WO2017056391A1

WO2017056391A1 - Automatic faucet

Info

Publication number: WO2017056391A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/003962
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大樹松崎; 前田　康成; 尚紀柴田; 友成名尾; 竜也高岡; 朋弘穐田
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2016-08-30
Publication date: 2017-04-06
Also published as: JP6607349B2; JP2017066773A

Abstract

An automatic faucet comprises a flow rate regulating mechanism to regulate the flow rate of water discharge, a water temperature regulating mechanism to regulate the temperature of discharged water, and a control unit to control the flow rate regulating mechanism and the water temperature regulating mechanism. The control unit has a normal water discharge mode in which the flow rate regulating mechanism and the water temperature regulating mechanism are controlled so that the water is discharged at a predetermined set flow rate and a predetermined set water temperature and a variable water discharge mode in which the flow rate regulating mechanism and the water temperature regulating mechanism are controlled so that water is discharged by periodically varying at least one of the flow rate and the water temperature with respect to the set flow rate or the set water temperature. Thus, it is possible to provide an automatic faucet suitable for cleaning and for which the device configuration is simplified.

Description

Automatic faucet

The present invention relates to an automatic faucet.

Some conventional automatic water faucets are provided with a contamination degree detection unit that detects the degree of contamination of an object to be cleaned that is provided below the spout (for example, Patent Document 1).

The automatic faucet of Patent Document 1 changes the water discharge form from the water discharge port in accordance with the degree of dirt of the object to be cleaned detected by the dirt degree detection unit. Specifically, when the degree of dirt is large, water discharge is started at a high water pressure, and thereafter, water discharge is performed at a low water pressure. Such control effectively removes dirt and saves water.

JP 2015-148107 A

However, since the automatic faucet of Patent Document 1 needs to be provided with a contamination degree detection unit, the apparatus becomes large. Therefore, it can be said that there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of providing an automatic faucet suitable for cleaning while simplifying the device configuration.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water faucet suitable for cleaning while simplifying the apparatus configuration in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic water faucet of the present invention controls a flow rate adjustment mechanism that adjusts the flow rate of water discharged, a water temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of water discharged, the flow rate adjustment mechanism, and the water temperature adjustment mechanism. A control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the flow rate adjustment mechanism and the water temperature adjustment mechanism so as to discharge water at a predetermined set flow rate and set water temperature, and at least either a flow rate or a water temperature. And a variable water discharge mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment mechanism or the water temperature adjustment mechanism so as to discharge water while periodically varying the set flow rate or the set water temperature.

According to the automatic faucet of the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic faucet suitable for cleaning while simplifying the apparatus configuration by providing a variable water discharge mode for discharging water by periodically changing the flow rate or the water temperature.

These aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Schematic of automatic faucet according to the embodiment The figure which shows an example of the water discharge control by the variable water discharge mode The figure which shows an example of the water discharge control by the variable water discharge mode The figure which shows an example of the water discharge control by the variable water discharge mode The figure which shows an example of the water discharge control by the variable water discharge mode The figure which shows the modification of a mixed water adjustment unit

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
Drawing 1 is a figure showing the schematic structure of automatic faucet 2 concerning an embodiment.

The automatic faucet 2 is an automatic faucet device that is used when washing tableware such as a spoon (an example of a detection target), and is provided in a kitchen or a washroom, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic faucet 2 includes a main body 6 provided on a pedestal 4, a water outlet 8, a distance sensor 10, a mixed water supply line 12, a solenoid valve 14, and mixed water adjustment. A unit 16 and a control unit 18 are provided. In such a configuration, the object 20 (the spoon is illustrated in FIG. 1) to be presented by the user is washed by the water supplied from the mixed water supply line 12 through the water outlet 8. Hereinafter, each structure of the automatic water tap 2 is demonstrated in order.

