Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device which prevents a situation in which an outer shell part of the faucet device is easily removed by a user and allows the outer shell part to be reliably removed when necessary.SOLUTION: A faucet device 2 is capable of stopping the discharge of hot water mixed with cold water. The faucet device 2 comprises a main body functional unit 12 including a control unit that controls the discharge and stop of water and the water temperature, an outer shell member 164 that covers the main body functional unit 12, water-passing members 174, 184 that form a flow path for flowing hot and cold water from the main body functional unit 12 downstream, and a retaining member 162 that forms a first engagement G1 with the main body functional unit 12 and a second engagement G2 with the outer shell member 164, preventing the outer shell member 164 from slipping upward relative to the main body functional unit 12. The retaining member 162 is disposed within a gap SP formed between the main body functional unit 12 and the outer shell member 164.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a faucet device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 7146166 discloses a faucet device including an outer shell unit that defines a substantially cylindrical functional unit accommodation space, a substantially cylindrical functional unit accommodated in the functional unit accommodation space, and a retaining member having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the outer diameter unit and an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the functional unit. The outer shell unit has an appearance member that forms an appearance and a water passage member that forms a water passage. The retaining member can be detachably attached to the functional unit and can be fixed to the water passage member of the outer shell unit (Claim 1). The retaining member is a C-ring and is attached to a cartridge fixing member that is an element of the functional unit (Paragraph

[0025] , FIG. 8). The retaining member prevents the outer shell unit from coming off the functional unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing maintenance of a faucet device such as replacing a valve unit, the cartridge fixing member is removed. In the faucet device described in the above patent publication, the retaining member is also removed together with the cartridge fixing member. For this reason, during maintenance, the retaining function of the outer shell unit becomes ineffective. If the outer shell unit is removed by the user, it becomes easier for a user lacking expertise to touch the inside of the faucet, which may cause failures and damage to parts.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a faucet device that prevents the outer shell portion of the faucet device from being easily removed by the user and that can reliably remove the outer shell portion when necessary.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect, the faucet device is capable of stopping the discharge of hot and cold water mixed hot water. This faucet device includes a main body functional unit including a control unit that performs discharge stop control and water temperature control, an outer shell member that covers the main body functional unit, a water passage member that forms a flow path for flowing the hot water from the main body functional unit to the downstream side, and a first engagement is formed between the main body functional unit and a retaining member that forms a second engagement with the outer shell member and restricts the outer shell member from coming off upward with respect to the main body functional unit. The retaining member is disposed inside a gap formed between the main body functional unit and the outer shell member.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, a faucet device can be provided that prevents the outer shell portion of the faucet device from being easily removed by the user and that can reliably remove the outer shell portion when necessary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0010] 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", etc. are used. The "front" is a direction determined in the relative relationship with a kitchen, washbasin, etc. to which the faucet is attached, and is the direction facing the user of the faucet. Based on this "front", the "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) as seen from the user is defined as the "front side", and the rear side (the side farther from the user) as seen from the user is defined 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.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the "circumferential direction" means the circumferential direction of the member or part described by the term related to the circumferential direction. Unless otherwise specified, the "axial direction" means the axial direction of the member or part described by the term related to the axial direction. Unless otherwise specified, the "radial direction" means the radial direction of the member or part described by the term related to the radial direction.

[0012] 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).

[0013] The faucet device 2 includes 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 a part to which the faucet device 2 is attached. The mounting base T1 has a mounting hole H1, and the faucet mounting device 100 is attached to the mounting hole H1. In this embodiment, the mounting base T1 is the ceiling of the kitchen. By fixing the faucet 3 to the faucet mounting device 100 fixed to the ceiling T1, the faucet 3 is fixed to the ceiling 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 T1 is stainless steel. The faucet device 2 is used, for example, in a kitchen, a washbasin, etc. The faucet device 2 is a single lever mixing faucet.

[0014] 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 referred to as 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 connected and extending to the water discharge pipe, the main spout 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 main spout portion 16a from the faucet 3 to pull out the flexible hose, and the main spout portion 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.

[0015] The faucet body 4 has a main body functional portion 12, an operation portion 14, a spout portion 16, and an outer shell member 164. The supply pipe 5 is connected to the main body functional portion 12. In this embodiment, the operation portion 14 is a handle. The spout portion 16 has a head portion 20. The head portion 20 has a switching operation portion 22 and a discharge port 24. The outer shell member 164 will be described later. In this embodiment, the switching operation portion 22 is a push button. Inside the spout portion 16, a cartridge placement portion 26 is provided (see FIG. 4). A water purification cartridge (not shown in FIG. 4) is placed in the cartridge placement portion 26. By operating the switching operation portion 22, the flow path passing through the water purification cartridge and the flow path not passing through the water purification cartridge are switched. When switched to the flow path passing through the water purification cartridge, purified water is discharged. When switched to the flow path not passing through the water purification 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 portion 22 and the cartridge placement portion 26.

[0016] The discharge amount is adjusted by the up-and-down rotation of the handle 14. In the present embodiment, the discharge amount increases as the handle 14 is moved upward. 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 the present embodiment, the temperature of the discharged water can be increased by moving the handle 14 to the left side.

[0017] The main body functional part 12 has a valve mechanism 28 and a casing member 171 (described later). The main body functional part 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 temperature of the discharged water. 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 cold water hole, and a discharge hole 38. The movable valve body 30 has a hot water and cold water mixing recess, and hot water and cold water are mixed in the movable valve body 30. The hot water 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 cold 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.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet device 2 in which the main spout portion 16a of the spout portion 16 is separated, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main spout portion 16a. As shown in FIG. 5, the spout portion 16 can be disassembled into a main spout portion 16a and a root portion 16b. The main spout portion 16a has a connection portion 40 that is inserted into the root portion 16b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connection portion 40 inserted into the root portion 16b is fixed to the root portion 16b by a locking member 42. The locking member 42 is inserted into an insertion hole 44 provided in the root portion 16b, and engages with a locking groove 46 (see FIG. 6) of the connection portion 40. By the engagement between the locking groove 46 of the connection portion 40 inserted into the root portion 16b and the locking member 42, the main spout portion 16a is fixed to the root portion 16b. As will be described later, the faucet device 2 (faucet 3) cannot separate the main spout portion 16a from the faucet 3 while pulling out the flexible hose, and the main spout portion 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.

[0019] 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 for fixing the pedestal member 104, 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 for fixing the pedestal member 104 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 one. The screw member 106 is a male screw. The screw member 106 has a head portion 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 (horseshoe-shaped). The material of the fixture 108 is metal. The male screws for fixing the pedestal member 104 are two. The material of the male screws for fixing the pedestal member 104 is metal. The fixture 108, together with the pedestal member 102, sandwiches the mounting base T1.

[0020] There are a plurality (two) of pedestal member fixing male screws 104. The pedestal member fixing male screws 104 are composed of a first fixing male screw 104a and a second fixing male screw 104b. A stopper 109 is attached to the tip of the first fixing male screw 104a. An E-ring (E-shaped retaining ring) is adopted as the stopper 109.

[0021] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of the pedestal member 102 as seen obliquely from above, Figure 8(c) is a plan view of the pedestal member 102, and Figures 8(d) and 8(e) are perspective views of the pedestal member 102 as seen obliquely from 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (c), the fixture 108 has a first screw hole 124a and a second screw hole 124b. The first fixing male screw 104a is screwed into the first screw hole 124a. The second fixing male screw 104b is screwed into the second screw hole 124b.

[0025] 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 is passed. 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 is passed. The through hole 136 is provided near the second screw hole 124b.

[0026] 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 plate) T1 from above the mounting base (ceiling plate) T1.

[0027] 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 by 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 part (button) 22, a button guide 23, switching valves 140 and 141, a head cover 142, a lid member 143, a thrust lock mechanism part 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 part 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 part 140 and the switching valve 141, it is possible to switch whether the discharged water is purified water or raw water.

[0030] The thrust lock mechanism part 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 part 144 performs an alternate operation. Each time the switching operation part 22 is pressed, the position of the switching operation part 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 part 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 valves 140 and 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 part 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.

[0031] 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 attached to the head body 146 in a watertight manner. 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 form 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 body 150a) has recesses m2 with which the extending portions 23b engage. The recesses m2 form 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.

