecting unit 620 to emit light with a constant light amount.
  • FIG. 11 shows a time chart showing the light emission pulse of the third light projecting unit 620 and the detection potential of the third light receiving unit 621.
  • P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 11 indicate detection voltages of the third light receiving unit 621 when the object 90 is arranged in each of P1 to P4 shown in FIG.
  • the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 varies depending on the light projecting region of the third light projecting unit 620 and the position of the object 90 existing in the vicinity of the light projecting region. For this reason, the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 also changes depending on the position of the object 90 as shown in FIG.
  • the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 decreases as the light emitting region of the third light projecting unit 620 and the object 90 existing in the vicinity thereof move away from the center of the third region 622.
  • the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 decreases as the object 90 moves away from the third region 622, as is apparent from FIG. Therefore, the distance from the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 to the center of the third region 622 of the object 90, the distance to the third region 622 of the object 90, and the distance from the spout 310 to the object 90 are measured. be able to.
  • P1 to P4 in the graph shown in FIG. 12 are plots of data when the object 90 is placed in each of P1 to P4 shown in FIG.
  • control unit 7 detects the detection result of the detection unit 6 (the presence / absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65) and the output of the third sensor 62 of the third light receiving unit 621. Based on the detected voltage, the sound generation unit 101A is controlled.
  • a third threshold value and a fourth threshold value that are determination criteria for the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 are set in advance.
  • the third threshold value is set to a value lower than the second threshold value
  • the fourth threshold value is set to a value lower than the third threshold value.
  • the control of the sound generation unit 101A by the control unit 7 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” will be described in detail.
  • the control unit 7 detects the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 based on the detection results of the sensors 60 to 62, the control unit 7 does not notify the sound generation unit 101A. Also, when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is less than the fourth threshold when it is not detected that the object 90 is present in the object detection area 65 based on the detection results of the sensors 60 to 62. In addition, notification by the sound generation unit 101A is not performed.
  • the control unit 7 performs the first notification when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold and lower than the third threshold.
  • the sound generation unit 101A emits a sound every time a preset first predetermined time elapses. For this reason, for example, when the object 90 is arranged at a position indicated by P1 or P4 in FIG. 9, the first notification is made. Thereby, the user can recognize that the object 90 is at a position approaching the third region 622 to some extent by listening to the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101A.
  • control unit 7 performs a second notification different from the first notification when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is equal to or higher than the third threshold and lower than the second threshold.
  • the sound generation unit 101A emits a sound every time a preset second predetermined time elapses.
  • the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.
  • the second notification is made.
  • the user can recognize the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101A and recognize that the object 90 is closer to the third region 622 than when the first notification is made.
  • the faucet device 1 of each embodiment described above includes a water discharge unit 3, a detection unit 6, and a control unit 7.
  • the water discharge part 3 is provided with a water discharge port 310 that discharges water downward.
  • the detection part 6 is comprised so that the presence or absence of the object 90 in the area
  • the control unit 7 is configured to switch the automatic water discharge mode between on and off. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit 7 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the detection unit 6 detects the presence of the object 90, and discharges water when the detection unit 6 does not detect the presence of the object 90. It is comprised so that the water discharge from the water mouth 310 may be stopped.
  • the faucet device 1 further includes a human body detection sensor 63.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 detects the presence / absence of a human body in the detection region 630 in a non-contact manner using the front side of the water discharger 3 as a detection region 630 (human body detection region 630).
  • the control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” when the human body detection sensor 63 detects the presence of a human body.
  • the faucet device 1 can prevent the detection unit 6 from erroneously detecting sunlight or a dish left in the sink 20 by setting the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF”. For this reason, it can suppress that the malfunctioning of the faucet device 1 arises.
  • the automatic water discharge mode of the faucet device 1 becomes “ON” only by the user entering the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharge unit 3. In this case, the user does not need to touch the water discharger 3 when the automatic water discharge mode is set to “ON”. Therefore, it is difficult for oil, detergent, water, and the like attached to the user's hand to adhere to the water discharger 3.
  • the faucet device 1 of each embodiment includes an operation unit for manually switching the water discharge from the water discharge port 310 when the automatic water discharge mode is off. It is preferable.
  • the water discharge unit 3 includes the spout 31, the water discharge port 310 is provided at the tip of the spout 31, and the spout 31 is provided with the water discharge unit 3 (a sink) It is preferable to be provided relatively rotatable with respect to 2).
  • the user can turn the spout 31 to a convenient position using the spout 31.
  • the detection area 630 (human body detection area 630) of the human body detection sensor 63 is always set to the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 can detect the presence or absence of a human body on the front side of the water discharger 3. That is, the user can easily switch on / off the automatic water discharge mode regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31.
  • the faucet device 1 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF” in a state where the human body detection sensor 63 does not detect the presence of a human body in the human body detection area 630. Is preferable.
  • the user can easily “turn off” the automatic water discharge mode simply by moving from the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharge unit 3 to another location.
  • the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in each embodiment. That is, the detection unit 6 includes a third sensor 62 (detection sensor) that detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the third region 622 (detection region) that is separated from the water outlet 310 and is limited.
  • the faucet device 1 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the third sensor 62 detects the presence of the object 90 in the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the faucet device 1 detects the object 90 by the third sensor 62 when the object 90 exists in the third region 622 (specifically, the non-overlapping region 623 on the front side of the second region 612), and thereby discharges the object 90. Water can be discharged from the water port 310.
  • the first sensor 60 is a distance measuring sensor and the second sensor 61 and the third sensor are photoelectric sensors as in each embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 can appropriately detect the object 90 by utilizing the characteristics of the first sensor 60 that is a distance measuring sensor and the characteristics of the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 that are photoelectric sensors. .
  • the second sensor 61 in each embodiment is a transmissive photoelectric sensor. That is, the second sensor 61 includes a second light projecting unit 610 in which the light irradiation area is set to a reflecting object provided far from the object detection area 65 and allows the irradiation light to pass through the object detection area 65, and the second light projection unit. And a second light receiving unit 611 that receives the light irradiated from 610 and reflected by the reflector.
  • the third sensor 62 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. That is, the third sensor 62 irradiates light toward the object detection area 65 and the light emitted from the third light projection section 620 and reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection area 65. Is provided with a third light receiving portion 621.
  • the first sensor 60 which is a distance measuring sensor is suitable for detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 having a low reflectance as compared with the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62.
  • the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 can detect that the object 90 is not present in the detection region even if steam or the like is present in the detection region, which is superior to the first sensor 60 in this respect. Yes. Therefore, the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 can be accurately detected using the sensors 60 to 62. For example, when steam is present in the object detection area 65, it can be detected that the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65 based on the outputs of the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62.
  • the second sensor 61 that is a transmissive photoelectric sensor has better detection sensitivity than the third sensor 62 that is a reflective photoelectric sensor. For this reason, when the third sensor 62 cannot detect the presence of the object 90 below the spout 310, the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 detect the presence of the object 90 to accurately determine the presence of the object 90. Can be detected.
  • the faucet device 1 preferably has the following configuration as in the third embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 further includes a notification unit 10.
  • the detection unit 6 includes a first sensor 60 and a second sensor 61 as detection sensors.
  • the first sensor 60 detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the first region 602 below the water outlet 310.
  • the second sensor 61 detects the presence / absence of the object 90 in the second region 612 below the water outlet 310.
  • the faucet device 1 detects the presence of the object 90 in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60 and the object in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61 in the automatic water discharge mode. When it is detected that 90 is present, water is discharged from the water outlet 310.
  • the faucet device 1 detects the presence of the object 90 in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60 in the automatic water discharge mode, and the object 90 is detected in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61.
  • the first notification by the notification unit 10 is performed when the presence is not detected.
  • the faucet device 1 can accurately detect the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 below the spout 310 based on the outputs of the sensors 60 and 61. And based on this detection result, the water discharge from the water discharge port 310 can be performed appropriately. Further, the user may recognize that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 but does not exist in the second region 612 due to the lighting of the light emitting unit 100 or the sound emitted from the sound generating unit 101.
  • the user who wants to start water discharge can easily understand the reason why water discharge is not performed. For this reason, the user moves the object 90 so as to be detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 or changes the direction so as to be detected by the third sensor 62 to quickly discharge water. It becomes possible to start.
  • the first region 602 (specifically, the non-overlapping region 603) includes a region located on the front side of the second region 612.
  • a first notification is made. Therefore, when the user inserts an object 90 such as a hand or a dish from the front side into the lower side of the spout 310, for example, first, the object 90 is moved to the front side of the second region 612 by the first notification. It can recognize that it is located.
  • the user can also recognize that the object 90 is in a position close to the area detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 by the first notification. Therefore, the user can easily position the object 90 in a region detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 by moving the object 90 to the rear side which is the back side when viewed from the user. Can do. Therefore, the user can easily discharge water from the faucet device 1.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a region where the third region 622 is located on the front side of the second region 612 as in the third embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment.
  • the detection unit 6 includes a third sensor 62 (detection sensor) that detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the limited third region 622 that is away from the water outlet 310.
  • the faucet device 1 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the third sensor 62 detects that the object 90 is present in the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a notification unit 10 ⁇ / b> A and a first distance detection unit 11. When the first distance detection unit 11 includes the third sensor 62 and the object 90 exists in the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310, the distance from the object 90 to the third region 622 is set. The output changes accordingly.
  • the control section 7 performs notification by the notification section 10A, and at the time of this notification, the first distance detection section 11
  • the notification mode by the notification unit 10A is changed according to the output of.
  • the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment.
  • the faucet device 1 includes a second distance detection unit 12.
  • the second distance detection unit 12 includes a first distance detection unit (third sensor 62).
  • the second distance detection unit 12 changes from the object 90 to the third region 622.
  • the output changes in accordance with the distance to.
  • the control unit 7 notifies the notification unit 10 when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 and a region other than the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. Do.
  • control part 7 changes the alerting
  • the user of the faucet device 1 easily recognizes that the object 90 is approaching the third region 622 even when the object 90 exists in a region other than between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. can do.
  • the region other than between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310 is a region that is in the vicinity of the third region 622 and exists below, forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward of the third region 622. It is.
  • the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment.
  • the notification unit 10 ⁇ / b> A is a sound generation unit 101 ⁇ / b> A that generates a notification sound, and the notification sound generated by the notification unit 10 ⁇ / b> A changes according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90.
  • the notification sound generated from the notification unit 10 ⁇ / b> A can prompt the user to bring the object 90 close to the third region 622.
  • the user can easily recognize that the object 90 is approaching the third region 622 from the change in the notification sound emitted from the notification unit 10A.
  • the first distance detection unit 11 includes the third sensor 62. In this way, it is possible to determine the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90 without changing a sensor separate from the third sensor 62, and to change the notification mode based on this.
  • the third sensor 62 is preferably a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor. That is, the third sensor 62 includes a third light projecting unit 620 that irradiates light to the third region 622 and a third light receiving unit 621 that receives the light reflected by the third region 622, and includes a third light projecting unit. It is preferable that the light projecting direction of 620 and the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 are different. In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the object 90 exists in the third region 622 based on the change in the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621.
  • the object 90 exists in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60, and the object 90 exists in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61.
  • water discharge from the water discharge port 310 may be performed.
  • the water discharge mode in this case is that the first sensor 60 detects that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second sensor 61 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612. It may be different from the detected case, or may be the same.
  • the water discharge amount per unit time from the water discharge port 310 is set as compared with the case where it is detected that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the object 90 exists in the second region 612. It can be reduced.
  • region 623 which does not overlap with the 2nd area
  • sensors 60 to 63 are not limited to those of the respective embodiments, and other conventionally known sensors may be used, for example.
  • the spout 31 is rotatably provided in the base 30 fixed to the sink 2, the whole spout part 3 may be rotatable with respect to the sink 2. That is, in this case, the spout 31 is fixed with respect to the base 30, and the base 30 is provided so as to be turnable to the left and right with respect to the sink 2. Note that the fact that the spout 31 is rotatable with respect to the installation location of the water discharger 3 includes the case where the entire water discharger 3 is rotatable with respect to the sink 2 as described above.
  • the rotation position of the water discharging part 3 is expanded by expanding the detection area of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the spout 31.
  • the spout 31 can rotate with respect to the sink 2, but the spout 31 may not rotate with respect to the base 30.
  • the faucet device 1 in each embodiment may include a notification unit for notifying whether the current automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”.
  • reporting part is provided separately from the alerting
  • the display part which is provided in the upper surface part 300 of the base 30 of the water discharging part 3, and displays whether the present automatic water discharging mode is in "on” or "off” state, for example is mentioned. .
  • the user can easily recognize whether the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”.
  • the notification unit is the display unit, the display unit can be visually recognized to recognize whether the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”.
  • the faucet device 1 of each embodiment includes only one human body detection sensor 63.
  • the faucet device 1 may include a plurality of human body detection sensors 63 and may detect the presence or absence of a human body in the detection region 630 based on the detection results of the plurality of human body detection sensors 63.
  • the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the spout 31 and the base 30.
  • the control unit 7 determines the presence or absence of a human body on the front side of the water discharge unit 3 based on the detection result of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the spout 31 and the detection result of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the base 30. Then, on / off of the automatic water discharge mode is switched based on the determination result.
  • the third sensor 62 may be omitted.
  • the first sensor 60 detects that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second sensor 61 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612. Water should be discharged only when it is detected.
  • the faucet device 1 of the third embodiment includes the light emitting unit 100 and the sounding unit 101
  • the notification unit 10 may include only the light emitting unit 100 or only the sounding unit 101.
  • the sound generation unit 101 is not limited to one that emits sound, and may emit a signal sound or the like.
  • the notification unit 10 may be a display unit that displays characters or symbols.
  • the water discharger 3 of the third embodiment may be rotatable with respect to the sink 2.
  • the user moves the object 90 to a region that is detected by all of the first sensor 60, the second sensor 61, and the third sensor 62. Is to encourage. However, this notification may prompt the movement to the area detected only by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61.
  • the base 30 may be rotatable and the spout 31 may be provided with the human body detection sensor 63 as in the second embodiment.
  • the two-step notification is performed by the first notification and the second notification.
  • three-step or more notification may be performed according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90. .
  • the interval (time) at which the sound generation unit 101A emits the notification sound is varied according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90.
  • the manner in which the notification sound is changed is not limited to this.
  • the notification sound may be changed depending on a difference in volume or sound.
  • the notification unit 10A of the fourth embodiment is the sound generation unit 101A, but notification may be performed by means other than sound, for example, notification may be performed by light, or notification may be performed by display of characters or symbols. Good. Moreover, you may alert
  • the notification mode by the notification unit 10A is varied.
  • the distance from the third region 622 to the object 90 is determined (measured) based on the output (output amount) of the third sensor 62 for detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 in the third region 622. )is doing.
  • the distance from the third region 622 to the object 90 may be measured using a sensor different from the third sensor 62.
  • each of the first distance detector 11 and the second distance detector 12 may be a sensor different from the third sensor 62.
  • one or a plurality of other sensors may be provided as the first distance detector 11 and the second distance detector 12.
  • the notification when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 (except when the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second region 612), the notification is made.
  • the notification mode by unit 10A changes.
  • the water faucet device 1 is configured such that the object 90 is located between the third region 622 and the object 90 only when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 and between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310.
  • the notification mode by the sound generation unit 101A may be changed according to the distance.
  • the present invention may be applied to a faucet device installed on a thing other than the sink 2 such as a wash basin.

Abstract

The present invention is provided with a control section which activates and deactivates an automatic water discharge mode, and which, in the automatic discharge mode, performs control for discharging water from a spout in a state where detection is made of an object in a detection region, and for stopping the discharge of water from the spout in a state where no detection is made of an object in the detection region. The control section is configured so that when a human body sensor detects that a person is in a detection region in front of a water discharge section, an automatic water discharge mode is activated.

Description

水栓装置Faucet device
　本発明は、一般に水栓装置、より詳細には、吐水口の下側の物体を検知して自動で吐水を行う水栓装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates generally to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device that automatically discharges water by detecting an object below a spout.
　日本国特許公開番号２００７－１５４５８７号（以下、文献１という）には、自動水栓が記載されている。この自動水栓は、吐水口の下方に差し出された利用者の手を人体検知センサーを用いて検知し、このように利用者の手を検知している間にだけ自動で吐水を行う。 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-154587 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) describes an automatic faucet. This automatic faucet detects the user's hand that is presented below the spout using a human body sensor, and automatically discharges water only while detecting the user's hand.
　ところで、文献１に記載された自動吐水の制御にあっては、例えば人体検知センサーが太陽光や洗い物途中でシンク内に置きっ放しにした皿等を誤検知して、水栓の誤作動を招く恐れがある。そこで、例えば、人体検知センサーによって吐水口の下側の物体を検知している状態でのみ吐水を行う自動吐水モードの入切を、操作部の操作により切り替え可能とすることが考えられる。しかし、このようにすると、利用者は、自動吐水モードに移行する際に、操作部を手で触る必要がある。この場合、利用者の手が油や洗剤等で汚れていたり水で濡れていたりすると、操作部に油や洗剤、水等が付着する可能性がある。また、この自動水栓では、利用者が自動吐水モードを「入り」にする操作が煩わしいと感じる可能性もある。 By the way, in the automatic water discharge control described in Document 1, for example, the human body detection sensor erroneously detects sunlight or a dish left in the sink in the middle of washing, and the malfunction of the faucet is detected. There is a risk of inviting. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that switching on and off of the automatic water discharge mode in which water discharge is performed only in a state where an object below the water discharge port is detected by the human body detection sensor can be switched by operating the operation unit. However, in this way, the user needs to touch the operation unit with his / her hand when shifting to the automatic water discharge mode. In this case, if the user's hand is dirty with oil or detergent or wet with water, there is a possibility that oil, detergent, water or the like may adhere to the operation unit. Further, with this automatic faucet, there is a possibility that the user feels troublesome to make the automatic water discharge mode “ON”.
