JP2018165437A - Faucet system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet system which can connect an electric wire of an electric power source unit and an electric wire of a drive unit by two signal lines of an electric power source and a ground and which securely detects electric power shutdown.SOLUTION: A faucet system comprises: a sensor unit detecting an object; a self-holding type solenoid valve opening and closing a water supply path to a water discharge port; a control controller unit including a drive unit controlling activeness/non-activeness of opening and closing drive of the solenoid valve; a control unit instructing opening and closing of the solenoid valve to the drive unit; an electric power source unit supplying electric power to the sensor unit, the solenoid valve and the control controller unit; a detection unit of electric power source shutdown detecting electric power source shutdown in the electric power source unit and outputting a shutdown signal; and an electric power storage unit storing electric energy for driving the solenoid valve. The control unit is provided in the sensor unit, and the detection unit of electric power source shutdown and the electric power storage unit are provided in the control controller unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet system including a power shutoff detection unit that detects power shutoff.

  In an automatic water faucet, water discharge is controlled by detecting a human hand with a sensor and driving an electromagnetic valve. In particular, an automatic faucet that uses a latching solenoid valve only consumes power instantaneously when switching between open and closed operations, and usually requires power to maintain an open or closed state. Compared with the solenoid valve, the drive power is less, and it is effective for power saving.

  However, an automatic faucet that employs a latch type solenoid valve maintains an open state when a power failure occurs during water discharge, and therefore continues to discharge water even during a power failure. For this reason, when a power failure occurs, it is necessary to energize the solenoid valve to stop the water.

  In patent document 1, in an automatic faucet that employs a latch-type solenoid valve, the sensor unit and the controller unit are arranged separately, and it is possible to detect that the power supply has been cut off on the sensor unit side. There has been disclosed a faucet system that can arbitrarily control the timing at which the solenoid valve is driven to be closed when the power supply is shut off without lowering the performance or increasing the cost.

JP 2013-189790 A

  However, in the circuit configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the power supply circuit, the drive control unit, and the valve drive circuit are separately arranged, two power supplies and a ground are provided between the power supply circuit, the drive control unit, and the valve drive circuit. In addition to the electric wires, signal lines for controlling the drive control unit and the valve drive circuit when power interruption is detected are required, and a total of three signal lines are required.

  Therefore, for example, a general power supply unit (AC adapter or the like) cannot be used as a power supply. That is, a general power supply unit has only two electric wires, ie, a power supply and a ground, and does not have a signal line for detecting power supply interruption. A power supply unit equipped with a signal line for detecting power-off is a custom product, and the faucet system becomes expensive.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. Even when the power supply part is separated, the power supply part can detect the interruption of the power supply only with the two wires of the power supply and the ground. One object is to provide a faucet system capable of closing a valve.

  1st invention controls the active / inactive of the sensor part which detects a target object, the self-holding type electromagnetic valve which opens and closes the water supply path to a spout, and the opening and closing drive of the said solenoid valve A control controller unit including a drive unit, a control unit that commands the drive unit to open and close the electromagnetic valve, a power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor unit, the electromagnetic valve, and the control controller unit; A power-off detection unit that detects a power-off of the power supply unit and outputs a cut-off signal; and a power storage unit that stores electrical energy for driving the electromagnetic valve, and the control unit is connected to the sensor unit. The faucet system is characterized in that the power shutoff detection unit and the power storage unit are provided in the control controller unit.

  As a result, the power cutoff detection unit for detecting the cutoff of the power source is not provided in the power supply unit but in the control controller unit, so there is no need to output a power cutoff signal from the power source unit. In addition, a power storage unit that stores electrical energy required for driving the solenoid valve is also provided in the control controller unit, so that the solenoid valve can be closed and stopped even after the power is shut off. A typical power supply unit (such as an AC adapter) can be used. Therefore, even when the power supply portion is separated, a water faucet system is provided that can detect the interruption of the power supply with only two electric wires from the power supply portion, that is, the power supply and the ground.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the power cutoff detection unit has a switch unit that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive depending on whether power is supplied from the power source. A faucet system comprising first suppression means for suppressing the electrical energy from being supplied to the switch unit.

Thereby, when the power supply is cut off, the supply of electrical energy from the power storage unit is suppressed to the switch unit that detects the cut-off of the power supply. If the first suppression means is not provided, when the power is cut off, electric energy is supplied from the power storage unit to the switch unit without being suppressed, so that the switch unit cannot accurately detect the cutoff of the power source. Furthermore, the electrical energy of the power storage unit is for the purpose of driving the electromagnetic valve, and by suppressing the supply to the switch unit, the electrical energy for driving the electromagnetic valve is more reliably stored even when the power is shut off. be able to.
In other words, the first suppression means enables the switch unit to detect the power shutoff more accurately, and even when the power is shut off, the solenoid valve can be reliably closed and energized.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the power cutoff detection unit includes a voltage monitoring unit that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive based on a drop or rise in an input voltage value, and the control The controller unit is a faucet system including second suppression means for suppressing supply of the electrical energy to the voltage monitoring unit.

Thereby, when the power supply is cut off, supply of electric energy from the power storage unit is suppressed with respect to the voltage monitoring unit that detects the interruption of the power supply. If there is no second suppression means, when the power supply is cut off, electric energy is supplied from the power storage unit to the voltage monitoring unit without being suppressed, so that the voltage monitoring unit cannot accurately detect the interruption of the power supply. Furthermore, the electrical energy of the power storage unit is for the purpose of driving the solenoid valve, and by suppressing the supply to the voltage monitoring unit, the electrical energy for driving the solenoid valve can be more reliably stored even when the power is shut off. I can leave.
That is, by the second suppression means, the voltage monitoring unit can detect the power cutoff more accurately, and can reliably shut off the electromagnetic valve and stop the water even when the power is shut off.
Further, since the voltage monitoring unit can detect based on the drop and rise of the voltage value, it can operate safely even when the voltage value is not stable. Specifically, there is a state in which a power failure has occurred and the voltage of the power supply unit is gradually decreasing. At this time, since the voltage monitoring unit can recognize that the voltage has started to decrease, the power failure state can be detected earlier. On the contrary, even when the power failure is released and the voltage gradually increases, the power failure state can be continued until a voltage at which the faucet system can operate safely is reached.

  In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the power cutoff detection unit includes a switch unit that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive when power is supplied from the power source, and a drop in the input voltage value. Or a voltage monitoring unit that switches the cut-off signal between active and inactive based on a rise, and the control controller unit includes a third suppression unit that suppresses the electric energy from being supplied to the switch unit. A faucet system characterized by having a faucet system.

