Faucet

Abstract

To remove hot or cold water that has entered a main pipe section via a supply hose.SOLUTION: A faucet 1 includes a main pipe section 5 extending in the vertical direction, a branch pipe section 6 branched from the main pipe section 5, and a discharge head 7 detachably held at a tip 6a of the branch pipe section 6. The faucet 1 further includes a supply hose 40, a first end 40a of which is connected to the discharge head 7, and which is inserted through the branch pipe section 6 so that a second end 40b is drawn downward from a lower end 5b of the main pipe section 5. The faucet 1 also includes a hose guide 43, which has a sliding contact portion 47 with the supply hose 40 disposed inside the main pipe section 5 and functions as a water-draining member 60 accommodated within the main pipe section 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, there is a faucet equipped with a main pipe extending in the vertical direction, a branch pipe branching from the main pipe, a water spout head held at the tip of the branch pipe, and a water supply hose connected to the water spout head and inserted through the branch pipe. In such a faucet, the water supply hose inserted into the branch pipe is pulled downward from the lower end of the main pipe. The water spout head is also configured to be detachable from the tip of the branch pipe. Furthermore, the water supply hose is also configured to be able to be pulled out from the tip of the branch pipe together with the water spout head removed from the branch pipe. This allows a user holding the water spout head to freely control the hot and cold water flowing out of the water spout head.

[0003] Furthermore, in faucets equipped with such a spout head and a water supply hose pull-out function, there is a risk of hot or cold water seeping into the branch pipe via the water supply hose. Taking this into consideration, for example, the faucet described in Patent Document 2 is equipped with an outlet located below the branch pipe branching off from the main pipe for discharging hot or cold water that has seeped into the branch pipe. Furthermore, this prior art faucet is equipped with a drain member within the branch pipe that slides against the water supply hose inserted into the branch pipe. That is, this drain member functions to remove hot or cold water from the water supply hose by contacting the water supply hose that slides within the branch pipe when the spout head is attached or detached. Furthermore, this drain member also functions to guide hot or cold water removed from the water supply hose to the outlet. This allows the prior art faucet to effectively drain hot or cold water that has seeped into the branch pipe to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-100049 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-364036 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even in the above-mentioned conventional configurations with a drainage structure for water intrusion into the branch pipe, there is still a possibility that hot and cold water adhering to the water supply hose may seep into the main pipe from the branch pipe.The hot and cold water that has infiltrated into the main pipe may then travel down the water supply hose and enter a space below the installation surface of the faucet, such as a bathroom cabinet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various aspects of the faucet that solve the above problems will be described. Aspect 1 is a faucet comprising a main pipe extending in the vertical direction, a branch pipe branching off from the main pipe, a water discharge head removably held at the tip of the branch pipe, a water supply hose having a first end connected to the water discharge head and inserted into the branch pipe so that a second end thereof is pulled downward from the lower end of the main pipe, and a draining member housed within the main pipe and having a sliding contact portion with the water supply hose located within the main pipe.

[0007] With this configuration, the sliding contact of the water supply hose with the sliding contact portion of the drainer member allows hot and cold water adhering to the water supply hose to be rubbed off within the main pipe, thereby effectively removing hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe from the branch pipe along the water supply hose.

[0008] Aspect 2 is a faucet according to Aspect 1, which is provided with a slope that has an outward downward slope extending downward from the radial inside of the main pipe portion to the outside, and that guides hot and cold water adhering to the sliding contact portion to the outer surface of the drain member that faces the inner surface of the main pipe portion.

[0009] With this configuration, hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose at the sliding contact portion can flow downward along the outer surface of the draining member at a radial position close to the inner circumferential surface of the main pipe, thereby allowing the hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose to be smoothly discharged outside the main pipe.

[0010] A third aspect is the faucet according to the second aspect, further comprising a drainage channel provided on the outer surface of the drain member. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose can flow downward along the drainage channel, and thus the hot and cold water removed at the sliding contact part of the draining member can be more smoothly discharged outside the main pipe.

[0011] Aspect 4 is a faucet described in Aspect 3, in which the outer surface of the drain member is a curved surface that follows the inner surface of the main pipe, and a notch portion provided on the outer surface that cuts into the curved surface and extends in the vertical direction constitutes the drainage channel.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the draining member can be positioned close to the inner peripheral surface of the main pipe. Furthermore, the notch forms a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the main pipe and the outer surface of the draining member. This allows for the formation of a drainage channel that allows hot and cold water guided from the sliding contact portion to the outer surface of the draining member to flow downward with a simple configuration.

[0013] A fifth aspect is the faucet according to the third or fourth aspect, further comprising a water reservoir provided at the upper end of the drainage channel. According to the above configuration, the weight of the hot water stored in the water reservoir can be used to smoothly drain the hot water into the drainage channel.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the faucet according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the sliding contact portion is disposed at a position where it connects to the lower edge of the branch pipe portion that branches off from the main pipe portion. According to the above configuration, the water supply hose can be efficiently brought into sliding contact with the sliding contact portion of the draining member, thereby ensuring smooth sliding of the water supply hose when attaching and detaching the water spouting head, and also ensuring good draining function.

