Water dispenser

Abstract

To provide a water dispenser with improved operability compared to conventional ones.SOLUTION: A water dispenser 1 includes a water discharger 3, links 26 and 27 that operate when force is applied, pressing parts 32 and 33 that cause the links 26 and 27 to operate, a holding part 28 that holds the links 26 and 27, and a valve body 22 that operates in conjunction with the links 26 and 27 and changes a phase when the pressing parts 32 and 33 are pressed to cause the links 26 and 27 to operate, thereby switching a flow path of hot / cold water flowing toward the water discharger 3, where the water discharger 3 discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water discharger used as a shower head. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional shower head that can select different water discharge patterns by switching the hot and cold water flow path is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The shower head described in Patent Document 1 includes a head case, a water-passing member housed in the head case, and a switching member attached to the water-passing member that switches the flow path of the hot and cold water discharged from the water-passing member. The switching member has a cylindrical valve body with a bottom, and the valve body has multiple types of water passages that are independent of each other along the circumferential direction.

[0003] According to the shower head described in Patent Document 1, the flow path can be switched by rotating a switching member to change the position of the water passage, but when switching, the user must hold the shower head with one hand and operate the switching member with the other, which cannot be said to be easy to use.

[0004] A known showerhead technology that solves the above problems is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The showerhead described in Patent Document 2 has a handle with an internal space and a head formed at the tip of the handle with a switching chamber inside, an insertion tube inserted into the space in the handle in a double-tube shape, a covering material inserted into the switching chamber, and a hot and cold water flow path formed by connecting the insertion tube and the covering material, a water stop mechanism that stops the water being discharged is housed in the insertion tube, and a flow path switching mechanism that switches the water discharge pattern of the water being discharged is housed in the covering material.

[0005] The water discharge / stop mechanism is configured to be switchable between a hot and cold water discharge state and a stopped water discharge state by repeatedly pressing a water discharge / stop button provided on the grip portion. The flow path switching mechanism is housed in the head portion by a covering material, and is configured to be switchable between a direct current water discharge from the sprinkler plate and a sprinkler discharge from the sprinkler holes by repeatedly pressing a switch button provided on the side of the head portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-22169 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-7026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the shower head described in Patent Document 2, the switching button is located in a different location from the grip where the water stop button is located, which makes the operation of switching the water discharge mode complicated and still does not provide good operability.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, even if the shower head described in Patent Document 2 above were configured to have a flow path switching mechanism in the grip section, the area through which hot and cold water flows inside the grip section would be narrower than inside the head section, so the user would have to press the switching button while the flow path switching mechanism was subjected to relatively large water pressure, which could result in a loss of operating load related to switching the water discharge form.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water discharger that is easier to operate than conventional water dischargers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) In the present invention, a water discharge unit that discharges water, a link that operates when force is applied, a pressing unit that causes the link to operate when pressed, a holding unit that holds the link, and a valve body that operates in conjunction with the link and changes phase when the link operates when the pressing unit is pressed, thereby switching the flow path of water flowing toward the water discharge unit, and the water discharge unit discharges water in a water discharge mode that corresponds to the flow path switched by the valve body.

[0011] According to the present invention having the feature (1) above, when the pressing part is pressed and the link operates, the valve body operates in conjunction with the link and the phase of the valve body changes, switching the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge part, and water is discharged from the water discharge part in the water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. As a result, the water discharge mode can be switched with a simpler operation than before, and the loss of the related operating load can be reduced.

[0012] (2) Furthermore, in the present invention, a rotatable ratchet is provided which is fixed to the valve body, and the valve body is rotatable integrally with the ratchet, and when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link, and the phase of the valve body changes as the valve body rotates.

[0013] According to the present invention having the feature described in (2) above, when the link operates due to the pressing of the pressing portion, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link, and the valve body rotates integrally with the ratchet, thereby changing the phase of the valve body, making it easier to change the phase of the valve body accurately.

[0014] (3) Furthermore, in the present invention, an arm portion is provided that rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates.

[0015] According to the present invention having the feature described in (3) above, when the link is operated by pressing the pressing part, the arm part rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link, making it possible to efficiently apply force to rotate the ratchet.

[0016] (4) Furthermore, in the present invention, an elastic body is provided attached to the link, and when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, the elastic body compresses and then restores its original state, thereby operating the link so that the link returns to its original position.

[0017] According to the present invention having the feature described in (4) above, since an elastic body is provided that is attached to the link, when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, the elastic body compresses and then restores, thereby operating the link so that the link returns to its original position, and therefore the link can be returned to its original position without being pushed back.

