JP2002044922A - Small generator and faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small generator and a faucet, capable of rotating a water mill by a small quantity of water and generating a sufficient amount of electric power. SOLUTION: The generator comprises the water mill 3 that is arranged in a water passage and rotates along with the passing of water of a prescribed flow rate, and a rotating unit 4 connected to the water mill 3 that rotates together with the water mill 3 is used as a rotor unit disposed opposite with respect to a stator unit 6 that comprises a plurality of layers 6a, 6b and mounted to a stepping motor. The power is generated, by reciprocally rotating the rotor unit against the stator unit 6 accompanying the passage of water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a small power generation device utilizing hydraulic power generated by a flow of water passing through a faucet, and a faucet device provided with the small power generation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been widely known an automatic faucet device in which a sensor senses a hand by extending a hand to a lower side of a faucet and flows water from the faucet based on the sensor detection. In recent years, a small power generator has been disposed in the fluid flow path of such an automatic faucet device, and the power obtained by the small power generator has been stored, and the power consumption of circuits such as the above-described sensors has been reduced. There are also proposed devices to compensate for the problem (Japanese Utility Model Application 2)
-65775).

[0003] The configuration of the above-mentioned small power generator is briefly described as follows. A water turbine is provided in a fluid passage serving as a flowing water passage, and the water turbine rotates under the hydraulic power of the flowing water.
A rotating body integrally fixed to the rotating shaft of the water wheel is provided. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating body is a magnetized rotor magnet, and the rotor magnet is arranged to face the stator pole with a wall of the nonmagnetic member interposed therebetween. In addition, 1 is linked to the magnetic flux passing through the stator poles.
Layer stator coils are provided. Then, the rotor magnet rotates relative to the stator poles when the above-described water wheel rotates by receiving the hydraulic force of flowing water. Therefore, a change occurs in the flow of the magnetic flux flowing through the rotor and the stator poles. As a result, a current flows through the stator coil in a direction that hinders a change in the flow of the magnetic flux, and this current is rectified and then stored in the storage battery.

[0004]

As described above, magnetic flux flows between the rotor and stator poles of the power generator. This magnetic flux serves as resistance when the water turbine is rotated by the hydraulic power of flowing water. That is, the magnetic flux generated between the rotor and the stator poles becomes the detent torque, and the operation of the turbine is braked at the time of starting and rotating the turbine. Therefore, the turbine does not rotate unless it receives a flow rate and a water pressure exceeding a certain level. Therefore, when the flow rate is small or the pressure of the flowing water received by the turbine is low, the turbine does not rotate and does not generate power. If the magnetic force of the rotor magnet is reduced, the detent torque is reduced and the water turbine itself rotates. However, the induced voltage generated when the rotor rotates is also reduced, and the power generation amount is greatly reduced. For this reason, in order to obtain a desired power generation amount, it is necessary to increase the magnetic force of the rotor magnet to some extent and to secure a certain flow rate and water pressure of the fluid for rotating the water turbine.

[0005] Under such circumstances, in a small power generator for an automatic faucet device which has been widely used in the past, specifically, when the flow rate is set to 3.0 liter / min or less, the above-mentioned detent torque becomes less resistive. And the water wheel cannot rotate smoothly. For smooth rotation of the turbine, the flow rate needs to be greater than 3 liters / minute.

