WO2008026537A1

WO2008026537A1 - Power generator for faucet

Info

Publication number: WO2008026537A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/066540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Naoyuki Onodera; Tomoko Sato; Masahiro Kuroishi; Makoto Hatakeyama; Takeshi Shimizu
Original assignee: Toto Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2007-08-27
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

A power generator for a faucet comprising a central shaft substantially parallel with the water supply channel, a rotor blade having a plurality of rotor blade portions on the circumferential surface and provided in the water supply channel rotatably about the central shaft, a prewhirl stator blade provided on the upstream side of the rotor blade through a gap between them and having a plurality of stator blade portions for imparting a swirling flow to the rotor blade on the circumferential surface, a magnet rotatable integrally with the rotor blade, and a coil opposing the magnet, characterized in that the center of a rotor blade channel formed between the rotor blade portions is located radially outside of the center of a stator blade channel formed between the stator blade portions. Useless flow not imparting a torque to the rotor blade is suppressed and power generation efficiency can be enhanced.

Description

Specification

Faucet generator

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a faucet generator that generates electric power using a flow of water supply.

Background art

Conventionally, there has been known an automatic faucet device in which a sensor senses this by putting a hand under the faucet and water is automatically discharged from the faucet. There is also known a device in which a small generator is disposed in the flow path of such an automatic water faucet device, the electric power obtained by this generator is stored, and the electric power of the circuit such as the sensor described above is supplemented. /!

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation device in which an axial flow type water turbine having blade portions is provided in a flow path through which a fluid flows. A substantially cylindrical magnet is fixed on the outer peripheral side of the blade portion of the water turbine, and a coil for generating an electromotive force by rotating the magnet is disposed on the downstream side of the magnet. At the upstream side of the water turbine, a jet port is formed to increase the flow velocity of the water flow applied to the water turbine and to make the water flow swirl with respect to the axial direction of the water turbine. It flows through the space between the blade of the turbine and the inner peripheral surface of the magnet, and gives the turbine a rotational force.

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, a swirling flow having a large amount of components in the distal direction (outer diameter direction) in which the outlet width of the jet nozzle and the inlet width to the turbine are substantially equal flows into the turbine. In this case, conversion from hydraulic energy to rotational energy is achieved by reducing pressure flow due to collision with the inner peripheral surface of the magnet and reducing the flow rate flowing through the water turbine by increasing the proportion of the water flow flowing on the outer periphery of the magnet. We cannot expect improvement of power generation efficiency that efficiency is bad.

Patent Document 1: JP 2004-336982 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a faucet generator that suppresses a wasteful flow that does not give rotational force to a moving blade and improves power generation efficiency.

Means for solving the problem [0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the feed water flow has a central axis that is substantially parallel to the feed water flow path, and a plurality of blade blade portions on the circumferential surface, and is rotatable about the central axis. A pre-rotating static blade having a peripheral surface with a moving blade provided on a road and a plurality of stationary blade blade portions provided on the upstream side of the moving blade with a gap with respect to the moving blade and providing a rotating flow to the moving blade. A blade that includes a blade, a magnet that can rotate integrally with the blade, and a coil that faces the magnet, and the blade portion of the blade more than a center of a stationary blade channel formed between the blade portions. A faucet generator is provided, characterized in that the center of the blade flow path formed between them is located in the radially outward direction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of a faucet generator according to a first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of attachment of the automatic faucet device with a generator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the automatic water faucet device.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pre-turning stationary blade, a moving blade, and a bearing in a faucet generator according to a first specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement relationship between magnets and yoke pole teeth in the faucet generator according to the first specific example.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the inlet width of the rotor blade flow passage and the ratio of pressure loss.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the inlet width ratio of the rotor blade flow path and the ratio of loss outflow.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the inlet width of the rotor blade passage and the ratio of the impeller efficiency.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of a faucet generator according to a second specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a coil in a faucet generator according to the second specific example.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the coil shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a magnet and yoke pole teeth in the faucet generator according to the second specific example. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of a faucet generator according to a third specific example of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the installation position of the generator in the faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the installation position of the generator and a usage example of the generated power in the faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the installation position of the generator and the usage example of the generated power in the faucet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

3 Automatic faucet device

7 Sensor

8 Solenoid valve

9, 16 Coinole

11 Faucet generator

14 Pre-turning vane

15 blade

17 Bearing

18 Stator blade

19 Rotor blade

24 Center axis

55 Constant flow valve

56 likelihood

57 Control unit

71 Stator blade channel

72 Rotor flow path

Ml ~ Μ3 Magne:

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of attachment of the automatic faucet device with a generator (hereinafter also simply referred to as an automatic faucet device) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the automatic faucet device.

