JP7358261B2 - cold water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cold water discharge device. Specifically, it relates to a cold water discharge device that discharges hot water to a downstream outlet when the supplied water is hot water with a set temperature or higher, and discharges the cold water from a cold water outlet when the supplied water is cold water with a lower set temperature. .

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a configuration is known in which a shower facility that sprays temperature-controlled hot water to a user is provided with a cold water discharge device capable of discharging cold water in pipes to the outside during the early stage of use (Patent Document 1). The above-mentioned cold water discharge device has a configuration in which a temperature-sensitive valve is embedded in a discharge flow path through which hot water flows, and changes the destination of hot water by expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Further, the cold water discharge device includes a switching operation member that can close the cold water discharge port by pushing in the temperature-sensitive valve and fix the discharge flow path in an open state by an external operation by the user. . Due to the above fixing, hot water can be discharged from the discharge flow path to the shower regardless of the temperature of the hot water.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-18332

In the above-mentioned conventional technology, in order to suppress the increase in size of the device, the temperature-sensitive valve is provided so as to expand and contract in the axial direction of the discharge flow path. The discharge flow path has a small diameter structure that extends in the tube axis direction along the temperature-sensitive valve within a narrow gap between the temperature-sensitive valve and the outer case, while crossing the temperature-sensitive valve halfway. Therefore, an appropriate discharge flow rate of hot water cannot be ensured either when hot water is discharged or when cold water discharge is disabled. Therefore, the present invention provides a cold water discharge device that can disable the cold water discharge function when desired and can appropriately ensure the discharge flow rate of hot water.

In order to solve the above problems, the cold water discharge device of the present invention takes the following measures.

That is, the cold water discharge device of the present invention discharges the hot water from the discharge flow path to the discharge port when the supplied water is hot water with a set temperature or higher, and discharges the cold water into the discharge stream when the supplied water is cold water with a lower set temperature. This is a cold water discharge device that discharges cold water from a cold water discharge channel that branches from a cold water discharge channel to a cold water discharge port. This cold water discharge device includes a valve mechanism and a switching operation member.

The valve mechanism is installed at a branch part that takes in a portion of the supply water flowing from the supply water supply port to the discharge flow path and branches it to the cold water discharge flow path, and expands and contracts in the pipe axis direction as the temperature of the supply water changes. Equipped with a temperature-sensitive switching valve body. As the switching valve body expands and contracts, the valve mechanism discharges hot water from the discharge port when the cold water discharge passage is closed, and discharges cold water from the cold water discharge port when the downstream region of the discharge passage is closed.

The switching operation member is operated by the user from the outside to push the shaft of the switching valve body in the direction of the pipe axis to close the cold water discharge passage and discharge the supply water from the discharge passage regardless of the temperature of the supply water. It is possible to switch between a fixed state in which the discharge is made to the outlet and a state in which the fixed state is released.

According to the above configuration, since the switching valve body is provided at the branch portion that takes in a part of the supply water flowing from the supply port to the discharge flow path, it is possible to ensure a wide discharge flow path. Then, by using the switching operation member, the switching valve body can be switched and fixed in a state in which cold water discharge is disabled at a desired time. As a result of the above, when hot water is discharged or when cold water discharge is disabled, the discharge flow rate of hot water discharged from the discharge flow path can be appropriately ensured.

Moreover, the cold water discharge device of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The switching operation member has a feed screw type operation structure that feeds the shaft portion of the switching valve body in the direction of the tube axis by rotational operation around the tube axis from the outside.

According to the above configuration, the switching operation member that fixes or releases the switching valve body by pushing it in the tube axis direction can be realized with a simple configuration using a feed screw type operation structure.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a cold water discharge device according to a first embodiment. It is a perspective view of a cold water discharge device. It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a cold water discharge device. 4 is an enlarged view of section IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the V section in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 illustrating the state of each valve when cold water is supplied. FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing the state of each valve when hot water is supplied. FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing the state of each valve when discharging residual water. FIG. 5 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing a state in which the cold water discharge function is turned off by the switching operation member.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated using drawing.

《First embodiment》
(About the schematic configuration of the cold water discharge device 10)
First, the configuration of a cold water discharge device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 to 9. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, the respective directions shown in each figure are referred to.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cold water discharge device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided on a hot water supply path from a mixing faucet 1 attached to a bathroom wall W to an overhead shower head 6. . Specifically, the cold water discharge device 10 includes a shower supply pipe 4 that is connected to the mixing faucet 1 and extends upward, and a shower discharge pipe 5 that is connected to the shower supply pipe 4 and extends upward. , is installed at the connection part of. The upper end of the shower discharge pipe 5 is connected to the shower head 6.

