U.S. patent application number 16/072990 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for hand washing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is LIXIL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hideyuki KOMAKI, Yuichiro KOMATSU, Takahiro KONDOU, Kousuke YASUMA.
Application Number | 20190040612 16/072990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59398385 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190040612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOMAKI; Hideyuki ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
HAND WASHING DEVICE
Abstract
Provided is a hand washing device with which malfunctions of a
washing liquid dispenser can be prevented during hand washing
without the need for a complex device structure. A hand washing
device 1 comprises: a water discharger 10 that discharges water or
hot water when an object is detected; and a washing liquid
dispenser 20 that dispenses a washing liquid. The water discharger
10 includes: a water discharge port 12; a water discharge sensor 11
that detects an object within a detection range; and a water
discharge control unit 16 that controls the discharge/cutoff of
water or hot water from the water discharge port 12 on the basis of
a detection signal of the water discharge sensor 11. The washing
liquid dispenser 20 includes: a dispensing port 22; a washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21 that detects an object within a
detection range; and a washing liquid dispensing control unit 28
that controls the dispensing/cutoff of the washing liquid from the
dispensing port on the basis of a detection signal of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor. A sensor direction Y2, which is an
emission direction of emission light that is emitted from the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21, is inclined further downward
than a discharge direction X1 of water or hot water that is
discharged from the water discharge port 12.
Inventors: |
KOMAKI; Hideyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; KONDOU; Takahiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; KOMATSU;
Yuichiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; YASUMA; Kousuke;
(Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LIXIL CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
59398385 |
Appl. No.: |
16/072990 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 26, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/002662 |
371 Date: |
July 26, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/057 20130101;
E03C 1/0404 20130101; A47K 10/48 20130101; A47K 5/1217 20130101;
E03C 1/042 20130101; E03C 1/046 20130101; A47K 2210/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/05 20060101
E03C001/05; E03C 1/04 20060101 E03C001/04; E03C 1/042 20060101
E03C001/042; E03C 1/046 20060101 E03C001/046 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2016 |
JP |
2016-014244 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A hand washing device comprising: a water discharger that
discharges water or hot water when an object is detected; and a
washing liquid dispenser that dispenses a washing liquid when an
object is detected, wherein the water discharger includes: a water
discharge port disposed on a tip side; a water discharge sensor
that detects an object within a detection range; and a water
discharge control unit that controls the discharge/cutoff of water
or hot water from the water discharge port on the basis of a
detection signal of the water discharge sensor, wherein the washing
liquid dispenser includes: a dispensing port disposed on a tip
side; a washing liquid dispensing sensor that detects an object
within a detection range; and a washing liquid dispensing control
unit that controls the dispensing/cutoff of the washing liquid from
the dispensing port on the basis of a detection signal of the
washing liquid dispensing sensor, and wherein a sensor direction,
which is an emission direction of emission light that is emitted
from the washing liquid dispensing sensor, is inclined further
downward than a discharge direction of water or hot water that is
discharged from the water discharge port.
6. The hand washing device according to claim 1, wherein an
emission portion of the washing liquid dispensing sensor is
disposed closer to a back side than the water discharge port of the
water discharger.
7. The hand washing device according to claim 1, wherein an angular
difference between a sensor angle and a water discharge angle is
10.degree. to 40.degree. when an inclination angle of the sensor
direction with respect to a horizontal direction is the sensor
angle and an inclination angle of the discharge direction with
respect to the horizontal direction is the water discharge
angle.
8. The hand washing device according to claim 2, wherein an angular
difference between a sensor angle and a water discharge angle is
10.degree. to 40.degree. when an inclination angle of the sensor
direction with respect to a horizontal direction is the sensor
angle and an inclination angle of the discharge direction with
respect to the horizontal direction is the water discharge
angle.
9. The hand washing device according to claim 1, wherein the water
discharge control unit and the washing liquid dispensing control
unit are disposed separately from each other.
10. The hand washing device according to claim 2, wherein the water
discharge control unit and the washing liquid dispensing control
unit are disposed separately from each other.
11. The hand washing device according to claim 3, wherein the water
discharge control unit and the washing liquid dispensing control
unit are disposed separately from each other.
