JP2002266394A - Water temperature indicating device for water discharged from faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water temperature indicating device for water discharged from the outlet of a faucet for clearly informing the temperature to the user by using a means of electrically indicating the water temperature without electric wiring work to a power source and without using battery. SOLUTION: A temperature indicating portion 21 electrically performing temperature indication of the discharged water is installed at the outlet head 20, an electric generator unit 28 performing power generation by a water current passing through a waterway 24 is installed at an outlet head 20, and the electric power from the generator unit 28 is supplied to a temperature indicating portion 21 for performing the discharged water temperature indication. Also, the temperature indicating portion performs the temperature indication by turning on an LED indication light 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water discharge temperature display device for displaying a water discharge temperature of a faucet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various faucets are installed in kitchens, toilets, plumbing rooms, bathrooms, and other sanitary rooms. By the way, in the conventional faucet installed in these plumbing sanitary rooms, for example, when performing a water discharging operation, whether cold water is discharged, or hot water is discharged, or water of an appropriate temperature is supplied. There is a problem that it is not always sufficiently clear whether or not water is being discharged. For this reason, when you spout water, unexpectedly cold water comes out and you feel cold, or conversely, hot water comes out and you feel hot. Can occur.

Therefore, a temperature display means for displaying a temperature by emitting a display lamp to a faucet, for example, a water discharge head, or other temperature display means for electrically displaying a water discharge temperature is provided. May be displayed. In this way, the user can correctly and easily recognize the temperature of the spouted water.

However, when the temperature display means for electrically displaying the temperature is provided in the water outlet head of the faucet, how to supply power to the temperature display means becomes a problem.

As a method of supplying power to the temperature display means provided on the water outlet head of the faucet, an external power supply and the temperature display means provided on the water outlet head are connected by electric wiring.
It is generally conceivable to supply power to the temperature display means from an external power supply, or to mount a battery on the water outlet head and use the battery as a power supply to operate the temperature display means.

However, in the former case, it is necessary to carry out electric wiring work for supplying power from an external power supply, and there is a problem that it takes time and effort to carry out the work. Temperature display function cannot be provided. In the latter case, the size of the spout head is inevitably increased due to the mounting of the battery, and the battery must be replaced periodically, which increases the running cost and the maintenance work. Such a problem arises.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A faucet water temperature display device of the present invention has been devised to solve such a problem. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a temperature display means for electrically displaying the temperature of water discharge and a generator for generating electric power by a water flow circulating in the water channel are integrally incorporated in the water discharge head of the water faucet, Electric power from the generator is supplied to the temperature display means to display the water discharge temperature.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the temperature display means performs a water discharge temperature display by optical display.

A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the temperature display means displays a water discharge temperature by turning on a display lamp.

According to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the indicator light is an LED.

According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, a plurality of the LEDs are used.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the temperature display means displays the water discharge temperature by sound such as voice.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the water discharge is provided, and the temperature display means displays the temperature of the water discharge based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor. It is characterized in that display is performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any one of the first to seventh aspects, the power generator includes a water wheel, a magnet rotating with the water wheel, a coil arranged to face the magnet, , A water turbine case rotatably housed therein, a water passage in the case formed inside the water turbine case, a water inlet provided in the case for flowing water into the water passage in the case, and water flowing out of the water passage in the case. And a water outlet which is provided with a water outlet to allow the water outlet to be formed, and a fitting recess having a shape corresponding to the power generator unit in a state communicating with the internal water passage on the body side of the water outlet head. Where the generator unit is fitted into the fitting recess and fixed to the water outlet head.

[0015]

As described above, according to the present invention, the temperature display means is provided on the faucet head of the faucet so as to electrically display the temperature of the water discharge. This will allow the user to clearly recognize the temperature of the spout and prevent the user from unexpectedly getting cold water or hot water when using the faucet. It can be improved, and the usability of the faucet can be made better than before.

Further, in the present invention, a generator is provided at the water discharge head of the faucet to generate electric power there and supply the electric power to the temperature display means, so that the external power supply and the temperature display means are connected. There is no need to supply power by connecting with electric wiring, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform electric wiring work for that purpose.

Furthermore, as in the case where a battery is mounted on a faucet and used as a power source, the mounting of the battery increases the size of the spout head, thereby impairing its appearance and restricting the degree of freedom in design. It is also possible to solve the problem that the battery is replaced, the cost for replacing the battery is high, and the maintenance work is troublesome.