The mixing faucet 1 has a function of internally mixing hot water and water supplied from the back side of the wall surface W of the bathroom and discharging the mixture. Specifically, in the mixing faucet 1, a connection port for hot water (not shown) formed on the back surface of the faucet body 2 is connected to the bathroom via a hot water supply pipe 3A and a water supply pipe 3B, respectively, which are eccentric in the shape of a crank. It is configured such that the flow path is connected to a connection port for hot water (not shown) formed on the wall surface W of.

The mixing faucet 1 has a temperature control function capable of internally adjusting the mixing ratio of the supplied hot water. The mixing faucet 1 also includes a switching function that can switch the discharge of the mixed hot water and a discharge amount adjustment function that can adjust the amount of hot water to be discharged.

The above-mentioned mixing ratio of hot water and water is adjusted by operating a substantially cylindrical temperature control handle 2A attached to the left side of the faucet body 2 when facing the faucet body 2. Switching off the water discharge and adjusting the discharge amount are performed by operating a substantially cylindrical switching handle 2B attached to the right side of the faucet main body 2. Specifically, when the user turns the temperature control handle 2A to a desired rotational position, the mixing ratio of hot water and water mixed inside the faucet body 2 is adjusted to the set temperature according to the rotational position. Ru.

In addition, when the user turns the switching handle 2B upward or downward from a predetermined water-stop position (the position shown in the figure), the amount of hot water corresponding to the amount of rotational movement of the switching handle 2B is supplied to the showerhead connected to the faucet main body 2 through a flow path. It is selectively ejected from the head 6 or the cull 7. In this embodiment, hot water is discharged from the shower head 6 when the switching handle 2B is turned upward, and hot water is discharged from the collar 7 when the switching handle 2B is turned downward.

When discharging hot water from the shower head 6 by operating the switching handle 2B, the cold water discharge device 10 drains the cold water in the piping to the outside so that the cold water remaining in the piping at the initial stage of use will not be spewed out from the shower head 6 to the user. Equipped with a function that allows it to be discharged. Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the cold water discharge device 10 will be explained in detail.

(About the specific configuration of the cold water discharge device 10)
As shown in FIG. 2, the cold water discharge device 10 is formed in a substantially elongated box shape extending in the front-rear direction. The cold water discharge device 10 is configured such that the upper end of the shower supply pipe 4 described above is connected to the lower end thereof, and the lower end of the shower discharge pipe 5 described above is connected to the upper end thereof. The upper end of the shower supply pipe 4 and the lower end of the shower discharge pipe 5 are configured to be connected to the cold water discharge device 10 through channels at positions aligned on the same axis.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the cold water discharge device 10 has a plurality of partition walls 12 and piping provided inside a device main body 11 having a substantially elongated box shape, thereby forming a plurality of flow channels. It is assumed that the configuration is such that In the following explanation, the main piping provided in the cold water discharge device 10 will be explained with reference numerals, but other piping will not be provided with numerals and will instead be formed by each piping. The flow passages and openings will be explained using reference numerals. In each figure, each flow path or opening provided in the cold water discharge device 10 is indicated by surrounding the reference numeral with a square.

The cold water discharge device 10 is provided at its lower end with a downwardly opened supply port D1 that is connected to the upper end of the shower supply pipe 4 through a flow path. Further, the cold water discharge device 10 includes an upwardly opened discharge port D7 that is connected to the lower end of the shower discharge pipe 5 in a flow path at its upper end. Further, the cold water discharge device 10 includes a rearward opening cold water discharge port D4 at an upper portion of the rear end portion to discharge cold water to the outside.

Moreover, the cold water discharge device 10 includes a branch flow path D2 that branches the flow path into an upward direction and a backward direction, at an upper position on the downstream side of the supply port D1. Further, the cold water discharge device 10 includes a cold water discharge passage D3 that is connected to a passage branched to the rear side of the branch passage D2 and leads to a cold water discharge port D4. The cold water discharge flow path D3 starts upward from the connection port with the flow path branched to the rear side of the branch flow path D2, and then bends the flow path backward from there to reach the cold water discharge port D4. The shape is said to be connected to

A pressure chamber D5 that slightly expands the flow path forward is formed at a bending point of the flow path that bends from upward to rearward in the cold water discharge flow path D3. The pressure chamber D5 is a region in which pressure is applied from the rear to a diaphragm type second switching valve body 17, which will be described later. The pressure chamber D5 is formed by a circular tube-shaped partitioned pipe 19 with the tube axis directed in the front-rear direction.

