JP2004108530A

JP2004108530A - Automatic temperature controlling mixing equipment

Info

Publication number: JP2004108530A
Application number: JP2002274377A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masayuki Sakamoto; 坂本　政行
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-20
Filing date: 2002-09-20
Publication date: 2004-04-08

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To feed mixed warm water with minimal temperature change from shower nozzles and faucets even when a plurality of shower nozzles are opened or closed simultaneously. <P>SOLUTION: An automatic temperature controlling mixing equipment includes a flow rate control mechanism means having two valve mechanism portions which are formed successively to introduce low temperature water/high temperature water, and to open or close the respective flow passages for the low temperature water/the high temperature water simultaneously; a pressure control mechanism which automatically changes the ratio of mixture of the low temperature water/the high temperature water by decreasing the flow rate of the water with higher feeding pressure in either the low temperature water/the high temperature water from the pressure control mechanism, or the low temperature water/the high temperature water from the flow rate control mechanism means; and a temperature control mechanism which sets the mixture ratio of the low temperature water/the high temperature water from the pressure control mechanism at a predetermined value so as to automatically keep the set temperature of the mixed warm water obtained by mixing the low temperature water/the high temperature water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、スポーツ施設のように多くの蛇口が付設されたシャワー、老人ホームや介護センター等に設置されたシャワー等の自動温度調整ミキシング装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図４は、従来例における自動温度調整ミキシング装置の概略を示す一部切断断面図である。図４において、従来、この種の自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００は、低温水・高温水の圧力が高い方の流量を少なくすることで低温水・高温水の混合比を自動的に変える圧力調整機構部２と、圧力調整機構部２からの低温水・高温水の流量を所定比で混合させて得られる湯水（以下、混合温水という）の温度を所定の温度に設定する温度設定部と、その混合温水の温度を所定の設定温度に自動的に保持する自動温度保持手段６を備えた温度調整機構部３とから構成される。
【０００３】
この圧力調整機構部２は、通常の作動状態では、低温水・高温水の相互の圧力差によって、孔部２２Ａと孔部２２Ｄの開閉比が異なるように制御される。例えば、低温水の圧力が高温水の圧力よりも高いときには、低温水側の孔部２２Ａの開度が小さく、高温水側の孔部２２Ｄの開度が大きくなり、低温水の圧力と高温水の圧力が同じ程度の時には、低温水側の孔部２２Ａの開度と、高温水側の孔部２２Ｄの開度が同じ程度になり、低温水の圧力が高温水の圧力よりも低いときには、低温水側の孔部２２Ａの開度が大きく、高温水側の孔部２２Ｄの開度が小さくなる。
【０００４】
一方、温度調整機構部３は、温度設定部を調整することによって圧力調整機構部２からの低温水・高温水の流量を所定比で混合させると共に、自動温度保持手段６で混合温水を所定の設定温度に維持する。
また、温度調整機構部３の出口には、温度調整機構部３からの混合温水の流量を手動で調整するための開閉弁機構部４０を備えている。この開閉弁機構部４０は、例えば、図５に示すような隣接する複数のシャワー室にそれぞれ配置された自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００に取り付けられる。
【０００５】
本願発明に関連する先行技術文献としては、特許文献１、２、３が挙げられる。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】特開２００１−６５０１２号公報
【特許文献２】特開２００２−８９９５４号公報
【特許文献３】特開２００２−２３５９５４号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような従来の自動温度調整ミキシング装置では、温度調整機構部３からの混合温水の流量を調整する開閉弁機構部４０自体が単に流量を変えるだけであるため、複数のシャワー室で多くの人がシャワーを同時に使用すると、温度調整機構部３により混合温水温度（混合温水圧力）としてせっかく設定されていた混合温水の温度が閉栓または開栓に応じて大きく変化してしまうという問題点を有していた。
【０００８】
具体的には、図６に示すように、開閉弁機構部４０が閉栓状態から開栓状態となった際に、（ａ）の混合温水圧力は０ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２から０．５ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２に上昇するに伴い、（ｂ）の給水圧力および（ｃ）の給湯圧力は共に２．１ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２から２．０ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２に低下する。また、（ｄ）の給水温度は１７．７°Ｃおよび（ｅ）の給湯温度は６２．３°Ｃで共に変化しないが、（ｆ）の混合温水温度（設定温度）は、４２．２°Ｃから４０．２°Ｃへと約２°Ｃ以上も下がってしまう。このような２°Ｃ以上の設定温度変化は、身体の皮膚に感じる温度変化としてはかなり大きなものである。
