JP4134252B1 - Faucet generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a faucet generator capable of suppressing fluctuations in torque received by a moving blade even if the length of the moving blade blade portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction is shortened.
A moving blade having a rotation center substantially parallel to a water supply flow path and having a moving blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center, and the moving blade blade A magnet that is provided in a radially outward direction of the portion and that can rotate integrally with the moving blade, a coil that generates an electromotive force by the rotation of the magnet, a yoke that surrounds the coil, and extends from the yoke to each other A stator having a plurality of inductors spaced apart from each other, and the downstream end face of the moving blade blade part is less than the downstream end face of the magnet to such an extent that rotation unevenness and noise of the moving blade are suppressed. Provided is a faucet generator characterized in that the faucet is provided so as to be positioned on the upstream side.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

  In such a generator, the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet provided in the radially outer direction of the rotor blade are approximately. It is made to become the same (for example, refer FIG. 5 (a), (b) of patent document 1).

Here, in order to improve the output of the generator without increasing the size of the generator, the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade may be shortened. At that time, if the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade part are made substantially the same, the torque received by the rotor blades changes and rotates. May cause unevenness and noise.
JP 2004-336882 A

  The present invention provides a faucet generator that can suppress fluctuations in torque received by a moving blade even if the length of the moving blade blade portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction is shortened.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotor blade having a rotation center substantially parallel to the water supply flow path and having a blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center. A magnet provided in a radially outward direction of the rotor blade blade portion and rotatable integrally with the rotor blade, a coil generating an electromotive force by rotation of the magnet, a yoke provided surrounding the coil, A stator having a plurality of inductors extending from the yoke and spaced apart from each other, the upstream end face of the moving blade and the upstream end face of the magnet being aligned, The length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet with respect to the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction is set to be 2 times or more and 10 times or less, so that the downstream end face of the moving blade blade part is located upstream from the downstream end face And sea urchin moving blade blade portion downstream end face of the downstream end face of the magnet, providing that they are spaced from each, faucet generator is provided, wherein.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the length of the direction substantially orthogonal to the radial direction of a moving blade blade part is shortened, the faucet generator which can suppress the fluctuation | variation of the torque which a moving blade receives is provided.

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.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The generator 1 is mainly provided with a cylindrical body 13, a pre-rotating stationary blade 14, a moving blade 15, a magnet M, a stator 9, and a sealing member 51, which are included in a case 12 (see FIG. 3). Contained. An arrow drawn above the pre-turning stationary blade 14 indicates the direction of running water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The automatic water faucet device 3 is preferably used in a living space. Examples of the purpose of use include a kitchen faucet device, a living-dining faucet device, a shower faucet device, a toilet faucet device, and a toilet faucet device. Further, the generator 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the automatic faucet device 3 using a human body sensor, for example, a one-touch faucet device by turning on / off a manual switch, and stops water by counting the flow rate. The present invention can also be applied to a fixed water faucet device, a timer faucet device that stops water when a set time has elapsed. The generated electric power can also be used, for example, for light-up, generation of electrolyzed functional water such as alkali ion water or silver ion-containing water, flow rate display (metering), temperature display, voice guidance, and the like.
In the automatic faucet device 3, the discharge flow rate is set to, for example, 100 liters or less per minute, desirably 30 liters or less per minute. In particular, it is desirable that the toilet faucet is set to 5 liters per minute or less. Further, when the discharge flow rate is relatively large, such as a toilet faucet, the flow of water flowing from the water supply pipe to the generator 1 can be branched to adjust the flow rate of flow through the generator 1 to 30 liters per minute or less. desirable. This is because if the entire water flow from the water supply pipe is flowed to the generator 1, the rotational speed of the rotor blade 15 becomes too high, and there is a concern that noise and shaft wear may increase, and the rotational speed increases. If the rotational speed is not less than the proper rotational speed, energy loss due to eddy currents and coil heat occurs, and as a result, the amount of power generation does not increase. The water supply pressure of the water pipe to which the faucet device is attached may be a low water pressure of about 0.05 (MPa) in Japan, for example.

