JP7309127B2 - Automatic faucet device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic faucet system.

The functional part (including the solenoid valve) of the automatic water faucet system may be provided with a generator for generating water flow power.

A generator for generating electricity from water flow is relatively large in size compared to other parts of the automatic water faucet system. Therefore, after changing the base of the functional part of the automatic faucet system depending on whether such a generator is installed or not, each part of the functional part of the automatic faucet system is installed in each base. Optimizing the layout was common.

Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose the basic form of the functional part of the automatic faucet device.

JP-A-11-61918 JP 2018-53525 A

The inventors of the present invention have repeatedly studied automatic assembly of functional parts of an automatic faucet device using a robot or the like. In the case of automatic assembly, it is desirable not to change the base depending on the presence or absence of the generator, and furthermore, the layout of each part in the base (especially the mounting direction) should be shared as much as possible. I have found that it is desirable to

The present invention has been made based on the above findings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic faucet apparatus in which the assembly method is not greatly changed even if the generator is changed (selected).

The present invention comprises a base and a flow path unit having a flow path therein and being attachable to and detachable from the base, wherein the flow path unit is a first flow path member in which an electromagnetic valve is arranged. and a second flow path member provided downstream of the first flow path member, the second flow path member having an inlet through which water flows from the first flow path member; an outflow port through which water flows out to the water discharge port, and the base is capable of supporting the vicinity of the inflow port and the vicinity of the outflow port of the second flow channel member, respectively. An automatic faucet device characterized by

According to the present invention, the base has a structure that supports the vicinity of the outflow port and the inflow port of each of the second flow path member having the generator and the second flow path member having no generator, A common structure can be used to support the generator regardless of the presence or absence of the generator, and a common base can be used for both. Therefore, there is no need to change the base even when the presence or absence of the generator is changed (selected), and the degree of change in the assembly method can be significantly suppressed.

Further, the inlet is formed to extend in a direction in which the first flow path member is attached in a state where the second flow path member is attached to the base, and the first flow path member is: It is preferable that the second flow path member can be attached to the base and/or the second flow path member after the second flow path member is attached to the base.

According to this, regardless of whether or not the second flow path member has a generator, it is possible to share the mounting process of the first flow path member. Therefore, when performing automatic assembly, it is possible to reduce the burden of responding to changes in the presence or absence of the generator.

In this case, the first flow path member can be attached to the base and/or the second flow path member from the same direction as the second flow path member is attached to the base. Preferably.

According to this, since the direction of the work for mounting the second flow path member and the direction for the work for mounting the first flow path member are made common, the assembly work becomes easier, and in particular, automation is performed using a robot. In this case, there is no need to rotate the base, and the assembly work becomes easier.

Further, the present invention includes a base and a flow path unit having a flow path therein and being attachable to and detachable from the base. and a second flow path member provided downstream of the first flow path member, wherein the second flow path member is an inlet into which water flows from the first flow path member. and an outlet through which water flows out to the spout, and the base can support the vicinity of the inlet and the vicinity of the outlet of the second flow path member, respectively. and wherein the inflow port is formed to extend in a direction in which the first flow channel member is mounted in a state where the second flow channel member is mounted on the base. wherein the step of attaching the vicinity of the inflow port and the vicinity of the outflow port of the second flow path member to the base respectively; and attaching the first flow path member to the base and/or the and connecting the inlet of the second flow path member and the first flow path member at the same time as attaching to the second flow path member. manufacturing method.
According to this, regardless of whether or not the second flow path member has a generator, it is possible to share the mounting process of the first flow path member. Therefore, when performing automatic assembly, it is possible to reduce the burden of responding to changes in the presence or absence of the generator.

Also in this method, the first flow path member is attached to the base and/or the second flow path member from the same direction as the second flow path member is attached to the base. is preferred.
According to this, since the direction of the work for mounting the second flow path member and the direction for the work for mounting the first flow path member are made common, the assembly work becomes easier, and in particular, automation is performed using a robot. In this case, there is no need to rotate the base, and the assembly work becomes easier.

According to the present invention, the base has a structure that supports the vicinity of the outflow port and the inflow port of each of the second flow path member having the generator and the second flow path member having no generator, A common structure can be used to support the generator regardless of the presence or absence of the generator, and a common base can be used for both. Therefore, there is no need to change the base even when the presence or absence of the generator is changed (selected), and the degree of change in the assembly method can be significantly suppressed.

