JP7598559B2 - Solenoid valve device and water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to solenoid valve devices and water discharge devices.

There is a water discharge device that uses a sensor to detect an object such as a user's hand and automatically controls water discharge and stopping. The water discharge device is equipped with a solenoid valve device that controls water supply and water stop. Such water discharge devices are used in plumbing equipment such as faucets, urinals, and toilets.

In solenoid valve devices, electricity is also used to open and close the solenoid valve. For this reason, there is a demand for low power consumption operation of the solenoid valve in solenoid valve devices. For example, in a water discharge device that supplies power from a generator that generates electricity using the water flow when water is discharged, or from a battery, reducing the power consumption involved in opening and closing the solenoid valve makes it possible to efficiently utilize the power stored in the generator or the power of the battery. For example, this can reduce the frequency of maintenance such as battery replacement, and reduce the effort required for maintenance.

In order to achieve low power consumption operation of the solenoid valve, it has been proposed to detect the change in current accompanying the movement of the plunger when the solenoid valve is opened, and to immediately stop the supply of current when the plunger has completed moving (for example, Patent Document 1). This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary current from flowing to the solenoid valve, and to reduce power consumption when the solenoid valve is opened.

However, when the solenoid valve is closed, it is more difficult to detect the change in current that accompanies the movement of the plunger than when it is opened. In addition, the time it takes for the plunger to move is affected by noise such as water pressure and temperature changes, so it is difficult to set the time it takes for the plunger to complete its movement in advance, such as before shipping. Therefore, when the solenoid valve is closed, a sufficiently long current flow time is set in advance, taking into account the effects of noise, and power consumption is greater than when the solenoid valve is opened.

For this reason, it is desirable to reduce the unnecessary flow of electricity when closing the solenoid valve in a solenoid valve device and water discharge device, thereby further reducing power consumption.

Patent No. 3582268

The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a solenoid valve device and a water discharge device that suppresses unnecessary current flow when closing the solenoid valve.

The first invention is a solenoid valve device used in a water discharge device to control water flow and stop, comprising a water passage for flowing water, a plunger that moves to a water stop position that closes the water passage and a water flow position that opens the water passage, a solenoid coil that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water flow position, a first holding member that holds the plunger in the water stop position, and a second holding member that holds the plunger in the water flow position, a current detection unit that detects the current flowing in the solenoid coil, and a current detection unit that detects the current flowing in the solenoid coil based on the detection result of the current detection unit. and a control unit that controls the current supply to the solenoid coil, and the control unit, during the water stopping operation of moving the plunger from the water passing position to the water stopping position, starts supplying current to the solenoid coil, calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current based on the detection result of the current detection unit, detects a change point at which the slope of the current becomes smaller than when the current started to flow and then becomes larger again due to a reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current, and stops the current supply to the solenoid coil in response to the detection of the change point.

This solenoid valve device detects the change point in the slope of the current and stops the current flow to the solenoid coil in response to the detection of the change point, thereby preventing more current than necessary from flowing even when the solenoid valve is closed to stop the water flow, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, by detecting the change point by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current, it is possible to accurately determine the completion of the plunger movement and accurately stop the water flow even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve. Therefore, it is possible to provide a solenoid valve device that prevents unnecessary current flow when the solenoid valve is closed.

The second invention is the solenoid valve device according to the first invention, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point by a single reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current.

With this solenoid valve device, after starting to pass electricity through the solenoid coil, the first change in the current slope is detected, and water can be stopped more quickly even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve.

The third invention is the solenoid valve device according to the first invention, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point by detecting that the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice.

This solenoid valve device detects immediately after the first change in the current slope, and can more reliably stop water flow even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve.

The fourth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the first invention, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point by detecting that the sign of the change in the slope of the current reverses twice and then reverses again.

This solenoid valve device can detect the change point of the current slope from the second time onwards. The inventors of the present application have found that after the plunger moves from the water-passing position to the water-stopping position, it may bounce back from the water-stopping position due to the momentum of the movement. If the power supply to the solenoid coil is stopped at the timing when it moves away from the water-stopping position, the plunger may return to the water-passing position and the solenoid valve may not be able to stop water properly. The momentum with which the plunger bounces back from the water-stopping position becomes smaller from the second time onwards. Therefore, by detecting the change point from the second time onwards, the timing when the plunger that bounced back from the water-stopping position returns to the water-stopping position again can be detected. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption during the water-stopping operation, while stopping the power supply to the solenoid coil at a more appropriate timing when the plunger is thought to have moved to the water-stopping position, and to more reliably stop water.

The fifth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the fourth invention, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed once more.

This solenoid valve device detects the second change in the current slope and can stop the water flow more quickly and at a more appropriate time when the plunger is believed to have moved to the water stopping position, thereby appropriately reducing power consumption during the water stopping operation.

The sixth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the fourth invention, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed two more times.

This solenoid valve device detects the point immediately after the second change in the current slope, and can more reliably stop the water flow at a more appropriate timing when the plunger is considered to have moved to the water stopping position. This makes it possible to more reliably stop the water flow while appropriately suppressing the power consumption during the water stopping operation.

The seventh invention is the solenoid valve device according to the first invention, characterized in that the control unit calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current and further calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, and detects the change point by reversing the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current once or twice after the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current is reversed once or twice.

This solenoid valve device can more appropriately detect the change in the slope of the current even when the change in the slope of the current flowing through the solenoid coil is small.

The eighth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the fourth invention, characterized in that, if the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and the change point cannot be detected, the control unit stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil after a certain time has elapsed since the start of current flow to the solenoid coil.

This solenoid valve device makes it possible to more reliably stop water flow even when the change point cannot be detected.

The ninth invention is the solenoid valve device of the eighth invention, further comprising an alarm unit for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality, and the control unit operates the alarm unit to notify the occurrence of an abnormality when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and the change point cannot be detected.

This solenoid valve device can more reliably stop the water flow when a change point cannot be detected, while also notifying the user that an abnormality has occurred in which the change point cannot be detected.

The tenth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the fourth invention, characterized in that the control unit stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil after a certain time has elapsed since the start of current flow to the solenoid coil when a specific condition is satisfied after the sign of the change in the slope of the current has been reversed twice.

This solenoid valve device can more reliably stop water flow even when certain conditions are met.

The eleventh invention is a solenoid valve device according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, characterized in that the control unit re-energizes the solenoid coil if water has not been stopped after the power supply to the solenoid coil is stopped.

This solenoid valve device prevents the plunger from bouncing back from the water-stopping position and returning to the water-passing position, causing the valve to remain in the water-discharging state.

The twelfth invention is the solenoid valve device of the eleventh invention, characterized in that when the control unit energizes the solenoid coil again, the control unit controls the energization time to be longer than the previous time.

This solenoid valve device can more reliably prevent the plunger from bouncing back from the water-stopping position and returning to the water-passing position, causing the device to remain in the water-discharging state.

The thirteenth invention is a solenoid valve device according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, characterized in that the control unit stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil in response to the passage of a predetermined time after detecting the change point.

This solenoid valve device stops the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil at a more appropriate time when the plunger is believed to have moved to the water stopping position, making it possible to stop the flow of water more reliably.

The 14th invention is a solenoid valve device according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions, characterized in that the control unit calculates an average value of the current for each first hour by averaging the current for each first hour based on the detection result of the current detection unit, and calculates the slope of the current from the average current value.

This solenoid valve device can suppress the effects of noise contained in the detection results of the current detection unit, and can more accurately detect the change point in the current slope.

The fifteenth invention is the solenoid valve device according to the fourteenth invention, characterized in that the control unit calculates an average value of the current slope for each second time period by averaging the current slope for each second time period that is longer than the first time period, and calculates the amount of change in the current slope from the average value of the current slope.

This solenoid valve device reduces the computational load on the control unit while suppressing the effects of noise contained in the detection results of the current detection unit, making it possible to more accurately detect the change point in the current slope.

The sixteenth invention is a water discharge device comprising the solenoid valve device of any one of the first to fifteenth inventions and a power supply unit that supplies power from at least one of a battery and a generator to the solenoid valve device.

