JP7432155B2 - Faucet device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to faucet devices.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a faucet device is known that includes a generator that generates electricity using a water flow flowing through a waterway, a sensor that detects an object such as a human body, a latch type electromagnetic valve, and the like (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a faucet device, the electromagnetic valve opens and closes the water channel depending on the detection result of the sensor (presence or absence of an object, etc.). Furthermore, a latch-type solenoid valve consumes power when opening the solenoid valve and when closing the solenoid valve.

For example, electric power generated by a generator is charged into a power storage means such as a capacitor. The sensor and the electromagnetic valve can be driven by the electric power charged in the power storage means. Further, the faucet device includes a battery (auxiliary power source) that replenishes power to the power storage means when the power storage means is insufficiently charged by the generator.

Patent No. 4039009

There may be a water outage in which the water supply to the waterway of the faucet device is stopped. For example, water supply may stop at a water supply source (for example, a water supply) that supplies water to a faucet device. During such water outages, generators that use water flow to generate electricity cannot generate electricity. Further, during a water outage, if the sensor repeatedly detects and non-detects an object, battery power may be consumed each time, and the solenoid valve may be opened or closed. Therefore, there was a problem that the life of the battery was shortened.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a faucet device that can suppress battery consumption during a water outage.

A first invention includes a generator that generates power using a water flow flowing in a waterway, a power storage unit that stores the power supplied from the generator, and a power storage unit that stores the power stored in the power storage unit when the power stored in the power storage unit is insufficient. a self-holding electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the waterway using the power stored in the power storage unit; a sensor unit that detects an object; a control unit that controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve, and when the control unit detects a water outage in the waterway while the solenoid valve is open, the control unit controls the solenoid valve to open and close regardless of the detection result of the sensor unit. This is a water faucet device characterized by maintenance.

According to this faucet device, the control section does not open or close the solenoid valve in a state where a water outage is detected, regardless of the detection result of the sensor section. This makes it possible to reduce battery power consumption during water outages. Furthermore, when a water outage is detected, the electromagnetic valve remains open, so when the water outage ends, water immediately flows through the waterway, allowing the generator to resume power generation. Therefore, after a water cutoff, the electromagnetic valve can be closed using the power generated by the generator, and the power consumption of the battery can be suppressed.

In a second invention based on the first invention, the control unit controls a water cutoff in the waterway when the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit during a predetermined period of time in a state in which the solenoid valve is open is not greater than or equal to a predetermined value. This is a faucet device that is characterized by sensing.

According to this faucet device, by monitoring the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit, it is possible to indirectly monitor the power generation of the generator and detect a water outage in the waterway. Thereby, water outage can be detected without changing the configuration of the conventional faucet device as much as possible.

A third aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect of the present invention, in which the control unit causes a water outage in the waterway when the amount of electric power generated by the generator during the predetermined time period in which the solenoid valve is open is less than or equal to a predetermined value. This is a faucet device characterized by sensing.

According to this faucet device, a water outage in a waterway can be detected by directly monitoring the power generation of the generator.

A fourth invention is based on the first invention, when the generator is generating electricity, a power generation signal corresponding to the fact that the generator is generating electricity is emitted, and the control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic valve to open the electromagnetic valve. The faucet device is characterized in that a water outage in the waterway is sensed when the number of times the power generation signal is issued during a predetermined period of time is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times.

According to this faucet device, a water outage in a waterway can be detected more quickly by monitoring a power generation signal indicating power generation by the generator.

A fifth invention, based on any one of the second to fourth inventions, further comprises an external input means, and the control section closes the solenoid valve in response to a signal from the external input means. This is a faucet device that

When detecting a water outage by monitoring generator power generation, there is a possibility that a generator failure will be mistakenly determined to be a water outage, and the solenoid valve may remain open. In contrast, with this faucet device, even if the generator fails, the user can manually close the solenoid valve using external input means.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the control section detects a water outage in the waterway while the solenoid valve is open, the control section stops supplying power to the sensor section. This is a faucet device that is characterized by being stopped.

