JPH04277379A - Seal structure in water flow passage - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve sealing function due to water pressure and mechanical degree of freedom of a connecting part of a sliding member. CONSTITUTION:A seal part C is constituted out of a discharge water seal disc C1 and a pressing seal disc C2, and a circular recessed part 42, a lengthwise hole 44 and a shallow groove 45 are formed in the axial hole 41 drilled in the center of the discharge water disc C1. Next, it is constituted so that the upper face of the pressing seal disc C2 is flushed with the discharge water seal disc C1 in the condition fitting the disc C2 in the circular recessed part 42.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a seal structure in a waterway.

0002

[Prior Art] Conventionally, among faucets having a structure with a flow channel, for example, kitchen faucets, shower towers, shower heads, etc., there are faucets that can be freely switched to various types of water discharge. There are some that allow you to switch between hot water spouting, bubble-containing water spouting, and spray water spouting.

[0003] Such a switching operation is performed manually, and the water spouting path is made to flow from the water flow path in the faucet body to various types of water spouting nozzles installed at the tip of the faucet.

[0004] Therefore, a switching mechanism is provided midway through the flow path from the water flow path in the faucet body to the nozzle at the tip of the faucet portion to switch between various types of water discharge. This switching mechanism necessarily incorporates a rotating part and a sliding part, and a sealing member such as a sealing O-ring is attached to the rotating part or sliding part to prevent water from leaking. .

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, since seal members are interposed in these rotating or sliding parts and water pressure is applied, friction occurs when switching and selecting the water discharge form. The load is large, a large amount of force is required for rotating and sliding operations, and the switching operation is difficult to perform smoothly.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, in a seal structure in which two types of members each having a flow path are brought into contact with each other in a watertight manner, the relative distance between the upstream member and the downstream member is defined to be constant. a joining means, an annular sliding member that is watertightly and slidably fitted into the flow path of the upstream member via a sealing member, and when the sliding member slides due to the pressure of the fluid; The present invention provides a seal structure characterized by comprising an abutment seal member provided at a portion of the sliding member that abuts the downstream member.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Examples of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0008] First, to explain a faucet structure as an example of a structure having a flow channel, the faucet body refers to various faucet structures having a water discharging function.For example, a shower faucet used in a bathroom shower It can be applied to the main body of the head, faucets used in the kitchen, water nozzles for watering the garden, and other nozzles with water discharging functions. I will explain about the shower head as a shower head.

FIG. 1 shows an explanatory diagram of a bathroom R having a shower head A as an example of a water discharge switching faucet having a flow channel according to the present invention, in which a hot water mixing faucet M is built in the collar N part. A shower head A can be freely attached to the bathroom wall, and the shower head A and the hot water mixing faucet M are communicated via a shower hose h. r indicates a bathtub.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hot water mixer faucet M has inlet portions 1 and 2 for water and hot water, and control valves 3 and 3 provided respectively.
4, and actuators 5 and 6 connected to each valve 3 and 4
, a control function unit 7 for controlling each actuator 5 and 6, a water flow sensor 8 and a thermistor 9 provided in the flow path for detecting the flow rate and hot water temperature, and a hot water discharge connection provided at the end of the flow path. It is composed of a tube 10 and the like.

[0011] Then, the hot water discharge connection pipe 1 of the hot water mixing faucet M
0 is connected to the starting end of a shower hose h, and the end of the hose h is connected to a shower head A, which is an example of a faucet.
are connected.

As shown in FIG. 5, the shower head A is composed of, in order from the tip, a water discharge part B, a water discharge seal part C, a shower head body D, and a hose connection part E.
Each can be freely assembled and connected. The following will be explained in order.

First, the water spouting section B will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water spouting section B consists of a cylindrical water spouting case 21 whose upper end surface is closed, and a water spouting switching section 22 housed in the case 21.
Specifically, it consists of a rotatable rotary water spouting body 23, and this rotary water spouting body 23 is covered with a water spouting case 21.

