JPH0337068B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve, and particularly to a thermostatic mixing valve having two switchable outlet ports, such as a bath side and a shower side.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, a thermostatic mixing valve is provided with a temperature sensing element that expands and contracts by sensing the temperature of the mixed water in a mixed water flow path where a water flow path and a hot water flow path merge. The water valves and hot water valves in the water flow path and the hot water flow path are respectively linked, and the water valves and hot water valves are moved by the expansion and contraction actions of the temperature sensing body corresponding to the temperature change of the mixed water. By adjusting the opening ratio of the valve, the mixed water temperature is automatically controlled to a set temperature set by manual external operation.

However, in such a conventional thermostatic mixing valve, since the temperature sensing body is made of a wax element or a bimetal, the responsiveness of the temperature sensing body to changes in the temperature of the mixed water is poor, and the responsiveness and accuracy of temperature control are low.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems of the conventional thermostatic mixing valve, the applicant of the present application has developed a thermostatic mixing valve having the following structure.

That is, the water flow path is provided with a water valve that is electrically operated via a drive section, the hot water flow path is provided with a hot water valve that is electrically operated via a drive section, and the mixed water flow path is provided with a water valve that is electrically operated via a drive section. A temperature sensor for detecting the flow rate of the mixed water and a water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the mixed water are provided, and the sensor is electrically connected to the drive unit, the temperature sensor, the water flow sensor and the operation panel, respectively, and receives the water temperature and water flow detection signals from both sensors. The detected mixed water temperature is compared and judged with the set temperature set on the operation panel and the opening degree of one of the water valve and hot water valve is adjusted, while the detected mixed water flow rate is compared and judged with the set flow rate set on the operation panel. and a control unit that adjusts the opening of the remaining water valve and hot water valve, and the switching valve that switches the outlet of the mixed water flow path between the shower side and the flush side is also equipped with a drive unit and can be operated from the operation panel. It is electrically switched and activated by the operation of .

However, in such a structure, the water valve and the hot water valve are provided separately, and both the water valve and the hot water valve are each provided with a driving part such as a motor, so there are three driving parts including the driving part of the switching valve. will have a department,
Become larger.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) A problem to be solved by the present invention is to compactly integrate a water valve and a hot water valve so that they can be operated by one drive unit.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The technical means taken by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems include a hot water flow path, a water flow path, a temperature control valve that connects these two flow paths, and a switching valve. A mixed water flow path communicating with the first and second outflow paths through the flow path, and operating means for operating settings such as setting the temperature of the mixed water, switching the outlet, and stopping the flow of the mixed water from the outflow path. an operation panel that outputs a predetermined electric signal in accordance with the operation of the means; a temperature sensor provided in the mixed water flow path that detects the temperature of the mixed water and outputs an electric signal; and a first temperature control valve that drives the temperature control valve.
A drive unit, a second drive unit that drives the switching valve, an operation panel, a temperature sensor, and a temperature sensor that communicates with the first and second drive units, respectively, and controls the second drive unit based on signals from the operation panel, and an operation panel. an electric control unit that controls the first drive unit based on the set temperature set by the temperature sensor and the mixed water temperature detected by the temperature sensor;
The temperature control valve includes a first fixed plate having a hot water inflow hole communicating with the hot water flow path, a water inflow hole communicating with the water flow path, and a mixed water outflow hole communicating with the mixed water flow path; has a first recess that connects the hot water inflow hole and/or the water inflow hole to the mixed water flow path, and rotates and slides with respect to the fixed plate by driving the first drive unit. The switching valve includes an inlet hole communicating with the mixed water flow path and a first outlet hole communicating with the first outlet. , a second fixing plate having a second outlet hole communicating with the second outlet;
Watertightly and slidably superimposed on the second fixing plate, the second drive unit rotates and slides on the second fixing plate, and the rotation causes the inlet hole to connect with either the first or second one. A second outlet hole that communicates with one outlet hole and changes its water flow area, or blocks communication between the inlet hole and both the first and second outlet holes.
A second movable plate is provided with a recess.

