Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device capable of changing a water discharge position according to a selected bowl.SOLUTION: A faucet device 1 comprises a shelf part 2 projecting from a wall surface W and a water discharge part 3 provided on the shelf part 2 to discharge water downward. The water discharge part 3 includes a water discharge pipe 3A extending along the shelf part 2 and two water discharge ports (a first water discharge port 3B and a second water discharge port 3C) arranged apart from each other by branching of the water discharge pipe 3A. The faucet device 1 has a selector valve 4 capable of selectively switching water conduction to a first branch pipe A1 and a second branch pipe A2 branched from the water discharge pipe 3A so as not to change according to a position where a user holds out his / her hand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water faucet device, and more particularly to a water faucet device having a shelf portion that protrudes from a wall surface and a water discharge portion that is provided on the shelf portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a faucet device in which a water outlet is provided on the underside of a shelf that protrudes from the wall of a bathroom vanity. The water outlet is designed to discharge hot and cold water into a bowl located directly below it.

[0003] Specifically, the spout is designed to spout water diagonally toward the front so that it can spout water toward the bowl, which has a larger water receiving surface than the shelf overhang. This allows a user standing near the bowl to receive hot or cold water from the spout without having to reach all the way into the bowl. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-148094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The configuration described in Patent Document 1 limits the freedom of bowl selection to bowl shapes and sizes that match the direction of the spout. Therefore, the present invention provides a faucet device that allows the spout position to be changed depending on the bowl selected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the water faucet device of the present invention takes the following measures.

[0007] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a faucet device having a shelf portion extending from a wall surface and a water outlet portion arranged to outlet water downward onto the shelf portion, wherein the water outlet portion has a water outlet pipe extending along the shelf portion and a plurality of water outlets arranged at a distance from each other by branching of the water outlet pipe, and further has a switching valve that can selectively switch the water flow to each branch pipe of the water outlet pipe so that it does not change depending on the position of the user's hand.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the switching valve can selectively switch between a plurality of water outlets arranged at a distance from one another to use for water discharge. This allows the water outlet in the most optimal position to be used for water discharge, depending on the shape, size, position, and other conditions of the bowl provided directly below the water discharge unit. In other words, the water discharge position can be appropriately changed depending on the bowl selected.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a faucet device according to the first aspect, wherein two of the plurality of water outlets are arranged spaced apart from each other in the protruding direction of the shelf portion.

[0010] According to the second invention, regardless of whether a large or small bowl with a different projection amount is selected, the water outlet located in a position that matches the size of the bowl can be switched so that water can be discharged.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the second invention described above, one of the two water outlets is positioned closer to the center than either end of the shelf section in the shelf width direction, and the other is positioned at a distance from the one outlet in the shelf width direction and is configured to discharge water diagonally toward the shelf width direction in which the one outlet is positioned.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the other of the two water outlets is positioned away from the other in the shelf width direction, water can be discharged toward the center position in the shelf width direction in the same way as the other of the two water outlets.

[0013] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the second invention described above, one of the two water outlets is positioned further in the protruding direction than the other and is arranged to discharge water diagonally over the shelf portion in the protruding direction.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, whether or not a bowl with a water receiving surface larger than the protrusion of the shelf portion is selected, the water outlet located in a position that matches the size of each bowl can be switched so that water can be used to discharge water.

[0015] The fifth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the fourth invention described above, the other is positioned at a distance from the one in the shelf width direction and is configured to spray water diagonally toward the shelf width direction in which the one is positioned.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the other of the two water outlets is positioned away from the other in the shelf width direction, water can be discharged toward the center position in the shelf width direction in the same way as the other of the two water outlets.

[0017] The sixth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in any of the first to fifth inventions above, the water discharge pipe is housed inside the shelf portion, and the multiple water discharge outlets are housed inside the shelf portion so as to discharge water downward from corresponding water discharge holes formed in the lower part of the shelf portion.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by accommodating a plurality of water outlets inside the shelf portion, it is possible to create a high-quality effect that makes it appear as if water is being discharged directly from the shelf portion.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the faucet device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein an operating section for operating the switching valve is provided below the shelf section.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the operating portion of the switching valve can be hidden below the shelf portion so as not to impair the appearance of the shelf portion.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the water faucet device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the operating portion is disposed at a position closer to the wall surface than all of the water outlets.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the operating unit can be placed in a more inconspicuous position in the back of the shelf, without spoiling the appearance of the shelf. Also, when a sensor for detecting the insertion of a hand is provided in the front area of ​​the shelf, the operating unit can be placed in a position where it is less likely to be mistakenly detected by the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a water faucet device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a right side view corresponding to FIG. 5 when the small bowl is selected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of the faucet device 1) First, the configuration of a water faucet device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0026] The directions shown in each figure are those seen by a user standing in front of the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown or when no reference figure has a corresponding symbol, reference will be made to any of Figures 1 to 6 as appropriate.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called shelf faucet that spouts water from a shelf 2 installed on a wall W of a bathroom vanity. The faucet device 1 has the shelf 2 that protrudes from the wall W, and a water spout 3 that is incorporated inside the shelf 2 so as to spout water downward.