[0015] A seventh aspect is the faucet according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the sliding contact portion has a curved surface shape that follows the curved shape of the water supply hose that slides against the sliding contact portion in a curved state. According to the above configuration, smooth sliding of the water supply hose and good draining function can be ensured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe through the water supply hose can be removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the water supply and delivery structure of the faucet. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the water spouting head and the water supply hose pulled out. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the base portion, the mounting portion, and the hose guide. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the base portion, the mounting portion, and the hose guide. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base portion, the mounting portion, and the hose guide. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hose guide. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section XX in FIG. 6). [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section XI-XI in FIG. 6). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section XII-XII in FIG. 6). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the sliding contact portion with the water supply hose provided at the upper end of the hose guide. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sliding contact portion. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hose guide according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of a hose guide according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of a faucet will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Single-lever mixer faucet> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 of this embodiment includes a faucet body 3 that is arranged to protrude from the upper surface 2s of a wall 2 that constitutes, for example, the counter of a bathroom cabinet. Specifically, the faucet body 3 has a main pipe 5 that extends vertically and protrudes from the upper surface 2s of the wall 2, and a branch pipe 6 that branches off laterally from the main pipe 5. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the main pipe 5 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape that is erected substantially perpendicular to the wall 2 that constitutes its installation surface. Furthermore, the branch pipe 6 also has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The faucet body 3 of this embodiment is configured so that the branch pipe 6 extends toward the front side of the faucet 1 (left side in Figure 2) with an inclination such that the tip end 6a is slightly higher than the base end 6b.

[0019] The faucet 1 of this embodiment also has a spouting head 7 held at the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6 that extends laterally from the main pipe 5. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the spouting head 7 also has a roughly cylindrical outer shape that extends the branch pipe 6 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the faucet 1 has an operating lever 8 provided at the upper end 5a of the main pipe 5. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured as a so-called single-lever mixer faucet, which allows the operating lever 8 to be operated to adjust the discharge state of hot and cold water flowing from the spout 9 provided at the tip 7a of the spouting head 7.

[0020] <Internal structure of the faucet> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the faucet 1 of this embodiment comprises a valve unit 10 and a housing member 12 that houses the valve unit 10. The faucet 1 of this embodiment also comprises a base portion 23 that is placed inside the main pipe portion 5 together with the housing member 12 in a state that supports the lower side of the housing member 12.

[0021] More specifically, the accommodating member 12 of this embodiment has a flat, generally bottomed, cylindrical outer shape that accommodates the valve unit 10 therein. The base portion 23 of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical outer shape that extends along the axial direction of the main pipe portion 5. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, an annular flange portion 19 that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer periphery of the accommodating member 12. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the upper end 23a of the base portion 23, which is located below the flange portion 19, abuts against the flange portion 19 of the accommodating member 12.

[0022] That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the accommodating member 12 is fixed to the base portion 23 while the downward movement of the faucet body 3 within the main pipe portion 5 is restricted. In this state, the faucet 1 of this embodiment positions the accommodating member 12 near the upper end 5a of the main pipe portion 5. In other words, the valve unit 10 held within the accommodating member 12 is configured to be positioned near the upper end 5a of the main pipe portion 5.

[0023] More specifically, the accommodating member 12 of this embodiment has threads 12x cut into the outer periphery of the accommodating member 12 at a position above the flange portion 19. The faucet 1 of this embodiment also has a fixing nut 13 that is screwed onto the accommodating member 12 using the threads 12x. The fixing nut 13 further has a substantially annular flange portion 15 that protrudes radially outward. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured so that the accommodating member 12, with the fixing nut 13 screwed onto it, is fixed near the upper end 5a of the main pipe portion 5 together with the valve unit 10 housed inside it, with the upper end 5a of the main pipe portion 5 positioned directly below the flange portion 15.

[0024] The valve unit 10 of this embodiment also includes an operating shaft 21 that faces upward while held within the housing member 12. That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the base end 8b of the operating lever 8 is connected to this operating shaft 21. Furthermore, the fixing nut 13 of this embodiment has a spherical seat 22 that faces upward while being threadedly attached to the housing member 12. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the operating lever 8 is positioned at the upper end 5a of the main pipe 5 in a state where it is allowed to change its position along this spherical seat 22.

[0025] More specifically, base portion 23 of this embodiment has a generally annular flange portion 24 provided at its lower end 23b that protrudes radially outward. Furthermore, faucet 1 of this embodiment has a mounting portion 25 provided at lower end 23b, extending the cylindrical shape of base portion 23 downward. Faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to be installed on wall portion 2, which serves as its installation surface, with mounting portion 25 inserted into mounting hole 26 provided in wall portion 2.