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

  Inside the cylindrical body 13, a pre-turning stationary blade 14, a moving blade 15, and a bearing 17 are provided in order from the upstream side. The bearing 17 is provided inside the small diameter portion 13a, and the pre-turning stationary blade 14 and the moving blade 15 are provided inside the large diameter portion 13b.

  The opening at the upstream end of the large-diameter portion 13 b is blocked by the sealing member 51 via the O-ring 52 so as to be liquid-tight. A stepped hole is provided inside the sealing member 51. The step portion 51a is formed in an annular shape, and the pre-turning stationary blade 14 is supported on the step portion 51a.

  The pre-turning stationary blade 14 has a shape in which a conical body is integrally provided on one end surface (a surface located on the upstream side) of the cylindrical body. On the peripheral surface of the pre-turning stationary blade 14, a plurality of protruding stationary blade blade portions 18 projecting in the radially outward direction are provided. The stationary vane blade portion 18 is inclined from the upstream side toward the downstream side while twisting in the right direction with respect to the axial center of the pre-turning stationary blade 14. A space between the adjacent stationary blade blade portions 18 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a stationary blade channel 71. The pre-turning stationary blade 14 is fixed to the cylindrical body 13 and does not rotate.

  A moving blade 15 is provided on the downstream side of the pre-turning stationary blade 14. The moving blade 15 has a cylindrical shape, and is provided with a plurality of protruding moving blade blade portions 19 protruding in the radially outward direction. Contrary to the stationary blade blade portion 18, the moving blade blade portion 19 is inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side while twisting leftward with respect to the axial center. A space between adjacent blade blades 19 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a blade passage 72.

  A central shaft 24 is provided so as to protrude from the bearing 17 toward the upstream side. The central shaft 24 is integrated with the bearing 17. The rotor blade 15 is provided so as to be inserted through the central shaft 24 and is rotatable around the central shaft 24. The moving blade 15 and the central shaft 24 are integrated, and both end portions of the central shaft 24 are supported by the pre-turning stationary blade 14 and the bearing 17 so that the moving blade 15 integrated with the central shaft 24 rotates. May be. That is, the moving blade 15 may have a rotating blade blade portion provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center.

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

  Inside the large-diameter portion 13b of the cylindrical body 13, there are a moving blade ring 15a fixed to a radially outer side end surface of the moving blade blade portion 19, and an annular magnet fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the moving blade ring 15a. M is housed. A stator 9 is provided outside the small-diameter portion 13a of the cylindrical body 13 so as to face an end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction on the downstream side of the magnet M. Although the moving blade ring 15a is not necessarily required, the moving blade 15 and the magnet M can be integrated more firmly if it is provided.

  In the present embodiment, since the stator 9 is disposed opposite to the end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M, the stator 9 is arranged in the radial direction compared to the case where the stator 9 is disposed opposite to the radially outer direction of the magnet M. The dimensions can be reduced. Further, since the stator 9 is not disposed outside the rotor blade 15 in the radial direction, the radial dimension of the rotor blade 15 can be increased, and the power generation amount can be increased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the inductor 31b is provided so as to face the end surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M. Therefore, the magnetic flux from the end face in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M can also be guided to the coil 50 via the inductor 31b, and the power generation amount can be further increased.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the influence of the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade part and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet on torque fluctuation will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the case where the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion is the same as the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet, and both are shortened. It is. In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the direction of flowing water. In FIG. 6, the stator 9 is disposed so as to face the upstream end surface of the magnet M.
FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining the torque received by the rotor blade in the case of FIG. Note that FIG. 7 shows the torque received by the moving blade by simulation with the rotating speed of the moving blade set to 2500 rpm.
As a means for improving the output of the generator without increasing the size of the generator, it is conceivable to shorten the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion.