(Function) According to the above means, the water valve and the hot water valve are
It is compactly integrated as a temperature control valve consisting of a fixed plate and a first movable plate, and is driven by a first driving part to control the mixed water temperature, and a switching valve is
The flow rate of the mixed water flowing out is controlled by switching between the outlet and the second outlet.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the thermostatic mixing valve of this embodiment has a main body 26 including a water flow path 2, a hot water flow path 1, a mixed water flow path 7, a first outflow path 5, and a second outflow path 6. The mixed water flow path 7 is connected to the water flow path 2 via the temperature control valve 3.
and the hot water flow path 1, and the first outflow path 5 and the second outflow path 6 communicate with the mixed water flow path 7 via the switching valve 4. In this embodiment, a shower 27 is connected to the first outflow path 5 and a collar 28 is connected to the second outflow path 6.

The main body 26 also includes a temperature sensor 10 provided in the mixed water flow path 7, an operation panel 9 provided on the outer surface of the main body 26, and an electric control section 13 that electrically controls the temperature control valve 3 and the switching valve 4. We are prepared.

The temperature control valve 3 includes a first fixed plate 17 fixed non-rotatably to the main body 26, and a first movable plate 1 superimposed on the first fixed plate 17 in a watertight and slidable manner.
9, and the first movable plate 19 is
It is designed to be electrically operated via a drive section 11.

The first drive unit 11 includes a pulse motor and a speed reducer that decelerates its rotational output, and the output shaft 29 of the speed reducer is connected to the back surface of the first movable plate 19 to rotate the first movable plate 19 left and right. let

The first fixed plate 17 and the first movable plate 19 are made of ceramic and have a mirror finish to the extent that their sliding surfaces are sufficiently watertight.
7 has a water inflow hole 15, a hot water inflow hole 14, and a mixed water outflow hole 16 that communicate with the water flow path 2, the hot water flow path 1, and the mixed water flow path 7, respectively, and the line connecting these three holes forms an isosceles triangle. , and the mixed water outflow hole 16 is opened so as to be located at its apex, and the first movable plate 19 has one or both of the water inflow hole 15 and the hot water inflow hole 14 on the sliding surface with the first fixed plate 17. A first recess 18 is provided to allow the water to communicate with the mixed water outflow hole 16.

The first recess 18 is formed in a roughly crescent shape that is symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axis of the first movable plate 19, and a net member 3 having the same shape as the first recess 18 is provided inside to prevent noise.
0 is fitted and locked.

Thus, in the temperature control valve 3, the first movable plate 19 rotates between the state shown in FIG. 4 and the state shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, the water inflow hole 15
is fully opened with its entire opening area corresponding to the first recess 18, and the hot water inflow hole 14 is fully closed by the first movable plate 19, so that only water flows into the mixed water flow path 7.

In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the water inflow hole 15 and the hot water inflow hole 14 are partially opened corresponding to the first recess 18 at approximately the same ratio, and hot water and water are mixed in the mixed water flow path 7 at the same ratio. The mixed water flows.

Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the hot water inflow hole 14 is fully opened corresponding to the first recess 18 on the entire opening surface, and the water inflow hole 15 is completely closed by being blocked by the first movable plate 19, thereby opening the mixed water flow path. At 7, hot water flows.

That is, by rotating the first movable plate 19 between the state shown in FIG. 4 and the state shown in FIG. It can be increased or decreased to adjust the mixing water temperature.

The switching valve 4 includes a second fixed plate 23 that is non-rotatably fixed to the main body 26, and a second movable plate 25 that is watertightly and slidably superimposed on the second fixed plate 23.
The second movable plate 25 is electrically operated via the second drive section 12.

The second drive unit 12 includes a pulse motor and a speed reducer that decelerates its rotational output, and connects the output shaft 31 of the speed reducer to the back surface of the second movable plate 25 to rotate the second movable plate 25 left and right. let

The second fixed plate 23 and the second movable plate 25 are made of ceramic, and their sliding surfaces are mirror-finished to the extent that they are sufficiently watertight. An inlet hole 20 communicating with the first outlet hole 20, a first outlet hole 21 communicating with the first outlet channel 5, and a second outlet hole 22 communicating with the second outlet channel 6, the line connecting these three holes has an isosceles triangle shape, and inlet hole 2
0 is located at the apex of the isosceles triangle, and the second movable plate 25 has an inlet hole 20 at one end within its rotation range on the sliding surface with the first fixed plate 23.
and corresponds to either the first outlet hole 21 or the second outlet hole 22 at the other end, and corresponds to the inlet hole 20 at the middle part of the rotation range,
The second recess 24 is formed so as not to correspond to any of the first and second outlet holes 21 and 22.

