Faucet

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a faucet includes: a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot water and cold water; a switching valve for changing the flow rate of the 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 switching valve are arranged axially and installed, and formed with a hot water inlet connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve, a cold water inlet connected to the switching valve, and a shower head outlet and a faucet outlet connected to the switching valve between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet; the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve has a shower head outlet connected to the shower head outlet and a faucet outlet connected to the faucet outlet; the shower head outlet is located axially closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve than the faucet outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a faucet. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Among the conventional faucets, there are those described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a structure comprising: a faucet body housing a hot and cold water mixing valve and a switching valve; and a metal tube housing the faucet body. [Conventional Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-268825 [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in conventional faucets, the internal flow paths for hot and cold water are located within the metal faucet body, resulting in a complex structure that sometimes makes manufacturing the faucet body difficult. Therefore, from the perspective of increasing the design freedom of faucets, there is still room for improvement.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a faucet that can improve design freedom. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] A faucet according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot water and cold water; a switching valve for changing the flow rate of the 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 switching valve are arranged axially and installed, and formed 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 shower head outlet and a faucet outlet communicating with the switching valve between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet; the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve forms a shower head outlet communicating with the shower head outlet and a faucet outlet communicating with the faucet outlet; the shower head outlet is disposed axially closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve than the faucet outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The faucet of the present invention can improve the design freedom of the faucet.

Implementation Method

[0010] [Embodiments] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0011] FIG1 is a perspective view of the faucet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 is a perspective view of the faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from a direction different from FIG1. ​​In the following figures, the X, Y, and Z directions represent the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the faucet 1, respectively.

[0012] In this embodiment, the faucet 1 is a faucet installed on the wall of the bathroom.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 includes: a faucet unit 2, a connecting member 3, and a handle unit 4. The faucet unit 2 is a unit used for dispensing water. In this embodiment, the faucet unit 2 has the functions of dispensing water from a shower head and from a faucet.

[0014] The connecting member 3 is a component that connects the faucet unit 2 to a hot water supply source and a cold water supply source (not shown) installed on the bathroom wall. The connecting member 3 includes: a hot water supply pipe 31 for supplying hot water and a cold water supply pipe 32 for supplying cold water. The hot water supply pipe 31 is a tubular component with an internal flow path for receiving hot water supplied by the hot water supply source. The cold water supply pipe 32 is a tubular component with an internal flow path for receiving cold water supplied by the cold water supply source.

[0015] In this embodiment, the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32 are connected on the back of the faucet unit 2 at a position symmetrical with respect to the center of the faucet unit 2, as shown in FIG2. The center of the faucet unit 2 refers to the center between the two ends of the faucet unit 2 along the axial direction (Y direction).

[0016] Handle unit 4 is a unit that can change the water outlet method of faucet unit 2. Handle unit 4 includes: a temperature adjustment handle 4A and a switching handle 4B. The temperature adjustment handle 4A is a handle used to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water, which will change the rotation position of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 described later. The switching handle 4B is a handle used to adjust the water flow rate and water flow direction, which will change the rotation position of the switching valve 11 described later.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the faucet unit 2 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the faucet unit 2 includes: a faucet body 5, insulation material 6, a front shell 7, a back shell 8, and an elbow tube 9.

[0018] The faucet body 5 is a component that constitutes the main body of the faucet unit 2. The faucet body 5 has the function of mixing the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 31 (Fig. 2) and the cold water supplied from the cold water supply pipe 32 (Fig. 2). The faucet body 5 is covered by insulation material 6.

[0019] The insulation material 6 is a component used to prevent the water inside the faucet body 5 from freezing by covering the outer periphery of the faucet body 5. The faucet body 5 and the insulation material 6 are covered by the front shell 7 and the back shell 8.

[0020] The front casing 7 and the back casing 8 are constructed by covering the faucet body 5 and the insulation material 6, thus forming the appearance of the faucet 1. The back casing 8 has a plurality of openings 81, 82, and 83. Specifically, it has an opening 81 for connecting the elbow pipe 9, an opening 82 for connecting the hot water supply pipe 31, and an opening 83 for connecting the cold water supply pipe 32.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the main body 5 of the faucet.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the faucet 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 into the faucet body 5 from one end and the switching valve 11 is inserted into the other end.

[0023] The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is a valve used to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is also called a thermostatic valve core. The switching valve 11 is a component used to change the flow rate and direction of the hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. In this embodiment, the switching valve 11 changes the flow direction of hot and cold water between the shower head and the faucet. A gear part 40A is installed at the end of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, which meshes with the thermostatic handle 4A (Fig. 2). A gear part 40B is installed at the end of the switching valve 11, which meshes with the switching handle 4B (Fig. 2).

[0024] The faucet 1 is a thermostatic faucet equipped with a hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and a switching valve 11.