[0018] (5) In the present invention, the link is a four-bar link, and when adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, a parallelogram is formed.

[0019] According to the present invention having the feature described in (5) above, the link is a four-bar link, and when adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, a parallelogram is formed, which increases the degree of freedom of the link.

[0020] (6) Furthermore, in the present invention, when the adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, a parallelogram is formed, whether the link is in operation or not.

[0021] According to the present invention having the feature described in (6) above, when adjacent joints of a four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram, whether the link is in operation or not, which makes it easier to perform the specified operation of the link accurately.

[0022] (7) In the present invention, the link is provided so as to surround the outside of the pipe through which hot and cold water flows.

[0023] According to the present invention having the feature as described above in (7), the link is provided so as to surround the outside of the pipe, so that the size of the pipe can be reduced.

[0024] (8) Also, in the present invention, the link comprises a first link and a second link, the pressing portion comprises a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion, the ratchet comprises a first ratchet and a second ratchet, the first pressing portion causes the first link to operate when pressed, the first ratchet rotates in conjunction with the first link when the first pressing portion is pressed and the first link operates, and the phase of the valve body changes when it rotates in a first direction, the second pressing portion causes the second link to operate when pressed, the second ratchet rotates in conjunction with the second link when the second pressing portion is pressed and the second link operates, and the phase of the valve body changes when it rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0025] According to the present invention having the feature (8) above, since the first ratchet and the second ratchet rotate in opposite directions, when the number of times the first pressing portion is pressed is the same as the number of times the second pressing portion is pressed, the phase of the valve body can be returned to the state before operation. In other words, the water discharge mode can be returned to the water discharge mode before operation.

[0026] (9) In the present invention, the first pressing portion is provided adjacent to the second pressing portion.

[0027] According to the present invention having the feature as described in (9) above, the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided adjacent to each other, which allows the user to easily press the portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The present invention has the effect of enabling improved operability compared to conventional techniques. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of a water discharger according to the present invention, in which (a) is a front view of the water discharger, and (b) is a perspective view of the water discharger. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the water discharger shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection portion and a main portion of a valve body in a discharge portion. [Figure 4] This figure explains the operating method of changing the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means before the above operation, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between AA in (a). [Figure 5] This is a continuation of Figure 4, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means during the operation of changing the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between AA in Figure 4(a) during the above operation. [Figure 6] This is a continuation of Figure 5, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means after the phase of the valve body has been changed, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between AA in Figure 4(a) after the phase of the valve body has been changed. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of changing the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the reverse direction, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means before the above operation, (b) is a cross-sectional view between BB in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view between CC in (a). [Figure 8]This is a continuation of Figure 7, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means during the operation of changing the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction, (b) is a cross-sectional view between B and C in Figure 7(a) during the above operation, and (c) is a cross-sectional view between C and C in (a). [Figure 9] This is a continuation of Figure 8, where (a) is an oblique view showing the main parts of the water discharge mode switching means after the phase of the valve body has been changed, (b) is a cross-sectional view between BB in Figure 7(a) after the phase of the valve body has been changed, and (c) is a cross-sectional view between CC in (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] <Overall configuration of the water dispenser> Water discharger 1 according to this embodiment is a device used as a shower head that is connected to one end of a shower hose (not shown) and is configured so that water can be discharged from the tip, and is equipped with a handle 2 that is the part that the user holds, and a water discharger 3 that is connected to handle 2 and forms the tip side of water discharger 1. Each component of water discharger 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0032] <About the grip> The gripping portion 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a gripping cover 4, a first bayonet 5, a second bayonet 6, and a filter 7.

[0033] <About the grip cover> The grip cover 4 is cylindrical, with one end connected to the water discharger 3 and the other end configured to be connectable to a shower hose. The grip cover 4 is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the neck portion 14 of the shower head cover 8 (described later), and is configured to be connectable to the neck portion 14.

[0034] <About the first bayonet, second bayonet, and filter> The first bayonet 5 and the second bayonet 6 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and are connectable to each other so as to be rotatable, and are formed so that when connected, the first bayonet 5 can be fitted into the grip cover 4. The filter 7 is formed in a net shape, and is attached to the other end of the grip cover 4.

[0035] <About the water outlet> The water discharge unit 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a shower head cover 8, a water discharge unit main body 9, a spray plate 10, a connection unit 11, and a water discharge mode switching means 12, and discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body 22, as described below.

