JP2012072619A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet device which prevents a battery from being exhausted during a period from shipment to construction, so as to secure a guaranteed period of the usable battery.SOLUTION: A faucet device 1 of the present invention comprises: a faucet device body 2 including a water passage 2a and a discharge port 4 through which water in the water passage is discharged; a solenoid valve 10 which opens and closes the water passage of the faucet device body; a sensor 6 which detects presence or absence of a target to be detected 40 adjacent to the discharge port of the faucet device body; a controller 14 which controls actuation of the solenoid based on information detected by the sensor; and a battery 16 which supplies electric power to the solenoid, the sensor, and the controller. When the controller determines that the faucet device is in a storage state based on a detection level detected by the sensor, the sensor is actuated in storage mode operation having an actuation cycle T2 which is longer than an actuation cycle T5' in product mode operation of the sensor.

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device that switches between water discharge and water stoppage.

Conventionally, as a faucet device that switches between water discharge and water stoppage, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, when a user puts out a hand, the sensor detects the hand and automatically controls the solenoid valve. An automatic faucet that discharges water is known.
In such an automatic faucet, a sensor, a solenoid valve, and a control device for controlling these sensors are built in an automatic faucet body that forms a spout with a spout. A battery such as a dry battery is incorporated as a power source for operating the valve and the control device.

  In addition, in conventional automatic faucets, the batteries built into the automatic faucet body are usually kept from being consumed. The battery is mounted at a predetermined mounting position during construction and is in an energized state.

JP 2008-248474 A

However, in the conventional automatic faucet, depending on the form of the spout etc. of the automatic faucet body and the layout of the mounting position of the battery inside the automatic faucet body, it is difficult to attach the battery from the time of construction, and it is troublesome to return. In some cases, the automatic faucet with a battery attached in advance is distributed as a final product.
In addition, when the battery is attached in advance at the time of shipment in this way, related devices such as sensors, solenoid valves, and control devices (particularly sensors) that are built-in automatic faucets are energized to operate. Therefore, there is a problem that the battery is consumed from the time of shipment to the time of construction. Therefore, the longer the period from the time of shipment to the time of construction, the shorter the period of use of the battery after the time of construction, making it impossible to secure a predetermined warranty period for use of the battery. There's a problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and can reduce battery consumption from the time of shipment to the time of construction, and ensure a warranty period during which the battery can be used. It aims at providing the faucet device which can do.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a water faucet device that switches between water discharge and water stop, and includes a water passage and a water outlet from which water in the water passage is discharged. A main body, an on-off valve provided inside the faucet device main body for opening and closing the water passage of the faucet device main body, and an object to be detected existing in a predetermined area near the water outlet of the faucet device main body A sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the valve, a controller provided inside the faucet device body, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the on-off valve based on information detected by the sensor; provided in the faucet device body. A battery that feeds power to the on-off valve, the sensor, and the control unit, and the control unit is in a state where the faucet device is used as a product based on a detection level when the sensor detects If it is determined that When the product mode operation is performed to operate the motor at a predetermined operation cycle, and it is determined that the faucet device is stored based on the detection level when the sensor detects, the sensor The storage mode operation is performed in which the operation mode is longer than the operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation.
In the present invention configured as described above, when it is determined that the faucet device is stored based on the detection level when the sensor detects, the control unit executes the storage mode operation. Therefore, it is possible to operate the sensor with an operation cycle longer than the operation cycle of the sensor in product mode operation. Even when the stopper device is stored, the power consumption of the battery due to the operation of the sensor can be reduced during the period from the time the faucet device is shipped to before the faucet device is used in product mode operation. . Therefore, even if the period from when the faucet device is shipped to when the faucet device is installed and installed becomes longer, it is possible to ensure a usable warranty period of the battery after the installation of the faucet device. .

