JP7680896B2 - Faucet - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a faucet.

A conventional faucet is known, for example, from the one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a structure having a faucet main body that houses a hot and cold water mixing valve and a switching valve, and a metal tube that houses the faucet main body.

JP 2003-268825 A

However, in conventional faucets, the metal faucet body itself has internal flow paths for hot and cold water, and the faucet body has a complex structure, which can make it difficult to manufacture. For this reason, it can be said that there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing the design freedom of faucets.

Therefore, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a faucet that can solve the above problems and improve design freedom.

A faucet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water, a changeover valve for changing the discharge amount of hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve, and a main pipe section in which the hot and cold water mixing valve and the changeover valve are mounted side by side in the axial direction, a hot water inlet communicating with the hot and cold water mixing valve, a water inlet communicating with the changeover valve, and a water outlet communicating with the changeover valve between the hot water inlet and the water inlet, the outer circumferential surface of the changeover valve forms a first region including an outlet communicating with the water outlet, and a second region separated from the first region and following the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve through the water inlet.

The faucet disclosed herein allows for greater freedom in faucet design.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the faucet seen from a different direction than that of FIG. 1 . Exploded view of the faucet unit Exploded view of the faucet body A perspective view of the faucet body FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the faucet main body as viewed from a different direction from that of FIG. Cross-section of the faucet body FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside a main pipe portion; Perspective view of a hot and cold water mixing valve A perspective view of a switching valve FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside a main pipe portion; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside a main pipe portion; Exploded view of switching valve 9A is a cross-sectional view of the switching valve taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packing surrounding a first region and a third region; Cross section showing the flow through a faucet A longitudinal section showing the flow through a faucet

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a faucet 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from a different direction than that of Figure 1. Hereinafter, in the figures, the X, Y, and Z directions respectively indicate the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions of the faucet 1.

In this embodiment, the faucet 1 is a faucet that is attached to the wall of a bathroom.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 includes a faucet unit 2, a connection member 3, and a handle unit 4. The faucet unit 2 is a unit for discharging water. The faucet unit 2 of this embodiment has the function of discharging water from a shower and a faucet.

The connection member 3 is a member that connects the hot water supply source and the water supply source (not shown) provided on the wall of the bathroom to the faucet unit 2. The connection member 3 includes a hot water supply pipe 31 that supplies hot water, and a water supply pipe 32 that supplies water. The hot water supply pipe 31 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for hot water supplied from the hot water supply source. The water supply pipe 32 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for water supplied from the water supply source.

In this embodiment, the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32 are connected to the rear surface of the faucet unit 2 at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the faucet unit 2, as shown in FIG. 2. The center of the faucet unit 2 means the center between both ends of the faucet unit 2 along the axial direction (Y direction).

The handle unit 4 is a unit that allows the water discharge method of the faucet unit 2 to be changed. The handle unit 4 includes a temperature control handle 4A and a switching handle 4B. The temperature control handle 4A is a handle for adjusting the degree of mixing of hot and cold water, and changes the rotational position of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, which will be described later. The switching handle 4B is a handle for adjusting the amount and direction of water discharge, and changes the rotational position of the switching valve 11, which will be described later.

Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the faucet unit 2 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the faucet unit 2 includes a faucet main body 5, a heat insulating material 6, a front cover 7, a rear cover 8, and an elbow 9.

The faucet main body 5 is a component that constitutes the main body of the faucet unit 2. The faucet main body 5 has the function of mixing the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 31 (Fig. 2) and the water supplied from the water supply pipe 32 (Fig. 2) described above. The faucet main body 5 is covered with a heat-insulating material 6.

The heat insulating material 6 is a member that covers the outer periphery of the faucet body 5 to prevent the water inside the faucet body 5 from freezing. The faucet body 5 and the heat insulating material 6 are covered by a front cover 7 and a rear cover 8.

The front cover 7 and the back cover 8 are configured to cover the faucet body 5 and the heat-insulating material 6, forming the external appearance of the faucet 1. The back cover 8 has multiple openings 81, 82, and 83. Specifically, an opening 81 for connecting an elbow 9, an opening 82 for connecting a hot water supply pipe 31, and an opening 83 for connecting a cold water supply pipe 32 are formed.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the faucet main body 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the faucet main body 5 houses a hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and a switching valve 11. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is inserted and attached to one end of the faucet main body 5, and the switching valve 11 is inserted and attached to the other end.

