Faucet

Abstract

To provide a faucet having a downsized hose guide.SOLUTION: A faucet comprises an attachment part 25 as a pipe member 44 for placing a feed hose inside, and a hose guide 46 having a cylinder part 48 through which the feed hose is inserted and disposed within the attachment part 25. The hose guide 46 has a full annular shape part 75 in which the cylinder part 48 is continuous without a gap in the circumferential direction, and is provided with an elastic deformation part 76 provided on the full annular shape part 75, whereby the cylinder part 48 is configured to be expandable and contractible in the radial direction. The faucet is held within the attachment part 25 in a state where the hose guide 46 abuts against an inner periphery of the attachment part 25 by expansion of the cylinder part 48 based on elastic deformation of the full annular shape part 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are faucets that include a pipe member through which a water supply hose is placed and a hose guide that has a tubular portion through which the water supply hose is inserted and is placed within the pipe member. For example, the faucet described in Patent Document 1 includes a main pipe, a branch pipe branching from the main pipe, and a spout head held at the tip of the branch pipe. The faucet also includes a water supply hose connected to the spout head. The faucet also includes a tubular mounting foot located at the lower end of the main pipe, and a hose guide placed inside the mounting foot, which serves as a pipe member. Specifically, the hose guide includes a tubular portion extending along the axial direction of the mounting foot and a fitting portion that has a generally arc-shaped cross section and circumscribes the tubular portion. Furthermore, the hose guide is held within the mounting foot by the fitting portion elastically deforming radially outward and pressing against the inner circumference of the mounting foot. This conventional faucet is configured so that the water supply hose inserted into the branch pipe is pulled downward from the lower end of the main pipe while being inserted into the tubular portion of the hose guide located inside the mounting foot.

[0003] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned conventional faucet, the water spout head is detachably attached to the end of the branch pipe, and the water supply hose is also configured so that it can be pulled out from the end of the branch pipe together with the water spout head when it is removed from the branch pipe. This allows the user to freely control the hot and cold water flowing out of the water spout head by holding it.

[0004] The conventional faucet also includes an operating lever attached to the upper end of the main pipe and a valve unit located within the main pipe below the operating lever. Furthermore, the cold water supply pipe, hot water supply pipe, and water supply pipe extending downward from the valve unit are each inserted into mounting feet attached to the lower end of the main pipe. This allows the water supply hose to be connected to the water supply pipes below the mounting feet.

[0005] In other words, in the above-mentioned conventional faucet, the hose guide has the function of isolating the water supply hose placed inside the tubular portion from the water supply pipe, water supply pipe, and hot water supply pipe that are inserted into the mounting foot together with the water supply hose. This ensures smooth sliding of the water supply hose when the water spout head is attached or detached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-95443 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the hose guide is liable to be large in size because it has a fitting portion, which acts as a flexible portion that is pressed against the inner circumference of the pipe in an expanded state, on the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion through which the water supply hose is inserted. This also creates a problem in that the inner diameter of the pipe into which the hose guide is placed is subject to dimensional constraints. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Various aspects of the faucet that solve the above problems will be described. Aspect 1 is a faucet comprising a pipe member with a water supply hose placed inside, and a hose guide placed within the pipe member and having a tubular portion through which the water supply hose is inserted, wherein the tubular portion has a full ring-shaped portion that is continuous without interruption in the circumferential direction, and the full ring-shaped portion has an elastic deformation portion that allows the tubular portion to expand and contract radially, so that the tubular portion expands in diameter due to elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion, and the hose guide is held within the pipe member in a state where it abuts against the inner circumference of the pipe member.

[0009] The above-described configuration allows the hose guide to be stably held within the tubular member. Furthermore, compared to conventional configurations that have a resilient "flexible portion" that is expanded radially outward of the cylindrical portion and presses against the inner periphery of the tubular member, the hose guide can be made smaller. This allows for a wider range of tubular members to which the hose guide can be placed.

[0010] Furthermore, by providing the cylindrical portion with a full ring-shaped portion having an elastically deforming portion, it is possible to ensure stable expansion and contraction of the cylindrical portion based on elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion while ensuring high strength of the cylindrical portion. Furthermore, the elastically deformed shape of the full ring-shaped portion, i.e., the expanded and contracted shape of the cylindrical portion, can be easily controlled based on the arrangement of the elastically deformable portion. This stabilizes the abutment position of the hose guide against the inner circumference of the pipe member and the pressing force based on the elastic force, thereby ensuring a more optimal holding state of the hose guide.

