JP3834353B2 - Liquid flow detection unit - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid flow detection unit that automatically turns on / off a pump of a water storage tank in conjunction with opening and closing of a water tap, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a water supply system for a water supply system of an apartment house is provided with a pump unit 2 in a water tank 1, and supplies water from the water supply port 3 to the faucets 5a to 5e through the water supply pipe 4. To do. In this water supply system, when the faucet 5 is opened, a liquid flow detection switch 6 for detecting a slight flow is provided in the water supply pipe 4 for the purpose of detecting this and turning on the pump unit 2. When the faucet 5 is opened, the fact that a small amount of water flows out due to the accumulated pressure in the pump unit 2 is used to detect the initial flow of water with the liquid flow detection switch 6 to operate the pump unit 2. Thus, automatic water supply by a pump linked to the faucet 5 can be performed.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 4B, the liquid flow detection switch 6 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 4 as a pipe unit 7 in which a part of the pipe can be removed. That is, a resistance valve (not shown) that moves in response to a change in the water flow in a pipe member 9 connected in the middle of the water supply pipe 4 by flanges 8 and 8, and opens and shorts in accordance with the movement of this resistance valve ( ON / OFF) is provided as a tube unit 7. And when the reed switch which comprises the main body of the liquid flow detection switch 6 fails, a failure is repaired by replacing the whole pipe unit 7. FIG. Even when the resistance valve fails, the entire pipe unit 7 is replaced and repaired.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the liquid flow detection switch 6 breaks down or some parts break down, such as a resistance valve, when the entire pipe unit 7 is removed for repair, the flanges 8 and 8 at both ends are removed each time. The connection must be removed, and then the flanges 8, 8 must be attached and connected again. This removal / installation operation is very troublesome and requires a lot of labor, time, and repair / replacement costs. In addition, if the entire tube unit 7 is replaced, the cost for the replacement increases. Therefore, for example, the management cost of the apartment is increased.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid flow detection unit that can be repaired and maintained without removing the tube unit.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, provided in the middle feed water pipe, and a straight tube member having an opening on the side of the valve chamber, the lid covering the opening of the straight tube member and body, a support member projecting from the lid body, so the displaceably mounted resistance valve in the axial direction of the straight tube member to the support member, for urging the resistance valve to the upstream side of the liquid flow have a resilient body provided in the support member, and a resistance valve assembly capable out to the valve chamber through the opening, taken in the straight tube member at Disconnect ready, it is opposed to the resistor valve mounting it is a liquid flow sensing unit, characterized in that a liquid flow sensing means for detecting the displacement of the resistance valve.
Another aspect of the present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object. A straight pipe member provided in the middle of the water supply pipe and having an opening at a side portion of the valve chamber, and an opening of the straight pipe member are provided. Covered lid, support member protruding from the lid, resistance valve attached to the support member so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the straight tube member, and biasing the resistance valve upstream of the liquid flow A resistance valve assembly that can be inserted into and removed from the valve chamber through the opening, and is attached to the support member, and electrically detects displacement of the resistance valve. And a liquid flow detection switch that outputs a signal.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1-3, 11 is a liquid flow detection unit provided in the middle of the water supply piping connected to the water supply port of the water tank.
[0008]
This liquid flow detection unit 11 is connected to the flange 42 of the pipe line 41 on the water storage tank side by the flange 13 formed on one end side of the straight pipe member 12 constituting a part of the water supply pipe, and formed on the other end side. The screw portion 14 is connected to the screw portion 44 of the pipe 43 on the water destination side.
[0009]
The straight pipe member 12 includes a hollow valve chamber 15 that houses the resistance valve assembly 20, and the resistance valve assembly 20 is inserted into the valve chamber 15 at a side portion of the valve chamber 15. An opening 16 is formed. The valve chamber 15 is formed larger than the pipe portion 17 formed between the valve chamber 15 and the flange 13.
[0010]
The resistance valve assembly 20 has an inverted L-shape projecting substantially at the center of the lid 21 with respect to the opening 16, and has a support arm portion 22 a projecting substantially at the center of the lid 21 and an L at the tip thereof. A support member 22 composed of a bar portion 22b protruding in a letter shape, and a disk-shaped resistance valve 23 that is loosely fitted to the bar portion 22b and attached to be displaceable (movable) in the axial direction of the straight tube member 12. Between the resistance valve 23 and the support arm portion 22a, there is provided a return spring 24 as an elastic body that is disposed in a state of surrounding the rod portion 22b and biases the resistance valve 23 to the upstream side of the water flow. The resistance valve 23 is configured not to come out of the rod portion 22b by a flange portion 22c formed at the tip of the rod portion 22b. A permanent magnet 25 is provided at the central boss portion of the resistance valve 23. The permanent magnet 25 is not limited to the central boss portion of the resistance valve 23 as long as it is attached to the resistance valve 23 and can act on a reed switch to be described later according to the displacement thereof. Good.