[0036] <About the shower head cover> Shower head cover 8 has head portion 13 formed in a truncated cone shape, and neck portion 14 formed in a cylindrical shape that continues from head portion 13 perpendicular to the axial direction of head portion 13. Head portion 13 is formed so as to be able to cover the outer surface of water spouter main body 9 except for water spouting surface 17, and has an opening 15 formed at its tip. Neck portion 14 is formed so as to be able to accommodate water spouting mode switching means 12 inside, and has a pressing portion insertion hole 16 formed on its outer surface.

[0037] <About the water outlet unit> The water discharger main body 9 has a number of water discharge holes 18 formed on its water discharge surface 17. When the water discharger main body 9 is covered by the head portion 13, the water discharge surface 17 is formed so that it faces the outside through the opening 15 (see Figure 1). The water discharger main body 9 has multiple water discharge mode flow paths (not shown) formed inside it that enable the discharge of hot and cold water in various water discharge modes.

[0038] Here, the "water discharge mode" can also be referred to as the "water discharge form," and refers to the method, style, etc. of discharging water. The water discharge mode may be, for example, a normal mode, a mist mode, etc. Furthermore, the diameter, number, position, etc. of the water discharge holes 18 may differ for each water discharge mode.

[0039] <About the water sprinkler plate> Spray plate 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to be attachable to the center of water discharge surface 17 of water discharger main body 9.

[0040] <About the connection part> Connection part 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and when connected to water discharger main body 9, is configured to allow hot and cold water to flow toward water discharger main body 9. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, connection part 11 has a central wall 19 formed inside it along the central axis of connection part 11, and a plurality of partition walls 20 that are continuous with central wall 19, extend radially from central wall 19, and are formed to divide the internal space of connection part 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, eight partition walls 20 are formed, and are provided at 45° intervals around the central axis of the connection part 11, and the internal space of the connection part 11 partitioned by adjacent partition walls 20 is formed as branch flow paths 21 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the connection part 11 has eight branch flow paths 21.

[0042] Each branch flow path 21 is formed to allow hot and cold water to flow toward the water outlet main body 9, and a partition 20 is formed to prevent hot and cold water from flowing from one branch flow path 21 to the other branch flow path 21 of adjacent branch flow paths 21.

[0043] Each branch flow path 21 is formed so as to communicate with various water discharge mode flow paths (not shown) formed within the water discharge unit main body 9 when the connection part 11 is connected to the water discharge unit main body 9, and is formed so that hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge unit main body 9 can pass through each of the above-mentioned water discharge mode flow paths.

[0044] <How to switch water discharge modes> The water discharge mode switching means 12 shown in Figure 2 is a mechanism configured to be able to switch the water discharge mode from the water discharge section 3, and includes a valve body 22, a backflow prevention gasket 23, a float shaft 24, a fixing nut 25, a first link 26, a second link 27, a retaining pin 28, a pair of retaining pin holders 29, a first ratchet 30, a second ratchet 31, a first pressing section 32, a second pressing section 33, a first spring 34, a second spring 35, a bias spring 36, a U-packing 37, and a packing retainer member 38.

[0045] <About the valve body> The valve body 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape that allows hot and cold water to flow toward the water discharge unit main body 9 and can be connected to the connection part 11, and is further formed so that the flow path of the hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge unit main body 9 can be switched by changing the phase of the valve body 22.

[0046] The valve body 22 shown in Figure 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an outer peripheral wall 39 and an upper wall 40 that partially closes the upper surface of the valve body 22. A plurality of water passage holes 41, 42 are formed in the upper wall 40. A bolt portion 43 is formed around the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 39 (see Figure 3). A pair of backflow prevention gaskets 23 that prevent backflow of hot and cold water from the water discharger main body 9 side are attached to the upper wall 40.

[0047] 3, the water passage holes 41 are formed by cutting out the upper wall 40 between an imaginary line L1 that extends radially from the central axis X of the valve body 22 and an imaginary line L2 that extends radially from the central axis of the valve body 22 and is spaced 45° from the imaginary line L2. The water passage hole 42 has the same shape as the water passage hole 41 and is formed so as to be line-symmetrical to the water passage hole 41.

[0048] Here, the phrase "the phase of the valve disc changes" means that the phase changes in one cycle of a repeated phenomenon, for example, by rotation or sliding. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the phase changes with the rotation of valve disc 22. When valve disc 22 rotates in a predetermined direction, the positions of water passage holes 41, 42 of valve disc 22 change, changing the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward water discharger main body 9, and when valve disc 22 rotates a predetermined number of times in the same direction, the positions of water passage holes 41, 42 return to their original positions (i.e., valve disc 22 makes one revolution).

