Mixing device and water-supply apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the influence that a flow of water in one passage receives from a flow of water in another passage.SOLUTION: A mixing device may comprise: a first passage through which first water flows; a second passage through which second water flows; a mixing chamber into which the first water from the first passage and the second water from the second passage flow; a first detector configured to detect a flow rate of the first water flowing through the first passage at a position upstream of the mixing chamber; and an isolation structure configured to isolate the second water flowing toward the mixing chamber from the second passage from the first passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a mixing device and a water supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mixer tap that mixes hot water and cold water. The mixer tap mixes hot water flowing through a hot water flow path and cold water flowing through a cold water flow path in a mixing chamber. A flow sensor that detects the flow rate of hot water is arranged in the hot water flow path. A flow sensor that detects the flow rate of water is arranged in the path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-198114 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which water flowing through multiple paths is mixed in a mixing chamber, the flow of water from one path may affect the flow of water in other paths that communicate with the mixing chamber. A detection unit that detects the water flow rate is located in each path. If the water flow in the path changes, the detection unit may not be able to accurately detect the flow rate.

[0005] The present specification provides a technique that can reduce the influence of water flow in a path on water flow in other paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a mixing device. The mixing device may include a first path through which a first water flows, a second path through which a second water flows, a mixing chamber into which the first water flows from the first path and into which the second water flows from the second path, a first detection unit that detects a flow rate of the first water flowing through the first path upstream of the mixing chamber, and an isolation structure that isolates the second water flowing from the second path to the mixing chamber from the first path.

[0007] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a plumbing device. The plumbing device may include the above-mentioned mixing device and a plumbing fixture communicating with the mixing chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a plumbing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view of a mixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of region III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10 shows a plan view of the upper end of the defining portion. [Figure 5] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the VV section of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the VV section of FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the VV section of FIG. 3 according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Configuration of plumbing equipment) As shown in FIG. 1, the plumbing device 2 includes a plumbing fixture 4, a bowl 8 that receives water discharged from the plumbing fixture 4 and sends it to a drainage path, and a mixer 10. FIG. 1 shows the plumbing fixture 4 and the bowl 8 in perspective views. FIG. 1 illustrates the connection between the plumbing fixture 4 and the upstream side including the mixer 10, with the upstream side including the mixer 10 shown in block diagram form. The plumbing fixture 4 includes a faucet 5 that discharges water flowing from the mixer 10 into the bowl 8, and an operating device 6 that allows a user to adjust the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 5. The operating device 6 has one or more buttons that can be operated by a user. The user can set the flow rate and temperature of water discharged from the faucet 5 by operating the operating device 6. The operating device 6 transmits a signal indicating the flow rate and temperature set by the user to the mixing device 10. The plumbing device 2 is used in a washbasin, kitchen unit, bathtub unit, etc.

[0010] (Configuration of mixing device) Mixing device 10 is placed between pipe 102, which communicates with a drinking water pipe, and faucet fitting 4. Mixing device 10 is connected to each of pipes 104 and 106. Water is supplied from pipe 102 to pipe 104. Water that has passed through water heater 100 from pipe 102 is supplied to pipe 106. Water heater 100 heats the water supplied from pipe 102. Water that has passed through water heater 100 flows through pipe 106. Hereinafter, the water passing through pipe 106 will be referred to as "hot water" to distinguish it from the water flowing through pipe 104.

[0011] In the following, the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction are defined in the position shown in Figure 2. The front direction is the direction toward the front of the paper. The rear direction is the direction toward the back of the paper. These directions are defined for the purpose of explaining the embodiment. These directions do not limit the actual usage position. As shown in Figure 2, the mixing device 10 comprises a hot water system 20, a cold water system 30, and a mixing section 50. The hot water system 20 comprises a valve device 22, a pipe 24, and a detection section 26. Hot water flowing through the pipe 106 passes through the valve device 22 and flows into the pipe 24. The pipe 24 has a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. The pipe 24 defines a path 24a inside.

[0012] The valve device 22 switches between communication and cut-off between the path in the pipe 106 and the path 24a. The valve device 22 has an adjustment valve whose opening is adjusted according to the temperature and flow rate of water to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4. When the valve device 22 is closed, the path in the pipe 106 is cut off from the path 24a. When the valve device 22 is open, the path in the pipe 106 is connected to the path 24a. The amount of hot water flowing from the path in the pipe 106 to the path 24a can be adjusted depending on the opening of the valve device 22. The opening of the valve device 22 can be adjusted in steps. The opening of the valve device 22 may also be continuously adjustable. The opening of the valve device 22 may also be adjustable by moving a valve element using a stepping motor, for example.