[0011]
The resistance valve assembly 20 having the above-described configuration is put into the valve chamber 15 through the opening 16 of the straight pipe member 12. The opening 16 is sealed by the lid 21 by passing a bolt through the through hole 26 of the lid body 21 and tightening into a screw hole 27 provided at the edge of the opening 16. Reference numeral 19 denotes a seal member provided at the edge of the opening 16.
[0012]
When the resistance valve assembly 20 is assembled in the valve chamber 15 and the opening 16 is closed by the lid body 21 in this way, the resistance valve 23 is located upstream by the biasing force of the return spring 24 as shown in FIGS. To close most of the passage of the tube portion 17.
[0013]
On the other hand, a liquid flow detection switch 30 is inserted into the pipe portion 17 adjacent to the valve chamber 15 in a detachable state from the outside in the radial direction of the pipe portion 17, and the resistance valve 23 is pushed by the water flow to the downstream side. It is configured to generate a liquid flow detection signal when it moves.
[0014]
This liquid flow detection switch 30 has a configuration in which a reed switch 32 as a magnetically sensitive element is housed in a sheath 31 that is a bottomed sealed cylindrical body, and the sheath 31 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 17. A cap 33 is put on the opening of the, and is locked by a screw ring 34. Then, the liquid flow detection switch 30 has a mounting hole 35 formed in the tube portion 17, and a sheath 31 is inserted into the tube portion 17 from the mounting hole 35 and formed in the female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral edge of the mounting hole 35. The male threaded portion formed on the upper portion of the sheath 31 is screwed, and the threaded ring 34 is screwed onto the male threaded portion outside the tube portion 17 to be locked and attached, and finally the cap 33 is put on. The wiring 36 of the reed switch 32 is pulled out from the top hole of the cap 33.
[0015]
When the liquid flow detection switch 30 is inserted and attached from the outside in the radial direction of the pipe portion 17 in this way, the liquid flow detection switch 30 is closest to the resistance valve 23 in a state where the passage of the pipe portion 17 is almost closed. In other words, the reed switch 32 is affected by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 25 provided on the resistance valve 23. Therefore, in this state, the reed switch 32 sends a pump stop signal (OFF).
[0016]
When the faucet is opened, water flows through the accumulator in the pump unit, displaced resistance valve 23 receives this water stream against the urging force of the return spring 24 in the right side in FIG. 2 (downstream side). At this time, since the permanent magnet 25 of the resistance valve 23 is displaced to a position away from the reed switch 32, the reed switch 32 is hardly affected by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 25, and the operation of the pump which is a liquid flow detection signal is performed. Send a signal (ON). Upon receiving this signal, the pump unit is turned on (operated), and water supply by the pump is started.
[0017]
In the present embodiment, the reed switch 32 is used as the magnetic sensitive element. However, a magnetic sensitive element of another Hall element, a proximity switch, or the like may be used.
[0018]
When a part of the resistance valve assembly 20, for example, the resistance valve 23 fails, the lid 21 is removed from the opening 16 while the straight pipe member 12 of the liquid flow detection unit 11 remains connected, and the resistance valve The assembly 20 is removed from the valve chamber 15. Then, after replacing the resistance valve 23, the resistance valve assembly 20 is returned to its original position, and the lid 21 is attached to the opening 16. That is, it is not necessary to remove or attach the pipe connection as in the prior art.
[0019]
If the liquid flow detection switch 30 fails, the screw ring 34 is loosened, the liquid flow detection switch 30 is removed, and the internal reed switch 32 is replaced. Thereafter, the liquid flow detection switch 30 is inserted again from the mounting hole 35, locked with the screw ring 34, and covered with the cap 33.
[0020]
Therefore, the liquid flow detection unit 11 according to the present invention does not involve the work of disconnecting or connecting the straight pipe member 12 as in the case of replacing the entire conventional pipe unit. Work can be done very easily. In addition, since only the parts such as the resistance valve 23 and the reed switch 32 need to be replaced or repaired, they can be replaced or repaired at a lower cost than when the entire conventional pipe unit is replaced. Since the lid 21, the screw ring 34, the cap 33, etc. can be removed, the working time is shortened. Further, since it is not necessary to remove it every time it is repaired, it is not necessary to provide flanges at both ends, it is possible to connect with simple screws, and the structure of the water supply pipe can be simplified.