The cold water discharge device 10 also includes a discharge passage D6 that is connected to the upwardly extending passage of the branch passage D2 and leads to the upper discharge port D7. The discharge flow path D6 is configured such that a midway portion of the flow path extending to the discharge port D7 is closed to prevent flow or opened to allow flow by a second switching valve body 17, which will be described later. The cold water outlet D4 is provided at a lower position than the discharge outlet D7.

The branch flow path D2 is formed by a circular branch pipe 13 whose tube axis is oriented in the front-rear direction. The branch pipe 13 has a tube axis opening 13A that opens the rear end portion in the tube axis direction, and a tube wall opening 13B that opens the tube wall portion. The tube shaft opening 13A forms an outlet of a backwardly branched flow path of the branch flow path D2, and communicates with the cold water discharge flow path D3.

The tube wall opening 13B is formed in the tube wall region directly above the supply port D1. The pipe wall opening 13B functions as an intake port that takes in a portion of the hot water supplied from the supply port D1 into the branch pipe 13. That is, a part of the hot water flowing upward from the supply port D1 is taken into the branch pipe 13 from the pipe wall opening 13B, but the rest passes upward through the branch pipe 13 and flows into the discharge flow path D6. It will be done.

The cold water discharge device 10 further includes a temperature-sensitive first switching valve body 14 set within the branch pipe 13. The first switching valve body 14 includes a temperature-sensitive valve mechanism that autonomously expands and contracts in the pipe axis direction according to the temperature of hot water introduced into the branch pipe 13 . Here, the first switching valve body 14 corresponds to the "switching valve body" of the present invention. Further, a valve mechanism including the first switching valve body 14 and the second switching valve body 17 described later corresponds to the "valve mechanism" of the present invention.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the first switching valve body 14 includes a shaft portion 14A extending in a round bar shape in the tube axis direction, and an on-off valve 14B assembled to the rear end portion of the shaft portion 14A. have Furthermore, the first switching valve body 14 includes a temperature-sensitive spring 14C made of a shape memory alloy that applies a spring force to the opening/closing valve 14B in the backward direction, which is the valve closing direction. Further, the first switching valve body 14 includes a bias spring 14D that applies a forward spring force to the shaft portion 14A to open the on-off valve 14B.

The shaft portion 14A is axially inserted into a circular fitting tube 14E that is fitted into the branch pipe 13 from the front. By this insertion, the shaft portion 14A is supported from the outer peripheral side by the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tube 14E so that it can only slide in the tube axis direction.

A ring-shaped groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 14A supported by the fitting tube 14E, and a rubber O-ring 14A1 is mounted thereon. The O-ring 14A1 closes the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 14A and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tube 14E over the entire circumference. This prevents the hot water that has flowed into the branch channel D2 from leaking forward through the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 14A and the inner circumferential surface of the fitting tube 14E.

Further, a circular through hole 23A of the switching operation member 20 assembled to the lower front end of the device main body 11 is inserted into the front end of the shaft portion 14A from the front. Due to this insertion, the front end of the shaft portion 14A is also supported from the outer peripheral side by the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 23A of the switching operation member 20. The on-off valve 14B is made of a hollow disc-shaped member made of rubber. The on-off valve 14B is passed through the rear end of the shaft portion 14A from the rear, and is joined in an overlapping manner to the rear surface of a radially disc-shaped flange portion 14F that is connected to the rear end of the shaft portion 14A. ing.

The temperature-sensitive spring 14C is made of a spring member wound into a coil. The temperature-sensitive spring 14C is passed through the shaft portion 14A and set between the flange portion 14F on the rear end side and the rear side surface of the fitting tube 14E. Thereby, the temperature-sensitive spring 14C is configured to apply a rearward elastic force (spring force) to the flange portion 14F on the rear end side of the shaft portion 14A using the rear surface of the fitting tube 14E as a fulcrum. The temperature-sensitive spring 14C has a property of changing its hardness depending on the temperature of the hot water when it comes into contact with the hot water taken into the branch pipe 13.

Specifically, when the supply water taken into the branch pipe 13 is hot water at a set temperature (for example, 35 degrees Celsius) or higher, the temperature-sensitive spring 14C becomes hard enough to overcome the spring force of the bias spring 14D, and the pipe becomes stiff. Stretch in the axial direction. Thereby, the on-off valve 14B is pressed against the rear end portion of the branch pipe 13 and closes the tube shaft opening 13A.