[0025] Next, the faucet body 5 will be described in detail using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the faucet body 5, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the faucet body 5 viewed from a direction different from Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet body 5.

[0026] The faucet body 5 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is integrally formed of resin. The faucet body 5 is formed, for example, of PPS resin (PPS-GF30) by injection molding.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main body of the faucet 5 includes: a main pipe 12, a hot water supply branch pipe 13, a cold water supply branch pipe 14, a shower head water outlet branch pipe 15, and a faucet water outlet branch pipe 16.

[0028] The main pipe section 12 is a cylindrical component that houses the aforementioned hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and switching valve 11. As shown in FIG4, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and switching valve 11 are arranged in the axial direction K (Y direction) and fitted inside the main pipe section 12 for installation. The inner wall of the main pipe section 12 forms a space that encloses the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and switching valve 11, extending 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 for inserting the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and switching valve 11, respectively. At these two ends, threaded grooves 21 are formed for mounting the cap member 33. The cap member 33 is a component used to prevent the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and switching valve 11 from falling off.

[0029] A plurality of recesses are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main pipe section 12. The plurality of recesses have a heat insulation function that inhibits heat conduction between the main pipe section 12 and the insulation material 6, thereby assisting the insulation function of the main pipe section 12 achieved by the insulation material 6.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, protrusions 22 are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the main pipe section 12. The protrusions 22 are adjacent to the threaded grooves 21 and extend circumferentially closer to the center of the main pipe section 12 than the threaded grooves 21. The threaded grooves 21 and the protrusions 22 are integrally formed with the main pipe section 12 using resin.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in FIG7, a protrusion 23 is provided on the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe section 12. The protrusion 23 is formed by extending circumferentially L between the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11, thereby separating them. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 abut against the protrusion 23 to align the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 with respect to the main pipe section 12. The protrusion 23 is integrally formed with the main pipe section 12 using resin.

[0032] Alternatively, in order to use the resin molding of the mold, the inner circumferential surface S2 of the tube section 12 may be tilted from the center side of the axial direction K toward the end side and slightly expanded outward (for example, the tilt angle is 0.2 to 0.5 degrees).

[0033] Furthermore, on the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe section 12, a hot water inlet 20A, a cold water inlet 20B, a shower head outlet 20C, and a faucet outlet 20D are formed.

[0034] Hot water inlet 20A is an opening for allowing hot water to flow from the hot water supply source into the main pipe section 12, which connects the hot water supply branch pipe section 13 (Fig. 6) to the main pipe section 12. The hot water inlet 20A is formed around the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. Cold water inlet 20B is an opening for allowing cold water to flow from the cold water supply source into the main pipe section 12, which connects the cold water supply branch pipe section 14 (Fig. 6) to the main pipe section 12. The cold water inlet 20B is formed around the switching valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11.

[0035] The showerhead outlet 20C is an opening for allowing hot and cold water to flow from the main pipe section 12 into the showerhead, connecting the main pipe section 12 to the showerhead outlet branch pipe section 15 (Fig. 6). The showerhead outlet 20C is formed axially between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. The showerhead outlet 20C is formed around the switching valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11. In this embodiment, the showerhead outlet 20C is formed at the center between the two ends of the main pipe section 12.

[0036] The faucet outlet 20D is an opening for hot and cold water to flow from the main pipe section 12, connecting the main pipe section 12 to the faucet outlet branch pipe section 16 (Fig. 6). Like the showerhead outlet 20C, the faucet outlet 20D is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. In this embodiment, the faucet outlet 20D is arranged circumferentially L with the showerhead outlet 20C, and is formed at the center between the two ends of the main pipe section 12. Like the showerhead outlet 20C, the faucet outlet 20D is formed around the switching valve 11 (Fig. 4), facing the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11.

[0037] Referring back to Figure 6, the hot water supply branch pipe 13 is a tubular member that branches off from the main pipe 12 at the location containing the hot water inlet 20A and extends toward the bathroom wall (towards the X direction). The hot water supply branch pipe 13 extends from the hot water inlet 20A to the first connection port 30A, and the hot water supply pipe 31 (Figure 2) is connected at the first connection port 30A.

[0038] The cold water supply branch pipe 14 is a tubular member that branches off from the main pipe 12 at the location containing the cold water inlet 20B and extends toward the bathroom wall (in the X direction). The cold water supply branch pipe 14 extends from the cold water inlet 20B to the second connection port 30B, where the cold water supply pipe 32 (Fig. 2) is connected.

