WO2012032822A1

WO2012032822A1 - Faucet device

Info

Publication number: WO2012032822A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/063487
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正宏黒石; 尚幸小野寺; 知子佐藤
Original assignee: Toto株式会社
Priority date: 2010-09-08
Filing date: 2011-06-13
Publication date: 2012-03-15

Abstract

Provided is a faucet device enabling stable operation of a generator by facilitating discharge of air present in the generator. The present invention is a faucet device (1) provided with: a faucet device body (2); a solenoid valve (12); a spout (6); an impeller type generator (14) that is provided with a generator water passage (24), a wide diameter portion (24a) of the generator water passage (24), and an impeller (26) placed in the wide diameter portion, and that produces power used for driving the solenoid valve by rotating the impeller by using the water flow passing through the solenoid valve; and vibration excitation means (58, 60) that excite vertical direction vibration in the generator, thus detaching air bubbles present in the wide diameter portion on the inner wall surface thereof, and that support the generator in the faucet device body in such a manner that air bubbles are discharged from the generator. The faucet device is characterized by the generator being disposed in such a manner that a space is formed between the generator and the inner wall surface of the faucet device body over the entire periphery of the generator to allow vibration of the same.

Description

Faucet device

The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly, to a faucet device that drives a solenoid valve with electric power of a built-in generator to switch between water stop and water discharge.

JP-A-2008-248474 (Patent Document 1) describes an automatic faucet. In this automatic faucet, a generator is built in the faucet device body, and electric power is generated by the flow of water to be discharged from the faucet device. The electric power generated by the generator is used to drive an electromagnetic valve that switches between water stop and water discharge of the faucet device.

In this way, when the generator is built in and the electromagnetic valve can be opened and closed with this electric power, the sensor senses the user's finger, and based on this, the electromagnetic valve is opened and closed to switch between water stop and water discharge Automatic faucets can be installed without using an external power source. An automatic faucet that does not require an external power supply operates simply by replacing the existing faucet device installed in a washroom, etc., so it can be installed without choosing the power environment of the installation location There is.

JP 2008-248474 A

The generator built in the faucet device is usually arranged downstream of the solenoid valve that switches between water stop and water discharge. This is because, when the water pressure is stopped, if the primary pressure of the water supply acts on the generator, the generator is likely to malfunction, and if it is upstream of the solenoid valve, it is difficult to maintain the generator. .

Thus, when the solenoid valve is arranged on the upstream side of the generator, the space at the base end portion of the faucet device body is occupied by the solenoid valve. Further, in order to downsize the faucet device body to some extent, it is difficult to incorporate both the solenoid valve and the generator at the base end portion extending substantially in the vertical direction of the faucet device body. For this reason, the generator must be built in a portion extending substantially horizontally from the vertical portion of the faucet device body. If a generator is arrange | positioned in such a part of a faucet device main body, the spout of a faucet device will be arrange | positioned in the height comparable as a generator, or a position lower than a generator.

In the faucet device where the generator is arranged at a position higher than the spout on the downstream side of the solenoid valve, a part of the air staying inside the generator before the start of the initial use is It is not completely discharged by the water flow but stays in the generator. Further, in such a faucet device, when the faucet device has been in a water stop state for a long time, the tap water filled in the water passage downstream of the electromagnetic valve in the faucet device evaporates. In exchange for this, air enters the water passage and stays in the generator. Or, after switching to the water stop state, the tap water filled in the generator flows down through the water outlet, and outside air may enter the generator through the water outlet so as to replace it. is there.

In this way, the air that has entered the generator and the air that has stayed in the generator before the start of initial use is not completely pushed out by the flow of tap water even after switching to the water discharge state. Even in the state, it stays inside the generator. Further, in order to generate necessary electric power by the impeller-type generator, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the impeller to some extent. On the other hand, in order to store the generator inside the faucet device, it is necessary to reduce the size of the generator. For this reason, normally, the generator is comprised as an enlarged diameter part where the part which accommodates the impeller among the water passages in a generator is large. Therefore, when the generator is arranged in the faucet device in a substantially horizontal direction, the air staying in the generator tends to accumulate on the upper portion of the enlarged diameter portion that houses the impeller.

If the air stays in the enlarged diameter part that houses the generator impeller, there is a problem that the generator cannot receive the energy of the water flow that flows inside, and the power generation efficiency decreases. Also, the air staying in the generator may move, resulting in an unstable change in the amount of power generation or, in some cases, a problem with the generator. Furthermore, if air stays in the enlarged diameter part, the load acting on the impeller becomes non-uniform around the rotation axis of the impeller, and the vibration of the rotating impeller increases, causing abnormal noise. It may become.

Generally, when the generator is assembled, the generator water passage is entirely filled with air, and if this air is not discharged, problems such as deterioration in power generation performance and noise generation are caused. If the generator is arranged almost horizontally, air remains in the water passage. In Patent Document 1, the generator is inclined as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the air remains in the water passage. I try not to.

However, when the generator is disposed obliquely, the most important design property of the faucet is greatly impaired, and practical application is difficult.
The inventors of the present invention have made extensive developments and have found a technology capable of forcibly discharging air so that the air does not remain even when the generator is arranged horizontally. This made it possible for the first time to put a generator-equipped faucet into practical use. The invention described in Patent Document 1 in which the generator is disposed obliquely is not provided with a configuration for forcibly discharging the air.

Generally, the water passage of the generator has a complicated uneven shape in structure, and bubbles in the water passage remain so as to be caught on the wall surface above the uneven portion. Further, since the flow rate near the wall surface is very slow compared to the center of the flow path, it is difficult to discharge this residual air only with a small flow rate such as a faucet device.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have a technical idea that “the generator is vibrated in the vertical direction, air is separated from the wall surface, and the air is moved to the central portion of the flow path having a high flow velocity to promote air discharge”. I found. For this purpose, an elastic member for allowing the generator to vibrate in the vertical direction with respect to the faucet body is provided separately from the elastic member for ensuring watertightness.

On the other hand, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the generator is fixed to the rigid body with respect to the faucet body, and no elastic member that allows vibration is provided. Here, Patent Document 1 discloses water-

tight sealing materials

12, 13, and 14. However, since this is a sealing material for preventing water leakage, the elastic capacity is extremely small. The material cannot vibrate the generator enough to pull air from the wall. If this sealing material is made to have an elastic capacity that allows vibration to the extent that air is peeled off, sealing performance cannot be ensured and water leakage may occur. Needless to say, there is no such function.

In addition, the present inventors faced a new problem by providing an elastic member that allows vibration. Specifically, if the generator is subjected to large vibrations in order to separate the air from the wall surface, the water discharged from the water outlet will be shaken and the aesthetics will be impaired, or the faucet body will vibrate and generate noise Furthermore, we encountered unique technical problems that impair the practicality, such as the problem that the vibration of the faucet body is transmitted to the washstand and the noise is further expanded.

Furthermore, in order to solve this problem, in this case, a space called a diameter-expanded portion was formed by actively expanding a part of the water passage in the vertical direction, and the impeller was stored in this space. This is a device for reducing the amount of vibration of the generator necessary for discharging air. Specifically, if air bubbles are moved from the vicinity of the wall surface having a low flow velocity to the vicinity of the center portion of the flow path having a high flow velocity so that air is discharged only by the vibration, it is necessary to apply a considerably large vibration. However, in the present invention, a configuration is provided in which a diameter-enlarged portion that is expanded in the vertical direction is provided in a part of the water passage so that air in the generator is easily collected, and the impeller is further stored in the expanded-diameter portion. Therefore, it is devised so that the air is forcibly discharged even with a small vibration that pulls air away from the wall surface by utilizing the water flow accompanying the rotation of the impeller.

This is a problem that occurs for the first time when the generator is provided with a vibration-allowing elastic member that can vibrate in the vertical direction with respect to the faucet body. This problem does not occur in the invention described in Document 1.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and provides a water faucet device that can stably operate a generator by facilitating the discharge of air remaining in the generator. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a faucet device that switches between water stop and water discharge by driving an electromagnetic valve by the electric power of a built-in generator, the faucet device body, and the faucet device An electromagnetic valve that is arranged inside the main body and switches between water stop and water discharge, a water discharge port forming part formed with a water discharge port that discharges water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve, and is built in the faucet device main body. An impeller-type generator arranged in a horizontal direction, and the impeller-type generator is formed so as to be substantially horizontal, and a generator water passage that guides the introduced water to a water outlet, and this An elastic member that is provided in the generator waterway and secures water tightness in the generator waterway; and an impeller rotating shaft that is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction along the generator waterway in the generator waterway. A part of the generator waterway is expanded in the vertical direction perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis. The solenoid valve is driven by rotating the impeller by the flow of water that has passed through the solenoid valve, and the impeller that rotates around the impeller rotation shaft. A power generation magnet that generates electric power and a power generation coil, and further includes vibration excitation means that enables the impeller-type generator to vibrate vertically with respect to the faucet device body. And an elastic member provided between the faucet body and the generator, which allows the generator to vibrate, and vibrates using the electromagnetic force acting between the generator magnet and the generator coil as the excitation source The generator is arranged so that a space is formed over the entire periphery of the generator between the inner wall surface of the faucet device body so that the vibration is allowed. It is said.

In the present invention configured as described above, the water that has passed through the solenoid valve flows into the generator, and the generator uses the flow of water that has passed through the solenoid valve to rotate the impeller to drive the solenoid valve. Generate. The water that flows out of the generator is discharged from the spout. The vibration excitation means excites the generator in the vertical direction, pulls away the air bubbles retained in the enlarged diameter portion from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion, and waters the generator so that the air bubbles are discharged from the generator. Supports the stopper device body.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the vibration excitation means excites vibrations in the generator and discharges bubbles from the generator, the air remaining in the generator before the start of initial use, or the water stoppage Sometimes, the discharge of air that has entered the generator is promoted, and the generator can be operated stably. As a result, the generator can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside. Moreover, since the generator is arranged so that a space is formed over the entire periphery of the generator between the inner wall surface of the faucet device main body, power generation is possible even if vibration is excited in the generator. It is possible to prevent the generation of noise due to the vibration of the machine vibrating the inner wall surface of the faucet device body.

In the present invention, preferably, the vibration excitation means is constituted by an elastic member that supports the generator so as to easily vibrate, and the generator includes a power generation magnet and a power generation coil, and the power generation magnet is generated by the rotation of the impeller. When the generator coil is relatively rotated, the generator vibration is excited by the electromagnetic force generated between the generator magnet and the generator coil.