[0049] <About the float shaft> The float shaft 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape that allows hot and cold water to flow toward the water discharger main body 9 and can be connected to the valve body 22. More specifically, the float shaft 24 has a connecting portion 44 whose upper end is formed so that it can be inserted into the lower end side of the valve body 22, and a pipe portion 45 that continues to the lower end of the connecting portion 44.

[0050] A waterproof gasket 47 is provided around the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the connecting portion 44. The waterproof gasket 47 is provided so as to be in watertight contact with the inner surface (not shown) at the lower end side of the valve body 22 when the upper end side of the float shaft 24 is inserted into the lower end side of the valve body 22. A water passage 46 is formed inside the pipe portion 45. The water passage 46 is capable of passing hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharger main body 9, and is formed so as to communicate with the inside of the valve body 22 and the water passage holes 41, 42.

[0051] <About the fixing nut> The fixing nut 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with a nut portion 48 formed on its inner surface and an insertion hole 49 formed on its underside. The nut portion 48 is formed so that it can be fastened to the bolt portion 43 provided on the lower end side of the valve body 22, and the insertion hole 49 is formed so that the float shaft 24 can be inserted through it from the lower end side. With the upper end side of the float shaft 24 inserted into the lower end side of the valve body 22, the fixing nut 25 can fix the connection between the valve body 22 and the float shaft 24 by fastening the nut portion 48 to the bolt portion 43 of the valve body 22.

[0052] <About the first link> The first link 26 constitutes the "link" in the claims, and is a mechanism configured to be able to operate when a force (load) is applied. The first link 26 includes a pressed link 50, an opposing link 51, a link arm 52, and a link plate 53, and is provided so as to surround the outside of the pipe portion 45 of the float shaft 24. The components 50 to 53 of the first link 26 are molded from, for example, resin or metal (for example, stainless steel).

[0053] The pressed link 50 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate, and is arranged and configured to move in its longitudinal direction when pressed in the first link 26. The pressed link 50 has a rotation shaft 54 ​​formed at one longitudinal end thereof and a rotation shaft 55 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof.

[0054] The opposing link 51 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate, and in the first link 26, is disposed opposite and parallel to the pressed link 50. The opposing link 51 has a rotation shaft 56 formed at one longitudinal end thereof and a rotation shaft 57 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof.

[0055] Link arm 52 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate, and in first link 26, one longitudinal end thereof is connected to one longitudinal end of pressed link 50, and the other longitudinal end thereof is connected to one longitudinal end of opposing link 51, and is held by retaining pin 28, which will be described later. Link arm 52 has a rotary bearing hole 58 formed at one longitudinal end thereof, a rotary bearing hole 59 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof, and further has a retaining pin insertion hole 60 formed in approximately the middle portion thereof in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The pivotal bearing hole 58 is formed so that the pivotal shaft 54 ​​of the pressed link 50 can be rotatably connected thereto, the pivotal bearing hole 59 is formed so that the pivotal shaft 56 of the opposing link 51 can be rotatably connected thereto, and further, the retaining pin insertion hole 60 is formed so that the retaining pin 28 can be inserted therethrough.

[0057] In the first link 26, the link plate 53 is connected to the other longitudinal ends of the pressed link 50 and the opposing link 51, and is arranged so as to face the link arm 52 via the pipe portion 45 of the float shaft 24.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(b), etc., the link plate 53 is formed in a ring shape and has an insertion ring portion 61 that is formed so that it can be fitted onto the outer periphery of the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24, and an arm portion 62 that is formed on the upper surface of the insertion ring portion 61.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(b) and other figures, the insertion ring part 61 has a rotary bearing hole 63 formed at one end and a rotary bearing hole 64 formed at the other end. The rotary bearing hole 63 is formed so that the rotary shaft 55 of the pressed link 50 can be rotatably connected thereto, and the rotary bearing hole 64 is formed so that the rotary shaft 57 of the opposing link 51 can be rotatably connected thereto.