The rotary water spouting body 23 forms a plurality of different types of water spouting, such as spray-like water spouting, spot-like water spouting where straight water from the shower hole is collected at one point, and foam-like water spouting where air bubbles are mixed into the shower water. It is constructed by any combination of four types of water spouting forms, such as water spouting, rod-shaped water spouting, mist water spouting, and massage water spouting with built-in rotating blades.

[0016] Each of these water discharge nozzles 24, 25, 26,
27, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the nozzle communication passages 28 is opened on the bottom surface of the rotary water discharging body 23, and any one of the communicating passages 28 is opened as the rotary water discharging body 23 is rotated. It communicates with the hot water flow path 62 .

At the center of the rotary water discharging body 23 is a rotating shaft 29.
are integrally installed vertically, and the rotating shaft 29 is interlocked and connected to a motor 66, which will be described later.

A water spouting window 30 is opened in a part of the peripheral side wall of the water spouting case 21 corresponding to the height position of the water spouting nozzles 24 to 27, and by controlling the rotational position of the rotary water spouting body 23. , so that shower water can be discharged in a desired form.

As shown in FIG. 5, the shower head main body D is constructed so that a hot water flow path 62 and an electric drive section 64 are built into a cylindrical head case 61. As shown in Fig. 10, the head case 61 is designed to accommodate many electrical components and ensure a large flow rate.
It is formed so as to be biased to one side along the inner circumferential wall.

The water discharge seal portion C will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the seal portion C consists of a water discharge seal base C1 and a pressure seal plate C2. The water spouting seal base C1 is a disc-shaped base having a constant thickness that is watertightly fitted into the opening at the lower end of the water spouting case 21. A shaft hole 41 for inserting the rotating shaft 29 is bored in the center of the seal base C1, and a circular recess 42 is formed on the upper surface at an eccentric position including the shaft hole 41, and a vertical Hole 4
4, and communicates with an annular groove 43 formed on the lower bottom surface. The annular groove 43 communicates with the upper open end of the hot water passage 62 in the shower head main body D.

[0022] Also, the circular recess 42 of the water spouting seal base C1
A three-moon-shaped shallow groove 45 is formed on the upper surface except for the surface, which reduces the contact area between the bottom surface of the rotating water spouting body 23 and the top surface of the water spouting seal base C1, thereby minimizing the friction generated during rotation. .

The crimp seal plate C2 is fitted into the circular recess 42 as shown in FIGS.
1, and an upper shaft hole 46 is formed near the left end of the center, and an elongated upper vertical hole 47 is formed near the right end. The shaft hole 41 and the vertical hole 44 of the water discharging seal base C1 are configured to correspond to each other.

Seal grooves 48a and 48b are formed on the circumferential side of the crimp seal disc C2, and the seal member 4 is inserted into the grooves 48a and 48b.
9a and 49b are fitted so that the crimp seal plate C2 can slide up and down with respect to the water discharge seal plate C1,
Moreover, it is designed to perform a sealing function when fitted into the circular recess 42. In the figure, 50 is a sealing O-ring attached to the upper surface of the pressure seal C2.

Next, the shower head main body D will be explained.

The shower head main body D is shown in FIGS. 5 and 1.
As shown in FIG.
and a control board consisting of a control section 67.

The electric drive section 64 is composed of a rotating shaft 29 connected to the rotating water discharging body 23, a potentiometer 65 for detecting the rotational position of the rotating shaft 29, and a geared motor 66 disposed below the potentiometer 65. has been done. A stopper flange 68 is provided in the middle of the rotating shaft 29, and the flange 68 is configured to abut against an upper wall 69 of the head case 61.

An encoder is used instead of the potentiometer 65, a stepping motor is used instead of the geared motor 66,
The type of ultrasonic motor does not matter.

The electric drive unit 64 is supported in a suspended state via the rotating shaft 29 so as to be capable of tilting other than rotation, and the rotation prevention piece 70 is engaged with the inner peripheral wall of the head case 61 It is configured so as not to engage with the recess 71 and rotate.