Thereby, when the power supply is cut off, supply of electric energy from the power storage unit to the switch unit that detects the cut-off of the power supply is suppressed. If there is no third suppression means, when the power is shut off, the electrical energy is supplied from the power storage unit to the switch unit without being suppressed, so that the switch unit cannot accurately detect the power cutoff. Furthermore, the electrical energy of the power storage unit is for the purpose of driving the solenoid valve, and by suppressing the supply to the switch unit, the electrical energy for driving the solenoid valve is reliably stored even when the power is shut off. Can do.
In other words, the third suppression means enables the switch unit to detect the power cutoff more accurately, and even when the power is shut off, the solenoid valve can be reliably closed and energized to stop the water.
Further, since the voltage monitoring unit can detect based on the drop and rise of the voltage value, it can operate safely even when the voltage value is not stable. Specifically, there is a state in which a power failure has occurred and the voltage of the power supply unit is gradually decreasing. At this time, since the voltage monitoring unit can recognize that the voltage has started to decrease, the power failure state can be detected earlier. On the contrary, even when the power failure is released and the voltage gradually increases, the power failure state can be continued until a voltage at which the faucet system can operate safely is reached.

  A fifth invention is the faucet system according to the fourth invention, wherein the third restraining means does not restrain the electric energy from being supplied to the voltage monitoring unit.

As a result, the voltage monitoring unit can more accurately detect the voltage value of the electric energy stored in the power storage unit, and if the voltage value necessary for driving the solenoid valve is secured, it is not judged as a power failure. In addition, the operation can be continued.
Specifically, it is conceivable that a power failure has occurred and the output voltage of the power supply unit is gradually decreasing. At this time, as the operation of the switch unit, a power failure has occurred, but the output voltage of the power supply unit remains, so the switch unit does not determine that there is a power failure. On the other hand, since the voltage monitoring unit has the third suppression means, the voltage value of the power storage unit is monitored instead of the output voltage of the power supply unit. Therefore, if the voltage value of the power storage unit corresponds to an amount of energy sufficient to drive the solenoid valve, the operation can be continued without outputting a detection signal.
As such a situation, a temporary short-time power outage is assumed. In other words, once a power failure occurs, the power supply voltage begins to drop, but if the power failure is released before the voltage drops to a voltage that affects the drive of the solenoid valve, the operation continues without closing the solenoid valve. can do.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a faucet system that can connect the power supply unit and the electric wire of the drive unit with the two signal lines of the power supply and the ground, and reliably detect the power interruption. .

It is the figure which showed the outline of the external appearance structure of the faucet system in cross section. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the electrical constitution of the faucet system of this invention. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure of a faucet system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a solenoid valve control process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a faucet system. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows the other example of the circuit structure of a faucet system. It is a principal part circuit diagram which shows the other example of the circuit structure of a faucet system.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
(1) Configuration of the first embodiment:
(2) Solenoid valve control processing:
(3) Operation of the first embodiment:
(4) Other examples of the circuit configuration of the faucet system:
(5) Summary:

(1) Configuration of the first embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment. The faucet system 1 detects an object (such as a human body or an object) and automatically discharges water, and discharges water to a wash basin 2 provided in a washstand.

  The basin 2 is provided on the upper surface of the basin counter 3. A water faucet 4 constituting a spout for discharging water to the ball surface 2 a of the basin 2 is provided on the basin counter 3. The faucet 4 has a water discharge port 4 a for discharging water, and is provided so that water discharged from the water discharge port 4 a is discharged into the ball surface 2 a of the basin 2.

  The water discharged from the faucet 4 a by the faucet 4 is supplied by the water supply channel 5. The water supply channel 5 guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water pipe to the water outlet 4a. A drainage channel 6 is connected to the basin 2. The drainage channel 6 discharges water discharged from the water outlet 4a into the ball surface 2a of the basin 2.

  The faucet system 1 includes an electromagnetic valve 7, a sensor unit 11, a control controller unit 12, and a power supply unit 13. The sensor unit 11, the control controller unit 12, and the power supply unit 13 are separated from each other. The sensor unit 11 is housed in the faucet 4, and the electromagnetic valve 7, the control controller unit 12, and the power supply unit 13 are located under the washstand. Housed on the side.

  The sensor unit 11 and the control controller unit 12 are connected by a connection cable 8, and the control controller unit 12 and the power supply unit 13 are connected by a power supply line L5 and a ground line L6. The power supply unit 13 supplies a power supply voltage to the sensor unit 11 via the power supply line L5, the ground line L6, the control controller unit 12 and the connection cable 8, and the sensor unit 11 controls the control controller unit 12 via the connection cable 8. To do.

  The electromagnetic valve 7 is provided in the water supply channel 5 and opens and closes the water supply channel 5. When the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply path 5 is discharged from the water outlet 4a. When the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply path 5 is not discharged from the water outlet 4a. It becomes a water state.

  The electromagnetic valve 7 is connected to the control controller unit 12, and the control controller unit 12 drives the electromagnetic valve 7 to control the opening / closing operation. The electromagnetic valve 7 is electrically controlled according to a control signal from the control controller unit 12 to open and close the water supply channel 5. Thus, the electromagnetic valve 7 functions as a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path 5 of water discharged from the water discharge port 4a.

  The solenoid valve 7 is a self-holding solenoid valve called a so-called latching solenoid valve, and operates from the closed state to the open state (opening operation) by energizing the solenoid coil in one direction, and then energizes the solenoid coil. Even if the power is cut off, the open state is maintained and the solenoid coil is operated from the open state to the closed state by energizing the solenoid coil in the other direction (closed operation). .

  The sensor unit 11 detects an object (such as a hand) that approaches the spout 4a. The water discharge destination of the water discharge port 4 a becomes a detection region of the sensor unit 11. The sensor unit 11 detects the position, movement, and the like of the object by transmitting the propagation wave and receiving the propagation wave reflected from the object such as a human body that has received the transmitted propagation wave.

  In the following description, infrared light is used as an example of the propagation wave of the sensor unit 11. However, as the propagation wave used by the sensor unit 11, for example, microwave, millimeter wave, ultrasonic wave, visible light, or the like may be used. However, radio waves of other frequencies may be used for the propagation wave. Further, when using a microwave, a microwave Doppler sensor may be used as the sensor unit 11.

  The sensor unit 11 is provided inside the faucet 4 near the water outlet 4a, and is arranged to transmit a propagation wave toward the user side (left side in FIG. 1) of the washstand. Thereby, the sensor part 11 can detect that a human body has approached the spout 4a, that a hand was pushed out toward the spout 4a from the human body that has approached the spout 4a, and the like.

  The sensor unit 11 is connected to the control controller unit 12. The controller 12 receives a signal output from the sensor 11 and detects the position and movement of the object based on this signal. And the solenoid valve 7 is controlled based on the detection result.

  The controller 12 controls the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 7 based on the signal output from the sensor unit 11. Therefore, an output signal from the sensor unit 11 is input to the control controller unit 12. The controller 12 outputs a control signal to the electromagnetic valve 7.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with a specific circuit example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of the electrical configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a main part showing an example of the circuit configuration of the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment. It is a circuit diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 11 includes a sensor 111 and a control unit 112, and the control controller unit 12 includes a drive control unit 21 that constitutes the drive unit 121, a valve drive unit 22, and power-off detection. The power supply unit 13 includes a power supply circuit 131 constituting the power supply unit.

