JP2010138595A - Faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power-saving faucet device. <P>SOLUTION: The faucet device includes a power source including a generator attached to a water supply line for generating power utilizing a stream in the water supply line; a coil section provided at the outer periphery of the water supply line to generate a magnetic field with electricity supplied from the power source; a magnet provided in the water supply line and movable according to the variation of the magnetic field; and a valve having a valve seat and a valve element and controlling the flow rate of the stream interlocked with the magnet. The flow rate is larger than zero even in a maximum closed time with the smallest opening of the valve. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet device.

So far, an electric flow control valve has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, a main valve that opens and closes a water supply channel, a temperature control valve, and a switching valve that switches water discharge between a faucet and a shower head are provided as an electrically driven valve in the faucet body, and power is generated by water flow. It has been proposed to provide a power generator.
JP 2003-135301 A

  The present invention provides a power saving faucet device.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a power source including a generator attached to a water supply channel and generating power using a water flow in the water supply channel, and an electricity provided on the outer periphery of the water supply channel and supplied from the power source A coil unit that generates a magnetic field, a magnet that is provided in the water supply channel and is movable in accordance with the change in the magnetic field, a valve seat and a valve body, and the flow rate of the water flow in conjunction with the magnet And a water faucet device characterized in that the flow rate is larger than zero even when the valve is closed at the minimum position.

  According to the present invention, a water-saving faucet device is provided.

A first aspect of the invention is a power source including a generator attached to a water supply channel and generating electricity using a water flow in the water supply channel, and a magnetic field generated by electricity supplied from the power source provided on the outer periphery of the water supply channel. A coil unit that is provided, a magnet that is provided in the water supply channel and is movable in accordance with a change in the magnetic field, a valve seat, and a valve body, and controls a flow rate of the water flow in conjunction with the magnet. The water faucet device is characterized in that the flow rate is greater than zero even when the valve is most closed when the valve opening is the smallest.
According to this faucet device, a power saving faucet device is provided.

A second invention is the faucet device according to the first invention, wherein the power source further includes a capacitor for storing electricity generated by the generator.
According to this faucet device, electricity can be used even when the generator does not generate electricity, and various operations can be facilitated.

A third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the position of the valve is set in a stepwise manner, and the generator is operable even when the valve is in the most closed state. It is a faucet device.
According to this faucet device, the flow rate can be adjusted stepwise, the generator can always generate power, and smoothness and quickness of various operations can be ensured.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the generator has a water wheel that rotates by the water flow, and the flow rate at the time of the most closed state is a flow rate at which the water wheel can rotate. There is a faucet device.
According to this faucet device, the hydroelectric generator can always generate power, and smoothness and quickness of various operations can be ensured.

A fifth invention is the faucet device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the valve seat is fixed to the water supply passage, and the valve body is interlocked with the magnet. is there.
According to this faucet device, the structure of the valve can be simplified.

According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the valve seat has a first cut portion, the valve body has a second cut portion, and the valve The water faucet device is characterized in that a water passage linearly penetrating the first and second cut portions at the time of the most closed state is formed.
According to this faucet device, a faucet device with a simple structure in which the valve is not completely sealed is provided.

  According to a seventh invention, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the valve seat and the valve body are separated at the time of the most closed position, and a water passage is provided between the valve seat and the valve body. The water faucet device is characterized in that a gap for forming is provided.

  According to this faucet device, there is also provided a faucet device with a simple structure in which the valve is not completely sealed. Further, by separating the valve seat and the valve body, resistance due to sliding with the valve seat with respect to the valve body can be suppressed, and the valve body can be moved more smoothly.

According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to seventh inventions, a side surface of the valve body facing a water flow passing through the valve body is inclined with respect to a direction of the water flow passing through the valve body. A faucet device having a tapered surface.
According to this water faucet device, good valve control is possible.