[0011] The automatic faucet device 3 according to the present embodiment is attached to a wash basin 2, for example. The automatic faucet device 3 is connected to an inlet 5 for tap water or the like via a pipe 4. The automatic water faucet device 3 includes a cylindrical main body 3a and a water discharge portion 3b that extends in a radially outward direction of the main body 3a and is provided on the upper portion of the main body 3a. The main body 3a and the water discharger 3b constitute a faucet fitting. A water discharge port 6 is formed at the tip of the water discharge part 3 b, and a sensor 7 is built in the vicinity of the water discharge port 6.

[0012] Inside the automatic water faucet device 3, a water supply passage 10 is formed that guides water supplied from the inlet 5 and flowing through the pipe 4 to the water outlet 6. Inside the main body 3a of the automatic faucet device 3, there is a built-in solenoid valve 8 that opens and closes the water supply flow path 10, and a constant flow valve 55 that restricts the amount of water discharge to a constant downstream of the solenoid valve 8. Built in. In addition, a pressure reducing valve or a pressure regulating valve (not shown) for reducing pressure when the water supply source pressure is too higher than the working pressure is built in upstream of the solenoid valve 8. A constant flow valve 55, a pressure reducing valve, and a pressure regulating valve are provided as needed.

A faucet generator 11 is built in the water discharger 3b downstream of the constant flow valve 55. Inside the main body 3a, a charger 56 for charging the electric power generated by the faucet generator 11 and a controller 57 for controlling the driving of the sensor 7 and the opening / closing of the electromagnetic valve 8 are provided. Since the faucet generator 11 is disposed downstream of the solenoid valve 8 and the constant flow valve 55, the water supply pressure (primary pressure) does not act directly on the faucet generator 11. Therefore, the faucet generator 11 is not required to have such a high pressure resistance, and is advantageous in terms of reliability and cost.

[0014] Next, a specific example of the faucet generator 11 will be described.

[0015] [First example]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of a faucet generator according to a first specific example of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the pre-swivel stationary blade 14, rotor blade 15 and bearing 17 in the faucet generator.Fig. 5 shows the magnet Ml and yoke pole teeth 33c and 34a in the faucet generator. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement relationship.

[0016] The faucet generator according to this specific example mainly includes a cylindrical body 13, a pre-turning stationary blade 14, a moving blade 15, a magnet Ml, and a coil 9, which are shown in FIG. Housed in twelve

[0017] The cylindrical body 13 has a stepped shape including a small-diameter portion 13a and a large-diameter portion 13b, and is incorporated in the water discharge portion 3b illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a state where the inside communicates with the water supply channel. The central axis direction of the cylinder 13 is installed so as to be substantially parallel to the flowing water direction. The cylindrical body 13 is arranged with the small diameter portion 13a facing the upstream side and the large diameter portion 13b facing the downstream side.

[0018] Inside the cylinder 13, a pre-turning stationary blade 14, a moving blade 15, and a bearing 17 are provided in this order from the upstream side. The pre-turning stationary blade 14 is provided inside the small diameter portion 13a, and the moving blade 15 and the bearing 17 are provided inside the large diameter portion 13b.

[0019] The pre-turning stationary blade 14 has a shape in which a conical body is integrally provided on one end surface (a surface located on the upstream side) of the cylindrical body. A plurality of protruding stationary vane blade portions 18 projecting outward in the radial direction are provided on the circumferential surface of the pre-turning stationary vane 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the stationary blade vane 18 is inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side while twisting rightward with respect to the axial center of the pre-rotating stationary blade 14. The pre-turning stationary blade 14 is fixed to the cylindrical body 13.

