Faucet

Abstract

To easily switch by operating the valve member between a first water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge form in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge form in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate smaller than that of the first water discharge form.SOLUTION: A valve member 18 comprises: a first valve member that has a through hole 42 that communicating with a water outlet of a faucet; and a second valve member that abuts against the first valve member and is located upstream of the first valve member. The second valve member has: a first water passage hole 51a that communicates with the through hole 42 in a first water discharge form; a second water passage hole that communicates with the through hole 42 in a second water discharge form; and a third water passage hole 51c that communicates with the through hole 42 in a third water discharge form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a shower head with a water purification function. As shown in Figure 12, the shower head 70 is described as comprising a cylindrical handle 71 containing a water purification cartridge, a cylindrical head 72 detachably attached to one end of the cylindrical handle 71, and a handle 73.

[0003] As shown in Figures 13(a), (b) and 14, the specification describes that a partition wall 74 having a plurality of outlet holes, a valve seat packing 75 attached to the upstream side of the partition wall 74, and a rotor 76 arranged upstream of the valve seat packing 75 are provided inside a cylindrical head 72. A rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates the rotor 76 is connected to the rotor 76. A handle 73 is also connected to the rotating shaft. The rotor 76 can be rotated by operating the handle 73.

[0004] As shown in Figure 13(a), the partition wall 74 has an insertion hole 74a in the center through which the rotation shaft is inserted. The partition wall 74 also has two concentric closing portions 74b and two outlet holes, a first outlet hole 74c and a second outlet hole 74d. The first outlet hole 74c and the second outlet hole 74d have a sector-shaped ellipse shape. The first outlet hole 74c is connected to a discharge port for straight water spouting. The second outlet hole 74d is connected to a discharge port for shower water spouting.

[0005] 13(b), the valve seat packing 75 has an insertion hole 75a through which the rotation shaft is inserted at the center of the circular base material. The valve seat packing 75 also has a sector-shaped elliptical through-hole 75b at a position that overlaps with the first outlet hole 74c and the second outlet hole 74d of the partition wall 74 when the valve seat packing 75 is attached to the partition wall 74.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 14, the rotor 76 has a rotor disk 76a and a cylindrical body 76b at the center of the rotor disk 76a. The rotor 76 has two through holes: a first valve port 76c and a second valve port 76d. The first valve port 76c extends obliquely from the interior of the cylindrical body 76b toward the outer periphery of the rotor disk 76a and then opens to the lower surface of the rotor disk 76a (the far side of the paper in FIG. 14). The second valve port 76d penetrates the outer periphery of the rotor disk 76a. The first valve port 76c is connected to the purified water flow path. The second valve port 76d is connected to the raw water flow path.

[0007] When the handle 73 is operated to connect the second valve port 76d of the rotor 76 to the second outlet hole 74d of the partition wall 74, a shower of raw water is discharged. When the second valve port 76d of the rotor 76 connects to the first outlet hole 74c of the partition wall 74, a straight discharge of raw water is performed. When the first valve port 76c of the rotor 76 connects to the second outlet hole 74d of the partition wall 74, a shower of purified water is discharged. When the first valve port 76c of the rotor 76 connects to the first outlet hole 74c of the partition wall 74, a straight discharge of purified water is performed.

[0008] In this way, the shower head 70 of Patent Document 1 can switch between raw water and purified water, and between shower water spouting and straight water spouting, by operating the handle 73. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-42993 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In recent years, shower heads such as those described in Patent Document 1 have been required to be able to easily switch between raw water and purified water, or between shower and straight water, as well as to switch to a water-saving mode that reduces the flow rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The faucet of aspect 1 is a faucet having a first water discharge form in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge form in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge form in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate smaller than the flow rate of the first water discharge form, and is provided with a valve member that switches between the first water discharge form, the second water discharge form, and the third water discharge form, and the valve member comprises a first valve member having a through hole that communicates with the faucet's water outlet, and a second valve member that abuts the first valve member and is located upstream of the first valve member, and the second valve member has a first water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the first water discharge form, a second water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the second water discharge form, and a third water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the third water discharge form.

[0012] With this configuration, by operating the valve member, it is possible to easily switch between a first water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge mode in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate smaller than that of the first water discharge mode.

[0013] In a second aspect of the faucet of the first aspect, the first valve member has at least two of the through-holes, and in the first water discharge mode, the first water passage hole communicates with one of the through-holes, and the third water passage hole communicates with another of the through-holes. With this configuration, in the first water discharge mode, water can be discharged using both the first water passage hole and the third water passage hole, making it easier to ensure a sufficient flow rate for the first water discharge mode.

