JP6966880B2 - Automatic faucet mode switching operation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operating device for switching an operation mode of an automatic faucet.

Conventionally, the sensor of the automatic faucet has a sensor that operates an automatic water discharge mode that discharges water when an object is detected and stops water when it is not detected, and a continuous water discharge mode that discharges water when an object is detected and stops when the object is detected again. Sensors for operating water are known, and a method for operating water discharge and water stop of an automatic faucet using these sensors is disclosed.

Further, a method of switching between an automatic water discharge mode and a continuous water discharge mode according to a preset detection time of a sensor is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
Furthermore, a method of performing a switching operation while instructing setting items such as operation sound, sensor detection distance, and water discharge temperature other than water discharge and water stop operations by combining the operation of a sensor and a contact switch by the difference in emission color is disclosed. (See Patent Document 2).

Conventionally, as a means for non-contact switching between the two modes of an automatic faucet, a threshold for different detection times is set for a plurality of sensors, and the second sensor or the first sensor is used while the first sensor or the second sensor detects an object. Disclosed is a method of switching the mode each time when the object detection of the above satisfies the condition of the time threshold (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-148170 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-160612

However, in the operation described in Patent Document 1, the operation of switching between the automatic water discharge mode and the continuous water discharge mode is performed by preparing three types of detection times of the second sensor set in advance, but a mode higher than that is set. In this case, if a new detection time is provided, there is a problem that it takes time to complete the mode switching. In addition, there is a problem that the cost is increased when a new sensor is provided.

Further, in the operation method described in Patent Document 2, more modes can be set by combining the two sensors and the contact switch, but since the sensors and the switches are operated alternately, the operation setting work is performed. It tends to be complicated. Further, the provision of the contact switch has the problems that the operation unit is expanded and the non-contact operation cannot be performed.

Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 does not suggest a manual faucet mode that can be used as a manual faucet in addition to the automatic water discharge mode and the continuous water discharge mode of the automatic faucet.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides an automatic faucet mode switching operation device capable of non-contact switching between three or more modes using two sensors. There is something in it.

The present invention has the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.
(1) The mode switching operation device for an automatic faucet of the present invention opens and closes an automatic faucet that can be manually operated, a solenoid valve connected to a supply pipe that supplies water and / or hot water to the automatic faucet, and a solenoid valve. A drive unit provided with a drive circuit for causing the drive, a control unit for controlling the drive unit, a non-contact type first sensor and a second sensor provided in the control unit for instructing opening and closing of the solenoid valve, and the control. A signal line for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the drive unit, the drive unit, and the solenoid valve, and an electric wiring supplied from the power supply unit to the control unit, the drive circuit, and the solenoid valve are provided in advance in the control unit. Three or more operation modes for discharging and stopping water from the plurality of automatic faucets are provided, and each time the first sensor and the second sensor simultaneously detect an object in the three or more operation modes. It is characterized by being non-contact and switchable.

(2) In the mode switching operation device for the automatic faucet of the present invention, the control unit is arranged in the vicinity of the automatic faucet at a distance from the automatic faucet, and detection of a first sensor provided in the control unit. It is preferable that one of the region and the detection region of the second sensor is set around the automatic faucet and the other around the control unit.
(3) In the mode switching operation device for the automatic faucet of the present invention, the operation mode is at least the first operation mode in which both the first sensor and the second sensor are detected and operated, and the first sensor is detected and operated. The second operation mode in which the second sensor is disabled for detection, the third operation mode in which the first sensor is disabled for detection and the second sensor is activated for detection, and the first sensor and the second sensor are both disabled for detection. The fourth operation mode is preferable.

(4) In the mode switching operation unit of the automatic faucet of the present invention, wherein when set in the OPERATION mode has a performed operation of the opening and closing of the solenoid valve by the first sensor and the second sensor, the first sensor or the It is to detect objects in the second sensor, preferably has a function to be performed three or more setting the switching operation of the constant mode switching or three or more set values change in a non-contact manner.
(5) In the mode switching operation device for the automatic faucet of the present invention, the control unit is provided with a mode switching display unit, and the mode switching display unit lights / turns off / colors the state of the operation mode or the setting mode. It is preferable to have a function of displaying by at least one blinking.

(6) In the mode switching operation device for the automatic faucet of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit is provided with a notification unit for notifying by sound that the operation mode or the setting mode has been switched.