  The sensor 111 includes a light projecting element that projects infrared light, a light receiving element that receives infrared light, and an object detection processing unit. The object detection processing unit controls the light projection and light reception timing of the light projecting element and the light receiving element, and performs object detection based on the optical signal received by the light receiving element. When the object detection processing unit detects the object, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 112.

  The control unit 112 includes various functional parts such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output interface, and these various functional parts are connected to each other via a data communication bus or the like.

  The control unit 112 has at least an input / output interface for inputting / outputting an open command signal S1 to / from the drive control unit 21 and an input / output interface for inputting / outputting a close command signal S2 as input / output interfaces.

  The control unit 112 includes at least a memory used as a work area when the CPU performs arithmetic processing, a non-volatile memory for storing various types of information, and a CPU for controlling the faucet system 1. And a memory for storing a control program to be executed. These memories may be prepared separately or a single memory may be shared.

  The sensor unit 11 and the control controller unit 12 are connected by a predetermined connection cable. The predetermined connection cable includes a power supply line L5 and a GND line L6 for transmitting power supplied from the control controller unit 12 to the sensor unit 11, and an open command signal S1 output from the sensor unit 11 to the control controller unit 12. The first signal line L1 for transmitting and the second signal line L2 for transmitting the closing command signal S2 are constituted by a total of four signal lines.

  The open command signal S1 output from the control unit 112 is input to the drive control unit 21 via the first signal line L1, and the close command signal S2 output from the control unit 112 is driven and controlled via the second signal line L2. Input to the unit 21.

  The opening command signal S1 is a signal for instructing the drive control unit 21 to execute opening driving for opening the solenoid valve 7, and the closing command signal S2 is for closing the solenoid valve 7. This is a signal for instructing the drive control unit 21 to execute a closed drive for valve operation.

  The drive control unit 21 is connected to the valve drive unit 22 via the third signal line L3 and the fourth signal line L4. The third signal line L3 is a signal line that transmits the open drive signal S3 between the drive control unit 21 and the valve drive unit 22, and the fourth signal line L4 is between the drive control unit 21 and the valve drive unit 22. It is a signal line for transmitting the closed drive signal S4 between them.

  The open drive signal S3 is a signal for instructing the valve drive unit 22 to execute a valve opening operation for opening the solenoid valve 7, and the close drive signal S4 is a signal for opening the solenoid valve 7. This is a signal for instructing the valve drive unit 22 to perform a valve closing operation for closing the valve.

  Hereinafter, the output states of these signals S1 to S4 will be described using the word active / inactive. The active open command signal S1 means a signal for instructing the drive control unit 21 to open the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive open command signal S1 is an electromagnetic valve 7 for the drive control unit 21. This means a signal that does not command open driving. The active close command signal S2 means a signal for instructing the drive control unit 21 to close the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive close command signal S2 is an electromagnetic signal for the drive control unit 21. It means a signal that does not command the valve 7 to be closed.

  The active open drive signal S3 means a drive signal for instructing a drive for opening the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive open drive signal S3 is a drive for not instructing a drive for opening the electromagnetic valve 7. Means signal. The active closing drive signal S4 means a driving signal for instructing driving for closing the electromagnetic valve 7, and the inactive closing driving signal S4 is a driving for not instructing driving for closing the electromagnetic valve 7. Means signal.

  The drive control unit 21 includes an open drive control circuit 211 that controls the open drive of the valve drive unit 22 and a close drive control circuit 212 that controls the close drive of the valve drive unit 22. The open drive control circuit 211 performs an open drive control that generates an open drive signal S3 based on the open command signal S1 input from the control unit 112 and outputs the generated signal to the valve drive unit 22. The closed drive control circuit 212 performs a closed drive control that generates a closed drive signal S4 based on the close command signal S2 input from the control unit 112 and outputs the generated signal to the valve drive unit 22.

  For example, when the open command signal S1 is an active low logic signal and the open drive signal S3 is an active high logic signal, the open drive control circuit 211 generates and outputs a signal obtained by inverting the logic of the open command signal S1. The circuit can be configured. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example of such a circuit, a transistor (field effect transistor in the drawing) circuit that generates and outputs a signal with inverted logic.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the open drive control circuit 211 is configured to open the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 by driving the N-type FET and the P-type FET because the valve drive unit 22 is an H-type bridge circuit. A current flows in a direction (described later). For this reason, the open drive signal S3 is applied as it is to the gate of the N-type FET, but a voltage obtained by logically inverting the logic of the open drive signal S3 by an inverting circuit is applied to the gate of the P-type FET. It is designed to be applied.

  In this way, by configuring the active logic of the open command signal S1 and the active logic of the open drive signal S3 to be high / low inverted, the power shut-off detection unit 23 is connected to the first signal line L1 and the third signal line as described later. When the signal line L3 is controlled, it is only necessary to output a low-level logic signal to the power interruption detection input unit 213. Thereby, the circuit configuration of the open drive control circuit can be simplified.

  For example, when the close command signal S2 is an active low logic signal and the close drive signal S4 is an active high logic signal, the close drive control circuit 212 generates and outputs a signal obtained by inverting the logic of the close command signal S2. The circuit can be configured. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example of such a circuit, a transistor (field effect transistor in the drawing) circuit that generates and outputs a signal with inverted logic.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the valve drive unit 22 is an H-type bridge circuit, the closing drive control circuit 212 closes the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 by driving an N-type FET and a P-type FET. A current flows in a direction (described later). For this reason, the closed drive signal S4 is applied as it is to the gate of the N-type FET, but a voltage obtained by logically inverting the logic of the closed drive signal S4 by an inverting circuit is applied to the gate of the P-type FET. It is designed to be applied.

  The logical relationship between the open command signal S1 and the open drive signal S3 and the logical relationship between the close command signal S2 and the close drive signal S4 described here are examples, and can be variously changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  When the opening driving signal S3 is input via the third signal line L3, the valve driving unit 22 performs opening driving for opening the electromagnetic valve 7, and the closing driving signal S4 is transmitted via the fourth signal line L4. When input, a closing drive for closing the solenoid valve 7 is performed. As a result, the valve drive unit 22 may change the open / close state of the electromagnetic valve 7 to a state corresponding to the opening / closing drive of the drive control unit 21, and thus to a state corresponding to the opening / closing command of the control unit 112. I can do it.

  In FIG. 3, the valve drive unit 22 is configured to drive the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve 7 as a load by an H-type bridge circuit using four transistors (field effect transistors in the figure). In the H-type bridge circuit, a diode is arranged in parallel with each transistor as a countermeasure against the back electromotive force of the solenoid coil that is an inductive load.

  This valve drive unit 22 causes a current in one direction (open direction) to flow through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 in response to the open drive signal S3 input from the drive control unit 21, and closes input from the drive control unit 21. A current in the other direction (closed direction) is caused to flow through the solenoid coil of the latching solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 by the drive signal S4. Thereby, the solenoid valve 7 opens / closes according to the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid coil, and opens and closes the water supply path 5.

  The power supply unit 13 is configured as an AC / DC converter, and generates a DC power supply having a desired voltage using an AC power supply AC input from an external power supply such as a commercial power supply. In the circuit shown in FIG. 3, the transformer 131a rectifies the secondary voltage generated from the AC power supply AC by using the diode bridge circuit 131b and the capacitor 131c, thereby generating a DC power supply. The direct-current power generated in this way is supplied to each part constituting the faucet system 1.