A moving blade 15 is provided on the downstream side of the pre-turning stator blade 14 with a gap (for example, 0.55 mm) from the pre-turning stator blade 14. The rotor blade 15 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of protrusion-like rotor blade blade portions 19 projecting radially outward are provided on the peripheral surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotor blade portion 19 is inclined to the downstream side from the upstream side while twisting leftward with respect to the axial center, contrary to the stationary blade portion 18. The rotor blade 15 is supported on a bearing 17 fixed to the cylindrical body 13 via a central shaft 24 substantially parallel to the water supply flow path. The rotor blade 15 is rotatable around the central axis 24. The bearing 17 is provided on the downstream side of the moving blade 15 with a gap from the moving blade 15.

[0021] The opening at the downstream end of the cylindrical large-diameter portion 13b is liquidated by the sealing member 51 via the O-ring 52. Closely closed. A stepped hole is formed inside the sealing member 51, the stepped portion 51a is formed in an annular shape, and the bearing 17 is supported on the stepped portion 51a.

[0022] In the bearing 17, a ring member 21 supported on a step portion 51a inside the sealing member 51 and a shaft support portion 22 provided in the center of the ring member 21 are provided radially. It is connected by a connecting member 23 (FIG. 4). The connecting member 23 penetrates without blocking, so the flow of the water supply inside the cylinder 13 is not hindered! /.

[0023] On the shaft support portion 22 of the bearing 17, a center shaft 24 fixed to the shaft center of the rotor blade 15 is rotatably supported. The tip of the central shaft 24 protrudes from the moving blade 15 and is fitted into the pre-turning stationary blade 14. The tip end portion of the central shaft 24 and the pre-turning stationary blade 14 are not fixed to each other, and the central shaft 24 is rotatable with respect to the pre-turning stationary blade 14 fixed to the cylindrical body 13. Alternatively, both end portions of the central shaft 24 may be fixed to the shaft support portion 22 and the pre-turning stationary blade 14 and the moving blade 15 may be fitted to the central shaft 24 so as to be rotatable.

[0024] The pre-swirling static dimension in which the radial dimension between the central shaft 24 and the peripheral surface of the pre-rotating stationary blade 14 and the radial dimension between the central shaft 24 and the peripheral surface of the moving blade 15 are substantially equal. The peripheral surface of the blade 14 and the peripheral surface of the rotor blade 15 are substantially flush when viewed in the axial direction.

[0025] The protruding width of the stationary blade blade 18 in the radially outward direction is substantially the same from the upstream side to the downstream side. Similarly, the protruding width of the rotor blade blade portion 19 in the radially outward direction is substantially the same from the upstream side to the downstream side. The moving blade blade portion 19 has a larger protruding width than the stationary blade blade portion 18, and the moving blade blade portion 19 protrudes outward in the radial direction from the stationary blade blade portion 18. The outer peripheral portion 18 a of the stationary blade blade portion 18 protrudes in the radially outward direction from the inner peripheral portion 19 a of the moving blade blade portion 19.

A space between the adjacent stationary blade blade portions 18 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a stationary blade channel 71. The space between adjacent blade blades 19 as viewed in the circumferential direction functions as a blade flow path 72. As shown in FIG. 1, the center C2 in the width direction (radial direction) in the rotor blade flow path 72 is positioned more radially outward than the center C 1 in the width direction (radial direction) in the stationary blade flow path 71. is doing. The outlet of the stationary blade channel 71 faces the inlet of the moving blade channel 72 with a gap (for example, 0.55 mm). The inlet width b of the rotor blade channel 72 is larger than the outlet width a of the stator blade channel 71! /.

[0027] Inside the large-diameter portion 13b of the cylindrical body 13, a cylindrical magnet Ml fixed to the rotor blade blade portion 19 so as to surround the rotor blade flow path 72 is accommodated. Magne represented by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 4. The inner peripheral surface of the blade Ml is fixed to the side end portion of the rotor blade blade portion 19.

[0028] A coil 9 is disposed outside the large-diameter portion 13b so as to face the upstream end surface of the magnet Ml. The coil 9 may be disposed so as to face the downstream end surface of the magnet Ml, or a pair of coils 9 may be disposed facing both the upstream and downstream end surfaces of the magnet Ml. Moyore.