[0036] 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, the fixing 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The mounting nut 158 has a female thread portion 158a at its front end. The inner cylinder member 152 has a male thread portion 152a at its rear end. The female thread portion 158a is screwed onto the male thread portion 152a. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting nut 158 is screwed onto the male thread 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 sandwiched 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 rear-facing surface 152b. The rear-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 rear-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 rear-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.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the faucet 3 excluding the spout main body 16a (referred to as the faucet portion 3a). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet portion 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 different between FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d).

[0040] 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. The valve assembly 170 constitutes a control part that performs on / off water flow control and water temperature control.

[0041] 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 member 164 (outer shell base 164a) covers the main body functional part 12. 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. The spout-side water passage member 166 is fitted inside the outer shell spout part 164b. 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.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 11, the upper cover 160 is watertightly connected to the upper end 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 covers the valve fixing member 168 from above. The upper cover 160 suppresses the intrusion of water into the main body functional part 12.

[0043] 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 portion 172a that is open at the upper side. The cylindrical portion 172a forms an accommodation space for accommodating the valve assembly 170. The valve assembly 170 is accommodated in this accommodation space. At the lower part of the upper casing member 172, a water connection portion 172c is formed that supplies hot water and water to the valve assembly 170 respectively and allows the hot water flowing out from the valve assembly 170 to flow downstream.

[0044] 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. Therefore, the nut-shaped outer surface portion 168a can be easily rotated by a tool or hand. 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. When replacing the valve assembly 170, the valve fixing member 168 is removed from the upper casing member 172 (casing member 171). The valve fixing member 168 is removed by rotating the valve fixing member 168 in a direction to loosen the screw connection between the male screw portion 168b and the female screw portion 172b.

[0045] The faucet part 3a (faucet 3) further includes 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 part 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 part 5a and a blade hose 5b. The blade hose 5b is attached to the upstream side of the copper pipe part 5a. More specifically, the water supply pipe 6 has a copper pipe part 6a and a blade hose 6b, and the hot water supply pipe 8 has a copper pipe part 8a and a blade hose 8b.

[0046] 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 part 184a that constitutes the upstream side of the water passage pipe 184 and a second pipe part 184b that bends from the lower end part of the first pipe part 184a and constitutes the downstream side of the water passage pipe 184. Further, the water passage pipe 184 has a rotation engagement part 184c. The first pipe part 184a extends in the vertical direction. The second pipe part 184b forms a water passage leading from the lower end part of the first pipe part 184a to the spout part 16. The first pipe part 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 part 184a is indirectly connected to the discharge connection pipe 174 via the lower casing member 188. The second pipe part 184b is connected to the spout side water passage member 166. The discharge connection pipe 174 and the water passage pipe 184 are water passage members that form a water passage. These water passage members form a flow path for flowing the hot and cold water from the main body functional part 12 to the downstream side.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, the lower casing member 188 is housed within the outer shell base 164a. The lower casing member 188 holds the discharge connection pipe 174 and the water flow pipe 184. The lower casing member 188 is positioned 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.

[0048] The lower casing member 188 has a main body lower end portion 196. In the present embodiment, the main body lower end portion 196 is the lower end portion of the faucet body 4. The main body lower end portion 196 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 main body lower end portion 196 is externally fitted to the pedestal member 102 (pedestal main body 114). The main body lower end portion 196 has a screw insertion hole 198 through which the screw member 106 is inserted. The screw insertion hole 198 is located on the front side. The screw insertion hole 198 is provided at only one location in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The water flow pipe support member 190 is attached to the lower casing member 188 and is disposed below the water flow pipe 184. The water flow pipe support member 190 supports the water flow pipe 184 from below in a manner that does not inhibit the rotation (described later) of the water flow pipe 184. The lower cover 192 is an annular member.

[0050] 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 lower end portion of the discharge connection pipe 174 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.

[0051] 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 the present 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.

[0052] 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 approximately 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 13(a) is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly 210 in which a water passage pipe support member 190 and a water passage pipe 184 are attached to a lower casing member 188, and a water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186. FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view showing an assembly 212 in which the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 is attached to the assembly 210. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 11.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 13(b), the water passage 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 passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 is an endless annular member. The water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 has a first end portion 186a and a second end portion 186b formed by the interruption of its annular shape. The rotation engaging portion 184c of the water passage pipe 184 is located between the first end portion 186a and the second end portion 186b. The water passage pipe 184 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 has a convex portion 186c protruding toward the inner side in the radial direction thereof, 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, 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, 186b.

[0057] 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.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 14, the outer casing member 164 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 are engaged so as not to rotate relative to each other. The outer casing member 164 and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally.

[0059] With respect 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 are not fixedly non-rotatable relative to each other. With respect 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 are rotatable. 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.

[0060] The rotation of the water flow pipe rotation restricting member 186 relative to the lower casing member 188 is restricted. 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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 a state where the spout-side water passage member 166 does not exist. Even when the outer shell member 164 is rotated relative to the lower casing member 188, the phase relationship between the outer shell member 164 and the water pipe 184 always remains 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.

[0063] 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, if the upper casing member 172 (casing member 171) is freely rotatable relative to the outer shell member 164, rotating the valve fixing member 168 will result in idling, and it will be difficult to loosen or tighten the screw connection of the valve fixing member 168. By restricting the rotation of the outer shell member 164 relative to the casing member 171 (lower casing member 188) within a predetermined angle range, the above idling is prevented, and the screw connection of the valve fixing member 168 can be loosened or tightened.

[0064] FIG. 15 is a side view of the faucet device 2 with a part shown in cross section. In FIG. 15, an enlarged view within a circle including the cross-sectional part is appended. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 15. The screw insertion hole 198 at the lower end part 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 loosening of the screw member 106.

[0065] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the faucet device 2. As described above, the faucet device 2 has a retaining member 162. The retaining member 162 regulates the outer shell member 164 from coming off upward with respect to the main body functional part 12. The retaining member 162 regulates the outer shell member 164 from coming off upward with respect to the casing member 171.

[0066] As shown in the enlarged part of FIG. 17, the casing member 171 (upper casing member 172) has a recess 173. As shown in FIG. 10, the recess 173 is a circumferential groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper casing member 172 (cylindrical part 172a). The recess 173 is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 172a.

[0067] As shown by the enlarged portion of FIG. 17, the outer shell member 164 (outer shell base 164a) has an upward-facing surface 220 on its inner peripheral surface. The upward-facing surface 220 is a stepped surface formed by a change in the inner diameter of the outer shell base 164a. The inner diameter of the outer shell base 164a above the upward-facing surface 220 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer shell base 164a below the upward-facing surface 220. The upward-facing surface 220 extends (horizontally) along the radial direction of the outer shell base 164a. The upward-facing surface 220 extends annularly. The retaining member 162 is placed on this upward-facing surface 220. The lower end surface 256 of the retaining member 162 abuts against the upward-facing surface 220 from above. The inner diameter of the upward-facing surface 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end portion 254 (lower end surface 256) of the retaining member 162. The outer diameter of the upward-facing surface 220 is larger than the outer diameter of the lower end portion 254 (lower end surface 256) of the retaining member 162. The inward extension 264 of the retaining member 162 enters the recess 173 of the casing member 171 (upper casing member 172).

[0068] The retaining member 162 forms a first engagement G1 with the main body functional portion 12 (casing member 171). In the present embodiment, this first engagement G1 is an engagement between the inwardly extending portion 264 and the recess 173. This first engagement G1 is a concavo-convex engagement with the inwardly extending portion 264 being convex and the recess 173 being concave. Due to the plurality of inwardly extending portions 264, the first engagement G1 is formed dispersedly at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. The retaining member 162 forms a second engagement G2 with the outer shell member 164. In the present embodiment, this second engagement G2 is an engagement between the lower end surface 256 of the retaining member 162 and the upward-facing surface 220. The lower end surface 256 of the retaining member 162 is a downward-facing surface. The second engagement G2 is an engagement between the downward-facing surface 256 and the upward-facing surface 220. The downward-facing surface 256 is the surface on the side of the retaining member 162, and the upward-facing surface 220 is the surface on the side of the outer shell member 164. The second engagement G2 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction. When the retaining member 162 (lower end portion 254) is placed on the upward-facing surface 220, this second engagement G2 is achieved. The first engagement G1 restricts upward movement of the retaining member 162 with respect to the main body functional portion 12 (casing member 171). The second engagement G2 restricts upward movement of the outer shell member 164 with respect to the retaining member 162. Due to the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2, upward removal of the outer shell member 164 with respect to the main body functional portion 12 (casing member 171) is restricted.