[0039] The hot water supply branch pipe 13 and the cold water supply branch pipe 14 are provided on the main pipe 12 with a gap in the axial direction K. Furthermore, a shower head outlet branch pipe 15 is formed between the hot water supply branch pipe 13 and the cold water supply branch pipe 14. The shower head outlet branch pipe 15 is a tubular member that branches off from the location containing the shower head outlet 20C on the main pipe 12 and extends towards the bathroom wall (in the X direction). The shower head outlet branch pipe 15 is located at the center in the axial direction K of the main pipe 12. The shower head outlet branch pipe 15 forms a flow path internally for hot and cold water to exit from the third connection port 30C formed near the wall. In this embodiment, the shower head outlet branch pipe 15 is a water outlet pipe used for shower head water output.

[0040] An elbow pipe 9 is installed at the third connection port 30C of the shower head water outlet branch pipe 15. The shower head water outlet branch pipe 15 is connected to a shower head hose (not shown) via the elbow pipe 9.

[0041] Furthermore, a faucet outlet branch pipe 16 is formed to be arranged circumferentially L with the showerhead outlet branch pipe 15. The faucet outlet branch pipe 16 is a tubular member that branches off from the main pipe 12 at the location containing the faucet outlet 20D (Fig. 7) and extends toward the bathroom floor (-Z direction). Like the showerhead outlet branch pipe 15, the faucet outlet branch pipe 16 is located at the center of the main pipe 12. The faucet outlet branch pipe 16 forms a flow path internally to allow hot and cold water to flow out from the fourth connection port 30D formed near the floor. In this embodiment, the faucet outlet branch pipe 16 is a water outlet pipe for faucet water flow.

[0042] Furthermore, a rectifier 16A (Fig. 4) is installed on the branch pipe 16 for the water outlet of the faucet. The rectifier 16A is a component used to rectify the water flowing from the faucet.

[0043] Further, a pressure relief branch pipe 17, branching from the hot water supply branch pipe 13, is formed at the main pipe section 12. The pressure relief branch pipe 17 is a pipe section used to release the pressure inside the faucet body section 5 to the outside, and it is equipped 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 reaches a predetermined pressure or higher, in order to prevent the internal pressure of the pressure relief branch pipe 17 from becoming too high.

[0044] Further, a drain branch pipe 18 is formed at the main pipe section 12, branching from the cold water supply branch pipe section 14. The drain branch pipe 18 is a pipe section used to drain water from inside the faucet body section 5, and it is equipped with a drain plug (not shown). By opening the drain plug to drain water, the water inside the faucet body section 5 can be prevented from freezing.

[0045] Next, the internal structure of the main pipe section 12 will be explained in more detail using Figures 8A to 8E. Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the general structure of 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 general structure of the main pipe section from a direction different from that in Figure 8A. Figure 8E is a perspective view showing the general structure of the main pipe section from a direction different from that in Figures 8A and 8D. Although these 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.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8A, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is inserted into the switching valve 11 along the first axis K1, so that 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 together.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8B, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 has an internal flow path R0; as shown in Figure 8C, the switching valve 11 has an internal flow path R1. Since the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are connected to each other, the internal flow path R0 and the internal flow path R1 are connected; in the internal flow paths R0 and R1, hot and cold water flow along the first axis K1 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 toward the switching valve 11. With this configuration, the hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 flows from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 to the switching valve 11, and then exits from the switching valve 11 by, for example, the water outlet method selected by the user.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8B, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 has a hot water inlet 10A and a cold water inlet 10B formed on its outer peripheral surface S0, leading to the internal flow path R0. The hot water inlet 10A is used to connect the hot water inlet 20A (Figure 7) to the internal flow path R0, thereby introducing hot water into the opening of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The cold water inlet 10B is used to connect the cold water inlet 20B (Figure 7) to the internal flow path R0, thereby introducing cold water into the opening of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the hot water inlet 10A and the cold water inlet 10B to seal them together.

[0049] The opening areas of the hot water inlet 10A and the cold water inlet 10B can be changed by means of the operating handle unit 4 (Fig. 1). With this configuration, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 can mix hot and cold water at any ratio of hot water to cold water.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 8C, 8D and 8E, the switching valve 11 has a showerhead outlet 11A (Figure 8D) and a faucet outlet 11B (Figure 8E) formed on its outer peripheral surface S1. The showerhead outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B are respectively connected to the internal flow path R1 (Figure 8C), so that the hot and cold water flowing from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 flows out to the outside of the switching valve 11.

[0051] The showerhead outlet 11A shown in Figure 8D connects the internal flow path R1 (Figure 8C) to the showerhead outlet 20C (Figure 7), and then allows hot and cold water to flow from the switching valve 11 to the opening of the showerhead outlet branch pipe 15 (Figures 5 and 6). The faucet outlet 11B shown in Figure 8E connects the faucet outlet 20D (Figure 7) to the internal flow path R1 (Figure 8C), and then allows hot and cold water to flow from the switching valve 11 to the opening of the faucet outlet branch pipe 16 (Figure 7). The showerhead outlet 11A is formed in the first region P1 described later, and the faucet outlet 11B is formed in the third region P3 described later.

