JP2009024703A - Generator for faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a generator for faucet capable of restricting a flow rate from a bypass flow path. <P>SOLUTION: This generator for faucet comprises a rotor blade having the center of rotation in nearly parallel with a water supply flow path and having a rotor blade portion provided in the water supply flow path freely to rotate around the center of rotation, a magnet to be integrally rotated with the rotor blade, a coil for generating electromotive force with rotation of the magnet, and a nozzle for injecting water, which flows from a direction in parallel to the center of rotation, toward the rotor blade portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet generator that generates electric power using a flow of water supply.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an automatic faucet device that senses a hand held under a faucet with a sensor and automatically discharges water from the faucet. There is also known a device in which a small generator is arranged in the flow path of such an automatic water faucet device, the electric power obtained by this generator is stored, and the electric power of a circuit such as the above-described sensor is supplemented. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In such a faucet device, an axial generator that can be easily downsized is used. The axial flow generator includes a “radial arrangement” generator (for example, see FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1) in which a coil is disposed outside the radial direction of the magnet via an inductor, and a diameter of the magnet. There is an “axial arrangement” generator (see, for example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1) in which a coil is arranged via an inductor so as to face an end face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction. In applications that require a generator with a small size, it is preferable to use a generator of “axial arrangement” rather than a generator of “radial arrangement”.

Here, for example, an axial generator as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a moving blade is rotated by a swirling flow formed by a jet port. In such a case, the swirling flow is subjected to centrifugal force and tends to diffuse radially outward, which increases the amount of flowing water to the bypass flow path and causes impeller efficiency to decrease.
JP 2004-336882 A

  The present invention provides a faucet generator capable of suppressing the amount of water flowing into a bypass channel.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotor blade having a rotation center substantially parallel to the water supply flow path and having a blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center. , A magnet that can rotate integrally with the moving blade, a coil that generates an electromotive force by the rotation of the magnet, and water that flows from a direction parallel to the rotation center is ejected toward the blade portion There is provided a faucet generator characterized by comprising a nozzle.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the generator for faucets which can suppress the amount of flowing water to a bypass flow path is provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The generator 1 mainly includes a cylindrical body 13, a cap 14, a moving blade 15, a magnet M, a stator 9, and a sealing member 51, which are accommodated in a case 12 (see FIG. 3). Yes. In addition, the arrow drawn above the cap 14 has shown the direction of flowing water.

  Here, before describing the generator 1, the automatic faucet device 3 including the generator 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of attachment of an automatic faucet device (hereinafter also simply referred to as an automatic faucet device) provided with a generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic water faucet device provided with a generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the direction of flowing water.

The automatic faucet device 3 is attached to the wash basin 2 etc., for example. The automatic water faucet device 3 is connected to an inflow port 5 such as tap water via a pipe 4. The automatic water faucet device 3 includes a cylindrical main body 3a and a water discharge portion 3b that is provided on an upper portion of the main body 3a and extends in a radially outward direction of the main body 3a. A water discharge port 6 is formed at the tip of the water discharge unit 3 b, and a sensor 7 is built in the vicinity of the water discharge port 6.
Inside the automatic water faucet device 3, a water supply passage 10 is formed that guides the water supplied from the inlet 5 and flowing through the pipe 4 to the water outlet 6. A solenoid valve 8 for opening and closing the water supply flow path 10 is built in the main body 3a, and a constant flow valve 55 for limiting the amount of water discharge is built on the downstream side of the solenoid valve 8. ing. Further, a pressure reducing valve or a pressure regulating valve (not shown) for reducing the pressure when the original pressure of water supply or the like is too higher than the working pressure is built in upstream of the electromagnetic valve 8. The constant flow valve 55, the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure regulating valve may be appropriately provided as necessary.

  Inside the water discharger 3b downstream of the constant flow valve 55, the generator 1 is provided. Inside the main body 3a, there are provided a charger 56 for charging the electric power generated by the generator 1, and a controller 57 for controlling the driving of the sensor 7, the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 8, and the like. Since the generator 1 is disposed on the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve 8 and the constant flow valve 55, the water supply original pressure (primary pressure) does not directly act on the generator 1. Therefore, the generator 1 does not require so high pressure resistance, and such an arrangement is advantageous in terms of reliability and cost.