In the present invention, since the temperature display means is provided on the water outlet head, the temperature display means is located near the outlet of the water, so that the user can easily check the temperature. In addition, since the generator is provided on the same spout head, the internal structure of the faucet main body remains unchanged, that is, without particularly modifying the internal structure of the faucet main body,
The faucet can be provided with a power generation function. In addition, since the same water outlet head includes the temperature display means and the power generator, there is an advantage that the connection between the power generator and the temperature display means is simple.

Here, the temperature display means can perform temperature display by optical display (claim 2). Further, as a display means for displaying a temperature by such a light display, a temperature can be displayed by turning on an indicator lamp. According to the temperature display using such light, the water discharge temperature can be clearly shown to the user, and for example, the water discharge temperature can be clearly shown even in a dark place.

In this case, the indicator light can be constituted by an LED (claim 4). Since the LED is small, it can be easily incorporated into the narrow space of the spout head. Also, by providing the indicator light in the spout head, the spout head does not become particularly large,
The advantage is obtained that the aesthetic appearance of the spout head can be well maintained without substantially affecting the design of the spout head.

Further, the LED has a remarkably long life, so that it is not troublesome to periodically replace the light bulb as compared with a case where a normal light bulb is used as an indicator light, and is substantially maintenance-free and consumes less power. And other advantages. In the case where such an LED is used as an indicator light, a plurality of LEDs can be used to display the water discharge temperature using the LED (claim 5).

In the present invention, the water discharge temperature can be displayed by sound such as voice (claim 6).
In this case, the faucet user's attention can be drawn strongly, and the user can be informed of the water discharge temperature without fail.

When the water discharge temperature is displayed by the temperature display means, the temperature set by the handle or the like may be displayed by the temperature display means. However, in this case, when the set temperature is different from the actual water discharge temperature, the water discharge temperature is not accurately displayed.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, if the temperature of the water discharged is detected by the temperature detection sensor and the result is displayed by the temperature display means, the temperature of the water discharged from the discharge port can be accurately determined by the user. It is convenient to let us know.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the power generator is formed in a water wheel, a magnet rotating therewith, a coil arranged to face the magnet, a water wheel case for housing the water wheel, and a water wheel case. A water passage inside the case and a generator unit having a water inlet and a water outlet provided in the case, and a fitting recess having a shape corresponding to the water faucet is provided on the side of the faucet, and power generation is performed there. In this case, the generator unit can be assembled to the faucet very easily.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a faucet (in this example, a single-lever faucet), 12 denotes a faucet main body, and 14 denotes a lever-type operation unit provided on an upper portion thereof. Reference numeral 16 denotes a water discharge port. The water discharge port 16 has a water discharge port main body 18 extending in a tubular shape from the faucet main body 12, and a water discharge port head 20 located at the end thereof.
And

The spout head 20 has a spout 26 to be described later.
A temperature display unit 21 is provided for displaying the temperature of the water discharged from the apparatus. The temperature display unit 21 includes a plurality of LED indicators 22 that emit light on the outer surface (front surface) of the water outlet head 20. In this example, the temperature display unit 21 displays the water discharge temperature by increasing the number of lighting of the LED display lamps 22 as the water discharge temperature increases.

Specifically, when the water discharge temperature is low, LE
The number of lighting of the D indicator 22 is 0 or less, and the number of lighting of the LED indicator 22 is increased as the temperature increases, and all the LED indicators 22 are turned on at the highest temperature. It has become. In this example, the temperature display unit 21 does not display the temperature of the water discharged from the operation unit 14, but detects the temperature of the actual water discharged from the discharge port 26, and displays the detected temperature. It is to be displayed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a thermistor (temperature sensor) 25 for detecting the temperature of the water discharge is provided in the water discharge head 20 so as to face a water passage 24 to be described later inside the water discharge head 20. The temperature display section 21 displays the temperature of the water discharge based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 25.

FIGS. 2 to 4 specifically show the internal structure of the water outlet head 20 which forms a part of the water outlet 16 together with the assembly structure of the generator unit 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the spout head 20, specifically, the spout head 2
The water body 24 is provided inside the body 23 of 0,
A discharge port 26 is formed at the tip. Furthermore, a fitting recess 30 is provided in the body 23 so as to communicate with the water channel 24, and the generator unit 28 is fitted with the fitting recess 3.
It is fitted to the water outlet 20 in a state of being fitted into the water outlet 0.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the generator unit 28 can rotate the water wheel 32, a magnet 34 that rotates integrally with the water wheel 32, a coil 36 and a yoke 38 facing the water wheel 32, and the water wheel 32. Water turbine case 40
And a flange 42 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the water turbine case 40.