  In addition, the DC power supplied to the control controller unit 12 is electrically cut off by the suppression unit 234. The DC power source cut in this way is adjusted to a desired voltage by the regulator 242 and supplied to the sensor unit 11. Thereby, CPU etc. which comprise the control part 112 can obtain the stable drive voltage.

  The power storage unit 241 stores electric charges sufficient to perform at least one closing drive of the electromagnetic valve 7 immediately after the power supply is cut off. Thereby, even after the power is shut off, the electromagnetic valve 7 can be driven to close for a certain period of time. Further, the voltage of the power storage unit 241 immediately after the power supply is cut off is at least equal to or higher than the drive voltage of the control unit 112. As a result, the drive voltage is supplied to the control unit 112 by the power storage unit 241 for a certain period of time after the power is shut off. The power storage unit 241 is, for example, an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor, or a rechargeable battery.

  However, if the electric energy of the power storage unit 241 is used to drive the electromagnetic valve 7, the voltage in the power storage unit 241 may decrease, and the voltage supplied by the power storage unit 241 may be lower than the drive voltage of the control unit 112. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such a situation can be avoided by providing the power cutoff detection unit 23 and performing the electromagnetic valve control processing.

  The power shutdown detection unit 23 monitors the state of the power supplied from the power supply unit 13, and when detecting that the power supply from the power supply unit 13 has been cut off, the power shutdown detection unit 23 cuts off the power to the control unit 112. A shut-off detection output is sent to notify that it has been done.

  Note that the term “power cutoff” as used herein refers to a general power failure such as the supply of commercial power from the power company being stopped, or the supply of commercial power to this equipment being stopped by the breaker shutoff operation. As a matter of course, the AC power supply to the apparatus stops when the plug of the apparatus is unplugged from the outlet of the commercial power supply, the malfunction of the power supply unit 13, the connection between the control controller unit 12 and the power supply unit 13 or the like. This includes a case where the power is not supplied from the power supply unit 13 by releasing. However, as described above, power supply from the power storage unit 241 to each unit of the faucet system 1 is performed even when the power supply is shut off.

In FIG. 3, the power cutoff detection unit 23 is configured to switch the cutoff signal to active / inactive depending on whether or not power is supplied from the power source 13, and the cutoff signal based on a drop or rise in the input voltage value. And a voltage monitoring unit 232 for switching between active and inactive, and the control controller unit 12 includes third suppression means (a diode in FIG. 3), and suppresses electric energy from being supplied to the switch unit 231. It is characterized by that.
Further, the supply of electrical energy from the control controller unit 12 to the power supply unit 13 may be suppressed by the third suppression unit. By doing so, it is possible to prevent backflow of energy when the power supply is interrupted, and to prevent the power supply unit 13 from being destroyed.

  The switch unit 231 is connected to the input of the suppression unit 234 (in FIG. 3, the anode side of the diode), monitors the voltage of the input terminal unit 233, and does not perform the shutoff detection output when the voltage of the input terminal unit 233 is present. When there is no voltage at the input terminal portion 233, a shutoff detection output is performed.

  The voltage monitoring unit 232 is connected to the output of the suppression unit 234 (in FIG. 3, the cathode side of the diode) and monitors the voltage of the power storage unit 241. When the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is higher than a predetermined voltage, the interruption detection output If the voltage of the power storage unit 241 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the interruption detection output is performed.

  The predetermined voltage indicates that the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is a voltage value corresponding to the amount of electrical energy that can drive the electromagnetic valve 7 to close at least once. More preferably, it is better to include the amount of energy that allows the sensor unit 11 and the control controller unit 12 to continue operating until the process for closing the electromagnetic valve 7 is executed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the switch unit 231 includes a transistor 231b, and the input of the suppression means 234 (in FIG. 3, the anode side of the diode) and the input terminal unit are provided at the base of the transistor 231b. 233 is connected. The transistor 231b has a collector connected to the gate of the FET 231a, an emitter connected to the ground, and an emitter and base connected by a protective resistor 231c. Further, the power cutoff detection input unit 213 is connected to the drain of the FET 231a, and the ground is connected to the source.

  The voltage monitoring unit 232 includes a logic IC 232a having a first terminal 232b and a second terminal 232c. The first terminal 232b of the logic IC 232a is connected to the output of the suppression means 234 (the cathode side of the diode in FIG. 3) and the power storage unit 241, and the power cutoff detection input unit 213 is connected to the second terminal 232c. ing.

  In the power shutdown detection unit 23 configured as described above, when the voltage of the input terminal unit 233 is present, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 231b becomes larger than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 231b, and thus the gate of the FET 231a has a low level. When a voltage signal is input and there is no voltage at the input terminal portion 233, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 231b is smaller than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 231b, so a high level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a.

  At this time, the FET 231a inputs a high-level voltage signal to the power shutoff detection input unit 213 while a low-level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, and the FET 231a receives the gate of the FET 231a. While the high level voltage signal is being input, the low level voltage signal is input to the power cutoff detection input unit 213.

  That is, when the power supply to the input terminal portion 233 is not cut off, a low level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, so that the FET 231a outputs a high level voltage from the drain of the FET, and the input terminal When the power supply to the unit 233 is cut off, a high level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, so that the FET 231a outputs a low level voltage from the drain of the FET to the power cut-off detection input unit 213.

  The voltage monitoring unit 232 also outputs a high level voltage from the second terminal 232c when the power is not shut down, that is, when the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is higher than the predetermined voltage of the voltage monitoring unit 232. When the power is shut off, that is, when the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage of the voltage monitoring unit 232, a low level voltage is output from the second terminal 232c to the power cutoff detection input unit 213.

  When a low-level voltage is output to the power cutoff detection input unit 213, the first signal line L1 is actively controlled via the resistor 211a. Actually, the first signal line L1 is controlled to the same low level logic state.

  The logic IC 232a includes a delay circuit 232a1, and outputs a low-level logic signal output from the second terminal 232c by a predetermined time when the power-off detection unit 23 detects power-off. It has the function to do. That is, when the power supply from the power supply unit 13 is cut off and the output of the low-level logic signal is started from the second terminal 232c, the second terminal 232c continues until a predetermined time elapses even after the interruption of the power supply is canceled. Continue to output low level logic signals.

  This predetermined time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the water discharge control executed for the controller 112 to open the solenoid valve 7. For example, when the time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state is about 20 ms, the time required for the water discharge control is, for example, about 20 ms. The predetermined time extended by the delay circuit 232a1 is set to be sufficiently longer than 20 ms, for example, 100 ms.

  As a result, even when the power shutoff detection unit 23 performs the shutoff detection output during the period when the control unit 112 outputs the active open command signal S1 (low level) to the first signal line L1, the control is performed. The first signal line L1 is maintained at a low level until after the unit 112 finishes outputting the active open command signal S1 to the first signal line L1.