[0013] Path 24a is connected to mixing section 50. Hot water flowing into path 24a from pipe 106 flows through path 24a and into mixing section 50. A detection unit 26 that detects the flow rate of hot water flowing through path 24a is arranged in pipe 24. Detector 26 is arranged in path 24a and includes an impeller that is rotated by the hot water flowing through path 24a. Detector 26 detects the flow rate based on the rotation speed of the impeller. The type of detector 26 is not particularly limited. For example, detector 26 may detect the flow rate using ultrasound.

[0014] The water system 30 includes a valve device 32, pipes 34 and 40, and a detection unit 36. Water flowing through the pipe 104 passes through the valve device 32 and flows into the pipe 34. The pipe 34 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The pipe 34 defines a path 34a inside. The path 34a is arranged parallel to the path 24a.

[0015] The valve device 32 switches between communication and blockage between the path in the piping 104 and path 34a. The valve device 32 has a configuration similar to that of the valve device 22. The valve device 32 has an adjustment valve whose opening is adjusted according to the temperature and flow rate of water to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4. When the valve device 32 is closed, the path in the piping 104 is blocked from communication with path 34a. When the valve device 32 is open, the path in the piping 104 is connected to path 34a. The flow rate flowing from the path in the piping 104 to path 34a can be adjusted depending on the opening degree of the valve device 32.

[0016] The pipe 34 is connected at its downstream end, i.e., the upper end in FIG. 2, to a pipe 40 extending vertically from the pipe 34. The pipe 40 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The pipe 40 is connected to a mixing section 50. The pipe 40 defines a path 40a. The path 40a is disposed perpendicular to the path 34a. The path 40a extends in the left-right direction. The path 34a is bent at the path 40a.

[0017] In the mixing device 10, the opening degrees of the valve devices 22, 32 are adjusted in response to the flow rate and temperature represented by the signals received from the operating device 6.

[0018] (Mixing section configuration) 3 shows a cross section passing through the central axes of the paths 24a and 34a in the mixing section 50. The mixing section 50 includes a partition structure 52 and a mixing chamber 60. The partition structure 52 includes defining portions 54 and 56.

[0019] The defining portion 54 has a cylindrical shape. The defining portion 54 defines a path 54a on an inner circumferential surface 54b. The path 54a is connected to the path 24a. The path 54a extends in a straight line from the path 24a. The defining portion 54 has a guide portion 54c at its downstream end, i.e., the upper end in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide portion 54c is formed in a concave shape on the inner circumferential surface 54b at the downstream end of the path 54a. The guide portion 54c has an inclined surface 54d that is inclined in the up-down direction. The defining portion 54 has a plurality of guide portions 54c arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 54b.

[0020] The defining portion 54 has a smaller outer diameter at a portion located on an extension of the path 40a than at other portions. A guide portion 54f is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 54e of the defining portion 54 at the portion where the outer diameter of the defining portion 54 is smaller. The guide portion 54f has a surface shape that extends spirally along the outer peripheral surface 54e. The guide portion 54f is inclined upward toward the mixing chamber 60. The guide portion 54f goes around the outer peripheral surface 54e.

[0021] The defining portion 56 has a cylindrical shape. The defining portion 56 accommodates the defining portion 54. The defining portion 54 is accommodated in the defining portion 56 and is not exposed to the outside. The defining portion 56 defines a path 56a at its inner circumferential surface 56b together with the outer circumferential surface 54e of the defining portion 54. The path 56a has a circular ring shape that goes around the defining portion 54 outside the defining portion 54 and extends in the up-down direction along the defining portion 54. As shown in FIG. 5 , the central axis X4 of the defining portion 54 is offset from the central axis X6 of the defining portion 56.

[0022] The path 56a is connected to the path 40a. The path 56a extends perpendicularly from the path 40a. The path 40a has an opening 40c that opens into the path 56a at the downstream end of the path 40a, i.e., at a connection point 40b where the path 40a is connected to the path 56a. When the defining portion 54 and the defining portion 56 are viewed from the opening 40c along the central axis X8, the defining portion 54 is positioned offset to the left of the center of the path 56a. When the defining portion 54 is viewed from the opening 40c, the central axis X4 of the defining portion 54 is positioned offset from the central axis X8 of the path 40a. The diameter of the passage 40a is smaller than the outer diameter of the passage 56a. The inner edge of the passage 40a extends in a tangential direction of the passage 56a.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, paths 54a and 56a extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction. A mixing chamber 60 is disposed at the downstream ends of paths 54a and 56a. The mixing chamber 60 is disposed on an extension of path 54a. In the mixing chamber 60, hot water flowing from path 54a to the mixing chamber 60 and cold water flowing from path 56a to the mixing chamber 60 are mixed together. As shown in Figure 2, a valve device 62 is disposed at the downstream end of the mixing chamber 60. The valve device 62 includes, for example, a solenoid valve. The valve device 62 switches between a state in which the mixing chamber 60 is connected to the faucet fitting 4 and a state in which the mixing chamber 60 is disconnected from the faucet fitting 4.