[0069] FIGS. 18(a), (b), and (c) are perspective views showing the steps of removing the outer shell member 164 in the faucet device of the first and second embodiments.

[0070] When removing the outer shell member 164, a dedicated tool 280 is used. The dedicated tool 280 is a dedicated tool for releasing the first engagement G1 or the second engagement G2 of the retaining member 162 to remove the outer shell member 164. With a general-purpose tool, the outer shell member 164 cannot be removed. The dedicated tool 280 has no other practical uses other than removing the outer shell member 164 in the first and second embodiments.

[0071] In the step of removing the outer shell member 164, first, the handle 14 and the upper cover 160 are removed from the faucet device 2, and the gap SP between the outer shell member 164 and the casing member 171 is opened to the outside (see Fig. 18(a)). At this time, the spout side water passage member 166 has been removed from the outer shell spout portion 164b (see Figs. 10 and 11). Next, the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the gap SP between the outer shell member 164 and the casing member 171 (see Fig. 18(b)). By inserting the dedicated tool 280, the engagement between the retaining member 162 and the casing member 171 (the first engagement G1) is released. Next, while maintaining the relative position between the dedicated tool 280 and the outer shell member 164, the outer shell member 164 is moved upward with respect to the casing member 171 (the main body functional portion 12) (see Fig. 18(c)). At this time, together with the outer shell member 164, the retaining member 162 also detaches from the main body functional portion 12 (the casing member 171).

[0072] Fig. 19(a) is a plan view of the retaining member 162 as viewed from above, Fig. 19(b) is a perspective view of the retaining member 162 as viewed obliquely from above, Fig. 19(c) is a side view of the retaining member 162, Fig. 19(d) is a perspective view of the retaining member 162 as viewed obliquely from below, and Fig. 19(e) is a bottom view of the retaining member 162 as viewed from below.

[0073] The retaining member 162 is an annular member as a whole. The retaining member 162 has an annular portion 250 extending annularly and a plurality of protruding locking portions 252 extending from the annular portion 250 and distributed in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, 12 protruding locking portions 252 are provided. The protruding locking portions 252 extend along the axial direction from the annular portion 250. The protruding locking portions 252 extend upward from the annular portion 250. The protruding locking portions 252 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The protruding locking portions 252 do not have to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Except for their circumferential positions, all the protruding locking portions 252 are the same. In the description of the retaining member 162, the axial direction is the axial direction of the retaining member 162, the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of the retaining member 162, and the radial direction is the radial direction of the retaining member 162.

[0074] The annular portion 250 forms the lower end portion 254 of the retaining member 162. In the retaining member 162 in its natural state, the lower end portion 254 extends radially outward beyond the protruding locking portion 252. The lower end portion 254 forms a flange protruding radially outward. The lower end portion 254 forms the lower end surface 256 of the retaining member 162. Note that the natural state means a state where no external force is applied. In other words, the natural state is a state where no elastic deformation due to an external force has occurred.

[0075] The protruding locking portion 252 extends upward from the annular portion 250, and its upper end 258 forms the upper end of the retaining member 162. The upper end 258 of the protruding locking portion 252 is a free end. The protruding locking portion 252 has an inward extending portion 264 protruding radially inward. In the retaining member 162 in its natural state, the inward extending portion 264 forms the portion located most radially inward within the retaining member 162. The inward extending portion 264 has a locking surface 266. The locking surface 266 is the upper surface of the inward extending portion 264. The locking surface 266 is an upward facing surface. The protruding locking portion 252 has a guided surface 268. The guided surface 268 is provided on the inner (radially inner) surface of the protruding locking portion 252. The guided surface 268 is inclined so as to be radially outward as it goes upward. The guided surface 268 extends from a position above the locking surface 266 to the upper end 258 of the protruding locking portion 252.

[0076] FIG. 20(a) is a plan view of a dedicated tool 280 for releasing the retaining function by the retaining member 162 as viewed from above, FIG. 20(b) is a perspective view of the dedicated tool 280 as viewed obliquely from above, FIG. 20(c) is a side view of the dedicated tool 280, FIG. 20(d) is a perspective view of the dedicated tool 280 as viewed obliquely from below, and FIG. 20(e) is a bottom view of the dedicated tool 280 as viewed from below.

[0077] The dedicated tool 280 is an annular member as a whole. The dedicated tool 280 has a cylindrical shape. The dedicated tool 280 has a base 282 and a lower end portion 284 formed on the lower side of the base 282. The base 282 is annular. The base 282 constitutes a cylinder. The lower end portion 284 is annular. The lower end portion 284 constitutes a cylinder. The base 282 and the lower end portion 284 have a common inner peripheral surface 286. The inner peripheral surface 286 defines a through hole h1 that penetrates the dedicated tool 280 vertically.

[0078] The inner surface 288 of the base 282 is constituted by the aforementioned inner peripheral surface 286. The outer surface 290 of the base 282 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The outer surface 290 may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0079] The inner peripheral surface 292 of the lower end portion 284 is constituted by the aforementioned inner peripheral surface 286. The lower end portion 284 has an inner peripheral surface 292, an outer peripheral surface 294, a guide surface 296, and a lower end 298. The guide surface 296 extends from the outer peripheral surface 294 to the lower end 298. The guide surface 296 constitutes an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the dedicated tool 280. The guide surface 296 forms a conical surface (conical convex surface) as a whole. The diameter of the guide surface 296 becomes smaller as it goes downward. The guide surface 296 is inclined so as to be radially inward as it goes downward. The lower end 298 of the lower end portion 284 constitutes the lower end of the dedicated tool 280.

[0080] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the portion where the retaining member 162 is disposed. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of FIG. 18(a). FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the portion where the retaining member 162 is disposed. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of FIG. 18(b).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 21, in the retaining member 162 in the engaged state, when attempting to move the outer shell member 164 upward with respect to the casing member 171 (main body functional unit 12), the locking surface 266 of the retaining member 162 abuts against the downward-facing surface 173a of the casing member 171. The downward-facing surface 173a is the side surface of the recess 173. The locking surface 266 is an upward-facing surface. The first engagement G1 is the engagement between the upward-facing surface 266 and the downward-facing surface 173a. The upward-facing surface 266 is the surface on the side of the retaining member 162, and the downward-facing surface 173a is the surface on the side of the casing member 171 (main body functional unit 12). Due to this first engagement G1, the outer shell member 164 cannot be removed. Note that the engaged state of the retaining member 162 means the state in which the retaining member 162 is properly arranged and the retaining function is operative, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 21. In this engaged state, the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2 are achieved.

[0082] The retaining member 162 is disposed inside a gap SP formed between the main body functional unit 12 (casing member 171) and the outer shell member 164 (outer shell base 164a). The gap SP is annular. The gap SP forms an opening on the upper side. The retaining member 162 is disposed deeper (lower side) than this opening. The gap SP is open toward the upper side. The retaining member 162 can be inserted into the gap SP from the upper side.

[0083] The dedicated tool 280 has dimensions such that it can be inserted into the annular gap SP. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 286 (inner peripheral surface 292) is (slightly) larger than the outer diameter of the casing member 171 (cylindrical portion 172a) above the position where the retaining member 162 is disposed. The outer diameter (diameter) of the lower end 298 is smaller than the maximum inner diameter of the guided surface 268 in the retaining member 162 in the engaged state. Each of the plurality of guided surfaces 268 arranged along a circle has a point located most radially outward (the uppermost point of the inclined surface), and the diameter of the circle passing through these points is defined as the maximum inner diameter of the guided surface 268.

[0084] When the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the gap SP from above, the lower end 298 hits the guided surface 268. When the dedicated tool 280 is further inserted downward, the guided surface 268 is guided by the guide surface 296, and the protruding locking portion 252 of the retaining member 162 is bent radially outward. This radial direction is the radial direction of the retaining member 162. The deformation of the retaining member 162 is elastic deformation. When the retaining member 162 is in the disengaged state elastically deformed by the dedicated tool 280, the first engagement G1 is released. In the disengaged state, the inward extending portion 264 comes out of the recess 173. As a result, the first engagement G1 is released. The release of this first engagement G1 occurs simultaneously at all the protruding locking portions 252 arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction.