FIG. 4A shows the outer peripheral surface of the water turbine case 40.
As shown in FIG. 5, an annular groove 58 is formed, and an O-ring 60 as a sealing member is mounted therein.
The water wheel case 40 and the inner surface of the fitting recess 30 are water-tightly sealed. On the other hand, a water passage 46 in the case is formed inside the water turbine case 40, and a water inlet 48 through which water flows into the water passage 46 in the case is formed at an upper portion of a peripheral wall portion of the water turbine case 40. A water outlet 50 is formed at the bottom of the water outlet for discharging water from the in-case water passage 46 downward.

A water stop plate 44 is provided between the inside of the water turbine case 40 and the coil 36 and yoke 38. The water stop plate 44 is provided with a flange 72 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the water turbine case 40. The water wheel 32 inside the water wheel case 40 has a rotating shaft 52 whose bearing 5
4 and an upper bearing 56 rotatably supported.

The water outlet head 20, more specifically, the fitting recess 30 formed in the body 23 has a shape corresponding to the generator unit 28. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the fitting recess 30 is formed in the lower portion 30 whose dimension in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the generator unit 28 is relatively small.
A and an upper portion 30B having a larger dimension.

The generator unit 28 has a lower portion, ie, a water wheel case 40, in a lower portion 30A of the fitting recess 30, and an upper portion, ie, a coil 36, a yoke 38, etc., in which the fitting portion 3 is fitted.
It is fitted into the fitting recess 30 from above in a state of being housed in the upper portion 30 </ b> B, and is fixed to the body 23 in that state. An O-ring 68 is provided between the flange 72 and the body 23.
Is sealed watertight.

In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the water flowing into the water channel 24 of the spout head 20 is
The water flows into the inside of the water turbine case 40, that is, into the water passage 46 inside the water turbine case 40 from the inlet 48 of the water turbine case 40 in the generator unit 28 through the annular passage 70 which forms a part of the water passage 24 formed in 3.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4 (C), the water inlet 48 is formed as a slant hole which is inclined in a direction substantially perpendicular to the blades of the water wheel 32. The water vigorously hits the blades of the water wheel 32 to rotate it strongly.

The water after rotating the water wheel 32 flows through the water passage 46 in the case, and then flows out of the water outlet 50 at the bottom,
Further, the water flows through the water passage 24 on the body 23 side of the water discharge port head 20 and is discharged downward from the discharge port 26 at the tip thereof. The generator unit 28 generates power when the water wheel 32 rotates by the water flow, specifically, when the magnet 34 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spout head 2
A plurality (four in this example) of mounting holes 74 are provided in the upper part of the “0”, and the LED indicator lamps 22 are mounted on each of them. Here, each LED indicator light 22 emits light by the electric power generated by the generator unit 28.

On the upper surface of the body 23 of the water outlet head 20, a control board 7 for controlling the light emission of the LED indicator lamp 22 is provided.
The LED indicators 22 emit light under the control of the control board 78 based on the detection of the water discharge temperature by the thermistor 25 to display the water discharge temperature. This control board 78
The generator unit 28 is concealed from the outside by the cap 80.

According to the present embodiment, the temperature of the spout can be clearly recognized by the user, and when the user uses the faucet 10, unexpectedly cold water comes out, or conversely, hot water Can be improved, and the usability of the faucet 10 can be improved more than before.

In this embodiment, there is no need to connect the external power supply and the temperature display section 21 with electric wiring to supply power, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform electric wiring work for this purpose.

Furthermore, as in the case where a battery is mounted on the water discharge head 20 and this is used as a power source, the water discharge head 20 becomes large due to the mounting of the battery, which impairs the aesthetic appearance and the degree of freedom in design. Being restricted,
Alternatively, problems such as costly replacement of batteries and maintenance work can be solved.

Further, according to this embodiment, the temperature display section 21 is
By displaying the temperature by turning on the display lamp 22, the water discharge temperature can be clearly shown to the user, and for example, the water discharge temperature can be clearly shown even in a dark place.