This water discharge device detects the change point in the slope of the current and stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil in response to the detection of the change point, thereby preventing more current than necessary from being passed through even when the solenoid valve is closed to stop the water flow, thereby reducing power consumption. In addition, by detecting the change point by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current, it is possible to accurately determine the completion of the plunger's movement and accurately stop the water flow even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water discharge device that prevents unnecessary current from being passed through when the solenoid valve is closed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a solenoid valve device and a water discharge device are provided that suppress unnecessary current flow when the solenoid valve is closed.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to a first embodiment; 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams that diagrammatically show the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to a first embodiment; 4A and 4B are graphs that diagrammatically show an example of the operation of the control unit. 5A to 5C are graphs each showing a schematic example of the operation of the control unit. 4 is a graph illustrating an example of an operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a control unit according to the first embodiment. 8(a) to 8(c) are graphs that diagrammatically show another example of the operation of the control unit. 6 is a graph illustrating a schematic example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 6 is a graph illustrating a schematic example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 11A and 11B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 12A and 12B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. 11 is a graph illustrating an example of an operation of a control unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a toilet device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a toilet device according to a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates a water faucet device according to a first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a water faucet device 10 (water discharge device) detects an object (such as a human body or other object) and automatically stops water discharge, and stops water discharge into a washbasin 11 attached to a washstand.

The washbasin 11 is placed on the washbasin counter 12. A faucet 13 (water outlet) that constitutes a spout for discharging water onto the bowl surface 11a of the washbasin 11 is provided on top of the washbasin counter 12. The faucet 13 has a water outlet 13a that discharges water, and is provided so that the water discharged from this water outlet 13a is discharged into the bowl surface 11a of the washbasin 11.

The water that the faucet 13 discharges from the water outlet 13a is supplied by a water supply line 14. The water supply line 14 guides water supplied from a water source such as a water pipe to the water outlet 13a. A drain line 15 is connected to the washbasin 11. The drain line 15 drains the water discharged from the water outlet 13a into the bowl surface 11a of the washbasin 11.

The faucet device 10 includes a faucet 13 and a water supply line 14, as well as a solenoid valve device 20, a sensor unit 22, and a generator 24. The solenoid valve device 20 includes a solenoid valve 30 and a control unit 32. The solenoid valve 30 and the control unit 32 are housed, for example, below the washbasin. The solenoid valve 30 and the control unit 32 are housed, for example, in a cabinet (not shown) provided below the washbasin counter 12.

The sensor unit 22 is housed, for example, inside the faucet 13. However, the sensor unit 22 may be provided separately from the faucet 13. The sensor unit 22 is connected to the control unit 32 of the solenoid valve device 20 via the connection cable 23. The control unit 32 supplies a power supply voltage to the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23, for example, and controls the sensor unit 22 via the connection cable 23.

The solenoid valve 30 is provided in the water supply passage 14 and opens and closes the water supply passage 14. When the solenoid valve 30 is open, the water supplied from the water supply passage 14 is discharged from the water outlet 13a, and when the solenoid valve 30 is closed, the water supply passage 14 is stopped and the water is not discharged from the water outlet 13a.

The solenoid valve 30 is connected to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 drives the solenoid valve 30 to control the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 30. The solenoid valve 30 is electrically controlled according to a control signal from the control unit 32 to open and close the water supply passage 14. In this way, the solenoid valve 30 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply passage 14 for water discharged from the water outlet 13a.

The solenoid valve 30 is, for example, a self-holding solenoid valve (latch type solenoid valve) known as a latching solenoid valve, which operates from a closed state to an open state (opening operation) when current is passed through the solenoid coil in one direction, and maintains the open state even when current is subsequently cut off to the solenoid coil, and operates from an open state to a closed state (closing operation) when current is passed through the solenoid coil in the other direction, and maintains the closed state even when current is subsequently cut off to the solenoid coil.

The sensor unit 22 detects an object (such as a hand) approaching the water outlet 13a. The destination of the water from the water outlet 13a becomes the detection area of the sensor unit 22. The sensor unit 22 detects the position, movement, etc. of the object by transmitting an optical signal and receiving a reflected signal from the object, such as a human body, that receives the transmitted optical signal.

The sensor unit 22 is, for example, an optical sensor that uses an infrared light signal. The optical signal transmitted from the sensor unit 22 may be, for example, visible light. In the following, the optical signal will be described as infrared light. Note that "infrared light" is, for example, light with a wavelength of 0.7 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. The sensor unit 22 may also be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or a microwave sensor.

The sensor unit 22 is provided inside the faucet 13 near the water outlet 13a, and is positioned so as to transmit an optical signal toward the user of the washbasin (the left side in FIG. 1). This allows the sensor unit 22 to detect when a human body is approaching the water outlet 13a, or when a human body approaching the water outlet 13a extends a hand toward the water outlet 13a, etc.

The sensor unit 22 inputs a detection signal indicating the detection result of the object to the control unit 32 via the connection cable 23. The control unit 32 detects the presence or absence of an object based on the detection signal input from the sensor unit 22. The control unit 32 detects, for example, the position and movement of the object based on the detection signal. Then, the control unit 32 controls the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 30 based on this detection result. The control unit 32 also outputs a control signal to the sensor unit 22 to control the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22.

The generator 24 is provided, for example, on the path of the water supply line 14 between the water faucet 13 and the solenoid valve 30, and generates electricity by using the flow of water flowing through the water supply line 14 when the solenoid valve 30 is opened. The generator 24 supplies the generated electricity to the solenoid valve device 20, etc. The generator 24 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

As described above, in the faucet device 10 of this embodiment, the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 30 is controlled by the control unit 32 based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 22. This allows water to be discharged in response to the detection result of an object approaching the water outlet 13a (such as the movement of the user at the washbasin). The control unit 32 discharges water in response to the detection of an object, and stops water discharge in response to the non-detection of the object. In other words, in the faucet device 10, water is automatically discharged while the user holds out their hand or the like near the water outlet 13a.

The sensor unit 22 does not operate all the time, but is controlled by the control unit 32 so that it operates, for example, when sensing is required. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the sensor unit 22. For example, the control unit 32 reduces the frequency of the sensing operation of the sensor unit 22 to a level that does not cause inconvenience to the user. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire faucet device 10.

2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams that diagrammatically show the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the solenoid valve 30 has a water passage 40 , a plunger 42 , a solenoid coil 44 , a first holding member 46 , a second holding member 48 , and a diaphragm 50 .

The water passage 40 is a passage for flowing water inside the solenoid valve 30. The water passage 40 constitutes part of the water supply passage 14. The inlet side of the water passage 40 is connected to a water supply source such as a water supply pipe, and the outlet side of the water passage 40 is connected to the water faucet 13.

The plunger 42 moves between a water stop position that closes the water passage 40 and a water passage position that opens the water passage 40. In this example, the position shown in FIG. 2(a) is the water passage position, and the position shown in FIG. 2(b) is the water stop position. The plunger 42 moves linearly between the water stop position and the water passage position, for example. The plunger 42 has, for example, a plunger body 42a and an elastic body 42b. The plunger body 42a is, for example, rod-shaped. The plunger body 42a is made of, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as iron. The elastic body 42b is provided at the tip of the plunger body 42a. The elastic body 42b is, for example, rubber. The elastic modulus of the elastic body 42b is lower than that of the plunger body 42a. The plunger 42 does not necessarily have to have the elastic body 42b.

The solenoid coil 44 moves the plunger 42 to the water-stopping position and the water-passing position. The solenoid coil 44 is tubular. The plunger 42 is inserted inside the solenoid coil 44. The solenoid coil 44 generates an electromagnetic force in response to the supply of current, thereby linearly moving the plunger 42 inserted inside the solenoid coil 44 to the water-stopping position and the water-passing position.

The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 in the water-stopping position. The first holding member 46 is, for example, a coil spring. The first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 in the water-stopping position, for example, by applying a biasing force to the plunger 42 that biases it toward the water-stopping position.

The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 in the water flow position. The second holding member 48 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 in the water flow position, for example, by applying an attractive force to the plunger 42 that attracts it to the water flow position side.

The diaphragm 50 is provided between the water passage 40 and the plunger 42. When the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position, a pressure difference occurs between both sides of the diaphragm 50, causing the diaphragm 50 to move and close the water passage 40 together with the plunger 42. When the plunger 42 moves to the water stop position and closes the water passage 40, the elastic body 42b abuts against the water passage 40 or the diaphragm 50. This increases the adhesion between the water passage 40 and the diaphragm 50, and allows the water passage 40 to be closed more appropriately. In addition, by abutting the elastic body 42b, it is possible to prevent the plunger 42 from abutting against the water passage 40 or the diaphragm 50 when the water is stopped, and thus to prevent noise from being generated. The diaphragm 50 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

In the solenoid valve 30, the plunger 42 can be moved between a water stop position and a water flow position depending on the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44.

When the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the biasing force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring, becomes greater than the attractive force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water stop position, the biasing force of the first holding member 46 holds the plunger 42 in the water stop position.