[0026] That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when the mounting portion 25 is inserted into the mounting hole 26, the flange portion 24 provided on the lower end 23b of the base portion 23 abuts against the upper surface 2s of the wall portion 2. Also, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a screw thread 25x is threaded on the outer periphery of the mounting portion 25. Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is provided with a fixing nut 27 that is screwed onto the mounting portion 25 using the screw thread 25x. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to be fixed to the upper surface 2s of the wall portion 2 based on the fastening force of the fixing nut 27, which sandwiches the wall portion 2 between itself and the flange portion 24 provided on the lower end 23b of the base portion 23.

[0027] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet body 3, spout head 7, and operating lever 8 are each made of resin. The base 23 and mounting portion 25 are also made of resin and integrally formed. Furthermore, the accommodating member 12 of the valve unit 10 is made of metal. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the accommodating member 12, base 23, and mounting portion 25 integrally support the valve unit 10 within the main pipe 5 of the faucet body 3. More specifically, the valve unit 10 is supported within the main pipe 5 on the upper end 5a side of the branching position of the branch pipe 6.

[0028] Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment includes a water supply pipe 28, a hot water supply pipe 29, and a water supply pipe 30, which are connected to the valve unit 10 held within the housing member 12 while being inserted through the base portion 23 and the mounting portion 25. That is, the valve unit 10 of this embodiment has the function of mixing hot and cold water supplied via the water supply pipe 28 and the hot water supply pipe 29 based on an operation input to the operating lever 8 connected to the operating shaft 21. The valve unit 10 also has the function of adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water discharged into the water supply pipe 30 based on an operation input to the operating lever 8.

[0029] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the temperature can be adjusted by mixing the hot and cold water by rotating the operating lever 8 around the operating shaft 21 of the valve unit 10. The valve unit 10 of this embodiment also accepts up and down operation, which displaces the tip end 8a of the operating lever 8 in the up and down direction, with the base end 8b of the operating lever 8 connected to the operating shaft 21 as a fulcrum. The faucet 1 of this embodiment can adjust the flow rate of the hot and cold water it dispenses based on the up and down operation of the operating lever 8.

[0030] <Water supply structure using hose> As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a water supply pipe 31 and a hot water supply pipe 32 are arranged below the wall 2 on which the faucet 1 is installed, inside the washbasin cabinet. Stop valves 33 and 34 are provided on the water supply pipe 31 and the hot water supply pipe 32, respectively. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a water supply pipe 28 and a hot water supply pipe 29 are connected to the water supply pipe 31 and the hot water supply pipe 32 via a water supply hose 35 and a hot water hose 36, respectively.

[0031] Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a water supply hose 40 connected to the water supply pipe 30, which is inserted into the mounting portion 25, similar to the hot water supply hose 36 connected to the water supply pipe 31 and the hot water supply pipe 32. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, this water supply hose 40 is routed below the wall portion 2 that constitutes the installation surface of the faucet 1, for example, inside a bathroom cabinet, and is inserted into the faucet body 3 via the mounting portion 25 and base portion 23 that open below the wall portion 2. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured to supply water to its spout head 7 via this water supply hose 40.

[0032] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a two-layer hose with a flexible metal exterior and a resin inner tube is used as the water supply hose 40. Similarly to the water supply hose 40, the water supply hose 35 and the hot water supply hose 36 also use a two-layer hose.

[0033] 2 and 3, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the base portion 23 located above the mounting portion 25 is provided with a side opening 41 that opens into the side of its cylindrical shape. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the side opening 41 provided in this base portion 23 is positioned so as to face the branch pipe portion 6 that branches off from the main pipe portion 5 of the faucet body 3, inside which the base portion 23 is located. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the water supply hose 40 drawn out from the side opening 41 of the base portion 23 is inserted into the branch pipe portion 6 of the faucet body 3.

[0034] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water spout head 7 is held in the faucet body 3 in a state where it fits onto the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6 that extends laterally from the main pipe 5. Specifically, the water spout head 7 of this embodiment has a roughly cylindrical outer shape that extends the cylindrical shape of the branch pipe 6 when the base end 7b fits onto the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6. Note that in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water spout head 7 is configured so that the spout outlet 9 at the tip 7a faces downward when fitted onto the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water supply hose 40 inserted into the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3 is inserted into the cylindrical shape of the water spout head 7 from the base end 7b side of the water spout head 7. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the water supply hose 40 is connected to the water spout head 7 in a state where it communicates with the spout outlet 9 at the tip 7a.

[0035] In other words, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the first end 40a of the water supply hose 40 is connected to the water spout head 7. Furthermore, the water supply hose 40 is inserted into the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3, and the second end 40b is pulled downward from inside the mounting part 25 located at the lower end 5b of the main pipe 5. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the second end 40b of the water supply hose 40, also inserted into the mounting part 25, is connected to the water supply pipe 30 extending below the mounting part 25.

[0036] <Water discharge head and water supply hose pull-out function> 1 and 5, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water spout head 7 held in the faucet body 3 while fitted to the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6 can be removed. Specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water spout head 7 can be attached to and detached from the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6 by moving the water spout head 7 along the axial direction of the branch pipe 6, based on the fitting structure of the base end 7b. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water supply hose 40 connected to the water spout head 7 can be pulled out from the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6 together with the water spout head 7 that has been removed from the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the amount of water supply hose 40 pulled out is set to, for example, about 30 cm, based on the length routed within the bathroom cabinet below the wall 2 that constitutes the installation surface of the faucet 1. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a user who holds the spout head 7 removed from the faucet body 3 can freely control the hot and cold water flowing out of the spout 9 of the spout head 7.