[0021]
In the embodiment, the liquid flow detection switch 30 is attached separately from the resistance valve assembly 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be integrated. For example, the support member 22 that supports the resistance valve 23, preferably the rod portion 22b, may be hollow, and the reed switch 32 may be housed in the hollow portion.
With such a configuration, the liquid flow detection switch 30 can be removed simply by removing the lid 21, so that the repair work can be performed more efficiently.
Moreover, although it was set as the structure which detects the displacement of the resistance valve 23 electrically, a mechanical structure may be sufficient if the displacement of the resistance valve 23 can be detected.
[0022]
The liquid flow detection unit according to the present invention not only detects the flow of water in the water supply and turns the pump on / off, but also detects the flow of other liquids and can be used for other purposes. it can. For example, it can be used for water flow detection of a water heater.
[0023]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a part of the resistance valve assembly, for example, the resistance valve fails, the straight pipe member remains connected and the cover is removed from the opening, and the resistance valve assembly After removing the solid from the valve chamber and repairing or replacing the resistance valve, the resistance valve assembly can be replaced again and the lid can be attached to the opening. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove or attach the pipe connection as in the prior art. Also, if the liquid flow sensing means (liquid flow detection switch) has failed, withdrawn liquid flow sensing means, to replace the interior of the reed switch or the like, it is only necessary to fix plug again the liquid flow sensing means.
As described above, since the operation of removing and connecting the pipe members is not involved as in the case of replacing the entire conventional pipe unit, the repair work can be performed more easily than before, and the resistance can be reduced. Since only a part such as a valve or a reed switch needs to be replaced or repaired, it can be replaced or repaired at a lower cost than when the entire conventional pipe unit is replaced. And the working time is also shortened.
[0024]
Furthermore, since the liquid flow detection switch is attached to the support member of the resistance valve, the liquid flow detection switch can be taken out only by removing the lid.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid flow detection unit of the present invention with a resistance valve assembly removed.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a liquid flow detection unit of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid flow detection unit of the present invention.
4A is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional water supply system from a water storage tank, and FIG. 4B is a front view of the pipe unit thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water storage tank 2 Pump unit 3 Water supply port 4 Water supply piping 5 Faucet 6 Liquid flow detection switch 7 Pipe unit 8 Flange 9 Pipe member 11 Liquid flow detection unit 12 Straight pipe member 13 Flange 14 Screw part 15 Valve chamber 16 Opening 17 Pipe part 19 Seal member 20 Resistance valve assembly 21 Lid 22 Support member 22a Support arm 22b Rod 22c collar 23 Resistance valve 24 Return spring 25 Permanent magnet 26 Through hole 27 Screw hole 30 Liquid flow detection switch 31 Sheath 32 Reed switch (Magnetic) Sensitive element)
33 Cap 34 Screw ring 35 Mounting hole 36 Wiring 41 Pipe line 42 Flange 43 Pipe line 44 Screw part

Claims (3)

A straight pipe member provided in the middle of the water supply pipe and having an opening on the side of the valve chamber;
A lid covering the opening of the straight pipe member;
The lid body protruding from a support member, said support member thus displaceably mounted resistance valve in the axial direction of the straight tube member to the support member, for urging the resistance valve to the upstream side of the liquid flow have a provided elastic body, the resistance valve assembly capable out to the valve chamber through the opening,
To the straight tube member at the removable-state, mounted to face the above resistance valve, the liquid flow sensing means for detecting the displacement of the resistance valve,
A liquid flow detection unit comprising:   2. The fluid detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow detection means is a liquid flow detection switch that electrically detects displacement of the resistance valve and outputs a signal. A straight pipe member provided in the middle of the water supply pipe and having an opening on the side of the valve chamber;
A lid covering the opening of the straight pipe member;
A support member projecting from the lid, a resistance valve attached to the support member so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the straight pipe member, and the support member so as to bias the resistance valve upstream of the liquid flow A resistance valve assembly that can be inserted into and removed from the valve chamber through the opening;
A liquid flow detection switch attached to the support member for electrically detecting the displacement of the resistance valve and outputting a signal ;
A liquid flow detection unit comprising:

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