A shower faucet

Abstract

This invention relates to a shower faucet, comprising a faucet housing and an inner valve core assembly. The faucet housing is a hollow tubular component open at both ends, including an inner cavity communicating with the two openings. The inner valve core assembly is installed in the inner cavity. The faucet also includes a fixing bracket fixedly disposed within the inner cavity. The fixing bracket supports the inner valve core assembly and positions it within the inner cavity, simplifying the installation process and preventing issues such as misalignment of the inner valve core assembly and faucet leakage. The shower faucet also includes a hot water pipe interface assembly and a cold water pipe interface assembly connecting the inlet pipe and the valve body of the inner valve core assembly. This avoids scalding problems caused by the hot water inlet pipe contacting the metal faucet housing and simplifies the structure of the faucet housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shower faucet, and mainly to an improvement in the fixed assembly structure of the faucet housing and the inner valve core assembly therein. Background Technology

[0002] Shower faucets are a common type of faucet, offering practical functions such as hot and cold water temperature adjustment and switching water outlets (e.g., switching between the main shower head and the lower spray nozzle). A typical shower faucet structure is as follows: Figure 1-2 As shown, the device includes a faucet housing 1 and an inner valve core assembly 2 assembled within the faucet housing. The faucet housing 1 is a metal casting (e.g., a copper casting), while the inner valve core assembly 2 is primarily made of plastic. The faucet housing 1 is a tubular component with a radially protruding first interface portion 11 and a second interface portion 12. The first interface portion 11 and the second interface portion 12 are internally threaded to connect to hot and cold water inlet pipes, respectively. The inner valve core assembly 2 is a shaft-shaped component containing a water distribution valve and a temperature control valve for switching the water outlet and adjusting the water temperature. The inner valve core assembly 2 also has a third through hole 21 and a fourth through hole 22. These through holes 21 and 22 have slightly radially protruding, flat, annular flanges that serve as sealing flanges. To radially position the inner valve core assembly 2, its outer diameter is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the faucet housing 1. During assembly, the inner valve core assembly 2 is typically forced into the faucet housing 1 using brute force, aligning the third through hole 21 and the fourth through hole 22 with the first interface portion 11 and the second interface portion 12, respectively. Hot and cold water inlet pipe connectors are screwed onto the first interface portion 11 and the second interface portion 12, allowing hot and cold water to enter the inner valve core assembly 2. However, this type of shower faucet has the following disadvantages:

[0003] 1. The hot water inlet pipe is directly screwed into the metal faucet body 1, which makes the surface temperature of the faucet body 1 very high, which can easily cause burns during use;

[0004] 2. The faucet housing 1 has a complex shape, which requires molding two radially protruding first interface 11 and second interface 12, as well as machining the internal threads of the first interface 11 and second interface 12, resulting in high cost and low manufacturing efficiency.

[0005] 3. The inner valve core assembly 2 needs to be forcibly inserted into the faucet housing 1, which is not only difficult to install, but also makes it difficult to guarantee the positional accuracy between the inner valve core assembly 2 and the faucet housing 1. It often takes a lot of effort and time to align the third through hole 21 and the fourth through hole 22 with the first interface part 11 and the second interface part 12. If the assembly is not good, the inner valve core assembly 2 will be misaligned, which can easily lead to defects such as the sealing ring being misaligned and water leakage, resulting in a low yield rate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, in order to address the above problems, the present invention proposes a shower faucet with optimized structure.

[0007] This invention is achieved using the following technical solution:

[0008] The present invention proposes a shower faucet, including a faucet housing and an inner valve core assembly. The faucet housing is a hollow tubular component with openings at both ends, including an inner cavity communicating with the openings at both ends. The inner valve core assembly is installed in the inner cavity. The faucet housing also includes a fixing bracket fixedly disposed in the inner cavity. The fixing bracket supports the inner valve core assembly and positions the inner valve core assembly in the inner cavity.

