Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device having a structure in which a supply pipe is connected to a faucet body, and excellent in design flexibility and water leakage prevention performance.SOLUTION: A faucet device 2 is capable of discharging and stopping a mixed flow of hot and cold water. The faucet device 2 comprises: a faucet body 4; a supply pipe 5 connected to the faucet body 4; a supply pipe fixing member 180 that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe 5; a supply pipe holding member 176 that is fixed to the faucet body 4 and includes an insertion part for inserting the supply pipe 5 and a fixing member support part 270 for supporting the supply pipe fixing member 180; and an annular sealing member s2 provided at a connection portion between the supply pipe 5 and the faucet body 4. The outer surface of the supply pipe 5 has a recess 230. The supply pipe fixing member 180 has a shape that engages with the recess 230. The supply pipe fixing member 180 is composed of a plurality of split bodies 280 that are split in a circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Faucet devices having a supply pipe (connection pipe, water supply pipe) that supplies cold or hot water to a faucet body are known. The faucet disclosed in JP 2000-193118 A has a connection pipe that is held in a connection pipe holder provided on the faucet body and extends from the faucet body. The connection pipe is provided with a flange-shaped protrusion, and the connection pipe is attached to the connection pipe holder from the side (see Figure 1). JP 2000-230259 A discloses a faucet coupling with a groove provided on the outer periphery of the water supply tubular body, and a C-ring as a locking ring is attached to this groove. JP 2002-81108 A discloses a single-lever mixer faucet with a hot water supply pipe, a water supply pipe, a mixed hot and cold water attachment, and a water discharge elbow. The hot water mixing attachment consists of an upper large diameter section and a lower small diameter section, and the upper large diameter section has notches for guiding the hot water supply pipe and the cold water supply pipe, respectively, and has a communication hole for the mixed water that penetrates vertically. The water discharge elbow is fitted onto the lower small diameter section so that it can rotate around its axis relative to the lower small diameter section (see Figures 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-193118 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-230259 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-81108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It has been found that there is room for improvement in the supply pipe connection structures and the like described in the above-mentioned patent documents.

[0005] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a faucet device having a structure in which a supply pipe is connected to a faucet body, and which has excellent design freedom and water leakage prevention performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a faucet device capable of dispensing and stopping hot and cold water, which is a mixture of hot and cold water. The faucet device includes a faucet body, a supply pipe connected to the faucet body, a supply pipe fixing member that engages with the outer surface of the supply pipe, a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body and including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe passes and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member, and an annular sealing member provided at the connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body. The outer surface of the supply pipe has a recess. The supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess. The supply pipe fixing member is composed of multiple segments divided circumferentially around the supply pipe.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure is a faucet device capable of dispensing and stopping the dispensing of hot and cold water mixtures. The faucet device includes a faucet body, a supply pipe connected to the faucet body, a supply pipe fixing member that engages with the outer surface of the supply pipe, a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body and including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe passes and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member, and an annular sealing member provided at the connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body. The outer surface of the supply pipe has a recess. The supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess. The supply pipe fixing member is provided around substantially the entire circumference of the supply pipe.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a faucet device capable of dispensing and stopping hot and cold water, a mixture of hot and cold water. The faucet device includes a faucet body, a supply pipe connected to the faucet body, a supply pipe fixing member that engages with the outer surface of the supply pipe, and a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body and including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe passes and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member. The faucet body includes a spout portion, a valve assembly including a valve mechanism that controls water dispensing and stopping and temperature control, an upper casing member that houses the valve assembly, a lower casing member disposed below the upper casing member, and a water pipe that passes hot and cold water from the valve assembly to the spout portion. The lower casing member includes a supply pipe penetration portion that surrounds the supply pipe and through which the supply pipe passes. The supply pipe penetration portion separates the area where the water pipe is located from the area where the supply pipe is inserted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In one aspect, in a faucet device having a structure in which a supply pipe is connected to a faucet body, it is possible to increase design freedom or water leakage prevention performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water faucet device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the water faucet device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the water faucet device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the water faucet device of FIG. 1 with the spout main part separated. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spout body of FIG. [Figure 7] 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) are perspective views of the faucet mounting device in the faucet device. [Figure 8]Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are oblique views of the base member in the above-mentioned faucet mounting device viewed from diagonally above, Figure 8(c) is a plan view of this base member, and Figures 8(d) and 8(e) are oblique views of this base member viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the spout main portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet device excluding the spout main portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the water faucet device excluding the spout main portion. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is an oblique view of the lower casing member seen from diagonally above, Figure 12(b) is a front view of the lower casing member, Figures 12(c) and 12(d) are oblique views of the lower casing member seen from diagonally below, Figure 12(e) is a plan view of the lower casing member, and Figure 12(f) is a bottom view of the lower casing member. [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) is an exploded oblique view showing an assembly formed by assembling a lower casing member, a water pipe, and a water pipe support member, and a water pipe rotation restricting member separated from this assembly, and Figure 13(b) is an oblique view showing the water pipe rotation restricting member attached to the assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the water faucet device, part of which is shown in cross section. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water faucet device (a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction of the supply pipe). [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the circled area in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an overall view of the supply pipes (water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe). [Figure 20]Figure 20(a) is an oblique view of the supply pipe holding member seen from diagonally above, Figure 20(b) is a plan view of the supply pipe holding member seen from above, Figure 20(c) is an oblique view of the supply pipe holding member seen from diagonally above from a different perspective than Figure 20(a), Figure 20(d) is an oblique view of the supply pipe holding member seen from diagonally below, and Figure 20(e) is a bottom view of the supply pipe holding member seen from below. [Figure 21] Figure 21(a) is an oblique view of the divided body constituting the supply pipe fixing member, seen from diagonally above; Figure 21(b) is a plan view of this divided body, seen from above; Figure 21(c) is a front view of this divided body; and Figure 21(d) is an oblique view of this divided body, seen from diagonally below. [Figure 22] 22(a), 22(b), 22(c) and 22(d) are perspective views showing the process of attaching the supply pipes (cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe) to the faucet body. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the supply pipe holding member in which the divided bodies arranged in the correct positions are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 24] FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of a divided body according to the first embodiment, FIG. 24(b) is a plan view of a divided body of a modified example, and FIG. 24(c) is a plan view of a divided body of another modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a water faucet device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a side view of the lower casing member with the supply pipe and water pipe in place. [Figure 28] Figure 28(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa in Figure 27, Figure 28(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Figure 27, Figure 28(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in Figure 27, and Figure 28(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in Figure 27. Figures 28(a) to (d) are transverse cross-sectional views (cross-sectional views taken along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the supply pipe). [Figure 29]Figure 29(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa in Figure 2, Figure 29(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Figure 2, Figure 29(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in Figure 2, and Figure 29(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in Figure 2. Figures 29(a) to (d) are transverse cross-sectional views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] In this specification, terms such as "upper," "lower," "upper side," "top end," "lower side," "bottom end," "vertical direction," "front," "left and right," "front side," "front end," "rear side," "rear end," and "front-to-rear direction" are used based on the usage state of a standard faucet shown in the following embodiment. "Front" is a direction determined relative to the kitchen, sink, etc. to which the faucet is attached, and is the direction facing directly toward the user of the faucet. Using this "front" as a reference, "left side" and "right side" are determined based on the direction as seen from the user. Furthermore, the front side (the side closer to the user) from the user's perspective is considered the "front," and the back side (the side farther from the user) from the user's perspective is considered the "rear." The vertical direction is the vertical direction. Note that the faucet can be set in various positions, and the above terms will be interpreted accordingly.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, "circumferential direction" means the circumferential direction of a member or part described by the term "circumferential direction," "axial direction" means the axial direction of a member or part described by the term "axial direction," and "radial direction" means the radial direction of a member or part described by the term "radial direction."

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water faucet device 2 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a side view of the water faucet device 2, Fig. 3 is a front view of the water faucet device 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in 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).

[0015] The faucet device 2 has a faucet 3 and a faucet mounting device 100. The faucet mounting device 100 is fixed to a mounting base T1. The mounting base T1 is the part 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 this mounting hole H1. In this embodiment, the mounting base T1 is a kitchen countertop. The faucet 3 is fixed to the countertop T1 by being fixed to the faucet mounting device 100 which is fixed to the countertop T1. Examples of materials for the mounting base T1 include stainless steel, resin (artificial marble, etc.), and ceramic. In this embodiment, the countertop T1 is made of stainless steel. The faucet device 2 is used, for example, in a kitchen, a washbasin, etc. The faucet device 2 is a single-lever mixer faucet.

[0016] The faucet 3 has a faucet body 4 and a supply pipe 5. There are two supply pipes 5. The supply pipes 5 are composed of a water supply pipe 6 and a hot water supply pipe 8. The first supply pipe 5 is the water supply pipe 6. The second supply pipe 5 is the hot water supply pipe 8. The faucet 3 does not have a discharge pipe extending outside the faucet body 4. The faucet 3 also does not have a hose that is connected to the discharge pipe, extends outside the faucet body 4, and delivers water to the spout portion 16. This hose is generally called a flexible hose. Flexible hose is an abbreviation for flexible hose. Flexible metal hoses are commonly used as flexible hoses. In faucets that have a flexible hose that extends and is connected to the discharge pipe, the spout main portion 16a (described below) can be separated from the faucet and pulled out. The faucet 3 may have this flexible hose. The spout main part 16a of the faucet 3 cannot be separated from the faucet 3 to pull out the flexible hose, and the spout main part 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.

[0017] The faucet body 4 has a main body functional section 12, an operating section 14, a spout section 16, and an outer shell member 164. The supply pipe 5 is connected to the faucet body 4. The supply pipe 5 is connected to the main body functional section 12 of the faucet body 4. In this embodiment, the operating section 14 is a handle. The spout section 16 has a head section 20. The head section 20 has a switching operating section 22 and a discharge port 24. The outer shell member 164 will be described later. In this embodiment, the switching operating section 22 is a push button. A cartridge placement section 26 is provided inside the spout section 16 (see Figure 4). A water purification cartridge (not shown in Figure 4) is placed in the cartridge placement section 26. By operating the switching operating section 22, it is possible to switch between a flow path that passes through the water purification cartridge and a flow path that does not pass through the water purification cartridge. When switched to the flow path that passes through the water purification cartridge, purified water is discharged. When the flow path is switched to one that does not pass through the water purification cartridge, raw water is discharged. In this way, the faucet body 4 of this embodiment has a purified / raw water switching function. The faucet body 4 does not have to have the purified / raw water switching function. The faucet body 4 does not have to have the switching operation unit 22 and the cartridge placement unit 26.

[0018] The discharge volume is adjusted by rotating the handle 14 up and down. In this embodiment, the more the handle 14 is moved upward, the greater the discharge volume. By rotating the handle 14 left and right, the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water is changed, and the temperature of the discharged water is adjusted. In this embodiment, the temperature of the discharged water can be increased by moving the handle 14 to the left.

[0019] The main body functional unit 12 has a valve mechanism 28 and a casing member 171 (described below). The main body functional unit 12 controls the water discharge and temperature based on the movement of the handle 14. The valve mechanism 28 adjusts the discharge volume and water temperature. The valve mechanism 28 includes a movable valve element 30, a fixed valve element 32, and a lever 34. The handle 14 is fixed to the lever 34, and the lever 34 moves in conjunction with the handle 14. The lower end of the lever 34 engages with the movable valve element 30, and the movable valve element 30 moves in conjunction with the lever 34. The fixed valve element 32 has a hot water hole, a cold water hole, and a drain hole 38. The movable valve element 30 has a hot water / cold water mixing recess, and hot water and cold water are mixed in the movable valve element 30. The hot water and cold water mixed in the movable valve element 30 flow through the drain hole 38 to the discharge port 24. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 4, the hot water hole and cold water hole of the fixed valve element 32 are not shown, but only the drain hole 38 is shown. Hot water is supplied to the hot water hole from the hot water supply pipe 8. Water is supplied to the water hole from the water supply pipe 6. Water that passes through the discharge hole 38 flows to the spout portion 16 without passing through the base member 102 (described below), passes through the spout portion 16, and is discharged from the outlet 24. Note that the faucet body 4 of this embodiment does not have a water shape switching unit that switches the water shape discharged from the outlet 24. The faucet body 4 may have this water shape switching unit. This water shape switching unit can switch the water shape between shower water shape and straight water shape, for example.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet device 2 with the spout main portion 16a of the spout portion 16 separated, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spout main portion 16a. As shown in FIG. 5, the spout portion 16 can be disassembled into the spout main portion 16a and the base portion 16b. The spout main portion 16a has a connecting portion 40 that is inserted into the base portion 16b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting portion 40 inserted into the base portion 16b is fixed to the base portion 16b by a locking member 42. The locking member 42 is inserted into an insertion hole 44 provided in the base portion 16b, and engages with a locking groove 46 (see FIG. 6) of the connecting portion 40. The spout main portion 16a is fixed to the base portion 16b by the engagement of the locking member 42 with the locking groove 46 of the connecting portion 40 inserted into the base portion 16b. As will be described later, the spout main part 16a of the faucet device 2 (faucet 3) cannot be separated from the faucet 3 while the flexible hose is being pulled out, and the spout main part 16a is fixed to the faucet 3.