  That is, even when the power supply is interrupted during the water discharge control, the power supply interruption detection unit 23 keeps the first signal line L1 active until the control unit 112 finishes the water discharge control. As a result, when the power supply is interrupted, the control unit 112 is reliably notified of the power supply interruption, and the control unit 112 can reliably detect the occurrence of the power supply interruption.

  In addition, since the switch unit 231 is disposed at the input of the suppression unit 234 (in FIG. 3, the anode side of the diode), the supply of electrical energy from the power storage unit 241 to the input terminal unit 233 can be suppressed. At this time, it is possible to immediately detect the power interruption, and by disposing the voltage monitoring unit at the output of the suppression means 234 (in FIG. 3, the cathode side of the diode), the solenoid valve 7 can be closed when the power supply is gradually lowered. It is possible to detect a power interruption before falling below the electrical energy required to drive at least once.

  As described above, the faucet system 1 of the present embodiment includes a sensor unit 11 that detects an object, a self-holding electromagnetic valve 7 that opens and closes the water supply path 5 to the water discharge port 4a, and the electromagnetic valve 7 A control controller unit 12 having a drive unit 121 that controls active / inactive of open drive and closed drive, a control unit 112 that instructs the drive unit 121 to open and close the electromagnetic valve 7, a sensor unit 11, and an electromagnetic valve 7 and a power controller 13 for supplying power to the controller 12, a power shutoff detector 23 for detecting a power shutoff of the power supply 13 and outputting a shutoff signal, and electric energy for driving the electromagnetic valve 7 The water faucet system is characterized in that the control unit 112 is provided in the sensor unit 11, and the power shutoff detection unit 23 and the power storage unit 241 are provided in the control controller unit 12. By the sensor unit 11 controls the controller unit 12 based on the detection signal, for controlling the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 7. Thereby, the water discharge according to the detection result (movement of the user of a washstand, etc.) of the target object which approaches the water discharge port 4a is performed.

(2) Solenoid valve control processing:
Next, processing related to control of the solenoid valve performed using the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of electromagnetic valve control processing. The electromagnetic valve control process is started when power supply to the faucet system 1 is started, and is continuously executed while normal power is supplied to the faucet system 1.

  When the electromagnetic valve control process is started, the control unit 112 deactivates the open command signal S1 and the close command signal S2 (S100). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is not opened / closed immediately after the electromagnetic valve control process is started, and the electromagnetic valve 7 maintains the current open / closed state.

  In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed when the faucet system 1 is activated. This is because, according to the electromagnetic valve control process according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 7 is reliably closed before the faucet system 1 stops. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve 7 is maintained in the closed state before and after step S100 is performed.

  Next, the control unit 112 drives the sensor 111 to detect an object near the water outlet 4a (S105). Thereby, the control unit 112 can detect the presence / absence of an object in the detection region of the sensor 111.

  Next, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the water is being discharged from the water outlet 4a (S110). In addition, the control part 112 has memorize | stored the execution condition of water discharge control (S120) and water stop control (S130, S155) in memory, and refers to which of water discharge control or water stop control was performed immediately before It can be determined whether the water is discharged or stopped.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the water is discharged (S110: Yes), it is then determined whether or not the sensor 111 has detected an object (S125). Here, when an object is detected by the object detection in step S105 (S125: No), the water stop state is skipped by skipping the water stop control in step S130, and the object is detected by the object detection in step S105. If not (S125: Yes), water stop control is executed to stop water discharge (S130).

  The water stop control is performed by making the close command signal S2 of the second signal line L2 active and then deactivating the close command signal S2 after a predetermined waiting time. The predetermined waiting time is a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the open state to the closed state, for example, a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the open state to the closed state. Is about 20 ms, the predetermined waiting time is, for example, about 20 ms.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the water is stopped (S110: No), it is then determined whether the sensor 111 detects an object (S115). If an object is detected by the object detection in step S105 (S115: Yes), the water discharge control is executed to start water discharge (S120), and the object is not detected by the object detection in step S105. In the case (S115: No), the water discharge control in step S120 is skipped and the water stop state is continued.

  The water discharge control is performed by making the open command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 active and then deactivating the open command signal S1 after a predetermined waiting time. The predetermined standby time is a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state. For example, a time sufficient for the solenoid of the solenoid valve 7 to change from the closed state to the open state. Is about 20 ms, the predetermined waiting time is, for example, about 20 ms.

  Next, the control unit 112 acquires the voltage of the port connected to the first signal line L1, and determines whether the voltage indicates a high level or a low level (S135).

  Here, when the control unit 112 detects a low level indicating that the open command is active as the voltage of the port (S135: Yes), the control unit 112 determines that the power is cut off and determines that the power is cut off, and performs steps S140 to S160. If the port voltage is in any other state (S135: No), the control unit 112 determines that it is not forcibly active, and executes the process of step S105.

  In step S135, when the first signal line L1 is a low-level voltage indicating that the open command is active (S135: Yes), the control unit 112 stops the sensor 111 (S140). Thereby, consumption of the electrical energy stored in the capacitor 131c can be suppressed as much as possible. Of course, other configurations other than the configuration necessary for normally closing the solenoid valve 7 and the control unit 112 can also be stopped.

  Next, various shutdown processes for normally terminating the faucet system 1 are executed under the control of the control unit 112 (S145).

  For example, when the control unit 112 has a function of storing / updating the usage status of the user, detection information, information on the surrounding environment, and the like, a process for completing the process related to the information is executed. . As a result, various parameters of these information are stored in a non-volatile memory that does not volatilize even when the power is turned off, and it is possible to prevent abnormal operation when the faucet system 1 resumes operation.

  For example, the sensor 111 is stopped. As a result, the sensor 111 does not consume power, and power consumption stored in the capacitor 131c can be suppressed. After that, when power is supplied again to the faucet system 1 and the operation starts, normal operation can be performed.

  After performing the water stop control, the control unit 112 determines again whether or not the open command signal S1 is in an active state (S160). Further, when it is determined in step S150 that the water is stopped, the control unit 112 determines again whether or not the open command signal S1 remains active without performing the water stop control (S160). .

  After that, when it is detected that the first signal line L1 has changed to a high level indicating inactivity while repeating the process of step S160, that is, when it is detected that the interruption of the power supply has been resolved (S160: No) The normal solenoid valve control process (S105 to S130) is resumed.

  As a result, when the power supply is cut off for a short time, such as a momentary power interruption, the faucet system 1 can be operated again without being completely stopped. It is not necessary to erase the reset.

  Of course, when a predetermined waiting time is provided between step S140 and step S145, and the interruption of the power supply is resolved during this period, the normal discharge of step S105 is not performed without performing the processing of steps S145 to S160. You may make it return to the process which controls water.

  If it does in this way, it will be in the low power consumption state which suppressed power consumption in sensor 111 grade | etc., Waits for the return from a power failure, suppressing power consumption, and if the power supply is interrupted for a short time, the control part 112 will be terminated normally. To return to the normal solenoid valve control process (S105 to S130) without performing the process for closing or driving the solenoid valve 7, and when the power shutoff does not return in a short time, Processing and the closing drive of the solenoid valve 7 are performed.