[0011] A second aspect is the faucet according to the first aspect, wherein the elastically deforming portion is a bent portion formed by connecting a pair of circumferentially extending portions in a crossing state with each other. According to the above configuration, the elastic deformation portion can be configured with a simple structure and ease of formation based on the generally "L" shape of the bent portion, and can stably elastically deform the entire ring-shaped portion, thereby enabling accurate control of the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion.

[0012] A third aspect is the faucet according to the first or second aspect, wherein the tubular portion has an opening at the circumferential position where the elastic deformation portion is provided. According to the above configuration, the cylindrical portion can be easily and stably expanded and contracted based on the elastic deformation of the entire annular portion.

[0013] Aspect 4 is a faucet described in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, in which the hose guide is provided with an engaging protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the tubular portion and abuts against the inner circumference of the pipe member when the tubular portion expands in diameter.

[0014] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to ensure a stable contact state of the hose guide against the inner periphery of the pipe member, and thereby it is possible to more suitably hold the hose guide within the pipe member.

[0015] Aspect 5 is a faucet described in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the hose guide is provided with a pipe partition protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the tubular portion, thereby circumferentially partitioning multiple pipes arranged outside the tubular portion.

[0016] According to the above-described configuration, the plurality of pipes inserted through the pipe member can be stably held outside the cylindrical portion of the hose guide in a state where the pipes are unlikely to interfere with each other. Aspect 6 is a faucet described in any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the hose guide comprises a first guide portion that guides the tip of the water supply hose into the tubular portion by contacting the tip of the water supply hose inserted into the first end of the tubular member from a direction inclined relative to the axis of the tubular portion, and a second guide portion that guides the tip of the water supply hose guided into the tubular portion by contacting the tip of the water supply hose toward the second end of the tubular member.

[0017] With this configuration, when the water supply hose is inserted at an angle relative to the axis of the tubular portion of the hose guide located inside the faucet pipe, the tip of the water supply hose is less likely to get caught in the tubular portion, making it easier to insert the water supply hose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the hose guide can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [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 perspective view of a mounting portion with a hose guide disposed inside. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hose guide as seen from the front side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hose guide as seen from the rear side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the hose guide. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the hose guide. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the hose guide. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of the hose guide. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the hose guide. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section XIV-XIV in FIG. 11). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section XV-XV in FIG. 11). [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of the operation of the first guide portion and the second guide portion provided on the hose guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] <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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] <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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] <Hose guide inside the mounting part> As shown in Figures 6 to 15, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the hose guide 46 placed within the mounting portion 25 is made of resin. Furthermore, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the tubular portion 48 has a generally cylindrical outer shape with a smaller diameter than the mounting portion 25 that constitutes the tubular member 44. Furthermore, within the mounting portion 25, a circumferential portion of the tubular portion 48 that is located on the front side of the faucet 1 (left side in Figures 12 to 15; see Figure 2) forms a flattened portion 70 with a radius of curvature generally equal to that of the mounting portion 25. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25 and the outer circumferential surface 70s of the flattened portion 70 have a generally equal radius of curvature. Thus, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that the tubular portion 48 is placed within the mounting portion 25 eccentrically toward the front side of the faucet 1, with the flattened portion 70 aligned along the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25.

[0042] That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water supply hose 40 inserted into the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 is positioned on the front side of the faucet 1 within the mounting portion 25 that constitutes the pipe member 44. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 28, hot water supply pipe 29, and water supply pipe 30 that extend downward from the valve unit 10 supported in the main pipe portion 5 of the faucet body 3 are inserted into the mounting portion 25 via the base portion 23, and are thereby positioned outside the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 within the mounting portion 25. More specifically, within the mounting portion 25, they are positioned closer to the back side of the faucet 1 than the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 (right side in Figures 12 to 15; see Figure 2, right side in the same figures). The hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that, within the mounting portion 25 as the pipe member 44, the water supply hose 40 inserted into the tubular portion 48 and the respective piping 71 of the water supply pipe 28, hot water supply pipe 29, and water supply pipe 30 outside the tubular portion 48 do not interfere with each other.