1 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of an automatic faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic faucet device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic faucet device of FIG. 1; 2 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the water inlet side channel unit of the automatic faucet device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the water inlet side channel unit of FIG. 4 as seen from above; FIG. 5 is a plan view of the water inlet side channel unit of FIG. 4; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic faucet device using an outlet-side channel unit with a generator. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the base of the automatic faucet device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 8 in a state where the water outlet side passage unit is attached; FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 9 in a state where all main parts including the water outlet side passage unit are attached; FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 8 in a state where a water outlet side flow path unit with a generator is attached; FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 11 in a state where all main parts including the water outlet side passage unit with generator are attached;

Next, an automatic faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(composition)
1 is a schematic perspective sectional view of an automatic faucet device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the automatic faucet device 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic faucet device 1; FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the automatic faucet device 1 of this embodiment includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped base 10 and a base 10 attached from the front side (the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2). and removable channel units 20 and 30 .

The channel unit of this embodiment is composed of a water outlet side channel unit 20 and a water inlet side channel unit 30 . First, the water discharge side passage unit 20 can be attached to and detached from the base 10 from the front side, and the water inlet side passage unit 30 can be attached from the front side to the water discharge side passage unit 20. It is attachable and detachable.

More specifically, the lower stepped portion 20s of the water discharge side passage unit 20 contacts the stepped portion 10s of the base 10, and the upper concave portion 20r of the water discharge side passage unit 20 is aligned with the base 10. The water discharge side channel unit 20 is attached to the base 10 from the front side (the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2) so as to engage with the fitting portion 10p.

A rear fitting recess 30r of the water inlet side passage unit 30 is fitted to the front protrusion 20p of the water outlet side passage unit 20 via an O-ring 92 . Furthermore, this fitted state is maintained by engaging the restraining member 40 with the key hole 30h of the rear fitting recess 30r and the key groove 20k of the front protrusion 20p.

The flow path of this embodiment includes a first flow path 31 extending upward from the lower region of the base 10 and a small diameter flow path extending forward from the upper end of the first flow path 31 by the water inlet side flow path unit 30 . a second flow path 32, a large-diameter third flow path 33 that continues to the second flow path 32 and extends further forward, a front end portion of the third flow path 33 (a front end of the third flow path 33 The fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) extending upward from the end defined by the rear end of the pressure-resistant member 80 to be described later communicates with the upper end of the fourth flow path 34 in plan view. An annular recess 35 (fifth flow path), a sixth flow path 36 extending downward by folding back from the recess 35 via an annular valve seat 35v in plan view, and a lower end of the sixth flow path 36 A seventh flow path 37 extending rearward from the portion is formed. The annular recess 35 in plan view is adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the annular valve seat 35v in plan view.

Furthermore, the flow path of the present embodiment includes an eighth flow path 28 that communicates with the seventh flow path 37 (the central axis is offset) and further extends rearward by the water outlet side flow path unit 20, A ninth flow path 29 extending from the rear end of the eighth flow path 28 to the upper region of the base 10 is formed.

Further, in the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve unit 50 can be attached to and removed from the upper end of the sixth channel 36 of the water inlet side channel unit 30 from above.

More specifically, the solenoid valve unit 50 is inserted (fitted) into the upper fitting recess 30 q of the water inlet side passage unit 30 via the O-ring 95 .

The solenoid valve unit 50 of this embodiment can open and close the pilot hole 56 by moving the pilot valve 54 by the magnetic force provided by the solenoid coil 55 .

When the pilot hole 56 is opened, the back pressure chamber 53 communicates with the seventh flow path 37 or the eighth flow path 28 via the pilot passage 57, that is, the water in the back pressure chamber 53 flows into the seventh flow path. 37 or the eighth passage 28, the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 53 decreases, the diaphragm 52 is elastically deformed, and the main valve body 51 is separated from the valve seat 35v, that is, the main valve body 51 is opened. It has become so.

When the pilot hole 56 is closed, the communication between the back pressure chamber 53 and the pilot passage 57 is cut off, the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 53 returns to its original equilibrium state, and the main valve body 51 moves to the valve seat 35v. It abuts, that is, the main valve body 51 is closed.

In addition, the third flow path 33 of the water inlet side flow path unit 30 has a stepped cylindrical shape (a gently tapered substantially conical shape may be used) that gradually tapers toward the rear side (left side in FIG. 2). A tubular strainer 70 is inserted (fitted) from the front through an O-ring 97 .

The strainer 70 has a filtration portion 71 on at least a part of its peripheral surface, and the upstream side of the flow path (the second flow path 32) is a space 72 inside the filtration portion 71 of the cylindrical strainer 70. , and the downstream side of the flow path (third flow path 33 ) communicates with the space outside the filtration portion 71 of the cylindrical strainer 70 .