[0060] The arm portion 62 is formed so as to be able to rotate the first ratchet 30 in conjunction with the first link 26 when the first link 26 is operated by being pressed. The arm portion 62 is formed in a substantially arc shape, with one end in the length direction formed as a push-side arm 65 and the other end in the length direction formed as a pull-side arm 66. The push-side arm 65 is formed so as to be able to press against teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30, which will be described later, and the pull-side arm 66 is formed so as to be able to engage the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first link 26 employs a four-bar link mechanism, and is configured so that when the rotation axes 54 to 57, which are adjacent joints, are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram (see FIG. 4(b) and the like). In addition, when the first link 26 is in operation and when the first link 26 is not in operation, when the rotation axes 54 to 57 are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram (see FIGS. 4(b), 5(b), 6(b), and the like).

[0062] It should be noted that the first link 26 may employ other link mechanisms (for example, a three-bar link mechanism, a five-bar link mechanism, etc.).

[0063] <About the second link> The second link 27 constitutes the "link" in the claims, and is a mechanism configured to be able to operate when a force (load) is applied. The second link 27 includes a pressed link 67, an opposing link 68, a link arm 69, and a link plate 70, and is provided so as to surround the outside of the pipe portion 45 of the float shaft 24. The components 67 to 70 of the second link 27 are molded from, for example, resin or metal (for example, stainless steel).

[0064] The above-mentioned components 67 to 70 of the second link 27 are components having the same configuration as the pressed link 50, opposing link 51, link arm 52, and link plate 53 of the first link 26, and are configured to be linearly symmetrical with the first link 26.

[0065] The pressed link 67 has a rotation shaft 71 formed at one longitudinal end thereof and a rotation shaft 72 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof. The opposing link 68 has a rotation shaft 73 formed at one longitudinal end thereof and a rotation shaft 74 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof. The link arm 69 has a rotation bearing hole 75 formed at one longitudinal end thereof and a rotation bearing hole 76 formed at the other longitudinal end thereof, and further has a retaining pin insertion hole 77 formed in approximately the middle portion thereof in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] The pivotal bearing hole 75 is formed so that the pivotal shaft 71 of the pressed link 67 can be rotatably connected thereto, the pivotal bearing hole 76 is formed so that the pivotal shaft 73 of the opposing link 68 can be rotatably connected thereto, and further, the retaining pin insertion hole 77 is formed so that the retaining pin 28 can be inserted therethrough.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(c), etc., the link plate 70 has an insertion ring portion 78 and an arm portion 79 formed on the underside of the insertion ring portion 78. The insertion ring portion 78 has a rotary bearing hole 80 formed at one end and a rotary bearing hole 81 formed at the other end. The rotary bearing hole 80 is formed so that the rotary shaft 72 of the pressed link 67 can be rotatably connected thereto, and the rotary bearing hole 81 is formed so that the rotary shaft 74 of the opposing link 68 can be rotatably connected thereto.

[0068] The arm portion 79 is formed so as to be able to rotate the second ratchet 31 in conjunction with the second link 27 when the second link 27 is operated by being pressed. The arm portion 79 is formed in a substantially arc shape, with one end in the length direction formed as a push-side arm 82 and the other end in the length direction formed as a pull-side arm 83. The push-side arm 82 is formed so as to be able to press against teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31, which will be described later, and the pull-side arm 83 is formed so as to be able to engage the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second link 27 employs a four-joint link mechanism, and is configured so that when the rotation axes 71 to 74, which are adjacent joints, are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram (see FIG. 7(b) and the like). In addition, when the second link 27 is in operation and when the second link 27 is not in operation, when the rotation axes 71 to 74 are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram (see FIG. 7(b), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 9(b), and the like).

[0070] It should be noted that the second link 27 may employ other link mechanisms (for example, a three-bar link mechanism, a five-bar link mechanism, etc.).

[0071] <About the retaining pin> The retaining pin 28 is a rod-shaped member that is formed so as to be insertable into the retaining pin insertion hole 60 of the link arm 52 and the retaining pin insertion hole 77 of the link arm 69 .

[0072] <About the pair of retaining pin holders> The pair of holding pin holders 29 are arranged one above the other and are attached to one end and the other end of the holding pin 28 in the longitudinal direction, thereby being able to hold the holding pin 28 .

[0073] <Regarding the first and second ratchets> 4(b) and 7(c), the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are formed in the shape of inverted gear rings, with their insides formed so as to be able to fit onto the outer surface of the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24, and are fixed to the valve body 22 via the float shaft 24 (detailed explanation will be omitted, but the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are provided with recesses formed so as to be able to fit into protrusions provided on the outer surface of the tube portion 45, for example). Therefore, the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are configured to be able to rotate integrally with the valve body 22 in the water discharge mode switching means 12.