【０００９】
そこで本発明は上述の課題を解決するためになされたもので、同時に多くの人が複数のシャワーを使用しても、温度調整機構部によって設定された混合温水温度の変化が小さい混合温水を供給するようにした自動温度調整ミキシング装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上述した目的を達成するための第１の発明は、低温水・高温水を導入し、その各低温水・高温水の流通路を同時に開栓または閉栓するために２つの弁機構部を連設形成した流量調整機構手段と、前記流量調整機構手段から供給された低温水・高温水の各給水圧力または給湯圧力のうちいずれか高い方の流量を減少させることによって低温水・高温水の混合比を自動的に変える圧力調整機構部と、前記圧力調整機構部からの低温水・高温水の混合比を所定の値に設定し、低温水・高温水が混合された混合温水の設定温度を自動的に保持する温度調整機構部とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
上記第１の発明によれば、流量調整機構手段を設け、各低温水・高温水の流通路を同時に開栓または閉栓して、使用する低温水・高温水の流量を入り口段階で制御するために、圧力調整機構部に供給される低温水および高温水の流量を適正に調整する。このために、他人のシャワーの使用に係わらず、温度調整機構部から供給される混合温水の温度変化を小さくすることができる。
【００１２】
上記第２の発明によれば、前記弁機構部は、低温水を導入する低温水導入孔と高温水を導入する高温水導入孔と、前記低温水導入孔及び高温水導入孔にそれぞれ隣接する部分に設けられシリンダ内壁からシリンダ中心部に突出した低温水導入孔リング部および高温水導入孔リング部とを有するシリンダ部と、前記シリンダ部内に設けられた可動部に形成された低温水テーパ部と高温水テーパ部とを備え、前記可動部を稼働させることによって、前記低温水導入孔リング部と低温水テーパ部間の間隙、および高温水導入孔リング部と高温水テーパ部間の間隙を調整することによって、低温水・高温水の供給量の調整を同時に行うことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
上記第２の発明によれば、温度調整ハンドルを回転することによって、テーパ部とリング部間の間隙を変えることによって、低温水・高温水の供給量の調整を同時に行うことができる。このために、他人のシャワーの使用に係わらず、温度調整機構部から供給される混合温水の温度変化を小さくすることができる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】以下図面を参照して本発明の一実施の形態を説明する。図１は本発明の一実施の形態における自動温度調整ミキシング装置の概略を示す一部切断断面図である。図３はシャワー栓を閉栓状態から開栓状態にしてその後閉栓したときの混合温水温度（混合温水圧力）、給水温度（給水圧力）、給湯温度（給湯圧力）のそれぞれの変化を示した図である。
【００１５】
以下、例えば、スポーツ施設において多くの蛇口が設置されたシャワー等に使用される本発明の自動温度調整ミキシング装置について説明する。
【００１６】
この自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００は、図１に示すように、流量調整機構部１、圧力調整機構部２、温度調整機構部３から構成されている。流量調整機構部１と圧力調整機構部２は低温水用通路Ｌ３と高温水用通路Ｌ４によって連通され、圧力調整機構部２と温度調整機構部３は、低温水用通路Ｌ５と高温水用通路Ｌ６によって連通される。また、流量調整機構部１では、低温水供給管Ｌ１から低温水が供給され、高温水供給管Ｌ２から高温水が供給される。温度調整機構部３の下側にはシャワーおよび吐水口に連結されるパイプ（図示せず）に接続するための混合温水用出口部５が設けられている。なお、上記した各流量調整機構部１、圧力調整機構部２、温度調整機構部３の配置の向きは縦向きであっても横向きであっても構わない。
【００１７】
自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００に収容されている流量調整機構部１は、低温水供給管Ｌ１および高温水供給管Ｌ２から供給される低温水・高温水の供給量を同時に調整し、供給量が調整された当該低温水および高温水を低温水用通路Ｌ３および高温水用通路Ｌ４を介して圧力調整機構部２へ供給する。
【００１８】
流量調整機構部１は、低温水を導入する低温水導入孔１２Ａと高温水を導入する高温水導入孔１２Ｂと、前記低温水導入孔及び高温水導入孔にそれぞれ隣接する部分に設けられシリンダ内壁からシリンダ中心部に突出した低温水導入孔リング部１４Ａおよび高温水導入孔リング部１４Ｂとを有するシリンダ部１０と、前記低温水導入孔１２Ａと高温水導入孔１２Ｂの流入間隙を調整するテーパ部１３Ａ、１３Ｂを有する可動部１１とから構成される。
可動部１１は、雄ネジ部１５をシリンダ１０の上側の雌ネジ部１６にねじ込んだ状態で、雄ネジ部１５の頭部がシリンダ１０の外部に突出している。雄ネジ部１５の頭部には温度調整ハンドル（図示せず）が取り付けられ、この温度調整ハンドルを回転させることによって２つのテーパ部１３Ａ，１３Ｂが作動し、低温水および高温水の流量が制御される。
【００１９】
テーパ部１３Ａとリング部１４Ａは低温水弁機構部を構成し、テーパ部１３Ｂとリング部１４Ｂは高温水弁機構部を構成する。可動部１１に形成された２つの拡径部には先端側に行くに従って次第に縮径した略倒立円錐形状のテーパ部１３Ａ，１３Ｂが形成され、一方、シリンダ１０の低温水導入孔１２Ａと高温水導入孔１２Ｂに隣接して環状フランジ形のリング部１４Ａ，１４Ｂが形成されている。また、上段の低温水導入孔１２Ａ側には低温水供給管Ｌ１が接続され、下段の高温水導入孔１２Ｂ側には高温水供給管Ｌ２が接続されている。
【００２０】
そして、温度調整ハンドルの回転によってシリンダ１０内で可動部１１を上下方向に移動させてテーパ部１３Ａ，１３Ｂをそれぞれリング部１４Ａ，１４Ｂに近接または離反させることで、テーパ部１３Ａとリング部１４Ａおよびテーパ部１３Ｂとリング１４Ｂ間の間隙が調節される。これによって低温水用通路Ｌ３および高温水用通路Ｌ４からの低温水および高温水の流量を加減でき、低温水用通路Ｌ３および高温水用通路Ｌ４を介しての圧力調整機構部２側への低温水および高温水の供給量を同時に調整できる。
【００２１】
圧力調整機構部２は、流量調整機構部１から低温水用通路Ｌ３を介して供給される低温水の給水圧力または高温水用通路Ｌ４を介して供給される高温水の給湯圧力のいずれか高い方の流量を少なくすることによって低温水・高温水の混合比を自動的に変える機能を有する。
【００２２】
圧力調整機構部２は、シリンダ部２０と可動部２１とからなる。可動部２１は、丸棒状の縮径部の上端部２３Ａ、下端部２３Ｃおよび中央部２３Ｂにそれぞれ円柱状の拡径部を有し、上端部２３Ａと中央部２３Ｂ間に狭径部２４Ａおよび中央部２３Ｂと下端部２３Ｃ間に狭径部２４Ｂを有する（図２参照）。可動部２１は上段の縮径部周側面から上端面側に連通する断面が略Ｔ字形の通路ｔ１、下段の縮径部周側面から下端面側に連通する断面が略Ｔ字型の通路ｔ２をそれぞれ有する。可動部２１はシリンダ２０内部で上下移動できるようフリーな状態で当該シリンダ２０の内部に設けられている。
【００２３】
シリンダ部２０は、低温水を導入する孔部２２Ａ、高温水を導入する孔部２２Ｄ、低温水を排出する孔部２２Ｂ、高温水を排出する孔部２２Ｃからなる。そして、孔部２２Ａは、低温水用通路Ｌ３接続され、孔部２２Ｂは、低温水用通路Ｌ５接続され、孔部孔部２２Ｃは、高温水用通路Ｌ４に接続され、孔部２２Ｄは、高温水用通路Ｌ６接続される。
【００２４】