[0021] 7(a) to 7(c) are perspective views of the faucet mounting device 100. The faucet mounting device 100 has a base member 102, a base member fixing male screw 104, a screw member 106, and a fastener 108. The base member 102 is made of metal. The faucet 3 is fixed to the base member 102. The base member fixing male screw 104 connects the base member 102 and the fastener 108, and can adjust the distance between the base member 102 and the fastener 108 by rotating it. There is one screw member 106. The screw member 106 is a male screw. The screw member 106 has a head 106a and a shaft 106b. A male screw is formed on the shaft 106b. The screw member 106 screws the faucet 3 to the base member 102. The screw member 106 is made of metal. The shape of the fixture 108 is C-shaped (horseshoe-shaped). The material of the fixture 108 is metal. There are two base member fixing male screws 104. The base member fixing male screws 104 are also made of metal. The fixture 108, together with the base member 102, clamps the mounting base T1.

[0022] There are multiple (two) base member fixing male screws 104. The base member fixing male screws 104 are composed of a first fixed male screw 104a and a second fixed male screw 104b. A stopper 109 is attached to the tip of the first fixed male screw 104a. An E-ring (E-shaped retaining ring) is used as the stopper 109.

[0023] 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of the base member 102 as viewed obliquely from above, FIG. 8(c) is a plan view of the base member 102, and FIGS. 8(d) and 8(e) are perspective views of the base member 102 as viewed obliquely from below. The base member 102 has a female threaded hole 110 into which a screw member 106 is threaded. The base member 102 has a base 112, a base body 114, and a central through-hole 116. The base 112 forms a bottom surface 118 of the base member 102. The base 112 forms a flange at the bottom of the base member 102. The outer diameter of the base 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the base body 114. The base body 114 forms the upper part of the base member 102. The base body 114 has an outer circumferential surface 120. The female threaded hole 110 is provided in the base body 114. The lower end of the faucet body 4 is fitted onto the base body 114 (outer peripheral surface 120). The female threaded hole 110 is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the base body 114. The female threaded hole 110 is located on the front side. The central through hole 116 passes through the base 112 and the base body 114 in the vertical direction. The supply pipe 5 is passed through the central through hole 116.

[0024] In this embodiment, the base member 102 has only one female threaded hole 110. The base member 102 may have multiple female threaded holes 110. The female threaded holes 110 may be provided at multiple locations around the circumference of the base body 114. By providing multiple female threaded holes 110, the base member 102 can be made common between faucet devices in which the relative positional relationship between the base member 102 and the faucet body 4 differs.

[0025] The base member 102 has screw insertion holes 122 through which the base member fixing male screws 104 are inserted. The screw insertion holes 122 penetrate the base member 102 in the up-down direction. The screw insertion holes 122 are composed of a first insertion hole 122a and a second insertion hole 122b. The first fixing male screws 104a are inserted into the first insertion hole 122a. The second fixing male screws 104b are inserted into the second insertion hole 122b.

[0026] 7(a) to 7(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.

[0027] The faucet mounting device 100 has a string 130. Stoppers 132 are provided at both ends of the string 130 to prevent it from slipping out. The base member 102 has a through hole 134 through which the string 130 is threaded. The through hole 134 is provided near the second insertion hole 122b. The fixing device 108 has a through hole 136 through which the string 130 is threaded. The through hole 136 is provided near the second screw hole 124b.

[0028] The faucet mounting device 100 (faucet device 2) is a top-mounted type. The faucet mounting device 100 can be attached to the mounting base (top plate) T1 from above the mounting base (top plate) T1.

[0029] In this embodiment, top surface installation can be performed, for example, as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the first fixed male screw 104a is passed through the first insertion hole 122a and threaded into the first screw hole 124a, connecting the base member 102 and the fastener 108 only with the first fixed male screw 104a. After the first fixed male screw 104a is threaded into the first screw hole 124a, a stopper 109 is attached to the tip of the first fixed male screw 104a. In this state, the fastener 108 is passed through the mounting hole H1 from above. At this time, the orientation of the fastener 108 is adjusted, for example, by tilting the entire faucet mounting device 100 to tilt the fastener 108 so that the fastener 108 can pass through the mounting hole H1. Next, the entire faucet mounting device 100 is raised, and the base member 102 is made approximately horizontal so that the fastener 108, which has reached the underside of the top plate T1, is made approximately horizontal. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the second fixed male screw 104b is threaded into the second screw hole 124b while passing through the second insertion hole 122b and the mounting hole H1. During this threading, if the position of the second screw hole 124b is misaligned from the position where the second fixed male screw 104b can be threadedly engaged, this misalignment is adjusted from above the top plate T1. The faucet mounting device 100 is equipped with an adjustment mechanism that enables this adjustment. This adjustment mechanism is a string 130. By pulling the string 130, the position of the second screw hole 124b can be adjusted from above the top plate T1. Through this adjustment, the second fixed male screw 104b can be threaded into the second screw hole 124b, as shown in FIG. 7(c). Finally, the first fixed male screw 104a and the second fixed male screw 104b are tightened, and the top plate T1 is sandwiched between the base member 102 and the fixture 108. As a result, the faucet mounting device 100 is fixed to the top plate T1. A stopper 109 attached to the tip of the first fixed male screw 104a prevents the fastener 108 from falling off the first fixed male screw 104a during installation.

[0030] The faucet device 2 of the present disclosure does not have to be a top-mounted type, but may be a bottom-mounted type. A faucet mounting device having a base member is suitable for top-mounted installation. From this perspective, the faucet device 2 (faucet mounting device 100) is preferably a top-mounted type.

[0031] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the spout main part 16a of the faucet 3. The faucet 3 (spout main part 16a) has a switching operation part (button) 22, a button guide 23, a switching valve 140, a switching valve 141, a head cover 142, a lid member 143, a thrust lock mechanism part 144, a head body 146, a head under-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 has 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 has a shaft 141a, a seal member s1 attached to the shaft 141a, an annular member 141b through which the shaft 141a is inserted and which slidably supports the shaft 141a, and the seal member s1 attached to the annular member 141b. The discharged water is switched between purified water and raw water by opening and closing the switching unit 140 and the switching valve 141.

[0032] The thrust lock mechanism 144 has a first switching piece 144a, a second switching piece 144b, a switching ring 144c, a switching shaft 144d, a coil spring 144e, and a first switching case 144f. The thrust lock mechanism 144 performs alternate operations. Each time the switching operation unit 22 is pressed, the position of the switching operation unit 22 switches between a protruding position and a pushed-in position. A valve element (ball) 140b of the switching valve 140 and a shaft 141a of the switching valve 141 are linked to the thrust lock mechanism 144. The switching valve 140 opens and closes when the valve element 140b moves in contact with and away from the valve seat 140a. The switching valve 141 opens and closes when a seal member s1 attached to the shaft 141a moves in contact with and away from the valve seat formed on the inner surface of the flow path. 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 linked so that when the switching valve 140 opens, the switching valve 141 closes, and when the switching valve 140 closes, the switching valve 141 opens. Each time the switching operation unit 22 is pressed, the switching valves 140 and 141 switch between an open state and a closed state, and the discharged water switches between purified water and raw water.

[0033] The head body 146 holds the thrust lock mechanism 144 and houses the switching valve 140 that operates in conjunction with the thrust lock mechanism 144. The cover member 143 closes the storage space within the head body 146 from above. The head body 146 also 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 collects raw water from the raw water flow path of the head body 146 and purified water from the purified water flow path into a single flow path. The water discharge unit 150 has a water discharge body 150a, a flow rectifying member 150b, a flow rectifying mesh 150c, and a discharge port forming member 150d. The flow rectifying member 150b, the flow rectifying mesh 150c, and the discharge port forming member 150d are housed in the water discharge body 150a.

[0034] The head cover 142 forms the outer shell of the head unit 20. The head cover 142 has a main cover portion 142a and a branch portion 142b that branches off and extends from the main cover portion 142a. The main cover portion 142a houses a head body 146 including the switching valve 140 and a head under member 148. The main cover portion 142a also houses a thrust lock mechanism portion 144 and a button guide 23. The switching operation portion 22 is attached to the front end portion of the main cover portion 142a. The branch portion 142b houses a water discharge unit 150.

[0035] The inner cylindrical member 152 forms an internal space that is the cartridge placement portion 26. The front end of the inner cylindrical member 152 is threadedly engaged with the head body 146. The outer cylindrical member 154 is fitted onto the inner cylindrical member 152 and covers the outside of the inner cylindrical member 152. In this embodiment, the inner cylindrical member 152 is made of resin, and the outer cylindrical member 154 is also made of resin. The surface of the outer cylindrical member 154 is resin-plated. Of course, the materials of the inner cylindrical member 152 and the outer cylindrical member 154 are not limited. For example, the outer cylindrical member 154 may be made of metal, and the surface of the outer cylindrical member 154 may be metal-plated. A mounting nut 158 is threadedly engaged with the rear end of the inner cylindrical member 152. The mounting nut 158 constitutes the connecting portion 40 described above. A fixing ring 156 presses against the rear end of the outer cylindrical 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 each location such as the connection between members.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the under-head member 148 is a separate member from the water discharger unit 150. The under-head member 148 is not housed in the branch portion 142b. The under-head member 148 is housed in the cover main portion 142a. By having the under-head member 148 as a separate member, the water discharger unit 150 is made smaller. As a result, the branch portion 142b is made smaller. The outer diameter of the branch portion 142b is small. As shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 4, the end face 142d of the branch portion 142b is open downward. In some conventional faucets, the water discharger unit extends below the end face 142d to the position of the outer surface 142e of the branch portion 142b. In this case, the water discharger unit forms a portion adjacent to the end face 142d, and a seam (gap) is formed between this portion and the end face 142d. This seam (gap) exposed to the outside is prone to accumulating dirt. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4, in the faucet 3, the water discharge unit 150 is located inside the end face 142d. Because there is no part adjacent to the end face 142d, the seam (gap) is not formed. As a result, the seam (gap) where dirt easily accumulates is eliminated.

[0037] In the above embodiment, button guide 23 has button holding portion 23a that slidably holds switching operation portion 22, and extending portion 23b extending rearward from button holding portion 23a. Extended portion 23b is provided on each of the left and right sides. Head under-member 148 has recessed portion m1 with which extended portion 23b engages. Recessed portion m1 forms a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction. Extended portion 23b is inserted into recessed portion m1. Recessed portions m1 are provided on each of the left and right sides, and extended portion 23b is inserted into each of these recessed portions. Water discharger unit 150 (water discharger body 150a) has recessed portion m2 with which extended portion 23b engages. Recessed portion m2 forms a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction. Extended portion 23b is inserted into recessed portion m2. Recessed portions m2 are provided on each of the left and right sides, and extended portion 23b is inserted into each of these recessed portions.

[0038] In assembling the head portion 20, first, a head assembly 147 is prepared in which the head lower member 148 is assembled to the head body 146 (step 1). This head assembly 147 includes the switching valve 140 and the thrust lock mechanism 144. Next, this head assembly 147 is inserted into the main cover portion 142a of the head cover 142 (step 2). The head assembly 147 is inserted from the rear side of the main cover portion 142a. Next, the water discharger 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 main cover portion 142a (step 4). The button guide 23 is inserted from the front side of the main cover portion 142a. When the button guide 23 is inserted into the main cover portion 142a, the extension portion 23b is inserted into the recesses m1 and m2. Extending portion 23b engages with recessed portion m1 and recessed portion m2, thereby achieving fixation of head assembly 147 (under-head member 148) and water discharger unit 150. This assembly method is excellent in workability.