The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is a valve for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is also called a thermo cartridge. The switching valve 11 is a member for changing the amount and direction of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The switching valve 11 of this embodiment changes the direction of hot and cold water discharge between shower discharge and faucet discharge. A gear portion 40A that engages with the temperature control handle 4A (Figure 2) is attached to the end of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. A gear portion 40B that engages with the switching handle 4B (Figure 2) is attached to the end of the switching valve 11.

The faucet 1 is a thermostatic faucet equipped with a hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and a switching valve 11.

Next, the faucet main body 5 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the faucet main body 5, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the faucet main body 5 seen from a different direction than Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet main body 5.

The faucet body 5 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is integrally formed from resin. The faucet body 5 is formed, for example, from PPS resin (PPS-GF30) by injection molding.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the faucet body 5 includes a main pipe 12, a hot water supply branch pipe 13, a cold water supply branch pipe 14, a shower discharge branch pipe 15, and a faucet discharge branch pipe 16.

The main pipe section 12 is a member that houses the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 described above, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are fitted and attached to the main pipe section 12 side by side in the axial direction K (Y direction). The inner wall of the main pipe section 12 forms a space that contains the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11, and extends along the axial direction K (Y direction). At both ends of the main pipe section 12 in the axial direction K (Y direction), openings 50 and 51 are formed, respectively, for inserting the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11. At both ends, a screw groove 21 is formed for attaching the cap member 33. The cap member 33 is a member for preventing the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 from falling off.

A number of recesses are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe section 12. The recesses have a heat insulating function that suppresses heat conduction between the main pipe section 12 and the heat insulating material 6, and assist the heat insulating function of the main pipe section 12 by the heat insulating material 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, ribs 22 are provided on the outer periphery at both ends of the main pipe section 12. The ribs 22 are adjacent to the thread groove 21 and extend circumferentially closer to the center of the main pipe section 12 than the thread groove 21. The thread groove 21 and the ribs 22 are formed integrally with the main pipe section 12 from resin.

As shown in FIG. 7, a rib 23 is provided on the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12. The rib 23 is formed extending in the circumferential direction L between the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 so as to separate the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 abut against the rib 23, and the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are aligned with the main pipe section 12. The rib 23 is formed integrally with the main pipe section 12 from resin.

For resin molding using a mold, the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12 may be inclined so that it widens slightly outward from the center toward the end in the axial direction K (for example, the inclination angle is 0.2 to 0.5 degrees).

The inner surface S2 of the main pipe 12 is also provided with a hot water inlet 20A, a cold water inlet 20B, a shower outlet 20C, and a faucet outlet 20D.

The hot water inlet 20A is an opening for allowing hot water to flow from the hot water supply source into the main pipe 12, and connects the hot water supply branch pipe 13 (Fig. 6) and the main pipe 12. The hot water inlet 20A is formed around the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer circumferential surface of the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10. The water inlet 20B is an opening for allowing water to flow from the water supply source into the main pipe 12, and connects the water supply branch pipe 14 (Fig. 6) and the main pipe 12. The water inlet 20B is formed around the changeover valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer circumferential surface of the changeover valve 11.

The shower outlet 20C is an opening for showering hot and cold water from the main pipe 12, and connects the main pipe 12 to the shower outlet branch pipe 15 (Figure 6). The shower outlet 20C is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B in the axial direction K. The shower outlet 20C is formed around the switching valve 11 (Figure 4) and faces the outer circumferential surface of the switching valve 11. In this embodiment, the shower outlet 20C is formed in the center between both ends of the main pipe 12.

The faucet outlet 20D is an opening for spouting hot and cold water from the main pipe 12, and connects the main pipe 12 to the faucet outlet branch pipe 16 (Figure 6). The faucet outlet 20D is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B, similar to the shower outlet 20C. In this embodiment, the faucet outlet 20D overlaps with the shower outlet 20C in the circumferential direction L and is formed in the center between both ends of the main pipe 12. The faucet outlet 20D is formed around the switching valve 11 (Figure 4) similar to the shower outlet 20C, and faces the outer circumferential surface of the switching valve 11.

Returning to FIG. 6, the hot water supply branch pipe section 13 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the hot water inlet 20A of the main pipe section 12 and extends toward the bathroom wall (in the X direction). The hot water supply branch pipe section 13 extends from the hot water inlet 20A to the first connection port 30A, to which the hot water supply pipe 31 (FIG. 2) is connected.

The water supply branch pipe 14 is a tubular member that branches off from the main pipe 12 at a position including the water inlet 20B and extends toward the bathroom wall (in the X direction). The water supply branch pipe 14 extends from the water inlet 20B to the second connection port 30B, to which the water supply pipe 32 (Figure 2) is connected.