　そこで、本発明の目的は、人体検知センサーの誤検知による誤作動を抑制することができ、利用者の手で触ることによって吐水部に汚れや水が付着し難く、且つ自動吐水モードに容易に移行することができる水栓装置を提供することにある。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to suppress malfunction due to erroneous detection of the human body detection sensor, and it is difficult for dirt and water to adhere to the water discharger by touching with the user's hand, and easily in the automatic water discharge mode. The object is to provide a faucet device that can be transferred.
　本発明に係る水栓装置は、吐水部と、検知部と、制御部とを備える。前記吐水部には、下側に向けて水を吐出する吐水口が設けられる。前記検知部は、前記吐水口の下側の領域における物体の存否を非接触で検知するように構成される。前記制御部は、自動吐水モードの入切を切り替えるように構成される。前記制御部は、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記検知部によって物体の存在を検知している状態では前記吐水口から水を吐出し、前記検知部によって物体の存在を検知していない状態では前記吐水口からの吐水を停止するように構成される。前記水栓装置は人体検知センサーをさらに備える。前記人体検知センサーは、前記吐水部の前側を検知領域としてこの検知領域における人体の存否を非接触で検知するように構成される。前記制御部は、前記人体検知センサーによって人体が存在することを検知した際に前記自動吐水モードを「入り」にするものである。 The faucet device according to the present invention includes a water discharge unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The water discharge portion is provided with a water discharge port that discharges water downward. The said detection part is comprised so that the presence or absence of the object in the area | region below the said spout may be detected non-contactingly. The control unit is configured to switch on / off of the automatic water discharge mode. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit discharges water from the water outlet when the detection unit detects the presence of an object, and discharges the water when the detection unit does not detect the presence of an object. It is configured to stop water discharge from the water mouth. The faucet device further includes a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of a human body in the detection region in a non-contact manner using the front side of the water discharger as a detection region. The control unit sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” when the human body detection sensor detects the presence of a human body.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、水栓装置は、前記自動吐水モードが切りであるときに、前記吐水口からの吐水の有無を手動で切り替えるための操作部を備える。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the faucet device includes an operation unit for manually switching the water discharge from the water discharge port when the automatic water discharge mode is off.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記吐水部がスパウトを備える。このスパウトの先端部には、前記吐水口が設けられる。前記スパウトは前記吐水部の設置箇所に対して相対的に回動可能に設けられる。前記人体検知センサーの検知領域が前記スパウトの回動位置によらず常に前記吐水部の前側になるように設定される。 Moreover, in another feature of the present invention, the water discharge portion includes a spout. The spout is provided at the tip of the spout. The spout is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the installation location of the water discharger. The detection area of the human body detection sensor is set so as to always be in front of the water discharger regardless of the rotation position of the spout.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記制御部は、前記人体検知センサーによって人体が存在していることを検知していない状態で前記自動吐水モードを切りにする。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the control unit turns off the automatic water discharge mode in a state where the presence of a human body is not detected by the human body detection sensor.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、水栓装置は、報知部をさらに備える。前記検知部は、検知用センサーとして、第一センサーと第二センサーを備える。前記第一センサーは、前記吐水口の下側の第一領域における物体の存否を検知するように構成される。前記第二センサーは、前記吐水口の下側の第二領域における物体の存否を検知するように構成される。前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記第一センサーの出力に基づき前記第一領域に物体が存在していることを検知し且つ前記第二センサーの出力に基づき前記第二領域に物体が存在していることを検知した際に前記吐水口から水を吐出する。前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記第一センサーの出力に基づき前記第一領域に物体が存在していることを検知し且つ前記第二センサーの出力に基づき前記第二領域に物体が存在していることを検知していないときに、前記報知部による報知を行う。 Moreover, in another feature of the present invention, the faucet device further includes a notification unit. The detection unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor as detection sensors. The first sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of an object in a first region below the spout. The second sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of an object in a second region below the spout. In the automatic water discharge mode, the presence of an object in the first area is detected based on the output of the first sensor, and the object is present in the second area based on the output of the second sensor. When water is detected, water is discharged from the water outlet. In the automatic water discharge mode, the presence of an object in the first area is detected based on the output of the first sensor, and the object is present in the second area based on the output of the second sensor. When not detected, the notification unit performs notification.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記第一領域が前記第二領域の前側に位置する領域を含む。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the first region includes a region located in front of the second region.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記第一センサーが測距センサーであり、前記第二センサーが光電センサーである。 In another feature of the invention, the first sensor is a distance measuring sensor and the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記検知部は、前記吐水口の下側の第三領域における物体の存否を検知するための第三センサーを備える。前記第三領域は前記第二領域の前側に位置する領域を含む。前記自動吐水モードにおいて前記第三センサーの出力に基づき前記第三領域に物体が存在していることを検知した際に、前記制御部が前記吐水口から水を吐出する。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the detection unit includes a third sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in a third region below the spout. The third region includes a region located on the front side of the second region. When the control unit detects that an object is present in the third region based on the output of the third sensor in the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit discharges water from the water discharge port.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記第三センサーが光電センサーである。 In another feature of the invention, the third sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記検知部が、検知用センサーを備える。前記検知用センサーは、前記吐水口から離れ且つ限定された検知領域における物体の存否を検知するように構成される。水栓装置は、前記自動吐水モードにおいて前記検知用センサーによって前記検知領域に物体が存在することを検知した際に前記吐水口から水を吐出するものである。水栓装置は、報知部と距離検知部を備える。前記距離検知部が、前記検知用センサー又は他のセンサーで構成される。前記距離検知部が、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域に物体が存在するときに、この物体から前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。前記制御部が、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域に物体が存在するときに前記報知部による報知を行い、この報知の際、前記距離検知部の出力に応じて前記報知部による報知態様を変化させる。 In another feature of the invention, the detection unit includes a detection sensor. The detection sensor is configured to detect the presence / absence of an object in a limited detection area away from the spout. The water faucet device discharges water from the water discharge port when the detection sensor detects that an object is present in the detection area in the automatic water discharge mode. The faucet device includes a notification unit and a distance detection unit. The distance detection unit includes the detection sensor or another sensor. When an object is present in a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet, the distance detection unit outputs an output according to a distance from the object to the detection region of the detection sensor. It will change. The control unit performs notification by the notification unit when an object is present in a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water discharge port in the automatic water discharge mode, and at the time of the notification, the distance The notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to the output of the detection unit.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、水栓装置は、第二距離検知部を備える。前記第二距離検知部は、前記距離検知部又は他のセンサーで構成される。前記第二距離検知部は、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域以外の領域であって前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域以外の領域に物体が存在するときに、この物体から前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。前記制御部が、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域以外の領域であって前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域以外の領域に物体が存在するときに前記報知部による報知を行い、この報知の際、前記第二距離検知部の出力に応じて前記報知部による報知態様を変化させる。 Moreover, in another feature of the present invention, the faucet device includes a second distance detection unit. The second distance detection unit includes the distance detection unit or another sensor. The second distance detection unit is a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor, and when an object is present in a region other than the region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet, The output changes according to the distance from this object to the detection area of the detection sensor. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit has an object in a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor and in a region other than the region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water discharge port. Sometimes the notification by the notification unit is performed, and at the time of the notification, the notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to the output of the second distance detection unit.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記報知部が報知音を発する発音部であり、この報知部によって発する報知音が前記検知センサーの前記検知領域と前記物体との距離に応じて変化する。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the notification unit is a sound generation unit that emits a notification sound, and the notification sound generated by the notification unit changes according to a distance between the detection region of the detection sensor and the object.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記距離検知部が前記検知用センサーで構成される。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the distance detection unit is configured by the detection sensor.
　また、本発明の別の特徴において、前記検知用センサーが、限定反射型の光電センサーである。前記検知用センサーは、前記検知領域に光を照射する投光部と、前記検知領域で反射した光を受ける受光部とを備える。前記検知用センサーは、前記投光部の投光方向と前記受光部の受光方向を異ならせたものである。 Further, in another feature of the present invention, the detection sensor is a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor. The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit that irradiates light to the detection region, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the detection region. The detection sensor is configured such that a light projecting direction of the light projecting unit is different from a light receiving direction of the light receiving unit.
　本発明の好ましい形態をさらに詳細に記述する。本発明の他の特徴および利点は、以下の詳細な記述および添付図面に関連して一層良く理解されるものである。
第一実施形態の水栓装置が設けられた流し台の斜視図である。 第一実施形態の水栓装置の投光領域及び受光領域を示した流し台の斜視図である。 第一実施形態の水栓装置のシステム構成図である。 図４Ａは第一実施形態の自動吐水モードにおける第一センサーの照射光を示した説明図であり、図４Ｂは第一実施形態の自動吐水モードにおける第二センサーの照射光を示した説明図であり、図４Ｃは第一実施形態の自動吐水モードにおける第三センサーの照射光を示した説明図である。 第二実施形態の水栓装置が設けられた流し台の斜視図である。 第三実施形態の水栓装置が設けられた流し台の斜視図である。 第三実施形態の水栓装置のシステム構成図である。 図８Ａは第三実施形態において、第一センサーのみで物体の存在が検知された状態を示した説明図であり、図８Ｂは第三実施形態において、第一～第三センサーによって物体の存在が検知された状態を示した説明図である。 第四実施形態の水栓装置を示した縦断面図である。 第四実施形態の水栓装置のシステム構成図である。 第四実施形態の第三投光部の発光パルスと第三受光部の検知電位を示したタイムチャートである。 第四実施形態の第三受光部の検知電圧と物体の吐水口からの距離との関係を示すグラフである。 第四実施形態において、物体が位置Ｐ１～Ｐ４に位置するときの報知音を発する時期を示した説明図である。 Preferred forms of the invention are described in further detail. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
It is a perspective view of the sink provided with the faucet device of the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of the sink which showed the light projection area | region and light reception area | region of the faucet device of 1st embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the faucet device of a first embodiment. FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing irradiation light of the first sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory view showing irradiation light of the second sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing irradiation light of the third sensor in the automatic water discharge mode of the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of the sink provided with the faucet device of the second embodiment. It is a perspective view of the sink provided with the faucet device of a third embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the faucet device of a third embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the presence of an object is detected only by the first sensor in the third embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the presence of the object by the first to third sensors in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the detected state. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the water faucet device of 4th embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the faucet device of a fourth embodiment. It is the time chart which showed the light emission pulse of the 3rd light projection part of 4th embodiment, and the detected electric potential of a 3rd light-receiving part. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the detection voltage of the 3rd light-receiving part of 4th embodiment, and the distance from the spout of an object. In the fourth embodiment, it is an explanatory diagram showing the time when the notification sound is emitted when the object is located at positions P1 to P4.
　以下、本発明を添付図面に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
　（第一実施形態）
　図１には本実施形態の水栓装置１が設けられた流し台２が示されている。なお、以下では水栓装置１を流し台２に設置した状態における方向を基準にして説明する。また、以下では流し台２から見て利用者が立つ側を前方とし、流し台２から見て利用者が立つ側と反対側を後方として説明する。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a sink 2 provided with a faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. In addition, below, it demonstrates on the basis of the direction in the state which installed the faucet device 1 in the sink 2. FIG. In the following description, the side on which the user stands when viewed from the sink 2 is referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the side on which the user stands when viewed from the sink 2 is the rear side.
　流し台２の上部２１には、シンク２０が設けられている。シンク２０は、流し台２の上方に向かって開口している。シンク２０の底面２００（底部の上面）は、略水平である。水栓装置１は、流し台２の上方からシンク２０に向けて水を吐出する機能を有している。シンク２０の底面２００（底部）は、水栓装置１から吐出した水を受ける水受部を構成している。 A sink 20 is provided in the upper part 21 of the sink 2. The sink 20 opens toward the upper side of the sink 2. The bottom surface 200 (the top surface of the bottom portion) of the sink 20 is substantially horizontal. The faucet device 1 has a function of discharging water from above the sink 2 toward the sink 20. The bottom surface 200 (bottom portion) of the sink 20 constitutes a water receiving portion that receives water discharged from the faucet device 1.
　水栓装置１の利用者は、流し台２の手前（前側）に立つ。この利用者は、水栓装置１から吐出した水を利用して、シンク２０内で被洗浄物を洗浄することができる。この被洗浄物としては、例えば、食器、調理器具、食材等が挙げられる。 The user of the faucet device 1 stands in front (front side) of the sink 2. This user can clean the object to be cleaned in the sink 20 using the water discharged from the faucet device 1. Examples of the objects to be cleaned include tableware, cooking utensils, food ingredients, and the like.
　図３には本実施形態の水栓装置１のシステム構成図が示されている。水栓装置１は吐水系統を備えている。吐水系統は、吐水部３、水供給路４、及び弁５を備えている。 FIG. 3 shows a system configuration diagram of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. The faucet device 1 includes a water discharge system. The water discharge system includes a water discharge unit 3, a water supply path 4, and a valve 5.
　水供給路４は流し台２の内部に設けられている。水供給路４の上流側には、給水源９１として、水道管（不図示）及び給湯器（不図示）が接続されている。 The water supply path 4 is provided inside the sink 2. A water pipe (not shown) and a water heater (not shown) are connected to the upstream side of the water supply path 4 as a water supply source 91.
　水供給路４の下流側の端部は、吐水部３に接続されている。前記水道管の水と前記給湯器で生成された湯は混合される。このように混合された水（混合水）は、水供給路４から吐水部３に供給される。 The downstream end of the water supply path 4 is connected to the water discharger 3. The water in the water pipe and the hot water generated by the water heater are mixed. The water thus mixed (mixed water) is supplied from the water supply path 4 to the water discharger 3.
　弁５は、水供給路４に設けられている。弁５は、例えば開閉可能な電磁弁である。弁５は、水供給路４を通水可能な状態と通水不能な状態とに切り替える。 The valve 5 is provided in the water supply path 4. The valve 5 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, for example. The valve 5 switches between a state in which the water supply path 4 can pass through and a state in which the water cannot pass through.
　弁５が開くと、水供給路４は通水可能な状態となり、給水源９１の水が水供給路４を介して吐水部３に供給される。弁５が閉じると、水供給路４は遮断され、吐水部３には水が供給されない状態になる。すなわち、弁５は吐水部３（詳しくは後述する吐水口３１０）からの吐水の有無を切り替える吐水切替部を構成している。 When the valve 5 is opened, the water supply path 4 is in a state in which water can flow, and the water from the water supply source 91 is supplied to the water discharger 3 through the water supply path 4. When the valve 5 is closed, the water supply path 4 is shut off, and water is not supplied to the water discharger 3. That is, the valve 5 constitutes a water discharge switching unit that switches the presence / absence of water discharged from the water discharge unit 3 (detailed below is a water discharge port 310).
　吐水部３は、水栓装置１の本体を構成している。吐水部３は、図１に示されるようにシンク２０の後方の流し台２の上面部２２に設けられている。なお、吐水部３は、シンク２０の後方の流し台２の上面部２２以外の箇所に設けられてもよい。例えば、吐水部３は、シンク２０の上端部２０１より後方に突出したフランジ部の上等に設けられてもよい。 The water discharge unit 3 constitutes the main body of the faucet device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the water discharger 3 is provided on the upper surface 22 of the sink 2 behind the sink 20. The water discharger 3 may be provided at a location other than the upper surface 22 of the sink 2 behind the sink 20. For example, the water discharger 3 may be provided on a flange or the like that protrudes rearward from the upper end 201 of the sink 20.
　吐水部３は、流し台２の上面部２２から立ち上がった縦長のベース３０と、ベース３０の上面部３００から立ち上がったスパウト３１を備えている。 The water discharge unit 3 includes a vertically long base 30 that rises from the upper surface portion 22 of the sink 2 and a spout 31 that rises from the upper surface portion 300 of the base 30.
　ベース３０は、流し台２から上方に突出した吐水部３の基部（根本部分）を構成している。ベース３０は流し台２に対して固定されており、流し台２に対して回動不能である。スパウト３１の基端部３１１（根本側の端部）は、ベース３０の上面部３００に対して縦軸回りに回動可能に設けられている。これにより、スパウト３１は流し台２の上面部２２に対して左右に回動可能になっている。すなわち、スパウト３１は、吐水部３の設置箇所に対して相対的に回動可能に設けられている。ここで、前記縦軸回りは、回動軸方向が上下方向と平行であることを意味している。 The base 30 constitutes a base part (root part) of the water discharge part 3 protruding upward from the sink 2. The base 30 is fixed to the sink 2 and cannot be rotated with respect to the sink 2. A base end portion 311 (end portion on the root side) of the spout 31 is provided so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis with respect to the upper surface portion 300 of the base 30. Thereby, the spout 31 can be rotated to the left and right with respect to the upper surface portion 22 of the sink 2. That is, the spout 31 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the installation location of the water discharger 3. Here, the direction around the vertical axis means that the rotation axis direction is parallel to the vertical direction.
　スパウト３１の回動範囲は、例えば吐水口３１０が平面視でベース３０の前側に常に位置するように限られた範囲に設定される。なお、以下では、特に記載した場合を除き、図１に示されるようにスパウト３１を前方に突出させた状態、すなわち、ベース３０を真正面から見たときに、スパウト３１がベース３０と左右方向において重なる位置に配置された状態における方向を基準にして説明する。 The rotation range of the spout 31 is set to a limited range so that the water discharge port 310 is always positioned on the front side of the base 30 in a plan view, for example. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the spout 31 protrudes forward as shown in FIG. 1, that is, when the base 30 is viewed from the front, the spout 31 is in the left-right direction with respect to the base 30. A description will be given with reference to the direction in the state of being arranged at the overlapping position.
