JP2656786B2 - Hot water mixing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a controller for a hot and cold water mixing apparatus.

(B) Conventional technology Conventionally, there are a plurality of valves such as a hot-water-side and water-side flow rate adjustment valve, or a hot-water mixing valve and a switching valve, and a water-water mixing device that controls an actuator disposed on these valves. In the control device of the device, an individual control circuit and a drive circuit are provided for each actuator, or a drive circuit individually provided for each actuator is connected to a common control circuit. A drive circuit is provided for each actuator.

(C) Problems to be Solved by the Invention In a hot and cold water mixing apparatus provided with a control device having such a configuration, at least one drive circuit is required for each actuator, the structure becomes complicated, and each actuator can operate simultaneously. Therefore, it is necessary to use a large-capacity power supply corresponding to the number of actuators, resulting in a disadvantage that the size of the control device is increased and the cost is increased.

(D) Means for Solving the Problems According to the present invention, in a hot and cold water mixing apparatus having a plurality of valves connected to an electrically driven actuator, a plurality of actuators provided for each valve are replaced by one. Control circuit, and one drive circuit under the control of the control circuit, and the output of the drive circuit is sent to each actuator via a switching circuit controlled by the control circuit, and each actuator is switched. To provide a hot and cold water mixing device provided with a control device.

(E) Function / Effect With the above configuration, the present invention has the following function / effect.

Since only one control circuit and one drive circuit are required, the structure is simplified, and the number of components can be reduced.

Also, since only one actuator needs to be driven at a time, the power supply only needs to be sufficient to drive one actuator, and the entire control device can be reduced in size and cost can be reduced.

(F) Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a piezoelectric actuator as one mode of a micro-distance stepless drive actuator used for an automatic on-off valve for mixing hot and cold water according to the present invention. (A) It shows the sectional view of (A ').

Here, the micro-distance stepless drive actuator means a laminated piezoelectric actuator, a piezoelectric bimorph actuator, a stepping linear motor, a piezoelectric linear motor, a combination of an ultrasonic motor (rotary) and a rotary screw, and a stepping motor (rotary). And the combination of rotary screws.

The actuators (A) and (A ') are the front and rear walls (1)
A cylindrical plunger (4) is mounted concentrically and freely reciprocally along an axis in a cylindrical actuator casing (3) provided with (2), and the cylindrical plunger (4) has an engaging edge at its tip. A hole (7) through which the plunger head (6) is inserted is formed at the center of the engaging edge (5) by providing (5), and the plunger head (6) is inserted into the cylindrical plunger (4). It is housed in a protruding shape.

That is, the plunger head (6) has an engagement portion (8) having a base end with a larger diameter than the tip and a stepped portion,
The engaging portion (8) is housed in the cylindrical plunger (4), and is freely engageable with the engaging edge (5) with the retreat operation of the cylindrical plunger (4). The tip of ()) projects through the hole (7) from the tip of the cylindrical plunger (4).

In the cylindrical plunger (4), a spring (S) is interposed between the rear end face of the engaging portion (8) and the rear wall (2) of the actuator casing (3).
The plunger head (6) is constantly urged in the tip advancing direction by the spring (S) to keep the engaging portion (8) in constant contact with the engaging edge (5) of the cylindrical plunger (4). .

On the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical plunger (4), a piezoelectric element is arranged so that the diameter can be freely reduced and expanded, and the piezoelectric element can be freely extended and shortened.

That is, (c) and (d) of the piezoelectric element are disposed at the center of the cylindrical plunger (4), and the cylindrical holder (9) having a base end fixed to the actuator casing (3) and having a substantially L-shaped cross section. ).

Further, the other piezoelectric elements (a) and (b) are supported and arranged at the front and rear ends of the cylindrical plunger (4) by elastic bridges (10) and (11). The proximal end is fixed to the piezoelectric elements (c) and (d), and the distal end is formed in a cantilever state extending toward the front and rear walls (1) and (2) of the actuator casing (3). )
Brake shoes (12) and (13) are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of (11).

These piezoelectric elements (a), (b), (c), and (d) are configured to be shortened when they are not energized.

That is, the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b) are elongated in the energized state, the inner diameter is reduced for fixing the outer shell, and the cylindrical plunger (4) is clamped from the outer periphery. In order to shorten the outer shell and fix the outer shell, the inner diameter is expanded and the clamp of the cylindrical plunger (4) is released.

On the other hand, when the piezoelectric elements (c) and (d) are energized, they extend in the axial direction on the cylindrical plunger (4), and when not energized, the cylindrical plunger (4)
The upper part is shortened, and the overall length in the axial direction is shortened.