[0009] In order to facilitate assembly and to support the inner valve core assembly and improve its stability, the fixing bracket is preferably a hollow sleeve structure that matches the shape of the inner valve core assembly. The outer diameter of the fixing bracket is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the faucet housing. The fixing bracket is fitted onto the inner valve core assembly, so that the inner valve core assembly is radially positioned in the inner cavity of the faucet housing after being supported by the fixing bracket.

[0010] In order to further stably support the inner valve core assembly, the fixing bracket is preferably an elastic element, including a sleeve with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inner valve core assembly. When the inner valve core assembly extends into the fixing bracket from the sleeve, it expands the fixing bracket, so that the fixing bracket uses its elastic force to hold the inner valve core assembly tightly to achieve wrapping and fixing.

[0011] Based on installation considerations, the fixing bracket includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket. The first fixing bracket and the second fixing bracket support the two ends of the inner valve core assembly, respectively, and are inserted into the inner cavity from the openings at both ends of the inner cavity to achieve the positioning setting.

[0012] To reduce friction and save materials, the first and second fixed supports are preferably provided with raised ribs. When the first and second fixed supports are inserted into the inner cavity, the first and second fixed supports abut against the inner cavity with their ribs.

[0013] The shower faucet also includes a first end cap and a second end cap, which are respectively locked at both ends of the inner cavity and abut against the inner valve core assembly and the fixed bracket to achieve axial positioning and fixation of the inner valve core assembly and the fixed bracket.

[0014] Based on installation considerations, the inner valve core assembly includes a valve body, which is generally axial in shape. The valve body has a radially protruding first interface portion and a second interface portion, which are used to connect hot water and cold water to the valve body, respectively. The faucet housing has a first through hole and a second through hole corresponding to the first interface portion and the second interface portion. The valve body is disposed in the inner cavity of the faucet housing. The first interface portion and the second interface portion are aligned with the first through hole and the second through hole and extend out of the faucet housing from the first through hole and the second through hole, thereby pre-positioning the valve body in the circumferential direction.

[0015] Based on manufacturing or installation considerations, the valve body is an integral shaft structure, which is inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing as a whole; or the valve body is a two-section plug-in structure, including a first section valve body and a second section valve body that are plugged into each other. The first section valve body and the second section valve body are respectively provided with the first interface portion and the second interface portion. The first section valve body and the second section valve body are inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing from both ends and then plugged into each other to form a complete valve body.

[0016] To simplify the shape of the faucet housing, improve manufacturability, and reduce costs, the shower faucet also includes a hot water pipe interface assembly and a cold water pipe interface assembly. The first interface portion and the second interface portion respectively have a first mating portion and a second mating portion. The first end of the hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly respectively have a third mating portion and a fourth mating portion, and the second end respectively has a fifth mating portion and a sixth mating portion. The hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly are mated with the first mating portion and the second mating portion through the third mating portion and the fourth mating portion, thereby connecting to the first interface portion and the second interface portion respectively. The fifth mating portion and the sixth mating portion at the second end of the hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly are respectively used to connect to the external hot water inlet pipe and the cold water inlet pipe, thereby connecting hot water and cold water to the valve body.

[0017] The first and second mating parts are respectively provided with internal threads on the first and second interface parts; the hot water pipe interface assembly includes a hot water inlet pipe and a first nut sleeved on the hot water inlet pipe. One end of the hot water inlet pipe, serving as the first end of the hot water pipe interface assembly, is provided with an external thread that mates with the first mating part to achieve the third mating part. The first nut is sleeved on the other end of the hot water inlet pipe, and its internal thread serves as the fifth mating part of the second end of the hot water pipe interface assembly; the cold water pipe interface assembly includes a cold water inlet pipe and a second nut sleeved on the cold water inlet pipe. One end of the cold water inlet pipe, serving as the first end of the cold water pipe interface assembly, is provided with an external thread that mates with the second mating part to achieve the fourth mating part. The second nut is sleeved on the other end of the cold water inlet pipe, and its internal thread serves as the sixth mating part of the second end of the cold water pipe interface assembly; at least the hot water inlet pipe is made of plastic to avoid scalding caused by the hot water inlet pipe connecting with the metal faucet casing.