According to the present invention, a non-contact type first sensor and a non-contact type second sensor provided in the control unit can sequentially switch between a plurality of operation modes of water discharge and water stop of a manually operable automatic faucet. By detecting an object at the same time, it can be operated without contact, so that the convenience of the operation mode switching operation can be improved.
In the automatic faucet operating device according to the present invention, by setting one of the detection area of the first sensor and the detection area of the second sensor around the automatic faucet and the other around the control unit, the area around the automatic faucet can be set. The operation mode can be switched when the user brings his / her hand or arm close to both around the control unit.

In addition, the first sensor or the second sensor detects an object in the operation mode in which the first sensor and the second sensor are in the invalid state of detecting the setting mode switching or the setting value change operation excluding the water discharge / water stop operation mode. It can be operated by this, and it is possible to operate the setting mode other than the operation mode and the operation of changing the set value without contact.

Furthermore, by providing a mode switching display unit that displays the status of each operation mode and each setting mode, and a notification unit that notifies that each operation mode or each setting mode has been switched, the mode switching operation can be reliably performed. It can be done, and it is easy to know which mode it is in.

The perspective view which shows the state which attached the automatic faucet provided with the mode operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention to an existing faucet. The perspective view which shows an example of the control part provided in the automatic faucet. The perspective view which shows an example of the drive part provided in the automatic faucet. The flow diagram for demonstrating four modes provided in the control part. A flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit and the drive unit provided in the automatic faucet. The first example of the mode transition flow of the control part provided in the automatic faucet is shown, FIG. The figure which shows the relative relationship between a switch and a switch, and the mode allocation relation to each switch.

"First embodiment"
Hereinafter, the details of the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a manual faucet, 2 is a sink, 16 is a top plate of the sink 2, 8 is a sink provided in the sink 2, 9 is a cabinet under the sink 8, and 20 is a door of the cabinet 9. Each is shown. A faucet installation table 7 is formed on the sink 8 or the top plate 16, and an existing manual faucet 1 is erected on the upper surface of the faucet installation table 7.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the manual faucet 1 has an operating lever 5 at the upper end of the faucet main body 1A, and a water spouting pipe 6A having a spouting port 6 is provided slightly below the operating lever 5. It is said that. The manual faucet 1 applicable to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the mixing faucet shown in FIG. 1, a single faucet, a two-handle mixing faucet, a mixing mixing faucet, a thermostat mixing faucet, and a wall-mounted type. Any type of manual faucet may be used, such as a faucet with a stand or a faucet with a stand.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a water faucet installation table 7 having a triangular plate shape in a plan view is formed so as to horizontally protrude toward the sink 8 at a position which is one step lower than the top plate 16 at the upper part on the back surface side of the sink 8. A manual faucet 1 is erected on the upper surface of the faucet installation table 7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a part of the top plate 16 on the back side of the sink 8 is lowered by one step, and a part of the top plate 16 is extended so as to protrude toward the center of the sink 8 so that the faucet installation table 7 is formed. It is installed horizontally. The faucet installation table 7 may be provided on a part of the top plate 16, may be provided separately from the top plate 16, or a part of the top plate 16 may be used as a faucet installation table.

Two water supply pipes 3 connected to the manual faucet 1 are installed so as to penetrate the faucet installation stand 7 up and down, and the lower end side of the two water supply pipes 3 is the internal side of the cabinet 9 supporting the sink 8. Is located in. Further, the lower ends of the two water supply pipes 3 are connected to the water stopcocks 4 which are separately arranged on the left and right in the cabinet. Of the two water supply pipes 3, one is a water supply pipe and the other is a hot water supply pipe. The water stopcock 4 is connected to the water pipe installed in the building where the sink 2 is installed, and the water supply pipe 3 for hot water supply is connected to the water heater (not shown) so that hot water can be supplied by the operation of the water heater. It is configured.

In each water supply pipe 3, a solenoid valve 13 is incorporated in a portion close to the water stop valve 4, and a mounting box 12A accommodating a drive unit 12 having a drive circuit for opening / closing these is installed in the vicinity of the left and right solenoid valves 13. Has been done.
On the top plate 16 on the back side of the sink 8 shown in FIG. 1, a columnar control box 10A containing the control unit 10 is installed at a position isolated on the right hand side of the manual faucet 1.
If the pipes and wiring are hidden by the cabinet 1, the sink 8, and the top plate 16 in FIG. 1 and the pipes and wiring cannot be visually recognized, the positions of the pipes and wiring cannot be recognized. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the cabinet 1, the sink 8, and the top plate 16 are seen through. The pipes, wiring, and other equipment installation positions are shown in solid lines so that they can be visually recognized.

