Faucet

Abstract

To provide a faucet capable of improving a degree of freedom in designing a member related to temperature control.SOLUTION: A faucet according to the present disclosure comprises: a hot-water / water mixing valve for mixing hot-water and water; a main pipe part in which the hot-water / water mixing valve is installed inside in an axial direction; a handle unit that is disposed at an end part of the main pipe part and is connected to the hot-water / water mixing valve; a stopper member attached to the end part of the main pipe part between the main pipe part and the handle unit for restricting rotation of the handle unit; and a collar member that is attached to the end part of the main pipe part so as to cover the stopper member, has an exposed part exposed to the handle unit, and is different from the stopper member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to faucets. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional faucet is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a structure that includes a faucet body, a rotating temperature control handle, and a locking part that rotates in unison with the temperature control handle. When the locking part abuts against a contact surface provided on the faucet body, movement of the locking part is restricted, preventing the water temperature adjustment part from rotating toward the higher temperature side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-44460 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional faucets, if the locking part or the faucet body wears due to contact between the locking part and the faucet body, it becomes difficult to maintain the temperature regulating function, and there is a need to improve the wear resistance of the temperature regulating components. Also, if the temperature regulating components are exposed, there is a need to design the components while taking into consideration design as well as wear resistance. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving the design freedom of the temperature regulating components.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a faucet that can improve the design freedom of components related to temperature adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A faucet of one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water, a main pipe into which the hot and cold water mixing valve is attached along the axial direction, a handle unit disposed at the end of the main pipe and connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve, a stopper member attached to the end of the main pipe between the main pipe and the handle unit and restricting rotation of the handle unit, and a collar member different from the stopper member, attached to the end of the main pipe so as to cover the stopper member, having an exposed portion exposed to the handle unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The faucet according to the present disclosure allows for greater freedom in designing components related to temperature regulation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] A perspective view of the faucet from a different angle than in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] Enlarged view of the faucet [Figure 3B] Perspective view of the faucet unit [Figure 4A] Exploded view of the faucet unit [Figure 4B] Exploded view of the faucet unit [Figure 4C] Partially exploded view of the faucet unit [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stopper member [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stopper member; [Figure 7] A perspective view of a collar member [Figure 8] A perspective view of a collar member [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the engagement between the stopper member and the collar member; [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the engagement between the stopper member and the collar member; [Figure 9C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the engagement between the stopper member and the collar member; [Figure 10] A perspective view of a handle unit [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] Cross-section of temperature control handle DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a faucet 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from a different direction than in Figure 1. Hereinafter, in the figures, the X, Y, and Z directions respectively indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the faucet 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, the faucet 1 is a faucet that is attached to the wall of a bathroom.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 includes a faucet unit 2, a connection member 3, and a handle unit 4. The faucet unit 2 is a unit for discharging water. The faucet unit 2 of this embodiment has the function of discharging shower water and faucet water.

[0013] The connection member 3 is a member that connects a hot water supply source and a water supply source (not shown) provided on the wall of the bathroom to the faucet unit 2. The connection member 3 includes a hot water supply pipe 38 that supplies hot water, and a water supply pipe 39 that supplies water. The hot water supply pipe 38 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for carrying hot water supplied from the hot water supply source. The water supply pipe 39 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for carrying water supplied from the water supply source.

[0014] In this embodiment, the hot water supply pipe 38 and the cold water supply pipe 39 are connected to the rear surface of the faucet unit 2 at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the faucet unit 2, as shown in Fig. 2. The center of the faucet unit 2 means the center between both ends of the faucet unit 2 along the axial direction (Y direction).

[0015] The handle unit 4 is a unit that makes it possible to change the water discharge method of the faucet unit 2. The handle unit 4 includes a temperature control handle 4A and a switching handle 4B. The temperature control handle 4A is a handle for adjusting the degree of mixing of hot and cold water, and changes the rotational position of a hot and cold water mixing valve, which will be described later. The switching handle 4B is a handle for adjusting the amount and direction of water discharge, and changes the rotational position of a switching valve, which will be described later.

