Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device capable of appropriately preventing loosening of a pressing member that presses down a cartridge.SOLUTION: The faucet device comprises: a cartridge 4 for mixing hot and cold water, which is assembled in a rotation-stopped state in an axial direction on a base within a faucet body; a cylindrical pressing member 5 that is screwed onto the base to press the cartridge 4 axially against the base; a stopper 6 incorporated inside the cylinder of the pressing member 5 to restrict loosening of the screw engagement of the pressing member 5 by engaging with the pressing member 5 and the cartridge 4; and an assembly position selection structure S that allows selection of the assembly position of the stopper 6 in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4. The assembly position selection structure S enables, through the selection of the aforementioned assembly position, engagement of an external tooth F2 located at an engaging position corresponding to the tightening position of the pressing member 5, selected from among multiple external teeth F2 formed at various circumferential locations on the stopper 6, with an internal tooth E4 of the pressing member 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water faucet device, specifically, a water faucet device having a hot and cold water mixing cartridge that is assembled to a base provided inside a water faucet body in a state where it is prevented from rotating in the axial direction, and a cylindrical pressing member that is screwed onto the base so as to press the cartridge against the base in the axial direction. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for fixing a hot and cold water mixing cartridge of a single-lever faucet to the faucet body. Specifically, the cartridge is set in a state where it is prevented from rotating from above on the cylindrical base of the faucet body. Then, a cylindrical pressing member with an inner flange on its upper edge is placed on the cartridge from above.

[0003] The retaining member is screwed to the outer periphery of the base to hold the cartridge in a pressed state from above. This pressing force presses the cartridge against the connection ports of the hot and cold water supply pipes that are connected to the base from below, and makes the cartridge tightly attached to them.

[0004] A stopper is then set from above within the cylinder of the screwed retaining member so as to engage with the retaining member and the cartridge, respectively, thereby preventing the retaining member from loosening from the base, and maintaining the cartridge in a state where it is held down by the retaining member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-83070 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the fastening position of the pressing member deviates from the position where it engages with the stopper, the degree of fastening of the pressing member must be adjusted, and there is a concern that the fastening may be over or underdone. Therefore, the present invention provides a water faucet device that can appropriately prevent the pressing member that presses the cartridge from loosening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the water faucet device of the present invention takes the following measures.

[0008] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a faucet device having a hot and cold water mixing cartridge that is assembled to a base provided inside the faucet body in a state in which it is prevented from rotating in the axial direction, and a cylindrical pressing member that is screwed into the base so as to press the cartridge axially against the base, and the faucet device has a stopper that is assembled inside the tube of the pressing member and regulates loosening of the screwing of the pressing member by engaging the inner periphery of the tube of the pressing member with the cartridge, and an assembly position selection structure that makes it possible to select an assembly position of the stopper in the circumferential direction of the tube relative to the cartridge, and by this selection, it is possible to engage the outer periphery engaging portion that is at an engagement position corresponding to the tightening position of the pressing member with the inner periphery of the tube from among the outer periphery engaging portions formed at multiple points in the circumferential direction of the stopper, with the inner periphery of the tube.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by selecting the assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, it is possible to engage the outer peripheral engaging portion at the engaging position corresponding to the fastening position of the pressing member, among the multiple outer peripheral engaging portions formed on the stopper, with the inner peripheral portion of the cylinder of the pressing member. Therefore, the stopper can be appropriately engaged with the inner peripheral portion of the cylinder of the pressing member according to the fastening state of the pressing member. As a result, the pressing member can be appropriately prevented from loosening.

[0010] A second invention of the present invention is a faucet device according to the first invention, wherein the assembly position selection structure is capable of changing the circumferential assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge between a first assembly position and a second assembly position, and among the multiple outer circumferential engaging portions, the angular interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between a first outer circumferential engaging portion that engages with the inner circumferential portion of the pressing member when the stopper is in the first assembly position relative to the cartridge and a second outer circumferential engaging portion that engages with the inner circumferential portion when the stopper is in the second assembly position is different from the angular interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between the first assembly position and the second assembly position of the stopper.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select from among a plurality of outer circumferential engaging portions of the stopper a portion that can be appropriately engaged with the cylindrical inner circumferential portion of the pressing member fastened to a predetermined position with no gap in the cylindrical direction, thereby more appropriately preventing the pressing member from loosening.

