Faucet device
The faucet device addresses low fixing strength by dividing the peripheral surface into regions with and without protrusions, improving stability and sealing, and facilitating easy attachment and detachment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024174655
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-19
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing faucet devices have low fixing strength between the faucet body and the pedestal member, leading to vibration and instability.
The faucet device incorporates a design where the inner or outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the faucet body is divided into two half-circumference regions, with at least one protrusion in one region and no protrusion in the other, enhancing the fixing strength through stable surface contact and reduced sliding resistance.
The design provides improved fixing strength, reducing play and wobbling of the faucet body, while allowing easy attachment and detachment with reduced sliding resistance, and enhances sealing performance by using tapered surfaces and seal members.
Smart Images

Figure 2025097902000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a faucet device installed on a mounting base.
Background Art
[0002] Faucet devices installed on mounting bases such as kitchen countertops and washbasins are known. This faucet device has a structure for fixing the faucet to the mounting base.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-148154 discloses a structure in which the lower end portion of a faucet is externally fitted to a pedestal member, and the faucet is fixed to the pedestal member by a single screw member screwed into the pedestal member through the lower end portion of the faucet. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-90128 discloses a faucet in which a faucet body is fixed to an adapter body (pedestal member) disposed on a mounting base, an annular seal groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the adapter body, and a ring-shaped packing is mounted in the seal groove. In this structure, the adapter body is in liquid-tight fitting contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the faucet body (see paragraph
[0027] ).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] If the fixing strength of the faucet body to the pedestal member is low, the faucet body will vibrate. From the perspective of the fixing strength of the faucet body, it has been found that there is room for improvement in the structures described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 above.
[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a faucet device having excellent fixing strength of a faucet body.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] In one aspect, this faucet device is installed on a mounting base, and includes a pedestal member fixed to the mounting base, a faucet body attached to the pedestal member, and a screw member for screwing the faucet body to the pedestal member. The faucet body has a lower end portion of the body that is externally fitted to the pedestal member and a screw insertion hole provided in the lower end portion of the body. The pedestal member has an outer peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed. When the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body is divided into a first half-circumference region that is a half-circumference portion on the side opposite to the screw member and a second half-circumference region that is the remaining half-circumference portion, at least one protrusion is provided in the first half-circumference region of the inner peripheral surface, and no protrusion is provided in the second half-circumference region of the inner peripheral surface.
[0008] In another aspect, this faucet device is installed on a mounting base, and includes a pedestal member fixed to the mounting base, a faucet body attached to the pedestal member, and a screw member for screwing the faucet body to the pedestal member. The faucet body has a lower end portion of the body that is externally fitted to the pedestal member and a screw insertion hole provided in the lower end portion of the body. The pedestal member has an outer peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed. When the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal member is divided into a first half-circumference region that is a half-circumference portion on the side opposite to the screw member and a second half-circumference region that is the remaining half-circumference portion, at least one protrusion is provided in the first half-circumference region of the outer peripheral surface, and no protrusion is provided in the second half-circumference region of the outer peripheral surface.
Advantages of the Invention
[0009] In one aspect, a faucet device having excellent fixing strength can be provided.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010]
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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail while referring to the drawings as appropriate. In this specification, based on the usage state of a standard faucet shown in the following embodiments, terms such as "up", "down", "upper side", "upper end", "lower side", "lower end", "vertical direction", "front", "left and right", "front side", "front end", "rear side", "rear end", "front-rear direction" are used. "Front" is a direction determined in the relative relationship with a kitchen, a washbasin, etc. to which the faucet is attached, and is a direction facing the user of the faucet. Based on this "front", "left side" and "right side" are determined based on the direction seen from the user. Also, the front side (the side closer to the user) seen from this user is regarded as the "front side", and the rear side (the side farther from the user) seen from this user is regarded as the "rear side". The vertical direction is the vertical direction. Note that the posture of the faucet and the like can be set in various ways, and the above terms are read and interpreted according to the posture and the like.
[0012] Unless otherwise specified, "circumferential direction" means the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface (described later) of the lower end portion of the main body, and "axial direction" means the direction of the center line of the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the main body. Unless otherwise specified, "radial direction" means the radial direction of the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the main body.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the faucet device 2, FIG. 3 is a front view of the faucet device 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross-section of the mounting base T1 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).
[0014] The faucet device 2 has a faucet 3 and a faucet mounting device 100. The faucet mounting device 100 is fixed to a mounting base T1. The mounting base T1 is the part where the faucet device 2 is mounted. The mounting base T1 has a mounting hole H1, and the faucet mounting device 100 is mounted in this mounting hole H1. In this embodiment, the mounting base T1 is the ceiling board of the kitchen. By fixing the faucet 3 to the faucet mounting device 100 fixed to the ceiling board T1, the faucet 3 is fixed to the ceiling board T1. Examples of the material of the mounting base T1 include stainless steel, resin (such as artificial marble), and ceramic. In this embodiment, the material of the ceiling board T1 is stainless steel. The faucet device 2 is used, for example, in a kitchen, a washstand, etc. The faucet device 2 is a single lever mixing faucet.
[0015] The faucet 3 has a faucet body 4 and a supply pipe 5. The supply pipe 5 is composed of a water supply pipe 6 and a hot water supply pipe 8. The faucet 3 does not have a water discharge pipe extending outside the faucet body 4. Also, the faucet 3 does not have a hose that is connected to the water discharge pipe and extends outside the faucet body 4 to send water to the spout portion 16. This hose is generally called a flexible hose. A flexible hose is an abbreviation of a flexible hose. As the flexible hose, a metal flexible metal hose is common. In a faucet having a flexible hose that extends connected to the water discharge pipe, the spout main portion 16a (described later) can be separated from the faucet and pulled out. The faucet 3 may have this flexible hose. The faucet 3 cannot separate the spout main portion 16a from the faucet 3 and pull out the flexible hose, and the spout main portion 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.
[0016] The faucet body 4 has a main body functional part 12, an operation part 14, a spout part 16, and an outer shell member 164. The supply pipe 5 is connected to the main body functional part 12. In this embodiment, the operation part 14 is a handle. The spout part 16 has a head part 20. The head part 20 has a switching operation part 22 and a discharge port 24. The outer shell member 164 will be described later. In this embodiment, the switching operation part 22 is a push button. A cartridge placement part 26 is provided inside the spout part 16 (see Fig. 4). A purified water cartridge (not shown in Fig. 4) is placed in the cartridge placement part 26. By operating the switching operation part 22, the flow path passing through the purified water cartridge and the flow path not passing through the purified water cartridge are switched. When it is switched to the flow path passing through the purified water cartridge, purified water is discharged. When it is switched to the flow path not passing through the purified water cartridge, raw water is discharged. Thus, the faucet body 4 of this embodiment has a purified / raw water switching function. The faucet body 4 may not have a purified / raw water switching function. The faucet body 4 may not have the switching operation part 22 and the cartridge placement part 26.
[0017] The discharge amount is adjusted by the up and down rotation of the handle 14. In this embodiment, the greater the handle 14 is moved upward, the greater the discharge amount. By the left and right rotation of the handle 14, the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water changes, and the temperature of the discharged water is adjusted. In this embodiment, by moving the handle 14 to the left, the temperature of the discharged water can be increased.
[0018] The main body functional unit 12 has a valve mechanism 28 and a casing member 171 (described later). The main body functional unit 12 performs discharge stop control and temperature control based on the movement of the handle 14. The valve mechanism 28 adjusts the discharge amount and the discharge water temperature. This valve mechanism 28 includes a movable valve body 30, a fixed valve body 32, and a lever 34. The handle 14 is fixed to the lever 34, and the lever 34 is interlocked with the handle 14. The lower end portion of the lever 34 is engaged with the movable valve body 30, and the movable valve body 30 is interlocked with the lever 34. The fixed valve body 32 has a hot water hole, a water hole, and a discharge hole 38. The movable valve body 30 has a hot and cold water mixing recess, and hot water and cold water are mixed in the movable valve body 30. The hot and cold water mixed by the movable valve body 30 flows through the discharge hole 38 to the discharge port 24. At the cross-sectional position of FIG. 4, the hot water hole and the water hole of the fixed valve body 32 are not shown, and the discharge hole 38 is shown. The water passing through the discharge hole 38 flows to the spout portion 16 without passing through the pedestal member 102 (described later), passes through the spout portion 16, and is discharged from the discharge port 24. Note that the faucet body 4 of the present embodiment does not have a water shape switching portion for switching the water shape discharged from the discharge port 24. The faucet body 4 may have this water shape switching portion. This water shape switching portion can switch the water shape to, for example, a shower water shape and a straight water shape.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet device 2 in which the spout main body 16a of the spout portion 16 is separated, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spout main body 16a. As shown in FIG. 5, the spout portion 16 can be disassembled into a spout main body 16a and a base portion 16b. The spout main body 16a has a connection portion 40 that is inserted into the base portion 16b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connection portion 40 inserted into the base portion 16b is fixed to the base portion 16b by a locking member 42. The locking member 42 is inserted into an insertion hole 44 provided in the base portion 16b and engages with a locking groove 46 (see FIG. 6) of the connection portion 40. The spout main body 16a is fixed to the base portion 16b by the engagement between the locking groove 46 of the connection portion 40 inserted into the base portion 16b and the locking member 42. As will be described later, the faucet device 2 (faucet 3) cannot separate the spout main body 16a from the faucet 3 while pulling out the flexible hose, and the spout main body 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.