The second recess 24 has a substantially crescent shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the second movable plate 25, and a mesh member 32 for noise prevention is fitted and locked inside.

Thus, in the switching valve 4, the second movable plate 25 rotates between the state shown in FIG. 7 and the state shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 7, the inlet hole 20 and the second outlet hole 22 correspond to the second recess 24, and the mixed water flow path 7 and the second outlet path 6 communicate with each other via the second recess 24. .

That is, the mixed water flows out from the second outflow path 5 into the drain 28, and since the second outlet hole 22 corresponds to the second recess 24 over its entire opening area, the flow rate is large.

When the second movable plate 25 is slightly rotated from the state shown in FIG. 1, it becomes the state shown in FIG. 8. In this state, the second outlet hole 22 is open corresponding to the second recess 24, but a portion thereof is closed by the second movable plate 25.

Therefore, in this state, the mixed water flows out from the second outflow path 6, but the flow rate is small.

If the second movable plate 25 is further rotated from the state shown in FIG. 8, the state shown in FIG. 9 will be obtained. In this state, inlet hole 2
0 corresponds to the second recess 24, but the first and second recesses
Both outlet holes 21 and 22 are closed by a second movable plate 25.

Therefore, in this state, the outflow of mixed water is completely stopped.

When the second movable plate 25 is further rotated from the state shown in FIG. 9, the first outlet hole 21 begins to open as shown in FIG. 10.

In this state, the mixed water flows out from the shower 27 through the first outflow path 5, but the flow rate is small because the water passage area of the first outlet hole 21 is still small. When the second movable plate 25 is further rotated, the state shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

That is, the entire opening area of the first outlet hole 21 is
It is opened corresponding to the recess 24.

Therefore, the flow rate of the mixed water flowing out from the first outflow path 5 becomes large.

On the other hand, the aforementioned temperature sensor 10 provided in the mixed water flow path 7 is composed of a thermistor or the like, detects the temperature of the mixed water, outputs an electric signal according to the value, and sends the same signal to the electric control section 13. It is.

The electric control section 13 has the first and second drive sections 11,
12. Electrically connected to the temperature sensor 10, operation panel 9 and power source 33, receives an electric signal based on the operation from the operation panel 9 and an electric signal from the temperature sensor 10, and detects the mixed water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10. is compared with the set temperature set on the operation panel 9, and the temperature control valve 3 is actuated via the first drive unit 11 to control the temperature of the mixed water. and drives the second drive unit 12 based on the set amount of hot water, operates the switching valve 4, and switches the outflow flow path.
It controls the amount of hot water and stops the hot water supply.

That is, when the mixed water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10 is lower than the set temperature, the temperature control valve 3
The water flow area of the hot water inflow hole 14 that opens the first movable plate 19 into the first recess 18 is increased, and the water flow area of the hot water inflow hole 14 is increased.
If the mixed water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10 is higher than the set temperature, the first movable plate 19 is rotated in the opposite direction to adjust the temperature.

Further, when the outflow paths 5, 6, ie, the use of the shower 27 or the flush 28 is selected on the operation panel 9, the second movable plate 25 of the switching valve 4 is rotated, and the outlet hole communicating with the selected outflow path is rotated. Only the second recess 24 is opened corresponding to the second recess 24, and its water passage area is varied according to the set amount of hot water.

Further, when an operation to stop the hot water tap is performed on the operation panel 9, the second movable plate 25 of the switching valve 4 is rotated so as to close both the first and second outlet holes 21 and 22 with its sliding surface.