[0052] Comparing Figures 8D and 8E, the showerhead outlet 11A is located more centrally on the axial direction K of the faucet body 5 (not shown) than the faucet outlet 11B, that is, near the center between the gear portions 40A and 40B at both ends. In this embodiment, the showerhead outlet 11A is formed on the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 at the center of the faucet body 5, facing the showerhead outlet 20C (Figure 7).

[0053] Returning to Figure 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 head outlet 11A (Figure 8D); the second region P2 forms the outer peripheral flow path R2; and the third region P3 forms the faucet outlet 11B (Figure 8E).

[0054] The peripheral flow path R2 formed in the second region P2 is connected to the cold water inlet 20B (Fig. 7), so that the cold water flowing from the cold water inlet 20B into the main pipe section 12 (Fig. 7) flows toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0055] Furthermore, region 1 P1, region 3 P3, and region 2 P2 are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction L. Circumferential direction L, when viewed from the first axis K1, is counterclockwise. Region 2 P2 is adjacent to both region 3 P3 and region 1 P1 along the circumferential direction L. Furthermore, region 1 P1 and region 3 P3 form a boundary along the axis K.

[0056] In region 2 P2, a piece of abalone 44 is formed.

[0057] Here, referring to Figures 9A, 9B, and 10, regions P1 to P3 and gasket 42 are described in more detail. Figure 9A is an unfolded view of regions P1 to P3 of the switching valve 11. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 9A. Figure 10 is a perspective view of gasket 42.

[0058] Regions P1 to P3 are separated by gaskets 42. Gaskets 42 are installed by fitting into the recess 41A of the switching valve 11 shown in Figure 9B. The recess 41A is formed by the protruding wall 41 of the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11.

[0059] As shown in FIG10, the washer 42 of this embodiment has a portion 42A surrounding the first region P1 and a portion 42B surrounding 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; at the same time, a second region P2 is separated from the first region P1 and the third region P3, located outside the first region P1 and the third region P3. Therefore, in the second region P2, it is not necessary to provide an additional wall structure or washer 42 to isolate each region P1 to P3.

[0060] The washer 42 in this embodiment is a washer in which portions 42A and 42B are continuously formed as a single unit. By using this type of washer 42, compared with the case where portions 42A and 42B are set separately, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0061] The first region P1 surrounded by part 42A and the third region P3 surrounded by part 42B are adjacent to each other along the central part 42C of the washer 42. Furthermore, since the washer 42 is integrally formed, the recess 41A (Fig. 9B) is formed continuously across the first region P1 and the third region P3.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9A, the area of ​​region P1 is larger than the opening area of ​​the showerhead outlet 11A. Similarly, the area of ​​region P3 is larger than the opening area of ​​the faucet outlet 11B. With this configuration, the flow rates of hot and cold water can be maintained in regions P1 and P3.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first region P1, the portion forming the showerhead outlet 11A is longer than the other portions in the circumferential direction L. Specifically, the portion forming the showerhead outlet 11A has a length L2 that is longer than the length L1. Similarly, in the third region P3, the length L4 of the portion forming the faucet outlet 11B is longer than the length L3 of the other portions in the circumferential direction L. With this configuration, especially around the outlets 11A and 11B, the resistance to hot and cold water can be further reduced, allowing hot and cold water to flow out smoothly.

[0064] As shown in FIG9B, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are respectively delineated 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; a recess 41A is formed in the protruding wall 41 for fitting a washer 42.

[0065] On the other hand, a strip 44 is formed in the second region P2. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the strip 44 is a protrusion extending from the outer peripheral surface S1 and formed along the axial direction K. The strip 44 has the function of maintaining the gap between the inner peripheral surface S2 (Figure 7) of the main pipe section 12 and the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 in the second region P2, so as to suppress loosening noise. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9A, by extending the strip 44 toward the axial direction K, it also has a flow straightening function that causes the cold water flowing in the second region P2 to flow along the second axial direction K2.

[0066] Here, with reference to Figures 11A and 11B, the configuration of the showerhead outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B of the faucet 1 will be explained in more detail.

[0067] FIG11A is a cross-sectional view showing the water flow of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG11B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the water flow of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11A, the switching valve 11 is housed inside the main pipe section 12, and the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12 are separated by a gasket 42. By abutting the gasket 42 against the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are watertightly sealed.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11A, the showerhead outlet 11A overlaps with the showerhead outlet 20C in the circumferential direction L. Therefore, the first distance D1 between the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C, measured along the axial direction K, is 0. When the switching valve 11 is in the rotating position for showerhead water dispensing, the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 communicates with the flow path formed in the branch pipe 15 for showerhead water dispensing via the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C. In this state, although not shown in Figure 11A, the faucet outlet 20D faces the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11, which is different from the part where the faucet outlet 11B is formed.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11B, the faucet outlet 11B is formed to be 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, but is formed on the end side of the faucet 1 further 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, that is, greater than the first distance D1 (Figure 11A).

