JPH02144427A - One touch water tap - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a water tap to be easily replaced by fitting a connector plug set on the water tap removably on a connector plug socket set at a feed water pipe, and by arranging a power supply device, a control section, an operating section, and a functioning section in a water tap body. CONSTITUTION:At the lower section of the vertical base section 20a of a water tap main-body 20, a connector plug 100 is formed, and at a makeup bowl 10, a connector plug socket 110 is formed. Besides, a hot water mixing tap C for jetting the mixed hot water of a required temperature and a required quantity is set in the main body 20. Then, a control section D for controlling the actuator of the mixing tap C, operating sections E, F for transmitting driving signal to the control section D, and a charged battery 150 are arranged in a space S. Besides, when the main body 20 is fitted on the mount 12 of the plug socket 110, then the plug 100 is pushed into the opening slot of the mount 12, and the main body 20 is turned till the lock key of the safety lock of the plug 100 is fitted on the slot to be fitted on, of the mount 12.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to a removable automatic faucet.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, various types of automatic faucets have been known that can automatically control water on/off, hot water temperature, etc. We are proposing an automatic faucet that can automatically control the hot water temperature and amount of hot water.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) Such an automatic water faucet is intended to be used permanently unless there is a functional failure once it is installed. It used an external power source such as a commercial power source.

On the other hand, with the recent improvement in living standards and the diversification of lifestyles, we are now in an era where faucets with different functions, shapes, and colors can be easily used depending on the temple and occasion, the user's preferences, and the mood of the moment. is coming.

In view of this situation, when replacing conventional automatic faucets, it is necessary to perform complicated installation and disconnection work on water supply pipes or hot water supply pipes, as well as cutting and repairing lead wires for power connection, making it difficult for users to easily use different faucets. The problem was that they were unable to respond to the demands of the government.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention was constructed in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water faucet that can be easily replaced by a general user.

(Structure of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a connector plug that is detachably fitted to a connector outlet provided at the end of a water supply pipe of a washbasin, etc., and has a power supply device, a control unit, an operation unit, and a function This is achieved by a one-touch faucet with a

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a washbasin B equipped with a one-touch faucet A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the one-touch faucet A is placed on the back placement surface of the washbowl IO in this embodiment. In addition, 11
is a washstand counter to which a washbowl 10 is attached.

The internal structure of the one-touch faucet A is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the overall configuration of the one-touch faucet A, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 2. In the figure, the faucet body indicated by reference number 20 is configured as an automatic faucet powered by a rechargeable battery that can automatically control the temperature and amount of mixed hot water. It consists of a cylindrical body connecting the base ends of the inclined discharge part 20b. A connector plug 100 is formed in the lower part of the vertical base 20a, and a connector outlet 110 is formed in the washbasin 10 to be removably engaged with the connector plug 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. 4, which is a perspective view of the connector plug 100, the connector plug 100 has a cylindrical diameter-reduced portion 20e at the bottom of the faucet main body, and a lower end peripheral surface of the diameter-reduced portion 20c. Two fin-like protrusions 20d+20dz protrude outward at diametrically opposed positions, a flow path pipe 30.3I protrudes downward from the lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 20c in the same diametrical direction as the fin-like protrusions, and a safety lock 200
It consists of The fin-like projections 20d are formed narrower than the fin-like projections 20d2, and the flow path pipe 30
is arranged on the side of the fin-like projection 20d. Furthermore, a groove portion 20 is provided between the flow path pipes 31 and 30 on the lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 20c.
A pair of charging electrodes 90 are provided in the groove.
is accommodated. The structure of the safety lock 200 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Here, Figure 4A is ■-■ of Figure 4.
Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line, and Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken from ■-■ in Fig. 4A.
It is a sectional view along the line. Reference numeral 201 in the figure is a U-shaped lock key, and oval through holes 202 and 202 are provided near the upper ends of each of the bifurcated parts of the lock key 201. A connecting rod 203 that connects these to each other is slidably inserted, and the connecting rod 203 connects to one end 204 of the dual-type crank 204.
a between the two forked portions of the lock key 201 in a slidable manner. Furthermore, pressing springs 208 and 208 are disposed at the upper ends of each of the forked portions of the lock key 201. Lock key 201, connecting rod 203, dual type crank 20
4 and the pressing spring 208 are connected to the safety lock block 20
5, a storage space 20 with an open bottom end
5a, and the central part of the dual-type crank 204 has a pin 207 fixed to a safety lock block 205.
It is rotatably supported by.