　スパウト３１は、側面視逆Ｕ字状に湾曲した管状に形成されている。すなわち、スパウト３１は、ベース３０から上方に突出した後に前側において下方に折り返されている。スパウト３１は、平面視でベース３０から前方に向かって突出している。スパウト３１の先端部は、ベース３０の前方で且つシンク２０の上方に位置している。スパウト３１の先端部には、下方に開口した吐水口３１０が設けられている。 The spout 31 is formed in a tubular shape that is curved in an inverted U shape when viewed from the side. That is, the spout 31 is folded downward on the front side after protruding upward from the base 30. The spout 31 protrudes forward from the base 30 in plan view. The tip of the spout 31 is located in front of the base 30 and above the sink 20. A spout 310 that opens downward is provided at the tip of the spout 31.
　吐水部３の内部には、吐水口３１０に水を供給するための吐水路（不図示）が形成されている。吐水路は、ベース３０の下端部からスパウト３１の吐水口３１０にまで延びている。 A water discharge channel (not shown) for supplying water to the water discharge port 310 is formed inside the water discharge unit 3. The water discharge channel extends from the lower end of the base 30 to the water discharge port 310 of the spout 31.
　吐水路の上流側の端部は、図３に示される水供給路４の下流側の端部に接続されている。弁５が開いた状態にあるときには、水供給路４から吐水路に水が供給され、この水が吐水口３１０から下方のシンク２０に向けて吐出される。 The upstream end of the water discharge channel is connected to the downstream end of the water supply channel 4 shown in FIG. When the valve 5 is in an open state, water is supplied from the water supply path 4 to the water discharge path, and this water is discharged from the water discharge port 310 toward the sink 20 below.
　水栓装置１は、検知部６及び制御部７をさらに備えている。検知部６は、複数の検知用センサー（センサー６０～６２）で構成されている。制御部７は、吐水モード（吐水を実行する方式）として備えた自動吐水モードを備えている。制御部７は、自動吐水モードの入切を切り替えるよう構成されている。自動吐水モードは、節水を実現するためのモードである。 The faucet device 1 further includes a detection unit 6 and a control unit 7. The detection unit 6 includes a plurality of detection sensors (sensors 60 to 62). The control unit 7 includes an automatic water discharge mode provided as a water discharge mode (method for executing water discharge). The control unit 7 is configured to switch on / off of the automatic water discharge mode. The automatic water discharge mode is a mode for realizing water saving.
　水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードが「入り」の状態にあるとき、検知部６を用いて、吐水口３１０の下側の領域６５（図１参照）における物体９０（図４参照）の存否（物体９０が存在しているか否か）を検知する。検知部６により検知される物体９０としては、人体の一部（利用者の手等）、皿等の食器、調理器具、食材等が挙げられる。以下、必要に応じて、領域６５を物体検知領域６５と記載する。 When the automatic water discharge mode is in the “ON” state, the water faucet device 1 uses the detection unit 6 to determine whether or not the object 90 (see FIG. 4) exists in the region 65 (see FIG. 1) below the water discharge port 310. (Whether or not the object 90 exists) is detected. Examples of the object 90 detected by the detection unit 6 include a part of a human body (such as a user's hand), tableware such as a dish, cooking utensils, food ingredients, and the like. Hereinafter, the region 65 is referred to as an object detection region 65 as necessary.
　検知部６を用いた前記検知は、制御部７による制御のもと、自動吐水モードにおいて常時又は間欠的に行われる。 The detection using the detection unit 6 is performed constantly or intermittently in the automatic water discharge mode under the control of the control unit 7.
　物体検知領域６５は、センサー６０の検知領域６０２、センサー６１の検知領域６１２、及びセンサー６２の検知領域６２２の三者全てが重なった領域である。 The object detection area 65 is an area in which all three of the detection area 602 of the sensor 60, the detection area 612 of the sensor 61, and the detection area 622 of the sensor 62 overlap.
　物体検知領域６５は、吐水口３１０から下側に離れ且つシンク２０の底面２００（底部）から上方に離れた位置に存在しており、吐水口３１０とシンク２０の底部の間における上部に位置している。物体検知領域６５は、吐水口３１０から吐出された水が通過する領域（吐水領域）の一部と重複している。物体検知領域６５は、ベース３０の前方に位置している。 The object detection region 65 exists at a position away from the water outlet 310 and away from the bottom surface 200 (bottom part) of the sink 20, and is located at an upper portion between the water outlet 310 and the bottom of the sink 20. ing. The object detection area 65 overlaps with a part of the area (water discharge area) through which water discharged from the water discharge port 310 passes. The object detection area 65 is located in front of the base 30.
　水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて検知部６により物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在することを検知した場合、吐水口３１０から水を吐出する吐水状態に自動的に切り替わる。また、水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて、検知部６により物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していないことを検知した場合、吐水口３１０からの吐水を停止した吐水停止状態に自動的に切り替わる。すなわち、水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて、検知部６により物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していることを検知していない場合に、前記吐水停止状態に自動的に切り替わる。 In the automatic water discharge mode, the faucet device 1 automatically switches to a water discharge state in which water is discharged from the water outlet 310 when the detection unit 6 detects the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65. Further, when the faucet device 1 detects that the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65 by the detection unit 6 in the automatic water discharge mode, the water faucet device 1 automatically enters the water discharge stop state in which the water discharge from the water outlet 310 is stopped. Switch to That is, the faucet device 1 automatically switches to the water discharge stop state when the detection unit 6 does not detect the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 in the automatic water discharge mode.
　つまり、水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在する場合にのみ吐水状態になる。 That is, the faucet device 1 enters the water discharge state only when the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 in the automatic water discharge mode.
　図２に示されるように、吐水部３には、検知部６を構成する検知用センサーとして、センサー６０～６２が設けられている。センサー６０～６２は、自動吐水モードにおいて弁５の開閉を制御するために用いられる。以下、必要に応じて、センサー６０を第一センサー６０、センサー６１を第二センサー６１、センサー６２を第三センサー６２と記載する。 As shown in FIG. 2, the water discharger 3 is provided with sensors 60 to 62 as detection sensors that constitute the detector 6. The sensors 60 to 62 are used for controlling the opening / closing of the valve 5 in the automatic water discharge mode. Hereinafter, the sensor 60 is referred to as a first sensor 60, the sensor 61 is referred to as a second sensor 61, and the sensor 62 is referred to as a third sensor 62 as necessary.
　第一センサー６０は、三角測距方式で対象物までの距離を測定する測距センサーである。詳しくは、第一センサー６０は、測距反射型光電センサー（距離設定型光電センサー）である。 The first sensor 60 is a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance to an object by a triangular distance measuring method. Specifically, the first sensor 60 is a distance measuring reflection type photoelectric sensor (distance setting type photoelectric sensor).
　第一センサー６０は、第一投光部６００と第一受光部６０１を備えている。第一投光部６００及び第一受光部６０１は、ベース３０に設けられている。 The first sensor 60 includes a first light projecting unit 600 and a first light receiving unit 601. The first light projecting unit 600 and the first light receiving unit 601 are provided on the base 30.
　第一投光部６００は、投光素子で構成されている。第一投光部６００は、照射光として、赤外線を照射する。なお、第一投光部６００は、赤外線を照射するものに限られず、例えば可視光を照射するものであってもよい。第一投光部６００の光の照射方向は、物体検知領域６５及びシンク２０の底部が存在する前斜め下方に設定されている。物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していない状態では、第一投光部６００から照射された光（照射光）は、物体検知領域６５を通過してシンク２０の底面２００に到達する。 The first light projecting unit 600 is composed of a light projecting element. The 1st light projection part 600 irradiates infrared rays as irradiation light. In addition, the 1st light projection part 600 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light. The light irradiation direction of the first light projecting unit 600 is set obliquely downward in the front where the object detection area 65 and the bottom of the sink 20 exist. In a state where the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65, the light (irradiation light) emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 passes through the object detection area 65 and reaches the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
　第一受光部６０１は、位置検出素子（例えばＰＳＤ（Ｐｏｓｉｔｉｏｎ　Ｓｅｎｓｉｔｅｉｖｅ　Ｄｅｔｅｃｔｏｒ）で構成されている。第一受光部６０１は、物体検知領域６５及びシンク２０の底面２００から来た光を受ける。第一投光部６００から照射された光は、物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０やシンク２０の底部等の対象物で反射した後、第一受光部６０１に到達する。 The first light receiving unit 601 includes a position detecting element (for example, PSD (Position Sensitive Detector). The first light receiving unit 601 receives light from the object detection region 65 and the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20. The light emitted from the light projecting unit 600 reaches the first light receiving unit 601 after being reflected by an object such as the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65 or the bottom of the sink 20.
　第一センサー６０の検知領域６０２は、第一投光部６００の投光領域と第一受光部６０１の受光領域の重複部分である。以下、必要に応じて、検知領域６０２を第一領域６０２と記載する。第一領域６０２の一部は、物体検知領域６５と重複している。 The detection region 602 of the first sensor 60 is an overlapping portion of the light projecting region of the first light projecting unit 600 and the light receiving region of the first light receiving unit 601. Hereinafter, the detection region 602 is referred to as a first region 602 as necessary. A part of the first area 602 overlaps with the object detection area 65.
　図４Ａに示されるように第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在する状態では、第一投光部６００から照射された光は、物体９０で反射した後に矢印８０に示されるように進行して第一受光部６０１に到達する。この時、第一受光部６０１の第一投光部６００側の位置に光スポット（光の点）が形成される。一方、物体検知領域６５（詳しくは第一領域６０２）に物体９０が存在しない状態では、第一投光部６００から照射された光は、物体検知領域６５を通過する。そして、このように物体検知領域６５を通過した光は、シンク２０の底面２００で反射し、この後、矢印８１に示されるように進行して第一受光部６０１に到達する。このとき、第一受光部６０１には第一投光部６００から離れた位置に光スポットが形成される。つまり、第一受光部６０１に形成される光スポットの位置は、第一投光部６００から対象物までの距離に応じて変化する。従って、第一センサー６０によって第一受光部６０１に形成された光スポットの位置を検出することで、対象物までの距離を測定することができる。 As shown in FIG. 4A, in the state where the object 90 is present in the first region 602, the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 travels as indicated by the arrow 80 after being reflected by the object 90. One light receiving unit 601 is reached. At this time, a light spot (a spot of light) is formed at a position on the first light projecting unit 600 side of the first light receiving unit 601. On the other hand, in a state where the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65 (specifically, the first area 602), the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 passes through the object detection area 65. The light that has passed through the object detection region 65 is reflected by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and then travels as indicated by the arrow 81 to reach the first light receiving unit 601. At this time, a light spot is formed on the first light receiving unit 601 at a position away from the first light projecting unit 600. That is, the position of the light spot formed on the first light receiving unit 601 changes according to the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the object. Therefore, the distance to the object can be measured by detecting the position of the light spot formed on the first light receiving unit 601 by the first sensor 60.
　図２にはセンサー６１、６２の投光領域や受光領域が二点鎖線で示されている。第二センサー６１は、透過型の光電センサーであって、限定反射型光電センサーで構成されている。限定反射型光電センサーは、強い受光出力を得るために投受光の指向角度が小さい。限定反射型光電センサーは、投光軸と受光軸が比較的大きな角度で交差する。このため、限定反射型光電センサーの動作領域は、投光光芒（投光部から出射される光芒）と受光光芒（受光部で受光される光芒）が交差する領域（限定領域）に限定されている。 In FIG. 2, the light projecting area and the light receiving area of the sensors 61 and 62 are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The second sensor 61 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor, and is composed of a limited reflection photoelectric sensor. The limited reflection type photoelectric sensor has a small directivity angle of light projection and reception 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. For this reason, the operation area of the limited reflection type photoelectric sensor is limited to the area (limited area) where the projection light beam (light beam emitted from the light projecting unit) and the received light beam (light beam received by the light receiving unit) intersect. Yes.
　第二センサー６１は、図２に示される第二投光部６１０と第二受光部６１１を備えている。第二投光部６１０は、設置部３２に設けられている。設置部３２は、スパウト３１の先端側の部分に設けられている。設置部３２は、スパウト３１の下方に折り返した前部から後方に突出している。設置部３２は、吐水口３１０の近傍に位置している。 The second sensor 61 includes a second light projecting unit 610 and a second light receiving unit 611 shown in FIG. The second light projecting unit 610 is provided in the installation unit 32. The installation portion 32 is provided at the tip side of the spout 31. The installation part 32 protrudes rearward from the front part folded back below the spout 31. The installation part 32 is located in the vicinity of the water outlet 310.
　第二投光部６１０は、投光素子で構成されている。第二投光部６１０は照射光として、赤外線を下方に向けて照射する。なお、第二投光部６１０は、赤外線を照射するものに限られず、例えば可視光を照射するものであってもよい。第二投光部６１０の投光領域には、第一投光部６００から照射された光が横切る。 The second light projecting unit 610 is composed of a light projecting element. The second light projecting unit 610 emits infrared rays downward as irradiation light. In addition, the 2nd light projection part 610 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light. The light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 crosses the light projecting area of the second light projecting unit 610.
　第二受光部６１１は、受光素子で構成されている。第二受光部６１１は、吐水部３のベース３０に設けられている。第二受光部６１１は、第二投光部６１０よりも後側に位置している。第二受光部６１１は、前斜め下方から来た光を受けるように設けられている。すなわち、第二受光部６１１の受光方向は、シンク２０の底部が存在する前斜め下方に設定されている。 The second light receiving unit 611 is composed of a light receiving element. The second light receiving unit 611 is provided on the base 30 of the water discharging unit 3. The second light receiving unit 611 is located behind the second light projecting unit 610. The second light receiving unit 611 is provided so as to receive light coming from the front obliquely lower side. That is, the light receiving direction of the second light receiving unit 611 is set obliquely downward in front of the bottom of the sink 20.
　第二投光部６１０の投光軸と第二受光部６１１の受光軸は、概ねシンク２０の底部の上面で交差している。すなわち、第二センサー６１の動作領域は、シンク２０の底部の上面付近に限定されている。第二センサー６１の動作領域は、第二投光部６１０から見て物体検知領域６５よりも遠方に位置している。 The light projecting axis of the second light projecting unit 610 and the light receiving axis of the second light receiving unit 611 substantially intersect at the upper surface of the bottom of the sink 20. That is, the operation area of the second sensor 61 is limited to the vicinity of the upper surface of the bottom of the sink 20. The operation area of the second sensor 61 is located farther than the object detection area 65 when viewed from the second light projecting unit 610.
　第二センサー６１によって物体９０の存否が検知される検知領域６１２は、第二投光部６１０から照射された光が通過する領域である。すなわち、第二投光部６１０と、シンク２０の底面２００において第二投光部６１０から照射された光が当たる部分との間の領域が検知領域６１２となっている。また、シンク２０の底面２００において第二投光部６１０から照射された光が当たる部分と、第二受光部６１１との間の領域も検知領域６１２となっている。以下、必要に応じて、検知領域６１２を第二領域６１２と記載する。 The detection area 612 in which the presence or absence of the object 90 is detected by the second sensor 61 is an area through which light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 passes. That is, a region between the second light projecting unit 610 and a portion of the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 that is irradiated with light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is a detection region 612. Further, a region between the portion irradiated with light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and the second light receiving unit 611 is also a detection region 612. Hereinafter, the detection area 612 is referred to as a second area 612 as necessary.
　第二投光部６１０の投光領域の一部は、第一領域６０２と重複している。また、第一領域６０２は、第二領域６１２と重複する領域の前側に位置し且つ第二領域６１２とは重複しない非重複領域６０３を含んでいる。 A part of the light projecting area of the second light projecting unit 610 overlaps with the first area 602. The first region 602 includes a non-overlapping region 603 that is located in front of the region overlapping with the second region 612 and does not overlap with the second region 612.
　図４Ｂに示されるように、第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在する状態では、物体９０により、第二投光部６１０から照射された光が遮られる。このため、第二投光部６１０から照射された光は、シンク２０の底面２００に到達し難く、第二受光部６１１にも到達し難い。 4B, in the state where the object 90 exists in the second region 612, the light irradiated from the second light projecting unit 610 is blocked by the object 90. For this reason, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 does not easily reach the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 and does not easily reach the second light receiving unit 611.
　一方、第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在しない状態では、第二投光部６１０から照射された光は、物体検知領域６５を通過してシンク２０の底部に至る。そして、このようにシンク２０の底部に至った光は、矢印８２に示されるようにシンク２０の底面２００で第二受光部６１１側に向かって反射する。このため、第二投光部６１０から照射された光は第二受光部６１１に到達しやすい。 On the other hand, in a state where the object 90 is not present in the second region 612, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20. The light reaching the bottom of the sink 20 in this way is reflected toward the second light receiving unit 611 side by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 as indicated by an arrow 82. For this reason, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 easily reaches the second light receiving unit 611.
　従って、第二受光部６１１の受光量（第二受光部６１１で受ける光の量）は、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否に応じて変化する。よって、第二受光部６１１の受光量の変化を検出することにより、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否を判定することが可能になる。 Therefore, the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611 (the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611) varies depending on the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 by detecting a change in the amount of light received by the second light receiving unit 611.
　第三センサー６２は、反射型の光電センサーであって、限定反射型光電センサーで構成されている。第三センサー６２は、図２に示される第三投光部６２０と第三受光部６２１を備えている。第三投光部６２０は、設置部３２に設けられている。第三投光部６２０は、第二投光部６１０の後方に位置している。 The third sensor 62 is a reflection type photoelectric sensor, and is composed of a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor. The third sensor 62 includes a third light projecting unit 620 and a third light receiving unit 621 shown in FIG. The third light projecting unit 620 is provided in the installation unit 32. The third light projecting unit 620 is located behind the second light projecting unit 610.