[0016] Fig. 3A is a partially enlarged view of the faucet 1. Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of the faucet unit 2. Figs. 4A and 4B are exploded views of the faucet unit 2. The temperature control handle 4A is not shown in Figs. 3B, 4A, and 4B. Fig. 4B shows the faucet unit 2 without the faucet main body 5 described below.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, the faucet unit 2 comprises a faucet main body 5 (Figure 4A), a front cover 6, a rear cover 7 (Figures 4A and 4B), an elbow 8, a stopper member 9, a collar member 10 and a collar member 11.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 4A, the faucet main body 5 is a member that constitutes the main body of the faucet unit 2. The faucet main body 5 has a function of mixing the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 38 (Fig. 2) and the water supplied from the cold water supply pipe 39 (Fig. 2) described above.

[0019] The faucet main body 5 houses a hot and cold water mixing valve 20 (Fig. 4B) and a switching valve 21 (Fig. 4B) lined up in the axial direction K. The hot and cold water mixing valve 20 is attached to the faucet main body 5 by being inserted from one end in a first axial direction K1, and the switching valve 21 is attached to the other end by being inserted in a second axial direction K2. The first axial direction K1 is the direction from the hot and cold water mixing valve 20 toward the switching valve 21, and the second axial direction K2 is the direction from the switching valve 21 toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 20.

[0020] The hot and cold water mixing valve 20 is a valve for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 20 is also called a thermo cartridge. The changeover valve 21 is a member for changing the amount and direction of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve 20. The changeover valve 21 of this embodiment changes the direction of hot and cold water discharge between shower discharge and faucet discharge. A gear portion 40A that engages with the temperature adjustment handle 4A (Figs. 1 and 2) is attached to the end of the hot and cold water mixing valve 20. A gear portion 40B that engages with the changeover handle 4B (Figs. 1 and 2) is attached to the end of the changeover valve 21.

[0021] As described above, the faucet 1 is a thermostatic faucet equipped with a hot and cold water mixing valve 20 and a switching valve 21.

[0022] The faucet body 5 includes a main pipe 12, a hot water supply branch pipe 13, a cold water supply branch pipe 14, a shower discharge branch pipe 15, and a faucet discharge branch pipe 16.

[0023] The main pipe section 12 is a member that houses the hot and cold water mixing valve 20 and the switching valve 21 described above, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The hot water supply branch pipe section 13 and the water supply branch pipe section 14 are tubular members that branch off from the main pipe section 12 and extend (in the X direction) toward the wall of the bathroom. The hot water supply branch pipe section 13 is connected to a hot water supply source (not shown), and supplies hot water to the main pipe section 12. The water supply branch pipe section 14 is connected to a water supply source (not shown), and supplies water to the main pipe section 12. The shower discharge branch pipe section 15 is a tubular member that extends from the main pipe section 12 toward the wall of the bathroom (in the X direction), and is connected to an elbow 8, and causes hot and cold water to flow out of a shower head (not shown) via the elbow 8 and a shower hose (not shown). The faucet discharge branch pipe section 16 is a tubular member extending from the main pipe section 12 toward the bathroom floor (-Z direction) and is connected to a faucet discharge section (not shown) through which hot and cold water flows out of a faucet (not shown).

[0024] The faucet main body 5 is covered with a front cover 6 and a rear cover 7.

[0025] The front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 are members that fit together to cover the faucet main body 5 and form the external appearance of the faucet 1. The rear cover 7 has multiple openings 71, 72, 73. Specifically, an opening 71 for connecting an elbow 8, an opening 72 for connecting a hot water supply pipe 38, and an opening 73 for connecting a cold water supply pipe 39 are formed.

[0026] The elbow 8 is a tubular connecting member that connects the shower discharge branch pipe 15 of the faucet main body 5 to a shower hose (not shown).

[0027] A temperature control handle 4A (Fig. 2), a collar member 10, and a stopper member 9 are attached to the end of the main pipe 12 of the faucet body 5 on the second axial direction K2 side. A switching handle 4B (Fig. 2) and a collar member 11 are attached to the end of the main pipe 12 of the faucet body 5 on the first axial direction K1 side. The stopper member 9, the collar member 10, and the collar member 11 are each a cylindrical member and extend along the axial direction K.