[0037] 2, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3, to which the spouting head 7 is attached and detached at the tip 6a, is provided with a plurality of holes 61 with a draining function, including a drain hole 61x near the base end 6b.The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured to discharge hot or cold water that has entered the branch pipe 6 due to the attachment and detachment of the spouting head 7 out of the faucet body 3 via these holes 61.

[0038] <Hose guide> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the faucet 1 of this embodiment includes a hose guide 43 arranged within the main pipe section 5 of the faucet body 3, along with the housing member 12 and base section 23 that constitute the support member 42 of the valve unit 10. Furthermore, the faucet 1 includes a hose guide 46 arranged within the mounting section 25 as a pipe member 44, inside which the water supply hose 40 is arranged, along with the base section 23, at a position below the faucet body 3. Specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 arranged within the main pipe section 5 includes a sliding portion 47 for the water supply hose 40. Furthermore, the hose guide 46 arranged within the mounting section 25 has a tubular portion 48 through which the water supply hose 40 is inserted. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to ensure smooth movement of the water supply hose 40 sliding within the faucet body 3 and mounting section 25 based on the attachment and detachment operation of the water spout head 7 held at the tip 6a of the branch pipe section 6.

[0039] <Hose guide retention structure located inside the main pipe> As shown in Figures 2 and 6 to 12, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 is held in a radial position between the inner surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5, which has an approximately cylindrical outer shape, and the base portion 23, which has an approximately cylindrical outer shape and is arranged within this main pipe portion 5.

[0040] More specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the base portion 23 constituting the support member 42 of the valve unit 10 is disposed within the main pipe 5 and is generally coaxial with the main pipe 5. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment has a curved plate shape with a generally arc-shaped cross section. Specifically, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment has an outer surface 43sa facing the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5, which is configured as a curved surface 50 extending along the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5. The hose guide 43 also has an inner surface 43sb facing the outer circumferential surface 23sa of the base portion 23, which is configured as a curved surface 51 extending along the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5. Furthermore, the hose guide 43 has a sliding contact portion 47 at its upper end 43a that slides against the water supply hose 40. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment is configured to be positioned between the inner surface 5sb of the main pipe section 5 and the outer surface 23sa of the base section 23, with the sliding contact section 47 positioned at the branching position of the branch pipe section 6.

[0041] More specifically, as shown in Figures 6 to 12, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 is clamped between the inner surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5 and the base portion 23 that constitutes the support member 42 of the valve unit 10.

[0042] Specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 is disposed within the main pipe 5 with its curved outer surface 43sa abutting against the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5. The base 23 of this embodiment has a plurality of ribs 55 protruding from its outer circumferential surface 23sa. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment also has an inner abutment portion 52 that protrudes from its inner surface 43sb and extends in the circumferential direction. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment is thus configured to be held within the main pipe 5 with the inner abutment portion 52 abutting against the outer circumferential surface 23sa of the base 23 and the inner surface 43sb abutting against the ribs 55 of the base 23.

[0043] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 is engaged with the base 23, which is located radially inward within the main pipe 5. Specifically, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of engaging claws 56, 56 located at both widthwise ends of a plate-shaped structure curved in a generally arcuate cross section, and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the base 23. The base 23 of this embodiment also has ribs 55 protruding from its outer peripheral surface 23sa, including multiple horizontal ribs 55r extending in the circumferential direction and multiple vertical ribs 55v extending in the axial direction. Furthermore, the base 23 has a pair of vertical ribs 55va, 55vb located at lateral positions circumferentially spaced apart by approximately 90 degrees from the circumferential position at which the side opening 41 is located, in different directions from the front. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment is configured to be engaged with the base portion 23 that constitutes the support member 42 of the valve unit 10, with the engagement claws 56, 56 provided at both ends of its width engaging with each of these vertical ribs 55va, 55vb.

[0044] That is, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment is attached in a manner that its curved plate shape fits onto the base portion 23, which has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. Furthermore, the engaging claws 56, 56 provided at both ends of the substantially arc-shaped cross section engage in a manner that embraces the vertical ribs 55va, 55vb protruding from the outer peripheral surface 23sa of the base portion 23. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to more stably hold the hose guide 43 sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 and the outer peripheral surface 23sa of the base portion 23.

[0045] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 is disposed within the main pipe 5 with its lower end 43b abutting against the flange 24 provided on the lower end 23b of the base 23. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the inner abutment 52 provided on the inner surface 43sb of the hose guide 43 is disposed in a lower position close to the horizontal rib 55r provided on the outer peripheral surface 23sa of the base 23. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to restrict the vertical movement of the hose guide 43 disposed within the main pipe 5.