　第三投光部６２０は、投光素子で構成されている。第三投光部６２０は、照射光として、赤外線を前斜め下方に向けて照射する。なお、第三投光部６２０は、赤外線を照射するものに限られず、例えば可視光を照射するものであってもよい。 The third light projecting unit 620 is composed of a light projecting element. The 3rd light projection part 620 irradiates infrared rays toward the front diagonally downward as irradiation light. In addition, the 3rd light projection part 620 is not restricted to what irradiates infrared rays, For example, you may irradiate visible light.
　第三投光部６２０は、第二投光部６１０から下方に照射された光を横切るように、第二投光部６１０の後側から前斜め下方に向かって光を照射する。第三投光部６２０の投光領域に物体９０が存在しない状態では、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は、物体検知領域６５を通過して、シンク２０の底面２００に照射される。この光は、シンク２０の底面２００において、第二投光部６１０の照射光が照射される領域の前側に到達する。 The third light projecting unit 620 irradiates light from the rear side of the second light projecting unit 610 toward the front obliquely downward so as to cross the light irradiated downward from the second light projecting unit 610. In a state where the object 90 is not present in the light projecting area of the third light projecting unit 620, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection area 65 and is applied to the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20. . This light reaches the front side of the region irradiated with the irradiation light of the second light projecting unit 610 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
　第一投光部６００から照射された光は、第三投光部６２０から下方に照射される光の照射領域を横切る。なお、第一投光部６００から照射された光は、シンク２０の底面２００において第三投光部６２０から照射された光の照射領域と重複してもよい。 The light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 traverses the irradiation area of the light irradiated from the third light projecting unit 620 downward. The light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 may overlap the irradiation region of the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20.
　第三受光部６２１は、受光素子で構成されている。第三受光部６２１は、吐水部３のベース３０に設けられている。第三受光部６２１は、第三投光部６２０の後側に位置している。第三受光部６２１は、前斜め下方に存在する物体検知領域６５から来た光を受けるように設けられている。すなわち、第三受光部６２１の受光方向は、物体検知領域６５の存在する前斜め下方に設定されている。第三投光部６２０の投光方向は下側であるのに対して、第三受光部６２１の受光方向は前側であり、第三投光部６２０の投光方向と第三受光部６２１の受光方向は異なっている。 The third light receiving part 621 is composed of a light receiving element. The third light receiving unit 621 is provided on the base 30 of the water discharging unit 3. The third light receiving unit 621 is located on the rear side of the third light projecting unit 620. The third light receiving unit 621 is provided so as to receive light from the object detection region 65 existing obliquely below the front. That is, the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 is set to be obliquely below the front where the object detection area 65 exists. The light projecting direction of the third light projecting unit 620 is the lower side, while the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 is the front side, and the light projecting direction of the third light projecting unit 620 and the third light receiving unit 621 The light receiving direction is different.
　第三投光部６２０の投光軸と第三受光部６２１の受光軸は、物体検知領域６５で交差している。すなわち、第三センサー６２の動作領域（検知領域）は、物体検知領域６５に限定されている。 The light projecting axis of the third light projecting unit 620 and the light receiving axis of the third light receiving unit 621 intersect at the object detection area 65. That is, the operation area (detection area) of the third sensor 62 is limited to the object detection area 65.
　第三センサー６２の検知領域６２２は、第三投光部６２０の投光領域と第三受光部６２１の受光領域とが重なる領域である。すなわち、第三センサー６２の検知領域６２２は、第三センサー６２の動作領域と重複する。以下、必要に応じて、検知領域６２２を第三領域６２２と記載する。 The detection area 622 of the third sensor 62 is an area where the light projecting area of the third light projecting unit 620 and the light receiving area of the third light receiving unit 621 overlap. That is, the detection area 622 of the third sensor 62 overlaps with the operation area of the third sensor 62. Hereinafter, the detection area 622 is referred to as a third area 622 as necessary.
　第三領域６２２は、吐水口３１０の下側に位置し、吐水口３１０から下側に離れている。第三領域６２２は、第二領域６１２と重複する領域の前側に位置し且つ第二領域６１２とは重複しない非重複領域６２３を含んでいる。非重複領域６２３の一部は、第一領域６０２の非重複領域６０３と重複している。 The third region 622 is located below the water outlet 310 and is separated from the water outlet 310 downward. The third region 622 includes a non-overlapping region 623 that is located in front of the region overlapping with the second region 612 and does not overlap with the second region 612. A part of the non-overlapping area 623 overlaps with the non-overlapping area 603 of the first area 602.
　第三領域６２２の上方、下方、前方、後方、左方、及び右方は、第三センサー６２の動作領域（検知領域６２２）から外れた非検知領域となっている。本実施形態では、第三領域６２２は、上下方向における吐水口３１０からの距離が１００ｍｍ以上１５０ｍｍ以下の範囲に設定されている。また、第三領域６２２の左右幅及び前後幅は、５０ｍｍに設定されている。なお、第三領域６２２の吐水口３１０からの距離や、第三領域６２２の左右幅及び前後幅は前記に限られるものではない。 The upper area, the lower area, the front area, the rear area, the left area, and the right area of the third area 622 are non-detection areas outside the operation area (detection area 622) of the third sensor 62. In the present embodiment, the third region 622 is set in a range where the distance from the water outlet 310 in the vertical direction is 100 mm or more and 150 mm or less. Moreover, the left-right width and the front-rear width of the third region 622 are set to 50 mm. In addition, the distance from the water outlet 310 of the 3rd area | region 622, the left-right width | variety, and the front-back width of the 3rd area | region 622 are not restricted above.
　図４Ｃに示されるように、第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在する状態では、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は、第三領域６２２に存在する物体９０によって反射する。このように物体９０で反射した光は、矢印８３に示されるように第三受光部６２１側に進行する。このため、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は、第三受光部６２１に到達し易い。 As shown in FIG. 4C, in a state where the object 90 exists in the third region 622, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the third region 622. Thus, the light reflected by the object 90 travels to the third light receiving unit 621 side as indicated by an arrow 83. For this reason, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 easily reaches the third light receiving unit 621.
　一方、第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在しない状態では、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は、物体検知領域６５を通過してシンク２０の底部に至る。このため、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は、第三受光部６２１に到達し難い。つまり、第三受光部６２１の受光量は、第三領域６２２における物体９０の存否に応じて変化する。従って、第三受光部６２１の受光量の変化を検出することで、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否を検知することができる。 On the other hand, in a state where the object 90 is not present in the third region 622, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20. For this reason, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is difficult to reach the third light receiving unit 621. That is, the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 varies depending on whether or not the object 90 is present in the third region 622. Therefore, the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65 can be detected by detecting a change in the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、常時または間欠的に、第一投光部６００からシンク２０の底部に向けて光を照射し、同時に第一受光部６０１の出力を監視する。また、制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、前記の第一投光部６００からの光の照射と同時に又は極短時間ずらして、第二投光部６１０からシンク２０の底部に向けて光を照射し、同時に第二受光部６１１の出力を監視する。また、制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、前記の第二投光部６１０からの光照射と同時に又は極短時間ずらして、第三投光部６２０から物体検知領域６５に向けて光を照射し、同時に第三受光部６２１の出力を監視する。そして、制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、第一センサー６０により測定した対象物までの距離、及び第二受光部６１１の出力並びに第三受光部６２１の出力に基づき、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否を判定する。なお、自動吐水モード以外の利用時にあっては、センサー６０～６２による物体９０の検知は行われない。 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 constantly or intermittently irradiates light from the first light projecting unit 600 toward the bottom of the sink 20 and simultaneously outputs the first light receiving unit 601. To monitor. In addition, when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 shifts from the second light projecting unit 610 to the sink 20 simultaneously with the irradiation of the light from the first light projecting unit 600 or with a very short time shift. The light is irradiated toward the bottom of the light receiving unit, and at the same time, the output of the second light receiving unit 611 is monitored. In addition, when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 shifts from the third light projecting unit 620 to the object detection region simultaneously with the light irradiation from the second light projecting unit 610 or shifted for a very short time. Light is emitted toward 65 and simultaneously the output of the third light receiving unit 621 is monitored. Then, when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 is based on the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60, the output of the second light receiving unit 611, and the output of the third light receiving unit 621. The presence / absence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 is determined. It should be noted that the object 90 is not detected by the sensors 60 to 62 during use other than the automatic water discharge mode.
　表１には、制御部７による、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否の判定基準が示されている。 Table 1 shows criteria for determining whether or not the object 90 exists in the object detection area 65 by the control unit 7.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
　表１における「有」は、センサー６０～６２の出力が、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在するときの値を示したことを意味している。また、表１における「無」は、センサー６０～６２の出力が、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在しないときの値を示したことを意味している。 “Yes” in Table 1 means that the outputs of the sensors 60 to 62 indicate values when the object 90 is present in the object detection area 65. “None” in Table 1 means that the outputs of the sensors 60 to 62 show values when the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65.
　制御部７は、第一センサー６０で測定した対象物までの距離が所定距離以下になり、且つ、第二受光部６１１の出力（例えば検知電圧）が予め設定された第一閾値以下になった場合（以下、第一の場合と記載する）に、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が有ると判定する。また、制御部７は、第三受光部６２１の出力（例えば検知電圧）が第二閾値を超える値になった場合（以下、第二の場合と記載する）に、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が有ると判定する。また、制御部７は、これら二例以外の場合は、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が無いと判定する。つまり、制御部７は、第一の場合及び第二の場合のいずれの場合でもないときに、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が無いと判定する。 In the control unit 7, the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the output (for example, detection voltage) of the second light receiving unit 611 is equal to or less than a preset first threshold value. In the case (hereinafter referred to as the first case), it is determined that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65. In addition, when the output (for example, the detection voltage) of the third light receiving unit 621 exceeds the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as the second case), the control unit 7 sets the object 90 in the object detection region 65. It is determined that there is. The control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65 in cases other than these two examples. That is, the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65 when neither the first case nor the second case is present.
　前記所定距離は、第一投光部６００からシンク２０の底部までの距離よりも短く且つ第一投光部６００から物体検知領域６５までの距離よりも長い値である。また、前記第一閾値は、第二投光部６１０の照射光がシンク２０の底面２００で反射したときの第二受光部６１１の出力（検知電圧値）よりも小さい値である。また、第一閾値は、第二投光部６１０から照射された光が物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０で反射したときの第二受光部６１１の出力（検知電圧値）よりも大きい値である。また、前記第二閾値は、第三投光部６２０から照射された光が物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０で反射したときの第三受光部６２１の出力（検知電圧値）よりも小さい値である。また、第二閾値は、第三投光部６２０から照射された光が物体検知領域６５を通過してシンク２０の底部に到達したときの第三受光部６２１の出力よりも大きい値である。例えば、第二閾値（図１２中Ｘ１参照）は、２５０ｍＶに設定される。 The predetermined distance is shorter than the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the bottom of the sink 20 and longer than the distance from the first light projecting unit 600 to the object detection area 65. The first threshold value is smaller than the output (detection voltage value) of the second light receiving unit 611 when the irradiation light of the second light projecting unit 610 is reflected by the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20. The first threshold value is larger than the output (detection voltage value) of the second light receiving unit 611 when the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65. is there. The second threshold value is smaller than the output (detection voltage value) of the third light receiving unit 621 when the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65. It is. The second threshold value is larger than the output of the third light receiving unit 621 when the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection region 65 and reaches the bottom of the sink 20. For example, the second threshold (see X1 in FIG. 12) is set to 250 mV.
　ここで、測距反射型光電センサーである第一センサー６０は、受光量の変化に応じて物体９０の存否を検出する第二センサー６１や第三センサー６２と比較して、反射率の低い物体９０の存否を検出するのに適している。ところが、第一センサー６０は検知感度が高いため、第一領域６０２に湯気等が存在する場合、第一投光部６００から照射された光は湯気等で反射して第一受光部６０１に至り、第一センサー６０で測定した対象物までの距離が所定距離以下になる可能性がある。しかし、この場合、第二受光部６１１の出力は第一閾値を超え、また、第三受光部６２１の出力は第二閾値以下の値となる。従って、制御部７は物体検知領域６５に物体９０が無いと判定する。 Here, the first sensor 60, which is a distance measuring reflection type photoelectric sensor, has an object having a lower reflectance than the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 that detect the presence or absence of the object 90 according to the change in the amount of received light. It is suitable for detecting the presence or absence of 90. However, since the first sensor 60 has high detection sensitivity, when steam or the like is present in the first region 602, the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 is reflected by steam or the like and reaches the first light receiving unit 601. The distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60 may be a predetermined distance or less. However, in this case, the output of the second light receiving unit 611 exceeds the first threshold value, and the output of the third light receiving unit 621 is a value equal to or less than the second threshold value. Therefore, the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65.
　また、第三センサー６２の受光領域は、第二センサー６１の受光領域よりも広く設定されており、第三センサー６２は第二センサー６１と比較して反射率の低い物体９０に対する検知感度が低い。このため、物体検知領域６５に反射率の低い物体９０が存在する場合、第三受光部６２１の出力が第二閾値以下の値となる可能性がある。しかし、この場合、第一投光部６００から照射された光は物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０で反射して第一受光部６０１に到り、第一センサー６０で測定した対象物までの距離が所定距離以下になる。また、第二投光部６１０から照射された光は物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０に遮られ、第二受光部６１１の出力は第一閾値以下になる。従って、制御部７は物体検知領域６５に物体９０が有ると判定する。 In addition, the light receiving area of the third sensor 62 is set wider than the light receiving area of the second sensor 61, and the third sensor 62 has a lower detection sensitivity for the object 90 having a lower reflectance than the second sensor 61. . For this reason, when the object 90 with a low reflectance exists in the object detection area 65, the output of the third light receiving unit 621 may be a value equal to or less than the second threshold value. However, in this case, the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 600 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection region 65 and reaches the first light receiving unit 601, and reaches the object measured by the first sensor 60. The distance is below a predetermined distance. In addition, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is blocked by the object 90 existing in the object detection area 65, and the output of the second light receiving unit 611 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. Therefore, the control unit 7 determines that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65.
　また、第一センサー６０の受光領域及び第二センサー６１の受光領域は、第三センサー６２の受光領域よりも狭い。このため、吐水口３１０の下側に小さい物体９０やこれを持つ手が存在しても、第一投光部６００から照射された光が物体９０に当たらず、第一センサー６０で測定した対象物までの距離が所定距離を上回る可能性がある。また、この場合、第二投光部６１０から照射された光が物体９０に当らず、第二受光部６１１の出力が第一閾値を上回る可能性もある。しかし、この場合、第三センサー６２の受光領域は広いため、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０に反射し、第三受光部６２１の出力が第二閾値を超える値になる。従って、制御部７は物体検知領域６５に物体９０が有ると判定する。 The light receiving area of the first sensor 60 and the light receiving area of the second sensor 61 are narrower than the light receiving area of the third sensor 62. For this reason, even if there is a small object 90 or a hand holding the small object 90 below the spout 310, the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 600 does not hit the object 90, and the object measured by the first sensor 60 The distance to the object may exceed the predetermined distance. In this case, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 may not strike the object 90, and the output of the second light receiving unit 611 may exceed the first threshold value. However, in this case, since the light receiving area of the third sensor 62 is wide, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 is reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detecting area 65, and the output of the third light receiving unit 621 is the first. The value exceeds the two thresholds. Therefore, the control unit 7 determines that the object 90 is in the object detection area 65.
　また、シンク２０の底部上に鍋等の載置物が置かれた場合、第二投光部６１０から照射された光が載置物に遮られ、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在しないにもかかわらず、第二受光部６１１の出力が第一閾値以下になる可能性がある。しかし、この場合、第一センサー６０で測定した対象物までの距離は所定距離を超える。また、第三投光部６２０から照射された光は物体検知領域６５を通過して第三受光部６２１の出力が第二閾値以下の値となる。従って、制御部７は物体検知領域６５に物体９０が無いと判定する。 In addition, when a placing object such as a pan is placed on the bottom of the sink 20, the light emitted from the second light projecting unit 610 is blocked by the placing object, even though the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65. However, there is a possibility that the output of the second light receiving unit 611 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value. However, in this case, the distance to the object measured by the first sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined distance. Further, the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 passes through the object detection area 65, and the output of the third light receiving unit 621 becomes a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value. Therefore, the control unit 7 determines that there is no object 90 in the object detection area 65.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、前記検知結果、すなわち、物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否の判定の結果に基づいて、吐水部３の吐水の有無（吐水口３１０から水を吐出するか否か）を切り替える。この吐水の有無の切り替えは、制御部７が図３に示される弁５を駆動して弁５の開閉を切り替えることで行われる。 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 determines whether or not there is water discharge from the water discharge unit 3 (water discharge port) based on the detection result, that is, the determination result of the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65. Whether to discharge water from 310) is switched. The switching of the presence or absence of water discharge is performed by the control unit 7 driving the valve 5 shown in FIG.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在すると判定した場合、弁５を開いて吐水口３１０からシンク２０に水を吐出する。利用者は、このように吐水口３１０から吐出された水を、吐水口３１０の下方に差し入れた手や皿等の物体９０に当てることで、物体９０を洗うことができる。また、制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在しないと判定した場合、弁５を閉じて吐水口３１０からの吐水を停止する。 When it is determined that the object 90 is present in the object detection area 65 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 opens the valve 5 and discharges water from the water discharge port 310 to the sink 20. The user can wash the object 90 by applying the water discharged from the water outlet 310 to the object 90 such as a hand or a dish inserted below the water outlet 310. Further, when it is determined that the object 90 does not exist in the object detection area 65 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 closes the valve 5 and stops water discharge from the water discharge port 310.