Further, since the LED is small, it can be easily incorporated into the small space of the small water discharge head 20.
The spout head 20 is not particularly enlarged, and the appearance of the spout head 20 can be satisfactorily maintained without substantially affecting the design of the spout head 20.

Further, the LED has a remarkably long life, so that it is not troublesome to periodically replace the light bulb as compared with a case where a normal light bulb is used as an indicator light, and is substantially maintenance-free and consumes less power. There are advantages such as saving.

Further, in this embodiment, since the temperature display section 21 is provided on the water outlet head 20, the temperature display section 21 is located near the outlet of the water, so that the user can easily confirm the temperature. Also, the generator unit 28
Is provided in the water outlet head 20, so that the water faucet 10 can be provided with a power generation function without changing the internal structure of the water faucet body 12, that is, without particularly changing the internal structure of the water faucet body 12. .

In addition, in this embodiment, the water discharge temperature is set to the thermistor 25.
, And the result is displayed on the temperature display section 21, so that the user can be notified of the temperature of the water actually discharged from the discharge port 26 accurately.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the temperature display section according to the present invention. The temperature display section 21 of this example includes a plurality of types of LED indicators 22 having different colors, for example, a red LED indicator 22A, a yellow LED indicator 22B, and a blue LED indicator 22C. When the temperature is high, the red LED indicator light 22A is turned on, when the temperature of the water discharge is low, the blue LED indicator light 22C is turned on, and when the temperature is intermediate, the yellow LED display light 22B is turned on to display the temperature of the water discharge. I do.

FIG. 6 shows still another embodiment of the temperature display section. In this example, the water discharge temperature is directly represented numerically.For example, a light emitting body such as an LED is arranged in the display window 76, and the water discharge temperature is numerically represented by the light emission of these LEDs. Alternatively, the temperature of the discharged water is displayed by a liquid crystal or the like. In the case of this example, the water discharge temperature can be displayed more finely.

The above is an example in which the temperature of the discharged water is displayed optically, that is, optically. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to display the temperature by voice or by a buzzer or other sounds. . Furthermore, in the case where the water discharge temperature is displayed by light display, the water discharge temperature display can be performed by changing the intensity of light emission by the LED display lamp or other display lamps.

In the above example, the actual temperature of the discharged water is displayed on the temperature display section by detecting the temperature of the discharged water. However, the temperature set in some cases may be displayed on the temperature display section. The present invention can be configured in variously modified forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a faucet incorporating a temperature display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a water outlet head in FIG. 1 in detail.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing an internal structure of a spout head in FIG. 2 into components.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a single generator unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a main part of still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 faucet 20 water outlet head 21 temperature display section 22 LED indicator light 24 water path 25 thermistor (temperature detection sensor) 26 discharge port 28 generator unit 30 fitting recess 32 water wheel 34 magnet 36 coil 40 water wheel case 46 water path in case 48 Water inlet 50 Water outlet 72 Flange

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Shirai 5-1-1 Koiehonmachi, Tokoname-shi, Aichi F-term in Inax Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2D060 BC26 BE20 CA04

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A temperature display means for electrically displaying the temperature of water discharge and a generator for generating power by a water flow flowing through a water channel are integrally incorporated into a water discharge head of the faucet, and A water discharge temperature display device for a faucet, wherein power is supplied to said temperature display means to display a water discharge temperature. 2. The water discharge temperature display device for a faucet according to claim 1, wherein said temperature display means displays the water discharge temperature by optical display. 3. A water discharge temperature display device for a faucet according to claim 2, wherein said temperature display means displays a water discharge temperature by turning on an indicator lamp. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the indicator light is an LED.
A faucet discharge temperature display device, characterized in that: 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of said LEDs are used. 6. A water tap discharge temperature display device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature display means displays the discharge water temperature by sound such as voice. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature detection sensor for detecting a temperature of the water discharge, and displaying the water discharge temperature by the temperature display means based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor. A water faucet temperature display device for a faucet, characterized in that: 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the generator comprises: a water wheel; a magnet rotating together with the water wheel;
A coil disposed opposite to the magnet, a turbine case for rotatably housing the turbine therein, a water passage in the case formed inside the water turbine case, and a water passage provided in the case in the water passage in the case. And a water outlet through which water flows out from the water passage in the case. A faucet, wherein a fitting recess having a shape corresponding to the generator unit is provided in the state, and the generator unit is fitted into the fitting recess and fixed to the spout head. Water temperature display device.