[0046] <Sliding contact structure for water supply hose> 2, 6 to 9, 13, and 14, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the sliding contact portion 47 for the water supply hose 40, which is provided at the upper end 43a of the hose guide 43, is positioned so as to face the side opening 41 of the base 23. That is, as described above, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water supply hose 40 is inserted into the base 23 via the attachment portion 25 and inserted into the branch pipe 6 branching off from the main pipe 5 in such a manner that it is pulled out from the side opening 41 of the base 23. As a result, the water supply hose 40 is positioned in a curved state near the side opening 41 of the base 23.

[0047] Taking this into consideration, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has a sliding contact portion 47 for the hose guide 43 located at a position where the water supply hose 40 extends from the side opening 41 of the base 23 toward the branch pipe 6 when the water supply hose 40 is curved. Specifically, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment has the sliding contact portion 47 for the hose guide 43 located approximately in the center of the upper end portion 43a, which extends in an arc. The sliding contact portion 47 also has a curved shape 58 that follows the curve of the water supply hose 40, which makes sliding contact with the sliding contact portion 47. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the sliding contact portion 47 is located at a position where it connects to the lower edge 57 of the branch pipe 6 branching off from the main pipe 5. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured to minimize interference with the lower edge 57 of the branch pipe 6 branching off from the main pipe 5, ensuring smooth sliding of the water supply hose 40 when the water spout head 7 is attached or detached.

[0048] <Materials of faucet body, support member, and hose guide> In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet body 3 is made of resin, and its main pipe section 5 and branch pipe section 6 are integrally formed. Similarly, the hose guide 43 is also made of resin. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet body 3 and hose guide 43, as well as the base section 23 and mounting section 25, which are also integrally formed of resin, are each made of a different resin material. Specifically, the faucet body 3, which is the exterior component, is made of ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer resin) in consideration of its strength and processability. Furthermore, the base section 23, which constitutes the support member 42 of the valve unit 10, is made of PPS resin (polyphenylene sulfide), which has high strength. Furthermore, the hose guide 43, which has a sliding contact section 47 with the water supply hose 40, is made of POM resin (polyacetal resin) in consideration of its sliding properties. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured so that the faucet body 3, the support member 42, and the hose guide 43 each function appropriately.

[0049] <Hose guide drain function> Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 43 arranged within the main pipe 5 functions as a draining member 60 that removes hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe 5 via the water supply hose 40. That is, even if the faucet has a draining structure that discharges hot and cold water that has seeped into the branch pipe 6 via the attachment and detachment of the water spout head 7 to the outside through the hole 61 provided in the branch pipe 6, as described above, there is still a possibility that hot and cold water may seep into the main pipe 5 from the branch pipe 6 via the water supply hose 40. In consideration of this, the faucet 1 of this embodiment brushes off hot and cold water adhering to the water supply hose 40 at the sliding contact portion 47 against the hose guide 43 arranged within the main pipe 5. This makes it difficult for hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe 5 via the water supply hose 40 to seep below the wall 2 on which the faucet 1 is installed, such as into a bathroom cabinet.

[0050] More specifically, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment has a slit 62 that cuts out the curved surface 58 of the sliding contact portion 47 that contacts the water supply hose 40 in the thickness direction of the hose guide 43, which is a curved plate that conforms to the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5, i.e., in the radial direction of the main pipe 5. Specifically, the slit 62 has a groove shape that is narrower than the diameter of the water supply hose 40 and opens upward on the hose guide 43. The hose guide 43 of this embodiment also has the slit 62 in the sliding contact portion 47 located approximately in the center of the arc-shaped upper end 43a. Furthermore, in the hose guide 43 of this embodiment, the bottom surface 62b of the slit 62 forms a slope 63 that extends downward from the radially inner side toward the outer side of the main pipe 5 and has an outward downward slope. The hose guide 43, which serves as the draining member 60, is configured to guide the hot water that has adhered to the sliding contact portion 47 due to sliding contact with the water supply hose 40, via this inclined surface 63 to the outer surface 43sa that faces the inner surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5.

[0051] The hose guide 43 of this embodiment also has a drainage channel 64 provided in its outer surface 43sa. Specifically, the hose guide 43 has a curved shape that follows the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 and has a notch 65 extending vertically at the widthwise center of the outer surface 43sa, which extends circumferentially around the main pipe 5. That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, this notch 65 forms a gap between the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 and the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43, which is disposed adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 5sb. Furthermore, this notch 65 extends to the lower end 43b of the hose guide 43. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the notch 65 provided in the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 functions as a drainage channel 64 that allows hot and cold water that has moved from the sliding contact portion 47 to the outer surface 43sa to flow downward.

[0052] More specifically, the hose guide 43 of this embodiment includes a water pool 67 provided at the upper end 64a of the drainage channel 64. Specifically, the water pool 67 is formed by cutting out the outer surface 43sa near the upper end 43a of the hose guide 43, where the sliding contact portion 47 is provided, to a depth deeper in the thickness direction than the notch 65 that constitutes the drainage channel 64. That is, the water pool 67 also utilizes the gap between the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5 and the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43. Furthermore, in the hose guide 43 of this embodiment, hot and cold water guided toward the outer surface 43sa by the slope 63 is stored in the water pool 67. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to smoothly drain the hot and cold water into the drainage channel 64 by utilizing the weight of the hot and cold water stored in the water pool 67.