[0074] Teeth 84 are provided at equal intervals around the periphery of the first ratchet 30, and teeth 85 are provided at equal intervals around the periphery of the second ratchet 31. The teeth 84, 85 are provided at 45° intervals around the central axis of each of the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31.

[0075] <Regarding the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion> The first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 constitute the "pressing portion" in the claims and are so-called push buttons. When the water discharge mode switching means 12 is housed in the neck portion 14 of the shower head cover 8, the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are inserted into the pressing portion insertion hole 16 on the outer surface of the neck portion 14, and are positioned so that when the user holds the grip portion 2 with one hand, they can be pressed by the fingers of the same hand.

[0076] The first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are provided adjacent to each other, and when pressed, the first pressing portion 32 causes the first link 26 to operate, and when pressed, the second pressing portion 33 causes the second link 27 to operate.

[0077] <About the first and second springs> The first spring 34 and the second spring 35 are so-called helical springs, which correspond to the "elastic body" in the claims. In this embodiment, the first spring 34 and the second spring 35 are used as the "elastic body", but this is not limiting and other elastic members (for example, elastic members made of rubber) may also be used.

[0078] The first spring 34 is arranged so that when the first pressing portion 32 is pressed and the first link 26 operates, the first spring 34 compresses and then restores its original position, thereby operating the first link 26 to return to the original position before the pressing. Furthermore, the second spring 35 is arranged so that when the second pressing portion 33 is pressed and the second link 27 operates, the second spring 35 compresses and then restores its original position, thereby operating the second link 27 to return to the original position before the pressing.

[0079] <Regarding bias springs, U-packings, and packing gland components> When the water discharger 1 having the above configuration is assembled, the bias spring 36 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the second bayonet 6, the U-packing 37 is provided so as to make the space between the lower end of the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24 and the second bayonet 6 watertight, and the packing retainer member 38 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24 and is provided so as to press the bias spring 36 from above and to be able to press the U-packing 37.

[0080] <How to operate the water dispenser> Next, a method of operating the water discharger 1 will be described with reference to Figs. In this embodiment, the methods of operating the water dispenser 1 include an operation method in which the phase of the valve body 22 is changed by rotating the valve body 22 in a forward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "forward operation method"), and an operation method in which the phase of the valve body 22 is changed by rotating the valve body 22 in a direction opposite to the forward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse direction") (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse operation method").

[0081] The "forward direction" is the "clockwise direction" in this embodiment and corresponds to the "first direction" in the claims, and the "reverse direction" is the "counterclockwise direction" in this embodiment and corresponds to the "second direction" in the claims. Each operation method will be explained below.

[0082] <How to operate the valve disc in the forward direction> First, a method for operating the valve body 22 in the normal direction will be described with reference to FIGS. In Figures 4 and 5, when a user presses the first pressing portion 32 with his or her finger, the pressed link 50 of the first link 26 moves in the direction of arrow F1 shown in Figure 5(b), and the first ratchet 30 rotates in conjunction with the first link 26.

[0083] 5(b), the push-side arm 65 of the arm portion 62 presses against the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30, and at the same time, the pull-side arm 66 of the arm portion 62 pulls against the teeth 84, thereby rotating the first ratchet 30 in the forward direction (the direction of arrow F2). The positional relationship between the pressing and pulling is such that they face each other across the central axis of the first ratchet 30, so transmission loss of the operating force is extremely small.

[0084] Due to the above rotation, the valve element 22, which is fixed to the first ratchet 30 via the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24, rotates approximately 45° in the normal direction, thereby changing the phase of the valve element 22. Note that Fig. 5 shows the state after the first pressing portion 32 has been pressed three times in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when the first pressing portion 32 is pressed and the first link 26 operates, the first spring 34 becomes compressed (see Fig. 5(a)).

[0085] Thereafter, by releasing the pressure of the first pressing portion 32 in Fig. 5, the first spring 34 returns to its original state from the compressed state as shown in Fig. 6(a), and the pressed link 50 of the first link 26 operates to return to the position it was in before being pressed by the first pressing portion 32. At this time, the arm portion 62 operates to rotate counterclockwise in conjunction with the pressed link 50, and the tooth 84 of the first ratchet 30 that is adjacent in the counterclockwise direction to the tooth 84 that was engaged by the pull-side arm 66 in Fig. 5(b) is engaged by the pull-side arm 66, and the tooth 84 that is adjacent in the counterclockwise direction to the tooth 84 that was pressed by the push-side arm 65 is engaged by the push-side arm 65 (see Fig. 6(b)).