[0012] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet device according to the first or second invention, wherein each of the multiple outer engaging portions is an external tooth having a multiple number of teeth arranged equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the tube, and the inner circumferential portion of the tube of the pressing member is an internal tooth having a multiple number of teeth arranged equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the tube formed in a portion of the circumferential direction of the tube of the pressing member, and the stopper engages with the inner circumferential portion of the tube by meshing between the external tooth and the internal tooth.

[0013] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the stopper can be engaged with the cylindrical inner peripheral portion of the pressing member with multiple teeth meshing with each other. This makes it possible to more appropriately prevent the pressing member from loosening. In addition, since it is possible to mesh the external teeth with the internal teeth even at a position shifted by one or more pitches, it is possible to prevent the pressing member from loosening in a variety of tightening positions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a water faucet device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet body with the handle removed upward. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge removed from the faucet body from above. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing the cartridge assembled into the base of the faucet body. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the pressing member is fastened to the base. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the cartridge in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the stopper is incorporated inside the tube of the pressing member. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the stopper is fitted into the cartridge. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic combination of a fitted state of the stopper and the cartridge along the line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted counterclockwise by two degrees from FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted counterclockwise by 4 degrees from FIG. 10. [Figure 13] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted counterclockwise by 6 degrees from FIG. 10. [Figure 14] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted 8 degrees counterclockwise from FIG. 10. [Figure 15] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted 10 degrees counterclockwise from FIG. 10. [Figure 16] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted counterclockwise by 12 degrees from FIG. 10. [Figure 17] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted counterclockwise by 14 degrees from FIG. 10 . [Figure 18] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted 16 degrees counterclockwise from FIG. 10. [Figure 19] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment state of the stopper when the fastening position of the pressing member is shifted 18 degrees counterclockwise from FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of the faucet device 1) First, the configuration of a water faucet device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 19. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the respective directions shown in each figure.

[0017] The directions shown in each figure are those seen by a user standing in front of the water faucet device 1. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is given or no reference number is given to a reference figure, any of Figures 1 to 19 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a faucet for a kitchen. Specifically, the faucet device 1 is configured as a single-lever mixer faucet that can adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and switch between water discharge and stop by operating a lever handle 3 attached to the top of the faucet body 2.

[0019] The adjustment of the hot and cold water mixing ratio and the switching between water on and off by operating this lever handle 3 are performed by a cartridge 4 incorporated inside the faucet body 2. As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge 4 has an operating shaft 4D (faucet rod) attached integrally with the lever handle 3 at its upper part.

[0020] The cartridge 4 adjusts the mixture ratio of hot and cold water supplied to the inside of its housing 4C and switches between spouting and stopping water to the outside by rotating the operating shaft 4D left and right and front and back by operating the lever handle 3. Note that the configuration related to the adjustment of the mixture ratio of hot and cold water and the switching between spouting and stopping water by the cartridge 4 is the same as the publicly known configuration disclosed in documents such as JP2020-46067A. Therefore, a detailed description of the basic configuration of the cartridge 4 will be omitted.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cartridge 4 is set from above into the upwardly opening cylindrical portion 2A that constitutes the faucet body 2. In detail, the cartridge 4 is fitted onto the top plate of the base 2B that is incorporated into the cylindrical portion 2A of the faucet body 2 in a state in which rotation about a vertical axis is restricted.

[0022] The base 2B is fixed inside the faucet body 2. The base 2B is connected to flow paths from below by each of the hot and cold water supply pipes and the discharge pipe (not shown) which pass through the inside of the faucet body 2 from below. The cartridge 4 is set on the top plate of the base 2B, and is connected to flow paths from the base 2B to each of the hot and cold water supply pipes and the discharge pipe (not shown).

[0023] The water faucet device 1 further includes a pressing member 5 for pressing the cartridge 4 onto the top plate of the base 2B and fixing it in a flow path connected state. The pressing member 5 is made of a substantially cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction in the figure.

[0024] 4 to 6, the pressing member 5 is inserted from above into the cylindrical portion 2A of the faucet body 2 so as to cover from above the cartridge 4 set on the top plate of the base 2B. The cylindrical end of the pressing member 5 that is inserted is screwed into the outer periphery of the base 2B, so that the pressing member 5 is fixed integrally to the base 2B.

[0025] 5 and 6, the pressing member 5 is set in a state in which it presses the cartridge 4 onto the top plate of the base 2B from above. The pressing member 5 is also set in a state in which the operating shaft 4D of the cartridge 4 passes upward from its central cylindrical opening that opens upward. The degree to which the pressing member 5 presses the cartridge 4 onto the base 2B is adjusted by the degree to which it is fastened to the base 2B.