[0018] To protect the hot water pipe interface assembly, improve the overall integrity and aesthetics of the shower faucet, enhance structural stability, further insulate against heat, and prevent excessive heat buildup in the metal faucet casing, the shower faucet also includes a hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve and a cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve. The hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve is inserted into the first through hole and fitted over the first interface portion and the hot water pipe interface assembly. One end of the hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the first nut. The cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve is inserted into the second through hole and fitted over the second interface portion and the cold water pipe interface assembly. One end of the cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the second nut. At least the hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve is made of plastic.

[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. This invention uses a fixed bracket to support the inner valve core assembly and to position the inner valve core assembly in the inner cavity of the faucet housing. Therefore, the maximum outer diameter of the inner valve core assembly can be set to be slightly smaller than the main hole diameter of the faucet housing. This makes it easier to install the inner valve core assembly into the faucet housing. After aligning the position, the fixed bracket is used to assemble the inner valve core assembly stably. This simplifies the installation process of the inner valve core assembly and avoids problems such as misalignment of the inner valve core assembly and faucet leakage.

[0021] 2. The present invention uses hot water pipe interface components and cold water pipe interface components to connect the water inlet pipe and the valve body, which makes the structure of the faucet shell very simple. It is just a tubular structure with holes all around, which is easy to mold and has high mass production efficiency.

[0022] 3. Based on the hot water pipe interface component, the hot water inlet pipe is designed to be made of plastic. The hot water inlet pipe is directly connected to the plastic valve body through the hot water inlet pipe, avoiding the scalding problem caused by the hot water inlet pipe connecting to the metal faucet shell. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the faucet housing and inner valve core assembly of a shower faucet in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the faucet housing and inner valve core assembly assembled together in the prior art;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the shower faucet in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the shower faucet in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the faucet shell in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve body in Example 1 (angle 1);

[0029] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve body in Example 1 (angle two);

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second fixed bracket in Embodiment 1;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body being assembled in the inner cavity of the faucet housing via the first and second fixing brackets in Embodiment 1;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body being assembled into the inner cavity of the faucet housing via the first and second fixing brackets in Embodiment 1 (the faucet housing has been cut open for observation).

[0033] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly in Example 1;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a full sectional view of the shower faucet in Example 1;

[0035] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention, primarily used to illustrate the embodiments and to explain the operating principles of the embodiments in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. Components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0037] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] See Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shower faucet is provided, which includes a faucet housing 1. An inner valve core assembly is fixedly installed in the faucet housing 1. A hot water pipe interface assembly 11 and a cold water pipe interface assembly 12 are fixedly disposed outside the faucet housing 1 and communicate inward to the inner valve core assembly. The hot water pipe interface assembly 11 and the cold water pipe interface assembly 12 are used to connect to the hot and cold water inlet pipes to introduce hot and cold water into the inner valve core assembly. After being regulated by the inner valve core assembly, the hot and cold water can be selectively discharged from the upper water outlet 13 or the lower water outlet 14. A water distribution knob 7 and a temperature adjustment knob 8 are installed at both ends of the faucet housing 1, and are used to adjust the water outlet (water outlet 13 or water outlet 14) and the water temperature, respectively.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the internal valve core assembly includes a valve body 2 and a water distribution valve core 5 and a temperature control valve core 6 installed at both ends of the valve body 2. The water distribution valve core 5 and the temperature control valve core 6 together with the valve body 2 form a water distribution valve and a temperature control valve. The water distribution knob 7 and the temperature control knob 8 are respectively connected to the adjustment ends of the water distribution valve core 5 and the temperature control valve core 6 to manually adjust the water outlet and the water temperature.