  As described above, according to the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, the shutoff of the power supply in the power supply unit 13 is detected while the closing drive and the opening drive of the solenoid valve 7 are controlled using the two signal lines. I can do it.

(3) Operation of the first embodiment:
The operation of the faucet system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 5-10 is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the faucet system 1 when a solenoid valve control process is performed under various conditions.

(3-1) Normal operation:
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when the power supply is not shut off. In the figure, the power supply is not shut off, and water discharge and water stop are performed depending on the presence or absence of an object.

  In the figure, when an object is detected (T1), water discharge control is executed (T1 to T2). Since the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by this water discharge control, the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the object is lost (T3), water stop control is executed (T3 to T4). Since the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed by this water stop control, the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

(3-2) Power interruption occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when the interruption of the power supply occurs during water discharge. In the figure, the power is shut off before the water stop control is started after the water discharge control is completed (T7).

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (T5), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (T5 to T6). Thereby, since the solenoid valve 7 is opened, the water discharge state is entered, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, since the power supply is interrupted while water discharge continues, the open command signal S1 is forcibly changed from inactive to active (T7). At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is forcibly changed to inactive, but since it is originally inactive, the logic state does not change in the drawing.

  When the control unit 112 detects that the opening command signal S1 is forcibly changed to active, the control unit 112 executes water stop control (T7 to T8). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

  As described above, in the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the interruption of the power supply generated during the water discharge, and the control unit 112 can perform electromagnetic waves at a desired timing when the interruption of the power supply occurs. The valve 7 can be driven to be closed and changed to a water stop state.

(3-3) Power interruption occurs during water discharge control:
FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when a power interruption occurs during water discharge control. In the figure, the power is shut off after the water discharge control is started and before the water discharge control is completed (T10).

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (T9), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (T9 to T11). However, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the power supply is shut off while the control unit 112 is performing water discharge control (T10). That is, when the open command signal S1 changes from inactive to active and the open drive signal S3 changes from inactive to active (T9), the power supply is cut off while waiting for a predetermined waiting time to elapse. (T10).

  When the power supply is interrupted (T10), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated by the power supply interruption detection unit 23. However, since the control unit 112 is originally actively controlled, the control unit 112 is activated. Cannot detect forced active at this point.

  At the same time, since the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly made inactive by the power interruption detection unit 23, the water discharge control of the open drive signal S3 is interrupted in a shorter time than originally (T10). However, it is unclear whether or not the solenoid valve 7 has been opened when the power supply is cut off. The solenoid valve 7 may remain closed or the solenoid valve 7 may be opened. There is also a possibility.

  The control unit 112 performs control to change the opening command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 from active to inactive when the original standby period in the water discharge control has elapsed (T11). However, the first signal line L <b> 1 remains active because it is forcibly activated by the power interruption detection unit 23.

  When the water discharge control ends (T11), the control unit 112 checks the logical state of the port to which the first signal line L1 is connected. Here, since the logical state of the port is active that is not the result of the control by the control unit 112 (inactive), the control unit 112 detects power-off and executes water stop control (T12- T13). Thereby, even if the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by the water discharge control, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is stopped.

  As described above, even if the power supply is interrupted during the water discharge control, the power interruption detection unit 23 forcibly changes the open drive signal S3 to be inactive to interrupt the water discharge control. Even when the valve is opened and the water discharge is started, the control unit 112 detects this after the water discharge control is completed and changes the electromagnetic valve 7 to the water stop state. There is no risk of continuing.

(3-4) Power interruption occurs during water stop control FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when the power interruption occurs during water stop control. In the figure, after the water discharge control is completed, the water stop control is started because the object is no longer detected. However, the power supply is shut off during the water stop control (T17).

  In the figure, when an object is detected (T14), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (T14 to T15). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened to enter a water discharge state, and water discharge from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, when it is detected that the object has disappeared (T16), the water stop control is started (T16 to T18). However, when the closing command signal S2 changes from inactive to active and the closing drive signal S4 changes from inactive to active (T16), and the waiting of a predetermined waiting time elapses, the power is shut off. (T17).

  When the power shutoff occurs (T17), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated from inactive by the power shutoff detector 23. Thereby, the control unit 112 detects forced active.

  At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly made inactive by the power interruption detection unit 23 (T17). However, since the open drive signal S3 is originally inactive, the logic state does not change in FIG. .

  At this time, the control unit 112 continues the normal water stop control as it is without changing the control of the close command signal S2 or the close drive signal S4 (T17 to T18). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water outlet 4a is stopped.

  As described above, even if the power supply is interrupted during the water stop control, the control unit 112 continues the water stop control and changes the solenoid valve 7 to the water stop state. There is no risk of being continued.

(3-5) Power interruption occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a second example of the operation of the faucet system 1 when a power interruption occurs during water discharge. In the figure, the power supply is cut off after the water discharge control is completed and before the water stop control is started (T21). Note that FIG. 9 also includes a timing chart relating to sensor driving, and a process for stopping sensor driving is performed as a predetermined process when a power-off is detected.

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (T19), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (T19 to T20). Thereby, since the solenoid valve 7 is opened, the water discharge state is entered, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is started.

  Thereafter, since the power supply is shut off while water discharge continues, the open command signal S1 is forcibly changed from inactive to active (T21). At the same time, the open drive signal S3 is forcibly changed to inactive (T21), but since it is originally inactive, the logic state does not change in the drawing.

  When the control unit 112 detects that the opening command signal S1 is forcibly changed to inactive, the control unit 112 performs various processes (the processes of steps S140 and S145 in the electromagnetic valve control process) before executing the water stop control. (T21 to T22). In this timing chart, processing for stopping sensor driving is performed as an example of various processing. Thereby, the control part 112 can perform various processes in the state in which sufficient drive voltage is supplied.

  Thereafter, by performing water stop control with driving of the electromagnetic valve 7 after various processes are completed (T22 to T23), the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed to be in a water stop state (T23), and the water outlet 4a. The water discharge from is stopped.

  Thus, by controlling the timing for closing the solenoid valve 7, the control unit 112 can execute various processes in a state where a sufficient drive voltage is supplied. Therefore, there is no possibility that the faucet system 1 operates abnormally when it is started next time. Of course, there is no possibility that water discharge will continue after the power is shut off.

(3-6) Power outage occurs during water discharge:
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the faucet system 1 when a momentary power interruption occurs during water discharge. In the figure, an instantaneous power failure occurs between the start of water discharge control and the completion of water discharge control (T25 to T26). FIG. 10 also shows a timing chart showing the power-off state in order to show the momentary power failure timing.

  Also in the figure, when an object is detected (T24), the control unit 112 executes water discharge control (T24 to T27). However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, an instantaneous power failure occurs while the control unit 112 is performing water discharge control (T25 to T26). In other words, when the open command signal S1 changes from inactive to active and the open drive signal S3 changes from inactive to active (T24), the power supply is cut off while waiting for a predetermined waiting time. (T25).