In recent years, it has been a long time since water conservation was screamed due to environmental issues and various other problems. In such a situation, the automatic faucet device described above has a problem that it is desired to reduce the amount of water flowing at one time as much as possible. In addition, under the current situation where the user's awareness of the problem of saving water has increased, it is desired that the water pressure of the flowing water discharged together with the flow rate be kept low. By lowering the water pressure,
This is because we want to give the image of water saving.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a small power generator and a water faucet device capable of rotating a water turbine even with a small amount of water and generating a sufficient amount of electric power.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, a small power generator according to the present invention includes a water turbine disposed in a fluid passage and rotated with passage of a predetermined flow rate of fluid.
A rotating body connected to the water wheel and rotating together with the water wheel is a rotor portion arranged opposite to a stator portion of a stepping motor having a stator portion having a plurality of layers, and this rotor portion is moved relative to the stator portion along with passage of fluid. Electric power is generated by relative rotation. Since the stator portion of the stepping motor for power generation is composed of a plurality of layers as described above, each layer acts to cancel the detent torque between the stator portion and the rotor portion, and the detent torque can be reduced. As a result, the water turbine can be rotated at a low flow rate and a low water pressure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described small-sized power generator, a plurality of layers are designed so that the detent torque generated between the stator and the rotor cancels each other. For example, the detent torque is set to be positively reduced by skewing each layer (consciously shifting the poles of each layer by rotating in the circumferential direction) or by interposing a non-magnetic member between the layers. Thereby, the above-described operation becomes more effective.

In another aspect of the present invention, a small-sized power generator includes a water turbine that is disposed in a fluid passage and rotates with the passage of a predetermined amount of fluid, and includes a plurality of rotating bodies connected to the water wheel and rotating together with the water turbine. Power is generated by rotating the rotor relative to the stator with the passage of fluid, the rotor being opposed to the stator of a brushless motor having a stator having a coil. Since the rotating body connected to the water wheel is a rotor portion opposed to the stator portion of the brushless motor, the detent torque can be reduced as compared with the conventional single-layer type stepping motor type power generator. Become. As a result, the water turbine can be rotated at a low flow rate and a low water pressure.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide, in addition to the above-described small power generator, a relationship between the number of poles magnetized in the rotor and the number of coils in the stator is 2-3, 4-3 or 4-6 Is set to Therefore, the detent torque between the stator and the rotor can be further reduced.

Another aspect of the present invention is an injection member having an injection hole for forming a part of a fluid passage and for narrowing a flow rate to be injected to a blade portion of a water turbine in addition to the above-described small power generators. It has. For this reason, even if the flow rate is small, the water pressure can be increased to some extent by the injection hole, so that the water turbine can be more smoothly rotated to generate power. In addition, since each of the above-mentioned small power generators can generate power at a low flow rate and a low water pressure by reducing the detent torque, the diameter of the injection hole is made large, thereby generating power without increasing the water pressure so much. Is also possible. With this setting, the risk of the injection member being damaged by high water pressure is reduced.

Further, the faucet apparatus of the present invention controls at least two modes of a water saving mode in which the flow rate to be discharged to the fluid passage is smaller than usual and a normal mode in which the flow rate is normal by controlling the degree of opening of the valve. In addition, the small power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided in the fluid passage. As described above, the small power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 provided in the fluid passage has a reduced detent torque, and thus can generate power at a low flow rate and a low water pressure. Therefore, if the water pressure of the fluid supplied to the water turbine is set lower, the risk of damage to members due to high water pressure in the normal mode can be reduced, and sufficient power generation can be performed even in the water saving mode. It becomes possible.

Further, in another invention, in addition to the above faucet device, the flow rate in the water saving mode is set to 2.0 liter / min to 3.0 liter / min. Therefore, it is possible to save water sufficiently, and it is possible to generate electricity by using the low water amount.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of a small power generation device and a faucet device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the second embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
A small power generator using a layered stepping motor system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a small-sized power generation device of a two-layer stepping motor type according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the small power generator of FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow II in FIG. FIG. 3 shows FIG.
It is the bottom view seen from the I direction. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the relationship between a member (nozzle ring) for spraying the water turbine with the fluid passage narrowed to increase the water pressure and the water turbine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second embodiment of the first embodiment
A small-sized power generator using a layered stepping motor system includes a casing 1, a nozzle ring 2 disposed in the casing 1, a water wheel 3 rotatably disposed on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle ring 2, and a water wheel. Rotating body 4 that rotates integrally with 3
And a stainless steel cup-shaped member 5 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the rotating body 4, and a stator portion 6 of a stepping motor arranged further outside the cup-shaped member 5.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Includes a main body 11, an inflow passage 12 and an outflow passage 13 protruding outside the main body 11. Main body 11
Is provided with a power generation unit mounting part 11a for mounting a power generation unit composed of the rotating body 4 and the stator unit 6 described above. The power generation unit mounting portion 11a includes a release end surface portion formed on the right side of the main body 11 in FIG. 1 and an outer peripheral portion thereof, and a circumferential groove 11b is formed in the outer peripheral portion. The O-ring 8 is embedded in the groove 11b.