[0020] Figs. 7(a) to (c) are perspective views of the faucet mounting device 100. The faucet mounting device 100 includes a pedestal member 102, a male screw 104 for fixing the pedestal member, a screw member 106, and a fixture 108. The material of the pedestal member 102 is metal. The faucet 3 is fixed to the pedestal member 102. The male screw 104 for fixing the pedestal member connects the pedestal member 102 and the fixture 108 and can adjust the distance between the pedestal member 102 and the fixture 108 by rotation. The screw member 106 is single. The screw member 106 is a male screw. The screw member 106 has a head 106a and a shaft portion 106b. A male screw is formed on the shaft portion 106b. The screw member 106 screws the faucet 3 to the pedestal member 102. The material of the screw member 106 is metal. The shape of the fixture 108 is C-shaped (U-shaped). The material of the fixture 108 is metal. The male screws 104 for fixing the pedestal member are two. The material of the male screws 104 for fixing the pedestal member is metal. The fixture 108, together with the pedestal member 102, clamps the mounting base T1.
[0021] The male screws 104 for fixing the pedestal member are plural (two). The male screws 104 for fixing the pedestal member are composed of a first male screw 104a and a second male screw 104b. A stopper 109 is attached to the tip of the first male screw 104a. An E-ring (E-shaped retaining ring) is adopted as the stopper 109.
[0022] Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of the pedestal member 102 as seen from obliquely above, Fig. 8(c) is a plan view of the pedestal member 102, and Figs. 8(d) and 8(e) are perspective views of the pedestal member 102 as seen from obliquely below. The pedestal member 102 has a female screw hole 110. A screw member 106 is screwed into the female screw hole 110. The pedestal member 102 has a base portion 112, a pedestal body 114, and a central through hole 116. The base portion 112 forms the bottom surface 118 of the pedestal member 102. The base portion 112 forms a flange at the bottom of the pedestal member 102. The outer diameter of the base portion 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the pedestal body 114. The pedestal body 114 forms the upper portion of the pedestal member 102. The pedestal body 114 has an outer peripheral surface 120. The female screw hole 110 is provided in the pedestal body 114. The lower end portion of the faucet body 4 is externally fitted to the pedestal body 114 (outer peripheral surface 120). The female screw hole 110 is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the pedestal body 114. The female screw hole 110 is located in the front. The central through hole 116 penetrates the base portion 112 and the pedestal body 114 in the vertical direction. A supply pipe 5 is passed through the central through hole 116.
[0023] In this embodiment, there is only one female screw hole 110 provided in the pedestal member 102. The pedestal member 102 may have a plurality of female screw holes 110. The female screw holes 110 may be provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the pedestal body 114. By providing a plurality of female screw holes 110, the pedestal member 102 can be made common among faucet devices having different relative positional relationships between the pedestal member 102 and the faucet body 4.
[0024] The pedestal member 102 has a screw insertion hole 122 through which the pedestal member fixing male screw 104 is inserted. The screw insertion hole 122 penetrates the pedestal member 102 in the vertical direction. The screw insertion hole 122 is composed of a first insertion hole 122a and a second insertion hole 122b. The first fixing male screw 104a is inserted into the first insertion hole 122a. The second fixing male screw 104b is inserted into the second insertion hole 122b.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (c), the fixture 108 has a first screw hole 124a and a second screw hole 124b. A first fixing male screw 104a is screwed into the first screw hole 124a. A second fixing male screw 104b is screwed into the second screw hole 124b.
[0026] The faucet mounting device 100 has a string 130. Stoppers 132 for preventing slipping through are provided at both ends of the string 130. The pedestal member 102 has a through hole 134 through which the string 130 passes. The through hole 134 is provided near the second insertion hole 122b. The fixture 108 has a through hole 136 through which the string 130 passes. The through hole 136 is provided near the second screw hole 124b.
[0027] The faucet mounting device 100 (faucet device 2) is of the upper surface construction type. The faucet mounting device 100 can be mounted on the mounting base (ceiling board) T1 from above the mounting base (ceiling board) T1.
[0028] In this embodiment, for example, the upper surface construction can be carried out as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the first male fixing screw 104a is passed through the first insertion hole 122a and screwed into the first screw hole 124a so that the pedestal member 102 and the fixture 108 are connected only by the first male fixing screw 104a. After the first male fixing screw 104a is screwed into the first screw hole 124a, a stopper 109 is attached to the tip of the first male fixing screw 104a. In this state, the fixture 108 is passed through the mounting hole H1 from above. At this time, the orientation of the fixture 108 is adjusted, such as tilting the fixture 108 by tilting the entire faucet mounting device 100 so that the fixture 108 can pass through the mounting hole H1. Next, the entire faucet mounting device 100 is lifted so that the fixture 108 that has reached the lower side of the top plate T1 becomes substantially horizontal, and the pedestal member 102 is made substantially horizontal. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the second male fixing screw 104b is passed through the second insertion hole 122b and the mounting hole H1 while being screwed into the second screw hole 124b. In this screwing, if the position of the second screw hole 124b is deviated from the position where it can be screwed with the second male fixing screw 104b, this deviation is adjusted from the upper side of the top plate T1. The faucet mounting device 100 is provided with an adjustment mechanism that enables this adjustment. This adjustment mechanism is a string 130. By pulling this string 130, the position of the second screw hole 124b can be adjusted from the upper side of the top plate T1. By this adjustment, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the second male fixing screw 104b can be screwed into the second screw hole 124b. Finally, the first male fixing screw 104a and the second male fixing screw 104b are tightened to sandwich the top plate T1 between the pedestal member 102 and the fixture 108. As a result, the faucet mounting device 100 is fixed to the top plate T1. The stopper 109 attached to the tip of the first male fixing screw 104a prevents the fixture 108 from falling off the first male fixing screw 104a during this construction.
[0029] Note that the faucet device 2 of the present disclosure does not have to be of the upper surface construction type, and may be of the lower surface construction type. A faucet mounting device having a pedestal member is suitable for upper surface construction. From this viewpoint, the faucet device 2 (faucet mounting device 100) is preferably of the upper surface construction type.
[0030] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the spout main body 16a of the faucet 3. The faucet 3 (spout main body 16a) includes a switching operation unit (button) 22, a button guide 23, a switching valve 140, a switching valve 141, a head cover 142, a lid member 143, a thrust lock mechanism unit 144, a head body 146, a head lower member 148, a water discharge unit 150, an inner cylinder member 152, an outer cylinder member 154, a fixing ring 156, and a mounting nut 158. The button guide 23 slidably holds the switching operation unit 22. The switching valve 140 includes a valve seat 140a, a valve body (ball) 140b, a coil spring 140c, and a ball holder 140d. The switching valve 140 constitutes a ball valve. The switching valve 141 includes a shaft body 141a, a seal member s1 attached to the shaft body 141a, an annular member 141b through which the shaft body 141a is inserted and which slidably supports the shaft body 141a, and a seal member s1 attached to the annular member 141b. By opening and closing the switching unit 140 and the switching valve 141, it is possible to switch whether the discharged water is purified water or raw water.
[0031] The thrust lock mechanism unit 144 includes a first switching plate 144a, a second switching plate 144b, a switching ring 144c, a switching shaft 144d, a coil spring 144e, and a first switching case 144f. The thrust lock mechanism unit 144 performs an alternate operation. Each time the switching operation unit 22 is pressed, the position of the switching operation unit 22 switches between a protruding position and a pushed-in position. The valve body (ball) 140b of the switching valve 140 and the shaft body 141a of the switching valve 141 are interlocked with the thrust lock mechanism unit 144. When the valve body 140b separates from and contacts the valve seat 140a, the switching valve 140 opens and closes. When the seal member s1 attached to the valve body 141a separates from and contacts the valve seat formed on the inner surface of the flow path, the switching valve 141 opens and closes. The raw water flow path is opened and closed by the switching valve 140. The purified water flow path is opened and closed by the switching valve 141. The on-off valve 140 and the on-off valve 141 are interlocked so that when the switching valve 140 opens, the switching valve 141 closes, and when the switching valve 140 closes, the switching valve 141 opens. Each time the switching operation unit 22 is pressed, the open state and the closed state of the switching valve 140 and the switching valve 141 are switched, and it is possible to switch whether the discharged water is purified water or raw water.
[0032] The head body 146 holds the thrust lock mechanism portion 144 and houses the switching valve 140 that interlocks with the thrust lock mechanism portion 144. The lid member 143 closes the accommodation space inside the head body 146 from above. Further, the head body 146 forms a raw water flow path and a purified water flow path that are switched by the switching valve 140. The head lower member 148 is watertightly attached to the head body 146. The head lower member 148 forms a common flow path that aggregates the raw water from the raw water flow path of the head body 146 and the purified water from the purified water flow path into one flow path. The water discharge unit 150 includes a water discharge unit body 150a, a rectifying member 150b, a rectifying net 150c, and a water discharge port forming member 150d. The rectifying member 150b, the rectifying net 150c, and the water discharge port forming member 150d are housed in the water discharge unit body 150a.
[0033] The head cover 142 constitutes the outer shell of the head portion 20. The head cover 142 has a cover main portion 142a and a branch portion 142b that branches and extends from the cover main portion 142a. The cover main portion 142a houses the head body 146 including the switching valve 140 and the head lower member 148. Further, the cover main portion 142a houses the thrust lock mechanism portion 144 and the button guide 23. A switching operation portion 22 is attached to the front end portion of the cover main portion 142a. The water discharge unit 150 is housed in the branch portion 142b.
[0034] The inner cylinder member 152 forms an internal space which is the cartridge placement portion 26. The front end portion of the inner cylinder member 152 is screwed to the head body 146. The outer cylinder member 154 is externally fitted to the inner cylinder member 152 and covers the outside of the inner cylinder member 152. In the present embodiment, the material of the inner cylinder member 152 is resin, and the material of the outer cylinder member 154 is resin. The surface of the outer cylinder member 154 is resin-plated. Of course, the materials of the inner cylinder member 152 and the outer cylinder member 154 are not limited. For example, the material of the outer cylinder member 154 may be metal, and the surface of the outer cylinder member 154 may be metal-plated. The mounting nut 158 is screwed to the rear end portion of the inner cylinder member 152. The mounting nut 158 constitutes the connection portion 40 described above. The fixing ring 156 presses the rear end portion of the outer cylinder member 154 from the outside (see FIG. 6). Each of the seal members s1 shown in FIG. 9 is provided to ensure a watertight state at various locations such as the connection sites between members.
