Water passing assembly and faucet

Abstract

The utility model provides a water passing assembly and a faucet comprising the water passing assembly. The water passing assembly comprises a valve element ring (5), a water passing pipe (4) and a water outlet component (6). The valve element ring (5) comprises an annular body (51) and a first connector (52) which is arranged on the annular body and communicated with the inner wall of the annular body, the first end of the water passing pipe (4) is connected with the first connector (52), the second end of the water passing pipe (4) is connected with the water outlet component (6), the diameter of the annular body (51) is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of a valve element, and the second end of the water passing pipe (4) is connected with the water outlet component (6). The lower part of the annular body is seated on a valve core seat and is sealed by a first sealing structure, and the upper part of the annular body is matched with the valve core and is sealed by a second sealing structure, so that a water passing channel is formed between the inner wall of the annular body (51) and the outer wall of the valve core. The material of the faucet body can easily meet the environmental protection requirement, and the overall cost of the faucet can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a bathroom hardware product, and more particularly to a faucet and its accessories. Background Technology

[0002] The cost of faucets and other hardware products is gradually increasing, mainly due to the use of high-cost metals such as copper to form the faucet body. Furthermore, high-purity copper is required to ensure the hygiene of the water flow. While using other metal raw materials for the faucet body can reduce costs, it cannot guarantee the hygiene of the water flow.

[0003] Improvements have been proposed in the prior art, for example, German patent application DE102023105913A1 discloses a scheme for a closed pipe system inside a faucet. In this disclosure, water flows from the outlet of the valve core along the closed pipe system into the spout of the faucet's outlet pipe, thereby preventing water from flowing through the metal faucet body. This design makes a low-cost faucet body possible.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN214743499U discloses a faucet water passage structure, including a valve core seat. The valve core seat includes an inlet that connects to the outlet of the valve core and a water supply connector that connects to the water passage hose. Due to the structural limitations of this valve core seat, the water supply connector has a height difference with the outlet pipe of the faucet. As a result, only a flexible hose can be selected for the water passage hose. Moreover, a large radius rounded corner needs to be formed in the main pipe and outlet pipe of the faucet to avoid the water passage hose forming a dead bend. However, this large radius rounded corner limits the overall shape design of the faucet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to solve at least one of the above problems and to propose an improved faucet structure.

[0006] Therefore, some embodiments of this application propose a water-passing assembly, characterized in that it includes a valve core ring, a water-passing pipe, and a water-outlet component; the valve core ring includes an annular body and a first interface provided on the annular body that communicates with the inner wall of the annular body; a first end of the water-passing pipe is connected to the first interface; a second end of the water-passing pipe is connected to the water-outlet component; the annular body is configured such that its diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the valve core; the lower part of the annular body sits on the valve core seat and is sealed by a first sealing structure; and the upper part of the annular body cooperates with the valve core and is sealed by a second sealing structure, thereby forming a water-passing channel between the inner wall of the annular body and the outer wall of the valve core.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first interface extends radially outward from the annular body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the annular body is flush with the locking surface of the valve core.

[0009] Other embodiments of this application propose a faucet that includes any of the above-described water-passing components, wherein the faucet includes a faucet body, the faucet body includes a main pipe portion and a water outlet portion, and the valve core seat and the valve core ring of the water-passing component are configured such that when the valve core ring is engaged with the valve core seat, the first interface of the valve core ring is located within the height range of the opening of the water outlet portion toward the main pipe portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water-passing assembly is installed into the main pipe section and the outlet pipe section through the valve core mounting port of the main pipe section.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lower joint of the main pipe portion and the outlet pipe portion has a rounded corner that is close to a right angle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper joint between the main pipe portion and the outlet pipe portion is planar.

[0013] In some embodiments, a locking nut is further included, which circumferentially engages the valve core mounting port of the main pipe portion, and the bottom of the locking nut engages the upper surface of the annular body and the locking surface of the valve core, thereby locking the valve core and the valve core ring within the main pipe portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the valve core seat is fixed to a base structure inside the main pipe portion. The valve core seat has a generally cylindrical configuration. The upper part of the cylinder includes an edge and a recess. The annular platform defined by the edge and the recess is used to receive the valve core ring. The receiving cavity formed by the recess accommodates the bottom of the valve core. A first positioning hole and a second positioning hole are also provided at the position of the recess for positioning the valve core. The valve core includes a valve core body. The valve core body has an opening and closing structure coupled to an operating rod. The operation rod can control the movement of the opening and closing structure to realize the connection or disconnection of the inlet and outlet. The bottom of the valve core body is provided with at least one inlet and one outlet. The outlet is connected to the water passage.