[0039] The head lower 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 engagement portion e1. The first engagement portion e1 is provided on the inner surface of the arm portion 148b. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion e1 is a recess. Meanwhile, the head body 146 has second engagement portions e2 that engage with each of the first engagement portions e1. The second engagement portions e2 are provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the head body 146. In this embodiment, the second engagement portions e2 are protrusions. The engagement between the first engagement portions e1 and the second engagement portions e2 is achieved by a snap fit. In other words, when the head body 146 is inserted between the two arm portions 148b, a snap fit is achieved due to the elasticity of the arm portions 148b. In the head assembly 147, the first engagement portion e1 and the second engagement portion e2 are engaged with each other, thereby achieving temporary fixing of the head lower member 148 to the head body 146. This temporary fixing prevents the head lower member 148 from coming off the head body 146 in step 2.

[0040] The mounting nut 158 has a female thread portion 158a at its front end. The inner cylindrical member 152 has a male thread portion 152a at its rear end. The female thread portion 158a is threaded onto the male thread portion 152a. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting nut 158 is screwed onto the male thread portion 152a. A rear end portion 154a of the outer cylindrical member 154 abuts against the mounting nut 158. The rear end portion 154a is sandwiched between the mounting nut 158 and the inner cylindrical member 152. The outer cylindrical 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 cylindrical member 154 (see FIG. 9). The inner cylindrical 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 cylindrical member 152. As shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 6, the forward surface 154b abuts against the rearward surface 152b. Abutment is achieved at two points: the abutment between the rear end portion 154a of the outer tubular member 154 and the mounting nut 158, and the abutment between the forward surface 154b and the rearward surface 152b. These abutments suppress any rattle that may occur in the outer tubular member 154. The rib 154c of the outer tubular member 154 is fitted into the groove 152c of the inner tubular member 152. The engagement between the rib 154c and the groove 152c positions the outer tubular member 154 relative to the inner tubular member 152 in the circumferential and axial directions.

[0041] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet 3 excluding the spout main portion 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 seen from diagonally 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 seen from diagonally below. The angles at which the lower casing member 188 is viewed are different in FIGS. 12(a) and 10, and the angles at which it is viewed are different in FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d). FIG. 12(e) is a plan view of the lower casing member 188. FIG. 12(f) is a bottom view of the lower casing member 188.

[0042] The faucet portion 3a (faucet 3) has an operating unit (handle) 14, an upper cover 160, a retaining member 162, an outer shell member 164, a spout-side water-permeable 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 below). The casing member 171, together with the valve assembly 170, constitutes the main body functional unit 12. The casing member 171 may be molded as a single unit, or may be composed of multiple members as in this embodiment. The valve assembly 170 constitutes a control unit that controls water discharge and stop and water temperature.

[0043] The outer shell member 164 has an outer shell base 164a and an outer shell spout portion 164b branching off from the outer shell base 164a. The outer shell member 164 (outer shell base 164a) covers the main body functional portion 12. The outer shell base 164a houses the main body functional portion 12. The outer shell spout portion 164b forms the outer shell of the base portion 16b. A spout-side water-passing member 166 is fitted inside the outer shell spout portion 164b. As shown in FIG. 4, the spout-side water-passing member 166 is connected to the connection portion 40 of the spout main portion 16a.

[0044] 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 prevents water from entering the main body functional unit 12.

[0045] 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 to the inside of the outer shell base 164a. The upper casing member 172 has a cylindrical portion 172a that is open to the top. The cylindrical portion 172a forms an accommodation space that accommodates the valve assembly 170. The valve assembly 170 is accommodated in this accommodation space. A water connection portion 172c is formed in the lower portion of the upper casing member 172 to supply hot and cold water to the valve assembly 170 and to allow the hot and cold water that leaves the valve assembly 170 to flow downstream.

[0046] 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 thread portion 168b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower side of 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 turned with a tool or by hand. The male thread portion 168b is threadedly engaged with a female thread 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 that loosens the screw connection between the male thread portion 168b and the female thread portion 172b.

[0047] The faucet portion 3a (faucet 3) further includes a discharge connecting pipe 174, a supply pipe holding member 176, a water supply pipe 6, a hot water supply pipe 8, and a supply pipe fixing member 180. There are two supply pipe fixing members 180. The supply pipe fixing member 180 is composed of a water supply pipe fixing member 181 attached to the water supply pipe 6 and a hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 attached to the hot water supply pipe 8. The water supply pipe fixing member 181 is the first supply pipe fixing member 180. The hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 is the second supply pipe fixing member 180. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 are the same. The discharge connecting pipe 174 is connected to the water connection portion 172c and passes water from the discharge hole 38 downstream. The supply pipe holding member 176 holds the supply pipe 5 (the water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 8) via the supply pipe fixing member 180. The supply pipe 5 is a metal pipe integrated braided hose. That is, the supply pipe 5 has a metal pipe section 5a and a braided hose 5b. The braided hose 5b is attached upstream of the metal pipe section 5a. More specifically, the water supply pipe 6 has a metal pipe section 6a and a braided hose 6b, and the hot water supply pipe 8 has a metal pipe section 8a and a braided hose 8b.

[0048] The faucet section 3a (faucet 3) further includes a water pipe 184, a placement area 195 for the water pipe 184, a water pipe rotation restriction member 186, a lower casing member 188, a water pipe support member 190, and a lower cover 192. The water pipe 184 includes a first pipe section 184a that forms the upstream side of the water pipe 184, and a second pipe section 184b that bends from the lower end of the first pipe section 184a and forms the downstream side of the water pipe 184. The water pipe 184 also includes a rotation engagement section 184c. The first pipe section 184a extends vertically. The second pipe section 184b forms a water passage that bends from the lower end of the first pipe section 184a toward the bent spout section 16. The first pipe section 184a (the upper end of the water pipe 184) is directly or indirectly connected to the discharge connection pipe 174. In this embodiment, the first pipe section 184a is indirectly connected to the discharge connection pipe 174 via the lower casing member 188 (pipe support section 200). The second pipe section 184b is connected to the spout-side water-passing member 166. The discharge connection pipe 174 and the water-passing pipe 184 are water-passing members that form a water passage. These water-passing members form a flow path that allows hot and cold water from the main body functional section 12 to flow downstream. The water-passing pipe 184 passes water from the valve assembly 170 to the spout section 16. As described above, the faucet 3 does not have a water discharge pipe extending outside the faucet body 4. The faucet 3 does not have a flexible hose that is connected to the water discharge pipe, extends outside the faucet body 4 (under the sink, for example), returns to the faucet body 4, and is connected to the spout section 16. The water-passing pipe 184 does not extend outside the faucet body 4. The secondary flow path, including the water supply pipe 184, does not extend outside the faucet body 4. The water supply pipe 184, inside the faucet body 4, channels water coming out of the valve assembly 170 to the spout 16. The water supply pipe 184 does not pass outside the faucet body 4 (under the sink, etc.). In the faucet 3, the primary flow path (such as the supply pipe 5) extends from the outside of the faucet body 4 (under the sink, etc.) to the faucet body 4. On the other hand, in the faucet 3, the secondary flow path (such as the water supply pipe 184) does not extend outside the faucet body 4 (under the sink, etc.), but extends from the valve assembly 170 to the spout 16 inside the faucet body 4. The primary flow path is a flow path in which water supply pressure is constantly acting. In this embodiment, the flow path upstream of the valve mechanism 28 is the primary flow path.The secondary flow passage is a flow passage to which water supply pressure does not act when the water supply is stopped. In this embodiment, the flow passage downstream of the valve mechanism 28 is the secondary flow passage.

[0049] 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 supply pipe 184. The lower casing member 188 is located below the upper casing member 172. The lower casing member 188 is fixed to the upper casing member 172 directly or indirectly. In this embodiment, the lower casing member 188 is fixed to the upper casing member 172 indirectly via the supply pipe holding member 176. As shown in FIG. 11 , the upper casing member 172 and the lower casing member 188 are each screwed to the supply pipe holding member 176. The upper casing member 172 and the supply pipe holding member 176 are screwed together with screw members 177. The lower casing member 188 and the supply pipe holding member 176 are screwed together with screw members 179.

[0050] The lower casing member 188 has a main body lower end portion 196. The main body lower end portion 196 constitutes the lower end portion of the lower casing member 188. The main body lower end portion 196 forms a hollow portion that is open downward. In this 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 circumferential surface 194 that faces the outer circumferential surface 120 of the base member 102. The inner circumferential surface 194 defines an internal space into which the base member 102 (base body 114) is inserted. The main body lower end portion 196 is fitted onto the base member 102 (base 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 surface. The screw insertion hole 198 is provided at only one location in the circumferential direction.

[0051] Water passage pipe support member 190 is attached to lower casing member 188 and is positioned below water passage pipe 184. Water passage pipe support member 190 supports water passage pipe 184 from below in a manner that does not interfere with the rotation (described below) of water passage pipe 184. Lower cover 192 is an annular member.

[0052] As shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), the lower casing member 188 has a pipe support portion 200 and a support member attachment portion 202. The pipe support portion 200 forms a pipe extending in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 11, the first pipe portion 184a (upper end portion) of the water passage pipe 184 is inserted into the pipe support portion 200. The discharge connection pipe 174 (lower end portion) is also 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 forms a slide insertion portion into which the water passage pipe support member 190 is slidably inserted. A seal member s3 is provided between the water passage pipe 184 and the pipe support portion 200. The seal member s3 is an annular seal member (O-ring). The seal member s3 is disposed between the pipe support portion 200 and the first pipe portion 184a inserted into the pipe support portion 200 (see FIG. 11). As will be described later, the water pipe 184 rotates in conjunction with the rotation (left-right rotation) of the spout portion 16. On the other hand, the pipe support portion 200 (lower casing member 188) is a non-rotating portion that does not rotate even when the spout portion 16 rotates. The seal member s3 does not rotate even when the water pipe 184 (first pipe portion 184a) rotates. In this manner, the portion where the seal member s3 is disposed constitutes the sliding seal portion 204. The water pipe 184 has the sliding seal portion 204 that slides in conjunction with the rotation of the spout portion 16. The sliding seal portion 204 connects the water pipe 184 to a non-rotating portion that does not rotate even when the spout portion 16 rotates. In this embodiment, the seal member s3 is double-layered. The double seal member s3 enhances watertightness. A partition ring r3 is disposed between the two seal members s3 (see FIG. 10). The partition ring r3 prevents interference or adhesion between the two seal members s3, and contributes to the proper collapse of each seal member s3. For example, the number of seal members s3 may be one.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d), a protrusion t1 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 194 of the main body lower end portion 196. In this embodiment, multiple protrusions t1 are provided. No protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surface 120 of the base member 102, which faces the inner peripheral surface 194 of the main body lower end portion 196. The protrusion t1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 120. As shown in FIGS. 12(e) and 12(f), the lower casing member 188 has a supply pipe penetration portion 206. The supply pipe penetration portion 206 forms a through-hole that penetrates the lower casing member 188 in the vertical direction. The supply pipe penetration portion 206 is a generally cylindrical portion. The supply pipe penetration portion 206 constitutes a generally cylindrical portion that is open on the upper and lower sides. The supply pipe 5 is inserted through the supply pipe penetration portion 206. The supply pipe 5 (metal pipe portion 5a) penetrates the supply pipe penetration portion 206.

[0054] As shown in Figure 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 forms an outer peripheral surface 192c that is 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 base member 102 from the outside. The outer peripheral surface 192c reaches almost to the bottom end of the faucet main body 4. The vertical distance between the bottom end of the outer peripheral surface 192c and the top surface (flat surface) of the mounting base T1 is 1 mm or less.

[0055] Each of the seal members s1 shown in FIG. 10 is provided to ensure a watertight state at each location such as the connection between members.

[0056] Figure 13(a) is an exploded perspective view showing assembly 210 in which water pipe support member 190 and water pipe 184 are attached to lower casing member 188, and water pipe rotation restricting member 186. Figure 13(b) is a perspective view showing assembly 212 in which water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is attached to assembly 210. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 11.

[0057] As shown in Figure 13(b), water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is fitted onto lower casing member 188 above main body lower end 196. Water pipe rotation restricting member 186 is an annular member with two ends. Water pipe rotation restricting member 186 has a first end 186a and a second end 186b formed by the end of the annular shape. Rotational engagement portion 184c of water pipe 184 is located between first end 186a and second end 186b. Water pipe 184 and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate together.