The operation panel 9 is located on the outer surface of the main body 26, for example, on the first
As shown in Fig. 2, a changeover (hot water supply) switch 8a is provided on the front surface of the main body 26 to selectively discharge mixed water from either the shower 27 or the flusher 28, and a stop switch 8a for stopping the discharge of hot water. 8b, temperature setting switch 8c for setting the hot water temperature, hot water amount setting switch 8d for setting the amount of hot water
etc., and a display unit 34 that digitally displays the set temperature, and when each of the switches is operated, an electrical signal corresponding to the operated switch is output, and the signal is sent to the electrical control unit 13. It is something.

In this embodiment, the power source 33 is a dry battery,
It is stored and deployed at an appropriate time within the main body 26,
It can also be connected to an alternating current power source via an AC adapter 37.

In addition, in FIG. 1, 35 is a strainer;
6 is a check valve.

(Effects) Since the present invention has the above configuration, it has the following advantages.

(1) The drive unit includes a first drive unit for a temperature adjustment valve;
Since only two of the second drive parts for the switching valves are required, the size can be reduced.

(2) Since both the temperature control valve and the switching valve are composed of a flat fixed plate and a movable plate, the valve part can be made smaller, and in conjunction with (1) above, it is possible to further reduce the size. can.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermostatic mixing valve showing an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts, and Fig. 3 shows the first fixed plate, first movable plate, and Cross-sectional views showing the two fixed plates and the second movable plate superimposed, FIGS. 4 to 6 are taken along line X-X in FIG. 3.
The operation of the temperature control valve is explained using a line cross-sectional view. 7 to 11 are sectional views taken along the line Y--Y in FIG. 3 to explain the operation of the switching valve. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the thermostatic mixing valve of the present invention. 1: hot water flow path, 2: water flow path, 3: temperature control valve, 4: switching valve, 5: first outflow path, 6: second
Outflow path, 7: Mixed water flow path, 8: Operation means, 9: Operation panel, 10: Temperature sensor, 11: First drive section, 12: Second drive section, 13: Electric control section, 1
4: hot water inflow hole, 15: water inflow hole, 16: mixed water outflow hole, 17: first fixing plate, 18: first recess, 1
9: first movable plate, 20: inlet hole, 21: first outlet hole, 22: second outlet hole, 23: second fixed plate, 2
4: second recess, 25: second movable plate.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A hot water flow path, a water flow path, a mixed water flow path that communicates with both of these flow paths via a temperature control valve and also communicates with the first and second outflow paths via a switching valve, and setting of the mixed water temperature; An operation panel provided in the mixed water flow path, which has operation means for switching the outflow path, stopping the outflow of mixed water from the outflow path, etc., and outputs a predetermined electric signal in response to the operation of the operation means. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of mixed water and outputs an electric signal, a first drive section that drives a temperature control valve, a second drive section that drives a switching valve, an operation panel, a temperature sensor, a first drive section, a first drive section, and a second drive section that drives a switching valve. It communicates with each of the two drive units and controls the second drive unit based on the signal from the operation panel, and also controls the first drive unit based on the set temperature set on the operation panel and the mixed water temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature control valve includes a first fixed plate having a hot water inflow hole communicating with the hot water flow path, a water inflow hole communicating with the water flow path, and a mixed water outflow hole communicating with the mixed water flow path. and a first recess that is superimposed on the first fixing plate in a watertight and slidable manner and connects the hot water inflow hole and/or the water inflow hole to the mixed water flow path, and is fixed by driving the first drive unit. The switching valve is composed of a first movable plate that rotates and slides with respect to the plate to change the water flow area ratio between the hot water inflow hole and the water inflow hole, and the switching valve has an inlet hole communicating with the mixed water flow path and a first outflow path. a second fixing plate having a first outlet hole communicating with the second outlet hole and a second outlet hole communicating with the second outlet passage;
Watertightly and slidably superimposed on the second fixing plate, the second drive unit rotates and slides on the second fixing plate, and the rotation causes the inlet hole to connect with either the first or second one. A second outlet hole that communicates with one outlet hole and changes its water flow area, or blocks communication between the inlet hole and both the first and second outlet holes.
A thermostatic mixing valve comprising a second movable plate having a recess.