[0014] In a third aspect of the faucet of the first or second aspect, when switching from any one of the first, second, and third water discharge modes to another, at least one of the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole of the second valve member is always in communication with the through-hole of the first valve member. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the faucet from temporarily stopping water discharge when switching the water discharge mode.

[0015] Aspect 4 is the faucet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the second valve member has a circular plate-shaped portion in which the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole are formed, and the second valve member has the first water passage hole, the third water passage hole, and the second water passage hole arranged in this order circumferentially around the plate-shaped portion so that the water discharge mode can be switched by rotating the first valve member and the second valve member relative to each other, and so that the third water discharge mode occurs between the first water discharge mode and the second water discharge mode. With this configuration, when the first valve member and the second valve member are rotated relative to each other, the water-saving mode is entered between the raw water discharge mode and the purified water discharge mode, making it easy to recognize the switch between the raw water discharge mode and the purified water discharge mode.

[0016] Aspect 5 is the faucet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the second valve member has a circular plate-shaped portion in which the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole are formed. The second valve member has the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole arranged circumferentially around the plate-shaped portion so that the water discharge mode is switched by rotating the first valve member and the second valve member relative to each other. The third water passage hole has an elongated shape that curves and extends circumferentially around the plate-shaped portion. This configuration allows the third water passage hole to remain connected to the through-hole for a longer period of time when the second valve member is rotated relative to the first valve member. Therefore, when switching from the third water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode or the second water discharge mode, the third water discharge mode can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, when switching from the first water discharge mode or the second water discharge mode to the third water discharge mode, the switching to the third water discharge mode can be faster. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the faucet of the present invention, by operating the valve member, it is possible to easily switch between a first water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge mode in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate smaller than that of the first water discharge mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shower head. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rear end side of the shower head. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tip end of the shower head. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tip end of the shower head from a different angle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the housing member and the valve member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second valve member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tip side of the shower head. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the valve member in the first water discharge mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the valve member in the third water discharge mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the valve member in the second water discharge mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a prior art showerhead. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(a) is a front view of a partition wall of the prior art, and FIG. 13(b) is a front view of a valve seat packing of the prior art. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a rotating body according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of a faucet will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the faucet 10 is installed on a wall 11, which is a counter of a kitchen cabinet. The faucet 10 has a faucet body (not shown) fixed to the wall 11, a faucet cover 12 that covers the faucet body, and a lever 13 attached to the top of the faucet body.

[0020] 1, the faucet cover 12 has a cylindrical portion 12a standing upright from the wall portion 11, and a branch pipe 12b extending obliquely upward from the axial center of the cylindrical portion 12a. The inside of the branch pipe 12b is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical portion 12a.

[0021] 1, the faucet 10 has a shower head 14 that is detachably attached to the tip of the branch pipe 12b. A hose (not shown) is connected to the shower head 14, and the shower head 14 can be pulled out toward the front of the faucet cover 12 together with the hose.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shower head 14 has a cover 15, a joint 16, a connector 66, a water purification cartridge 17, a water discharge mode switching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "switching handle 30"), and a valve member 18.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, showerhead 14 also has a housing member 60 that houses valve member 18, and a water discharge mode switching handle 19. A flow path forming member 20 is connected to water discharge mode switching handle 19. Flow path forming member 20 has a shower face 25 as a water outlet at its lower end, and has a valve member (not shown) inside for switching the water discharge mode.

[0024] Shower head 14 can switch the water discharge mode from shower face 25 by operating switch handle 30 to operate valve member 18. Specifically, it can switch among a first water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge mode in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate lower than that of the first water discharge mode, a so-called water-saving mode.

[0025] Shower head 14 can be switched between straight water discharge from shower face 25 and shower water discharge by operating water discharge mode switching handle 19 to operate a valve member (not shown) in flow path forming member 20.

[0026] Each component of the showerhead 14 will be described below. (cover) 1 to 3, cover 15 has grip cover 15a and head cover 15b. Grip cover 15a is detachably attached to the tip of branch pipe 12b of faucet cover 12. Head cover 15b is attached to the tip of grip cover 15a.

[0027] The grip cover 15a is cylindrical and houses the joint 16 therein. The head cover 15b has a cylindrical main body 15b1 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 15b2 that protrudes radially outward from the side surface of the main body 15b1. The interior of the peripheral wall 15b2 is in communication with the interior of the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b. The housing member 60 is housed inside the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b. Furthermore, the flow path forming member 20 is housed inside the peripheral wall 15b2 of the head cover 15b.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, hereinafter, the axial direction of the peripheral wall 15b2 of the head cover 15b is defined as the up-down direction, based on the state in which the shower head 14 is attached to the branch pipe 12b of the faucet cover 12. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, that is, the front side of the faucet 10, is defined as the front in the front-to-back direction, and the opposite side is defined as the rear in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the left side of the faucet 10, that is, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, is defined as the left in the left-to-right direction, and the opposite side is defined as the right in the left-to-right direction.