[0043] The hose guide 46 of this embodiment also includes pipe partition protrusions 72, 72 that protrude radially outward from the tubular portion 48, thereby circumferentially partitioning the pipes 71 arranged outside the tubular portion 48. Specifically, each of these pipe partition protrusions 72, 72 is provided in a manner that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 48s of the tubular portion 48 toward the back surface of the faucet 1. Furthermore, each of these pipe partition protrusions 72, 72 has a wall-like outer shape that extends in the axial direction of the tubular portion 48. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, these two pipe partition protrusions 72, 72 are arranged at two positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 48.

[0044] 14 and 15, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the water supply pipe 30 is arranged circumferentially between these two piping partition protrusions 72, 72. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 28 and the hot water supply pipe 29 are arranged circumferentially on either side of the water supply pipe 30 and these two piping partition protrusions 72, 72. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the pipes 71 inserted through the mounting portion 25 are separated from each other outside the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46.

[0045] <Support structure for hose guide inside the mounting part> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 15, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment includes a guide groove 73 provided in the flat portion 70 of the tubular portion 48, which is located within the mounting portion 25 at a position facing the front of the faucet 1. Specifically, the guide groove 73 is formed by cutting out the flat portion 70 of the tubular portion 48 in a generally V-shape when viewed from the front (see FIG. 9) so that the circumferential groove width gradually tapers from the upper end 48a toward the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48. The hose guide 46 of this embodiment also includes an opening 74 that opens into the outer peripheral surface 48s of the tubular portion 48 at a position facing the back of the faucet 1, approximately 180 degrees circumferentially from the generally V-shaped guide groove 73. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the opening 74 is located at the axial center of the tubular portion 48. The opening 74 is provided at a circumferential position between the two piping partition projections 72, 72 that are provided to protrude radially outward from the cylindrical portion 48. The opening 74 has a generally rectangular hole shape that extends in the axial and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion 48. As a result, in the hose guide 46 of the present embodiment, the axial end portion 48x of the cylindrical portion 48 below the opening 74, including the lower end 48b, forms a full ring-shaped portion 75 that is continuous without interruption in the circumferential direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has an elastically deforming portion 76 provided on the entire ring-shaped portion 75. Specifically, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the elastically deforming portion 76 is provided on the entire ring-shaped portion 75 at a circumferential position of the tubular portion 48 where the opening 74 is provided. In other words, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 has the opening 74 at the circumferential position where the elastically deforming portion 76 of the entire ring-shaped portion 75 is provided. Furthermore, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the entire ring-shaped portion 75 has a pair of circumferentially extending portions 77, 77 connected to each other in an intersecting manner at the circumferential position where the opening 74 opening into the outer circumferential surface 48s of the tubular portion 48 is provided. Furthermore, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, these two circumferentially extending portions 77, 77 form a bent portion 78 that is generally "L"-shaped and convex radially outward in a plan view. In this way, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that the bent portion 78 functions as an elastic deformation portion 76 provided on the entire ring-shaped portion 75.

[0047] That is, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the full annular portion 75 provided at the axial end 48x of the tubular portion 48 is elastically deformed by applying a radial compressive force to two circumferentially spaced positions sandwiching the elastic deformation portion 76. Specifically, the full annular portion 75 expands and contracts in the radial direction as the dogleg shape of the bent portion 78 functioning as the elastic deformation portion 76, i.e., the angle between the circumferential extension portions 77, 77 that make up the bent portion 78, changes. The hose guide 46 of this embodiment is held within the mounting portion 25 serving as the tubular member 44 in a state of contact with the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25 based on the elastic deformation of the full annular portion 75 provided at the axial end 48x of the tubular portion 48.

[0048] More specifically, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment includes a pair of engaging protrusions 80, 80 protruding radially outward from the tubular portion 48. Specifically, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the engaging protrusions 80, 80 are provided at two positions on the tubular portion 48 that are circumferentially spaced apart by approximately 90 degrees in different directions from the circumferential position of the full annular portion 75 at which the elastic deformation portion 76 is provided. Each of the engaging protrusions 80, 80 extends in the axial direction of the tubular portion 48 from the upper end 48a to the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48. The hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that, due to the expansion of the diameter of the tubular portion 48 caused by the elastic deformation of the full annular portion 75 provided at the lower end 48b, the tip end 80a of each engaging protrusion 80, 80 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25 that faces it in the radial direction.