[0041] Among them, such as Figure 5 As shown, the faucet housing 1 is a hollow tubular component with openings at both ends, including an inner cavity connecting the two openings. A first, second, third, and fourth through holes 101, 102, 103, and 104 leading to the inner cavity of the faucet housing 1 are provided radially around its periphery. The first through hole 101 and the second through hole 102 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the faucet housing 1. The third through hole 103 and the fourth through hole 104 are coaxially arranged at the middle section of the length of the faucet housing 1. The first, second, third, and fourth through holes 101, 102, 103, and 104 are respectively used for inserting and installing the hot water pipe interface assembly 11, the cold water pipe interface assembly 12, the upper water outlet 13, and the lower water outlet 14.

[0042] like Figure 6-7As shown, the valve body 2 is generally axial in shape, with a mixing chamber 25 and a water distribution chamber 26 at its two ends. The thermostatic valve core 6 and the water distribution valve core 5 are respectively sealed and installed in the mixing chamber 25 and the water distribution chamber 26 to form a thermostatic valve and a water distribution valve. The valve body 2 is provided with a first interface portion 21, a second interface portion 22, a third interface portion 23, and a fourth interface portion 24 that protrude radially. The first interface portion 21 and the second interface portion 22 are relatively close to the two ends of the valve body 2 and protrude in the same direction. The third interface portion 23 and the fourth interface portion 24 are coaxially arranged in the middle section of the valve body 2. After the valve body 2 is installed into the inner cavity of the faucet housing 1, the first interface portion 21, the second interface portion 22, the third interface portion 23, and the fourth interface portion 24 are... 4 are respectively located at the positions of the first, second, third, and fourth through holes 101, 102, 103, and 104 to connect with the hot water pipe interface assembly 11, the cold water pipe interface assembly 12, the upper water outlet 13, and the lower water outlet 14, respectively. Hot and cold water enter the valve body 2 from the first interface 21 and the second interface 22, and flow to the mixing chamber 25 for mixing and temperature adjustment, and then flow to the water distribution chamber 26, where the water distribution valve core 5 controls the water to exit from the third interface 23 or the fourth interface 24.

[0043] The shower faucet also includes a first fixed bracket 3 and a second fixed bracket 4. The first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 have the same structure. The following description uses the second fixed bracket 4 as an example. Figure 8 The second fixed bracket 4 is a hollow sleeve-shaped structure that matches the shape of the valve body 2. Its outer diameter matches the main hole diameter of the faucet housing 1. The second fixed bracket 4 has an axial guide groove 41 on its circumferential surface. (See reference for details.) Figure 9-10 The second fixed bracket 4 is sleeved on one end of the valve body 2. The guide groove 41 cooperates with the protruding second interface 22 to achieve alignment and positioning of the second fixed bracket 4. The first fixed bracket 3 is sleeved on the valve body 2 from the other end. Since the outer diameters of the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 match the main hole diameter of the faucet housing 1, the outer peripheries of the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 abut against the inner wall of the faucet housing 1, thus embedding in the main hole of the faucet housing 1 and wrapping and supporting the valve body 2, so as to stably assemble the valve body 2 inside the faucet housing 1. Figure 4 In the axial direction, the two ends of the faucet housing 1 are machined with internal threads. The first end cap 9 and the second end cap 10 are respectively locked into the faucet housing 1 from both ends and abut against the valve body 2, the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 to achieve axial positioning and fixation of the valve body 2, the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4. Figure 10The first interface portion 21 and the second interface portion 22 are relatively long. When installing the valve body 2, the first interface portion 21 and the second interface portion 22 are first inserted into the first through hole 101 and the second through hole 102 to pre-position the valve body 2 in the circumferential direction. Then, the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 are installed, which can simply and stably position the valve body 2. In addition, the first interface portion 21 and the second interface portion 22 extending out of the first through hole 101 and the second through hole 102 can also facilitate the subsequent docking of the hot water pipe interface assembly 11 and the cold water pipe interface assembly 12.