[0029] (joint) As shown in FIG. 3, the joint 16 is configured in a cylindrical shape, and a water purification cartridge 17 is housed inside.

[0030] 1 and 2, a hose (not shown) is connected to the rear end of joint 16. The rear end of joint 16 is also detachably attached to branch pipe 12b of faucet cover 12. By attaching joint 16 to branch pipe 12b of faucet cover 12, shower head 14 is detachably attached to the tip of branch pipe 12b.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, the joint 16 has a screw groove 16a on the inner circumference of the front end, and this screw groove 16a is screwed into a screw groove 62b on the outer circumference of the rear end of the housing member 60, which will be described later, thereby connecting the joint 16 to the housing member 60.

[0032] (connector) 3, connector 66 has a cylindrical main body 66a with a bottom, and claws 66b that protrude radially outward at two radially opposing positions on the outer periphery of the front end of main body 66a. Connector 66 also has a tubular portion 66c (see FIG. 8) in the center of the front end of main body 66a, the tubular portion 66c having a smaller outer diameter than main body 66a.

[0033] The inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 66c communicates with the inner periphery of the main body portion 66a. The connector 66 is connected to the accommodating member 60 by the claws 66b engaging with the engaging holes 62a at the rear end of the accommodating member 60, which will be described later.

[0034] 8, when the connector 66 is connected to the accommodating member 60, the cylindrical portion 66c of the connector 66 is fitted onto the cylindrical portion 53 of the rotary valve 50. This places the cylindrical portion 53 of the rotary valve 50 and the cylindrical portion 66c of the connector 66 in communication.

[0035] (Water purification cartridge) 3, the water purification cartridge 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The water purification cartridge 17 is connected to the connector 66 by inserting the front end side into the inner periphery of the main body 66a of the connector 66.

[0036] (Switching handle) 4 and 5, the switching handle 30 is configured in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom. The switching handle 30 has an outer peripheral wall 31 and an inner peripheral wall 32 spaced apart from the inner peripheral wall 31. A shaft 52 of the rotary valve 50 (described later) is inserted into the inner periphery of the inner peripheral wall 32, and the shaft 52 is prevented from coming off, thereby connecting the rotary valve 50 and the switching handle 30.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 , the switching handle 30 has a locking wall 33 extending from a portion of the outer peripheral wall 31 in the circumferential direction toward the rear side of the outer peripheral wall 31. This locking wall 33 abuts against a locking protrusion 64 of the accommodating member 60, which will be described later, thereby restricting the rotation of the switching handle 30 relative to the accommodating member 60 within a certain angular range. This restricts the rotation of the rotary valve 50 relative to the fixed valve 40 within the certain angular range. The certain angular range is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Specific examples of the certain angular range include an angle less than 360 degrees and an angle equal to or less than 180 degrees.

[0038] When connected to the rotary valve 50, the switch handle 30 is located at the front end of the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b. By operating the switch handle 30, the rotary valve 50 in the valve member 18 inside the housing member 60 can be operated to switch the water discharge mode from the shower face 25.

[0039] (housing member) 4 to 6, the accommodating member 60 is cylindrical. The accommodating member 60 has a partition wall 61 located rearward of the center in the axial direction. The wall surface of the partition wall 61 extends radially of the accommodating member 60. The accommodating member 60 has a peripheral wall 62 extending rearward from the outer periphery of the partition wall 61. The accommodating member 60 has engagement holes 62a that penetrate the peripheral wall 62 in the thickness direction at two radially opposing locations on the peripheral wall 62.

[0040] The accommodating member 60 has an insertion hole 61a that penetrates the center of the partition wall 61. A shaft portion 52 of a rotary valve 50 serving as a second valve member, which will be described later, is inserted into this insertion hole 61a. The housing member 60 has two water holes 61b at positions closer to the outer periphery than the insertion holes 61a.

[0041] 8, the water passage hole 61b extends forward along the axial direction of the accommodating member 60 and bends downward to communicate with an opening 63 on the side surface of the accommodating member 60. The flow path forming member 20, which will be described later, is connected to this opening 63. The space inside the accommodating member 60 between the water passage hole 61b and the opening 63 functions as a water passage.

[0042] 5, the accommodating member 60 has locking protrusions 64 on both sides of two openings 63 along the circumferential direction of the accommodating member 60. The locking protrusions 64 protrude radially outward from the accommodating member 60 and extend along the axial direction of the accommodating member 60.