[0035] In the above-described embodiment, the head lower member 148 is a separate member from the water discharge unit 150. The head lower member 148 is not housed in the branch portion 142b. The head lower member 148 is housed in the cover main portion 142a. Since the head lower member 148 is a separate member, the water discharge unit 150 is miniaturized. As a result, the branch portion 142b is miniaturized. The outer diameter of the branch portion 142b is small. As shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. 4, the end face 142d of the branch portion 142b is open downward. In a conventional faucet, there is a case where the water discharge unit extends to the position of the outer surface 142e of the branch portion 142b below the end face 142d. In this case, the water discharge unit forms a portion adjacent to the end face 142d, and a joint (gap) is formed between the portion and the end face 142d. Dirt was likely to accumulate in this joint (gap) exposed to the outside. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, in the faucet 3, the water discharge unit 150 is housed more inside than the end face 142d. Since there is no portion adjacent to the end face 142d, the joint (gap) is not formed. As a result, the joint (gap) where dirt is likely to accumulate is eliminated.
[0036] In the above-described embodiment, the button guide 23 has a button holding portion 23a that slidably holds the switching operation portion 22, and an extending portion 23b that extends rearward from the button holding portion 23a. The extending portions 23b are provided on the left and right sides respectively. The lower head member 148 has recesses m1 with which the extending portions 23b engage. The recesses m1 constitute grooves extending in the front-rear direction. The extending portions 23b are inserted into the recesses m1. The recesses m1 are provided on the left and right sides respectively, and the extending portions 23b are inserted into each of them. The water discharge unit 150 (the water discharge unit body 150a) has recesses m2 with which the extending portions 23b engage. The recesses m2 constitute grooves extending in the front-rear direction. The extending portions 23b are inserted into the recesses m2. The recesses m2 are provided on the left and right sides respectively, and the extending portions 23b are inserted into each of them.
[0037] In the assembly of the head unit 20, first, a head assembly 147 in which the lower head member 148 is assembled to the head body 146 is prepared (step 1). This head assembly 147 includes a switching valve 140 and a thrust lock mechanism portion 144. Next, this head assembly 147 is inserted into the cover main portion 142a of the head cover 142 (step 2). The head assembly 147 is inserted from the rear side of the cover main portion 142a. Next, the water discharge unit 150 is inserted into the branch portion 142b of the head cover 142 (step 3). Next, the button guide 23 is inserted into the cover main portion 142a (step 4). The button guide 23 is inserted from the front side of the cover main portion 142a. When the button guide 23 is inserted into the cover main portion 142a, the extending portions 23b are inserted into the recesses m1 and the recesses m2. By engaging the extending portions 23b with the recesses m1 and the recesses m2, fixation of the head assembly 147 (the lower head member 148) and the water discharge unit 150 is achieved. This assembly method is excellent in workability.
[0038] The lower head member 148 has a main body portion 148a and two arm portions 148b extending upward from the main body portion 148a. Each of the arm portions 148b has a first engaging portion e1. The first engaging portion e1 is provided on the inner surface of the arm portion 148b. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion e1 is a concave portion. On the other hand, the head body 146 has a second engaging portion e2 that engages with each of the first engaging portions e1. The second engaging portion e2 is provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the head body 146. In the present embodiment, the second engaging portion e2 is a convex portion. The engagement between the first engaging portion e1 and the second engaging portion e2 is achieved by a snap fit. That is, when the head body 146 is inserted between the two arm portions 148b, the snap fit is achieved by the elasticity of the arm portions 148b. In the head assembly 147, the temporary fixing of the lower head member 148 to the head body 146 is achieved by the engagement between the first engaging portion e1 and the second engaging portion e2. By this temporary fixing, in the above step 2, the lower head member 148 is prevented from coming off from the head body 146.
[0039] The mounting nut 158 has a female threaded portion 158a at its front end. The inner cylinder member 152 has a male threaded portion 152a at its rear end. The female threaded portion 158a is screwed onto the male threaded portion 152a. As shown in Fig. 6, the mounting nut 158 is screwed onto the male threaded portion 152a. The rear end portion 154a of the outer cylinder member 154 abuts against the mounting nut 158. The rear end portion 154a is clamped between the mounting nut 158 and the inner cylinder member 152. The outer cylinder member 154 has a forward-facing surface 154b. The forward-facing surface 154b is the front end surface of a rib 154c provided on the inner surface of the outer cylinder member 154 (see Fig. 9). The inner cylinder member 152 has a rearward-facing surface 152b. The rearward-facing surface 152b is the front end surface of a groove 152c provided on the outer surface of the inner cylinder member 152. As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 6, the forward-facing surface 154b abuts against the rearward-facing surface 152b. The abutment between the rear end portion 154a of the outer cylinder member 154 and the mounting nut 158 and the abutment between the forward-facing surface 154b and the rearward-facing surface 152b achieve abutment at two locations. These abutments suppress the play that can occur in the outer cylinder member 154. Note that the rib 154c of the outer cylinder member 154 fits into the groove 152c of the inner cylinder member 152. The engagement between the rib 154c and the groove 152c positions the outer cylinder member 154 in the circumferential and axial directions with respect to the inner cylinder member 152.
[0040] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the part of the faucet 3 excluding the spout main body 16a (referred to as the faucet part 3a). Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet part 3a. Fig. 12(a) is a perspective view of the lower casing member 188 as viewed obliquely from above, Fig. 12(b) is a front view of the lower casing member 188, and Figs. 12(c) and 12(d) are perspective views of the lower casing member 188 as viewed obliquely from below. The viewing angles of the lower casing member 188 are different between Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 10, and also different between Fig. 12(c) and Fig. 12(d).
[0041] The faucet part 3a (faucet 3) includes an operation part (handle) 14, an upper cover 160, a retaining member 162, an outer shell member 164, a spout-side water passage member 166, a valve fixing member 168, a valve assembly 170, and a casing member 171. The casing member 171 is composed of an upper casing member 172 and a lower casing member 188 (described later). The casing member 171, together with the valve assembly 170, constitutes the main body functional part 12. Note that the casing member 171 may be integrally formed as a whole, or may be composed of a plurality of members as in this embodiment.
[0042] The outer shell member 164 has an outer shell base 164a and an outer shell spout part 164b branching from the outer shell base 164a. The outer shell base 164a houses the main body functional part 12. The outer shell spout part 164b constitutes the outer shell of the root part 16b. Inside the outer shell spout part 164b, the spout-side water passage member 166 is fitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the spout-side water passage member 166 is connected to the connection part 40 of the spout main part 16a.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, the upper cover 160 is watertightly connected to the upper end part of the outer shell member 164 (outer shell base 164a). The upper cover 160 covers the gap between the outer shell member 164 and the handle 14 located above it. The upper cover 160 suppresses the intrusion of water into the main body functional part 12.
[0044] The valve assembly 170 includes the valve mechanism 28 described above. The valve assembly 170 constitutes a unit and is replaceable. The upper casing member 172 is attached inside the outer shell base 164a. The upper casing member 172 has a cylindrical part 172a that is open upward. The cylindrical part 172a forms an accommodation space for accommodating the valve assembly 170. In this accommodation space, the valve assembly 170 is accommodated. At the lower part of the upper casing member 172, a water passage connection part 172c is formed to supply hot water and water to the valve assembly 170 respectively, and to allow the hot water discharged from the valve assembly 170 to flow to the downstream side.
[0045] The valve fixing member 168 is an annular member. The valve fixing member 168 has a nut-shaped outer surface portion 168a and a male screw portion 168b formed on the outer peripheral surface below the nut-shaped outer surface portion 168a. The outer surface of the nut-shaped outer surface portion 168a has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. For this reason, the nut-shaped outer surface portion 168a can be easily rotated by a tool, hand, etc. The male screw portion 168b is screwed into a female screw portion 172b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the upper casing member 172 (cylindrical portion 172a). By screwing the valve fixing member 168 into the upper casing member 172, the valve fixing member 168 is displaced downward. The valve fixing member 168 presses the valve assembly 170 downward. The valve fixing member 168 fixes the valve assembly 170 to the upper casing member 172.
[0046] The faucet portion 3a (faucet 3) further has a discharge connection pipe 174, a supply pipe holding member 176, a water supply pipe 6, a hot water supply pipe 8, and a flange forming member 180. The flange forming member 180 is composed of a first flange forming member 181 attached to the water supply pipe 6 and a second flange forming member 182 attached to the hot water supply pipe 8. The discharge connection pipe 174 is connected to the water passage connection portion 172c and passes the water from the discharge hole 38 to the downstream side. The supply pipe holding member 176 holds the supply pipes 5 (water supply pipe 6 and hot water supply pipe 8) via the flange forming member 180. The supply pipe 5 is a copper pipe integrated blade hose. That is, the supply pipe 5 has a copper pipe portion 5a and a blade hose 5b. The blade hose 5b is attached to the upstream side of the copper pipe portion 5a. More specifically, the water supply pipe 6 has a copper pipe portion 6a and a blade hose 6b, and the hot water supply pipe 8 has a copper pipe portion 8a and a blade hose 8b.