　なお、自動吐水モードが「切り」であるときは、吐水部３からの吐水を可能にしてもよいし、不能にしてもよい。ここで、自動吐水モードが「切り」であるときに吐水部３からの吐水を可能にする場合には、例えば利用者が吐水部３に設けられた操作部を手動で操作することで吐水部３からの吐水の有無が切り替えられる。なお、この操作部は、ベース３０又はスパウト３１のいずれに設けられてもよい。また、この操作部は、吐水部３以外の箇所に設けられてもよい。 In addition, when the automatic water discharge mode is “OFF”, water discharge from the water discharge unit 3 may be enabled or disabled. Here, when enabling the water discharge from the water discharger 3 when the automatic water discharge mode is “off”, for example, the user manually operates the operation unit provided in the water discharger 3 to discharge the water discharger. The presence or absence of water discharge from 3 is switched. In addition, this operation part may be provided in either the base 30 or the spout 31. Moreover, this operation part may be provided in places other than the water discharging part 3. FIG.
　図１に示されるように、吐水部３のベース３０の前面部には、人体検知センサー６３が設けられている。人体検知センサー６３は、自動吐水モードの入切を自動で切り替えるために用いられる。 As shown in FIG. 1, a human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the front surface of the base 30 of the water discharger 3. The human body detection sensor 63 is used for automatically switching on / off of the automatic water discharge mode.
　人体検知センサー６３は例えば反射型光電センサーである。図示は省略するが、人体検知センサー６３は、赤外線又は可視光を照射する投光部と、投光部から照射された後に人体で反射した光を受光する受光部を備えている。なお、人体検知センサー６３は、第二センサー６１や第三センサー６２と同様の限定反射型光電センサーであってもよいし、限定反射型光電センサー以外のセンサーであってもよい。 The human body detection sensor 63 is, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor. Although not shown, the human body detection sensor 63 includes a light projecting unit that emits infrared light or visible light, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the human body after being irradiated from the light projecting unit. The human body detection sensor 63 may be a limited reflection photoelectric sensor similar to the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62, or may be a sensor other than the limited reflection photoelectric sensor.
　人体検知センサー６３は、スパウト３１よりも下方に位置している。人体検知センサー６３の検知領域６３０は、ベース３０の前面部に対向する領域である。すなわち、人体検知センサー６３の検知領域６３０は、ベース３０から前側に離れた領域であって、シンク２０の前側に立った利用者が存在する領域である。以下、必要に応じて、人体検知センサー６３の検知領域６３０を人体検知領域６３０と記載する。 The human body detection sensor 63 is located below the spout 31. The detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area facing the front surface portion of the base 30. That is, the detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area away from the base 30 to the front side, and is an area where a user standing on the front side of the sink 20 exists. Hereinafter, the detection area 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 is referred to as a human body detection area 630 as necessary.
　人体検知センサー６３は、流し台２に固定されたベース３０に設けられている。このため、人体検知領域６３０は固定されている。すなわち、人体検知センサー６３は、スパウト３１の回動位置によらず、人体検知領域６３０が常に吐水部３の前側に位置するように設定されている。従って、水栓装置１は、スパウト３１の回動位置がいずれの位置に変更された場合にも、人体検知センサー６３を用いて吐水部３の前側の人体検知領域６３０における人体の存否を検知することができる。 The human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30 fixed to the sink 2. For this reason, the human body detection area 630 is fixed. That is, the human body detection sensor 63 is set so that the human body detection region 630 is always located on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31. Therefore, the faucet device 1 detects the presence / absence of a human body in the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharger 3 using the human body detection sensor 63 even when the rotation position of the spout 31 is changed to any position. be able to.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードの入切にかかわらず、常時または間欠的に人体検知センサー６３の投光部から光を照射し、同時に人体検知センサー６３の受光部の出力を監視する。制御部７は、人体検知センサー６３の受光部で検出した受光量が予め設定された閾値を超えたときには人体検知領域６３０に人体が有ると判定し、閾値以下のときには人体検知領域６３０に人体が無いと判定する。すなわち、人体検知センサー６３の受光部の出力に基づいてベース３０の前側の人体検知領域６３０に人体が存在するか否かが検知される。 The control unit 7 irradiates light from the light projecting unit of the human body detection sensor 63 constantly or intermittently and monitors the output of the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63 at the same time, regardless of whether the automatic water discharge mode is turned on or off. The control unit 7 determines that a human body is present in the human body detection region 630 when the amount of received light detected by the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63 exceeds a preset threshold, and when the amount of light received is less than the threshold, the human body is detected in the human body detection region 630. Judge that there is no. That is, it is detected whether or not a human body exists in the human body detection area 630 on the front side of the base 30 based on the output of the light receiving unit of the human body detection sensor 63.
　制御部７は、人体検知センサー６３による検知結果に基づいて自動吐水モードの入切を自動的に切り替える。具体的に制御部７は、人体検知センサー６３により人体検知領域６３０に人体が存在することを検知している状態では自動吐水モードを「入り」にする（自動吐水モードに移行する）。また、制御部７は、人体検知領域６３０に人体が存在することを検知していない状態では自動吐水モードを「切り」にする。これにより、自動吐水モードは、人体検知領域６３０に人体が存在することを検知した場合にのみ「入り」となる。 The control unit 7 automatically switches on / off of the automatic water discharge mode based on the detection result by the human body detection sensor 63. Specifically, the control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” (shifts to the automatic water discharge mode) when the human body detection sensor 63 detects that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630. In addition, the control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF” in a state where it is not detected that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630. As a result, the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” only when it is detected that a human body exists in the human body detection region 630.
　従って、利用者は流し台２を利用するにあたって流し台２のシンク２０の前側に立つだけで、自動吐水モードを「入り」にすることができる。また、利用者は、流し台２の利用を終えてシンク２０の前側から離れた位置に移動するだけで自動吐水モードを「切り」にすることができる。 Therefore, the user can set the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” only by standing in front of the sink 20 of the sink 2 when using the sink 2. Further, the user can “turn off” the automatic water discharge mode simply by moving to a position away from the front side of the sink 20 after using the sink 2.
　（第二実施形態）
　次に第二実施形態について説明する。なお、以下の説明では、第一実施形態と共通の機能を有する要素については、第一実施形態と同じ名称及び同じ符号を用いて説明し、第一実施形態で説明した事項と重複する事項については説明を省略する。 (Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same names and the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and items that overlap with those described in the first embodiment. Will not be described.
　第一実施形態では、人体検知センサー６３がベース３０に設けられている。しかし、本実施形態の人体検知センサー６３は、図５に示されるようにスパウト３１に設けられている。 In the first embodiment, the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30. However, the human body detection sensor 63 of the present embodiment is provided in the spout 31 as shown in FIG.
　人体検知センサー６３は、スパウト３１の上部から下側に向かって突出した部分の前面部に設けられている。人体検知センサー６３の検知領域（人体検知領域６３０）は、スパウト３１の前面部に対向する領域である。すなわち、人体検知領域６３０はスパウト３１の前側の領域であって、シンク２０の前側に立った水栓装置１の利用者が存在する領域である。 The human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the front surface portion of the spout 31 that protrudes downward from the upper portion. A detection area (human body detection area 630) of the human body detection sensor 63 is an area facing the front portion of the spout 31. That is, the human body detection region 630 is a region on the front side of the spout 31 and is a region where a user of the faucet device 1 standing on the front side of the sink 20 exists.
　ところで、第一実施形態では、人体検知センサー６３が流し台２に固定されたベース３０に設けられている。このため、人体検知領域６３０は、スパウト３１の回動位置によらず、常に吐水部３の前側に位置している。しかし、本実施形態の人体検知センサー６３は、回動可能なスパウト３１に設けられている。このため、人体検知領域６３０が、スパウト３１の回動に伴い、吐水部３の前側の領域から外れる可能性がある。そこで、本実施形態では、人体検知センサー６３として、第一実施形態の人体検知センサー６３よりも検知領域６３０の広いセンサーを採用している。具体的に本実施形態の人体検知領域６３０は、第一実施形態の人体検知領域６３０よりも左右幅が大きい。このため、本実施形態では、スパウト３１がその回動範囲内のいずれの位置に回動したときにも、人体検知センサー６３の検知領域６３０が常に吐水部３の前側を含むようになっている。すなわち、本実施形態においても、人体検知領域６３０は、スパウト３１の回動位置によらず常に吐水部３の前側に設定されている。 Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the base 30 fixed to the sink 2. For this reason, the human body detection region 630 is always located on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotational position of the spout 31. However, the human body detection sensor 63 of the present embodiment is provided on the rotatable spout 31. For this reason, the human body detection region 630 may be disengaged from the region on the front side of the water discharger 3 as the spout 31 rotates. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a sensor having a detection area 630 wider than the human body detection sensor 63 of the first embodiment is employed as the human body detection sensor 63. Specifically, the human body detection area 630 of this embodiment has a larger left-right width than the human body detection area 630 of the first embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the spout 31 is rotated to any position within the rotation range, the detection region 630 of the human body detection sensor 63 always includes the front side of the water discharger 3. . That is, also in the present embodiment, the human body detection region 630 is always set on the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotational position of the spout 31.
　従って、本実施形態では、人体検知センサー６３が流し台２に対して回動可能なスパウト３１に設けられたにもかかわらず、吐水部３の前側に立つ利用者の存否を検知して自動吐水モードの入切を容易に切り替えることができる。 Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the human body detection sensor 63 is provided in the spout 31 that can rotate with respect to the sink 2, the presence or absence of the user standing in front of the water discharger 3 is detected and the automatic water discharge mode is set. Can be easily switched on and off.
　（第三実施形態）
　次に第三実施形態について説明する。なお、以下の説明では、第一実施形態と共通の機能を有する要素については、第一実施形態と同じ名称及び同じ符号を用いて説明し、第一実施形態で説明した事項と重複する事項については説明を省略する。 (Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same names and the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and items that overlap with those described in the first embodiment. Will not be described.
　図６には本実施形態の水栓装置１が設けられた流し台２が示されている。水栓装置１は、図７に示されるように、報知部１０を備えている。具体的に水栓装置１は、報知部１０として、発光部１００及び発音部１０１を備えている。 FIG. 6 shows a sink 2 provided with the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the faucet device 1 includes a notification unit 10. Specifically, the faucet device 1 includes a light emitting unit 100 and a sounding unit 101 as the notification unit 10.
　図６に示されるように、発光部１００は、スパウト３１の上面部に設けられている。なお、発光部１００は、吐水部３の他の箇所や、吐水部３以外の箇所に設けられてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 6, the light emitting unit 100 is provided on the upper surface of the spout 31. In addition, the light emission part 100 may be provided in the location other than the water discharging part 3, and places other than the water discharging part 3. FIG.
　発光部１００は、例えば発光色が橙色である発光ダイオードで構成されている。発光部１００は、点灯状態、点滅状態、及び消灯状態のいずれかに変更可能なものである。発光部１００の点灯状態、点滅状態、及び消灯状態の変更は、制御部７によって行われる。 The light emitting unit 100 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode whose emission color is orange. The light emitting unit 100 can be changed to any one of a lighting state, a blinking state, and a light-off state. The control unit 7 changes the lighting state, blinking state, and extinguishing state of the light emitting unit 100.
　発音部１０１は、例えばベース３０に設けられる。なお、発音部１０１は、スパウト３１に設けられてもよいし、吐水部３以外の箇所に設けられてもよい。発音部１０１は、例えばスピーカーで構成される。 The sound generation unit 101 is provided on the base 30, for example. The sound generation unit 101 may be provided in the spout 31 or may be provided in a place other than the water discharge unit 3. The sound generation unit 101 is constituted by a speaker, for example.
　制御部７は自動吐水モードが「入り」であるとき、自動吐水モードにおける監視において検出されるセンサー６０～６２の出力に基づき、発光部１００及び発音部１０１を以下のように制御する。 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 controls the light emitting unit 100 and the sound generation unit 101 as follows based on the outputs of the sensors 60 to 62 detected in the monitoring in the automatic water discharge mode.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードにおいて第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し、且つ第二領域６１２及び第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在していないことを検知した際に、第一の報知を行う。すなわち、吐水口３１０からの吐水が停止された状態で、第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し、且つ第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していないことを検知した際に、第一の報知を行う。また、制御部７は、自動吐水モードにおいて第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し、且つ第一領域６０２及び第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在していないことを検知した際に、第二の報知を行う。また、制御部７は、前記二例以外の場合は発光部１００及び発音部１０１による報知を行わない。すなわち、第一の報知及び第二の報知のいずれも行わない場合は、発光部１００を消灯し、発音部１０１から音を発しない。 When the control unit 7 detects that the object 90 is present in the first region 602 and detects that the object 90 is not present in the second region 612 and the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode. First notification is performed. That is, when it is detected that the object 90 is present in the first area 602 and the object 90 is not present in the second area 612 in a state where water discharge from the water outlet 310 is stopped. First, the first notification is performed. In addition, the control unit 7 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612 in the automatic water discharge mode, and detects that the object 90 does not exist in the first region 602 and the third region 622. At that time, the second notification is performed. Moreover, the control part 7 does not perform alerting | reporting by the light emission part 100 and the sound generation part 101 except the said 2 example. That is, when neither the first notification nor the second notification is performed, the light emitting unit 100 is turned off and no sound is emitted from the sound generation unit 101.
　前記第一の報知では、発光部１００が橙色の発光色で点灯し、同時に発音部１０１から音を発する。このとき、発音部１０１から発する音は、例えば、利用者に対して、物体９０が全てのセンサー６０～６２によって検知されるように物体９０の位置及び向きの変更を促す音声である。 In the first notification, the light emitting unit 100 is lit in an orange light emitting color, and a sound is emitted from the sounding unit 101 at the same time. At this time, the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101 is, for example, a sound that prompts the user to change the position and orientation of the object 90 so that the object 90 is detected by all the sensors 60 to 62.
　第一の報知がなされた場合、物体９０は図８Ａに示されるように第一領域６０２において第二領域６１２の前側に位置する非重複領域６０３に存在していることが想定される。また、第三投光部６２０から照射された光が、物体９０に当たって第三受光部６２１側以外の方向に反射していることが想定される。従って、第一の報知において発音部１０１から発生される音声は、物体９０を物体検知領域６５のある後側に移動し且つ第三受光部６２１のある後側に傾ける動作を促すものであることが好ましい。 When the first notification is made, it is assumed that the object 90 exists in the non-overlapping area 603 located in front of the second area 612 in the first area 602 as shown in FIG. 8A. Further, it is assumed that the light emitted from the third light projecting unit 620 strikes the object 90 and is reflected in a direction other than the third light receiving unit 621 side. Therefore, the sound generated from the sound generation unit 101 in the first notification prompts an operation of moving the object 90 to the rear side where the object detection area 65 is located and tilting the object 90 toward the rear side where the third light receiving part 621 is located. Is preferred.
　前記のように第一の報知では、発光部１００が点灯し且つ発音部１０１から音が発せられる。このため、利用者は、物体９０が第一領域６０２に存在しているが、第二領域６１２及び第三領域６２２には存在していないことを認識することができる。 As described above, in the first notification, the light emitting unit 100 is turned on and a sound is emitted from the sound generation unit 101. Therefore, the user can recognize that the object 90 exists in the first area 602 but does not exist in the second area 612 and the third area 622.
　また、自動吐水モードにおいて第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し、且つ第一領域６０２及び第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在していないことを検知した際になされる第二の報知では、発光部１００が橙色の発光色で点滅する。すなわち、発光部１００は第一の報知時と同じ発光色で点滅する。このように第二の報知では、発光部１００の発光状態を変える。このため、利用者は、物体９０が第二領域６１２に存在しているが、第一領域６０２及び第三領域６２２には存在していないことを認識することができる。なお、第二の報知の際には、発音部１０１は音を発しない。 In addition, when the automatic discharge mode detects that the object 90 exists in the second area 612 and detects that the object 90 does not exist in the first area 602 and the third area 622, In the second notification, the light emitting unit 100 blinks in orange emission color. That is, the light emitting unit 100 blinks in the same emission color as that at the time of the first notification. Thus, in the second notification, the light emission state of the light emitting unit 100 is changed. For this reason, the user can recognize that the object 90 exists in the second region 612 but does not exist in the first region 602 and the third region 622. In the second notification, the sound generator 101 does not emit a sound.
　第二の報知がなされる場合、第二投光部６１０の照射光がシンク２０の底面２００に置かれた皿等の物体９０や、流し台２の上面部２２に置かれた皿等の物体９０により遮られていることが想定される。このため、利用者は、発光部１００の点滅を確認したときには、シンク２０の底面や流し台２上に置かれた皿等の物体９０を第二領域６１２以外の箇所に移動する等して、センサー６０～６２の検知による適切な自動吐水を行える状態にすることができる。 When the second notification is made, the object 90 such as a dish placed on the bottom surface 200 of the sink 20 or the object 90 such as a dish placed on the upper surface part 22 of the sink 2 is emitted from the second light projecting unit 610. It is assumed that it is blocked by. For this reason, when the user confirms the flashing of the light emitting unit 100, the user moves the object 90 such as a dish placed on the bottom surface of the sink 20 or the sink 2 to a place other than the second region 612, etc. It is possible to make it possible to perform appropriate automatic water discharge by detection of 60 to 62.
　なお、第二の報知の際、発音部１０１は音を発してもよい。第二の報知の際に音を発する例としては、例えば利用者に対して第二領域６１２にある物体９０を他に移動することを促す音声を発すること等が挙げられる。 In the second notification, the sound generator 101 may emit a sound. As an example of generating a sound at the time of the second notification, for example, a sound for urging the user to move the object 90 in the second area 612 to the other can be cited.