[0015] In some embodiments, a third sealing structure is provided around the water inlet on the bottom surface of the valve core.

[0016] Overall, the materials used for the faucet body in this application embodiment easily meet environmental protection requirements, thus reducing the overall cost of the faucet. Furthermore, the use of specific water-passing components relaxes the requirements for the faucet's appearance, allowing for more design flexibility. In addition, the faucet of this application also has the advantages of simple structure, easy installation, and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0020] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the faucet body;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4A A top-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core seat;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core seat viewed from below;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 4A A three-dimensional structural diagram of the intermediate water-passing component;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 4A A three-dimensional structural diagram of the middle valve core.

[0027] Among them, the faucet 100, faucet body 1, main pipe 11, water distribution part 12, first inner cavity 110, base structure 112, valve core seat 2, edge 21, recess 22, ring platform 211, valve core ring 5, valve core 3, first pipe hole 23A, second pipe hole 23B, first positioning hole 24A, second positioning hole 24B, first positioning post 28A, second positioning post 28B, screw hole 29, first limiting post 25A, second limiting post 25B, fourth positioning hole 1121B, second limiting groove 1122B, base Screw hole 1123, annular body 51, first interface 52, first sealing ring 81, valve core body 31, second sealing ring 82, water passage 53, water pipe 4, water outlet component 6, first snap-fit ​​part 10A, first snap-fit ​​part 521, water outlet component body 61, second interface 62, second snap-fit ​​part 10B, operating lever 32, first water inlet 33A, second water inlet 33B, water outlet 34, locking nut 9, faucet decorative cover 9A, handle 3A, third positioning post 35A, fourth positioning post 35B. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, a faucet 100 according to an embodiment of this application includes a faucet body 1, the faucet body 1 including a main pipe portion 11 and a water outlet portion 12, the water outlet portion 12 being connected to the main pipe portion 11 and being arranged at an angle relative to the main pipe portion 11, for example, at a right angle, an obtuse angle or an acute angle.

[0030] A first inner cavity 110 is provided in the main pipe portion 11 for mounting components of the faucet. The lower boundary of the first inner cavity 110 is defined by a base structure 112, and the upper boundary is located at the upper opening of the main pipe portion 11, i.e., the valve core mounting port. A valve core seat 2 is mounted on the base structure 112.

[0031] Specifically, the base structure can have a corresponding structure to the valve core seat 2 to restrict the axial movement and circumferential rotation of the valve core seat 2. For example, as Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the valve core seat 2 can be roughly cylindrical in shape, with functional structures at the top and bottom. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core seat viewed from above, such as... Figure 6 As can be seen, the upper part of the cylinder includes an edge 21 and a recess 22. The edge 21 and the recess 22 define an annular platform 211 for receiving the valve core ring 5, and the receiving cavity formed by the recess 22 accommodates the bottom of the valve core 3. A first pipe hole 23A is provided at the position of the recess 22 for the passage of a first water inlet pipe, and a second pipe hole 23B is provided for the passage of a second water inlet pipe. A first positioning hole 24A and a second positioning hole 24B can also be provided at the position of the recess 22 for positioning the valve core.

[0032] The structure of valve core seat 2 as viewed from the bottom is as follows Figure 7 As shown, the bottom may include at least one positioning post, such as a first positioning post 28A and a second positioning post 28B. The positioning holes may be positioned such that the first positioning hole 24A and the second positioning hole 24B are used for the positioning pin to pass through. The bottom may also include at least one limiting post, such as... Figure 7 The first limiting post 25A and the second limiting post 25B shown are used to prevent the valve core seat from rotating in the circumferential direction. The positions of the first limiting post 25A and the second limiting post 25B can, for example, correspond to the first pipe hole 23A and the second pipe hole 23B, respectively for the passage of the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe.