In a ninth aspect based on any one of the first to eighth aspects, the coil portion includes first and second coil portions provided in a stacked manner in the flow path direction, and the magnet is And a first yoke having a plurality of first pole teeth protruding in the direction of travel of the water flow at equal intervals in the direction of rotation. A second yoke having a plurality of second pole teeth protruding in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the water flow at equal intervals in the rotation direction, and the second coil portion includes the water flow A third yoke having a plurality of third pole teeth protruding in the traveling direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction, and a plurality of fourth pole teeth protruding in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the water flow A fourth yoke having equal intervals in the rotation direction, and a pair of arcs formed by the adjacent first pole teeth. A central angle with respect to an arc formed by the adjacent second pole teeth, a central angle with respect to an arc formed by the adjacent third pole teeth, and the adjacent fourth pole teeth. The central angle with respect to the arc formed is substantially the same, and the central angle with respect to the arc formed by the first pole tooth and the third pole tooth adjacent to each other on the main surface is the adjacent first angle. The center angle with respect to the arc formed by the second pole tooth and the fourth pole tooth adjacent to each other in the main surface is approximately a quarter of the center angle with respect to the arc formed by the pole teeth. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the faucet device is approximately a quarter of the central angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent second pole teeth.
According to this water faucet device, the magnet can be finely rotated, and the valve can be opened and closed finely.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the faucet device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising control means for controlling a current flowing through the coil portion.
According to this faucet device, various various controls can be performed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to an embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply 2 attached to the water supply channel S and a valve unit 3. The faucet device 1 can be used, for example, in a water space such as a bathroom or kitchen.

  The power source 2 includes a generator 2a that generates power using the water flow in the water supply channel S. The generator 2a may be a generator having a water wheel that is rotated by a water flow. By using the generator 2a, it is not necessary to use an AC power source (commercial power source) for various operations of the faucet device. For this reason, power saving is achieved. In addition, when a commercial power source is used, it is necessary to take insulation measures to prevent electric shocks and leaks around the water in a bathroom or the like, but this embodiment does not require this, and simplification of the device and cost reduction are achieved. It is done.

  The power source 2 may further include a battery 2b that stores electricity generated by the generator 2a. The battery 2b may be a capacitor or a battery, for example. By providing the capacitor 2b, it is possible to perform various operations such as opening and closing of the valve using electricity of the capacitor 2b even when there is no water flow and the generator 2a cannot generate power.

  Moreover, the faucet device 1 may further be provided with a pressure regulating valve 4, a solenoid valve 5, a shower 6, a control unit 7 and the like as necessary. The pressure regulating valve 4 can provide a water flow with an appropriate pressure to the faucet device 1. Further, the water flow can be completely closed by the electromagnetic valve 5. As will be described later, the valve unit 3 has a configuration that does not completely close the water flow. However, when it is required to completely close the water flow, it is effective to provide the electromagnetic valve 5.

  The control unit 7 may include a microcomputer and a switch, and can receive input information (such as a remote control signal) from input means provided in the shower 6 and perform various controls. For example, the valve portion 3 can be controlled by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 5 by controlling the current flowing through the coil portion 31.

  The pressure regulating valve 4, the electromagnetic valve 5, the shower 6, the control unit 7, and the like may be configured to operate using electricity supplied from the power supply 2.

Next, the valve unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, a schematic configuration of the valve unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the valve unit 3. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

  The valve unit 3 has a so-called caned structure. The canned type refers to a structure in which a rotor (valve element) is in fluid and the rotor is rotated by the action of electromagnetic force from the outside of the fluid via a partition wall.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the valve unit 3 is provided in the outer periphery of the water supply channel S, and is provided in the water supply channel S and the coil unit 31 that changes the magnetic field using electricity supplied from the power source 2. A magnet 32 that rotates about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the water supply path S of the portion where the coil unit 31 is installed in response to a change in the magnetic field, and a valve seat 33b and a valve that have a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path. And a valve 33 that controls the flow rate of the water flow in conjunction with the rotation of the magnet 32. The direction of the water flow may be from the top to the bottom (the valve body 33a to the valve seat 33b) as shown in the figure, or may be the opposite direction. The “outer periphery of the water supply channel S” where the coil portion 31 is provided means a peripheral region outside the surface (pipe wall) constituting the water supply channel S.

  The valve seat 33 b may be fixed to the water supply path S, and the valve body 33 a may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the magnet 32.

  In this manner, the valve 33 is driven by electromagnetic action between the outside and inside of the water supply path S across the pipe (the surface of the water supply path S), thereby suppressing water leakage from the conventional pipe. A shaft seal (a measure for sealing between the rotary shaft of the valve and the pipe) becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, the problem of friction of the shaft seal portion is eliminated. For this reason, the valve 33 can be driven with a small amount of electric power such as power generation by a hydroelectric generator attached to the faucet.