[0028] The stopper member 9 is a member that determines the upper limit temperature of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet 1, and restricts the rotation of the temperature control handle 4A (Fig. 2). When the temperature control handle 4A rotates and comes into contact with the stopper member 9, the stopper member 9 restricts further rotation of the temperature control handle 4A.

[0029] The collar members 10 and 11 are sandwiched between the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7, and support the ends of the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7. The collar members 10 and 11 determine the mounting positions of the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 relative to the faucet main body 5. In particular, the collar member 10 is disposed outside the stopper member 9 and has the function of covering the stopper member 9. As shown in FIG. 3A, the collar member 10 has an exposed portion 30, a part of which is exposed to the temperature control handle 4A. The exposed portion 30 is a part of the flange portion 35 described later. In this embodiment, the material of the stopper member 9 that is not exposed to the outside is made different from the material of the collar member 10 that is exposed to the outside, thereby improving the life of the stopper member 9 and improving the design of the collar member 10 at the same time.

[0030] 4C is a partial exploded view of the faucet unit 2. The stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are attached to the second axial direction K2 side of the main pipe portion 12 so that the collar member 10 covers the stopper member 9. The stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 both have a cylindrical shape that allows the gear portion 40A at the end of the main pipe portion 12 to pass through. As will be described later, the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are not only attached to the end of the main pipe portion 12, but also fit together.

[0031] The stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the stopper member 9. Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the collar member 10.

[0032] 5 and 6, the stopper member 9 has a cylindrical portion 31 and a cylindrical portion 32 that are arranged in this order along the first axial direction K1. Since the cylindrical portion 32 has a radial dimension larger than that of the cylindrical portion 31, the stopper member 9 has a stepped cylindrical shape that expands from the cylindrical portion 31 toward the cylindrical portion 32. The stopper member 9 of this embodiment is integrally formed including the cylindrical portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 32.

[0033] A protrusion 31A that restricts the rotation of the temperature control handle 4A is formed at one end of the cylindrical portion 31. The protrusion 31A protrudes from the end of the cylindrical portion 31 in the second axial direction K2 and is formed along a part of the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 31. The protrusion 31A extends in the circumferential direction M from an end face R1 of the protrusion 31A. In the circumferential direction M, the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the first axial direction K1 is defined as a first circumferential direction M1. The end face R1 of the protrusion 31A abuts against the temperature control handle 4A (FIG. 2) and defines a first rotation restriction position P1 of the temperature control handle 4A described later. A protrusion 31B is formed adjacent to the protrusion 31A on the first circumferential direction M1 side. The protrusion 31B protrudes radially inward relative to the protrusion 31A. An end face R2 between the protrusion 31A and the protrusion 31B abuts against the temperature control handle 4A and defines a second rotation restriction position P2 of the temperature control handle 4A described later. A recess 31C (FIG. 5) is formed on the radially outer side of the projection 31B. With this structure, the moldability of the stopper member 9 can be improved while ensuring the strength of the projection 31B.

[0034] The other end of the cylindrical portion 31 is connected to an end of the cylindrical portion 32 via a connecting portion 33. The connecting portion 33 is an annular portion extending radially from the other end of the cylindrical portion 31 to the end of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0035] The connecting portion 33 has two holes 33A formed at positions facing each other in the radial direction. Claw portions 34A (FIGS. 7 and 8) of a collar member 10 described below are inserted into the holes 33A. This allows the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 to be claw-fitted. Guide portions 33B protruding in the second axial direction K2 are provided along both sides of the holes 33A. The guide portions 33B can suppress rattling of the claw portions 34A relative to the holes 33A.

[0036] Two holes 33C (FIGS. 6 and 5) are further formed in the connection portion 33 at positions different from the hole 33A and facing each other in the radial direction. Claws 34B, which will be described later, are inserted into the holes 33C. This allows the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 to be claw-fitted. Guide portions 33D, which protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 31, are provided along both sides of the holes 33C. The guide portions 33D can suppress rattling of the claws 34B relative to the holes 33C. The protruding amounts of the guide portions 33B and 33D are determined by considering how to suppress rattling while not impeding the fitting of the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10.