According to the present invention configured as described above, by supporting the generator so that it can easily vibrate, the vibration of the generator is excited by the electromagnetic force generated between the magnet for power generation and the coil for power generation. Therefore, it is possible to effectively excite the vibration of the generator without providing special vibration means. For this reason, the provision of vibration excitation means does not affect the design of the faucet device, and the degree of design freedom can be improved. This improvement in design flexibility is particularly important in faucet devices where design is a major factor in the market.

In the present invention, preferably, the elastic member supports the generator so that the vibration of the generator is larger on the side closer to the electromagnetic valve than on the side closer to the water outlet.
According to the present invention configured as described above, since the vibration of the generator closer to the electromagnetic valve becomes larger than the side closer to the water outlet, the disturbance of the water flow discharged can be reduced. Moreover, since the vibration on the water outlet side that is close to the distal end portion of the faucet device body and is difficult to ensure rigidity is reduced, the vibration of the faucet device body can be further suppressed.

In the present invention, preferably, further, an electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member that guides the water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve to the generator, and a water outlet side water passage formation that guides the water that has passed through the generator toward the water outlet. A first elastic member that secures watertightness between the electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member and the generator and allows relative displacement between the electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member and the generator. A second elastic member that secures watertightness between the member, the water outlet side water passage forming member and the generator, and allows relative displacement between the water outlet side water passage forming member and the generator, and a solenoid valve side water passage. Connecting the forming member to the faucet device body, and connecting the solenoid valve side water passage forming member and the faucet device body to the third elastic member and the water outlet side water passage forming member to the faucet device body In addition, the relative displacement between the water outlet side water passage forming member and the faucet device body is allowed. And a fourth elastic member that, when the generator is vibrated, third, modification of the fourth elastic member, first, greater than the amount of deformation of the second elastic member.

In the present invention configured as described above, the water that has passed through the solenoid valve flows into the generator through the solenoid valve side water passage forming member. The water flowing out from the generator is guided to the water outlet by the water outlet side water passage forming member and discharged from the water outlet. The solenoid valve side of the generator is connected to the solenoid valve side water passage forming member via the first elastic member, and the solenoid valve side water passage forming member is connected to the faucet device body via the third elastic member. . On the other hand, the water outlet side of the generator is connected to the water outlet side water passage forming member via the second elastic member, and the water outlet side water passage forming member is connected to the faucet device body via the fourth elastic member. Is done.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the solenoid valve side of the generator is connected to the faucet device body via the first elastic member and the third elastic member, and the spout side of the generator is the second side. Since it is connected to the faucet device main body via the elastic member and the fourth elastic member, the faucet device main body is vibrated by the vibration of the generator and the noise is generated while allowing the vibration of the generator. Can be suppressed. In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-248474, a sealing material such as an O-ring is disposed between the generator and the pipe connected thereto, but this sealing material is sufficient for the generator. Therefore, it is not possible to secure a sufficient vibration stroke, and the transmitted vibration cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In addition, when trying to secure a large vibration stroke with the seal material between the generator and the piping, a seal failure occurs due to the vibration of the generator, causing water leakage, and the durability of the seal material is reduced. There is. According to the faucet device of the present invention configured as described above, the generator, the first and second elastic members disposed between the members connected thereto, the connected member and the faucet device. Transmission of vibration is suppressed in two stages of the third and fourth elastic members arranged between the main bodies. Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the transmission of vibration while using the first and second elastic members for ensuring water tightness for suppressing the vibration. Moreover, since the vibration stroke is ensured in two stages, it is possible to avoid a decrease in watertightness and a deterioration in durability of the elastic member. In addition, since the deformation amount of the third and fourth elastic members is configured to be larger than the deformation amount of the first and second elastic members, a decrease in water tightness is prevented while ensuring a large vibration stroke. can do.

In the present invention, preferably, the elastic member that allows the vibration of the generator is excited so that the vibration having the vertical component is excited by the horizontal excitation force so that the generator is vibrated strongly in the vertical direction. The bubbles staying in the enlarged diameter portion are separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion by the vertical vibration of the generator, and the bubbles are discharged from the generator.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the elastic member excites vibration having a vertical component even by a horizontal excitation force, bubbles staying in the upper portion of the enlarged diameter portion are effectively expanded. Since it is pulled away from the inner wall surface of the diameter part and moves downward, the bubbles are discharged from the generator, so the air remaining in the generator before the start of initial use or the air that entered the generator when the water stopped is discharged Is promoted, and the generator can be operated stably. As a result, the generator can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside.

In the present invention, preferably, the elastic member that allows the generator to vibrate is configured such that the amount of displacement due to the vertical pressing force is larger than the amount of displacement due to the same horizontal pressing force.
According to the present invention configured as described above, a configuration in which a generator that receives an excitation force in a random direction is greatly vibrated in the vertical direction can be realized with a simple configuration.

In the present invention, preferably, the elastic member that allows the vibration of the generator is deformed when the thickness of the portion that is deformed when the generator is displaced in the vertical direction is changed when the generator is displaced in the horizontal direction. It is comprised so that it may become thicker than the thickness of the part to be performed.
According to the present invention configured as described above, a configuration in which the displacement amount due to the vertical pressing force is larger than the displacement amount due to the same horizontal pressing force can be realized with a simple configuration.

In the present invention, preferably, the generator is an elastic member that is attached to the faucet device body by fixing the support bracket to the faucet device body with a screw oriented substantially in the vertical direction and that allows the generator to vibrate. Are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the support bracket and around the screw.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the generator can be easily displaced in the vertical direction by merely interposing an elastic member in fixing the support bracket with the screw. Further, since the elastic member is also arranged around the screw, when the generator is vibrated in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the screw and the support bracket from coming into direct contact and generating abnormal noise.

In the present invention, preferably, the power generation magnet and the power generation coil are arranged side by side in the direction of the impeller rotating shaft, and further include a magnetic pole piece provided to guide magnetism from the power generation magnet to the power generation coil, This magnetic pole piece is configured to generate an electromagnetic force in a radial direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotating shaft.

In the present invention configured as described above, the generator includes a magnetic pole piece for guiding magnetism from the power generation magnet to the power generation coil, and the magnetic pole piece and the power generation magnet are centered on the impeller rotating shaft. Transmits magnetism in the radial direction of the circle. The vibration excitation means is a bubble that stays in the enlarged diameter portion by exciting the generator in the direction orthogonal to the impeller rotation axis based on the electromagnetic force acting between the power generation magnet and the power generation coil. Is pulled away from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion, and air bubbles are discharged from the generator.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the magnetic pole piece and the power generation magnet are configured to transmit magnetism in the radial direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotating shaft. Based on the electromagnetic force in the direction orthogonal to the impeller rotation axis, the generator is excited to vibrate in the direction orthogonal to the impeller rotation axis. Due to the vibration in the direction orthogonal to the impeller rotational axis, the bubbles accumulated in the enlarged diameter portion of the generator are separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion, and the air remaining in the generator before the start of initial use or Air that has entered the generator during water is effectively discharged. Thereby, a generator can be operated stably. As a result, the generator can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside.

In addition, by using a magnetic pole piece to transmit magnetism between the power generation magnet and the power generation coil, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the power generation magnet and the power generation coil is increased, and the generator can be downsized. Thereby, the design freedom of the faucet device incorporating a generator can be improved. This improvement in design flexibility is particularly important in faucet devices where design is a major factor in the market.

In the present invention, preferably, the power generation magnet is disposed in the enlarged diameter portion, the power generation coil is disposed side by side in the direction of the impeller rotation axis with respect to the power generation magnet, and the pole piece is for power generation. It arrange | positions with respect to the magnet in the radial direction of the circle | round | yen centering on an impeller rotating shaft.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the power generation coil is arranged side by side in the central axis direction of the impeller with respect to the power generation magnet, the power generation coil is disposed outside the radial direction of the power generation magnet. The outer diameter of the generator can be reduced as compared with the case where it is arranged on the other side. However, if the generator coil is configured so that the power generation coil is arranged side by side in the direction of the impeller rotation axis with respect to the power generation magnet and the magnetism is transmitted in the direction of the impeller rotation axis, the generator coil can be used for a long time. There is a possibility that the impeller rotating shaft is worn and the relative position between the power generation coil and the power generation magnet approaches. When the power generation coil and the power generation magnet are closer than the initial position, the electromagnetic force acting between them becomes excessive, and the vibration of the generator becomes too large, causing abnormal noise. According to the present invention configured as described above, the magnetic pole piece and the power generation magnet transmit magnetism in the radial direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotation shaft. The relative position between the magnetic pole piece and the power generation magnet provided to guide the magnetism to the coil for use is unlikely to change, and an appropriate vibration equivalent to the initial state can be excited regardless of the wear of the rotating shaft.

In the present invention, preferably, the vibration excitation means separates the bubbles staying in the enlarged diameter portion from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion and discharges the bubbles from the generator, and the enlarged diameter portion has a bubble at the downstream end thereof. Emission promotion means to promote the emission of

In the present invention configured as described above, a discharge promoting means for promoting the discharge of bubbles is provided at the downstream end of the enlarged diameter portion of the generator, and the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion. Promotes the discharge from the generator.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the discharge promoting means is provided at the downstream end portion of the enlarged diameter portion, it is possible to effectively exhaust the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion. it can. Thereby, the air remaining in the generator before the start of the initial use or the air that has entered the generator at the time of water stoppage can be effectively discharged. Further, by promoting the discharge of bubbles separated from the inner wall surface, it is possible to obtain a sufficient bubble discharge effect only by exciting a small vibration to the generator. Thereby, a big vibration can be excited in a generator and it can avoid that abnormal noise generate | occur | produces.

In the present invention, preferably, the enlarged diameter portion is connected to a small diameter portion disposed substantially concentrically on the downstream side thereof, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and the discharge promoting means is These are arcuate corner portions formed at the downstream end of the cylinder of the enlarged diameter portion.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the corner portion of the downstream end portion of the enlarged diameter portion is formed in an arc shape as the discharge promoting means, the air bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion Can be collected in the center of the generator along the arc-shaped corner portion and quickly discharged to the small diameter portion. As described above, the shape of the corner portion of the enlarged diameter portion and the arrangement of the small diameter portion on the downstream side allow the bubbles to be discharged without adding special means. The discharge performance can be improved.

In the present invention, preferably, the enlarged diameter portion is connected to a small diameter portion disposed substantially concentrically on the downstream side thereof, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and the discharge promoting means is The corner portion is formed at the downstream end of the cylinder of the enlarged diameter portion and has a radius of curvature that changes from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

According to the present invention configured as described above, by optimizing the shape of the corner portion, the flow rate of the water flowing through the enlarged diameter portion can be made to flow out to the smaller diameter portion with almost no decrease. The discharge performance can be further improved.