[0053] <Operation of this embodiment> Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the sliding contact portion 47 for the water supply hose 40, which is provided on the hose guide 43 serving as the drainer member 60, sweeps away the hot and cold water that has adhered to the water supply hose 40 and seeped into the main pipe 5. Furthermore, the hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose 40 moves downward along the hose guide 43. As a result, the hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe 5 is discharged to the outside by seeping out from the lower end 5b of the main pipe 5 onto the upper surface 2s of the wall 2 on which the main pipe 5 is installed.

[0054] <Effects of this embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The faucet 1 comprises a main pipe 5 extending in the vertical direction, a branch pipe 6 branching off from the main pipe 5, and a water spout head 7 that is detachably held at the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6. The faucet 1 also comprises a water supply hose 40 whose first end 40a is connected to the water spout head 7 and whose second end 40b is pulled downward from the lower end 5b of the main pipe 5 by being inserted into the branch pipe 6. The faucet 1 also comprises a hose guide 43 that has a sliding contact portion 47 with the water supply hose 40 that is placed inside the main pipe 5 and functions as a draining member 60 that is housed inside the main pipe 5.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the sliding contact of water supply hose 40 with sliding contact portion 47 of hose guide 43 serving as draining member 60 allows hot and cold water adhering to water supply hose 40 to be rubbed off within main pipe 5. This makes it possible to effectively remove hot and cold water that has seeped into main pipe 5 from branch pipe 6 along water supply hose 40.

[0056] (2) Hose guide 43 has a slope 63 with an outward downward slope that extends downward from the radially inner side to the outer side of main pipe 5. Hose guide 43 uses this slope 63 to guide hot water that has adhered to sliding contact portion 47 due to sliding contact with water supply hose 40 to outer surface 43sa of hose guide 43 that faces inner circumferential surface 5sb of main pipe 5.

[0057] According to the above configuration, hot and cold water removed from water supply hose 40 at sliding contact portion 47 can flow downward along outer surface 43sa of hose guide 43 at a radial position close to inner circumferential surface 5sb of main pipe 5. This allows hot and cold water removed from water supply hose 40 to be smoothly discharged outside main pipe 5.

[0058] (3) The hose guide 43 has a drainage channel 64 provided on the outer surface 43sa thereof. According to the above configuration, hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose 40 can flow downward along the drainage path 64. This allows the hot and cold water removed at the sliding contact portion 47 of the hose guide 43 to be discharged outside the main pipe portion 5 more smoothly.

[0059] (4) The outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 is configured as a curved surface 50 that conforms to the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5. Furthermore, the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 is provided with a notch 65 that extends in the vertical direction by cutting out the curved surface 50. The notch 65 forms a drainage channel 64.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the notch 65 forms a gap between the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 and the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 arranged close to the inner circumferential surface 5sb. This makes it possible to form, with a simple configuration, a drainage channel 64 that allows hot and cold water guided from the sliding contact portion 47 to the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 to flow downward.

[0061] (5) The hose guide 43 includes a water reservoir 67 provided at the upper end 64a of the drainage channel 64. According to the above configuration, the weight of the hot and cold water stored in the water reservoir 67 can be used to smoothly drain the hot and cold water into the drainage channel 64.

[0062] (6) The hose guide 43 is disposed at a position where the sliding contact portion 47 with the water supply hose 40 is connected to the lower edge 57 of the branch pipe portion 6 branching off from the main pipe portion 5 . According to the above configuration, the water supply hose 40 can be efficiently brought into sliding contact with the sliding contact portion 47 of the hose guide 43. This ensures smooth sliding of the water supply hose 40 when the water spouting head 7 is attached or detached, and also ensures good drainage function.

[0063] (7) Sliding contact portion 47 of hose guide 43 has curved surface shape 58 that conforms to the curved shape of water supply hose 40 that slides against sliding contact portion 47 in a curved state. According to the above configuration, smooth sliding of the water supply hose 40 and good drainage function can be ensured.

[0064] (8) The hose guide 43 has a slit 62 that cuts out the curved surface 58 of the sliding contact portion 47. The bottom surface 62b of the slit 62 forms an inclined surface 63 that slopes downward outward.

[0065] According to the above configuration, with a simple configuration, hot and cold water adhering to the sliding contact portion 47 due to sliding contact with the water supply hose 40, that is, hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose 40, can be efficiently guided to the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43.