As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2, the non-contact type first sensor 17 is attached to the central portion of the side surface (front surface) of the control box 10A on the sink side, and the non-contact type second sensor 18 is attached to the central portion of the upper surface. ing. An operation unit 10a consisting of operation buttons is provided on the upper side (front surface) of the control box 10A, a display unit 10b is provided below the operation unit 10a, and a mode switching unit consisting of a mode changeover switch is provided on the right side of the first sensor 17 below the display unit 10b. Switching means) 10c is provided. Further, a notification unit 10d having a built-in speaker is provided on the lower side (front surface) of the control box 10. In the present embodiment, the display unit 10b adopts a configuration in which a plurality of LED (light emitting diode) lights are arranged at equal intervals.
As shown in FIG. 3, the drive unit 12 is provided with a drive circuit for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13 inside the mounting box 12A, and the solenoid valve opening switch 12a for opening the solenoid valve 13 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting box 12A. It is provided, and a power storage unit 12b is provided inside. The power storage unit 12b includes a storage battery or a capacitor that serves as a power source for energizing the drive circuit. Further, an electric wiring 14 for energizing from an external power source and a signal line 11 for receiving a control signal from the control unit 10 in the drive circuit are connected to the drive circuit inside the mounting box 12A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first sensor 17 detects the first sensor detection area 17a shown by the chain line in FIG. 1, which extends from the front side of the manual faucet 1 to the diagonally right back side with a certain height range. It is an object sensing sensor that covers the area. The second sensor 18 is an object sensing sensor whose detection range is a region slightly wider than the upper surface of the upper surface of the control box 10A. The first sensor 17 is a sensor for detecting the presence of an object such as a faucet user's hand in the first inspection detection area 17a and performing the operation described later. The second sensor 18 is a sensor for detecting the presence of an object such as a faucet user's hand above the control box 10A and performing the operation described later.

More specifically, the sensors 17 and 18 mounted on the control unit 10 are sensors having different detection ranges. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first sensor 17 arranged on the side surface side (front side) of the control unit 10 is located on the sink 8 side from the front surface of the control unit 10 in a range of, for example, about 40 cm (first shown in FIG. 1). It is a sensor that detects the sensor detection area 17a). Further, the second sensor 18 arranged above the control unit 10 covers a range slightly wider than the upper surface of the control unit 10, for example, about 10 cm above (second sensor detection area 18a shown in FIG. 1). It is a sensor to detect.
The detection range of the sensors 17 and 18 described above is an example, and various usage conditions can be met by appropriately setting the detection range according to the installation position of the control unit.

The electric circuit provided in the control unit 10 and the drive circuit provided in the drive unit 12 are interconnected by a signal line 11 and an electric wiring 14, and the drive unit 12 and the two solenoid valves 13 are connected to another signal line 11. And are interconnected by electrical wiring 14. Further, although omitted in FIG. 1, a part of the electrical wiring 14 is connected to a power supply unit 21 such as an outlet provided inside the cabinet 9, or an outlet provided on the wall 19 around the cabinet. It is connected to the power supply unit 21 such as, and is configured to be able to supply power to the drive unit 12 and the control unit 10.
Although not particularly described in FIG. 1, when the electric wiring 14 is not connected to the power supply unit 21, a power source such as a storage battery is separately provided in the cabinet 9, and the drive unit 12 and the control unit are provided from the storage battery via the electric wiring 14. You may supply power to 10.

Wiring of the signal line 11 and / or the electrical wiring 14 can be performed by using a gap between the back surface of the top plate 16 and the wall 19, a gap between the door 20 on the front surface of the sink 2, and the cabinet 9. If the wiring is exposed, a through hole 15 is provided in the installation portion of the control unit 10, for example, the faucet installation base 7 or the top plate 16 so that the through hole 15 directly reaches the inside of the cabinet 9. Can be wired. In that case, the hole diameter of the through hole is small enough to allow wiring to be inserted, so that the hole processing can be reduced. Further, the control unit 10 can be arranged above the through hole 15 and the through hole 15 can be covered with the control box 10A, whereby the wiring can be prevented from being exposed.