In the present invention, preferably, it further includes an injection port for injecting water from the peripheral portion of the enlarged diameter portion toward the impeller, and the water injected from the injection port rotates the impeller and the enlarged diameter portion. It is configured to move bubbles remaining on the impeller toward the impeller to promote discharge of bubbles.

In the present invention configured as described above, the generator includes an injection port for injecting water from the peripheral portion of the enlarged diameter portion toward the impeller. The water ejected from the ejection port rotates the impeller and moves the bubbles staying in the enlarged diameter portion toward the impeller, thereby promoting the discharge of the bubbles.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the generator includes the injection port for injecting water from the peripheral portion of the enlarged diameter portion toward the impeller, the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion Is moved toward the impeller and can be effectively discharged from the generator. Thereby, the air remaining in the generator before the start of the initial use or the air that has entered the generator at the time of water stoppage can be effectively discharged. In addition to the function of rotating the impeller to the water flowing into the generator, an additional configuration is provided by having a function of moving the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion toward the impeller. It is possible to improve the bubble discharge performance without providing the. This makes it possible to discharge air bubbles with a simple configuration, increase the degree of freedom in the design of a faucet device with a built-in generator, and the design of the faucet device that makes the design a major factor in marketability. Can increase market value.

In the present invention, preferably, the injection port is configured to inject water in a direction substantially tangential to the impeller.
According to the present invention configured as described above, since water is jetted substantially in the tangential direction of the impeller, bubbles adhering to a wide range of the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion are included in the flow jetted from the jet port. And can be moved effectively toward the impeller. Thereby, internal air can be discharged | emitted, reducing in size, without providing an additional structure in a generator.

In this invention, Preferably, an impeller is comprised so that the water injected from the outer periphery may be collected in a center part, and it is made to flow, A plurality of injection nozzles are provided, and each injection nozzle centers on an impeller rotating shaft. It is formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circle.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the water jetted from each jet port can form an equal vortex centered on the impeller rotating shaft in the enlarged diameter portion. It can be collected smoothly in the center. Furthermore, the collected bubbles can be quickly discharged to the outside of the generator through the central portion of the impeller together with the water flow.

In the present invention, preferably, one injection port is provided vertically above the impeller rotation shaft.
According to the present invention configured as described above, since the injection port is provided vertically above the impeller rotation shaft, the water flow is concentrated on the bubbles that tend to collect on the upper inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion, and the bubbles Can be moved effectively.

According to the faucet device of the present invention, the generator can be stably operated by facilitating the discharge of the air remaining in the generator.

It is a perspective view showing the whole faucet device by the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing roughly the internal structure of the faucet device by the embodiment of the present invention. It is side surface sectional drawing of the faucet apparatus by embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. It is a disassembled perspective view of the generator built in the faucet device by the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the generator incorporated in the faucet device by embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the impeller incorporated in the generator incorporated in the faucet device by embodiment of this invention, and its related components. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the impeller incorporated in the generator incorporated in the faucet device by embodiment of this invention, and its related components. It is the (a) perspective view and (b) sectional view of the impeller built in the dynamo built in the faucet device by the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the rubber bush which supports the generator incorporated in the faucet device by embodiment of this invention with respect to a faucet device main body. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the spout vicinity of the faucet device by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the main body cover part from the main body horizontal part of the faucet device main body. It is a section showing the state where the faucet device by the embodiment of the present invention was attached to the installation side. It is a figure which shows typically the displacement of a generator, a water outlet side water passage formation member, a 1st solenoid valve side water passage formation member, and a 2nd solenoid valve side water passage formation member. It is a figure which shows the mode of the air which retains in an air reservoir chamber. It is a figure which shows typically the path | route through which the air which stays in an air reservoir chamber is discharged | emitted. It is a figure which shows the corner part of the downstream end part of a large diameter part in the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an impeller in the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire faucet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment includes a faucet device body 2, a temperature adjustment knob 4 provided at a body base end 2 a of the faucet device body 2, and a faucet device body. 2 has a water discharge port 6 provided at the tip of the main body horizontal portion 2b, and a human sensor 8 provided at the tip of the main body horizontal portion 2b.

In the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the main body base end portion 2a is fixed to the installation surface 9 such as the upper end surface of the wash basin, and when the user holds his / her finger below the spout 6, the human sensor 8 This is detected, and the built-in solenoid valve is automatically opened and discharged from the water discharge port 6. Further, when the human sensor 8 no longer detects a finger, the electromagnetic valve is automatically closed and the water stop state is entered. Further, the temperature adjusting knob 4 is adjusted so that the temperature of the discharged hot water can be adjusted.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 16, the structure of the faucet device 1 by embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the faucet device 1. FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the generator built in the faucet device 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the built-in generator. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an impeller built in the generator and parts related thereto, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view thereof. FIG. 9A is a perspective view and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an impeller built in the generator. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a rubber bush that supports the generator with respect to the faucet device body. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the water outlet of the faucet device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device main body 2 is made of metal, and is formed integrally with the main body base end 2 a fixed to the installation surface 9 and the main body base end 2 a, almost horizontally from the upper end thereof. And a main body horizontal portion 2b that extends. The main body base end 2a has a box shape with a substantially square cross section, and is fixed so as to extend from the installation surface 9 in a substantially vertical direction. The main body horizontal portion 2b has a box shape with the top opened, extends substantially horizontally from the upper end of the main body base end portion 2a, and has a water discharge port 6 at the tip. A main body lid 2e is detachably attached to and covered with an open portion 2d (FIG. 12) above the main body horizontal portion 2b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the faucet device body 2 includes a temperature control valve 10, an electromagnetic valve 12, an impeller-type generator 14, and a controller 16. A filter (not shown) can be provided on the upstream side of the temperature control valve 10. A constant flow valve (not shown) can be provided between the electromagnetic valve 12 and the generator 14.

The temperature control valve 10 is built in the main body base end 2a of the faucet device main body 2, and is connected to a hot water supply pipe 18a and a water supply pipe 18b. The temperature control valve 10 is configured to mix hot water and water respectively supplied from each supply pipe based on the setting of the temperature control knob 4, adjust the hot water to an appropriate temperature, and allow the hot water to flow out. Since the temperature control valve 10 is a general one, a detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The solenoid valve 12 is built in the main body base end portion 2a of the faucet device main body 2, and is connected to the downstream side of the temperature control valve 10 so that hot water mixed by the temperature control valve 10 flows. The electromagnetic valve 12 is configured to be opened and closed based on a control signal sent from the controller 16. Since this electromagnetic valve 12 is a general one, a detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The generator 14 is disposed on the main body horizontal portion 2b of the faucet device main body 2 in a substantially horizontal direction. The generator 14 is connected so that the hot water that has passed through the solenoid valve 12 flows in through the solenoid valve side pipe 20 and the hot water that has passed through the generator 14 is discharged from the outlet 6 through the outlet side pipe 22. Has been. The electric power generated by the generator 14 is used to operate the solenoid valve 12, the controller 16, the human sensor 8, and the like. The internal structure of the generator 14 will be described later.

The controller 16 is configured to generate a control signal for opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 12 based on the detection signal input from the human sensor 8. Specifically, the controller 16 includes a microprocessor, a memory, and a program (not shown) for operating these.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the generator 14 is attached to the generator water passage forming member 24, the impeller 26 disposed inside the generator water passage forming member 24, and the impeller 26. A power generation magnet 28, an impeller rotating shaft 30 that rotatably supports the impeller 26, and a power generation coil 32 disposed outside the generator water passage forming member 24 are included. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the power generating coil 32, the power generating magnet 28, and the blade 26 a of the impeller 26 are arranged in this order along the impeller rotating shaft 30 from the side close to the spout 6. They are arranged side by side.

As shown in FIG. 6, the generator water passage forming member 24 includes a large diameter portion 24a that is an enlarged diameter portion that forms a substantially cylindrical water passage inside, and a substantially cylindrical passage that is narrower than the large diameter portion 24a. A small-diameter portion 24b that forms a water channel, and a step portion 24c that is a deformation-permitting portion that connects the large-diameter portion 24a and the small-diameter portion 24b. The large diameter portion 24a and the small diameter portion 24b constitute a generator water passage inside thereof. Further, the corner portion 24e where the large diameter portion 24a and the step portion 24c are joined is formed with an R so that the large diameter portion 24a and the step portion 24c are smoothly connected, that is, having an arc-shaped cross section. ing. The large-diameter portion 24a and the stepped portion 24c at the downstream end of the large-diameter portion 24a are smoothly connected to each other, so that air bubbles staying in the large-diameter portion 24a can smoothly flow from the large-diameter portion 24a to the downstream small-diameter portion 24b. Is discharged. In the present embodiment, the corner portion 24e functions as a discharge promoting unit that promotes the discharge of bubbles.

An impeller 26 is rotatably disposed inside the large diameter portion 24a. The impeller 26 is arranged so that the impeller rotating shaft 30 coincides with the central axis of the large diameter portion 24a, and is rotated around the impeller rotating shaft 30 when hot water flows in the generator water passage. It is configured as follows. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the generator water passage forming member 24 is disposed so that the central axis thereof is substantially in the horizontal direction. For this reason, when outside air enters from the spout 6 at the time of water stoppage of the faucet device 1, the outside air collects in the air reservoir chamber 24d at the inside upper portion of the large diameter portion 24a. That is, the air reservoir chamber 24d is a space located at the uppermost position in the water passage in the faucet device main body 2, and the intruded air floats up in the water passage and is collected in the air reservoir chamber 24d.

The small-diameter portion 24b is a tube having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion 24a, and is formed so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the large-diameter portion 24a. A bearing portion 34 that supports the downstream end side of the impeller rotating shaft 30 is disposed at the upstream end of the small diameter portion 24b. That is, the bearing portion 34 is disposed adjacent to the step portion 24c.

The stepped portion 24c is formed so as to connect the large diameter portion 24a and the small diameter portion 24b with a wall surface in a direction orthogonal to the central axis. In the present embodiment, the step portion 24c is formed to be thin, and when the force acts on the generator water passage forming member 24, the step portion 24c is mainly deformed. Yes.