[0058] As shown in Figure 13(a), water pipe rotation restricting member 186 has protrusion 186c that protrudes radially inward and steps 186d formed on both sides of protrusion 186c. Meanwhile, lower casing member 188 has abutting portion 214 at a position where it can abut against step 186d. Abutting portion 214 can also abut against ends 186a, 186b of water pipe rotation restricting member 186. As shown in Figure 14, when lower casing member 188 and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate relative to each other, abutting portion 214 moves between step 186d and ends 186a, 186b.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, water pipe 184 has a downward protrusion 184d on the underside of first pipe section 184a. Downward protrusion 184d is located on the center line of first pipe section 184a. Water pipe support member 190 has a shaft support portion 190a that rotatably supports downward protrusion 184d. Lower casing member 188 forms arrangement area 195 for water pipe 184 (see Figures 11, 13(a) and 13(b)). In this embodiment, arrangement area 195 is formed by lower casing member 188. Arrangement area 195 is a space in which water pipe 184 is arranged. Arrangement area 195 may be formed in the portion extending from lower casing member 188 toward spout portion 16, or may be formed on the outside of lower casing member 188.

[0060] 14, outer shell member 164 and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 are engaged so as to be unable to rotate relative to each other. Outer shell member 164 and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate integrally.

[0061] Outer shell member 164, water pipe 184, and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 are not fixed to lower casing member 188 so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other. Outer shell member 164, water pipe 184, and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 can rotate relative to lower casing member 188. When water pipe 184 rotates relative to lower casing member 188, first pipe section 184a supported by pipe support section 200 serves as the axis of rotation. However, as described above, outer shell member 164 and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 rotate as a unit, and water pipe rotation restricting member 186 and water pipe 184 rotate as a unit. In other words, outer shell member 164 and water pipe 184 rotate as a unit. When spout-side water passage member 166 is not attached, outer shell member 164 and water pipe 184 rotate as a unit. The water pipe rotation restricting member 186 restricts the rotation of the water pipe 184 so that the water pipe 184 rotates integrally with the outer shell member 164 .

[0062] There are restrictions on the rotation of water pipe rotation restricting member 186 relative to lower casing member 188. As described above, the angular range of this relative rotation is the range from ends 186a, 186b to step 186d. The relative rotation between lower casing member 188 and outer shell member 164 is also restricted to the same angular range. The relative rotation between lower casing member 188 and water pipe 184 is also restricted to the same angular range.

[0063] In assembling the faucet portion 3a (faucet body 4) of the faucet 3, the water passage pipe 184 and the water passage pipe support member 190 are attached to the lower casing member 188, and the water passage pipe rotation restricting member 186 is further attached to prepare the assembly 212 (see Figure 13(b)) (Step A). In this Step A, the water passage pipe 184 is placed in the placement area 195 for the water passage pipe 184. Next, the upper part of the assembly 212 (the part above the main body lower end portion 196) is inserted into the outer shell base portion 164a of the outer shell member 164 (Step B). Next, the spout-side water passage member 166 is inserted into the outer shell spout portion 164b of the outer shell member 164, and the spout-side water passage member 166 is connected to the second pipe portion 184b of the water passage pipe 184 (Step C).

[0064] As described above, water passage pipe 184 and outer shell member 164 are unable to rotate relative to each other and rotate together. This integral rotation does not depend on spout-side water passage member 166, which is fixed to outer shell spout portion 164b. This integral rotation is achieved without the presence of spout-side water passage member 166. Even when outer shell member 164 rotates relative to lower casing member 188, the phase relationship between outer shell member 164 and water passage pipe 184 remains constant. Regardless of the rotation of outer shell member 164, second pipe portion 184b always faces toward outer shell spout portion 164b. Therefore, when spout-side water passage member 166 is inserted into outer shell spout portion 164b in step C, spout-side water passage member 166 is reliably connected to second pipe portion 184b. In the above step C, there is no need to adjust the rotational position of the water passage pipe 184 so that the position of the second pipe section 184b matches the insertion position of the spout-side water passage member 166. As a result, the ease of assembling the faucet 3 is improved.

[0065] When replacing the valve assembly 170 or installing a branch water faucet in the faucet 3, it is necessary to remove and install the valve fixing member 168. To remove and install the valve fixing member 168, it is necessary to loosen and tighten the threaded connection between the valve fixing member 168 and the upper casing member 172. When doing so, the valve fixing member 168 is turned while supporting the outer shell member 164 with a hand or other means to prevent it from rotating. However, if the upper casing member 172 (casing member 171) is in a state where it can freely rotate relative to the outer shell member 164, the valve fixing member 168 will spin freely even when turned, making it difficult to loosen or tighten the threaded 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) to a predetermined angle range, this free rotation is prevented, and the threaded connection of the valve fixing member 168 can be loosened and tightened.

[0066] FIG. 15 is a side view of the faucet device 2, with a portion shown in cross section. An enlarged view of the circled area including the cross-section is also included in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 15. The screw insertion hole 198 in the lower end portion 196 of the main body has an abutment surface 198a against which the head 106a of the screw member 106 abuts. The abutment surface 198a receives the axial force generated when the screw member 106 is fastened. In this embodiment, the screw member 106 is a flat head screw, and the abutment surface 198a forms a countersunk hole. Various known screw members can be used as the screw member 106. A toothed washer may be disposed between the head 106a and the abutment surface 198a. This toothed washer prevents the screw member 106 from loosening.

[0067] Figure 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the faucet device 2. This vertical cross-sectional view is taken along the center line (center line CL2, described below) of the metal pipe portion 6a and the metal pipe portion 8a. The casing member 171 (upper casing member 172) has an accommodation portion 220 that forms an accommodation space for accommodating the valve assembly 170, a water connection portion 224 that extends downward from a bottom surface portion 222 of the accommodation portion 220, and a hot water connection portion 226 that extends downward from the bottom surface portion 222. The water connection portion 224 forms a flow path that supplies water to the valve assembly 170. The hot water connection portion 226 forms a flow path that supplies hot water to the valve assembly 170.

[0068] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the circled area in Figure 17. Note that although Figure 18 shows the connection structure of the hot water supply pipe 8, the connection structure of the cold water supply pipe 6 is the same as that of the hot water supply pipe 8.

[0069] The supply pipes 5 (water supply pipes 6, hot water supply pipes 8) are held by the supply pipe holding member 176 via the supply pipe fixing member 180. As described above, the supply pipe holding member 176 is fixed to the casing member 171 (upper casing member 172). The supply pipes 5 (water supply pipes 6, hot water supply pipes 8) are engaged with the supply pipe fixing member 180 by a concave-convex engagement. The supply pipe fixing member 180 is held by the supply pipe holding member 176 while being placed on top of the supply pipe holding member 176. As a result, the supply pipes 5 (water supply pipes 6, hot water supply pipes 8) are held in a state where they will not fall out downwards.

[0070] The hot water connection portion 226 has a hot water connection hole 226a that opens downward. The hot water connection hole 226a forms an inner circumferential surface. A metal pipe portion 8a is inserted into the hot water connection hole 226a. A seal member s2 is provided between the hot water connection hole 226a and the metal pipe portion 8a. The seal member s2 is an annular member. In this embodiment, the seal member s2 is an O-ring. The hot water connection hole 226a and the hot water supply pipe 8 are connected watertight. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the hot water connection hole 226a is set to the sum of the outer diameter of the metal pipe portion 8a and the thickness of the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182. Similarly, the water connection portion 224 has a water connection hole 224a that opens downward. The water connection hole 224a forms an inner circumferential surface. A metal pipe portion 6a is inserted into the water connection hole 224a. A seal member s2 is provided between the water connection hole 224a and the metal pipe portion 6a. In this embodiment, the sealing member s2 is an O-ring. The water connection hole 224a and the metal pipe portion 6a are connected watertight. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the water connection hole 224a is set to the dimension obtained by adding the thickness of the water supply pipe fixing member 181 to the outer diameter of the metal pipe portion 6a.

[0071] In this way, the seal member s2 is provided at the connection between the supply pipe 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) and the faucet body 4. The seal member s2 is used to connect the metal pipe section 5a (metal pipe section 6a, metal pipe section 8a) and the faucet body 4. In this embodiment, the seal member s2 is double-layered. The double seal member s2 improves watertightness. In addition, a partition ring r2 is arranged between the two seal members s2. The partition ring r2 prevents interference and adhesion between the two seal members s2, and contributes to the proper collapse of each seal member s2. There may be only one seal member s2.

[0072] The hot water connection portion 226 has a hole 226b. The hole 226b is provided above the hot water connection hole 226a. The hole 226b has a smaller diameter than the hot water connection hole 226a. The hole 226b is located above the recess 230 of the metal pipe portion 8a. The hole 226b is located above the seal member s2. In this embodiment, the hole 226b has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 232 of the metal pipe portion 8a. In this embodiment, the hole 226b supports the metal pipe portion 8a from the radially outer side. Similarly, the water connection portion 224 has a hole 224b. The hole 224b is provided above the water connection hole 224a. The hole 224b has a smaller diameter than the water connection hole 224a. The hole 224b is located above the recess 230 of the metal pipe portion 6a. The hole 224b is located above the seal member s2. In this embodiment, the hole 224b has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 232 of the metal pipe portion 6a. In this embodiment, the hole 224b supports the metal pipe portion 6a from the radially outer side.

[0073] The hot water connection portion 226 has a receiving surface 226c. The receiving surface 226c is located above the hot water connection hole 226a. The receiving surface 226c is located above the recess 230 of the metal pipe portion 8a. The receiving surface 226c is located above the seal member s2 (a set of seal members consisting of two seal members s2 and a partition ring r2). In this embodiment, the receiving surface 226c is a stepped surface formed at the boundary between the hot water connection hole 226a and the hole 226b, which has a smaller diameter than the hot water connection hole 226a. The receiving surface 226c forms a downward surface facing the upper end surface 284 of the divided body 280. The receiving surface 226c abuts against the seal member s2 (a set of seal members consisting of two seal members s2 and a partition ring r2) from above. The receiving surface 226c and the upper end surface 284 hold the sealing member s2 (a set of sealing members consisting of two sealing members s2 and a partition ring r2) in the axial direction. Similarly, the water connection portion 224 has a receiving surface 224c. The receiving surface 224c is provided above the water connection hole 224a. The receiving surface 224c is located above the recess 230 of the metal pipe portion 6a. The receiving surface 224c is located above the sealing member s2 (a set of sealing members consisting of two sealing members s2 and a partition ring r2). In this embodiment, the receiving surface 224c is a stepped surface formed at the boundary between the water connection hole 224a and a hole 224b, which has a smaller diameter than the water connection hole 224a. The receiving surface 224c forms a downward surface facing the upper end surface 284 of the divided body 280. The receiving surface 224c abuts against the seal member s2 (a set of seal members consisting of two seal members s2 and a partition ring r2) from above. The receiving surface 224c and the upper end surface 284 hold the seal member s2 (a set of seal members consisting of two seal members s2 and a partition ring r2) in the axial direction.

[0074] 19 is an overall view of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). Because the water supply pipe 6 is the same as the hot water supply pipe 8, FIG. 19 is also an overall view of the water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 8.

[0075] As described above, the supply pipe 5 has a metal pipe portion 5a and a braided hose 5b. That is, the water supply pipe 6 has a metal pipe portion 6a and a braided hose 6b, and the hot water supply pipe 8 has a metal pipe portion 8a and a braided hose 8b. In this embodiment, the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) and the braided hose 5b (braided hose 6b, braid hose 8b) are integrated and inseparable from each other. The supply pipes 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) are braided hoses integrated with metal pipes. The metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) and the braided hose 5b (braided hose 6b, braid hose 8b) may be separate bodies.

[0076] The metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) constitutes a pipe with a circular cross section. The metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) has a recess 230. The recess 230 is formed on an outer surface (outer peripheral surface) 232 of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a). The recess 230 is formed over the entire circumferential direction (entire circumference). In other words, the recess 230 is formed over 360°. As shown in FIG. 18 , a protrusion 236 is formed on an inner surface (inner peripheral surface) 234 of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a). The protrusion 236 is formed at a position corresponding to the recess 230. The recesses 230 are formed by plastic processing, which applies force to the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) from the radial outside to deform it, and the protrusions 236 are also formed at the same time as the recesses 230 are formed. The recesses 230 (protrusions 236) are formed by rolling processing. The recesses 230 (protrusions 236) are formed by pressing a rolling die against the metal pipe that is the material for the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) while rotating it.