The automatic faucet of the present embodiment includes a control unit 10, a drive unit 12, solenoid valves 13, 13 and a signal line 11 and an electrical wiring 14 connecting them.
The solenoid valve 13 is incorporated between the supply pipe 3 for supplying water and hot water to the manual faucet 1 and the water stop valve 4, is connected to the drive unit 12 by an electric wiring 14, and the solenoid valve 13 is opened. Water and hot water are supplied to the manual faucet 1 by the valve operation, and the supply is stopped by the valve closing operation of the solenoid valve 13.
Therefore, by opening the water stop valve 4 and adjusting the opening degree of the operation lever 5 in advance, the structure is such that water can be discharged / stopped from the water discharge port 6 by opening / closing the solenoid valve 13. There is.

In FIG. 1, the solenoid valve opening / closing command from the control unit 10 is an opening / closing command according to the operation mode from the control unit 10 when the non-contact type first sensor 17 or the non-contact type second sensor 18 detects an object. Is output to the drive circuit of the drive unit 12, and the drive circuit supplies the power required for opening and closing to the solenoid valve 13 to operate the solenoid valve 13.
Since the solenoid valve 13 is a latch type and requires power only when the opening / closing operation is performed, the current state can be maintained and power consumption can be suppressed unless the next opening / closing power is supplied. ..
Therefore, if the power is cut off when the solenoid valve 13 is closed, the solenoid valve 13 can be fixed in the open state by supplying open power to the solenoid valve once, so that the manual faucet 1 can be used as it is. It has become.

To apply the automatic faucet of this embodiment to the existing manual faucet 1, operate the faucet 4 in the closed state, separate the connection portion between each supply pipe 3 and the faucet 4, and then each of them. The solenoid valve 13 is sandwiched between the supply pipe 3 and the water stop valve 4, and these are interconnected. After that, the drive unit 12 is arranged on the bottom plate, side plate, back plate side, etc. in the cabinet 9, and the electrical wiring 14 is connected. Finally, a through hole 15 is provided in the top plate 16 or the faucet installation table 7, a signal line 11 and / or an electric wiring 14 is inserted into the through hole 15, and the signal line 11 and / or the electric wiring 14 is pulled out on the top plate 16 or the faucet installation table 7 to control. By connecting to the unit 10, the control unit 10 and the drive unit 12 can be connected by the signal line 11 and the electrical wiring 14 and assembled as an automatic faucet.

When the control unit 10 is installed on the sink 2, it is not necessary to attach / detach the existing manual faucet body or attach parts, so that it can be arranged according to the purpose of use of the user. If installed in, it can be used like a general automatic faucet.
For example, when used by elderly people, wheelchair users, etc., by arranging the control unit 10 in front of the existing manual faucet 1, the automatic faucet can be operated at hand, and each sensor can operate the water. The automatic faucet, which is integrated with the faucet, can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Whether the power supplied to the drive unit 12 and the control unit 10 installed in the automatic faucet of the present embodiment is a commercial power source or a storage battery is selected according to whether or not a power source is installed around the existing manual faucet 1. As an example, the method of using the AC adapter and the storage battery properly can be selected.

Regarding the power supply method, in the method of supplying power to either the drive unit 12 or the control unit 10 and distributing the power to the other by the electric wiring 14, the power supply is installed inside or outside the cabinet 9. Can be dealt with. In addition, if a configuration in which a power source is provided individually is adopted, if a commercial power source cannot be used, the storage batteries can be distributed to each device to suppress the increase in size of each device, and in particular, the control unit. With respect to 10, the degree of freedom in selecting the installation location is increased, and the shape can be made preferable in terms of appearance, so that it can be widely used for various installation conditions of the manual faucet 1.

Further, in the automatic faucet of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to attach new parts to the existing manual faucet 1 or to attach / detach the faucet body, and the manual water before installing the automatic faucet of the present embodiment is not required. The appearance of the stopper 1 can be maintained. Further, since it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of obstacles around the existing manual faucet 1 and its spout, it is possible to perform the automated operation of the faucet and the work around the spout portion in cooperation without any trouble.