The pedestal 4 is a pedestal that supports the main body 6, and a mixed water supply line 12 is passed through the pedestal 4. The main body 6 provided on the pedestal 4 is a housing that surrounds the mixed water supply line 12 so as to protect it. A water outlet 8 is attached to the tip of the main body 6. The water discharge port 8 forms an opening for discharging water supplied from the mixed water supply line 12. The direction of water discharge from the water discharge port 8 is set vertically downward or diagonally downward. In the vicinity of the water discharge port 8, a distance sensor 10 is attached to the front end portion of the main body 6 facing downward.

The distance sensor 10 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the target object 20 as a detection target and the distance to the target object 20. The distance detection direction by the distance sensor 10 is set vertically downward or diagonally downward so that the distance to the object 20 located below the water discharge port 8 can be detected (the same direction as the water discharge direction by the water discharge port 8). . The sensing method by the distance sensor 10 may be any method as long as the distance can be detected, such as infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, radio waves, and images.

The mixed water supply line 12 is a pipe that supplies water for discharging water from the water discharge port 8. In the embodiment, the mixed water supply line 12 is a pipe that supplies mixed water in which hot water and water are mixed (even if constituted by a flexible material). Good). The mixed water supply line 12 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the water discharge port 8, the main body 6, and the base 4 in order. The front end of the mixed water supply line 12 is located at the water outlet 8, while the end of the mixed water supply line 12 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 14.

The electromagnetic valve 14 is an electromagnetic valve as an example of a switching valve that switches between water flow / non-water flow of the mixed water to the mixed water supply line 12. By controlling the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 14, the flow of mixed water to the mixed water supply line 12 is controlled. Thereby, the spouting / stopping of the mixed water is switched.

The mixed water adjusting unit 16 is a unit for adjusting the mixed water that is passed through the mixed water supply line 12 via the electromagnetic valve 14. The mixed water adjustment unit 16 in the embodiment has a first supply line 22, a second supply line 24, a first electric valve 26, and a second electric valve 28 as a configuration for adjusting the mixed water. .

The first supply line 22 is a piping line that supplies hot water, and the second supply line 24 is a piping line that supplies water. The 1st supply line 22 and the 2nd supply line 24 merge in the junction part 30, and the mixed water which mixed hot water and water in the junction part 30 is produced | generated. The mixed water is then supplied to the solenoid valve 14. The first electric valve 26 is a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of hot water in the first supply line 22, and the second motor operated valve 28 is a flow rate adjustment that adjusts the flow rate of water in the second supply line 24. It is a valve. By adjusting the opening degree of each of the first motor-operated valve 26 and the second motor-operated valve 28, the mixing ratio of the hot water and the water and the overall flow rate can be adjusted, and the flow rate of the mixed water generated at the junction 30. And the temperature can be adjusted.

The control unit 18 controls the operation of the components of the automatic faucet 2 described above. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, the control unit 18 in the embodiment is connected to at least the distance sensor 10, the electromagnetic valve 14, the first motor-operated valve 26, and the second motor-operated valve 28. Control. For example, the control unit 18 includes a microcomputer including a memory and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU.

An example of the water discharge operation by the automatic faucet 2 having the above-described configuration will be described.

The user places the object 20 below the water outlet 8 in order to wash (wash) the object 20 such as a spoon. The distance sensor 10 provided in the vicinity of the water discharge port 8 detects the presence of the object 20 as a detection target and transmits a signal notifying the presence to the control unit 18. In response to the signal, the control unit 18 adjusts the opening degree of the first motor-operated valve 26 and the second motor-operated valve 28 and controls the solenoid valve 14 to open. Specifically, the opening degree of the first motor-operated valve 26 and the second motor-operated valve 28 is adjusted so that the mixed water generated in the merging unit 30 has a preset flow rate and temperature. Furthermore, the adjusted mixed water is passed through the mixed water supply line 12 by controlling the solenoid valve 14 to open. By such control, water discharge from the mixed water supply line 12 through the water discharge port 8 is started, and the object 20 can be washed.