[0028] The water discharge section 3 has a water discharge pipe 3A laid so as to extend inside the shelf section 2. The water discharge section 3 also has a first water discharge outlet 3B formed at the end of a first branch pipe A1 branching off toward the front side of the water discharge pipe 3A, and a second water discharge outlet 3C formed at the end of a second branch pipe A2 branching off toward the right side of the water discharge pipe 3A.

[0029] Here, the first branch pipe A1 and the second branch pipe A2 correspond to the "branch pipes" of the present invention. The first water outlet 3B corresponds to the "water outlet" and "one side" of the present invention. The second water outlet 3C corresponds to the "water outlet" and "the other side" of the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the water faucet device 1 has a manual switching valve 4 provided at the branch point of the first branch pipe A1 and the second branch pipe A2 of the discharge pipe 3A. The switching valve 4 has a valve mechanism that can selectively switch the flow of water to either the first branch pipe A1 or the second branch pipe A2.

[0031] The water discharge pipe 3A is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) extending from the rear side of the wall W at the rear edge of the shelf 2. The faucet device 1 is configured as a touchless faucet (automatic faucet) that detects the user's hand being placed under the shelf 2 without contact and discharges water from the first water discharge outlet 3B or the second water discharge outlet 3C.

[0032] Specifically, a reflective photoelectric sensor (not shown) that can detect the user's hand being placed thereon without contact is provided at the bottom center of the front side of shelf 2. When this photoelectric sensor detects the user's hand being placed thereon, a control unit (not shown) controls the operation to supply hot water to discharge pipe 3A from a water supply pipe (not shown) extending from the back side of wall W.

[0033] The faucet device 1 is configured so that the destination of hot and cold water supplied to this water discharge pipe 3A can be switched alternatively between the first branch pipe A1 and the second branch pipe A2 by the switching valve 4. By this switching, the water discharge position from which water is discharged downward from the shelf portion 2 can be switched alternatively between the first water discharge port 3B and the second water discharge port 3C.

[0034] Because the selector valve 4 is configured manually as described above, it will not be operated arbitrarily, even if the user places their hand over a photoelectric sensor (not shown). This configuration allows the water discharge position to be selected according to the shape, size, and position of the bowl B1 located directly below the shelf 2, or the user's preference.

[0035] (Each part configuration) The specific configuration of each part of the faucet device 1 will be described in detail below. The shelf 2 is formed in a hollow, flat plate shape. The discharge pipe 3A is provided to extend within the hollow interior of the shelf 2. As shown in Figure 2, the discharge pipe 3A specifically has a first branch pipe A1 that extends straight from a branch on the far side where the switching valve 4 is provided toward the front side, and a second branch pipe A2 that extends in a bent manner from the branch toward the right front side.

[0036] The discharge pipe 3A is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) extending from the rear side of the wall W at approximately the center of the shelf width direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the shelf portion 2. The first branch pipe A1 extends straight from the connecting end on the rear side of the discharge pipe 3A toward the front side.

[0037] The first water outlet 3B is provided so as to extend downward in a bent shape from the end portion of the first branch pipe A1 that extends to the front side. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first water outlet 3B is provided so as to enter inside the water outlet 2A that is formed so as to penetrate through the bottom plate of the shelf part 2 and to be exposed downward from the water outlet 2A.

[0038] More specifically, the first water outlet 3B is provided in a state where it is buried inside the water outlet 2A so that it does not protrude downward from the water outlet 2A. As a result, the first water outlet 3B is housed inside the shelf part 2 without protruding from the shelf part 2.

[0039] 3 and 5, more specifically, first water outlet 3B is arranged so as to open diagonally downward toward the front of the illustration, rather than vertically downward. As a result, first water outlet 3B discharges hot and cold water flowing from first branch pipe A1 diagonally downward toward the front of the illustration, as indicated by the arrow line indicated by the circled number 1 in the same figures. As a result, hot and cold water discharged from first water outlet 3B passes over shelf 2 toward the front of the illustration (in the direction in which shelf 2 protrudes) and lands on the water receiving surface of bowl B1 (see FIG. 5).