[0026] The water faucet device 1 further has a stopper 6 capable of preventing the pressing member 5 from loosening after it has been fastened to the base 2B. The stopper 6 is made of a substantially cylindrical member that extends short in the vertical direction in the figure. As shown in Fig. 7, the stopper 6 is inserted into the inside of the cylinder from the central cylinder opening that opens upward of the pressing member 5 that is screwed to the base 2B.

[0027] The stopper 6 is set so as to engage with both the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 and the pressing member 5. This holds the pressing member 5 in a state in which its rotation with respect to the cartridge 4 is restricted via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is prevented from rotating with respect to the base 2B which is integral with the cartridge 4 in the rotational direction, and loosening of the screwing is restricted.

[0028] Even if the fastening position of the pressing member 5 relative to the base 2B changes from time to time due to manufacturing variations or variations in the fastening condition, the stopper 6 can appropriately restrict the loosening of the pressing member 5 at each fastening position. The structure for preventing the loosening of the pressing member 5 by the stopper 6 will be described in detail below.

[0029] (Each part configuration) First, the configuration of the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 4C is made of a stepped cylindrical member having a large diameter portion C1 and a small diameter portion C2. The large diameter portion C1 and the small diameter portion C2 are arranged in a concentric cylindrical shape in the axial direction. The housing 4C is set on the top plate of the base 2B with the small diameter portion C2 facing upward in the figure.

[0030] A plurality of (18) upward projections C4 are formed on the upper surface of a step portion C3 between the large diameter portion C1 and the small diameter portion C2 of the housing 4C in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. The upward projections C4 are arranged along the periphery of the small diameter portion C2 so as to be aligned at positions on the same circumference that is concentric with the small diameter portion C2.

[0031] Each of the upward projections C4 is formed in the shape of an arc plate that projects from the upper surface of the step portion C3 in the shape of an arc of the same circle. The upward projections C4 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder such that the distance between their centers in the circumferential direction of the cylinder is 20 degrees. As shown in Fig. 8, each of the upward projections C4 forms a fitting portion that allows the corresponding downward projections F1 projecting from the lower end of the cylinder portion 6F of the stopper 6 to fit into each recess between them.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the pressing member 5 has a generally cylindrical tube portion 5E extending in the vertical direction in the figure. The tube portion 5E is shaped like a tube with a tube mouth opening in the vertical direction in the figure. A female thread E1 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube end on the lower side in the figure. The female thread E1 has a thread surface shape that can be screwed into a male thread B1 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base 2B.

[0033] An outer peripheral flange E2 is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the tubular portion 5E, which remains the upper tubular end. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outer peripheral flange E2 is set so as to cover the upper tubular end of the cylindrical portion 2A of the faucet body 2 from above when the pressing member 5 is screwed onto the outer periphery of the base 2B (see Figure 9).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, an inner peripheral flange E3 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 5E, which protrudes in an annular shape so as to reduce the diameter of the inner peripheral surface at a midpoint in the cylindrical axis direction. As shown in Fig. 6, the inner peripheral flange E3 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the stepped portion C3 of the cartridge 4 by screwing the pressing member 5 to the outer periphery of the base 2B, forming a pressing portion that presses the housing 4C onto the top plate of the base 2B.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 5E is formed with internal teeth E4 in an area above the inner circumferential flange E3, the internal teeth E4 having a tooth row of four teeth arranged in the circumferential direction of the tube along the inner circumferential surface. Each tooth of the internal teeth E4 is shaped to protrude in a triangular cross section from the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion 5E. Each tooth of the internal teeth E4 is shaped to protrude in a stripe shape extending in the axial direction of the tube. Here, the internal teeth E4 correspond to the "tubular inner circumferential portion" of the present invention.

[0036] The teeth of the internal teeth E4 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder so that the intervals between the centers of the teeth in the circumferential direction of the cylinder are 10 degrees. The internal teeth E4 form an engagement portion that can engage with some of the multiple external teeth F2 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion 6F of the stopper 6. Here, the external teeth F2 correspond to the "outer circumferential engagement portion" of the present invention.

[0037] An annular groove E5 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 5E in an area above the internal teeth E4, and is recessed in an annular shape in the cylindrical circumferential direction. The annular groove E5 serves as a fitting portion into which a pair of mounting claws F3 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 6F of the stopper 6 can be snap-fitted.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3, the stopper 6 has a generally cylindrical tube portion 6F that extends vertically in the figure. The tube portion 6F is shaped like a tube with a tube mouth that opens in the vertical direction in the figure. A plurality of (18) downward projections F1 are formed on the bottom end surface of the tube portion 6F in the figure, aligned in the circumferential direction of the tube. Each downward projection F1 is formed in the shape of an arc plate that protrudes from the bottom end surface of the tube portion 6F in the figure in a shape that draws an arc of the same circle.

