JP7312358B2 - faucet device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a water faucet device capable of adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of cold or hot water discharged from a spout.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a faucet device that includes a faucet body having a flow path formed therein for guiding water supplied from a water supply source and/or hot water supplied from a hot water source toward a spout, a functional section provided in the flow path for adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of water or hot water discharged from the spout, and an operation handle arranged on the left and/or right side of the faucet main body for operating the functional section.

Moreover, the upper side of the faucet body is generally covered with a cover having a flat upper surface so as to enable use as a counter, for example.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for supporting a cover.

JP 2019-44416 A

Customers' needs for faucet devices are extremely diverse, depending on, for example, the size of the bathroom in the customer's home. Therefore, it is common practice to prepare various variations of the width direction length of the water faucet device to provide a water faucet device that meets the needs of the customer.

In this regard, preparing various variations of the width-direction length of the cover does not significantly increase the cost, but preparing various variations of the width-direction length of the faucet body, which has a complicated structure, significantly increases the cost.

The inventor of the present invention has been studying whether it is possible to meet the needs of various width-direction lengths of the faucet device by using a common faucet body and using an extension member (preparing various width-direction length variations) that connects the faucet body and the operation handle, instead of preparing various width-direction length variations for the faucet body.

The inventors of the present invention have found that when such a measure is adopted, when force is applied to the cover from above, the force is applied to the extension member, which may cause rattling due to deformation of the extension member.

The present invention has been made based on the above findings. To provide a faucet device utilizing an extension member for connecting a faucet main body and an operation part, in which a large load is not applied to the extension member even when force is applied to the cover from above.

The present invention comprises a faucet main body having a channel formed therein for guiding water supplied from a water supply source and/or hot water supplied from a hot water source toward a spout, a functional portion provided in the channel and capable of adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of the cold or hot water discharged from the spout, an operating portion arranged to the left and/or right of the faucet main body and receiving an operation force by a user, connecting the operating portion and the faucet main body, and adjusting the operating force received by the operating portion. a cover that covers an extension member that can be transmitted to the faucet body and at least a part of the extension member; a cover support member that extends between at least a part of the faucet body and at least a part of the extension member; and the cover, and supports the cover.

According to the present invention, the cover support member provided between at least part of the faucet main body and the cover extends to between at least part of the extension member covered by the cover and the cover, so that even when a force is applied to the cover from above, the force is effectively received by the cover support member, and a large load is suppressed from being applied to the extension member.

The cover support member is fixed to, for example, a faucet body, and is supported by the bathroom wall, floor, or the like via the faucet body. However, the cover support member may be fixed directly to the wall, floor, or the like of the bathroom.

It is preferable that the left end and/or the right end of the cover cover the extension member in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, and extend below the cover support member on the upper side of the extension member.

In this case, since the cover support member is not visible from the outside in the left-right direction, the appearance is excellent.

Moreover, it is preferable that a part of the extension member is fixed to the cover support member.

In this case, since the relative movement between the part of the extension member and the cover support member is restrained, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of rattling of the extension member. For example, when the upper portion of the extension member is fixed to the cover support member, even when the upper portion of the extension member receives force from the left or right end portion of the cover, the lower portion of the extension member is prevented from contacting the left or right end portion of the cover, and deformation of the extension member due to the "lever principle" or the like is suppressed.

Further, in this case, it is further preferable that another part of the extension member is fitted or engaged with the faucet main body.

According to this, when the upper portion of the extension member receives a force from the left end or right end of the cover, another part of the extension member can be supported by coming into contact with the faucet main body, so that the load concentration occurring on a part of the extension member (fixed portion to the cover support member) can be alleviated.

Further, it is preferable that the left end portion and/or the right end portion of the cover extends outward in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the upper side of the operation portion at least on the upper side of the extension member.

In this case, it is possible to provide an image in which the cover and the operating portion smoothly cooperate with each other, which is excellent in appearance.

Further, in this case, it is further preferable that the left end and/or the right end of the cover is provided with an abutment allowance portion that extends inward and further extends in a direction toward the extension member, at least on the upper side of the extension member.

According to this, even when the upper part of the extension member receives force from the left end and/or right end of the cover, the force is applied to the extension member more inwardly via the contact allowance portion of the cover, so that the extension member is prevented from being deformed or rattling.