Further, the flange 52 of the cup-shaped member 5 is pressed to seal the O-ring 8 in the groove 11b, and the outer peripheral end of the flange 52 is formed on the main body 11. In a state in which the cover member 9 is in contact with the projection 11d (see an enlarged view in FIG. 1), the lid member 9 is covered so as to be sandwiched between the power generation unit mounting portion 11a. That is, the power generation unit mounting portion 11a
The cup-shaped member 5 is pressed against the O-ring 8 while squeezing the O-ring 8 in the groove 11b.
Will be covered. The cup-shaped member 5 is positioned on the inner periphery of the stator 6 by bringing the outer peripheral end of the flange 52 of the cup-shaped member 5 into contact with the inner periphery of the projection 11d. And as shown in FIG.
The cover member 9 is fixed to the main body 11 of the casing 1 by fitting four screws 10 into screw holes formed at four corners of the cover member 9 and tightening the screws. As a result, the power generation unit mounting portion 11 a serving as the open end surface of the casing 1 is closed by the cup-shaped member 5.

The cup-shaped member 5 is made of a non-magnetic stainless steel member, and has a flange 52, a cylindrical portion 51, and a bottom 53 formed by drawing.
A bearing 15 that rotatably receives one end of a shaft 7 that supports the water wheel 3 and the rotating body 4 is fitted into the bottom 53. The cup-shaped member 5 serves to isolate the stator portion 6 of the stepping motor from the fluid passing through the casing 1 and to prevent the fluid from flowing out of the casing 1.

The inflow passage 12 and the outflow passage 13 formed in the casing 1 and a connecting passage 14 for connecting them.
Is provided in a part of a fluid passage of a faucet device (see FIGS. 7 and 8) composed of a faucet, a valve, and the like, and a fluid that has entered the inflow passage 12 from a fluid source. The liquid is discharged from the outflow path 13 through the connection path 14. It should be noted that the fluid gives a rotational force to the water wheel 3 during this passage. A detailed description of this portion will be described later. In the connecting path 14, a water wheel 3 described later is provided.
The other end of the shaft 7 that supports the rotation of the rotating body 4 is rotatably arranged. One end of the shaft 7 is rotatably fitted into a bearing hole 14 a formed in the connection path 14 of the casing 1, and the other end of the shaft 7 passes through the above-mentioned open end face and the tip thereof is disposed in the cup-shaped member 5. Is rotatably fitted in the bearing 15. Thereby, the shaft 7 is cooperatively held by the casing 1 and the cup-shaped member 5.

In the connecting passage 14 of the casing 1, the fluid becomes a part of the fluid passage of the above-mentioned water faucet device, and the flow rate of the passing fluid is reduced to be injected into the blade portion 31 of the water wheel 3 (see FIG. 4). Ring 2 as an injection member for performing
Are fitted by press fitting. The nozzle ring 2 has a substantially cylindrical ring portion 21 and a flange portion 22 formed by bending one open end of the ring portion 21 in the outer peripheral direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the ring portion 21 has two injection holes as injection holes for narrowing the inflow passage of the fluid that has entered the inflow passage 12 and injecting the blade portion 31 of the water turbine 3 disposed inside. The nozzle 23 is provided at a position symmetric about 180 degrees.