The coil 9 includes a cylindrical yoke 31 shown in FIG. 5, and a coil wiring portion (not shown) disposed inside the yoke 31. The yoke 31 has three yokes 3 made of magnetic material.

2, 33, 34 combined.

[0030] The yoke 33 has a peripheral surface portion 33b facing the peripheral surface portion of the coil wiring portion accommodated therein, and a plurality of pole teeth 33a facing the magnet Ml. The plurality of pole teeth 33a project inward in the diameter and are provided integrally with the peripheral surface portion 33b, and are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

The yoke 34 has a plurality of pole teeth 34 a that protrude in the radially outward direction and are disposed between the pole teeth 33 a of the yoke 33. The pole teeth 33a and 34a are opposed to the yoke 32 with the coil wiring portion housed inside interposed therebetween.

[0032] On the end face in the axial direction of the magnet Ml, N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction.

Next, the operation of the faucet generator and the automatic faucet device according to this embodiment will be described!

[0034] When the user holds his hand under the spout 6 (Fig. 3), the sensor 7 senses this and the control unit

57 opens solenoid valve 8. As a result, running water is supplied to the inside of the cylinder 13 of the faucet generator 11, and the water flowing inside the cylinder 13 is discharged from the water outlet 6. When the user moves his hand away from under the spout 6, the solenoid valve 8 is closed and the water stops automatically.

[0035] The flowing water flowing into the cylindrical body 13 flows on the surface of the conical body of the pre-swirl stationary blade 14 and is diffused in the radially outward direction. In the specific examples shown in FIGS. The swirl flow is swirling in the right direction and flows through the vane channel 71 between the vane blades 18.

The swirl flow that has flowed through the stationary blade flow path 71 flows into the moving blade flow path 72 and collides with the upper inclined surface of the moving blade blade portion 19. In this specific example, the swirl flow that flows into the blade flow path 72 is a flow swirled in the right direction with respect to the axial center. Wing 15 rotates clockwise. The flowing water flowing through the rotor blade flow path 72 passes through the inside of the bearing 17, passes through the inside of the cylindrical body 13, and reaches the water discharge port 6.

[0037] When the rotor blade 15 rotates, the magnet Ml fixed thereto also rotates, and the polarities of the pole teeth 33a and 34a (Fig. 5) facing the magnet Ml change. That is, when yoke 33 (pole tooth 33a) is N pole, yoke 34 (pole tooth 34a) is S pole, and when yoke 33 (pole tooth 33a) is a force pole, yoke 34 (pole tooth 34a) is N pole. By repeating the above, the flux linkage with respect to the coil wiring portion arranged inside the yokes 33 and 34 changes, and an electromotive force is generated in the coil wiring portion to generate power. After the generated power is charged into the charger 56, it is used for driving the solenoid valve 8, the sensor 7, and the control unit 57, for example.

[0038] In this specific example, the space surrounded by the stationary blade blade 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 13 functions as the stationary blade channel 71, and the flowing water flows through the stationary blade channel 71 as described above. As a result, a rotating flow is formed. This swirling flow flows into the rotor blade flow path 72, which is a space surrounded by the rotor blade blade portion 19 and the inner peripheral surface of the magnet Ml, and gives rotational force to the rotor blade 15.