The bearing portion 34 is a substantially cylindrical member fitted inside the small diameter portion 24b, and a bearing hole 34a for receiving the impeller rotating shaft 30 is provided on the central axis thereof, and hot water is passed through the periphery thereof. A plurality of through holes 34b are provided. As described above, the bearing portion 34 is disposed adjacent to the step portion 24c, thereby acting to limit the deformation amount of the step portion 24c.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the upstream end side of the impeller rotating shaft 30 is rotatably supported by a bearing hole 36 a provided in the center of the nozzle case 36. The nozzle case 36 is a circular shallow cup-shaped plate, and a bearing hole 36a is provided at the center thereof. The nozzle case 36 is a generally cup-shaped member disposed inside the large-diameter portion 24a so as to close the central portion of the water passage. Hot water flowing into the large diameter portion 24a from the upstream side is guided to the peripheral portion of the large diameter portion 24a by the nozzle case 36, and the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle case 36 and the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a is set downstream. Flowing. Next, the hot water flows from the injection port 36 b provided on the side surface of the nozzle case 36 toward the center of the large diameter portion 24 a to rotate the impeller 26. That is, the injection port 36b injects water from the peripheral part of the large diameter part 24a toward the impeller 26.
A metal impeller rotating shaft 30 extends through the impeller 26 from the nozzle case 36 to the bearing portion 34 so as to cross the stepped portion 24c. For this reason, the deformation amount of the stepped portion 24 c is limited by the impeller rotating shaft 30.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the impeller 26 is a substantially cylindrical member, and the impeller rotating shaft 30 is attached along the central axis thereof. A blade 26 a is provided on the upstream end side of the impeller 26, and the impeller 26 is rotated by the flow of hot water from the peripheral edge of the nozzle case 36 toward the center. An impeller water passage 26b penetrating in the axial direction is provided inside the impeller 26, and hot water collected from the periphery to the center flows into the small diameter portion 24b through the impeller water passage 26b. It is like that.

Further, the outer circumference of the impeller 26 is reduced in diameter on the downstream side, and an annular power generation magnet 28 is attached to the reduced diameter portion. Therefore, when the power generation magnet 28 is projected in the direction of the impeller rotating shaft 30, this projection overlaps a part of the blade 26 a of the impeller 26. That is, the power generation magnet 28 and the blade 26 a of the impeller 26 partially overlap in the direction of the impeller rotating shaft 30 in projection.

As shown in FIG. 9, three injection ports 36b are provided on the side surface of the nozzle case 36 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the injection ports 36 b are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotating shaft 30. The hot water is injected from the injection port 36b in a direction substantially tangential to the outer circumference of the impeller 26, hits the blade 26a of the impeller 26 in a direction orthogonal to the impeller rotation shaft 30, and rotates the impeller 26. The hot water hitting the blades 26a flows toward the center of the impeller 26, then flows into the impeller water passage 26b at the center of the impeller 26, and flows horizontally in the impeller water passage 26b.

The power generation magnet 28 has a generally annular shape, and N poles and S poles are alternately formed along the circumference thereof.
The power generating coil 32 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed so as to surround the small diameter portion 24 b of the generator water passage forming member 24. Further, the upstream end portion of the power generation coil 32 is in contact with the step portion 24 c of the generator water passage forming member 24. Since the power generation coil 32 is in contact with the stepped portion 24c, the deformation amount of the stepped portion 24c (deformation allowing portion) when the generator 14 is vibrated is limited. The power generation coil 32 and the power generation magnet 28 are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the generator water passage forming member 24. When the power generation magnet 28 is rotated together with the impeller 26, an electromotive force is generated in the power generation coil 32. Will occur. As described above, the generator 14 is provided with the impeller 26, the power generation magnet 28, and the power generation coil 32 in order from the upstream side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the generator 14 includes a waterproof cover 38 and a pole piece 40.
The waterproof cover 38 is a generally cylindrical member attached so as to cover a part of the generator water passage forming member 24. The waterproof cover 38 extends from a portion on the upstream side of the small diameter portion 24b to a portion on the downstream side of the large diameter portion 24a, and is disposed so as to cover a part thereof. Further, the power generating coil 32 and the magnetic pole piece 40 are accommodated in a space between the outer surface of the generator water passage forming member 24 and the inner surface of the waterproof cover 38, and the positional deviation of the magnetic pole piece 40 when the generator 14 is vibrated. Is prevented. The waterproof cover 38 is dimensioned so that the power generating coil 32 is sandwiched and fixed between the waterproof cover 38 and the step portion 24 c of the generator water passage forming member 24. O-rings are disposed between the waterproof cover 38 and the large diameter portion 24a and between the waterproof cover 38 and the small diameter portion 24b, respectively, so that hot water does not enter the waterproof cover 38. Moreover, since the waterproof cover 38 is arrange | positioned so that the step part 24c may be crossed from the small diameter part 24b to the large diameter part 24a, the deformation | transformation amount of the step part 24c when the generator 14 is vibrated is restrict | limited.

The magnetic pole piece 40 is made of a thin plate of magnetic material, and is formed so as to surround the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the power generating coil 32. The pole piece 40 has a plurality of claw portions 40a extending from the power generating coil 32 so as to surround the large diameter portion 24a. Each nail | claw part 40a is extended in the axial direction of the large diameter part 24a so that the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter part 24a may be contacted. Since the power generation magnet 28 is accommodated inside the large diameter portion 24 a, the magnetic pole piece 40 extends from the power generation coil 32 to the periphery of the power generation magnet 28, and the magnetism of the power generation magnet 28 is the magnetic pole piece 40. It is induced | guided | derived to the coil 32 for electric power generation through the claw part 40a. That is, the pole piece 40 and the power generation magnet 28 are disposed so as to face each other in the radial direction of the circle centering on the impeller rotating shaft 30 and transmit the magnetism in the radial direction of the circle. Further, since each claw portion 40 a of the magnetic pole piece 40 extends so as to surround the large diameter portion 24 a, the deformation amount of the step portion 24 c is limited by the magnetic pole piece 40.

Next, a fixing structure of the generator 14 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, a water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is connected to the tip of the small diameter portion 24 b of the generator water passage forming member 24. The water outlet side water passage forming member 42 functions as the water outlet side pipe 22 (FIG. 2). Further, water outlet side support brackets 42 a are formed on both side surfaces of the water outlet side water passage forming member 42. Further, a packing 42b is disposed between the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 and the small diameter portion 24b, and water tightness between the small diameter portion 24b and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is ensured. The packing 42b allows a slight relative displacement between the small diameter portion 24b of the generator 14 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42. The packing 42b functions as a second elastic member.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a water discharge port forming ring 44 that is a water discharge port forming portion and a flow regulating member 46 are attached to the tip of the water discharge port side water passage forming member 42. The water outlet forming ring 44 is a cylindrical member, and hot water that has passed through the small diameter portion 24 b and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is discharged through the inside of the water outlet forming ring 44. The water discharge port forming ring 44 is disposed inside the water discharge port disposition opening 2 c provided at the distal end portion of the faucet device main body 2. A gap is provided between the water outlet arrangement opening 2 c and the water outlet forming ring 44, and the water outlet forming ring 44 is fixed so as not to contact the faucet device body 2. Further, the lower end of the water discharge port forming ring 44 is positioned by being retracted inward from the water discharge port arrangement opening 2c. Further, a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the water discharge port forming ring 44 and the water discharge port arrangement opening 2 c is covered with a gap cover 48. Furthermore, the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is in contact with the faucet device main body 2 via the support packing 50 which is a fulcrum forming member. In this manner, the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is elastically supported by the support packing 50.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the large-diameter portion 24a of the generator water passage forming member 24 includes a stepped cylindrical first electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 52 and a second electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member. 54 is inserted, and the third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56 is connected to the second electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 54. The first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52, the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54, and the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56 function as the solenoid valve side pipe 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the upstream end of the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56 accommodates the temperature control valve 10 and the solenoid valve 12, and is disposed in the main body base end 2a. The base member 59 is connected.

The third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56 is provided with a magnetic valve side support bracket 56a. A packing 52 a is disposed between the large diameter portion 24 a and the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52, and between the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52 and the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54. A packing 54a is disposed, and a packing 56b is disposed between the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54 and the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56, and water tightness between these members is ensured. ing.

Further, the packing 52a allows a slight relative displacement between the large-diameter portion 24a of the generator 14 and the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52, and ensures water tightness between them. The packing 54a allows a slight relative displacement between the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52 and the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54 and ensures water tightness between them. The packing 56b allows slight relative displacement between the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54 and the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56, and ensures water tightness between them. The packing 52a, the packing 54a, and the packing 56b function as a first elastic member.

As described above, in the water outlet side pipe 22, the packing 42 b is disposed between the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 and the small diameter portion 24 b, whereas in the electromagnetic valve side pipe 20, each electromagnetic valve side A packing 52a, a packing 54a, and a packing 56b are disposed between the water passage forming members. For this reason, the solenoid valve side pipe 20 has a larger room for deformation due to packing than the water outlet side pipe 22, and the solenoid valve side pipe 20 is configured to be more easily deformable than the water outlet side pipe 22. . In addition, the connecting portion through the packing 42b between the small diameter portion 24b of the generator water passage forming member 24 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is bent between the water outlet side pipe 22 and the generator 14. Functions as an allowable bending allowable portion.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, 4 and FIG. 10, the attachment structure with respect to the faucet apparatus main body 2 of the generator 14 is demonstrated. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing a support structure of the water outlet side support bracket 42a of the water outlet side water passage forming member 42, and FIG. 10B is an electromagnetic valve of the third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56. It is sectional drawing which shows the support structure of the side support bracket 56a.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the generator 14 includes a water outlet side support bracket 42 a of a water outlet side water passage forming member 42, which is a separate member from the generator 14, and a third solenoid valve side water passage formation. The member 56 is attached to the faucet device main body 2 via a solenoid valve side support bracket 56a. Further, between the generator 14 and the inner wall surface of the faucet device body 2, that is, between the generator 14 and the inner side surface of the main body horizontal portion 2b, and between the generator 14 and the back surface of the main body lid portion 2e. A space is formed over the entire periphery of the generator 14. For this reason, vibration of the generator 14 is allowed, and generation of noise due to the vibrating generator 14 directly hitting the faucet device body 2 is prevented.

As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the water outlet side support bracket 42a is attached to the faucet device body 2 by a screw 58a through a water outlet side rubber bush 58 which is a fourth elastic member. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is attached to the faucet device body 2 by a screw 60a through a solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 which is a third elastic member. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are disposed at substantially the same height. That is, the straight line connecting the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 is oriented substantially in the horizontal direction.

