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 the 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 screw 7 which is inserted from the pipe front end side between adjacent edges where the sensor unit 5 and the water discharge port unit 4 are arranged adjacent to each other and fastened into the pipe internal so as to press these 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 inside of 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 screws which are inserted from the pipe tip side between the adjacent edges of the sensor unit and the discharge outlet unit and which are fastened 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 fastened together to the inside of the pipe with screws. The spout unit and the sensor unit can be properly secured to the inside of the pipe simply by ensuring a gap between their adjacent edges for the screws to pass through. This allows for a larger installation space for each unit compared to a configuration in which the units are secured individually with screws. As a result, within the limited space inside the spout pipe, it is possible to secure both a wide spout and a sufficient separation space between the light-emitting and light-receiving units 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 according to the first invention, wherein the spout pipe has a fastening seat into which the screw is tightened, and the fastening seat also functions as an abutment seat that regulates the insertion position of the spout unit and the sensor unit from the tip of the pipe by abutment.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the invention, compared to a configuration in which the position of the spout unit and sensor unit is restricted by abutting them against a point other than the fastening seat, the tightening force of the screws is less likely to act as a bending load on them, making it possible to more appropriately fix the spout unit and sensor unit inside the spout pipe.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet according to the first or second invention, further comprising a clamping member that is pressed against the sensor unit and the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe, and the clamping member is pressed against the sensor unit and the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe by tightening the screw that is inserted from the tip side of the pipe.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the tightening force of the screws is applied to the spout unit and the sensor unit via the retaining member, which allows the load on these units to be widely distributed and allows them to be more appropriately fixed inside the spout pipe.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is an automatic faucet according to the third invention, further comprising a mesh-shaped foam bubbler that is set so as to cover the spout of the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe, and the foam bubbler is held down together with the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe by the holding member.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the foamer can be rationally fixed inside the pipe by utilizing the configuration of the pressing member. [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. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2, illustrating the configuration of an automatic faucet according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a view of Figure 8 as seen straight from the tip end of the pipe. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 9. 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 7. 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 7 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] As shown in Figure 4, the water outlet unit 4 comprises a connection part 4A that is connected to the water discharge pipe 3, and a horizontally long water outlet 4B that forms an outlet for hot and cold water at the tip of the water discharge pipe 2. A mesh-like foamer (not shown) is attached to and fitted over the water outlet 4B. The sensor unit 5 comprises a reflective photoelectric sensor 5A that is positioned at the tip of the water discharge pipe 2 so as to be able to detect the presence of a user's hand without contact.

[0021] The automatic faucet 1 also has two screws 7 for fastening the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 to the inside of the spout pipe 2. Each screw 7 is passed through a corresponding hole 5D formed between the adjacent edges on both the left and right sides of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5, and fastened to the inside of the pipe. By fastening in this way, the heads of the screws 7 fasten the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 together, pressing them against the inside of the spout pipe 2 (see Figure 3).

[0022] 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.

[0023] The fitting recess 4C has a concave shape with a flat bottom surface. The bottom surface of the fitting recess 4C is formed to be flush with the flat top 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 that can be fitted into the fitting recess 4C of the sensor unit 5 from above as shown. The fitting protrusion 5B has a convex shape with a flat bottom surface.

[0024] 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 6).

[0025] The water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5, when combined as described above, are inserted together into the interior of the water discharge pipe 2. 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 6 and 7. 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.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, specifically, when the outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 are inserted as described above, the second protrusions 4D and first protrusions 5C that protrude from the left and right sides of each are brought into contact with the corresponding fastening seats 2A that protrude into the inside of the outlet pipe 2.

[0027] This restricts movement of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 in the insertion direction into the pipe. That is, each fastening seat 2A functions as an abutment seat that restricts the insertion position of the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 from the tip of the pipe by abutting against them.

[0028] After the insertion, the outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 are fastened to their corresponding fastening seats 2A with two screws 7 inserted from the tip of the pipe, thereby fixing the outlet unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 inside the pipe.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, each screw 7 is passed through a corresponding hole 5D formed between the second overhanging portion 4D and the first overhanging portion 5C, which form the adjacent left and right edges of the spout unit 4 and the sensor unit 5. When each screw 7 is passed through each hole 5D and tightened, the head of the screw 7 presses against the second overhanging portion 4D of the spout unit 4 and the first overhanging portion 5C of the sensor unit 5 from the tip of the pipe. As a result, the head of each screw 7 can tighten together the second overhanging portion 4D of the spout unit 4 and the first overhanging portion 5C of the sensor unit 5 so as to press them together from the tip of the pipe.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, each hole 5D is formed with a hollowed-out shape so that the edge of each first protrusion 5C facing the second protrusion 4D provides a gap between the first protrusion 5C and the second protrusion 4D. That is, each hole 5D is formed so that each screw 7 can be passed 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 of the sensor unit 5 rather than at the edge. Also, it is not necessary to provide holes in the spout unit 4 for passing each screw 7.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 3, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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) is equipped with a reflective photoelectric sensor (5A). The automatic faucet (1) further has a screw (7) that is inserted between the adjacent edges of the sensor unit (5) and the outlet unit (4) from the end of the pipe and fastened inside the pipe so as to press the sensor unit (5) and the outlet unit (4) together from the end of the pipe.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the spout unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 can be held together inside the pipe by the screws 7. The spout unit 4 and the sensor unit 5 can be properly fixed inside the pipe simply by ensuring a gap between their adjacent edges to allow the screws 7 to pass through.