[0077] The metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) has an upper end 238. The recess 230 is located near the upper end 238. In FIG. 19, the double-headed arrow D1 indicates the shortest distance between the upper end 238 and the recess 230. The distance D1 is measured along the center line CL2 (described below). The distance D1 may depend on the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a. Therefore, although it cannot be generalized, for example, if the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a is 4 mm or more and 14 mm or less, the distance D1 may be set to 1 mm or more, further 5 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more, from the perspective of the arrangement of the supply pipe fixing member 180 and the sealing member s2. From the perspective of miniaturizing the faucet device, the distance D1 may be set to 30 mm or less, further 25 mm or less, or even 20 mm or less.

[0078] The metal pipe section 5a (metal pipe section 6a, metal pipe section 8a) has a bent section 240. The bent section 240 has a first bent section 242 and a second bent section 244. The first bent section 242 and the second bent section 244 bend in opposite directions. The first bent section 242 and the second bent section 244 have the same bend angle. The center line CL2 of the section above (downstream side) the bent section 240 is offset from the center line CL1 of the section below (upstream side) the bent section 240. The center line CL2 is parallel to the center line CL1. The recess 230 is provided above (downstream side) the bent section 240. The section above (downstream side) the bent section 240 is a tip section 246 of the metal pipe section 5a (metal pipe section 6a, metal pipe section 8a). In this embodiment, the bent portion 240 is provided, but it is not necessary to have the bent portion 240. That is, the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) may be straight as a whole.

[0079] The braided hose 5b (braided hose 6b, braided hose 8b) is thicker than the tip 246 of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a). A connection portion 250 between the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) and the braided hose 5b (braided hose 6b, braid hose 8b) is thicker than the tip 246.

[0080] Figure 20(a) is an oblique view of supply pipe holding member 176 seen from diagonally above, Figure 20(b) is a plan view of supply pipe holding member 176, Figure 20(c) is an oblique view of supply pipe holding member 176 seen from an angle different from that of Figure 20(a), Figure 20(d) is an oblique view of supply pipe holding member 176 seen from diagonally below, and Figure 20(e) is a bottom view of supply pipe holding member 176.

[0081] The supply pipe holding member 176 has a base 252 and a connecting portion 254. The base 252 has a plate-like shape. The base 252 extends horizontally. The connecting portion 254 has a first connecting portion 254a extending upward from the base 252 and a second connecting portion 254b extending downward from the base 252. The connecting portion 254 is connected to the faucet main body 4 (casing member 171). The first connecting portion 254a is screwed to the upper casing member 172. The second connecting portion 254b is screwed to the lower casing member 188. The supply pipe holding member 176 is fixed to the faucet main body 4 (casing member 171).

[0082] The supply pipe holding member 176 has an insertion portion 256 through which the supply pipe 5 is inserted. The insertion portion 256 is provided in the base portion 252. The insertion portion 256 is a through hole 258. The through hole 258 passes through the base portion 252 in the up-down direction.

[0083] The insertion portion 256 has a water supply pipe insertion portion 260 through which the metal pipe portion 6a of the water supply pipe 6 is inserted, and a hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262 through which the metal pipe portion 8a of the hot water supply pipe 8 is inserted. The water supply pipe insertion portion 260 is part of the through hole 258. The hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262 is part of the through hole 258. Furthermore, the insertion portion 256 has a discharge connection pipe insertion portion 264 through which the discharge connection pipe 174 is inserted. The discharge connection pipe insertion portion 264 is part of the through hole 258. In this embodiment, the discharge connection pipe insertion portion 264 is located in the center of the insertion portion 256. The water supply pipe insertion portion 260 is located on one side of the discharge connection pipe insertion portion 264 (the right side when viewed from the front of the faucet device 2). The hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262 is located on the other side of the discharge connection pipe insertion portion 264 (on the left side when viewed from the front of the faucet device 2).

[0084] In this embodiment, the water supply pipe insertion portion 260, the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262, and the discharge connecting pipe insertion portion 264 are connected to form a single through-hole 258. The water supply pipe insertion portion 260, the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262, and the discharge connecting pipe insertion portion 264 may each be separate through-holes. The insertion portion 256 does not have to be a through-hole. For example, the insertion portion 256 may be formed in the shape of a notch. The water supply pipe insertion portion 260, the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262, and the discharge connecting pipe insertion portion 264 may each be formed as separate notches.

[0085] The supply pipe holding member 176 has a fixing member support portion 270 that supports the supply pipe fixing member 180. The fixing member support portion 270 is made up of a water side support portion 272 provided around the water supply pipe insertion portion 260, and a hot water side support portion 274 provided around the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262. The water side support portion 272 supports the water supply pipe fixing member 181. The hot water side support portion 274 supports the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182.

[0086] Fixing member support portion 270 has an upward surface f1 that supports the lower surface (bottom surface) of supply pipe fixing member 180, and a vertical surface f2 that extends upward from the outer edge f10 of upward surface f1. Upward surface f1 is formed on the periphery of through-hole 258. Vertical surface f2 extends along a circle. Vertical surface f2 extends along the outer surface (arcuate surface) of supply pipe fixing member 180 when it is positioned in the correct position.

[0087] In detail, the water-side support portion 272 has an upward surface f1 that supports the lower surface (bottom surface) of the water supply pipe fixing member 181, and a vertical surface f2 that extends upward from the outer edge f10 of the upward surface f1. The upward surface f1 is formed on the periphery of the water supply pipe insertion portion 260. The vertical surface f2 extends along the outer surface (arc surface) of the water supply pipe fixing member 181 when it is positioned in the correct position. The hot water-side support portion 274 has an upward surface f1 that supports the lower end surface (bottom surface) of the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182, and a vertical surface f2 that extends upward from the outer edge f10 of the upward surface f1. The upward surface f1 is formed on the periphery of the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262. The outer edge f10 of the upward surface f1 extends along a circle. The vertical surface f2 extends along the outer surface (arc surface) of the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 when it is positioned in the correct position.

[0088] Figure 21(a) is an oblique view of the split body 280 that constitutes the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) viewed from diagonally above, Figure 21(b) is a plan view of the split body 280, Figure 21(c) is a front view of the split body 280 viewed from its inside, and Figure 21(d) is an oblique view of the split body 280 viewed from diagonally below.

[0089] The water supply pipe fixing member 181 is made up of multiple (two) identical divided bodies 280. The hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 is made up of multiple (two) identical divided bodies 280. The divided bodies 280 that make up the water supply pipe fixing member 181 are the same as the divided bodies 280 that make up the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182.

[0090] Divider 280 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape. Divider 280 extends while bending along a circular arc. Divider 280 has a lower end surface 282, an upper end surface 284, an outer surface 286, and an inner surface 288. Divider 280 further has end surfaces 290 at both ends.

[0091] The inner surface 288 forms an arcuate surface extending along an arc. The inner surface 288, which is an arcuate surface, has a center line CL3. The center line CL3 is formed by the center point of the arc that constitutes the inner surface 288. The center line CL3 is the center line of the inner circumferential surface obtained by extending the inner surface 288 through 360°. The center line CL3 is a straight line extending in the up-down direction. The extension direction of the center line CL3 is the axial direction of the inner surface 288. In Figures 21(b) and 21(c), the double-headed arrow R1 indicates the radius of curvature of the inner surface 288. The radius of curvature R1 is the distance from the center line CL3 to the inner surface 288. As will be described later, a convex portion is provided on the inner surface 288, and the radius of curvature R1 changes depending on the axial position.

[0092] The outer surface 286 forms an arcuate surface extending along an arc. The arcuate outer surface 286 has a center line CL3. The center line CL3 is formed by the center point of the arc that constitutes the outer surface 286. The center line CL3 is the center line of the outer peripheral surface obtained by extending the outer surface 286 through 360°. The center line CL3 is a straight line that extends in the up-down direction. The direction of the center line CL3 is the axial direction of the outer surface 286. The center line CL3 of the outer surface 286 is common to the center line CL3 of the inner surface 288.

[0093] The direction of the center line CL3 is the axial direction of the divided body 280. The circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface whose axis is the center line CL3 is the circumferential direction of the divided body 280. The radial direction of the cylindrical surface whose axis is the center line CL3 is the radial direction of the divided body 280.

[0094] The divided body 280 has a protrusion 294. The protrusion 294 is provided on the inner surface 288. The protrusion 294 is formed along the circumferential direction of the divided body 280. The protrusion 294 is formed over the entire circumferential length of the divided body 280. The protrusion 294 is formed from one end face 290 to the other end face 290. The protrusion 294 protrudes toward the radially inward direction of the divided body 280. An infinite number of planes including the center line CL3 are set, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 294 in each plane is specified. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 294 is the same in all planes including the center line CL3. The protrusion 294 has a shape such that the height of its protrusion toward the radially inward direction increases as it approaches the axial center position of the divided body 280.

[0095] 22(a) to 22(d) are perspective views showing the assembly process for attaching the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) to the faucet body 4. Preferably, the supply pipe holding member 176 is attached to the faucet body 4 (lower casing member 188) before this assembly. In this embodiment, the supply pipe holding member 176 is attached to the upper end E1 of the supply pipe penetration portion 206 in the lower casing member 188. Assembly is performed without the upper casing member 172. The supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) can be used for this assembly in the form of a braided hose integrated with a metal pipe. In other words, this assembly can be performed with the braided hose 5b (braided hose 6b, braided hose 8b) attached to the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a).

[0096] In this assembly, the metal pipe portion 5a of the supply pipe 5 is inserted from below into the insertion portion 256 of the supply pipe holding member 176 (see FIG. 22(a)). That is, the metal pipe portion 6a of the water supply pipe 6 is inserted from below into the water supply pipe insertion portion 260, and the metal pipe portion 8a of the hot water supply pipe 8 is inserted from below into the hot water supply pipe insertion portion 262. By this process, the recess 230 passes through the insertion portion 256 and is positioned above the supply pipe holding member 176. Note that, during the process leading to this process, the metal pipe portion 5a of the supply pipe 5 is inserted from below into the supply pipe penetration portion 206 of the lower casing member 188. As shown in FIG. 22(a), the supply pipe 5 (metal pipe portion 5a) penetrates the supply pipe penetration portion 206 from below to above so that its upper end 238 is located above the upper end E1 of the supply pipe penetration portion 206. In this penetrated state, the recess 230 of the supply pipe 5 is located above the upper end E1. Next, a supply pipe fixing member 180 consisting of multiple (two) segments 280 is placed outside the recess 230 (see FIG. 22(b)). That is, a water supply pipe fixing member 181 consisting of two segments 280 is placed outside the recess 230 of the metal pipe section 6a, and a hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 consisting of two segments 280 is placed outside the recess 230 of the metal pipe section 8a. The segments 280 can be engaged with the recess 230 from the radially outer side of the metal pipe sections 6a, 8a. Next, the supply pipe fixing member 180 placed outside the recess 230 is placed on the fixing member support section 270 (see FIG. 22(c)). That is, the water supply pipe fixing member 181 positioned outside the recess 230 is placed on the water side support part 272, and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 positioned outside the recess 230 is placed on the hot water side support part 274. In this state, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is placed in the correct position. Next, the seal members s2 and the like are placed on the supply pipe fixing member 180 while inserting the metal pipe section 5a (see Figures 22(c) and (d)). That is, the seal members s2 and the like for the metal pipe section 6a are placed on the water supply pipe fixing member 181 while inserting the metal pipe section 6a, and the seal members s2 and the like for the metal pipe section 8a are placed on the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182 while inserting the metal pipe section 8a.

[0097] Figure 23 is a plan view of the supply pipe holding member 176 with the dividers 280 in their normal positions. In Figure 23, the dividers 280 are indicated by dashed lines. Although the water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 8 are not shown in Figure 23, each divider 280 is engaged with the water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 8 when placed in their normal positions.

[0098] The water supply pipe fixing member 181 (supply pipe fixing member 180) is made up of two segments 280 arranged on the water-side support section 272 (fixing member support section 270). The two segments 280 are placed on their upward surfaces f1 and engage with the recesses 230 of the water supply pipe 6 (metal pipe section 6a). The lower end surfaces 282 of the segments 280 abut against the upward surface f1. The two segments 280 are aligned along the circumferential direction of the water supply pipe 6 (metal pipe section 6a). The two segments 280 are arranged such that the center line CL3 of each segment 280 coincides with the center line CL2 of the water supply pipe 6 (metal pipe section 6a). The circumferential position of each segment 280 is arbitrary. That is, the circumferential position of the boundary position k1 between the first segment 280 and the second segment 280 is arbitrary.