A push button 209 is fitted into an opening provided on one side of the safety lock block 205.
One end abuts one end 204b of the dual-type crank, and the other end projects outward from the side surface of the safety locking block 205. After the safety lock block 205 incorporates the lock key 201, connecting rod 203, dual-type crank 204, pressing spring 208, and push button 209,
With the protruding end of the push button 209 exposed to the outside,
The faucet main body 20 is fitted and fixed into a notch having a complementary shape provided in the vertical base 20a.

Connector outlet ilO has mount 12, rotation plate 1
3. It has the following structure consisting of the fixing plate 14 and slip washers 16 and 16' as main members. That is, the mount 12 is a rectangular plate-shaped body as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. An opening 12a is provided for insertion. Connector plugs 10 are provided in the opening 12a at positions facing each other in the diametrical direction.
Two notches 12b, 12b2 are provided for receiving the fin-like protrusions 20 (J+, 20dz) of 0, respectively, and the lower part of the peripheral wall of the opening 12a cooperates with the upper end surface of the cylindrical socket 15, which will be described later. , fin-like protrusions 20d, , 2
In order to form two grooves 17 that are pivotally and slidably fitted with
2c are each provided over approximately 1 //4 circumferences of the opening 12a. The depth of the stepped portion 12c, and therefore the groove 1
The height of 7 gradually decreases from the through notches 12b, 12b2 toward the end. As a result, the upper surface of the groove 17 forms a cam surface that gradually applies a downward force to the fin-shaped protrusions 20d, 20d when the fin-shaped protrusions 20d, 20d2 rotate along the groove 17. plug 1
00 is prevented from wobbling when attached to the connector outlet 110. The mount 12 is attached to the washbasin lO by the following procedure. That is, after fixing the mount 12 and the cylindrical socket 15 with screws 120, the cylindrical socket 15 is inserted into the counter from the opening of the washbowl 10.
Insert the seat nut 12 from the back of the counter 11.
6 is screwed onto the outside of the cylindrical socket 15, and the washbowl 10 is held between the seat nut 126 and the mount 12, whereby the mount 12 is attached to the washbowl 10. Further, a watertightness maintaining gasket 121 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the mount 12 that is in contact with the upper surface of the washbasin IO. Furthermore, as can be seen from FIGS. 4A and 5, the rotating plate 13, which has a fitting hole 210 provided on the upper surface of the mount 12 for fitting the lock key 201 of the aforementioned safety lock, is compressed in the center. It is a circular plate-shaped body having a diameter portion 13c, and is housed in a sliding fit inside the cylindrical socket 15 below the mount 12 so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the cylindrical socket 15. The vertical movement of the rotary plate 13 is regulated by the upper inner annular stepped portion 15a of the cylindrical socket 15 and the fixed plate 14. The side surface of the reduced diameter portion 13c is a fixing plate 14
The lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 13c and the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the rotating plate 13 form close sliding surfaces with slip washers 16 and 16', which will be described later, respectively. The rotating plate 13 has through holes 13b and 1 for receiving the flow path pipes 30 and 31 of the connector plug 100, respectively.
3a, a recess is provided in the aperture, and within the recess are through-holes 13b, 13a and a flow pipe 30.31.
A ring packing 122 for maintaining watertightness between the two is provided. A recess is also provided on the side surface of the reduced diameter portion 13e, and an O-ring 123 for maintaining watertightness between the rotary plate 13 and a fixed plate 14, which will be described later, is disposed within the recess. From the viewpoint of improving the flatness of the sliding surface and also the adhesion, it is preferable that the rotary plate 13 is made of ceramic or metal.