Next, the configuration and operation of the valve 33 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the valve 33 (the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b).
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the valve 33. FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view illustrating the valve 33 at the time of the most closed state (when it is in a state where the opening degree is the smallest. The same applies hereinafter), and FIG. It is the model top view which illustrated the opening-and-closing state of the valve | bulb 33 until it reaches at the time of opening (when it is in the state with the largest opening degree, and the same below).

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the valve seat 33b may have a protruding portion 33t substantially parallel to the flow path, and the valve body 33a is a cylindrical portion 33r that engages with the protruding portion 33t. May be included. The valve body 33a can be rotated with respect to the valve seat 33b via the protruding portion 33t and the cylindrical portion 33r. The rotation is performed around the protrusion 33t, that is, around a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the flow path.

  Moreover, the valve seat 33b and the valve body 33a may each have the cut | notch parts P2 and P1 opened, for example in the substantially parallel direction with respect to the flow path of water. The valve 33 can adjust the flow rate in combination with the above-described rotation operation and the presence of these notches. That is, water can pass in the region where the cut portion P1 and the cut portion P2 overlap on the main surface, and water cannot pass in other regions. By performing the rotation, the area of the overlapping region is changed, so that the amount of water passing therethrough can be adjusted. Here, the “main surface” refers to a surface substantially perpendicular to the flow path in the vicinity of the valve 33.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the valve seat 33b may have a protrusion 33s. The protrusion 33s restricts the turning operation of the valve body 33a. That is, when the surface (side surface) of the cut portion P1 is in contact with the protrusion 33s, the valve body 33a cannot be rotated further in the direction of the protrusion 33s. By limiting the rotation to a certain range in this way, the flow rate can be easily controlled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the valve element 33 a may have a protrusion 33 m for fixing the magnet 32. Thereby, the valve body 33a and the magnet 32 are interlocked.

  In this embodiment, the flow rate of water is greater than zero even when the valve 33 is most closed. That is, the valve 33 does not completely close the water flow. In order to make this possible, the valve 33 may have a structure that forms a water passage through the notches P1 and P2 when the valve is closed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, there is a region (overlapping region W) where the cut portion P1 and the cut portion P2 overlap on the main surface at the most closed time. As a result, the flow rate does not become zero even at the most closed position. That is, a flow path of water that linearly penetrates the notches P1 and P2. Although not shown, even when the overlapping region W does not exist on the main surface at the time of the most closed position, for example, when there is a gap between the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b, the cut portion P1. And a passage of water through P2 is formed and the flow rate is not zero. This will be described in detail later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the position of the valve 33 may be adjusted in multiple stages. This adjustment is performed by rotating the magnet 32 in multiple stages. In this case, the generator can be configured to operate even when the valve 33 is most closed. By adjusting in stages, various flow rates can be adjusted, and the movement can be accelerated.

  Thus, the valve 33 can be easily opened and closed by configuring the valve 33 to be a non-water-stop type. When the valve 33 is completely closed, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side increases, and the frictional force between the valve element 33a and the valve seat 33b increases. However, according to the present embodiment, since the valve 33 is always open, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side is relatively small, and the frictional force between the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b is Relatively small. For this reason, the power consumption at the time of the drive of the valve | bulb 33 can be suppressed. As a result, the valve 33 can be continuously driven with a small amount of electric power such as hydroelectric power generation attached to the faucet. In addition, the opening and closing of the valve 33 is facilitated.

  Further, by ensuring the flow rate to such an extent that the generator 2a can generate power, smoothness and quickness of various operations can be ensured. For this reason, as the flow rate at the time of the most closed state, for example, when the generator 2a has a water turbine that rotates by a water flow, at least the flow rate at which the water turbine can rotate may be used. In general, when the flow rate increases, the number of rotations of the water turbine increases and the number of rotations of the magnet increases. As a result, the electromotive voltage of the generator increases and the amount of power generation also increases. Therefore, the power generation amount is the smallest when the flow rate is the smallest. If the electric power on the consumption side can be covered by the generator in this state, the electric power can be covered without any problem when the flow rate is increased, and the electric power can be covered by the generator in all flow ranges.