[0033] Corresponding to the structure of the valve core seat 2, the base structure 112 may include a third positioning hole (not visible due to the cross-sectional view) and a fourth positioning hole 1121B for accommodating the first positioning post 28A and the second positioning post 28B, and / or a first limiting groove (not visible due to the cross-sectional view) and a second limiting groove 1122B for accommodating the first limiting post 25A and the second limiting post 25B.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bottom of the valve core seat 2 also includes a screw seat 29, which is fixed to the base screw hole 1123 of the base structure 112 by screws, thereby further fixing the base structure 112 and the valve core seat 2.

[0035] This invention provides a water-passing assembly based on a valve core ring 5, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the valve core ring 5 includes an annular body 51 and a first interface 52 extending radially outward from the annular body 51 (protruding from the outer periphery) and communicating with the interior of the annular body for supplying water flow to the water pipe 4. Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the bottom of the annular body 51 is sealingly engaged with the annular platform 211 of the valve core seat 2. This sealing engagement can be achieved by a first sealing structure, such as a first sealing ring 81, positioned at a first height. In this embodiment, the bottom of the annular body 51 of the valve core ring 5 engages with the annular platform 211 via the first sealing ring 81. For example, the bottom of the annular body 51 can provide an annular protrusion complementary to the shape of the annular platform 211, and the two are sealed together by the first sealing ring 81. In other embodiments, sealing engagement structures such as snap-fit ​​seals can also be used.

[0036] It should be understood that the first interface 52 can also be a non-radial protruding interface, that is, it exists in the form of a hole on the annular body, and the first end of the water pipe can be inserted into the first interface.

[0037] A second sealing structure, such as a second sealing ring 82, is provided at a second height position between the upper part of the valve core ring 5 and the outer wall of the valve core body 31 of the valve core 3. This second height position is higher than the first height position. The second sealing ring can be provided, for example, in an annular groove in the outer wall of the valve core body 31, thereby forming a seal with the inner wall of the upper part of the valve core ring 5. It should be understood that the position of the second sealing ring 82 can also be adjusted according to different valve core body structures, and the structure of the valve core body and valve core ring at the location of the second sealing ring 82 can also be adjusted according to different requirements, as long as a sealed water passage 53 can be formed between the outer wall of the valve core body 31 and the inner wall of the valve core ring. Embodiments of the water passage 53 will be described below.

[0038] In order to form the water passage 53 between the outer wall of the valve core body 31 and the inner wall of the annular body 51, the inner diameter of the annular body 51 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the valve core body 31 to which the valve core 3 is fitted. The water passage 53 communicates with the first interface 52, thereby allowing water to flow to the first interface 52.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the valve core ring 5, the water-passing assembly also includes a water-passing pipe 4 and a water-outlet component 6. The first end of the water-passing pipe 4 is connected to the valve core ring 5, and the second end of the water-passing pipe 4 is connected to the water-outlet component 6. In some embodiments, the connection between the valve core ring 5 and the water-passing pipe 4 can be achieved through detachable or non-detachable connection methods such as snap-fit ​​or welding, for example... Figure 1 , Figure 2The embodiment shows the connection between the valve core ring 5 and the water pipe 4 using a first snap-fit ​​member 10A. Optionally, a first snap-fit ​​portion 521, such as a protrusion, can be provided on the first interface 52. After the first end of the water pipe 4 is connected to the first interface 52, the first snap-fit ​​member 10A, such as a retaining ring, can securely prevent the first end of the water pipe 4 from detaching from the first interface 52. In other embodiments, if the water pipe 4 is made of a heat-fusible material such as PP, PU, ​​PVC, or PE, its first end can also be fixed to the first interface 52 by heat fusion.

[0040] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, the water outlet component 6 may include a water outlet component body 61 and a second interface 62 extending from and communicating with the water outlet component body for receiving water flow from the water pipe to the water outlet component, similar to the first interface 52 of the valve core ring 5. The second interface 62 may provide a second snap-fit ​​portion, such as a protrusion or a recess. After the second end of the water pipe 4 is connected to the second interface 62, the second snap-fit ​​component 10B, such as a snap ring, can be used to secure the second end of the water pipe 4 to the second interface 62 to prevent detachment. In other embodiments, if the water pipe 4 is made of a heat-fusible material such as PP, PU, ​​PVC, or PE, its second end can also be fixed to the second interface 62 by heat fusion. The water outlet component 6 may be connected to the water outlet structure of the spout of the faucet 1, or the water outlet component 6 may be attached to the spout opening of the faucet 1.