[0037] The peripheral wall of the tubular portion 32 forms two notches 32A at opposing positions. The notches 32A are notches for passing the claws 35A described below, and are formed by cutting out a part of the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 32 along the axial direction K. The claws 35A that pass through the notches 32A reach the end of the main pipe portion 12. The tubular portion 32 has protrusions 32C located on both sides of the notches 32A and protruding in the radial direction. This configuration can prevent the claws 35A from coming off the notches 32A.

[0038] Two protrusions 32B (FIG. 6) are formed on the end of the tubular portion 32 on the first axial direction K1 side. The two protrusions 32B are protrusions for positioning the stopper member 9 with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12, and protrude in the second axial direction K2 from the end of the tubular portion 32. The protrusions 32B are inserted into recesses 50 (FIG. 4A) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12, thereby realizing alignment of the collar member 10 with respect to the main pipe portion 12 in the circumferential direction M.

[0039] The stopper member 9 having the above-mentioned configuration is formed of a material having a higher flexural modulus than the collar member 10. The stopper member 9 is formed of, for example, PPS. The stopper member 9 may be formed of a plastic material called engineering plastic. The stopper member 9 may be formed of a material having a higher tensile strength than the collar member 10. The stopper member 9 may also be formed of a material having a smaller coefficient of friction than the collar member 10.

[0040] 7 and 8, the collar member 10 has a tubular portion 34 and a flange portion 35. The tubular portion 34 is a cylindrical member arranged so as to surround the outside of the tubular portion 31 of the stopper member 9. The flange portion 35 is a member sandwiched between the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 and supporting the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7, and has a plate-like shape extending approximately perpendicular to the axial direction K from the end of the tubular portion 34 on the second axial direction K2 side.

[0041] At an end of the tubular portion 34 connected to the flange portion 35, two claw portions 34A (FIG. 8) are formed at opposing positions so as to protrude from the end in the first axial direction K1. The claw portions 34A are inserted into the hole portion 33A (FIGS. 5 and 6), and the collar member 10 and the stopper member 9 are fitted together. The claw portions 34A are disposed inside the tubular portion 34. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve space saving for the collar member 10. Also, it is possible to ensure a deformation width up to the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion 34 at the claw portions 34A.

[0042] Two claws 34B protruding in the first axial direction K1 are further formed at opposing positions on the end of the tubular portion 34 connected to the flange portion 35. The claws 34B are inserted into the hole 33C (FIGS. 5 and 6), and the collar member 10 and the stopper member 9 are fitted together.

[0043] The claw portion 34A and the claw portion 34B have different width dimensions along the circumferential direction M, and the claw portion 34A has a width larger than that of the claw portion 34B. Therefore, the claw portion 34A cannot be inserted into the hole portion 33C, and it is possible to prevent the collar member 10 from being attached in the wrong direction. In addition, the claw portion 34A has a thickness smaller than that of the claw portion 34B. Since the claw portion 34A is thin, the claw portion 34A can bend and can be easily inserted into the hole portion 33C, and the engagement between the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 can be easily realized. On the other hand, since the claw portion 34B is thick, it is possible to restrict the relative rotation between the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10.

[0044] Similarly, the flange portion 35 is provided with a plurality of claw portions 36, 35A, 35B and a protrusion 35C.

[0045] The claw portion 36 formed on one side of the flange portion 35 is a claw portion for passing through the notch portion 32A (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the stopper member 9 and fitting into the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12 (FIG. 4A). The claw portion 36 has a shape protruding from the flange portion 35 in the second axial direction K2. The claw portion 36 forms a hole portion 36A. The hole portion 36A is a through hole for arranging the protrusion portion 51 (FIG. 4A) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12, and the collar member 10 is claw-fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12. Thus, the collar member 10 is aligned and fixed to the main pipe portion 12. Furthermore, the stopper member 9 is gripped between the collar member 10 and the main pipe portion 12 by the claw portion 36 passing through the notch portion 32A.

[0046] The claw portion 35A is formed at a position on the other side of the flange portion 35 opposite to the claw portion 36. The claw portions 35B are formed on both sides of the claw portion 35A. Both the claw portions 35A and 35B are claw portions for fitting the collar member 10 to the rear cover 7. The claw portion 35A protrudes in the first axial direction K1, passes through the notch portion 32A (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the rear cover 7, and fits into a recessed portion 70A (FIGS. 4A and 4B) formed on the inner surface of the rear cover 7. The claw portion 35B protrudes in the first axial direction K1, passes above and below the notch portion 32A, and fits into a recessed portion 70B (FIGS. 4A and 4B) formed on the inner surface of the rear cover 7. Thus, the position of the rear cover 7 relative to the flange portion 35 is determined.