  In addition to the structure described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the valve 33 has a non-complete water-stop type, for example, a predetermined interval is provided between the valve body 33 a and the valve seat 33 b. It may be a structure. That is, the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b are each provided with an opening or notch serving as a water passage. In this case, by changing the relative positional relationship between the valve element 33a and the valve seat 33b, the area of the overlapping portion of these openings (or notches) is changed, and the cross-sectional area of the water passage is changed. The flow rate can be controlled.

  Even in a state where the valve element 33a is moved to a position where these overlapping portions of the openings disappear, a water passage is ensured through the gap between the valve element 33a and the valve seat 33b. That is, a passage formed by the opening (or notch) of the valve body 33a, the gap between the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b, and the opening (or notch) of the valve seat 33b is secured. Therefore, even when the valve 33 is most closed, the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b are separated from each other, and a gap serving as a water passage is formed between the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b. can do.

Next, the coil part 31 and the magnet 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the coil unit 31.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coil portion 31 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnet 32.
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the magnet 32 and the yoke pole teeth 253 and 262.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the coil unit 31. FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view, and FIGS. 9B and 9C are schematic perspective views.

  The coil unit 31 includes a pair of yokes 25 and 26 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and a coil wiring unit 20 disposed in an annular space formed by combining the yokes 25 and 26. .

  The yokes 25 and 26 are both made of a magnetic material. The yoke 25 has an annular portion 251 facing one end surface portion of the coil wiring portion 20 and a peripheral surface portion 252 facing the peripheral surface portion of the coil wiring portion 20, and further on the inner peripheral edge portion of the annular portion 251. Are provided with a plurality of pole teeth 253 protruding in the axial direction. The yoke 26 includes an annular portion 261 that faces the other end surface portion of the coil wiring portion 20, and a plurality of pole teeth 262 that are provided on the inner peripheral edge of the annular portion 261 so as to protrude in the axial direction. The yokes 25 and 26 have a function of forming a magnetic circuit. The pole teeth 253 and 262 have an inductor function for performing magnetic induction.

  The pole teeth 253 of the yoke 25 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the pole teeth 262 of the yoke 26 are also provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. Between the pole teeth of the yoke, the pole teeth of the other yoke are positioned at equal intervals, and the pole teeth 253 and 262 of both yokes 25 and 26 face the inner peripheral surface of the coil wiring portion 20. Further, the interval between the pole teeth 253 of the yoke 25 and the interval between the pole teeth 262 of the yoke 26 can be made substantially the same.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnet 32 has N poles and S poles alternately magnetized in the circumferential direction, and the pole teeth 253 and 262 of the yokes 25 and 26 serve as water supply channels. It faces the N pole or S pole of the magnet 32 with the S tube wall in between. The coil wiring portion 20 faces the magnet 32 with the pole teeth 253 and 262 and the pipe wall of the water supply channel S interposed therebetween.

  Here, when a current flows through the coil part 31 (coil wiring part 20), the magnetic field changes. Depending on the direction of current, magnetic fields of N and S poles or S and N poles are generated on the annular portion 251 side and the annular portion 261 side, respectively. Thereby, the pole teeth 253 and 262 of the yokes 25 and 26 are magnetized. That is, when the yoke 25 has the N pole, the yoke 26 has the S pole, and when the yoke 25 has the S pole, the yoke 26 has the N pole. The pole teeth 253 are the same as the annular portion 251 and the pole teeth 262 are the annular portion. It is magnetized to the same polarity as H.261.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnet 32 is magnetized by alternately arranging N poles and S poles along the circumferential direction. For this reason, the magnet 32 rotates so as to maintain a magnetic equilibrium state with the polarities of the pole teeth 253 and 262 facing the magnet 32. Thereby, the valve body 33a fixed to the magnet 32 also rotates.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the coil unit 31 may include two coil units 31 a and 31 b that are stacked in the flow path direction. The coil portion 31a may include a yoke 25a having a plurality of pole teeth 253a protruding in the flow path direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction. Moreover, you may further have the yoke 26a which has several pole teeth 262a which protruded in the flow path direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction. Further, the pole teeth 262a may be arranged at equal intervals between the pole teeth 253a. Similarly, the coil portion 31b may have a yoke 25b having a plurality of pole teeth 253b protruding in the flow direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction, and a plurality of pole teeth 262b protruding in the flow direction. You may further have the yoke 26b which has equal intervals in a rotation direction. Further, the pole teeth 262b may be arranged at equal intervals between the pole teeth 253b.