On the other hand, when the supply water taken into the branch pipe 13 is cold water with a temperature lower than the set temperature, the temperature-sensitive spring 14C becomes soft and compressed by the spring force of the bias spring 14D, and contracts in the pipe axis direction. Thereby, the on-off valve 14B is pulled forward from the rear end of the branch pipe 13 by the spring force of the bias spring 14D, and opens the tube shaft opening 13A.

The bias spring 14D is also made of a coiled spring member. The bias spring 14D is passed through the shaft portion 14A and is set between the front side surface of the fitting tube 14E and a radially disc-shaped flange portion 14G formed near the front end of the shaft portion 14A. Ru. Thereby, the bias spring 14D is configured to apply a forward elastic force (spring force) to the flange portion 14G on the front end side of the shaft portion 14A using the front side surface of the fitting tube 14E as a fulcrum.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cold water discharge device 10 further includes a predetermined amount in a region downstream of the pressure chamber D5 of the cold water discharge passage D3, which can limit the discharge flow rate to the cold water discharge port D4 within a certain range. A flow valve 15B is provided. By restricting the flow rate by the constant flow valve 15B, the pressure applied from the cold water discharge passage D3 to the pressure chamber D5 during cold water discharge is maintained at a constant level or higher. The cold water outlet D4 is equipped with a rectifier 16 that uses a combination of net or grid-like parts to regulate the discharge of cold water and prevent it from splattering.

The cold water discharge device 10 further includes a constant flow valve 15A at the supply port D1 connected to the shower supply pipe 4, which can limit the flow rate supplied to the supply port D1 within a certain range. By restricting the flow rate by the constant flow valve 15A, the flow rate discharged to the shower discharge pipe 5 is maintained within a constant range.

The cold water discharge device 10 further includes a diaphragm type second switching valve body 17 provided across the discharge passage D6 and the pressure chamber D5 of the cold water discharge passage D3. The second switching valve body 17 operates in a cold water discharge mode M1 shown in FIG. 6, a hot water discharge mode M2 shown in FIG. 7, and a residual water discharge mode shown in FIG. The configuration is such that it can be switched to three modes: a discharge mode M3;

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the cold water is taken into the branch pipe 13 and the cold water is flowed into the cold water discharge flow path D3, the second switching valve body 17 controls the flow of the cold water flowing through the cold water discharge flow path D3. The cold water discharge mode M1 is set in which the discharge flow path D6 is closed due to the pressure. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when hot water is taken into the branch pipe 13 and flows into the discharge passage D6, the second switching valve body 17 causes the discharge flow to flow due to the pressure of the hot water flowing through the discharge passage D6. The hot water discharge mode M2 is entered in which the path D6 is opened.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the residual water remaining in the branch pipe 13 after the water stop is cooled down and becomes cold water below the set temperature, the second switching valve body 17 controls the first switching valve body 14. As the tube shaft opening 13A (cold water discharge passage D3) is opened, the remaining water on the downstream side from the discharge port D7 falls due to gravity, and the residual water opens the discharge passage D6. The discharge mode becomes M3. Thereby, the remaining water on the downstream side from the discharge port D7 is discharged from the cold water discharge passage D3 to the cold water discharge port D4 via the first switching valve body 14.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second switching valve body 17 is set in a circular tubular partition pipe 19 that forms the pressure chamber D5 of the cold water discharge channel D3 described above. Specifically, the second switching valve body 17 includes a disk-shaped pressure receiving plate 17A facing in the tube axis direction, a shaft portion 17B extending in the tube axis direction passed through the center of the pressure receiving plate 17A, and a pressure receiving plate 17A extending in the tube axis direction. A diaphragm valve 17C is joined to the front surface of the plate 17A in an overlapping manner. Further, the second switching valve body 17 includes a pressure regulating spring 17D that applies a spring force in the forward direction, which is the valve closing direction, to the pressure receiving plate 17A.

The pressure receiving plate 17A has a shape in which its outer peripheral edge protrudes rearward in a cylindrical shape. The pressure receiving plate 17A is set to fit loosely into the pipe of the partition pipe 19. Thereby, the pressure receiving plate 17A is supported from the outer peripheral side with respect to the partitioned pipe 19 so that it can only slide in the pipe axis direction.

The diaphragm valve 17C is made of a thin film-like member made of rubber. A peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm valve 17C that extends over the entire circumference from the outer peripheral edge of the pressure receiving plate 17A is joined to the inner peripheral wall of the partition pipe 19 over the entire circumference. Thereby, the diaphragm valve 17C completely partitions off the discharge passage D6 and the pressure chamber D5.