12. The hand washing device according to claim 4, wherein the water
discharge control unit and the washing liquid dispensing control
unit are disposed separately from each other.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a hand washing device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A hand washing device according to the related art, which is
installed in a toilet or a washroom in a public facility, is
provided with a water discharger automatically performing a water
discharge operation toward the bowl portion of the hand washing
device when a user stretches his or her hand and a washing liquid
dispenser performing a washing liquid dispensing operation. The
water discharger and the washing liquid dispenser perform various
operations by detecting an object with detection means such as a
sensor and controlling pump and valve opening and closing and so on
in accordance with a detection signal thereof.
[0003] Each of the water discharger and the washing liquid
dispenser of the hand washing device as described above detects an
object with an individual sensor, and thus malfunctions may occur.
For example, the washing liquid dispensing operation may be
performed, while a user performs the water discharge operation on
the water discharger, by the sensor of the washing liquid dispenser
accidentally detecting the user's hand. In this case, inconvenience
arises in the form of, for example, the washing liquid adhering to
the user's hands and clothes or wasteful washing liquid
consumption.
[0004] An invention relating to a hand washing device has been
proposed in order to solve the above inconvenience. The hand
washing device is provided with a control unit controlling an
operation of each device on the basis of a detection signal from
the sensor of each device and the control unit controls the
operation of each device by, for example, gradually increasing the
volume of hot air for a drying operation after a mousse dispensing
operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1 described
below).
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4786816
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] The invention described in Patent Document 1 focuses not on
a relationship between a washing liquid dispensing operation and a
water discharge operation but on a relationship between a washing
liquid dispensing operation and a drying operation, and thus the
above inconvenience cannot be addressed by the invention described
in Patent Document 1. In addition, as a single control board
controls the operation of each device on the basis of a detection
signal from the sensor of each device, the device structure is
likely to be complex, resulting in an increase in device
installation and repair costs and economic disadvantages.
[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide
an inexpensive hand washing device with which malfunctions of a
washing liquid dispenser can be prevented during hand washing
without the need for a complex device structure.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] The present invention relates to a hand washing device (such
as a hand washing device 1 to be described later) including a water
discharger (such as a water discharger 10 to be described later)
that discharges water or hot water when an object is detected and a
washing liquid dispenser (such as a washing liquid dispenser 20 to
be described later) that dispenses a washing liquid when an object
is detected. The water discharger includes a water discharge port
(such as a water discharge port 12 to be described later) disposed
on a tip side, a water discharge sensor (such as a water discharge
sensor 11 to be described later) that detects an object within a
detection range, and a water discharge control unit (such as a
water discharge control unit 16 to be described later) that
controls the discharge/cutoff of water or hot water from the water
discharge port on the basis of a detection signal of the water
discharge sensor. The washing liquid dispenser includes a
dispensing port (such as a dispensing port 22 to be described
later) disposed on a tip side, a washing liquid dispensing sensor
(such as a washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 to be described
later) that detects an object within a detection range, and a
washing liquid dispensing control unit (such as a washing liquid
dispensing control unit 28 to be described later) that controls the
dispensing/cutoff of the washing liquid from the dispensing port on
the basis of a detection signal of the washing liquid dispensing
sensor. A sensor direction (such as a sensor direction Y2 to be
described later), which is an emission direction of emission light
that is emitted from the washing liquid dispensing sensor, is
inclined further downward than a discharge direction (such as a
discharge direction X1a to be described later) of water or hot
water that is discharged from the water discharge port.
[0009] In addition, it is preferable that an emission portion (such
as an emission portion 211 to be described later) of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor is disposed closer to a back side than the
water discharge port of the water discharger.
[0010] In addition, it is preferable that an angular difference
between a sensor angle (such as a sensor angle R2 to be described
later) and a water discharge angle (such as a water discharge angle
R1a to be described later) is 10.degree. to 40.degree. when an
inclination angle of the sensor direction with respect to a
horizontal direction is the sensor angle and an inclination angle
of the discharge direction with respect to the horizontal direction
is the water discharge angle.
[0011] In addition, it is preferable that the water discharge
control unit and the washing liquid dispensing control unit are
disposed separately from each other.