The cylindrical plunger (4) moves in the axial direction by appropriately controlling the four piezoelectric elements (a), (b), (c), and (d).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the piezoelectric elements (a), (b), (c) and (d) were formed by laminating a large number of piezoelectric element pieces in the axial direction of the cylindrical plunger (4). A cylindrical element,
Electrodes are provided at both ends of the cylinder, and the diameter is reduced and expanded by applying a voltage to both ends.

The material of the piezoelectric element piece may be, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic is a ferroelectric material having an ABO ₃ perovskite-type crystal structure and PZT [Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ ]. System, PLZT [Pb (Zr, T
i) O ₃ ], PT (PbTiO ₃ ) type, or a three-component type based on PZT can be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the piezoelectric elements (a), (b), (c) and (d) are formed by laminating a large number of thin ring-shaped piezoelectric element pieces around the axis of the cylindrical plunger (4) in the axial direction. It can also be formed.

 In this case, the voltage application direction is changed by 90 degrees.

In FIG. 1, (14) is a U-shaped or Y-shaped packing provided with a small sliding resistance for improving the watertightness of the actuator (A).

Further, in this embodiment, the plunger has a reduced-diameter distal end formed or connected to the distal end thereof, and the end surface area (pressure receiving area) of the distal end is set to be significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the plunger.

Therefore, when used in a valve or the like as described later, the pressure receiving area can be significantly reduced, so that the thrust force received by the plunger can be minimized, and the effect of the thrust force on the driving of the plunger can be minimized. Accurate driving becomes possible.

Further, if the step of the plunger is brought into contact with a rear surface such as a rear wall in a state where the plunger has moved forward by a predetermined distance (for example, a fully closed position or a position slightly advanced therefrom), the plunger ( 9) The further advance of (30) can be restricted, and damage to the valve seat and its abutment or the diaphragm of the on-off valve described later due to excessive advance can be reliably prevented.

In the above configuration, the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b)
(C) and (d) can be not only circular cross sections but also rectangular cross sections, for example, and can also be formed from divided pieces as shown in FIGS.

The cylindrical plunger (4) is connected to the brake shoe (1
2) Since it is clamped a number of times by the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b) via (13), the coefficient of linear expansion is small, the hardness, strength, creep resistance and wear resistance are large, and the processing accuracy is further improved. Is desirable, for example, a ceramic material can be considered.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a control device (C) for controlling the piezoelectric actuator (A). As shown in the figure, the control device (C) is connected to a microprocessor (r), a temperature setting device (V ₁ ), a temperature sensor (V ₂ ), a flow setting device (V ₃ ), and a flow sensor (V ₄ ). A control circuit (C-1) comprising an input interface (s), a memory (u) storing a control program, and a drive circuit (C-2) connected to the output interface (t).
, Drive circuit (C-2) and each actuator (A)
(A ') and a switching circuit (C-3) interposed therebetween.

The drive circuit (C-2) includes a control power supply line (C-4) from an actuator drive power supply (C-5) in addition to a control line (C-4) from the output interface (t).
6) is connected, and the output from the driving circuit (C-2) is input to the switching circuit (C-3).

The control circuit (C-7) from the control circuit (C-1) is connected to the switching circuit (C-3), and the drive circuit (C-2) is controlled by the control output of the control circuit (C-1). ) Is selected to receive the drive output.

 (C-8) indicates a control power supply.

Next, the operation control of each actuator by the control device (C) will be described.

The control circuit (C-
When there is an input to 1), the control circuit (C-1) selects an actuator to be controlled and driven in accordance with the control program read from the memory (u), and selects a switching circuit (C-3).
And an operation amount of the actuator is calculated and output to the drive circuit (C-2).

The drive circuit (C-2) receives an output from the control circuit (C-1) and outputs a drive output of sufficient power to drive the actuator to the switching circuit (C-3).

The switching circuit (C-3) outputs the drive output to the actuator selected by the control circuit (C-1),
Activate the actuator.

Such a series of control operations is performed by one control circuit (C-
The following routine is set in the control program stored in the memory (u) so that a plurality of actuators can be operated by 1) and the drive circuit (C-2).

There is no problem in operating one actuator at a time, but when it becomes necessary to operate a plurality of actuators at the same time, the priorities of the operations are set in advance, and the switching circuit (C-3) is operated in accordance with this order. Control and sequentially actuate the actuator.

The switching circuit (C-3) performs the switching operation at regular time intervals, and sequentially operates the plurality of actuators.

The actuator drive output is pulsed, and the switching circuit (C-3) performs a switching operation for each pulse to sequentially operate a plurality of actuators. In this case, apparently a plurality of actuators can be operated simultaneously by shortening the pulse period.

Next, the movement of the cylindrical plunger (4) and the partially inserted and urged plunger head (6) by the actuator (A) having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the drawings.