The water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 constitute vibration excitation means. In other words, the generator 14 is supported by the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 in a state in which it is very easy to vibrate. On the other hand, in the generator 14, the power generation magnet 28 is rotated together with the impeller 26, and relative rotation occurs between the power generation magnet 32 and the fixed power generation coil 32. Thereby, an electromotive force is generated in the power generation coil 32, and an electromagnetic force in a direction orthogonal to the impeller rotating shaft 30 is generated between the power generation magnet 28 and the power generation coil 32. Since the electromagnetic force changes depending on the relative rotational position between the power generation magnet 28 and the power generation coil 32, the electromagnetic force changes in a vibrational manner when the power generation magnet 28 is rotated. Due to the synergistic effect of this vibrational force and the support by the vibration excitation means of the generator 14, vibration in the direction perpendicular to the impeller rotating shaft 30 is excited in the generator 14. In particular, in the present embodiment, by adopting a single-layer coil as the power generation coil 32, the fluctuation of the generated electromagnetic force is increased, and the vibration of the generator 14 can be excited effectively.

As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the water outlet side rubber bush 58 includes an upper surface portion 58b located on the upper surface of the water outlet side support bracket 42a, which is a support bracket, and a lower surface portion located on the lower surface of the water outlet side support bracket 42a. 58c and a peripheral portion 58d located around the screw 58a. That is, the upper surface portion 58b is a portion sandwiched between the upper surface of the water discharge port side support bracket 42a and the head of the screw 58a, and the lower surface portion 58c is the lower surface of the water discharge port side support bracket 42a and the faucet device body 2. It is a portion sandwiched between the main body horizontal portion 2b. The peripheral portion 58d is a portion sandwiched between the shaft portion of the screw 58a and the inner wall surface of the hole of the water discharge port side support bracket 42a.

Therefore, when the generator 14 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 are displaced in the vertical direction, the upper surface portion 58b and the lower surface portion 58c of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 are mainly elastically deformed. On the other hand, when the generator 14 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 are displaced in the horizontal direction, the peripheral portion 58d of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 is mainly elastically deformed. Moreover, since the thickness of the upper surface part 58b and the lower surface part 58c of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 is thicker than the thickness of the surrounding part 58d, the water outlet side support bracket 42a can be more easily in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Displaced. That is, the amount of displacement of the water outlet side support bracket 42a when the water outlet side support bracket 42a is pressed in the vertical direction is larger than the amount of displacement when the water outlet side support bracket 42a is pressed in the horizontal direction with the same force.

Further, an annular, triangular projection 58e is formed around the shaft portion of the screw 58a at a position aligned with the spout-side support bracket 42a. By providing the projection 58e, the spout side support bracket 42a is also displaced in the vertical direction even when the spout side support bracket 42a is pressed in the horizontal direction. That is, due to the pressing force in the horizontal direction, the peripheral portion 58d is moved so as to slide upward or downward on the slope of the protrusion 58e, and this causes a vertical displacement in the spout side support bracket 42a. Therefore, even when a horizontal excitation force acts on the spout-side support bracket 42a, a part of this excitation force is converted into the vertical direction, and the spout-side support bracket 42a has a vibration having a vertical component. Excited.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10B, the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 is positioned on the upper surface portion 60b positioned on the upper surface of the electromagnetic valve side support bracket 56a, which is a support bracket, and on the lower surface of the electromagnetic valve side support bracket 56a. The lower surface portion 60c and the peripheral portion 60d located around the screw 60a are formed.

Therefore, when the generator 14 and the third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56 are displaced in the vertical direction, the upper surface portion 60b and the lower surface portion 60c of the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are mainly elastically deformed. On the other hand, when the generator 14 and the third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56 are displaced in the horizontal direction, the peripheral portion 60d of the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 is mainly elastically deformed. Further, since the thickness of the upper surface portion 60b and the lower surface portion 60c of the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 is thicker than the thickness of the surrounding portion 60d, the electromagnetic valve side support bracket 56a can be more easily in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Displaced. That is, the displacement amount of the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a when the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is pressed in the vertical direction is larger than the displacement amount when the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is pressed in the horizontal direction with the same force.

Further, an annular, triangular projection 60e is formed around the shaft portion of the screw 60a at a position aligned with the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a. By providing this protrusion 60e, even when the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is pressed in the horizontal direction, the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is also displaced in the vertical direction. That is, due to the pressing force in the horizontal direction, the peripheral portion 60d is moved so as to slide upward or downward on the slope of the protrusion 60e, and this causes a vertical displacement in the electromagnetic valve side support bracket 56a. Therefore, even when a horizontal excitation force is applied to the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a, a part of this excitation force is converted into the vertical direction, and the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a receives vibration having a vertical component. Excited. For this reason, even when the generator 14 receives an excitation force in a random direction, the generator 14 is greatly vibrated in the vertical direction.

Here, the upper surface portion 60b and the lower surface portion 60c of the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are formed to be thicker than the upper surface portion 58b and the lower surface portion 58c of the water discharge port side rubber bush 58. Therefore, the force required to cause a certain amount of elastic deformation is smaller in the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 than in the water outlet side rubber bush 58. In other words, the force required to displace upward or downward by a certain distance is configured such that the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is smaller than the water discharge side support bracket 42a.

Thus,

packings

52a, 54a, 56b (first elastic member), packing 42b (second elastic member), spout side rubber bush 58 (fourth elastic member), and solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 (third elastic member). The generator 14 is supported so that the upstream side near the solenoid valve 12 is more vibrated than the downstream side near the water discharge port 6. Further, the deformation amount of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 is configured to be larger than the deformation amount of the

packings

52a, 54a, 56b and the packing 42b. Further, since the blades 26a of the impeller 26 are located closer to the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 than the water outlet side rubber bush 58, the generator 14 is more easily vibrated on the upstream side.

Further, the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are mainly configured to allow vertical vibration of the generator 14. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the support packing 50 that elastically supports the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is disposed on a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal. For this reason, the support packing 50 acts mainly to allow vibrations in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Compared with vibrations in this direction, the support packing 50 supports vibrations in the vertical direction. 50 restrains vibration. As a result, the generator 14 vibrates with the support packing 50 as a fulcrum with respect to vertical vibration, and the amplitude of the vertical vibration of the generator 14 increases as the distance from the support packing 50 increases. This vertical vibration is allowed by the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60. On the other hand, with respect to the vibration on the downstream side of the support packing 50, the water outlet forming ring 44 attached to the downstream side of the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 provides a gap with respect to the water outlet arrangement opening 2c. Since it is attached so as not to contact the apparatus main body 2, it is not restrained. Since the lower end of the spout forming ring 44 is located closer to the support packing 50 than the generator 14, the amplitude of vibration with the support packing 50 as a fulcrum is larger than that of the lower end of the spout forming ring 44. The machine 14 is larger.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, 4 and FIG. 12, the assembly procedure of the faucet device 1 by embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the main body lid 2 e is removed from the main body horizontal portion 2 b of the faucet device main body 2.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, when the faucet device 1 is assembled, on the upstream side of the generator 14, the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52, the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54, The three solenoid valve side water passage forming members 56 are attached between the respective members via packings. On the other hand, a water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is attached to the downstream side of the generator 14 via a packing. The unit including the generator 14 assembled in this manner is arranged and attached in the main body horizontal portion 2b from the open portion 2d above the main body horizontal portion 2b. That is, the lower end portion of the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56 is inserted into the base member 59 through the O-ring. Further, a support packing 50 (FIG. 11) is disposed between the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 and the main body horizontal portion 2b.

After the assembled unit is arranged at a proper position of the main body horizontal portion 2b, the water discharge port side support bracket 42a is fixed to the main body horizontal portion 2b by screws 58a, and the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a is fixed to the main body horizontal portion 2b by screws 60a. Fix it. That is, the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 is detachably connected to the main body horizontal portion 2b via the water outlet side rubber bush 58, and the third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56 is connected to the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60. Via the main body horizontal portion 2b. These operations can be easily performed from above through the open portion 2d above the main body horizontal portion 2b. After fixing the unit, the main body cover 2e is covered with the opening 2d, and the main body cover 2e is fixed to the faucet device main body 2 with a cover setscrew 2f. That is, the main body cover 2e is detachably attached to the main body horizontal part 2b by the cover set screw 2f.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the attachment procedure to the installation surface 9 of the faucet device 1 by embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a cross section showing a state in which the faucet device 1 is attached to the installation surface 9.
As shown in FIG. 13, the faucet device 1 is fixed by a fixing shaft 62, a fastening member 64, a fixing nut 64 a, an elastic mount member 66, and a back elastic mount member 68. The fixing shaft 62 is provided with a thread and is screwed to the base member 59 in the faucet device body 2. The fastening member 64 is a C-shaped member disposed so as to surround the attachment hole 9 a provided in the installation surface 9, and is provided with a hole 62 a through which the fixing shaft 62 is passed. The elastic mount member 66 is an annular elastic member disposed on the installation surface 9. The back elastic mount member 68 is an annular elastic member disposed on the back side of the installation surface 9.

First, the fixing shaft 62 is attached to the base member 59 in the faucet device main body 2. Next, the elastic mount member 66 is disposed on the upper surface of the installation surface 9, and the faucet device 1 is disposed on the installation surface 9 so that the fixing shaft 62 is passed through the attachment hole 9 a formed in the installation surface 9. As a result, the elastic mount member 66 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the main body base end 2a and the installation surface 9. Next, the back elastic mount member 68 is disposed on the back side of the installation surface 9 so as to surround the attachment hole 9a. Further, the back elastic mount member 68 is held from below so that the fixing shaft 62 is passed through the hole 62 a of the fastening member 64. In this state, the fixing nut 64a is screwed onto the fixing shaft 62, and the fastening member 64 is tightened. Thereby, the elastic mount member 66 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the main body base end 2 a and the upper surface of the installation surface 9, and the back elastic mount member 68 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the installation surface 9 and the fastening member 64.

With this structure, vibration transmitted from the bottom surface of the main body base end 2a to the installation surface 9 is suppressed by the elastic mount member 66, and is transmitted from the main body base end 2a to the installation surface 9 via the fixing shaft 62 and the fastening member 64. The vibration is suppressed by the back elastic mount member 68.

Next, the operation of the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating displacement of the generator 14, the water outlet side water passage forming member 42, the first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52, and the second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the state of air staying in the air reservoir chamber 24d. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a path through which air staying in the air reservoir chamber 24d is discharged.

First, when the user holds his / her finger over the human sensor 8 provided at the tip of the faucet device body 2, the human sensor 8 detects this and sends a signal to the controller 16. When the human sensor 8 detects a finger, the controller 16 sends a signal to the electromagnetic valve 12 to switch the electromagnetic valve 12 to an open state. When the solenoid valve 12 is opened, hot water and water supplied via the hot water supply pipe 18a and the water supply pipe 18b are supplied to the temperature control valve 10, respectively. The supplied hot water and water are mixed inside the temperature control valve 10, flow as shown by arrows in FIG. 3, and reach the generator 14. That is, the supplied hot water and water are adjusted to the temperature set by the temperature adjusting knob 4 by the temperature adjusting valve 10 and flow out. The hot water flowing out of the temperature control valve 10 passes through the open electromagnetic valve 12.

