JP3390938B2 - Hot water mixing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has hot water and water inlets formed on the peripheral surface of a valve body case, and the opening areas of both inlets are axially slidably arranged in an inner cavity of the valve body case. The present invention relates to a hot and cold water mixing apparatus in which the amount of hot water and water flowing in is controlled by controlling a spool valve body provided to obtain hot water of a desired temperature.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This kind of hot and cold water mixing apparatus is incorporated as a cartridge in the main body of a hot and cold water mixing faucet, and is usually constructed as shown in FIG. The valve body case 1 is provided with an inner cavity 2 for forming a flow path through the central portion thereof, and hot water and water inlets 3 and 4 are formed on the peripheral surface of the valve body case 1. Then, at the positions of the inflow ports 3 and 4 of the hot water and water, these inflow ports 3 and 4 are provided.
A spool valve element 5 for controlling the opening area ratio of the above and determining the amount of inflowing hot water and water is provided slidably in the axial direction. The spool valve element 5 has a hot water valve element 5a and a water valve element 5b integrally connected to each other, and a temperature sensitive spring 6 made of a shape memory alloy.
And biased in the opposite directions by the bias spring 7 to balance them. One end side of the bias spring 7 is locked to the plug body 8. By changing the axial position of the plug body 8, the biasing force of both springs 6 and 7 is changed, and the balance position of the spool valve body 5 is changed. Change the inflow ratio of hot and cold water,
The temperature of the hot water obtained is changed.

Now, for example, if the supply pressure on the hot water side or the water side changes from the state where the spool valve body 5 is in balance at a certain set position, and the inflow ratio of the hot water to the same opening area changes, The temperature of the hot water obtained by mixing will change, and the temperature-sensitive spring 6 will detect this and react. In other words, the temperature-sensitive spring 6 has an automatic temperature adjusting function that moves the spool valve body 5 in a direction in which the biasing force changes corresponding to the temperature of the hot water obtained by mixing and corrects the temperature change. There is.

[0004]

However, in the conventional hot and cold water mixing apparatus, from the hot water and water inlets of the hot and cold water mixing faucet body to the hot water and water inlets 3 and 4 of the valve body case 1. The supplied hot water and water are the same force of the flow that has come through the inflow port of the faucet body, and thus the annular ports 3a and 4a.
7A, the flow of hot water and water flowing into the valve body case 1 was uneven in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 7 (A). In addition, as shown in FIG.
Although the hot water and water flowing into the inner cavity 2 of the valve body case 1 form a large flow in the circumferential direction, they do not reach the central direction,
The drawback is that hot water and water are not mixed sufficiently. Further, when the supply pressure of hot water and water is low, there is a problem that the amount of hot water and water that flow in is small, the flow itself is insufficient, and the mixing of hot water and water becomes worse.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made by improving the prior art in view of the above-mentioned problems. Even when the supply pressure of hot water and water is low, even the central portion of the valve body case is reached. It is intended to provide a hot and cold water mixing device that allows hot water and water to flow, rotates the flow of hot water and water to perform sufficient mixing, and prevents uneven temperature from occurring.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the means of claim 1 adopted in the present invention forms hot water and water inlets on the peripheral surface of the valve body case, and the opening areas of both inlets are set. By controlling the spool valve element that is slidable in the axial direction in the inner cavity of the valve element case, the inflow amount of hot water and water is controlled,
In the hot and cold water mixing device, which obtains hot water of a desired temperature, changes the biasing force of the spool valve element by detecting the temperature change of the mixed water with the temperature sensing member, and automatically adjusts the temperature, dividing the flow path between the inlet of hot water and water in a plurality in the circumferential direction, the hot water flowing in from the inlet of hot water and water to flow while rotating within each compartment divided, the In order to promote mixing of hot water in each compartment
This is a hot and cold water mixing device. By dividing the flow passage between the hot water and the water inlet in the valve body case into a plurality in the circumferential direction, the hot water and the water flowing into each of the divided compartments have a small flow rate. It comes to rotate in the compartment, and by this rotation, hot water and water flow to the center, and mixing can be promoted. That is, it is possible to prevent temperature unevenness.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
Protrusions along the axial direction was divided into the flow path near the center of each compartment is hot and cold water mixing device according to setting digit claim 1. By the convex portion, the hot water and water that have flowed into each compartment can be dispersed and allowed to enter the central portion, and after that, the hot water and water are mixed and stirred, so that sufficient mixing and stirring can be performed and temperature unevenness can be achieved. Does not occur.