Examples of ceramics include A1201, SiO2, ZrO
2,5iC1T i C, TaC5B1 cX wc,
Crx C2, S lx Nt, BN, TIN, AI
! Examples include N5TIB2 and CrBz.

The fixed plate 14 is a circular plate-like body having a circular recess 14c in the center for receiving the reduced diameter part 13c of the rotary plate 13, and a key 1 is inserted into the cylindrical socket 15 below the rotary plate 13.
24, and is housed in a fixed fit. Circular recess 1
The side surface of 4c forms a contact sliding surface with rotating plate 13. Like the rotary plate, the fixed plate 14 is preferably made of ceramic or metal from the viewpoint of improving the flatness of the sliding surface and also the adhesion.

The slip washer 16 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 13c of the rotating plate 13 and the bottom surface of the circular recess 14c of the fixed plate 14.
Further, slip washers 16' are disposed between the lower surface of the inner annular stepped portion 15a at the upper end of the cylindrical socket 15 and the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the rotary plate 13, respectively. The slip washer 16 has a convex portion 16c tightly fitted into a groove 14d,
It is tightly fixed on the bottom surface of the circular recess 14c. The upper surface of the slip washer 16 forms a close sliding surface with the rotating plate 13, and the lower or upper surface of the slip washer 16' forms a close sliding surface with the rotating plate 13 or the cylindrical socket 15. The slip washers 16, 16' are connected to the rotating plate 13 and the fixed plate 1, respectively.
4, the rotary plate 13 and the cylindrical socket 15 are provided for the purpose of preventing them from sticking and reducing sliding resistance when they slide. Therefore slip washer 16.16'
is preferably made of a slippery material such as fluororesin.

The slip washer 16 has an opening 13a in the rotating plate 13.
, 13b are provided with an opening 13a at a complementary position.

Through-holes 16a, 16b having the same diameter as those of the rotary plate 13b are provided in the fixed plate 14 at positions complementary to the apertures 13a, 13b of the rotary plate 13, from the bottom surface of the circular recess 14c to approximately the thickness of the fixed plate 14. Apertures 14a and 14b are provided that reach the center and have the same diameter as the apertures 13a and 13b. Opening hole 14a,
A hot water supply pipe 22 and a water supply pipe 21 fitted into the fixing plate 14 communicate with 14b, respectively. Opening holes 14a, 16a
as well as! 4b and 16b are notches 1 of the mount 12, respectively.
2b2.12b, and is arranged at a position shifted by 90 degrees clockwise. O-rings 125 are disposed at the upper ends of the openings 14a and 14b of the fixed plate 14 to prevent water from leaking between the slip washer 16 and the fixed plate 14. Also, the portions between the hot water supply pipes 22 and the water supply pipes 21 and the lower surface of the fixing plate 14 are sealed by metal piping brackets 220 and O-rings 221 that are brazed to the hot water supply pipes 22 and the water supply pipes 21, and are sealed from the core part. prevents water leakage.

A slip washer 16.16 is provided below the fixing plate 14.
In order to tighten the fixing plate 14, piping bracket 220, etc., a cylindrical screw plug 18 is screwed into the inside of the cylindrical socket 15. In addition, the cylindrical screw plug 18 and the piping bracket 2
A disc spring 222 is disposed between the ends 20 to ensure proper tightening force.

FIG. 3A shows another aspect of the structure of the interrelationship between the hot water supply pipe 22, the water supply pipe 21, and the lower surface of the fixing plate 14. When the fixing plate 14 is made of metal, as shown in FIG. 3A, the portions between the hot water supply pipes 22, the water supply pipes 21 and the lower surface of the fixing plate 14 are sealed by gluing, welding, or brazing. Water leakage from the core may be prevented.

Next, the operation of the connector plug 100 and the connector outlet 110 of the one-touch faucet A according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be explained.

When the faucet main body 20 of the one-touch faucet A is not attached to the mount 12 of the connector outlet 110, the openings 13a and 13b are connected to the openings 16a and 16b of the slip washer, and eventually to the fixing plate 14, as shown in FIG. opening 14a of
, 14b, and the upper ends of the water supply pipe 21 and the hot water supply pipe 22 are closed. Connector outlet 11 by close contact, O-ring 123, and O-ring 125
Since watertightness of 0 is maintained, water supply pipes and hot water supply pipes are reliably water-tight.