[0047] The protrusion 35C formed on the upper part of the flange portion 35 is a protrusion for fitting the collar member 10 to the front cover 6. The protrusion 35C protrudes in the first axial direction K1 and abuts against a protrusion 60 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) formed on the inner surface of the front cover 6. Thus, the position of the front cover 6 relative to the flange portion 35 is determined. With this configuration, the flange portion 35 can realize the alignment and fixation of the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7.

[0048] In addition, the claw portions 35A and 36 have different widths, which makes it possible to prevent the collar member 10 from being attached in an incorrect direction.

[0049] The collar member 10 having the above-mentioned configuration is integrally formed including the tube portion 34 and the flange portion 35. The collar member 10 is formed of a material having a smaller flexural modulus than the stopper member 9, that is, a material having good surface properties after processing. In this specification, "surface properties" refers to the state of the surface after molding that can be recognized by the human eye. "Good surface properties" refers to, for example, a state in which the formation of flow marks is suppressed, a state in which the surface roughness is small, a state in which the designed color is possessed, and the like. The collar member 10 is formed of, for example, ABS, PMMA, or ASA.

[0050] Now, with reference to Figs. 9A to 9C, the stopper member 9, collar member 10, main pipe portion 12 and rear cover 7 in the fitted state will be described.

[0051] 9A to 9C are views showing the engagement between the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10. As shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are attached to the end of the main pipe portion 12 on the second axial direction K2 side. Furthermore, a front cover 6 (not shown) and a rear cover 7 are attached to a flange portion 35 of the collar member 10, which together form a housing member that houses the main pipe portion 12. The stopper member 9 is covered by the collar member 10, the front cover 6, and the rear cover 7, and is prevented from being exposed to the outside.

[0052] The tubular portion 34 of the collar member 10 protrudes from the flange portion 35 toward the second axial direction K2. The tubular portion 31 of the stopper member 9 protrudes from the flange portion 35 toward the second axial direction K2 while being disposed inside the tubular portion 34. The protruding amount of the tubular portion 31 relative to the flange portion 35 is smaller than the protruding amount of the tubular portion 34. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 31 faces the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 34, and the tubular portion 31 is covered by the collar member 10. On the other hand, the tubular portion 32 of the stopper member 9 protrudes from the flange portion 35 toward the first axial direction K1. The tubular portion 32 is not covered by the collar member 10, but is covered by the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7. In this structure, the tubular portion 31 of the stopper member 9 is covered by the tubular portion 34 of the collar member 10, and the tubular portion 32 is covered by the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7, so that exposure of the stopper member 9 to the outside is suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, when the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are attached to the end of the main pipe portion 12, the gear portion 40A of the main pipe portion 12 protrudes from the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10.

[0054] A temperature control handle 4A is further attached to the end of the main pipe portion 12 to which the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are attached. The temperature control handle 4A is engaged with a gear portion 40A and has the function of rotating the hot and cold water mixing valve 20 connected to the gear portion 40A.

[0055] The end of the temperature control handle 4A on the first axial direction K1 side faces the flange portion 35. When the temperature control handle 4A is attached to the gear portion 40A, a small gap is formed between the temperature control handle 4A and the flange portion 35, and the temperature control handle 4A rotates relative to the flange portion 35.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the temperature control handle 4A, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the contact member.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 10, the temperature adjustment handle 4A includes a grip member 41 and a contact member 42. The grip member 41 is a rotatable member operated by a user of the faucet 1, and constitutes the outer periphery of the temperature adjustment handle 4A. The grip member 41 forms part of the exterior of the faucet 1 at the end of the faucet 1. A gear groove 41A is formed on the inner wall of the grip member 41. The gear groove 41A fits with a gear portion 40A of the faucet main body 5, and rotation of the grip member 41 rotates the gear portion 40A.