Further, in the means of claim 3 adopted by the present invention, the convex portion is formed from the upstream inlet to a position intermediate between the upstream inlet and the downstream inlet. Two
The hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to 1. The fluid flowing from the upstream inlet is dispersed by the convex portion along the axial direction, and the fluid flowing from the downstream inlet is sandwiched between the dispersed fluids to mix hot water and water. I try to promote it.

[0009] Furthermore, means of claim 4 in which the present invention is employed, the convex portion has a plurality of surfaces in the axial direction, according to claim 2 or 3 was by changing the axial length of each surface Unishi The hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to 1. In this case, the inflowing fluid can be dispersed by each surface of the convex portion along the axial direction, and the rotational force can be applied on the dispersed fluid, so that very excellent mixing can be obtained.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The structure of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings. The same reference numerals as in the conventional case are the same members. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a valve body case 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a spool valve body 5 and a flow path dividing member 9. FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 are schematic diagrams corresponding to the case where the spool valve body 5 is viewed in a vertical cross-section for explaining the flow of the inflowing fluid. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the valve body case 1
Two inlets 3 and 4 of hot water and water are formed on the circumferential surface of the inlet, the upstream inlet 4 serves as the water inlet, and the downstream inlet 3 serves as the hot water inlet. In the inner cavity 2 of the valve body case 1, a cross-shaped flow path dividing member 9 is fitted between the water inlet 4 and the hot water inlet 3, and the hot water inlets 3 and 4 are inserted.
The flow path between is divided into four in the circumferential direction. The chamber in which the temperature-sensitive spring 6 is mounted, which is a chamber in which hot water and water are mixed, is not divided by the flow path dividing member 9 but communicates with each other, so that mixing of hot and cold water can be smoothly performed. It is supposed to be done.

By thus dividing the flow passage (inner cavity 2) between the inflow ports 3 and 4 in the valve body case 1 into four in the circumferential direction, the hot water and the water are respectively indicated by the arrows in FIG. Then, the fluid flows while rotating in each compartment, and the mixing of hot water and water is promoted. That is, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of temperature unevenness.

FIG. 4 relates to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4A is a perspective view in which a flow path dividing member 9 is provided with a convex portion 10 along the axial direction, and FIG. ) Is the same front view. In the second embodiment, when the supply pressure is low, the momentum of the hot water and water flowing from the hot water and water inlets 3 and 4 is weak, and the hot water and water cannot enter the central portion. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain sufficient mixing and stirring of hot water and water. As a specific configuration, an axial convex portion 10 having two axial axial surfaces is formed in the inner corner portion of the flow path dividing member 9 near the center. The convex portion 10 along the axial direction is provided over the position from the position of the water inlet 4 on the upstream side to the middle of the water inlet 3 on the downstream side, and the position of the hot water inlet 3 on the downstream side. Not provided in.

By thus forming the convex portion 10 along the axial direction on the flow path dividing member 9, the water flowing from the upstream inlet 4 flows by the ridge line of the convex portion 10 along the axial direction. Are dispersed. Then, the region where the flow of water is vigorous is along both surfaces of the convex portion 10 along the axial direction, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 4B. On the other hand, the hot water flowing in from the downstream inlet 3 enters the middle of the regions where the dispersed water has the momentum, and can flow sufficiently to the center even with a weak supply pressure. Therefore, on the downstream side from the flow path dividing member 9, the hot water and the water flowing to the center position thereof are sufficiently mixed and stirred, and the temperature unevenness does not occur. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those in the case of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 relates to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the flow channel dividing member 9,
Figure (B) is a front view thereof. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the length of one surface of the convex portion 10 along the axial direction is a, the length of the other surface is b, and a <
b. By doing so, the direction of water flowing on the surface of a and the direction of water flowing on the surface of b are displaced on the terminal surface side, and the water flowing on the surface of a squeezes inward, and Gives the flow rotation in the direction of the arrow.
This rotation also entrains the hot water that flows in from the inflow port 3 on the downstream side, so that even with a weak supply pressure, the hot water is sufficiently introduced to the center so that mixing and stirring can be performed. That is, the temperature unevenness is prevented. Other configurations, functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified. For example, the number of divisions of the flow path dividing member 9 may be a plurality other than four. The convex portion 10 along the axial direction may also have two or more surfaces, may be formed stepwise, and may have a semicircular cross section. Even with such a convex portion, it is possible to impart a rotational force to the inflowing water. Furthermore, the spool valve body 5
The water-side valve body and the water-side valve body may be separated, and the separated valve bodies are connected to each other by the flow path dividing member 9
It may be connected with.