[0039] Since the flowing water flowing into the moving blade flow path 72 is a swirling flow, the flowing water flowing into the moving blade flow path 72 has a component that collides with the magnet Ml provided on the outer diameter side of the moving blade flow path 72. Take a lot! Therefore, in this specific example, by positioning the center C2 of the blade flow path 72 in the radially outward direction from the center C1 of the stationary blade flow path 71, it flows out of the stationary blade flow path 71 and spreads in the radially outward direction. By matching the center of the flow with the center C2 of the blade flow path 72, the force S can be received by the blade 15 efficiently. Furthermore, make the blade blade 19 project radially outward from the stationary blade blade 18 and ensure that the outlet width a of the stationary blade channel 71 is wider! /, And the inlet width b of the blade channel 72 is secured. Thus, it is possible to increase the distance S until the water flow that has passed through the pre-rotating vane 14 advances radially and collides with the magnet Ml, and the flow velocity of the water flow at the time of magnet collision can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the conversion loss from hydraulic energy to rotational energy caused by the pressure loss when the water flow that has passed through the pre-turning stator blade 14 collides with the magnet Ml, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0040] In particular, in the case where the hydraulic energy used for power generation is small, such as an automatic faucet that emphasizes the water-saving effect, this embodiment has a strong demand for reducing even a slight pressure loss. It is very effective. [0041] Note that if the inlet width a of the rotor blade flow path 72 is too large with respect to the outlet width b of the stationary blade flow path 71, pressure loss occurs due to a sudden expansion of the flow path. In order to suppress the pressure loss due to the collision of the swirling flow with the magnet Ml as described above, while suppressing the effect of pressure loss due to sudden expansion, the outlet width b of the stationary blade channel 71 and the inlet width a of the rotor channel 72 It is necessary to set the relationship with.

[0042] Next, the ratio of the moving blade channel inlet width to the stationary blade channel outlet width is 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.

The results of simulating the pressure loss ratio (%), loss outflow ratio (%), and impeller efficiency ratio (%) when changed to 5 will be described with reference to Table 1 and Figs. . The vane channel has the same radial width from the upstream inlet to the downstream outlet. Similarly, the moving blade channel has a radial width from the upstream inlet to the downstream outlet. The width was the same.

[0043] [Table 1]

[0044] The loss flow rate means that the flowing water that has passed through the stationary blade channel 71 passes through the gap between the magnet Ml and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 13 without passing through the moving blade channel 72. This represents the flow rate. The impeller efficiency is the ratio of the energy of the given water stream that has been converted to rotational energy.

Five.

[0045] In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the ratio of the moving blade channel inlet width to the stationary blade channel outlet width, and the vertical axis represents the pressure loss when the moving blade channel inlet width ratio is 1.0. When the ratio is 100 (%), the ratio of pressure loss when the blade flow path inlet width ratio is 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 is shown.

In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the ratio of the rotor blade channel inlet width to the stationary blade channel outlet width, and the vertical axis represents the ratio of the loss flow rate when the rotor blade channel inlet width ratio is 1.0. (%) Represents the ratio (%) of the loss flow rate when the blade flow path inlet width ratio is 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5.

In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the ratio of the rotor blade channel inlet width to the stationary blade channel outlet width, and the vertical axis represents the ratio of the impeller efficiency when the rotor blade channel inlet width ratio is 1.0. 100 (%) represents the ratio (%) of the impeller efficiency when the blade passage inlet width ratio is 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5. [0046] From FIG. 6, the pressure loss is the smallest when the blade flow path inlet width ratio is 2.0. In addition, the force from the graph in Fig. 7 is that the width of the inlet of the rotor blade channel is increased, so that it passes through the gap between the magnet and the cylinder wall surface without passing through the rotor blade channel. Therefore, the amount of water that contributes to the rotation of the moving blade through the blade flow path increases, and the power generation efficiency can be improved. Therefore, by increasing the inlet width of the rotor blade flow path, the pressure loss due to the collision with the magnet described above and the rotational power to the rotor blade are reduced, the loss flow rate is reduced! Power generation efficiency can be improved. In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, the impeller efficiency is the best when the blade flow path inlet width ratio is 2.0. From the findings based on Figs. 6, 7, and 8, the blade passage width is preferably 1.5 times or more and 2.5 times or less than the width of the stationary blade passage. For example, the inlet width dimension of the rotor blade flow path can be as follows: 1. Omm.

[0047] It should be noted that in order to expand the moving blade flow path 72 by causing the moving blade blade portion 19 to protrude more radially outward than the stationary blade blade portion 18, it is necessary to have a margin in the radial dimension at the installation location. In this specific example, since the coil 9 is disposed opposite to the magnet Ml in the axial direction, the radial dimension is reduced as compared with the case where the coil 9 is disposed opposite to the outer side of the magnet Ml. For example, even if it is incorporated in the cylindrical water discharge portion 3b shown in FIG. 2, the fine and clean design of the water discharge portion 3b is not impaired.