[0044] To reduce friction during assembly and to save materials, the second fixed bracket 4 and the first fixed bracket 3 are provided with raised ribs on their outer periphery that abut against the inner wall of the faucet housing 1 (such as rib 43 of the second fixed bracket 4). Furthermore, to maximize the gripping of the valve body 2 and improve its assembly stability, the second fixed bracket 4 and the first fixed bracket 3 are preferably elastic components with a certain degree of elasticity. Their openings can be set slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the valve body 2, and several slits are opened axially (such as slit 42 of the second fixed bracket 4). This allows the valve body 2 to expand the second fixed bracket 4 and the first fixed bracket 3 when they are fitted onto the valve body 2, further tightening the valve body 2 using elastic force.

[0045] Since this embodiment uses a first fixed bracket 3 and a second fixed bracket 4 to support the valve body 2 and position it within the faucet housing 1, the maximum outer diameter of the valve body 2 can be set slightly smaller than the main bore diameter of the faucet housing 1. This allows the valve body 2 to be easily installed into the faucet housing 1. After alignment, the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 are used to stabilize the valve body 2. Finally, the first end cap 9 and the second end cap 10 are used to lock the valve body 2, the first fixed bracket 3, and the second fixed bracket 4 together. This simplifies the installation process of the valve body 2 and avoids issues such as misaligned valve body 2 assembly and faucet leakage.

[0046] Of course, the water distribution valve core 5 and the temperature control valve core 6 can be assembled on both ends of the valve body 2 first. After the entire inner valve core assembly is assembled, the first fixed bracket 3 and the second fixed bracket 4 are used to limit and support the inner valve core assembly.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first fixing bracket 3 and the second fixing bracket 4 are hollow sleeve-shaped structures. In other embodiments, other types of fixing brackets can also be used to support and position the valve body 2. For example, the second fixing bracket 4 can be split axially into two tile-shaped brackets, which can be inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing 1 respectively. Alternatively, a fixing bracket with several support columns can be used to support the valve body 2 in multiple radial directions. However, in this embodiment, a hollow sleeve-shaped fixing bracket structure is used, which can be sleeved onto the valve body 2 during installation, making assembly more convenient. At the same time, it can also wrap and support the valve body 2, improving the stability of the valve body 2.

[0048] This embodiment also includes a hot water pipe interface assembly 11 and a cold water pipe interface assembly 12, which serve as intermediate connectors to connect the inlet pipe and the valve body 2. Figure 11-12 A nut 15 is fixedly embedded in the first interface portion 21, thereby forming an internal thread in the first interface portion 21 to mate with the hot water pipe interface assembly 11. The hot water pipe interface assembly 11 includes a first nut 111 and a hot water inlet pipe 112. One end of the hot water inlet pipe 112 has an external thread to screw into the nut 15. The first nut 111 is rotatably fitted onto the other end of the hot water inlet pipe 112 to mate with the connector of the hot water inlet pipe. The structure of the cold water pipe interface assembly 12 and its mating method with the valve body 2 are the same as those of the hot water pipe interface assembly 11, and will not be described again. After using the hot water pipe interface assembly 11 and the cold water pipe interface assembly 12 to connect the inlet pipe and the valve body 2, the structure of the faucet housing 1 is very simple. Unlike the background description, it does not need to form a radially protruding interface portion and machine an internal thread. In this embodiment, the faucet housing 1 is just a tubular structure with holes all around, which is easy to mold and has high mass production efficiency.

[0049] Obviously, besides the threaded connection method proposed in this embodiment, other connection methods can also be used to connect the hot water pipe interface assembly 11 (cold water pipe interface assembly 12) and the first interface portion 21 (second interface portion 22), such as using a quick connector. As long as the first interface portion 21 (second interface portion 22) has a suitable mating part (such as the internal thread in this embodiment), and the hot water pipe interface assembly 11 (cold water pipe interface assembly 12) has a corresponding mating part (such as the external thread in this embodiment), the two can be mated. The connection between the hot water pipe interface assembly 11 (cold water pipe interface assembly 12) and the hot water inlet pipe (cold water inlet pipe) is similar.