  The charger 56 and the control unit 57 are connected via a wiring (not shown). And the charger 56 and the control part 57 are the upper part of the main body 3a, Comprising: It arrange | positions in the position further higher than the uppermost position of the water supply flow path 10. FIG. Therefore, even if water droplets condensed on the outer surface of the flow channel pipe forming the water supply flow channel 10 fall or flow down along the flow channel tube, the control unit 57 can be prevented from being submerged, and the failure of the control unit 57 Can be prevented. Similarly, since the charger 56 is also provided above the water supply flow path 10, the charger 56 can be prevented from being submerged, and the charger 56 can be prevented from being damaged.

The coil 50 (see FIG. 5) provided in the generator 1 and the control unit 57 are connected via a wiring (not shown), and the output of the coil 50 is sent to the charger 56 via the control unit 57. ing.
The faucet generator 1 is not limited to being provided inside the faucet fitting (the main body 3a and the water discharger 3b) of the faucet device 3. For example, you may provide in the piping (flow path) 4 which connects between the faucet | fitting metal fitting of the faucet device 3, and the water stop cock (former stopper) 105 (refer FIG. 2) provided upstream from this. .

  The automatic faucet device 3 is preferably used in a living space. Examples of the purpose of use include a kitchen faucet device, a living-dining faucet device, a shower faucet device, a toilet faucet device, and a toilet faucet device. Further, the generator 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the automatic faucet device 3 using a human body sensor, for example, a one-touch faucet device by turning on / off a manual switch, and stops water by counting the flow rate. The present invention can also be applied to a fixed water faucet device, a timer faucet device that stops water when a set time has elapsed. The generated electric power can also be used, for example, for light-up, generation of electrolyzed functional water such as alkali ion water or silver ion-containing water, flow rate display (metering), temperature display, voice guidance, and the like. In the automatic faucet device 3, the discharge flow rate is set to, for example, 100 liters or less per minute, desirably 30 liters or less per minute. In particular, it is desirable that the toilet faucet is set to 5 liters per minute or less. Further, when the discharge flow rate is relatively large, such as a toilet faucet, the flow of water flowing from the water supply pipe to the generator 1 can be branched to adjust the flow rate of flow through the generator 1 to 30 liters per minute or less. desirable. This is because if the entire water flow from the water supply pipe is flowed to the generator 1, the rotational speed of the rotor blade 15 becomes too high, and there is a concern that noise and shaft wear may increase, and the rotational speed increases. If the rotational speed is not less than the proper rotational speed, energy loss due to eddy currents and coil heat occurs, and as a result, the amount of power generation does not increase. The water supply pressure of the water pipe to which the faucet device is attached may be a low water pressure of about 50 kPa (kilopascal) in Japan, for example.

Next, returning to FIG. 1, the generator 1 will be described.
The cylindrical body 13 has a stepped shape including a small diameter portion 13a and a large diameter portion 13b, and is disposed in the water discharge portion 3b illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a state where the inside thereof communicates with the water supply channel. The At this time, the central axis direction of the cylinder 13 (the moving blade 15) is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the direction of running water. The cylindrical body 13 is disposed with the small diameter portion 13a facing the downstream side and the large diameter portion 13b facing the upstream side.

  Inside the cylinder 13, a cap 14, a moving blade 15, and a bearing 17 are provided in order from the upstream side. The bearing 17 is provided inside the small diameter portion 13a, and the cap 14 and the moving blade 15 are provided inside the large diameter portion 13b.

The opening at the upstream end of the large-diameter portion 13 b is blocked by the sealing member 51 via the O-ring 52 so as to be liquid-tight. A stepped hole is provided inside the sealing member 51. The step portion 51a is formed in an annular shape, and the cap 14 is supported on the step portion 51a. The cap 14 is fixed to the cylinder 13 and does not rotate.
Details of the cap 14 and the nozzle 18 provided on the peripheral surface of the cap 14 will be described later.

  A moving blade 15 is provided on the downstream side of the cap 14. The moving blade 15 has a cylindrical shape, and is provided with a plurality of protruding moving blade blade portions 19 protruding in the radially inward direction. A space between adjacent blade blades 19 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a blade passage 72. Details of the rotor blade blade 19 will be described later.