[0047] The faucet part 3a (faucet 3) further includes a water passage pipe 184, a water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186, a lower casing member 188, a water passage pipe support member 190, and a lower cover 192. The water passage pipe 184 has a first pipe portion 184a that constitutes the upstream side of the water passage pipe 184 and a second pipe portion 184b that bends from the lower end portion of the first pipe portion 184a to constitute the downstream side of the water passage pipe 184. Further, the water passage pipe 184 has a rotation engagement portion 184c. The first pipe portion 184a extends in the vertical direction. The second pipe portion 184b forms a water passage that bends from the lower end portion of the first pipe portion 184a toward the spout portion 16. The first pipe portion 184a (the upper end of the water passage pipe 184) is directly or indirectly connected to the discharge connection pipe 174. In the present embodiment, the first pipe portion 184a is indirectly connected to the discharge connection pipe 174 via the lower casing member 188. The second pipe portion 184b is connected to the spout side water passage member 166.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, the lower casing member 188 is housed inside the outer shell base portion 164a. The lower casing member 188 holds the discharge connection pipe 174 and the water passage pipe 184. The lower casing member 188 is located below the upper casing member 172. The lower casing member 188 is directly or indirectly fixed to the upper casing member 172. In the present embodiment, the lower casing member 188 is indirectly fixed to the upper casing member 172 via the supply pipe holding member 176. As shown in FIG. 11, each of the upper casing member 172 and the lower casing member 188 is screwed to the supply pipe holding member 176.
[0049] The lower casing member 188 has a lower end portion 196 of the main body. In the present embodiment, the lower end portion 196 of the main body is the lower end portion of the faucet main body 4. The lower end portion 196 of the main body has an inner peripheral surface 194 facing the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The inner peripheral surface 194 defines an internal space into which the pedestal member 102 (pedestal main body 114) is inserted. The lower end portion 196 of the main body is externally fitted to the pedestal member 102 (pedestal main body 114). The lower end portion 196 of the main body has a lower end surface 197. The lower end surface 197 is the lower end surface of the casing member 171. The lower end surface 197 is the lower end surface of the lower casing member 188. The lower end surface 197 is in contact with the base portion 112 of the pedestal member 102. The lower end surface 197 is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112. The lower end portion 196 of the main body has a screw insertion hole 198 through which the screw member 106 is inserted. The screw insertion hole 198 is located in the front. The screw insertion hole 198 is provided at only one location in the circumferential direction.
[0050] The water pipe support member 190 is attached to the lower casing member 188 and is disposed below the water pipe 184. The water pipe support member 190 supports the water pipe 184 from below in a manner that does not inhibit the rotation (described later) of the water pipe 184. The lower cover 192 is an annular member.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and (b), the lower casing member 188 has a pipe support portion 200 and a support member mounting portion 202. The pipe support portion 200 constitutes a pipe extending in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the first pipe portion 184a (upper end portion) of the water pipe 184 is inserted into the pipe support portion 200. Also, the discharge connection pipe 174 (lower end portion) is inserted into the pipe support portion 200. Inside the pipe support portion 200, the discharge connection pipe 174 and the first pipe portion 184a are watertightly connected via the pipe support portion 200. The pipe support portion 200 constitutes a slide insertion portion into which the water pipe support member 190 is slide inserted.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 12(c) and (d), a protrusion t1 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions t1 are provided. No protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 facing the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. The protrusion t1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 11, the lower cover 192 covers the lower end portion 196 of the main body from the outside. The lower cover 192 has a window portion 192a for passing the screw member 106 and a cap 192b for closing the window portion 192a. The lower cover 192 constitutes an outer peripheral surface 192c flush with the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell base portion 164a of the outer shell member 164. The lower cover 192 covers the base portion 112 of the pedestal member 102 from the outside. The outer peripheral surface 192c reaches almost the lower end of the faucet body 4. The vertical distance between the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 192c and the upper surface (flat surface) of the mounting base T1 is 1 mm or less.
[0054] Each of the seal members s1 shown in FIG. 10 is provided to ensure a watertight state at various locations such as connection sites between members.
[0055] FIG. 13(a) is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly 210 in which a water pipe support member 190 and a water pipe 184 are attached to a lower casing member 188 and a water pipe rotation restricting member 186. FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view showing an assembly 212 in which the water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is attached to the assembly 210. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 11.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 13(b), the water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is externally fitted to the lower casing member 188 above the lower end portion 196 of the main body. The water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is an end-ring-shaped member. The water pipe rotation restricting member 186 has a first end portion 186a and a second end portion 186b formed by the interruption of its ring shape. The rotation engagement portion 184c of the water pipe 184 is located between the first end portion 186a and the second end portion 186b. The water pipe 184 and the water pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally.
[0057] As shown in Fig. 13(a), the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 has a convex portion 186c protruding toward its radially inner side and steps 186d formed on both sides of the convex portion 186c. On the other hand, the lower casing member 188 has a contact portion 214 at a position where it can contact the steps 186d. The contact portion 214 can also contact the end portions 186a and 186b of the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186. As shown in Fig. 14, when the lower casing member 188 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate relative to each other, the contact portion 214 moves between the steps 186d and the end portions 186a and 186b.
[0058] As shown in Fig. 10, the water passage pipe 184 has a downward protrusion 184d below the first pipe portion 184a. The downward protrusion 184d is located on the center line of the first pipe portion 184a. The water passage pipe support member 190 has a shaft support portion 190a that rotatably supports the downward protrusion 184d.
[0059] As shown in Fig. 14, the outer shell member 164 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 are engaged so as not to be relatively rotatable. The outer shell member 164 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally.
[0060] The outer casing member 164, the water flow pipe 184, and the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 are not fixedly non-rotatable relative to the lower casing member 188. The outer casing member 164, the water flow pipe 184, and the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 can rotate relative to the lower casing member 188. In the rotation of the water flow pipe 184 relative to the lower casing member 188, the first pipe portion 184a supported by the pipe support portion 200 serves as the rotation axis. On the other hand, as described above, the outer casing member 164 and the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally, and the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 and the water flow pipe 184 rotate integrally. That is, the outer casing member 164 and the water flow pipe 184 rotate integrally. In a state where the spout side water flow member 166 is not attached, the outer casing member 164 and the water flow pipe 184 rotate integrally. The water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 restricts the rotation of the water flow pipe 184 so that the water flow pipe 184 rotates integrally with the outer casing member 164.
[0061] There are restrictions on the rotation of the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 relative to the lower casing member 188. As described above, the angular range of this relative rotation is the range from the ends 186a, 186b to the step 186d. The relative rotation between the lower casing member 188 and the outer casing member 164 is also restricted to the same angular range. The relative rotation between the lower casing member 188 and the water flow pipe 184 is also restricted to the same angular range.
[0062] In the assembly of the faucet portion 3a (faucet body 4) of the faucet 3, the water flow pipe 184 and the water flow pipe support member 190 are attached to the lower casing member 188, and further the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 is attached to prepare an assembly 212 (see Fig. 13(b)) (step A). Next, the upper part of the assembly 212 (the part above the lower end portion 196 of the main body) is inserted into the outer casing base portion 164a of the outer casing member 164 (step B). Next, the spout side water flow member 166 is inserted into the outer casing spout portion 164b of the outer casing member 164, and the spout side water flow member 166 is connected to the second pipe portion 184b of the water flow pipe 184 (step C).
[0063] As described above, the water pipe 184 and the outer shell member 164 are non-rotatable relative to each other and rotate integrally. This integral rotation does not depend on the spout-side water passage member 166 fixed to the outer shell spout portion 164b. This integral rotation is achieved in the state where the spout-side water passage member 166 does not exist. Even when the outer shell member 164 is relatively rotated with respect to the lower casing member 188, the phase relationship between the outer shell member 164 and the water pipe 184 is always constant. Regardless of the rotation of the outer shell member 164, the second pipe portion 184b always faces the direction of the outer shell spout portion 164b. Therefore, in the above step C, when the spout-side water passage member 166 is inserted into the outer shell spout portion 164b, the spout-side water passage member 166 is surely connected to the second pipe portion 184b. In the above step C, the operation of adjusting the rotational position of the water pipe 184 so that the position of the second pipe portion 184b matches the insertion position of the spout-side water passage member 166 is unnecessary. As a result, the assembly workability of the faucet 3 is improved.
[0064] In the faucet 3, when replacing the valve assembly 170 or attaching a branch faucet, it is necessary to loosen or tighten the screw connection between the valve fixing member 168 and the upper casing member 172. At this time, the valve fixing member 168 is rotated while supporting the outer shell member 164 with a hand or the like so that the outer shell member 164 does not rotate. However, when the upper casing member 172 (casing member 171) is freely rotatable with respect to the outer shell member 164, the valve fixing member 168 rotates idly even when the valve fixing member 168 is rotated, and it becomes difficult to loosen or tighten the screw connection of the valve fixing member 168. By restricting the rotation of the outer shell member 164 with respect to the casing member 171 (lower casing member 188) within a predetermined angle range, the above-mentioned idling rotation is prevented, and the screw connection of the valve fixing member 168 can be loosened or tightened.
[0065] FIG. 15 is a side view of the faucet device 2, with a partial cross-section shown. In FIG. 15, an enlarged view within the circle including the cross-sectional part is appended. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end portion 196 of the main body in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view by a plane perpendicular to the center line of the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. FIGS. 18 and 19 are the same cross-sectional views as FIG. 17. In order to avoid the symbols and auxiliary lines being mixed and difficult to view, FIGS. 18 and 19 are provided in addition to FIG. 17.
[0066] The screw insertion hole 198 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body has a contact surface 198a against which the head 106a of the screw member 106 abuts. The contact surface 198a receives the axial force generated when the screw member 106 is fastened. In the present embodiment, the screw member 106 is a countersunk screw, and the contact surface 198a constitutes a countersunk hole. As the screw member 106, various known screw members can be used. Note that a toothed washer may be disposed between the head 106a and the contact surface 198a. This toothed washer suppresses the loosening of the screw member 106.
[0067] As described above, the protrusion t1 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. In the present embodiment, a plurality (seven) of protrusions t1 are provided. Each of the protrusions t1 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 (pedestal main body 114).