[0050] Furthermore, the hot water inlet pipe 112 is made of plastic (for component consistency, the cold water inlet pipe in the cold water pipe interface assembly 12 can also be made of plastic), and the valve body 2 is also made of plastic. The hot water inlet pipe connects directly to the plastic valve body 2 through the hot water inlet pipe 112, avoiding the scalding problem caused by the hot water inlet pipe connecting to the metal faucet housing. Further, this embodiment also includes a decorative outer sleeve 16, such as... Figure 11-12 The decorative outer sleeve 16 is inserted into the first through hole 101 and fitted onto the outside of the hot water inlet pipe 112 and the first interface portion 21 to protect the hot water pipe interface assembly 11, while improving the overall integrity and aesthetics of the shower faucet. One end of the decorative outer sleeve 16 abuts against the valve body 2, and the other end abuts against the first nut 111. Therefore, the decorative outer sleeve 16 not only serves a decorative purpose but also transmits the pressure on the first nut 111, improving structural stability. A decorative outer sleeve 16 is also installed on the cold water pipe interface assembly 12, which will not be described further. The decorative outer sleeve 16 can also be made of plastic to further insulate heat and prevent the metal faucet housing from overheating.

[0051] A one-way valve can be installed inside the hot water inlet pipe 112 to prevent backflow of mixed water and contamination of the pipe.

[0052] The temperature control valve core 6 can be a conventional thermostatic valve core, which automatically mixes the water to 38℃ after connecting cold and hot water. The water distribution valve core 5 can be any type of switching valve, which controls the water outlet by switching water channels. These are all things that can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0053] The water dispensing knob 7 and the temperature control knob 8 can also be replaced with any adjustment mechanism, such as the wrench mechanism commonly used in this field.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] This embodiment proposes a shower faucet, whose main structure is the same as that of the shower faucet in Embodiment 1, and has the same technical effects. The only difference between this embodiment and the shower faucet in Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 1, the valve body 2 is an integral shaft structure, which is inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing 1. Although Embodiment 1 uses a fixing bracket to fix the valve body 2, so that the radial dimension of the valve body 2 does not need to be designed to be approximately equal to the main hole diameter of the faucet housing 1 (i.e., the solution in the background art), thus avoiding assembly difficulties and easy assembly misalignment, generally speaking, the radial dimension of the valve body 2 should be as large as possible to expand the water passage diameter and increase the flow rate. However, because the valve body 2 has a protruding first interface 21 and a second interface 22, when the valve body 2 is installed, the first interface 21 and the second interface 22 are restricted by the inner cavity wall of the faucet housing 1, and the valve body 2 still needs to be inserted into the faucet housing 1 in a straight and aligned manner. Therefore, this embodiment provides another solution, such as Figure 13 As shown, the valve body 2' is divided into a first valve body 201 and a second valve body 202. The first valve body 201 and the second valve body 202 are respectively provided with a first interface portion 21' and a second interface portion 22'. The first valve body 201 and the second valve body 202 are inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing from both ends and are interlocked to form a complete valve body 2'. After the valve body 2' is divided into two sections, both the first valve body 201 and the second valve body 202 can be inserted into the faucet housing with their smaller radial dimension facing the inner cavity of the faucet housing and slightly tilted to increase the speed of the insertion process.