  A gap for allowing the rotor blade 15 to rotate is provided between an end face of the rotor blade ring 15a, which will be described later, and the magnet M, and the cylindrical body 13 and the sealing member 51. It becomes.

  A central shaft 24 integrated with the bearing 17 is provided so as to protrude toward the upstream side. The central shaft 24 is inserted through the boss portion 15 b of the moving blade 15, and the moving blade 15 can rotate around the central shaft 24. The moving blade 15 and the central shaft 24 are integrated, and both ends of the central shaft 24 are supported by the cap 14 and the bearing 17 so that the moving blade 15 integrated with the central shaft 24 rotates. Good. That is, the moving blade 15 may have a rotating blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center.

  The bearing 17 includes a ring member 21 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 13, and a shaft support portion 22 provided at the center of the ring member 21. The ring member 21 and the shaft support portion 22 are These are coupled by connecting members 23 provided radially. Between each connection member 23, since it is not obstruct | occluded and penetrates, the flow of the water supply inside the cylinder 13 is not prevented.

  Inside the large-diameter portion 13b of the cylindrical body 13, a moving blade ring 15a provided on a side end surface on the downstream side of the moving blade blade portion 19 and on the outer side of the moving blade is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the moving blade ring 15a. An annular magnet M is accommodated. A stator 9 is provided outside the small-diameter portion 13a of the cylindrical body 13 so as to face an end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction on the downstream side of the magnet M.

  In the present embodiment, since the stator 9 is arranged to face the end face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M, the stator 9 is arranged to face the radial direction of the magnet M (“radial arrangement”). ), The radial dimension can be reduced. Further, since the stator 9 is not disposed outside the rotor blade 15 in the radial direction, the radial dimension of the rotor blade 15 can be increased, and the power generation amount can be increased.

  Further, if the cylindrical body 13 is formed of a material having a low electrical conductivity such as a resin, eddy current loss can be reduced as compared with the case where the cylindrical body 13 is formed of metal, so that the amount of power generation can be further increased. . In this case, only the large-diameter portion 13b through which the magnetic flux passes may be formed of a material having low electrical conductivity such as resin.

Next, the magnet M and the stator 9 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the magnet M. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the stator 9.
As shown in FIG. 4, N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction on the end face (outer circumferential face) of the magnet M in the radial direction. Note that, although slightly, the magnetic flux from the N pole and the S pole leaks also on the end face side in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, but this amount can be controlled by the magnetization method.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the stator 9 includes a first yoke 31, a second yoke 32, and inductors 31 a, 31 b, and 32 a that are made of a soft magnetic material (for example, rolled steel), and the first yoke. 31, a second yoke 32, and a coil 50 disposed in a space surrounded by inductors 31a, 31b, and 32a.

  The coil 50 wound in an annular shape has an inner peripheral surface portion, an outer peripheral surface portion, and both end surface portions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, the first yoke 31, the second yoke 32, the inductors 31a, 31b, 32a, and the third. Surrounded by the yoke 33.

  The first yoke 31 has a substantially annular shape and is disposed so as to surround the inner peripheral surface portion of the coil 50. At one end portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, a plurality of inductors 31b are provided in the radially outward direction. It is provided integrally. In the first yoke 31, a portion facing the inner peripheral surface portion of the coil 50 and the inductor 31b are substantially perpendicular. The inductors 31 b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the coil 50. One end of the inductor 31b further extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the coil 50 to form the inductor 31a.

  The second yoke 32 has a substantially annular shape and is disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral surface portion of the coil 50, and a plurality of inductors 32 a are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction at one end portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction. It is provided integrally. The inductors 32 a are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the coil 50 and are arranged between the inductors 31 a of the first yoke 31. That is, the inductors 31 a of the first yoke 31 and the inductors 32 a of the second yoke 32 are arranged alternately and spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the coil 50. The inductors 31a and 32a are provided immediately above a portion (second yoke 32) disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral surface portion of the coil 50, and the distances from the center of the coil 50 to the inductors 31a and 32a are substantially the same. ing.