[0099] The meltwater supply pipe fixing member 182 (supply pipe fixing member 180) is composed of two divided bodies 280 arranged on the meltwater side support part 274 (fixing member support part 270). The two divided bodies 280 are placed on the upward surface f1 and engage with the recess 230 of the meltwater supply pipe 8 (metal pipe part 8a). The lower end surface 282 of the divided body 280 abuts against the upward surface f1. The two divided bodies 280 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the meltwater supply pipe 8 (metal pipe part 8a). The two divided bodies 280 are arranged in a state where the center line CL3 of each divided body 280 coincides with the center line CL2 of the meltwater supply pipe 8 (metal pipe part 8a). The circumferential position of each divided body 280 is arbitrary. That is, the circumferential position of the boundary position k1 between the first divided body 280 and the second divided body 280 is arbitrary.

[0100] The upward surface f1 is a flat surface. In the fixing member support portion 270 (the cold water side support portion 272, the hot water side support portion 274), the upward surface f1 is provided in a circumferential region exceeding 180° around the supply pipe 5 (the water supply pipe 6, the hot water supply pipe 8) (see FIG. 20(b)). Regardless of the circumferential positions of the two divided bodies 280, both divided bodies 280 are placed on the upward surface f1. By being supported from below by the upward surface f1, the divided body 280 holds the supply pipe 5 (the water supply pipe 6, the hot water supply pipe 8) so that it does not fall off.

[0101] The vertical surface f2 is a cylindrical surface. In the fixing member support portion 270 (the cold water side support portion 272, the hot water side support portion 274), the vertical surface f2 is provided in a circumferential region exceeding 180° around the supply pipe 5 (the water supply pipe 6, the hot water supply pipe 8) (see FIG. 20(b)). Regardless of the circumferential position of the boundary position k1 between the two divided bodies 280, the vertical surface f2 faces the outer surfaces 286 of the two divided bodies 280. In the divided body 280, the vertical surface f2 restricts radially outward movement of the supply pipe 5 (the water supply pipe 6, the hot water supply pipe 8). As shown in FIG. 18, radially outward movement of the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181, the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is restricted by the hot water connection hole 226a (the water connection hole 224a). This restriction on movement maintains the engagement between the recess 230 and the protrusion 294. This restriction of movement may be achieved by vertical surface f2. The fixed member support portion 270 (the cold water side support portion 272, the hot water side support portion 274) holds the multiple divided bodies 280 in a state where these divided bodies 280 do not separate and maintain their engagement with the recessed portion 230.

[0102] FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of the divided body 280, similar to FIG. 21(b). The divided body 280 is semi-cylindrical overall. Two divided bodies 280 are combined to form a cylindrical member. This cylindrical member functions similarly to the flanges formed on the supply pipes 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). The central angle θ of the inner surface 288 is substantially 180°. However, in this embodiment, the end face 290 is offset by 0.1 mm from the state where the central angle θ is 180°. That is, 0.1 mm is removed from the state where the central angle θ is 180°. As a result of uniformly offsetting the entire end face 290, the end face 290 is not parallel to the radial direction. Therefore, the central angle of the inner surface 288 having the convex portion 294 varies depending on the axial position of the inner surface 288, and is 177.2° to 177.5°. In this way, when there is a range in the central angle, the minimum value can be used as the central angle θ. The central angle of the outer surface 286 is 178.1°. The total central angle θ of the inner surfaces 288 of all (two) divided bodies 280 is 354°, and the total central angle of the outer surfaces 286 is 356°. The two divided bodies 280 provide the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). "Substantially the entire circumferential direction" preferably means 350° or more in the circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). More preferably, "substantially the entire circumferential direction" means 352° or more in the circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). More preferably, "substantially the entire circumferential direction" refers to 354° or more in the circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). In the case of offsetting parallel to the end face 290 as in this embodiment, when two segments 280 are arranged in the correct positions, the distance of the gap formed at the boundary position k1 between the segments 280 is constant regardless of the radial position (see FIG. 23). In order to arrange the segments 280 in substantially the entire circumferential direction, when offsetting parallel to the end face 290, the offset amount can be 0.2 mm or less, further 0.15 mm or less, or even 0.1 mm or less. In order to absorb dimensional errors of the segments, the offset amount can be 0.05 mm or more, further 0.07 mm or more, or even 0.09 mm or more.

[0103] 24(b) is a plan view of a modified divided body 300. In divided body 300, the central angle θ of the inner surface 288 is 180°. Therefore, the sum of the central angles θ of the inner surfaces 288 in all (two) divided bodies 300 is calculated as (180° + 180°), or 360°. Except for the central angles θ of the inner surface 288 and the outer surface 286, divided body 300 is the same as divided body 280. This divided body 300 corresponds to divided body 280 without the offset. The two divided bodies 300 provide supply pipe fixing members 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) around the entire circumferential direction of supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8).

[0104] The engagement between the recessed portion 230 and the protruding portion 294 over the entire circumference alleviates stress concentration. Furthermore, the support of the sealing member s2 over its entire circumference prevents the sealing member s2 from protruding. From these viewpoints, the total central angle θ of the inner surface 288 is preferably set to an angle covering substantially the entire circumference, and more preferably 360°. However, if the total central angle θ of the inner surface 288 exceeds 360° due to dimensional errors of the segments, the engagement between the recessed portion 230 and the protruding portion 294 may become loose. From this viewpoint, the total central angle θ of the inner surface 288 is preferably less than 360°. The preferred range of the total central angle of the outer surface 286 is the same as the preferred range of the total central angle θ of the inner surface 288.

[0105] FIG. 24(c) is a plan view of a divided body 320 of another modified example. In the divided body 320, the central angle θ of the inner surface 288 is 120°. The central angle θ of the outer surface 286 is also 120°. Two divided bodies 320 can be combined to form a supply pipe fixing member 180 (a water supply pipe fixing member 181 and a hot water supply pipe fixing member 182). In this case, the total central angle θ of the inner surfaces 288 is 240°. Except for the central angles θ of the inner surface 288 and the outer surface 286, the divided body 320 is the same as the divided body 280. In the case of a divided body 320, by combining three divided bodies 320, the total central angle θ can be made 360°. In this case, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (a water supply pipe fixing member 181 and a hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) can be provided around the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (a water supply pipe 6 and a hot water supply pipe 8). Note that multiple divided bodies with different central angles θ may be combined.

[0106] The multiple divided bodies that make up supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) do not have to be identical. For example, supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) may be made up of two divided bodies with different central angles θ.

[0107] Figure 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a water faucet device 2A of the second embodiment. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the center line CL2 of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). The shape of the divided body 340 that makes up the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) differs from that of the divided body 280 of the first embodiment. In addition, the shape of the recess 330 in the metal pipe section 5a (metal pipe section 6a, metal pipe section 8a) differs from that of the recess 230 of the first embodiment. Except for these points, the water faucet device 2A is the same as the water faucet device 2 of the first embodiment.

[0108] Divider 340 is a semi-cylindrical member. As shown in FIG. 25, the cross-sectional shape of divider 340 is rectangular. Divider 340 does not have a protrusion on its inner surface 288. The inner surface 288 extends along the direction of its center line CL3 (axial direction). Except for the shape of this inner surface 288, divider 340 is the same as divider 280.

[0109] The recess 330 is a circumferential groove formed over the entire circumferential direction (360°) of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a). The cross-sectional shape of the recess 330 conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the segment 340. The segment 340 is fitted into the recess 330. The recess 330 has an upper side surface 330a, a lower side surface 330b, and a bottom surface 330c. The upper side surface 330a extends in a direction (radial direction) perpendicular to the center line CL2. The lower side surface 330b extends in a direction (radial direction) perpendicular to the center line CL2. The bottom surface 330c extends in the direction of the center line CL2 (axial direction). The upper end surface 284 of the segment 340 abuts against the upper side surface 330a of the recess 330. The lower end surface 282 of the divided body 340 abuts against the lower side surface 330b of the recess 330. The inner surface 288 of the divided body 340 abuts against the bottom surface 330c of the recess 330.

[0110] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 12. As described above, the lower casing member 188 has a supply pipe penetration portion 206. The supply pipe penetration portion 206 penetrates the lower casing member 188 in the vertical direction. A main body lower end portion 196 provided at the lower end of the lower casing member 188 constitutes part of the supply pipe penetration portion 206. The main body lower end portion 196 forms the lower end of the supply pipe penetration portion 206. The lower casing member 188 has a wall portion 208 that forms the supply pipe penetration portion 206. An insertion area 209 for the supply pipe 5 is formed inside the wall portion 208. The insertion area 209 is a space surrounded by the wall portion 208. This space (insertion area 209) extends to the lower end of the faucet body 4 and is open downward toward the outside of the faucet body 4. The main body lower end portion 196 of the lower casing member 188 forms the lower end of the supply pipe penetration portion 206. The wall portion 208 includes an outer wall portion 208a that forms the outer peripheral surface of the lower casing member 188, and a partition wall 208b that separates the arrangement area 195 of the water pipe 184 from the supply pipe penetration portion 206. A portion (the lower end) of the outer wall portion 208a forms the lower end portion 196 of the main body. A portion (the upper end) of the partition wall 208b forms part of the pipe support portion 200. The partition wall 208b includes a bottom wall portion 208c that defines the bottom of the arrangement area 195 of the water pipe 184. The bottom wall portion 208c extends horizontally. The bottom wall portion 208c separates the space within the lower end portion 196 of the main body from the arrangement area 195 below the water pipe 184. The outer wall portion 208a has a screw insertion hole 178 and a screw insertion hole 198. The screw insertion hole 178 is closed by the above-mentioned screw member 177. The screw insertion hole 198 is closed by the above-mentioned screw member .

[0111] FIG. 27 is a side view of the lower casing member 188. In FIG. 27, the supply pipe 5 is disposed in the normal position inside the supply pipe penetration portion 206, and the water supply pipe 184 is disposed in the normal position in the disposition area 195. FIG. 28(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa in FIG. 27. FIG. 28(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in FIG. 27. FIG. 28(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in FIG. 27. FIG. 28(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in FIG. 27. FIG. 29(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa in FIG. 2. The cross-sectional position of this line aa coincides with FIG. 28(a). FIG. 29(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in FIG. 2. The cross-sectional position of this line bb coincides with FIG. 28(b). FIG. 29(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in FIG. 2. The cross-sectional position of this line cc coincides with FIG. 28(c). FIG. 29(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line dd in FIG. 2. The cross section taken along line dd coincides with that shown in FIG. 28(d).

[0112] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 28(a) to 28(d), the wall portion 208 surrounds the entire periphery of the supply pipe 5. In other words, the wall portion 208 surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe 5 over a 360° angle. The wall portion 208 defines the insertion region 209 as a closed space in cross section. A cross section is a cross section along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the supply pipe 5. As shown in FIG. 28(d), the wall portion 208 has a portion in which a screw insertion hole 198 is formed. However, as described above, this screw insertion hole 198 is blocked by the screw member 106 (see FIGS. 29(d) and 16). As described above, the screw insertion hole 178 (see FIG. 26) formed in the wall portion 208 is also blocked by the screw member 177. The screw insertion holes 178, 198 are provided in the outer wall portion 208a. No holes are provided in the partition wall 208b. The partition wall 208b is a complete partition. At the lower end of the supply pipe penetration portion 206 (main body lower end portion 196), the insertion area 209 for the supply pipe 5 is doubly surrounded by the wall portion 208 and the base member 102 (base main body 114) (see FIG. 29(d)).

[0113] In this way, supply pipe penetration portion 206 separates arrangement area 195 for water passage pipe 184 from insertion area 209 for supply pipe 5. Secondary flow paths such as water passage pipe 184 are not arranged in insertion area 209 for supply pipe 5. Partition wall 208b serves as a wall that separates arrangement area 195 for water passage pipe 184 from insertion area 209 for supply pipe 5.

[0114] As described above, the water pipe 184 has a sliding seal portion 204 that slides as the spout portion 16 rotates. Referring to FIG. 11 , while the water pipe 184 rotates as the spout portion 16 rotates left and right, the portion to which the water pipe 184 is connected by seal member s3 (the pipe support portion 200) does not rotate even when the spout portion 16 rotates left and right. Therefore, sliding occurs at the seal member s3 when the spout portion 16 rotates left and right. When the faucet 3 is in use, sliding occurs at the sliding seal portion 204 every time the spout portion 16 is rotated left and right. This sliding can deteriorate the seal member s3 of the sliding seal portion 204. Deterioration of the seal member s3 can cause water leakage from the sliding seal portion 204.