図２は自動温度調整ミキシング装置の圧力調整機構部の動作を説明するための断面図であり、（Ａ）は通常の作動状態、（Ｂ）は高温水の圧力が低温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいとき、（Ｃ）は低温水の圧力が高温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいときを示す。
通常の作動状態では、図２（Ａ）に示すように、圧力調整機構部２には、低温水・高温水の圧力差によって、最上段の孔部２２Ａから流入する低温水の流量と、最下段の孔部２２Ｄから流入する高温水の流量とが所定の比で供給される。
一方、高温水の圧力が低温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいときには、図２（Ｂ）に示すように、可動部２１がシリンダ２０内部で上側に移動し、最上段の孔部２２Ａと上側の通路ｔ１とは連通した状態となる。このとき低温水用通路Ｌ３を経て最上段の孔部２２Ａからシリンダ２０内に低温水が流入すると、低温水は可動部２１の上側の通路ｔ１を通ってシリンダ２０上側内壁面を加圧し、この圧力によって可動部２１を下方へ押し下げ、可動部２１を元の位置に戻そうとする力が働く。このとき、最上段の孔部２２Ａから流入した低温水は、通路ｔ１を介して孔部２２Ｂから低温水用通路Ｌ５に供給される。一方、最下段の孔部２２Ｄに供給される高温水は、可動部２１の拡径部２３Ｃで閉塞され孔部２２Ｃには供給されない。すなわち、高温水の圧力が低温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいときには、低温水のみが低温水用通路Ｌ５に供給され、高温水は高温水用通路Ｌ６に供給されない。
【００２５】
一方、低温水の圧力が高温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいときには、図２（Ｃ）に示すように、可動部２１がシリンダ２０内部で下側に移動し、最下段の孔部２２Ｄと下側の通路ｔ２とは連通した状態となる。このとき高温水用通路Ｌ４を経て最下段の孔部２２Ｄからシリンダ２０内に高温水が流入すると、高温水は可動部２１の下側の通路ｔ２を通ってシリンダ２０下側内壁面を加圧し、この圧力によって可動部２１を上方へ押し上げ、可動部２１を元の位置に戻そうとする力が働く。このとき、最下段の孔部２２Ｄから流入した高温水は、通路ｔ２を介して孔部２２Ｃから高温水用通路Ｌ６に供給される。一方、最上段の孔部２２Ａに流入した低温水は、可動部２１の拡径部２３Ａで閉塞され孔部２２Ｂには供給されない。すなわち、低温水の圧力が高温水の圧力よりも異常に大きいときには、高温水のみが高温水用通路Ｌ６に供給され、低温水は低温水用通路Ｌ５に供給されない。
【００２６】
温度調整機構部３は、圧力調整機構部２から低温水用通路Ｌ５および高温水用通路Ｌ６を経て供給された低温水・高温水を混合させることによって混合温水の温度を所定の温度、すなわちシャワー使用者の希望の混合温水温度に設定する機能を有する。また、温度調整機構部３は、混合温水の温度変化を設定温度に維持するために、例えば、サーモスタット等により混合温水の設定温度を自動的に保持する機能を有する。
【００２７】
温度調整機構部３は、雄ネジ部３２をシリンダ３０上側の雌ネジ部３３にねじ込んだ状態で、雄ネジ部１５の頭部がシリンダ１０の外部に突出している。雄ネジ部１５の頭部には温度調整ハンドル（図示せず）が取り付けられる。この温度調整ハンドルを回転させることによって、Ｖ字形弁機構部３１が上下し、低温水および高温水の混合比が制御され、混合温水の温度が所定の温度になるように設定される。
【００２８】
シリンダ３０内に配置されたＶ字形弁機構部３１は、略Ｖ字形のＶ字部３８がシリンダ３０の内面沿って形成されている。このＶ字部３８の幅は、低温水用通路Ｌ５に連通して形成されたシリンダ３０の上側の孔部３４Ａと、高温水用通路Ｌ６に連通して形成されたシリンダ３０の下側の孔部３４Ｂとの間隔とほぼ一致させてある。また、Ｖ字形弁機構部３１の内径部には、円周方向に複数の貫通孔ｔ３が設けられている。
【００２９】
Ｖ字部３８の中央の縮径部にはＯリング状のパッキン部材３５が取り付けられている。このパッキン部材３５はシリンダ３０内壁面に圧接しており、Ｖ字部３８において、低温水用通路Ｌ５に連通して形成された孔部３４Ａに供給される低温水と、高温水用通路Ｌ６に連通して形成された孔部３４Ｂとに供給される高温水が混合しないように隔絶する働きをする。なお、両孔部３４Ａ，３４Ｂの外側にはこの孔部３４Ａ，３４Ｂにゴミが混入しないようにするため、それぞれメッシュ３６Ａ，３６Ｂが設けられている。
【００３０】
使用時において、温度調整ハンドルを回転させてＶ字形弁機構部３１を下方に移動した場合には、低温水用通路Ｌ５から孔部３４Ａを介して流入する低温水の流量が多くなり、高温水用通路Ｌ６から孔部３４Ｂを介して流入する高温水の流量が少なくなり、混合温水の温度を下げるように設定される。また、温度調整ハンドルを回転させてＶ字形弁機構部３１を上方に移動した場合には、高温水用通路Ｌ５から孔部３４Ａを介して流入する低温水の流量が少なくなり、高温水用通路Ｌ６から孔部３４Ｂを介して流入する高温水の流量が多くなり、混合温水の温度を上げるように設定される。
【００３１】
また、混合温水用出口部５の中央部には、この混合温水用出口部５から放出される混合温水の温度の変化を瞬時に感知してＶ字形弁機構部３１を上下方向に移動させるための自動温度保持手段６が設けられる。この自動温度保持手段６は、例えば、サーモスタットで構成される。すなわち、サーモスタットは、自動温度保持手段６の内部に伸縮部７を有し、この伸縮部７が自動温度保持手段６の下端に接触された状態で配置されている。
混合温水の温度が設定温度よりも高い場合には、伸縮部７が伸びて自動温度保持手段６を下方に押し下げるので、この自動温度保持手段６に取り付けられた可動部３７を下方に移動させるので、この可動部３７に取り付けられたＶ字形弁機構部３１は同様に下方に移動し、高温水用通路Ｌ６から孔部３４Ｂを介して流入する高温水の流量を少なくし、低温水用通路Ｌ５から孔部３４Ａを介して流入する低温水の流量を多くする。これによって、混合温水の温度は自動的に下がり、設定温度に戻っていく。
【００３２】
一方、混合温水の温度が設定温度よりも低い場合には、伸縮部７が縮んで自動温度保持手段６を上方に移動させるので、この可動部３７に取り付けられたＶ字形弁機構部３１は同様に上方に移動し、高温水用通路Ｌ６から孔部３４Ｂを介して流入する高温水の流量を多くし、低温水用通路Ｌ５から孔部３４Ａを介して流入する低温水の流量を少なくする。これによって、混合温水の温度は自動的に上がり、混合温水は設定温度に戻っていく。
【００３３】
次に、以上のように構成された本発明の実施の形態の自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００についての動作の一例について説明する。図１に示すように、自動温度調整ミキシング装置１００に設けられた流量調整機構部１の温度調整ハンドルを回転することによって２つの孔部１２Ａ，１２Ｂから流入する低温水および高温水の流通路を同時に開栓しまたは閉栓できる。これによって、低温水・高温水の供給量を同時に調整して圧力調整機構部２に供給する。
【００３４】
そして圧力調整機構部２によって給水圧力または給湯圧力のいずれか高い方の流量を少なくして、低温水・高温水の混合比を変化させる。そして圧力調整機構部２からの低温水・高温水は温度調整機構部３に送られて低温水・高温水が所定の温度になるように低温水・高温水の流量を調整して混合される。このとき自動温度保持手段６によって温度を自動的に設定温度に保持する。このように、所定の温度に設定された混合温水は混合温水用出口部５からシャワーおよび吐水口に供給される。
【００３５】