The control unit 18 in the present embodiment has a normal water discharge mode and a variable water discharge mode as modes of water discharge control. The normal water discharge mode is a mode in which water is discharged at a preset flow rate and water temperature (set flow rate and set water temperature). The variable water discharge mode is a mode for discharging water while periodically changing at least one of the flow rate and the water temperature from the set flow rate or the set water temperature. These modes are stored as an algorithm in the memory of the control unit 18, for example, and are read out and executed by the processing circuit. In the present embodiment, since the control unit 18 has not only the normal water discharge mode but also the variable water discharge mode, in particular, the cleaning power of the object 20 by water discharge can be increased, and the automatic faucet 2 suitable for cleaning is realized. can do. Moreover, since it can implement | achieve only by control, without requiring new structures, such as a sensor, an apparatus structure can be simplified.

An example of water discharge control in the variable water discharge mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the case where the flow rate is changed will be described.

In all of FIGS. 2 to 5, water is discharged at the set flow rate F1 in the normal water discharge mode. Thereafter, the mode is switched to the variable water discharge mode (time t1), and the flow rate is periodically changed (pulsated). The specific fluctuation range and fluctuation period of the flow rate may be set to values that are not perceived by humans, for example. 2 and 3, the average flow rate F2 in the variable water discharge mode is set smaller than the set flow rate F1. That is, it is possible to save water while improving the cleaning effect as compared with the normal water discharge mode by periodic flow rate fluctuations. On the other hand, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the average flow rate F3 in the variable water discharge mode is set higher than the set flow rate F1. Thereby, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

In addition, although FIGS. 2-5 demonstrated the example which fluctuates a flow volume, the water temperature can be fluctuated similarly. That is, at first, water discharge is performed at the set water temperature T1 in the normal water discharge mode, and then the water temperature is changed (pulsated) periodically by switching to the variable water discharge mode. For example, if the average water temperature T2 in the variable water discharge mode is set lower than the set water temperature T1, it is possible to save hot water while improving the cleaning effect compared to the normal water discharge mode due to periodic water temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, if the average water temperature T3 in the variable water discharge mode is set higher than the set water temperature T1, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

As described above, the automatic faucet 2 in the present embodiment includes the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 as a flow rate adjusting mechanism that adjusts the flow rate of water discharged and a water temperature adjusting mechanism that adjusts the temperature of water discharged. Is provided. The automatic faucet 2 further includes a control unit 18 that controls the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28. The control unit 18 has a normal water discharge mode for controlling the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 to discharge water at a predetermined set flow rate F1 and set water temperature T1. The control unit 18 further varies the water discharge to control the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 such that at least either the flow rate or the water temperature is periodically changed with respect to the set flow rate F1 or the set water temperature T1 to discharge water. Has a mode. Thus, by having not only the normal water discharge mode but also the variable water discharge mode, the cleaning effect on the object 20 can be enhanced only by changing the control without providing a new configuration such as a sensor in the automatic faucet 2. it can. Thereby, the automatic faucet 2 suitable for washing | cleaning can be provided, simplifying an apparatus structure.

In general hot water supply devices (including shower devices), particularly when changing the water temperature, it may be done by changing the output of the heating means. In contrast, in the automatic faucet 2 of the present embodiment, the water temperature and the flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the first and second motor-operated

valves

26, 28, so that the convenience is excellent. It can be said that. In particular, when the water temperature and the flow rate are changed by adjusting the opening degree of the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28, it is convenient when the water temperature and the flow rate are changed in a short cycle (for example, a cycle of 1 second). Moreover, since the automatic faucet 2 of this Embodiment controls only with a faucet, unlike a general hot water supply apparatus, since it does not affect the water quantity and water temperature of the whole house, it is excellent in terms of convenience. I can say that.

According to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit 18 controls the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 so as to discharge water at least periodically by changing the flow rate. (Average value of flow rate) F2 is set smaller than the set flow rate F1. According to such control, it is possible to save water while enhancing the cleaning effect on the object 20 by periodic flow rate fluctuations. Similar to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit 18 controls the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 so as to discharge water by periodically changing the water temperature. The average water temperature (T2) may be set smaller than the set water temperature T1. According to such control, hot water saving can be achieved while enhancing the cleaning effect on the object 20 by periodic water temperature fluctuations.