In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit stops the on-off valve regardless of information detected by the sensor during the storage mode operation.
In the present invention configured as described above, during the storage mode operation, the control unit stops the on-off valve regardless of the information detected by the sensor, thereby eliminating power consumption due to the on-off operation of the on-off valve. Therefore, battery consumption can also be suppressed.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor includes a detection level setting unit that is detachably attached to the sensor detection unit and sets the detection level to be equal to or higher than a predetermined level. When the above detection levels are detected, it is determined that the detection level setting means is attached to the sensor, and the storage mode operation is executed.
In the present invention configured as described above, since the detection level setting means is attached to the sensor detection unit, the sensor detects a detection level above a predetermined level by a simple means, and the storage mode operation is executed by the control unit. can do. Further, by executing the storage mode operation, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery due to the operation of the sensor.

In the present invention, preferably, when the sensor detects a detection level less than a predetermined level, the control unit is in a state where the detection level setting means is detached from the sensor and the water faucet device is installed. It is determined that there is a construction mode operation in which the sensor is operated with an operation cycle longer than the operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation and shorter than the operation cycle of the sensor in the storage mode operation.
In the present invention configured as described above, in a state where the faucet device is just constructed, the control unit executes the construction mode operation, so that the sensor is longer than the operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation. In order to operate the sensor with an operation cycle shorter than the operation cycle of the sensor in the storage mode operation, the sensor operation is performed during the period from when the faucet device is installed until the faucet device is actually used in the product mode operation. The power consumption of the battery can be reduced.

In the present invention, preferably, when the sensor detects an object to be detected during the construction mode operation, the control unit determines that the water faucet device has been constructed and the installation has been completed. The opening / closing valve is opened, and the installation mode operation is performed in which the sensor is operated at the operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation which is shorter than the operation cycle of the sensor in the construction mode operation.
In the present invention configured as described above, when the sensor detects an object to be detected during the construction mode operation, it is determined that the faucet device has been constructed and the installation has been completed, and the control unit By executing the installation mode operation, the valve can be opened and the sensor can be operated with the operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation shorter than the operation cycle of the sensor in the construction mode operation. After the construction and the installation are completed, the sensor can easily detect the detection target object, and the water faucet device can be quickly shifted to use as a product.

In the present invention, preferably, it further includes water flow detection means provided inside the water faucet device main body for detecting the water flow state of the water flow path of the water faucet device main body, and the control unit is installed in the position described above. When the water flow detection means does not detect water flow through the water passage of the faucet device body after a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the on-off valve during mode operation, change to the construction mode operation, The sensor is operated at an operation cycle longer than the operation cycle of the construction mode operation sensor.
In the present invention configured as described above, even when the installation mode operation is being executed in a state where the faucet device has been installed and the installation has been completed, a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening / closing valve was opened. After the lapse of time, if the water flow detection means does not detect water flow in the water passage of the faucet device body, the sensor is operated with an operation cycle longer than the operation cycle of the construction mode operation sensor in order to change to the operation mode operation. Therefore, even after installation of the faucet device, the power consumption of the battery due to the operation of the sensor is reduced during the period until water is actually passed through the faucet device and becomes usable. be able to.

In the present invention, preferably, further, a generator that is provided inside the faucet device main body and that generates electricity using water flowing in the water passage of the faucet device main body, and the interior of the faucet device main body And charging means for charging the electric power generated by the generator. Each of the on-off valve, the sensor, and the control unit is fed from at least one of the battery and the charging means. Is done.
In the present invention configured as described above, since the power generated by the generator provided inside the faucet device body can be used, the consumption of the battery can be suppressed, and the faucet device is installed. Thereafter, the usable warranty period of the battery can be extended.

  According to the faucet device of the present invention, it is possible to reduce battery consumption from the time of shipment to the time of construction, and to ensure a warranty period during which the battery can be used.

It is a block diagram showing roughly an internal structure of a faucet device by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the controller and sensor of a faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the flow of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the control content of the inspection mode driving | operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the control content of the storage mode driving | operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the control content of the construction mode driving | operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the control content of the installation mode operation | movement of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the control content of the product mode operation | movement of the light projection / reception control of the sensor performed in the faucet device by one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, a faucet device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a faucet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a faucet device (automatic faucet) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The faucet device 1 forms a spout and forms a water passage 2a therein. It has a faucet device body 2.