[0071] Based on the above configuration, the flow of cold water and hot and cold water in the switching valve 11 will be explained.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11A, the hot water flowing into the main pipe section 12 through the hot water supply branch pipe section 13 will flow from the hot water inlet 20A along arrow A into the internal flow path R0 inside the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0073] Furthermore, the cold water flowing into the main pipe section 12 through the cold water supply branch pipe section 14 will flow from the cold water inlet 20B along arrow B into the second region P2 of the switching valve 11. As shown in FIG11B, the cold water will flow towards the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 along the second axial direction K2 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 section 12.

[0074] The outer peripheral flow path R2, at its downstream end, connects to the outer peripheral flow path 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 section 12. A cold water inlet 10B is formed in the fourth region P4. Therefore, cold water flows from the outer peripheral flow path R2 into the outer peripheral flow path R3, and flows into the inner flow path R0 through the cold water inlet 10B of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11B, hot water and cold water are mixed in the internal flow path R0 of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The mixed hot and cold water flows along the arrow C in the first axis K1 and flows from the internal flow path R0 of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11.

[0076] The flow direction of hot and cold water into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 will be changed by the water outlet method selected by the switching handle 4B (Fig. 2) in the handle unit 4.

[0077] First, let's explain the case where the showerhead outlet is selected when the switch handle 4B (Fig. 2) is turned on. When the showerhead outlet is selected, the first area P1 shown in Fig. 8D is in a rotational position facing the showerhead outlet 20C; as shown in Fig. 11A, the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C of the first area P1 are connected to each other. On the other hand, the third area P3 shown in Fig. 8E is in a rotational position that is not facing either the showerhead outlet 20C or the faucet outlet 20D, and the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D of the third area P3 are not connected to each other.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11A, hot and cold water will flow from the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 along arrow D, through the showerhead outlet 11A, into the first area P1. Since the first area P1 is sealed by the gasket 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into other areas P2 and P3 will be inhibited.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the showerhead outlet 11A faces the showerhead outlet 20C (i.e., D1 = 0), the hot and cold water flowing from the showerhead outlet 11A will flow directly into the showerhead outlet branch pipe 15 along arrow D. This reduces the flow resistance of the hot and cold water as it flows from the showerhead outlet 11A to the showerhead outlet 20C, thus suppressing the reduction in showerhead flow rate. Afterward, the hot and cold water will exit the showerhead via the showerhead hose connected to the showerhead outlet branch pipe 15.

[0080] Next, we will discuss the case where the faucet outlet is selected using the switch handle 4B (Fig. 2). When the faucet outlet is selected, the orientation of the switch valve 11 will differ from the orientation when the showerhead outlet is selected due to the operation of the handle unit 4. Specifically, when the faucet outlet is selected, the third region P3 shown in Fig. 8E will be in a rotational position facing the faucet outlet 20D; as shown in Fig. 11B, the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D in the third region P3 are connected to each other. On the other hand, the first region P1 shown in Fig. 8D is in a rotational position not facing the showerhead outlet 20C, and the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C in the first region P1 are not connected to each other.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11B, hot and cold water flow along arrow E through the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 towards the faucet outlet 11B. At this time, hot and cold water also flow through the showerhead outlet 11A (Figure 11A). That is, relative to the water flow in the internal flow path R1, the faucet outlet 11B is formed downstream of the showerhead outlet 11A. Hot and cold water flow through the faucet outlet 11B into the third region P3. Since the third region P3 is also sealed by the gasket 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into other regions P1 and P2 is inhibited.

[0082] The hot and cold water flowing from the faucet outlet 11B will flow in the second axis K2, opposite to the internal flow path R1, towards the faucet outlet 20D, 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 12. 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 is equivalent to the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D. Although the flow resistance increases due to the distance from the faucet outlet 11B to the faucet outlet 20D, the final flow rate is not easily reduced when the water is flowing from the faucet, unlike when the water is flowing from the showerhead. Afterwards, the hot and cold water flowing from the outer peripheral flow path R4 will pass through the faucet outlet 20D and exit from the faucet outlet branch pipe 16.

[0083] To summarize the above description, the features of the present invention are described as follows.

[0084] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, by placing both the showerhead water outlet branch pipe 15 and the faucet water outlet branch pipe 16 between the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32, and positioning them at the center of the faucet 1, a symmetrical structure can be achieved, resulting in a better appearance for the faucet 1. To achieve this configuration, conventional faucets have an internal flow path within the metal main pipe section itself, allowing hot or cold water to circulate within the main pipe section to form a flow path.