  The inductors 31a and 32a are provided so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, and the inner peripheral surface (the surface located in the central direction of the coil 50) is the outer peripheral surface of the magnet M (outer diameter). The surface of the direction). Further, the inductor 31 b faces one end surface portion of the coil 50. One end surface portion of the coil 50 is opposed to an end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M with the inductor 31b and the flange portion 13c of the cylindrical body 13 interposed therebetween.

  Here, if the radial dimension of the generator 1 is to be reduced, the radial dimension of the magnet M must also be reduced. However, even in that case, it is not necessary to reduce the dimension of the magnet M in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, and it may be increased in some cases.

In the present embodiment, inductors 31a and 32a are provided so as to face the outer peripheral surface of magnet M. Therefore, the magnetic flux from the outer peripheral surface of the magnet M can be guided to the coil 50 through the inductors 31a and 32a, and even when the radial dimension is reduced, the influence can be reduced and a predetermined power generation amount is ensured. can do.

  Thus, if the radial dimension of the generator 1 can be reduced while ensuring the amount of power generation, for example, the dimension of the automatic faucet device 3 in which the generator 1 is disposed can be reduced. . As a result, the installation and operability of the automatic water faucet device 3 can be improved, and the tolerance for adopting the external design of the automatic water faucet device 3 can also be improved. For example, it becomes possible to adopt a slender contemporary design than before.

  The third yoke 33 has a ring plate shape and is provided to face the other end surface portion of the coil 50. Further, a part of the outer periphery side of the third yoke 33 is notched to form a coil wiring take-out portion (not shown).

  The third yoke 33 is coupled to the end of the first yoke 31 and the second yoke 32 opposite to the end provided with the inductors 31a, 31b, 32a. The coil 50 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the first yoke 31 to the third yoke 33, and the wiring from the coil 50 is externally provided from a coil wiring extraction portion (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral side of the third yoke 33. To be drawn. Thus, since the wiring of the coil 50 is taken out from the outer peripheral side through the coil wiring taking-out portion (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral side of the third yoke 33, compared with the case of taking out from the inner peripheral side. The wiring up to the control unit 57 can be easily performed.

  Further, the third yoke 33 is provided with, for example, a convex positioning portion (not shown), and this positioning portion is formed into a concave cutout portion formed in each of the first yoke 31 and the second yoke 32. By engaging, the first yoke 31 and the second yoke 32 are respectively positioned at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the pitch accuracy between the inductors 31a and 32a can be improved. The third yoke 33 may be provided with a concave positioning portion, and the first yoke 31 and the second yoke 32 may be provided with a convex positioning portion.

  The second yoke 32 is provided with a notch 39a, and the third yoke 33 is provided with a notch 39b. As described above, in each yoke 32, 33, a portion provided so as to surround the peripheral surface portion of the coil is provided with a notch 39a, 39b in which a portion between adjacent inductors is provided from one end where the inductors 31a, 32a are provided. Is provided intermittently so that the yokes 32 and 33 are magnetically insulated in the circumferential direction. Then, by cutting away the portions of the magnetic paths formed along the peripheral surfaces of the yokes 32 and 33 that are not necessary for power generation, iron loss can be suppressed and the amount of power generation can be increased.

  Although the case where the stator 9 is disposed facing the downstream end surface of the magnet M has been described, the stator 9 may be disposed facing the upstream end surface of the magnet M, or A pair of stators 9 may be disposed so as to face both the upstream and downstream end faces.

  Next, the swirl flow and the bypass flow will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a generator according to a comparative example.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to what was demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The generator 100 shown in FIG. 6 has been studied in the course of the inventor's invention, and mainly includes the cylindrical body 13, the pre-turning stationary blade 114, the moving blade 15, the magnet M, the stator 9. A sealing member 51 is provided. In addition, the arrow drawn above the pre-turning stationary blade 114 indicates the direction of running water.

  The pre-turning stationary blade 114 has a shape in which a conical body is integrally provided on one end surface (a surface located on the upstream side) of the cylindrical body. On the peripheral surface of the pre-turning stationary blade 114, a plurality of protruding stationary blade blade portions 118 projecting in the radially outward direction are provided. The stationary blade vane portion 118 is inclined from the upstream side toward the downstream side while twisting in the right direction with respect to the axial center of the pre-turning stationary blade 114. A space between adjacent vane blade portions 118 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a vane channel 171. The pre-turning stationary blade 114 is fixed to the cylindrical body 13 and does not rotate.