[0058] The abutment member 42 is a member disposed inside the grip member 41 and restricts the rotation of the grip member 41. The abutment member 42 restricts the rotation of the grip member 41, so that the upper limit temperature of hot water discharged from the faucet 1 can be set. As shown in FIG. 11, the abutment member 42 includes a tubular portion 43 and a safety button 45 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 43. The tubular portion 43 has a protrusion 43A protruding from an end of the tubular portion 43 on the first axial direction K1 side toward the faucet main body 5. When the protrusion 43A abuts against the protrusion 31A of the stopper member 9 as described later, it restricts the rotation of the grip member 41. The safety button 45 is an operating member for releasing the restriction on the rotation of the grip member 41, i.e., the upper limit temperature of the faucet 1. The safety button 45 protrudes in the radial direction of the temperature control handle 4A and can move in the pressing direction L of the safety button 45.

[0059] The abutment member 42 is formed from a material having a lower flexural modulus than the stopper member 9. With this configuration, when the protrusions 31A, 31B of the stopper member 9 come into contact with the protrusion 43A of the abutment member 42, the abutment member 42 wears preferentially. Since the abutment member 42 can be easily replaced, the maintainability of the faucet 1 is improved. The abutment member 42 is formed from, for example, POM.

[0060] Next, the operation of the temperature adjustment handle 4A will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature adjustment handle 4A.

[0061] [Operation] A user of the faucet 1 rotates the temperature control handle 4A to change the temperature of the hot and cold water being discharged. An example of increasing the temperature of the hot and cold water will be described below.

[0062] To increase the temperature of the hot and cold water, the temperature adjustment handle 4A is rotated in a first circumferential direction M1. As shown in Fig. 12, the temperature adjustment handle 4A is rotated in the first circumferential direction M1 to a first rotation restriction position P1 where it abuts against an end face R1 of the protrusion 31A of the stopper member 9. At the first rotation restriction position P1, the protrusion 31A of the stopper member 9 restricts further rotation of the temperature adjustment handle 4A in the first circumferential direction M1. The first rotation restriction position P1 of the temperature adjustment handle 4A corresponds to a preset upper limit temperature, and when the protrusion 31A abuts against the protrusion 42A, hot and cold water at a temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature is not discharged.

[0063] To release the upper limit temperature, the safety button 45 (Fig. 11) is pressed in the pressing direction L. By operating the safety button 45, the protrusion 43A of the contact member 42 moves radially inward along the arrow S1 and no longer abuts against the protrusion 31A of the stopper member 9. This makes it possible to further rotate the temperature adjustment handle 4A in the first circumferential direction M1, and the upper limit temperature can be released.

[0064] When the temperature control handle 4A is further rotated in the first circumferential direction M1 from the first rotation restriction position P1, the protrusion 43A moves to the second rotation restriction position P2 indicated by a dotted line and abuts against the end face R2 of the protrusion 31B of the stopper member 9. At the second rotation restriction position P2, further rotation of the temperature control handle 4A in the first circumferential direction M1 is restricted, and hot or cold water at a temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature corresponding to the second rotation restriction position P2 is not dispensed. Even when the rotation restriction on the temperature control handle 4A is released by the safety button 45, there is a final upper limit to the rotation of the temperature control handle 4A. Therefore, excessively high temperature hot or cold water is not dispensed from the faucet 1, and the safety of the faucet 1 is ensured.

[0065] Furthermore, during the above operation, that is, during rotation of the temperature control handle 4A, the arrangement of the collar member 10 prevents the stopper member 9 from being visible through the gap between the temperature control handle 4A and the front cover 6, for example.

[0066] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0067] In conventional faucets that set an upper limit temperature for hot and cold water to be discharged, the stopper that determines the upper limit temperature may wear out. If the stopper wears out, it becomes difficult to maintain the temperature adjustment function.