Mount 1 of faucet body 20 and connector outlet 110
2, insert the fin-shaped protrusions 20d, 20d2 of the connector plug 100 into the notches 12b, 12b2 of the mount 12, and then insert the fin-shaped protrusions 20d
,, the connector plug 100 until the lower surface of 20d2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the upper inner annular step portion 15a of the cylindrical socket 15.
are pushed into the openings 12a of the mount 12, and the channel pipes 30 and 31 of the connector plugs are inserted into the openings 13b of the rotating plate.
, 13a and fit together. At this time, the charging electrode 9
0 is accommodated in the groove 2Oe, so it does not interfere with the above operation. Next, the fin-like protrusions 20d, 20d2 of the connector plug 100 connect to the connector outlet 11.
The lower surface step part 12c of the mount 12 of 0 and the cylindrical socket 15
Turn the faucet main body 2° clockwise until it is fitted into the groove 17 formed by the upper surface of the faucet body 2 and rotates and slides until it comes into contact with the end of the groove 17. Fin-like protrusion 20d4, 20d2 is groove 1
When the lock key 201 of the safety lock 200 touches the end of the spring 2 and stops rotating, the lock key 201 of the safety lock 200
08, the faucet body 20 is fitted into a fitting hole 210 provided on the upper surface of the mount 12, and subsequent rotation of the faucet body 20 is restricted. In addition, by appropriately selecting the position of the safety lock 200 provided on the faucet body 20 and the size of the lock key 201, a special fitting hole 2 can be formed in the mount 12.
Mount notches 12b, , 12b without providing 10
It is also possible to configure the lock key 201 to fit into either one of the two.

Now, in a state where the rotation of the faucet main body 20 after the lock key 201 is fitted into the fitting hole 210 is restricted, the through holes 13a and 13b of the rotary plate 13 are connected to the through holes of the slip washer 16, respectively. 16a and 16b, closely overlap with each other, water supply pipe 21, hot water supply pipe 22 and flow pipe 30.31.
are connected to each other. In this case, the connector plug 10
0 and the connector outlet 110, that is, the through holes 13a, 13 of the flow path pipe 31.30 and the rotary plate 13.
The watertightness of the connector outlet 11O is maintained by the ring packing 122, while the watertightness of the connector outlet 11O is maintained by the rotating plate
3 and the fixed plate 14, the slip washer 16, and the slip washer 16', and the O-ring 123 and the O-ring
- the flow pipe 30.3 after being retained by the ring 125;
1 is communicated with the water supply pipe 21 and the hot water supply pipe 22, respectively, so that the watertightness of the connecting portion between the faucet main body 20 and the mount 12 is ensured during and after installation.

Further, when removing the main body 20 of the one-touch faucet from the mount 12 of the connector outlet 110, first push the push button 209 of the safety lock 200. This rotates the crank 204 clockwise around the pin 207, moves the lock key 201 upward against the pressing force of the spring 208, and releases the engagement between the lock key 201 and the fitting hole 210 of the mount 12. Then, the faucet main body 20 is made rotatable. After that, the operation for attaching the faucet main body 20 to the mount 12 is performed in the reverse order. In this case, after the upper ends of the hot water supply pipe 22 and the water supply pipe 21 are closed by the rotary plate 13, the faucet main body 20 is removed from the mount 12,
-Blade turning plate 13, fixed plate 14, slip washer 16
Since the watertightness of the connector outlet 110 is maintained by the close contact with the slip washer 16' and the O-ring 123 and O-ring 125, the connection between the faucet main body 20 and the mount 12 during removal is Watertightness and water-tightness of water supply pipes and hot water supply pipes after removal are ensured.

As described above, in the one-touch faucet A according to this embodiment, the faucet main body 20, the water supply pipe 21, and the hot water supply pipe 22 can be easily attached and detached. As can be seen from the above, once the faucet main body 20 is attached to the mount 12, the safety lock 200 is activated and the faucet main body 20 cannot be removed from the mount 12 unless the push button 209 is pressed. During use of the one-touch faucet A, there is no possibility that the faucet body 20 will come off the mount 12 against one's will.