[0049] More specifically, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the tip 80a of each of the engaging protrusions 80, 80 is configured as a curved surface 81 extending circumferentially along the inner peripheral surface 25s of the mounting portion 25. Furthermore, like the outer peripheral surface 70s of the flat portion 70, which also extends circumferentially along the inner peripheral surface 25s of the mounting portion 25, the curved surface 81 of each of the engaging protrusions 80, 80 has a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to that of the inner peripheral surface 25s of the mounting portion 25. As a result, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that the curved surfaces 81 of the engaging protrusions 80, 80 and the outer peripheral surface 70s of the flat portion 70 are pressed against the inner peripheral surface 25s of the mounting portion 25 based on elastic deformation of the entire annular portion 75.

[0050] Furthermore, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, a pair of knobs 82, 82 is provided at the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48 in a manner that extends each of the engaging projections 80, 80 in the axial direction. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the full annular portion 75 provided at the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48 can be easily elastically deformed by applying a radial compressive force to each of the knobs 82, 82. In other words, the tubular portion 48 can be expanded and contracted in the radial direction.

[0051] Furthermore, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, with the hose guide 46 held within the mounting portion 25 serving as the tubular member 44, the knob portions 82 are disposed at positions protruding in the axial direction from the lower end 25b of the mounting portion 25. This allows the user to easily insert the hose guide 46 into the mounting portion 25 from the lower end 25b side of the mounting portion 25 while gripping the knob portions 82.

[0052] Furthermore, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has a pair of protrusions 83, 83 provided on each engaging protrusion 80, 80 in a manner that protrudes radially from the curved surface 81. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, each of these protrusions 83, 83 is provided near the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a pair of engaging holes 84, 84 with which each of these protrusions 83, 83 engage is provided near the lower end 25b of the mounting portion 25. This allows the faucet 1 of this embodiment to position the hose guide 46 placed within the mounting portion 25.

[0053] <Guide structure when inserting the water supply hose> In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, for example, when replacing the water supply hose 40 while the faucet 1 is installed on the wall 2, the water supply hose 40 may be inserted into the mounting portion 25 from the upper end 25a side thereof via the base 23 arranged inside the faucet body 3. In such a case, the water supply hose 40 has a second end 40b that is pulled downward from the cylindrical interior of the mounting portion 25, and this tip 40x is inserted into the faucet body 3 from the tip 6a of the branch pipe 6.

[0054] 2 and 16, the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 inserted into the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3 is inserted into the side opening 41 of the base 23 located within the main pipe 5 of the faucet body 3. The path Q of movement of the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 16. Furthermore, the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 is inserted into the tubular portion 48 constituting the hose guide 46 from the upper end 48a side of the tubular portion 48 within the pipe member 44 formed by the attachment portion 25 connected below the base 23. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 inserted into the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 is thereby pulled downward from the lower end 25b of the attachment portion 25 serving as the pipe member 44.

[0055] However, at this time, the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 is inserted into the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 from the upper end 25a of the mounting portion 25, with the branch pipe portion 6 curved based on the shape of the faucet body 3 where it branches off from the main pipe portion 5. In other words, the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 is inserted into the first end 44a of the pipe member 44 from a direction that is inclined with respect to the axis L of the tubular portion 48. This causes a problem in that the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 inserted into the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 is likely to get caught somewhere in the middle of the tubular portion 48.

[0056] Taking this into consideration, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has a guide structure that guides the movement of the tip portion 40x from the upper end 25a side of the mounting portion 25 to the lower end 25b side, that is, from the first end 44a side of the pipe member 44 to the second end 44b side, when the water supply hose 40 is inserted.

[0057] 7 to 12 and 16, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has a pair of guide projections 85, 85 that project upward from the upper end 48a of the tubular portion 48. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, these guide projections 85, 85 are provided on the upper end 48a of the tubular portion 48 in a manner that extends, in the axial direction, the respective piping compartment projections 72, 72 that are provided on the outer circumferential surface 48s of the tubular portion 48 as described above. Furthermore, each of these guide projections 85, 85 has an inwardly downwardly sloping inclined surface 85s that extends downward from the radially outer side toward the inside of the tubular portion 48. The hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that these guide protrusions 85, 85 serve as the first guide portion 91 to guide the tip portion 40x of the water supply hose 40, which is inserted into the upper end 25a of the mounting portion 25 from a direction inclined relative to the axis L of the tubular portion 48, into the tubular portion 48.