[0068] On the other hand, the faucet 1 of the present disclosure is provided with two different members, a stopper member 9 and a collar member 10. The stopper member 9 is disposed inside the collar member 10, suppressing visibility from the outside, while the collar member 10 is exposed. By separating the members in this manner, the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 can be formed from materials suitable for their respective functions and arrangements. Since the stopper member 9 is not visible, it is possible to select the material of the stopper member 9 with a priority on wear resistance without having to consider design. In particular, by forming the stopper member 9 from a material with a higher bending modulus than the collar member 10, the wear resistance of the stopper member 9 can be improved. On the other hand, since the collar member 10 is not abutted against the rotating temperature control handle 4A, excessive strength is not required for the material of the collar member 10. Therefore, by forming the collar member 10 from a material with a lower bending modulus than the stopper member 9, it is possible to form it from a material with good surface properties, thereby improving the design of the faucet 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the collar member 10 has flange portions 35 that support the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7. Therefore, the collar member 10, together with the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7, can form an exterior portion that completely covers the stopper member 9, and exposure of the stopper member 9 is further suppressed.

[0070] As described above, in the faucet 1 of the present disclosure, the design of the faucet 1 is not compromised and the lifespan of the stopper member 9 related to temperature adjustment can be improved.

[0071] [effect] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0072] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment includes a hot and cold water mixing valve 20, a main pipe section 12, a handle unit 4, a stopper member 9, and a collar member 10. The hot and cold water mixing valve 20 mixes hot water and cold water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 20 is attached to the inside of the main pipe section 12 along the axial direction K. The temperature control handle 4A of the handle unit is disposed at the end of the main pipe section 12 and is connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve 20. The stopper member 9 is attached to the end of the main pipe section 12 between the main pipe section 12 and the handle unit 4, and restricts the rotation of the temperature control handle 4A of the handle unit 4. The collar member 10 is attached to the end of the main pipe section 12 so as to cover the stopper member 9, and has an exposed portion 30 exposed to the temperature control handle 4A of the handle unit 4. The collar member 10 is a member different from the stopper member 9.

[0073] With this configuration, the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are independent members and can be made of different materials. By forming the stopper member 9 from a material with high abrasion resistance and the collar member 10 from a material with high designability, it becomes possible to design the stopper member 9 to have an improved service life and the collar member 10 to have an improved designability. This improves the design freedom of the members related to temperature adjustment.

[0074] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the stopper member 9 has a higher bending elastic modulus than the collar member 10.

[0075] With this configuration, the stopper member 9 has higher wear resistance than the collar member 10. This reduces wear on the stopper member 9 and improves the lifespan of the stopper member 9 compared to when the stopper member 9 is made of the same material as the collar member 10. In particular, by reducing wear on the protrusion 31A that contacts the temperature control handle 4A in the stopper member 9, the function of restricting the rotation of the temperature control handle 4A can be maintained. On the other hand, because the flexural modulus of the collar member 10 having the tubular portion 34 is low, and because the stopper member 9 is covered by the tubular portion 34 and prevented from being exposed, the design of the faucet 1 can be improved.

[0076] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the collar member 10 has a tubular portion 34 (first tubular portion). The stopper member 9 has a tubular portion 31 (second tubular portion) disposed inside the tubular portion 34, and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 31 faces the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 34.

[0077] With this configuration, the tubular portion 31 of the stopper member 9 is positioned inside the tubular portion 34 of the collar member 10, thereby preventing the tubular portion 31 from being exposed and preventing the design of the faucet 1 from being compromised due to the selection of the material for the stopper member 9.

[0078] Furthermore, the faucet 1 according to the embodiment further has a front cover 6 and a back cover 7 (main body cover) that cover the main pipe 12. The stopper member 9 extends from the end of the tubular portion 31 toward the main pipe 12 and further has a tubular portion 32 (third tubular portion) that protrudes from the tubular portion 34. The front cover 6 and the back cover 7 are attached to the end of the tubular portion 34 and cover the tubular portion 32.

[0079] With this configuration, the tubular portion 32 of the stopper member 9 is covered by the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7, so that the stopper member 9 can be further prevented from being exposed.

[0080] Moreover, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the collar member 10 has a claw portion 34A (first claw portion), and the stopper member 9 has a hole portion 33A (first recess) into which the claw portion 34A is inserted.

[0081] With this configuration, the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 can be stably fitted together.

[0082] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the collar member 10 has a claw portion 34B (second claw portion) different from the claw portion 34A. The stopper member 9 has a hole portion 33C (second recess) into which the claw portion 34B is inserted. The claw portion 34A and the claw portion 34B have different dimensions.