According to this faucet device, when a water outage is detected, power is not supplied to the sensor section, so battery consumption can be suppressed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a faucet device is provided that can suppress battery consumption during a water outage.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a faucet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to an embodiment. It is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the faucet device concerning an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a faucet device according to an embodiment.
The faucet device 100 (water discharging device) according to the embodiment detects a target object (a human body, an object, etc.) and automatically stops water discharging.

As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 100 includes a faucet 13 (water spouting portion) that constitutes a spout for discharging water. The faucet 13 is provided with a water spout 13a, and water is discharged from the water spout 13a, for example, into a washbasin installed in a washbasin or the like.

Water discharged from the faucet 13 from the spout 13a is supplied by the water channel 14. The water channel 14 guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water pipe to the water outlet 13a.

The faucet device 100 includes a water channel 14 (water supply channel), a generator 22, a controller section 20, a battery 24, a solenoid valve 16, and a sensor section 18. For example, the sensor section 18 is separated from the controller section 20 and housed inside the faucet 13. The solenoid valve 16 and the controller unit 20 are housed in a cabinet (not shown) provided below the washstand counter, for example.

The generator 22 is provided, for example, on the path of the water channel 14 between the faucet 13 and the electromagnetic valve 16, and generates electricity using the water flow flowing through the water channel 14 when the electromagnetic valve 16 is opened. For example, the generator 22 includes a water wheel, and generates electricity by rotating the water wheel due to water flow. The generator 22 supplies the generated power to the controller section 20. The amplitude of the AC voltage generated by the generator 22 is, for example, about 4V.

Controller section 20 includes power storage section 50 and control section 40 . The control unit 40 is a circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 40 may include various functional parts such as a memory and an input/output interface.

Power storage unit 50 stores power supplied from generator 22. For example, a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor is used for the power storage unit 50.

Battery 24 supplies power to power storage unit 50 . In other words, power storage unit 50 can store power supplied from generator 22 and battery 24 . The battery 24 is, for example, a backup auxiliary power source, and can be a primary battery. For example, the voltage of the battery 24 is about 2.8V. For example, when the amount of power stored in power storage unit 50 is insufficient due to insufficient power generation amount of generator 22 and the voltage of power storage unit 50 is lower than the voltage of battery 24, battery 24 replenishes power to power storage unit 50. be able to.

The electromagnetic valve 16 is provided in the waterway 14 and opens and closes the waterway 14 . When the solenoid valve 16 opens, water supplied from the waterway 14 is discharged from the spout 13a, and when the solenoid valve 16 closes, a water stop state is established where the water supplied from the waterway 14 is not discharged from the spout 13a. becomes.

The solenoid valve 16 is connected to the controller section 20. The electromagnetic valve 16 opens and closes using electric power stored in the power storage unit 50. The control unit 40 controls the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 16. The solenoid valve 16 is electrically controlled by the control unit 40 to open and close the water channel 14 . In this way, the solenoid valve 16 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water channel 14 for water discharged from the water spout 13a.

The solenoid valve 16 is a self-holding solenoid valve (latching type solenoid valve) called a so-called latching solenoid valve. A latch-type solenoid valve includes, for example, a plunger, a coil, a solenoid, and a valve portion that operates in conjunction with the plunger. The plunger moves when the coil is energized, and is held in position by the permanent magnet of the latching solenoid. When the solenoid coil is energized in one direction, it moves from the closed state to the open state (opening operation), and even if the energization to the solenoid coil is cut off, it remains open, and when the solenoid coil is energized in the other direction, the solenoid coil moves from the closed state to the open state (opening operation). It operates from the open state to the closed state (closing operation), and then maintains the closed state even if the energization to the solenoid coil is cut off. The electromagnetic valve 16 is suitable for reducing power consumption because it can maintain a water discharging state or a water stop state even when electricity is turned off.

The sensor unit 18 detects an object (such as a hand) approaching the water spout 13a. The water spout destination of the water spout 13 a becomes the detection area of the sensor section 18 . The sensor unit 18 detects the presence, position, movement, etc. of an object by transmitting an optical signal and receiving a reflected signal reflected from an object such as a human body that has received the transmitted optical signal.