[0085] On the other hand, in the faucet 1 of the present invention, while adopting a symmetrical structure, no internal flow path is provided in the main pipe section 12. Instead, a flow path for mixing hot and cold water is formed between the switching valve 11 and the main pipe section 12. Specifically, the hot water inlet 20A, which allows hot water to flow in, is positioned opposite to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, while the cold water inlet 20B, which allows cold water to flow in, is positioned opposite to the switching valve 11. Between the switching valve 11 and the main pipe section 12, an outer peripheral flow path R2 is formed from the cold water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. More specifically, a second region P2, which forms the outer peripheral flow path R2, is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold 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, even if an independent flow path is not formed on the inner wall of the main pipe section 12, an outer peripheral flow path R2 is formed to supply cold water to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. As a result, the main pipe section 12 has a simple structure and can be formed by, for example, resin molding, which increases the design freedom of the faucet 1.

[0086] Furthermore, even if an independent flow path is not formed on the inner wall of the main pipe section 12, a flow path for water discharge will be formed through the first region P1 and the third region P3, and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12. Therefore, space can be saved in the main pipe section 12 for a flow path for water discharge from the switching valve 11. Thus, without compromising the aesthetic design of the faucet 1 by forming a flow path in the main pipe section itself on the faucet side, it is possible to design an outer peripheral flow path R4 for water discharge.

[0087] Furthermore, regions P1 to P3 are arranged to be adjacent in the circumferential direction L. This configuration reduces the size of the switching valve 11, thereby saving space in the faucet 1 along the axial direction K. By saving space in the faucet 1, and given the symmetrical structure between the main pipe section 12 and the faucet body section 5, the aesthetic design of the faucet 1 is improved, and the faucet 1 is installed stably.

[0088] In this design, the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C overlap circumferentially L. This shortens the distance from the showerhead outlet 11A to the showerhead outlet 20C compared to a design where they are offset axially K, thus reducing the flow distance of hot and cold water from the showerhead outside the switching valve 11. Therefore, when water is flowing from the showerhead, resistance relative to hot and cold water is reduced, suppressing a decrease in flow rate. Since water is concentrated through the showerhead's diffuser (not shown) when water is flowing from the showerhead, a decrease in flow rate upstream of the faucet body 5, etc., will cause a further decrease downstream, potentially leading to problems. Therefore, by employing a design that suppresses a decrease in the showerhead's flow rate, the flow rate of the showerhead can be ensured. Furthermore, since the decrease in flow rate is unlikely to cause problems when water is flowing from the faucet, the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D are offset along the axial direction K. This allows the showerhead outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B to be positioned offset along the axial direction K, with the showerhead outlet 11A located upstream and the faucet outlet 11B downstream. Moreover, as shown in Figure 9A, the portions forming the showerhead outlet 11A in region 1 P1 and the portions forming the faucet outlet 11B in region 3 P3 can be designed to be longer in the circumferential direction L. With this design, region 2 P2 will not become partially narrowed, thus ensuring a stable cold water flow in region 2 P2.

[0089] [Effect 1] The following effect can be obtained by using the faucet 1 in the implementation form.

[0090] The faucet 1 in 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 flow rate of the 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 arranged axially and installed inside the main pipe section 12. The main pipe section 12 has: a hot water inlet 20A connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a cold water inlet 20B connected to the switching valve 11, and an outlet 20C connected between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B to the switching valve 11. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11 is formed with a first region and a second region. The first region P1 includes an outlet 11A that communicates with the outlet 20C. The second region is isolated from the first region P1 and flows along the cold water flow through the cold water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0091] With this configuration, on the one hand, a water outlet 20C is provided between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B for a balanced arrangement; on the other hand, the second region P2 of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, which flows from the cold water inlet 20B, is isolated from the first region P1 and is located on the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11. This simplifies the shape of the main pipe section 12 and improves the aesthetic design of the faucet 1 with the main pipe section 12. Furthermore, even resin can be selected as the material for forming the faucet 1. Therefore, the design freedom of the faucet 1 can be increased.

[0092] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of the implementation form, the first area P1 and the second area P2 are arranged in the circumferential direction L.

[0093] With this configuration, since the length of the switching valve 11 in the axial direction K can be reduced, the length of the main pipe 12 can be reduced, and the axial dimension K of the faucet 1 can be reduced.

[0094] The faucet 1 in the embodiment has a washer 42, which is arranged around the first area P1 to isolate the first area P1 from the second area P2.

[0095] With this configuration, the first region P1 and the second region P2 can be isolated with a simple structure. Furthermore, it is also possible to design it so that the gasket surrounding the second region P2 is omitted.