A water discharge port 4 that functions as a water discharge portion is formed at the tip of the horizontal portion 2 b of the faucet device body 2.
In addition, a sensor 6 (details will be described later) is disposed adjacent to the water outlet 4, and this sensor 6 can detect the presence or absence of an object to be detected that exists in a predetermined region near the lower side of the water outlet 4. It is like that.

  Further, the faucet device body 2 includes a temperature control valve 8, an electromagnetic valve 10 that is an on-off valve that opens and closes the water passage 2 a, an impeller-type generator 12, a controller 14, and a dry battery 16.

  The temperature control valve 8 is built in the base end part 2c of the faucet device main body 2, and a hot water supply pipe 18a and a water supply pipe 18b are connected thereto. The temperature control valve 8 mixes hot water and water supplied from the supply pipes 18a and 18b, respectively, based on the setting of a temperature control knob (not shown) connected to the temperature control valve 8, so that hot water is supplied at an appropriate temperature. It is designed to be discharged to adjust. Since the temperature control valve 8 is a general one, detailed description is omitted.

  The solenoid valve 10 is built in the base end portion 2c of the faucet device body 2, and is connected to the downstream side of the temperature control valve 8 so that hot water mixed by the temperature control valve 8 flows. The electromagnetic valve 10 is opened and closed based on a control signal sent from the controller 14. Since the electromagnetic valve 10 is a general one, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The impeller-type generator 12 is disposed on the horizontal portion 2b of the faucet device main body 2 in a substantially horizontal direction. The hot water that has passed through the solenoid valve 10 flows in through the solenoid valve side pipe 20 that forms the water passage 2a, and the hot water that has passed through the generator 12 discharges through the water outlet side pipe 22 that forms the water passage 2a. The water is discharged from the water port 4.
Further, the generator 12 functions as power generation means for generating power by rotating an impeller (not shown) using water passing through the generator 12, and the impeller (not shown) of the generator 12. )) By detecting information such as the number of rotations, the water flow detecting means for detecting the flow state of hot water passing through the generator 12 in the water flow path 2a from the solenoid valve side pipe 20 to the water outlet side pipe 22 It is supposed to function as.
Furthermore, the electric power generated by the generator 12 is used to operate the solenoid valve 10, the controller 14, the sensor 6, and the like. In addition, since the generator 12 is general, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The controller 14 (details will be described later) generates a control signal for opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 10 based on a detection signal input from the sensor 6. For example, when the user holds his / her finger under the spout 4, the sensor 6 detects this, and the detected signal is transmitted to the controller 14, and the electromagnetic valve 10 is received by a command from the controller 14 that has received this signal. When the water passage 2a is opened, water is discharged from the water outlet 4, and the sensor 6 no longer detects a finger, the electromagnetic valve 10 closes the water passage 2a to stop water.

  The dry battery 16 is detachably attached to a predetermined attachment position (not shown) inside the faucet device body 2 and is electrically connected to the controller 14. The electromagnetic valve 10 and the sensor 6 are connected from the dry battery 16 through the controller 14. When the battery 16 is first attached to the faucet device main body 2 for the faucet device 1 in a state in which a predetermined voltage is supplied to the water faucet 1 but has never been operated before the dry battery 16 is attached. In particular, power for starting the sensor 6 first is supplied to the sensor 6 via the controller 14. As the dry battery 16, for example, a battery having a voltage of 3.0 [V] is used.

Next, specific configurations of the sensor and the controller will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the controller and sensor of the faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Here, in FIG. 2, a line representing the connection of the power supply system between the components is indicated by a solid line, and a line representing the signal system between the components is indicated by a broken line.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 14 includes a microcomputer 24, a solenoid valve drive circuit 26, a generated voltage limiting circuit 28, a charging circuit 30, a booster circuit 32, and a battery input circuit 34.
As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit of the sensor 6 includes a light projecting element 36 including a light projecting circuit and a light receiving element 38 including a light receiving circuit.