In the above embodiment, the connector plug 100 and the connector receptacle 110 are fitted by rotating and sliding, but if turning is not possible due to restrictions such as the faucet installation position or the shape of the faucet, it is also possible to fit them by sliding in a straight line. good.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a water supply pipe 131 made of synthetic resin such as cross-linked polyethylene is installed inside the sheath pipe 130.
A tube element 135 , 136 connectable to a fitting 133 , 134 provided at the end of the fixing plate 14
It can also be equipped in communication with the aS 14b.

With such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily update the water supply pipe and the hot water supply pipe.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector part is configured for a hot water mixing faucet, but for example, the flow path pipe 31 is made of a solid rod, and the fixing plate 1 is made of a solid rod.
4 aperture 14a and aperture 16 of slip washer 16
By closing a, it is also possible to configure it for a river faucet.

The configuration and operation of the connector plug 100 and the connector outlet 110 of the one-touch faucet A according to the present embodiment have been described above. Next, the configuration and operation of the faucet main body 20 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vertical base 20a of the faucet body 20 is integrally incorporated with a hot water mixing faucet C, which is a functional part, and the hot water mixing faucet C is configured as described below. , its inflow side is connected to the water supply pipe 21 and the hot water supply pipe 22, and its outflow side is connected to the discharge port 23, and the tip side 24a is connected to the discharge port 23.
The base end side 24b of the discharge side flow path 24 is connected to the base end side 24b. Further, as described above, a pair of charging electrodes 90 are disposed within the groove 20e provided on the lower surface of the reduced diameter portion 20e at the lower end of the vertical base 20a. When charging, the charging electrode 90 is connected to a commercial power source using a charging adapter (not shown).

Further, as is clear from FIG. 2, in the inclined discharge part 20b of the faucet main body 20, a discharge side flow path 24 is formed by dividing the discharge part 20 by a partition wall 40, and A space S for installing a control device and the like is formed above the flow path 24 in a watertight manner.

In this control device installation space S, there are provided a control section for controlling the drive of the hot water mixer faucet C, operation sections E and F for sending drive signals to the control section, and a rechargeable battery 150. There is.

In this way, in this embodiment, the hot water mixing faucet C, the control unit, and the rechargeable battery 150 are compactly incorporated into the faucet main body 20, so that the required installation space of the one-touch faucet A is minimized. This allows you to maximize the use of space such as the washroom.

Further, since the hot water mixing faucet C is provided at the base of the faucet body 20, the stability and seating comfort of the faucet body 20 are improved. Further, since hot water and water are mixed at the base of the faucet body 20, a sufficiently long discharge side flow path 24 can be formed between the hot water and water mixing faucet C and the discharge port 23, and hot water is mixed in the flow path 24. Mix thoroughly and
Mixed hot water with a uniform temperature can be formed and discharged from the discharge port 23.

Hot water mixer faucet C1 control part D, operating part E, used in this embodiment
F may take various forms, but the illustrated embodiment has a configuration as described below.

First, the configuration of the hot water mixer faucet C, which is a functional part, will be explained. In FIG. 3, reference numerals 30 and 31 denote a pair of flow passage pipes formed vertically at the lower part of the vertical base 20a of the faucet main body 20, as described above.

The flow pipes 30 and 31 function as a water supply flow path and a hot water supply flow path for the hot and cold water mixing faucet C, and their lower open ends are connected to the water supply pipe 21 and the hot water supply pipe 22, respectively, through the aforementioned connector device. ing.

On the other hand, the upper open ends of the flow pipes 30 and 31 are connected to compartments 3 formed on both side walls of the vertical base 20a of the faucet body 20.
It communicates with 2.33.

Furthermore, a single-shaped channel 34 is formed in the center of the vertical base 20a of the faucet body 20.

The single-shaped flow path 34 functions as a mixed water flow path for the hot and cold water mixing faucet C, and its outer opening end 34
a communicates with the discharge side flow path 24, while its inner bifurcated open end communicates with the compartments 32 and 33.