  As shown in the figure, a central angle with respect to an arc obtained by dividing a circumference formed by adjacent polar teeth 253a and polar teeth 262a with a center line of adjacent polar teeth 253a and polar teeth 262a, and adjacent polar teeth 253b and polar teeth The central angle with respect to the arc formed by dividing the circumference formed by 262b by the center lines of the adjacent pole teeth 253b and pole teeth 262b is substantially the same.

  Here, the central angle with respect to the arc formed by dividing the circumference formed by the pole teeth 253a and the pole teeth 253b by the center lines of the adjacent pole teeth 253a and the pole teeth 253b is determined by dividing the circumference into two adjacent pole teeth. It is approximately one half of the central angle with respect to the circular arc divided by the center line of 253a and the pole teeth 262a. In FIG. 9, the magnet 32 has 12 polarities (6 N poles and 6 S poles), and correspondingly, there are 6 pole teeth 253 a and 6 pole teeth 262 a, respectively. Is provided. The central angle with respect to the arc formed by dividing the circumference formed by the two adjacent pole teeth 253a and pole teeth 262a by the respective center lines is 30 degrees. And the center angle with respect to the circular arc which divided | segmented this circumference | surroundings by the centerline of the adjacent pole tooth 253a and the pole tooth 253b is 15 degree | times which is 1/2 of 30 degree | times. Thereby, the magnet 32 can be rotated more finely.

  In other words, it is as follows. That is, the coil part 31a includes a first yoke (yoke 25a) having a plurality of first pole teeth (pole teeth 253a) protruding in the direction of movement of the water flow at equal intervals, and a direction of movement of the water flow. A second yoke (yoke 26a) having a plurality of second pole teeth (pole teeth 262a) protruding in the opposite direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction. The coil portion 31b includes a third yoke (yoke 25b) having a plurality of third pole teeth (pole teeth 253b) protruding in the rotation direction of the water flow at equal intervals in the rotation direction, And a fourth yoke (yoke 26b) having a plurality of fourth pole teeth (pole teeth 262b) protruding in the opposite direction at equal intervals in the rotation direction.

  The central angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent polar teeth 253a, the central angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent polar teeth 262a, the central angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent polar teeth 253b, and the adjacent polar teeth 262b The central angle with respect to the arc formed by is substantially the same.

  The central angle (15 degrees) with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent pole teeth 253a and the pole teeth 253b on the main surface is substantially a quarter of the center angle (60 degrees) with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent pole teeth 253a. 1 of Further, the central angle (15 degrees) with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent polar teeth 262a and 262b on the main surface is substantially a quarter of the central angle (60 degrees) with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent polar teeth 262a. 1 of

  The “arc formed by the adjacent pole teeth” means two adjacent arcs when a circle is drawn so as to pass through the center line of two adjacent pole teeth with the rotation center as the center on the main surface. It is an arc delimited by the center line of the pole teeth.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, when the current flows clockwise when viewed from above in both the coil portions 31a and 31b, a magnetic field is generated clockwise with respect to the direction of the current. As a result, the pole teeth 253a, 253b is magnetized to the N pole, and the pole teeth 262a and 262b are magnetized to the S pole. Although not shown, when a current flows clockwise through the coil portion 31a and counterclockwise through the coil portion 31b, the pole tooth 253a is magnetized to the N pole, the pole tooth 253b is magnetized to the S pole, and the pole tooth 262a is The pole teeth 262b are magnetized to the north pole and the south pole.

  As described above, the two layers of the coil portions 31a and 31b are provided, and currents are supplied to these in various directions, so that there are many positions (rotation angles) at which the magnet 32 is in a magnetic equilibrium state with respect to the coil portion 31. Become. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, fine valve control is possible, for example, the valve element 33a can be rotated every 15 degrees. When opening and closing the valve 33, the valve body 33a may first be rotated to a position where the rotation angle is zero degree, and then the valve body 33a may be rotated at a desired rotation angle.

Next, an example of the generator 2a will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the generator 2a.
The generator 2a mainly includes a cylindrical body 130, a cap 140, a moving blade 150, a magnet M, a stator 90, and a sealing member 510, which are accommodated in a case (not shown). An arrow drawn above the cap 140 indicates the direction of running water.