[0016]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The flow path between the hot water and the water inlet in the valve body case is divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction, and even when the flow rate is small, the fluid flowing from each of the inlets is divided toward the center in the divided part. So that the water and water are mixed and stirred well,
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of temperature unevenness.

Further, according to the present invention, a convex portion having a plurality of surfaces along the axial direction is provided near the center of the flow path of each of the divided compartments, and a fluid passing through each surface is circumferentially oriented in each compartment. Since the rotating force is generated, the convex portion can disperse the hot water and water that have flowed into each compartment and allow them to enter the center, and after that, the hot water and water can be sufficiently provided on the downstream side. Mixing and stirring can be performed and uneven temperature can be prevented.

Further, in the present invention, the convex portion along the axial direction is formed from the upstream inlet to a position intermediate between the upstream inlet and the downstream inlet. for that reason,
By dispersing the fluid flowing in from the upstream inlet at the convex portion and sandwiching the fluid flowing in from the downstream inlet between the dispersed fluids in a sandwich form, it is possible to promote mixing of hot water and water. Prevents uneven temperature.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the axial length of each surface of the convex portion along the axial direction is changed to generate a rotational force in the circumferential direction in the fluid passing through each surface in each compartment. By doing so, it is possible to disperse the fluid that has flowed in on each surface of the convex portion, and to apply a rotating force on it, and it is possible to obtain a very good mixture of hot water and water, and to prevent temperature unevenness from occurring. It is possible to prevent.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a spool valve element and a flow path dividing member of the hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional front view of the spool valve element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 relates to a second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the flow path dividing member, and FIG. 1B is a front view thereof.

FIG. 5 relates to a third embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the flow path dividing member, and FIG. 1B is a front view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional side view showing a conventional hot and cold water mixing apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a conventional hot and cold water mixing apparatus, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are vertical sectional front views showing flows of hot water and water, respectively.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Valve body case 2 ... Lumen 3 ... Hot water inlet 4 ... Water inlet 5 ... Spool valve body 6 ... Temperature sensitive spring 7 ... Bias spring 9 ... Flow path dividing member 10 ... A convex portion along the axial direction

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-9-60760 (JP, A) Actual development Sho-60-29971 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F16K 11/00-11/24

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A spool valve body in which hot and cold water inlets are formed on the peripheral surface of a valve body case, and the opening areas of both inlets are axially slidably arranged in an inner cavity of the valve body case. By controlling the inflow rate of hot water and water to obtain hot water of a desired temperature, the temperature change of the mixed water is detected by the temperature sensitive member, and the biasing force of the spool valve element is changed to change the automatic temperature. In the hot and cold water mixing device configured to be adjusted, the flow path between the hot water and the water inlet in the valve body case is divided into a plurality of pieces in the circumferential direction, and the hot water and the hot water flowing from the respective water inlets are separated from each other. Allow the water to flow while rotating in each of the divided compartments.
A hot and cold water mixing device characterized in that mixing of water with water is promoted . 2. The hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion along the axial direction is provided near the center of the flow path of each of the divided sections. 3. The hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is formed from the upstream inlet to a position intermediate between the upstream inlet and the downstream inlet. 4. The hot and cold water mixing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion has a plurality of axial surfaces, and the axial length of each surface is changed.