[0066] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the main pipe 5, the branch pipe 6, and the water discharge head 7 each have a substantially cylindrical outer shape. However, this is not a limitation, and these shapes may be arbitrarily changed, for example, to a rectangular tube shape. Furthermore, the main pipe 5 is set upright substantially perpendicular to the wall 2 that constitutes the installation surface, but the main pipe 5 may also be configured to extend vertically at any inclination. The inclination of the branch pipe 6 relative to the main pipe 5 may also be arbitrarily changed.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the tip 7a of the water spouting head 7 has a downward-facing water outlet 9, but the arrangement, direction, and water spouting pattern may be changed as desired. For example, water may be spouted as a foam. The water spouting head 7 may also have a configuration as a shower head. For example, it may have a function for switching between direct current water spouting and foam water spouting, or a function for switching between either of these and shower water spouting.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the support member 42 that supports the valve unit 10 within the main pipe 5 is formed by the base 23 formed integrally with the mounting portion 25 using resin, and the housing member 12 that houses the valve unit 10. However, this is not limiting, and the configuration of the support member 42 may be changed as desired. For example, the shape of the portion corresponding to the base 23 does not necessarily have to be cylindrical, but may be a polygonal tube shape or the like. Furthermore, the base 23 does not necessarily have to be coaxial with the main pipe 5. Furthermore, the base 23 may have an outer shape other than cylindrical. Furthermore, the housing member 12 and the base 23 may be configured as an integral unit. Furthermore, the base 23 and the mounting portion 25 may be configured as separate pieces.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 43 has a curved plate shape with a generally arc-shaped cross section, but it does not necessarily have to have a shape with a constant plate thickness. For example, the inner surface 43sb of the hose guide 43 does not have to have a curved shape that follows the outer surface 23sa of the base portion 23. Furthermore, the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 does not have to have a curved shape that follows the inner surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 43 is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 and the base 23. However, this is not limiting, and the hose guide 43 may be held by either the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5 or the base 23, for example.

[0072] Furthermore, the "clamping" does not necessarily have to be a clamping of the hose guide 43 by applying a load. It is sufficient if the hose guide 43 can be supported within the main pipe 5 without significant rattle and with movement restricted in the radial direction of the main pipe 5 and in the clamping direction within the main pipe 5. Furthermore, a slight clearance may be provided in the clamping direction between the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5, the base 23, and the hose guide 43 disposed therebetween.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 43 is configured such that a pair of engaging claws 56, 56 provided at both widthwise ends of the curved plate shape thereof engage with the axially extending vertical ribs 55va, 55vb provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface 23sa of the base portion 23. However, this is not limiting, and the engaging structure of the hose guide 43 with respect to the base portion 23 may be modified as desired. For example, the hose guide 43 may have engaging claws that engage with the horizontal ribs 55r of the base portion 23. Furthermore, the engaging portion on the base portion 23 side does not necessarily have to be the rib 55, and the engaging portion on the hose guide 43 side does not necessarily have to be in the form of a claw. Alternatively, the hose guide 43 may be configured to be engaged with the outer peripheral surface 23sa of the base portion 23 by fitting the curved plate shape of the hose guide 43 onto the generally cylindrical shape of the base portion 23.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the upper end 43a of the hose guide 43 is provided with a sliding contact portion 47 that contacts the water supply hose. The sliding contact portion 47 has a curved surface 58 that conforms to the curved shape of the water supply hose 40, against which it slides in a curved state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position and shape of the sliding contact portion 47 on the hose guide 43 may be changed as desired. The shapes of the parts of the hose guide 43 other than the sliding contact portion 47 may also be changed as desired.

[0075] In the above embodiment, "ABS resin" is used for the faucet body 3. Furthermore, "PPS resin" is used for the base portion 23 constituting the support member 42. And "POM resin" is used for the hose guide 43. However, this is not limited to this, and the materials of the main pipe portion 5, support member 42, and hose guide 43 may each be changed as desired. For example, a resin material other than the above may be used. Also, a configuration using a material other than resin, such as metal, may be used. It is advisable to select an appropriate material for each of the main pipe portion 5, support member 42, and hose guide 43 according to its function. And, the housing member 12 of the valve unit 10 may also be made of a material other than metal, such as resin.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the water supply hose 35, the hot water supply hose 36, and the water supply hose 40 each have a two-layer structure with a flexible metal exterior and a resin inner tube. However, this is not limiting, and the material, shape, model, etc. of each hose may be changed as desired.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the sliding contact portion 47 of the hose guide 43 is positioned facing the side opening 41 of the base 23, and this sliding contact portion 47 is positioned to connect to the lower edge 57 of the branch pipe 6 branching off from the main pipe 5. However, this is not a limitation, and the position of the sliding contact portion 47 within the main pipe 5 may be changed as desired. It may be positioned above or below the position of the sliding contact portion 47 in the above embodiment. However, from the perspective of ensuring smooth sliding of the water supply hose 40 and good drainage function, it is preferable to position the sliding contact portion 47 within a range that corresponds to the branch position of the branch pipe 6.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43, which has a curved surface 50 conforming to the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe 5, is cut out in the vertical direction, and the cutout portion 65 functions as a drainage channel 64. A water reservoir portion 67 is provided at the upper end portion 64a of this drainage channel 64. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the drainage channel 64 provided on the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 serving as the draining member 60 may be changed as desired.