The hot water that has passed through the solenoid valve 12 is a third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56, a second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54, and a first solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52 that constitute the solenoid valve side pipe 20. To reach the generator 14. Next, the hot water flowing into the large-diameter portion 24a of the generator water passage forming member 24 flows around the nozzle case 36 disposed at the center of the large-diameter portion 24a, and the impeller rotates from the side injection port 36b. It ejects in a direction orthogonal to the shaft 30 and hits the blade 26a of the impeller 26 from the side surface (see the arrow in FIG. 3). The impeller 26 is rotated by the flow of hot water in a direction substantially perpendicular to the impeller rotating shaft 30 of the impeller 26. The hot water that has rotated the impeller 26 passes through the impeller water passage 26 b provided in the impeller 26, the through hole 34 b provided in the bearing portion 34, and the small diameter portion 24 b of the generator water passage forming member 24. 14 flows out. The hot water that has passed through the generator 14 flows into the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 that constitutes the water outlet side pipe 22, and passes through the water outlet forming ring 44 and the rectifying member 46 that are connected to the water outlet side water passage forming member 42. Discharged.

Further, the power generation magnet 28 attached to the impeller 26 is rotated along with the rotation of the impeller 26, and the magnetic field formed around the power generation magnet 28 is changed. This change in the magnetic field is induced in the power generating coil 32 by the magnetic pole piece 40, and an electromotive force is generated in the power generating coil 32. At this time, an electromagnetic force acts between the power generation magnet 28 and the magnetic pole piece 40, and this electromagnetic force varies with the rotation of the impeller 26. This fluctuation of the electromagnetic force becomes one of the excitation sources that cause the generator 14 to vibrate. On the other hand, the electric power generated by the generator 14 is charged in a charger (not shown) built in the controller 16 and used for opening / closing the electromagnetic valve 12, operating the human sensor 8, and operating the controller 16 itself. Is done.

Next, when the user's finger is no longer detected by the human sensor 8, the controller 16 sends a signal to the electromagnetic valve 12 to switch it to the closed state. Thereby, the water faucet device 1 is brought into a water stop state. After the water faucet device 1 is in a water stop state, the hot water inside the solenoid valve side pipe 20, the water outlet side pipe 22, and the generator water path forming member 24, which is a water passage downstream of the solenoid valve 12, Gravity acts and tries to make hot water flow down from the spout 6 located below these water channels. On the other hand, a rectifying member 46 is disposed in the water discharge port 6, and hot water flowing out from the water discharge port 6 flows out through a large number of pores provided in the rectifying member 46. For this reason, surface tension acts against the gravity which tries to flow down the internal hot water, and the outflow of the hot water in the water passage is suppressed. However, part of the hot water in the water passage flows out through the pores of the rectifying member 46, and the outside air enters the water passage instead of the outflowing hot water. Further, hot water in the water passage is also reduced by being evaporated to the outside air.

The outside air that has entered the water passage becomes bubbles and floats in the water passage and moves upward. Thereby, the invaded outside air gathers in the air reservoir chamber 24d (FIG. 3) which is a portion above the large diameter portion 24a which is the uppermost space in the water passage. Air that has entered the water passage, particularly the generator 14, adversely affects the operation of the generator 14, lowers the power generation efficiency, and makes the power generation unstable. Furthermore, the intruded air may generate abnormal noise from the generator 14 or shorten the life of the generator 14 if the influence is great. In addition, the air accumulated inside the generator 14 is not easily pushed out by the hot water flowing inside even after being discharged, and in the conventional faucet device, the air is not contained in the generator 14. Remains accumulated.

In the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the generator 14 is configured to easily vibrate with respect to the faucet device body 2 by the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60. Yes. Further, a packing 42b is disposed between the generator 14 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42, and

packings

52a, 54a and 56b are provided between the generator 14 and the third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56. Each of these packings allows relative displacement between the generator 14 and each water passage forming member. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the generator 14 and the member connected to this vibrate. Note that the amount of displacement in FIG. 14 is exaggerated.

These rubber bushes and packing are supplied to the generator 14 by the electromagnetic force acting between the power generation magnet 28 and the magnetic pole piece 40 and the flow of hot water inside the generator 14 when the faucet device 1 is discharged. The excited vibration is suppressed from being transmitted to the faucet device body 2. In addition, the elastic mount member 66 suppresses the vibration of the faucet device body 2 from being transmitted to the installation surface 9. Further, the back elastic mount member 68 prevents the vibration of the faucet device main body 2 from being transmitted to the fixing shaft 62 and the fastening member 64 and causing the installation surface 9 to vibrate. In this way, the generator 14 vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the faucet device main body 2 and the installation surface 9 so that the generation of abnormal noise is suppressed.

On the other hand, the vibration of the generator 14 makes it easy for the air accumulated inside to be discharged together with hot water flowing inside. That is, as shown in FIG. 15A, the air in the generator 14 floats in the large diameter portion 24a, and is collected and stays in the vicinity of the upper inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a located at the uppermost vertical position. In the vicinity of such an inner wall surface, the flow rate of hot water flowing in the large diameter portion 24a is also slow, so that even if hot water flows into the generator 14, it is not easily discharged. Here, when the generator 14 is vibrated in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 15B, the bubbles staying in the vicinity of the inner wall surface are pulled away from the wall surface and moved near the center of the flow path. . When the bubbles are separated from the inner wall surface, the flow velocity is relatively high at a position away from the wall surface, so that the bubbles are discharged from the generator 14 by the hot water flowing in the large diameter portion 24a. Further, as described above, the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the screw 58a and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 and the screw 60a act so as to convert the horizontal excitation force into the vertical vibration component. The machine 14 is excited by vibration including many vertical components.

Further, since the corner portion 24e at the downstream end of the large diameter portion 24a is formed to have a circular cross section, the discharge of bubbles due to the flow of hot water passing through the outside of the impeller 26 is promoted.
Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 16A, the hot water flowing into the generator 14 is ejected from the ejection port 36 b on the side surface of the nozzle case 36 and hits the blade 26 a of the impeller 26. The flow of hot water from the injection port 36b toward the center of the impeller 26 moves the bubbles in the large diameter portion 24a to the center of the impeller 26. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16B, the bubbles in the large diameter portion 24 a are discharged out of the generator 14 through the impeller water passage 26 b of the impeller 26.

Furthermore, since the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 is configured to allow vibration more easily than the water outlet side rubber bush 58, the upstream side of the generator 14 where the large diameter portion 24a is located is larger than the downstream side. Vibrated. Thereby, discharge | emission of the air in the large diameter part 24a is accelerated | stimulated. Further, an impeller 26 having a relatively light weight is disposed on the upstream side of the generator 14, and a heavy power generating coil 32 and a power generating magnet 28 are disposed on the downstream side. The side is more easily vibrated with a larger amplitude than the downstream side.

Further, in order to vibrate the generator 14, the solenoid valve side pipe 20 and the water outlet side pipe 22 connected to the generator 14 need to be deformed. Here, the solenoid valve side pipe 20 is configured by interposing a packing 52a, a packing 54a, and a packing 56b between the respective members, whereas the water outlet side pipe 22 is provided with a packing 42b. However, the solenoid valve side pipe 20 is easily deformed.

Further, the water discharge port side of the generator 14 is connected to a water discharge port side water passage forming member 42 configured separately, and is formed by a water discharge port side rubber bush 58 via a water discharge port side support bracket 42a provided on the water discharge port side water passage forming member 42. It is supported by the faucet body 2. Further, the electromagnetic valve side of the generator 14 is connected to a third electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member 56 configured separately, and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush via the electromagnetic valve side support bracket 56a provided thereon. 60 is supported by the faucet body 2. For this reason, relative movement between the generator 14 and a member supporting the generator 14 is allowed, and the generator 14 is more easily vibrated. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the amount of deformation of the upstream solenoid valve side pipe 20 of the generator 14 is larger than that of the downstream side spout side pipe 22.

Further, when the generator 14 is vibrated, the spout side pipe 22 connected thereto is also vibrated, but the spout forming ring 44 attached to the tip thereof is not in contact with the faucet device body 2. Since it is arranged in the water outlet side pipe 22, the vibration of the generator 14 is not hindered by the water outlet forming ring 44.

Further, the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 constituting the water outlet side pipe 22 is elastically supported by the support packing 50 with respect to the faucet device body 2. For this reason, the vibration of the generator 14 is generally a vertical vibration with the support packing 50 as a fulcrum. Here, since the water discharge port forming ring 44 is disposed closer to the support packing 50 than the generator 14, the vibration with the support packing 50 as a fulcrum is compared in amplitude on the water discharge port forming ring 44 side. Even if the generator 14 is vibrated greatly, the flow of hot water discharged from the spout formation ring 44 is not greatly shaken.

Further, a packing 42b is disposed between the small diameter portion 24b of the generator 14 and the water outlet side water passage forming member 42 to form a bending allowable portion. For this reason, a part of the vibration of the generator 14 is absorbed by the bending allowance portion, the vibration transmitted from the generator 14 to the water discharge port forming ring 44 is reduced, and the vibration of the water discharge port forming ring 44 is reduced.

In addition, since the spout forming ring 44 is disposed so as to be retracted inside the spout opening 2c of the faucet device body 2, even if the spout forming ring 44 is vibrated, it is visually recognized from the outside. It is difficult and does not impair the appearance of the faucet device 1. Further, since the gap between the spout forming ring 44 and the spout opening 2c is covered by the gap cover 48, even if a gap is provided between the faucet device body 2 and the spout forming ring 44. The appearance of the faucet device 1 is not impaired, and the vibration of the water discharge port forming ring 44 is not visible from the outside.

Furthermore, when the generator 14 is vibrated, a force for deforming the generator water passage forming member 24 acts on the generator water passage forming member 24. In particular, this force is likely to concentrate on the step portion 24c connecting the large diameter portion 24a and the small diameter portion 24b. By configuring the step portion 24c as a deformable portion, the generator water passage forming member 24 is easily deformed. The acting stress is released. However, if the step 24c is excessively deformed, the generator water passage forming member 24 may be destroyed. Therefore, the power generating coil 32 is disposed adjacent to the step 24c, and the step 24c is deformed. Preventing it from becoming excessive.