The solenoid valve 13 is incorporated between a supply pipe 3 for supplying hot water or water to an existing manual faucet 1 and a water stop faucet 4, and is connected to a drive unit 12 by an electric wiring 14. Water and hot water are supplied to the existing manual faucet 1 by the valve opening operation of 13, and the supply of water or hot water to the manual faucet 1 is stopped by the valve closing operation.

In the automatic faucet of the present embodiment, the amount and temperature of hot water water adjusted in advance by the operation lever 5 of the existing manual faucet 1 by remotely controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13 with the first sensor 17 or the second sensor 18. Can be automatically discharged and stopped from the discharge port 6, and the amount of water and the water temperature can be adjusted by the operation lever 5 even during water discharge.

In the structure shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 has a logic for individually controlling the operation unit 10a, the display unit 110b, the mode switching unit 10c, and the notification unit 10d in addition to the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 described above. A circuit 25 (see FIG. 5) is provided.

The mode switching unit (switching means) 10c is a switch for switching a plurality of operation modes, and in the present embodiment, each time a switch such as a button is pressed, the mode switching unit (switching means) 10c is one in order for four or other operation modes described later. You can migrate one by one.

The logic circuit 25 receives object detection by the first sensor 17 or the second sensor 18, and any of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, the third operation mode, and the fourth operation mode selected by the mode switching unit 10c. In addition to issuing an open / close command to the solenoid valve 13 to the drive unit 12 according to the operation mode, the display unit 10b or the notification unit 10d controls to notify the user by light emission, blinking, and / or sound. It is a circuit to perform.
The logic circuit 25 is provided with a central processing unit 25a, and has a function of sending an opening / closing operation command (output signal) to the logic circuit 26 built in the drive unit 12 according to the result of object detection by the sensors 17 and 18. .. Further, it has a function of switching the operation mode to any of the first operation mode to the fourth operation mode according to the switch operation of the mode switching unit 10c.

The central processing unit 25a stores the detection states of the sensors 17 and 18, the current solenoid valve open / closed state, and the current operation mode, and displays the dead battery (low battery power) on the display unit 10b when the battery is used as the power source. It also has a function of displaying lighting or operating as a display sound, an alarm sound, or the like via the notification unit 10d.
In the control unit 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5, an AC adapter 28 or a battery 29 that can be connected to the power supply unit 21 is installed, and from any of these, the logic circuit 25, the display unit 10b, and the notification unit 10d are individually installed. It is configured to supply the required power.

The drive unit 12 is separately provided with a logic circuit 26 for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13 in response to an opening / closing operation command (output signal) from the logic circuit 25. The logic circuit 26 operates by receiving power supplied from an AC adapter 28 connected to a commercial power source such as an outlet or power from a separately provided battery 29 or the like, and controls the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valves 13 and 13.
Further, the logic circuit 26 is provided with a function of detecting a voltage drop when the battery 31 is used as a power source, and when a voltage abnormality signal of the battery 31 is detected, a signal is sent to the central processing unit 25a to be sent to the central processing unit. It has a function of displaying a warning state on the display unit 10b via 25a or generating a warning sound from the speaker of the notification unit 10d.

The display unit 10b and the notification unit 10d display the current object detection status of the sensors 17 and 18 and the operation mode and the open / close command status of the solenoid valve 13, and output different light emission, blinking and / or sound when each state changes. be able to.

In the automatic faucet shown in FIG. 1, as described above, the solenoid valve opening / closing command from the control unit 10 corresponds to the operation mode from the control unit 10 when the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 detect an object. An opening / closing command is output to the drive circuit of the drive unit 12, and the drive circuit supplies power necessary for opening / closing to the solenoid valve 13 to operate the solenoid valve 13.
In the automatic faucet shown in FIG. 1, four types of operation modes are provided from the first operation mode (mode 1) to the fourth operation mode (mode 4) as shown in FIG.
The first operation mode (mode 1) is a mode in which both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 perform automatic water discharge control for detecting an object.
It should be noted that the object detection by the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 is performed when the threshold value of the preset time is reached after each sensor detects the object, thereby preventing erroneous detection. Is desirable.