[0041] Valve core 3 Figure 9 The diagram shows a valve core body 31 with an opening / closing structure coupled to an operating lever 32. The operating lever 32 controls the movement of the opening / closing structure to connect or disconnect the inlet and outlet. The bottom of the valve core body has at least one inlet and one outlet, for example, a first inlet 33A, a second inlet 33B, and an outlet 34. The outlet 34 is configured with a lateral opening to provide water flow laterally. In some embodiments, positioning posts, such as a third positioning post 35A and a fourth positioning post 35B, are provided at the bottom to restrict the circumferential rotation of the valve core. In some embodiments, other circumferential limiting mechanisms can be used instead of the positioning posts to achieve circumferential limiting, such as a key and keyway structure on the inner wall of the valve core body 31 and the valve core ring 5. A third sealing structure, such as a third sealing ring, is provided around the inlet on the bottom surface of the valve core 3.

[0042] In the axial direction, a locking nut 9 is provided, through which the operating rod 32 of the valve core 3 passes. The annular upper surface of the valve core body of the valve core 3 engages with the locking nut 9, serving as the locking surface of the valve core 3. After the locking nut 9 is securely engaged with the valve core mounting port 113 on the upper part of the first inner cavity 110 of the main pipe portion 11, the valve core is axially locked by the locking surface, thereby achieving axial locking of the valve core 3, valve core ring 5, and valve core seat 2. The fastening engagement is, for example, a mechanical connection such as a threaded connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. For example, the bottom side edge of the locking nut 9 is provided with a first thread, and a corresponding second thread is provided on the inner wall of the body 1.

[0043] A first axial cavity 110 is defined within the main pipe portion 11 by a locking nut 9 and a base structure 112. A second cavity 120 is provided within the faucet outlet pipe portion 12, in which the water pipe 4 extends. The proximal end of the outlet pipe portion 12 is provided with a first opening communicating with the first cavity 110, while its distal end is provided with a second opening communicating with the outside. The water outlet component 6, as described above, can be installed in the second opening.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, since a water passage 53 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve core 3, which is directly connected to the outlet 34 of the valve core, and the water passage 53 is connected to the outlet component 6 via the water pipe 4, a water flow path from the valve core 3 to the outlet component 6 that does not flow through the faucet body is formed. This path can ensure that the water flows from the valve core to the outlet pipe without being contaminated.

[0045] In some embodiments, the top of the main pipe portion 11 and the joint of the upper surface of the outlet pipe portion 12 form a coplanar structure to enhance the flexibility of the appearance design.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core seat 2 and the valve core ring 5 are configured such that the height of the first interface 52 of the valve core ring is within the range of the height dimension of the first opening of the second inner cavity. This design allows for a small radius rounded corner, such as a near-right angle, at the connection between the main pipe portion 11 and the outlet pipe portion 12, even when the diameter of the main pipe portion 11 is small enough, thus providing flexibility in the faucet's shape design. In contrast, the valve core outlet in the prior art is often positioned low, requiring a large rounded corner radius at the connection between the main pipe portion 11 and the outlet pipe portion 12 to allow the water pipe to connect to the valve core outlet, thus limiting the faucet's shape design.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core mounting port 113 of the upper part of the first inner cavity, which engages with the locking nut, can be located near the first opening of the second inner cavity. The height of the valve core ring 5 can be configured such that after it is connected with the water pipe and the water outlet component 6 to form a water flow assembly, the water pipe and the water outlet component 6 can first enter the first inner cavity at an incline and then enter the second inner cavity, while the valve core ring 5 then enters the first inner cavity at an incline and, after being straightened, is vertically sealed and engaged with the valve core seat 2 by the first sealing ring 81.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, a faucet decorative cover 9A is provided on the outside of the locking nut 9. The faucet decorative cover 9A allows the operating rod to pass through and fit the handle 3A. For a valve core with only one inlet, by operating the handle 3A, the operating rod can be moved, thereby opening and closing the opening and closing structure inside the valve core 3, thus connecting or closing the inlet and outlet of the valve core.