The pressure regulating spring 17D is made of a coiled spring member. The pressure regulating spring 17D has its front end passed through the shaft portion 17B, and is set between the pressure receiving plate 17A and the spring support 19A fixed to the partition pipe 19. Thereby, the pressure regulating spring 17D is configured to apply a forward elastic force (spring force) to the pressure receiving plate 17A using the spring support 19A as a fulcrum. Due to the above-mentioned spring force, the diaphragm valve 17C receives a force pushing forward from the pressure receiving plate 17A, and is pushed from behind against the downstream opening 18B of the discharge relay pipe 18 provided in front of the diaphragm valve 17C. Close the valve.

As shown in FIG. 6, the diaphragm valve 17C closes the downstream opening 18B of the discharge relay pipe 18 even when cold water is taken into the branch pipe 13 and flows into the cold water discharge channel D3. state (chilled water discharge mode M1). The reason for this is that when the cold water flows into the cold water discharge passage D3, the pressure of the cold water is applied to the pressure receiving plate 17A facing the pressure chamber D5, and the diaphragm valve 17C is pushed forward. At this time, the diaphragm valve 17C appropriately receives the force of being pushed forward due to the flow rate restriction by the constant flow valve 15B provided in the downstream region of the cold water discharge channel D3.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the diaphragm valve 17C is pushed backward against the spring force of the pressure regulating spring 17D due to the pressure when hot water is flowed into the discharge flow path D6. Thereby, the diaphragm valve 17C is pulled back from the downstream opening 18B of the discharge relay pipe 18, and opens the downstream opening 18B. Thereby, the second switching valve body 17 enters the hot water discharge mode M2 in which the diaphragm valve 17C opens the discharge passage D6 and discharges hot water to the discharge port D7.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge relay pipe 18 is a circular pipe whose axis is oriented in the front-rear direction. The discharge relay pipe 18 has a circular tube shape that is slightly smaller than the partition pipe 19 described above, and is arranged such that its rear end slightly enters the partition pipe 19 from the front.

As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge relay pipe 18 takes hot water into the pipe from the upstream opening 18A on the front end side when hot water flows into the discharge passage D6 from the supply port D1. When the supply water is hot water (when the pressure of cold water from the cold water discharge channel D3 is not applied to the pressure chamber D5), the discharge relay pipe 18 supplies hot water from the downstream opening 18B on the rear end side. flow downstream.

That is, when the supplied water is hot water, pressure from the cold water discharge channel D3 is not applied to the pressure chamber D5, so that the hot water flowing in the discharge relay pipe 18 presses the diaphragm valve 17C backward. The diaphragm valve 17C can be opened. Thereby, hot water flows out downstream from the downstream opening 18B. The hot water flowing out from the downstream opening 18B flows from the gap between the rear end of the discharge relay pipe 18 and the front end of the partition pipe 19 surrounding the rear end, using the diaphragm valve 17C which is in the open state as a wall. It flows forward as if bouncing back and is discharged from the discharge port D7 on the downstream side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cold water discharge device 10 further includes a switching operation member 20 at the lower front end thereof, which can switch the cold water discharge function to an invalid state by an external operation by a user. As shown in FIG. 4, the switching operation member 20 includes a cylindrical connection pipe 21 whose tube axis is directed in the front-rear direction, and a cylindrical container-shaped operation handle rotatably connected to the connection pipe 21. 22, and a cylindrical slider 23 that slides in the pipe axis direction within the connecting pipe 21 by operating the operating handle 22.

The connecting pipe 21 is provided such that its rear end is connected to the front end of the branch pipe 13 and projects forward from the device main body 11. The operating handle 22 is provided with the bottom surface of the cylindrical container facing forward where the user stands. The operating handle 22 is configured to integrally have a feed screw shaft 22A inside the cylinder that projects rearward from the center of the bottom surface in the shape of a round bar. The operation handle 22 is set so that the feed screw shaft 22A passes through the connection pipe 21 from the front, so that the operation handle 22 covers the connection pipe 21 from the outer circumferential side.

With the above assembly, the feed screw shaft 22A is rotatably supported by the inner peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 21. Thereby, the operating handle 22 is assembled to the connecting pipe 21 in a state where it can be rotated around the connecting pipe 21.

The slider 23 is set within the connecting pipe 21 and is supported from the outer circumferential side so that it can only slide in the axial direction of the connecting pipe 21 . The slider 23 has a spiral female thread formed on the inner circumferential surface of its cylindrical portion, and is set in a screwed state with the male thread of the feed screw shaft 22A passed through the connection pipe 21. Thereby, the slider 23 is configured to be moved in the tube axis direction by the feed screw shaft 22A as the operating handle 22 is rotated.