[0068] Referring to FIG. 17, based on the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 194, the inner peripheral surface 194 is partitioned into a first semi-circular region R1 and a second semi-circular region R2. The first semi-circular region R1 is the semi-circular portion on the side opposite to the screw member 106 (screw insertion hole 198). The second semi-circular region R2 is the remaining semi-circular portion. In other words, the second semi-circular region R2 is the semi-circular portion excluding the first semi-circular region R1.
[0069] In this specification, the circumferential position of the inner peripheral surface 194 is indicated by an angle with the position of the center of the screw insertion hole 198 as a reference (0 degrees). This angle increases clockwise when viewed from above. The first semi-circular region R1 is the region from 90 degrees to 270 degrees. What is indicated by reference numeral C1 in FIG. 17 is the center of the inner peripheral surface 194.
[0070] All the protrusions t1 are provided in the first half - circumference region R1. In the second half - circumference region R2, no protrusion t1 is provided. Note that the position of the protrusion t1 is determined by the circumferential center tc of the protrusion t1. The circumferential center tc is the position that bisects the protrusion t1 in the circumferential range of the inner circumferential surface 194 (see FIG. 17). Therefore, "all the protrusions t1 are provided in the first half - circumference region R1" means that the circumferential centers tc of all the protrusions t1 are provided in the first half - circumference region R1.
[0071] All the protrusions t1 are arranged in a region narrower than the first half - circumference region R1. As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, all the protrusions t1 are arranged in the region from [90 + X] degrees to [270 - Y] degrees. In the present embodiment, X is 6 degrees and Y is 6 degrees. At the positions of 90 degrees and 270 degrees, no clearance due to eccentricity (described later) substantially occurs. Providing the protrusions t1 at these positions and their vicinity is not effective and can increase the sliding resistance when inserting the pedestal member 102 into the lower end portion 196 of the main body. From this viewpoint, X can be 1 degree or more and 15 degrees or less, and Y can be 1 degree or more and 15 degrees or less.
[0072] In the present embodiment, the protrusion t1 is arranged at a position directly opposite to the screw member 106 (the 180 - degree position). At this position, the clearance due to eccentricity is likely to be large, and the arrangement of the protrusion t1 can be effective. From this viewpoint, at least one protrusion t1 may be arranged at the position from 165 degrees to 195 degrees.
[0073] The protrusions t1 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the protrusions t1 are arranged at the positions of [90 + X] degrees, [270 - Y] degrees, and [N - 1] positions that divide the circumferential direction between these two positions into N equal parts. However, N is an integer of 2 or more. In the present embodiment, N is 6, and the number of protrusions t1 is 7. In this case, the number of protrusions t1 is [N + 1]. As shown in FIG. 16, in the circumferential region from [90 + X] degrees to [270 - Y] degrees, the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 is in contact with the protrusions t1 and not in contact with the inner peripheral surface 194. In the second half - circumferential region R2, the outer peripheral surface 120 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 194.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 12(c) and (d), the protrusions t1 extend along the axial direction. This axial direction is the direction of the center line of the inner peripheral surface 194. The protrusions t1 may extend along a direction other than the axial direction.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 17, the tip of the protrusion t1 has an R - shape. The R - shape is a shape having a roundness in a cross - section in a certain direction. The R - shape of the present embodiment is a shape having a roundness in a cross - section perpendicular to the axial direction. In the case of the R - shape, the contact between the protrusion t1 and the mating surface can be a line contact. The R - shape may be a cylindrical shape with a constant radius of curvature, or a shape in which a plurality of arcs having different radii of curvature are smoothly continuous. The tip of the protrusion t1 may have an SR - shape. The SR - shape is a shape having a roundness in cross - sections in a plurality of directions. The SR - shape may be a spherical shape with a constant radius, or a shape in which a plurality of spheres having different radii are smoothly continuous. In the case of the SR - shape, the contact between the protrusion t1 and the mating surface can be a point contact. The R - shape and the SR - shape are convex formed by curved surfaces.
[0076] Note that the shape of the tip of the protrusion t1 may be neither an R - shape nor an SR - shape. For example, the shape of the protrusion t1 may be a shape along the mating surface (the outer peripheral surface 120 or the inner peripheral surface 194). In this case, the contact between the protrusion t1 and the mating surface can be a surface contact.
[0077] As shown in Fig. 18, at least one protrusion t1 is provided in each region when the first half - circumference region R1 is divided into three equal parts in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, two or more and three or less protrusions t1 are provided in each region when divided into three equal parts. As shown in Fig. 19, at least one protrusion t1 is provided in each region when the first half - circumference region R1 is divided into seven equal parts in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, one protrusion t1 is provided in each region when divided into seven equal parts.
[0078] Fig. 20 is a cross - sectional view of the faucet device 2A of the second embodiment. This cross - sectional view is a cross - sectional view at the same position as Fig. 16 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 20, the same or corresponding members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0079] In the above - described first embodiment, the protrusion t1 is provided on the side of the faucet body 4 and not on the side of the pedestal member 102. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the protrusion t1 is provided on the side of the pedestal member 102 and not on the side of the faucet body 4. Except for the arrangement of the protrusion t1, the faucet device 2A of the second embodiment is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.
[0080] The protrusion t1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The protrusion t1 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. The protrusion t1 is not provided on the inner peripheral surface 194. All the protrusions t1 are provided in the first half - circumference region R1 of the outer peripheral surface 120. No protrusion is provided in the second half - circumference region R2 (the circumferential region other than the first half - circumference region R1) of the outer peripheral surface 120. The position and number of the protrusions t1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, in the circumferential region from [90 + X] degrees to [270 - Y] degrees described above, the inner peripheral surface 194 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body is in contact with the protrusion t1 and not in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120. In the second half - circumference region R2, the inner peripheral surface 194 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120. Thus, the protrusion t1 may be provided on the side of the pedestal member 102. Note that the first half - circumference region R1 and the second half - circumference region R2 of the outer peripheral surface 120 can be defined based on the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 120.
[0081] As described below, from the viewpoint of moldability, it is preferable that the protrusion t1 is provided on a resin member. When the pedestal member 102 has a female screw hole 110, from the viewpoint of durability against the axial force acting on the female screw portion, the material of the male screw portion of the pedestal member 102 is preferably metal. From this viewpoint, it is an example of a preferred embodiment that the pedestal member 102 is made of metal, the faucet body 4 side (the lower end portion 196 of the main body) is made of resin, and the protrusion t1 is provided on the lower end portion 196 of the main body.
[0082] The above-described protrusion t1 enhances the fixability of the faucet body to the pedestal member. The protrusion t1 exhibits the following effects.
[0083] When the faucet body is externally fitted to the pedestal member to fix the faucet body, there is a configuration in which a screw hole is provided on the faucet body side. In this configuration, the abutting surface of the pedestal member is pressed by a screw member fastened to this screw hole. In this case, if the tip of the screw member and the abutting surface of the pedestal member are not accurately the same shape, play of the faucet body may occur. Also in this case, since the area of the abutting surface is small, the screw member may loosen due to repeated impacts or the like, and play of the faucet body may occur.
[0084] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-148154), a screw hole is provided on the pedestal member side. The faucet body is attached to and detached from the pedestal member, but in order to enable this attachment and detachment, a clearance is required between the two. When the screw member is tightened, the faucet body is pulled toward the pedestal member at the position of this screw member and adheres to the pedestal member. As a result, the clearance concentrates on the opposite side of the screw member, and eccentricity occurs between the faucet body and the pedestal member. In this eccentricity, the center of the pedestal member is closer to the screw member side with respect to the center of the faucet body. Due to this eccentricity, a large clearance is generated on the side opposite to the screw member, and play may occur in the faucet body that is in a form like point support by the screw member.
[0085] In the above Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-90128), a ring-shaped packing for sealing between the adapter body (base member) and the faucet body is provided. Although this ring-shaped packing can fill the clearance, since it is a packing, it cannot eliminate the play caused by the clearance. In addition, there is a problem that due to the deteriorated packing, the faucet body adheres to the base member, making it difficult to remove the faucet body from the base member.
[0086] In the above embodiment, since the protrusion t1 is provided in the first half-circumference region R1 on the side opposite to the screw member 106, the clearance generated on the opposite side of the screw member can be suppressed. As a result, the play of the faucet body can be suppressed. The protrusion t1 is not provided in the second half-circumference region R2 close to the screw member 106. Therefore, stable surface contact occurs in the second half-circumference region R2. Also in this regard, the play of the faucet body 4 can be suppressed.
[0087] The protrusion t1 has a small contact area and can be easily deformed compared to the surface (inner circumferential surface or outer circumferential surface) without protrusions. Also, due to the protrusion t1, the contact area becomes small. Therefore, the sliding resistance when attaching and detaching the faucet body 4 to and from the base member 102 can be reduced. By providing the protrusion t1, the ease of attachment and detachment can be ensured while the play of the faucet body 4 can be suppressed.
[0088] The protrusion t1 can be deformed under a high contact surface pressure caused by a small contact area. This deformation is elastic deformation or plastic deformation. This plastic deformation includes a state in which the protrusion t1 is at least partially crushed. This deformation helps to appropriately suppress the clearance while reducing the above sliding resistance during attachment and detachment. Also, the protrusion t1 can absorb the variation in clearance due to dimensional errors by deforming.
[0089] By making the tip of the protrusion t1 an R shape or an SR shape, the contact area of the protrusion t1 becomes smaller. In this case, the contact of the protrusion t1 can be substantially a line contact or a point contact. By making the tip of the protrusion t1 an R shape or an SR shape, the sliding resistance when attaching and detaching the faucet body 4 to and from the pedestal member 102 can be further reduced. Also, the tip portion having this R shape or SR shape is easily deformed, and from this viewpoint as well, the sliding resistance can be reduced.
[0090] By extending the protrusion t1 in the axial direction, the sliding resistance in the axial direction can be reduced when attaching and detaching the faucet body to and from the pedestal member. The sliding when attaching and detaching the faucet body 4 to and from the pedestal member 102 is in the axial direction.