According to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 18 controls the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 so as to discharge water at least periodically by changing the flow rate. (Average value of flow rate) F3 is set larger than the set flow rate F1. According to such control, the cleaning effect on the object 20 can be further enhanced. Similar to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 18 controls the first and second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 so as to discharge water by periodically changing the water temperature. (Average value of the water temperature) T3 may be set larger than the set water temperature T1. According to such control, the cleaning effect on the object 20 can be further enhanced.

Next, the relationship between the flow rate restriction and the variable water discharge mode in the normal water discharge mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is assumed that the lower limit flow rate F4 is set as the lower limit flow rate in the normal water discharge mode. In the example of FIG. 2, the fluctuation range of the flow rate is controlled so as to exceed the lower limit flow rate F <b> 4 in the variable water discharge mode. Thereby, flexible flow volume setting can be performed, exhibiting a water-saving effect more. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 3, the fluctuation range of the flow rate is controlled so as not to exceed the lower limit flow rate F4 of the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. According to such control, when the automatic faucet 2 requests a flow rate restriction similar to that in the normal water discharge mode also in the variable water discharge mode, the request can be met. Whether to perform the control in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 may be appropriately determined according to the specification of the automatic faucet 2 or the like.

2 and 3, the control related to the lower limit flow rate F4 has been described. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the same applies to the control related to the upper limit flow rate F5. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the fluctuation range of the flow rate is controlled so as to exceed the upper limit flow rate F5 in the variable water discharge mode. Thereby, while improving the cleaning effect, flexible flow rate setting can be performed. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 5, the fluctuation range of the flow rate is controlled so as not to exceed the upper limit flow rate F5 of the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. According to such control, when the automatic faucet 2 requests the flow rate restriction similar to that in the normal water discharge mode also in the variable water discharge mode, it can meet the request and exhibit a water saving effect. Whether to perform the control in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 may be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the automatic faucet 2 or the like.

As described above, in the control unit 18, the upper limit flow rate F5 or the lower limit flow rate F4 that can be discharged in the normal water discharge mode is determined in advance. According to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the control unit 18 in the variable water discharge mode causes the first and second motor operated valves to discharge water over the upper limit flow rate F5 or the lower limit flow rate F4 of the normal water discharge mode. 26 and 28 are controlled. According to such control, flexible flow rate setting can be performed.

On the other hand, according to the variable water discharge mode shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the control unit 18 performs the first and the second so as to discharge water in a range not exceeding the upper limit flow rate F5 or the lower limit flow rate F4 of the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. The second motor-operated

valves

26 and 28 are controlled. Such control is convenient when adapting to the specifications of the automatic faucet 2 or improving safety.

2-5, the lower limit flow rate F4 and the upper limit flow rate F5 have been described. Similarly, the lower limit water temperature T4 and the upper limit water temperature T5 may be set for the water temperature, and the same control may be performed. That is, in the control unit 18, an upper limit water temperature T5 or a lower limit water temperature T4 that can be discharged in the normal water discharge mode may be determined in advance. At this time, the control part 18 may control the 1st and 2nd motor operated

valves

26 and 28 so that it may discharge water exceeding the upper limit water temperature T5 or the lower limit water temperature T4 of normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. According to such control, flexible water temperature setting can be performed. Or the control part 18 may control the 1st and 2nd motor operated

valves

26 and 28 so that it may discharge in the range which does not exceed upper limit water temperature T5 or lower limit water temperature T4 of normal water discharge mode in fluctuation | variation water discharge mode. . Such control is convenient when adapting to the specifications of the automatic faucet 2 or improving safety.

As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the case where the electromagnetic valve 14 is used as means for switching between water discharge / water stop has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and other types of valves (including electric valves) may be used. . When using a motorized valve, for example, instead of omitting the electromagnetic valve 14, the first motorized valve 26 and the second motorized valve 28 may function as water discharge / stop water switching means.

In the embodiment, the case of discharging the mixed water in which hot water and water are mixed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, a configuration in which only hot water or only water is discharged may be employed.