Here, in the generator as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade portion and the radial direction of the magnet provided in the radially outward direction of the blade. The length in a substantially perpendicular direction is made substantially the same.
FIG. 6 shows a case in which both of the blade blade portions are shortened while maintaining the dimensional relationship between the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the torque received by the moving blade in the case of FIG. 6 is an average pressure receiving torque of 0.84 mN · m (millinewton meter) and a pulsation width of 0.28 mN · m (millinewton meter). It becomes. Here, the pulsation width is the width of vibration with respect to the average pressure receiving torque. Further, the pulsation ratio, which is the ratio of the pulsation width to the average pressure receiving torque, is 33%.

  Here, according to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, when the pulsation ratio exceeds 25%, the rotation unevenness and noise of the moving blades become too large, which becomes a practical obstacle.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, if the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet are the same length, both of them should be shortened. As a result, the torque received by the rotor blades fluctuates greatly, resulting in excessive rotation unevenness and noise.

The cause of the torque fluctuation is not necessarily clear, but the following can be considered.
By shortening the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet, the length of the bypass path 60 formed in the radially outward direction of the magnet is also shortened. Therefore, the pulsating flow (bypass flow 61) that flows into the bypass passage 60 from the pre-turning stationary blade 14 is discharged from the outlet of the bypass passage 60 without being attenuated. Further, since the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion is the same as the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet, the outlet of the rotor blade blade portion 19 and the outlet of the bypass passage 60 are the same. It will be close. As a result, the water flow discharged from the outlet of the bypass passage 60 affects the rotation of the rotor blades and the flow in the rotor blades, and these become unstable, so that the torque received by the rotor blades greatly fluctuates. Conceivable.

As a means for suppressing fluctuations in torque received by the moving blades, a method of separating the outlet of the bypass passage from the outlet of the moving blade blade 19 can be considered.
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where the outlet of the bypass passage is separated from the outlet of the blade blade part. In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the direction of flowing water. Further, in FIG. 8, the stator 9 is disposed so as to face the upstream end surface of the magnet M.
FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining the torque received by the moving blade in the case of FIG. Note that FIG. 9 shows the torque received by the moving blades by simulation with the rotating blade rotation speed set to 2500 rpm.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the outlet of the bypass passage 60a and the outlet of the rotor blade blade portion 19 are separated, the bypass flow 61a discharged from the outlet of the bypass passage 60a affects the rotation of the rotor blade and the flow in the rotor blade. The influence can be greatly reduced. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the fluctuation of torque received by the moving blade can be greatly reduced.

  However, if this is done, the outlet of the bypass passage 60a is also expanded, and the bypass flow 61a is likely to flow out of the bypass passage 60a, so that the amount of water flowing into the bypass passage 60a increases and water is passed to the moving blade side. It will also reduce the amount of water that is. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a new problem arises that the average pressure receiving torque is reduced to about half.

  As a result of the study, the inventors have made it necessary to shorten the upstream end face of the rotor blade and the upstream end face of the magnet M when it is necessary to shorten the length of the rotor blade blade in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction. If the arrangement is made so that the downstream end face of the rotor blade portion is positioned upstream of the downstream end face of the magnet, the reduction of the average pressure receiving torque and the fluctuation of the torque received by the rotor blade are reduced. We obtained knowledge that we can plan.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where both end surfaces are separated so that the downstream end surface of the rotor blade is located upstream from the downstream end surface of the magnet M. In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the direction of flowing water. Further, in FIG. 10, the stator 9 is disposed so as to face the downstream end face of the magnet M.
FIG. 11 is a graph for explaining the torque received by the moving blade in the case of FIG. Note that FIG. 11 shows the torque received by the moving blades by simulation with the rotating blade rotation speed set to 2500 rpm.