[0043] When the switching handle 30 is rotated while attached to the housing member 60, the locking wall 33 of the switching handle 30 also rotates in the circumferential direction of the housing member 60. Then, the locking wall 33 comes into contact with the locking protrusion 64 of the housing member 60, restricting further rotation of the switching handle 30.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, when the housing member 60 is viewed from the rear side, the water passage hole 61b of the partition wall 61 has an elliptical shape with the longitudinal direction curved in a curved line, that is, a sectorial elliptical shape. The accommodating member 60 has a partition wall 61a1 that protrudes rearward from the edge of the insertion hole 61a. The accommodating member 60 also has a partition wall 61b1 that protrudes rearward from the edge of the two water passage holes 61b.

[0045] The accommodating member 60 has a protrusion 61c that protrudes rearward from the boundary between the accommodating member 60 and the peripheral wall 62, at a position on the outer circumferential side of the insertion hole 61a in the partition wall 61. The rear end of the protrusion 61c is flat. When the accommodating member 60 is viewed from behind, the protrusion 61c has a shape that protrudes radially inward from the partition wall 61.

[0046] (Valve member) As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the valve member 18 has a fixed valve 40 and a rotary valve 50. The fixed valve 40 is configured in a circular plate shape. The fixed valve 40 has an insertion hole 41 in its center. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 41 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the partition wall 61a1 of the insertion hole 61a in the partition wall 61 of the accommodating member 60. The fixed valve 40 has two through holes 42 penetrating the fixed valve 40 at positions outer circumferentially of the insertion hole 41. The two through holes 42 have the same shape. When the fixed valve 40 is viewed from behind, one through hole 42 located on the left is referred to as the first through hole 42a, and the other through hole 42 located on the right is referred to as the second through hole 42b. The two through holes 42 have shapes slightly larger than the shape of the water passage hole 61b in the partition wall 61 of the accommodating member 60. The two through holes 42 are also slightly larger than the outer periphery of the partition wall 61b1 of the water passage hole 61b in the partition wall 61 of the accommodating member 60.

[0047] 6, the fixed valve 40 has partition walls 42a1 and 42b1 that protrude rearward from the edges of the two through holes 42. The fixed valve 40 has a notch 43 cut out of a portion of its outer periphery so as to protrude radially inward. The shape of the notch 43 is such that it fits into the protrusion 61c of the partition wall 61 when the fixed valve 40 is housed in the housing member 60.

[0048] 7, the rotary valve 50 has a disk-shaped main body 51, a shaft 52 extending forward from the center of the main body 51, and a cylindrical portion 53 extending rearward from the center of the main body 51. The main body 51 can also be referred to as a circular plate-shaped portion.

[0049] The main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 has a first water passage hole 51a that penetrates the main body 51. The shape of the first water passage hole 51a is substantially the same as the two through holes 42 of the fixed valve 40, that is, a sector-shaped ellipse.

[0050] The main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 has a second water passage hole 51b penetrating the main body 51. The second water passage hole 51b has a sector-shaped ellipse shape. The main body 51 has a water passage wall 54 extending rearward from the edge on the rear end side of the second water passage hole 51b. The water passage wall 54 is connected to the side of the tubular portion 53 and communicates with the inner circumferential side of the tubular portion 53. In other words, the inner circumferential side of the tubular portion 53 is connected to the second water passage hole 51b through the inside of the water passage wall 54. A passage communicating from the inner circumferential side of the tubular portion 53 to the front side of the main body 51 through the inside of the water passage wall 54 and the second water passage hole 51b forms a flow path through which purified water, described below, flows.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 has a third water passage hole 51c that penetrates the main body 51. The third water passage hole 51c has an elongated shape that curves and extends along the circumferential direction of the main body 51. The length of the third water passage hole 51c along the circumferential direction of the main body 51 is slightly shorter than the length of the through-hole 42 along the circumferential direction of the fixed valve 40. In addition, the opening area of ​​the third water passage hole 51c is smaller than the opening area of ​​the first water passage hole 51a and the second water passage hole 51b.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, when viewed from the rear side of the rotary valve 50, the rotary valve 50 has, in a clockwise direction along the circumferential direction of the main body 51, a first water passage hole 51a, a third water passage hole 51c, and a second water passage hole 51b. The second water passage hole 51b and the third water passage hole 51c are located on opposite sides of the cylindrical portion 53 in the radial direction of the main body 51. The first water passage hole 51a is located midway between the second water passage hole 51b and the third water passage hole 51c in a clockwise direction along the circumferential direction of the main body 51.

[0053] 6, the rotary valve 50 is accommodated on the inner circumferential side of the peripheral wall 62 of the accommodating member 60. Specifically, the rotary valve 50 is accommodated in the accommodating member 60 with the shaft portion 52 inserted through both the insertion holes 41, 61a of the fixed valve 40 and the accommodating member 60. The rotary valve 50 is accommodated in the accommodating member 60 with the main body portion 51 of the rotary valve 50 abutting against the rear end side of the fixed valve 40. In this state, the tip of the shaft portion 52 of the rotary valve 50 protrudes forward from the front end side of the accommodating member 60.