A moving blade 115 is provided on the downstream side of the pre-turning stationary blade 114. The moving blade 115 has a columnar shape, and is provided with a plurality of protruding moving blade blade portions 119 protruding outward in the radial direction. Contrary to the stationary blade blade portion 118, the moving blade blade portion 119 is inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side while twisting leftward with respect to the axial center. A space between adjacent blade blade portions 119 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as the blade flow channel 172.
The flowing water that has flowed into the cylindrical body 13 flows on the conical surface of the pre-swirl stationary blade 114, diffuses in the radially outward direction, and turns into a swirl flow that turns to the right with respect to the axial center. It flows through the stationary blade channel 171 between the portions 118.

  The swirling flow that has flowed through the stationary blade flow path 171 flows into the moving blade flow path 172 and collides with the upper inclined surface of the moving blade blade portion 119. Since the swirl flow that flows into the blade flow path 172 is a flow swirled in the right direction with respect to the axial center, a rightward force acts on the blade 119 and the blade 115 rotates clockwise. . Then, the flowing water that has flowed through the moving blade flow path 172 inside the inner peripheral surface of the magnet M passes through the inside of the bearing 17 and leaves the inside of the cylindrical body 13.

FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the moving blade portion in FIG.
1 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a gap is provided between the end face of the moving blade 115 and the magnet M and the cylinder 13 and the sealing member 51 so that the moving blade 115 can rotate. It becomes the path 60a.

ここで、Ｔは回転トルク、Ｎは回転数、ΔＰは水圧、Ｑは流量である。そのため、分子のＴ・Ｎは回転エネルギー、分母のΔＰ・Ｑは水力エネルギーとなる。 As described above, the swirl flow 62 that has flowed through the stationary blade channel 171 is subjected to centrifugal force and tends to diffuse outward. Then, a part of the swirling flow 62 to be diffused outside flows into the bypass flow channel 60 a as the bypass flow 61 in the vicinity of the outlet of the stationary blade flow channel 171.
Since the bypass flow 61 does not contribute to the rotation of the moving blade 115, that is, power generation, the impeller efficiency decreases as the bypass flow 61 increases.
Here, “impeller efficiency” indicates the efficiency at the time of converting hydraulic energy into rotational energy, and can be obtained by the following equation (1).

Here, T is rotational torque, N is rotational speed, ΔP is water pressure, and Q is flow rate. Therefore, TN of the numerator is rotational energy and ΔP · Q of the denominator is hydraulic energy.

  As a result of the study, the present inventor suppresses the formation of a flow to be diffused to the outside if the flow can be formed to flow from the radially outward direction to the inside when rotating the moving blade. Therefore, the knowledge that the flow rate of the bypass flow 61 flowing into the bypass flow path 60a can be suppressed was obtained.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the cap 14 provided in the generator 1 according to the present embodiment.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in FIG.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to what was demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cap 14 has a shape in which a cone is integrally provided on one end surface (a surface located on the upstream side) of the cylindrical body. Moreover, the flange part 14a is provided in the other end surface (surface located downstream) of a cylindrical body.

  Further, inside the cap 14, a space portion 14b (see FIG. 1) having a cylindrical shape opened to an end surface on the side where the flange portion 14a is provided is provided. In the space portion 14b, a moving blade blade portion 19 provided on the upstream end side of the moving blade 15 is accommodated. One end of a central shaft 24 through which the rotor blade 15 is inserted is supported on the surface of the cap 14 on the side facing the space portion 14b.

Further, three nozzles 18 communicating with the space portion 14 b are provided on the peripheral surface of the cap 14. The nozzles 18 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cap peripheral surface so that the lower surface thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the flange portion 14a. The nozzle 18 is opened toward the rotor blade blade portion 19 accommodated in the space portion 14 b, and the direction thereof is directed inward from the tangential direction of the circumscribed circle of the rotor blade blade portion 19. Yes.
According to such a nozzle 18, water flowing from a direction parallel to the rotation center (center axis) is allowed to flow in the blade blade portion 19 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation center (center axis). It can be ejected from the radially outward direction toward the main surface of the rotor blade portion 19.
Further, the direction of the water ejected from the nozzle 18 is directed inward from the tangential direction of the circumscribed circle of the moving blade blade 19.