The sensor unit 18 is, for example, an optical sensor unit that uses an optical signal of infrared light. The sensor unit 18 includes, for example, a light emitting element that emits infrared light, a light receiving element that receives infrared light, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit controls the light emission and light reception timing of the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and performs object detection based on the optical signal received by the light receiving element. The processing circuit also outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 40. The optical signal transmitted from the sensor unit 18 may be, for example, visible light. Furthermore, the sensor section 18 may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor section or a microwave sensor section.

The sensor unit 18 is provided inside the faucet 13 near the spout 13a, and is arranged to transmit an optical signal toward the user's side of the washbasin (the left side in FIG. 1). Thereby, the sensor unit 18 can detect that a human body approaches the water spout 13a, that a human body approaching the water spout 13a extends a hand toward the water spout 13a, and the like.

The sensor section 18 is operated by power supplied to the controller section 20 from a generator 22 and a battery 24. For example, the sensor section 18 is connected to the controller section 20 by a connection cable 17. For example, the controller section 20 supplies a power supply voltage to the sensor section 18 via the connection cable 17 and controls the sensor section 18 via the connection cable 17.

The sensor section 18 inputs a detection signal representing the detection result of the target object to the controller section 20 via the connection cable 17. The controller unit 20 detects the presence or absence of an object based on the detection signal input from the sensor unit 18. The controller unit 20 detects the position, movement, etc. of the object based on the detection signal, for example. Then, the control section 40 of the controller section 20 controls the opening/closing operation of the solenoid valve 16 based on this detection result. Further, the controller section 20 outputs a control signal to the sensor section 18 to control the sensing operation of the sensor section 18 .

As explained above, when there is no water outage (when water is being supplied from the water supply source to the waterway 14), the sensor section 18 detects the presence or absence of an object, etc., and the control section 40 The solenoid valve 16 is controlled to open and close according to the detection result of the electromagnetic valve 18. Thereby, for example, water is spouted according to the detection result of an object approaching the water spout 13a (such as the movement of the user of the washbasin). When there is no water outage, the controller unit 20 discharges water in response to detection of an object (such as the presence of an object), and discharges water in response to non-detection of an object (such as the absence of an object). make it stop. For example, in the faucet device 100, water is automatically spouted while the user holds out a hand or the like near the spout 13a.

In the embodiment, the faucet device 100 further includes a water outage detection means 60 that detects a water outage in the waterway 14 (for example, a state in which water supply from a water supply source such as a water pipe to the waterway 14 is stopped). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the water cutoff detection means 60 is provided in a part of the controller unit 20. For example, at least a portion of the water cutoff detection means 60 may be one of the functional blocks of a circuit that constitutes the controller section 20 or the control section 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a part of the water cutoff detection means may be provided separately from the control section 40 and the controller section 20.

When the control section 40 detects a water outage in the water channel 14 using the water outage detection means 60 while the solenoid valve 16 is open, the control section 40 maintains the open state of the solenoid valve 16 regardless of the detection result of the sensor section 18 . For example, during normal times (when there is no water outage), the control unit 40 performs control to close the solenoid valve in response to the detection result that the object is not present. On the other hand, in a state where the control unit 40 senses that a water outage has occurred, the solenoid valve 16 is kept open without being controlled to close even if the detection result indicates that the object is not present. For example, when the water supply to the waterway 14 is resumed and the state in which the water outage is detected by the water outage detection means 60 changes to a state in which no water outage is detected, the control unit 40 responds to the detection result of the sensor unit 18 such as the presence or absence of an object. to open and close the solenoid valve 16.