上述のように、所定の温度に調整された混合温水をシャワーおよび吐水口から供給する際に、他人のシャワーの開栓または閉栓に応じて、流量調整機構部１の入り口における低温水・高温水の温度が変化しても、混合温水の温度は自動的に調整される。従って、多数の使用者が同時に複数のシャワーを使用しても、どのシャワーにおいても常に所望の設定温度が保持できる。
【００３６】
図３は本発明における実験結果を示す図であり、シャワー栓を閉栓状態から開栓状態にしてその後閉栓したときの混合温水温度（混合温水圧力）、給水温度（給水圧力）、給湯温度（給湯圧力）のそれぞれの変化を示した図である。
図３において、（ａ）は、混合温水圧力、（ｂ）は給水圧力、（ｃ）は給湯圧力、（ｄ）は給水温度、（ｅ）は給湯温度、（ｆ）は混合温水温度である。図３に示すように流量調整機構部１が閉栓状態から開栓状態となった際には、混合温水圧力は０ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２から０．５ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２に上昇し、給水圧力および給湯圧力は２．１ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２から２．０ｋｇ／ｃｍ^２に減少する。一方、給水温度（１７．８°Ｃ）、給湯温度（６２．８°Ｃ）は共にほとんど変化していない。混合温水の温度は、４０．１°Ｃから３９．６°Ｃに下がっている。この結果からわかるように、従来の温度変化（２°Ｃ以上の温度降下）に対して、本発明では温度降下を約０．５°Ｃ以下に抑えることができた。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
本発明は以上のように構成されているために、同時に多くの人が複数のシャワーを使用しても、温度調整機構部３によって設定された混合温水温度の温度変化が小さい混合温水をシャワーおよび吐水口から出すことができる。
【００３８】
すなわち、本発明においては、圧力調整機構部２と、温度調整機構部３の他に前記圧力調整機構部２側へ供給される低温水・高温水の供給量を同時に調整する流量調整機構部１を設けたために、従来の温度変化（２°Ｃ以上の温度降下）に対して温度降下を約０．５°Ｃ以下に抑えることができるようになった。さらに、同時に多くの人が複数のシャワーを使用しても、温度調整機構部３によって設定された混合温水の温度変化が小さくできる。
【００３９】
流量調整機構部１は、温度調整ハンドルの可動部１１に沿って２つの孔部１２Ａ，１２Ｂが連設形成され、単一の温度調整ハンドルを回転させることによって低温水・高温水それぞれの流通路を同時に開栓または閉栓するように構成される。従って、流量調整機構部１は混合温水を必要とするときのみ、高温水・低温水を圧力調整機構部２に供給し、高温水・低温水を最適に取り込むので、流量調整機構部１の閉栓、開栓による混合温水の温度の変化が少ない。
【００４０】
前記可動部１１に形成されたテーパ部１３Ａ，１３Ｂと、シリンダ１０内壁に突設したリング部１４Ａ，１４Ｂとの間隙を変えることによって、低温水・高温水の供給量の調整を行うようにしたので、単一の温度調整ハンドルの右回転または左回転のいずれかの回転によって、低温水・高温水の供給量を同時に調整することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態における自動温度調整ミキシング装置の概略を示す一部切断断面図である。
【図２】圧力調整機構部の動作を説明するための断面図である。（Ａ）は通常の作動状態、（Ｂ）は高温水圧力が異常に高い場合の動作状態、（Ｃ）は低温水圧力が異常に高い場合の動作状態を示す。
【図３】シャワー栓および吐水口を閉栓状態から開栓状態にしてその後閉栓したときの混合温水温度（混合温水圧力）、給水温度（給水圧力）、給湯温度（給湯圧力）のそれぞれの変化を示した図である。
【図４】従来例における自動温度調整ミキシング装置の概略を示す一部切断断面図である。
【図５】従来例における自動温度調整ミキシング装置を各シャワー室に設けた状態を示す斜視図である。
【図６】従来の自動温度調整ミキシング装置におけるシャワー栓および吐水口を閉栓状態から開栓状態にしてその後閉栓したときの混合温水温度（混合温水圧力）、給水温度（給水圧力）、給湯温度（給湯圧力）のそれぞれの変化を示した図である。
【符号の説明】
１…流量調整機構部
２…圧力調整機構部
３…温度調整機構部
５…混合温水用出口部
６…自動温度保持手段
７…伸縮部
１０…シリンダ
１１…可動部
１２Ａ…低温水導入孔部
１２Ｂ…高温水導入孔部
１３Ａ…低温水テーパ部
１３Ｂ…高温水テーパ部
１４Ａ…低温水リング部
１４Ｂ…高温水リング部
１５…雄ネジ部
１６…雌ネジ部
２０…シリンダ
２１…可動部
２２Ａ，２２Ｂ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｄ…孔部
３０…シリンダ
３１…Ｖ字形弁機構部
３２…雄ネジ部
３３…雌ネジ部
３４Ａ，３４Ｂ…孔部
３５…パッキン部材
３６Ａ，３６Ｂ…メッシュ
３７…可動部
３８…Ｖ字部
１００…自動温度調整ミキシング装置
Ｌ１…低温水供給管
Ｌ２…高温水供給管
Ｌ３，Ｌ５…低温水用通路
Ｌ４，Ｌ６…高温水用通路
ｔ１，ｔ２…通路
ｔ３…貫通孔[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic temperature-adjusting mixing device such as a shower provided with many faucets, such as a sports facility, a shower installed in a nursing home, a nursing center, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an automatic temperature control mixing apparatus according to a conventional example. In FIG. 4, conventionally, this kind of automatic temperature control mixing apparatus 100 has a pressure control mechanism for automatically changing the mixing ratio of low temperature water / high temperature water by reducing the flow rate of the lower pressure of low temperature water / high temperature water. A temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water (hereinafter, referred to as mixed hot water) obtained by mixing the flow rates of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water from the pressure adjusting mechanism unit 2 at a predetermined ratio to a predetermined temperature; A temperature adjusting mechanism unit 3 having an automatic temperature holding means 6 for automatically holding the temperature of the mixed hot water at a predetermined set temperature.