[0058] That is, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has these guide projections 85, 85 at circumferential positions that are on the back side of the faucet 1 when the tubular portion 48 is held within the attachment portion 25. As a result, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the tip portion 40x of the water supply hose 40 inserted into the base portion 23 through the side opening 41 facing the front side of the faucet 1 at the upper end 25a of the attachment portion 25 abuts against both of these guide projections 85, 85.

[0059] Furthermore, when the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 comes into contact with each of these guide projections 85, 85, it moves downward along each of the inwardly sloping slopes 85s, from the outer side toward the inner side in the radial direction of the tubular portion 48. Thus, in the hose guide 46 of the present embodiment, each of these guide projections 85, 85 functions as a first guide portion 91 that guides the tip 40x of the water supply hose 40 into the tubular portion 48.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, the hose guide 46 of this embodiment has a guide groove 73 provided in the flat portion 70 located on the front side of the faucet 1, circumferentially spaced approximately 180 degrees from the circumferential position of the tubular portion 48 on which these guide protrusions 85, 85 are provided. In the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 that advances within the tubular portion 48 in a manner reflected by the guide protrusions 85, 85 that make up the first guide portion 91 engages with the guide groove 73 provided in the flat portion 70.

[0061] Specifically, in the hose guide 46 of this embodiment, the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 engages with the guide groove 73 by abutting against a substantially V-shaped notched end surface 73s of the guide groove 73 formed by cutting out the flat portion 70 of the tubular portion 48. Furthermore, due to the engagement with the guide groove 73, the radial component of the force feeding the water supply hose 40 into the tubular portion 48 is converted into a downward propulsive force based on the substantially V-shaped shape of the notched end surfaces 73s, which narrow circumferentially from the upper to lower axial sides of the tubular portion 48. That is, at this time, the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 moves downward along the guide groove 73 with the substantially cylindrical shape of its edge abutting against the notched end surface 73s of the guide groove 73. As a result, the position of the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 within the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 is corrected from the radially outer side toward the radially central side. The hose guide 46 of this embodiment is configured so that the guide groove 73 serves as the second guide portion 92, guiding the tip portion 40x of the water supply hose 40 toward the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48, i.e., the lower end 25b of the mounting portion 25, which is the second end 44b of the tubular member 44.

[0062] <Operation of this embodiment> Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when the hose guide 46 is attached to the mounting portion 25 serving as the pipe member 44, a radial compressive force is applied to two circumferentially spaced positions that sandwich the elastically deforming portion 76 of the full ring-shaped portion 75 provided on the tubular portion 48. As a result, the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 contracts in diameter due to the elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion 75 that includes the elastically deforming portion 76.

[0063] Next, with the radial compressive force still being applied to the entire annular portion 75, the hose guide 46 is inserted into the mounting portion 25. Furthermore, with the hose guide 46 placed inside the mounting portion 25, the compressive force applied to the entire annular portion 75 is released, thereby expanding the diameter of the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46. As a result, the hose guide 46 is held within the mounting portion 25 in contact with the inner periphery of the mounting portion 25, or more specifically, in a state where it is pressed against the inner periphery 25s, based on the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 76 provided on the entire annular portion 75.

[0064] <Effects of this embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The faucet 1 comprises an attachment portion 25 as a pipe member 44 inside which the water supply hose 40 is disposed, and a hose guide 46 having a tubular portion 48 through which the water supply hose 40 is inserted and disposed within the attachment portion 25. The hose guide 46 has a full annular portion 75 whose tubular portion 48 is continuous without interruption in the circumferential direction, and is provided with an elastic deformation portion 76 on the full annular portion 75, so that the tubular portion 48 can expand and contract in the radial direction. The faucet 1 is held within the attachment portion 25 with the hose guide 46 abutting against the inner periphery of the attachment portion 25 due to the expansion of the diameter of the tubular portion 48 caused by the elastic deformation of the full annular portion 75.

[0065] The above-described configuration allows the hose guide 46 to be stably held within the mounting portion 25. Furthermore, the hose guide 46 can be made smaller than a configuration found in the prior art that has a resilient "flexible portion" that is expanded radially outward from the cylindrical portion 48 and presses against the inner periphery of the tubular member 44. This allows for a wider range of applications for the tubular member 44 that has the hose guide 46 placed inside.