[0079] 15 and 16, a cutout portion 65B provided on the outer surface 43sa is configured to cut out a large portion of the curved surface 50 in the thickness direction of the hose guide 43, that is, radially inward of the main pipe portion 5. As a result, the cutout portion 65B that becomes the drainage channel 64 may have a groove shape that extends in the up-down direction of the hose guide 43B. By employing such a configuration in the draining member 60B, hot and cold water can smoothly flow down the drainage channel 64 without providing a water pool 67 at the upper end 64a of the drainage channel 64.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the notch 65 constituting the drainage channel 64 extends to the lower end 43b of the hose guide 43. As a result, hot and cold water that has seeped into the main pipe 5 is discharged to the outside by seeping out from the lower end 5b of the main pipe 5 onto the upper surface 2s of the wall 2. However, this is not limiting, and the drainage channel 64 may extend to a position between the upper end 43a and the lower end 43b of the hose guide 43. The removed hot and cold water may be discharged to the outside through, for example, a hole or the like provided on the side of the main pipe 5.

[0081] Furthermore, the hose guide 43 may have a plurality of drainage channels 64 on the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43. Alternatively, the hose guide 43 may have no drainage channels 64, and the hot and cold water removed from the water supply hose 40 at the sliding contact portion 47 may flow downward along the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the bottom surface 62b of the slit 62 cutting out the curved surface 58 of the sliding contact portion 47 forms an inclined surface 63 with an outward downward slope that extends downward from the radially inner side to the outer side of the main pipe portion 5. As a result, hot or cold water that adheres to the sliding contact portion 47 due to sliding contact with the water supply hose 40 is guided by this inclined surface 63 to the outer surface 43sa of the hose guide 43 that faces the inner circumferential surface 5sb of the main pipe portion 5.

[0083] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the inclined surface 63 that guides hot and cold water adhering to the sliding contact portion 47 to the outer surface 43sa may be changed as desired. For example, the groove width of the slit 62 may be changed as desired. However, it is desirable that the groove width be such that the water supply hose 40 does not get caught. Furthermore, the sliding contact portion 47 may be configured to have multiple slits 62. In addition, the inclined surface 63 with a downward outward slope may be formed by a structure other than the bottom surface 62b of the slit 62.

[0084] Furthermore, hose guide 43 may not necessarily have slope 63 with an outward downward slope as described above. That is, it is not necessarily required that hot and cold water removed from water supply hose 40 be guided to outer surface 43sa of hose guide 43. For example, it may be configured so that hot and cold water adhering to sliding contact portion 47 of hose guide 43 flows downward along inner surface 43sb of hose guide 43.

[0085] Furthermore, the above embodiment and each of the above-mentioned alternative examples may be applied to a configuration in which a member other than the hose guide 43 is used as the draining member 60. In other words, as long as the draining member 60 has a sliding portion 47 for the water supply hose 40 disposed within the main pipe 5 and is housed within the main pipe 5, it does not necessarily have to function as the hose guide 43. In this case, the shape of the draining member 60 and the holding structure within the main pipe 5 may also be different from those of the hose guide 43 in the above embodiment and each of the above-mentioned alternative examples.

[0086] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) The hose guide has a slit that cuts out the curved surface of the sliding contact portion, and the bottom surface of the slit forms the inclined surface.

[0087] According to the above configuration, with a simple configuration, hot water that has adhered to the sliding contact portion due to sliding contact with the water supply hose, i.e., hot water removed from the water supply hose, can be efficiently guided to the outer surface of the drain member that faces the inner surface of the main pipe portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...faucet, 5...main pipe section, 5b...lower end, 6...branch pipe section, 6a...tip, 7...water discharge head, 40...water supply hose, 40a...first end, 40b...second end, 43...hose guide, 47...sliding contact section, 60...water draining member.

Claims

1. a main pipe portion extending in the vertical direction; a branch pipe portion branching from the main pipe portion; A water discharge head that is detachably held at the tip of the branch pipe portion; a water supply hose having a first end connected to the water spouting head and inserted through the branch pipe portion, such that a second end side is drawn downward from the lower end of the main pipe portion; A faucet comprising: a drain member housed within the main pipe portion and having a sliding contact portion with the water supply hose arranged within the main pipe portion.

2. A faucet as described in claim 1, which has a slope that has an outward downward slope extending downward from the radial inside to the outside of the main pipe portion, and directs hot and cold water adhering to the sliding contact portion to the outer surface of the drain member that faces the inner surface of the main pipe portion.

3. The faucet according to claim 2, further comprising a drainage channel provided on the outer surface of the drain member.

4. A faucet as described in claim 3, wherein the outer surface of the drain member is a curved surface that follows the inner surface of the main pipe portion, and a notch portion provided on the outer surface that cuts out the curved surface and extends in the vertical direction constitutes the drainage channel.

5. A water reservoir is provided at the upper end of the drainage channel. The faucet according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sliding contact portion is arranged at a position where it connects to the lower edge of the branch pipe portion that branches off from the main pipe portion.

7. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sliding contact portion has a curved shape that conforms to the curved shape of the water supply hose that slides against the sliding contact portion in a curved state.

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