First, the sensor 6 is a so-called reflective photoelectric sensor that projects visible light or infrared light, receives the reflected light, and detects the amount of light (the amount of reflected light).
That is, when the light projected from the light projecting element 36 of the sensor 6 hits the object to be detected 40 existing in a predetermined area near the lower part of the spout 4 according to a command from the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14, The light receiving element 38 of the sensor 6 receives the reflected light, and the received detection signal is output from the light receiving element 38 to the microcomputer 24, so that the controller 14 performs light projecting and receiving control (details will be described later). ing.
The light projecting / receiving control of the sensor 6 by the controller 14 relates to the operation of the product before the faucet device 1 is shipped after the dry battery 16 is attached at a predetermined mounting position at the time of shipping the faucet device 1. State of inspection (details will be described later in “inspection mode operation”), state of being stored in a warehouse after inspection and waiting for shipment or before construction after shipment (details will be described later in “storage mode”) Operation ”), after installation (details will be described later“ construction mode operation ”), after installation (details will be described later“ installation mode operation ”), used as a product after installation The operation is appropriately performed according to each state of the state (detailed “product mode operation” described later).

  Further, the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving element 38 of the sensor 6 are integrally provided adjacent to each other. The light projecting surface of the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38 have a detection level of the sensor 6. A reflector (not shown), which is a detection level setting means that can be set so as to be a predetermined level or higher, is detachably attached depending on the situation. The reflecting material is not formed by specularly reflecting the light projected from the light projecting element 36 to the light receiving element 38, but is formed of, for example, white cardboard so as to enable diffuse reflection. Yes, when the reflective material is attached, the reflection amount of the light received by the light receiving element 38 can be increased more than when the reflective material is not attached. The reflecting material is installed at a position slightly away from the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface of the sensor 6 so that the light emitted from the light projecting device 36 is diffusely reflected and reaches the light receiving device 38. It is preferable to do.

Next, if the signal output from the light receiving element 38 exceeds a certain reflection amount, the microcomputer 24 transmits a control signal for opening the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 26, and receives the control signal from the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 26 that has received the control signal. The solenoid valve 10 is opened by this command.
On the other hand, when the signal output from the light receiving element 38 falls below a certain reflection amount, the microcomputer 24 transmits a control signal for closing the electromagnetic valve driving circuit 26 to close the electromagnetic valve 10 from the electromagnetic valve driving circuit 26. A command is issued and the solenoid valve 10 is closed.

Further, when the solenoid valve 10 is opened, when hot water in the water passage 2a that has passed through the solenoid valve 10 passes through the generator 12, the impeller (not shown) of the generator 12 is rotated by the passage of water and power generation is performed. The voltage generated by the generator 12 is limited to a predetermined voltage (for example, 3.3 [V]) or less by the power generation voltage limiting circuit 28 of the controller 14. It has become.
Further, when the generator 12 detects the hot water flow state, the detected signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 24.

Next, the electric power limited to a predetermined voltage or less by the power generation voltage limiting circuit 28 of the controller 14 is charged in a charging circuit 30 including charging means such as an electric double layer capacitor.
The electric power once charged in the charging circuit 30 is boosted to a predetermined voltage by a command from the microcomputer 24 in a booster circuit 32 composed of a DC / DC converter or the like to operate the sensor 6, the electromagnetic valve 10 and the controller 14. It has come to be used as electric power.