The hot water supply branch pipe section 13 and the water supply branch pipe section 14 are provided in the main pipe section 12 with a gap in the axial direction K. In addition, the shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 is formed between the hot water supply branch pipe section 13 and the water supply branch pipe section 14. The shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the shower water discharge port 20C of the main pipe section 12 and extends toward the wall of the bathroom (in the X direction). The shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 is provided at the center of the main pipe section 12 in the axial direction K. The shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 forms a flow path inside that discharges hot water and water from the third connection port 30C formed on the wall side. In this embodiment, the shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 is a water discharge pipe for shower water discharge.

An elbow 9 is attached to the third connection port 30C of the shower discharge branch pipe section 15. The shower discharge branch pipe section 15 is connected to a shower hose (not shown) via the elbow 9.

Furthermore, a faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16 is formed in line with the shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 in the circumferential direction L. The faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the faucet water discharge port 20D (Figure 7) of the main pipe section 12 and extends toward the bathroom floor (-Z direction). The faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16 is provided in the center of the main pipe section 12, similar to the shower water discharge branch pipe section 15. The faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16 forms an internal flow path that discharges hot and cold water from a fourth connection port 30D formed on the floor side. In this embodiment, the faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16 is a discharge pipe that discharges water from a faucet.

In addition, a straightening section 16A (Figure 4) is attached to the faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16. The straightening section 16A is a member for straightening the water discharged from the faucet.

The main pipe 12 further includes a pressure relief branch pipe 17 that branches off from the hot water supply branch pipe 13. The pressure relief branch pipe 17 is a pipe for releasing the pressure inside the faucet main body 5 to the outside, and is fitted with a pressure relief valve (not shown). The pressure relief valve is a valve that automatically opens when the internal pressure of the pressure relief branch pipe 17 exceeds a predetermined pressure, and prevents the internal pressure of the pressure relief branch pipe 17 from becoming excessively high.

The main pipe 12 further includes a branch pipe 18 for draining water, which branches off from the water supply branch pipe 14. The branch pipe 18 for draining water is a pipe for draining water from inside the faucet main body 5, and is fitted with a drain plug (not shown). By opening the drain plug to drain water, it is possible to prevent the water inside the faucet main body 5 from freezing.

Next, the internal structure of the main pipe section 12 will be described in more detail using Figures 8A to 8E. Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe section. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. Figure 8C is a perspective view of the switching valve 11. Figure 8D is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe section as viewed from a different direction than Figure 8A. Figure 8E is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe section as viewed from a different direction than Figures 8A and 8D. As will be described later, Figure 8A shows the second region P2, Figure 8D shows the first region P1, and Figure 8E shows the third region P3.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is inserted into the switching valve 11 in the first axial direction K1, and the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are connected and fixed to each other. An O-ring (not shown) is provided at the connection between the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 to seal them from each other.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 forms an internal flow path R0, and as shown in FIG. 8C, the switching valve 11 forms an internal flow path R1. Because the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are connected to each other, the internal flow paths R0 and R1 are connected, and in the internal flow paths R0 and R1, hot and cold water flows from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 toward the switching valve 11 along the first axial direction K1. With this configuration, the hot and cold water mixed in the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 flows from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 to the switching valve 11, and is discharged from the switching valve 11, for example, according to a water discharge method selected by the user.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10 forms a hot water inlet 10A and a cold water inlet 10B on the outer peripheral surface S0, which are connected to the internal flow path R0. The hot water inlet 10A is an opening that connects the hot water inlet 20A (FIG. 7) to the internal flow path R0, and is used to introduce hot water into the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10. The cold water inlet 10B is an opening that connects the water inlet 20B (FIG. 7) to the internal flow path R0, and is used to introduce water into the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the hot water inlet 10A and the cold water inlet 10B, sealing them from each other.

The opening area of the hot water inlet 10A and the cold water inlet 10B can each be changed by operating the handle unit 4 (Figure 1). With this configuration, the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10 can mix hot water and cold water in any desired hot water/cold water ratio.

On the other hand, as shown in Figures 8C, 8D, and 8E, the switching valve 11 forms a shower outlet 11A (Figure 8D) and a faucet outlet 11B (Figure 8E) on the outer peripheral surface S1. The shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B each communicate with the internal flow path R1 (Figure 8C) and allow the hot and cold water flowing from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 to flow out to the outside.

The shower outlet 11A shown in FIG. 8D is an opening that connects the internal flow path R1 (FIG. 8C) to the shower outlet 20C (FIG. 7) to allow hot and cold water to flow from the switching valve 11 to the shower outlet branch pipe section 15 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The faucet outlet 11B shown in FIG. 8E is an opening that connects the faucet outlet 20D (FIG. 7) to the internal flow path R1 (FIG. 8C) to allow hot and cold water to flow from the switching valve 11 to the faucet outlet branch pipe section 16 (FIG. 7). The shower outlet 11A is formed in the first region P1 described below, and the faucet outlet 11B is formed in the third region P3 described below.