[0085] The annular portion 250 (lower end portion 254) of the retaining member 162 is restricted from moving radially by the interval between the casing member 171 and the outer shell member 164. There is no gap on the outer side and the inner side in the radial direction of the lower end portion 254 that can release the engagement (second engagement G2) between the lower end portion 254 and the upward facing surface 220.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 22, the gap SP between the casing member 171 and the outer shell member 164 provides a space that allows the disengaged state of the retaining member 162. When the dedicated tool 280 enters the inner side in the radial direction of the retaining member 162, the disengaged state occurs and the first engagement G1 is released. By moving the outer shell member 164 upward with respect to the casing member 171 while maintaining the disengaged state of the retaining member 162, the outer shell member 164 can be removed from the casing member 171. By moving the outer shell member 164 upward while maintaining the position of the dedicated tool 280 with respect to the outer shell member 164, the outer shell member 164 comes off the casing member 171 together with the retaining member 162 (see FIG. 18(c)).

[0087] FIG. 23(a) is a plan view of the anti-loosening member 163 according to the second embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 23(b) is a perspective view of the anti-loosening member 163 as viewed from obliquely above, FIG. 23(c) is a side view of the anti-loosening member 163, FIG. 23(d) is a perspective view of the anti-loosening member 163 as viewed from obliquely below, and FIG. 23(e) is a bottom view of the anti-loosening member 163 as viewed from below.

[0088] The anti-loosening member 163 is an annular member as a whole. Similar to the anti-loosening member 162 of the first embodiment, the anti-loosening member 163 has an annular portion 250 extending annularly and a plurality of protruding locking portions 252 extending from the annular portion 250 and distributed in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, six protruding locking portions 252 are provided. The protruding locking portions 252 extend along the axial direction from the annular portion 250. The protruding locking portions 252 extend upward from the annular portion 250. The protruding locking portions 252 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Except for their circumferential positions, all the protruding locking portions 252 are the same.

[0089] The annular portion 250 forms the lower end portion 254 of the anti-loosening member 163. In the natural state of the anti-loosening member 163, the lower end portion 254 extends radially outward beyond the protruding locking portions 252. The lower end portion 254 forms the lower end surface 256 of the anti-loosening member 163.

[0090] The protruding locking portion 252 extends upward from the annular portion 250, and its upper end 258 forms the upper end of the retaining member 163. The upper end 258 of the protruding locking portion 252 is a free end. The protruding locking portion 252 has an inward extending portion 264 that protrudes radially inward. In the retaining member 163 in its natural state, the inward extending portion 264 forms the portion that is located most radially inward within the retaining member 163. The inward extending portion 264 has a locking surface 266. The locking surface 266 is the upper surface of the inward extending portion 264. The locking surface 266 is an upward-facing surface. The protruding locking portion 252 has a guided surface 268. The guided surface 268 is provided on the inner (radially inner) surface of the protruding locking portion 252. The guided surface 268 is inclined so as to be radially outward as it goes upward. The guided surface 268 extends from a position above the locking surface 266 to the upper end 258 of the protruding locking portion 252.

[0091] The retaining member 163 has auxiliary protruding portions 270. The auxiliary protruding portions 270 extend upward from the annular portion 250. The auxiliary protruding portions 270 are located between adjacent protruding locking portions 252. In the retaining member 163, the protruding locking portions 252 and the auxiliary protruding portions 270 are alternately arranged. The same number of auxiliary protruding portions 270 as the protruding locking portions 252 are provided. The vertical position of the upper end 272 of the auxiliary protruding portion 270 is lower than the vertical position of the upper end 258 of the protruding locking portion 252. Incidentally, the vertical position of the upper end 272 is lower than the vertical position of the locking surface 266. If the upper end 272 is above the locking surface 266, when the dedicated tool 280 is inserted, the lower end 298 of the dedicated tool 280 may interfere with the upper end 272, resulting in insufficient insertion and the possibility that the protruding locking portion 252 may not expand sufficiently radially outward. By setting the upper end 272 below the locking surface 266, such a situation is prevented.

[0092] Except for the difference in the retaining member, the faucet device of the second embodiment is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment. Also, the principle of retaining by the retaining member 163 is the same as that of the retaining member 162. The structure of the protruding locking portion 252 is the same between the retaining member 163 and the retaining member 162. FIG. 21 is also a cross-sectional view showing a state before the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the portion where the retaining member 163 is disposed. FIG. 22 is also a cross-sectional view showing a state where the dedicated tool 280 is inserted into the portion where the retaining member 163 is disposed. Also in the second embodiment, the same dedicated tool 280 as in the first embodiment can be used.

[0093] FIGS. 24(a), (b), (c) and (d) are perspective views showing the steps of removing the outer shell member 165 in the faucet device of the third embodiment.

[0094] In the faucet device of the third embodiment, the retaining member, the outer shell member and the dedicated tool are different from those of the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment. Except for these, the faucet device of the third embodiment is the same as the faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.

[0095] In the third embodiment, when removing the outer shell member 165, the dedicated tool 330 is used. With a general-purpose tool, the outer shell member 165 cannot be removed. The dedicated tool 330 has no other practical uses other than removing the outer shell member 165 in the third embodiment.

[0096] In the step of removing the outer shell member 165, first, the handle 14 and the upper cover 160 are removed from the faucet device, and the gap SP between the outer shell member 164 and the casing member 171 is opened to the outside (see Fig. 24(a)). At this time, the spout side water passage member 166 has been removed from the outer shell spout portion 165b (see Figs. 10 and 11). Next, the dedicated tool 330 is inserted into the gap SP between the outer shell member 165 and the casing member 171 (see Fig. 24(b)). Next, the dedicated tool 330 is rotated (see Fig. 24(c)). This rotation is a rotation around the center line of the dedicated tool 330. By the rotation of the dedicated tool 330, the first engagement G1 is released. Next, while maintaining the relative position between the dedicated tool 330 and the outer shell member 165, the outer shell member 165 is moved upward with respect to the casing member 171 (main body functional portion 12) (see Fig. 24(d)). The point of rotating the dedicated tool 330 is different from the steps of the first and second embodiments.

[0097] Fig. 25(a) is a plan view of the retaining member 300 in the third embodiment as viewed from above, Fig. 25(b) is a perspective view of the retaining member 300 as viewed obliquely from above, Fig. 25(c) is a side view of the retaining member 300, Fig. 25(d) is a perspective view of the retaining member 300 as viewed obliquely from below, and Fig. 25(e) is a bottom view of the retaining member 300 as viewed from below.

[0098] The retaining member 300 is an annular member as a whole. The retaining member 300 has an annular portion 302 extending annularly, a plurality of protruding locking portions 304 extending from this annular portion 302 and distributed in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of receiving portions 306 also extending from this annular portion 302 and distributed in the circumferential direction. The annular portion 302 constitutes the lower end portion 303 of the retaining member 300. The protruding locking portions 304 and the receiving portions 306 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. A plurality of sets of adjacent protruding locking portions 304 and receiving portions 306 are provided. This set is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, four sets of the protruding locking portions 304 and the receiving portions 306 are provided. Here, the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of the retaining member 300.

[0099] The protruding locking portion 304 extends along the axial direction from the annular portion 302. The protruding locking portion 304 extends upward from the annular portion 302. All the protruding locking portions 304 are the same except for their circumferential positions. In the description of the retaining member 300, the axial direction is the axial direction of the retaining member 300, the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of the retaining member 300, and the radial direction is the radial direction of the retaining member 300.

[0100] The annular portion 302 forms the lower end portion of the retaining member 300. The annular portion 302 forms the lower end surface 308 of the retaining member 300.

[0101] The protruding locking portion 304 extends upward from the annular portion 302, and its upper end 310 forms a part of the upper end of the retaining member 300. The upper end 310 of the protruding locking portion 304 is a free end. The protruding locking portion 304 has an inward extending portion 312 that protrudes radially inward. In the retaining member 300 in its natural state, the inward extending portion 312 forms the portion that is located most radially inward within the retaining member 300. The inward extending portion 312 has a locking surface 314. The locking surface 314 is the upper surface of the inward extending portion 312. The locking surface 314 is an upward-facing surface.