Furthermore, the claw portion 40a of the magnetic pole piece 40 is disposed so as to cross the step portion 24c, and limits the deformation amount of the step portion 24c. Further, since the bearing portion 34 is fitted inside the small diameter portion 24b adjacent to the step portion 24c, the deformation amount of the inner peripheral portion of the step portion 24c is limited. Furthermore, the impeller rotating shaft 30 of the impeller 26 is also arranged so as to cross the stepped portion 24c, and the deformation amount of the stepped portion 24c is limited. In addition, the waterproof cover 38 covers the power generating coil 32 and the magnetic pole piece 40 and is arranged so as to cover the large diameter portion 24a and the small diameter portion 24b on both sides of the step portion 24c. It is also limited by the waterproof cover 38.

According to the faucet device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, vibration is excited in the generator 14 by the

packings

42b, 52a, 54a, 56b and the

rubber bushes

58, 60 as vibration excitation means, and bubbles are generated from the generator 14. Since it is discharged, the discharge of the air remaining in the generator 14 before the start of the initial use or the air that has entered the generator 14 at the time of water stop is promoted, and the generator 14 can be operated stably. As a result, the generator 14 can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside. Moreover, since the generator 14 is arranged so that a space is formed over the entire periphery of the generator 14 between the inner wall surface of the faucet device body 2, vibration is excited in the generator 14. However, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise due to the vibration of the generator 14 causing the inner wall surface of the faucet device body 2 to vibrate.

Moreover, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the generator 14 is supported by the electromagnetic force generated between the power generation magnet 28 and the power generation coil 32 by supporting the power generator 14 so that it can easily vibrate. Since the vibration of 14 is excited, it is possible to effectively excite the vibration of the generator 14 without providing special vibration means. For this reason, providing vibration excitation means does not affect the design of the faucet device 1 and can improve the degree of design freedom. This improvement in design freedom is particularly beneficial in the faucet device 1 whose design is a major factor in the market.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the vibration of the generator 14 on the side closer to the electromagnetic valve 12 is larger than the side closer to the water outlet 6, so that the disturbance of the water flow discharged can be reduced. it can. Moreover, since the vibration on the water outlet side, which is close to the distal end portion of the main body horizontal portion 2b of the faucet device body 2 and is difficult to ensure rigidity, becomes small, vibration of the faucet device body 2 can be further suppressed.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the solenoid valve side of the generator 14 is connected to the faucet device body via the

packings

52a, 54a, 56b, and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60, and the generator The faucet side of the faucet device is connected to the faucet device main body via the packing 42b and the spout side rubber bush 58. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormal noise due to vibration. In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-248474, a sealing material such as an O-ring is disposed between the generator 14 and the pipe connected thereto. A sufficient vibration stroke cannot be ensured, and the transmitted vibration cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In addition, when trying to secure a large vibration stroke with the seal material between the generator and the piping, a seal failure occurs due to the vibration of the generator, causing water leakage, and the durability of the seal material is reduced. There is. According to the faucet device of the present embodiment, the

packing

42a, 52a, 54a, 56b disposed between the generator 14 and the member connected thereto, and between the connected member and the faucet device main body. Transmission of vibration is suppressed in two stages of the

rubber bushes

58 and 60 arranged. Thereby, transmission of vibration can be sufficiently suppressed while using a packing for ensuring water tightness for suppressing vibration. Moreover, since the vibration stroke is ensured in two stages, it is possible to avoid a decrease in watertightness and a deterioration in durability of the elastic member. Further, since the deformation amount of the

rubber bushes

58, 60 is configured to be larger than the deformation amounts of the

packings

42a, 52a, 54a, 56b, the deterioration of watertightness is prevented while ensuring a large vibration stroke. can do.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, since the blades 26a of the impeller 26 are disposed on the side close to the rubber bush 60, the vibration of the impeller 26 serving as an excitation source can be increased. . Moreover, by making the displacement at the water discharge port side relatively small, it is possible to suppress the excessive displacement of the water discharge port 6 and to prevent the water discharge from being greatly vibrated by the vibration of the generator 14.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, since the large-diameter portion 24a of the generator 14 is disposed on the side close to the rubber bush 60, the vibration of the large-diameter portion 24a in which bubbles tend to stay is increased. Therefore, the bubbles can be more reliably pulled away from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24 a and the bubbles can be discharged from the generator 14.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the bubbles accumulated in the generator water passage 24 are collected on the upper portion of the large diameter portion 24a, so that the bubbles collected from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a are pulled apart. The air bubbles can be effectively discharged by the blades 26a of the impeller 26 disposed in the large diameter portion 24a.

According to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the spout-side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve-side rubber bush 60 excite vibration having a vertical component even by a horizontal excitation force, so that the large diameter portion 24a. The bubbles staying in the upper part of the large diameter portion are effectively separated from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a and moved downward, and the bubbles are discharged from the generator 14, so that they remain in the generator before the start of initial use. The discharge of air or air that has entered the generator 14 when the water is stopped is promoted, and the generator 14 can be operated stably. As a result, the generator 14 can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of displacement of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 due to the pressing force in the vertical direction is greater than the amount of displacement due to the same pressing force in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the configuration in which the generator 14 that receives the excitation force in a random direction is vibrated greatly in the vertical direction can be realized with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are deformed when the generator 14 is displaced in the vertical direction, and the

upper surface portions

58b, 60b and Since the thickness of the

lower surface portions

58c and 60c is configured to be thicker than the thickness of the surrounding

portions

58d and 60d that are deformed when the generator 14 is displaced in the horizontal direction, A configuration in which the displacement amount is larger than the displacement amount due to the same pressing force in the horizontal direction can be realized with a simple configuration.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the generator is attached to the faucet device body by fixing the support bracket to the faucet device body with a screw oriented substantially in the vertical direction, and is an elastic member. Are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the support bracket and around the screw.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the electromagnetic valve side rubber bush 60 are interposed to fix the water outlet side support bracket 42a and the solenoid valve side support bracket 56a with the

screws

58a and 60a. It is possible to support the generator 14 by being easily displaced in the vertical direction. Further, since the rubber of the water outlet side rubber bush 58 and the solenoid valve side rubber bush 60 is also arranged around the

screws

58a, 60a, when the generator 14 is vibrated in the horizontal direction, the screw and the support bracket are directly connected. Contact and generation of abnormal noise can be prevented.

According to the faucet device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the pole piece 40 and the power generation magnet 28 are configured to transmit magnetism in the radial direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotating shaft 30. The generator 14 supported by the

packings

42a, 52a, 54a, 56b and the

rubber bushes

58, 60 so as to be able to vibrate easily rotates the impeller based on the electromagnetic force in the direction orthogonal to the impeller rotating shaft 30. Vibration in a direction perpendicular to the axis 30 is excited. Due to the vibration in the direction perpendicular to the impeller rotating shaft 30, bubbles accumulated in the large diameter portion 24a of the generator 14 are pulled away from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a and remain in the generator 14 before the start of initial use. Or the air that has entered the generator 14 when the water is stopped is effectively discharged. Thereby, the generator 14 can be operated stably. As a result, the generator 14 can generate stable electric power, and can prevent the generation of noise due to the air staying inside.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the magnetic pole piece 40 is used to transmit magnetism between the power generation magnet 28 and the power generation coil 32, thereby arranging the power generation magnet 28 and the power generation coil 32. The degree of freedom increases and the generator 14 can be downsized. Thereby, the design freedom degree of the faucet device 1 incorporating the generator 14 can be improved. This improvement in design freedom is particularly important in the faucet device 1 whose design is a big factor in the market.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the power generation coil 32 is arranged side by side in the direction of the central axis of the impeller 26 with respect to the power generation magnet 28. The outer diameter of the generator can be reduced as compared with the case where the magnet is disposed radially outward. However, simply configuring the generator 14 so that the magnetism is transmitted in the direction of the impeller rotation shaft 30 by arranging the power generation coil 32 in the direction of the impeller rotation shaft 30 with respect to the power generation magnet 28, There is a possibility that the impeller rotating shaft 30 is worn by long-term use, and the relative position between the power generation coil 32 and the power generation magnet 28 approaches. When the power generating coil 32 and the power generating magnet 28 are closer than the initial position, the electromagnetic force acting between them becomes excessive, and the generator vibration becomes too large, causing abnormal noise. According to the faucet device of the present embodiment, the claw portion 40a of the magnetic pole piece 40 and the power generation magnet 28 transmit magnetism in the radial direction of a circle around the impeller rotating shaft 30, so that the impeller rotating shaft is Even if worn, the relative position of the pole piece 40 and the power generating magnet 28 provided to guide the magnetism to the power generating coil 32 is unlikely to change, and moderate vibration equivalent to the initial state is generated regardless of the wear of the rotating shaft. Can be excited.

According to the faucet device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, since the corner portion 24e at the downstream end of the large diameter portion 24a functions as a discharge promoting means, the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a are effective. Can be discharged. Thereby, the air remaining in the generator 14 before the start of the initial use or the air that has entered the generator 14 when the water is stopped can be effectively discharged. In addition, since the discharge of the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface is promoted, a sufficient bubble discharge effect can be obtained only by exciting a small vibration to the generator 14. Thereby, a big vibration can be excited in a generator and it can avoid that abnormal noise generate | occur | produces.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the corner portion 24e at the downstream end of the large diameter portion 24a is formed in an arc shape as a discharge promoting means, so the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a The air bubbles that are separated from each other can be collected in the center of the generator 14 along the arc-shaped corner portion 24e and quickly discharged to the small diameter portion 24b. As described above, the shape of the corner portion 24e of the large diameter portion 24a and the arrangement of the small diameter portion 24b on the downstream side enable air bubbles to be discharged without adding special means. Meanwhile, the bubble discharge performance can be improved.

According to the faucet device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the generator 14 includes the injection port 36b for injecting water from the peripheral portion of the large diameter portion 24a toward the impeller 26. Bubbles pulled away from the inner wall surface are moved toward the impeller 26 and can be effectively discharged from the generator 14. Thereby, the air remaining in the generator 14 before the start of the initial use or the air that has entered the generator 14 when the water is stopped can be effectively discharged. In addition to the function of rotating the impeller 26, the water flowing into the generator 14 has a function of moving the bubbles separated from the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a toward the impeller 26, The bubble discharge performance can be improved without providing an additional configuration. Thereby, it becomes possible to discharge air bubbles with a simple configuration, the degree of freedom of design of the faucet device 1 with the built-in generator 14 can be increased, and the faucet whose design is a big factor in marketability The market value of the device 1 can be increased.

Further, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, since water is jetted substantially in the tangential direction of the impeller 26, bubbles adhering to a wide range of the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a are jetted from the jet port 36b. It can be entrained in the flow that is being moved and effectively moved towards the impeller 26. Thereby, internal air can be discharged | emitted, reducing in size, without providing an additional structure in the generator 14. FIG.