[0048] [Second specific example]

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing the inside of the faucet generator according to the second specific example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the coil 16 in the faucet generator. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the coil 16 shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement relationship between the magnet M2 and the yoke pole teeth 25c and 26b in the faucet generator.

[0049] In this specific example, the positional relationship between the magnet M2 and the coil 16 is different from that of the first specific example.

[0050] Inside the large-diameter portion 13b of the cylindrical body 13, a cylindrical magnet M2 fixed to the rotor blade blade portion 19 so as to surround the rotor blade flow path 72 is accommodated. A coil 16 is disposed outside the large-diameter portion 13b in the radially outward direction so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the magnet M2.

[0051] Coinole 16 includes a pair of yokes 25 and 26 shown in FIGS. And a coil wiring portion 16a disposed in an annular space formed by mating.

[0052] The yokes 25 and 26 are both made of a magnetic material. The yoke 25 has an annular portion 25a facing one end surface portion of the coil wiring portion 16a, and a peripheral surface portion 25b facing the peripheral surface portion of the coil wiring portion 16a, and further, an inner peripheral edge portion of the annular portion 25a Is provided with a plurality of pole teeth 25c projecting in the axial direction. The yoke 26 has an annular portion 26a facing the other end surface portion of the coil wiring portion 16a, and a plurality of pole teeth 26b provided on the inner peripheral edge portion of the annular portion 26a so as to protrude in the axial direction. The pole teeth 25c of the yoke 25 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the pole teeth 26b of the yoke 26 are also provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. The pole teeth of the other yoke are positioned between the pole teeth of the yoke, and the pole teeth 25c and 26b of both yokes 25 and 26 face the inner peripheral surface of the coinore spring part 16a.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 12, the magnet M2 has N poles and S poles alternately magnetized in the circumferential direction, and the pole teeth 25c and 26b of the yokes 25 and 26 are cylindrical bodies. Opposite the N or S pole of the magnet M2 with 13 tube walls in between. The coil spring portion 16a faces the magnet M2 with the pole teeth 25c and 26b and the tube wall of the cylindrical body 13 interposed therebetween.

[0054] As in the first specific example, when the moving blade 15 is rotated by the hydraulic force of the swirling flow formed by the pre-rotating stationary blade 14, the magnet M2 fixed to the rotating blade 15 also rotates. As shown in Fig. 12, the magnet M2 is magnetized with alternating N and S poles along the circumferential direction, so the pole teeth of the yokes 25 and 26 facing the magnet M2 The polarity of 25c and 26b changes. That is, when the yoke 25 is the N pole, the yoke 26 is the S pole, and when the yoke 25 is the S pole, the yoke 26 is the N pole. An electromotive force is generated in part 16a to generate electricity.

[0055] Also in this specific example, by positioning the center C2 of the blade flow path 72 in the radially outward direction from the center C1 of the stationary blade flow path 71, it flows out of the stationary blade flow path 71 and moves radially outward. By matching the center of the expanded flow with the center C2 of the blade flow path 72, the force S can be received efficiently by the blade 15. Furthermore, make the blade blade 19 project radially outward from the stationary blade blade 18 and ensure that the outlet width a of the stationary blade channel 71 is wider! /, And the inlet width b of the blade channel 72 is secured. Thus, it is possible to increase the distance S until the water flow that has passed through the pre-turning vane 14 advances radially and collides with the magnet M2, and the flow velocity of the water flow at the time of magnet collision can be reduced. Therefore, pre-turn The conversion loss from hydraulic energy to rotational energy caused by the pressure loss when the water flow that passed through the stationary blade 14 collides with the magnet M2 can be reduced, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0056] [Third example]

[0057] In this specific example, the pre-turning stationary blade 14, the moving blade 15, the magnet M3, and the bearing 17 are arranged in the cylindrical body 13 in this order from the upstream side in the direction in which the feed water flows. It is installed. The magnet M3 has a cylindrical shape and is provided on the downstream side of the moving blade 15 so as to be separated from the moving blade 15.