[0039] The downward projections F1 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder such that the centers of the downward projections F1 are spaced apart from each other by 20 degrees in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 8, each downward projection F1 forms a fitting portion that can be fitted from above into each recess between the corresponding upward projections C4 formed on the step portion C3 of the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 described above.

[0040] The stopper 6 is set in a state in which its rotation in the circumferential direction with respect to the cartridge 4 is restricted by fitting each downward projection F1 into each recess between the corresponding upward projections C4 of the cartridge 4 from above. The downward projections F1 of the stopper 6 and the upward projections C4 of the cartridge 4 are set at the same intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows the assembly position of the stopper 6 in the circumferential direction with respect to the cartridge 4 to be freely changed at intervals of 20 degrees.

[0041] In this way, an assembly position selection structure S that enables selection of an assembly position of the stopper 6 relative to the cartridge 4 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder is formed between the stopper 6 and the cartridge 4. This assembly position selection structure S allows the stopper 6 to appropriately select and engage with the internal teeth E4 of the pressing member 5 fastened to an arbitrary position from among the external teeth F2 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion 6F, the external teeth F2 being located at a suitable position for engagement.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, external teeth F2 having four teeth arranged in the circumferential direction are formed at five positions on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 6F. Each tooth of each external tooth F2 is shaped to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 6F in a trapezoidal cross section. Each tooth of each external tooth F2 is shaped to protrude so as to extend in a stripe shape in the axial direction of the tube. Each tooth of each external tooth F2 is formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tube such that the centers of each tooth are spaced 10 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

[0043] Any one of the external teeth F2 meshes with the internal teeth E4 of the pressing member 5 to form a meshing portion that integrally engages the stopper 6 with the pressing member 5 in the cylindrical circumferential direction. On the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 6F, mounting claws F3 are formed at two positions in the cylindrical circumferential direction, with notches on both sides so that the mounting claws can be bent inward and outward in the cylindrical radial direction in a cantilever manner.

[0044] By inserting the stopper 6 into the cylinder of the pressing member 5, the claw portions at the tips of the mounting claws F3 snap-fit ​​into the annular groove E5 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pressing member 5 (see FIG. 7). This causes the stopper 6 to engage with the pressing member 5 so as not to come off upward in the figure.

[0045] The stopper 6 is set so as to engage with both the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 and the pressing member 5 as follows: First, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the stopper 6 is inserted into the cylinder through the central opening that opens upward of the pressing member 5 that is screwed to the base 2B.

[0046] 8, the stopper 6 is set so that its downward projections F1 are fitted from above into the recesses between the upward projections C4 of the cartridge 4. As a result, the stopper 6 is engaged with the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 in a state where they are integrated in the cylindrical circumferential direction.

[0047] 10, the stopper 6 is set so that the external teeth F2 of the stopper 6 that are in a position to be appropriately meshed with the internal teeth E4 of the pressing member 5 are directed toward the internal teeth E4, and thus the external teeth F2 of the stopper 6 are meshed with the internal teeth E4 of the pressing member 5. Furthermore, the insertion causes the mounting claws F3 to be snap-fitted into the annular groove E5 of the pressing member 5.

[0048] Thereby, the pressing member 5 is engaged with the housing 4C of the cartridge 4 in a state where the pressing member 5 is integral with the housing 4C in the cylindrical circumferential direction via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in a state where it is prevented from loosening with respect to the base 2B.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of each of the external teeth F2 of the stopper 6 that selectively meshes with the internal teeth E4 of the pressing member 5 at any of the above-mentioned fastening positions. As shown in Fig. 10, each of the external teeth F2 is provided at five separate positions on the outer circumferential surface of the stopper 6 in the cylindrical circumferential direction.