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the second branch pipe A2 extends to the right from the rear end of the water discharge pipe 3A, then bends toward the front, and then further bends to the left. The second water discharge port 3C extends downward from the end of the bent end of the second branch pipe A2.

[0041] 3 and 4, the second water outlet 3C is provided so as to penetrate into the water outlet 2A formed to penetrate the bottom plate of the shelf portion 2 and to be exposed downward from the water outlet 2A. In more detail, the second water outlet 3C is provided in a state where it is buried inside the water outlet 2A so as not to protrude downward from the water outlet 2A.

[0042] As a result, the second water outlet 3C is housed within the shelf portion 2 without protruding from the shelf portion 2. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second water outlet 3C does not open vertically downward, but rather opens diagonally downward to the left in the figure.

[0043] As a result, second water outlet 3C discharges hot and cold water flowing from second branch pipe A2 diagonally downward to the left in the figure, as indicated by the arrow line indicated by the circled number 2 in Figure 3. As a result, hot and cold water discharged from second water outlet 3C flows toward approximately directly below the center in the shelf width direction of shelf portion 2, which is close to the position directly below first water outlet 3B, and lands on the water receiving surface of bowl B1.

[0044] With this configuration, when a user holds out their hand to a photoelectric sensor (not shown) located at the bottom center of the front side of the shelf portion 2, hot water can be discharged close to the position of the hand. Therefore, even if the water outlet is divided into first water outlet 3B and second water outlet 3C, hot water can be appropriately discharged toward the outstretched hand by detecting the outstretched hand with a single photoelectric sensor. This allows the user to use the water dispenser without having to change the position of their outstretched hand.

[0045] 4 and 5, the selector valve 4 is configured so that the destination of hot and cold water flowing through the discharge pipe 3A is selectively switched between the first branch pipe A1 and the second branch pipe A2 when the user turns a knob 4A attached to the bottom of the selector valve 4 left or right. Here, the knob 4A corresponds to the "operating part" of the present invention.

[0046] The knob 4A is provided so as to fit inside an operation hole 2B formed to penetrate the bottom plate of the shelf portion 2 and to be exposed downward from the operation hole 2B. More specifically, the knob 4A is provided in a state where it is buried inside the operation hole 2B so as not to protrude downward from the operation hole 2B.

[0047] As a result, the knob 4A is housed within the shelf portion 2 without protruding substantially from the shelf portion 2. The user can twist the knob 4A left and right by inserting a finger into the operation hole 2B from below.

[0048] In this way, the first water outlet 3B and second water outlet 3C that make up the water outlet 3, as well as the knob 4A that operates the switching valve 4, are arranged so as not to protrude substantially from the shelf portion 2. As a result, when viewed from the outside by a user, the faucet device 1 is configured so that only the shelf portion 2 is substantially visible.

[0049] Even if a user were to look at the shelf 2 from diagonally below, all they would see is the shelf 2, since the first water outlet 3B, the second water outlet 3C, and even the knob 4A are embedded in the water outlet holes 2A and operation holes 2B of the shelf 2. Therefore, when hot and cold water is discharged from the first water outlet 3B or the second water outlet 3C, it is possible to create a high-quality effect that makes it appear as if the water is being discharged directly from the shelf 2.

[0050] The knob 4A for operating the switching valve 4 is located at the back, closer to the wall W than the first water outlet 3B and the second water outlet 3C. The knob 4A is used only when it is desired to switch the water outlet as described above, and is therefore used infrequently.

[0051] Therefore, by arranging the knob 4A at the back as described above, the knob 4A (and the operation hole 2B that accommodates the knob 4A) can be made less visible from the outside, and the appearance of the shelf section 2 is less likely to be ruined. Furthermore, by arranging the knob 4A at the back, the risk of erroneous detection by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) that detects the insertion of a hand can be reduced compared to when the knob 4A is arranged at the front.

[0052] In this way, the faucet device 1 can alternate between the first water outlet 3B and the second water outlet 3C as the water discharge position from the underside of the shelf 2. This allows the user to select the water discharge position at an appropriate time according to the shape, size, and position of the bowl B1 provided directly below the shelf 2, or their preference.