Further, valve seats 35 and 36 are provided at the inner bifurcated opening of the T-shaped flow path 34, respectively.
6 includes valve bodies 37 and 3B, which are made of diaphragm valves that move back and forth in the left and right horizontal directions within the vertical base 20a of the faucet main body 20 and come into contact with the valve seats 35 and 36 to open and close the inner bifurcated opening end.
is installed.

Furthermore, piezoelectric actuators I, which are one form of a micro-distance stepless drive type actuator, are attached to both side walls of the base of the faucet body 20, respectively.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each piezoelectric actuator (2) is a plunger that can freely advance and retreat concentrically and along the axis within a cylindrical actuator casing C that has front and rear walls a and b. d and the same plunger d.
A piezoelectric element assembly G consisting of four piezoelectric elements e, f, g, h is arranged concentrically on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger d. It is configured by arranging it.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the piezoelectric elements g, h are
It is disposed in the center of the actuator casing C, and is fixed to the tip of a holder H whose base end is fixed to the actuator casing C.

Moreover, i and j are cantilever-shaped elastic bridges whose base ends are fixed to the piezoelectric elements g and h, and whose tips extend toward the front and rear walls a and b.

The tip of the elastic bridge it J has piezoelectric elements e and f attached to its outer peripheral surface, and l is fixed to the brake shoe on its inner peripheral surface.

The piezoelectric elements e, f, g, and h are configured to contract when the power is turned off.

That is, the piezoelectric elements e and f expand in a normal state and expand their inner diameters to release the clamp on the plunger d, and contract in a non-energized state to clamp the plunger d.

On the other hand, the piezoelectric elements g and h extend in the axial direction on the plunger d when energized, and in the non-energized state they contract on the plunger d, shortening the total length in the axial direction. The plunger d can be moved in the axial direction by appropriately controlling the procedure for applying piezoelectricity to the four piezoelectric elements e, f, g, and h using a control device that will be described later.

Piezoelectric elements e, f, g, h are shown in FIGS. 3 and 8.
As shown in the figure, it is a cylindrical element formed by laminating a large number of piezoelectric element pieces in the axial direction of the plunger d. Electrodes are provided at both ends of the cylinder, and by applying a voltage to both ends, , configured to stretch.

Note that the piezoelectric element piece can be made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, and examples of such piezoelectric ceramics include AB
PZT [Pb (Zr.

Ti)O,) system, PLZT (Pb, La (Zr.

Ti)0. , PT (PbTiOl) system, or P
A three-component system based on ZT can be used.

The piezoelectric elements e, f, g, and h can also be formed by laminating a large number of thin ring-shaped piezoelectric element pieces in the axial direction around the axis of the plunger d, as shown in FIG. In this case, the direction of voltage application is changed by 90 degrees.

Further, in FIG. 3, m is a U-shaped or 7-shaped packing having small sliding resistance, which is provided to improve the watertightness of the piezoelectric actuator (2).

Note that in the above configuration, the piezoelectric elements e, f, and g.

h can have not only a circular cross section but also a rectangular cross section, for example, and can also be formed from divided pieces as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Furthermore, the piezoelectric actuator I shown in FIG. 3 is capable of clamping the plunger d when no voltage is applied, and is made of elastic rubber or the like at the center of the wall and facing the plunger d. A manual return button p is installed. When the manual return button p is pressed, its front surface protrudes forward and the plunger d
The plunger d can be pressed forward against the clamps of the piezoelectric elements e and f.

Therefore, if the plunger d stops with the valve, etc. open when the battery is exhausted, immediately press the manual return button p to completely close the valve to prevent leakage accidents, etc. Can be done.

Further, FIG. 3B shows an example of the transformation of the piezoelectric actuator I, which releases the clamp of the plunger d when no voltage is applied, and there is a gap between the rear wall and the plunger d. , is characterized by the interposition of a spring q that constantly urges the plunger d in the advancing direction.