  When the power shutoff occurs (T25), the open command signal S1 is forcibly activated by the power shutoff detection unit 23. However, since the control unit 112 is originally actively controlled, the control unit 112 is activated. Cannot detect forced active at this point.

  At the same time, since the open drive signal S3 is also forcibly made inactive by the power interruption detection unit 23, the water discharge control of the open drive signal S3 is interrupted in a shorter time than originally (T25). However, it is unclear whether or not the solenoid valve 7 has been opened when the power supply is cut off. The solenoid valve 7 may remain closed or the solenoid valve 7 may be opened. There is also a possibility.

  Here, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, since the power supply is disconnected before the original standby time in the water discharge control of the control unit 112 elapses, the control unit 112 finishes the original water discharge control and the first signal line. When the logical state of the port to which L1 is connected is checked, the power shutoff has been resolved.

  However, when the power-off detection unit 23 detects the power-off, the power-off detection unit 23 continues to output the power-off detection until a predetermined time elapses after the power-off is released (T26 to T30). As described above, the predetermined time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the water discharge control executed by the control unit 112 to open the electromagnetic valve 7.

  That is, when the control unit 112 finishes the original water discharge control (T27) and checks the logical state of the port to which the first signal line L1 is connected, the power state is canceled, but the logical state of the port Is not the result of the control by the control unit 112 (inactive) (T28).

  Thereby, the control part 112 detects the interruption | blocking of a power supply, and performs water stop control (T28-T29). Thereby, even if the electromagnetic valve 7 is opened by the water discharge control, the electromagnetic valve 7 is closed and the water is stopped, and the discharge of water from the water discharge port 4a is stopped.

  That is, even if a momentary power failure occurs during the water discharge control, the interruption detection output continues for a predetermined time even after the power is restored from the power failure. Thereby, the control part 112 can detect instantaneous stop after water discharge control is complete | finished, can change the solenoid valve 7 to a water stop state, and can stop water discharge.

  From the above description, the power cutoff detection unit 23 that detects the cutoff of the power supply is provided not in the power supply unit 13 but in the control controller unit 12, so there is no need to output a power cutoff signal from the power supply unit 13. In addition, since the power storage unit 241 that stores electrical energy necessary for driving the solenoid valve 7 is also provided in the control controller unit 12, the solenoid valve 7 can be closed to stop water even after the power is shut off. A general power supply unit (AC adapter or the like) can be used as a power source. Therefore, even when the power supply part is separated, a water faucet system that can detect the interruption of the power supply with only two electric wires from the power supply part, that is, the power supply and the ground, and can drive the solenoid valve 7 closed is provided.

In addition, when the power supply is cut off, supply of electrical energy from the power storage unit 241 is suppressed with respect to the switch unit 231 that detects the cut-off of the power supply. If there is no third suppression means, when the power is shut off, the electrical energy is supplied from the power storage unit 241 to the switch unit 231 without being suppressed, so that the switch unit 231 cannot accurately detect the power cutoff. . Furthermore, the electrical energy of the power storage unit 241 is for the purpose of driving the electromagnetic valve 7, and by suppressing the supply to the switch unit 231, the electrical energy for driving the electromagnetic valve 7 can be reliably stored even when the power is shut off. Can be kept.
That is, by the third suppression means, the switch unit 231 can detect the power cutoff more accurately and can reliably shut off the electromagnetic valve 7 and stop the water even when the power is shut off.
In addition, since the voltage monitoring unit 232 can detect based on the drop and rise of the voltage value, it can operate safely even when the voltage value is not stable. Specifically, there is a state in which a power failure has occurred and the voltage of the power supply unit 13 is gradually decreasing. At this time, since the voltage monitoring unit 232 can recognize that the voltage has started to decrease, the power failure state can be detected earlier. Conversely, even when the power failure is released and the voltage gradually increases, the power failure state can be continued until the faucet system 1 reaches a voltage at which it can operate safely.

Further, since the third suppression means is configured not to suppress the supply of electrical energy to the voltage monitoring unit 232, the voltage monitoring unit 232 determines the voltage value of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 241. It becomes possible to detect more accurately, and when the voltage value necessary for driving the solenoid valve 7 is secured, it is possible to continue the operation without determining that a power failure has occurred.
Specifically, there may be a case where a power failure has occurred and the output voltage of the power supply unit 13 is gradually decreasing. At this time, as the operation of the switch unit 231, a power failure has occurred, but the output voltage of the power supply unit 13 remains, so the switch unit 231 does not determine that there is a power failure. On the other hand, since the voltage monitoring unit 232 has the third suppression unit, the voltage value of the power storage unit 241 is monitored instead of the output voltage of the power supply unit 13. Therefore, if the voltage value of the power storage unit 241 corresponds to an amount of energy sufficient to drive the electromagnetic valve 7, the operation can be continued without issuing a detection signal.
As such a situation, a temporary short-time power outage is assumed. That is, once a power failure occurs, the voltage of the power supply unit 13 starts to drop, but when the power failure is released before the voltage drops to a voltage that affects the driving of the solenoid valve 7, the solenoid valve 7 is not driven to close. The operation can be continued.

(4) Other examples of the circuit configuration of the faucet system:
11 and 12 are circuit diagrams illustrating other examples of the circuit configuration of the faucet system 1. With regard to the embodiment of the circuit configuration, components substantially the same in function and configuration as those of the faucet system described so far are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
In the example of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 11, the power cutoff detection unit 23 includes a switch unit 231 that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive depending on whether or not power is supplied from the power source unit 13. It has the 1st suppression means (a diode in FIG. 11) which suppresses that electrical energy is supplied to the switch part 231, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the switch unit 231 includes a transistor 231b, and the input of the suppression unit 234 (in FIG. 11, the anode side of the diode) and the input terminal unit 233 are connected to the base of the transistor 231b. . The transistor 231b has a collector connected to the gate of the FET 231a, an emitter connected to the ground, and an emitter and base connected by a protective resistor 231c. Further, the power cutoff detection input unit 213 is connected to the drain of the FET 231a, and the ground is connected to the source.

  In the power shutdown detection unit 23 configured as described above, when the voltage of the input terminal unit 233 is present, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 231b becomes larger than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 231b, and thus the gate of the FET 231a has a low level. When a voltage signal is input and there is no voltage at the input terminal portion 233, the voltage input to the base of the transistor 231b is smaller than the turn-on voltage of the transistor 231b, so a high level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a.

  At this time, the FET 231a inputs a high-level voltage signal to the power shutoff detection input unit 213 while a low-level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, and the FET 231a receives the gate of the FET 231a. While the high level voltage signal is being input, the low level voltage signal is input to the power cutoff detection input unit 213.

  That is, when the power supply to the input terminal portion 233 is not cut off, a low level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, so that the FET 231a outputs a high level voltage from the drain of the FET, and the input terminal When the power supply to the unit 233 is cut off, a high level voltage signal is input to the gate of the FET 231a, so that the FET 231a outputs a low level voltage from the drain of the FET to the power cut-off detection input unit 213.