Next, when the dry battery 16 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position inside the faucet device body 2, the battery input circuit 34 detects this, and this detection signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 24.
In addition, the battery input circuit 34 bypasses the charging circuit 30 and the booster circuit 32 by the bypass circuit 35 when starting the faucet device 1 in a state where it has never been operated before the dry battery 16 is attached, Power is supplied to the microcomputer 24. Thereafter, when the microcomputer 24 is activated, the booster circuit 32 is operated while charging the charging circuit 30 and the bypass circuit 35 is disconnected.
Furthermore, if the voltage of the charging circuit 30 is a predetermined voltage (for example, 2.0V) or less, the circuit is connected to charge from the dry battery 16, and the voltage of the charging circuit 30 is set to a voltage (for example, 2.2V) higher than the predetermined value. The circuit is disconnected at the point exceeding the limit.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the contents of the light projecting / receiving control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of sensor light projecting and receiving control executed in the faucet device according to the present embodiment.
Here, in FIG. 3, S represents each step.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light projection / reception control of the sensor 6 by the controller 14 executed in the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment is performed when the dry battery 16 is attached to a predetermined attachment position inside the faucet device body 2. The process is executed in the order of inspection mode operation in S100, storage mode operation in S200, construction mode operation in S300, installation mode operation in S400, and product mode operation in S600.

First, with reference to FIG. 4, the control content of the inspection mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the control contents of the inspection mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the inspection mode operation is started, in S101, a predetermined time T1 (for example, 62.5 mm) from when the dry battery 16 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position inside the faucet device main body 2 is displayed. The microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines whether or not (second) has elapsed. When a predetermined time T1 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) has elapsed, a light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 is executed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 24 to the sensor 6 in S102. More specifically, in response to an instruction from the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14, the light receiving element 38 receives light reflected and reflected from the light projecting element 36 of the sensor 6, and the received detection signal is sent from the light receiving element 38 to the microcomputer. 24, and the amount of reflected light is measured.
Further, in the light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6, the time interval from when the sensor 6 is activated to project light from the light projecting element 36 until the next light projection is performed, that is, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is T1. For example, light projection and reception are performed at a constant period of 62.5 milliseconds.

Next, in S103, the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 in a state where the center 6 is operated at the operation cycle T1, for example, a predetermined level (hereinafter referred to as “hand”) that can sense the user's hand. If it is equal to or higher than the "sense level"), the process proceeds to S104, where a control signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 26, and the solenoid valve 10 is activated by a command from the solenoid valve drive circuit 26 that has received this control signal. Open the valve.
In S104, when the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 becomes less than a predetermined hand detection level, the electromagnetic valve 10 is closed, and normal water discharge and water stoppage are performed by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 10. After confirming that the operation is performed, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S <b> 105, reflecting materials are provided on both the light projecting surface of the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38. Thereby, the light receiving element 38 is in a state where it can receive a larger amount of reflected light than in a state where no reflecting material is provided.

  Next, in S106, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the reflecting material was placed on both the light projecting surface of the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38, If the time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the process proceeds to S107, and if the reflected amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the inspection mode operation ends, and the next The storage mode operation shown in S200 of FIG. 3, which is a control process, is executed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the control contents of the storage mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the control contents of the storage mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the storage mode operation is started, the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time T2 (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed in S201. When a predetermined time T2 (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed, a light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 is executed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 24 to the sensor 6 in S202.
Further, in the light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6, the time interval from when the sensor 6 is activated to project light from the light projecting element 36 until the next light projection is performed, that is, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is T2. For example, light projection and reception are performed at a constant cycle of 1 minute interval.

  Further, in S202, the control signal is not transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 26 regardless of the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6, and the electromagnetic valve 10 remains stationary without being operated. That is, the solenoid valve 10 is not opened and closed, and water discharge and water stop operations are not performed.

  Next, in S203, the reflecting material attached to the light projecting surface of the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38 in S105 is removed, and the process proceeds to S204, where the reflected amount of light received by the sensor 6 (detection) is detected. When the level is equal to or lower than the predetermined level, the storage mode operation is terminated, and the construction mode operation shown in S300 of FIG. 3 as the next control step is executed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control content of the construction mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the control contents of the construction mode operation of the light projecting / receiving control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the construction mode operation is started, the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time T3 (for example, 1 second) has elapsed in S301. When a predetermined time T3 (for example, 1 second) has elapsed, a light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 is executed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 24 to the sensor 6 in S302.
In the light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6, the time interval from when the sensor 6 is activated to project light from the light projecting element 36 until the next light projection is performed, that is, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is T3. For example, light is projected and received at a constant cycle of 1 second. At this time, the control signal is not transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 26 regardless of the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6, and the electromagnetic valve 10 remains stationary without being operated. That is, the solenoid valve 10 is not opened and closed, and water discharge and water stop operations are not performed.