[0096] In the embodiment of the faucet 1, the main pipe section 12 further forms a faucet outlet 20D that connects to the switching valve 11 between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. 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 that connects to the faucet outlet 20D.

[0097] With this configuration, even if a configuration with multiple water outlets 20C and 20D is formed, the shape of the main pipe section 12 can be simplified while the design aesthetics of the faucet 1 with the main pipe section 12 can be improved.

[0098] In the faucet 1 of the implementation form, the first area P1, the second area P2, and the third area P3 are arranged in the circumferential direction L.

[0099] With this configuration, even if there are more than three regions formed on the outer periphery of the switching valve 11, the axial size K of the faucet 1 can be reduced.

[0100] The faucet 1 of the embodiment has a washer 42, which has a portion surrounding a first region P1 and a portion surrounding a third region P3, and isolates the first region P1, the second region P2 and the third region P3.

[0101] With this configuration, the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region P3 can be isolated from each other with a simple structure. Furthermore, the gasket surrounding the second region P2 can also be omitted.

[0102] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the washer 42 is integrally formed, and the first area P1 and the third area P3 are adjacent to each other through the washer 42.

[0103] With this configuration, compared to the case where the gaskets for sealing the first region P1 and the gaskets for sealing the third region P3 are provided separately, the number of parts constituting the faucet 1 can be reduced.

[0104] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the portion forming the showerhead outlet 11A in the first region P1 is longer than other portions in the circumferential direction L. Furthermore, the portion forming the faucet outlet 11B in the second region P2 is longer than other portions in the circumferential direction L.

[0105] With this configuration, the flow rate of hot and cold water can be ensured by retaining more of the surrounding areas of outlets 11A and 11B; and the area of ​​the second region P2 can be increased by reducing the size of other parts.

[0106] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, a blade 44 is formed in the second region P2, which protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe 12.

[0107] With this configuration, the loosening noise of the switching valve 11 relative to the main pipe section 12 can be suppressed.

[0108] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 has a fourth region, which is connected to the second region P2 of the switching valve 11, and the second region P2 and the fourth region P4 form the outer peripheral flow path R2 and R3 of cold water.

[0109] With this configuration, since cold water flows to the peripheral flow paths R2 and R3 formed by the second region P2 and the fourth region P4, it is not necessary to use the main pipe section 12 and to set up another flow path for the cold water flow toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, which simplifies the shape of the main pipe section 12.

[0110] In the implemented form of the faucet 1, the main pipe 12 is integrally formed of resin.

[0111] With this structure, a faucet 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0112] The faucet 1 in the embodiment further includes: a hot water supply branch pipe 13 and a cold water supply branch pipe 14. The hot water supply branch pipe 13 branches off from the main pipe 12 at the location containing the hot water inlet 20A, and forms a flow path therein to supply hot water from the hot water supply source (hot water supply pipe 31) to the hot water inlet 20A. The cold water supply branch pipe 14 branches off from the main pipe 12 at the location containing the cold water inlet 20B, and forms a flow path therein to supply cold water from the cold water supply source (cold water supply pipe 32) to the cold water inlet 20B.

[0113] With this configuration, the main pipe 12 can be connected to a hot and cold water supply source installed on the wall of a bathroom or the like.

[0114] [Effect 2] In the implemented form of the faucet 1, there are: 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 flow rate of the hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. In the main pipe section 12, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are arranged axially and installed inside it. The main pipe section 12 has: a hot water inlet 20A connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a cold water inlet 20B connected to the switching valve 11, and an outlet 20C connected to the switching valve 11 and a faucet outlet 20D between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. The outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 has: a shower outlet 11A connected to the shower outlet 20C, and a faucet outlet 11B connected to the faucet outlet 20D. The showerhead outlet 11A is located closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 in the axial direction K than the faucet outlet 11B.

[0115] With this configuration, the distance from the showerhead outlet 11A to the showerhead outlet 20C can be shortened. This reduces the resistance of hot and cold water from the showerhead outlet 11A to the showerhead outlet 20C, thereby preventing a decrease in the flow rate of the showerhead water.

[0116] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the shower head outlet 11A is located upstream of the faucet outlet 11B in the direction of the flow of hot and cold water flowing inside the switching valve 11.

[0117] With this configuration, the distance to the shower head outlet 11A is reduced to a smaller distance than the distance to the faucet outlet 11B inside the switching valve 11, thereby further reducing the resistance to hot and cold water and suppressing the decrease in the flow rate of the shower head.

[0118] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, along the axis K, the first distance D1 between the shower head outlet 20C and the shower head outlet 11A is less than the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 20D and the faucet outlet 11B.

[0119] With this configuration, the flow rate of water from the shower head can be further reduced.

[0120] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the shower head outlet 11A is located more centrally than the faucet outlet 11B in the main pipe section 12.