The second operation mode (mode 2) is a mode in which the first sensor 17 detects and the second sensor 18 performs hand-washing water discharge control in which the detection is invalid. Since only the first sensor 17 detects an object, when an object is detected by the user moving his / her hand in the first sensor detection area 17a around the manual faucet 1, the operation lever 5 of the manual faucet 1 is opened. If you leave it, you can spout water from the spout 6. Since the second sensor 18 invalidates the object detection, the solenoid valve 13 is closed and no water is discharged even if the user moves his / her hand in the second sensor detection area 18a.
In the operation mode described here, the detection invalidity means that the solenoid valve 13 is not opened / closed by the first sensor 17 or the second sensor 18.

In the third operation mode (mode 3), the first sensor 17 disables detection, and the second sensor 18 detects water stop control during sink work.
Since only the second sensor 18 detects an object, if the object is detected by the user moving his / her hand above the control unit 10, if the operation lever 5 of the manual faucet 1 is opened, water is discharged from the spout 6. can. Since the first sensor 17 does not detect an object, water is not discharged even if the user moves his / her hand in the first sensor detection area 17a.

The fourth operation mode (mode 4) is a mode in which detection is disabled for both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18, and manual water discharge control is performed with the solenoid valve 13 in the open state.
Since both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 have detection invalidity, water discharge and water stop manual operation by operating the operation lever 5 of the manual faucet 1 regardless of whether or not these sensors 17 and 18 are detected. Can be controlled.

As an operation mode switching procedure, the operation mode is switched by simultaneously detecting an object such as holding both hands over the first sensor detection area 17a of the first sensor 17 and the second sensor detection area 18a of the second sensor 18. Can be done. Further, by repeating the same operation, the operation modes can be sequentially changed in the set order. Then, after reaching the set number of modes, the switching order can be selected in a timely manner, such as shifting to the first operation mode by the next operation or reversing the shifting order and returning to the first operation mode.

For example, in the above example, since an example in which four operation modes are provided has been described, the operation modes can be switched in the direction of 1 → 2 → 3 → 4, and when the current mode is 4, 4 → 3 → 2 → The operation of switching to 1 can be repeated. Further, the switching state can be notified by light emission or blinking on the display unit 10b and / or by sounding or the like on the notification unit 10d.
Further, the switching order of the operation modes can be set according to the user's preference, such as repeating the operation modes in the order of 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4.
The above-mentioned operation mode switching can also be performed by operating the switch of the mode switching unit 10c provided in the control unit 10, but if the mode is switched by causing the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 to detect an object substantially at the same time, the mode can be switched. All operations can be performed without touching the switching unit 10c, and it is possible to avoid getting the manual faucet 1 and the control unit 10 wet or dirty during operation.

Further, the color different for each mode set by the mode display unit 10c is displayed so that the set mode being operated can be identified by using light emission, blinking, etc., and each mode is switched by the notification unit 10d. By combining means for notifying by voice or the like so that confirmation can be made, the operability and certainty of switching between each mode can be improved.

Further, when it is desired to continuously switch the operation mode, a threshold value 2 is set in which the object detection time is lengthened with respect to the threshold value 1 of the time for simultaneously detecting the object described above, and the operation mode is set at regular intervals. By switching, the operation mode switching time can be shortened. For example, as an example, a method of setting the time of the threshold value 1 to 0.3 seconds and the time of the threshold value 2 to 2.0 seconds can be considered.

FIG. 6A shows an example of a flow when switching the operation mode using the threshold value 1 and the threshold value 2.
When both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 detect an object, if the time of the threshold value 1 is set to 0.3 seconds, both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 detect the presence of the object. When the detection is performed for 3 seconds, the detection signal is output once to the logic circuit 25, and the number of times is stored in a storage unit such as a memory connected to the central processing unit 25a in the logic circuit 25.
Further, the central processing unit 25 collates the switch set value recorded in advance in the storage unit with the stored value of the previous number of times, and when they match, the central processing unit 25 issues an open / close operation command so as to enter an operation mode corresponding to the collated value. It is sent to the logic circuit 26 of 12 to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13.

As shown in the table of FIG. 6B, the state of the switch according to the number of times of storage is stored in the storage unit as shown in FIG. 6B. In this example, the switches A to F are stored in the storage unit, and the above-mentioned operation modes 1 to 4 are assigned to the combination of ON and OFF of each switch. Switches A to F are assigned to the storage times 1 to 6, and signal outputs 1 to 6 times are assigned to switches A to F.
When both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 detect the presence of an object for 0.3 seconds or longer, the combination of ON and OFF of each switch changes as shown in FIG. 6B due to the signal output from the sensor. do.
As condition 1, when the switch F is turned on, the number of counters can be reset and the mode 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1 transition operation can be performed.
As condition 2, when the switch D is turned on, the number of counters can be reset and the mode 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 2 → 3 transition operation can be performed.
As described in this example, the mode transition order can be selected as appropriate.