[0102] As shown by the enlarged portion in FIG. 25(b), the protruding locking portion 304 has a guided surface 316. The guided surface 316 is provided on one side surface in the circumferential direction of the protruding locking portion 304 above the inward extending portion 312. The guided surface 316 is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction. The guided surface 316 is inclined so as to be radially outward as it goes to one side in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, one side in the circumferential direction is the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. The guided surface 316 extends from the circumferential middle position of the protruding locking portion 304 to the edge 318 on one side in the circumferential direction of the protruding locking portion 304.

[0103] Above the inner extension part 312, on the other circumferential side of the guided surface 316, a non-inclined part 320 that is not inclined with respect to the circumferential direction is adjacent. In the present embodiment, the other circumferential side refers to the clockwise direction when viewed from above.

[0104] The receiving part 306 extends along the axial direction from the annular part 302. The receiving part 306 extends upward from the annular part 302.

[0105] The receiving part 306 extends upward from the annular part 302. The upper end 322 of the receiving part 306, together with the upper end 310 of the protruding locking part 304, forms the upper end of the retaining member 300. The upper end 322 has a first upper end surface 324, a second upper end surface 326 located below the first upper end surface 324, and a transition surface 328 connecting between the first upper end surface 324 and the second upper end surface 326. The second upper end surface 326 is located on the other circumferential side with respect to the first upper end surface 324. The transition surface 328 is inclined so as to be lower as it approaches the second upper end surface 326. In other words, the transition surface 328 extends so as to be lower as it goes to the other circumferential side.

[0106] The retaining member 300 has an outward protruding part 329 that protrudes radially outward. The outward protruding part 329 is provided on the outer surface (radially outer surface) of the retaining member 300. The outward protruding part 329 can be provided at one or two or more circumferential positions. In the present embodiment, the outward protruding part 329 is provided at two circumferential positions. The plurality (two) of outward protruding parts 329 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The outward protruding part 329 is provided on the outer surface of the receiving part 306. The outward protruding part 329 is provided on two of the four receiving parts 306. In the retaining member 300 in the natural state, the outward protruding part 329 forms the part located most radially outward. The outer surface 329a of the outward protruding part 329 is a curved surface that extends along the circumferential direction. From the viewpoint of forming the outward protruding part 329, in the part where there is no outward protruding part 329, the radial thickness of the retaining member 300 is made thinner.

[0107] Figs. 26(a) and 26(b) are perspective views of the outer shell member 165 according to the third embodiment. In Figs. 26(a) and 26(b), the viewing angles are different. Fig. 26(c) is a plan view of the outer shell member 165 viewed from above. Fig. 26(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line d-d of Fig. 26(c).

[0108] Similar to the outer shell member 164 according to the first and second embodiments, the outer shell member 165 has an outer shell base portion 165a and an outer shell spout portion 165b. Also, similar to the outer shell member 164, the outer shell member 165 has an upward-facing surface 220. A retaining member 300 is placed on the upward-facing surface 220. The lower end surface 308 of the retaining member 300 abuts against the upward-facing surface 220.

[0109] The outer shell member 165 has an engaging convex portion 165c. The engaging convex portion 165c is provided above the upward-facing surface 220. The engaging convex portion 165c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell member 165 (outer shell base portion 165a). The engaging convex portion 165c can be provided at one or two or more circumferential positions. In this embodiment, the engaging convex portion 165c is provided at two circumferential positions. The plurality (two) of engaging convex portions 165c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction referred to here is the circumferential direction of the outer shell base portion 165a. Except for the presence or absence of the engaging convex portion 165c, the outer shell member 165 is the same as the outer shell member 164 according to the first and second embodiments.

[0110] In a state where it is inserted into the gap SP and placed on the upward-facing surface 220, the retaining member 300 can rotate with respect to the outer shell member 165. However, at a predetermined rotational position, the outward protruding portion 329 of the retaining member 300 abuts against the engaging convex portion 165c of the outer shell member 165. By the abutment of the outward protruding portion 329 and the engaging convex portion 165c, the rotation of the retaining member 300 with respect to the outer shell member 165 is restricted. Thus, a rotation restricting mechanism for restricting the relative rotation between the outer shell member 165 and the retaining member 300 is provided. In this embodiment, this rotation restricting mechanism is the engagement between a convex provided on the outer surface of the retaining member 300 and a convex provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer shell member 165 (outer shell base portion 165a).

[0111] FIG. 27(a) is a plan view of a dedicated tool 330 capable of releasing the retaining function of the retaining member 300 as seen from above, FIG. 27(b) is a perspective view of the dedicated tool 330 as seen from an obliquely upper side, FIG. 27(c) is a side view of the dedicated tool 330, FIG. 27(d) is a perspective view of the dedicated tool 330 as seen from an obliquely lower side, and FIG. 27(e) is a bottom view of the dedicated tool 330 as seen from below.

[0112] The dedicated tool 330 is an annular member as a whole. The dedicated tool 330 has a base portion 332 and a lower end portion 334 formed on the lower side of the base portion 332. The base portion 332 is annular. The base portion 332 constitutes a cylinder. The lower end portion 334 is annular. The lower end portion 334 constitutes a cylinder. The base portion 332 and the lower end portion 334 have a common inner peripheral surface 336. The inner peripheral surface 336 defines a through hole h2 that penetrates the dedicated tool 330 vertically.

[0113] The inner surface 338 of the base portion 332 is constituted by the aforementioned inner peripheral surface 336. The outer surface 340 of the base portion 332 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. This non-circular cross-sectional shape facilitates the rotation of the dedicated tool 330. The outer surface 340 may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0114] The lower end portion 334 has an end face 341, an inner peripheral surface 342, and an outer peripheral surface 343. The inner peripheral surface 342 of the lower end portion 334 is constituted by the aforementioned inner peripheral surface 336. The end face 341 of the lower end portion 334 constitutes the lower end face of the dedicated tool 330. The lower end portion 334 has a downward protruding portion 344 that protrudes downward. A plurality of downward protruding portions 344 are provided. The plurality of downward protruding portions 344 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of the downward protruding portions 344 is the same as the number of sets of the protruding locking portions 304 and the receiving portions 306.

[0115] As shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. 27(d), the lower protruding portion 344 has a lowermost end face 346 and an inclined end face 348 that is continuous with the lowermost end face 346 and is located on one circumferential side of the lowermost end face 346. The lowermost end face 346 constitutes the lowermost end face among the end faces 341 of the lower end portion 334. The lowermost end face 346 and the inclined end face 348 constitute the end face 341 of the lower end portion 334. The inclined end face 348 is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The inclined end face 348 is inclined so as to be on the upper side as it goes to one circumferential side. In the enlarged portion of FIG. 27(d), one circumferential side is substantially the right side.

[0116] Furthermore, the lower protruding portion 344 has a guide surface 350. The guide surface 350 is provided on the side surface on the other circumferential side of the lower protruding portion 344. The guide surface 350 is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction. The guide surface 350 is inclined so as to be on the radially inner side as it goes to the other circumferential side. The guide surface 350 extends from the circumferential middle position of the lower protruding portion 344 to the edge 352 on the other circumferential side of the lower protruding portion 344.

[0117] FIGS. 28 and 29 are views in which a cross-section of the lower protruding portion 344 of the dedicated tool 330 is added to the enlarged view within the circle of FIG. 25(a). In FIGS. 28 and 29, some lines in the retaining member 300 are deleted from the viewpoint of visibility. In FIG. 28, the retaining member 300 is in an engaged state. In FIG. 29, the retaining member 300 is in a disengaged state.

[0118] The forms of the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2 in the engaged retaining member 300 are the same as those in the case of the retaining members 162 and 163. The dedicated tool 330 is used for the engaged retaining member 300.