Effects of the Invention
[0012] With the present invention, an inexpensive hand washing
device can be provided with which malfunctions of a washing liquid
dispenser can be prevented during hand washing without the need for
a complex device structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a hand washing
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a function of a water
discharger according to the embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a function of a
washing liquid dispenser according to the embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a discharge angle and a
sensor angle of the water discharger and the washing liquid
dispenser according to the embodiment, respectively.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water
discharger according to the embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing
liquid dispenser according to the embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the hand washing device
according to the embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating the range of
a hand movement and the range of a washing liquid dispensing sensor
during a water discharger operation of the hand washing device
according to the embodiment.
PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to accompanying drawings. Incidentally,
the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. A
hand washing device according to the present embodiment is
installed in a toilet or a washroom in a public facility such as a
train station, detects an object such as a human hand with a
sensor, and is provided with a water discharger automatically
discharging water and a washing liquid dispenser automatically
dispensing a washing liquid such as water soap on the basis of a
detection signal thereof.
[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a hand washing
device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the hand washing device 1 according to the
present embodiment is provided with a water discharger 10, a
washing liquid dispenser 20, a bowl 30, and a stand 40. In
addition, the hand washing device 1 according to the present
embodiment is one of a plurality of hand washing devices of the
same type installed in parallel.
[0023] The water discharger 10 has an object-detecting water
discharge sensor 11 and a water discharge port 12 on the tip side
of a water discharger main body 10a. The water discharger 10
automatically discharges water (or hot water) from the water
discharge port 12 once an object such as a human hand is detected
by the water discharge sensor 11 by the object entering the
detection range of the water discharge sensor 11.
[0024] The washing liquid dispenser 20 has an object-detecting
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 and a dispensing port 22 on the
tip side of a washing liquid dispenser main body 20a. The washing
liquid dispenser 20 automatically dispenses a washing liquid such
as water soap from the dispensing port 22 once an object such as a
human hand is detected by the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21
by the object entering the detection range of the washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21.
[0025] The bowl 30 receives and discharges the water discharged
from the water discharging device 10 and used for hand washing and
the washing liquid such as water soap dispensed from the washing
liquid dispensing device 20 and used for hand washing. A bowl
portion main body 31 is formed on the upper surface of the bowl 30,
and a drain port 32 is formed in the recess in the middle of the
bowl portion main body 31. The drain port 32 communicates with a
drain pipe (not illustrated). The water and the washing liquid used
for hand washing and discharged to the bowl 30 are guided to the
drain port 32 and discharged to the outside such as a sewer system
through the drain pipe from the drain port 32.
[0026] The stand 40 is disposed below the bowl 30 and covers
facility equipment such as the drain pipe (not illustrated) and
other piping. The stand 40 prevents the inner portion of the stand
40 from being visible and the facility equipment disposed in the
stand 40 from being touched.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a function of the
water discharger 10 according to the present embodiment. The
configuration of the water discharger 10 according to the present
embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the water discharger 10 is
provided with a water supply pipe 13, a water discharge control
unit 16, and the water discharger main body 10a that is provided,
on the tip side, with the water discharge port 12 and the water
discharge sensor 11 detecting an object such as a human hand.
[0029] The water discharge sensor 11 is a sensor detecting an
object such as a human hand. The water discharge sensor 11 is an
infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a radio wave sensor, or
the like. In the present embodiment, an infrared distance
measurement sensor that has a light emitting portion and a light
receiving portion is preferably used as the water discharge sensor
11. The infrared distance measurement sensor detects whether or not
a detected object is present within a predetermined detection area
by emitting light from the light emitting portion and receiving,
with the light receiving portion, the reflected light from the
detected object such as a human hand that results from the emitted
light. The water discharge sensor 11 is electrically connected to
the water discharge control unit 16 (described below). The water
discharge sensor 11 transmits a detection signal to the water
discharge control unit 16 (described below) once an object is
detected.
[0030] The water discharge port 12 is connected to the water supply
pipe 13 via the inner portion of the water discharger 10 and
discharges water by being supplied with water from the water supply
pipe 13.
[0031] The water supply pipe 13 is a path through which water
supplied to the water discharger 10 circulates. The downstream side
end portion of the water supply pipe 13 is connected to the water
discharger 10, and the upstream side end portion of the water
supply pipe 13 is connected to an external water supply source (not
illustrated) such as a water supply system. In addition, an
electromagnetic valve 15 is disposed on the water supply pipe 13.