Furthermore, according to the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the water jetted from each jet port 36b can form an equal vortex centered on the impeller rotating shaft 30 in the large diameter portion 24a, Due to this vortex, the bubbles can be smoothly collected in the center. Furthermore, the collected bubbles can be quickly discharged to the outside of the generator 14 through the central portion of the impeller 26 together with the water flow.

As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, a various change can be added to embodiment mentioned above.
In the embodiment described above, the nozzle case 36 is provided with the three injection ports 36b. However, as a modification, the number of injection ports can be one. Preferably, the single injection port is formed so as to be positioned at the upper end of the large diameter portion 24a. Thereby, the bubbles gathering at the upper end of the large-diameter portion 24a can be effectively moved to the central portion of the impeller with one injection port.

In the embodiment described above, the corner portion 24e at the downstream end of the large diameter portion 24a is formed in an arc shape, but as a modification, as shown in FIG. 17A, the corner portion 24e is formed. Can also be formed into a curve whose radius of curvature changes from the upstream side toward the downstream side. Preferably, the curve of the corner portion 24e is a clothoid curve C applied to road design and the like. According to this clothoid curve C, as shown in FIG. 17 (b), the radius of curvature at the beginning of the corner portion 24e is large, then the radius of curvature gradually decreases, and the radius of curvature is the smallest in the middle of the corner portion 24e. Later, the radius of curvature increases again toward the end of the corner portion 24e. By forming the corner portion 24e in this way, the bubbles flowing along the inner wall surface of the large diameter portion 24a are smoothly changed in direction at the corner portion 24e and discharged to the small diameter portion 24b.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the power generation magnet 28 of the generator 14 is configured in an annular shape, and most of the hot water flowing into the power generator 14 flows out through the inside of the power generation magnet 28. As a modified example, as shown in FIG. 18, hot water can be configured to pass outside the power generation magnet. In the modification shown in FIG. 18, the outer diameter of the power generation magnet 70 is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the blade 26 a of the impeller 26. The power generation magnet 70 is fitted into the shaft portion 72a of the impeller 72 without a gap, and the power generation magnet 70 is rotated integrally with the shaft portion 72a. For this reason, the hot water flowing into the generator 14 flows out to the small diameter portion exclusively through the outside of the power generation magnet 70. According to the modified example configured as described above, the power generation magnet 70 can be configured to be small, and the moment of inertia around the rotating shaft of the impeller can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Faucet device by embodiment of this invention 2 Faucet device main body 2a Main body base end part 2b Main body horizontal part 2c Water outlet arrangement opening 2d Opening part 2e Main body cover part 2f Cover body set screw 4 Temperature control knob 6 Water outlet 8 Human sensor 9 Installation surface 9a Mounting hole 10 Temperature control valve 12 Solenoid valve 14 Generator 16 Controller 18a Hot water supply pipe 18b Water supply pipe 20 Solenoid valve side pipe 22 Water outlet side pipe 24 Generator water passage forming member 24a Large diameter portion (Expanded part)
24b Small diameter part 24c Step part (deformation allowable part)
24d Air reservoir chamber 24e Corner part (discharge promotion means)
26 Impeller 26a Blade 26b Impeller water passage 28 Power generation magnet 30 Impeller rotating shaft 32 Power generation coil 34 Bearing portion 34a Bearing hole 34b Through hole 36 Nozzle case

36a Bearing hole

36b Injecting port 38 Waterproof cover 40 Magnetic pole piece 40a Claw portion 42 Water outlet side water passage formation member 42a Water outlet side support bracket (support bracket)
42b Packing (second elastic member)
44 spout forming ring (spout forming part)
46 Flow regulating member 48 Gap cover 50 Supporting packing 52 First solenoid valve side water passage forming member 52a Packing (first elastic member)
54 Second solenoid valve side water passage forming member 54a Packing (first elastic member)
56 Third solenoid valve side water passage forming member 56a Solenoid valve side support bracket (support bracket)
56b Packing (first elastic member)
58 Water outlet side rubber bush (4th elastic member, vibration excitation means)
58a Screw 58b Upper surface part 58c Lower surface part 58d Peripheral part 58e Protrusion 59 Base member 60 Solenoid valve side rubber bush (third elastic member, vibration excitation means)
60a Screw 60b Upper surface portion 60c Lower surface portion 60d Peripheral portion 60e Projection 62 Fixing shaft 62a Hole 64 Fastening member 66 Elastic mounting member 68 Back elastic mounting member 70 Power generation magnet 72 Impeller 72a Shaft

Claims

A faucet device that switches between water stop and water discharge by driving an electromagnetic valve with the power of a built-in generator,
A faucet body,
An electromagnetic valve that is arranged inside the faucet body and switches between water stop and water discharge,
A water discharge port forming portion formed with a water discharge port for discharging water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve;
An impeller-type generator built in the faucet device body and arranged in a substantially horizontal direction,
The impeller generator is
A generator water passage formed so as to be in a substantially horizontal direction and guiding the inflowing water to the water outlet;
An elastic member that is provided in the generator waterway and ensures water tightness in the generator waterway;
An impeller rotating shaft disposed in a substantially horizontal direction along the generator water passage in the generator water passage;
A diameter-enlarged portion formed by expanding a part of the generator water passage in the vertical direction perpendicular to the impeller rotation axis;
An impeller that is arranged in the enlarged diameter portion and rotates about the impeller rotation axis;
A power generation magnet and a power generation coil for generating electric power for driving the electromagnetic valve by rotating the impeller by the flow of water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve;
Furthermore, it comprises vibration excitation means that enables the impeller generator to vibrate in the vertical direction with respect to the faucet device body,
The vibration excitation means is
Provided between the faucet device body and the generator, and provided with an elastic member that allows the generator to vibrate, and an electromagnetic force acting between the generator magnet and the generator coil of the generator. Excitation of vibration as an excitation source,
The faucet device is arranged such that a space is formed between the generator and the inner wall surface of the faucet device body so as to allow vibration thereof over the entire periphery of the generator.
The vibration excitation means includes an elastic member that supports the generator so that it can easily vibrate. The generator includes a generator magnet and a generator coil, and the generator magnet and the generator are rotated by the rotation of the impeller. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein when the power generation coil is relatively rotated, vibration of the generator is excited by an electromagnetic force generated between the power generation magnet and the power generation coil.
The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member supports the generator so that vibration of the generator is larger on a side closer to the electromagnetic valve than on a side closer to the water discharge port.
Furthermore, an electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member that guides the water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve to the generator, and a water outlet side water passage forming member that guides the water that has passed through the generator toward the water outlet, Have
The elastic member is
A first elastic member that secures watertightness between the electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member and the generator, and that allows relative displacement between the electromagnetic valve side water passage forming member and the generator;
A second elastic member that secures water tightness between the water outlet side water passage forming member and the generator, and that allows relative displacement between the water outlet side water passage forming member and the generator;
A third elastic member for coupling the solenoid valve side water passage forming member to the faucet device body, and allowing relative displacement between the solenoid valve side water passage formation member and the faucet device body;
The spout side water passage forming member is connected to the faucet device main body, and is composed of a fourth elastic member that allows relative displacement between the spout side water passage forming member and the faucet device main body,
The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the amount of deformation of the third and fourth elastic members when the generator is vibrated is larger than the amount of deformation of the first and second elastic members.
The elastic member that allows the generator to vibrate is configured such that vibration having a vertical component is excited by a horizontal excitation force so that the generator is vibrated strongly in the vertical direction. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein bubbles remaining in the enlarged diameter portion are separated from an inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion due to vertical vibration of the generator, and the bubbles are discharged from the generator.
The faucet according to claim 5, wherein the elastic member that allows the generator to vibrate is configured such that a displacement amount due to a vertical pressing force is larger than a displacement amount due to the same horizontal pressing force. apparatus.
The elastic member that allows the generator to vibrate is a portion in which the thickness of the portion that is deformed when the generator is displaced in the vertical direction is deformed when the generator is displaced in the horizontal direction. The faucet device according to claim 6, wherein the faucet device is configured to be thicker than the thickness of the water faucet.
The generator is attached to the faucet device body by fixing a support bracket to the faucet device body with a screw oriented substantially in the vertical direction, and the elastic member allowing vibration of the generator is The faucet device according to claim 6, which is disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the support bracket and around the screw.
The power generation magnet and the power generation coil are arranged side by side in the direction of the impeller rotating shaft, and further include a magnetic pole piece provided to guide magnetism from the power generation magnet to the power generation coil. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the faucet device is configured to generate electromagnetic force in a radial direction of a circle centered on the impeller rotation shaft by the piece.
The power generation magnet is disposed in the enlarged diameter portion, the power generation coil is disposed side by side in the direction of the impeller rotating shaft with respect to the power generation magnet, and the magnetic pole piece is The faucet device according to claim 9, wherein the faucet device is disposed so as to face a magnet in a radial direction of a circle centering on the impeller rotation axis.
The vibration excitation means separates the bubbles retained in the enlarged diameter portion from the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion, and discharges the bubbles from the generator. The enlarged diameter portion discharges the bubbles at the downstream end thereof. The faucet device according to claim 1, further comprising discharge promoting means for promoting the above.
The enlarged diameter portion is connected to a small diameter portion arranged substantially concentrically on the downstream side thereof, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and the discharge promoting means includes the enlarged diameter portion. The faucet device according to claim 11, which is an arcuate corner portion formed at a downstream end portion of the cylinder.
The enlarged diameter portion is connected to a small diameter portion arranged substantially concentrically on the downstream side thereof, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than the small diameter portion, and the discharge promoting means includes the enlarged diameter portion. The faucet device according to claim 11, wherein the water faucet device is a corner portion formed at a downstream end portion of the cylinder and having a radius of curvature that changes from the upstream side toward the downstream side.
Furthermore, it has an injection port for injecting water toward the impeller from the periphery of the enlarged diameter portion, and water injected from the injection port rotates the impeller and remains in the enlarged diameter portion. The water faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the water faucet device is configured to move the air bubbles toward the impeller to promote the discharge of the air bubbles.
15. The faucet device according to claim 14, wherein the injection port is configured to inject water in a direction substantially tangential to the impeller.
The impeller is configured to collect and discharge water sprayed from the outer periphery to the center, and a plurality of the spray ports are provided, and each of the spray ports is a circle around the impeller rotating shaft. The faucet device according to claim 15, wherein the faucet device is formed at equal intervals in the direction.
16. The faucet device according to claim 15, wherein one injection port is provided vertically above the impeller rotating shaft.