[0050] Specifically, the external teeth F2 are arranged such that the interval between adjacent external teeth F2 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, i.e., the interval between the teeth at the tips of the teeth in the clockwise direction in the drawings, is 72 degrees. As a result, although the external teeth F2 are arranged at equal intervals of 10 degrees in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, the relationship of the arrangement with each downward protrusion F1 of the stopper 6 is different from one another in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

[0051] For example, the first external tooth T1 located at the right end of each external tooth F2 has four teeth at the tip in the clockwise direction of the drawing, which is formed at a position where the arrangement of the tooth coincides with one of the upward protrusions C4 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. Also, the second tooth from the tip of the first external tooth T1 is formed at a position where the arrangement of the tooth coincides with the downward protrusion F1 arranged adjacent to and above the upward protrusion C4 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

[0052] The third tooth from the tip of the first external tooth T1 is formed at a position where its arrangement in the circumferential direction of the cylinder coincides with that of the upward protrusion C4 arranged adjacent to and above the downward protrusion F1. The fourth (last) tooth from the tip of the first external tooth T1 is formed at a position where its arrangement in the circumferential direction of the cylinder coincides with that of the downward protrusion F1 arranged adjacent to and above the upward protrusion C4.

[0053] In this way, the first external teeth T1 are configured such that their four teeth are formed at positions that correspond to the arrangement in the circumferential direction of the cylinder with respect to the four protrusions that are arranged in such a way that the upward protrusions C4 and the downward protrusions F1 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. Here, the first external teeth T1 correspond to the "first outer circumferential engagement portion" of the present invention.

[0054] The second external teeth T2 arranged on the counterclockwise side of the first external teeth T1 in the figure are formed such that the arrangement of the teeth in the cylinder circumferential direction of the second external teeth T2 is based on the four protrusions in which the upward protrusions C4 and the downward protrusions F1 are arranged alternately in the cylinder circumferential direction, and the arrangement of the teeth in the cylinder circumferential direction of the second external teeth T2 is shifted by 12 degrees in the counterclockwise direction in the figure from the arrangement of the teeth of the first external teeth T1. Specifically, the position of the tooth at the tip of the clockwise direction in the figure of the second external teeth T2 is shifted by 12 degrees (angle α) in the counterclockwise direction in the figure from the upward protrusion C4 arranged away from the tooth in the clockwise direction in the figure. Here, the second external teeth T2 correspond to the "second outer circumferential engagement portion" of the present invention.

[0055] The third external tooth T3 arranged on the counterclockwise side of the second external tooth T2 has its upward protrusions C4 and downward protrusions F1 arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylinder as a reference, and the arrangement of each tooth in the circumferential direction of the cylinder is formed at a position shifted 24 degrees counterclockwise from the arrangement of each tooth of the first external tooth T1. Specifically, the position of the tooth at the tip of the clockwise direction of the third external tooth T3 is shifted 24 degrees (angle β) counterclockwise from the upward protrusion C4 arranged away from the tooth in the clockwise direction.

[0056] The fourth external tooth T4 arranged on the counterclockwise side of the third external tooth T3 is formed in such a manner that the arrangement of each tooth in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, based on the four protrusions in which the upward protrusions C4 and the downward protrusions F1 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, is shifted 36 degrees counterclockwise from the arrangement of each tooth of the first external tooth T1. Specifically, the tooth at the tip of the fourth external tooth T4 in the clockwise direction is shifted 36 degrees (angle γ) counterclockwise from the upward protrusion C4 arranged away from the fourth external tooth T4 in the clockwise direction.

[0057] The fifth external tooth T5 arranged on the counterclockwise side of the fourth external tooth T4 is formed in such a manner that the arrangement of each tooth in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, based on the four protrusions in which the upward protrusions C4 and the downward protrusions F1 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, is shifted 48 degrees counterclockwise from the arrangement of each tooth of the first external tooth T1. Specifically, the position of the tooth at the tip of the clockwise direction of the fifth external tooth T5 is shifted 48 degrees (angle δ) counterclockwise from the upward protrusion C4 arranged away from the fifth external tooth T5 in the clockwise direction.

[0058] With the above configuration, the stopper 6 can select an appropriate tooth suitable for meshing from among the first external tooth T1 to the fifth external tooth T5 according to the position of the internal tooth E4, and mesh with the internal tooth E4, even if the position of the internal tooth E4 in the cylindrical circumferential direction changes depending on the tightening condition of the pressing member 5. Specifically, the stopper 6 can shift the external tooth F2 at intervals of 2 degrees in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the internal tooth E4 by selecting one of the first external tooth T1 to the fifth external tooth T5.

[0059] For example, suppose that the pressing member 5 is in the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In the fastening position shown in Fig. 10, the tooth at the tip of the four teeth of the internal tooth E4 in the clockwise direction in the figure is located at the boundary between the downward protrusion F1 and the upward protrusion C4. In more detail, the tooth at the tip of the internal tooth E4 is located at the boundary where the upward protrusion C4 and the downward protrusion F1 are arranged in this order in the clockwise direction in the figure.