[0049] In an embodiment with two water inlets, a first water inlet and a second water inlet, the operating handle can be used to rotate the operating rod to mix the water, and the operating rod can be used to move up and down to connect or disconnect the water inlet and the water outlet.

[0050] In addition to the advantages and effects already described in the above structural description, the faucet structure in the embodiments of this application provides at least the following advantages: First, the water flow assembly can be installed into the faucet body from the valve core mounting port. This allows the water flow assembly to be easily installed even in scenarios where the faucet's outlet pipe 12 is thin or long. This design is particularly convenient for replacing the entire water flow assembly after a period of use for hygiene reasons.

[0051] Second, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the fillet connecting the faucet outlet pipe portion 12 and the faucet main pipe portion 11 can be set to a smaller size. This is because the water pipe 4 has basically no part extending along the main pipe portion 11, so there is no need to consider designing a large radius fillet to avoid the problem of the water pipe 4 having a dead bend.

[0052] Third, in some embodiments, since the horizontal position of the water-passing component can be basically flush with the water outlet pipe 12, the plane of the valve core mounting hole of the main pipe and the upper surface of the water outlet pipe can be made on the same plane, which makes the faucet shape more flexible.

[0053] Fourth, in some embodiments, the valve core seat 2 can be fixed to the faucet body with fixing screws to form a whole, which makes it less likely to loosen during subsequent installation and makes it easier to install components.

[0054] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water-passing component, characterized in that: The device includes a valve core ring (5), a water pipe (4), and a water outlet component (6). The valve core ring (5) includes an annular body (51) and a first interface (52) provided on the annular body and communicating with the inner wall of the annular body. The first end of the water pipe (4) is connected to the first interface (52), and the second end of the water pipe (4) is connected to the water outlet component (6). The annular body (51) is configured with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the valve core (3). The lower part of the annular body sits on the valve core seat (2) and is sealed by a first sealing structure. The upper part of the annular body cooperates with the valve core (3) and is sealed by a second sealing structure, thereby forming a water passage between the inner wall of the annular body (51) and the outer wall of the valve core.

2. The water-passing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first interface (52) extends radially outward from the annular body (51).

3. The water-passing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the annular body (51) is flush with the locking surface of the valve core.

4. A faucet, characterized in that, The water-passing assembly includes any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the faucet includes a faucet body (1), the faucet body (1) includes a main pipe portion (11) and a water outlet portion (12), and the valve core seat (2) and the valve core ring (5) of the water-passing assembly are configured such that when the valve core ring (5) is fitted onto the valve core seat (2), the first interface (52) of the valve core ring (5) is located within the height range of the opening of the water outlet portion (12) toward the main pipe portion (11).

5. The faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water-passing assembly is installed into the main pipe section (11) and the outlet pipe section (12) through the valve core mounting port (113) of the main pipe section (11).

6. The faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower joint of the main pipe section (11) and the outlet pipe section (12) has a rounded corner that is close to a right angle.

7. The faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper joint of the main pipe section (11) and the outlet pipe section (12) is a plane.

8. The faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a locking nut (9) that engages circumferentially with the valve core mounting port (113) of the main pipe portion (11), and the bottom of the locking nut (9) engages with the upper surface of the annular body (51) and the locking surface of the valve core, thereby locking the valve core and the valve core ring within the main pipe portion (11).

9. The faucet according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve core seat (2) is fixed on the base structure (112) inside the main pipe part (11). The valve core seat (2) has an overall generally cylindrical shape. The upper part of the cylinder includes an edge (21) and a recess (22). The annular platform (211) defined by the edge (21) and the recess (22) is used to receive the valve core ring (5). The receiving cavity formed by the recess (22) accommodates the bottom of the valve core (3). A first positioning hole (24A) and a second positioning hole (24B) are also provided at the position of the recess (22) for positioning the valve core. The valve core (3) includes a valve core body (31). The valve core body (31) has an opening and closing structure. The opening and closing structure is coupled to the operating rod (32). The operation rod (32) can control the action of the opening and closing structure to realize the connection or disconnection of the water inlet and the water outlet. The bottom of the valve core body is provided with at least one water inlet and one water outlet. The water outlet is connected to the water passage.

10. The faucet according to claim 9, characterized in that: A third sealing structure is provided around the water inlet on the bottom surface of the valve core (3).

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