[0119] When the dedicated tool 330 is inserted into the gap SP (see Fig. 24(b)), the end face 341 of the lower end portion 334 abuts against the retaining member 300. Due to the presence of the downward protruding portion 344 and the like, the end face 341 of the lower end portion 334 has irregularities, and the retaining member 300 also has irregularities. Immediately after the dedicated tool 330 is inserted into the gap SP, the phase relationship between the retaining member 300 and the dedicated tool 330 is left to chance, and the contact state between the dedicated tool 330 and the retaining member 300 is not constant. On the other hand, the shape of the receiving portion 306 of the retaining member 300 corresponds to the shape of the downward protruding portion 344 of the dedicated tool 330. The receiving portion 306 has a shape that guides the downward protruding portion 344. The inclined end face 348 of the downward protruding portion 344 is guided to the transition surface 328 of the receiving portion 306. The dedicated tool 330 is guided so that the lowermost end face 346 of the downward protruding portion 344 abuts against the second upper end face 326 of the receiving portion 306. This state is also referred to as the guiding state. This guiding state is the state where the dedicated tool 330 has fallen to the lowest position within the gap SP. For example, the guiding state can be easily obtained by slightly rotating the dedicated tool 330 inserted into the gap SP and abutting against the retaining member 300 to find the state where the dedicated tool 330 drops the most.

[0120] In Fig. 28, the downward protruding portion 344 in the guiding state is shown in cross section. In this guiding state, the downward protruding portion 344 is located on either one side or the other side in the circumferential direction of the protruding locking portion 304. In the present embodiment, the downward protruding portion 344 is located on one side in the circumferential direction of the protruding locking portion 304. In this guiding state, the retaining member 300 is in an engaged state. That is, similar to the inward extending portions 264 of the retaining members 162, 163 in Fig. 21, the inward extending portion 312 of the protruding locking portion 304 enters the recess 173. The engagement between the inward extending portion 312 and the recess 173 is an uneven engagement with the inward extending portion 312 being convex and the recess 173 being concave.

[0121] From this induced state, rotate the dedicated tool 330 (see the arrow in FIG. 24(c)). The direction of rotation is the direction in which the lower protrusion 344 faces the protruding locking portion 304. In the present embodiment, the direction of rotation of the dedicated tool 330 is the other side in the circumferential direction. When viewed from above the dedicated tool 330, this direction of rotation is clockwise.

[0122] By rotating the dedicated tool 330, the lower protruding portion 344 advances toward the other side in the circumferential direction, and the lower protruding portion 344 abuts against the radially inner side of the protruding locking portion 304. Note that when the dedicated tool 330 is rotated, co-rotation may occur between the retaining member 300 and the dedicated tool 330, but this co-rotation is prevented by the operation of the above rotation restricting mechanism. When the dedicated tool 330 rotates with respect to the retaining member 300, the edge 352 on the other side in the circumferential direction of the lower protruding portion 344 reaches the radially inner side of the protruding locking portion 304. Further, the guide surface 350 of the lower protruding portion 344 abuts against the guided surface 316 of the protruding locking portion 304. As the lower protruding portion 344 advances, the protruding locking portion 304 elastically deforms so as to fall radially outward. Finally, as shown in FIG. 29, the lower protruding portion 344 enters the radially inner side of the protruding locking portion 304. The protruding locking portion 304 elastically deforms until the non-slanted surface portion 320 of the protruding locking portion 304 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 343 of the lower protruding portion 344 from the outside. The protruding locking portion 304 elastically deforms until its inward extending portion 312 comes out of the recess 173. The relationship between the inward extending portion 312 and the recess 173 in this state is the same as the relationship between the inward extending portion 264 and the recess 173 in FIG. 22. This elastic deformation occurs in all the protruding locking portions 304 arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction. Note that the over-rotation of the dedicated tool 330 is suppressed by the lower protruding portion 344 abutting against another receiving portion 306 adjacent to the other side in the circumferential direction of the protruding locking portion 304 being deformed. By suppressing this over-rotation, the disengaged state is likely to be maintained. In this way, the disengaged state of the retaining member 300 is achieved, and the engagement (first engagement G1) between the retaining member 300 and the casing member 171 is released. After that, while maintaining the positional relationship between the retaining member 300 and the dedicated tool 330, the outer shell member 164 is moved upward (see FIG. 24(d)). Thereby, the outer shell member 164 is separated from the casing member 171 (main body functional portion 12) together with the retaining member 300.

[0123] Each of the embodiments described above has the following operational effects.

[0124] The retaining members 162, 163, and 300 are disposed inside the gap SP formed between the main body functional part 12 (casing member 171) and the outer shell members 164 and 165. Therefore, the user cannot easily reach the retaining members 162, 163, and 300. Thus, it is possible to prevent the situation where the outer shell members 164 and 165 are easily removed by the user. If the outer shell members 164 and 165 are removed by the user, it becomes easier for a user lacking in expertise to touch the inside of the faucet, which may cause damage to parts. In the above embodiment, such a situation can be suppressed. On the other hand, by using a tool or the like that can be inserted into the gap, the engagement of the retaining member can be reliably released.

[0125] In the faucet device described in Japanese Patent No. 7146166, a retaining member (C-ring) is provided on the valve fixing member. Therefore, when the upper cover is removed, the retaining member (C-ring) is exposed to the outside, and the user can easily come into contact with the retaining member (C-ring). In the above embodiment, such a situation can be avoided.

[0126] When performing maintenance on the faucet device, the valve fixing member 168 is removed. Examples of this maintenance include replacing the valve assembly 170 and attaching a branch faucet. When the retaining member is attached to the valve fixing member as in the faucet device described in Japanese Patent No. 7146166, removing the valve fixing member causes the retaining function to be lost. If an axial force is applied to the outer shell members 164 and 165 in a state where the retaining function is lost, loads are applied to various parts of the faucet device, such as the seal part and the connection part, which may cause failure or damage. In the above embodiment, the retaining members 162, 163, and 300 are not engaged with the valve assembly 170, and the retaining function is not lost even when the valve assembly 170 is removed. Thus, the above concerns during maintenance can be avoided.

[0127] In the faucet device of Japanese Patent No. 7146166, the retaining member is fixed to the water passage member. For this reason, when an axial load is applied to the outer shell member, this load is directly transmitted to the water passage member, affecting the seal portion related to the water passage member. If the seal portion is affected, there is a concern that problems such as water leakage may occur. In the above embodiment, the retaining members 162, 163, 300 are not engaged with the water passage members (discharge connection pipe 174, water passage pipe 184). Therefore, even when an axial load is applied to the outer shell members 164, 165, the influence on the water passage members can be suppressed.

[0128] In the faucet device of Japanese Patent No. 7146166, the outer shell member is fixed to the retaining member via another member (water passage member). For this reason, when a load is applied to the outer shell member, the load is applied to the other member and each part connected thereto, increasing the risk of problems. In the above embodiment, since the retaining members 162, 163, 300 are directly engaged with the outer shell members 164, 165, the risk of problems can be suppressed.

[0129] The retaining members 162, 163, 300 are annular and are arranged in the annular gap SP. The engagement (first engagement G1 and second engagement G2) by the retaining members 162, 163, 300 is formed dispersedly or continuously in the circumferential direction. In each of the above embodiments, the first engagement G1 is formed dispersedly in the circumferential direction. In each of the above embodiments, the second engagement G2 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction. To release the engagement of the retaining members 162, 163, 300, it is necessary to release the engagement simultaneously at each position in the circumferential direction. For this reason, it is difficult to release the engagement with bare hands or general-purpose tools. In each of the above embodiments, it is prevented that the user easily removes the outer shell members 164, 165.

[0130] Although it is difficult to release the engagement of the retaining members 162, 163, 300 with general-purpose tools, it can be easily carried out by using dedicated tools 280, 330. When it is necessary to remove the outer shell members 164, 165, the retaining function can be easily released by using the dedicated tools 280, 330.

[0131] In Japanese Patent No. 7146166, a C-ring is used as a retaining member. There are significant restrictions on the material of the C-ring, and the design freedom of the retaining member is limited. The retaining members 162, 163, and 300 can be made of an elastically deformable resin, metal, etc., and have excellent design freedom.