[0003]
In a normal operating state, the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 is controlled so that the opening / closing ratio of the hole 22A and the hole 22D differs depending on the pressure difference between the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water. For example, when the pressure of the low-temperature water is higher than the pressure of the high-temperature water, the opening of the hole 22A on the low-temperature water side is small, and the opening of the hole 22D on the high-temperature water is large. When the pressure of the low temperature water is lower than the pressure of the high temperature water, the opening degree of the hole 22A on the low temperature water side and the opening degree of the hole 22D on the high temperature water side become approximately the same. The opening of the hole 22A on the low-temperature water side is large, and the opening of the hole 22D on the high-temperature water side is small.
[0004]
On the other hand, the temperature adjusting mechanism unit 3 adjusts the temperature setting unit to mix the flow rates of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water from the pressure adjusting mechanism unit 2 at a predetermined ratio. Maintain at set temperature.
At the outlet of the temperature adjusting mechanism 3, an opening / closing valve mechanism 40 for manually adjusting the flow rate of the mixed hot water from the temperature adjusting mechanism 3 is provided. The on-off valve mechanism unit 40 is attached to, for example, an automatic temperature adjustment mixing device 100 arranged in each of a plurality of adjacent shower rooms as shown in FIG.
[0005]
Prior art documents related to the present invention include Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2001-65012 [Patent Document 2] JP-A-2002-89954 [Patent Document 3] JP-A-2002-235954
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional automatic temperature adjustment mixing device, the on-off valve mechanism 40 itself for adjusting the flow rate of the mixed hot water from the temperature adjustment mechanism section 3 merely changes the flow rate. If the person uses the shower at the same time, the temperature of the mixed hot water that has been set as the mixed hot water temperature (mixed hot water pressure) by the temperature adjustment mechanism 3 greatly changes according to the closure or opening. Had.
[0008]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the on-off valve mechanism 40 is changed from the closed state to the open state, the mixed hot water pressure of (a) is changed from 0 kg / cm ² to 0.5 kg / cm ² . As the temperature rises, the water supply pressure in (b) and the hot water supply pressure in (c) both decrease from 2.1 kg / cm ² to 2.0 kg / cm ² . Further, the feed water temperature of (d) is 17.7 ° C. and the hot water temperature of (e) is 62.3 ° C., which is not changed, but the mixed hot water temperature (set temperature) of (f) is 42.2 °. The temperature drops from C to 40.2 ° C by about 2 ° C or more. Such a change in the set temperature of 2 ° C. or more is a considerable change in the temperature felt by the skin of the body.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and even when many people use a plurality of showers at the same time, supply of mixed hot water with a small change in the mixed hot water temperature set by the temperature adjusting mechanism unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic temperature-adjusting mixing device that performs the above-mentioned steps.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object, two valve mechanisms are connected in order to introduce low-temperature water and high-temperature water and simultaneously open or close the flow paths of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water. The formed flow rate adjusting mechanism means and the mixing ratio of low temperature water / high temperature water by reducing the higher flow rate of each of the supply pressure or hot water pressure of the low temperature water / high temperature water supplied from the flow rate adjustment mechanism means A pressure adjusting mechanism for automatically changing the temperature and a mixing ratio of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water from the pressure adjusting mechanism to a predetermined value, and automatically set a set temperature of the mixed hot water in which the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water are mixed. And a temperature adjusting mechanism for temporarily holding the temperature.
[0011]
According to the first aspect, the flow rate adjusting mechanism is provided to simultaneously open or close the flow passages of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water to control the flow rate of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water to be used at the entrance stage. Then, the flow rates of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water supplied to the pressure adjusting mechanism are appropriately adjusted. For this reason, the temperature change of the mixed hot water supplied from the temperature adjustment mechanism can be reduced regardless of the use of another person's shower.
[0012]
According to the second aspect, the valve mechanism section is adjacent to the low-temperature water introduction hole for introducing low-temperature water, the high-temperature water introduction hole for introducing high-temperature water, and the low-temperature water introduction hole and the high-temperature water introduction hole, respectively. A cylinder portion having a low-temperature water introduction hole ring portion and a high-temperature water introduction hole ring portion protruding from the cylinder inner wall to the center of the cylinder, and a low-temperature water taper portion formed on a movable portion provided in the cylinder portion; And a high-temperature water taper portion, by operating the movable portion, the gap between the low-temperature water introduction hole ring portion and the low-temperature water taper portion, and the gap between the high-temperature water introduction hole ring portion and the high-temperature water taper portion. By adjusting, the supply amounts of low-temperature water and high-temperature water are adjusted at the same time.
[0013]
According to the second aspect, the supply amount of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water can be adjusted simultaneously by changing the gap between the tapered portion and the ring portion by rotating the temperature adjustment handle. For this reason, the temperature change of the mixed hot water supplied from the temperature adjustment mechanism can be reduced regardless of the use of another person's shower.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an automatic temperature control mixing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes in the mixed hot water temperature (mixed hot water pressure), the water supply temperature (water supply pressure), and the hot water supply temperature (hot water supply pressure) when the shower tap is changed from the closed state to the open state and then closed. is there.
[0015]
Hereinafter, for example, an automatic temperature adjustment mixing device of the present invention used for a shower or the like provided with many faucets in a sports facility will be described.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic temperature adjustment mixing device 100 includes a flow rate adjustment mechanism 1, a pressure adjustment mechanism 2, and a temperature adjustment mechanism 3. The flow rate adjusting mechanism 1 and the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 are connected by a low temperature water passage L3 and a high temperature water passage L4. The pressure adjusting mechanism 2 and the temperature adjusting mechanism 3 are connected by a low temperature water passage L5 and a high temperature water passage. It is communicated by L6. In the flow rate adjusting mechanism 1, low-temperature water is supplied from the low-temperature water supply pipe L1, and high-temperature water is supplied from the high-temperature water supply pipe L2. An outlet 5 for mixed hot water is provided below the temperature control mechanism 3 for connection to a pipe (not shown) connected to the shower and the water outlet. In addition, the arrangement direction of each of the above-described flow rate adjusting mechanism 1, pressure adjusting mechanism 2, and temperature adjusting mechanism 3 may be vertical or horizontal.
[0017]
The flow rate adjusting mechanism unit 1 accommodated in the automatic temperature adjustment mixing apparatus 100 simultaneously adjusts the supply amounts of low-temperature water and high-temperature water supplied from the low-temperature water supply pipe L1 and the high-temperature water supply pipe L2, and adjusts the supply amount. The supplied low-temperature water and high-temperature water are supplied to the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 via the low-temperature water passage L3 and the high-temperature water passage L4.