[0115] 26, the supply pipe penetration portion 206 has an upper end E1. In the lower casing member 188, the upper end E1 includes the upper end of the pipe support portion 200. In this embodiment, the upper end of the outer wall portion 208a also defines the upper end E1. The partition wall 208b has an upper end E2. In this embodiment, the upper end E2 includes the upper end of the pipe support portion 200, just like the upper end E1.

[0116] 11, the upper end E1 of the supply pipe penetration portion 206 is located above the sliding seal portion 204. The upper end E1 is located above the seal member s3 that constitutes the sliding seal portion 204. In this embodiment, two seal members s3 are used, and the upper seal member s3 is located below the upper end E1.

[0117] The portion of supply pipe 5 that is inserted into supply pipe penetration portion 206 is metal pipe portion 5a. That is, the portions of supply pipe 5 that are inserted into supply pipe penetration portion 206 are metal pipe portion 6a and metal pipe portion 8a. In this way, the material of supply pipe 5 in the portion that is inserted into supply pipe penetration portion 206 is metal.

[0118] The above-described embodiment has the following advantages.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is made up of multiple divided bodies 280. The supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) can be attached from the radial outside of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). This means that there are fewer restrictions on the assembly direction of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8), increasing the degree of freedom in designing the faucet device 2. This is also true in the second embodiment.

[0120] In the water faucet described in JP 2000-193118 A, a flange-shaped protrusion is integrally formed on the connecting pipe. Therefore, the connecting pipe cannot be passed through the connecting pipe holder from below; instead, the connecting pipe must be attached to the connecting pipe holder from the side. In this case, the connecting pipe cannot be attached to the connecting pipe holder while the connecting pipe holder is fixed to the faucet body. This configuration restricts the structure of the connecting pipe holder, the fixing structure of the connecting pipe holder, and the assembly procedure, reducing the design flexibility of the faucet. In contrast, in the above embodiment, the supply pipe 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) can be passed through the supply pipe holder member 176 from below, eliminating the above-mentioned restrictions in the above publication and increasing the design flexibility of the faucet.

[0121] In the first embodiment, a divided body 280 constituting the supply pipe fixing member 180 has a shape that engages with the recessed portion 230. This shape is a convex portion 294 (see FIG. 18). The engagement between the recessed portion 230 and the convex portion 294 prevents the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) from falling off, and the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) is held in the supply pipe holding member 176. In the second embodiment, a divided body 340 constituting the supply pipe fixing member 180 has a shape that engages with the recessed portion 330 (see FIG. 25). In the second embodiment, the overall outer shape of the divided body 340 has a shape that engages with the recessed portion 330. In this way, the supply pipe fixing members (divided bodies 280, 340) have a shape that engages with the recesses 230, 330, so that even if an axial force acts on the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8), the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) is held and does not fall off from the supply pipe holding member 176. The shape that engages with the recess is not limited as long as an engagement is formed that can hold the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) without causing it to fall off.

[0122] In the first embodiment, a recess 230 is provided in the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a), and a supply pipe fixing member 180 (cold water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is attached to this recess 230. As described in JP 2000-193118 A, when a protrusion (flange) is provided on the metal pipe portion, the processing cost increases. By providing the recess 230, the processing cost can be reduced. This is also true in the second embodiment.

[0123] Depending on the material of the metal pipe, it may be difficult to process the metal pipe to provide a flange. As described in JP 2000-193118 A, providing a flange on the metal pipe increases restrictions on the material of the metal pipe, reducing design freedom. In contrast, providing a recess 230 reduces restrictions on the material of the metal pipe, increasing design freedom.

[0124] Wobble can occur due to radial gaps between the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) and the faucet body 4. Wobble in the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) can be easily suppressed by adjusting the thickness (radial thickness) of the supply pipe fixing member 180. Furthermore, by arranging the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) over almost the entire circumference, the wobble suppression function can be improved.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 18, the seal member (O-ring) s2 is disposed adjacent to the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182). The seal member (O-ring) s2 is disposed above the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182). The seal member s2 is supported from below by the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) while being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the metal pipe portion 5a (the metal pipe portion 6a and the metal pipe portion 8a). The supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) prevents the seal member s2 from falling off. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a groove for fixing the seal member s2 in the metal pipe portion 5a (the metal pipe portion 6a and the metal pipe portion 8a) or to provide other components for fixing the seal member s2.

[0126] As shown in Figure 18, a seal member s20 is provided that comes into contact with the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182). The seal member s20 abuts against the upper end surface 284 of the divided body 280. This seal member s20 is one of the two seal members s2 mentioned above. From the perspective of preventing the seal member s20 from protruding from between the divided bodies, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is preferably provided around almost the entire circumference of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a).

[0127] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is provided over almost the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8). Therefore, when a load is applied in the axial direction to the supply pipe 5 (water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8), stress concentration can be suppressed. This is also true in the second embodiment.

[0128] As described above, in the faucet joint described in JP 2000-230259 A, a C-ring is attached as a locking ring in a groove in the water supply tubular body. In this configuration, when an axial force is applied to the water supply tubular body, stress is likely to concentrate in the C-ring and groove. Furthermore, the C-ring has a notch, which can cause the above-mentioned rattle. Furthermore, the C-ring is attached while undergoing elastic deformation, and there are significant restrictions on its material. Therefore, there is little freedom in designing the C-ring. The first and second embodiments described above address these drawbacks.

[0129] 18 and 19, recess 230 is configured with a curved surface without corners. Recess 230 has a shape that can suppress stress concentration. Protrusion 236 on inner surface 234 also has the same shape as recess 230. Recess 230 has increased strength against loads (especially axial loads) on the engagement portion.

[0130] The protrusion 294 that engages with the recess 230 has a shape that is an inverted version of the recess 230. The protrusion 294 is also configured with a curved surface without any corners. The protrusion 294 has a shape that can suppress stress concentration. This increases the strength of the engaging portion against loads (especially axial loads).

[0131] 18 shows an axial cross section of the recessed portion 230 and the protruding portion 294. This axial cross section is a cross section taken along a plane including the center line CL2 of the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a).

[0132] In FIG. 18 , the symbol Ra indicates the radius of curvature of the recess 230 in the axial cross section. The radius of curvature Ra depends on the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5 a. Therefore, although it is not possible to generalize, for example, when the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5 a is 4 mm or more and 14 mm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing stress concentration, the axial cross section of the recess 230 is preferably configured with a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 1 mm or more, more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 2 mm or more, and even more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 3 mm or more. From the viewpoint of the engagement force of the concave-convex engagement, the axial cross section of the recess 230 is preferably configured with a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 13 mm or less, more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 12 mm or less, and even more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Ra of 11 mm or less.

[0133] In FIG. 18 , the symbol Rb denotes the radius of curvature of the convex portion 294 in the axial cross section. The radius of curvature Rb depends on the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a. Therefore, although it is not possible to generalize, for example, when the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a is 4 mm or more and 14 mm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing stress concentration, the axial cross section of the convex portion 294 is preferably configured with a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 1 mm or more, more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 2 mm or more, and even more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 3 mm or more. From the viewpoint of the engagement force of the concave-convex engagement, the axial cross section of the convex portion 294 is preferably configured with a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 13 mm or less, more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 12 mm or less, and even more preferably a curve having a radius of curvature Rb of 11 mm or less.

[0134] In FIG. 19, the double-headed arrow D2 indicates the depth of the recess 230. The depth D2 is measured in the radial direction (the direction of a straight line perpendicular to the center line CL2). The depth D2 may depend on the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a. Therefore, although it cannot be generalized, for example, when the diameter of the metal pipe portion 5a is 4 mm or more and 14 mm or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the engagement force of the recess-recess engagement, the depth D2 is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.4 mm or more. From the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of the recess 230, the depth D2 is preferably 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.3 mm or less.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is made up of multiple divided bodies 280. The multiple divided bodies 280 are the same member. The supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is made up of multiple (two) identical divided bodies 280 combined together. With this configuration, parts are standardized, which reduces costs.

[0136] The number of segments 280 constituting one supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is referred to as the division number N. However, the division number N is an integer equal to or greater than 2. In the first and second embodiments described above, the division number N is 2. The division number N is not limited. From the viewpoints of reducing the number of parts, ease of assembly, and stability of engagement, the division number N is preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and more preferably 2. The supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) does not have to be divided. In other words, the supply pipe fixing member 180 (water supply pipe fixing member 181, hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) may be composed of a single member. An example of this single member is a member in which two members having a shape similar to that of the segments 280 are connected by a rotatable connector such as a hinge. Another example of this single member is a member in which the end faces of two members having a shape similar to that of the divided body 280 can be joined together by snap fitting. Although these members are a single member, they can be attached to the recess 230 from the radial outside of the supply pipe 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8).

[0137] The supply pipe 5 extends from the outside to the inside of the faucet body 4. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the supply pipe 5 passes through a mounting hole H1 in the mounting base T1 and extends into the inside of the faucet body 4. As shown in Figure 4, the lower end of the faucet body 4 is open downward to allow the supply pipe 5 to pass through. In other words, the lower end of the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5 is open downward. In the faucet body 4, if water seeps into the insertion area 209 or if a water leak occurs in the insertion area 209, this water will flow out from the faucet body 4 to the lower side. This flowing water passes through the mounting hole H1 and reaches the underside of the mounting base T1. If the mounting base T1 is a kitchen countertop, this water will reach under the sink.

[0138] In the first and second embodiments, the lower casing member 188 has a supply pipe penetration portion 206 that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe 5 and through which the supply pipe 5 passes. This supply pipe penetration portion 206 separates the arrangement area 195 of the water pipe 184 from an insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5. This prevents water from flowing into the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5.

[0139] Water can enter the faucet body 4 from the outside. Furthermore, water leakage from the secondary flow path, including the water pipe 184, can occur within the faucet body 4. If such water enters the area where the supply pipe 5 is inserted, water leakage can occur below the sink. In the above embodiment, the supply pipe penetration 206 prevents water from entering the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5. Water entry from the secondary flow path into the insertion area 209 is prevented by the partition wall 208b. The supply pipe penetration 206, which surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe 5, prevents water from entering the insertion area 209 from any route. By preventing water from entering the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5, water leakage below the sink is suppressed.

[0140] The sliding seal portion 204 is a location in the secondary flow path where water leakage is likely to occur. The seal member s3 in the sliding seal portion 204 is likely to deteriorate due to sliding. When the seal member s3 deteriorates, water leakage can occur. In the first and second embodiments, the upper end E1 of the supply pipe penetration portion 206 is located above the sliding seal portion 204. Therefore, water that leaks at the sliding seal portion 204 is less likely to infiltrate the supply pipe penetration portion 206 (the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5). This prevents water leakage below the sink.

[0141] As mentioned above, in JP 2002-81108 A, the water discharge elbow 15 is fitted onto the lower small-diameter portion 11 of the hot water / cold water mixing attachment 12 so as to be rotatable around its axis (see Figures 1 and 2 of the same publication). The water discharge elbow 15 and the lower small-diameter portion 11 are connected via an O-ring 67, forming a sliding seal. As shown in Figure 1, the sliding seal is exposed in the area where the supply pipe (hot water supply pipe 100, cold water supply pipe 101) is inserted. Therefore, water leaking from the sliding seal immediately flows out below the sink. In contrast, in the above embodiment, as mentioned above, the sliding seal 204 prevents leaking water from entering the supply pipe penetration portion 206.

[0142] The supply pipe 5 has a metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a) at the portion inserted into the supply pipe penetration portion 206. That is, the supply pipe 5 is made of metal at the portion inserted into the supply pipe penetration portion 206. Being made of metal, it has high strength and is less likely to be damaged by water pressure or heat. If the supply pipe 5 is damaged, water will flow into the inside of the supply pipe penetration portion 206, i.e., into the insertion area 209 of the supply pipe 5, and this water will flow under the sink. By making the supply pipe 5 out of metal, water leakage under the sink is suppressed.

[0143] In the first and second embodiments, the lower casing member 188 is made of resin. The use of a large amount of metal increases costs. By making the lower casing member 188, which includes the supply pipe penetration portion 206, out of resin, the use of metal can be reduced, resulting in cost savings. Furthermore, by using resin as the material, the lower casing member 188, which includes the supply pipe penetration portion 206, can be molded as a single unit. Molding the supply pipe penetration portion 206 seamlessly can increase the water-shielding effect of the supply pipe penetration portion 206, thereby preventing water leakage below the sink.