[0054] 4 and 5, the switching handle 30 is connected to the tip of the shaft 52 of the rotary valve 50 that protrudes forward from the housing member 60. Rotating the switching handle 30 causes the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 to rotate circumferentially. By rotating the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 circumferentially, it is possible to change the water passage holes that overlap with the through-holes 42 of the fixed valve 40 among the first water passage hole 51a, the second water passage hole 51b, and the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50.

[0055] The material of the valve member 18 is not particularly limited. For example, resin, metal, etc. can be used. Resin includes polymeric materials. The fixed valve 40 is preferably made of an elastic material, such as a polymeric material such as rubber or elastomer.

[0056] (Water discharge mode switching handle, flow path forming member, shower face) 4 and 5, water discharge mode switching handle 19 is cylindrical. Flow path forming member 20 is connected to the inner periphery of water discharge mode switching handle 19. A shower face 25 is connected to the lower end of flow path forming member 20. A valve member (not shown) for switching the water discharge mode is housed inside flow path forming member 20.

[0057] Flow path forming member 20 has two branched openings 20a at its upper end. Flow path forming member 20 has water passages that connect the two openings 20a to shower face 25. A valve member is disposed midway along this flow path.

[0058] Flow path forming member 20 is housed inside peripheral wall 15b2 of head cover 15b. Two openings 20a of flow path forming member 20 are connected to two openings 63 on the side of accommodating member 60, thereby connecting the water passage inside accommodating member 60 with the water passage inside flow path forming member 20. Hot and cold water flowing through the water passage in accommodating member 60 passes through the inside of flow path forming member 20 and is discharged from shower face 25.

[0059] By operating the water discharge mode switching handle 19, the valve member can be operated to switch between straight water discharge from the shower face 25 and shower water discharge. <Assembly mechanism for each component that makes up the shower head> As shown in Figure 6, when assembling the components that make up the showerhead 14, first, the fixed valve 40 is inserted from the rear side of the housing member 60 into the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 62 of the housing member 60. The fixed valve 40 is attached to the surface of the partition wall 61 of the housing member 60 with the notch 43 of the fixed valve 40 fitting into the protrusion 61c of the partition wall 61 of the housing member 60. The two through holes 42 of the fixed valve 40 overlap with the two water passage holes 61b of the partition wall 61, and the insertion hole 41 in the center of the fixed valve 40 overlaps with the insertion hole 61a in the center of the partition wall 61.

[0060] Next, the rotary valve 50 is inserted from the rear side of the accommodating member 60 onto the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 62 of the accommodating member 60. The shaft portion 52 of the rotary valve 50 is inserted through the insertion holes 41, 61a of the fixed valve 40 and the accommodating member 60.

[0061] Next, the hooks 66b (see FIG. 3) of the connector 66 are engaged with the engagement holes 62a in the peripheral wall 62 of the accommodating member 60, thereby connecting the accommodating member 60 and the connector 66 together. 4 and 5, next, the housing member 60 housing the fixed valve 40 and the rotary valve 50, and the connector 66 (see FIG. 3) are inserted into the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b from the rear side of the head cover 15b. Furthermore, the upper end side of the flow path forming member 20 is inserted into the peripheral wall 15b2 of the head cover 15b, and the two openings 20a of the flow path forming member 20 are connected to the two openings 63 of the housing member 60. The housing member 60 and the flow path forming member 20 are fixed in the connected state using pins 65 (see FIG. 8) as fixing members.

[0062] 4 and 5, the switching handle 30 is brought close to the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b from the front side of the head cover 15b. Inside the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b, the tip of the shaft 52 of the rotary valve 50 protruding forward of the accommodating member 60 is inserted into the inner circumferential wall 32 of the switching handle 30, and the switching handle 30 is attached to the shaft 52 of the rotary valve 50.

[0063] 3, insert the front end of the water purification cartridge 17 into the main body 66a of the connector 66 inside the main body 15b1 of the head cover 15b from the rear side of the main body 15b1. Then, bring the tip end side of the joint 16 closer to the rear side of the water purification cartridge 17.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the water purification cartridge 17 is housed within the joint 16, and the thread groove 16a on the inner periphery of the tip of the joint 16 is threadedly engaged with the thread groove 62b on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 62 of the housing member 60, connecting the housing member 60 to the joint 16. The components that make up the showerhead 14 are then assembled by inserting the grip cover 15a from the rear side of the joint 16. The order in which the components are assembled can be changed as needed. In the showerhead 14, the fixed valve 40 is located downstream of the rotary valve 50. The first through hole 42a and second through hole 42b of the fixed valve 40 are connected to the shower face 25 via the water passage hole 61b of the housing member 60 and the water passage in the flow path forming member 20.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, when the components that make up the shower head 14 are assembled, two types of water passages are formed inside the joint 16. One of the two types of water passages is a passage for raw water, which passes through the gap between the inner periphery of the joint 16 and the outer periphery of the water purification cartridge 17 and connector 66, and connects to the first water passage hole 51a or the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 (see arrow A).