[0132] In Japanese Patent No. 7146166, a C-ring is used as a retaining member. Since this C-ring is provided on the valve fixing member, it can be easily contacted, but the operation of elastically deforming and removing the C-ring is not easy. With the retaining members 162, 163, and 300, the engagement can be easily released by using dedicated tools 280 and 330.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 21, the retaining member 162 forms a first engagement G1 between the main body functional part 12 and the retaining member 162 and a second engagement between the outer shell member 164 and the retaining member 162 in a state of being inserted into the gap SP from above. Therefore, the retaining member 162 can be easily attached. Also, it becomes possible to reach the retaining member 162 by a tool inserted into the gap SP from above. This is the same for the retaining member 163 and the retaining member 300.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 21, the retaining member 162 is mounted in the normal position simply by being inserted from above into a gap SP that forms an opening on the upper side. The engagement (first engagement G1) between the inwardly extending portion 264 and the recess 173 can be formed by a snap fit utilizing the elasticity of the retaining member 162. The retaining member 162 inserted from above the gap SP advances downward within the gap SP in a state of being elastically deformed such that the inwardly extending portion 264 is pressed radially outward and the protruding locking portion 252 falls radially outward. Then, when the retaining member 162 reaches the normal position, the inwardly extending portion 264 enters the recess 173 due to the recovery of the elastic deformation, and the first engagement G1 is formed. This is the same for the retaining members 163 and 300. The retaining members 162, 163, 300 can be easily mounted at positions where the retaining function is exerted. Note that the assembling method of the retaining members 162, 163, 300 is not limited. The retaining members 162, 163, 300 may be assembled without using the snap fit.

[0135] In the retaining members 162, 163, 300, the retaining engagement (first engagement G1) can be released by displacing the protruding locking portions 252, 304 arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction in the radial direction. Therefore, by inserting the annular dedicated tools 280, 330 into the gap SP, the retaining engagement (first engagement G1) can be easily released.

[0136] The retaining members 162, 163, 300 have annular portions 250, 302 and a plurality of protruding locking portions 252, 304 that extend upward from the annular portions 250, 302 and are provided in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction. The protruding locking portions 252, 304 form the first engagement G1 with the main body functional portion 12 (casing member 171). The first engagement G1 is configured to be released by deforming the protruding locking portions 252, 304 so as to fall radially outward. Therefore, a configuration is realized in which it is easy to mount inside the gap and the engagement can be easily released using a tool.

[0137] In the retaining members 162, 163, 300, the engagement between the casing member 171 (upper casing member 172) and the protruding locking portions 252, 304 is a concave-convex engagement. This concave-convex engagement is the engagement between the inwardly extending portions 264, 312 and the concave portion 173. By deforming the protruding locking portions 252, 304 so that the inwardly extending portions 264, 312 come out of the concave portion 173, the engagement can be easily released. The release of this concave-convex engagement is achieved by displacing the protruding locking portions 252, 304 radially outward. Therefore, by inserting a tool or the like radially inside the protruding locking portions 252, 304, the engagement can be easily released. In the above concave-convex engagement, the casing member 171 (main body functional portion 12) side forms a concave shape, and the protruding locking portions 252, 304 side forms a convex shape, but the reverse may also be true. That is, the casing member 171 (main body functional portion 12) side may form a convex shape, and the protruding locking portions 252, 304 side may form a concave shape.

[0138] As described above, the retaining members 162, 163, 300 form the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2. As shown in FIG. 21, the first engagement G1 is the engagement between the casing member 171 and the protruding locking portion 252. The second engagement G2 is the engagement between the lower end portions 254, 303 (lower end surfaces 256, 308) of the retaining members 162, 163, 300 and the upward-facing surfaces 220 of the outer shell members 164, 165. The first engagement G1 is located above the second engagement G2. Therefore, it is easy to release only the first engagement G1 with a tool inserted through the gap SP opened upward. By releasing only the first engagement G1, the outer shell members 164, 165 can be pulled out upward together with the retaining members 162, 163, 300.

[0139] In the retaining members 162 of the first embodiment and the retaining members 163 of the second embodiment, by inserting the lower end portion 284 of a dedicated tool 280 having a cylindrical shape inside the radial direction of the protruding locking portions 252 arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction, the first engagement G1 in all the protruding locking portions 252 is released simultaneously. In the retaining member 300 of the third embodiment, after bringing the lower end portion 334 of a dedicated tool 330 having a cylindrical shape into contact with the retaining member 300, by rotating the dedicated tool 330 with respect to the retaining member 300, the downward protruding portion 344 is inserted inside the radial direction of the protruding locking portion 304, and the first engagement G1 in all the protruding locking portions 304 is released simultaneously. In any of the embodiments, by simultaneously inserting the dedicated tools 280 and 330 inside the radial direction of all the protruding locking portions 252 and 304 and simultaneously deforming all the protruding locking portions 252 and 304, the first engagement G1 is released. Releasing the engagement simultaneously at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction is difficult with general-purpose tools. By using a dedicated tool, this release of the engagement can be easily achieved.

[0140] When comparing the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the second embodiment has fewer protruding locking portions 252 and the width of each protruding locking portion 252 is also smaller, so the assemblability is excellent. Assemblability means the ease of attaching and detaching the retaining member. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of strength against coming off, the first embodiment with more protruding locking portions 252 is superior to the second embodiment.

[0141] The rattling of the outer shell members 164 and 165 can be suppressed by the retaining members 162, 163, and 300 arranged in the gap SP between the main body functional portion 12 (casing member 171) and the outer shell members 164 and 165. The rattling of the outer shell members 164 and 165 can be suppressed by filling this gap SP, and for example, it can be suppressed by adjusting the outer diameter of the casing member 171 or the inner diameters of the outer shell members 164 and 165. However, considering cost and the workability of parts, it is preferable to suppress the rattling by adjusting the retaining members 162, 163, and 300. By adjusting the dimensions of the retaining members 162, 163, and 300 (for example, the inner and outer diameters of the lower end portions 254 and 303), the rattling can be easily suppressed.

[0142] In FIG. 21, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow D1 is the depth from the opening of the gap SP to the retaining members 162, 163, 300. This depth D1 can be measured along the insertion direction of the retaining members 162, 163, 300. In the present embodiment, the depth D1 is measured along the axial direction of the retaining member 162. From the viewpoint of preventing the user of the faucet device 2 from easily contacting the retaining members 162, 163, 300, the depth D1 is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, still more preferably 6 mm or more, and even more preferably 7 mm or more. From the viewpoint of miniaturizing the main body functional portion 12 (or the dedicated tools 280, 330), the depth D1 is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, still more preferably 9 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0143] In FIG. 21, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow D2 is the width of the gap SP. This width D2 is the minimum value of the gap width measured in a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction of the depth D1. In the present embodiment, the width D2 is measured along the radial direction of the retaining member 162. The width D2 is the minimum value of the gap width above the retaining members 162, 163, 300. From the viewpoint of preventing the user of the faucet device 2 from easily contacting the retaining members 162, 163, 300, the width D2 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4.5 mm or less, still more preferably 4.3 mm or less. From the viewpoint of facilitating the insertion of the retaining members 162, 163, 300 into the gap SP when mounting the retaining members 162, 163, 300, the width D2 is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 3.5 mm or more, still more preferably 3.7 mm or more.

[0144] In the retaining members 162 and 163, the number of the protruding locking portions 252 is not limited. The number of the protruding locking portions 252 may be 1. From the viewpoint of the strength against detachment, the number of the protruding locking portions 252 is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, and even more preferably 4 or more. If the number of the protruding locking portions 252 is excessive, the assemblability (ease of attachment and detachment of the retaining member) may be reduced. From this viewpoint, the number of the protruding locking portions 252 is preferably 16 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and even more preferably 14 or less.

[0145] In the retaining member 300, the number of the protruding locking portions 304 is not limited. The number of the protruding locking portions 304 may be 1. From the viewpoint of the strength against detachment, the number of the protruding locking portions 304 is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, and even more preferably 4 or more. If the number of the protruding locking portions 304 is excessive, the assemblability (ease of attachment and detachment of the retaining member) may be reduced. Also, it is necessary to provide the receiving portions 306 having the same number as the protruding locking portions 304. From this viewpoint, the number of the protruding locking portions 304 is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 11 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2 are the contacts between the upward-facing surface and the downward-facing surface. The forms of the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2 are not limited thereto. As the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2, any known engagement forms may be adopted. As the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2, for example, screw connection, bayonet, etc. may be adopted. From the viewpoint of facilitating and ensuring the attachment and disengagement of the retaining members 162, 163, and 300, the first engagement G1 and the second engagement G2 are preferably the contacts between the upward-facing surface and the downward-facing surface. In the above embodiment, the first engagement G1 is above the second engagement G2, but the second engagement G2 may be above the first engagement G1. Also in this case, it is preferable that the upper engagement (the second engagement G2) is released by a dedicated tool.