On the other hand, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passage position, the attractive force of the second holding member 48, which is a permanent magnet, becomes greater than the biasing force of the first holding member 46, which is a coil spring. As a result, when the plunger 42 is moved to the water passage position, the attractive force of the second holding member 48 holds the plunger 42 in the water passage position.

Conversely, the first retaining member 46 may be a permanent magnet and the second retaining member 48 may be a coil spring. The first retaining member 46 and the second retaining member 48 may be configured in any manner that can retain the position of the plunger 42.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
3, the faucet device 10 further includes a power supply unit 26. The power supply unit 26 is connected to the generator 24 and a battery 28. The power supply unit 26 supplies power from the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the solenoid valve device 20 and the like. The power supply unit 26 converts, for example, DC power supplied from the generator 24 and the battery 28 into DC power of a predetermined voltage value, and supplies it to each part such as the solenoid valve device 20 and the sensor unit 22.

The battery 28 is removably attached to a holder (not shown). The battery 28 is removably connected to the power supply unit 26. If the voltage of the battery 28 drops, the battery 28 is replaced.

In this example, the power supply unit 26 is connected to the generator 24 and the battery 28. The power supply unit 26 only needs to be connected to at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28. The power supply unit 26 only needs to be configured to be able to supply power from at least one of the generator 24 and the battery 28 to the solenoid valve device 20.

The solenoid valve device 20 further includes a current detection unit 34 and a drive circuit 36. The current detection unit 34 detects the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44. The current detection unit 34 is connected to the control unit 32 and inputs the current detection result to the control unit 32.

The drive circuit 36 is connected to the power supply unit 26 and the solenoid coil 44. Based on the power supplied from the power supply unit 26, the drive circuit 36 switches between supplying current to the solenoid coil 44 and stopping the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44. The drive circuit 36 also makes it possible to switch the direction of the current supplied to the solenoid coil 44. In other words, the drive circuit 36 makes it possible to move the plunger 42 to a water-stopping position and to a water-passing position.

The control unit 32 controls the supply of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 22 and the current detection unit 34. The control unit 32 is connected to the drive circuit 36. The control unit 32 controls the supply of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 by controlling the operation of the drive circuit 36 based on the detection results of the sensor unit 22 and the current detection unit 34.

4A and 4B are graphs that diagrammatically show an example of the operation of the control unit.
4(a) and 4(b) show an example of the operation of the control unit 32 during the water passing operation to move the plunger 42 from the water stopping position to the water passing position. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34. Fig. 4(b) shows an example of the operation of the drive circuit 36 to pass current through the solenoid coil 44.

In response to the sensor unit 22 switching from the non-detection state to the detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water-passing position (timing T11 in Figure 4).

When the plunger 42 starts moving from the stop position to the flow position during water flow, a back electromotive force is generated in the solenoid coil 44 due to induction as the plunger 42 moves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4(a), during water flow, the current increases after the start of current flow and then decreases once. Then, when the plunger 42 has completed moving to the flow position, the back electromotive force disappears and the current increases again.

When water is passing through the control unit 32, based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, detects a change point CP1 where the current increases, then decreases once and then increases again, and in response to the detection of this change point CP1, drives the drive circuit 36 to stop the current passing through the solenoid coil 44 (timing T12 in FIG. 4). This prevents unnecessary current from passing through the solenoid coil 44 during water passing through the solenoid valve device 20 and the faucet device 10, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

When the plunger 42 moves to the water passage position, the water passage 40 opens. In other words, the solenoid valve 30 opens. This causes the faucet 13 to enter a water discharge state, where water is discharged from the water outlet 13a. Furthermore, when the plunger 42 moves to the water passage position, the plunger 42 is held in the water passage position by the second holding member 48. Therefore, even after the current to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped, the plunger 42 is held in the water passage position, and the water discharge state of the faucet 13 is maintained.

The current waveform shown at the top of Figure 4 is not a waveform in which current flow to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped at timing T12, but rather, for the sake of clarity, shows a state in which current continues to flow to the solenoid coil 44 even after passing the change point CP1, in order to clearly show that the current increases again.

5A to 5C are graphs each showing a schematic example of the operation of the control unit.
Figures 5(a) to 5(c) show an example of the operation of the control unit 32 during a water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from a water passing position to a water stopping position. Figure 5(a) shows an example of a current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34. Figure 5(b) shows an example of a differential value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44. Figure 5(c) shows an example of an operation in which a current is applied to the solenoid coil 44 by the drive circuit 36.

In response to the sensor unit 22 switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position (timing T21 in Figure 5).

As shown in FIG. 5A, during the water stop operation, the change in current accompanying the movement of the plunger 42 is smaller than during the water flow operation. Therefore, during the water stop operation, the control unit 32 starts to pass current to the solenoid coil 44, and then calculates the amount of change in the current slope based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34. The control unit 32 detects a change point CP2 at which the current slope becomes smaller than when the current started to flow and then becomes larger again due to the inversion of the sign of the change in the current slope. In response to the detection of this change point CP2, the drive circuit 36 is driven to stop the current flow to the solenoid coil 44 (timing T23 in FIG. 5). This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary current flow to the solenoid coil 44 even during the water stop operation, and to reduce the power consumption of the solenoid valve device 20 and the water faucet device 10.

Note that the current waveform in FIG. 5(a) and the differential waveform in FIG. 5(b) are not waveforms in which current flow to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped at timing T23, but rather, for the sake of clarity, they show a state in which current continues to flow to the solenoid coil 44 even after the change point CP2 is exceeded, in order to clearly show that the current slope changes so that it becomes larger again.

The control unit 32 obtains the detection result (current value) of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 from the current detection unit 34 at a predetermined sampling time, for example. The sampling time is, for example, 10 μs. However, the sampling time is not limited to this and may be any time.

The control unit 32 calculates the average value of the current (current value) for each first hour by averaging the current value for each first hour based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34. The first hour is, for example, 100 μs. For example, every time 10 current values are acquired, the control unit 32 calculates the average current value based on the acquired 10 current values. However, the first hour is not limited to this and may be any time longer than the sampling time.

The control unit 32 calculates the current slope from the average current value. After calculating the average current value for each first time, the control unit 32 calculates the current slope by performing a differential calculation based on the previous average current value and the current average current value. More specifically, when the first time is t1, the previous average current value is C1, the current average current value is C2, and the current slope is Df, the control unit 32 calculates the current slope Df by the formula Df = (C1 - C2) / t1. In other words, the current slope is the differential value of the current shown in Figure 5 (b). For this reason, the control unit 32 stores at least a predetermined number of current values for calculating the previous average current value C1 and the current average current value C2 in an internal memory or the like.

The current slope may be calculated for each current value sample. However, as described above, by calculating the current slope from the average current value, it is possible to suppress, for example, the influence of noise contained in the detection result of the current detection unit 34. In addition, the calculation load on the control unit 32 can be reduced compared to when the current slope is calculated for each current value sample.

The control unit 32 calculates the average value of the current slope for each second time by averaging the current slope (differential value) for each second time that is longer than the first time. The second time is, for example, 500 μs. For example, every time five current slopes are acquired, the control unit 32 calculates the average value of the current slope based on the acquired five current slopes. However, the second time is not limited to this and may be any time longer than the first time.

The control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the current slope from the average value of the current slope. After calculating the average value of the current slope for each second time, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the current slope by performing a differentiation operation based on the average value of the previous current slope and the average value of the current slope. More specifically, when the second time is t2, the average value of the previous current slope is Df1, the average value of the current slope is Df2, and the amount of change in the current slope is SL, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the current slope SL by the formula SL = (Df1 - Df2) / t2. In other words, the amount of change in the current slope is the second derivative value obtained by differentiating the current value twice.

The amount of change in the current slope may be calculated for each calculation of the current slope. That is, when the first time is t1, the previous current slope is Df1, the current slope is Df2, and the amount of change in the current slope is SL, the control unit 32 may calculate the amount of change in the current slope SL using the formula SL = (Df1 - Df2) / t1. However, by calculating the amount of change in the current slope from the average value of the current slope as described above, it is possible to further suppress, for example, the influence of noise contained in the detection result of the current detection unit 34. In addition, the calculation load on the control unit 32 can be reduced compared to when the amount of change in the current slope is calculated for each calculation of the current slope.

As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the slope of the current decreases from the start of current flow to the solenoid coil 44 toward the change point CP2, and then temporarily increases at the change point CP2. For this reason, as shown in Figure 5(b), the sign of the change in the slope of the current is negative between timing T21 and timing T22, and the sign of the change in the slope of the current is inverted to positive between timing T22 and timing T23. Therefore, the change point CP2 can be detected by the reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current.