The water wheel 3 disposed inside the nozzle ring 2 which is a part of the fluid passage rotates with a predetermined flow rate of fluid. The water wheel 3 includes a cylindrical ring portion 32, and a blade portion 31 having an outer peripheral end portion connected to one end surface of the ring portion 32 and having a center portion inserted and fixed to the shaft 7. The wing portion 31
Are curved in an arc shape so as to easily receive the pressure of the fluid from the nozzle 23. For this reason, the water turbine 3 is
The fluid that has entered and is squeezed by the two nozzles 23 to increase the pressure collides vigorously with the blade portion 31, and is rotated about the shaft 7 by the hydraulic force. The fluid hitting the blade portion 31 moves from the connection path 14 to the outflow path 13 through the open portion of the water wheel 3 and the inner peripheral portion of the ring portion 32.

The rotating body 4 is formed integrally with the water wheel 3 via a connecting shaft 35 and is arranged coaxially with the water wheel 3. That is, the above-described water wheel 3, the connecting shaft 35 and the rotating body 4 are arranged so as to be connected in the direction in which the shaft 7 extends. Therefore, when the water wheel 3 is rotated by hydraulic power, the rotating body 4 rotates about the shaft 7 as a rotation center integrally with the water wheel 3. The connecting shaft 35 and the rotating body 4 are formed with four communication holes 4a communicating with each other in the direction in which the shaft 7 extends, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. These communication holes 4a are provided for smoothing the rotation of the shaft 7 with respect to the bearing 15 by flowing a fluid also to the right side of the rotating body 4 in FIG.

The rotating body 4 which is connected to the water wheel 3 and rotates together with the water wheel 3 is a rotor portion of a stepping motor, is constituted by a rotor magnet Mg, and has eight poles magnetized on its outer peripheral surface. . The outer peripheral surface is arranged to face the stator 6 of the stepping motor through the cylindrical portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 5. Therefore, when the rotating body 4 rotates together with the water wheel 3, the rotating body 4 relatively rotates with respect to the stator portion 6.

The stator section 6 is composed of two layers 6a and 6b which are arranged to overlap in the axial direction. Each layer 6a, 6
b denotes an outer yoke (disposed outside in an overlapped state) 61, outer pole teeth 61a formed integrally with the outer yoke 61, and an inner yoke (disposed inside in an overlapped state). ) 62, inner pole teeth 62a formed integrally with the inner yoke 62, and a coil 63 wound around a coil bobbin. The winding start portion and the winding end portion of the coil 63 are connected to terminals 64, respectively.

The thus configured stator portion 6 is fitted into an outer portion of the cylindrical portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 5. For this reason, each pole tooth 61a, 62 of this stator part 6
A magnetic flux flows between a and the magnetized portion of the rotating body 4.
When the rotating body 4 rotates together with the water wheel 3 as described above, a change occurs in the flow of the magnetic flux, and an induced voltage is generated in the coil 63 in a direction to prevent the change in the flow. This induced voltage is extracted from the terminal 64. The induced voltage extracted in such a manner is converted into direct current by a circuit, rectified through a predetermined circuit (not shown), and charged into the battery.

A specific flow rate for rotating the water wheel 3 will be described below. The rotational force received by the water wheel 3 is
It is set by the fluid flow rate and the water pressure. That is, the fluid that has entered the above-described inflow passage 12 is squeezed to some extent by the nozzle 23 and vigorously hits the blade portion 31 of the water turbine 3, whereby the water turbine 3 receives rotational force from the fluid. Naturally, the water wheel 3 rotates if the flow rate itself is sufficient, without using a configuration in which the fluid pressure is increased by restricting the fluid passage by the nozzle 23. However, with the water pressure increased by the nozzle 23 in this manner, the water turbine 3
It is possible to rotate the water wheel 3 at a smaller flow rate by hitting the blade portion 31 with a fluid.