In this way, according to the faucet device 100, the control section 40 does not open or close the solenoid valve, regardless of the detection result of the sensor section 18, when a water cutoff is detected. This prevents the electromagnetic valve 16 from being opened and closed needlessly even though water is not being spouted during a water outage, and the power consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed. Moreover, since the electromagnetic valve 16 is maintained in an open state when a water cutoff is detected, water immediately flows through the water channel 14 when the water cutoff ends, and power generation by the generator 22 can be restarted. Therefore, after the water cutoff, the electromagnetic valve 16 can be closed using the electric power generated by the generator 22, and the power consumption of the battery can be suppressed. Thereby, the life of the battery 24 can be extended.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the faucet device 101 is also provided with a sensor section 18, a controller section 20 (control section 40, power storage section 50), a battery 24, a generator 22, and the like. The same explanation as that for the faucet device 100 explained with reference to FIG. 1 can be applied to the faucet device 101.

The faucet device 101 has a rectifier circuit 23. In this example, the rectifier circuit 23 is a full-wave rectifier circuit configured with four diodes, and converts the alternating current voltage generated by the generator 22 into direct current. One diode of the rectifier circuit 23 is connected to one end 22a of the generator 22 and the ground potential. Another diode of the rectifier circuit 23 is connected to the other end 22b of the generator 22 and the power storage unit 50. Battery 24 is connected to power storage unit 50 via resistor 25 and diode 26 . Power storage unit 50 stores DC power supplied from generator 22 and battery 24 .

A voltage conversion circuit 52 and a drive capacitor 56 are provided between power storage unit 50 and control unit 40 . The voltage conversion circuit 52 includes a switching element 52a, a coil 52b, and a diode 52c. Voltage conversion circuit 52 converts the DC power stored in power storage unit 50 into DC power of a predetermined voltage value. The voltage conversion circuit 52 is, for example, a booster circuit. The switching element 52a is connected to a switching control section (not shown) such as an IC, and the switching control section turns the switching element 52a on and off. Thereby, the conversion of DC power by the voltage conversion circuit 52 is controlled. The switching control unit controls on/off of the switching element, for example, so that the voltage value of the converted DC power is substantially constant.

The voltage conversion circuit 52 supplies the converted DC power to each part of the sensor section 18 and the controller section 20. Each part of the sensor section 18 and the controller section 20 operates according to power supplied from the voltage conversion circuit 52. Further, the voltage conversion circuit 52 charges the drive capacitor 56 with the converted DC power. The control unit 40 operates using the power charged in the drive capacitor 56. The electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 and the sensor section 18 may also be operated by the power charged in the drive capacitor 56.

The controller section 20 has a solenoid valve drive circuit 42. The electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 is connected to the control section 40 . When the control unit 40 receives a signal corresponding to the presence of the object from the sensor unit 18, it transmits an opening drive signal to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42. Further, upon receiving a signal corresponding to the absence of the object from the sensor unit 18, the control unit 40 transmits a closing drive signal to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42.

Note that the opening drive signal is a signal for instructing the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 to execute an operation of opening the electromagnetic valve 16. Further, the closing drive signal is a signal for instructing the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 to execute an operation of closing the electromagnetic valve 16.

When the solenoid valve drive circuit 42 receives an open drive signal, it performs an open drive to open the solenoid valve 16, and when a close drive signal is input, it performs a close drive to close the solenoid valve 16. I do. For example, the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 is configured to drive the solenoid coil of the electromagnetic valve 16 as a load using an H-type bridge circuit (not shown) using a field effect transistor.

The solenoid valve drive circuit 42 causes current to flow in one direction (opening direction) to the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 16 in response to an open drive signal input from the control unit 40 , and causes current to flow in one direction (opening direction) through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 16 in response to an open drive signal input from the control unit 40 . A current is passed through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 16 in the other direction (closing direction). Thereby, the electromagnetic valve 16 performs an opening/closing operation according to the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid coil, thereby opening and closing the water channel 14.

The faucet device 101 includes a power storage monitoring section 61 for monitoring the amount of power stored in the power storage section 50 as at least a part of the water outage detection means 60. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the power storage monitoring unit 61 includes a resistor 61a and a resistor 61b. One end of the power storage monitoring unit 61 is connected to the ground potential, and the other end of the power storage monitoring unit 61 is connected to the power storage unit 50. The potential V1 between the resistor 61a and the resistor 61b is input to the control section 40. Using the potential V1 of the power storage monitoring unit 61, the control unit 40 can monitor the potential of the power storage unit 50, that is, the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 50.