[0066] The other of the two types of water passages is a purified water passage, which passes through the inside of the water purification cartridge 17, passes through the connection point between the cylindrical portion 66c of the connector 66 and the cylindrical portion 53 of the rotary valve 50, and connects to the second water passage hole 51b of the rotary valve 50 (see arrow B).

[0067] <Water discharge mode switching mechanism using a valve member> 9 to 11 are rear views of the valve member 18 housed in the housing member 60, viewed from the rear side. Only the first through-hole 42a and the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40 as the valve member 18 and the rotary valve 50 are shown, with the housing member 60 omitted.

[0068] FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the valve member 18 in the raw water mode, which is the first water discharge configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, in the first water discharge configuration, the first water passage 51a of the rotary valve 50 overlaps with the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40, and the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 overlaps with the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. The second water passage 51b of the rotary valve 50 does not overlap with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40. Therefore, hot and cold water flowing through the joint 16 passes through the raw water passage indicated by arrow A in FIG. 8, from the first water passage 51a and the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 to the first through-hole 42a and the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. The hot and cold water further flows through the water passages of the accommodation member 60 and the flow path forming member 20 and is discharged from the shower face 25 in the raw water mode.

[0069] 9, the engagement wall 33 (see FIG. 4) of the switching handle 30 comes into contact with the engagement projection 64 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the housing member 60, restricting clockwise rotation of the rotary valve 50 in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, counterclockwise rotation is permitted within a range of approximately 180 degrees.

[0070] Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the valve member 18 in the water-saving mode, which is the third water discharge configuration. In Figure 10, the rotary valve 50 is rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise in the circumferential direction from the state shown in Figure 9. As the position of the first water passage hole 51a of the rotary valve 50 moves counterclockwise, the overlap between the first water passage hole 51a and the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40 decreases. Then, before the overlap between the first water passage hole 51a and the first through-hole 42a disappears completely, the third water passage hole 51c and the second through-hole 42b begin to overlap, resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 10.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, in the third water discharge mode, the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 overlaps with the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40. The first water passage 51a and the second water passage 51b do not overlap with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40. Therefore, hot and cold water flowing through the joint 16 passes through the raw water passage indicated by arrow A in Figure 8, and flows from the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 to the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40. The water then flows through the water passages of the housing member 60 and the flow path forming member 20, and is discharged from the shower face 25 in water-saving mode.

[0072] In other words, the hot and cold water flowing through the joint 16 flows only through the third water hole 51c, which has a smaller water flow area than the first water hole 51a and the second water hole 51b, resulting in a water-saving mode with a reduced flow rate.

[0073] Figure 11 shows the arrangement of the valve member 18 in the water purification mode, which is the second water discharge form. In Figure 11, the rotary valve 50 is rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise in the circumferential direction from the state shown in Figure 10. As the position of the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 moves counterclockwise, the overlap between the third water passage hole 51c and the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40 decreases. Then, before the overlap between the third water passage hole 51c and the first through-hole 42a disappears completely, the second water passage hole 51b and the second through-hole 42b begin to overlap, resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 11.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11, in the second water discharge mode, the second water passage 51b of the rotary valve 50 overlaps with the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. The first water passage 51a and the third water passage 51c do not overlap with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40. Therefore, hot and cold water flowing through the joint 16 passes through the purified water passage indicated by arrow B in Figure 8, and flows from the second water passage 51b of the rotary valve 50 to the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. The water then flows through the water passages of the housing member 60 and the flow path forming member 20, and is discharged from the shower face 25 in purified water mode.

[0075] As described above, when the rotary valve 50 is rotated to switch the water passage holes of the rotary valve 50 that communicate with the through-holes 42 of the fixed valve 40, at least one water passage hole of the rotary valve 50 always communicates with at least one of the first through-hole 42a and the second through-hole 42b. That is, at least one of the first water passage hole 51a, the second water passage hole 51b, and the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 always communicates with at least one of the first through-hole 42a and the second through-hole 42b. In other words, when switching from any water discharge mode among the raw water mode, the purified water mode, and the water-saving mode to another water discharge mode, at least one of the water passage holes of the rotary valve 50 always communicates with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40.