The electromagnetic valve 15 is electrically connected to the water
discharge control unit 16 (described below) and switches between
water discharge and cutoff by the water discharger 10 by performing
an opening and closing operation in accordance with a control
signal from the water discharge control unit 16. In addition, a hot
water supply pipe 14 through which hot water circulates is
connected to the water supply pipe 13 via the electromagnetic valve
15. The temperature of the discharged water is adjusted by hot
water mixing ratio adjustment at the electromagnetic valve 15.
[0032] A circuit board on which a microcomputer or the like is
mounted constitutes the water discharge control unit 16. The water
discharge control unit 16 controls the discharge/cutoff by the
water discharger 10 by transmitting a control signal to the
electromagnetic valve 15 on the basis of a detection signal from
the water discharge sensor 11 and opening and closing the
electromagnetic valve 15.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a function of the
washing liquid dispenser 20 according to the present embodiment.
The configuration of the washing liquid dispenser 20 according to
the present embodiment will be described below with reference to
FIG. 3.
[0034] The washing liquid dispenser 20 has a washing liquid supply
pipe 23, an air supply pipe 26, and the washing liquid dispenser
main body 20a that is provided, on the tip side, with the
dispensing port 22 and the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21
detecting an object such as a human hand.
[0035] As is the case with the water discharge sensor 11, the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 is a sensor detecting an object
such as a human hand, the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 is an
infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a radio wave sensor, or
the like, and an infrared distance measurement sensor that has a
light emitting portion and a light receiving portion is preferably
used as the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21. The washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 is electrically connected to a washing liquid
dispensing control unit 28 (described below). The washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 transmits a detection signal to the washing
liquid dispensing control unit 28 once an object is detected.
[0036] The dispensing port 22 is a member connected to the
discharge port of the washing liquid dispenser 20 and dispenses,
from the tip portion, bubbles formed by the washing liquid and air
being mixed with each other.
[0037] The washing liquid supply pipe 23 is a pipe through which
the washing liquid such as water soap circulates. The downstream
side end portion of the washing liquid supply pipe 23 is connected
to the washing liquid dispenser main body 20a, and the upstream
side end portion of the washing liquid supply pipe 23 is connected
to a washing liquid tank 24 storing the washing liquid.
Incidentally, although the washing liquid tank 24 is connected to
the single washing liquid dispenser main body 20a in FIG. 3, the
washing liquid tank 24 is actually connected to a plurality of
washing liquid dispenser main bodies for public use. In addition, a
washing liquid pump 25 is connected to the washing liquid supply
pipe 23. The washing liquid pump 25 is electrically connected to
the washing liquid dispensing control unit 28 (described below) and
supplies the washing liquid dispenser main body 20a, by pumping,
with the washing liquid such as water soap stored in the washing
liquid tank 24 on the basis of a control signal transmitted from
the washing liquid dispensing control unit 28.
[0038] The air supply pipe 26 is a pipe through which air for
washing liquid bubble formation is supplied to the washing liquid
dispenser main body 20a. The downstream side end portion of the air
supply pipe 26 is connected to the washing liquid dispenser main
body 20a, and the upstream side end portion of the air supply pipe
26 is connected to an air pump 27. The air pump 27 has a drive unit
such as a motor, and compresses outside air and discharges the air
to the downstream side by the drive unit being driven. The air pump
27 is electrically connected to the washing liquid dispensing
control unit 28 (described below), and supplies the air to the
washing liquid dispenser main body 20a on the basis of a control
signal transmitted from the washing liquid dispensing control unit
28.
[0039] A circuit board on which a microcomputer or the like is
mounted constitutes the washing liquid dispensing control unit 28.
The washing liquid dispensing control unit 28 performs control to
operate the washing liquid pump 25 and the air pump 27 for a
predetermined time once a detection signal is received from the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 and then non-operate the
washing liquid pump 25 and the air pump 27, even in the event of
detection signal reception from the washing liquid dispensing
sensor 21, for a certain period of time. Incidentally, the washing
liquid dispensing control unit 28 controlling the washing liquid
dispenser 20 is independently disposed separately from the water
discharge control unit 16 controlling the water discharger 10.