Control unit 40 senses a water outage in waterway 14 if the electric power stored in power storage unit 50 during a predetermined period of time when electromagnetic valve 16 is open is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, for example, if the change in the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit 50 is less than a predetermined value from the time when the solenoid valve 16 is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 40 causes a water outage in the waterway 14. It is determined that this has occurred. More specifically, for example, if the difference between the potential V1 at the time when the open drive signal was transmitted and the potential V1 after a predetermined period of time is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 40 determines that there is a water outage in the waterway 14. It is determined that this is occurring.

According to this faucet device, by monitoring the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 50, it is possible to indirectly monitor the power generation of the generator 22 and detect a water outage in the waterway 14. Since the power storage unit 50 that already exists is monitored, a water outage can be detected without changing the configuration of a conventional faucet device as much as possible.

Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time and predetermined value (threshold value) are determined based on the power storage speed (the relationship between the time after the solenoid valve 16 opens and the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit 50) when there is no water outage. It may be determined as appropriate to distinguish between and non-water outage. Water outage and non-water outage may be detected based on the amount of electricity stored (amount of change in potential V1) per predetermined time when the electromagnetic valve 16 is open.

Additionally, the faucet device 101 may include a switch circuit 67. When the switch circuit 67 is on, the power converted by the voltage conversion circuit 52 (or the power charged in the drive capacitor 56) is supplied to the sensor unit 18. When the switch circuit 67 is off, the power converted by the voltage conversion circuit 52 (or the power charged in the drive capacitor 56) is not supplied to the sensor unit 18. For the switch circuit 67, a switching element such as a transistor is used, for example. The on/off state of the switch circuit 67 is controlled by the control section 40 .

When the control unit 40 detects a water outage in the waterway 14 with the electromagnetic valve 16 open, it turns off the switch circuit 67. As a result, the control unit 40 stops supplying power to the sensor unit 18. As a result, power is not supplied to the sensor unit 18 in a state where a water outage is detected. Even though water is not spouted during a water outage, it is possible to prevent the sensor unit 18 from wastefully sensing and consuming power. Therefore, consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to the embodiment.
The same explanation as that for the faucet device 101 explained in relation to FIG. 2 can be applied to the faucet device 102 shown in FIG. 3. The faucet device 102 further includes a power generation monitoring section 62 as at least a part of the water outage detection means 60. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the power generation monitoring unit 62 includes two resistors (a resistor 62a and a resistor 62b) and a capacitor 62c. One end of capacitor 62c is connected to the ground potential side of rectifier circuit 23, and the other end of capacitor 62c is connected between rectifier circuit 23 and power storage unit 50. One of the two resistors 62a and 62b is connected to ground potential, and the other is connected between rectifier circuit 23 and power storage unit 50. The potential V2 between the resistor 62a and the resistor 62b is input to the control section 40. The control unit 40 can monitor the amount of power generated by the generator 22 based on the potential V2 of the power generation monitoring unit 62. Further, a diode 27 is connected between the resistor 62b and the power storage unit 50 in order to prevent the power generation monitoring unit 62 from consuming battery power while the generator 22 is not generating electricity, such as when the generator 22 is stopped in water. There is.

The control unit 40 detects a water outage in the waterway 14 when the amount of power generated by the generator 22 during a predetermined period of time when the electromagnetic valve 16 is open is less than or equal to a predetermined value. That is, for example, if the change in the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor 62c is less than or equal to a predetermined value from the time when the solenoid valve 16 is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 40 determines whether a water outage occurs in the waterway 14. It is determined that More specifically, for example, if the difference between the potential V2 at the time when the open drive signal was transmitted and the potential V2 after a predetermined period of time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 40 determines whether water is cut off in the waterway 14. It is determined that this is occurring.