  The cylindrical body 130 has a stepped shape including a small-diameter portion 130a and a large-diameter portion 130b, and is disposed in a state where the inside thereof communicates with the water supply channel. At this time, the central axis direction of the cylindrical body 130 (the moving blade 150) is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the direction of running water. The cylindrical body 130 is disposed with the small diameter portion 130a facing the downstream side and the large diameter portion 130b facing the upstream side.

  Inside the cylindrical body 130, a cap 140, a moving blade 150, and a bearing 170 are provided in this order from the upstream side. The bearing 170 is provided inside the small diameter portion 130a, and the cap 140 and the moving blade 150 are provided inside the large diameter portion 130b.

The opening at the upstream end of the large-diameter portion 130b is blocked by a sealing member 510 via an O-ring 520 so as to be liquid-tight. A stepped hole is provided inside the sealing member 510. The step portion 510a is formed in an annular shape, and the cap 140 is supported on the step portion 510a. The cap 140 is fixed to the cylinder 130 and does not rotate.
A moving blade 150 is provided on the downstream side of the cap 140. The moving blade 150 has a columnar shape, and is provided with a plurality of protruding moving blade blade portions 190 protruding inwardly in the radial direction. A space between adjacent blade blade portions 190 when viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a blade passage 720.

  A gap is provided between the end face of the moving blade ring 150a and the magnet M and the cylindrical body 130 and the sealing member 510 so that the moving blade 150 can rotate.

  A central shaft 240 integrated with the bearing 170 is provided so as to protrude toward the upstream side. The central shaft 240 is inserted through the boss portion 150b of the moving blade 150, and the moving blade 150 is rotatable around the central shaft 240. The rotor blade 150 and the central shaft 240 are integrated, and both ends of the central shaft 240 are supported by the cap 140 and the bearing 170 so that the rotor blade 150 integrated with the central shaft 240 rotates. Good. In other words, the moving blade 150 may have a rotation center substantially parallel to the water supply flow path and a moving blade blade provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center.

  The bearing 170 includes a ring member 210 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 130, and a shaft support portion 220 provided at the center of the ring member 210. The ring member 210 and the shaft support portion 220 are Are coupled by connecting members 230 provided radially. Between each connection member 230, since it is not obstruct | occluded and penetrates, the flow of the water supply inside the cylinder 130 is not prevented.

  Inside the large-diameter portion 130b of the cylindrical body 130, a moving blade ring 150a provided on the side end surface downstream of the moving blade blade portion 190 and on the radially outer side, and fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the moving blade ring 150a. An annular magnet M is accommodated. A stator 90 is provided outside the small-diameter portion 130a of the cylindrical body 130 so as to face the end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction on the downstream side of the magnet M.

  In this specific example, since the stator 90 is disposed opposite to the end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M, the stator 90 is disposed opposite to the radially outer direction of the magnet M (“radial arrangement”). As compared with the above, the radial dimension can be reduced. In addition, since the stator 90 is not disposed outside the rotor blade 150, the radial dimension of the rotor blade 150 can be increased, and the amount of power generation can be increased.

  Further, if the cylindrical body 130 is formed of a material having a low electrical conductivity such as a resin, eddy current loss can be reduced as compared with a case where the cylindrical body 130 is formed of a metal, so that the power generation amount can be further increased. . In this case, only the large diameter portion 130b through which the magnetic flux passes may be formed of a material having a low electrical conductivity such as a resin.

  The flowing water that has flowed into the cylindrical body 130 flows on the conical surface of the cap 140 and is diffused in the radially outward direction. A water flow flowing from a direction parallel to the central axis 240 is ejected from the nozzle 180 toward the rotor blade blade 190 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis 240.

  The water ejected toward the rotor blade blade portion 190 flows in the rotor blade flow path 720 along the rotor blade blade portion 190 from the inlet side to the outlet side of the rotor blade blade portion 190, and flows in the flow channel 150e, bearing. It passes through the inside of the tube 130 and passes through the inside of the cylindrical body 130.

  On the other hand, when the moving blade 150 is rotated by the force of water sprayed toward the moving blade portion 190, the magnet M fixed thereto is also rotated. The outer end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the magnet M is magnetized alternately with N and S poles along the circumferential direction (rotation direction). Therefore, when the magnet M rotates, The polarities of the inductors 310a and 320a facing the outer end surface (outer peripheral surface) in the radial direction and the first and second yokes (not shown) connected to these change. As a result, the direction of the interlinkage magnetic flux with respect to the coil (not shown) changes, an electromotive force is generated in the coil, and power is generated.