With this structure, even if the clamp of the plunger d is released during a power outage, the plunger d advances due to the biasing force of the spring q, and the valve can be quickly closed.

Next, a control section is disposed in the inclined discharge section 20b of the faucet main body 20, and controls the drive of the piezoelectric actuator I, and operation sections E and F that send drive signals to the control section, and their related components. The configuration will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, a printed circuit board 50 is disposed within the control device storage space S, and the control section is substantially formed on the same board 20. As shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the operating portion E will be described. In this embodiment, the operating portion E is formed as a touch switch provided at the tip of the inclined discharge portion 20b.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a power switch 53, a temperature setting switch 54, and a flow rate setting switch 55 are mounted on the inclined wall 52 forming the front of the space 51. installed.

Then, by operating the touch switches 53, 54 and 55, the hot water mixer faucet C, which is a functional part, is driven via the control part, and a desired amount of mixed hot water at a desired temperature is supplied.
It can be discharged from the discharge port 23.

Note that a display board 56 made of a thin flexible board with a display as shown in FIG. Moreover, the drive signal can be reliably sent to the control section.

Further, the operation part F is provided on the back side of the inclined discharge part 20b in a position close to the discharge port 23, and is connected to a sensor mounting tube 60 formed integrally with the inclined discharge part 20b at the same position. The hand detection sensor 61 installed in the sensor mounting tube 60 detects the hand of the user when he or she holds it out in front of the discharge port 23, generates an output signal, and controls the control unit based on the output signal. The hot water mixing device C, which is a functional unit, can be driven through the hot water mixing device C to start dispensing hot water. Note that as the hand sensing sensor 61, a dual type pyroelectric sensor or the like can be used.

Further, in FIG. 2, 70 is a temperature sensor provided on the vertical base 20a of the faucet main body 20, and its sensor element is extended to the tip of the discharge side flow path 24. Note that 71 is a waterproof cover.

With this configuration, the temperature sensor 70 can detect the hot water temperature Tm
is detected, and based on the difference between the detected value and the output value of the set temperature Ts set by the temperature setting switch 54, the control section performs PID control to drive the piezoelectric actuator I of the hot water mixing device C, which is a functional section. Can be done. In addition, in FIG. 2, a lead wire connecting the charging electrode 90 and the rechargeable battery 150 is protected in a protective tube 80 that extends into the storage space S for control devices, etc. battery 150
Lead wires are extending to connect the control unit D1 touch switches 53, 54, 55, hand detection sensor 70, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the control section includes a microprocessor r and an input/output interface S.

t, and a memory U that stores a drive sequence program for the piezoelectric elements e, f, g, and h and a program for performing PID control based on the output of the temperature sensor 70.

The input interface S includes a power switch 5.
3. Temperature setting switch 54. A flow rate setting switch 559, a hand detection sensor 6I, and a temperature sensor 70 are connected.

On the other hand, piezoelectric actuators E on the water side and the hot water side are connected to the output interface t.

Next, the operation of the automatic faucet A having the above structure will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 12 to 15.

As shown in FIG. 12, the temperature setting switch 54 is pressed to select the set temperature, and the flow rate setting switch 55 is pressed to select the set flow rate.

Thereafter, when the user extends his hand in front of the outlet 23, the hand sensing sensor 61 generates an output signal.

Then, based on this output signal, the control section reads out a drive order program for the piezoelectric elements e, f, g, and h from the memory U, and uses the same program and the temperature setting button 54 and flow rate setting button 55 to control the control section. PID control is performed based on the temperature set value and flow rate set value inputted to the hot water mixing faucet C, which is a functional unit, to control the temperature and flow rate of mixed hot water from the hot water mixing faucet C, and also to discharge from the discharge port 23.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element e is released to retract and clamp the plunger d, and the voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element f to expand its diameter and release the clamp on the plunger d.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when a voltage is applied to piezoelectric elements g and h to extend them, piezoelectric elements e and f move in the direction of the arrow, and along with this, plunger d, which piezoelectric element e clamps, also moves. Move in the direction of the arrow.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element e to expand its diameter and the clamp of the plunger d is released, and the applied voltage to the piezoelectric elements g and h is released, the piezoelectric elements g and h follow the arrows. The plunger d further moves in the direction of the arrow.