　（第四実施形態）
　次に第四実施形態について説明する。なお、以下の説明では、第一実施形態と共通の機能を有する要素については、第一実施形態と同じ名称及び同じ符号を用いて説明し、第一実施形態で説明した事項と重複する事項については説明を省略する。 (Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same names and the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and items that overlap with those described in the first embodiment. Will not be described.
　図９には本実施形態の水栓装置１が示されている。本実施形態の水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードが「入り」である場合に、物体９０が第三領域６２２に近い位置に配置されたときに報知部１０Ａ（図１０参照）による報知を行う。なお、この報知は、物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していない場合にのみ行われる。すなわち、自動吐水モードにおいて吐水が行われないときに、物体９０が第三領域６２２に近い位置に配置されたときにのみ、報知部１０Ａによる報知が行われる。 FIG. 9 shows the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. The faucet device 1 of the present embodiment performs notification by the notification unit 10A (see FIG. 10) when the object 90 is disposed at a position close to the third region 622 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. . This notification is performed only when the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65. That is, when the water discharge is not performed in the automatic water discharge mode, the notification by the notification unit 10A is performed only when the object 90 is disposed at a position close to the third region 622.
　本実施形態の水栓装置１は、図１０に示される報知部１０Ａと、距離検知部１１、及び第二距離検知部１２を備えている。以下、必要に応じて、距離検知部１１を第一距離検知部１１と記載する。 The faucet device 1 of this embodiment includes a notification unit 10A, a distance detection unit 11, and a second distance detection unit 12 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the distance detection unit 11 is referred to as a first distance detection unit 11 as necessary.
　水栓装置１は、報知部１０Ａとして図１０に示される発音部１０１Ａを備えている。発音部１０１Ａは、例えばスピーカーで構成されている。発音部１０１Ａは、スパウト３１又はベース３０に設けられている。なお、発音部１０１Ａは、水栓装置１の利用者に対して報知可能な位置であれば、吐水部３以外の箇所に設けられてもよい。 The water faucet device 1 includes a sounding unit 101A shown in FIG. 10 as a notification unit 10A. The sound generation unit 101A is constituted by a speaker, for example. The sound generation unit 101 </ b> A is provided on the spout 31 or the base 30. Note that the sound generation unit 101A may be provided at a location other than the water discharge unit 3 as long as it is a position that can be notified to the user of the faucet device 1.
　第一距離検知部１１は、第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域に物体９０が存在するときに、この物体９０から第三領域６２２までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。本実施形態の第一距離検知部１１は、第三センサー６２で構成されている。 The first distance detection unit 11 changes the output according to the distance from the object 90 to the third region 622 when the object 90 exists in the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. is there. The first distance detection unit 11 according to the present embodiment includes a third sensor 62.
　第二距離検知部１２は、第三領域６２２以外の領域であり且つ第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域以外の領域に物体９０が存在するときに、この物体９０から第三領域６２２までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。本実施形態の第二距離検知部１２は、第三センサー６２で構成されている。 When the object 90 is present in a region other than the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310, the second distance detection unit 12 moves from the object 90 to the third region. The output changes according to the distance up to 622. The second distance detection unit 12 of the present embodiment includes a third sensor 62.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるとき、物体９０が第三領域６２２に近い位置に配置されたか否かを第三センサー６２の出力に基づいて判定する。具体的に、制御部７は、自動吐水モードにおいて物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否を検知する際、第三センサー６２の第三投光部６２０から図１１に示されるようなパルス信号を発する。また、制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、第三受光部６２１の出力を監視する。パルス信号は、第三投光部６２０を一定の光量でパルス発光させることで発せられる。 The control unit 7 determines whether or not the object 90 is arranged at a position close to the third region 622 based on the output of the third sensor 62 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. Specifically, the control unit 7 emits a pulse signal as shown in FIG. 11 from the third light projecting unit 620 of the third sensor 62 when detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65 in the automatic water discharge mode. . Further, the control unit 7 monitors the output of the third light receiving unit 621 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”. The pulse signal is generated by causing the third light projecting unit 620 to emit light with a constant light amount.
　図１１には、第三投光部６２０の発光パルスと、第三受光部６２１の検知電位を示したタイムチャートが示されている。図１１に示されるＰ１～Ｐ４は、図９に示されたＰ１～Ｐ４の夫々に物体９０が配置されたときの第三受光部６２１の検知電圧を示している。 FIG. 11 shows a time chart showing the light emission pulse of the third light projecting unit 620 and the detection potential of the third light receiving unit 621. P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 11 indicate detection voltages of the third light receiving unit 621 when the object 90 is arranged in each of P1 to P4 shown in FIG.
　第三受光部６２１における受光量は、第三投光部６２０の投光領域やこの投光領域の付近に存在する物体９０の位置によって変化する。このため、第三受光部６２１の検知電圧も図１１に示されるように物体９０の位置によって変化する。 The amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 varies depending on the light projecting region of the third light projecting unit 620 and the position of the object 90 existing in the vicinity of the light projecting region. For this reason, the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 also changes depending on the position of the object 90 as shown in FIG.
　図１１から明らかなように、第三受光部６２１の受光量は、第三投光部６２０の投光領域やその付近に存在する物体９０が第三領域６２２の中心部から離れる程小さくなる。このため、第三受光部６２１の検知電圧は、図１２から明らかなように、物体９０が第三領域６２２から離れる程小さくなる。従って、第三受光部６２１の検知電圧から、物体９０の第三領域６２２の中心部までの距離や、物体９０の第三領域６２２までの距離、吐水口３１０から物体９０までの距離を測定することができる。なお、図１２に示されたグラフにおけるＰ１～Ｐ４は、図９に示されたＰ１～Ｐ４の夫々に物体９０が配置されたときのデータをプロットしたものである。 As is clear from FIG. 11, the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621 decreases as the light emitting region of the third light projecting unit 620 and the object 90 existing in the vicinity thereof move away from the center of the third region 622. For this reason, the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 decreases as the object 90 moves away from the third region 622, as is apparent from FIG. Therefore, the distance from the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 to the center of the third region 622 of the object 90, the distance to the third region 622 of the object 90, and the distance from the spout 310 to the object 90 are measured. be able to. Note that P1 to P4 in the graph shown in FIG. 12 are plots of data when the object 90 is placed in each of P1 to P4 shown in FIG.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときに、検知部６による検知結果（物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否）、及び第三センサー６２の出力となる第三受光部６２１の検知電圧に基づいて、発音部１０１Ａを制御する。 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 detects the detection result of the detection unit 6 (the presence / absence of the object 90 in the object detection region 65) and the output of the third sensor 62 of the third light receiving unit 621. Based on the detected voltage, the sound generation unit 101A is controlled.
　本実施形態の水栓装置１には、第三受光部６２１の検知電圧の判定基準となる第三閾値及び第四閾値が予め設定されている。第三閾値は第二閾値よりも低い値に設定されており、第四閾値は第三閾値よりも低い値に設置されている。 In the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, a third threshold value and a fourth threshold value that are determination criteria for the detection voltage of the third light receiving unit 621 are set in advance. The third threshold value is set to a value lower than the second threshold value, and the fourth threshold value is set to a value lower than the third threshold value.
　以下、自動吐水モードが「入り」であるときの制御部７による発音部１０１Ａの制御について詳述する。制御部７は、センサー６０～６２の検知結果に基づいて物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していることを検知しているときには、発音部１０１Ａによる報知を行わない。また、センサー６０～６２の検知結果に基づいて物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在していることを検知していないときにおいて、第三受光部６２１で検知した電圧が第四閾値未満であるときにも、発音部１０１Ａによる報知を行わない。 Hereinafter, the control of the sound generation unit 101A by the control unit 7 when the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” will be described in detail. When the control unit 7 detects the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 based on the detection results of the sensors 60 to 62, the control unit 7 does not notify the sound generation unit 101A. Also, when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is less than the fourth threshold when it is not detected that the object 90 is present in the object detection area 65 based on the detection results of the sensors 60 to 62. In addition, notification by the sound generation unit 101A is not performed.
　制御部７は、自動吐水モードが「入り」である場合、第三受光部６２１で検知した電圧が第四閾値以上で第三閾値未満であるときに第一の報知を行う。この第一の報知では、発音部１０１Ａが予め設定された第一所定時間が経過する毎に音を発する。このため、例えば物体９０が図９におけるＰ１やＰ４に示される位置に配置されたときには第一の報知がなされる。これにより、利用者は、発音部１０１Ａから発する音を聞いて、物体９０が第三領域６２２にある程度近づいた位置にあることを認識することができる。 When the automatic water discharge mode is “ON”, the control unit 7 performs the first notification when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold and lower than the third threshold. In the first notification, the sound generation unit 101A emits a sound every time a preset first predetermined time elapses. For this reason, for example, when the object 90 is arranged at a position indicated by P1 or P4 in FIG. 9, the first notification is made. Thereby, the user can recognize that the object 90 is at a position approaching the third region 622 to some extent by listening to the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101A.
　また、制御部７は、第三受光部６２１で検知した電圧が第三閾値以上で且つ第二閾値未満であるときに第一の報知とは異なる第二の報知を行う。この第二の報知では、発音部１０１Ａが予め設定された第二所定時間が経過する毎に音を発する。前記第二所定時間は、前記第一所定時間よりも短い。 Further, the control unit 7 performs a second notification different from the first notification when the voltage detected by the third light receiving unit 621 is equal to or higher than the third threshold and lower than the second threshold. In the second notification, the sound generation unit 101A emits a sound every time a preset second predetermined time elapses. The second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.
　例えば物体９０が図９におけるＰ２やＰ３に示される位置に配置されたときには第二の報知がなされる。これにより、利用者は、発音部１０１Ａから発する音を聞いて、物体９０が第一の報知がなされたときよりもさらに第三領域６２２に近づいた位置にあることを認識することができる。 For example, when the object 90 is placed at the position indicated by P2 or P3 in FIG. 9, the second notification is made. Thus, the user can recognize the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 101A and recognize that the object 90 is closer to the third region 622 than when the first notification is made.
　具体的に物体９０が図９におけるＰ１～Ｐ４に示される位置に存在するときには、図１３に示されるように発音部１０１Ａから音が発せられるようになっている。 Specifically, when the object 90 is present at the positions indicated by P1 to P4 in FIG. 9, a sound is emitted from the sound generation unit 101A as shown in FIG.
　このように、本実施形態の水栓装置１にあっては、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて異なる報知が行われるので、利用者に対して物体９０を第三領域６２２に近づけることを促すことができる。 As described above, in the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, different notifications are made according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90, so the object 90 is moved to the third region 622 to the user. Can be approached.
　以上説明した各実施形態の水栓装置１は、吐水部３と検知部６と制御部７とを備えている。吐水部３には下側に向けて水を吐出する吐水口３１０が設けられている。検知部６は、吐水口３１０の下側の領域６５（物体検知領域６５）における物体９０の存否を非接触で検知するように構成されている。制御部７は、自動吐水モードを入切を切り替えるように構成される。制御部７は、自動吐水モードにおいて、検知部６によって物体９０の存在を検知している状態では吐水口３１０から水を吐出し、検知部６によって物体９０の存在を検知していない状態では吐水口３１０からの吐水を停止するように構成される。水栓装置１は、さらに人体検知センサー６３を備えている。人体検知センサー６３は、吐水部３の前側を検知領域６３０（人体検知領域６３０）として検知領域６３０における人体の存否を非接触で検知する。制御部７は、人体検知センサー６３によって人体が存在することを検知した際に自動吐水モードを「入り」にする。この水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードを「切り」にして、検知部６が太陽光やシンク２０内に置きっ放しにした皿等を誤検知することを防止することができる。このため、水栓装置１の誤作動が生じることを抑制することができる。また、水栓装置１の自動吐水モードは、利用者が吐水部３の前側の人体検知領域６３０に入るだけで、「入り」になる。この場合、利用者は自動吐水モードを「入り」にする際に吐水部３に触れる必要がない。従って、利用者の手に付いた油や洗剤、水等が吐水部３に付着し難くなる。 The faucet device 1 of each embodiment described above includes a water discharge unit 3, a detection unit 6, and a control unit 7. The water discharge part 3 is provided with a water discharge port 310 that discharges water downward. The detection part 6 is comprised so that the presence or absence of the object 90 in the area | region 65 (object detection area | region 65) below the spout 310 may be detected in a non-contact manner. The control unit 7 is configured to switch the automatic water discharge mode between on and off. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit 7 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the detection unit 6 detects the presence of the object 90, and discharges water when the detection unit 6 does not detect the presence of the object 90. It is comprised so that the water discharge from the water mouth 310 may be stopped. The faucet device 1 further includes a human body detection sensor 63. The human body detection sensor 63 detects the presence / absence of a human body in the detection region 630 in a non-contact manner using the front side of the water discharger 3 as a detection region 630 (human body detection region 630). The control unit 7 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “ON” when the human body detection sensor 63 detects the presence of a human body. The faucet device 1 can prevent the detection unit 6 from erroneously detecting sunlight or a dish left in the sink 20 by setting the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF”. For this reason, it can suppress that the malfunctioning of the faucet device 1 arises. Further, the automatic water discharge mode of the faucet device 1 becomes “ON” only by the user entering the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharge unit 3. In this case, the user does not need to touch the water discharger 3 when the automatic water discharge mode is set to “ON”. Therefore, it is difficult for oil, detergent, water, and the like attached to the user's hand to adhere to the water discharger 3.
　また、各実施形態の水栓装置１は、第一実施形態で示したように、自動吐水モードが切りであるときに、吐水口３１０からの吐水の有無を手動で切り替えるための操作部を備えることが好ましい。 In addition, as shown in the first embodiment, the faucet device 1 of each embodiment includes an operation unit for manually switching the water discharge from the water discharge port 310 when the automatic water discharge mode is off. It is preferable.
　また、水栓装置１は、各実施形態のように、吐水部３がスパウト３１を備え、スパウト３１の先端部に吐水口３１０が設けられ、スパウト３１が吐水部３が設けられる設置箇所（流し台２）に対して相対的に回動可能に設けられることが好ましい。この水栓装置１にあっては、利用者はスパウト３１を使い勝手の良い位置に回動することができる。また、この場合、人体検知センサー６３の検知領域６３０（人体検知領域６３０）がスパウト３１の回動位置によらず常に吐水部３の前側になるように設定されることが好ましい。このようにすることで、利用者がスパウト３１をいずれの位置に回動したときにも、人体検知センサー６３は吐水部３の前側の人体の存否を検知することができる。つまり、利用者は、スパウト３１の回動位置によらず自動吐水モードの入切を容易に切り替えることができる。 Further, in the faucet device 1, as in each embodiment, the water discharge unit 3 includes the spout 31, the water discharge port 310 is provided at the tip of the spout 31, and the spout 31 is provided with the water discharge unit 3 (a sink) It is preferable to be provided relatively rotatable with respect to 2). In the faucet device 1, the user can turn the spout 31 to a convenient position using the spout 31. In this case, it is preferable that the detection area 630 (human body detection area 630) of the human body detection sensor 63 is always set to the front side of the water discharger 3 regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31. By doing in this way, even if a user rotates the spout 31 to any position, the human body detection sensor 63 can detect the presence or absence of a human body on the front side of the water discharger 3. That is, the user can easily switch on / off the automatic water discharge mode regardless of the rotation position of the spout 31.
　また、水栓装置１は、各実施形態のように、制御部７が、人体検知センサー６３によって人体検知領域６３０に人体が存在していることを検知していない状態で自動吐水モードを「切り」にすることが好ましい。この水栓装置１にあっては、利用者は吐水部３の前側の人体検知領域６３０から他の箇所に移動するだけで、自動吐水モードを簡単に「切り」にすることができる。 In addition, as in each embodiment, the faucet device 1 sets the automatic water discharge mode to “OFF” in a state where the human body detection sensor 63 does not detect the presence of a human body in the human body detection area 630. Is preferable. In this faucet device 1, the user can easily “turn off” the automatic water discharge mode simply by moving from the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharge unit 3 to another location.
　また、水栓装置１は、各実施形態のように、以下の構成を有することが好ましい。すなわち、検知部６が、吐水口３１０から離れ且つ限定された第三領域６２２（検知領域）における物体９０の存否を検知する第三センサー６２（検知用センサー）を備えている。水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて第三センサー６２によって第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在することを検知した際に吐水口３１０から水を吐出するものである。この水栓装置１は、第三領域６２２（詳しくは第二領域６１２の前側の非重複領域６２３）に物体９０が存在するときに、この物体９０を第三センサー６２によって検知し、これにより吐水口３１０から水を吐出することができる。 Moreover, it is preferable that the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in each embodiment. That is, the detection unit 6 includes a third sensor 62 (detection sensor) that detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the third region 622 (detection region) that is separated from the water outlet 310 and is limited. The faucet device 1 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the third sensor 62 detects the presence of the object 90 in the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode. The faucet device 1 detects the object 90 by the third sensor 62 when the object 90 exists in the third region 622 (specifically, the non-overlapping region 623 on the front side of the second region 612), and thereby discharges the object 90. Water can be discharged from the water port 310.
　また、水栓装置１は、各実施形態のように、第一センサー６０が、測距センサーであり、第二センサー６１及び第三センサーが光電センサーであることが好ましい。この水栓装置１は、測距センサーである第一センサー６０の特性、及び光電センサーである第二センサー６１及び第三センサー６２の特性を生かして、物体９０の検知を適切に行うことができる。 Further, in the faucet device 1, it is preferable that the first sensor 60 is a distance measuring sensor and the second sensor 61 and the third sensor are photoelectric sensors as in each embodiment. The faucet device 1 can appropriately detect the object 90 by utilizing the characteristics of the first sensor 60 that is a distance measuring sensor and the characteristics of the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 that are photoelectric sensors. .