[0066] Furthermore, by providing the tubular portion 48 with the full ring-shaped portion 75 having the elastic deformation portion 76, it is possible to ensure high strength of the tubular portion 48 while also ensuring stable expansion and contraction of the tubular portion 48 based on elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion 75. Furthermore, the elastic deformation shape of the full ring-shaped portion 75, i.e., the expansion and contraction shape of the tubular portion 48, can be easily controlled based on the arrangement of the elastic deformation portion 76. This stabilizes the contact position of the hose guide 46 against the inner circumference of the tubular member 44 and the pressing force based on the elastic force, thereby ensuring a more optimal holding state of the hose guide 46.

[0067] (2) The elastically deforming portion 76 has a configuration as a bent portion 78 in which a pair of circumferentially extending portions 77, 77 constituting the entire ring-shaped portion 75 are connected in a state where they intersect with each other. According to the above configuration, it is possible to configure the elastic deformation portion 76, which is simple in configuration and easy to form, based on the generally "L" shape of the bent portion 78, and which can stably elastically deform the entire ring-shaped portion 75. This makes it possible to precisely control the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion 75.

[0068] (3) The cylindrical portion 48 has an opening 74 at a circumferential position where the elastically deforming portion 76 is provided relative to the entire annular portion 75 . According to the above configuration, the cylindrical portion 48 can be expanded and contracted easily and stably based on the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion 75.

[0069] (4) The hose guide 46 is provided with an engaging protrusion 80 that protrudes radially outward from the tubular portion 48 and abuts against the inner circumference of the mounting portion 25 as the tubular member 44 based on the expansion of the tubular portion 48.

[0070] The above configuration ensures that the hose guide 46 is stably abutted against the inner periphery of the pipe member 44. This makes it possible to more suitably hold the hose guide 46 within the mounting portion 25 of the pipe member 44.

[0071] (5) The hose guide 46 includes the pipe partitioning protrusions 72 that protrude radially outward from the cylindrical portion 48 and thereby circumferentially partition the multiple pipes 71 arranged outside the cylindrical portion 48 .

[0072] According to the above configuration, outside the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46, the multiple pipes 71 inserted into the tubular member 44 can be stably held without interfering with each other.

[0073] (6) The hose guide 46 has a pair of guide protrusions 85 that abut against the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 that is inserted into the upper end 25a of the attachment portion 25, which is on the first end 44a side of the pipe member 44, from a direction inclined with respect to the axis L of the tubular portion 48. The hose guide 46 also has a guide groove 73 provided in the tubular portion 48 at a position circumferentially spaced approximately 180 degrees from the circumferential position of the tubular portion 48 where the guide protrusions 85 are provided. Furthermore, the hose guide 46 has both guide protrusions 85 that function as a first guide portion 91 that guides the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 into the tubular portion 48. The hose guide 46 functions as a second guide portion 92, whereby its guide groove 73 abuts against the tip portion 40x of the water supply hose 40 guided within the tubular portion 48, guiding this tip portion 40x toward the lower end 25b of the mounting portion 25, which is the second end 44b side of the tubular member 44.

[0074] According to the above configuration, when the water supply hose 40 is inserted at an angle relative to the axis L of the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46, which is disposed within the mounting portion 25 that constitutes the pipe member 44 of the faucet 1, the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 is less likely to get caught midway through the tubular portion 48. This makes it easier to insert the water supply hose 40. For example, by inserting the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 from the branch pipe 6 of the faucet body 3 that branches off from the main pipe 5, the water supply hose 40 can be replaced while the faucet 1 is installed on the wall 2.

[0075] (7) The hose guide 46 has a full ring-shaped portion 75 at the axial end 48x of the tubular portion 48. This ensures higher strength of the tubular portion 48 and more preferably ensures stable expansion and contraction of the tubular portion 48 based on elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion 75.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the faucet body 3, the spout head 7, and the operating lever 8 are each made of resin, but these materials may be changed as desired, for example, to metal. The housing member 12 of the valve unit 10 may also be made of a material other than metal, for example, to resin.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 46 is made of resin, but the material may be changed as desired, for example, to metal, as long as the tubular portion 48 can expand and contract based on the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion 75. Furthermore, the hose guide 46 may be made of a plurality of materials, for example, the entire ring-shaped portion 75 may be made of a different material from the other portions.