  Further, the upstream end surface of the moving blade blade portion 19 is supported by the ceiling portion 15d of the moving blade 15, and the downstream end surface 19a is supported by the blade support surface 15c of the moving blade 15 (see FIG. 1). For this reason, the blade 15 is not supported on the outer end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the rotor blade 15 in the radial direction, and running water flows from the outer end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the rotor blade 15 toward the inside. It is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the main surface of the rotor blade portion 19 is configured by a curve, and is curved in such a direction that its tip approaches toward the center of the rotor blade 15. The outlet-side tip 19b of the rotor blade blade 19 and the boss 15b of the rotor blade 15 are separated from each other, and smooth water along the rotor blade blade 19 from the inlet side of the rotor blade blade 19 toward the outlet side. The flow is formed. Therefore, the impeller efficiency can be improved, and hydraulic energy can be efficiently converted into electric power.

Further, the number of blade blades 19 is different from an integer multiple of the number of nozzles 18. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the number of blade blades 19 is 11 and the number of nozzles 18 is three. In addition, it is not necessarily limited to what was illustrated in FIG. 9, and can be changed suitably. If the number of blades 19 is different from an integer multiple of the number of nozzles 18, the ejection timing to each blade 19 can be shifted. Can be suppressed.
An outlet-side tip 19b of the rotor blade blade 19 is provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the rotor blade 15 from a blade support surface 15c that supports the downstream end surface of the rotor blade blade 19. Therefore, since the radial direction dimension of the water flow path 15e (refer FIG. 1) provided inside the blade | wing support surface 15c can be enlarged, a pressure loss can be suppressed. Moreover, since the radial direction length of the moving blade blade portion 19 can be increased, the area of the moving blade blade portion 19 can be increased. As a result, the impeller efficiency can be improved and hydraulic energy can be efficiently converted into electric power.

  The position (see FIG. 1) of the downstream end face 19 a of the rotor blade blade portion 19 is arranged downstream of the nozzle 18. For this reason, among the water flow ejected from the nozzle 18, the water flow diffused toward the downstream side can also be applied to the moving blade blade portion 19. As a result, the impeller efficiency can be improved and hydraulic energy can be efficiently converted into electric power.

  As shown in FIG. 8, according to such a nozzle 18, the water flow 62 a flowing from the direction parallel to the central axis 24 is moved to the moving blade 15 ( The blades 19) can be ejected from the radially outward direction toward the inside. Therefore, since the formation of the flow to be diffused to the outside can be suppressed, the bypass flow flowing into the bypass flow path can be suppressed.

FIG. 10 is a graph for explaining suppression of the bypass flow.
FIG. 10 shows the ratio of the bypass flow rate (the flow rate of water flowing to the bypass channel) in the total water volume by simulation, assuming that the rotational speed of the rotor blade is 2500 rpm and the flow rate is 1.8 liters / minute. The vertical axis represents the ratio of the bypass flow rate to the total amount of water, and the horizontal axis represents the torque received by the moving blades. In the figure, “▲” indicates the generator 100 according to the comparative example described in FIG. 6, and “■” indicates the generator 1 according to the present embodiment.

As can be seen from FIG. 10, according to the present embodiment, the ratio of the bypass flow rate to the total water amount can be suppressed to ¼ or less.
Further, in the generator 100 according to the comparative example, when the flow rate is increased to increase the torque, the ratio of the bypass flow rate increases. However, according to the generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the torque is increased. Even if the flow rate is increased, the ratio of the bypass flow rate can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, the ratio of the bypass flow rate can be suppressed even under various use conditions according to various applications. In the generator 100 according to the comparative example, there is a portion where the ratio of the bypass flow rate exceeds 100%. This is temporarily caused by the negative pressure generated between the pre-turning stationary blade 114 and the moving blade 115. It is thought that this is because the water flowing downstream is flowing backward.