[0040] The positional relationship of the water discharger 10 and
the washing liquid dispenser 20 of the hand washing device 1
according to the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4
is a diagram illustrating a discharge angle and a sensor angle,
which are the inclination angles of sensor directions X1 and Y2 and
discharge directions X1a and Y2a of the water discharger 10 and the
washing liquid dispenser 20 with respect to the horizontal
direction, respectively. Incidentally, the discharge directions X1a
and Y2a mentioned above indicate directions immediately after water
or washing liquid discharge from each device and do not take into
account the effect of gravity on the discharged water and washing
liquid. Specifically, the discharge directions X1a and Y2a are the
extension directions of the respective dispensing ports. Likewise,
the sensor direction indicates the direction immediately after
emission of emission light such as infrared light from the device
and does not take into account the effect of, for example,
diffusion and scattering on the emission light.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sensor directions X1 and Y2
and the discharge directions X1a and Y2a of the water discharger 10
and the washing liquid dispenser 20 are inclined downward with
respect to the horizontal direction and a water discharge angle R1a
of the water discharger 10 is less than a sensor angle R2 of the
washing liquid dispenser 20. In other words, the sensor direction
Y2 of the washing liquid dispenser 20 is inclined further downward
than the discharge direction X1a of the water discharger 10.
[0042] In the present embodiment, a person's hand is unlikely to
enter the detection range of the washing liquid dispensing sensor
21 when the person performs a water discharge operation on the
water discharger 10 by the angular difference between the water
discharge angle R1a of the water discharger 10 and the sensor angle
R2 of the washing liquid dispenser 20 being equal to or greater
than 10.degree.. In addition, a human hand becomes less likely to
enter the sensor range of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21
during a water discharge operation as the sensor angle R2 of the
washing liquid dispenser 20 increases, that is, as the angular
difference from the water discharge angle R1a of the water
discharger 10 increases by the sensor direction facing downward. In
a case where the angular difference between R1a and R2 exceeds
40.degree., a person should stretch his or her hand to the back
side to the point of coming into contact with the wall to perform a
dispensing operation on the washing liquid dispenser 20, which is
not preferable because this results in a decline in the usability
of the washing liquid dispenser 20. Accordingly, the angular
difference between R1a and R2 is preferably 10.degree. to
40.degree..
[0043] In addition, it is preferable that the water discharge angle
R1a of the water discharger 10 is 10.degree. to 30.degree. and the
sensor angle R2 of the washing liquid dispenser 20 is 30.degree. to
50.degree.. In the present embodiment, R1a is 20.degree. and R2 is
45.degree.. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a sensor angle
R1 and the water discharge angle R1a of the water discharger 10 are
almost equal to each other and the sensor angle R2 and a discharge
angle R2a of the washing liquid dispenser 20 are almost equal to
each other.
[0044] The internal structures of the water discharger main body
10a and the washing liquid dispenser main body 20a according to the
present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference
to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water
discharger 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, the water discharger 10 is provided with the water
discharge sensor 11, the water discharge port 12, the water supply
pipe 13, water discharger fixing members 131 and 132, and a water
discharger main body case 133.
[0046] The water discharge sensor 11 is an infrared distance
measurement sensor as described above and has a substantially
rectangular parallelepiped shape. The water discharge sensor 11 is
provided with a water discharge sensor emission portion 111 at the
tip and is accommodated in a water discharge sensor accommodating
portion 134 disposed in the water discharger main body case 133
(described below). In a state where the water discharge sensor 11
is accommodated in the water discharge sensor accommodating portion
134, the water discharge sensor emission portion 111 is the only
part of the water discharge sensor 11 that is exposed to the
outside.
[0047] The water discharge port 12 has a water discharge portion
121 that has an extension direction substantially perpendicular to
an inclined surface portion 133a of the water discharger main body
case 133 (described below) and is connected to the water supply
pipe 13 in the water discharger main body 10a. Accordingly, the
discharge direction X1a of the water that is discharged from the
water discharge port 12 is substantially perpendicular to the
inclined surface portion 133a, that is, the tip surface of the
water discharge portion 121.
[0048] The water supply pipe 13 is a metallic or resinous member
such as a hose supplying water or hot water to the water
discharging device main body 10a. The downstream side end portion
of the water supply pipe 13 is connected to the water discharge
port 12.