As shown in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 when, for example, the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed once, and stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of the operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of the relationship between the position PS of the plunger 42 and the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44 during a water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position.

When moving the plunger 42 from the water-passing position to the water-stopping position, it is necessary to energize the solenoid coil 44 until the plunger 42 moves to a boundary position where the force of the first holding member 46 trying to hold the plunger 42 at the water-stopping position is greater than the force of the second holding member 48 trying to hold the plunger 42 at the water-passing position. If the power supply to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped before the plunger 42 reaches the boundary position, the force of the second holding member 48 may cause the plunger 42 to return to the water-passing position.

As shown in FIG. 6, the change point CP2 occurs when current begins to flow through the solenoid coil 44 and the plunger 42 moves from the water-passing position to the water-stopping position. Therefore, as described above, the drive circuit 36 is driven in response to the detection of the change point CP2 to stop the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44. This makes it possible to stop the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 at the appropriate time when the plunger 42 moves to the water-stopping position, and to prevent the plunger 42 from returning to the water-passing position. Water can be stopped appropriately while preventing unnecessary current from flowing through the solenoid coil 44.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, in response to the sensor unit 22 switching from a detection state to a non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position, and begins passing current through the solenoid coil 44 (step S101 in FIG. 7).

After starting to energize the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 acquires the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 from the current detection unit 34 at a predetermined sampling time, and stores the acquired current value in an internal memory or the like (step S102 in FIG. 7). However, the storage destination of the current value is not limited to the internal memory, and may be an external memory connected to the control unit 32.

After storing the current value, the control unit 32 determines whether the first time has elapsed (step S103 in FIG. 7). If the control unit 32 determines that the first time has not elapsed, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S102 and acquires the current value.

When the control unit 32 determines that the first time period has elapsed, it calculates the average current value for each first time period based on a predetermined number of current values acquired during the first time period (step S104 in FIG. 7).

After calculating the average current value for each first hour, the control unit 32 calculates the slope of the current by performing a differential calculation based on the previous average current value and the current average current value (step S105 in FIG. 7).

After calculating the current slope, the control unit 32 determines whether the second time has elapsed (step S106 in FIG. 7). If the control unit 32 determines that the second time has not elapsed, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S102 and acquires the current value.

When the control unit 32 determines that the second time has elapsed, it calculates the average value of the current slope for each second time based on a predetermined number of current slopes acquired during the second time (step S107 in FIG. 7).

The control unit 32 calculates the average value of the current slope every second hour, and then calculates the amount of change in the current slope by performing a differential calculation based on the average value of the previous current slope and the average value of the current slope (step S108 in Figure 7).

After calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current, the control unit 32 determines whether the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once (step S109 in FIG. 7). If the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has not reversed, the control unit 32 returns to the process of step S102 and obtains the current value.

On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed once, it determines that the change point CP2 has been detected and stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S110 in FIG. 7).

As described above, the water faucet device 10 (water discharge device) and solenoid valve device 20 according to this embodiment detect the change point CP2 of the current gradient and stop the current flow to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2, thereby preventing the current from flowing more than necessary even when the solenoid valve 30 is closed to stop the water flow, thereby reducing power consumption. In addition, by detecting the change point CP2 by reversing the sign of the change in the gradient of the current, the completion of the movement of the plunger 42 can be accurately determined and the water can be stopped accurately even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve 30. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water faucet device 10 and solenoid valve device 20 that prevent unnecessary current flow when the solenoid valve 30 is closed.

In addition, in the water faucet device 10 and solenoid valve device 20 according to this embodiment, the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed once. This allows the first change point CP2 in the slope of the current to be detected after the current starts to flow through the solenoid coil 44, and allows water to be stopped more quickly even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve 30.

In addition, in the faucet device 10 and solenoid valve device 20 according to this embodiment, the control unit 32 calculates the average value of the current for each first hour by averaging the current for each first hour based on the detection results of the current detection unit 34, and calculates the current slope from the average current value. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of noise contained in the detection results of the current detection unit 34, and more accurately detect the change point CP2 of the current slope.

In addition, in the faucet device 10 and solenoid valve device 20 according to this embodiment, the control unit 32 averages the current slope every second hour, which is longer than the first hour, to calculate the average value of the current slope every second hour, and calculates the amount of change in the current slope from the average value of the current slope. This reduces the calculation load on the control unit 32 while suppressing the effects of noise contained in the detection result of the current detection unit 34, and allows the change point CP2 of the current slope to be detected more accurately.

8(a) to 8(c) are graphs that diagrammatically show another example of the operation of the control unit.
8(a) to 8(c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of another operation of the control unit 32 during a water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from a water passing position to a water stopping position. Similarly to Figs. 5(a) to 5(c), Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44, the differential value of the current, and the operation of energizing the solenoid coil 44.

As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), in this example, the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 when the sign of the change in the current slope reverses twice.

As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the slope of the current temporarily increases at the change point CP2, and then decreases again. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the sign of the change in the slope of the current is negative between timing T21 and timing T22, and the sign of the change in the slope of the current is inverted to positive between timing T22 and timing T23, and then the sign of the change in the slope of the current is inverted to negative again between timing T23 and timing T24.

Therefore, by detecting two reversals in the sign of the change in the slope of the current, the change point CP2 can be detected more reliably. For example, it is possible to detect the change point immediately after CP2.

In this way, in this example, the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current twice. This allows detection immediately after the first change point CP2 of the slope of the current, and makes it possible to more reliably stop the water flow even when there are environmental factors or manufacturing variations in the solenoid valve 30.

In this way, the control unit 32 may detect the change point CP2 by the sign of the change in the slope of the current being reversed once, or may detect the change point CP2 by the sign being reversed twice. When the change point CP2 is detected by one reversal, the water can be stopped more quickly and unnecessary current flow can be further suppressed. When the change point CP2 is detected by two reversals, the water can be stopped more reliably.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a schematic example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
9, like FIG. 6, shows a schematic example of the relationship between the position PS of the plunger 42 and the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44 during a water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inventors of the present application have found that after the plunger 42 moves from the water passing position to the water stopping position, the force of the movement may cause it to bounce back from the water stopping position. For example, they have found that when the plunger 42 has an elastic body 42b at the tip, the rebound of the elastic body 42b tends to increase the rebound at the water stopping position.

The force with which the plunger 42 bounces at the water stop position gradually decreases from the second bounce onwards. For example, after the plunger 42 bounces several times at the water stop position, it is held at the water stop position by the force of the first holding member 46, etc.

Furthermore, as a result of careful consideration, the inventors of the present application have found that, as shown in FIG. 9, when the plunger 42 bounces back at the water stopping position, a change point CP2 (CP2-1, CP2-2) in the slope of the current appears each time the plunger 42 reaches the water stopping position.

If the plunger 42 bounces back from the water-stopping position and the power supply to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped at the time it moves away from the water-stopping position, the plunger 42 may return to the water-passing position, and the solenoid valve 30 may not be able to properly stop the water.

Therefore, in cases where the plunger 42 bounces back significantly at the water stop position, the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 by detecting the sign of the change in the slope of the current reversing twice and then reversing again. In other words, the control unit 32 detects the timing at which the plunger 42, which has bounced back at the water stop position, returns to the water stop position. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption during the water stop operation, while stopping the current flow to the solenoid coil 44 at a more appropriate timing when the plunger 42 is considered to have moved to the water stop position, and to more reliably stop the water flow.

FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a schematic example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44 and the second derivative TD of the current CR (the amount of change in the slope of the current).

As shown in FIG. 10, when the plunger 42 bounces back at the water stop position, a first change point CP2-1 occurs when the plunger 42 reaches the water stop position for the first time, a first reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current occurs when the first change point CP2-1 occurs, and a second reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current occurs immediately after the first change point CP2-1. Then, a second change point CP2-2 occurs when the plunger 42 reaches the water stop position for the second time, a third reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current occurs when the second change point CP2-2 occurs, and a fourth reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current occurs immediately after the second change point CP2-2.

In this way, the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice when the plunger 42 reaches the water stop position for the first time, and is reversed twice more when the plunger 42 reaches the water stop position for the second time. Similarly, the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice each time the plunger 42 reaches the water stop position.

The control unit 32 detects the change point CP2, for example, when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed once more. In other words, the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2, for example, when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed three times.

This allows the second current slope change point CP2-2 to be detected, and the water can be stopped more quickly at a more appropriate time when the plunger 42 is considered to have moved to the water stopping position, thereby appropriately reducing power consumption during the water stopping operation.