The pressure sensor 75 is disposed in the middle of the hot water flow path 62 and detects the pressure of water flowing through the shower head A.

The changeover switch 74 is a switch for switching the water spouting nozzle, and the valve switch 73 is an opening/closing switch for a water spouting/stopping valve of a shower (not shown).

The control section 67 receives a switching signal from the changeover switch 74 or the control section body (not shown), drives the geared motor 66, detects a signal from the potentiometer 65, and controls the position. In addition, pressure sensor 7
5 and the operation signal of the valve switch 73 are detected, subjected to predetermined processing, and transmitted to the control unit main body (not shown).

Next, the hose connection portion E will be explained.

Head case 61 of shower head main body D
A shower hose h from a hot water mixing faucet M is connected to the lower end of the . That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a hose joint body 81 is connected to the lower end of the head case 61, and the tip of the shower hose h is covered and fitted to the lower end of the joint body 81, and its outer periphery is tightened to connect the cylindrical body 82. The outer periphery of the hose joint body 81 is covered with a hose connection case 83 connected to the lower end of the head case 61.

In the figure, 84 is a pipe, 85 is a joint body, 8
6 is a water passage, 87 is a water circulation path, 88 is a cord passage, 89
indicates a communication code, and 90 indicates a connector.

The control function of a shower head as an example of the faucet of the present invention will be explained.

The most distinctive feature of the control function of the shower head A as an example of a faucet is the pressure sensor 7.
5 is incorporated into the hot water flow path 62 of the shower head main body D.

That is, by arranging the pressure sensor 75 in the middle of the hot water flow path 62 of the shower head main body D, the pressure can be measured at a position as close as possible to the water discharge nozzles 24 to 27, that is, at the final unchanged flow path. As a result, regardless of whether the shower head A is moved up or down, there is no false detection of pressure due to head differences, and the response speed due to changes in flow rate is fast.

The flow pressure detected by the pressure sensor 75 is converted into a flow rate, which is explained by the following equation.

The flow rate Q from the water spouting nozzles 24 to 27 is determined by the unit correction constant K, the flow rate coefficient Cv, and the pressure △P obtained by subtracting the atmospheric pressure Po outside the nozzle from the pressure P2 inside the water spouting nozzle.
It is expressed as a function of .

[0041] That is,

[0042]

[Math 1]

Here, the flow rate coefficient Cv is the water discharge nozzle 24
This is a flow rate coefficient that is predetermined according to the water discharge form of ~27, that is, the size, shape, etc. of the nozzle hole.

Therefore, when the pressure ΔP is detected by the pressure sensor 75, the flow rate Q is automatically determined since the Cv value is stored in the control section 67 in advance.

In this manner, when the detection signal from the pressure sensor 75 is transmitted to the control section 67, the flow rate is automatically calculated by the microcomputer of the control section 67.

In this way, since the pressure sensor 75 can accurately detect the flow rate via the Cv value of the flow coefficient, various additional controls become possible.

In the shower head A as an example of a faucet constructed as described above, the gist of the present invention is particularly that in the seal structure in which two types of members in which flow paths are formed are brought into watertight contact, the upstream a joining means that defines a constant relative distance between the side member and the downstream member; and an annular sliding member that is watertightly and slidably fitted into the flow path of the upstream member via a sealing member. and a contact seal member provided at a portion of the sliding member that contacts the downstream member when the sliding member slides due to the pressure of the fluid. It is about providing.

[0048] Here, the structure of the water spouting seal portion C will be explained with regard to a shower head of a faucet as an example of such a seal structure. It is constructed to perform a sealing function when hot water is passed through the tank, and is constructed as follows.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the seal portion C consists of a water discharge seal base C1 and a pressure seal plate C2. The water spouting seal base C1 is a disc-shaped base having a constant thickness that is watertightly fitted into the opening at the lower end of the water spouting case 21. A shaft hole 41 for inserting the rotating shaft 29 is bored in the center of the seal base C1, and a shaft hole 41 is formed in the upper side.
A circular recess 42 is formed at an eccentric position including the .