[0060] In this case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the first external teeth T1 mesh with the internal teeth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted into each upward projection C4. In detail, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the first external teeth T1 in the clockwise direction as shown in the figure meshes between the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction as shown in the figure and the second tooth (first assembly position).

[0061] This allows the four teeth of the first external teeth T1 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively. This meshing restricts the movement of the pressing member 5 in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in the above-mentioned fastened position relative to the cartridge 4 in a locked state against loosening.

[0062] 11, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 2 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the second external teeth T2 mesh with the internal teeth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0063] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction in the illustration meshes with the tooth at the tip of the second external teeth T2 in the clockwise direction in the illustration and the second tooth. Specifically, the stopper 6 is rotated 80 degrees in the clockwise direction in the illustration from the orientation shown in FIG. 10 (second assembly position).

[0064] This allows the four teeth of the second external teeth T2 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively. This meshing restricts the movement of the pressing member 5 in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in the above-mentioned fastened position relative to the cartridge 4 in a locked state against loosening.

[0065] Also, as shown in Fig. 12, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 4 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the third external tooth T3 meshes with the internal tooth E4, and each downward protrusion F1 is fitted into each upward protrusion C4. In detail, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the third external tooth T3 in the clockwise direction in the figure meshes between the tooth at the tip of the internal tooth E4 in the clockwise direction in the figure and the second tooth.

[0066] This allows the four teeth of the third external teeth T3 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively. This meshing restricts the circumferential movement of the pressing member 5 relative to the cartridge 4 via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in the above-mentioned fastened position relative to the cartridge 4 in a locked state against loosening.

[0067] Also, as shown in Fig. 13, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 6 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the fourth external tooth T4 meshes with the internal tooth E4, and each downward protrusion F1 is fitted into each upward protrusion C4. In detail, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the internal tooth E4 in the clockwise direction in the figure meshes with the tooth at the tip of the fourth external tooth T4 in the clockwise direction in the figure and the second tooth.

[0068] This allows the four teeth of the fourth external teeth T4 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively. This meshing restricts the movement of the pressing member 5 in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in the above-mentioned fastened position relative to the cartridge 4 in a locked state against loosening.

[0069] Also, as shown in Fig. 14, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 8 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the fifth external tooth T5 meshes with the internal tooth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted into each upward projection C4. In detail, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the fifth external tooth T5 in the clockwise direction in the figure meshes between the tooth at the tip of the internal tooth E4 in the clockwise direction in the figure and the second tooth.

[0070] This allows the four teeth of the fifth external teeth T5 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively. This meshing restricts the circumferential movement of the pressing member 5 relative to the cartridge 4 via the stopper 6. As a result, the pressing member 5 is held in the above-mentioned fastened position relative to the cartridge 4 in a locked state against loosening.

[0071] Also, as shown in Fig. 15, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 10 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the first external teeth T1 mesh with the internal teeth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0072] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction in the drawing meshes with the tooth at the tip of the first external teeth T1 in the clockwise direction in the drawing and the second tooth. This allows the four teeth of the first external teeth T1 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively.

[0073] Also, as shown in Fig. 16, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 12 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the second external teeth T2 mesh with the internal teeth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0074] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the second external teeth T2 in the clockwise direction as shown in the drawing meshes between the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction as shown in the drawing and the second tooth. This allows the four teeth of the second external teeth T2 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively.

[0075] Also, as shown in Fig. 17, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 14 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the third external teeth T3 mesh with the internal teeth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0076] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction in the drawing meshes with the tooth at the tip of the third external teeth T3 in the clockwise direction in the drawing and the second tooth. This allows the four teeth of the third external teeth T3 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively.

[0077] Also, as shown in Fig. 18, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 16 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the fourth external tooth T4 meshes with the internal tooth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0078] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the fourth external tooth T4 in the clockwise direction as shown in the drawing meshes between the tooth at the tip of the internal tooth E4 in the clockwise direction as shown in the drawing and the second tooth. This allows the four teeth of the fourth external tooth T4 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal tooth E4, respectively.

[0079] Also, as shown in Fig. 19, suppose that the fastening position of the pressing member 5 is shifted by 18 degrees counterclockwise from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10. In that case, the stopper 6 is oriented in the cylindrical circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the fifth external tooth T5 meshes with the internal tooth E4, and each downward projection F1 is fitted with each upward projection C4.