[0024] Path 40a is separated from path 24a by a partition 54. Water flowing from path 40a into path 56a flows along path 56a parallel to path 54a. This configuration reduces the effect of the flow of water flowing from path 40a along path 56a to mixing chamber 60 on the flow of water from path 54a to path 24a. This reduces the possibility that the flow of water in path 24a will be disturbed, causing detection unit 26 to erroneously detect the flow rate of hot water flowing through path 24a.

[0025] The water is maintained at a relatively high pressure due to the water pressure from the tap water pipe. The hot water is heated by the water heater 100, so the water pressure from the tap water pipe is not maintained. When cold water and hot water are mixed by passing them through the same path, the pressure difference between the cold water and the hot water makes it easier for the water to flow into the path through which the hot water flows. This may result in an erroneous detection of the hot water flow rate. Paths 34a and 40a are bent. Pressure loss occurs in the water flowing through paths 34a and 40a. On the other hand, path 24a is arranged in a straight line. The pressure loss occurring in the hot water flowing through path 24a is smaller than the pressure loss in the water flowing through paths 34a and 40a. This reduces the pressure difference between the cold water and the hot water.

[0026] By opening the opening 40c of the path 40a toward the defining portion 54, the water flowing from the path 40a into the path 56a can be agitated. This makes it easier to mix the hot water and cold water in the mixing chamber 60.

[0027] The lower end of guide portion 54f is disposed at the same height as the lower end of opening 40c. Guide portion 54f can guide water flowing from path 40a into path 56a toward mixing chamber 60 while swirling through path 56a. This agitates the water flowing through path 56a, making it easier to mix hot water and cold water in mixing chamber 60.

[0028] The demarcating portion 54 is disposed relative to the demarcating portion 56 such that the central axis X4 of the demarcating portion 54 is offset from the central axis X6 of the demarcating portion 56. The orientation of the path 40a is offset from the demarcating portion 54. As a result, it is possible to easily stir the water flowing from the path 40a into the path 56a. In the mixing chamber 60, it is possible to easily mix hot water and cold water.

[0029] Guide portion 54c allows hot water in path 54a to flow at an angle relative to path 54a. This causes the hot water to be stirred, making it easier to mix hot water and cold water in mixing chamber 60.

[0030] (Correspondence) Path 24a is an example of a "first path." Path 34a is an example of a "second path." Detector 26 is an example of a "first detector." Detector 36 is an example of a "second detector." Path 54a is an example of an "inner path." Path 56a is an example of an "outer path."

[0031] (Second embodiment) The following describes the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the demarcation portions 54 and 56 is different from that in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the central axis X4 of the demarcation portion 54 coincides with the central axis X6 of the demarcation portion 56.

[0032] (Third embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the configuration of the path 40a is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the central axis X8 of the path 40a intersects with the central axis X4 of the defining portion 54. When the defining portion 54 and the defining portion 56 are viewed from the opening 40c along the central axis X8, the defining portion 54 is located in the middle of the path 56a. In a modified example, the path 40a may be inclined with respect to the left-right direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0033] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0034] A first aspect relates to a mixing device, which may include a first path through which first water flows, a second path through which second water flows, a mixing chamber into which the first water flows from the first path and into which the second water flows from the second path, a first detection unit that detects a flow rate of the first water flowing through the first path upstream of the mixing chamber, and an isolation structure that isolates the second water flowing from the second path to the mixing chamber from the first path.

[0035] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the isolation structure may be arranged between the first path and the mixing chamber and between the second path and the mixing chamber, and may include a first defining portion that defines an inner path that communicates with the first path, and a second defining portion that defines an outer path that communicates with the second path.

[0036] A third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the first defining portion has a cylindrical shape, the second defining portion has a cylindrical shape, and the first defining portion may be disposed between the connection point between the first path and the outer path and the inner path.