The control unit 32 may detect the change point CP2, for example, when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed two more times. In other words, the control unit 32 may detect the change point CP2, for example, when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed four times.

This allows the system to detect the second current slope change point CP2-2 immediately after it is detected, and more reliably stops the water flow at a more appropriate timing when the plunger 42 is considered to have moved to the water stopping position. This makes it possible to more reliably stop the water flow while appropriately suppressing the power consumption during the water stopping operation.

The number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current detecting the change point CP2 is inverted is not limited to three or four times, but may be five or more times. For example, if the plunger 42 bounces significantly at the water stop position or if the plunger 42 bounces frequently at the water stop position, the number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current detecting the change point CP2 is inverted is set to five or more times. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the solenoid coil 44 from being turned off when the plunger 42 moves away from the water stop position, which would cause the solenoid valve 30 to be unable to properly stop water.

For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 6, when the rebound of the plunger 42 at the water stopping position is small, the number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current for detecting the change point CP2 is inverted is set to one or two. This allows water to be stopped more quickly, and the power consumption during the water stopping operation can be appropriately suppressed.

11A and 11B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
10, Fig. 11(a) shows an example of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44 and the second derivative TD (amount of change in the slope of the current) of the current CR. Fig. 11(b) shows an example of the operation of energizing the solenoid coil 44 by the drive circuit 36.

As shown in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b), in this example, the control unit 32 detects a change point CP2 when the sign of the change in the slope of the current reverses twice and then reverses again two more times, and then stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a predetermined time Δt.

In this way, after detecting the change point CP2, the control unit 32 may stop the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a predetermined time Δt from the timing of the detection of the change point CP2. This allows the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 to be stopped at a more appropriate timing when the plunger 42 is considered to have moved to the water stopping position, making it possible to more reliably stop the water flow.

The setting of the predetermined time Δt is not limited to the case where the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed four times. The control unit 32 may stop the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a predetermined time Δt after detecting the change point CP2 by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current once. The control unit 32 may stop the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a predetermined time Δt after detecting the change point CP2 by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current twice. The control unit 32 may stop the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a predetermined time Δt after detecting the change point CP2 by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current three times.

12A and 12B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
Figure 12 (a) shows a schematic diagram of an example of the position PS of the plunger 42 during a water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from a water passing position to a water stopping position, and the second derivative value TD (amount of change in the slope of the current) of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44.
Figure 12 (b) shows a schematic diagram of an example of the position PS of the plunger 42 during the water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position, and the third derivative HD (change in the amount of change in the slope of the current) of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44.

As shown in FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b), in this example, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current, and further calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current. In other words, the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current is a third-order differential value obtained by differentiating the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 three times. In other words, the control unit 32 calculates a second-order differential value of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44, and further calculates a third-order differential value.

The control unit 32 calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, for example, by performing a differentiation operation based on the amount of change in the slope of the current from the previous time and the amount of change in the slope of the current every second time. More specifically, when the second time is t2, the amount of change in the slope of the current from the previous time is SL1, the amount of change in the slope of the current is SL2, and the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current is TL, the control unit 32 calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, TL, using the formula TL = (SL1 - SL2) / t2.

For example, if the amount of change in the slope of the current is calculated every first hour, the control unit 32 may calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current every first hour. That is, when the first time is t1, the amount of change in the slope of the current the previous time is SL1, the amount of change in the slope of the current the current is SL2, and the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current the current is TL, the control unit 32 may calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current TL using the formula TL = (SL1 - SL2) / t1.

For example, when the amount of change in the slope of the current is calculated for each first time, the control unit 32 may calculate an average value of the amount of change in the slope of the current for each second time by averaging the amount of change in the slope of the current (second derivative value) for each second time that is longer than the first time, and calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current (third derivative value) from the average amount of change in the slope of the current. That is, when the second time is t2, the average amount of change in the slope of the current from the previous time is SL1, the average amount of change in the slope of the current from the current time is SL2, and the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current is TL, the control unit 32 may calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current TL using the formula TL = (SL1 - SL2) / t2.

For example, when the amount of change in the slope of the current is calculated every second hour, the control unit 32 may calculate an average value of the amount of change in the slope of the current every third hour by averaging the amount of change in the slope of the current (second derivative value) every third hour, which is longer than the second hour, and calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current (third derivative value) from the average amount of change in the slope of the current. That is, when the third hour is t3, the average amount of change in the slope of the current the previous time is SL1, the average amount of change in the slope of the current the current is SL2, and the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current the change is TL, the control unit 32 may calculate the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current TL by the formula TL = (SL1 - SL2) / t3.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 when water is stopped.
As shown in FIG. 13, in this example, in response to the sensor unit 22 switching from a detection state to a non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position, and begins passing current through the solenoid coil 44 (step S201 in FIG. 13).

After starting to pass current through the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current (step S202 in FIG. 13). The process of calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current is similar to the process of steps S102 to S108 described with reference to FIG. 7, so a detailed description will be omitted. The control unit 32 also calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current, and calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current based on the amount of change in the slope of the current. In other words, the control unit 32 calculates the second and third derivatives of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44.

After calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current and the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, the control unit 32 determines whether the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once (step S203 in FIG. 13). In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether the first change point CP2-1 of the slope of the current has been detected.

If the control unit 32 determines that the image has not been inverted once, it repeats the processes of steps S202 and S203.

If the control unit 32 determines that one reversal has occurred, it further calculates the change in the amount of change in the current slope (step S204 in FIG. 13).

The control unit 32 calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current and determines whether the sign of the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once (step S205 in FIG. 13). In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether the sign of the second-order differential value of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 has reversed once, and then the sign of the third-order differential value of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 has reversed once.

If the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the amount of change in the current slope has not been reversed once, it repeats the processing of steps S204 and S205.

On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once, it ends the water stopping process by stopping the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S206 in FIG. 13). That is, when the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once, it determines that it has detected a change point CP2 of the slope of the current. In other words, when the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once, it determines that it has detected a second change point CP2-2 of the slope of the current.

If the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed again to detect the change point CP2, the change in the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 may become small, and it may become impossible to detect the change point CP2 of the slope of the current.

For example, if the force of the rebound of the plunger 42 at the water stop position is small, the amount of change in the slope of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 will be small, and even at the timing when the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current should be reversed, such as the timing of the second change point CP2-2 shown in Figure 12(a), the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current may not be reversed.

In contrast, in this example, the control unit 32 calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, and after the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once, determines whether the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed once. As a result, even if the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current does not reverse, such as at the timing of the second change point CP2-2 shown in FIG. 12(b), the change point CP2 of the slope of the current can be detected by the reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current.

In this way, the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current is calculated, and the change point CP2 of the slope of the current is detected based on the reversal of the sign of the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current. This makes it possible to more appropriately detect the change point CP2 of the slope of the current in cases where the force of the rebound of the plunger 42 at the water stop position is small and the amount of change in the slope of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 is small.

14A and 14B are graphs illustrating an example of another operation of the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.
Figure 14 (a), like Figure 12 (a), shows a schematic example of the position PS of the plunger 42 during the water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position, and the second derivative value TD (the amount of change in the slope of the current) of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44.
Figure 14 (b), like Figure 12 (b), shows a schematic example of the position PS of the plunger 42 during the water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position, and the third derivative HD (change in the amount of change in the slope of the current) of the current CR flowing through the solenoid coil 44.

As shown in FIG. 14(a) and FIG. 14(b), in this example, the control unit 32 starts energizing the solenoid coil 44, and determines that a change point CP2 in the slope of the current has been detected when the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current is reversed twice after the start of energizing the solenoid coil 44 and the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current is reversed twice. In other words, the control unit 32 determines that a change point CP2 in the slope of the current has been detected when the sign of the second-order differential value of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 is reversed twice after the sign of the third-order differential value of the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 is reversed twice.

In this way, when calculating the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current (the third derivative of the current value), the control unit 32 may detect the first change point CP2-1 at the first reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current, or may detect the first change point CP2-1 at the second reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current. And, when calculating the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current (the third derivative of the current value), the control unit 32 may detect the second change point CP2-2 at the first reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current, or may detect the second change point CP2-2 at the second reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current.

The control unit 32 may determine that the change point CP2 of the current slope has been detected, for example, when the sign of the change in the amount of change in the current slope is reversed twice and then the sign of the change in the amount of change in the current slope is reversed once, or may determine that the change point CP2 of the current slope has been detected when the sign of the change in the amount of change in the current slope is reversed twice and then the sign of the change in the amount of change in the current slope is reversed once.