In the embodiment, the case where the first motor-operated valve 26 and the second motor-operated valve 28 are used as means for adjusting the flow rate and temperature of the mixed water has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. Any other means (including those developed later) may be used as long as the flow rate and temperature can be adjusted.

In the embodiment, the first motor-operated valve 26 and the second motor-operated valve 28 are provided as the flow rate adjusting mechanism, and the mixed water adjusting unit 16 is configured as shown in FIG. This is not the case. For example, an arrangement as shown in FIG. The mixed water adjustment unit 40 shown in FIG. 6 includes a first supply line 42 that supplies hot water, a second supply line 44 that supplies water, a first electric valve 46, a solenoid valve 48, and a second The motor-operated valve 50 is provided. A first motor-operated valve 46 is disposed at a junction where the first supply line 42 and the second supply line 44 merge to adjust the mixing ratio of hot water and water. An electromagnetic valve 48 and a second motor-operated valve 50 are arranged in this order on the downstream side of the first motor-operated valve 46. Water discharge / water stop is controlled by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 48, and the flow rate is adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the second electric valve 50. Even with such an arrangement, the flow rate and mixing ratio (temperature) of the mixed water can be adjusted.

In the embodiment, the so-called “automatic mode” in which the distance sensor 10 detects the presence of the object 20 and automatically discharges water has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. The control unit 18 may have a “manual mode” in which water is discharged by a user operation, and the automatic mode and the manual mode may be selected. In this case, even in the manual mode, the variable water discharge mode in which at least either the flow rate or the water temperature is periodically changed may be applied as described above.

It should be noted that, by appropriately combining arbitrary embodiments of the above-described various embodiments, the effects possessed by them can be produced.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

A flow rate adjusting mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of water discharge;
A water temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the water temperature to be discharged;
A controller that controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism and the water temperature adjustment mechanism,
The control unit is configured to control the flow rate adjustment mechanism and the water temperature adjustment mechanism so as to discharge water at a predetermined set flow rate and set water temperature, and at least one of the flow rate or the water temperature is the set flow rate or the water temperature. An automatic faucet having the flow rate adjustment mechanism or a variable water discharge mode for controlling the water temperature adjustment mechanism so as to discharge water while periodically changing with respect to a set water temperature.
The control unit controls the flow rate adjusting mechanism so as to discharge water by periodically varying the flow rate in the variable water discharge mode, and sets an average value of the flow rate in the variable water discharge mode to be smaller than the set flow rate. The automatic faucet according to claim 1.
In the control unit, an upper limit flow rate or a lower limit flow rate capable of water discharge in the normal water discharge mode is determined in advance,
3. The automatic control according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the flow rate adjusting mechanism to discharge water in a range not exceeding the upper limit flow rate or the lower limit flow rate of the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. Water faucet.
In the control unit, an upper limit flow rate or a lower limit flow rate capable of water discharge in the normal water discharge mode is determined in advance,
The automatic faucet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the flow rate adjusting mechanism so as to discharge water exceeding the upper limit flow rate or the lower limit flow rate of the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode.
The control unit controls the water temperature adjusting mechanism so as to discharge water by periodically changing the water temperature as the variable water discharge mode, and sets an average value of the water temperature in the variable water discharge mode to be smaller than the set water temperature. The automatic faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
In the control unit, an upper limit water temperature or a lower limit water temperature at which water can be discharged in the normal water discharge mode is predetermined,
The said control part controls the said water temperature adjustment mechanism in the said variable water discharge mode so that it discharges in the range which does not exceed the said upper limit water temperature or the said minimum water temperature of the said normal water discharge mode. Automatic faucet as described in one.
In the control unit, an upper limit water temperature or a lower limit water temperature at which water can be discharged in the normal water discharge mode is predetermined,
6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the water temperature adjustment mechanism to discharge water in excess of the upper limit water temperature or the lower limit water temperature in the normal water discharge mode in the variable water discharge mode. Automatic faucet.
The automatic faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a user can select the normal water discharge mode and the variable water discharge mode.