  In addition, the switch unit 231 is connected to the input of the suppression unit 234 (in FIG. 11, the anode side of the diode), and the supply of electrical energy from the power storage unit 241 to the switch unit 231 is suppressed when the power supply is shut down, thereby further cutting off the power supply. The electromagnetic valve 7 can be reliably closed and energized even when the power is shut off.

  Further, the supply of electrical energy from the control controller unit 12 to the power supply unit 13 may be suppressed by the first suppression unit. By doing so, it is possible to prevent backflow of energy when the power supply is interrupted, and to prevent the power supply unit 13 from being destroyed.

  From the above, the power cutoff detection unit 23 for detecting the cutoff of the power supply is provided in the control controller unit 12 instead of the power source unit 13, so there is no need to output a power cutoff signal from the power source unit 13. In addition, since the power storage unit 241 that stores electrical energy necessary for driving the solenoid valve 7 is also provided in the control controller unit 12, the solenoid valve 7 can be closed to stop water even after the power is shut off. A general power supply unit (AC adapter or the like) can be used as a power source. Therefore, even when the power supply part is separated, a water faucet system that can detect the interruption of the power supply with only two electric wires from the power supply part, that is, the power supply and the ground, and can drive the solenoid valve 7 closed is provided.

  In the example of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 12, the power cutoff detection unit 23 includes a voltage monitoring unit 232 that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive based on a drop or rise in the input voltage value, and a control controller unit 12 has a second suppression means (a diode in FIG. 12) that suppresses the supply of electrical energy to the voltage monitoring unit 232.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the voltage monitoring unit 232 includes a logic IC 232a, and the first terminal 232b of the logic IC 232a is connected to the input terminal unit 233 and the inputs of the third suppression means 234 (in FIG. 12, the anode side of the diode). The second terminal 232c of the logic IC 232a is connected to the voltage interruption detection input unit 213.

  The voltage monitoring unit 232 connected in this manner is a high-level voltage from the second terminal 232c when the power is not cut off, that is, when the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is higher than the predetermined voltage of the voltage monitoring unit 232. When the power is shut off, that is, when the voltage of the power storage unit 241 is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage of the voltage monitoring unit 232, a low level voltage is output from the second terminal 232c to the power cutoff detection input unit 213. .

  Further, the voltage monitoring unit 232 is connected to the input of the suppression means 234 (in FIG. 12, the anode side of the diode), and the supply of electric energy from the power storage unit 241 to the voltage monitoring unit 232 is suppressed when the power is shut down. The electromagnetic valve 7 can be reliably closed and energized even when the power is shut off.

From the above, when the power supply is cut off, supply of electric energy from the power storage unit 241 is suppressed with respect to the voltage monitoring unit 232 that detects the interruption of the power supply. If there is no second suppression means, when the power supply is cut off, electric energy is supplied from the power storage unit 241 to the voltage monitoring unit 232 without being suppressed, so that the voltage monitoring unit 232 accurately detects the interruption of the power supply. become unable. Furthermore, the electric energy of the power storage unit 241 is for the purpose of driving the electromagnetic valve 7, and by suppressing the supply to the voltage monitoring unit 232, the electric energy for driving the electromagnetic valve 7 can be more sure even when the power is shut off. Can be stored.
That is, by the second suppression means, the voltage monitoring unit 232 can detect the power cutoff more accurately and can reliably shut off the electromagnetic valve 7 and stop the water even when the power is shut off.
In addition, since the voltage monitoring unit 232 can detect based on the drop and rise of the voltage value, it can operate safely even when the voltage value is not stable. Specifically, there is a state in which a power failure has occurred and the voltage of the power supply unit 13 is gradually decreasing. At this time, since the voltage monitoring unit 232 can recognize that the voltage has started to decrease, the power failure state can be detected earlier. On the contrary, even when the power failure is released and the voltage gradually increases, the power failure state can be continued until a voltage at which the faucet system can operate safely is reached.

(5) Summary:
As described above, according to the faucet system 1 according to the present embodiment, the power shutoff detection unit 23 actively controls the open command signal S1 of the first signal line L1 when the power is shut off. As a result, when the power is shut off, the controller 112 can close the solenoid valve at a desired timing while avoiding the solenoid valve 7 from being opened.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced, the combinations are changed, the known technique, and the above-described implementations. Configurations in which the configurations disclosed in the embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced or the combinations are changed are also included. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but extends to the matters described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Water faucet system 2 ... Basin 2a ... Ball surface 3 ... Wash-basin counter 4 ... Water faucet 4a ... Water outlet 5 ... Water supply channel 6 ... Drainage channel 7 ... Electromagnetic valve 8 ... Connection cable 11 ... Sensor part 111 ... Sensor 112 ... Control unit 12 ... Control controller unit 121 ... Drive unit 13 ... Power supply unit 131 ... Power supply circuit 131a ... Transformer 131b ... Diode bridge circuit 131c ... Capacitor 131d ... Regulator 21 ... Drive control unit 211 ... Open drive control circuit 211a ... Resistance 212 ... Close Drive control circuit 213 ... Power cutoff detection input unit 22 ... Valve drive unit 23 ... Power cutoff detection unit 231 ... Switch unit 231a ... FET
231b ... Transistor 231c ... Protection resistor 232 ... Voltage monitoring unit 232a ... Logic IC
232b ... first terminal 232c ... second terminal 232a1 ... delay circuit 233 ... input terminal 234 ... suppression means 241 ... storage unit 242 ... regulator AC ... AC power supply L1 ... first signal line L2 ... second signal line L3 ... third signal Line L4 ... Fourth signal line L5 ... Power supply line L6 ... GND line

Claims (5)

A sensor unit that detects an object, a self-holding solenoid valve that opens and closes a water supply path to a water outlet,
A control controller unit having a drive unit for controlling active / inactive of the open drive and the close drive of the electromagnetic valve;
A control unit that commands the drive unit to open and close the solenoid valve;
A power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor unit, the solenoid valve, and the control controller unit;
A power shutoff detection unit that detects a power shutoff of the power supply unit and outputs a shutoff signal;
A power storage unit that stores electrical energy for driving the electromagnetic valve;
Have
The control unit is provided in the sensor unit,
The faucet system, wherein the power shut-off detection unit and the power storage unit are provided in the control controller unit. The power cutoff detection unit has a switch unit that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive depending on whether power is supplied from the power source unit.
The control controller unit includes a first suppression unit that suppresses the electrical energy from being supplied to the switch unit.
The faucet system according to claim 1. The power cutoff detection unit has a voltage monitoring unit that switches the cutoff signal to active / inactive based on a drop or rise in the input voltage value,
The control controller unit includes second suppression means for suppressing the electrical energy from being supplied to the voltage monitoring unit.
The faucet system according to claim 1. The power cutoff detection unit is
A switch unit that switches the cut-off signal to active / inactive depending on whether or not power is supplied from the power supply unit; and a voltage monitor unit that switches the cut-off signal to active / inactive based on a drop or rise in the input voltage value; Have
The control controller unit has third suppression means for suppressing the electrical energy from being supplied to the switch unit.
The faucet system according to claim 1. The third suppression means does not suppress the electrical energy from being supplied to the voltage monitoring unit;
The faucet system according to claim 4.

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