[0058] The central shaft 24 fixed to the shaft center of the moving blade 15 and rotatably supported on the bearing 17 passes through the hollow portion of the magnet M3, and extends radially to the central shaft 24. The magnet mounting member 36 is fixed via a plurality of connecting members 35. The magnet mounting member 36 includes a ring-shaped plate portion 37 and a cylindrical portion 38 that is provided integrally with the edge of the central hole of the plate portion 37 and extends toward the upstream side.

The magnet M3 is fixed on the plate portion 37 by fitting the hollow portion thereof to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 38 of the magnet mounting member 36. Therefore, the magnet M3 is fixed to the moving blade 15 via the magnet mounting member 36 and the central shaft 24, and when the moving blade 15 rotates, the magnet M3 rotates together with the moving blade 15. To do.

Alternatively, both end portions of the central shaft 24 may be fixed to the shaft support portion 22 and the pre-turning stationary blade 14, respectively, and the moving blade 15 may be fitted so as to be rotatable with respect to the central shaft 24. In this specific example, the connecting member 35 of the magnet mounting member 36 is engaged with the central shaft 24 so as to be rotatable around the central shaft 24, and the upper end of the cylindrical portion 38 is fixed to the rotor blade 15. Therefore, when the rotor blade 15 rotates, the magnet M3 rotates around the central axis 24 together with the magnet mounting member 36.

[0061] For example, two coils 16 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 13 so as to face the magnet M3 in accordance with the axial length of the magnet M3. The coil 16 has the same configuration as the second specific example described above, and the magnet M3 is the same as the magnet M2 of the second specific example. Similarly, the north and south poles are alternately magnetized along the circumferential direction, and the principle of power generation by rotating the magnet M3 is the same as in the second example.

In this specific example, the space surrounded by the stationary blade blade 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 13 functions as the stationary blade channel 71, and the moving blade blade 19 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 13 The enclosed space functions as the blade flow path 72. As described above, a swirling flow is formed by flowing water through the stationary blade channel 71, and this swirling flow flows into the moving blade channel 72 and gives a rotating force to the moving blade 15. The flowing water flowing through the rotor blade flow path 72 passes through the hollow portion of the magnet M3 and the inside of the bearing 17, passes through the inside of the cylindrical body 13, and reaches the water discharge port 6.

Since the flowing water flowing into the blade flow path 72 is a swirling flow, the flowing water flowing into the moving blade flow path 72 collides with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 13 located outside the moving blade flow path 72. Has a lot of ingredients to do. Also in this specific example, by positioning the center C2 of the rotor blade flow path 72 in the radially outward direction from the center C1 of the stationary blade flow path 71, the flow that flows out of the stationary blade flow path 71 and spreads in the radially outward direction. By aligning the center with the center C2 of the rotor blade flow path 72, the force S can be received efficiently by the rotor blade 15. Furthermore, make the blade blade 19 project radially outward from the stationary blade blade 18 and ensure that the outlet width a of the stationary blade channel 71 is wider! /, And the inlet width b of the blade channel 72 is secured. Thus, it is possible to increase the distance until the water flow that has passed through the pre-turning vane 14 advances in the radial direction and collides with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 13, and the flow velocity of the water flow at the time of the collision can be reduced. Therefore, the conversion loss from hydraulic energy to rotational energy caused by the pressure loss caused when the water flow that passed through the pre-swirl stator blade 14 collides with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 13 can be reduced, and the power generation efficiency is improved. Can be planned.

In this specific example, a moving blade ring may be provided on the moving blade 15 so as to surround the peripheral surface of the moving blade 15. With such a configuration, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the blade ring and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 13 is narrowed, and the flow resistance on the radially outer side than the blade portion 19 is increased. As a result, the flow rate through the rotor blade flow path 72 increases, and the conversion efficiency from hydraulic energy to rotational energy increases.

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention can be variously modified based on the technical idea of the present invention, which is not limited thereto. The faucet generator 11 is not limited to being provided inside the faucet fitting of the faucet device 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a pipe connecting the faucet fitting (the main body 3a and the water discharge part 3b) of the faucet device 3 and a stop cock (main plug) 105 provided on the upstream side of this. (Channel) 4 may be provided. In this case, the generator 11 is disposed under the counter 2 such as a washstand. In addition, the solenoid valve 8 that opens and closes the water supply channel connected to the water outlet 6 of the faucet device 3 is not limited to being provided inside the faucet fitting. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the stop cock 105 and the generator 11 It may be provided in a pipe (flow path) 4 between the two.