Next, in S303, the sensor 6 detects the detection target object 40 such as the user's hand in a state where the center 6 is operated at the operation cycle T3, and the reflection amount (detection level) of the received light is less than a predetermined value. If yes, the process proceeds to S304.
On the other hand, when the reflection amount (detection level) of the received light is larger than the predetermined detection level, the operation mode is shifted again to the storage mode operation.

  Next, in S304, when the center 6 is operated at the operation cycle T3 and the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 is equal to or higher than a predetermined hand detection level, the construction mode operation is performed. The installation mode operation shown in S400 of FIG. 3, which is the next control step, is executed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the control contents of the installation mode operation of the light projecting / receiving control of the sensor will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing the control contents of the installation mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the installation mode operation is started, the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time T4 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) has elapsed in S401. If a predetermined time T4 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) has elapsed, a light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 is executed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 24 to the sensor 6 in S402.
Further, in the light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6, the time interval from when the sensor 6 is activated to project light from the light projecting element 36 until the next light projection is performed, that is, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is T4. For example, light projection and reception are performed at a constant period of 62.5 milliseconds.

  In S402, when the sensor 6 detects the detection target 40 and the amount of reflection (detection level) of the received light is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S403.

  In S403, when the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 is equal to or higher than a predetermined hand sensing level, in S404, a control signal is further transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 26, In response to a command from the solenoid valve drive circuit 26 that has received this control signal, the solenoid valve 10 that is being closed is opened, and the reflection amount (detection level) of the light received by the sensor 6 is less than a predetermined hand detection level. Then, the solenoid valve 10 is closed, and the process proceeds to S500 in FIG.

  In S500 of FIG. 3, the generator 12 which is a water flow detection means detects the flow state of hot water passing through the power generator 12 in the water passage 2a from the solenoid valve side pipe 20 to the water outlet side pipe 22; If it is determined that water has passed, this detection signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14, the installation mode operation ends, and the product mode operation shown in S600 of FIG. Executed.

On the other hand, in S500, when the generator 12 as the water flow detection means does not detect the water flow state, the process proceeds to S700 in FIG. 3 and whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed. Is judged.
In S700, when it is determined that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the installation mode operation is changed to the construction mode operation in S300 of FIG.
On the other hand, in S700, when it is determined that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has not elapsed, the installation mode operation is continued without being shifted from the installation mode operation to the product mode operation.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the control content of the product mode operation of the light projection / reception control of the sensor will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing the control content of the product mode operation of the light projecting / receiving control of the sensor executed in the faucet device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the product mode operation is started, the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines whether or not a predetermined time T5 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) has elapsed in S601. If a predetermined time T5 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) has elapsed, a light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 is executed in accordance with a command from the microcomputer 24 to the sensor 6 in S602.
In the light projecting / receiving operation by the sensor 6 in S602, a time interval from when the sensor 6 is activated to project light from the light projecting element 36 until the next light projection is performed, that is, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is performed. Is T5, for example, light is projected and received at a constant period of 62.5 milliseconds.