[0086] As a result of the above, the normal rotation of the valve element 22 is completed, and the state in which the phase of the valve element 22 has changed (that is, the water discharge mode has changed) is maintained.

[0087] <How to reverse the valve disc> First, a method for operating the valve body 22 in the normal direction will be described with reference to FIGS. In Figures 7 and 8, when the user presses the second pressing portion 33 with his or her finger, the pressed link 67 of the second link 27 moves in the direction of arrow F3 shown in Figure 8(b), and the second ratchet 31 rotates in conjunction with the second link 27.

[0088] 8(c), the push-side arm 82 of the arm portion 79 presses against the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31, and at the same time, the pull-side arm 83 of the arm portion 79 pulls against the teeth 85, thereby rotating the second ratchet 31 in the reverse direction (the direction of arrow F4). The positional relationship between the pressing and pulling is such that they face each other across the central axis of the second ratchet 31, so transmission loss of the operating force is extremely small.

[0089] Due to the above rotation, the valve element 22, which is fixed to the second ratchet 31 via the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24, rotates approximately 45° in the reverse direction, thereby changing the phase of the valve element 22. When the second pressing portion 33 is pressed and the second link 27 operates, the second spring 35 is compressed (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0090] Thereafter, by releasing the pressure of the first pressing portion 32 in Fig. 8, the second spring 35 returns to its original state from the compressed state as shown in Fig. 9(a), and the pressed link 67 of the second link 27 operates to return to the position it was in before being pressed by the second pressing portion 33. At this time, in conjunction with the pressed link 67, the arm portion 79 operates to rotate clockwise, and the tooth 85 of the second ratchet 31 that is adjacent in the clockwise direction to the tooth 85 that was locked by the pull-side arm 83 in Fig. 8(c) is locked by the pull-side arm 83, and the tooth 85 that is adjacent in the clockwise direction to the tooth 85 that was pressed by the push-side arm 82 is locked by the push-side arm 82 (see Fig. 9(c)).

[0091] As a result of the above, the reverse rotation of the valve element 22 is completed, and the state in which the phase of the valve element 22 has changed (that is, the water discharge mode has changed) is maintained.

[0092] <Actions and Effects Obtained by This Embodiment> According to this embodiment having the above configuration, when first link 26 or second link 27 operates by pressing first pressing portion 32 or second pressing portion 33, valve body 22 operates in conjunction with first link 26 or second link 27 and the phase of valve body 22 changes, switching the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward water discharger main body 9, and water is discharged from water discharger 3 in a water discharge mode that corresponds to the flow path switched by valve body 22. As a result, the water discharge mode can be switched with a simpler operation than before, and it is possible to reduce the loss of the operating load involved.

[0093] More specifically, by pressing the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30 with the push-side arm 65 of the arm portion 62 and simultaneously pulling the teeth 84 with the pull-side arm 66 of the arm portion 62, the first ratchet 30 can be rotated in the forward direction (see Figure 5(b)), and by pressing the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31 with the push-side arm 82 of the arm portion 79 and simultaneously pulling the teeth 85 with the pull-side arm 83 of the arm portion 79, the second ratchet 31 can be rotated in the reverse direction (see Figure 8(c)).The positional relationship between the pressing and pulling is such that the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are opposed to each other across their respective central axes, making it possible to extremely minimize transmission loss of operating force.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first link 26 or the second link 27 operates due to the pressing of the first pressing portion 32 or the second pressing portion 33, the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31 rotates in conjunction with the first link 26 or the second link 27, and the valve body 22 rotates integrally with the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31, thereby changing the phase of the valve body 22, making it easier to change the phase of the valve body 22 accurately.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first link 26 or the second link 27 operates due to pressure from the first pressing portion 32 or the second pressing portion 33, the arm portion 62 or the arm portion 79 rotates the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31 in conjunction with the first link 26 or the second link 27, thereby making it possible to efficiently apply force to rotate the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first spring 34 is attached to the first link 26, and the second spring 35 is attached to the second link 27. Therefore, when the first pressing portion 32 or the second pressing portion 33 is pressed and the first link 26 or the second link 27 operates, the first spring 34 or the second spring 35 compresses and then restores, thereby operating the first link 26 or the second link 27 so that the first link 26 or the second link 27 returns to its original position, and therefore the first link 26 or the second link 27 can be returned to its original position without being pushed back.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first link 26 and the second link 27 are four-section links, and when the rotation axes 54 to 57 of the first link 26 and the rotation axes 71 to 74 of the second link 27 are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram, which increases the degree of freedom of the first link 26 and the second link 27.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operating, and when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is not operating, if the rotation axes 54 to 57 of the first link 26 and the rotation axes 71 to 74 of the second link 27 are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram, which makes it easier for the first link 26 and the second link 27 to perform the specified operations accurately.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first link 26 and the second link 27 are provided so as to surround the outside of the tube portion 45 of the float shaft 24, so that the size of the tube 45 can be reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 rotate in opposite directions, so that when the number of times the first pressing portion 32 is pressed is the same as the number of times the second pressing portion 33 is pressed, the phase of the valve body 22 can be returned to the state before operation. In other words, the water discharge mode can be returned to the water discharge mode before operation.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are provided adjacent to each other, which allows the user to easily press them.