[0056] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims fall within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shower faucet, characterized in that: The device includes a faucet housing and an inner valve core assembly. The faucet housing is a hollow tubular component with openings at both ends and includes an inner cavity communicating with the openings at both ends. The inner valve core assembly is installed in the inner cavity. The device also includes a fixing bracket fixedly disposed in the inner cavity. The fixing bracket supports the inner valve core assembly and positions the inner valve core assembly in the inner cavity. The fixing bracket is a hollow sleeve-shaped structure that matches the shape of the inner valve core assembly. The outer diameter of the fixing bracket is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the faucet housing. The fixing bracket is fitted onto the inner valve core assembly, so that the inner valve core assembly is radially positioned in the inner cavity of the faucet housing after being wrapped and supported by the fixing bracket. The fixed bracket is an elastic element, including a sleeve with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inner valve core assembly. When the inner valve core assembly extends into the fixed bracket from the sleeve, it expands the fixed bracket, thereby the fixed bracket uses its elastic force to hold the inner valve core assembly tightly to achieve wrapping and fixing. The inner valve core assembly includes a valve body, which is generally shaft-shaped. The valve body has a radially protruding first interface and a second interface, which are used to connect hot water and cold water to the valve body, respectively. The faucet housing has a first through hole and a second through hole corresponding to the first interface and the second interface. The valve body is disposed in the inner cavity of the faucet housing. The first interface and the second interface are aligned with the first through hole and the second through hole and extend out of the faucet housing from the first through hole and the second through hole, thereby pre-positioning the valve body in the circumferential direction. The fixed bracket includes a first fixed bracket and a second fixed bracket. The first fixed bracket and the second fixed bracket support the two ends of the inner valve core assembly, respectively, and are inserted into the inner cavity from the openings at both ends of the inner cavity to achieve the positioning setting. The first fixed bracket has an axial guide groove on its circumferential surface. The first fixed bracket is sleeved on one end of the valve body. The guide groove cooperates with the protruding first interface part to realize the alignment and blocking positioning of the first fixed bracket.

2. The shower faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second fixed supports are provided with protruding ribs. When the first and second fixed supports are inserted into the inner cavity, the first and second fixed supports abut against the inner cavity with their ribs.

3. The shower faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first end cap and a second end cap, which are respectively locked at both ends of the inner cavity and abut against the inner valve core assembly and the fixed bracket to achieve axial positioning and fixation of the inner valve core assembly and the fixed bracket.

4. The shower faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is an integral shaft structure, which is inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing as a whole; or the valve body is a two-section plug-in structure, including a first section valve body and a second section valve body that are plugged into each other. The first section valve body and the second section valve body are respectively provided with the first interface portion and the second interface portion. The first section valve body and the second section valve body are inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet housing from both ends and then plugged into each other to form a complete valve body.

5. The shower faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a hot water pipe interface assembly and a cold water pipe interface assembly. The first interface portion and the second interface portion respectively have a first mating portion and a second mating portion. The first end of the hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly respectively have a third mating portion and a fourth mating portion, and the second end respectively has a fifth mating portion and a sixth mating portion. The hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly are mated with the first mating portion and the second mating portion through the third mating portion and the fourth mating portion, thereby mating with the first interface portion and the second interface portion respectively. The fifth mating portion and the sixth mating portion of the second end of the hot water pipe interface assembly and the cold water pipe interface assembly are respectively used to connect to the external hot water inlet pipe and the cold water inlet pipe, thereby connecting hot water and cold water to the valve body.

6. The shower faucet according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first and second mating parts are internal threads respectively provided on the first and second interface parts; the hot water pipe interface assembly includes a hot water inlet pipe and a first nut sleeved on the hot water inlet pipe, one end of the hot water inlet pipe serving as the first end of the hot water pipe interface assembly is provided with an external thread that mates with the first mating part as the third mating part, the first nut is sleeved on the other end of the hot water inlet pipe, and the first nut's internal thread serves as the fifth mating part of the second end of the hot water pipe interface assembly; the cold water pipe interface assembly includes a cold water inlet pipe and a second nut sleeved on the cold water inlet pipe, one end of the cold water inlet pipe serving as the first end of the cold water pipe interface assembly is provided with an external thread that mates with the second mating part to achieve the fourth mating part, the second nut is sleeved on the other end of the cold water inlet pipe, and the second nut's internal thread serves as the sixth mating part of the second end of the cold water pipe interface assembly; wherein at least the hot water inlet pipe is made of plastic.

7. The shower faucet according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve and a cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve. The hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve is inserted into the first through hole and sleeved outside the first interface portion and the hot water pipe interface assembly. One end of the hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the first nut. The cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve is inserted into the second through hole and sleeved outside the second interface portion and the cold water pipe interface assembly. One end of the cold water pipe decorative outer sleeve abuts against the valve body, and the other end abuts against the second nut. At least the hot water pipe decorative outer sleeve is made of plastic.

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