Next, an application example in which the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment is applied to a bathroom will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an application example in which the faucet device 1 is applied to a bathroom.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in this application example, the hydroelectric generator 2 a, the valve unit 3, the electromagnetic valve 5, and the control unit 7 are disposed in the housing 9. The housing 9 may be installed on a unit bus counter as shown in FIG. 11B, or may be embedded in a bathroom wall as shown in FIG. 11C. An operation unit 8 is provided in the vicinity of the surface of the housing 9. The shower 6 is also provided with an operation unit 8. The user can perform various operations such as flow rate adjustment by inputting to the operation unit 8. Communication between the operation unit 8 provided in the shower 6 and the control unit 7 may be performed by a remote control signal. In addition, the configuration, operation, function, and the like of each component are as described above.

Next, another configuration of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the faucet device 1.
As shown in FIG. 12, the valve body 33 a may be larger in diameter than the magnet 32. Thereby, when the diameter of the water supply channel S is large, the valve 33 can be efficiently opened and closed.

Next, still another configuration of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a comparative example. Fig.13 (a) represents the structure of the valve body 33a, FIG.13 (b) represents the pressure receiving condition of the valve body 33a.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, in the comparative example, the surface of the valve body 33a that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path (hereinafter referred to as “flow rate adjusting surface 33c”) extends from the upstream side to the downstream side. It has substantially the same main surface area. In other words, the side surface of the valve body 33a facing the water flow passing through the valve body 33a is parallel to the water flow. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13B, the pressure is relatively small on the side of the passage C through which water passes. This is because a negative pressure is generated around the hole (passage C) when the flow path is narrowed and the flow velocity is increased. For this reason, there exists a possibility that the valve body 33a may move to the right side (passage C side) against intention.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating still another configuration of the valve 33. 14A shows the configuration of the valve body 33a, and FIG. 14B shows the pressure receiving state of the valve body 33a.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, in this specific example, the flow rate adjustment surface 33c has a so-called taper shape in which the area of the main surface becomes smaller toward the upstream side of the water flow. In other words, the side surface of the valve body 33a facing the water flow passing through the valve body 33a has a tapered surface inclined with respect to the direction of the water flow passing through the valve body 33a. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14B, the pressure component in the rotation direction is reduced, and the pressure difference in the rotation direction between the passage C side and the opposite side is reduced. That is, even when receiving the same pressure, the taper shape decomposes the pressure into a vertical direction (flow channel direction) component and a horizontal direction (rotation direction) component, and the horizontal pressure becomes relatively small. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the valve body 33a moves to the right side (passage C side) against the intention, which contributes to good valve control. Although not shown, the flow rate adjustment surface 33c may have a structure in which the area of the main surface becomes smaller toward the downstream side. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since a canned structure is used for the valve portion 3, there is no friction related to the shaft seal, and the valve body 33a is easy to rotate. Therefore, it is effective to use such a configuration.
In addition, if the thickness of the flow rate adjusting surface 33c is reduced, the pressure difference can be further reduced, and more favorable valve control is possible.

  In addition, although the valve part 3 of the water faucet device according to the present embodiment has been described by taking a circular shape as an example, it may have a rectangular shape or the like, and the valve body 33a may move linearly. In this case, the coil part 31 and the magnet 32 can use what has a linear shape.