According to the present invention, the cover support member provided between at least part of the faucet main body and the cover extends to between at least part of the extension member covered by the cover and the cover, so that even when a force is applied to the cover from above, the force is effectively received by the cover support member, and a large load is suppressed from being applied to the extension member.

1 is a perspective view of a faucet assembly according to one embodiment of the invention (top cover removed); FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the faucet device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the faucet device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3; 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3; FIG.

Next, a faucet device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 5 are schematic diagrams of a faucet device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment (with the upper cover removed). FIG. 2 is a front view of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the faucet device 1 is configured in a thin counter shape as a whole, and the upper surface of the upper cover 51 (indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 2) is formed flat so that various objects can be placed. The lower cover 52 cooperates with the upper cover 51 to cover substantially the entire faucet body 10 , and the upper cover 51 and the lower cover 52 constitute the cover 50 .

A temperature control handle 20 (an example of an operation unit) for temperature control is provided on the left side of the faucet device 1, and a flow control handle 30 (an example of an operation unit) for flow control is provided on the right side of the faucet device 1. A so-called safety button 21 is provided on the temperature control handle 20 . Various known mechanisms can be employed as the safety button 21, but detailed description thereof is omitted in this specification.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a flow path is formed inside the faucet body 10 to guide water supplied from a water supply source and/or hot water supplied from a hot water supply source toward a spout 19 . The water faucet main body 10 has a body housing 11 c extending generally in the left-right direction. Water from the water supply source is supplied through the water channel in the water channel housing 11 a into the flow channel of the main body housing 11 c. are

A temperature control function part 15 capable of adjusting the temperature of the water or hot water discharged from the spout 19 and a flow control function part 17 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water or hot water discharged from the spout 19 are provided in the flow path of the body housing 11c. The temperature control function unit 15 can adjust the temperature of water or hot water discharged from the spout 19 according to the rotational position of the temperature control cylinder 16 . Also, the flow adjustment function unit 17 can adjust the flow rate of water or hot water discharged from the spout 19 according to the rotational position of the flow adjustment cylinder 18 . Further detailed descriptions of the temperature control function unit 15 and the flow control function unit 17 are omitted in this specification.

A configuration in which the temperature control cylinder 16 and the temperature control handle 20 are directly connected, and the flow control cylinder 18 and the flow control handle 30 are directly connected is a conventionally known faucet device. In the faucet device 1 of this embodiment, unlike such a conventional faucet device, as shown in FIG. 4, the temperature control cylinder 16 and the temperature control handle 20 are connected via an extension member 40a, and the flow control cylinder 18 and the flow control handle 30 are connected via an extension member 40b.

The temperature control handle 20 is connected to the temperature control cylinder 16 via the shaft member 41 and the cylinder member 42 . As a result, the rotational force (an example of the operating force) about the axis that the user applies to the temperature control handle 20 is transmitted to the temperature control cylinder 16 via the shaft member 41 and the cylinder member 42 as the rotational force about the axis of the temperature control cylinder 16.

In addition to the shaft member 41 and the tubular member 42, the extension member 40a has an inner guide tube 43 and an outer guide tube 44 as guide tubes for guiding their rotation. The right ends (inner ends) of the inner guide tube 43 and the outer guide tube 44 are fitted to the left end of the main body housing 11c via fitting auxiliary rings 54a.

The left end of the inner guide cylinder 43 extends into the inside of the temperature control handle 20 and guides the rotation of the temperature control handle 20 (sliding relative to the temperature control handle 20).

The left end of the outer guide cylinder 44 extends only to the right side of the corresponding contact allowing portion 52s (described later) of the lower cover 52. As shown in FIG. Thus, when the extension member 40a is deformed, the contact allowing portion 52s of the lower cover 52 contacts the outer circumference of the inner guide tube 43. As shown in FIG.

The flow adjustment handle 30 is connected to the flow adjustment cylinder 18 via the shaft member 46 and the cylinder member 47 . As a result, the rotational force around the axis (an example of the operating force) applied to the flow adjustment handle 30 by the user is transmitted to the flow adjustment cylinder 18 via the shaft member 46 and the cylinder member 47 as the rotational force around the axis of the flow adjustment cylinder 18.