[0144] By making the primary flow path, where water pressure is constantly acting, a high-strength metal pipe section 5a and covering it with a resin lower casing member 188 (supply pipe penetration section 206), it is possible to reduce costs while suppressing water leakage under the sink.

[0145] In the first and second embodiments, the supply pipe 5 is held using a supply pipe fixing member 180 that engages with the outer surface of the supply pipe 5 and a supply pipe holding member 176 that is fixed to the faucet body 4 (lower casing member 188). More specifically, the supply pipe 5 that passes through the supply pipe penetration portion 206 from below is held above the supply pipe penetration portion 206 using the supply pipe holding member 176 and the supply pipe fixing member 180. This allows the supply pipe 5 that is inserted through the supply pipe penetration portion 206 from below to be fixed to the faucet body 4 (lower casing member 188). This makes it possible to realize a structure that includes the supply pipe penetration portion 206 that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe 5 and through which the supply pipe 5 passes. This supply pipe 5 holding structure, which is easy to assemble and offers excellent design flexibility, enables a configuration in which the supply pipe 5 is surrounded by the supply pipe penetration portion 206.

[0146] Examples of materials for the supply pipe holding member 176 include resin and metal. Resins include fiber-reinforced resins. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, bronze, and pure copper. An example of pure copper is phosphorus-deoxidized copper. Among metals, brass is preferred from the standpoints of cost and processability. As resins, thermoplastic resins are preferred from the standpoint of ease of molding. Among thermoplastic resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred. Among these, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyamide (PA) are preferred from the standpoint of strength. In the above embodiment, brass is used as the material for the supply pipe holding member 176.

[0147] Examples of materials for the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) include resin and metal. Resins include fiber-reinforced resins. Preferred metals include stainless steel, brass, bronze, and pure copper. An example of pure copper is phosphorus-deoxidized copper. Among metals, brass is preferred from the standpoints of cost and processability. As resins, thermoplastic resins are preferred from the standpoint of ease of molding. Among thermoplastic resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred. Among these, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyamide (PA) are preferred from the standpoint of strength. From the standpoint of moldability into complex shapes, the material for the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182) is preferably resin, and more preferably thermoplastic resin. In the above embodiment, PPS (PPS-GF40) is used as the material for the supply pipe fixing member 180 (the cold water supply pipe fixing member 181 and the hot water supply pipe fixing member 182). PPS-GF40 is PPS containing 40% glass fiber.

[0148] Examples of materials for the lower casing member 188 include resin and metal. Resin includes fiber-reinforced resin. From the viewpoint of cost reduction, resin is preferred as the material for the lower casing member 188. Resin is also preferred as the material for the lower casing member 188 from the viewpoint of being able to mold even complex shapes. Thermoplastic resin is preferred as the resin from the viewpoint of ease of molding. Among thermoplastic resins, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) are preferred. Among them, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is preferred from the viewpoint of strength.

[0149] From the viewpoint of strength, metal is preferable as the material for the portion of the supply pipe 5 (cold water supply pipe 6, hot water supply pipe 8) where the recess 230 is formed. In the above embodiment, too, the recess 230 is formed in the metal pipe portion. As described above, from the viewpoint of suppressing water leakage within the supply pipe penetration portion 206, it is preferable that the portion of the supply pipe 5 that is inserted into the supply pipe penetration portion 206 is made of metal. As this metal, from the viewpoint of deformability that can be adapted to the installation site of the faucet device 2, a metal containing copper is preferable, and pure copper is more preferable. In the above embodiment, too, the metal pipe portion 5a is a copper pipe portion. That is, the metal pipe portion 6a is a copper pipe portion, and the metal pipe portion 8a is a copper pipe portion. In the above embodiment, pure copper (phosphorus deoxidized copper) is used as the material for the metal pipe portion 5a (metal pipe portion 6a, metal pipe portion 8a).

[0150] The following notes are part of the inventions contained in this disclosure. [Appendix 1] A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; an annular seal member provided at a connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body; It has the outer surface of the supply tube has a recess; the supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess, A water faucet device in which the supply pipe fixing member is composed of a plurality of divided bodies divided in the circumferential direction of the supply pipe. [Appendix 2] A faucet device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the multiple divided bodies are made of the same material. [Appendix 3] 3. The water faucet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply pipe fixing member is provided over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe. [Appendix 4] A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; an annular seal member provided at a connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body; It has the outer surface of the supply tube has a recess; the supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess, The supply pipe fixing member is provided over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe. [Appendix 5] the seal member is disposed adjacent to the supply pipe fixing member, 5. The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply pipe fixing member supports the sealing member over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe. [Appendix 6] the supply pipe fixing member has a protrusion that engages with the recess, A water faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the axial cross sections of the recessed and protruding portions are configured as curves with a radius of curvature of 1 mm or more. [Appendix 7] The faucet body has a spout portion, a valve assembly including a valve mechanism for controlling water discharge and stop and temperature control, an upper casing member that houses the valve assembly, a lower casing member that is arranged below the upper casing member, and a water pipe that flows hot and cold water from the valve assembly to the spout portion, the lower casing member has a supply pipe penetration portion that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe and through which the supply pipe is inserted, A water faucet device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the supply pipe penetration section separates an area where the water pipe is arranged from an area where the supply pipe is inserted. [Appendix 8] The lower casing member has a main body lower end portion that constitutes the lower end portion of the faucet main body, The water pipe has a sliding seal portion that slides as the spout portion rotates, The lower end of the supply pipe penetration portion is formed at the lower end portion of the main body, A water faucet device as described in Appendix 7, wherein the upper end of the supply pipe penetration portion is located above the sliding seal portion. [Appendix 9] A water faucet device as described in Appendix 7 or 8, wherein the supply pipe is made of metal at the portion inserted into the supply pipe penetration portion. [Appendix 10] A water faucet device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the lower casing member is made of resin. [Appendix 11] A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; It has The faucet body has a spout portion, a valve assembly including a valve mechanism for controlling water discharge and stop and temperature control, an upper casing member that houses the valve assembly, a lower casing member that is arranged below the upper casing member, and a water pipe that flows hot and cold water from the valve assembly to the spout portion, the lower casing member has a supply pipe penetration portion that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe and through which the supply pipe is inserted, A water faucet device in which the supply pipe penetration portion separates an area in which the water-conveying pipe is arranged from an area in which the supply pipe is inserted.

[0151] This application also discloses other inventions not included in the inventions described in the claims (including independent claims). Each form, element, configuration, and combination thereof described in the claims and embodiments of this application is recognized as an invention based on the effects that each has.

[0152] Each of the forms, components, configurations, etc. shown in each of the above embodiments can be individually applied to all inventions described in this application, including the inventions claimed in this application, even if not all of the forms, components, or configurations of these embodiments are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 2, 2A... Faucet device 3. Faucet 4. Faucet body 5... Supply pipe 6...Water supply pipe 6a Metal pipe section of water supply pipe 8...Hot water supply pipe 8a Metal pipe section of hot water supply pipe 12 Main body functional section 14. Operation part (handle) 16 Spout section 16a···Spout main part 16b... Base part 22 Switching operation section 23 Button guide 24...Discharge port 28. Valve mechanism 30 Movable valve element 32 Fixed valve body 40 Connection 100 Faucet mounting device 102 Base member 104... Base member fixing male screw 106 Screw member 108...fixture 110 Female thread hole 140...Switching valve 141...Switching valve 142 Head cover 144 Thrust lock mechanism 147 Head assembly 148... Head lower member 150···Water outlet unit 152 Inner cylinder member 154....Outer cylinder member 158···Mounting nut 160···Top cover 164 Outer shell member 166 Spout side water passage member 168 Valve fixing member 170 Valve assembly (control unit) 171 Casing member 172 Upper casing member 174....Discharge connecting pipe (water passage member) 176...Supply pipe holding member 180... Supply pipe fixing member 181 Water supply pipe fixing member 182 Hot water supply pipe fixing member 188 Lower casing member 190... Water pipe support member 192 Lower cover 195....Water pipe layout area 196...Bottom end of main body 204···Sliding seal part 206... Supply pipe penetration part 208....Wall portion forming supply pipe penetration portion 208a...Outer wall 208b Partition wall 208c...Bottom wall part 209....Supply pipe insertion area 220... Storage unit 222... Bottom surface of storage section 224... Water connection 226···Hot water connection 230....Concave portion on outer surface of supply pipe (metal pipe portion) 240 ···Bend of supply pipe (metal pipe section) 252....Base of supply pipe holding member 256....Supply pipe holding member insertion portion 260... Water supply pipe insertion part 262 Hot water supply pipe insertion part 264....Discharge connection pipe insertion part 270....Fixed member support part 272...Water side support part 274...Hot water side support part 280....Divider (part of supply pipe fixing member) 282... Lower end surface of division body 284....Top end surface of division body 286....Outer surface of division body 288...Inner surface of the divided body 290... End face of division body 294....Convex part of divided body 330....Concave portion on outer surface of supply pipe (metal pipe portion) 340...divided body E1: Upper end of supply pipe penetration E2: Top edge of partition wall s2: A sealing material that seals the connection between the supply pipe (water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe) and the faucet body s3: Seal material placed in the sliding seal section s20: A sealing member that abuts against a supply pipe fixing member (a water supply pipe fixing member, a hot water supply pipe fixing member) f1: Upward surface of the fixed member support f2: Vertical surface of fixed member support CL2: Center line of the supply pipe (cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe) where the supply pipe fixing member is located CL3: Center line of the arc surface that forms the inner surface of the segment T1···Top plate (mounting base)

Claims

1. A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; an annular seal member provided at a connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body; It has the outer surface of the supply tube has a recess; the supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess, A water faucet device in which the supply pipe fixing member is composed of a plurality of divided bodies divided in the circumferential direction of the supply pipe.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of divided bodies are made of the same material.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the supply pipe fixing member is provided over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe.

4. A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; an annular seal member provided at a connection portion between the supply pipe and the faucet body; It has the outer surface of the supply tube has a recess; the supply pipe fixing member has a shape that engages with the recess, The supply pipe fixing member is provided over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe.

5. the seal member is disposed adjacent to the supply pipe fixing member, 5. The water faucet device according to claim 3, wherein the supply pipe fixing member supports the seal member over substantially the entire circumferential direction of the supply pipe.

6. the supply pipe fixing member has a protrusion that engages with the recess, The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axial cross sections of the recessed and protruding portions are configured as curves with a radius of curvature of 1 mm or more.

7. The faucet body has a spout portion, a valve assembly including a valve mechanism for controlling water discharge and stop and temperature control, an upper casing member that houses the valve assembly, a lower casing member that is arranged below the upper casing member, and a water pipe that flows hot and cold water from the valve assembly to the spout portion, the lower casing member has a supply pipe penetration portion that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe and through which the supply pipe is inserted, The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply pipe penetration portion separates an area where the water-conveying pipe is disposed from an area where the supply pipe is inserted.

8. The lower casing member has a main body lower end portion that constitutes the lower end portion of the faucet main body, The water pipe has a sliding seal portion that slides as the spout portion rotates, The lower end of the supply pipe penetration portion is formed at the lower end portion of the main body, The water faucet device according to claim 7, wherein an upper end of the supply pipe penetration portion is located above the sliding seal portion.

9. The water faucet device according to claim 7, wherein the supply pipe is made of metal at the portion inserted into the supply pipe penetration portion.

10. The water faucet device according to claim 9, wherein the lower casing member is made of a resin.

11. A faucet device that can stop the discharge of hot and cold water that is a mixture of hot and cold water, The faucet body and A supply pipe connected to the faucet body; a supply pipe fixing member that engages with an outer surface of the supply pipe; a supply pipe holding member fixed to the faucet body, the supply pipe holding member including an insertion portion through which the supply pipe is inserted and a fixing member support portion that supports the supply pipe fixing member; It has The faucet body has a spout portion, a valve assembly including a valve mechanism for controlling water discharge and stop and temperature control, an upper casing member that houses the valve assembly, a lower casing member that is arranged below the upper casing member, and a water pipe that flows hot and cold water from the valve assembly to the spout portion, the lower casing member has a supply pipe penetration portion that surrounds the periphery of the supply pipe and through which the supply pipe is inserted, A water faucet device in which the supply pipe penetration portion separates an area in which the water-conveying pipe is arranged from an area in which the supply pipe is inserted.

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