Specifically, the slider 23 is sent rearward within the connecting pipe 21 by the feed screw shaft 22A when the operating handle 22 is turned counterclockwise. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the rear end surface of the slider 23 is pressed against the front surface of the flange portion 14G of the first switching valve body 14. Due to the above pressing, the slider 23 pushes the shaft portion 14A of the first switching valve body 14 rearward, presses the on-off valve 14B against the rear end of the branch pipe 13, and closes the pipe shaft opening 13A. do.

Thereby, the first switching valve body 14 enters a state in which the expansion of the temperature-sensitive spring 14C in the tube axis direction is restricted. As a result, the first switching valve body 14 is always kept in a state in which the tube shaft opening 13A is closed, regardless of the temperature of the hot water taken into the branch pipe 13. In other words, even if cold water flows into the branch pipe 13, the first switching valve body 14 does not open the tube shaft opening 13A, but instead allows the cold water to flow into the discharge flow path D6. Therefore, hot water flowing through the discharge passage D6 always presses the diaphragm valve 17C to open the valve and is discharged to the discharge port D7.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the slider 23 is sent forward in the connecting pipe 21 as the internal feed screw shaft 22A rotates by turning the operating handle 22 clockwise. Thereby, the rear end surface of the slider 23 is separated forward from the flange portion 14G of the first switching valve body 14. As a result, the first switching valve body 14 is returned to a state in which the temperature-sensitive spring 14C can be expanded and contracted in the pipe axis direction according to the temperature of the hot water taken into the branch pipe 13.

The operation handle 22 is configured such that its clockwise rotation is restricted from rotating clockwise at a position where the slider 23 abuts against the stepped portion 22B of the feed screw shaft 22A from the rear and is stopped from rotating. . When the operating handle 22 is turned to a position where the clockwise rotation is restricted, the protrusion 22C formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operating handle 22 is positioned directly above.

Further, when the operating handle 22 is rotated counterclockwise, the slider 23 presses the shaft portion 14A of the first switching valve body 14 rearward to close the tube shaft opening 13A and is stopped from rotating to the left. The configuration is such that rotation around the shaft is restricted. When the operating handle 22 is turned to a position where the counterclockwise rotation is restricted, the protrusion 22C formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operating handle 22 comes directly below. That is, the operation handle 22 is configured so that the cold water discharge function can be switched between a valid state and a disabled state by rotating the operating handle 22 through 180 degrees between a position where the protrusion 22C is directly above and a position where the protrusion 22C is directly below. Ru.

(About the flow of cold water discharge)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of cold water discharge when the supply water supplied to the cold water discharge device 10 is cold water with a temperature lower than a set temperature (for example, 35 degrees) will be described. In that case, the cold water is discharged to the cold water outlet D4 in a flow as shown by the thin thick arrow in FIG. Note that the thin thick arrows schematically represent the flow of cold water discharge, and in reality, the cold water is flowed through the channels and openings in each pipe through which the arrows pass.

That is, first, when the cold water flows into the branch channel D2 through the supply port D1, the temperature-sensitive first switching valve body 14 opens the tube shaft opening 13A on the rear end side of the branch pipe 13. Thereby, the cold water flows from the tube shaft opening 13A to the cold water discharge channel D3, and is discharged to the outside from the cold water discharge port D4.

Further, the cold water flowing into the cold water discharge passage D3 also flows into the pressure chamber D5, and applies pressure from the rear to the diaphragm valve 17C of the second switching valve body 17. Thereby, the second switching valve body 17 enters the cold water discharge mode M1 in which the downstream opening 18B of the discharge relay pipe 18 is closed.

As a result, the flow of cold water flowing from the supply port D1 past the branch channel D2 to the discharge channel D6 is stopped by the discharge relay pipe 18, which is closed by the diaphragm valve 17C, and the flow of cold water is stopped at the discharge port D7. Discharge to is prevented.

(About hot water discharge flow)
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of hot water discharge when the supply water supplied to the cold water discharge device 10 is hot water at a set temperature (for example, 35 degrees Celsius) or higher will be described. In that case, hot water is discharged to the discharge port D7 in a flow as shown by the thick black arrow in FIG. Note that the thick black arrows also schematically represent the flow of hot water discharge, and in reality, hot water flows through channels and openings in each pipe through which the above arrows pass.