[0018]
The flow rate adjusting mechanism 1 includes a low-temperature water introduction hole 12A for introducing low-temperature water, a high-temperature water introduction hole 12B for introducing high-temperature water, and a cylinder inner wall provided at portions adjacent to the low-temperature water introduction hole and the high-temperature water introduction hole, respectively. Cylinder 10 having a low-temperature water introduction hole ring portion 14A and a high-temperature water introduction hole ring portion 14B protruding from the center of the cylinder, and a taper portion for adjusting an inflow gap between the low-temperature water introduction hole 12A and the high-temperature water introduction hole 12B. And a movable portion 11 having 13A and 13B.
The movable portion 11 has a head portion of the male screw portion 15 protruding outside the cylinder 10 in a state where the male screw portion 15 is screwed into the female screw portion 16 on the upper side of the cylinder 10. A temperature adjustment handle (not shown) is attached to the head of the male screw portion 15, and by rotating this temperature adjustment handle, the two tapered portions 13A and 13B operate to control the flow rates of low-temperature water and high-temperature water. Is done.
[0019]
The tapered portion 13A and the ring portion 14A constitute a low-temperature water valve mechanism, and the tapered portion 13B and the ring portion 14B constitute a high-temperature water valve mechanism. The two enlarged diameter portions formed in the movable portion 11 are formed with tapered portions 13A and 13B each having a generally inverted conical shape whose diameter is gradually reduced toward the distal end side. Annular flange-shaped ring portions 14A and 14B are formed adjacent to the introduction hole 12B. Further, a low-temperature water supply pipe L1 is connected to the upper low-temperature water introduction hole 12A, and a high-temperature water supply pipe L2 is connected to the lower high-temperature water introduction hole 12B.
[0020]
Then, the movable portion 11 is moved up and down in the cylinder 10 by rotation of the temperature adjustment handle so that the tapered portions 13A and 13B approach or separate from the ring portions 14A and 14B, respectively. The gap between the tapered portion 13B and the ring 14B is adjusted. Thereby, the flow rates of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water from the low-temperature water passage L3 and the high-temperature water passage L4 can be adjusted, and the low-temperature water flowing to the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 via the low-temperature water passage L3 and the high-temperature water passage L4 can be controlled. Water and hot water supply can be adjusted simultaneously.
[0021]
The pressure adjustment mechanism 2 is higher than the supply pressure of low-temperature water supplied from the flow-rate adjustment mechanism 1 via the low-temperature water passage L3 or the supply pressure of high-temperature water supplied through the high-temperature water passage L4. It has a function to automatically change the mixing ratio of low-temperature water and high-temperature water by reducing the flow rate of the other.
[0022]
The pressure adjusting mechanism section 2 includes a cylinder section 20 and a movable section 21. The movable portion 21 has a cylindrical enlarged diameter portion at the upper end portion 23A, the lower end portion 23C, and the central portion 23B of the round bar-shaped reduced diameter portion, and the narrow diameter portion 24A and the central portion between the upper end portion 23A and the central portion 23B. A narrow portion 24B is provided between the portion 23B and the lower end 23C (see FIG. 2). The movable portion 21 has a passage T1 having a substantially T-shaped cross section communicating from the peripheral side of the upper reduced diameter portion to the upper end surface, and a passage T2 having a substantially T-shaped cross section communicating from the peripheral side surface of the lower reduced diameter portion to the lower end surface. Respectively. The movable part 21 is provided inside the cylinder 20 in a free state so that it can move up and down inside the cylinder 20.
[0023]
The cylinder 20 includes a hole 22A for introducing low-temperature water, a hole 22D for introducing high-temperature water, a hole 22B for discharging low-temperature water, and a hole 22C for discharging high-temperature water. The hole 22A is connected to the low temperature water passage L3, the hole 22B is connected to the low temperature water passage L5, the hole 22C is connected to the high temperature water passage L4, and the hole 22D is connected to the high temperature water L4. The water passage L6 is connected.
[0024]
2A and 2B are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the pressure adjustment mechanism of the automatic temperature adjustment mixing device. FIG. 2A is a normal operation state, and FIG. (C) shows when the pressure of the low-temperature water is abnormally higher than the pressure of the high-temperature water.
In a normal operation state, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), a pressure difference between the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water, The flow rate of the high-temperature water flowing from the lower hole 22D is supplied at a predetermined ratio.
On the other hand, when the pressure of the high-temperature water is abnormally higher than the pressure of the low-temperature water, as shown in FIG. 2B, the movable portion 21 moves upward in the cylinder 20, and the uppermost hole 22A and the upper hole 22A move upward. The passage t1 communicates with the passage t1. At this time, when low-temperature water flows into the cylinder 20 from the uppermost hole 22A through the low-temperature water passage L3, the low-temperature water presses the upper inner wall surface of the cylinder 20 through the upper passage t1 of the movable portion 21. The pressure exerts a force to push the movable part 21 downward and return the movable part 21 to the original position. At this time, the low-temperature water flowing from the uppermost hole 22A is supplied from the hole 22B to the low-temperature water passage L5 via the passage t1. On the other hand, the high-temperature water supplied to the lowermost hole 22D is closed by the enlarged diameter portion 23C of the movable portion 21 and is not supplied to the hole 22C. That is, when the pressure of the high-temperature water is abnormally larger than the pressure of the low-temperature water, only the low-temperature water is supplied to the low-temperature water passage L5, and the high-temperature water is not supplied to the high-temperature water passage L6.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the pressure of the low-temperature water is abnormally higher than the pressure of the high-temperature water, as shown in FIG. 2C, the movable portion 21 moves downward inside the cylinder 20 and moves downward with the lowermost hole 22D. The side passage t2 communicates with the side passage t2. At this time, when high-temperature water flows into the cylinder 20 from the lowermost hole 22D via the high-temperature water passage L4, the high-temperature water presses the lower inner wall surface of the cylinder 20 through the lower passage t2 of the movable portion 21. Due to this pressure, a force acts to push up the movable part 21 upward and return the movable part 21 to the original position. At this time, the high-temperature water flowing from the lowermost hole 22D is supplied from the hole 22C to the high-temperature water passage L6 via the passage t2. On the other hand, the low-temperature water flowing into the uppermost hole 22A is closed by the enlarged diameter portion 23A of the movable portion 21 and is not supplied to the hole 22B. That is, when the pressure of the low-temperature water is abnormally higher than the pressure of the high-temperature water, only the high-temperature water is supplied to the high-temperature water passage L6, and the low-temperature water is not supplied to the low-temperature water passage L5.
[0026]
The temperature adjusting mechanism 3 mixes the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water supplied from the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 through the low-temperature water passage L5 and the high-temperature water passage L6 to reduce the temperature of the mixed hot water to a predetermined temperature, that is, a shower. It has a function to set the mixed hot water temperature desired by the user. Further, the temperature adjustment mechanism section 3 has a function of automatically maintaining the set temperature of the mixed hot water by using, for example, a thermostat, in order to maintain the temperature change of the mixed hot water at the set temperature.