[0102] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect of improving operability compared to the prior art.

[0103] <Modifications of the present invention> The configurations described in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, and are not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments.

[0104] That is, in the above embodiment, the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are employed as members constituting the "pressing portion" in the claims, but instead, a configuration employing a press button 1 may be adopted. Here, an example of the press button is one configured to operate the first link 26 and the second link 27 by pressing one end and the other end of the press button like a seesaw around a fulcrum. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1…Water dispenser 2...Gripping part 3...Water outlet 4...Grip cover 5...1st Bayonet 6...2nd Bayonet 7...Filter 8...Shower head cover 9...Water outlet body 10...Sprinkler plate 11...Connection 12...Water discharge mode switching means 13...Head 14...Neck 15...Opening 16...Pressing part insertion hole 17…Water discharge surface 18...Water hole 19…Center wall 20...Bulkhead 21...Branch channel 22...Valve body 23...Backflow prevention packing 24...Float shaft 25...Fixing nut 26...1st link (link) 27...Second link (link) 28...Retaining pin (retaining part) 29...Retaining pin holder 30...1st ratchet 31...Second ratchet 32...First pressing portion (pressing portion) 33...Second pressing portion (pressing portion) 34...First spring (elastic body) 35...Second spring (elastic body) 36...Bias spring 37...U packing 38...Packing retainer 39...Outer wall 40...Upper wall 41, 42...Water vents 43...Bolt section 44...Connection part 45...Pipe section 46…Waterway 47...Waterproof packing 48...Nut 49...Through hole 50, 67...Pressure link 51, 68...opposite links 52, 69...Link arms 53, 70...Link board 54, 55, 56, 57, 71, 72, 73, 74... Rotating shaft 58, 59, 63, 64, 75, 76, 80, 81... Rotating bearing holes 60, 77...Holding pin insertion hole 61, 78...Insertion ring part 62, 79...Arm section 65, 82...Push side arm 66, 83...Pull arm 84, 85...teeth

Claims

1. a water discharge unit that discharges water; a link that operates when a force is applied; a pressing portion that causes the link to perform an operation when pressed; a holding portion that holds the link; When the pressing portion is pressed to cause the link to operate, a valve body that operates in conjunction with the link and changes phase to switch the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge portion, The water discharger is configured to discharge water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body.

2. a rotatable ratchet fixed to the valve body; The valve body is rotatable integrally with the ratchet, The water discharger according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, and the phase of the valve body changes as the valve body rotates.

3. The water discharger according to claim 2 , further comprising an arm portion that rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates.

4. an elastic body attached to the link; The water dispenser according to claim 2, wherein when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, the elastic body compresses and then restores its original position, thereby operating the link so that the link returns to its original position.

5. The water discharger according to claim 1, wherein the link is a four-bar link, and when adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, a parallelogram is formed.

6. The water dispenser of claim 5, wherein when the link is in operation and when the link is not in operation, if adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, a parallelogram is formed.

7. The water discharger according to claim 1, wherein the link is provided so as to surround the outside of a pipe through which hot and cold water flows.

8. the link comprises a first link and a second link, the pressing portion comprises a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion, The ratchet includes a first ratchet and a second ratchet, the first pressing portion causes the first link to perform an operation when pressed; When the first pressing portion is pressed and the first link operates, the first ratchet rotates in conjunction with the first link, and the valve body rotates in a first direction, thereby changing the phase; the second pressing portion causes the second link to perform an operation when pressed; The water dispenser described in claim 2, wherein the second ratchet rotates in conjunction with the second link when the second pressing portion is pressed and the second link operates, and the phase changes when the valve body rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

9. The water discharger according to claim 8 , wherein the first pressing portion is provided adjacent to the second pressing portion.

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