[0049] The water discharger fixing members 131 and 132 include a
water discharger fixing member main body 131 that has a cylindrical
portion and a flange portion and a nut 132 that can be screwed
therewith. The water discharger main body 10a is fixed to a wall W
by the wall W being pinched between the nut 132 and the flange
portion of the water discharger fixing member main body 131 and the
water discharger fixing member main body 131 and the nut 132 being
tightened by screwing.
[0050] The water discharger main body case 133 is a substantially
cylindrical metal member that has the inclined surface portion 133a
in the tip portion, and covers and accommodates therein a member
disposed on the front side with respect to an attachment surface
W1. A proximal end portion 133b and the inclined surface portion
133a in the tip portion of the water discharger main body case 133
are open. The water discharge sensor emission portion 111 and the
water discharge portion 121 formed at the tip of the water
discharge port 12 are exposed from the inclined surface portion
133a. The proximal end portion 133b abuts against the attachment
surface W1. In addition, the water discharge sensor accommodating
portion 134 is disposed in the water discharger main body case 133.
The water discharge sensor accommodating portion 134 is formed to
be open in the inclined surface portion 133a and has a recessed
shape that is almost identical in shape and size to the water
discharge sensor 11. The water discharge sensor accommodating
portion 134 is inclined upward from the inclined surface portion
133a toward the proximal end side. The sensor direction X1 from the
water discharge sensor 11 accommodated in the water discharge
sensor accommodating portion 134 is substantially perpendicular to
the inclined surface portion 133a, that is, the surface of the
water discharge sensor emission portion 111.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing
liquid dispenser 20 according to the present embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the washing liquid dispenser 20 has the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21, the dispensing port 22, a
dispensing port member 221, a connecting member 223, dispenser
fixing members 224 and 225, and a dispenser main body case 226.
[0052] The washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 is an infrared
distance measurement sensor as described above and has a
substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 is provided with an emission portion 211 at
the tip and is accommodated in a washing liquid dispensing sensor
accommodating portion 212 disposed in the dispensing port member
221 (described below). In a state where the washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 is accommodated in the washing liquid
dispensing sensor accommodating portion 212, the emission portion
211 is the only part of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21
that is exposed to the outside.
[0053] The dispensing port 22 is connected to a flow passage 222
formed in the dispensing port member 221 (described below) and has
an extension direction substantially perpendicular to an inclined
surface portion 226a formed in the washing liquid dispenser main
body case 226 (described below). Accordingly, the discharge
direction Y2a of the washing liquid that is dispensed from the
dispensing port 22 is substantially perpendicular to the inclined
surface portion 226a, that is, the tip surface of the dispensing
port 22.
[0054] The dispensing port member 221 is connected to the
dispensing port 22 and has the washing liquid flow passage 222
therein. In addition, the dispensing port member 221 is a resinous
member that has the washing liquid dispensing sensor accommodating
portion 212 holding the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21. The
washing liquid dispensing sensor accommodating portion 212 is
formed to be open in the inclined surface portion 226a (described
below) and has a recessed shape that is almost identical in shape
and size to the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21. The washing
liquid dispensing sensor accommodating portion 212 is inclined
upward from the inclined surface portion 226a toward the proximal
end side. The sensor direction Y2 from the washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 accommodated in the washing liquid dispensing
sensor accommodating portion 212 is substantially perpendicular to
the inclined surface portion 226a, that is, the surface of the
emission portion 211. Incidentally, the inclination angle of the
surface of the emission portion 211 may be greater than the
inclination angle of the tip surface of the water discharge portion
121. In addition, the dispensing port member 221 is connected to
the connecting member 223 (described below).
[0055] The connecting member 223 is a resinous member that has a
washing liquid and air flow passage therein. The washing liquid
supply pipe 23 and the air supply pipe 26 are connected to the
upstream side of the connecting member 223, and the dispensing port
member 221 is connected to the downstream side of the connecting
member 223. Washing liquid bubbles are formed by the supplied
washing liquid and air being mixed with each other in the
connecting member 223.
[0056] The dispenser fixing members 224 and 225 include a dispenser
fixing member main body 224 that has a cylindrical portion and a
flange portion and a nut 225 that can be screwed therewith. The
washing liquid dispenser main body 20a is fixed to the wall W by
the wall W being pinched between the nut 225 and the flange portion
of the dispenser fixing member main body 224 and the dispenser
fixing member main body 224 and the nut 225 being tightened by
screwing.