FIG. 11 is a graph for explaining the impeller efficiency.
FIG. 11 shows the impeller efficiency obtained by simulation with the rotational speed of the moving blade set to 2500 rpm and the flow rate set to 1.8 liters / minute. The vertical axis represents the impeller efficiency, and the horizontal axis represents the torque received by the moving blades. In the figure, “▲” indicates the generator 100 according to the comparative example described in FIG. 6, and “■” indicates the generator 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As can be seen from FIG. 11, according to the present embodiment, the impeller efficiency can be improved more than twice. Moreover, even if the flow rate is increased in order to increase the torque, it is possible to suppress a decrease in impeller efficiency. Therefore, high impeller efficiency can be maintained even under various use conditions according to various applications, and hydraulic energy can be efficiently converted into electric power.

FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining the relationship between torque and pressure loss.
FIG. 12 shows the pressure loss obtained by simulation by setting the rotational speed of the moving blade to 2500 rpm and the flow rate to 1.8 liters / minute. The vertical axis represents the torque received by the rotor blade, and the horizontal axis represents the pressure loss. In the figure, “▲” indicates the generator 100 according to the comparative example described in FIG. 6, and “■” indicates the generator 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In a generator provided in a general water faucet device, the amount of power generation is preferably 50 mW (milliwatt) or more. In such a case, it is necessary to obtain a torque of 0.65 mN · m (millinewton · meter) or more in the moving blade.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12, in order to obtain a torque of 0.65 mN · m (millinewton · meter) or more in the moving blade, the generator 100 according to the comparative example has a pressure loss of 108 kPa (kilopascal) or more. There is a need. On the other hand, in the generator 1 according to the present embodiment, a pressure loss of 25 kPa (kilopascal) or more is sufficient. Therefore, high torque can be obtained even under various usage conditions according to various applications, and hydraulic energy can be efficiently converted into electric power.

  As described above, the faucet device has various uses and the usage environment is also various. For example, in Japan, the water supply pressure of a water pipe to which a faucet device is attached may be a low water pressure of about 50 kPa (kilopascal). In such a case, the generator 100 according to the comparative example cannot ensure the necessary torque. On the other hand, the generator 1 according to the present embodiment can ensure a sufficient torque even under such a low water pressure environment.

  For convenience of explanation, the magnetic flux from the outer peripheral surface of the magnet M is guided to the coil 50 provided so as to face the end surface in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M via the inductors 31a and 32a. The arrangement of coils, magnets, and inductors is not limited to this. For example, it may be a “radial arrangement” generator in which a coil is arranged via an inductor in the outer radial direction of the magnet, or the inductor is arranged so as to face an end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet. The generator may be an “axial arrangement” in which a coil is interposed.

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view for explaining the generator of “axial arrangement”.
N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction on the end face of the magnet M1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction.
The stator 90 includes a first yoke 131, a second yoke 132, a third yoke 133, and inductors 131a, 132a connected to the first yoke 131 and the second yoke 132, all made of a soft magnetic material (for example, rolled steel). The first yoke 131, the second yoke 132, the third yoke 133, and the coil 50a disposed in the space surrounded by the inductors 131a and 132a. The third yoke 133 is coupled to the end of the first yoke 131 and the second yoke 132 opposite to the end provided with the inductors 131a and 132a.

  The coil 50a is provided so as to face the end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M1, and the inductors 131a and 132a have a portion opposed to the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M1 and are separated from each other. Arranged.

  Also in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the generator in the radial direction. And if the nozzle 18, the rotor blade | wing blade part 19, etc. are used as the above-mentioned thing, the bypass flow which flows into a bypass flow path can be suppressed.

  For convenience of explanation, the water flowing from the direction parallel to the rotation center of the moving blade is allowed to flow from the radial direction of the moving blade blade portion to the moving blade blade portion in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation center of the moving blade. Although the nozzle to be ejected toward the main surface is described, the present invention is not limited to this. Water flowing from a direction parallel to the rotation center of the moving blade has a predetermined angle with a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation center of the moving blade, and from the radially outer direction of the moving blade blade portion, A nozzle that is ejected toward the main surface may be provided.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to what was demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
Three nozzles 18a communicating with the space portion 14b are provided on the peripheral surface of the cap 14a provided in the generator 1a. The nozzles 18a are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cap peripheral surface. The nozzle 18a is opened toward the moving blade blade portion 19 accommodated in the space portion 14b, and the direction thereof is directed inward from the tangential direction of the circumscribed circle of the moving blade blade portion 19. Yes. The nozzle 18a is provided at a predetermined angle with a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation center of the moving blade.
According to such a nozzle 18a, water flowing from a direction parallel to the rotation center (center axis) is allowed to move at a predetermined angle with a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation center of the moving blade. Can be ejected from the radially outward direction toward the main surface of the blade blade portion. In the case shown in FIG. 14, jetting is performed from obliquely upward toward the main surface of the blade blade portion.
At this time, the direction of the water ejected from the nozzle 18a is inward of the tangential direction of the circumscribed circle of the moving blade blade 19 when projected onto a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation center of the moving blade. Come to face.