Comparing Figures 8D and 8E, the shower outlet 11A is closer to the center in the axial direction K of the faucet body 5 (not shown) than the faucet outlet 11B, i.e., closer to the center between the gear parts 40A and 40B located at both ends. In this embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is formed on the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 at the center of the faucet body 5 so as to face the shower spout 20C (Figure 7).

Returning to FIG. 8A, the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 forms three regions P1, P2, and P3 along the circumferential direction L. The first region P1 forms the shower outlet 11A (FIG. 8D), the second region P2 forms the outer peripheral flow path R2, and the third region P3 forms the faucet outlet 11B (FIG. 8E).

The peripheral flow passage R2 formed in the second region P2 is connected to the water inlet 20B (Figure 7) and is a flow passage that directs water that has flowed from the water inlet 20B into the main pipe section 12 (Figure 7) toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

The first region P1, the third region P3, and the second region P2 are arranged in order along the circumferential direction L. The circumferential direction L is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the first axial direction K1. The second region P2 is provided adjacent to both the third region P3 and the first region P1 along the circumferential direction L. The first region P1 and the third region P3 form a boundary along the axial direction K.

The second region P2 has fins 44.

Now, with reference to Figures 9A, 9B, and 10, the regions P1 to P3 and the packing 42 will be described in more detail. Figure 9A is a development view of the regions P1 to P3 of the switching valve 11. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 9A. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the packing 42.

Each of the regions P1 to P3 is separated by a packing 42. The packing 42 is fitted and attached to the recess 41A of the switching valve 11 shown in FIG. 9B. The recess 41A is formed by a protruding wall 41 on the outer circumferential surface of the switching valve 11.

As shown in FIG. 10, the packing 42 of this embodiment has a portion 42A that surrounds the first region P1 and a portion 42B that surrounds the third region P3. By surrounding the first region P1 and the third region P3, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are separated from each other, and the second region P2, which is located outside the first region P1 and the third region P3, is separated from the first region P1 and the third region P3. Therefore, in the second region P2, each of the regions P1 to P3 can be isolated without providing a separate wall structure or packing 42.

The packing 42 in this embodiment is an integrated packing in which the parts 42A and 42B are formed continuously. By using such a packing 42, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the parts 42A and 42B are provided independently, and costs can be reduced.

The first region P1 surrounded by the portion 42A and the third region P3 surrounded by the portion 42B are adjacent to each other along the central portion 42C of the packing 42. In addition, since the packing 42 is formed integrally, the recess 41A (FIG. 9B) is formed continuously across the first region P1 and the third region P3.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the area of the first region P1 is larger than the opening area of the shower outlet 11A. Similarly, the area of the third region P3 is larger than the opening area of the faucet outlet 11B. With this configuration, the flow rate of hot and cold water can be maintained in the regions P1 and P3.

Furthermore, the portion forming the shower outlet 11A in the first region P1 is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions. Specifically, it has a length L2 that is longer than length L1. Similarly, the length L4 of the portion forming the faucet outlet 11B in the third region P3 is longer in the circumferential direction L than the length L3 of the other portions. With this configuration, it is possible to further reduce resistance to the hot and cold water being discharged, particularly around the outlets 11A and 11B, allowing the hot and cold water to flow out smoothly.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are each defined by a protruding wall 41 formed on the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11. The protruding wall 41 is a portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11, and the protruding wall 41 is formed with a recess 41A into which a gasket 42 is fitted.

On the other hand, fins 44 are formed in the second region P2. As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the fins 44 are ribs that protrude from the outer circumferential surface S1 and are formed along the axial direction K. The fins 44 have the function of maintaining the distance between the inner circumferential surface S2 (Fig. 7) of the main pipe portion 12 and the outer circumferential surface S1 of the switching valve 11 in the second region P2, thereby suppressing rattling. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9A, by extending in the axial direction K, the fins 44 also have a straightening function that directs the water flowing through the second region P2 along the second axial direction K2.

Now, with reference to Figures 11A and 11B, we will explain in more detail the arrangement of the shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B in the faucet 1.

Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view showing the flow in a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the flow in a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the switching valve 11 is housed inside the main pipe section 12, and a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12 by a packing 42. The packing 42 abuts against the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12, thereby sealing the first region P1 and the third region P3 watertightly.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the shower outlet 11A overlaps with the shower outlet 20C in the circumferential direction L. Therefore, the first distance D1 between the shower outlet 11A and the shower outlet 20C measured along the axial direction K is 0. When the switching valve 11 is positioned in the rotational position for shower spouting, the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 communicates with the flow path formed in the shower spouting branch pipe section 15 via the shower outlet 11A and the shower outlet 20C. In this state, although not shown in FIG. 11A, the faucet outlet 20D faces the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 different from the part where the faucet outlet 11B is formed.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the faucet outlet 11B is formed further away from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 in the axial direction K than the faucet outlet 20D. Therefore, the faucet outlet 11B does not face the faucet outlet 20D, and is formed closer to the end of the faucet 1 than the faucet outlet 20D. The second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D measured along the axial direction K is greater than 0, i.e., greater than the first distance D1 (FIG. 11A).

Based on the above configuration, we will explain the flow of cold water and hot and cold water through the switching valve 11.

As shown in FIG. 11A, hot water flowing into the main pipe 12 through the hot water supply branch pipe 13 flows along the arrow A from the hot water inlet 20A into the internal flow path R0 inside the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10.

The water flowing into the main pipe 12 through the water supply branch pipe 14 flows from the water inlet 20B along the arrow B into the second region P2 of the switching valve 11. As shown in FIG. 11B, the water flows in the second axial direction K2 toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 through the outer peripheral flow path R2 formed by the second region P2 of the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe 12.

At its downstream end, the outer peripheral flow passage R2 is connected to the outer peripheral flow passage R3 formed by the fourth region P4 (FIG. 8A) of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12. A water inlet 10B is formed in the fourth region P4. Thus, water flows from the outer peripheral flow passage R2 into the outer peripheral flow passage R3, and then flows into the internal flow passage R0 through the water inlet 10B of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

As shown in FIG. 11B, hot water and cold water are mixed in the internal flow path R0 of the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10. The mixed hot water and cold water flow in the first axial direction K1 along the arrow C and flow from the internal flow path R0 of the hot water/cold water mixing valve 10 into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11.

The flow of hot and cold water that flows into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 is changed depending on the water discharge method selected on the switching handle 4B (Figure 2) of the handle unit 4.

First, a case where shower spouting is selected with the switch handle 4B (Fig. 2) will be described. When shower spouting is selected, the first area P1 shown in Fig. 8D is in a rotational position facing the shower spout 20C, and as shown in Fig. 11A, the shower outlet 11A in the first area P1 and the shower outlet 20C are connected to each other. On the other hand, the third area P3 shown in Fig. 8E is in a rotational position that does not face either the shower outlet 20C or the faucet outlet 20D, and the faucet outlet 11B in the third area P3 and the faucet outlet 20D are not connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 11A, hot and cold water flows from the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 through the shower outlet 11A along the arrow D into the first area P1. Because the first area P1 is sealed by the gasket 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into the other areas P2 and P3 is suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are opposed to each other (i.e. D1 = 0), the hot water flowing out from the shower outlet 11A flows directly into the shower spout branch pipe section 15 along the arrow D. This reduces the flow resistance of the hot water as it flows from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C, and prevents a reduction in the shower flow rate. The hot water is then spouted from the shower head via the shower hose connected to the shower spout branch pipe section 15.

Next, consider the case where faucet spouting is selected on the switching handle 4B (Figure 2). When faucet spouting is selected, the direction of the switching valve 11 is different from the direction of the switching valve 11 when shower spouting is selected by operating the handle unit 4. Specifically, when faucet spouting is selected, the third region P3 shown in Figure 8E is in a rotational position facing the faucet spout 20D, and as shown in Figure 11B, the faucet outlet 11B in the third region P3 and the faucet outlet 20D are connected to each other. On the other hand, the first region P1 shown in Figure 8D is in a rotational position not facing the shower spout 20C, and the shower outlet 11A in the first region P1 and the shower spout 20C are not connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 11B, hot and cold water flows along the arrow E in the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 toward the faucet outlet 11B. At this time, the hot and cold water passes through the shower outlet 11A (FIG. 11A). That is, with respect to the flow of the internal flow path R1, the faucet outlet 11B is formed downstream of the shower outlet 11A. The hot and cold water flows into the third area P3 through the faucet outlet 11B. Because the third area P3 is also sealed by the gasket 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into the other areas P1 and P2 is suppressed.