When a voltage is applied from the drive circuit (C-2) to the piezoelectric element (a) via the switching circuit (C-3), the voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element (a) as shown in FIG. Actuation is performed to clamp the cylindrical plunger (4), and at the same time, the voltage of the piezoelectric element (b) is released to increase the diameter to release the clamping of the cylindrical plunger (4) by the piezoelectric element (b).

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements (c) and (d) to expand them, the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b)
Moves in the direction of the arrow, and accordingly, the cylindrical plunger (4) clamped by the piezoelectric element (a) also moves in the direction of the arrow.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element (a) is released and the diameter is expanded, the clamp of the cylindrical plunger (4) is released, and the piezoelectric element (c) is released.
When the applied voltage of (d) is released, the piezoelectric elements (c) and (d)
Is shortened in the direction of the arrow, and the cylindrical plunger (4) moves further in the direction of the arrow.

Thereafter, by repeating the above-described operation, the cylindrical plunger (4) can be moved in the form of a worm with a stroke of the order of μm or sub μm, and the plunger head (6) at the tip of the cylindrical plunger (4). It is possible to precisely operate various actuators connected and connected to the actuator.

In particular, when the cylindrical plunger (4) advances in the distal direction, the plunger head (6) simultaneously advances by the amount of the bias of the spring (S), and the engaging portion (8) is moved to the engaging edge (5). When the cylindrical plunger (4) retreats, the engaging portion (8) engaged with the engaging edge (5) of the cylindrical plunger (4) moves in the retreating direction. And the plunger head (6) retreats. When no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element at the time of a power failure or the like, the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b) expand in diameter. Thus, the cylindrical plunger (4) is in a free state, and advances in the distal direction together with the plunger head (6) by the spring (S).

In addition, when performing a voltage application operation to the piezoelectric elements (a), (b), (c), and (d) so as to advance the cylindrical plunger (4) in the distal direction, the plunger (4) advances to the distal direction limit. When done, the plunger head (6)
Since the plunger head (6) advances together with the plunger (4) by the urging of the spring (S), the advancing operation of the plunger head (6) is exclusively performed by the urging force of the spring, and the strong operating force of the actuator can be reduced.

Actuator (A) configured as above
(A ') is used as an automatic on-off valve (B) for mixing hot and cold water as shown in FIG. 10 as a first embodiment, and has the following configuration.

That is, in the cylindrical longitudinal casing (D), the hot water adjusting actuator (A) and the water adjusting actuator (A ′) are disposed on the left and right sides in a state of facing each other, and between the cylindrical hot and cold mixing section. (16) is interposed, and hot and cold water valve elements (17) and (18) each consisting of a diaphragm valve are disposed at the opening at both ends of the hot and cold water mixing section (16) so that they can be pressed and separated from each other. Each valve element (1
7) Hot water channel (19) and water channel (20) via (18)
The plunger heads (6) and (6) of the hot water adjusting actuator (A) and the water adjusting actuator (A ') are respectively pressed and released on the back of the valve bodies (17) and (18). A mixed hot and cold water flow path (21) is provided at the center of the peripheral wall of the hot and cold water mixing section (16).

(22) is a hot water pipe, (23) is a cold water pipe, and the tip of each of these pipes (22) (23) is
6) are respectively provided in communication with spaces (G) and (G ') formed on the outer periphery of both side end portions, and hot and cold water valve elements (17) and (18) comprising diaphragm valves are provided in a hot and cold mixing section ( 16) crimped to the openings at both ends and the space (G) (G ')
Each valve element (17)
At the time of crimping of (18), the openings at both ends of the hot and cold water mixing section (16) and the spaces (G) and (G ') are both closed, and the hot and cold water flow paths (19) and (20) and the hot and cold water mixing section (16) are closed. ) Is completely shut off and the water stops.

On the other hand, when one or both of the valve bodies (17) and (18) are separated from each other, the hot water and the front ends of the water inlet flow paths (19) and (20) are connected via the spaces (G) and (G '). 16) communicates with the opening at both ends or the opening at one side. The temperature detected value of the temperature sensor (V ₂ ) provided in the mixed hot water flow path (21) and the temperature setting device (V ₁ ) So that it matches the set temperature
Also, so that the flow rate set by the flow rate detection value and the flow rate setting device (V ₃₎ of the flow rate sensor provided in the mixing hot water channel (21) (V ₄₎ are matched, based on a predetermined operation control device ( Actuator is operated by a signal issued from C), hot water or water, or hot water and water flow into the hot and cold water mixing section (16), and hot and cold water of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined flow rate flows through the mixed hot and cold flow path (21). Hot water and water will be supplied.

Further, the forward and backward movement range of the plunger head (6) is adjusted by the piezoelectric elements (a) and (b) of the actuators (A) and (A ').
By making fine adjustments by the operations of (c) and (d), the degree of opening of the valve bodies (17) and (18) can be adjusted to adjust the amount of flowing water.