That is, first, when the hot water flows into the branch channel D2 through the supply port D1, the temperature-sensitive first switching valve body 14 closes the tube shaft opening 13A on the rear end side of the branch pipe 13. As a result, the hot water flowing past the branch channel D2 and into the discharge channel D6 applies pressure from the front to the diaphragm valve 17C, pushing the diaphragm valve 17C backward against the spring force.

As a result, the second switching valve body 17 enters the hot water discharge mode M2 in which the downstream opening 18B of the discharge relay pipe 18 is opened. Thereby, the hot water flowing through the discharge flow path D6 is discharged to the discharge port D7 through the discharge relay pipe 18.

(About the flow of residual water discharge)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a flow of discharging residual water when the residual water remaining in the branch pipe 13 after water shutoff cools down to cold water below the set temperature (for example, 35 degrees) will be described. In that case, the cooled remaining water is discharged to the cold water outlet D4 in a flow as shown by the thin thick arrow in FIG. Note that the thin thick arrows schematically represent the flow of residual water discharge, and in reality, the residual water is flowed through channels and openings in each pipe through which the arrows pass.

That is, first, when the remaining water remaining in the branch pipe 13 after water shutoff cools down and becomes cold water, the temperature-sensitive first switching valve body 14 opens the pipe shaft opening 13A on the rear end side of the branch pipe 13. . As a result, the remaining water in the discharge passage D6 is caused to flow from the tube shaft opening 13A to the cold water discharge passage D3 by the action of gravity. Further, the residual water remaining downstream from the discharge port D7 applies pressure from the front to the diaphragm valve 17C due to the pressure of its gravitational fall, thereby pushing the diaphragm valve 17C backward against the spring force.

As a result, the second switching valve body 17 enters the residual water discharge mode M3 in which the downstream opening 18B is opened. As a result, the remaining water in the discharge channel D6 and the remaining water downstream from the discharge port D7 are caused to flow from the tube shaft opening 13A to the cold water discharge channel D3 by the action of gravity, and then to the outside from the cold water discharge port D4. be discharged. Therefore, even if the residual water remaining in the shower discharge pipe 5 or the shower head 6 described above in FIG. 1 cools down over time and becomes cold water, it will not be sprayed out to the user the next time the shower is used.

(summary)
To summarize the above, the cold water discharge device 10 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. Note that the reference numerals given in parentheses below are the reference numerals corresponding to the respective configurations shown in the above embodiments.

That is, the cold water discharge device (10) discharges the hot water from the discharge flow path (D6) to the discharge port (D7) when the supplied water is hot water with a set temperature or higher, and when the supplied water is cold water with a lower set temperature. A cold water discharge device (10) discharges the cold water from a cold water discharge passage (D3) branching from a discharge passage (D6) to a cold water discharge port (D4). This cold water discharge device (10) includes a valve mechanism (14, 17) and a switching operation member (20).

The valve mechanism (14, 17) is provided at a branching part that takes in a part of the supply water flowing from the supply water supply port (D1) to the discharge flow path (D6) and branches it to the cold water discharge flow path (D3). The pipe is equipped with a temperature-sensitive switching valve body (14) that expands and contracts in the axial direction of the pipe as the temperature of the supplied water changes. The valve mechanism (14, 17) discharges hot water from the discharge port (D7) with closing of the cold water discharge passage (D3) and discharges cold water from the discharge passage (D6) as the switching valve body (14) expands and contracts. When the downstream area is closed, the cold water is discharged from the cold water outlet (D4).

The switching operation member (20) closes the cold water discharge channel (D3) by pushing the shaft (14A) of the switching valve body (14) in the direction of the pipe axis by an external operation by the user, thereby discharging the supplied water. It is possible to switch between a fixed state in which the supplied water is discharged from the discharge flow path (D6) to the discharge port (D7) regardless of the temperature, and a state in which the fixed state is released.

According to the above configuration, the switching valve body (14) is provided at the branch part that takes in a part of the supply water flowing from the supply port (D1) to the discharge flow path (D6), thereby controlling the discharge flow path (D6). It can be widely secured. Then, the switching operation member (20) can switch and fix the switching valve body (14) to a state in which cold water discharge is disabled when desired. As a result of the above, when hot water is discharged or when cold water discharge is disabled, the discharge flow rate of hot water discharged from the discharge flow path (D6) can be appropriately ensured.

Further, the switching operation member (20) has a feed screw type operation structure that sends the shaft portion (14A) of the switching valve body (14) in the direction of the tube axis by rotational operation around the tube axis from the outside. According to the above configuration, the switching operation member (20) that fixes or releases the switching valve body (14) by pushing it in the tube axis direction is realized by a simple configuration using a feed screw type operation structure. can be converted into

《Other embodiments》
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms shown below in addition to the above embodiment.