According to this faucet device, a water outage in the water channel 14 can be detected by directly monitoring the power generation of the generator 22. For example, the capacitance of capacitor 62c is smaller than that of power storage unit 50. The relationship between the capacitance C of the capacitor, the voltage change ΔV, and the charged charge Δq is expressed as ΔV=Δq/C. That is, when the charge Δq is charged, the smaller the capacitance C is, the larger the amount of change ΔV in the voltage of the capacitor is. Since the capacitance of the capacitor 62c is small, the amount of power generated by the generator 22 can be easily monitored.

Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time and predetermined value (threshold value) are determined based on the power generation speed (the relationship between the time after the solenoid valve 16 opens and the amount of electricity generated by the generator 22) when there is no water outage. It may be determined as appropriate to distinguish between non-water cutoff and non-water cutoff. Water outage and non-water outage may be detected based on the amount of power generation (amount of change in potential V2) per predetermined time when the electromagnetic valve 16 is open.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to the embodiment.
The same explanation as that for the faucet device 101 explained in relation to FIG. 2 can be applied to the faucet device 103 shown in FIG. 4 . The faucet device 103 further includes a pulse monitoring section 63 as at least a part of the water cutoff detection means 60. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pulse monitoring section 63 includes a transistor 63a, a resistor 63b, and a resistor 63c. The gate of the transistor 63a is connected to the other end 22b of the generator 22 via a resistor 63b. The source of transistor 63a is connected to ground potential. The drain of transistor 63a is connected to power supply potential Vcc via resistor 63c. The potential V3 between the transistor 63a and the resistor 63c is input to the control section 40.

During power generation, the generator 22 repeatedly emits a power generation signal corresponding to the fact that it is generating power. The control unit 40 detects a water outage in the waterway 14 when the number of times the power generation signal is generated is equal to or less than a predetermined number during a predetermined period of time when the electromagnetic valve 16 is open. In this example, an alternating current wave (pulse) generated by the generator 22 is used as the power generation signal. The number of times of the power generation signal is, for example, the number of alternating current waves (the number of cycles) that the generator 22 generates. The control unit 40 can detect the number of power generation signals from changes in the potential V3. That is, for example, the control unit 40 controls the number of alternating current waves emitted by the generator 22 to a predetermined value from the time when the solenoid valve 16 opens (the time when the opening drive signal is transmitted) until a predetermined time elapses. If it is below, it is determined that a water outage has occurred in the waterway 14.

According to this faucet device, by monitoring the power generation signal indicating the power generation of the generator 22, water outage in the waterway can be detected more quickly. For example, a water outage can be detected sooner than when monitoring the voltage of a capacitor.

In addition, the above-mentioned predetermined time and predetermined number of times (predetermined value) take into consideration the number of power generation signals (the relationship between the time after the solenoid valve 16 opens and the number of power generation signals of the generator 22) when there is no water outage. , may be determined as appropriate to distinguish between water outages and non-water outages. A water outage or a non-water outage may be detected based on the number of power generation signals per predetermined time (for example, the frequency of potential V3) when the electromagnetic valve 16 is open.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating another faucet device according to the embodiment.
The same explanation as that for the faucet device 101 explained in relation to FIG. 2 can be applied to the faucet device 104 shown in FIG. 5 . The faucet device 104 further includes external input means 70. External input means 70 is connected to control section 40 . The external input means 70 transmits an output signal to the control unit 40 in response to an input signal from an external source such as a user. Upon receiving the output signal transmitted from the external input means 70, the control unit 40 transmits a closing drive signal to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42 to close the electromagnetic valve 16 in accordance with the output signal.

When detecting a water outage by monitoring the power generation of the generator 22, there is a possibility that a failure of the generator 22 is mistakenly determined to be a water outage, and the solenoid valve 16 may remain open. On the other hand, according to this faucet device, even if the generator 22 fails, the user can manually close the solenoid valve 16 using the external input means 70.

Note that as the external input means 70, any means that allows the user to input signals to the control unit 40 can be used. For example, the external input means 70 may be a mechanical push switch, a valve, an electrical touch sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the faucet device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation of the faucet device 104 shown in FIG.