[0053] For example, as shown in Figure 5, if a bowl B1 with a water receiving surface larger than the protrusion of the shelf 2 is selected as the water receiver installed directly below the shelf 2, it is advisable to switch the water destination so that hot and cold water is discharged from the first water outlet 3B. By doing so, the user can receive the discharged hot and cold water without having to reach out from a position in front of the bowl B1 with a large protrusion to the back of the shelf 2.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, when bowl B2, which has a smaller protrusion than bowl B1 shown in Fig. 5, is selected as the water receiver provided directly below shelf portion 2, it is advisable to switch the water discharge destination so that hot and cold water is discharged from second water discharge port 3C. By doing so, even if bowl B2 has a small water receiving surface, hot and cold water can be discharged so that it properly hits the water receiving surface of bowl B2.

[0055] Therefore, bowls B1 and B2 can be selected in various shapes and sizes to suit the installation location and specifications without changing the configuration of the faucet device 1. Furthermore, by providing two outlets (first outlet 3B and second outlet 3C) in the water outlet 3 that can switch the water destination, even if one of the outlets becomes unusable due to some malfunction, the other outlet can be used temporarily to discharge water, making it possible to respond to unforeseen malfunctions.

[0056] To summarize the above, the water faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0057] That is, the faucet device (1) has a shelf portion (2) that protrudes from the wall surface (W) and a water discharge portion (3) that is provided to discharge water downward onto the shelf portion (2). The water discharge portion (3) has a water discharge pipe (3A) that extends along the shelf portion (2) and a plurality of water discharge ports (3B, 3C) that are spaced apart from one another by the branches of the water discharge pipe (3A). The faucet device (1) has a switching valve (4) that can selectively switch the water flow to each of the branch pipes (A1, A2) branched from the water discharge pipe (3A) so that the water flow does not change depending on the position of the user's hand.

[0058] According to the above configuration, the selector valve (4) can selectively switch between the multiple water outlets (3B, 3C) arranged at a distance from one another to use for water discharge. This allows the water outlet (3B, 3C) in the optimal position to be used for water discharge, depending on the shape, size, position, and other conditions of the bowls (B1, B2) provided directly below the water discharge section (3). In other words, the water discharge position can be appropriately changed depending on the bowl (B1, B2) selected.

[0059] Furthermore, two of the multiple water outlets (3B, 3C) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of protrusion of the shelf portion (2). With the above configuration, regardless of whether a large or small bowl (B1, B2) with a different amount of protrusion is selected, the water outlet (3B, 3C) located in a position that matches the size of the respective bowl (B1, B2) can be switched to be used to discharge water.

[0060] Furthermore, one (3B) of the two water outlets (3B, 3C) is positioned closer to the center of the shelf portion (2) in the shelf width direction than either end. The other (3C) of the two water outlets (3B, 3C) is positioned spaced apart from the other (3B) in the shelf width direction and is arranged to spray water obliquely toward the shelf width direction in which the other (3B) is positioned. With the above configuration, even if the other (3C) of the two water outlets (3B, 3C) is positioned spaced apart from the other (3B) in the shelf width direction, it can still spray water toward the center in the shelf width direction, just like the other (3B).

[0061] Furthermore, one (3B) of the two water outlets (3B, 3C) is positioned in the protruding direction more than the other (3C) and is arranged to spout water diagonally over the protruding direction of the shelf portion (2). With the above configuration, whether a bowl (B1) with a water-receiving surface larger than the protruding portion of the shelf portion (2) is selected or a smaller bowl (B2) is selected, it is possible to switch between the water outlets (3B, 3C) located in positions that match the size of the respective bowls (B1, B2) so that they can be used to spout water.

[0062] In addition, a water discharge pipe (3A) is housed inside the shelf portion (2). A plurality of water discharge ports (3B, 3C) are housed inside the shelf portion (2) so as to discharge water downward from corresponding water discharge holes (2A) formed in the lower part of the shelf portion (2). According to the above configuration, by housing the plurality of water discharge ports (3B, 3C) inside the shelf portion (2), it is possible to create a high-quality effect as if water is being discharged directly from the shelf portion (2).

[0063] In addition, an operating part (4A) for operating the switching valve (4) is provided below the shelf part (2). According to the above configuration, the operating part (4A) of the switching valve (4) can be hidden below the shelf part (2) so as not to impair the appearance of the shelf part (2).

[0064] In addition, the operating unit (4A) is positioned closer to the wall surface (W) than all of the water outlets (3B, 3C). With the above configuration, the operating unit (4A) can be positioned in a rear position where it is less visible to the user, without spoiling the appearance of the shelf unit (2). Furthermore, when a sensor that detects the insertion of a hand is provided in the front area of ​​the shelf unit (2), the operating unit (4A) can be positioned in a position where it is less likely to be mistakenly detected by the sensor.