A constant flow valve 73 is provided in a space 72 inside the filtering portion 71 of the strainer 70 and in a region on the side communicating with the second flow path 32 . The constant flow valve 73 is fitted on the rear side of the tubular strainer 70 .

In addition, a pressure-resistant member 80 is provided on the front side of the tubular strainer 70 . The pressure-resistant member 80 is screwed through an O-ring 98 to a front female screw portion 30t extending further forward of the third flow path 33 of the water inlet-side flow path unit 30. defines the front end of the space 72 inside the filtering portion 71 of the strainer 70 and the front end of the third channel 33 .

Further, the fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) of the present embodiment is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually widens toward the upper side. A supplementary description of this will be given with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.

4 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the water inlet side passage unit 30 of the automatic faucet device 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective cross section of the water inlet side passage unit 30 of FIG. 4 as seen from above. 6 is a plan view of the water inlet side passage unit 30 of FIG. 4. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) of the present embodiment has a flow path extending upward so as to wrap around the cylindrical wall that defines the sixth flow path 36. The road cross-sectional area is gradually expanding.

More specifically, the fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) of the present embodiment communicates with the third flow path 33 via an opening hole 34h (see FIG. 6) on the lower surface side. On both the left and right sides of 34h, as it goes upward, it gradually spreads into the cylindrical space further outside the cylindrical wall that defines the sixth flow path 36, and at the upper end, the cylinder that defines the sixth flow path 36 It smoothly transitions (continues) to an annular recess 35 surrounding the wall (surrounding valve seat 35v).

(Action)
According to the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment described above, the cylindrical strainer 70 is employed, and the upstream side of the flow path (the second flow path 32 ) is relative to the filtering portion 71 of the strainer 70 While communicating with the inner space 72, the downstream side of the flow path (the third flow path 33) communicates with the outer space of the filtering portion 71 of the strainer 70. can be easily removed from the front side.

Further, according to the automatic water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the solenoid valve unit 50 that opens or closes the channel of the channel unit by opening and closing the solenoid valve (the main valve body 51 via the pilot valve 54) is connected to the water inlet. It can be attached to and removed from the upper end of the sixth channel 36 of the side channel unit 30 (the valve seat 35v and the main valve body 51 are aligned). As a result, it is easy to remove the solenoid valve unit 50 at the time of maintenance or the like, and the maintenance work of the solenoid valve unit 50 or the like is easy.

Further, according to the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, since the solenoid valve unit 50 and the strainer 70 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the forward protrusion of the flow path, and the size balance is good as a whole. The automatic faucet device 1 can be realized.

Further, according to the automatic water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the fourth flow path from the space outside the filtering portion 71 of the cylindrical strainer 70 toward the solenoid valve (the main valve body 51 of the solenoid valve unit 50) 34 (upward flow path) wraps around the cylindrical wall that defines the sixth flow path 36, so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually widens toward the upper side. Thereby, the water flow toward the solenoid valve (the main valve body 51 of the solenoid valve unit 50) can be stabilized.

In particular, the fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) of the present embodiment communicates with the third flow path 33 via the opening hole 34h (see FIG. 6) on the lower surface side, and the left and right sides of the opening hole 34h On both sides, as it goes upward, it gradually expands into the cylindrical space further outside the cylindrical wall defining the sixth flow path 36, so that the solenoid valve can be installed without requiring a significant increase in space. The water flow toward (the main valve element 51 of the solenoid valve unit 50) can be effectively stabilized.

Further, the fourth flow path 34 (upward flow path) of the present embodiment is smoothed into an annular recess 35 surrounding the cylindrical wall defining the sixth flow path 36 (surrounding the valve seat 35v) at its upper end. , the water flow toward the valve seat 35v of the solenoid valve (the main valve element 51 of the solenoid valve unit 50) can be omnidirectionally supplied via the annular recess 35. can.

Further, according to the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the constant flow valve 73 is provided in the space 72 inside the filtering portion 71 of the tubular strainer 70 . As a result, the space 72 inside the filtering portion 71 of the cylindrical strainer 70 can be effectively utilized, and the automatic water faucet device 1 can be realized as a whole with a reduced space.

Furthermore, according to the automatic faucet device 1 of this embodiment, the constant flow valve 73 is fitted to the rear side of the cylindrical strainer 70 . This makes it easy to integrally handle the cylindrical strainer 70 and the constant flow valve 73 (integrally attach or detach).

Furthermore, according to the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the pressure-resistant member 80 is provided on the front side of the tubular strainer 70 . This eliminates the need to design the cylindrical strainer 70 itself as a pressure-resistant member, so that the strainer 70 can be manufactured from relatively low-cost materials.