[0091] By dispersing and arranging the protrusions t1 in the circumferential direction, the faucet body 4 can be stably supported. Therefore, the wobbling of the faucet body 4 can be effectively suppressed. From this viewpoint, at least one protrusion t1 can be provided in each region when the first half - circumference region R1 is equally divided into three in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the above - described embodiment satisfies this requirement. Also, at least one protrusion t1 can be provided in each region when the first half - circumference region R1 is equally divided into seven in the circumferential direction. The above - described embodiment satisfies this requirement. Also, the protrusions t1 can be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The above - described embodiment satisfies this requirement.
[0092] By increasing the distance between the protrusions t1, even when variations in shape occur in the pedestal member 102 or the lower end portion 196 of the main body, the protrusions t1 can be easily deformed and the above - described attachment and detachment can be made possible. From this viewpoint as well, the protrusions t1 are preferably arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction and can be arranged, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
[0093] The number of the protrusions t1 is not limited. This number can vary depending on, for example, the diameters of the pedestal member 102 (outer peripheral surface 120) and the lower end portion 196 of the main body (inner peripheral surface 194), the insertion length of the pedestal member 102 into the lower end portion 196 of the main body, and the like. There may be one protrusion t1. From the viewpoint of the stability of the fixing of the faucet body 4, the number of the protrusions t1 can be, for example, 2 or more, further 3 or more, and further 4 or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing the sliding resistance when attaching and detaching the faucet body 4, the number of the protrusions t1 can be, for example, 20 or less, further 15 or less, and further 10 or less.
[0094] The width of the protrusion t1 is not limited. From the viewpoint of suppressing the sliding resistance when attaching and detaching the faucet body 4, the circumferential width of the protrusion t1 can be, for example, 5 mm or less, further 4 mm or less, and further 3 mm or less. From the viewpoint of the stability of the fixing of the faucet body 4, the circumferential width of the protrusion t1 can be, for example, 0.5 mm or more, further 0.7 mm or more, further 1 mm or more, and further 2 mm or more. The circumferential width of the protrusion t1 is measured along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 194.
[0095] In FIG. 18, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow H is the height of the protrusion t1. The height H of the protrusion t1 is not limited. The height H of the protrusion t1 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the dimensional errors between the faucet body 4 and the pedestal member 102 and the deformability of the protrusion t1 due to its shape and material. Therefore, although the height H of the protrusion t1 cannot be generally stated, considering the situation in the above embodiment, for example, the following numerical ranges are preferable. From the viewpoint of the deformability of the protrusion t1 and the adaptability to dimensional errors, the height H of the protrusion t1 can be 0.1 mm or more, further 0.2 mm or more, and further 0.3 mm or more. Considering the dimensional errors, the sliding resistance, etc., the height of the protrusion t1 can be 1.0 mm or less, further 0.9 mm or less, and further 0.8 mm or less. The height of the protrusion t1 is measured along the radial direction of the inner peripheral surface 194. Among the plurality of protrusions t1, the height of the protrusion t1 may be constant or different. When the heights are different, for example, the height of the protrusion t1 may increase as it approaches the position directly opposite to the screw member 106 (180-degree position).
[0096] The length (axial length) of the protrusion t1 is not limited. The length of the protrusion t1 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the axial height of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the pedestal member 102, and the deformability of the protrusion t1. Therefore, although the length of the protrusion t1 cannot be generally stated, considering the situation in the above-described embodiment, for example, the following numerical ranges are preferable. From the viewpoint of the stability of the fixing of the faucet body 4, the length of the protrusion t1 can be 6 mm or more, further 8 mm or more, and further 10 mm or more. Due to the restriction by the axial height of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the pedestal member 102, the length of the protrusion t1 can be 15 mm or less, further 14 mm or less, and further 13 mm or less. The length of the protrusion t1 is measured along the axial direction.
[0097] FIG. 21 is a side view of the faucet device 2B according to the third embodiment, with a part shown in cross section. This FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line F22 in FIG. 21. In this third embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0098] In the faucet device 2B, the lower end portion 196 of the main body has a tapered surface 220 on its inner peripheral side. Since the tapered surface 220 is provided on the lower end portion 196 of the main body, it is also referred to as the main body tapered surface 220. The main body tapered surface 220 is provided at the lower end portion of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. The main body tapered surface 220 is a conical surface as a whole. The main body tapered surface 220 expands in diameter as it goes downward. Due to the presence of the main body tapered surface 220, a seal arrangement space 222 is formed. The seal arrangement space 222 is a gap between the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the pedestal member 102. The seal arrangement space 222 is annular as a whole. A seal member s2 is arranged in the seal arrangement space 222. The seal member s2 is annular as a whole. Except for the configuration described above, the faucet device 2B is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.
[0099] In this embodiment, the taper ratio of the main body taper surface 220 is constant. In other words, the angle (tilt angle) of the main body taper surface 220 with respect to the axial direction is constant. The taper ratio of the main body taper surface 220 may vary.
[0100] From the perspective of sealing performance, the angle of the main body taper surface 220 with respect to the axial direction is preferably 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and more preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the angle of the main body taper surface 220 with respect to the axial direction is 45 degrees.
[0101] The seal arrangement space 222 includes a tapered space 224 formed between the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 (pedestal main body 114) and the main body taper surface 220. The tapered space 224 is annular as a whole. The tapered space 224 is a radial gap between the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 and the main body taper surface 220. The radial width of the tapered space 224 increases as it goes downward. In this embodiment, the entire seal arrangement space 222 is the tapered space 224. The tapered space 224 may be a part of the seal arrangement space 222. For example, the seal arrangement space 222 may include a space with a constant radial width. This space with a constant radial width may be formed continuously above the tapered space 224 or continuously below the tapered space 224 in connection with the tapered space 224.
[0102] The upper end 220a of the main body taper surface 220 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The lower end 220b of the main body taper surface 220 is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base 112. The main body taper surface 220 is formed in a chamfered shape on the inner peripheral side of the lower edge of the main body lower end portion 196. Due to the formation of the main body taper surface 220, a part of the lower end surface 197 has disappeared. The lower end surface 197 is located radially outside the seal arrangement space 222. The lower end surface 197 of this main body lower end portion 196 is in contact with the base 112. The lower end surface 197 of this main body lower end portion 196 is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base 112 from above.
[0103] In this embodiment, the lower end 220b of the main body tapered surface 220 is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the lower end 220b of the main body tapered surface 220 may terminate above the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112, and a vertical surface along the axial direction may be formed from there to the upper surface 113.
[0104] In this embodiment, the upper end 220a of the main body tapered surface 220 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the upper end 220a of the main body tapered surface 220 may terminate radially outside the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102, and a horizontal surface along the radial direction may be formed from there to the outer peripheral surface 120.
[0105] The seal member s2 is disposed in the seal arrangement space 222 while being crushed. The seal member s2 in its natural state does not have a tapered surface corresponding to the main body tapered surface 220. In the state of being disposed in the seal arrangement space 222, the cross-sectional shape of the seal member s2 is deformed from the shape in its natural state. The natural state is a state where the seal member s2 is placed alone on a horizontal plane. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the wall surface defining the seal arrangement space 222. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the main body tapered surface 220. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102.
[0106] FIG. 23 is a side view of the faucet device 2C according to the fourth embodiment, with a part shown in cross section. This FIG. 23 corresponds to FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line F24 in FIG. 23. In this fourth embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0107] In the faucet device 2C, the pedestal member 102 has a tapered surface 226. Since the tapered surface 226 is provided on the pedestal member 102, it is also referred to as the pedestal tapered surface 226. The pedestal tapered surface 226 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The pedestal tapered surface 226 is provided at the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface 120. The pedestal tapered surface 226 is a conical surface as a whole. The pedestal tapered surface 226 expands in diameter as it goes downward.
[0108] In the present embodiment, the taper ratio of the pedestal tapered surface 226 is constant. In other words, the angle (inclination angle) of the pedestal tapered surface 226 with respect to the axial direction is constant. The taper ratio of the pedestal tapered surface 226 may vary.
[0109] From the viewpoint of sealing performance, the angle of the pedestal tapered surface 226 with respect to the axial direction is preferably 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and more preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. In the present embodiment, the angle of the pedestal tapered surface 226 with respect to the axial direction is 45 degrees.
[0110] In the faucet device 2C, the lower end portion 196 of the main body has a separation surface 228 formed so as to be separated from the pedestal tapered surface 226. Since the separation surface 228 is provided on the lower end portion 196 of the main body, it is also referred to as the main body separation surface 228. The main body separation surface 228 is formed by removing the lower end portion on the inner peripheral side of the lower end portion 196 of the main body. The main body separation surface 228 forms a radial gap with the pedestal tapered surface 226. The main body separation surface 228 has a vertical surface 228a and a horizontal surface 228b. The vertical surface 228a extends along the axial direction. As a whole, the vertical surface 228a is a cylindrical surface. The horizontal surface 228b extends along the radial direction. As a whole, the horizontal surface 228b is an annular flat surface. A radial gap is formed between the vertical surface 228a and the pedestal tapered surface 226. The horizontal surface 228b extends from the upper end of the vertical surface 228a to the outer peripheral surface 120. The horizontal surface 228b defines the upper side of a seal arrangement space 230 (described later).
[0111] Note that the orientations of the vertical surface 228a and the horizontal surface 228b are not limited. The vertical surface 228a may be inclined with respect to the axial direction. The horizontal surface 228b may be inclined with respect to the radial direction. Also, the body separation surface 228 may not be divided into the vertical surface 228a and the horizontal surface 228b. For example, the entire body separation surface 228 may be a concave curved surface.