[0083] Furthermore, although the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 has a generally cylindrical outer shape, it does not necessarily have to be cylindrical, and may be, for example, a polygonal tubular shape. It is sufficient that the tubular portion 48 has a tubular shape that allows the water supply hose 40 to be inserted inside the attachment portion 25 that constitutes the pipe member 44.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 46 is arranged inside the mounting portion 25 with the tubular portion 48 offset toward the front side of the faucet 1. However, this is not limiting, and the arrangement of the tubular portion 48 inside the pipe member 44 may be changed as desired.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 46 has a wall-like outer shape extending in the axial direction of the tubular portion 48 and includes a pair of piping partition protrusions 72, 72 that circumferentially partition the water supply pipe 28, the hot water supply pipe 29, and the water transmission pipe 30 arranged outside the tubular portion 48. However, this is not limiting, and the number and arrangement of the piping partition protrusions 72 may be changed as desired to match the piping 71 arranged outside the tubular portion 48. Furthermore, the shape of the piping partition protrusions 72 may also be changed as desired, for example, to a protrusion shape that protrudes in an axial manner. Furthermore, a configuration without such piping partition protrusions 72 is also possible.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the axial position of the full ring-shaped portion 75 in the tubular portion 48 may be changed as desired. For example, the full ring-shaped portion 75 does not necessarily have to be at the axial end 48x of the tubular portion 48. In this case, openings 74 that open into the outer circumferential surface 48s of the tubular portion 48 may be provided on both axial sides of the full ring-shaped portion 75. That is, the number and arrangement of openings 74 provided in the tubular portion 48 may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the full ring-shaped portion 75 may not have openings 74 at circumferential positions where the elastic deformation portions 76 are provided.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the bent portion 78 having a substantially dogleg shape in plan view is provided on the entire ring-shaped portion 75, and the bent portion 78 functions as the elastically deforming portion 76. However, the configuration of the elastically deforming portion 76 is not limited to this, and may be changed arbitrarily. It is sufficient that the tubular portion 48 can expand and contract in the radial direction based on the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion 75. For example, the elastically deforming portion 76 may be formed by thinning a portion of the entire ring-shaped portion 75. Furthermore, the elastically deforming portion 76 may be formed by using a portion of the entire ring-shaped portion 75 made of a different material or by giving the portion a different curvature from the other portions. The circumferential position of the elastically deforming portion 76 on the entire ring-shaped portion 75 may also be changed arbitrarily.

[0088] In addition, the axial height of a portion of the circumference of the entire annular portion 75 may be reduced. This makes the portion more easily deformable than the other portions, and this portion with a lower axial height may be configured as the elastically deformable portion 76.

[0089] Furthermore, by providing the engaging protrusion 80 on the tubular portion 48, the area around the engaging protrusion 80 is less likely to deform. In other words, the portion circumferentially spaced apart from the engaging protrusion 80 is relatively more likely to deform than the circumferential position near the engaging protrusion 80. As a result, the portion circumferentially spaced apart from the engaging protrusion 80 may be configured as the elastically deforming portion 76.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the hose guide 46 includes a pair of engaging protrusions 80, 80 provided at two positions on the tubular portion 48 that are circumferentially spaced apart by approximately 90 degrees in different directions from the circumferential position of the fully annular portion 75 where the elastic deformation portion 76 is provided. Each of the engaging protrusions 80, 80 has a tip 80a configured as a curved surface 81 that extends circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25. Furthermore, the tubular portion 48 of the hose guide 46 has a flat portion 70 that extends circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25, similar to the curved surfaces 81 of the engaging protrusions 80, 80. The hose guide 46 is designed so that, due to the expansion of the tubular portion 48 based on the elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion 75, the curved surfaces 81 of both engaging protrusions 80, 80 and the outer peripheral surface 70s of the flat portion 70 abut against the inner peripheral surface 25s of the mounting portion 25 located radially outside thereof.

[0091] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the hose guide 46 contacting the inner periphery of the tubular member 44 due to the diameter expansion of the tubular portion 48 may be changed as desired. For example, the shape, number, and arrangement of the engaging protrusions 80 are arbitrary. Surface contact is not necessarily required. Furthermore, the tubular portion 48 may not have a portion that contacts the inner periphery of the tubular member 44, such as the flat portion 70. Furthermore, the tubular portion 48 may contact the inner periphery of the tubular member 44 without having the engaging protrusions 80.