The hot and cold water flowing out from the faucet outlet 11B flows in the second axial direction K2, which is the opposite direction to the internal flow path R1, through the outer peripheral flow path R4 formed by the third region P3 of the switching valve 11 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12, toward the faucet outlet 20D. The outer peripheral flow path R4 extends from the faucet outlet 11B to the faucet outlet 20D. The length of the outer peripheral flow path R4 corresponds to the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D. The distance from the faucet outlet 11B to the faucet outlet 20D increases the flow path resistance, but unlike shower water, the final flow rate is less likely to decrease in the case of faucet water spouting. The hot and cold water flowing out from the outer peripheral flow path R4 is then spouted from the faucet outlet branch pipe portion 16 through the faucet outlet 20D.

The above explanations are summarized below to describe the features of this disclosure.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, by arranging both the shower discharge branch pipe 15 and the faucet discharge branch pipe 16 between the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32 and locating them toward the center of the faucet 1, a symmetrical structure can be achieved and the appearance of the faucet 1 can be improved. In order to achieve this arrangement, conventional faucets have an internal flow path in the metal main pipe itself, and the flow path is formed by passing hot water and cold water through the main pipe.

On the other hand, in the faucet 1 of the present disclosure, while adopting a symmetrical structure, no internal flow path is provided in the main pipe section 12, and a flow path is formed between the switching valve 11 and the main pipe section 12 to form a flow path for mixing hot and cold water. Specifically, the hot water inlet 20A through which hot water flows is positioned opposite the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, while the water inlet 20B through which water flows is positioned opposite the switching valve 11, and an outer peripheral flow path R2 from the water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is formed between the switching valve 11 and the main pipe section 12. More specifically, a second region P2 that forms the outer peripheral flow path R2 is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B. The second region P2 is isolated from the first region P1 and the third region P3, and faces the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12. Therefore, an outer peripheral flow path R2 that supplies water to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is formed without forming an independent flow path in the inner wall of the main pipe section 12. As a result, the main pipe 12 has a simple structure and can be formed, for example, by resin molding, improving the design freedom of the faucet 1.

In addition, even without forming an independent flow path in the inner wall of the main pipe 12, the flow path for discharging water is formed by the first region P1 and the third region P3 and the inner surface S2 of the main pipe 12, so it is possible to save space in the main pipe 12 for the flow path for discharging water from the switching valve 11. Therefore, it is possible to design the faucet 1 to have an outer peripheral flow path R4 for discharging water without compromising the design of the faucet 1 by forming a flow path in the main pipe itself on the faucet side.

Furthermore, the regions P1 to P3 are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction L. This arrangement allows the dimensions of the switching valve 11 to be reduced, making it possible to reduce the space required for the faucet 1 in the axial direction K. In addition to reducing the space required for the faucet 1, the main pipe section 12 and the faucet body section 5 can be made symmetrical, improving the design of the faucet 1 and allowing it to be installed stably.

In this design, the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are overlapped in the circumferential direction L. This allows the distance from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C to be shorter than when the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are offset in the axial direction K, and the distance that the hot water discharged from the shower flows outside the switching valve 11 can be shortened. This reduces the resistance to the hot water and suppresses the decrease in flow rate during shower spouting. In the case of shower spouting, the flow rate is throttled by the shower head's spray plate (not shown), so if the flow rate decreases upstream of the faucet main body 5, the flow rate will further decrease downstream, and the decrease in flow rate is likely to become a problem. For this reason, by adopting a design that suppresses the decrease in the flow rate of the shower spout, the flow rate of the shower spout can be secured. In addition, in the case of faucet spouting, the decrease in flow rate is less likely to be a problem, so the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D are arranged offset in the axial direction K. This allows the shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B to be positioned offset in the axial direction K, with the shower outlet 11A on the upstream side and the faucet outlet 11B on the downstream side. Also, as shown in FIG. 9A, the portion forming the shower outlet 11A in the first region P1 and the portion forming the faucet outlet 11B in the third region P3 can each be designed to be long in the circumferential direction L. When designed in this way, the second region P2 is prevented from becoming locally narrow, and the water flow in the second region P2 can be stabilized.

[Effect 1]
The faucet 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

The faucet 1 according to the embodiment includes a hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a switching valve 11, and a main pipe section 12. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 mixes hot water and cold water. The switching valve 11 changes the amount of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are attached to the main pipe section 12 in line with each other in the axial direction. The main pipe section 12 forms a hot water inlet 20A that communicates with the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a water inlet 20B that communicates with the switching valve 11, and a water outlet 20C that communicates with the switching valve 11 between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B. The outer circumferential surface of the switching valve 11 forms a first region P1 including an outlet 11A that communicates with the water outlet 20C, and a second region P2 that is isolated from the first region P1 and follows the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 through the water inlet 20B.