[0027]
The head of the male screw portion 15 of the temperature adjusting mechanism portion 3 projects outside the cylinder 10 in a state where the male screw portion 32 is screwed into the female screw portion 33 on the upper side of the cylinder 30. A temperature adjustment handle (not shown) is attached to the head of the male screw portion 15. By rotating the temperature adjusting handle, the V-shaped valve mechanism 31 moves up and down, the mixing ratio of low-temperature water and high-temperature water is controlled, and the temperature of the mixed hot water is set to a predetermined temperature.
[0028]
The V-shaped valve mechanism 31 disposed in the cylinder 30 has a substantially V-shaped V-shaped portion 38 formed along the inner surface of the cylinder 30. The width of the V-shaped portion 38 is different from that of the upper hole 34A of the cylinder 30 formed to communicate with the low-temperature water passage L5 and the lower hole of the cylinder 30 formed to communicate with the high-temperature water passage L6. The distance from the portion 34B is substantially the same. Further, a plurality of through holes t3 are provided in the inner diameter portion of the V-shaped valve mechanism portion 31 in the circumferential direction.
[0029]
An O-ring shaped packing member 35 is attached to the central reduced diameter portion of the V-shaped portion 38. The packing member 35 is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder 30, and in the V-shaped portion 38, the low-temperature water supplied to the hole 34 A formed in communication with the low-temperature water passage L 5 and the high-temperature water passage L 6. It functions to isolate the high-temperature water supplied to the hole 34B formed in communication with the hole so as not to mix. Note that meshes 36A and 36B are provided outside the holes 34A and 34B, respectively, to prevent dust from entering the holes 34A and 34B.
[0030]
When the V-shaped valve mechanism 31 is moved downward by rotating the temperature adjustment handle during use, the flow rate of the low-temperature water flowing from the low-temperature water passage L5 through the hole 34A increases, and the high-temperature water The flow rate of the high-temperature water flowing from the use passage L6 via the hole 34B is set to be small, and the temperature of the mixed hot water is set to be low. When the V-shaped valve mechanism 31 is moved upward by rotating the temperature adjustment handle, the flow rate of the low-temperature water flowing from the high-temperature water passage L5 through the hole 34A is reduced, and the high-temperature water passage is reduced. The flow rate of the high-temperature water flowing from L6 through the hole 34B is set to increase, and the temperature of the mixed hot water is set to increase.
[0031]
In addition, in the center of the mixed hot water outlet 5, a change in the temperature of the mixed hot water discharged from the mixed hot water outlet 5 is instantaneously sensed to move the V-shaped valve mechanism 31 vertically. Automatic temperature holding means 6 is provided. The automatic temperature holding means 6 is constituted by, for example, a thermostat. That is, the thermostat has the expansion and contraction portion 7 inside the automatic temperature holding means 6, and the expansion and contraction portion 7 is arranged in contact with the lower end of the automatic temperature holding means 6.
When the temperature of the mixed hot water is higher than the set temperature, the expansion / contraction section 7 expands and pushes down the automatic temperature holding means 6, so that the movable section 37 attached to the automatic temperature holding means 6 is moved downward. Similarly, the V-shaped valve mechanism 31 attached to the movable portion 37 moves downward to reduce the flow rate of the high-temperature water flowing from the high-temperature water passage L6 through the hole 34B, thereby reducing the flow of the low-temperature water passage L5. , The flow rate of the low-temperature water flowing through the hole 34A is increased. This automatically lowers the temperature of the mixed hot water and returns to the set temperature.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the temperature of the mixed hot water is lower than the set temperature, the expansion / contraction section 7 shrinks and moves the automatic temperature holding means 6 upward, so that the V-shaped valve mechanism section 31 attached to the movable section 37 is also the same. Then, the flow rate of the high-temperature water flowing from the high-temperature water passage L6 through the hole 34B is increased, and the flow rate of the low-temperature water flowing from the low-temperature water passage L5 through the hole 34A is reduced. As a result, the temperature of the mixed hot water automatically rises, and the mixed hot water returns to the set temperature.
[0033]
Next, an example of the operation of the automatic temperature control mixing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, by rotating a temperature adjustment handle of a flow rate adjustment mechanism unit 1 provided in the automatic temperature adjustment mixing device 100, a flow path of low-temperature water and high-temperature water flowing from the two holes 12A and 12B is formed. Can be opened or closed at the same time. Thereby, the supply amounts of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water are simultaneously adjusted and supplied to the pressure adjusting mechanism 2.
[0034]
Then, the flow rate of the higher of the water supply pressure and the hot water supply pressure is reduced by the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 to change the mixing ratio of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water. Then, the low-temperature water and high-temperature water from the pressure control mechanism 2 are sent to the temperature control mechanism 3 and mixed by adjusting the flow rates of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water so that the low-temperature water and high-temperature water have a predetermined temperature. . At this time, the temperature is automatically held at the set temperature by the automatic temperature holding means 6. As described above, the mixed hot water set at a predetermined temperature is supplied from the mixed hot water outlet 5 to the shower and the water outlet.
[0035]
As described above, when the mixed hot water adjusted to a predetermined temperature is supplied from the shower and the spout, the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water at the entrance of the flow rate adjusting mechanism 1 according to the opening or closing of the shower of another person. Even if the temperature of the mixed hot water changes, the temperature of the mixed hot water is automatically adjusted. Therefore, even if many users use a plurality of showers at the same time, a desired set temperature can always be maintained in any shower.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the experimental results in the present invention, in which the temperature of the mixed hot water (mixed hot water pressure), the temperature of the water supply (water pressure), and the temperature of the hot water (hot water supply) when the shower plug is changed from the closed state to the open state and then closed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each change in pressure (pressure).
In FIG. 3, (a) is the mixed hot water pressure, (b) is the feed water pressure, (c) is the hot water supply pressure, (d) is the feed water temperature, (e) is the hot water temperature, and (f) is the mixed hot water temperature. . As shown in FIG. 3, when the flow rate adjusting mechanism unit 1 changes from the closed state to the open state, the mixed hot water pressure increases from 0 kg / cm ² to 0.5 kg / cm ² , and the water supply pressure and the hot water supply pressure become It is reduced from 2.1 kg / cm ² to 2.0 kg / cm ² . On the other hand, the water supply temperature (17.8 ° C.) and the hot water supply temperature (62.8 ° C.) hardly change. The temperature of the mixed hot water has dropped from 40.1 ° C to 39.6 ° C. As can be seen from the results, the present invention was able to suppress the temperature drop to about 0.5 ° C. or less in comparison with the conventional temperature change (temperature drop of 2 ° C. or more).