In addition, in the automatic faucet device 1 of the present embodiment, the outflow-side channel unit 20 can be replaced with the outflow-side channel unit 120 equipped with a generator 125 that generates water current power. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic faucet device 1 when the water outlet side flow path unit 20 is replaced with the water outlet side flow path unit 120 with a generator.

The lower stepped portion 120s of the water outlet side flow path unit 120 with a generator contacts the stepped portion 10s of the base 10, and the upper concave portion 120r of the water outlet side flow path unit 120 with a power generator is positioned on the base. 10 so that the water outlet side passage unit 120 with a generator is attached to the base 10 from the front side (right side in FIGS. 7 to 9). there is

As shown in FIG. 7 , the generator-equipped water outlet side flow path unit 120 also has an eighth flow path 128 and a ninth flow path 28 , similar to the eighth flow path 28 and the ninth flow path 29 of the water discharge side flow path unit 20 . 129 is provided. In addition, it has a key groove 120k similar to the key groove 20k to hold the water inlet side passage unit 30. As shown in FIG.

(assembly)
As described above, the water outlet side flow path unit 20 (second flow path member) of the type that does not have a generator can be attached to and detached from the base 10 from the front side. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the base 10 of the automatic faucet device 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 8 with the water outlet side passage unit 20 attached.

Specifically, the lower stepped portion 20s in the vicinity of the inlet of the water discharge side flow passage unit 20 is in contact with the stepped portion 10s of the base 10, and the vicinity of the outlet of the water discharge side flow passage unit 20 is adjusted. The water discharge side passage unit 20 is pushed from the front side (the right side in FIGS. 8 and 9) so that the upper concave portion 20r (near the downstream end) is engaged with the fitting portion 10p of the base 10. It is attached to the platform 10 .

Thereafter, the water inlet side channel unit 30 (first channel member) can be attached to and detached from the water outlet side channel unit 20 from the front side. Specifically, the rear fitting concave portion 30r of the water inlet side passage unit 30 is fitted to the front protrusion portion 20p of the water outlet side passage unit 20 via the O-ring 92 . This fitted state is maintained by engaging the holding member 40 with the key hole 30h of the rear fitting recess 30r and the key groove 20k of the front projection 20p.

In addition, the water inlet channel unit 30 is attached to the fixing arms 10a and 10b (see FIG. 8) of the base 10 by fixing wings 30a and 30b (see FIGS. 3 and 10) provided so as to expand to the left and right. It is also attachable and detachable. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 9 with all main parts including the water discharge side passage unit 20 attached.

Substantially similarly, when using the water discharge side flow path unit 120 (second flow path member) of the type having a generator, the water discharge side flow path unit 120 is attached to the base 10 from the front side and It is removable. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 8 in a state in which the water outlet side passage unit 120 with a generator is attached.

Specifically, the lower stepped portion 120s in the vicinity of the inflow port of the generator-equipped water outlet-side channel unit 120 is in contact with the stepped portion 10s of the base 10, and the generator-equipped water outlet side flow path is adjusted. The water outlet side flow passage unit 120 with a generator is positioned forward ( It is attached to the base 10 from the right side in FIGS. 8 and 11).

After that, the water inlet side channel unit 30 (first channel member) can be attached to and removed from the water outlet side channel unit 120 with the generator from the front side. Specifically, the rear side fitting recess 30r of the water inlet side passage unit 30 is fitted through the O-ring 92 to the front side projection portion of the water outlet side passage unit 120 with the generator. This fitted state is maintained by engaging the holding member 40 with the key hole 30h of the rear fitting recess 30r and the key groove 120k of the front protrusion.

In this case as well, the water inlet channel unit 30 is fixed by the fixing arms 10a and 10b (see FIG. 8) of the base 10 by the fixing wings 30a and 30b (see FIGS. 3 and 12) provided so as to expand left and right. ) can also be attached and detached. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to FIG. 11 with all main components including the generator-equipped water outlet side flow path unit 120 attached.

As described above, even if the base 10 of the automatic water faucet device 1 of the present embodiment is the water output side channel unit 120 (second channel member) having the generator 125 that generates water current, the generator that generates water current , the lower stepped portions 20s and 120s (second It is possible to support the substantially vertical portion of the flow path member (the lower end region of the portion defining the ninth flow path 29, 129), and the outflow port of the water discharge side flow path unit 20, 120 by the fitting portion 10p. can support the upper concave portions 20r and 120r (regions of upper ends of substantially vertical portions of the second flow path member (portions defining the ninth flow paths 29 and 129)).