[0147] Examples of the materials of the retaining members 162, 163, and 300 include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, among the metals, brass is preferred. As the resin, from the viewpoint of easy molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred. When the retaining member has a complex shape as in the above embodiment, from the viewpoint of moldability, the material of the retaining member is preferably resin, and more preferably a thermoplastic resin. Among the resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred, and polyoxymethylene (POM) is preferred from the viewpoints of cost and strength. Note that, 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. In the above embodiment, POM is used as the material of the retaining members 162, 163, and 300.

[0148] Examples of the materials of the outer shell members 164 and 165 include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, among the metals, brass is preferred. As the resin, from the viewpoint of easy molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred. Examples of the resin include polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). From the viewpoint of cost, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) may be adopted. The outer appearance surface exposed to the outside may be plated (such as nickel-chromium plating). Note that, 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. In the above embodiment, ABS is used as the material of the outer shell members 164 and 165.

[0149] Examples of the material of the casing member 171 (upper casing member 172, lower casing member 188) include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, brass is preferred among metals. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred as the resin. Examples of the resin include polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). Note that, 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. In the above embodiment, brass is used as the material of the casing member 171.

[0150] Examples of the material of the dedicated tools 280 and 330 include resin and metal. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, and bronze. From the viewpoints of cost and workability, brass is preferred among metals. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, a thermoplastic resin is preferred as the resin. Examples of the resin include polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). Note that, 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. In the above embodiment, POM is used as the material of the dedicated tools 280 and 330.

[0151] The faucet device of the above embodiment may be a faucet device (faucet device set) further including the dedicated tools 280 and 330.

[0152] The following supplementary notes are part of the inventions included in the present disclosure. [Supplementary Note 1] A faucet device capable of stopping the discharge of hot and cold water mixture, comprising: a main body functional part including a control part for performing discharge stop control and water temperature control; an outer shell member covering the main body functional part; A water passage member that forms a flow path for flowing hot and cold water from the main body functional part to the downstream side, A retaining member that forms a first engagement with the main body functional part and a second engagement with the outer shell member, and restricts the outer shell member from coming off upward with respect to the main body functional part, and includes, A faucet device in which the retaining member is disposed inside a gap formed between the main body functional part and the outer shell member. [Appendix 2] The main body functional part includes a casing member, a valve assembly including a movable valve and a fixed valve housed in the casing member, and a valve fixing member that fixes the valve assembly to the casing member, The gap is a gap formed between the casing member and the outer shell member, The faucet device according to Appendix 1, wherein the first engagement is an engagement between the retaining member and the casing member. [Appendix 3] The retaining member is annular, The gap is annular, The faucet device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement and the second engagement are formed dispersedly or continuously in the circumferential direction. [Appendix 4] The retaining member has an annular part and a plurality of protruding locking parts that extend upward from the annular part and are provided dispersedly in the circumferential direction, The protruding locking parts form the first engagement with the main body functional part, The faucet device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the first engagement is released by the protruding locking parts being deformed so as to fall outward in the radial direction. [Appendix 5] The gap forms an opening upward, The faucet device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the retaining member forms the first engagement and the second engagement in a state of being inserted into the gap from above. [Appendix 6] The faucet device according to appended claim 5, wherein the first engagement can be formed by a snap fit using the elasticity of the retaining member. [Appended claim 7] The width of the gap is 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less, The faucet device according to any one of appended claims 1 to 6, wherein the depth from the opening of the gap to the retaining member is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less. [Appended claim 8] The faucet device according to any one of appended claims 1 to 7, wherein the first engagement can be released by inserting a dedicated tool into the gap, and the outer shell member can be removed from the main body functional part.

[0153] This application also discloses other inventions that are not included in the invention according to the claims (including independent form claims). Each form, member, configuration, and their combinations described in the claims and embodiments of this application are recognized as inventions based on the effects they respectively have.

[0154] Each form, member, configuration, etc. shown in the respective embodiments can be applied individually 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

[0155] 2 ··· Faucet device 3 ··· Faucet 4 ··· Faucet body 5 ··· Supply pipe 6 ··· Water supply pipe 6a ··· Copper pipe part of the water supply pipe 8 ··· Hot water supply pipe 8a ··· Copper pipe part of the hot water supply pipe 12 ··· Main body functional part 14 ··· Operation part (handle) 16 ··· Spout part 16a ··· Main part of the spout 16b ··· Root 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... Tap mounting device 102... Base member 104... Male screw for fixing base member 106... Screw member 108... Fixture 110... Female screw hole 114... Base body of base member 120... Outer peripheral surface of 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 162... Retaining member 163... Retaining member 164... Outer shell member 164a... Outer shell base 164b... Outer shell spout part 165... Outer shell member 165a... Outer shell base 165b... Outer shell spout part 166... Spout side water passing member 168... Valve fixing member 170... Valve assembly (control part) 171... Casing member 172... Upper casing member 172a... Cylindrical part 173... Recess (circumferential groove) 173a... Downward surface 174... Discharge connection pipe (water passing member) 176... Supply pipe holding member 180 ··· Flange forming member 181 ··· First flange forming member 182 ··· Second flange forming member 184 ··· Water pipe (water passing member) 186 ··· Water pipe rotation restricting member 188 ··· Lower casing member 190 ··· Water 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 250 ··· Annular part of the retaining member 252 ··· Protruding locking part 254 ··· Lower end part 256 ··· Lower end surface of the retaining member 258 ··· Upper end of the protruding locking part 264 ··· Inner extending part 266 ··· Locking surface 268 ··· Guided surface 280 ··· Special tool 284 ··· Lower end part 286 ··· Inner peripheral surface 296 ··· Guide surface 298 ··· Lower end 300 ··· Retaining member 302 ··· Annular part 304 ··· Protruding locking part 306 ··· Receiving part 312 ··· Inner extending part 314 ··· Locking surface 316 ··· Guided surface 324 ··· First upper end surface 326 ··· Second upper end surface 328 ··· Transition surface 330 ··· Special tool 334 ··· Lower end part 341 ··· End face 343 ··· Outer peripheral surface 344 ··· Lower protruding part 346 ··· Lowest end surface 348 ··· Inclined end face 350 ··· Guide surface 352 ··· The other circumferential edge of the lower protrusion T1 ··· The top plate (mounting base) G1 ··· The first engagement G2 ··· The second engagement SP ··· Gap

Claims

1. A faucet device capable of preventing dripping of a mixture of hot water and cold water, comprising: a main body functional part including a control part for performing dripping prevention control and water temperature control; an outer shell member covering the main body functional part; a water passage member forming a flow path for flowing the hot water from the main body functional part to the downstream side; a retaining member that forms a first engagement with the main body functional part and a second engagement with the outer shell member, and restricts the outer shell member from coming off upward with respect to the main body functional part; and the retaining member is disposed inside a gap formed between the main body functional part and the outer shell member.

2. The main body functional part includes a casing member, a valve assembly including a movable valve and a fixed valve housed in the casing member, and a valve fixing member for fixing the valve assembly to the casing member, the gap is a gap formed between the casing member and the outer shell member, The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement is an engagement between the retaining member and the casing member.

3. The retaining member is annular, the gap is annular, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement and the second engagement are formed dispersedly or continuously in the circumferential direction.

4. The retaining member has an annular part and a plurality of protruding locking parts that extend upward from the annular part and are provided dispersedly in the circumferential direction, the protruding locking parts form the first engagement with the main body functional part, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement is configured to be released by deforming the protruding locking parts so as to fall outward in the radial direction.

5. The gap forms an opening upward, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining member forms the first engagement and the second engagement in a state of being inserted into the gap from above.

6. The faucet device according to claim 5, wherein the first engagement can be formed by a snap fit utilizing the elasticity of the retaining member.

7. The width of the gap is 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less, The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the depth from the opening of the gap to the retaining member is 3 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

8. The faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement can be released by inserting a dedicated tool into the gap, and the outer shell member can be removed from the main body functional part.

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