[0080] Specifically, the stopper 6 is oriented in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge 4 so that the tooth at the tip of the internal teeth E4 in the clockwise direction in the drawing meshes with the tooth at the tip of the fifth external teeth T5 in the clockwise direction in the drawing and the second tooth. This allows the four teeth of the fifth external teeth T5 to mesh with the four teeth of the internal teeth E4, respectively.

[0081] Similarly, even if the fastening position of the pressing member 5 deviates from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10 in the counterclockwise direction by 20 degrees or more at 2 degree intervals, the external teeth F2 can be meshed with the internal teeth E4 by any of the above meshing patterns. Also, even if the fastening position of the pressing member 5 deviates from the fastening position shown in Fig. 10 in the clockwise direction by 2 degree intervals, the external teeth F2 can be meshed with the internal teeth E4 by any of the above meshing patterns.

[0082] To summarise the above, the water faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that in the following, the reference characters in parentheses correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0083] That is, the faucet device (1) is a device having a hot and cold water mixing cartridge (4) that is assembled in a state in which it is prevented from rotating axially on a base (2B) provided inside the faucet body (2), and a cylindrical pressing member (5) that is screwed into the base (2B) so as to axially press the cartridge (4) against the base (2B). The faucet device (1) has a stopper (6) that is assembled inside the cylinder of the pressing member (5). The stopper (6) prevents the pressing member (5) from loosening by engaging an inner circumferential portion (E4) of the cylinder of the pressing member (5) with the cartridge (4).

[0084] The water faucet device (1) also has an assembly position selection structure (S) that makes it possible to select an assembly position of the stopper (6) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder relative to the cartridge (4). The assembly position selection structure (S) makes it possible to engage, with the cylinder inner peripheral portion (E4), an outer peripheral engaging portion (F2) that is located at an engaging position corresponding to the fastening position of the pressing member (5) from among outer peripheral engaging portions (F2) formed at multiple points in the circumferential direction of the cylinder of the stopper (6).

[0085] According to the above configuration, by selecting the assembly position of the stopper (6) relative to the cartridge (4) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, it is possible to engage the outer circumferential engagement portion (F2) at the engagement position corresponding to the fastening position of the pressing member (5) from among the multiple outer circumferential engagement portions (F2) formed on the stopper (6) with the inner circumferential portion (E4) of the pressing member (5). Therefore, the stopper (6) can be appropriately engaged with the inner circumferential portion (E4) of the pressing member (5) according to the fastening state of the pressing member (5). As a result, the pressing member (5) can be appropriately prevented from loosening.

[0086] The assembly position selection structure (S) can change the assembly position of the stopper (6) relative to the cartridge (4) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between a first assembly position (see FIG. 10) and a second assembly position (see FIG. 11). Of the multiple outer circumferential engagement portions (F2), the angular interval (72 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between the first outer circumferential engagement portion (T1) that engages with the cylindrical inner circumferential portion (E4) of the pressing member (5) when the stopper (6) is in the first assembly position (see FIG. 10) relative to the cartridge (4) and the second outer circumferential engagement portion (T2) that engages with the cylindrical inner circumferential portion (E4) when the stopper (6) is in the second assembly position (see FIG. 11) is different from the angular interval (80 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between the first assembly position (see FIG. 10) and the second assembly position (see FIG. 11) of the stopper (6).

[0087] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to select one of the outer peripheral engaging portions (F2) of the stopper (6) that can be appropriately engaged with the cylindrical inner peripheral portion (E4) of the holding member (5) fastened at a predetermined position with no gap in the cylindrical circumferential direction, thereby more appropriately preventing the holding member (5) from loosening.

[0088] Each of the outer peripheral engaging portions (F2) is an external tooth (F2) having a plurality of teeth arranged at equal intervals in the cylindrical circumferential direction. The cylindrical inner peripheral portion (E4) of the pressing member (5) is an internal tooth (E4) having a plurality of teeth arranged at equal intervals in the cylindrical circumferential direction and formed on a part of the cylindrical circumferential direction of the pressing member (5). The external tooth (F2) and the internal tooth (E4) mesh with each other to engage the stopper (6) with the cylindrical inner peripheral portion (E4).

[0089] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the stopper (6) can be engaged with the cylindrical inner peripheral portion (E4) of the pressing member (5) with multiple teeth meshing with each other. This makes it possible to more appropriately prevent the pressing member (5) from loosening. In addition, since the external teeth (F2) can be meshed with the internal teeth (E4) even in a position shifted by one or multiple pitches, it becomes possible to prevent the pressing member (5) from loosening in a variety of tightening positions.