Due to such features, the supporting structure can be shared regardless of the presence or absence of the generator, and the base 10 can be shared for both. Therefore, there is no need to change the base even when the presence or absence of the generator is changed (selected), and the degree of change in the assembly method can be significantly suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, in a state in which the water discharge side flow path units 20 and 120 (second flow path member) are attached to the base 10, the water discharge side flow path units 20 and 120 (second flow path member) are The inflow port extends in the direction in which the water inlet side channel unit 30 (first channel member) is attached. After the water-outflow-side flow passage units 20 and 120 are attached to the base 10, the water-inflow-side flow passage unit 30 (first flow-path member) is attached to the base 10 and the water-outflow-side flow passage units 20 and 120. At the same time, the inlets of the water outlet side flow path units 20 and 120 (second flow path member) and the water inlet side flow path unit 30 (first flow path member) are connected. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the outflow-side flow path unit has a generator, it is possible to share the mounting process of the water-inflow-side flow path unit 30 . As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden of responding to changes in the presence or absence of a generator when performing automatic assembly.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the water inlet side channel unit 30 (first channel member) is mounted on the base 10 and the water outlet side from the same direction as the water outlet side channel units 20 and 120 are attached to the base 10. It can be attached to the channel units 20 and 120 . Therefore, the direction of the work for mounting the flow passage units 20 and 120 on the water outflow side and the direction for the work for mounting the flow passage unit 30 on the water inflow side are made common, and the assembly work becomes simpler, and automation is performed particularly by using a robot. In this case, there is no need to rotate the base, and the assembly work becomes easier.

1 automatic faucet device 10 base 10a fixing arm 10b fixing arm 10p fitting portion 10s stepped portion 20 water outlet side passage unit 20k key groove 20p forward projection 20r recessed portion 20s stepped portion 28 eighth passage 29 ninth Flow path 30 Water inlet side flow path unit 30a Fixing wing 30b Fixing wing 30h Key hole 30q Upper side fitting recess 30r Rear side fitting recess 30t Front female screw part 31 First flow path 32 Second flow path 33 Third flow Path 34 Fourth flow path 34h Opening hole 35 Recess 35v Valve seat 36 Sixth flow path 37 Seventh flow path 40 Retaining member 50 Solenoid valve unit 51 Main valve body 52 Diaphragm 53 Back pressure chamber 54 Pilot valve 55 Electromagnetic coil 56 Pilot hole 57 Pilot passage 70 Strainer 71 Filtration part 72 Space 73 Constant flow valve 80 Pressure-resistant member 92 O-ring 95 O-ring 97 O-ring 98 O-ring 120 Outflow side passage unit 120k with generator Key groove 120r Concave part 120s Stepped part 125 Generator 128 eighth channel 129 ninth channel

Claims (5)

a base;
a flow path unit having a flow path inside and attachable to and detachable from the base;
with
The flow path unit has a first flow path member in which an electromagnetic valve is arranged, and a second flow path member provided downstream of the first flow path member,
The second flow path member has an inlet through which water flows from the first flow path member and an outlet through which water flows out to the spout,
The automatic faucet device, wherein the base can support the vicinity of the inflow port and the vicinity of the outflow port of the second channel member, respectively. With the second flow path member attached to the base, the inlet is formed to extend in a direction in which the first flow path member is attached,
The first flow path member can be attached to the base and/or the second flow path member after the second flow path member is attached to the base. Item 1. The automatic faucet device according to Item 1. The first flow path member is attachable to the base and/or the second flow path member from the same direction as the second flow path member is attached to the base. The automatic faucet device according to claim 2. a base;
a flow path unit having a flow path inside and attachable to and detachable from the base;
with
The flow path unit has a first flow path member in which an electromagnetic valve is arranged, and a second flow path member provided downstream of the first flow path member,
The second flow path member has an inlet through which water flows from the first flow path member and an outlet through which water flows out to the spout,
The base can support the vicinity of the inflow port and the vicinity of the outflow port of the second channel member, respectively,
Manufacture of an automatic faucet device characterized in that the inflow port is formed to extend in a direction in which the first flow path member is attached in a state where the second flow path member is attached to the base. a method,
attaching the vicinity of the inflow port and the vicinity of the outflow port of the second flow path member to the base, respectively; and attaching the first flow path member to the base and/or the second flow path member. connecting the inlet of the second channel member and the first channel member at the same time as attaching the
A method for manufacturing an automatic faucet device, comprising: The first flow path member is attached to the base and/or the second flow path member from the same direction in which the second flow path member is attached to the base. Item 5. A method for manufacturing an automatic faucet device according to item 4.

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