Automatic faucet

Abstract

To provide an automatic faucet for allowing the assembly of a water discharge port unit and a sensor unit in the pipe internal of a water discharge pipe so as to widely secure an installation space for each of them.SOLUTION: An automatic faucet 1 includes a water discharge pipe 2 through which a water discharge tube is passed, a water discharge port unit 4 inserted into the pipe internal of the water discharge pipe 2 ranging from a pipe front end side to an abutment position, and a sensor unit 5 inserted into the pipe internal ranging from the pipe front end side to an abutment position so as to be arranged in parallel to the water discharge port unit 4 in a pipe radial direction. The water discharge port unit 4 is flow-path connected to the water discharge tube to form a water discharge port 4B in the pipe front end. The sensor unit 5 includes a reflection type photoelectric sensor 5A. The automatic faucet 1 further includes a pressor member 6 fixed into the pipe internal to press the sensor unit 5 and the water discharge port unit 4 from the pipe front end side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic faucet, and more particularly to an automatic faucet in which a water outlet unit and a sensor unit are arranged inside a water discharge pipe. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic faucet that has a water outlet unit that forms the water outlet at the tip of the water outlet pipe facing the outlet, and a sensor unit that detects the user's hand being held out. The sensor unit is equipped with a reflective photoelectric sensor that has a light-emitting part that emits light such as infrared light or visible light toward the outside, and a light-receiving part that receives light reflected from the emitted light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6448357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the spout unit and the sensor unit are individually assembled inside the spout pipe. Therefore, it is necessary to secure separate fastening space for each unit. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in terms of both ensuring a wide spout and securing a separation space between the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of the sensor unit within the limited space inside the spout pipe. Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic faucet that can be assembled inside the spout pipe so that a wide installation space for each of the spout unit and the sensor unit can be secured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the automatic faucet of the present invention takes the following measures.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet comprising: a discharge pipe through which a discharge pipe passes; a discharge outlet unit which is inserted into the inside of the discharge pipe from the pipe tip side to a position where it abuts, is connected to the flow path of the discharge pipe, and forms a discharge outlet at the pipe tip; a sensor unit equipped with a reflective photoelectric sensor which is inserted into the pipe from the pipe tip side to a position where it abuts so as to be aligned radially with the discharge outlet unit; and a pressing member which is fixed inside the pipe so as to press down the sensor unit and the discharge outlet unit from the pipe tip side.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the spout unit and the sensor unit can be held down together inside the pipe by a retaining member. This allows for a larger installation space for each unit compared to a configuration in which the spout unit and the sensor unit are fixed individually inside the pipe with screws. Therefore, in the limited space inside the spout pipe, it is possible to ensure both a wide spout and a separation space between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the sensor unit, and then properly assemble each unit to the spout pipe.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet which, in the above-mentioned first invention, further comprises a mesh-shaped foamer which is set so as to cover the spout of the spout unit from the pipe tip side, and the foamer is held down together with the spout unit from the pipe tip side by the holding member.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the foamer can be rationally fixed inside the pipe by utilizing the configuration of the pressing member.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet according to the first or second invention, in which the clamping member is fixed inside the pipe by tightening a screw inserted into the clamping member from the tip side of the pipe.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressing member can be properly fixed to the inside of the pipe simply by ensuring a space between the pressing member and the inside of the pipe in which the screw can be fastened.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet according to the third invention, wherein the screw penetrates through the clamping member and the outlet unit and / or the sensor unit and is fastened to the inside of the pipe.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is only necessary to secure a space large enough to thread the water outlet unit and / or the sensor unit, thereby ensuring ample installation space for each. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an automatic faucet according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip of the water discharge pipe as seen from below. [Figure 3] This is a view of Figure 2 as seen straight from the tip of the pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which the spout unit and the sensor unit are combined. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the spout unit and the sensor unit are assembled inside the pipe. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of automatic faucet 1) First, the configuration of an automatic faucet 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0017] The directions shown in each figure are those seen by a user standing in front of the automatic faucet 1. In the following description, when a specific reference figure is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to a reference figure, reference will be made to any of Figures 1 to 8 as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the automatic faucet 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called touchless faucet that is installed on the countertop at the back of a bathroom vanity. The automatic faucet 1 has a water discharge pipe 2 that extends in a gooseneck shape from the installation surface, and a water discharge tube 3 that passes through the inside of the water discharge pipe 2.