  The valve 33 may be a cylinder type valve shown in FIG. In this case, the valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b have a substantially cylindrical shape, and the valve body 33a is installed in the valve seat 33b so that the cylindrical surfaces of the both overlap. The valve body 33a and the valve seat 33b have cut portions P1 and P2, respectively, and water flows toward the cut portion P2. Then, when the valve body 33a rotates around the central axis of the cylinder, the area of the region where the notches P1 and P2 overlap changes, thereby adjusting the flow rate.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a water faucet device according to an embodiment of the invention. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a valve unit 3. FIG. It is a model perspective view which illustrates the composition of valve 33 (valve element 33a and valve seat 33b). 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the valve 33. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a coil unit 31. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the coil part 31 represented by FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnet 32. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a magnet 32 and yoke pole teeth 253 and 262. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the coil section 31. FIG. It is a schematic cross section which illustrates generator 2a. It is the model perspective view showing the application example which applied the faucet device 1 to the bathroom. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of the faucet device 1. FIG. It is the schematic diagram showing the comparative example. 7 is a schematic view illustrating still another configuration of the valve 33. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating still another configuration of the valve 33. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 faucet device, 2 power supply, 2a generator, 2b accumulator, 3 valve unit, 4 pressure regulating valve, 5 solenoid valve, 6 shower, 7 control unit, 8 operation unit, 9 housing, 20 coil wiring unit, 20a coil wiring Part, 20b coil wiring part, 25, 25a, 25b yoke, 26, 26a, 26b yoke, 31 coil part, 31a coil part, 31b coil part, 32 magnet, 33 valve, 33a valve body, 33b valve seat, 33c flow rate adjustment Surface, 33m Projection, 33r Projection, 33s Projection, 33t Projection, 90 Stator, 130 Tube, 130a Small Diameter, 130b Large Diameter, 140 Cap, 140b Space, 150 Rotor Blade, 150a Rotor Ring, 150b Boss part, 150d Ceiling part, 150e Flow channel, 170 Bearing, 180 nozzle, 190 Rotor blade Part, 210 ring member, 220 shaft support part, 230 connecting member, 240 central shaft, 251 annular part, 251a annular part, 251b annular part, 252 peripheral surface part, 253 yoke pole tooth, 253a yoke pole tooth, 253b yoke pole tooth, 261 annular portion, 261a annular portion, 261b annular portion, 262 yoke pole teeth, 262a yoke pole teeth, 262b yoke pole teeth, 310a inductor, 320a inductor, 510 sealing member, 510a stepped portion, 520 O-ring, 600 bypass flow path 720 blade flow path, C passage, M magnet, P1 cut section, P2 cut section, S water supply path, W overlap area

Claims (10)

A power supply including a generator attached to the water supply channel and generating electricity using the water flow in the water supply channel;
A coil part provided on the outer periphery of the water supply channel and generating a magnetic field by electricity supplied from the power source;
A magnet provided in the water supply channel and movable in accordance with a change in the magnetic field;
A valve having a valve seat and a valve body, and controlling the flow rate of the water flow in conjunction with the magnet;
With
The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate is greater than zero even when the valve is closed at the minimum.   The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the power source further includes a capacitor that stores electricity generated by the generator. The valve position is set in stages,
The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generator is operable even when the valve is in the most closed state. The generator has a water wheel rotated by the water flow,
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow rate at the most closed time is a flow rate at which the water turbine can rotate. The valve seat is fixed to the water supply channel,
The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the valve body is interlocked with the magnet. The valve seat has a first notch,
The valve body has a second cut portion,
The water valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the valve forms a water passage that linearly penetrates the first and second cut portions when the valve is closed. apparatus.   The valve seat and the valve body are separated from each other at the time of the most closed state, and a gap for forming a water passage is provided between the valve seat and the valve body. The faucet device according to any one of the above.   The side surface of the valve body facing the water flow passing through the valve body has a tapered surface inclined with respect to the direction of the water flow passing through the valve body. Faucet device according to one. The coil part has first and second coil parts provided by being laminated in the flow path direction,
The magnet rotates according to the change of the magnetic field,
The first coil portion is
A first yoke having a plurality of first pole teeth protruding in the water flow traveling method at equal intervals in the rotation direction;
A second yoke having a plurality of second pole teeth protruding in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the water flow at equal intervals in the rotation direction;
Have
The second coil part is
A third yoke having a plurality of third pole teeth protruding in the direction of travel of the water stream at equal intervals in the rotation direction;
A fourth yoke having a plurality of fourth pole teeth protruding in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the water flow at equal intervals in the rotation direction;
Have
A central angle with respect to an arc formed by the adjacent first pole teeth, a central angle with respect to an arc formed by the adjacent second pole teeth, and an arc formed by the adjacent third pole teeth The central angle and the central angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent fourth pole teeth are substantially the same,
The central angle with respect to the arc formed by the first pole teeth and the third pole teeth adjacent on the main surface is approximately 4 of the center angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent first pole teeth. One part,
The central angle with respect to the arc formed by the second pole teeth and the fourth pole teeth adjacent on the main surface is approximately 4 of the center angle with respect to the arc formed by the adjacent second pole teeth. The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the faucet device is a fraction.   The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising control means for controlling a current flowing through the coil portion.

Images