In this embodiment, the fluid passage is narrowed to increase the water pressure. However, if the water pressure is too high, the blade portion 31 of the water turbine 3, the nozzle ring 2, and other fluid flow paths may be damaged. There is also a risk that they will be lost. On the other hand, if the water pressure is too low, the flow rate becomes insufficient and satisfactory power generation cannot be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately set the water pressure depending on the material and thickness of the water wheel 3 and the nozzle ring 2.

Further, in addition to the shape of the blade portion 31 of the water wheel 3 and the total weight of the water wheel 3 (including the weight of the rotating body 4), the detent torque generated between the rotating body 4 and the stator section 6 is determined by the above-described equation. The main part of the present invention is to reduce the detent torque portion. In the present embodiment, the stator section 6 has a two-layer structure,
By skew (shifting each layer in the circumferential direction), for example, shifting the above-described pole tooth position in the circumferential direction,
The detent torque generated between the magnetized portion of the rotating body 4 serving as the rotor and the magnetized portion cancels each other. Thereby, the detent torque is reduced. For this reason,
The detent torque between the rotating body 4 and the stator portion 6 when rotating the water wheel 3 does not provide a strong brake, and the water wheel 3 can be smoothly rotated together with the rotating body 4 with a small amount of flow and water pressure.

In this embodiment, the stator portion 6 of the stepping motor has a two-layer structure and the shape and thickness of the blade portion 31 are set to predetermined dimensions, thereby providing 2.0 to 3.0. The water wheel 3 can be rotated using the fluid flowing into the inflow passage 12 at a rate of 1 liter / minute.

In the present embodiment, the minimum starting current at which the generator starts rotating is set to about 1.2 to 1.5 liters / minute, but the power generation is small. The voltage required to store in the power storage unit not shown is
Considering conversion from AC to DC, at least 5 V or more is required. In the present embodiment, power generation can be performed at a flow rate slightly lower than 2.0 liter / minute, but a flow rate of 2.0 liter / minute or more is required to actually generate power reliably.

On the other hand, the flow rate of 2.0 liter / min is the minimum flow rate used for hand washing in the actual use. From the above, in the present embodiment, 2.0 to
The flow rate of 3.0 liter / min is set to the water saving mode,
Flow rates in excess of liters / minute were set as normal mode.

If the stator section 6 has a one-layer structure and the other parts have the same structure as in the above-described embodiment, the detent torque acts more strongly as a brake than in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the water wheel 3 does not rotate unless the flow rate exceeds 3 liters / minute.

Next, a small power generator using a brushless motor system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are not described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. Shall be used. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a small power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the small power generating device of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the brushless motor type small power generator of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. , A water wheel 3 rotatably disposed on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle ring 2, a rotating body 4 that rotates integrally with the water wheel 3, and a water wheel 3 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the rotating body 4. A cup-shaped member 105 made of stainless steel, and a stator portion 106 of a brushless motor disposed further outside the cup-shaped member 105.

The main body 111 of the casing 1 is provided with a power generation unit mounting portion 111a for mounting a power generation unit composed of the rotating body 4 and the stator 106 described above. The power generation unit mounting portion 111a is composed of a concave portion 111c having a hole at the center formed on the right side of the main body 111 in FIG. 5 and an outer peripheral portion thereof.
1b is formed. In the groove 111b, O
A ring 8 is embedded.

Further, a flange 152 formed on the outermost peripheral portion of the cup-shaped member 105 is pressed so as to seal the O-ring 8 in the groove 111b.
In a state where the outer peripheral end of 52 is in contact with a convex portion (not shown, the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment) formed on the main body 111, it is sandwiched by the above-mentioned power generation unit attaching portion 111a. So that the dish-shaped member 90 is covered. That is, the cup-shaped member 105 is pressed against the power generation unit mounting portion 111a while crushing the O-ring 8 in the groove 111b, and the dish-shaped member 90 is further covered thereon. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the four screws 10 are inserted into the screw holes formed at the four corners of the dish-shaped member 90, and the screws are tightened.
Fixed to As a result, the power generation unit mounting portion 111a, which is the open end surface of the casing 1, is closed by the cup-shaped member 105.