Whether the number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed is one or two, and whether the number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed is one or two, can be selected appropriately depending on the product (model) of the faucet device 10 and the installation environment, etc., so that the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 can be stopped at the most appropriate timing.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram that illustrates a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
15, the solenoid valve device 20a further includes an alarm unit 60. The alarm unit 60 is connected to the control unit 32. The alarm unit 60 is for notifying a user, a person in charge of maintaining the solenoid valve device 20a (faucet device 10), or the like of the occurrence of an abnormality related to the operation of the solenoid valve device 20a, based on the control of the control unit 32. When the control unit 32 detects the occurrence of an abnormality related to the operation of the solenoid valve device 20a, it operates the alarm unit 60 to notify the user, or the like, of the occurrence of the abnormality.

The notification unit 60 detects the occurrence of an abnormality, for example, by switching a light on and off. For example, a lamp such as an LED is used as the notification unit 60. The notification unit 60 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a speaker that issues a notification by outputting sound, or a display device such as a liquid crystal display that issues a notification by displaying letters, patterns, etc. The notification mode of the notification unit 60 may be any mode that can appropriately notify the user, etc. The notification unit 60 may be any component that can appropriately notify the user, etc.

The notification unit 60 is provided in the faucet 13, for example, in the same manner as the sensor unit 22. The notification unit 60 may also be provided in the control unit 32, etc. The notification unit 60 may also be provided in a cabinet provided below the washbasin counter 12 together with the control unit 32, etc. The notification unit 60 may be positioned in any way that allows it to appropriately notify the user, etc.

Figure 16 is a flow chart that shows a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 16 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 when the solenoid valve device 20a stops flowing water.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the solenoid valve device 20a, in response to the sensor unit 22 switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position, thereby starting the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S301 in FIG. 16).

After starting to energize the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current (step S302 in FIG. 16). The process of calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current is similar to the process of steps S102 to S108 described with reference to FIG. 7, so a detailed description is omitted.

After calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current, the control unit 32 determines whether the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed twice (step S303 in FIG. 16). In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether the first change point CP2-1 of the slope of the current has been detected.

If the control unit 32 determines that the image has not been inverted twice, it repeats the processes of steps S302 and S303.

When the control unit 32 determines that the current slope has reversed twice, it further calculates the amount of change in the current slope and determines whether or not a change point CP2 in the current slope has been detected (steps S304 and S305 in FIG. 16). The control unit 32 determines, for example, whether the sign of the amount of change in the current slope has reversed once or twice more after reversing twice. In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether or not a second change point CP2-2 in the current slope has been detected. However, the detection of change point CP2 may be detected when the sign of the amount of change in the current slope has reversed five or more times. The control unit 32 may detect a change point CP2 in the current slope for the third or subsequent times.

When the control unit 32 determines that a change point CP2 in the current slope has been detected, it ends the water stopping process by stopping the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S306 in FIG. 16).

On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the change point CP2 of the current slope has not been detected, it then determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of energization of the solenoid coil 44 (step S307 in FIG. 16). The first predetermined time is, for example, about 3 ms (2 ms or more and 4 ms or less).

If the control unit 32 determines that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, it returns to the process of step S304 and detects the change point CP2 of the current slope. If the control unit 32 detects the change point CP2 of the current slope before the first predetermined time has elapsed, it stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2 of the current slope, as described above.

On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed, it stops the passage of current through the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a second predetermined time from the start of current flow through the solenoid coil 44 (step S308 in FIG. 16).

In other words, when the control unit 32 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed, it changes the control mode from the control mode for detecting the change point CP2 to the control mode for fixed time control. That is, when the control unit 32 cannot detect the change point CP2, it changes the control mode from the control mode for detecting the change point CP2 to the control mode for fixed time control. The second predetermined time is, for example, about 15 ms (10 ms or more and 20 ms or less).

In this way, if the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed twice, but is unable to detect the change point CP2 of the slope of the current, it stops passing current to the solenoid coil 44 after a certain period of time (a second predetermined period of time) has elapsed.

In addition, if the control unit 32 cannot detect the change point CP2 of the current slope after determining that the sign of the change in the current slope has been reversed twice, it operates the notification unit 60 to notify the user or the like of the occurrence of an abnormality (step S309 in FIG. 16). In other words, the control unit 32 notifies the user that the change point CP2 cannot be detected and that the control mode has been switched to the fixed-time control mode.

The control unit 32 may, for example, stop the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 and then operate the alarm unit 60 to notify the occurrence of an abnormality. The control unit 32 may, for example, start the alarm unit 60 to notify substantially simultaneously with the stop of current to the solenoid coil 44. Alternatively, the control unit 32 may start the alarm unit 60 to notify when it determines that a first predetermined time has elapsed and switches to a control mode of fixed-time control. In other words, the control unit 32 may start the alarm unit 60 to notify before the stop of current to the solenoid coil 44 between the first and second predetermined times.

If the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed again to detect the change point CP2, it may not be possible to detect the third or subsequent sign reversals. In other words, it may not be possible to detect the change point CP2 from the second time onwards.

For example, if the repulsion coefficient of the elastic body 42b of the plunger 42 decreases due to aging or other reasons, the rebound of the plunger 42 at the water stop position will weaken, and the change in the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 may become smaller. And, because the change in the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 becomes smaller in this way, it may become impossible to detect the third or subsequent reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current.

In contrast, in the solenoid valve device 20a, if the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed twice and then is unable to detect the change point CP2 of the current slope, it stops the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 after a certain period of time has passed. This makes it possible to more reliably stop the water flow even when the change point CP2 cannot be detected due to deterioration of the elastic body 42b over time, for example. For example, it is possible to prevent the water faucet device 10 from remaining in a water discharge state due to an inability to detect the change point CP2.

In addition, in the solenoid valve device 20a, if the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed twice and then is unable to detect the change point CP2 of the current slope, it operates the notification unit 60 to notify the user or the like of the occurrence of an abnormality. This makes it possible to notify the user or the like of the occurrence of an abnormality in which the change point CP2 cannot be detected. For example, it is possible to prompt the user or the like to perform maintenance such as replacing the elastic body 42b.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram that illustrates a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
17 , the solenoid valve device 20b further includes a temperature sensor 62. The temperature sensor 62 measures the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13. The temperature sensor 62 is connected to the control unit 32. The temperature sensor 62 inputs the measurement result of the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 to the control unit 32.

The temperature sensor 62 is provided, for example, inside the faucet 13. The temperature sensor 62 may also be provided inside the solenoid valve 30 or inside the water supply line 14. The temperature sensor 62 may be disposed in any position that can properly measure the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13. For example, a thermistor or a thermocouple is used as the temperature sensor 62. The temperature sensor 62 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor that can properly measure the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13.

Figure 18 is a flow chart that shows a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 18 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 when the solenoid valve device 20b stops flowing water.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the solenoid valve device 20b, in response to the sensor unit 22 switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position, thereby starting the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S401 in FIG. 18).

After starting to energize the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current (step S402 in FIG. 18). The process of calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current is similar to the process of steps S102 to S108 described with reference to FIG. 7, so a detailed description is omitted.

After calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current, the control unit 32 determines whether the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has reversed twice (step S403 in FIG. 18). In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether the first change point CP2-1 of the slope of the current has been detected.

If the control unit 32 determines that the image has not been inverted twice, it repeats the processes of steps S402 and S403.

On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the water has reversed twice, it determines whether or not a specific condition is met. In this example, if the control unit 32 determines that the water has reversed twice, it determines whether or not the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is below a predetermined temperature (step S404 in FIG. 18). For example, if the water temperature is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit 32 determines that the specific condition is not met, and if the water temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, it determines that the specific condition is met.

If the control unit 32 determines that the temperature is below the predetermined temperature, it further calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current and determines whether or not a change point CP2 in the slope of the current has been detected (steps S405 and S406 in FIG. 18). The control unit 32 determines whether or not the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current has been reversed once or twice more after being reversed twice. In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether or not a second change point CP2-2 in the slope of the current has been detected.

When the control unit 32 determines that a change point CP2 in the current slope has been detected, it ends the water stopping process by stopping the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S407 in FIG. 18).

On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the change point CP2 of the current slope has not been detected, it repeats the processes of steps S405 and S406. In this way, if the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit 32 stops the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2 of the current slope.

If the control unit 32 determines in the process of step S404 that the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, it stops the passage of current through the solenoid coil 44 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of current flow through the solenoid coil 44 (step S408 in FIG. 18).