Next, in S603, when the sensor 6 detects the detection target 40 such as the user's hand and the reflected amount (detection level) of the received light is equal to or higher than a predetermined hand detection level, the process proceeds to S604. Then, a control signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the solenoid valve drive circuit 26, and the solenoid valve 10 is opened by a command from the solenoid valve drive circuit 26 that has received this control signal, and the spout 4 of the faucet device body 2 is opened. Water is discharged from.
In S604, when the sensor 6 no longer detects the detection target object 40 such as the user's hand in a state where the user is not using the faucet device 1, the electromagnetic valve 10 is closed and the water is stopped. The operation is performed and the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is longer than the operation cycle T5 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) when the sensor 6 detects the detection target object 40 such as the user's hand. After the period is changed to T5 ′ (for example, 0.25 seconds), the solenoid valve 10 is closed.
When the user uses the faucet device 1 again and the sensor 6 detects the detection target object 40 such as the user's hand, the operation cycle of the sensor 6 is the operation cycle T5 ′ (for example, 0 .25 seconds), the operation period T5 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) is changed again, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, the water discharge operation is performed, and the amount of reflection of light received by the sensor 6 (detection level). ) Becomes less than a predetermined hand sensing level, the electromagnetic valve 10 is closed.

  Next, in S605, when the microcomputer 24 of the controller 14 determines from the information from the battery input circuit 34 that the voltage supplied from the dry battery 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that the dry battery 16 has reached the end of its life. When the value exceeds the predetermined value, the product mode operation is continuously executed.

  According to the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when it is determined that the faucet device 1 is stored based on the detection level when the sensor 6 detects, the controller 14 executes the storage mode operation so that the sensor 6 performs the light projection operation with an operation cycle T2 (for example, 1 minute) longer than the operation cycle T5 ′ (for example, 0.25 seconds) of the sensor 6 in the product mode operation. Therefore, when the faucet device 1 is shipped, the faucet device 1 can be stored even when the faucet device 1 is stored in a state in which the dry battery 16 is energized inside the faucet device body 2. During the period from the time of shipment to before the faucet device 1 is used in the product mode operation, the power consumption of the dry battery due to the operation of the sensor 6 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the period from when the faucet device 1 is shipped to when the faucet device 1 is constructed and installed becomes longer, a guarantee period during which the dry battery 16 can be used after the installation of the faucet device 1 is secured. can do.

  Further, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 10 is stopped by the controller 14 regardless of the information detected by the sensor 6 during the storage mode operation of the light emitting / receiving control of the sensor 6. Since power consumption due to the opening / closing operation of the valve 10 can be eliminated, consumption of the dry battery 16 can also be suppressed.

  Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, the reflecting material is attached to the light projecting surface of the light projecting element 36 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38 which are detection units of the sensor 6. Thus, the sensor 6 detects a detection level higher than a predetermined level, and the controller 14 can execute the storage mode operation. Further, by executing the storage mode operation, the power consumption of the battery due to the operation of the sensor 6 can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, the controller 14 executes the construction mode operation in a state where the faucet device 1 is being constructed, thereby causing the sensor 6 to operate the sensor in the product mode operation. In order to operate the sensor 6 with an operating cycle T3 (for example 1 second) that is longer than the cycle T5 ′ (for example 0.25 seconds) and shorter than the operating cycle T2 (for example 1 minute) of the sensor in storage mode operation, During the period from when the faucet device 1 is constructed until the faucet device 1 is actually used in the product mode operation, the power consumption of the dry battery 16 due to the operation of the sensor 6 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the sensor 6 detects the detection target object 40 such as a user's hand during the construction mode operation, the faucet device 1 is constructed and the installation is completed. When the controller 14 executes the installation mode operation, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, and the operation cycle T4 of the sensor 6 is changed to the operation cycle T3 of the sensor 6 in the construction mode operation (for example, After the faucet device 1 has been installed and the installation has been completed, the sensor 6 is operated at the same operation cycle as the operation cycle T5 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds) of the sensor in product mode operation shorter than 1 second) The sensor 6 can easily detect the detection target object 40 reliably, and can quickly shift to use of the faucet device 1 as a product.

  Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 10 is opened even when the installation mode operation is being executed in a state where the faucet device 1 has been installed and the installation has been completed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the generator 12 serving as a water flow detection means detects the water flow state of hot water passing through the power generator 12 in the water flow path 2a from the solenoid valve side pipe 20 to the water outlet side pipe 22. If not, in order to change from the installation mode operation to the construction mode operation, the sensor 6 can be operated at an operation cycle T3 (for example, 1 second) longer than the operation cycle T4 (for example, 62.5 milliseconds). Therefore, even after the faucet device 1 is installed, the power consumption of the dry battery 16 due to the operation of the sensor 6 is reduced during the period until water is actually passed through the faucet device 1 and becomes usable. Can be made.

  Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the electric power generated by the generator 12 provided in the faucet device body 2 can be used, consumption of the dry battery 16 can be suppressed. The usable warranty period of the dry battery 16 after the installation of the faucet device 1 can be extended.

In the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the reflection type sensor has been described as an example of the sensor 6 to be used. However, other than the reflection type sensor such as a microwave sensor may be used. Applicable.
Further, in the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the charger 12 may be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water faucet device 2 Water faucet device main body 2a Water flow path 2b Horizontal part 2c Base end part 4 Water outlet 6 Sensor 8 Temperature control valve 10 Solenoid valve (open / close valve)
12 generator 14 controller (control part)
16 Dry battery 18a Hot water supply pipe 18b Water supply pipe 20 Solenoid valve side pipe 22 Water outlet side pipe 24 Microcomputer 26 Electromagnetic valve drive circuit 28 Power generation voltage limiting circuit 30 Charging circuit 32 Boosting circuit 34 Battery input circuit 36 Light projecting element 38 Light receiving element 40 Object to be detected

Claims (7)

A faucet device that switches between water discharge and water stop,
A faucet device body comprising a water passage and a water outlet from which water in the water passage is discharged;
An on-off valve that is provided inside the faucet device body and opens and closes the water passage of the faucet device body;
A sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an object to be detected present in a predetermined region near the water outlet of the faucet device body;
A control unit that is provided inside the faucet device body and controls the operation of the on-off valve based on information detected by the sensor;
A battery that is provided inside the faucet device body and that feeds power to the on-off valve, the sensor, and the control unit,
When the control unit determines that the water faucet device is in use as a product based on the detection level when the sensor detects, the product that operates the sensor at a predetermined operation cycle When the mode operation is performed and it is determined that the faucet device is in a stored state based on the detection level when the sensor detects the sensor operation period of the sensor in the product mode operation A faucet device that performs a storage mode operation that is operated with a longer operation cycle.   The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the on-off valve during the storage mode operation regardless of the information detected by the sensor.   The sensor includes a detection level setting unit that is detachably attached to the sensor detection unit and sets the detection level to be a predetermined level or more, and the control unit detects the detection level that is a predetermined level or higher. In this case, it is determined that the detection level setting means is attached to the sensor, and the storage mode operation is performed.   When the sensor detects a detection level less than a predetermined level, the control unit determines that the detection level setting means is detached from the sensor and the water faucet device is installed. The faucet device according to claim 3, wherein the construction mode operation is performed in which the sensor is operated at an operation cycle longer than an operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation and shorter than an operation cycle of the sensor in the storage mode operation.   When the sensor detects an object to be detected during the construction mode operation, the control unit determines that the water faucet device has been constructed and has been installed, and opens the on-off valve. The faucet device according to claim 4, wherein an installation mode operation is performed in which the sensor is operated in an operation cycle of the sensor in the product mode operation shorter than an operation cycle of the sensor in the construction mode operation.   Further, the water faucet device main body has water passage detection means for detecting the water flow state of the water passage of the water faucet device main body, and the control unit is configured to operate the on-off valve during the installation mode operation. When the water flow detection means does not detect water flow through the water passage of the faucet device body after a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the valve, the operation mode is changed to the operation mode operation, and the sensor is operated in the operation mode operation mode. The faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the faucet device is operated at an operation cycle longer than an operation cycle of the sensor.   Furthermore, a generator that is provided inside the faucet device body and that generates electricity using the water flowing in the water passage of the faucet device body, and is provided inside the faucet device body and the generator The charging means for charging the electric power generated by the battery, wherein each of the on-off valve, the sensor, and the control unit is supplied with power from at least one of the battery and the charging means. Faucet device.

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