[0019] The automatic faucet 1 also has a water outlet unit 4 and a sensor unit 5 that are incorporated inside the water discharge pipe 2. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the water outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 are assembled inside the water discharge pipe 2 from the tip side of the pipe.

[0020] 4, the water outlet unit 4 includes a connection part 4A that is connected to the water discharge pipe 3, and a horizontally long water outlet 4B that forms a hot and cold water outlet at the tip of the water discharge pipe 2. The sensor unit 5 includes a reflective photoelectric sensor 5A that is arranged at the tip of the water discharge pipe 2 so as to be able to detect the user's hand being extended without contact.

[0021] The automatic faucet 1 further has a retaining member 6 that is assembled inside the pipe so as to press down on the outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 from the tip side of the water discharge pipe 2. The automatic faucet 1 also has two screws 7 for fastening the retaining member 6 inside the water discharge pipe 2.

[0022] The automatic faucet 1 also has a mesh-like amphetamine 8 that is set so as to cover the outlet 4B of the outlet unit 4 from the pipe tip side. The amphetamine 8 is set so as to fit into an amphetamine fitting groove 4F that is formed on the tip surface of the outlet unit 4 and recessed along the periphery of the outlet 4B. The amphetamine 8 is held down from the pipe tip side by the holding member 6 as the holding member 6 is assembled inside the pipe of the water discharge pipe 2 (see Figure 8).

[0023] The water outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 are combined together in the pipe diameter direction to form a horizontally long cylindrical shape that matches the inner circumferential surface of the water outlet pipe 2 (see Figure 5). Specifically, the water outlet unit 4 has a recessed fitting recess 4C formed on the outer periphery of the upper end of the unit 4 in the figure, into which the sensor unit 5 can be fitted from above in the figure.

[0024] The bottom surface of the fitting recess 4C is concave and flat. The bottom surface of fitting recess 4C is formed to be flush with the flat upper surface of the spout unit 4 that extends further inward. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 5 has a square-shaped protruding fitting protrusion 5B formed on its outer periphery on the lower side as shown in the figure, which can be fitted into fitting recess 4C of the sensor unit 5 from above as shown. The bottom surface of fitting protrusion 5B is convex and flat.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor unit 5 is fitted with the outlet unit 4 with its fitting protrusion 5B fitted into the fitting recess 4C of the outlet unit 4, so that their flat surfaces abut against each other. With this assembly, the sensor unit 5 is set so that the first protrusions 5C protruding from the outer periphery on both left and right sides of its tip face, from above, the second protrusions 4D that form the upright walls on both left and right sides of the fitting recess 4C of the outlet unit 4. More specifically, the sensor unit 5 is set so that the tip faces (the faces facing the pipe tip) of the left and right first protrusions 5C are flush with the tip faces (the faces facing the pipe tip) of the left and right second protrusions 4D of the outlet unit 4 (see Figure 7).

[0026] The water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5, combined as described above, are inserted together into the interior of the water discharge pipe 2 (see Figure 6). This causes the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 to fit into the interior of the water discharge pipe 2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. As a result, the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 are positioned inside the water discharge pipe 2 in a state where rattling in the radial direction of the pipe is reduced.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 are inserted as described above, the second protruding portions 4D and first protruding portions 5C that protrude from the left and right sides of each unit are brought into contact with the corresponding fastening seats 2A that protrude into the interior of the water spout pipe 2. This restricts movement of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 in the insertion direction into the pipe. In other words, each fastening seat 2A functions as an abutment seat that restricts, by abutment, the insertion position of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 from the tip of the pipe.

[0028] After the above insertion, the amphetamine 8 is set so as to cover the amphetamine fitting groove 4F of the spout unit 4. The amphetamine 8 may be set first in the amphetamine fitting groove 4F of the spout unit 4, and then set inside the pipe together with the spout unit 4.