In other words, when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 32 changes the control mode from the control mode for detecting the change point CP2 to the control mode for fixed time control. The fixed time is, for example, about 15 ms (10 ms to 20 ms).

In this way, when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 32 stops the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

The inventors of the present application have found that when the change point CP2 is detected by the sign of the change in the slope of the current reversing twice and then reversing once or twice more, if the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, there is a tendency for the plunger 42 to move from the water flowing position to the water stopping position, and then bounce back from the water stopping position to the water flowing position.

In other words, when detecting the second change point CP2-2, if the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, it has been found that there is a high possibility that the plunger 42 will bounce back from the stop position and return to the pass-through position after moving from the pass-through position to the stop position.

This is thought to be because when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the resilience coefficient of the elastic body 42b of the plunger 42 increases, resulting in stronger rebound when the plunger 42 is in the water stop position.

In contrast, in the solenoid valve device 20b, if the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 32 stops the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

This makes it possible to more reliably stop the water flow even when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the repulsion coefficient of the elastic body 42b becomes high. For example, it is possible to prevent the plunger 42 from bouncing back from the water stop position and returning to the water flow position, causing the faucet device 10 to remain in the water discharge state.

Figure 19 is a flow chart that shows a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 19 shows a modified example of the operation of the control unit 32 when the solenoid valve device 20b stops flowing water. Note that steps S501 to S503 in Figure 19 are similar to steps S401 to S403 in Figure 18, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, in this example, when the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed twice, the control unit 32 determines whether the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S504 in FIG. 19). More specifically, when the control unit 32 determines that the sign of the change in the slope of the current has reversed twice, the control unit 32 determines whether the current value detected by the current detection unit 34 at the timing when it was determined that the change in the slope of the current had reversed twice is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

In this example, the control unit 32 determines that a particular condition is not satisfied when the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and determines that a particular condition is satisfied when the current value is less than the predetermined threshold.

As in the example shown in FIG. 18, when the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (when the specific condition is not satisfied), the control unit 32 stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2 in the slope of the current (steps S505 to S507 in FIG. 19), and when the current value is less than the predetermined threshold (when the specific condition is satisfied), the control unit 32 stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 in response to the passage of a certain amount of time from the start of the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S508 in FIG. 19).

FIG. 20 is a graph illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit.
Fig. 20 shows an example of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34 during the water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position. Fig. 20 also shows an example of the current when the temperatures of the water discharged from the faucet 13 are set to 5°C, 20°C, 64°C, and 86°C.

As shown in FIG. 20, the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 tends to decrease as the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 increases. Therefore, by setting a predetermined threshold Ith for the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 and determining whether the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold Ith, it is possible to determine whether the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is below a predetermined temperature.

The control unit 32 can determine that the current value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Ith, in other words, that the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is less than a predetermined temperature. The control unit 32 can determine that the current value is equal to or less than the threshold value Ith, in other words, that the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is greater than a predetermined temperature.

In this way, the control unit 32 may determine the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34 as the specific condition. In this case, the same effect can be obtained as when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is set as the specific condition. In other words, water can be stopped more reliably even when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the restitution coefficient of the elastic body 42b becomes high.

When the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34 is set as a specific condition, the temperature sensor 62 can be omitted. Therefore, with a simpler configuration, the water can be stopped more reliably even when the water temperature is high. On the other hand, when the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62 is set as a specific condition, the control unit 32 can grasp the water temperature more accurately, and the water can be stopped more reliably when the water temperature is high.

In this way, the specific condition may be the current value of the current flowing through the solenoid coil 44 detected by the current detection unit 34, or the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 13 measured by the temperature sensor 62.

The specific condition is not limited to these, and may be, for example, the temperature of the solenoid valve 30 (plunger 42) or the temperature of the air around the solenoid valve 30 (air temperature). The control unit 32 may determine that the specific condition is met, for example, when the temperature of the solenoid valve 30 or the temperature of the air around the solenoid valve 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. In this case, too, the same effect as in the above example can be obtained. The temperature sensor 62 may measure, for example, the temperature of the solenoid valve 30 or the temperature of the air around the solenoid valve 30.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram that illustrates a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21 , in the solenoid valve device 20c, the control unit 32 is connected to the generator 24. The control unit 32 acquires information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24. For example, the control unit 32 is connected to the generator 24 to acquire information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24 from the generator 24. The information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24 is, for example, information on the magnitude of the output voltage and output current of the generator 24. The information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24 may be, for example, information indicating whether the generator 24 is generating power or not. The information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24 may be any information that allows the control unit 32 to know whether the generator 24 is generating power or not.

The control unit 32 may obtain information regarding the amount of power generated by the generator 24 from, for example, a voltmeter that measures the output voltage of the generator 24 or an ammeter that measures the output current of the generator 24, without being limited to the generator 24. The method of obtaining information regarding the amount of power generated by the generator 24 is not limited to the above, and any method that allows the control unit 32 to appropriately obtain information may be used.

Figure 22 is a flow chart that shows a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 22 shows an example of the operation of the control unit 32 when the solenoid valve device 20c stops flowing water.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the solenoid valve device 20c, in response to the sensor unit 22 switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the control unit 32 drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stop position, thereby starting the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S601 in FIG. 22).

After starting to energize the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current (step S602 in FIG. 22). The process of calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current is similar to the processes in steps S102 to S108 described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

After calculating the amount of change in the slope of the current, the control unit 32 determines whether or not a change point CP2 in the slope of the current has been detected based on the amount of change in the slope of the current (step S603 in FIG. 22). At this time, the change point CP2 may be detected at the first reversal of the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current, or at the second or subsequent reversal.

If the control unit 32 determines that the change point CP2 of the current slope has not been detected, it repeats the processes of steps S602 and S603.

When the control unit 32 determines that a change point CP2 in the current slope has been detected, it stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S604 in FIG. 22).

After stopping the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the water supply has been stopped based on information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24 (step S605 in FIG. 22). In other words, after stopping the supply of current to the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the generator 24 is generating power. If the generator 24 is not generating power, the control unit 32 determines that the water supply has been stopped, and if the generator 24 is generating power, the control unit 32 determines that the water supply has not been stopped.

When the control unit 32 determines that the water has been stopped, it ends the water stopping process. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the water has not been stopped, it drives the drive circuit 36 to supply a current to the solenoid coil 44 in a direction that moves the plunger 42 to the water stopping position, and restarts the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 (step S606 in FIG. 22).

When the control unit 32 restarts energizing the solenoid coil 44, it controls the energizing time to be longer than the previous time, and stops energizing the solenoid coil 44 (step S607 in FIG. 22).

For example, if the control unit 32 detects a change point CP2 in the current slope at the first reversal of the sign of the change in the current slope during the previous current flow, the control unit 32 detects a change point CP2 in the current slope at the second reversal of the sign of the change in the current slope, thereby making the current flow time longer than the previous time.

In this way, the control unit 32 performs control so that the current flow time is longer than the previous time, for example, by increasing the number of times the sign of the change in the slope of the current is inverted. Alternatively, the control unit 32 may perform control so that the current flow time is longer than the previous time, by switching from a control mode that detects the change point CP2 to a control mode that controls for a fixed time.

After the control unit 32 stops the current supply to the solenoid coil 44, the process returns to step S605. This causes the control unit 32 to repeat the process of supplying current to the solenoid coil 44 until the water supply is properly stopped.

In this way, in the solenoid valve device 20c, if the control unit 32 determines that the water supply has not been stopped, it re-energizes the solenoid coil 44. This prevents the solenoid valve 30 from being energized more than necessary during the water supply stopping operation to close the solenoid valve 30, making it possible to achieve low power consumption, and more reliably stops the water supply even if the plunger 42 unintentionally returns to the water supply position.

In addition, in the solenoid valve device 20c, when the control unit 32 re-energizes the solenoid coil 44, it controls it so that the energization time is longer than the previous time. This allows the water to be stopped more reliably by energizing it again.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram that illustrates a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
23 , in the solenoid valve device 20d, the solenoid valve 30 further includes a detection sensor 52. The detection sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting that the plunger 42 of the solenoid valve 30 is positioned at the water stop position. The detection sensor 52 is connected to the control unit 32. The detection sensor 52 inputs a detection result that the plunger 42 is positioned at the water stop position to the control unit 32.

The detection sensor 52 is, for example, a mechanical switch such as a limit switch, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor. The detection sensor 52 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor that can properly detect that the plunger 42 is in the water-stopping position. For example, the detection sensor 52 may detect that the plunger 42 is in the water-passing position, and detect that the plunger 42 is in the water-stopping position when the plunger 42 is not in the water-passing position.