10 is different from the one shown in FIG. 6 in that the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet is not shortened, so that the bypass path 60b formed in the radially outward direction of the magnet is not shown. The length is never shortened. Therefore, the pulsating flow (bypass flow 61b) flowing from the pre-turning stationary blade 14 into the bypass passage 60b is discharged from the outlet of the bypass passage 60b in a attenuated state. Further, the outlet of the bypass passage 60b and the outlet of the rotor blade blade portion 19 are separated from each other. Therefore, the influence of the bypass flow 61b discharged from the outlet of the bypass passage 60b on the rotation of the moving blade and the flow in the moving blade can be greatly reduced.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, an increase in pulsation width can be suppressed while suppressing a decrease in average pressure receiving torque.

  The moving blade blade 19 is preferably provided on the upstream side of the magnet M as much as possible, and the upstream end surface of the magnet M and the upstream end surface of the moving blade blade 19 are more preferably aligned. In this way, the energy of the swirling flow from the pre-turning stationary blade 14 can be efficiently converted into electric power.

  As a result of further studies, the present inventor found that if the ratio of the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet M to the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion is a predetermined value or more, the average It has been found that a decrease in pressure receiving torque can be suppressed and an increase in pulsation width can also be suppressed.

  FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the ratio of the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet to the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade portion and the torque received by the blade. FIG. FIG. 12 shows the torque received by the moving blade by simulation with the rotating speed of the moving blade set to 2500 rpm. FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining the pulsation ratio in the case of FIG.

図１２、図１３、表１からわかるように、マグネットの径方向に略直角な方向の長さ／動翼羽根部の径方向に略直角な方向の長さを２倍以上とすれば、平均受圧トルクの低下を抑制しつつ脈動割合を２５％以下とすることができる。前述したように、本発明者の得た知見によれば、脈動割合が２５％を超えると動翼の回転ムラや騒音が大きくなりすぎ実用上の障害となるので、マグネットの径方向に略直角な方向の長さ／動翼羽根部の径方向に略直角な方向の長さを２倍以上とすることが好ましい。この場合、脈動割合の低減の観点からは、上限値に特に制限はないが、マグネットの径方向に略直角な方向の長さ／動翼羽根部の径方向に略直角な方向の長さが１０倍を超えると重量が大きくなりすぎ、動翼１５を回転させるために必要となる水力が大きくなりすぎるなどの問題が発生するおそれがある。 Table 1 summarizes each value in the case of FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 12, 13 and Table 1, if the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet / the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade is doubled or more, the average The pulsation ratio can be 25% or less while suppressing the decrease in the pressure receiving torque. As described above, according to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, if the pulsation ratio exceeds 25%, the rotation unevenness and noise of the rotor blades become excessively large and impede practical use. It is preferable that the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade portion is at least double. In this case, from the viewpoint of reducing the pulsation ratio, the upper limit value is not particularly limited, but the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet / the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade portion is If it exceeds 10 times, the weight becomes too large, and there is a possibility that problems such as excessive hydraulic power required to rotate the rotor blade 15 may occur.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet / the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade portion is 2 times or more and 10 times or less. Further, if the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet / the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade is 6 times or more, the pulsation ratio can be reduced while suppressing the decrease in the average pressure receiving torque. Since it can be made 15% or less, it is still better.

The above is a case in a general use environment as the generator 1 provided in the faucet device. However, depending on the use environment of the generator 1, for example, the amount of water, the water pressure, the optimum rotational speed of the moving blade, and the like vary. In some cases. Even in such a case, the average pressure is received by setting the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet so that the pulsation ratio is 25% or less / the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade. While suppressing a decrease in torque, an increase in pulsation width can be suppressed.
In other words, the downstream end surface of the blade portion may be provided at a position where the ratio of the pulsation width to the average pressure receiving torque received by the blade is 25% or less.

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

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded view for explaining the generator of “axial arrangement”.
N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction on the end face of the magnet M1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction.
The stator 90 includes a first yoke 131, a second yoke 132, and inductors 131a and 132a connected to each other, and the first yoke 131, the second yoke 132, and the inductor 131a, all made of a soft magnetic material (for example, rolled steel). , 132a, and a coil 50a disposed in the space surrounded by 132a. The third yoke 133 is coupled to the end of the first yoke 131 and the second yoke 132 opposite to the end provided with the inductors 131a and 132a.