[0076] <Action and effect> The operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the rotary valve 50 has a first water passage hole 51a, a second water passage hole 51b, and a third water passage hole 51c, so that the rotary valve 50 can be rotated to easily switch between raw water mode, purified water mode, and water-saving mode.

[0077] 9, in the raw water mode, the first water passage 51a of the rotary valve 50 communicates with the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40, and the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 communicates with the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. In addition to the first water passage 51a, water can also be discharged using the third water passage 51c, making it easier to ensure a sufficient flow rate in the raw water mode.

[0078] Furthermore, when the rotary valve 50 is rotated to switch the water passage holes that communicate with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40, at least one of the first water passage hole 51a, the second water passage hole 51b, and the third water passage hole 51c always communicates with at least one of the first through-hole 42a and the second through-hole 42b. In other words, when the rotary valve 50 is rotated, a state in which all of the first water passage hole 51a, the second water passage hole 51b, and the third water passage hole 51c do not overlap with either the first through-hole 42a or the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40 is avoided.

[0079] This prevents the water discharge from the shower face 25 from temporarily ceasing when switching the water discharge mode. When the water flow is temporarily stopped, the pressure inside the shower head 14 increases compared to when the water is flowing, and the friction between the fixed valve 40 and the rotary valve 50 increases accordingly. This can increase the operating load of the switch handle 30. In contrast, by preventing the water discharge from temporarily ceasing as in this embodiment, the operating load of the switch handle 30 is stabilized, resulting in a comfortable user experience.

[0080] Furthermore, when the rotary valve 50 is rotated to switch between raw water mode, purified water mode, and water-saving mode, the water-saving mode always switches between the raw water mode and purified water mode. Because there is no significant difference in flow rate between the raw water mode and purified water mode, it is difficult for the user to notice that the water discharge mode has switched. In this embodiment, the water-saving mode, which has a small flow rate, switches between the raw water mode and purified water mode, making it easier for the user to recognize that the water discharge mode has switched.

[0081] 9, the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 has an elongated shape that curves and extends circumferentially around the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50. This allows the third water passage hole 51c to remain connected to the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40 for a longer period of time when the rotary valve 50 is rotated.

[0082] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The faucet 10 includes a valve member 18 that switches between a raw water mode (first water discharge mode), a purified water mode (second water discharge mode), and a water-saving mode (third water discharge mode). The valve member 18 includes a fixed valve 40 (first valve member) having a through-hole 42 that communicates with the shower face 25 (spout) of the faucet 10. The valve member 18 also includes a rotary valve 50 (second valve member) that abuts against the fixed valve 40 and is located upstream of the fixed valve 40. The rotary valve 50 includes a first water passage hole 51a that communicates with the through-hole 42 in the raw water mode, a second water passage hole 51b that communicates with the through-hole 42 in the purified water mode, and a third water passage hole 51c that communicates with the through-hole 42 in the water-saving mode.

[0083] Therefore, by rotating the rotary valve 50, the raw water mode, purified water mode, and water-saving mode can be easily switched. (2) In the raw water mode, the first water passage 51a of the rotary valve 50 communicates with the first through-hole 42a of the fixed valve 40, and the third water passage 51c of the rotary valve 50 communicates with the second through-hole 42b of the fixed valve 40. Therefore, in addition to the first water passage 51a, water can be discharged using the third water passage 51c, making it easier to ensure a sufficient flow rate in the raw water mode.

[0084] (3) When switching from one water discharge mode to another among the raw water mode, purified water mode, and water-saving mode, at least one of the first water passage hole 51a, the second water passage hole 51b, and the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 is always in communication with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40. This prevents the water discharge from the shower face 25 from temporarily ceasing when switching the water discharge mode. Therefore, the water discharge mode can be switched while water continues to be discharged, stabilizing the operating load of the switching handle 30. This improves the user's usability.

[0085] (4) When the rotary valve 50 is rotated, the water-saving mode is activated between the raw water mode and the purified water mode. Because there is not a large difference in flow rate between the raw water mode and the purified water mode, it is difficult for the user to notice that the water discharge mode has changed. By switching to the water-saving mode with a small flow rate between the raw water mode and the purified water mode, the user can easily recognize that the water discharge mode has changed.

[0086] (5) The third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 has an elongated shape that curves and extends circumferentially around the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50. This allows the third water passage hole 51c to remain in communication with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40 for a longer period of time when the rotary valve 50 is rotated. When switching from the water-saving mode to the raw water mode or the purified water mode, the water-saving mode can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, when switching from the raw water mode or the purified water mode to the water-saving mode, the switch to the water-saving mode can be made more quickly.