In addition to the shaft member 46 and the cylinder member 47, the extension member 40b has an inner guide cylinder 48 and an outer guide cylinder 49 as guide cylinders for guiding their rotation. The left end (inner end) of the inner guide tube 48 is fitted to the right end of the main body guide tube 18b fixed to the main body housing 11c, and the left end (inner end) of the outer guide tube 49 is fitted to the right end of the main body housing 11c via the fitting auxiliary ring 54b.

The right end of the inner guide tube 48 extends to the interior of the flow adjustment handle 30 and guides the rotation of the flow adjustment handle 30 (slid relative to the flow adjustment handle 30).

The right end of the outer guide tube 49 extends only to the left side of the corresponding contact allowing portion 52t (described later) of the lower cover 52. As shown in FIG. Thereby, when the extension member 40b is deformed, the contact allowing portion 52t of the lower cover 52 contacts the outer circumference of the inner guide tube 48. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the cover 50 of the faucet device 1 of the present embodiment covers the entire faucet body 10 and part of the extension members 40a and 40b in the circumferential direction, including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, from the region adjacent to the right end of the temperature control handle 20 to the region adjacent to the left end of the flow control handle 30.

A cover support member 60 for supporting the cover 50 extends over the faucet body 10 and over the outer guide tubes 44 and 49 of the extension members 40a and 40b.

Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cover support member 60 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view as a whole, and has a connecting portion 62 extending rearward at the central portion in the left-right direction. The connecting portion 62 is screwed to the relay plate 65 , and the relay plate 65 is further screwed to the faucet main body 10 . As a result, the cover support member 60 is fixed to the faucet body 10 and supported by the wall, floor, etc. of the bathroom via the faucet body 10 .

The upper surface of the outer guide tube 44 of the extension member 40a is provided with projections 44p projecting upward at two locations in the front and rear of the left end, which are fixed to corresponding holes formed in the cover support member 60. Substantially similarly, the upper surface of the outer guide cylinder 49 of the extension member 40b is provided with projections 49p projecting upward at two locations in the front and rear of the right end, which are fixed to corresponding holes formed in the cover support member 60.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 covers the extension member 40b in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction (forming a ring portion 52r) at its right end, but extends below the cover support member 60 above the extension member 40b at the right end.

Similarly, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 covers the extension member 40a in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction at its left end, but extends below the cover support member 60 above the extension member 40a at the left end (although not shown, it can be shown generally symmetrically with FIG. 5).

Further, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 has an extending portion 52e extending outward (to the left) in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the temperature control handle 20 at its left end. Further, at the left end of the lower cover 52, an abutment allowance portion 52s is provided on the upper side of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a, extending inward (to the right) and further downward (in the direction toward the extension member 40a). In this embodiment, the contact allowing portion 52s is provided as a ring-shaped element that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a as well as the upper side of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a.

Substantially similarly, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 has an extending portion 52f extending outward (to the right) in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the flow adjustment handle 30 at its right end. At the right end of the lower cover 52, an abutment allowance portion 52t extending inward (left side) and further downward (in the direction toward the extension member 40b) is provided on the upper side of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b. In this embodiment, the abutment allowance portion 52t is provided as a ring-shaped element that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b as well as the upper side of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b.

Next, the operation of the faucet device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

A rotational force about the axis that the user applies to the flow adjustment handle 30 is transmitted to the flow adjustment cylinder 18 as a rotation force about the axis of the flow adjustment cylinder 18 via the shaft member 46 and the cylinder member 47 of the extension member 40b. Accordingly, by rotating the flow adjusting handle 30 around the axis, the user can switch between spouting/stopping water and control the flow rate during spouting.

The rotation of the shaft member 46 and the cylinder member 47 of the extension member 40b is guided by the inner guide cylinder 48 and the outer guide cylinder 49 of the extension member 40b, so that it is performed smoothly and stably. As a result, the user can comfortably rotate the flow adjustment handle 30 around the axis with substantially the same feeling as when the extension member 40b is not provided.

On the other hand, the rotational force around the axis that the user applies to the temperature control handle 20 is transmitted to the temperature control cylinder 16 as a rotational force around the axis of the temperature control cylinder 16 via the shaft member 41 and the cylinder member 42 of the extension member 40a. As a result, the user can adjust the temperature of water or hot water discharged from the water discharge port 19 by rotating the temperature control handle 20 around the axis.

The rotation of the shaft member 41 and the cylindrical member 42 of the extension member 40a is guided by the inner guide tube 43 and the outer guide tube 44 of the extension member 40a, so that the rotation is performed smoothly and stably. As a result, the user can comfortably rotate the temperature control handle 20 around the axis with substantially the same feeling as when the extension member 40a is not provided.