[0037] A fourth aspect is any one of the third aspects, wherein the inner path extends on an extension of the first path, the second path extends at an angle relative to the first path, the outer path extends along the inner path at an outer periphery of the inner path, and the first defining portion is positioned opposite an opening of the second path on the outer path side at the connection point.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the first defining portion is viewed from the opening on the outer path side of the second path, the first defining portion may be positioned offset from the extension of the second path.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the isolation structure may be provided with a guide portion that inclines the flow of the second water in the outer path relative to the flow direction of the first water in the inner path.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the guide portion may cause the second water in the outer path to flow in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction of the first defining portion toward the mixing chamber.

[0041] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the mixing device may further include a second detection unit that detects a flow rate of the second water flowing through the second path upstream of the mixing chamber.

[0042] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the temperature of the first water is higher than the temperature of the second water.

[0043] A tenth aspect relates to a plumbing device. The plumbing device may include the mixing device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a plumbing fixture communicating with the mixing chamber.

[0044] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0045] (1) In each of the above embodiments, the temperatures of the water flowing through path 24a and path 34a are different. However, a situation may occur in which water of the same temperature flows through path 24a and path 34a. For example, if water is not heated by water heating apparatus 100, water of the same temperature flows through path 24a and path 34a. If the temperature of the water to be supplied to faucet fitting 4 is the same as or lower than the temperature of the water supplied from the tap water pipe, water heating apparatus 100 does not need to heat the water.

[0046] (2) The defining portions 54, 56 may have a shape other than a cylindrical shape. For example, at least one of the defining portions 54, 56 may have a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0047] (3) The partition structure 52 does not necessarily have to include either the defining portion 54 or the defining portion 56. For example, the defining portion 54 may be replaced by a plate-like member that separates the water flowing from the path 40a to the defining portion 56 from the path 24a. The defining portion 54 may have a shape that directs the water flowing from the path 40a to the defining portion 56 toward the mixing chamber 60.

[0048] (4) The guide portion 54f does not have to be arranged on the outer peripheral surface 54e of the defining portion 54. Instead of the guide portion 54f, the outer peripheral surface 54e may have an uneven shape. The outer peripheral surface 54e may have a shape that agitates the water flowing from the path 40a.

[0049] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 2: plumbing equipment, 4: faucet fittings, 10: mixing device, 20: hot water system, 22, 32: valve device, 24, 34, 40: piping, 24a, 34a, 40a: path, 26, 36: detection unit, 40b: connection point, 40c: opening, 50: mixing unit, 52: partition structure, 54, 56: partition unit, 54a, 56a: path, 54b, 56b: inner peripheral surface, 54c: guide unit, 54d: inclined surface, 54e: outer peripheral surface, 54f: guide unit, 56b: inner peripheral surface, 60: mixing chamber, 62: valve device

Claims

1. a first path through which a first water flows; a second path through which the second water flows; a mixing chamber into which the first water flows from the first passage and the second water flows from the second passage; a first detection unit that detects a flow rate of the first water flowing through the first path upstream of the mixing chamber; an isolation structure that isolates the second water flowing from the second passage toward the mixing chamber from the first passage.

2. The isolation structure comprises: The mixing chamber is disposed between the first passage and the mixing chamber, and between the second passage and the mixing chamber, a first defining portion defining an inner passage communicating with the first passage; 2. The mixing device of claim 1, further comprising: a second defining portion defining an outer passageway in communication with the second passageway.

3. The first defining portion has a cylindrical shape, The second defining portion has a cylindrical shape, The mixing device according to claim 2 , wherein the first defining portion is disposed between the inner path and a connection point between the first path and the outer path.

4. the inner path extends on an extension of the first path, the second path extends at an angle relative to the first path, the outer passage extends along the inner passage at an outer periphery of the inner passage, The mixing device according to claim 3 , wherein the first defining portion is disposed opposite an opening of the second path on the outer path side at the connection point.

5. 5. The mixing device according to claim 4, wherein when the first defining portion is viewed from the opening on the outer path side of the second path, the first defining portion is positioned offset from an extension of the second path.

6. The mixing device according to claim 2 , wherein the isolation structure includes a guide portion that tilts the second water flow in the outer passage relative to the first water flow direction in the inner passage.

7. The mixing device according to claim 6 , wherein the guide portion causes the second water in the outer path to flow spirally along the circumferential direction of the first defining portion toward the mixing chamber.

8. The mixing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second detection unit that detects a flow rate of the second water flowing through the second path upstream of the mixing chamber.

9. 6. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the first water is higher than the temperature of the second water.

10. A mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A plumbing device comprising: a faucet fitting communicating with the mixing chamber.

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