The cup-shaped member 105 is formed of a non-magnetic stainless steel member, and is formed by drawing.
2, an outer tubular portion 155 continuous with the flange portion 152, and an inner tubular portion 151 arranged inside the outer tubular portion 155.
And a connecting surface 156 connecting the two tubular portions 151 and 155
And a bottom 153 are formed. Then, the cup-shaped member 105 configured as described above is fitted into the recess 111c of the power generation unit mounting portion 111a, and is fixed between the casing 1 and the dish-shaped member 90 as described above. The bottom 153 has a bearing 15 rotatably receiving one end of a shaft 7 that supports the water wheel 3 and the rotating body 4.
Is fitted. The cup-shaped member 105 serves to isolate the stator portion 106 of the brushless motor from the fluid passing through the inside of the casing 1 and to prevent the fluid from flowing out of the casing 1.

In the connecting passage 14 of the casing 1, an injection member for forming a part of the fluid passage of the above-mentioned water faucet device and for narrowing the flow rate of the passing fluid and injecting it to the blade portion 31 of the water wheel 3. Nozzle ring 2 is press-fitted. The configuration of the nozzle ring 2 is the same as in the first embodiment described above. The configuration of the water wheel 3 disposed inside the nozzle ring 2 and the rotating body 4 formed integrally with the water wheel 3 are also the same as those in the above-described first embodiment.

The rotating body 4 connected to the water wheel 3 and rotating together with the water wheel 3 is a rotor of a brushless motor.
It is made of a rotor magnet Mg and its outer peripheral surface is magnetized in two poles. The outer peripheral surface is disposed to face the stator 106 of the brushless motor through the inner cylindrical portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 105. For this reason,
When the rotating body 4 rotates together with the water wheel 3, the stator unit 1
06 is rotated relatively.

As shown in FIG.
Three coil portions 106a, 10 equally spaced in the circumferential direction
6b and 106c. Each coil unit 106
a, 106b and 106c are the stator cores 16 respectively.
1 and the coil 16 wound around the stator core 161.
3 is provided. The winding start portion and the winding end portion of the coil 163 are connected to the terminals 164, respectively.

The thus configured stator portion 106
Is fitted in a portion between the inner cylindrical portion 151 and the outer cylindrical portion 155 of the cup-shaped member 105. For this reason,
A magnetic flux flows between the inner facing surface 161 a of each yoke member 161 which is a pole of the stator portion 106 and the magnetized portion of the rotating body 4. As described above, the rotating body 4 together with the water wheel 3
Rotates, a change occurs in the flow of the magnetic flux, and an induced voltage is generated in the coil 163 in a direction to prevent the change in the flow. This induced voltage is extracted from terminal 164.

The induced voltage extracted in this manner is:
It is converted to direct current by the circuit. It has 3 output coils
The AC voltage induced by the phase-connected Y-connected power generation unit is rectified through a three-phase bridge circuit (not shown) composed of six diodes and one smoothing capacitor, converted to DC, and charged to the battery.

As described above, the stator section 106 is composed of the three coil sections 106a, 106b, and 106c and has three poles. On the other hand, the rotating body 4 disposed opposite to the stator section 106 is two-pole magnetized as described above. That is, the present embodiment employs a brushless motor system, and the relationship between the number of poles magnetized on the rotating body (rotor part) 4 and the number of coil parts (number of poles) of the stator part 106 is 2-3. Has become. Therefore, like the conventional one-layer stepping motor system,
The detent torque generated between the stator section 106 and the rotating body 4 is not large. For this reason, the detent torque between the rotating body 4 and the stator portion 106 when rotating the water wheel 3 is not so strong as a brake, and the water wheel 3 is
At the same time, it can be rotated smoothly with a small flow rate and water pressure.