[0112] Due to the existence of the body separation surface 228, a seal arrangement space 230 is formed. The seal arrangement space 230 is a gap between the lower end portion 196 of the body and the pedestal member 102. The seal arrangement space 230 is annular as a whole. A seal member s2 is arranged in the seal arrangement space 230. Except for the configuration described above, the faucet device 2C is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.
[0113] The seal arrangement space 230 includes an inverted taper space 232 formed between the body separation surface 228 (vertical surface 228a) and the pedestal taper surface 226. The inverted taper space 232 is annular as a whole. The inverted taper space 232 is a radial gap between the body separation surface 228 (vertical surface 228a) and the pedestal taper surface 226. The radial width of the inverted taper space 232 becomes smaller as it goes downward. Since this change in the radial width is opposite to the taper space 224 described above, it is called the inverted taper space 232. In this embodiment, the entire seal arrangement space 230 is the inverted taper space 232. The inverted taper space 232 may be a part of the seal arrangement space 230. For example, the seal arrangement space 230 may include a space with a constant radial width. This space with a constant radial width may be continuous above the inverted taper space 232 or may be continuous below the inverted taper space 232.
[0114] The upper end 226a of the pedestal tapered surface 226 intersects the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The lower end 226b of the pedestal tapered surface 226 intersects the upper surface 113 of the base 112. The pedestal tapered surface 226 is formed in a shape that fills the corner where the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102 and the upper surface 113 of the base 112 intersect. Due to the formation of the main body separation surface 228, a part of the lower end surface 197 has disappeared. The lower end surface 197 is located radially outside the seal arrangement space 230. The lower end surface 197 of this lower end portion 196 of the main body is in contact with the base 112. The lower end surface 197 of this lower end portion 196 of the main body is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base 112 from above.
[0115] In this embodiment, the lower end 226b of the pedestal tapered surface 226 is in contact with the lower end 228c of the vertical surface 228a, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The lower end 228c of the vertical surface 228a may be in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base 112 radially outside the lower end 226b of the pedestal tapered surface 226. The lower end 228c of the vertical surface 228a may be in contact with the pedestal tapered surface 226 radially inside the lower end 226b of the pedestal tapered surface 226.
[0116] In this embodiment, the upper end 226a of the pedestal tapered surface 226 is in contact with the inner edge 228d of the horizontal surface 228b, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The inner edge 228d of the horizontal surface 228b may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120 above the upper end 226a of the pedestal tapered surface 226. The inner edge 228d of the horizontal surface 228b may be in contact with the pedestal tapered surface 226 below the upper end 226a of the pedestal tapered surface 226.
[0117] The seal member s2 is disposed in the seal arrangement space 230 while being crushed. The seal member s2 in its natural state does not have a tapered surface corresponding to the pedestal tapered surface 226. In the state of being disposed in the seal arrangement space 230, the cross-sectional shape of the seal member s2 is deformed from the shape in its natural state. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the wall surface defining the seal arrangement space 230. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the pedestal tapered surface 226. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the main body separation surface 228. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the vertical surface 228a and the horizontal surface 228b.
[0118] FIG. 25 is a side view of the faucet device 2D of the fifth embodiment, with a part shown in cross section. This FIG. 25 corresponds to FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line F26 in FIG. 25. In this fifth embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0119] In the faucet device 2D, the pedestal member 102 and the lower end portion 196 of the main body do not have a tapered surface. In this embodiment, the lower end portion 196 of the main body has a separation surface 234 formed so as to be separated from the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. Since the separation surface 234 is provided at the lower end portion 196 of the main body, it is also referred to as the main body separation surface 234. The main body separation surface 234 forms a radial gap between it and the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The main body separation surface 234 has a vertical surface 234a and a horizontal surface 234b. The vertical surface 234a extends along the axial direction. As a whole, the vertical surface 234a is a cylindrical surface. The horizontal surface 234b extends along the radial direction. As a whole, the horizontal surface 234b is an annular flat surface. A radial gap is formed between the vertical surface 234a and the outer peripheral surface 120. The horizontal surface 234b extends from the upper end of the vertical surface 234a to the outer peripheral surface 120. The horizontal surface 234b defines the upper side of the seal arrangement space 236 (described later).
[0120] Due to the existence of the body separation surface 234, a seal arrangement space 236 is formed. The seal arrangement space 236 is a gap between the lower end portion 196 of the body and the pedestal member 102. The seal arrangement space 236 is annular as a whole. A seal member s2 is arranged in the seal arrangement space 236. Except for the configuration described above, the faucet device 2D is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.
[0121] The seal arrangement space 236 is a space with a constant radial width. Due to the formation of the body separation surface 234, a part of the lower end surface 197 has disappeared. The lower end surface 197 is located radially outside the seal arrangement space 236. The lower end surface 197 of this lower end portion 196 of the body is in contact with the base portion 112. The lower end surface 197 of this lower end portion 196 of the body is in contact with the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112 from above.
[0122] The seal member s2 is in close contact with the wall surface defining the seal arrangement space 236. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 120 of the pedestal member 102. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the upper surface 113 of the base portion 112. The seal member s2 is in close contact with the vertical surface 234a and in close contact with the horizontal surface 234b. As will be described later, the seal member s2 can be a flat packing s23.
[0123] Fig. 27(a) is a plan view of an O-ring s21 which is an example of the seal member s2, and Fig. 27(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 27(a). The O-ring s21 is annular as a whole. In the natural state, the cross-sectional shape of the O-ring s21 is circular.
[0124] Fig. 27(c) is a plan view of a U-packing s22 which is another example of the seal member s2, and Fig. 27(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of Fig. 27(c). The U-packing s22 is annular as a whole. In the natural state, the cross-sectional shape of the U-packing s22 is U-shaped.
[0125] FIG. 27(e) is a plan view of a flat packing s23 which is another example of the seal member s2, and FIG. 27(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 27(e). The flat packing s23 is annular as a whole. In the natural state, the cross-sectional shape of the flat packing s23 is a quadrilateral.
[0126] For example, the O-ring s21, the U-packing s22, and the flat packing s23 can be used in the seal arrangement space 222 (FIG. 22) having the tapered space 224. In addition to these, for example, a V-packing can be used in the seal arrangement space 222. As long as it is an annular packing, it can be used regardless of its cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the O-ring s21, the U-packing s22, and the flat packing s23 can be used in the seal arrangement space 230 (FIG. 24) having the reverse tapered space 232. In addition to these, for example, a V-packing can be used in the seal arrangement space 230. As long as it is an annular packing, it can be used regardless of its cross-sectional shape. On the other hand, the flat packing s23 can be preferably used in the seal arrangement space 236 (FIG. 26) having no tapered space.
[0127] In the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, by providing the seal member s2 between the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the pedestal member 102, the intrusion of water from the outside is suppressed.
[0128] Furthermore, in the third embodiment (FIG. 22) having the main body tapered surface 220 and the fourth embodiment (FIG. 24) having the pedestal tapered surface 226, excellent effects are achieved as compared with the fifth embodiment (FIG. 26) having no tapered surface.
[0129] In the faucet device 2D (FIG. 26) of the fifth embodiment, the seal arrangement space 236 has a flat shape, and from the viewpoint of sealing performance, the flat packing s23 is preferably used. In this faucet device 2D, it has been found that the positional relationship between the pedestal member 102 and the lower end portion 196 (faucet body 4) of the main body is likely to depend on the flat packing s23. That is, when using the flat packing s23 having dimensions sufficient to ensure sealing performance, it has been found that due to the elasticity of this packing, the positional relationship in the vertical direction between the pedestal member 102 and the faucet body 4 is likely to fluctuate. For this reason, high accuracy is required for the dimensions of the seal arrangement space 236, that is, the dimensions of the main body separation surface 234, and there may arise a problem that the design freedom of the lower end portion 196 of the main body is restricted. Also, a positional deviation may occur between the screw insertion hole 198 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the female screw hole 110 of the pedestal member 102. Further, due to the elasticity of the packing, the lower end surface 197 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body is less likely to come into contact with the base portion 112, and the faucet body 4 is likely to rattle.
[0130] In contrast, in the third embodiment (Fig. 22) having the main body tapered surface 220 and the fourth embodiment (Fig. 24) having the pedestal tapered surface 226, the above problems in the fifth embodiment are suppressed. In the seal arrangement space 222 (Fig. 22), since the tapered space 224 is provided, the seal member s2 can escape radially inward due to deformation. In the seal arrangement space 230 (Fig. 24), since the reverse tapered space 232 is provided, the seal member s2 can escape radially outward due to deformation. Therefore, in these embodiments, the positional relationship between the pedestal member 102 and the faucet body 4 becomes less dependent on the seal member s2. As a result, while ensuring the close contact between the seal member s2 and both members (the pedestal member 102 and the lower end portion 196 of the main body), the certainty of the contact between the lower end surface 197 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the base portion 112 can be enhanced. Thus, the displacement between the screw insertion hole 198 and the female screw hole 110 is suppressed, the workability is improved, and the looseness of the faucet body 4 is suppressed. Also, the intrusion of water from the outside can be prevented in two steps: the contact between the lower end surface 197 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the base portion 112, and the sealing by the seal member s2. Furthermore, the contact between the lower end surface 197 of the lower end portion 196 of the main body and the base portion 112 can suppress the reach of detergents, etc. to the seal member s2, and the deterioration of the seal member s2 can be suppressed.
[0131] Examples of the material of the seal member s2 (packing) include, but are not limited to, rubber and resin. For example, fluororubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), NBR (nitrile rubber), FKM, and fluororesins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are exemplified. Also, a foamed packing may be used as the seal member s2. The foamed packing is formed of a foam (foamed resin or foamed rubber). Examples of the material of this foam include polyethylene (PE). The packing formed of foamed polyethylene is also referred to as PE packing. From the viewpoint of suppressing the adhesion of the seal member s2, PE packing is preferable.