[0057] The dispenser main body case 226 is a substantially
cylindrical metal member that has the inclined surface portion 226a
in the tip portion, and covers and accommodates therein a member
disposed on the front side with respect to the attachment surface
W1. A proximal end portion 226b and the inclined surface portion
226a in the tip portion of the dispenser main body case 226 are
open. The emission portion 211 and the dispensing port 22 are
exposed from the inclined surface portion 226a. The proximal end
portion 226b abuts against the attachment surface W1.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the discharge
direction X1a of the water discharger 10 and the sensor direction
Y2 of the washing liquid dispenser 20 in a case where the angular
difference between the water discharge angle R1a of the water
discharger 10 and the sensor angle R2 of the washing liquid
dispenser 20 is 10.degree. to 40.degree.. As illustrated in FIG. 7,
an adequate space can be provided between a hand washing position
and the position of detection by the washing liquid dispensing
sensor 21 and a human hand is unlikely to enter the detection range
of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 during hand washing by
the angular difference between R1a and R2 being 10.degree. to
40.degree..
[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the
emission portion 211 of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 is
disposed closer to the back side by a distance L than the water
discharge port 12 of the water discharger 10 in the hand washing
device 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0060] In the present embodiment, the emission portion 211 disposed
on the tip side of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 and
emitting emission light such as infrared light is disposed closer
to the back side than the water discharge port 12 of the water
discharger 10. As described above, a human hand becomes less likely
to enter the detection range of the washing liquid dispensing
sensor 21 during hand washing as the angular difference between R1a
and R2 increases, that is, as the sensor angle R2 of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21 increases. Still, an excessively large
R2 is not preferable in ensuring the usability of the washing
liquid dispenser 20. However, by the emission portion 211 being
disposed closer to the back side than the water discharge port 12,
a human hand is unlikely to enter the detection range of the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 during hand washing even
without an excessive increase in R2, that is, even in a case where
the angular difference between R1a and R2 is relatively small.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating the movement
range of a person's hand, the discharge direction X1a of the water
discharger 10, and the detection range of the washing liquid
dispensing sensor 21 at a time when he or she performs a water
discharge operation on the water discharger 10. Incidentally, in
FIG. 8, the angular difference between the water discharge angle
R1a of the water discharger 10 and the sensor angle R2 of the
washing liquid dispenser 20 is 10.degree. to 40.degree.. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, by the emission portion 211 being disposed
closer to the back side than the water discharge port 12, the
movement range of the hand and the detection range of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21 are unlikely to overlap each other when
he or she performs the water discharge operation on the water
discharger 10. Incidentally, it is preferable that the distance L
has a range of at least 40 mm.
[0062] An operation of the water discharger 10 according to the
present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
2. Once a person's hand enters the detection range of the water
discharge sensor 11 by approaching the water discharger main body
10a, a detection signal is transmitted to the water discharge
control unit 16 by the water discharge sensor 11. After receiving
the detection signal, the water discharge control unit 16 transmits
a control signal to the electromagnetic valve 15. After receiving
the control signal, the electromagnetic valve 15 performs a valve
opening operation and supplies water to the water discharger main
body 10a. The water supplied to the water discharger main body 10a
is discharged from the water discharge port 12. Likewise, a control
signal is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve 15 by the water
discharge control unit 16, with a detection signal from the water
discharge sensor 11 received by the water discharge control unit
16, once the human hand disappears from the detection range of the
water discharge sensor 11 after the person finishes washing his or
her hand. Then, the electromagnetic valve 15 performs a valve
closing operation and the water supplied to the water discharger
main body 10a is blocked. As a result, the water discharged from
the water discharge port 12 is cut off.
[0063] An operation of the washing liquid dispenser 20 according to
the present embodiment will be described below with reference to
FIG. 3. Once a person's hand enters the detection range of the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 by approaching the washing
liquid dispenser main body 20a, a detection signal is transmitted
to the washing liquid dispensing control unit 28 by the washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21. After receiving the detection signal,
the washing liquid dispensing control unit 28 transmits a control
signal to the washing liquid pump 25 and the air pump 27. After
receiving the control signal, the washing liquid pump 25 supplies
the washing liquid stored in the washing liquid tank 24, by
pumping, to the washing liquid dispenser main body 20a through the
washing liquid supply pipe 23. Likewise, after receiving the
control signal, the air pump 27 supplies air to the washing liquid
dispenser main body 20a through the air supply pipe 26. The washing
liquid and the air supplied to the washing liquid dispenser main
body 20a are mixed with each other and discharged in the form of
bubbles from the tip of the dispensing port 22 connected to the
discharge port.