[0083] This configuration allows the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 to be more stably fitted to each other. In addition, since the claw portion 34A and the claw portion 34B have different dimensions, it is possible to prevent the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 from being attached in an incorrect rotational position.

[0084] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the collar member 10 has a claw portion 36 (third claw portion) that fits into the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe 12. The stopper member 9 has a cutout portion 32A through which the claw portion 36 passes, and has a protrusion 32B that is inserted into a groove formed in the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe 12.

[0085] This configuration allows the collar member 10 and the main pipe 12 to be stably fitted together. The claws 36 pass through the cutouts 32A, allowing the stopper member 9 to be held between the collar member 10 and the main pipe 12. The cutouts 32A also allow the claws 36 to be provided without protruding in the radial direction, thereby realizing space saving for the faucet 1. Furthermore, the protrusions 32B allow the stopper member 9 to be positioned relative to the main pipe 12.

[0086] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 fit together. The collar member 10 has a flange portion 35 that is sandwiched between the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7.

[0087] With this configuration, the front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 can be attached to the main pipe portion 12 via the flange portion 35 of the collar member 10.

[0088] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the stopper member 9 has a higher tensile strength than the collar member 10.

[0089] With this configuration, wear of the stopper member 9 can be further suppressed compared to when the stopper member 9 and the collar member 10 are made of the same material.

[0090] Moreover, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the collar member 10 is made of ABS, and the stopper member 9 is made of PPS.

[0091] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the formation of flow marks on the surface of the collar member 10 that may occur during molding, thereby improving the design of the faucet 1. Furthermore, compared to when the stopper member 9 is formed from the same material as the collar member 10, wear of the stopper member 9 can be further suppressed.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0093] The cylindrical portions 34, 31, and 32 may be referred to as a “first cylindrical portion,” a “second cylindrical portion,” or a “third cylindrical portion.” The front cover 6 and the rear cover 7 may be collectively referred to as a “main body cover.”

[0094] Although the faucet 1 has been described as a faucet that spouts water for showering and faucet discharging, this is not limited to this. The faucet 1 may be a faucet that spouts hot and cold water using either of the spouting methods. Furthermore, if the faucet 1 is a faucet that spouts water using only one spouting method, it may be a faucet that houses only the hot and cold water mixing valve 20 in the main pipe section 12.

[0095] Although an example in which the holes 33A and 33C are formed in the stopper member 9 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The holes 33A and 33C do not have to be through holes, and may be recesses into which the claws 34A and 34B fit, respectively.

[0096] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The faucet of the present disclosure is useful in faucets equipped with hot and cold water mixing valves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Faucet 2 Faucet unit 3 Connection parts 4 Handle unit 5 Faucet body 6 Front cover 7 Rear cover 8 Elbow 9 Stopper member 10 Colored parts 11 Colored parts 12 Main pipe section 13 Branch pipe for hot water supply 14 Water supply branch pipe section 15 Shower water outlet branch pipe 16 Faucet outlet branch pipe 20 Hot and cold water mixing valve 21 Switching valve 31 Cylinder part 32 Cylinder part 32A Notch 32B Convex 34 Cylinder part 34A Claw part 34B Claw part 35 Flange section 35A Claw part 35B Claw 36 claws

Claims

1. A hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water; A main pipe portion into which the hot and cold water mixing valve is attached along an axial direction; A handle unit is disposed at an end of the main pipe portion and connected to the hot and cold water mixing valve; a stopper member attached to the end of the main pipe portion between the main pipe portion and the handle unit, the stopper member restricting rotation of the handle unit; a collar member attached to the end of the main pipe portion so as to cover the stopper member, the collar member having an exposed portion exposed to the handle unit, the collar member being different from the stopper member; Equipped with The collar member has a first cylindrical portion, The stopper member has a second cylindrical portion disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, A faucet, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion faces an inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion.

2. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the stopper member and the collar member are fitted together.

3. The faucet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a protrusion is formed on an end of the second tubular portion to regulate rotation of the handle unit.

4. Further comprising a front cover and a rear cover for covering the main pipe portion, The collar member has a flange portion extending from a side surface in a direction away from the axis of the main pipe portion, The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front cover and the rear cover are attached to the flange portion.

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