With this configuration, the discharge port 20C is provided between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B to achieve a well-balanced arrangement, while the second area P2 from the cold water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the changeover valve 11, isolated from the first area P1. This simplifies the shape of the main pipe 12 while improving the design of the faucet 1 having the main pipe 12. Resin can also be selected as the material for forming the faucet 1. This allows for greater freedom in designing the faucet 1.

In addition, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the first region P1 and the second region P2 are aligned in the circumferential direction L.

This configuration allows the length of the switching valve 11 in the axial direction K to be reduced, thereby reducing the length of the main pipe section 12 and reducing the axial dimension K of the faucet 1.

The faucet 1 according to the embodiment includes a gasket 42 that is arranged to surround the first region P1 and separates the first region P1 from the second region P2.

This configuration allows the first region P1 and the second region P2 to be isolated with a simple structure. It also makes it possible to design the device so that the gasket surrounding the second region P2 is omitted.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the main pipe 12 further forms a faucet outlet 20D between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B, which is connected to the switching valve 11. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11 forms a third region P3, which is isolated from the first region P1 and the second region P2 and includes a faucet outlet 11B which is connected to the faucet outlet 20D.

This configuration allows the design of the faucet 1 having the main pipe portion 12 to be improved while simplifying the shape of the main pipe portion 12, even in a configuration in which multiple water outlets 20C, 20D are formed.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region P3 are aligned in the circumferential direction L.

This configuration makes it possible to design the faucet 1 so that its axial dimension K is small even when three or more regions are formed around the outer periphery of the switching valve 11.

The faucet 1 according to the embodiment has a portion surrounding the first region P1 and a portion surrounding the third region P3, and is provided with a gasket 42 that separates the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region P3.

This configuration allows the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region to be isolated from one another using a simple structure. It also makes it possible to design the device so that the packing surrounding the second region P2 is omitted.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the packing 42 is integral, and the first region P1 and the third region P3 are adjacent to each other via the packing 42.

This configuration allows the number of parts that make up the faucet 1 to be reduced compared to when separate gaskets are provided to seal the first area P1 and the third area P3.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the portion forming the shower outlet 11A in the first region P1 is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions. Also, the portion forming the faucet outlet 11B in the second region P2 is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions.

With this configuration, the area around the outlets 11A and 11B can be made wide to ensure the flow rate of hot and cold water, and the area of the second region P2 can be made large by narrowing the other areas.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the second region P2 is formed with fins 44 that protrude toward the inner surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12.

This configuration can suppress rattling of the switching valve 11 relative to the main pipe section 12.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the outer surface of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 has a fourth region P4 that communicates with the second region P2 of the switching valve 11, and the second region P2 and the fourth region P4 form the outer peripheral flow paths R2, R3 for water.

With this configuration, water flows through the outer peripheral flow paths R2 and R3 formed by the second region P2 and the fourth region P4, so the shape of the main pipe portion 12 can be simplified without providing a separate flow path for the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the main pipe 12 is integrally formed from resin.

This configuration makes it easy to manufacture the faucet 1.

The faucet 1 according to the embodiment further includes a hot water supply branch pipe section 13 and a water supply branch pipe section 14. The hot water supply branch pipe section 13 branches off from a position including the hot water inlet 20A of the main pipe section 12, and forms an internal flow path that supplies hot water from the hot water supply source (hot water supply pipe 31) to the hot water inlet 20A. The water supply branch pipe section 14 branches off from a position including the water inlet 20B of the main pipe section 12, and forms an internal flow path that supplies water from the water supply source (water supply pipe 32) to the water inlet 20B.

This configuration allows the main pipe section 12 to be connected to a hot and cold water supply source installed on the wall of a bathroom, etc.

[Effect 2]
The faucet 1 according to the embodiment includes a hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a switching valve 11, and a main pipe section 12. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 mixes hot water and cold water. The switching valve 11 changes the discharge amount of hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are attached to the main pipe section 12 in line with each other in the axial direction. The main pipe section 12 forms a hot water inlet 20A communicating with the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a water inlet 20B communicating with the switching valve 11, and a water outlet 20C and a faucet outlet 20D communicating with the switching valve 11 between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B. The outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 forms a shower outlet 11A communicating with the shower outlet 20C and a faucet outlet 11B communicating with the faucet outlet 20D. The shower outlet 11A is provided closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 in the axial direction K than the faucet outlet 11B.

This configuration allows for a design that shortens the distance from the shower outlet 11A to the shower outlet 20C. This reduces the resistance of the hot and cold water from the shower outlet 11A to the shower outlet 20C, and prevents a reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is located upstream of the faucet outlet 11B in the direction of hot and cold water flowing inside the switching valve 11.