[0065] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

[0066] 1. The faucet device of the present invention may be installed on the wall of a bathroom or kitchen, as well as on the wall of a vanity unit. The faucet device may also be installed on the vertical wall of a unit such as a vanity or kitchen counter.

[0067] The faucet device may be installed on the interior or exterior wall of a building, such as a living room, dining room, hallway, or entryway, or on an outdoor wall, in addition to general plumbing equipment in a kitchen or bathroom. The faucet device may be a so-called touchless faucet, or may be a manual faucet that can be turned on or off by operating a lever or handle located on a shelf or off the shelf.

[0068] 2. The shelf section may be flat, round, or irregularly shaped. The water discharge section may have a water discharge pipe branched into three or more outlets, providing three or more outlets. When three or more outlets are provided, the water flow switching by the selector valve does not necessarily have to be selective, and may switch multiple outlets at a time, such as two of three or more outlets, or three of four or more outlets, to a water flow state.

[0069] 3. In a configuration in which two water outlets are provided, the two water outlets may be arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf portion. Alternatively, the two water outlets may be arranged vertically in the protruding direction of the shelf portion. Alternatively, neither of the two water outlets may be located in the center of the shelf portion in the width direction, but may be located on either side in the width direction, with each outlet discharging water diagonally toward the center.

[0070] At least one of the multiple water outlets may be provided so as to protrude from the shelf portion. The water outlet pipe may also be provided so as to extend inside the shelf portion, or may be laid along the underside of the shelf portion so as to protrude from the shelf portion.

[0071] Each branch pipe that guides hot and cold water to each outlet may be laid and bent or branched in any shape. Furthermore, each branch pipe may be made of a flexible pipe that allows the installed pipeline to be bent and adjusted freely. The direction of water discharge (opening direction) from each outlet is not limited to the diagonal direction shown in the above embodiment, but may also be vertically downward.

[0072] 4. The switching valve may be manual or electrically operated by operating a switch. Regardless of whether the switching valve is manual or electrically operated, the operating part for operating the switching valve may be provided on the bottom of the shelf, or on the top or side of the shelf.

[0073] The operating part may be provided so as not to protrude from the shelf part, or may be provided so as to protrude from the shelf part. The operating part may be located in the protruding direction of the shelf part beyond either of the water outlets.

[0074] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...faucet device, 2...shelf portion, 2A...outlet hole, 2B...operation hole, 3...outlet portion, 3A...outlet pipe, A1...first branch pipe (branch pipe), A2...second branch pipe (branch pipe), 3B...first outlet (outlet, one side), 3C...second outlet (outlet, other side), 4...switching valve, 4A...knob (operation portion), W...wall surface, B1...bowl, B2...bowl

Claims

1. A water faucet device having a shelf portion that protrudes from a wall surface and a water discharge portion that is provided so as to discharge water downward onto the shelf portion, The water discharge section includes a water discharge pipe extending along the shelf section, and a plurality of water discharge ports arranged at a distance from each other by branching the water discharge pipe, The faucet device further comprises a switching valve capable of selectively switching the flow of water to each of the branch pipes branched from the water discharge pipe so that the flow does not change depending on the position of the user's hand.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1, A faucet device in which two of the plurality of water outlets are arranged spaced apart from each other in the protruding direction of the shelf portion.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 2, One of the two water outlets is positioned closer to the center than either end of the shelf section in the shelf width direction, and the other is positioned at a distance from the other in the shelf width direction and is configured to discharge water diagonally toward the shelf width direction where the other is positioned.

4. The water faucet device according to claim 2, The faucet device is configured so that one of the two water outlets is positioned further in the protruding direction than the other and discharges water obliquely over the shelf portion in the protruding direction.

5. The water faucet device according to claim 4, The other faucet device is positioned at a distance from the one in the shelf width direction and is configured to discharge water obliquely toward the shelf width direction on which the one is positioned.

6. The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The discharge pipe is housed inside the shelf portion, A faucet device in which the plurality of water outlets are housed inside the shelf portion so that water is discharged downward from corresponding water discharge holes formed in the lower part of the shelf portion.

7. The water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A faucet device in which an operating unit for operating the switching valve is provided below the shelf portion.

8. The water faucet device according to claim 7, A faucet device in which the operating unit is positioned closer to the wall surface than all of the water outlets.

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