[0029] After the above insertion, a retaining member 6 is inserted into the water discharge pipe 2 so as to cover the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 from the tip side of the pipe. The retaining member 6 is then fastened to the corresponding fastening seats 2A with two screws 7 inserted from the tip side of the pipe. As a result, the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 are fixed inside the pipe by the retaining member 6 pressing them down from the tip side of the pipe.

[0030] More specifically, the two screws 7 are provided at positions where the water outlet 4B of the water outlet unit 4 and the photoelectric sensor 5A of the sensor unit 5 are located between them. By arranging them in this way, the water outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 are fastened to the water outlet pipe 2 in a balanced manner by the two screws 7 so that there is no imbalance between the left and right sides.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the retaining member 6 is formed in the shape of a horizontally long semicircular plate that follows the shape of the tip end surface of the water outlet unit 4. The retaining member 6 is formed with a horizontally long through-hole 6A that opens so as to expose the water outlet 4B of the water outlet unit 4 to the outside.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the retaining member 6 is set so as to cover the entire tip surface of the water outlet unit 4 from the pipe tip side, excluding the water outlet 4B. The retaining member 6 is configured to have third protrusions 6B that protrude from the outer periphery on both left and right sides in line with the protrusions of the second protrusions 4D of the water outlet unit 4.

[0033] Each third protrusion 6B is shaped to protrude longer than each second protrusion 4D of the water outlet unit 4. As a result, when the retaining member 6 is assembled, each third protrusion 6B is configured to be set so as to cover each second protrusion 4D of the water outlet unit 4 and each first protrusion 5C of the sensor unit 5 from the pipe tip side.

[0034] 3 and 4, after the retaining member 6 is assembled as described above, screws 7 are inserted from the tip of the pipe into holes 6C formed in the left and right third protrusions 6B, and the screws are tightened into the corresponding fastening seats 2A (see Figure 7). This fixes the retaining member 6 in a state where it presses down on the entire spout unit 4 and each of the first protrusions 5C of the sensor unit 5 from the tip of the pipe.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each screw 7 is passed through a corresponding hole 5D formed between each first protrusion 5C and each second protrusion 4D, which form the adjacent edges on both the left and right sides of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5. As shown in Figure 6, each hole 5D is formed in a hollowed-out shape so that the edge of each first protrusion 5C facing each second protrusion 4D leaves a space between each first protrusion 5C and each second protrusion 4D.

[0036] That is, each hole 5D is formed so that each screw 7 can be passed through between the adjacent edges of each first protrusion 5C and each second protrusion 4D. By forming each hole 5D in this way, it is possible to achieve a space-saving configuration in which each hole 5D does not require part of the peripheral wall, compared to a configuration in which each hole 5D is formed in the middle part rather than the edge of the sensor unit 5. It also becomes unnecessary to provide holes in the spout unit 4 for passing each screw 7 through.

[0037] As a result, it is possible to ensure a wide water outlet 4B formed in the water outlet unit 4 and a large installation space for the photoelectric sensor 5A of the sensor unit 5. By forming the water outlet 4B wide, an appropriate water discharge flow rate can be ensured. By ensuring a large installation space for the photoelectric sensor 5A, it is possible to ensure a large separation space between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts (not shown) of the photoelectric sensor 5A. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent erroneous detection by the photoelectric sensor 5A.

[0038] That is, it is possible to ensure both the width of the water outlet 4B and the installation space for the photoelectric sensor 5A of the sensor unit 5 within the limited space inside the water discharge pipe 2. Furthermore, the water outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 can be properly assembled to the water discharge pipe 2.

[0039] To summarize the above, the automatic faucet 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0040] That is, the automatic faucet (1) has a water discharge pipe (2) through which a water discharge pipe (3) passes, and a water outlet unit (4) that is inserted into the inside of the water discharge pipe (2) from the pipe tip side until it abuts on the inside. The automatic faucet (1) also has a sensor unit (5) that is inserted into the inside of the pipe from the pipe tip side until it abuts on the inside so as to be aligned radially with the water discharge unit (4).