By changing the lengths of the extension member 40a that connects the faucet body 10 and the temperature control handle 20, and the extension member 40b that connects the faucet body 10 and the flow control handle 30, it is possible to meet the needs of various widthwise lengths of the faucet device 1. When exchanging the lengths of the extension members 40a and 40b, it is necessary to change the widthwise lengths of the cover 50 (the upper cover 51 and the lower cover 52) and the cover support member 60, but the faucet body 10 can be shared. Thereby, cost reduction can be realized.

According to the present embodiment as described above, while using the common faucet body 10, the extension members 40a and 40b (various variations in width direction length are prepared) connecting the faucet body 10, the temperature control handle 20 and the flow control handle 30 are used, and furthermore the cover 50 (upper cover 51, lower cover 52) and the cover support member 60 (various variations in width direction length are also prepared) are changed. It is possible to meet the needs of various width direction lengths.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the cover support member 60 provided between the faucet body 10 (not all or part of it) and the cover 50 extends between the outer guide cylinders 44 and 49 (at least part of the area of the extension members 40a and 40b covered by the cover 50 (at least part of the extension members 40a and 40b)) and the cover 50. Therefore, even when force is applied to the cover 50 from above, the cover support member 60 effectively receives the force and extends the cover. A large load is suppressed from being applied to the members 40a and 40b.

Further, according to this embodiment, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 covers the extension member 40a in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction at the left end, and extends below the cover support member 60 on the upper side of the extension member 40a. As a result, the cover support member 60 is not visible from the outside, so the appearance is excellent.

Similarly, according to the present embodiment, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 covers the extension member 40b in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction at the right end, and extends below the cover support member 60 on the upper side of the extension member 40b. As a result, the cover support member 60 is not visible from the outside, so the appearance is excellent.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the projecting portion 44p (part of the extension member 40a) of the outer guide tube 44 of the extension member 40a is fixed to the cover support member 60. As shown in FIG. As a result, the relative movement of the extension member 40a between the outer guide tube 44 and the cover support member 60 is restrained, so that the extension member 40a can be effectively prevented from rattling. For example, even when the upper part of the extension member 40a receives a force from the left end of the cover 50, the lower part of the extension member 40a is prevented from coming into contact with the left end of the cover 50, and deformation of the extension member 40a due to the "lever principle" or the like is suppressed.

Similarly, according to this embodiment, the projecting portion 49p (part of the extension member 40b) of the outer guide tube 49 of the extension member 40b is fixed to the cover support member 60. As shown in FIG. As a result, relative movement between the outer guide tube 49 of the extension member 40b and the cover support member 60 is restrained, so that rattling of the extension member 40b can be effectively suppressed. For example, even when the upper portion of the extension member 40b receives a force from the right end portion of the cover 50, the lower portion of the extension member 40b is prevented from contacting the right end portion of the cover 50, and deformation of the extension member 40b due to the "lever principle" or the like is suppressed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the right ends of the inner guide tube 43 and the outer guide tube 44 of the extension member 40a (another portion of the extension member 40a) are fitted (or may be engaged) with the faucet main body 10. As shown in FIG. As a result, when the upper part of the extension member 40a receives the force from the left end of the cover 50, the right ends of the inner guide tube 43 and the outer guide tube 44 can be supported by coming into contact with the faucet main body 10, so that the load concentration occurring on the protrusion 44p (fixed portion between the extension member 40a and the cover support member 60) can be alleviated.

Similarly, according to this embodiment, the left ends of the inner guide tube 48 and the outer guide tube 49 of the extension member 40b (another part of the extension member 40b) are fitted (or may be engaged) with the faucet body 10. As a result, when the upper part of the extension member 40b receives the force from the right end of the cover 50, the left ends of the inner guide tube 48 and the outer guide tube 49 can be supported by contacting the faucet main body 10, so that the load concentration occurring on the protrusion 49p (fixed portion between the extension member 40b and the cover support member 60) can be alleviated.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 has an extension 52e that extends outward (left) in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface (particularly, the upper surface) of the temperature control handle 20 at its left end. As a result, it is possible to provide an image in which the cover 50 and the temperature control handle 20 smoothly cooperate with each other, which is excellent in appearance.