FIG. 11 shows a hot water mixer tap (P) having one actuator and a flow control valve (Q) connected to the downstream side of the hot water mixer tap (P) as a second embodiment. The configuration of the hot and cold water mixing tap (P) will be described. In the figure, reference numeral (50) denotes a casing having upper and lower ends which forms a cylindrical block, and the casing (50) has a reduced-diameter valve at its central portion. A mixed hot and cold flow path (52) having a sliding guide space (51) is formed.

Further, on both left and right side walls of the casing (50), cylindrical bodies (52) and (53) each having an opening at both ends are protrudingly provided, and hot water side flow path (54) and water side flow path (55) are provided therein. Is formed. The outer open ends (54a) of these flow paths (54) (55)
(55a) are hot water supply piping (56) and water supply piping (57), respectively.
Is in communication with

On the other hand, the inside opening ends of the hot water side flow path (54) and the water side flow path (55) are respectively spaced apart in the axial direction of the casing (50). 55b) and the mixed hot and cold water flow path (52).

In the mixed hot and cold water flow path (52) of the casing (50),
A cylindrical valve body (56) is slidably arranged in the vertical axis direction, and can slide in the axial direction to open and close the hot water side opening (54b) and the water side opening (55b). By adjusting the opening area of both openings (54b) and (55b), it is possible to produce a mixed hot and cold water at an appropriate temperature in which the flow rate and the amount of water to be mixed are adjusted.

A spring (57) is provided in the mixed hot and cold water flow path (52) to normally urge the valve body (56) upward to close the water side opening (55b). Spring (57)
Has its upper end locked to a spring receiving plate (58) mounted inside the valve body (56), and its lower end locked to the lower peripheral wall of the mixed hot and cold water flow path (52).

At the lower end of the casing (50), a tubular body (59) having a mixed hot / cold water communication channel (59a) formed therein protrudes, and the inside opening of the mixed hot / cold water communication channel (59a) is mixed. It communicates with the hot and cold water flow path (52), while its outer open end communicates with the mixed hot and cold water pipe (60).

Further, a piezoelectric actuator (A) similar to that described above for driving the valve element (56) having the above-described configuration is disposed above the casing (50).

Further, (61) denotes L constituting the main body of the flow control valve (Q).
It is a casing of the following cylindrical shape, and the casing (61)
It is composed of an inflow side pipe (63) forming one side flow path (62) inside, and an outflow side pipe (65) forming another side flow path (64) inside.

The inflow side pipe (63) has its end closed by an end wall (63a), and has an opening (66) in one upper side wall (63b). A valve body (67) composed of a diaphragm valve is attached.

On the other hand, the outflow side pipe (65) has its proximal end cylindrical portion (65a).
, And extends to the above-mentioned opening (66), and the tip thereof is in contact with the valve body (67) so as to be able to freely come and go.

By driving the piezoelectric actuator (A ') described later and opening and closing the valve element (67) by such a configuration, the inside of the one side pipe (62) and the inside of the outflow side pipe (65) formed in the inflow side pipe (63) are formed. And the other side flow path (64) formed in this way can be connected and disconnected.

The one-side flow path (62) has an outer open end communicating with the mixed hot and cold water pipe (60), and the other-side flow path (64) communicates with a callan, a shower, or the like.

A piezoelectric actuator (A ') is mounted on one side upper side wall of the casing (61) coaxially with the valve body, and the valve body (67) is driven by driving the actuator (A'). Can be opened and closed.

The embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, in order to drive a plurality of actuators, each one control circuit and drive circuit, by connecting to a plurality of actuators via a switching circuit, Only one drive circuit and one actuator drive power supply are required, simplifying the structure of the control device and reducing the number of parts.Especially, the actuator drive power supply requires only a small capacity, so the control device can be downsized. This is advantageous in cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a piezoelectric actuator used for the automatic opening / closing valve of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 1, and FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of an example, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a configuration of a control device, FIGS. 7 to 9 are explanatory views showing an operation sequence of an actuator used for an automatic on-off valve of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a hot-water mixing apparatus according to a second embodiment. (A) (A '): Actuator (C-1): Control circuit (C-2): Same circuit (C-3): Switching circuit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-284132 (JP, A) JP-A-61-112874 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A hot and cold water mixing apparatus having a plurality of valves connected to an electrically driven actuator, a plurality of actuators (A), (A '),.
To one control circuit (C-1) and the same control circuit (C-
It corresponds to one drive circuit (C-2) under the control of 1), and the drive circuit output is sent to each actuator via a switching circuit controlled by the control circuit to switch each actuator. A hot and cold water mixing device with a control device.