[0121] With this configuration, when the shower head outlet 20C is located at the center of the main pipe 12, the first distance D1 from the shower head outlet 11A to the shower head outlet 20C can be shortened, and the aesthetic design of the faucet 1 can be improved.

[0122] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, when the switching valve 11 is in the rotating position for the water outlet of the shower head, the water outlet 20C of the shower head and the water outlet 11A of the shower head will overlap.

[0123] With this configuration, resistance can be suppressed between the showerhead outlet 20C and the showerhead outlet 11A, and the flow rate of the showerhead water can be further suppressed.

[0124] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the shower head outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D overlap on the circumferential L of the main pipe.

[0125] With this configuration, the design aesthetics of the faucet 1 can be improved, and the faucet 1 can be stably installed on the bathroom wall.

[0126] Also, “Region 3 P3” can also be called “Region 2”.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in one embodiment, a faucet 1 is described as a faucet that dispenses water from both the shower head and the faucet, but it is not limited to this.

[0128] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example of a faucet 1 formed of resin was described, but it is not limited to this.

[0129] Furthermore, in the embodiment described, an example was given where the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C face each other (first distance D1 = 0), but this is not a limitation. A first distance D1 may also be formed along the axial direction K between the showerhead outlet 11A and the showerhead outlet 20C. 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 outlet 20D.

[0130] Furthermore, in the embodiment described, an example of the showerhead outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D overlapping in the circumferential direction L was given, but it is not limited to this. As long as the showerhead outlet 20C and the faucet outlet 20D are positioned between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B, the faucet 1 can still be stably installed on the bathroom wall.

[0131] This invention has been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically regarding preferred embodiments; however, various modifications or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications or alterations should be considered within the scope of this invention without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] The faucet of the present invention is useful in a faucet having a hot and cold water mixing valve and a switching valve. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0009] [Fig. 1] Perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention [Fig. 2] Perspective view of a faucet viewed from a direction different from Fig. 1 [Fig. 3] Exploded view of a faucet unit [Fig. 4] Exploded view of the main body of a faucet [Fig. 5] Perspective view of the main body of a faucet [Fig. 6] Perspective view of the main body of a faucet viewed from a direction different from Fig. 5 [Fig. 7] Cross-sectional view of the main body of a faucet [Fig. 8A] Perspective view showing the general structure of the interior of the main pipe [Fig. 8B] Hot and cold 3D view of water mixing valve [Fig. 8C] 3D view of switching valve [Fig. 8D] 3D view showing the general structure of the main pipe section [Fig. 8E] 3D view showing the general structure of the main pipe section [Fig. 9A] Developed view of switching valve [Fig. 9B] Cross-sectional view of switching valve along line A-A in Fig. 9A [Fig. 10] 3D view of gaskets surrounding regions 1 and 3 [Fig. 11A] Cross-sectional view showing water flow from faucet [Fig. 11B] Longitudinal sectional view showing water flow from faucet

Claims

1. A faucet, comprising: Hot and cold water mixing valve; The switching valve will change the outflow of hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve; The system includes a main pipe section, in which the hot and cold water mixing valve and the switching valve are arranged axially and installed inside the main pipe section. The main pipe section has a hot water inlet connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve, a cold water inlet connected to the switching valve, and a showerhead outlet and a faucet outlet connected between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet and connected to the switching valve. The outer circumferential surface of the switching valve has a showerhead outlet connected to the showerhead outlet and a faucet outlet connected to the faucet outlet. The showerhead outlet is located axially closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve than the faucet outlet. The outer circumferential surface of the switching valve has a first region and a third region surrounded by washers. The first region includes the showerhead outlet, and the third region is isolated from the first region and includes the faucet outlet. The first region and the third region overlap axially and are arranged circumferentially.

2. As in request item 1, the faucet, where, The showerhead outlet is located upstream of the faucet outlet in the direction of the flow of hot and cold water inside the switching valve.

3. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, Along this axis, the first distance between the showerhead outlet and the showerhead outlet is less than the second distance between the faucet outlet and the faucet outlet.

4. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, The showerhead outlet is located on one side closer to the center of the main pipe than the faucet outlet.

5. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, When the switching valve is in the rotating position for water outlet of the shower head, the water outlet of the shower head overlaps with the water outlet of the shower head.

6. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, The showerhead outlet and the faucet outlet overlap circumferentially on the main pipe.

7. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, The main pipe section is integrally formed of resin.

8. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, In the first region, the circumferential dimension of the portion forming the showerhead outlet is greater than the circumferential dimension of the portion farther away from the showerhead outlet.

9. For the faucet in request item 1 or 2, wherein, In the third region, the circumferential dimension of the portion forming the faucet outlet is greater than the circumferential dimension of the portion farther away from the faucet outlet.

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