1. The cold water discharge device of the present invention is not limited to being installed on a hot water supply path connecting a mixing faucet and an overhead shower head. That is, the cold water discharge device may be provided on a hot water supply path that connects a mixing faucet and a hand-held shower head or tap. Further, the cold water discharge device may be connected to a mixing faucet installed in a place other than the wall surface of a bathroom such as a kitchen or a washbasin.

2. The temperature-sensitive switching valve body may be provided with its expansion and contraction direction (pipe axis direction) facing the height direction in the construction state of the cold water discharge device.

3. The discharge flow path may be connected in the tube axis direction to a branch flow path in which the switching valve body is provided. Moreover, the cold water discharge flow path may be configured to be connected to the branch flow path in which the switching valve body is provided in a direction that intersects with the pipe axis direction.

4. The supply port and the discharge port may be arranged so that they are not aligned with each other. The supply port, the discharge port, and the cold water discharge port may each be provided so as to open in either direction in the construction state of the cold water discharge device.

5. The temperature-sensitive spring of the switching valve body may be composed of a wax-type thermoelement instead of a coiled shape-memory alloy spring member. The temperature at which the switching valve body switches between hot water discharge and cold water discharge can be freely set by adjusting the balance between the spring force of the temperature-sensitive spring and the bias spring, and can be set at a temperature lower than 35 degrees or higher than 35 degrees. It's okay.

6. The switching operation member may be one that switches the shaft portion of the switching valve body to a state in which the cold water discharge flow path is closed by a pushing operation or a pulling operation in the tube axis direction. The fixation at this time may be performed by a structure other than the feed screw type operation structure, such as a so-called push latch type locking mechanism or a mechanism that locks by rotating at a position pushed or pulled in the direction of the tube axis. .

1 Mixing faucet 2 Faucet body 2A Temperature control handle 2B Switching handle 3A Hot water supply pipe 3B Water supply pipe 4 Shower supply pipe 5 Shower discharge pipe 6 Shower head 7 Clamp 10 Cold water discharge device 11 Apparatus main body 12 Partition wall 13 Branch pipe 13A Pipe shaft Opening 13B Pipe wall opening 14 First switching valve body (switching valve body, valve mechanism)
14A Shaft 14A1 O-ring 14B Open/close valve 14C Temperature-sensitive spring 14D Bias spring 14E Fitting tube 14F Flange 14G Flange 15A Constant flow valve 15B Constant flow valve 16 Rectifier 17 Second switching valve body (valve mechanism)
17A Pressure receiving plate 17B Shaft 17C Diaphragm valve 17D Pressure adjustment spring 18 Discharge relay piping 18A Upstream opening 18B Downstream opening 19 Division piping 19A Spring support 20 Switching operation member 21 Connection piping 22 Operation handle 22A Feed screw shaft 22B Step portion 22C Projection 23 Slider 23A Through hole D1 Supply port D2 Branch channel D3 Cold water discharge channel D4 Cold water discharge port D5 Pressure chamber D6 Discharge channel D7 Discharge port M1 Cold water discharge mode M2 Hot water discharge mode M3 Residual water discharge mode W Wall surface

Claims (2)

A cold water discharge flow path that discharges the hot water from the discharge flow path to the discharge port when the supplied water is hot water with a set temperature or higher, and branches the cold water from the discharge flow path when the supplied water is cold water with a lower temperature than the set temperature. A cold water discharge device for discharging water from a cold water outlet to a cold water discharge port,
Provided at a branching part that takes in a part of the supply water flowing from the supply water supply port to the discharge flow path and branches it to the cold water discharge flow path, the pipe expands and contracts in the pipe axis direction as the temperature of the supply water changes. A temperature-sensitive switching valve body is provided, and as the switching valve body expands and contracts, the hot water is discharged from the discharge port when the cold water discharge passage is closed, and the cold water is discharged when the downstream area of the discharge passage is closed. a valve mechanism for discharging the cold water from the cold water outlet;
By an external operation by a user, the shaft portion of the switching valve body is pushed in the direction of the pipe axis to close the cold water discharge flow path and allow the supply water to flow from the discharge flow path regardless of the temperature of the supply water. A cold water discharge device having a switching operation member that can be switched between a fixed state in which the cold water is discharged to the discharge port and a state in which the fixed state is released. The cold water discharge device according to claim 1,
The cold water discharge device has a feed screw type operation structure in which the switching operation member sends the shaft portion of the switching valve body in the direction of the tube axis by rotational operation around the tube axis from the outside.

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