  Next, the operation of the generator and the automatic faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the user holds his / her hand under the spout 6 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 7 detects this and the control unit 57 opens the electromagnetic valve 8. Thereby, running water is supplied to the inside of the cylindrical body 13 of the generator 1, and the water that has flowed inside the cylindrical body 13 is discharged from the water outlet 6. When the user moves his hand away from the bottom of the spout 6, this is detected by the sensor 7, the electromagnetic valve 8 is closed by the control unit 57, and water automatically stops.

  The flowing water that has flowed into the cylinder 13 flows on the conical surface of the cap 14 and is diffused in the radially outward direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the water flow 62 a flowing from the direction parallel to the central axis 24 is directed from the nozzle 18 toward the blade blade 19 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis 24. Is ejected.

The water ejected toward the moving blade blade 19 flows in the moving blade flow path 72 along the moving blade blade 19 from the inlet side to the outlet side of the moving blade blade 19, and the flowing water channel 15 e, the bearing 17 passes through the inside of the cylinder 13 and reaches the water outlet 6.

  On the other hand, when the moving blade 15 is rotated by the force of water sprayed toward the moving blade portion 19, the magnet M fixed thereto is also rotated. As shown in FIG. 4, the end face (outer peripheral face) of the magnet M in the radially outward direction is alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction (rotation direction) with the N pole and the S pole. The polarities of the inductors 31a and 32a facing the end surface (outer peripheral surface) in the radially outward direction of the magnet M and the first and second yokes 31 and 32 connected to the inductors 31a and 32a change. Thereby, the direction of the interlinkage magnetic flux with respect to the coil 50 changes, an electromotive force is generated in the coil 50, and power generation is performed. In the case illustrated in FIG. 13, an electromotive force is generated in the coil 50a in the same manner. After the generated power is charged into the charger 56, it is used, for example, for driving the electromagnetic valve 8, the sensor 7, and the control unit 57.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.

  As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the generator 1, the automatic faucet device 3 and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is combined can be combined as much as possible, and what combined these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the characteristics of the present invention are included.

It is a schematic cross section of the generator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing the example of attachment of the automatic faucet device provided with the generator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of an automatic faucet device provided with the generator concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating a magnet. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating a stator. It is a schematic cross section of the generator which concerns on a comparative example. It is a model expanded sectional view of the moving blade part in FIG. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating the cap with which the generator which concerns on this Embodiment is equipped. It is AA arrow sectional drawing in FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating suppression of a bypass flow. It is a graph for demonstrating impeller efficiency. It is a graph for demonstrating the relationship between a torque and a pressure loss. It is a schematic exploded view for demonstrating the generator of "axial arrangement". It is a schematic cross section of the generator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Generator, 1a Generator, 3 automatic faucet device, 9 stator, 13 cylinder, 14 cap, 14a flange part, 14b space part, 15 moving blade, 15a moving blade ring, 15b boss | hub part, 15c blade support surface, 15d Ceiling, 15e Flow channel, 18 nozzle, 18a nozzle, 19 blade blade, 31a inductor, 32a inductor, 50 coil, 50a coil, 60 bypass flow path, 62a water flow, 90 stator, 131a inductor, 132a inductor, M Magnet, M1 magnet

Claims (1)

A rotor blade having a rotation center substantially parallel to the water supply flow path and having a blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center;
A magnet rotatable integrally with the moving blade;
A coil that generates an electromotive force by rotation of the magnet;
A nozzle that ejects water flowing from a direction parallel to the rotation center toward a main surface of the blade blade,
A faucet generator characterized by comprising:

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