[0132] Examples of the material of the pedestal member 102 (pedestal body 114) include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, brass is preferred. As the resin, from the viewpoint of easy molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred. Among thermoplastic resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred. From the viewpoint of strength, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyamide (PA) are more preferred. Further, from the viewpoint of strength, the resin may be a fiber-reinforced resin. In this case, examples of the fiber for reinforcing the resin include glass fiber and carbon fiber.
[0133] Examples of the material of the faucet body 4 (body lower end portion 196) include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, brass is preferred. As the resin, from the viewpoint of easy molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred. Among thermoplastic resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred. From the viewpoint of strength, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyamide (PA) are more preferred. Further, from the viewpoint of strength, the resin may be a fiber-reinforced resin. In this case, examples of the fiber for reinforcing the resin include glass fiber and carbon fiber.
[0134] From the viewpoint of moldability of a complex shape, the material of the member on the side where the protrusion t1 is provided is preferably resin. In the first embodiment described above, the material of the pedestal member 102 is metal (brass), and the material of the body lower end portion 196 (lower casing member 188) is resin (PPS-GF40). PPS-GF40 is a resin in which 40% glass fiber is blended with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
[0135] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following supplementary notes are disclosed. [Supplementary Note 1] A faucet device installed on a mounting base, A pedestal member fixed to the mounting base, a faucet body attached to the pedestal member, and a screw member for screwing the faucet body to the pedestal member. The faucet body has a lower end portion of the body that is externally fitted to the pedestal member and a screw insertion hole provided in the lower end portion of the body. The pedestal member has an outer peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed. When the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body is divided into a first half - circumference region that is the half - circumference portion on the side opposite to the screw member and a second half - circumference region that is the remaining half - circumference portion, At least one protrusion is provided in the first half - circumference region of the inner peripheral surface. A faucet device in which no protrusion is provided in the second half - circumference region of the inner peripheral surface. [Appendix 2] A faucet device installed on a mounting base, including a pedestal member fixed to the mounting base, a faucet body attached to the pedestal member, and a screw member for screwing the faucet body to the pedestal member. The faucet body has a lower end portion of the body that is externally fitted to the pedestal member and a screw insertion hole provided in the lower end portion of the body. The pedestal member has an outer peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the body and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed. When the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal member is divided into a first half - circumference region that is the half - circumference portion on the side opposite to the screw member and a second half - circumference region that is the remaining half - circumference portion, At least one protrusion is provided in the first half - circumference region of the outer peripheral surface. A faucet device in which no protrusion is provided in the second half - circumference region of the outer peripheral surface. [Appendix 3] A plurality of the protrusions are provided. The faucet device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the protrusions is provided in each region when the first half - circumference region is equally divided into three in the circumferential direction. [Appendix 4] A plurality of the protrusions are provided in the first half - circumference region. The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the protrusions is provided in each region when the first half - circumference region is equally divided into seven regions in the circumferential direction. [Appendix 5] A plurality of the protrusions are provided in the first half - circumference region. The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. [Appendix 6] The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the tip of the protrusion is in an R shape or an SR shape. [Appendix 7] The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion extends in the axial direction. [Appendix 8] The lower end portion of the main body has a main - body tapered surface on its inner - circumferential side that expands in diameter as it goes downward. A seal - arrangement space is formed that includes a tapered space formed between the outer - circumferential surface of the pedestal member and the main - body tapered surface and extends to the base of the pedestal member. A seal member is arranged in the seal - arrangement space, and this seal member is in close contact with the base in the pedestal member, the outer - circumferential surface of the pedestal member, and the main - body tapered surface. The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the lower - end surface of the lower end portion of the main body abuts against the base from above on the radially outer side of the seal - arrangement space. [Appendix 9] The pedestal member has a pedestal - tapered surface on its outer - circumferential surface that expands in diameter as it goes downward. The lower end portion of the main body has a main - body separation surface on its inner - circumferential side that is formed so as to be away from the pedestal - tapered surface. A seal - arrangement space is formed that includes an inverse - tapered space formed between the pedestal - tapered surface of the pedestal member and the main - body separation surface and extends to the base of the pedestal member. A seal member is disposed in the seal arrangement space, and this seal member is in close contact with the pedestal taper surface and the main body separation surface. The faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the lower end surface of the lower end portion of the main body is in contact with the base portion from above on the radially outer side of the seal arrangement space.
[0136] This application also describes other inventions that are not included in the inventions according to the claims (including independent form claims). Each form, member, configuration, and combination thereof described in the claims and embodiments of this application is recognized as an invention based on the respective functions and effects.
[0137] Each form, member, configuration, etc. shown in the above embodiments can be individually applied to all the inventions described in this application, including the invention according to the claims of this application, without having all the forms, members, or configurations of these embodiments.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0138] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D... faucet device 3... faucet 4... faucet body 5... supply pipe 6... water supply pipe 6a... copper pipe portion of the water supply pipe 8... hot water supply pipe 8a... copper pipe portion of the hot water supply pipe 12... main body functional part 14... operation part (handle) 16... spout part 16a... main spout part 16b... base part 22... switching operation part 23... button guide 24... discharge port 28... valve mechanism 30... movable valve body 32... fixed valve body 40... connection part 100... faucet mounting device 102... pedestal member 104 ··· Base member fixing male screw 106 ··· Screw member 108 ··· Fixture 110 ··· Female screw hole 112 ··· Base of the base member 113 ··· Upper surface of the base of the base member 114 ··· Base body of the base member 120 ··· Outer peripheral surface of the base member 140 ··· Changeover valve 142 ··· Head cover 144 ··· Thrust lock mechanism part 147 ··· Head assembly 148 ··· Lower head member 150 ··· Water discharge unit 152 ··· Inner cylinder member 154 ··· Outer cylinder member 158 ··· Mounting nut 160 ··· Upper cover 164 ··· Outer shell member 164a ··· Outer shell base 164b ··· Outer shell spout part 166 ··· Spout side water passage member 168 ··· Valve fixing member 170 ··· Valve assembly 171 ··· Casing member 172 ··· Upper casing member 174 ··· Discharge connection pipe 176 ··· Supply pipe holding member 180 ··· Flange forming member 181 ··· First flange forming member 182 ··· Second flange forming member 184 ··· Water passage pipe 186 ··· Water passage pipe rotation restricting member 188 ··· Lower casing member 190 ··· Water passage pipe support member 192 ··· Lower cover 194 ··· Inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the main body 196 ··· Lower end of the main body 197 ··· The lower end surface of the lower end part of the main body 220 ··· The tapered surface of the main body 222 ··· The seal placement space 224 ··· The tapered space 226 ··· The pedestal tapered surface 228 ··· The separation surface of the main body 230 ··· The seal placement space 232 ··· The reverse tapered space 234 ··· The separation surface of the main body 236 ··· The seal placement space s1, s2 ··· Seal members t1 ··· Protrusion R1 ··· The first semi - circumferential region R2 ··· The second semi - circumferential region T1 ··· The top plate (mounting base)
Claims
1. A water faucet device to be installed on a mounting base, The water faucet includes a base member fixed to the mounting base, a water faucet body attached to the base member, and a screw member for screwing the water faucet body to the base member, The faucet body has a body lower end portion that is fitted onto the base member, and a screw insertion hole provided in the body lower end portion, the base member has an outer circumferential surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the main body, and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed, When the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the main body is divided into a first semicircular region which is a half portion opposite to the screw member, and a second semicircular region which is the remaining half portion, At least one protrusion is provided on the first semicircular region of the inner circumferential surface, A water faucet device in which no protrusions are provided on the second semi-circumferential region of the inner circumferential surface.
2. A water faucet device to be installed on a mounting base, The water faucet includes a base member fixed to the mounting base, a water faucet body attached to the base member, and a screw member for screwing the water faucet body to the base member, The faucet body has a body lower end portion that is fitted onto the base member, and a screw insertion hole provided in the body lower end portion, the base member has an outer circumferential surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the main body, and a female screw hole into which the screw member passing through the screw insertion hole is screwed, When the outer circumferential surface of the base member is divided into a first semicircular region which is a half-circumferential portion on the side opposite to the screw member, and a second semicircular region which is the remaining half-circumferential portion, At least one protrusion is provided on the first semicircular region of the outer circumferential surface, A water faucet device in which no protrusions are provided on the second semi-circumferential region of the outer circumferential surface.
3. A plurality of the projections are provided, The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the projections is provided in each of three equal circumferential divisions of the first semicircular region.
4. A plurality of the protrusions are provided in the first semicircular region, The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the projections is provided in each of seven equal circumferential divisions of the first semicircular region.
5. A plurality of the protrusions are provided in the first semicircular region, The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
6. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip of the projection is R-shaped or SR-shaped.
7. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection extends in an axial direction.
8. The lower end of the main body has a tapered surface on its inner periphery that increases in diameter downward, A seal arrangement space is formed, the seal arrangement space including a tapered space formed between the outer circumferential surface of the base member and the main body tapered surface and extending to a base portion of the base member, a seal member is disposed in the seal arrangement space, and the seal member is in close contact with the base portion of the seat member, the outer circumferential surface of the seat member, and the main body tapered surface; The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lower end surface of the lower end portion of the main body abuts against the base from above, radially outside the seal arrangement space.
9. The base member has a base tapered surface on its outer circumferential surface, the diameter of which increases downward, The lower end of the main body has a main body separation surface formed on an inner circumferential side thereof so as to be spaced from the base tapered surface, a seal arrangement space is formed, the seal arrangement space including a reverse taper space formed between the base tapered surface and the body separation surface of the base member and extending to a base portion of the base member; a seal member is disposed in the seal arrangement space, and the seal member is in close contact with the base tapered surface and the main body spacing surface; The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lower end surface of the lower end portion of the main body abuts against the base from above, radially outside the seal arrangement space.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Mounting structure of faucet, etc.
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Mounting method of article
JP2006090128A