[0064] The hand washing device 1 according to the present
embodiment described above has the following effects. The hand
washing device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured
such that the sensor direction Y2 of the washing liquid dispensing
sensor 21 of the washing liquid dispenser 20 is inclined further
downward than the discharge direction X1a of water or hot water
discharged from the water discharge port 12 of the water discharger
10. As a result, a person's hand is unlikely to enter the detection
range of the washing liquid dispensing sensor 21 when he or she
performs a water discharge operation on the water discharger 10,
that is, during hand washing, and thus malfunctions of the washing
liquid dispenser 20 during hand washing can be prevented. In
addition, it is possible for the detection ranges of the respective
sensors of the water discharger 10 and the washing liquid dispenser
20 not to overlap each other, and thus the devices can be
individually controlled and control units can be individually
disposed. In addition, cost reduction can be achieved as
malfunctions can be prevented with a simple device structure.
[0065] In addition, the hand washing device 1 according to the
present embodiment is configured such that the emission portion
211, from which emission light from the washing liquid dispensing
sensor 21 is emitted, is disposed closer to the back side than the
water discharge port 12 of the water discharger 10. As a result, a
human hand is unlikely to enter the detection range of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21 during hand washing even without an
excessive downward inclination of the sensor direction of the
washing liquid dispensing sensor 21, and thus malfunctions of the
washing liquid dispenser 20 during hand washing can be prevented
with the usability of the washing liquid dispenser 20 ensured.
[0066] In addition, the hand washing device 1 according to the
present embodiment is configured such that the angular difference
between R2 and R1a is 10.degree. to 40.degree. in a case where the
inclination angle of the sensor direction of the washing liquid
dispenser 20 with respect to the horizontal direction is R2 and the
inclination angle of the discharge direction X1a of the water
discharger 10 with respect to the horizontal direction is R1a. As a
result, a human hand entering the detection range of the washing
liquid dispensing sensor 21 during hand washing can be more
reliably prevented, and thus malfunctions of the washing liquid
dispenser 20 during hand washing can be more reliably
prevented.
[0067] In addition, in the hand washing device 1 according to the
present embodiment, the water discharge control unit 16 controlling
the water discharger 10 and the washing liquid dispensing control
unit 28 controlling the washing liquid dispenser 20 are
individually disposed. As a result, the control units do not have
to be replaced altogether even in a case where a new device is
added to the hand washing device 1 and in a case where one of the
devices is repaired, and thus facility expansion and repair costs
can be reduced.
[0068] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the
above-described embodiment, and any modification, improvement, and
so on is included in the present invention insofar as the object of
the present invention can be achieved. For example, although the
water discharger 10 and the washing liquid dispenser 20 of the hand
washing device 1 according to the present embodiment are fixed and
attached to a wall in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited
thereto. Alternatively, the water discharger 10 and the washing
liquid dispenser 20 may be fixed and attached to a stand.
[0069] In addition, although a plurality of the washing liquid
dispensing device 20 are configured to receive washing liquid
supply from the single washing liquid tank 24 in the
above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited
thereto. Alternatively, a single washing liquid dispensing device
may be configured to receive washing liquid supply from a single
washing liquid tank.
[0070] In addition, although the washing liquid dispensing device
20 is provided with the air supply pipe 26 supplying air for
washing liquid bubble formation in the above-described embodiment,
the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the
washing liquid dispensing device 20 may not be provided with the
air supply pipe 26.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0071] 1 Hand washing device [0072] 10 Water discharger [0073] 11
Water discharge sensor [0074] 12 Water discharge port [0075] 16
Water discharge control unit [0076] 20 Washing liquid dispenser
[0077] 21 Washing liquid dispensing sensor [0078] 22 Dispensing
port [0079] 28 Washing liquid dispensing control unit
* * * * *