The relationship between the number of poles magnetized on the rotating body (rotor part) 4 and the number of coil parts (number of poles) of the stator part 106 is not 2-3 as in this embodiment, but is, for example, four.
-3 or 4-6. As described above, in the second embodiment in which the main part of the power generator is constituted by the brushless motor system, the same as in the above-described first embodiment, the power supply is 2.0 V.
The water wheel 3 can be rotated by using the fluid flowing into the inflow path 12 at a rate of up to 3.0 liter / min.

If the structure of the power generation device is a stepping motor system and the stator portion has a one-layer structure (the first embodiment has a two-layer stator portion), the detent torque is reduced as described above. Strongly acts as a brake. Specifically, unless the flow rate exceeds 3 liters / minute, the water wheel 3 will not rotate smoothly. As described above, by using a brushless motor system for the configuration of the main part of the power generation device, it is possible to generate power even with a small amount of water.

The small power generator of each of the above-described embodiments is
It is possible to generate power using a small flow rate of 2.0 to 3.0 liter / min. In addition, 3.0 liters /
Of course, even if the flow exceeds
Moreover, since the rotating body 4 rotates smoothly without being affected by the detent torque, the power generation output per the number of rotations is higher than that of the conventional one.

Because of such an effect, the faucet device to which the small power generation device of each of the above-described embodiments is attached can be controlled by controlling the degree of opening of the valve so that the flow rate flowing out to the fluid passage can be reduced. With less water saving mode,
At least two modes of the normal mode in which the flow rate is normal may be used, and the flow rate in the water saving mode may be set to the above-described 2.0 to 3.0 liter / minute. By doing so, it is possible to generate power even in the water saving mode, and it is possible to obtain an efficient power generation output in the normal mode.

As described above, in each embodiment,
Since the detent torque can be reduced as compared with the conventional single-layer stepping motor system, this is used, for example, by increasing the hole diameter of the nozzle 23 to reduce the water pressure to the water turbine 3 and to reduce the nozzle ring 2. Alternatively, the risk of breakage of the water turbine 3 due to water pressure may be further reduced. In this case, as the hole diameter of the nozzle 23 is increased and the water pressure is reduced, the minimum flow rate at which the water wheel 3 can rotate slightly increases. It can be said that it has a sufficiently high performance compared to the one.

Next, an example of use of the above-described small power generation device of the present invention in a faucet device, which is one of examples of use, will be described.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views of a faucet apparatus using the small power generator of the present invention. 7 and 8, a faucet device 1000 is provided with a discharge port and a human body sensor 1001 at its tip. A solenoid valve 1003 for opening and closing the fluid passage 1004 is provided in the faucet device 1000.
And the small power generator (here, reference numeral 1005) described as the above-described first or second embodiment (refer to FIG. 1 or FIG. 5), and controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 1003. A DC conversion circuit (not shown) for converting the induced voltage generated by the small power generator 1005 to DC, a rectifier circuit (not shown) for rectifying the DC, and a power storage unit (not shown) for storing the rectified current are provided. And a controller 1002.

Next, the operation of the faucet apparatus 1000 will be described.

When a human hand is detected by the human body detection sensor 1001, a signal is output from the human body detection sensor 1001 to the controller 1002. Controller 1
002 outputs an open signal to the solenoid valve 1003, which opens the solenoid valve 1003 to discharge water. The water flows through the fluid passage 1004 in the faucet device 1000 and reaches the small power generator 1005. In the small power generator 1005, as described in the first and second embodiments described above,
The water that has entered the inflow passage is increased in water pressure by a nozzle or the like, and is applied to the blades of the water turbine to apply a rotating force to the rotating body by the force of the water, thereby generating an induced voltage.

This induced voltage is converted to DC by a DC converter (not shown), rectified through a rectifier (not shown), and stored in a power storage unit (not shown). The current stored in the power storage unit (not shown) is
The controller 1002 is energized.