When the detection result of the sensor unit 18 is "no human body" (no object such as a human body exists) (step S101: no human body), the solenoid valve 16 remains closed. When the detection result of the sensor unit 18 is “a human body is present” (an object such as a human body is present) (step S101: a human body is present), the control unit 40 transmits an opening drive signal to the electromagnetic valve drive circuit 42, and Open the valve 16 (step S102). Thereafter, when the control unit 40 determines that a water outage has occurred in the waterway 14 by the water outage detection means 60 (step S103: water outage), the control unit 40 turns off the switch circuit 67 and stops power supply to the sensor unit 18 (step S104). ). If there is no signal from the external input means 70 (step S105: no operation), the control section 40 keeps the power supply to the sensor section 18 stopped and keeps the solenoid valve 16 open. Upon receiving the signal from the external input means 70 (step S105: operation performed), the control unit 40 transmits a closing drive signal to the solenoid valve drive circuit 42 to close the solenoid valve 16 (step S107).

On the other hand, if the water outage detection means 60 does not determine that there is a water outage in the waterway 14 (step S103: flowing water), and if the detection result of the sensor unit 18 is "human body present" (step S106: human body Yes), the solenoid valve 16 is kept open, and if the detection result of the sensor unit 18 is "no human body" (step S106: no human body), the solenoid valve 16 is closed (step S107).
With the above operation, power consumption during water outage can be suppressed. Therefore, consumption of the battery 24 can be suppressed.

Note that the water cutoff detection means in the embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and may be any means capable of determining water cutoff/non-water cutoff. For example, a flow rate sensor may be provided in the water channel 14 or the like. By detecting the flow rate of the water channel 14 from the output of the flow rate sensor, it is possible to determine whether there is a water outage or not. Further, for example, a pressure sensor may be provided in the water channel 14 or the like. By detecting the water pressure of the water flow in the water channel 14 from the output of the pressure sensor, it is possible to determine whether there is a water outage or not.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect 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, size, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element included in the faucet device are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

13 faucet, 13a spout, 14 water channel, 16 electromagnetic valve, 17 connection cable, 18 sensor section, 20 controller section, 22 generator, 23 rectifier circuit, 24 battery, 25 resistor, 26, 27 diode, 40 control section, 42 electromagnetic valve drive circuit, 50 power storage unit, 52 voltage conversion circuit, 56 drive capacitor, 60 water cutoff detection means, 61 power storage monitoring unit, 62 power generation monitoring unit, 63 pulse monitoring unit, 67 switch circuit, 70 external input means, 100 ~ 104 Faucet device, S101 to S107 steps, V1 to V3 potential

Claims (6)

A generator that generates electricity using water flowing in a waterway,
a power storage unit that stores power supplied from the generator;
a battery that replenishes power to the power storage unit when the power stored in the power storage unit is insufficient;
a self-holding solenoid valve that opens and closes the waterway using electric power stored in the power storage unit;
A sensor unit that detects an object,
a control unit that controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve according to the detection result of the sensor unit;
Equipped with
The faucet device is characterized in that, when the control unit detects a water outage in the waterway while the solenoid valve is open, the control unit maintains the solenoid valve in the open state regardless of the detection result of the sensor unit. 2. The control unit detects a water outage in the waterway when the amount of electric power stored in the power storage unit during a predetermined time period in which the electromagnetic valve is open is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value. faucet equipment. 2. The control unit detects a water outage in the waterway when the amount of electric power generated by the generator during a predetermined time period in which the solenoid valve is open is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Faucet equipment. While the generator is generating power, a power generation signal corresponding to the fact that the generator is generating power is emitted,
The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects a water outage in the waterway when the number of times the power generation signal is generated is equal to or less than a predetermined number during a predetermined time period in which the solenoid valve is open. Device. Further equipped with external input means,
The faucet device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit closes the solenoid valve in response to a signal from the external input means. According to any one of claims 1 to 5, the control unit stops supplying power to the sensor unit when detecting a water outage in the waterway while the solenoid valve is open. Faucet device as described.

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