On the other hand, in the manual water discharge control in the fourth operation mode, an object detection such as holding a hand over the first sensor detection area 17a or the second sensor detection area 18a is performed to switch a setting mode other than the operation mode. The transition can be performed, and the procedure can be performed in the same manner as the operation mode switching procedure.
The fourth operation mode is a mode in which detection is invalidated for both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 and manual water discharge control is performed with the solenoid valve 13 in the open state. Therefore, in the case of this operation mode, the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 17 and the second are used. If an object is detected by any of the sensors 18, for example, the following setting modes can be switched.
As a setting mode other than the operation mode, for example, increasing / decreasing the threshold setting time when switching the operation mode, increasing / decreasing the time limit of the water discharge time in the continuous water discharge mode, etc. You can select a setting mode that is easy to use.

Further, as the fifth operation mode, an operation mode according to the user's request is set, such as disabling detection of both the first sensor 17 and the second sensor 18 and providing a water stop control for closing the solenoid valve 13. be able to.
The purpose of this fifth operation mode is to keep the solenoid valve 13 in a closed state to prevent unexpected water discharge, so that it is possible to prevent misuse of the manual faucet 1 by infants and the elderly.

1 ... Manual faucet, 2 ... Sink, 3 ... Supply pipe (water supply / hot water supply), 4 ... Water stop faucet, 5 ... Operation lever, 6 ... Water spout, 7 ... Faucet installation stand, 8 ... Sink, 9 ... Cabinet 10, ... Control unit,
10a ... Operation unit, 10b ... Display unit, 10c ... Mode switching unit, 10d ... Notification unit,
11 ... signal line, 12 ... drive unit, 13 ... solenoid valve, 14 ... electrical wiring, 15 ... through hole,
16 ... Top plate, 17 ... 1st sensor, 17a ... 1st sensor detection area, 18 ... 2nd sensor,
18a ... 2nd sensor detection area, 19 ... wall, 20 ... door, 21 ... power supply unit.

Claims (6)

Controls an automatic faucet that can be manually operated, a solenoid valve connected to a supply pipe that supplies water to and / or hot water to the automatic faucet, a drive unit provided with a drive circuit that opens and closes the solenoid valve, and the drive unit. A signal for transmitting and receiving signals between a control unit, a non-contact type first sensor and a second sensor provided in the control unit and instructing opening and closing of the solenoid valve, and the control unit, the drive unit, and the solenoid valve. Wires and electrical wiring supplied from the power supply unit to the control unit, the drive circuit, and the solenoid valve are provided.
The control unit is provided with three or more operation modes for discharging and stopping water from a plurality of preset automatic faucets.
A mode switching operation device for an automatic faucet, wherein the three or more operation modes are non-contactly switchable each time the first sensor and the second sensor simultaneously detect an object. The control unit is arranged in the vicinity of the automatic faucet so as to be separated from the automatic faucet, and one of the detection area of the first sensor and the detection area of the second sensor provided in the control unit is around the automatic faucet. The automatic faucet mode switching operation device according to claim 1, wherein the other is set around the control unit. The operation mode includes at least a first operation mode in which both the first sensor and the second sensor are detected and operated, a second operation mode in which the first sensor is detected and operated and the second sensor is disabled for detection, and the first operation mode. 1. 2. The automatic faucet mode switching operation device according to 2. When set to OPERATION mode has a performed operation of the opening and closing of the solenoid valve by the first sensor and the second sensor, by the first sensor or the second sensor detects an object, three or more settings The automatic faucet mode according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a function of enabling non-contact switching of modes or switching of three or more set value changes. Switching operation device. The control unit is provided with a mode switching display unit, and the mode switching display unit has a function of displaying the state of the operation mode or the setting mode by at least one of lighting, extinguishing, color, and blinking. The mode switching operation device for an automatic faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The automatic according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is provided with a notification unit for notifying by sound that the operation mode or the setting mode has been switched. Faucet mode switching operation device.

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