Similarly, according to the present embodiment, the lower cover 52 of the cover 50 has an extending portion 52f extending outward (to the right) in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface (especially the upper surface) of the flow adjustment handle 30 at its right end. As a result, it is possible to provide an image in which the cover 50 and the style handle 30 smoothly cooperate with each other, which is excellent in appearance.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the left end of the lower cover 52 is provided with a contact allowance portion 52s that extends inward (rightward) and further downward on the upper side of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a. As a result, even when the upper part of the extension member 40a receives force from the left end of the lower cover 52, the force is applied to the extension member 40a on the inner side through the contact allowance portion 52s of the lower cover 52, so that the extension member 40a is prevented from being deformed or rattling.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the contact allowing portion 52s is provided as a ring-shaped element that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a as well as the upper side of the inner guide tube 43 of the extension member 40a. As a result, deformation or rattling of the extension member 40a is further suppressed.

Similarly, according to the present embodiment, the right end of the lower cover 52 is provided with a contact allowance portion 52t that extends inward (rightward) and further downward on the upper side of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b. As a result, even when the upper part of the extension member 40b receives force from the right end of the lower cover 52, the force is applied to the extension member 40b on the inner side through the contact allowance portion 52t of the lower cover 52, so that the extension member 40b is prevented from being deformed or rattling.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the abutment allowance portion 52t is provided as a ring-shaped element that is substantially equidistant from the outer peripheral surface of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b as well as the upper side of the inner guide tube 48 of the extension member 40b. As a result, deformation or rattling of the extension member 40b is further suppressed.

1 faucet device 10 faucet main body 11a water channel housing 11b hot water channel housing 11c main body housing 15 temperature control function part 16 temperature control cylinder 17 flow control function part 18 flow control cylinder 18b main body guide cylinder 19 spout 20 temperature control handle 21 safety button 30 flow control handle 40a extension member 40b extension member 41 shaft member 42 cylinder member 43 inner guide cylinder 44 outer guide cylinder 44p Protruding portion 46 Shaft member 47 Tubular member 48 Inner guide tube 49 Outer guide tube 49p Protruding portion 50 Cover 51 Upper cover 52 Lower cover 52e Extension 52f Extension 52r Ring 52s Contact allowance 52t Contact allowance 54a Fitting auxiliary ring 54b Fitting auxiliary ring 60 Cover supporting member 62 Connecting part 65 Relay plate

Claims (6)

a faucet body having a channel formed therein for guiding water supplied from a water supply source and/or hot water supplied from a hot water supply source toward a spout;
a functional unit provided in the flow path and capable of adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of cold or hot water discharged from the spout;
an operation unit arranged on the left and/or right of the faucet body and receiving an operation force by a user;
an extension member that connects the operation portion and the faucet main body and is capable of transmitting the operation force received by the operation portion to the functional portion ;
a cover that covers the top of the faucet body and the top of at least part of the extension member;
a cover support member extending between at least a portion of the faucet body, at least a further portion of the at least a portion of the extension member, and the cover to support the cover;
with
The left end and/or right end of the cover covers the extension member in the circumferential direction including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, and extends below the cover support member on the upper side of the extension member.
A faucet device characterized by: a faucet body having a channel formed therein for guiding water supplied from a water supply source and/or hot water supplied from a hot water supply source toward a spout;
a functional unit provided in the flow path and capable of adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of cold or hot water discharged from the spout;
an operation unit arranged on the left and/or right of the faucet body and receiving an operation force by a user;
an extension member that connects the operation portion and the faucet main body and is capable of transmitting the operation force received by the operation portion to the functional portion ;
a cover that covers the top of the faucet body and the top of at least part of the extension member;
a cover support member extending between at least a portion of the faucet body, at least a further portion of the at least a portion of the extension member, and the cover to support the cover;
with
A portion of the extension member is fixed to the cover support member
A faucet device characterized by: 2. The faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of said extension member is fixed to said cover support member. 4. The faucet device according to claim 2 , wherein another part of said extension member is fitted or engaged with said faucet body. The faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein the left end and/or the right end of the cover extends outward in the left-right direction so as to be substantially flush with the upper side of the operating portion at least on the upper side of the extension member. 6. The water faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the left end and/or the right end of the cover is provided with a contact allowing portion that extends inward and further extends in a direction toward the extension member, at least on the upper side of the extension member.

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