[0038] Therefore, compared to a configuration in which these components are fixed individually with screws, a larger installation space can be secured for each component. As a result, in the limited space inside the water discharge pipe (2), it is possible to secure both the width of the water discharge port (4B) and a separation space between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor unit (5), and then appropriately assemble each component to the water discharge pipe (2).

[0039] The water discharge pipe (2) also has a fastening seat (2A) to which the screw (7) is fastened. The fastening seat (2A) also functions as an abutment seat that restricts the insertion position of the water discharge unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) from the tip of the pipe by abutting against them.

[0040] With this configuration, the tightening force of the screw (7) is less likely to act as a bending load on the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) compared to a configuration in which the positions of the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) are restricted by abutting them against a location other than the fastening seat (2A). Therefore, the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) can be more appropriately fixed inside the water discharge pipe (2).

[0041] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of an automatic faucet 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, in this embodiment, the automatic faucet 1 is configured to further include a pressing member 6 that is attached so as to press down on the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5, which are attached inside the water discharge pipe 2, from the tip side of the pipe.

[0042] The retaining member 6 is fixed to the water discharge pipe 2 by fastening two screws 7 inserted from the tip of the pipe, so as to press down the water outlet unit 4 and sensor unit 5 from the tip of the pipe. The automatic faucet 1 also has a mesh-shaped foamer 8 that is set so as to cover the water outlet 4B of the water discharge unit 4 from the tip of the pipe.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the foamer 8 is set so as to fit into a foamer 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 foamer 8 is held down from the tip side of the pipe by the holding member 6 as the holding member 6 is assembled inside the water discharge pipe 2 (see Figure 12).

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, 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.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, 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, following the protrusions of the second protrusions 4D of the water outlet unit 4.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 9 and 10, 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 FIG. 11). 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.

[0048] In this way, by configuring the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 to be pressed indirectly via the retaining member 6 rather than directly by the screw 7, the tightening force of the screw 7 is applied to the spout unit 4 and sensor unit 5 via the retaining member 6. This allows the load on these to be widely distributed, making it possible to more appropriately fix them inside the spout pipe 2. As the rest of the configuration is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used and explanations will be omitted.

[0049] To summarize the above, the automatic faucet 1 according to the second embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0050] That is, the automatic faucet (1) further includes a retaining member (6) that is placed against the sensor unit (5) and the spout unit (4) from the tip of the pipe. The retaining member (6) is pressed against the sensor unit (5) and the spout unit (4) from the tip of the pipe by tightening a screw (7) that is inserted from the tip of the pipe.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the tightening force of the screw (7) is applied to the water outlet unit (4) and the sensor unit (5) via the retaining member (6). This allows the load on these units (4, 5) to be widely distributed, allowing them to be more appropriately fixed inside the water discharge pipe (2).

[0052] 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.

[0053] Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using two embodiments, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiments.

[0054] 1. The automatic faucet of the present invention may be applied to places other than vanities, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

[0055] 2. The abutment seat that holds the spout unit and sensor unit in place when inserted inside the spout pipe may be formed in a location separate from the fastening seat for tightening the screw.

[0056] 3. The screw may be one that uses its head to directly press the outlet unit and sensor unit from the tip of the pipe, or it may be one that indirectly presses the outlet unit and sensor unit from the tip of the pipe via a separate member such as a washer that is passed through the screw, like the holding member shown in the second embodiment.

[0057] 4. The screws may be threaded between the adjacent edges of the sensor unit and the spout unit. In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a hollowed-out hole is formed in the adjacent edge of the sensor unit is exemplified, but such a hole may also be formed in the spout unit.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, in a configuration in which the adjacent edges of the spout unit and the sensor unit are in contact with each other, it is possible to form a split hole in half that forms a circular hole when aligned with each other on each adjacent edge, and to pass a screw through it. Also, if the adjacent edges of the spout unit and the sensor unit are spaced apart enough to allow a screw to be passed through, it is not necessary to form a hole in one or both of them.

[0059] 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]

[0060] 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; The automatic faucet has a screw that is inserted from the tip side of the pipe between the adjacent edges of the sensor unit and the spout unit and fastened inside the pipe so as to press the sensor unit and the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe.

2. The automatic faucet according to claim 1, The water discharge pipe has a fastening seat to which the screw is fastened, The fastening seat also functions as an abutment seat that abuts against the insertion position of the spout unit and the sensor unit from the tip end of the pipe.

3. The automatic faucet according to claim 1 or 2, The water supply system further includes a pressing member that is brought into contact with the sensor unit and the water outlet unit from the tip side of the pipe, The automatic faucet has a retaining member that is pressed against the sensor unit and the spout unit from the tip side of the pipe by fastening the screw inserted from the tip side of the pipe.

4. The automatic faucet according to claim 3, 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.

Images