　具体的に、各実施形態における第二センサー６１は透過型光電センサーである。すなわち第二センサー６１は、光照射領域が物体検知領域６５より遠方に設けられた反射物に設定されて照射光を物体検知領域６５に通過させる第二投光部６１０と、第二投光部６１０から照射されて反射物で反射した光を受光する第二受光部６１１とを備えている。また、第三センサー６２は反射型光電センサーである。すなわち、第三センサー６２は、物体検知領域６５に向けて光を照射する第三投光部６２０と、第三投光部６２０から照射されて物体検知領域６５に存在する物体９０で反射した光を受光する第三受光部６２１を備えている。 Specifically, the second sensor 61 in each embodiment is a transmissive photoelectric sensor. That is, the second sensor 61 includes a second light projecting unit 610 in which the light irradiation area is set to a reflecting object provided far from the object detection area 65 and allows the irradiation light to pass through the object detection area 65, and the second light projection unit. And a second light receiving unit 611 that receives the light irradiated from 610 and reflected by the reflector. The third sensor 62 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. That is, the third sensor 62 irradiates light toward the object detection area 65 and the light emitted from the third light projection section 620 and reflected by the object 90 existing in the object detection area 65. Is provided with a third light receiving portion 621.
　ここで、測距センサーである第一センサー６０は、第二センサー６１や第三センサー６２と比較して、反射率の低い物体９０の存否を検出するのに適している。また、第二センサー６１及び第三センサー６２は、検出領域に湯気等が存在しても検出領域に物体９０が存在しないことを検出することができ、この点で第一センサー６０よりも優れている。このため、センサー６０～６２を用いて物体検知領域６５における物体９０の存否を正確に検知することができる。例えば物体検知領域６５に湯気が存在する場合に、第二センサー６１及び第三センサー６２の出力に基づいて物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在しないことを検知することができる。また、透過型光電センサーである第二センサー６１は反射型光電センサーである第三センサー６２よりも検知感度が優れている。このため、第三センサー６２によって吐水口３１０の下側の物体９０の存在を検知できないときは、この物体９０の存在を第一センサー６０及び第二センサー６１で検知して物体９０の存在を正確に検知することができる。 Here, the first sensor 60 which is a distance measuring sensor is suitable for detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 having a low reflectance as compared with the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62. Further, the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62 can detect that the object 90 is not present in the detection region even if steam or the like is present in the detection region, which is superior to the first sensor 60 in this respect. Yes. Therefore, the presence or absence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 can be accurately detected using the sensors 60 to 62. For example, when steam is present in the object detection area 65, it can be detected that the object 90 is not present in the object detection area 65 based on the outputs of the second sensor 61 and the third sensor 62. In addition, the second sensor 61 that is a transmissive photoelectric sensor has better detection sensitivity than the third sensor 62 that is a reflective photoelectric sensor. For this reason, when the third sensor 62 cannot detect the presence of the object 90 below the spout 310, the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 detect the presence of the object 90 to accurately determine the presence of the object 90. Can be detected.
　また、水栓装置１は、第三実施形態のように以下の構成を有することが好ましい。水栓装置１は、報知部１０をさらに備えている。検知部６は、検知用センサーとして、第一センサー６０と第二センサー６１とを備えている。第一センサー６０は、吐水口３１０の下側の第一領域６０２における物体９０の存否を検知する。第二センサー６１は、吐水口３１０の下側の第二領域６１２における物体９０の存否を検知する。水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて、第一センサー６０の出力に基づき第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し且つ第二センサー６１の出力に基づき第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知した際に、吐水口３１０から水を吐出する。水栓装置１は自動吐水モードにおいて第一センサー６０の出力に基づき第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し、第二センサー６１の出力に基づき第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知していないときに報知部１０による第一の報知を行う。この水栓装置１は、両センサー６０、６１の出力に基づいて吐水口３１０の下側の物体検知領域６５に物体９０が存在することを正確に検知することができる。そして、この検知結果に基づいて吐水口３１０からの吐水を適切に行うことができる。また、利用者は、発光部１００の点灯や発音部１０１から発する音により、物体９０が第一領域６０２に存在しているが、第二領域６１２には存在していないことを認識することができる。従って、吐水を開始したい利用者は、吐水がなされない原因を容易に理解することができる。このため、利用者は、物体９０を第一センサー６０及び第二センサー６１によって検知されるように移動したり、第三センサー６２に検知されるように向きを変えたりして、速やかに吐水を開始することが可能になる。 The faucet device 1 preferably has the following configuration as in the third embodiment. The faucet device 1 further includes a notification unit 10. The detection unit 6 includes a first sensor 60 and a second sensor 61 as detection sensors. The first sensor 60 detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the first region 602 below the water outlet 310. The second sensor 61 detects the presence / absence of the object 90 in the second region 612 below the water outlet 310. The faucet device 1 detects the presence of the object 90 in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60 and the object in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61 in the automatic water discharge mode. When it is detected that 90 is present, water is discharged from the water outlet 310. The faucet device 1 detects the presence of the object 90 in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60 in the automatic water discharge mode, and the object 90 is detected in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61. The first notification by the notification unit 10 is performed when the presence is not detected. The faucet device 1 can accurately detect the presence of the object 90 in the object detection area 65 below the spout 310 based on the outputs of the sensors 60 and 61. And based on this detection result, the water discharge from the water discharge port 310 can be performed appropriately. Further, the user may recognize that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 but does not exist in the second region 612 due to the lighting of the light emitting unit 100 or the sound emitted from the sound generating unit 101. it can. Therefore, the user who wants to start water discharge can easily understand the reason why water discharge is not performed. For this reason, the user moves the object 90 so as to be detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 or changes the direction so as to be detected by the third sensor 62 to quickly discharge water. It becomes possible to start.
　また、第三実施形態のように、第一領域６０２（詳しくは非重複領域６０３）が、第二領域６１２の前側に位置する領域を含んでいることが好ましい。このようにすることで、第一領域６０２において第二領域６１２の前側に位置する領域（詳しくは非重複領域６０３）に物体９０が配置されたときには、第一の報知がなされる。従って、利用者は、例えば吐水口３１０の下側に前側から手や皿等の物体９０を差し入れる等した際には、まず第一の報知により、物体９０が第二領域６１２の手前側に位置していることを認識することができる。また、利用者は、第一の報知により、物体９０が第一センサー６０及び第二センサー６１によって検知される領域に近い位置にあることも認識することができる。よって、利用者はこの物体９０を利用者から見て奥側となる後側に移動する等して、物体９０を第一センサー６０及び第二センサー６１によって検知される領域に簡単に位置させることができる。従って、利用者は、水栓装置１から水を容易に吐出することができる。 Also, as in the third embodiment, it is preferable that the first region 602 (specifically, the non-overlapping region 603) includes a region located on the front side of the second region 612. In this way, when the object 90 is placed in a region (specifically, a non-overlapping region 603) located in front of the second region 612 in the first region 602, a first notification is made. Therefore, when the user inserts an object 90 such as a hand or a dish from the front side into the lower side of the spout 310, for example, first, the object 90 is moved to the front side of the second region 612 by the first notification. It can recognize that it is located. The user can also recognize that the object 90 is in a position close to the area detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 by the first notification. Therefore, the user can easily position the object 90 in a region detected by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61 by moving the object 90 to the rear side which is the back side when viewed from the user. Can do. Therefore, the user can easily discharge water from the faucet device 1.
　また、水栓装置１は、第三実施形態のように、第三領域６２２が、第二領域６１２の前側に位置する領域を含んでいることが好ましい。このようにすることで、第二検知領域６１２の前側（非重複領域６２３）に物体９０が存在するときに、これを第三センサー６２によって検知して吐水口３１０から水を吐出することができる。 Moreover, it is preferable that the faucet device 1 includes a region where the third region 622 is located on the front side of the second region 612 as in the third embodiment. By doing in this way, when the object 90 exists in the front side (non-overlapping area | region 623) of the 2nd detection area | region 612, this can be detected by the 3rd sensor 62, and water can be discharged from the spout 310. .
　また、水栓装置１は、第四実施形態のように、以下の構成を有することが好ましい。検知部６は、吐水口３１０から離れ且つ限定された第三領域６２２における物体９０の存否を検知する第三センサー６２（検知用センサー）を備えている。水栓装置１は、自動吐水モードにおいて、第三センサー６２によって第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在することを検知した際に吐水口３１０から水を吐出するものである。水栓装置１は、報知部１０Ａと第一距離検知部１１を備えている。第一距離検知部１１が、第三センサー６２で構成されて、第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域に物体９０が存在するときに、物体９０から第三領域６２２までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。制御部７が、自動吐水モードにおいて、第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域に物体９０が存在するときに報知部１０Ａによる報知を行い、この報知の際、第一距離検知部１１の出力に応じて報知部１０Ａによる報知態様を変化させる。この水栓装置１を利用する利用者は、吐水口３１０からの吐水を行うにあたって第三領域６２２に物体９０を位置させるときに、発音部１０１Ａによる報知態様の変化から、物体９０が第三領域６２２に近づいていることを容易に認識することができる。すなわち、第三領域６２２は吐水口３１０から離れた位置にあり且つ限定されている。このため、利用者は、第三領域６２２の位置を認識し難くなる恐れがあるが、この点を改善することができる。従って、水栓装置１の使い勝手を良くすることができる。 Moreover, it is preferable that the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment. The detection unit 6 includes a third sensor 62 (detection sensor) that detects the presence or absence of the object 90 in the limited third region 622 that is away from the water outlet 310. The faucet device 1 discharges water from the water outlet 310 when the third sensor 62 detects that the object 90 is present in the third region 622 in the automatic water discharge mode. The faucet device 1 includes a notification unit 10 </ b> A and a first distance detection unit 11. When the first distance detection unit 11 includes the third sensor 62 and the object 90 exists in the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310, the distance from the object 90 to the third region 622 is set. The output changes accordingly. When the object 90 is present in the area between the third area 622 and the water outlet 310 in the automatic water discharge mode, the control section 7 performs notification by the notification section 10A, and at the time of this notification, the first distance detection section 11 The notification mode by the notification unit 10A is changed according to the output of. When the user who uses the faucet device 1 positions the object 90 in the third area 622 when discharging water from the water outlet 310, the object 90 is moved from the notification area by the sound generation unit 101A to the third area. It can be easily recognized that the user is approaching 622. That is, the third region 622 is located at a position away from the water outlet 310 and is limited. For this reason, the user may have difficulty in recognizing the position of the third region 622, but this point can be improved. Therefore, the usability of the faucet device 1 can be improved.
　また、水栓装置１は、第四実施形態のように、以下の構成を有することが好ましい。水栓装置１は、第二距離検知部１２を備えている。第二距離検知部１２は、第一距離検知部（第三センサー６２）で構成されている。第二距離検知部１２は、第三領域６２２以外の領域であって第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域以外の領域に物体９０が存在するときに、物体９０から第三領域６２２までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものである。制御部７が、自動吐水モードにおいて、第三領域６２２以外の領域であって第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域以外の領域に物体９０が存在するときに報知部１０による報知を行う。また、制御部７が、この報知の際、第二距離検知部１２の出力に応じて報知部１０による報知態様を変化させる。この水栓装置１の利用者は、第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間以外の領域に物体９０が存在する場合にも、物体９０が第三領域６２２に近づいていることを容易に認識することができる。なお、第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間以外の領域とは、第三領域６２２の近傍であって、第三領域６２２の下方、前方、後方、左方、及び右方に存在する領域である。 Moreover, it is preferable that the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment. The faucet device 1 includes a second distance detection unit 12. The second distance detection unit 12 includes a first distance detection unit (third sensor 62). When the object 90 is present in a region other than the third region 622 and a region other than the region between the third region 622 and the spout 310, the second distance detection unit 12 changes from the object 90 to the third region 622. The output changes in accordance with the distance to. In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit 7 notifies the notification unit 10 when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 and a region other than the region between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. Do. Moreover, the control part 7 changes the alerting | reporting aspect by the alerting | reporting part 10 according to the output of the 2nd distance detection part 12 in the case of this alerting | reporting. The user of the faucet device 1 easily recognizes that the object 90 is approaching the third region 622 even when the object 90 exists in a region other than between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. can do. The region other than between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310 is a region that is in the vicinity of the third region 622 and exists below, forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward of the third region 622. It is.
　また、水栓装置１は、第四実施形態のように、以下の構成を有することが好ましい。報知部１０Ａが報知音を発する発音部１０１Ａであり、報知部１０Ａによって発する報知音が第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて変化する。この水栓装置１にあっては、報知部１０Ａから発する報知音により、利用者に対して、物体９０を第三領域６２２に近づけることを促すことができる。また、利用者は、報知部１０Ａから発せられた報知音の変化から物体９０が第三領域６２２に近づいていることを容易に認識することができる。 Moreover, it is preferable that the faucet device 1 has the following configuration as in the fourth embodiment. The notification unit 10 </ b> A is a sound generation unit 101 </ b> A that generates a notification sound, and the notification sound generated by the notification unit 10 </ b> A changes according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90. In the faucet device 1, the notification sound generated from the notification unit 10 </ b> A can prompt the user to bring the object 90 close to the third region 622. In addition, the user can easily recognize that the object 90 is approaching the third region 622 from the change in the notification sound emitted from the notification unit 10A.
　また、第四実施形態のように、第一距離検知部１１が第三センサー６２で構成されることが好ましい。このようにすることで、第三センサー６２とは別のセンサーを設けることなく、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離を判定し、これに基づいて報知態様を変化させることができる。 Further, as in the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the first distance detection unit 11 includes the third sensor 62. In this way, it is possible to determine the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90 without changing a sensor separate from the third sensor 62, and to change the notification mode based on this.
　また、第四実施形態のように、第三センサー６２は、限定反射型の光電センサーであることが好ましい。すなわち、第三センサー６２は、第三領域６２２に光を照射する第三投光部６２０と、第三領域６２２で反射した光を受ける第三受光部６２１とを備えて、第三投光部６２０の投光方向と第三受光部６２１の受光方向を異ならせたものであることが好ましい。このようにすることで、第三受光部６２１の受光量の変化に基づいて第三領域６２２に物体９０が存在するか否かを検知することができる。 Further, as in the fourth embodiment, the third sensor 62 is preferably a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor. That is, the third sensor 62 includes a third light projecting unit 620 that irradiates light to the third region 622 and a third light receiving unit 621 that receives the light reflected by the third region 622, and includes a third light projecting unit. It is preferable that the light projecting direction of 620 and the light receiving direction of the third light receiving unit 621 are different. In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the object 90 exists in the third region 622 based on the change in the amount of light received by the third light receiving unit 621.
　なお、各実施形態では、第一センサー６０の出力に基づき第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し且つ第二センサー６１の出力に基づき第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知した際に、吐水口３１０からの吐水を行ってもよい。また、この場合の吐水態様は、第一センサー６０によって第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し且つ第二センサー６１によって第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知した場合と異なるものであってもよいし、同じものであってもよい。異なる場合の例としては、第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在し且つ第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知した場合よりも、吐水口３１０からの単位時間当たりの吐水量を少なくすることが挙げられる。 In each embodiment, it is detected that the object 90 exists in the first area 602 based on the output of the first sensor 60, and the object 90 exists in the second area 612 based on the output of the second sensor 61. When it is detected that the water is discharged, water discharge from the water discharge port 310 may be performed. Further, the water discharge mode in this case is that the first sensor 60 detects that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second sensor 61 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612. It may be different from the detected case, or may be the same. As an example of a different case, the water discharge amount per unit time from the water discharge port 310 is set as compared with the case where it is detected that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the object 90 exists in the second region 612. It can be reduced.
　また、各実施形態の第一領域６０２の第二領域６１２と重複しない非重複領域６２３は、第二領域６１２の前側に位置しているが、第二領域６１２の側方や後側に位置してもよい。また、第三領域６２２の第二領域６１２と重複しない非重複領域６２３も、第二領域６１２の側方や後側に位置してもよい。 Moreover, although the non-overlapping area | region 623 which does not overlap with the 2nd area | region 612 of the 1st area | region 602 of each embodiment is located in the front side of the 2nd area | region 612, it is located in the side and back side of the 2nd area | region 612. May be. Further, the non-overlapping area 623 that does not overlap the second area 612 of the third area 622 may also be located on the side or rear side of the second area 612.
　また、センサー６０～６３は、各実施形態のものに限られず、例えば従来から知られている他のセンサーを用いてもよい。 Further, the sensors 60 to 63 are not limited to those of the respective embodiments, and other conventionally known sensors may be used, for example.
　また、各実施形態では、スパウト３１が流し台２に固定されたベース３０に回動可能に設けられているが、吐水部３の全体が流し台２に対して回動可能であってもよい。すなわち、この場合は、スパウト３１がベース３０に対して固定され、ベース３０が流し台２に対して左右に回動可能に設けられる。なお、スパウト３１が吐水部３の設置箇所に対して回動自在であることには、前記のように吐水部３の全体が流し台２に対して回動可能である場合も含まれる。また、前記のように吐水部３の全体が流し台２に対して回動可能である場合も、スパウト３１に設けられた人体検知センサー６３の検知領域を広げることで、吐水部３の回動位置によらず人体検知領域６３０を吐水部３の前側に設定することが好ましい。 Moreover, in each embodiment, although the spout 31 is rotatably provided in the base 30 fixed to the sink 2, the whole spout part 3 may be rotatable with respect to the sink 2. That is, in this case, the spout 31 is fixed with respect to the base 30, and the base 30 is provided so as to be turnable to the left and right with respect to the sink 2. Note that the fact that the spout 31 is rotatable with respect to the installation location of the water discharger 3 includes the case where the entire water discharger 3 is rotatable with respect to the sink 2 as described above. Moreover, also when the whole water discharging part 3 can be rotated with respect to the sink 2 as mentioned above, the rotation position of the water discharging part 3 is expanded by expanding the detection area of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the spout 31. However, it is preferable to set the human body detection region 630 on the front side of the water discharger 3.