After that, by repeating the above operation, plunger d
can be moved in a linear manner with a stroke of μm order or subμm order.
By opening and closing the valve bodies 37 and 38 of I, the temperature and flow rate of the mixed hot water can be precisely and accurately controlled, and mixed hot water at a desired temperature and in a desired amount can be discharged from the discharge port 23.

Further, if it is desired to change the hot water temperature or the amount of mixed hot water, this can be easily done by pressing the temperature setting switch 54 or the flow rate setting switch 55, respectively.

In this case, if a flow rate sensor is provided in the discharge side flow path 24, the actual flow rate can be detected and inputted to the control section to control the flow rate.

In addition, in this operation, the hot water/cold water mixing faucet C according to the present embodiment uses a micro-distance stepless drive type actuator such as a piezoelectric actuator, so that it can be adjusted in a straight shape with a stroke on the order of μm or sub-μm. It can be moved, and temperature and flow rate adjustments can be made more accurately and precisely.

In addition, in the one-touch faucet A shown in this example, a rechargeable battery was used as the power supply device, but it is also possible to use a power supply device such as a dry battery, a solar cell, a temperature difference power generation device, a fluid power generation device, etc. instead of the rechargeable battery. It is.

Furthermore, in the one-touch faucet shown in this embodiment, electricity is used to control the temperature and amount of hot water that comes out of mixed hot water, but the use of electricity is not limited to these; for example, it can be used to control the amount of water that comes out of a single faucet. It goes without saying that it may be used for automatic water stop control, or simply for displaying the temperature of mixed hot water.

Further, in this embodiment, the faucet main body is configured as an automatic hot/cold water mixing faucet, but the faucet main body is not limited to this, and can of course be used as an automobile faucet, for example.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, the present invention provides an automatic faucet that can be easily replaced by general users.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a washbasin equipped with a one-touch faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the overall configuration of the one-touch faucet, and FIG. 3 is an I-- 3A is a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing another aspect of the structure of the correlating part between the water supply pipe and the lower surface of the fixing plate, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector plug. Figure 4A is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in Figure 4 showing the structure of the safety lock, and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in Figure 4A also showing the structure of the safety lock.
■A cross-sectional view along the line, Figure 5 is a top view of the mount, and Figure 6 is a top view of the mount.
The figure is a sectional view of the sheath pipe connection part. Also, Fig. 3B is an explanatory diagram of a modification example of the piezoelectric actuator, Fig. 7 is a view taken along the line IV-I'V in Fig. 2, and Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line v-■ in Fig. 3. , FIGS. 9 to 11 are explanatory views of other embodiments of the piezoelectric element, FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the control device, and FIGS. 13 to 15 are explanatory views of the operating state of the piezoelectric actuator. A... One-touch faucet, 12... Mount, 13... Rotating plate, 14... Fixed plate, 15... Cylindrical socket, 16.16'... Slip washer, 17... Concave groove, 20... Faucet body, 21... Water supply pipe, 22... Hot water supply pipe, 3132... Channel pipe, 100ψ... Connector plug, 110... Connector outlet, 150... Rechargeable battery, 200...safety lock. Figure 3A Figure ■ Figure 4A Figure 4B Figure Figure Figure Figure

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) It is characterized by being equipped with a connector plug that removably fits into a connector outlet provided at the end of a water supply pipe of a wash basin, etc., as well as having a power supply device, a control section, an operation section, and a functional section inside. One-touch faucet. (2) The one-touch faucet according to claim 1, wherein the connector plug and the connector outlet are slidably fitted. (3) The one-touch faucet according to claim 2, wherein the connector plug and the connector outlet are pivotally and slidably fitted. (4) A one-touch faucet according to any one of claims (1) to (3), characterized in that a fitting portion is provided on the outer periphery of the connector plug and the inner periphery of the connector outlet. (5) The one-touch faucet according to any one of claims (1) to (4), characterized in that the connector plug and the connector outlet are provided with a safety lock device to prevent them from coming off each other.