With this configuration, the distance that water flows to the shower outlet 11A inside the switching valve 11 is made shorter than the distance that water flows to the faucet outlet 11B, which further reduces resistance to hot and cold water and prevents a reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the first distance D1 between the shower spout 20C and the shower outlet 11A along the axial direction K is smaller than the second distance D2 between the faucet spout 20D and the faucet outlet 11B.

This configuration can further reduce the reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is closer to the center of the main pipe 12 than the faucet outlet 11B.

With this configuration, when the shower outlet 20C is provided toward the center of the main pipe 12, the first distance D1 from the shower outlet 11A to the shower outlet 20C can be shortened and the design of the faucet 1 can be improved.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, when the switching valve 11 is in the rotation position for shower discharge, the shower outlet 20C and the shower outlet 11A overlap.

This configuration reduces resistance between the shower outlet 20C and the shower outlet 11A, further reducing the reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the shower outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D overlap in the circumferential direction L of the main pipe.

This configuration improves the design of the faucet 1 and allows the faucet 1 to be stably attached to the bathroom wall.

The "third region P3" may also be referred to as the "second region."

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the embodiment, the faucet 1 is described as a faucet that provides shower water discharge and faucet water discharge, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

In the embodiment, an example in which the faucet 1 is made of resin has been described, but this is not limiting.

In the embodiment, an example in which the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C face each other (first distance D1 = 0) has been described, but this is not limiting. A first distance D1 may be formed between the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C in the axial direction K. Even in this case, the same effect can be achieved by making the first distance D1 smaller than the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the shower outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D overlap in the circumferential direction L, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient that the shower outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D are provided between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. Even with this structure, the faucet 1 can be stably attached to the bathroom wall.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

The faucet of the present disclosure is useful in faucets equipped with hot and cold water mixing valves and switching valves.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Faucet 2 Faucet unit 3 Connection member 4 Handle unit 5 Faucet body 6 Thermal insulation material 7 Front cover 8 Rear cover 10 Hot and cold water mixing valve 11 Switching valve 11A Shower outlet 11B Faucet outlet 12 Main pipe section 13 Hot water supply branch pipe section 14 Water supply branch pipe section 15 Shower water outlet branch pipe section 16 Faucet water outlet branch pipe section 20A Hot water inlet 20B Water inlet 20C Shower water outlet 20D Faucet outlet 41 Protruding wall 42 Gasket P1-P3 Regions R0-R1 Internal flow path R2-R4 Peripheral flow path

Claims (13)

A hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water;
A switching valve for changing the amount of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve;
The hot and cold water mixing valve and the switching valve are attached inside in line in the axial direction, and a main pipe portion is provided with a hot water inlet communicating with the hot and cold water mixing valve, a cold water inlet communicating with the switching valve, and a water outlet between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet communicating with the switching valve,
A faucet in which the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve forms a first region including an outlet communicating with the water outlet, and a second region isolated from the first region and following the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve through the water inlet. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are aligned in the circumferential direction. The faucet according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a packing that is disposed to surround the first area and separates the first area from the second area. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the first region, the portion forming the outlet is circumferentially longer than other portions. The water outlet is a shower water outlet,
the outlet is a shower outlet,
The main pipe portion further forms a faucet outlet between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, the faucet outlet communicating with the switching valve,
The faucet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the switching valve forms a third region that is isolated from the first region and the second region and includes a faucet outlet that communicates with the faucet spout. The faucet according to claim 5, wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are aligned in the circumferential direction. The faucet according to claim 5 or 6, which has a portion surrounding the first region and a portion surrounding the third region, and is provided with a packing that separates the first region, the second region, and the third region. The packing is integral,
The faucet according to claim 7 , wherein the first region and the third region are adjacent to each other via the gasket. a portion of the first region that forms the shower outlet is longer in a circumferential direction than other portions,
The faucet according to claim 5 , wherein a portion of the third region that forms the faucet outlet is longer in the circumferential direction than other portions. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second region is formed with fins that protrude toward the inner circumferential surface of the main pipe. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the hot and cold water mixing valve has a fourth region that communicates with the second region of the switching valve, and the second region and the fourth region form a water flow path. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the main pipe is integrally formed from resin. A hot water supply branch pipe portion that branches off from a position including the hot water inlet of the main pipe portion and has a flow path formed therein for supplying hot water from a hot water supply source to the hot water inlet;
13. The faucet according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply branch pipe section that branches off from a position including the water inlet of the main pipe section and has a flow path formed therein for supplying water from a water supply source to the water inlet.

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