　また、各実施形態では、スパウト３１が流し台２に対して回動可能であるが、スパウト３１はベース３０に対して回動不能であってもよい。 In each embodiment, the spout 31 can rotate with respect to the sink 2, but the spout 31 may not rotate with respect to the base 30.
　また、各実施形態における水栓装置１は、現在の自動吐水モードが「入り」又は「切り」のいずれの状態にあるかを報知するための報知部を備えていてもよい。なお、この報知部は、第三実施形態や第四実施形態においては、報知部１０や報知部１０Ａとは別に設けられる。この報知部としては、例えば吐水部３のベース３０の上面部３００に設けられて、現在の自動吐水モードが「入り」又は「切り」のいずれの状態にあるかを表示する表示部が挙げられる。このような報知部を設けることで、利用者は自動吐水モードが「入り」又は「切り」のいずれの状態にあるかを容易に認識することができる。例えば、報知部が前記表示部である場合には、表示部を視認して自動吐水モードが「入り」又は「切り」のいずれの状態にあるかを認識することができる。 In addition, the faucet device 1 in each embodiment may include a notification unit for notifying whether the current automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”. In addition, this alerting | reporting part is provided separately from the alerting | reporting part 10 and the alerting | reporting part 10A in 3rd embodiment and 4th embodiment. As this alerting | reporting part, the display part which is provided in the upper surface part 300 of the base 30 of the water discharging part 3, and displays whether the present automatic water discharging mode is in "on" or "off" state, for example is mentioned. . By providing such a notification unit, the user can easily recognize whether the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”. For example, when the notification unit is the display unit, the display unit can be visually recognized to recognize whether the automatic water discharge mode is “ON” or “OFF”.
　また、各実施形態の水栓装置１は、人体検知センサー６３を一つだけ備えている。しかし、水栓装置１は人体検知センサー６３を複数備え、これら複数の人体検知センサー６３の検知結果に基づいて検知領域６３０における人体の存否の検知を行って構わない。一例としては、人体検知センサー６３がスパウト３１とベース３０に設けられることが挙げられる。この場合、制御部７は、スパウト３１に設けられた人体検知センサー６３の検知結果と、ベース３０に設けられた人体検知センサー６３の検知結果に基づき、吐水部３の前側における人体の存否を判定し、この判定結果に基づいて自動吐水モードの入切を切り替える。 Further, the faucet device 1 of each embodiment includes only one human body detection sensor 63. However, the faucet device 1 may include a plurality of human body detection sensors 63 and may detect the presence or absence of a human body in the detection region 630 based on the detection results of the plurality of human body detection sensors 63. As an example, the human body detection sensor 63 is provided on the spout 31 and the base 30. In this case, the control unit 7 determines the presence or absence of a human body on the front side of the water discharge unit 3 based on the detection result of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the spout 31 and the detection result of the human body detection sensor 63 provided in the base 30. Then, on / off of the automatic water discharge mode is switched based on the determination result.
　また、第一～第三実施形態では、第三センサー６２を省略してもよい。この場合は、例えば自動吐水モードにおいて第一センサー６０により第一領域６０２に物体９０が存在していることを検知し且つ第二センサー６１により第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在していることを検知した際にのみ吐水を行うようにすればよい。 In the first to third embodiments, the third sensor 62 may be omitted. In this case, for example, in the automatic water discharge mode, the first sensor 60 detects that the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second sensor 61 detects that the object 90 exists in the second region 612. Water should be discharged only when it is detected.
　また、第三実施形態の水栓装置１は、発光部１００と発音部１０１を備えているが、報知部１０として、発光部１００のみあるいは発音部１０１のみを備えるものであってもよい。また、発音部１０１は音声を発するものに限られず、信号音等を発するものであってもよい。また、この他、報知部１０は文字や図柄を表示する表示部等であってもよい。また、第三実施形態の吐水部３は、流し台２に対して回動自在であってもよい。 Moreover, although the faucet device 1 of the third embodiment includes the light emitting unit 100 and the sounding unit 101, the notification unit 10 may include only the light emitting unit 100 or only the sounding unit 101. Further, the sound generation unit 101 is not limited to one that emits sound, and may emit a signal sound or the like. In addition, the notification unit 10 may be a display unit that displays characters or symbols. Further, the water discharger 3 of the third embodiment may be rotatable with respect to the sink 2.
　また、第三実施形態における報知部１０による第一の報知は、利用者に対して物体９０を第一センサー６０、第二センサー６１、第三センサー６２の全てに検知される領域に移動することを促すものである。しかし、この報知は、第一センサー６０及び第二センサー６１のみによって検知される領域への移動を促すものであってもよい。 In the first notification by the notification unit 10 in the third embodiment, the user moves the object 90 to a region that is detected by all of the first sensor 60, the second sensor 61, and the third sensor 62. Is to encourage. However, this notification may prompt the movement to the area detected only by the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 61.
　また、第三実施形態及び第四実施形態では、第二実施形態と同様、ベース３０を回動自在とし、スパウト３１に人体検知センサー６３が設けられてもよい。 Further, in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the base 30 may be rotatable and the spout 31 may be provided with the human body detection sensor 63 as in the second embodiment.
　また、第四施形態では、第一の報知と第二の報知による二段階の報知を行ったが、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて三段階以上の報知を行ってもよい。 In the fourth embodiment, the two-step notification is performed by the first notification and the second notification. However, three-step or more notification may be performed according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90. .
　また、第四実施形態では、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて、発音部１０１Ａから報知音を発する間隔（時期）を異ならせた。しかし、報知音を変化させる態様はこれに限られるものでなく、例えば音量や音声の違い等によって報知音を変化させてもよい。また、第四実施形態の報知部１０Ａは発音部１０１Ａであるが、音以外の手段等によって報知を行ってもよく、例えば光によって報知を行ったり、文字や図柄の表示によって報知を行ってもよい。また、音以外の手段と、音との組み合わせによって報知を行ってもよい。勿論、これらの場合も、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて、報知部１０Ａによる報知態様を異ならせる。 In the fourth embodiment, the interval (time) at which the sound generation unit 101A emits the notification sound is varied according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90. However, the manner in which the notification sound is changed is not limited to this. For example, the notification sound may be changed depending on a difference in volume or sound. In addition, the notification unit 10A of the fourth embodiment is the sound generation unit 101A, but notification may be performed by means other than sound, for example, notification may be performed by light, or notification may be performed by display of characters or symbols. Good. Moreover, you may alert | report by the combination of means other than a sound and a sound. Of course, also in these cases, according to the distance between the third region 622 and the object 90, the notification mode by the notification unit 10A is varied.
　また、第四実施形態では、第三領域６２２における物体９０の存否を検知するための第三センサー６２の出力（出力量）に基づいて、第三領域６２２から物体９０までの距離を判定（測定）している。しかし、第三領域６２２から物体９０までの距離は、第三センサー６２とは別のセンサーを用いて測定されるものであってもよい。すなわち、第一距離検知部１１及び第二距離検知部１２の夫々は、第三センサー６２とは異なるセンサーであってもよい。例えば、第一距離検知部１１及び第二距離検知部１２として、１又は複数の別のセンサーを設けても構わない。 In the fourth embodiment, the distance from the third region 622 to the object 90 is determined (measured) based on the output (output amount) of the third sensor 62 for detecting the presence or absence of the object 90 in the third region 622. )is doing. However, the distance from the third region 622 to the object 90 may be measured using a sensor different from the third sensor 62. In other words, each of the first distance detector 11 and the second distance detector 12 may be a sensor different from the third sensor 62. For example, one or a plurality of other sensors may be provided as the first distance detector 11 and the second distance detector 12.
　また、第四実施形態の水栓装置１では、物体９０が第三領域６２２以外の領域に存在するときに（第一領域６０２及び第二領域６１２に物体９０が存在するときは除く）、報知部１０Ａによる報知態様が変化する。しかし、水栓装置１は、物体９０が第三領域６２２以外の領域であって第三領域６２２と吐水口３１０との間の領域に存在するときにのみ、第三領域６２２と物体９０との距離に応じて発音部１０１Ａによる報知態様が変化するものであってもよい。 Further, in the faucet device 1 of the fourth embodiment, when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 (except when the object 90 exists in the first region 602 and the second region 612), the notification is made. The notification mode by unit 10A changes. However, the water faucet device 1 is configured such that the object 90 is located between the third region 622 and the object 90 only when the object 90 exists in a region other than the third region 622 and between the third region 622 and the water outlet 310. The notification mode by the sound generation unit 101A may be changed according to the distance.
　また、本発明は、例えば洗面台等、流し台２以外のものに設置される水栓装置に適用してもよい。 Further, the present invention may be applied to a faucet device installed on a thing other than the sink 2 such as a wash basin.
　また、本発明を幾つかの好ましい実施形態によって記述したが、この発明の本来の精神および範囲、即ち請求の範囲を逸脱することなく、当業者によって様々な修正および変形が可能である。 Although the present invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, i.e., the claims.

Claims (14)

  1. 下側に向けて水を吐出する吐水口が設けられた吐水部と、
    前記吐水口の下側の領域における物体の存否を非接触で検知する検知部と、
    自動吐水モードの入切を切り替え、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記検知部によって物体の存在を検知している状態では前記吐水口から水を吐出し、前記検知部によって物体の存在を検知していない状態では前記吐水口からの吐水を停止するように構成される制御部とを備えた水栓装置であって、
    前記吐水部の前側を検知領域としてこの検知領域における人体の存否を非接触で検知する人体検知センサーをさらに備え、
    前記制御部が、前記人体検知センサーによって人体が存在することを検知した際に前記自動吐水モードを入りにすることを特徴とする水栓装置。     A water discharge portion provided with a water discharge port for discharging water toward the lower side;
    A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of an object in a region below the water outlet in a non-contact manner;
    The automatic water discharge mode is switched on and off, and in the automatic water discharge mode, water is discharged from the water discharge port in the state where the detection unit detects the presence of the object, and the detection unit does not detect the presence of the object. A faucet device comprising a control unit configured to stop water discharge from the water outlet in a state,
    A human body detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a human body in the detection region as a detection region in front of the water discharge unit is further provided,
    The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit turns on the automatic water discharge mode when the human body detection sensor detects the presence of a human body.
  2. 　前記自動吐水モードが切りであるときに、前記吐水口からの吐水の有無を手動で切り替えるための操作部を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の水栓装置。 The faucet device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for manually switching the water discharge from the water discharge port when the automatic water discharge mode is off.
  3. 　前記吐水部がスパウトを備え、このスパウトの先端部に前記吐水口が設けられ、前記スパウトは前記吐水部の設置箇所に対して相対的に回動可能に設けられ、前記人体検知センサーの検知領域が前記スパウトの回動位置によらず常に前記吐水部の前側になるように設定されたことを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２に記載の水栓装置。 The spout includes a spout, the spout is provided at the tip of the spout, the spout is provided to be rotatable relative to the installation location of the spout, and a detection region of the human body detection sensor The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the water faucet device is set so as to be always on the front side of the water discharger regardless of the rotational position of the spout.
  4. 　前記制御部は、前記人体検知センサーによって人体が存在していることを検知していない状態で前記自動吐水モードを切りにすることを特徴とする請求項１乃至３のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。 The said control part turns off the said automatic water discharging mode in the state which has not detected that the human body exists by the said human body detection sensor, The Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Faucet device.
  5. 報知部をさらに備え、
    前記検知部は、
    検知用センサーとして、
    前記吐水口の下側の第一領域における物体の存否を検知するための第一センサーと、
    前記吐水口の下側の第二領域における物体の存否を検知するための第二センサーとを備え、
    前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記第一センサーの出力に基づき前記第一領域に物体が存在していることを検知し且つ前記第二センサーの出力に基づき前記第二領域に物体が存在していることを検知した際に前記吐水口から水を吐出し、
    前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記第一センサーの出力に基づき前記第一領域に物体が存在していることを検知し且つ前記第二センサーの出力に基づき前記第二領域に物体が存在していることを検知していないときに、前記報知部による報知を行うことを特徴とする請求項１乃至４のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。     Further comprising a notification unit,
    The detector is
    As a sensor for detection
    A first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in the first region below the spout;
    A second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in the second region below the spout,
    In the automatic water discharge mode, the presence of an object in the first area is detected based on the output of the first sensor, and the object is present in the second area based on the output of the second sensor. When water is detected, water is discharged from the water outlet,
    In the automatic water discharge mode, the presence of an object in the first area is detected based on the output of the first sensor, and the object is present in the second area based on the output of the second sensor. The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit performs a notification when no notification is detected.
  6. 　前記第一領域が前記第二領域の前側に位置する領域を含んでいることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の水栓装置。 The faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the first region includes a region located in front of the second region.
  7. 　前記第一センサーが測距センサーであり、前記第二センサーが光電センサーであることを特徴とする請求項５又は請求項６に記載の水栓装置。 The faucet device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first sensor is a distance measuring sensor and the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
  8. 　前記検知部は、前記吐水口の下側の第三領域における物体の存否を検知するための第三センサーを備え、
    前記第三領域は前記第二領域の前側に位置する領域を含み、
    前記自動吐水モードにおいて前記第三センサーの出力に基づき前記第三領域に物体が存在していることを検知した際に、前記制御部が前記吐水口から水を吐出することを特徴とする請求項５乃至７のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。     The detection unit includes a third sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object in a third region below the spout,
    The third region includes a region located in front of the second region;
    The control unit discharges water from the water discharge port when detecting that an object exists in the third region based on an output of the third sensor in the automatic water discharge mode. The faucet device according to any one of 5 to 7.
  9. 　前記第三センサーが光電センサーであることを特徴とする請求項８に記載の水栓装置。 The faucet device according to claim 8, wherein the third sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
  10. 前記検知部が、前記吐水口から離れ且つ限定された検知領域における物体の存否を検知する検知用センサーを備え、前記自動吐水モードにおいて前記検知用センサーによって前記検知領域に物体が存在することを検知した際に前記吐水口から水を吐出する水栓装置であって、
    報知部と距離検知部を備え、
    前記距離検知部が、前記検知用センサー又は他のセンサーで構成されて、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域に物体が存在するときに、この物体から前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものであり、
    前記制御部が、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域に物体が存在するときに前記報知部による報知を行い、この報知の際、前記距離検知部の出力に応じて前記報知部による報知態様を変化させることを特徴とする請求項１乃至４のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。     The detection unit includes a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object in a limited detection area away from the water discharge port, and detects that an object exists in the detection area by the detection sensor in the automatic water discharge mode. A faucet device for discharging water from the water outlet when
    It has a notification unit and a distance detection unit,
    When the distance detection unit is configured by the detection sensor or another sensor and an object is present in an area between the detection area of the detection sensor and the water outlet, the object is detected from the object. The output changes according to the distance to the detection area of the sensor,
    In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit performs notification by the notification unit when an object is present in a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water discharge port, and at the time of the notification, the distance The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to an output of the detection unit.
  11. 第二距離検知部を備え、
    前記第二距離検知部は、前記距離検知部又は他のセンサーで構成されて、前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域以外の領域であって前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域以外の領域に物体が存在するときに、この物体から前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域までの距離に応じて出力が変化するものであり、
    前記制御部が、前記自動吐水モードにおいて、
    前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域以外の領域であって前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記吐水口との間の領域以外の領域に物体が存在するときに前記報知部による報知を行い、この報知の際、前記第二距離検知部の出力に応じて前記報知部による報知態様を変化させることを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の水栓装置。     With a second distance detector
    The second distance detection unit is configured by the distance detection unit or another sensor, and is a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor, between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet. When an object exists in a region other than the region, the output changes according to the distance from this object to the detection region of the detection sensor,
    In the automatic water discharge mode, the control unit,
    When the object exists in a region other than the detection region of the detection sensor and other than a region between the detection region of the detection sensor and the water outlet, the notification unit performs notification, 11. The faucet device according to claim 10, wherein a notification mode by the notification unit is changed according to an output of the second distance detection unit during notification.
  12. 　前記報知部が報知音を発する発音部であり、この報知部によって発する報知音が前記検知用センサーの前記検知領域と前記物体との距離に応じて変化することを特徴とする請求項１０又は請求項１１に記載の水栓装置。 11. The sound generation unit that emits a notification sound from the notification unit, and the notification sound generated by the notification unit changes according to a distance between the detection region of the detection sensor and the object. Item 12. The faucet device according to Item 11.
  13. 　前記距離検知部が前記検知用センサーで構成されたことを特徴とする請求項１０乃至１２のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。 The faucet device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the distance detection unit includes the detection sensor.
  14. 　前記検知用センサーが、前記検知領域に光を照射する投光部と、前記検知領域で反射した光を受ける受光部とを備えて、前記投光部の投光方向と前記受光部の受光方向を異ならせた限定反射型の光電センサーであることを特徴とする請求項１０乃至１３のいずれか一項に記載の水栓装置。 The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit that irradiates light to the detection region and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by the detection region, and the light projecting direction of the light projecting unit and the light receiving direction of the light receiving unit. The faucet device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, which is a limited reflection type photoelectric sensor having a different thickness.
PCT/JP2013/007342 2012-12-19 2013-12-13 Faucet device WO2014097592A1 (en)

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JP2012-277151 2012-12-19
JP2012277151A JP6175722B2 (en) 2012-12-19 2012-12-19 Faucet device
JP2013-006814 2013-01-18
JP2013006814A JP5945852B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2013-01-18 Faucet device
JP2013-045726 2013-03-07
JP2013045726A JP6155523B2 (en) 2013-03-07 2013-03-07 Faucet device

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CN109714872A (en) * 2018-02-02 2019-05-03 武汉慧达电子科技有限公司 A kind of tap induction type lighting device of plug and play

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