On the other hand, when the hand of the human body is no longer detected, the human body detection sensor 1001 detects this and outputs a signal to the controller 1002. As a result, the solenoid valve 1003 is closed.

The operation of the faucet device 1000 is not limited to the above-described one. For example, after the water is allowed to flow for a predetermined time, the water may be automatically stopped.

[0058]

According to the present invention, a small-sized power generator is provided with a rotating body connected to a water wheel which is rotated by passage of a fluid, as a rotor portion opposed to a stator portion of a stepping motor having a plurality of stator portions. I have. Therefore, each layer acts so as to cancel the detent torque between the stator portion and the rotor, and the detent torque can be reduced. As a result, the water turbine can be rotated at a low flow rate and a low water pressure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small-sized power generator in which a rotating body connected to a water wheel rotated by passage of a fluid is arranged to face a stator of a brushless motor having a stator having a plurality of coils. It is a rotor part.
Therefore, the detent torque can be reduced. As a result, the water turbine can be rotated at a low flow rate and a low water pressure.

Further, the faucet device of the present invention has at least two modes of a water saving mode and a normal mode by controlling the degree of opening of the valve, and the above-mentioned small power generator is disposed in the fluid passage. . As described above, the faucet device of the present invention can generate power at a low flow rate and a low water pressure by arranging the small power generation device with reduced detent torque in the fluid passage. Therefore, if the water pressure of the fluid supplied to the water turbine is set lower, the risk of damage to members due to high water pressure in the normal mode can be reduced, and sufficient power generation can be performed even in the water saving mode. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a two-layer stepping motor type small power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the small power generator of FIG. 1 as viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 2 as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow III.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a member (nozzle ring) for spraying a water turbine with a fluid passage narrowed to increase water pressure and a water turbine.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a brushless motor type small power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a side view of the small power generator of FIG. 5 as viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing an example of a faucet device using the small power generation device of the present invention.

8 is a side sectional view showing the faucet device shown in FIG. 7 from the side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Nozzle ring (injection member) 3 Turbine 4 Rotating body (rotor part) 6 Stator part 6a, 6b layer 23 Nozzle (injection hole) 31 Blade part 106 Stator part 106a, 106b, 106c Coil part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3H072 AA03 AA27 BB08 CC12 CC42 CC71 5H590 AA03 CA11 CC02 CC18 CD01 CE05 DD06 FA05 HA14 5H621 GA01 GA15 GB03 HH01 JK02 JK08 JK10 JK13

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A stepping motor having a water turbine disposed in a fluid passage and rotating with the passage of a predetermined amount of fluid, and a rotating body connected to the water turbine and rotating with the water turbine, comprising a plurality of layers of stator portions. A small-sized power generator, wherein a power is generated by rotating the rotor relative to the stator with passage of the fluid. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detent torque generated between the stator section and the rotor section is set such that each of the plurality of layers cancels each other.
A small power generator as described. 3. A water turbine provided in a fluid passage and rotating with the passage of a predetermined flow rate of fluid, and a rotating body connected to the water turbine and rotating with the water turbine comprises a stator having a plurality of coil portions. A small power generator comprising: a brushless motor having a rotor portion opposed to the stator portion, and generating electric power by rotating the rotor portion relative to the stator portion as the fluid passes. 4. The relation between the number of poles magnetized in the rotor section and the number of coil sections in the stator section is set to 2-3, 4-3 or 4-6. Small power generator. 5. An injection member provided with an injection hole for forming a part of said fluid passage and for narrowing a flow rate to pass through and injecting to a blade portion of said water turbine. A small power generator according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. A water saving mode in which the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the fluid passage is made lower than normal by controlling the degree of opening of the valve, and at least two modes in a normal mode in which the flow rate is normal, and at least two modes are provided. A faucet device, wherein the small power generator according to any one of claims 5 is disposed in the fluid passage. 7. The flow rate in the water saving mode is set at 2.
7. The faucet apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the water supply rate is 0 liter / min to 3.0 liter / min.