[0041] The outlet unit (4) is connected to the outlet pipe (3) and forms an outlet (4B) at the end of the pipe. The sensor unit (5) includes a reflective photoelectric sensor (5A). The automatic faucet (1) further includes a pressing member (6) that is fixed inside the pipe so as to press down on the sensor unit (5) and the outlet unit (4) from the end of the pipe.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) can be held down together inside the pipe by the retaining member (6). This allows for a larger installation space for each unit compared to a configuration in which the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) are individually secured inside the pipe with screws. Therefore, in the limited space inside the water discharge pipe (2), it is possible to ensure both the width of the water outlet (4B) and a separation space between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the sensor unit (5), and then appropriately assemble each unit to the water discharge pipe (2).

[0043] The automatic faucet (1) further includes a mesh aerator (8) that is set so as to cover the outlet (4B) of the outlet unit (4) from the end of the pipe. The aerator (8) is held down from the end of the pipe together with the outlet unit (4) by the retaining member (6). With this configuration, the structure of the retaining member (6) can be used to rationally fix the aerator (8) inside the pipe.

[0044] The holding member 6 is fixed to the inside of the pipe by fastening a screw 7 inserted into the holding member 6 from the tip side of the pipe. With the above configuration, the holding member 6 can be properly fixed to the inside of the pipe simply by ensuring enough space between the holding member 6 and the inside of the pipe to fasten the screw 7.

[0045] Furthermore, screws (7) are fastened to the inside of the pipe by passing through the retaining member (6) and the water outlet unit (4) and / or the sensor unit (5). With the above configuration, it is only necessary to secure a space for the screws (7) to pass through the water outlet unit (4) and / or the sensor unit (5), so that a large installation space for each can be secured.

[0046] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

[0047] 1. The automatic faucet of the present invention may be applied to places other than vanities, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

[0048] 2. The abutment seat that holds the water outlet unit and sensor unit in place when inserted inside the water outlet pipe may be formed in a location separate from the fastening seat for tightening the screw.

[0049] 3. The retaining member may be fixed to the inside of the water discharge pipe with screws, or may be fixed to the inside of the pipe with a plug-in mating claw formed on the retaining member or a clip inserted into the retaining member from the tip of the pipe. Alternatively, the retaining member may be fixed by press-fitting or snap-fitting onto the inner periphery of the water discharge pipe.

[0050] 4. When the retaining member is a screw, the screw may be threaded between the adjacent edges of the spout unit and the sensor unit, or may be threaded through the middle of either the spout unit or the sensor unit rather than through the edge and fastened to the inside of the pipe. Even in such a configuration, the retaining member can also hold down the unit on the side where the screw is not threaded.

[0051] 5. The clamping member may be configured to press down on the sensor unit and the outlet unit from the tip of the pipe, or the head of the screw or a washer passed through the screw may be the clamping member to press down on them directly from the tip of the pipe.

[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...automatic faucet, 2...discharge pipe, 2A...fastening seat, 3...discharge pipe, 4...discharge outlet unit, 4A...connection part, 4B...discharge outlet, 4C...fitting recess, 4D...second protrusion, 4F...affer fitting groove, 5...sensor unit, 5A...photoelectric sensor, 5B...fitting protrusion, 5C...first protrusion, 5D...hole, 6...holding member, 6A...through hole, 6B...third protrusion, 6C...hole, 7...screw, 8...affer

Claims

1. An automatic faucet, a water discharge pipe through which a water discharge pipe is passed; a water outlet unit that is inserted into the inside of the water discharge pipe from the pipe tip side to a position where it abuts, is connected to the water discharge pipe through a flow path, and forms a water outlet at the pipe tip; a sensor unit including a reflective photoelectric sensor that is inserted into the pipe from the tip side to a position where it abuts on the water outlet unit so as to be aligned in the pipe diameter direction; and a pressing member fixed inside the pipe so as to press down on the sensor unit and the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe.

2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, The water discharger further includes a mesh-shaped foamer that is set so as to cover the water discharge port of the water discharge port unit from the tip side of the pipe, The automatic faucet has the foamer held down together with the outlet unit from the tip side of the pipe by the holding member.

3. The automatic faucet according to claim 1 or 2, The automatic faucet is fixed to the inside of the pipe by fastening a screw inserted into the pressing member from the tip side of the pipe.

4. The automatic faucet according to claim 3, An automatic faucet in which the screw passes through the retaining member and the spout unit and / or the sensor unit and is fastened to the inside of the pipe.

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