The faucet generator of the present invention is provided in the flow path between the stop cock (main plug) 105 and the spout 6 of the faucet device 3, and the spout 105 of the faucet device 3 is discharged from the faucet 105. Power is generated by the hydropower of the flowing water that flows toward the water inlet 6. Examples of the faucet device include kitchen faucets, living / dining faucets, shower faucets, toilet faucets, toilet faucets, and the like. In the faucet device, the discharge flow rate is set to 100 liters per minute or less, preferably 30 liters or less, for example. In particular, it is desirable for toilet faucets to be set at 5 liters per minute or less. In addition, when the discharge flow rate is relatively high, such as a toilet faucet, the water flow flowing from the water supply pipe to the generator 11 can be branched to adjust the flow rate flowing through the generator 11 to 30 liters per minute or less. desirable. This is because there is a concern that if all the water flow from the water supply pipe flows to the generator 11, the rotational speed of the rotor blade 15 increases, noise and shaft wear may increase, and even if the rotational speed increases. This is because, if the rotational speed is not less than the proper value, energy loss will occur due to eddy current and coil heat, and the power generation will not increase. In addition, the water supply pressure of the water pipe to which the faucet fitting is attached may be as low as 0.05 (MPa) in Japan, for example.

[0068] Further, the present invention is not limited to an automatic faucet using a human body detection sensor. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, a one-touch faucet by turning on / off a manual operation unit or a manual switch 3c, and a flow rate can be used. It can also be applied to fixed water faucets that stop and stop and timer faucets that stop when a set time has elapsed.

[0069] Further, for example, the generated electric power is converted into the lighting 101 for lighting up provided in the faucet device 3 as shown in FIG. 15 or other electrolytic function water such as alkali ion water or silver ion-containing water. Generation, flow rate display (metering), temperature display, voice guide, etc. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the electric power generated by the generator 11 may be supplied to the human body detection sensor 102 provided on the ceiling of the washroom. In addition, the electric power generated by the generator 11 may be used for the operation of a gas sensor, a microwave sensor, a door opening / closing mechanical sensor, and the like.

Industrial applicability

[0071] According to the present invention, there is provided a faucet generator that suppresses a wasteful flow that does not give a rotating force to a moving blade and improves power generation efficiency.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a central axis substantially parallel to the water supply channel;

A rotor blade having a plurality of rotor blade portions on a peripheral surface and provided in the water supply flow path so as to be rotatable around the central axis;

A pre-swirl stator blade provided on the upstream side of the rotor blade with a gap with respect to the rotor blade, and having a plurality of stator blade blade portions on the peripheral surface for giving a swirl flow to the rotor blade;

A magnet rotatable integrally with the moving blade;

A coil facing the magnet;

With

The center of the moving blade flow path formed between the moving blade blade portions is positioned in the radially outward direction from the center of the stationary blade flow path formed between the stationary blade blade portions. Faucet generator.

2. The faucet generator according to claim 1, wherein the moving blade blade part protrudes radially outward from the stationary blade blade part.

[3] Provided in a flow path connecting between the faucet fitting of the faucet device and the stop cock provided on the upstream side of the faucet device, and generates generated power other than the opening / closing operation of the faucet device The faucet generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the faucet generator can be supplied to the faucet.

4. The faucet generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the faucet generator is provided in a faucet fitting of the faucet device and opens and closes the faucet device with the generated electric power.

[5] The water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an outer peripheral portion of the stationary blade blade portion protrudes radially outward from an inner peripheral portion of the moving blade blade portion. Plug generator.

6. The faucet generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inlet width of the moving blade channel is larger than an outlet width of the stationary blade channel.

7. The faucet generator according to claim 6, wherein an inlet width of the moving blade channel is 1.5 times or more and 2.5 times or less of an outlet width of the stationary blade channel. .

[8] The magnet has a cylindrical shape fixed to the blade blade part so as to surround the blade flow path, and the coil is at least one of an upstream end surface and a downstream end surface of the magnet. The force according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the forces are arranged to face each other. Faucet generator.