Furthermore, an annular groove 43 of a constant width is formed around the shaft hole 41 in the lower bottom surface of the water discharge seal base C1, and the annular groove 43 serves as a guide for the flow of hot water in the shower head main body D. The upper end of the channel 62 is connected to the open end.

Moreover, a long hole-shaped vertical hole 44 is bored in the circular recess 42 of the water discharge seal base C1 on the lateral side of the shaft hole 41, and the vertical hole 44 communicates with the annular groove 43 on the lower bottom surface. Therefore, the hot water flow path 62 is communicated with the vertical hole 44 in the circular recess 42 via the annular groove 43 of the water discharge seal base C1.

[0052] Also, the circular recess 42 of the water spouting seal base C1
A three-moon-shaped shallow groove 45 is formed on the upper surface except for the surface, which reduces the contact area between the bottom surface of the rotating water spouting body 23 and the top surface of the water spouting seal base C1, thereby minimizing the friction generated during rotation. .

[0053] The circular recess 42 of the water discharge seal base C1
A circular pressure seal disc C2 is fitted inside.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the crimp seal plate C2 is constructed so that its upper surface is flush with the water discharge seal base C1 when it is fitted into the circular recess 42, and the left end from the center An upper shaft hole 46 is drilled on the side, and an elongated upper vertical hole 47 is drilled on the right side.
It is configured to match the shaft hole 41 and vertical hole 44 of the water discharge seal base C1, respectively.

[0055] Therefore, the water spouting part B and the shower head main body D
For assembly, the upper end opening of the head case 61 and the water spouting seal base C1 are integrated, the crimp seal plate C2 is placed in the vertical hole 47, and the rotary water spouting body 23 is rotatably placed on the upper side thereof. At the same time, the rotating shaft 29 connected to the rotary water discharging body 23 is inserted into the upper shaft hole 46 and the shaft hole 41 to assemble.

That is, in this structure, the crimp seal plate C2, which is an annular sliding member as an upstream member, and the rotary water spouting body 23 as a downstream member are in a joined state with a certain relative distance between them. It is.

[0057] In actual shower water,
From hot water flow path 62 to annular groove 43, vertical hole 44, and upper vertical hole 47
Hot water is communicated with the nozzle communication path 28 of the rotary water spouting body 23 through the rotary water spouting body 23, and finally it is communicated with one of the water spouting nozzles.
This is to obtain shower water in a desired water discharge form.

Seal grooves 48a and 48b are formed on the circumferential surface of the crimp seal plate C2, into which seal members 49a and 49b are fitted to perform a sealing function when fitted into the circular recess 42. In addition, an O-ring for sealing is provided on the upper surface as an abutting sealing member to be in contact with the rotary water discharging body 23, which is a member on the downstream side.

Further, as described above, the pressure seal plate C2 is fitted into the circular recess 42 of the water discharge seal base C1 and is configured to be able to slide up and down, so that when hot water flows from the hot water flow path 62, the pressure seal plate C2 Pressure is applied to the seal portion on the circumferential side of the crimp seal disc C2, and due to the received pressure, the crimp seal disc C2 rises and is pressed against the bottom surface of the rotary water spouting body 23, so that the sealing O-ring 50 is attached to the bottom surface of the rotary water spouting body 23. It is pressed against the circumferential surface of the communication passage 28 to perform a sealing function, and on the other hand,
When hot water is not flowing, no flow pressure is applied, so the crimp seal plate C2 is not pressed against the bottom surface of the rotary water spouting body 23, and the frictional resistance is reduced, so that the rotation of the rotary water spouting plate 23 can be easily performed when switching water spouting. It has become.