[0090] Other embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

[0091] 1. The pressing member may have an inner periphery that is screwed onto the outer periphery of the base, or may have an outer periphery that is screwed onto the inner periphery of the base.

[0092] 2. The assembly position selection structure may be configured such that the stopper has outer circumferential engaging portions (external teeth) formed at equal intervals over the entire circumferential area of ​​the cylinder, and by changing the assembly position of the stopper in the circumferential area of ​​the cylinder relative to the cartridge in response to a change in the fastening position of the pressing member, the outer circumferential engaging portions of the stopper can be switched to an orientation state in which they can be engaged with the inner circumferential portion (internal teeth) of the pressing member. Note that the outer circumferential engaging portions (external teeth) may be formed at equal intervals over the entire circumferential area of ​​the stopper, but may be formed intermittently except for a portion of the outer circumferential engaging portions.

[0093] The assembly position selection structure may be configured such that internal teeth are formed at equal intervals over the entire circumferential area of ​​the cylindrical inner peripheral portion of the pressing member, and by changing the assembly position of the stopper in the circumferential direction relative to the cartridge in response to a change in the fastening position of the pressing member, the outer circumferential engagement portion formed in a portion of the circumferential direction of the stopper is switched to an orientation state in which it can be engaged with the cylindrical inner peripheral portion (internal teeth) of the pressing member. Note that the cylindrical inner peripheral portion (internal teeth) may be configured to be discontinuous, excluding a portion of the portion formed at equal intervals over the entire circumferential area of ​​the pressing member.

[0094] 3. The assembly position selection structure may be configured to switch the assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge only between two assembly positions, a first assembly position and a second assembly position. The assembly position selection structure may be configured to switch the assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge between three or more assembly positions. When there are three or more assembly positions, the intervals between the assembly positions may not be equal but may be random.

[0095] 4. The number, size, shape, and spacing of the external teeth formed on the stopper and the internal teeth formed on the retaining member can be set appropriately and are not limited to a specific form.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...water faucet device, 2...water faucet body, 2A...cylindrical portion, 2B...base, B1...male thread, 3...lever handle, 4...cartridge, 4C...housing, C1...large diameter portion, C2...small diameter portion, C3...step portion, C4...upward projection, 4D...operating shaft, 5...holding member, 5E...tubular portion, E1...female thread, E2...peripheral flange, E3...inner flange, E4...internal teeth (tubular inner peripheral portion), E5...annular groove, 6...stopper, 6F...tubular portion, F1...downward projection, F2...external teeth (outer peripheral engaging portion), F3...mounting claw, T1...first external teeth (first outer peripheral engaging portion), T2...second external teeth (second outer peripheral engaging portion), T3...third external teeth, T4...fourth external teeth, T5...fifth external teeth, S...assembly position selection structure, α...angle, β...angle, γ...angle, δ...angle

Claims

1. A water faucet device comprising: a hot and cold water mixing cartridge that is assembled in a state in which it is prevented from rotating in an axial direction on a base provided inside a water faucet body; and a cylindrical pressing member that is screwed into the base so as to press the cartridge against the base in the axial direction, a stopper that is incorporated in the cylindrical interior of the pressing member and that restricts loosening of the screwing of the pressing member by engaging an inner peripheral portion of the pressing member with the cartridge; The water faucet device has an assembly position selection structure that makes it possible to select the circumferential assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge, and by this selection, the outer circumferential engaging portion formed at multiple points in the circumferential direction of the stopper can be engaged with the inner circumferential portion of the tube at an engagement position corresponding to the tightening position of the pressing member.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1, the assembly position selection structure is capable of changing an assembly position of the stopper relative to the cartridge in a cylindrical circumferential direction between a first assembly position and a second assembly position, A water faucet device in which the angular interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between a first outer circumferential engaging portion, which engages with the inner circumferential portion of the pressing member when the stopper is in the first assembly position relative to the cartridge, and a second outer circumferential engaging portion, which engages with the inner circumferential portion of the pressing member when the stopper is in the second assembly position, is different from the angular interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder between the first assembly position and the second assembly position of the stopper.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, A water faucet device in which each of the multiple outer engaging portions is an external tooth having a multiple number of teeth arranged evenly spaced around the circumference of the tube, and the inner peripheral portion of the holding member is an internal tooth having a multiple number of teeth arranged evenly spaced around the circumference of the tube formed on a portion of the circumference of the holding member, and the stopper engages with the inner peripheral portion of the tube by meshing between the external teeth and the internal teeth.

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