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

Also in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the generator in the radial direction. And, if the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade part and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet are set as described above, the pulsation is suppressed while suppressing the decrease in the average pressure receiving torque. An increase in width can be suppressed.
Further, for example, a member may be further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the magnet M.

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

  The flowing water that has flowed into the cylindrical body 13 flows on the conical surface of the pre-swirl stationary blade 14 and is diffused in the radially outward direction, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. The swirl flow thus flows through the stationary blade flow path 71 between the stationary blade blade portions 18.

  The swirling flow that has flowed through the stationary blade flow path 71 flows into the moving blade flow path 72 and collides with the upper inclined surface of the moving blade blade portion 19. In the present embodiment, the swirling flow flowing into the moving blade flow path 72 is a flow swirling in the right direction with respect to the axial center, and therefore, a rightward force acts on the moving blade blade portion 19 and the moving blade 15 Rotates clockwise. Then, the flowing water that has flowed through the moving blade flow path 72 on the inner side of the inner peripheral surface of the magnet M passes through the inside of the bearing 17, passes through the inside of the cylindrical body 13, and reaches the water discharge port 6.

  When the moving blade 15 rotates, the magnet M fixed to it also rotates. As shown in FIG. 4, the end face (outer peripheral face) of the magnet M in the radially outward direction is alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction (rotation direction) with the N pole and the S pole. The polarities of the inductors 31a and 32a facing the end surface (outer peripheral surface) in the radially outward direction of the magnet M and the first and second yokes 31 and 32 connected to the inductors 31a and 32a change. Thereby, the direction of the interlinkage magnetic flux with respect to the coil 50 changes, an electromotive force is generated in the coil 50, and power generation is performed. In the case illustrated in FIG. 14, an electromotive force is similarly generated in the coil 50a. After the generated electric power is charged into the charger 56, it is used for driving the electromagnetic valve 8, the sensor 7, and the control unit 57, for example.

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

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

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

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

It is a schematic cross section of the generator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing the example of attachment of the automatic faucet device provided with the generator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of an automatic faucet device provided with the generator concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating a magnet. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating a stator. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade portion and the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet are the same length, and both are shortened. It is a graph for demonstrating the torque which a moving blade receives in the case of FIG. It is a schematic cross section for demonstrating the case where the exit of a bypass path and the exit of a moving blade blade | wing part are separated. It is a graph for demonstrating the torque which a moving blade receives in the case of FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where both end surfaces are separated such that the downstream end surface of the moving blade is positioned upstream from the downstream end surface of the magnet M. FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the torque which a moving blade receives in the case of FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the relationship between the ratio of the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet to the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotor blade blade part, and the torque received by the rotor blade. FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining a pulsation ratio in the case of FIG. 12. It is a schematic exploded view for demonstrating the generator of "axial arrangement".

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Generator, 3 Automatic faucet device, 9 Stator, 13 Cylinder, 14 Pre-rotation stationary blade, 15 Rotor blade, 19 Rotor blade part, 60b Bypass path, 61b Bypass flow, M magnet

Claims (1)

A moving blade having a rotation center substantially parallel to the water supply flow path, and having a moving blade blade provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the rotation center;
A magnet provided in a radially outward direction of the blade portion, and a magnet rotatable integrally with the blade;
A coil that generates an electromotive force by rotation of the magnet;
A stator having a yoke provided around the coil, and a plurality of inductors extending from the yoke and spaced apart from each other;
With
The upstream end face of the rotor blade and the upstream end face of the magnet are aligned,
The length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnet with respect to the length in the direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the blade blade part is set to be 2 times or more and 10 times or less, and thereby downstream of the blade blade part. A faucet for water faucet, characterized in that the downstream end face of the rotor blade blade part and the downstream end face of the magnet are separated from each other so that the side end face is located upstream of the downstream end face of the magnet . Generator.

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