[0060] To explain how to use the shower head as an example of a faucet configured as described above and its accompanying functions, first, when selecting a certain water spouting form from among various water spouting forms, By pressing the valve switch 73 of the shower head main body D as an example of a faucet, the electric drive unit 64 is driven to rotate,
The rotary water discharging body 23 is rotated via the rotating shaft 29.

When the desired water spouting nozzle comes to a predetermined position, the upper vertical hole 47 of the water spouting seal portion C aligns with the nozzle communication passage 28 of the rotating water spouting body 23, and water is spouted from the hot water passage 62 in the shower head main body D. A flow path for hot water distribution is formed in the water spouting nozzle 24 through the vertical hole 44 of the seal portion C and the upper vertical hole 47, and the hot water supplied from the hot water mixer faucet M flows through the spouting water of the water spouting nozzle. Water is spouted depending on the form.

[0062] Such electric drive and associated control are operated by a battery m attached to the hot water mixer faucet M, and the position of the rotary water spouting body 23 is determined when the water spouting mode is selected. The potentiometer 65 detects whether it is switched.

Furthermore, during water spouting operation, in the water spouting seal portion C, the crimp seal plate C2 fitted onto the water spouting seal base C1 rises along the vertical hole side of the water spouting seal base C1 due to water pressure, and is pressed against the rotating water spouting body 23. performs the sealing function,
Hot water flows from the hot water flow path 62 to the nozzle communication path 28 without water leakage, and on the other hand, when the valve switch 74 is operated to switch the water discharge form, a water stop signal is sent to the hot water mixer faucet M. , the flow of hot water is stopped and the water pressure disappears, and the rotation of the rotary water discharging body 23 is easily performed in response to the drive of the electric drive unit 64, so that no load is applied to the motor.

Moreover, since the electric drive section 64 that drives the rotary water discharging body 23 is suspended via the rotation shaft 29 and is free in the axial direction, it is possible to eliminate shaft misalignment and reduce the load on the motor. Achieves smooth water discharge switching.

Furthermore, since the pressure can be detected by the pressure sensor 75 installed midway through the hot water flow path 62 and converted into a flow rate using the Cv value of the flow coefficient as a function, accurate pressure detection without false detection can be performed. The flow rate can also be accurately known, and furthermore, the responsiveness of flow rate control is good, and control can be performed accurately.

Furthermore, if the Cv value corresponding to each water spouting form is stored in the control section, the flow rate can be controlled to the optimum flow rate for each water spouting form based on the detected value of the pressure sensor 75. The method of using the shower head and its functions as an example described above are not limited to bathroom showers, but are also applicable to kitchen heads, water nozzles, shower towers, and the like.

[0067]

[Effects of the Invention] In this invention, when the sliding member slides due to the pressure of the fluid, it comes into contact with a member on the downstream side of the sliding member via the abutment sealing member, so that a reliable sealing function is achieved by the water pressure. In the absence of water pressure,
Mechanical constraints between upstream and downstream members are removed,
This has the effect of improving the mechanical freedom of the joint.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a bathroom having a shower head which is an embodiment of a water faucet having a seal structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a shower head which is an embodiment of a faucet having a seal structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway explanatory view of a shower hose used in a shower head, which is an embodiment of a faucet with a seal structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a shower head that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a shower head that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded explanatory diagram of the water discharge seal section.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a water discharge seal portion.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the water discharge seal.

FIG. 9 is an end view taken along line I-I in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an end view taken along line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an end view taken along line FIG. 5III-III.

[Explanation of symbols]

M　Hot water mixing faucet A Shower head B Water discharge part C Water discharge seal part 21 Water discharge case 22 Water discharge switching section 61 Head case 64 Electric drive unit

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A seal structure in which two types of members each having a flow path are brought into watertight abutment, comprising: a joining means for defining a constant relative distance between an upstream member and a downstream member; and an upstream member. an annular sliding member that is watertightly and slidably fitted into the flow path via a sealing member, and when the sliding member slides due to the pressure of the fluid, the downstream of the sliding member A seal structure characterized by comprising an abutting seal member provided at a portion that abuts a side member.