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, even when many people use a plurality of showers at the same time, the mixed hot water having a small temperature change of the mixed hot water temperature set by the temperature adjusting mechanism unit 3 is showered and used. It can be taken out of the spout.
[0038]
That is, in the present invention, in addition to the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 and the temperature adjusting mechanism 3, the flow rate adjusting mechanism 1 for simultaneously adjusting the supply amounts of low-temperature water and high-temperature water supplied to the pressure adjusting mechanism 2 side. Is provided, the temperature drop can be suppressed to about 0.5 ° C. or less with respect to the conventional temperature change (temperature drop of 2 ° C. or more). Furthermore, even if many people use a plurality of showers at the same time, the temperature change of the mixed hot water set by the temperature adjustment mechanism 3 can be reduced.
[0039]
The flow rate adjusting mechanism 1 has two holes 12A and 12B formed continuously along the movable portion 11 of the temperature adjusting handle, and by rotating a single temperature adjusting handle, the flow paths of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water respectively. Are configured to be simultaneously opened or closed. Therefore, the flow control mechanism 1 supplies high-temperature water and low-temperature water to the pressure control mechanism 2 and takes in the high-temperature water and low-temperature water optimally only when mixed hot water is required. In addition, there is little change in the temperature of the mixed hot water due to opening.
[0040]
The supply amount of low-temperature water / high-temperature water is adjusted by changing the gap between the tapered portions 13A and 13B formed on the movable portion 11 and the ring portions 14A and 14B protruding from the inner wall of the cylinder 10. Therefore, the supply amount of the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water can be simultaneously adjusted by either the right rotation or the left rotation of the single temperature adjustment handle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an automatic temperature control mixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of a pressure adjusting mechanism. (A) shows a normal operation state, (B) shows an operation state when the high-temperature water pressure is abnormally high, and (C) shows an operation state when the low-temperature water pressure is abnormally high.
FIG. 3 shows changes in the mixed hot water temperature (mixed hot water pressure), the supply water temperature (water supply pressure), and the hot water supply temperature (hot water supply pressure) when the shower tap and the spout are changed from the closed state to the open state and then closed. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a conventional automatic temperature adjustment mixing device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a conventional automatic temperature adjustment mixing device is provided in each shower room.
FIG. 6 shows a mixed hot water temperature (mixed hot water pressure), a supply water temperature (water supply pressure), and a hot water supply temperature when the shower tap and the spout in the conventional automatic temperature control mixing apparatus are changed from the closed state to the open state and then closed. It is a figure showing each change of (hot-water supply pressure).
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Flow rate adjustment mechanism part 2 ... Pressure adjustment mechanism part 3 ... Temperature adjustment mechanism part 5 ... Outlet part for mixed hot water 6 ... Automatic temperature holding means 7 ... Expansion part 10 ... Cylinder 11 ... Movable part 12A ... Low temperature water introduction hole part 12B ... High-temperature water inlet 13A ... Low-temperature taper 13B ... High-temperature taper 14A ... Low-temperature water ring 14B ... High-temperature water ring 15 ... Male thread 16 ... Female thread 20 ... Cylinder 21 ... Movable parts 22A, 22B , 22C, 22D ... hole 30 ... cylinder 31 ... V-shaped valve mechanism 32 ... male screw part 33 ... female screw part 34A, 34B ... hole 35 ... packing members 36A, 36B ... mesh 37 ... movable part 38 ... V-shaped Part 100: Automatic temperature adjustment mixing device L1: Low temperature water supply pipe L2: High temperature water supply pipe L3, L5: Low temperature water passage L4, L6: High temperature water passage t1, t2: Passage t3: Through hole

Claims

低温水・高温水を導入し、その各低温水・高温水の流通路を同時に開栓または閉栓するために２つの弁機構部を連設形成した流量調整機構手段と、
前記流量調整機構手段から供給された低温水・高温水の各給水圧力または給湯圧力のうちいずれか高い方の流量を減少させることによって低温水・高温水の混合比を自動的に変える圧力調整機構部と、
前記圧力調整機構部からの低温水・高温水の混合比を所定の値に設定し、低温水・高温水が混合された混合温水の設定温度を自動的に保持する温度調整機構部とを備えたことを特徴とする自動温度調整ミキシング装置。Flow rate adjusting mechanism means for introducing low-temperature water / high-temperature water and forming two valve mechanisms in series to open or close the respective flow paths of the low-temperature water / high-temperature water simultaneously;
A pressure adjusting mechanism that automatically changes the mixing ratio of low-temperature water and high-temperature water by reducing the higher flow rate of each of the supply water pressure and the hot-water supply pressure of low-temperature water and high-temperature water supplied from the flow rate adjustment mechanism. Department and
A temperature adjusting mechanism for setting a mixing ratio of the low-temperature water and high-temperature water from the pressure adjusting mechanism to a predetermined value and automatically maintaining a set temperature of the mixed hot water in which the low-temperature water and high-temperature water are mixed. Automatic temperature adjusting mixing device.

前記弁機構部は、低温水を導入する低温水導入孔と高温水を導入する高温水導入孔と、前記低温水導入孔及び高温水導入孔にそれぞれ隣接する部分に設けられシリンダ内壁からシリンダ中心部に突出した低温水導入孔リング部および高温水導入孔リング部とを有するシリンダ部と、前記シリンダ部内に設けられた可動部に形成された低温水テーパ部と高温水テーパ部とを備え、
前記可動部を稼働させることによって、前記低温水導入孔リング部と低温水テーパ部間の間隙、および高温水導入孔リング部と高温水テーパ部間の間隙を調整することによって、低温水・高温水の供給量の調整を同時に行うことを特徴とする請求項１記載の自動温度調整ミキシング装置。The valve mechanism is provided with a low-temperature water introduction hole for introducing low-temperature water and a high-temperature water introduction hole for introducing high-temperature water, and provided at portions adjacent to the low-temperature water introduction hole and the high-temperature water introduction hole, respectively. A cylinder portion having a low-temperature water introduction hole ring portion and a high-temperature water introduction hole ring portion projecting from the portion, and a low-temperature water taper portion and a high-temperature water taper portion formed on a movable portion provided in the cylinder portion;
By operating the movable portion, the gap between the low-temperature water inlet hole ring portion and the low-temperature water taper portion, and the gap between the high-temperature water inlet hole ring portion and the high-temperature water taper portion are adjusted, so that the low-temperature water / high-temperature 2. The automatic temperature adjustment mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the water supply amount is adjusted simultaneously.