In the solenoid valve device 20d, the control unit 32 stops the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44 and then determines whether or not the water has been stopped based on the detection result of the detection sensor 52. After stopping the flow of current to the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the detection sensor 52 detects that the plunger 42 is in the water stop position. The control unit 32 determines that the water has been stopped if the detection sensor 52 detects that the plunger 42 is in the water stop position, and determines that the water has not been stopped if the detection sensor 52 does not detect that the plunger 42 is in the water stop position.

In this way, the determination of whether or not the water supply has been stopped may be made based on the detection results of the detection sensor 52, without being limited to information related to the amount of power generated by the generator 24. In this case, as in the above example, when the water supply is stopped by closing the solenoid valve 30, it is possible to prevent more current than necessary, realizing low power consumption, and more reliably stopping the water supply even when the plunger 42 unintentionally returns to the water supply position.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram that illustrates a modified example of the water faucet device according to the first embodiment.
24 , the solenoid valve device 20e further includes a water flow sensor 64. The water flow sensor 64 detects the discharge of water from the faucet 13. The water flow sensor 64 is connected to the control unit 32. The water flow sensor 64 inputs the detection result of the discharge of water from the faucet 13 to the control unit 32.

The water flow sensor 64 is provided, for example, inside the faucet 13. The water flow sensor 64 may also be provided inside the solenoid valve 30 or inside the water supply line 14. The water flow sensor 64 may be positioned in any manner that can properly detect the discharge of water from the faucet 13. The water flow sensor 64 may be any manner that can properly detect the discharge of water from the faucet 13.

In the solenoid valve device 20e, the control unit 32, after stopping the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44, determines whether or not the water has been stopped based on the detection result of the water flow sensor 64. After stopping the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil 44, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the water flow sensor 64 detects the discharge of water from the water faucet 13. The control unit 32 determines that the water has been stopped if the water flow sensor 64 does not detect the discharge of water from the water faucet 13, and determines that the water has not been stopped if the water flow sensor 64 detects the discharge of water from the water faucet 13.

In this way, the determination as to whether the water has been stopped may be based on the detection result of the water flow sensor 64. The determination as to whether the water has been stopped may be based on any information that allows the control unit 32 to appropriately determine whether the water has been stopped.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device according to the second embodiment.
25, the toilet device 100 (water discharge device) includes a toilet bowl 102, a water supply passage 14, a solenoid valve device 20, and a sensor unit 22. Components that are substantially the same in function and configuration as the faucet device 10 described in relation to the first embodiment above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The toilet bowl 102 has a concave bowl portion and a water outlet (not shown) that discharges flushing water into the bowl portion. The toilet bowl 102 flushes away waste and the like excreted in the bowl portion by discharging flushing water supplied via the water supply passage 14 from the water outlet into the bowl portion. That is, in this example, the toilet bowl 102 functions as the water outlet. In other words, the toilet bowl 102 is a Western-style seated toilet.

In the toilet device 100 configured in this manner, as in the first embodiment described above, when the control unit 32 starts energizing the solenoid coil 44 during the water stopping operation to move the plunger 42 from the water passing position to the water stopping position, the control unit 32 calculates the amount of change in the current slope based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34, and detects a change point CP2 at which the current slope becomes smaller than when the current started to flow and then becomes larger again due to the reversal of the sign of the change in the current slope, and stops energizing the solenoid coil 44 in response to the detection of the change point CP2. This makes it possible to prevent more current than necessary from being applied during the water stopping operation to close the solenoid valve 30, thereby reducing power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide a toilet device 100 that suppresses unnecessary current application when closing the solenoid valve 30.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a toilet device according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 26 , the toilet device 200 (water discharge device) includes a urinal 202 , a water supply passage 14 , an electromagnetic valve device 20 , and a sensor unit 22 .

The urinal 202 has a concave bowl portion and a water outlet (not shown) that discharges cleaning water into the bowl portion. The urinal 202 flushes the surface of the bowl portion by discharging cleaning water supplied via the water supply passage 14 from the water outlet into the bowl portion. That is, in this example, the urinal 202 functions as the water outlet.

In the toilet device 200 configured in this manner, as in the first embodiment described above, during the water stopping operation in which the plunger 42 is moved from the water passing position to the water stopping position, the control unit 32 starts to pass current to the solenoid coil 44, and then calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current based on the detection result of the current detection unit 34. The control unit 32 also detects a change point CP2 at which the slope of the current becomes smaller than when the current started to pass, and then becomes larger again, by reversing the sign of the change in the slope of the current. In response to the detection of the change point CP2, the current passing to the solenoid coil 44 is stopped. This makes it possible to prevent more current than necessary from passing during the water stopping operation in which the solenoid valve 30 is closed, thereby reducing power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to provide a toilet device 200 that prevents unnecessary current from passing when the solenoid valve 30 is closed.

In this way, the water discharge device may be a faucet device, a toilet device using a toilet bowl, or a toilet device using a urinal. The water discharge device is not limited to these, and may be any water discharge device that detects an object and controls water discharge and stopping.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, etc. of each element of the faucet device 10, toilet device 100, 200, etc. are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 10 Faucet device, 11 Washbasin, 12 Washbasin counter, 13 Faucet (water outlet), 13a Water outlet, 14 Water supply channel, 15 Drainage channel, 20, 20a to 20e Solenoid valve device, 22 Sensor unit, 23 Connection cable, 24 Generator, 26 Power supply unit, 28 Battery, 30 Solenoid valve, 32 Control unit, 34 Current detection unit, 36 Drive circuit, 40 Water channel, 42 Plunger, 44 Solenoid coil, 46 First holding member, 48 Second holding member, 50 Diaphragm, 52 Detection sensor, 60 Notification unit, 62 Temperature sensor, 64 Water flow sensor, 100 Toilet device, 102 Toilet bowl, 200 Toilet device, 202 Urinal

Claims (16)

A solenoid valve device used in a water discharge device to control water flow and water stop,
a self-holding solenoid valve having a water passage for flowing water, a plunger that moves to a water stop position that closes the water passage and a water passing position that opens the water passage, a solenoid coil that moves the plunger to the water stop position and the water passing position, a first holding member that holds the plunger at the water stop position, and a second holding member that holds the plunger at the water passing position;
a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the solenoid coil;
a control unit that controls energization of the solenoid coil based on a detection result of the current detection unit;
Equipped with
The control unit, during a water stopping operation to move the plunger from the water passing position to the water stopping position, starts passing current through the solenoid coil, and then calculates an amount of change in the slope of the current based on the detection result of the current detection unit, and detects a change point at which the slope of the current becomes smaller than at the start of the current passing and then becomes larger again due to a reversal of the sign of the change in the slope of the current, and stops passing current to the solenoid coil in response to the detection of the change point. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed once. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point by detecting that the sign of the change in the slope of the current is inverted twice. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point by detecting that the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed again. The solenoid valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed once after being reversed twice. The solenoid valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit detects the change point when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then reversed two more times. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit calculates the amount of change in the slope of the current, and further calculates the change in the amount of change in the slope of the current, and detects the change point by reversing the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current once or twice after the sign of the amount of change in the slope of the current is reversed once or twice. The solenoid valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that, if the control unit cannot detect the change point after the sign of the change in the slope of the current has been inverted twice, it stops the current supply to the solenoid coil in response to the passage of a certain time from the start of current supply to the solenoid coil. Further comprising a notification unit for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality,
9. The solenoid valve device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit operates the notification unit to notify the occurrence of an abnormality when the sign of the change in the slope of the current is reversed twice and then the change point cannot be detected. The solenoid valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit stops the supply of current to the solenoid coil after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the supply of current to the solenoid coil if a specific condition is met after the sign of the change in the slope of the current has been reversed twice. The solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit re-energizes the solenoid coil if water has not been stopped after the power supply to the solenoid coil has been stopped. The solenoid valve device according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit controls the solenoid coil so that the current is applied for a longer time than the previous time when the solenoid coil is energized again. The solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control unit stops the supply of current to the solenoid coil in response to the passage of a predetermined time after detecting the change point. The solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control unit calculates an average value of the current for each first hour by averaging the current for each first hour based on the detection result of the current detection unit, and calculates the slope of the current from the average current value. The solenoid valve device according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit calculates an average value of the current slope for each second time period by averaging the current slope for each second time period, the second time period being longer than the first time period, and calculates the amount of change in the current slope from the average value of the current slope. A solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
a power supply unit that supplies at least one of a battery and a generator with power to the solenoid valve device;
A water discharge device comprising:

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