[0092] Furthermore, the engagement force generated when the hose guide 46 contacts the inner periphery of the tubular member 44 due to the diameter expansion of the tubular portion 48 based on the elastic deformation of the full ring-shaped portion 75 can be set arbitrarily. For example, a configuration in which a strong holding force is generated by the pressing of the engaging protrusions 80 may be used. Furthermore, for example, if a separate holding structure for the hose guide 46 is provided inside the tubular member 44, the diameter expansion of the tubular portion 48 may be used to generate a pressing force strong enough to bring the hose guide 46 into contact with the inner periphery of the tubular member 44.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the protrusions 83, 83 provided on the engaging protrusions 80, 80 of the hose guide 46 engage with the engaging holes 84, 84 provided near the lower end 25b of the mounting portion 25, thereby positioning the hose guide 46 arranged within the mounting portion 25. However, this is not limiting, and the positioning structure for the hose guide 46 arranged within the tubular member 44 may be changed as desired. For example, a groove may be provided on the inner circumferential surface 25s of the mounting portion 25. The protrusions 83 of the hose guide 46 may then be configured to engage with this groove.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a pair of knob portions 82, 82 are provided at the lower end 48b of the tubular portion 48, which serve as input portions for the compressive force for elastically deforming the entire ring-shaped portion 75, but it is not necessarily necessary to have such knob portions 82, 82.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the pair of guide protrusions 85, 85 provided at the upper end of the tubular portion 48 function as a first guide portion 91 that guides the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40 into the tubular portion 48 when the tip end 40x is inserted into the upper end 25a of the attachment portion 25 from a direction inclined with respect to the axis L of the tubular portion 48. The guide groove 73, which is provided circumferentially spaced approximately 180 degrees from the first guide portion 91, functions as a second guide portion 92 that, when abutted against the tip end 40x of the water supply hose 40, guides the tip end 40x toward the lower end 25b of the attachment portion 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92, such as their shapes and arrangements, may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that either or both of the first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92 are not provided.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 25 of the faucet 1 is embodied as a pipe member 44, and the hose guide 46 is placed inside this mounting portion 25. However, the pipe member 44 to which this hose guide 46 is applied may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the type of faucet 1 that uses this hose guide 46 may also be changed as desired, for example, so that the faucet body 3 does not have a branch pipe portion 6 branching off from its main pipe portion 5.

[0097] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) The hose guide has the full annular portion provided at the axial end of the cylindrical portion.

[0098] According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a higher strength of the cylindrical portion and more preferably to ensure stable expansion and contraction of the cylindrical portion based on elastic deformation of the entire annular portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...water faucet, 4...water supply hose, 25...mounting portion, 44...pipe member, 46...hose guide, 48...tubular portion, 75...full ring-shaped portion, 76...elastically deformable portion.

Claims

1. a pipe member having a water supply hose disposed therein; a hose guide having a cylindrical portion through which the water supply hose is inserted and disposed within the pipe member; Equipped with The cylindrical portion has a continuous, entirely annular portion in the circumferential direction without any break, The entire annular portion has an elastic deformation portion, and the cylindrical portion is configured to be expandable and contractible in the radial direction. The faucet is held within the pipe member with the hose guide abutting against the inner circumference of the pipe member by the expansion of the cylindrical portion due to elastic deformation of the entire ring-shaped portion.

2. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deforming portion is a bent portion formed by connecting a pair of circumferentially extending portions in a crossing state with each other.

3. The cylindrical portion has an opening at the circumferential position where the elastic deformation portion is provided. The faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The hose guide includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion and abuts against the inner periphery of the pipe member when the cylindrical portion expands in diameter. The faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The hose guide includes a pipe partition protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion and thereby partitions a plurality of pipes arranged outside the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction. The faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The hose guide is a first guide portion that abuts against a tip end of the water supply hose inserted into the first end side of the pipe member from a direction inclined with respect to the axis of the cylindrical portion, thereby guiding the tip end into the cylindrical portion; a second guide portion that contacts the tip end of the water supply hose guided inside the cylindrical portion to guide the tip end toward the second end of the pipe member; The faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images