[0087] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0088] In this embodiment, the fixed valve 40 has two through holes 42 that communicate with the shower face 25, but the number of through holes 42 is not limited to two. The number of through holes 42 may be one, or three or more.

[0089] In the present embodiment, when switching between the raw water mode, purified water mode, and water-saving mode, at least one of the first water hole 51a, the second water hole 51b, and the third water hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 is always in communication with the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40, but this is not limited to this. When switching between the water discharge modes, all of the first water hole 51a, the second water hole 51b, and the third water hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 may be in a disconnected state.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the fixed valve 40 is configured in a disk shape, and the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 is also configured in a disk shape, but this is not limited to this. The fixed valve 40 and the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50 may be in a plate shape other than a circle. For example, they may be in an elliptical or polygonal plate shape.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the rotary valve 50 serving as the second valve member is rotated relative to the fixed valve 40 serving as the first valve member, but this is not limited to this. The second valve member may be slidably moved relative to the fixed valve serving as the first valve member. In other words, the second valve member is not limited to being a rotary valve.

[0092] In this embodiment, the water discharge mode is switched between the raw water mode and the purified water mode, but this is not limiting. The order of the water discharge modes can be selected as appropriate.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the third water passage hole 51c of the rotary valve 50 has an elongated shape that curves and extends in the circumferential direction of the main body 51 of the rotary valve 50, but this is not limited to this. The shape of the third water passage hole 51c can be selected appropriately as long as it is configured to have a smaller flow rate than the first water passage hole 51a. For example, the shape of the third water passage hole 51c may be a perfect circle, or may be a shape in which multiple perfect circle holes are lined up in the circumferential direction of the rotary valve 50.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the first valve member is the fixed valve 40 and the second valve member is the rotary valve 50, but this is not limiting. The first valve member may rotate and the second valve member may be fixed. For example, the shape of the water passage hole 61b of the partition wall 61 of the accommodating member 60 may be configured to be longer in the circumferential direction than the shape of the through-hole 42 of the fixed valve 40, and the fixed valve 40 may rotate around the insertion hole 41. In other words, the fixed valve 40 and the rotary valve 50 may be configured to rotate relative to each other as the fixed valve 40 rotates.

[0095] In this embodiment, the faucet 10 installed on the wall 11, which is the counter of a kitchen cabinet, includes the shower head 14 of this embodiment, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shower head 14 of this embodiment may be installed on a faucet installed on the wall of a bathroom. It can also be used in faucets that do not include a shower head. In other words, the valve member of this embodiment may be disposed inside the faucet body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...faucet, 11...wall portion, 12...faucet cover, 13...lever, 14...shower head, 15...cover, 16...joint, 18...valve member, 19...water discharge mode switching handle, 20...flow path forming member, 25...shower face, 30...switching handle (water discharge mode switching handle), 40...fixed valve, 41...insertion hole, 42...through hole, 42a...first through hole, 42b...second through hole, 50...rotary valve, 51a...first water passage hole, 51b...second water passage hole, 51c...third water passage hole, 52...shaft portion, 53...cylindrical portion, 54...water passage wall.

Claims

1. A faucet having a first water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged, a second water discharge mode in which purified water is discharged, and a third water discharge mode in which raw water is discharged at a flow rate smaller than the flow rate of the first water discharge mode, a valve member that switches between the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode; The valve member includes a first valve member having a through hole communicating with a water outlet of the faucet, and a second valve member abutting against the first valve member and positioned upstream of the first valve member; the second valve member has a first water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the first water discharge mode; a second water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the second water discharge mode; A faucet characterized by having a third water passage hole that communicates with the through hole in the third water discharge mode.

2. The first valve member has at least two of the through holes, The faucet according to claim 1, wherein in the first water discharge mode, the first water passage hole communicates with one of the through holes, and the third water passage hole communicates with another of the through holes.

3. A faucet as described in claim 1, wherein when switching from any of the first, second, and third water discharge forms to another water discharge form, at least one of the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole of the second valve member is always connected to the through hole of the first valve member.

4. the second valve member has a circular plate-shaped portion in which the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole are formed, The faucet described in claim 1, wherein the second valve member has the first water passage hole, the third water passage hole, and the second water passage hole in this order along the circumferential direction of the plate-shaped portion so that the water discharge form can be switched by rotating the first valve member and the second valve member relative to each other, and so that the third water discharge form occurs between the first water discharge form and the second water discharge form.

5. the second valve member has a circular plate-shaped portion in which the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole are formed, the second valve member has the first water passage hole, the second water passage hole, and the third water passage hole along a circumferential direction of the plate-shaped portion so that the water discharge mode can be switched by rotating the first valve member and the second valve member relative to each other, The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the third water passage hole has an elongated shape that curves and extends along the circumferential direction of the plate-shaped portion.

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