Valve unit and faucet

Abstract

To reduce the size.SOLUTION: A valve unit 20 comprises a first cylindrical member 31 disposed within a pipe 40, and a second cylindrical member 32 disposed within the first cylindrical member 31. The valve unit 20 also comprises an outer seal member accommodating groove 71 that is recessed into the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31, and an inner seal member accommodating groove 72 that is recessed into the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32. In the valve unit 20, the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 are arranged spaced apart in the axial direction thereof. Furthermore, the valve unit 20 comprises a gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 provided in the first cylindrical member 31 including an axial position between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72. In the valve unit 20, within the axial range in which the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided, the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 gradually decreases from the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve unit and a water faucet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a valve unit having a fixed barrel disposed inside a pipe and a rotating barrel disposed inside the fixed barrel, such as the water stop valve shown in Patent Document 1. That is, such a valve unit is configured to be able to change the water flow state of the pipe based on the relative rotation of the rotating barrel with respect to the fixed barrel. Furthermore, an outer seal member fitted to the outer periphery of the fixed barrel seals the gap between the fixed barrel and the pipe watertight, and an inner seal member fitted to the outer periphery of the rotating barrel seals the gap watertight. Thus, while ensuring watertightness, the water flow state of the pipe can be changed by rotating the rotating barrel via an operating handle disposed outside the pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-073861 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In addition, in faucets equipped with the above-mentioned valve units, the cylindrical member that constitutes the valve unit must have a sufficient thickness from the viewpoint of reliability. Therefore, the sealing structure of the valve unit, including the seal member accommodating groove recessed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical member, is an important issue in miniaturizing the valve unit and faucet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of the valve unit and faucet that solve the above problems will be described. Aspect 1 is a valve unit comprising a fixed barrel arranged in a pipe, a rotating barrel arranged within the fixed barrel, an outer seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the fixed barrel, and an inner seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the rotating barrel, wherein the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove are arranged at a distance from each other in the axial direction of the fixed barrel, and the valve unit further comprises an inner diameter gradually changing section provided on the fixed barrel including an axial position between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove, the inner diameter of the fixed barrel gradually decreasing from the inner seal member accommodating groove side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove side in the axial direction of the fixed barrel.

[0006] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to easily reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove while ensuring a sufficient thickness of the fixed barrel, thereby achieving a compact size while ensuring high reliability.

[0007] A second aspect is the valve unit according to the first aspect, wherein the gradually changing inner diameter portion is a tapered surface provided on the inner periphery of the fixed barrel. According to the above configuration, the inner diameter of the fixed barrel is continuously reduced, which makes it easier to reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove while ensuring a sufficient thickness of the fixed barrel.

[0008] A third aspect is the valve unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the gradually changing inner diameter portion is provided outside a thickness compensation region of the fixed barrel relative to the inner surface of the outer seal member accommodating groove. In other words, by positioning the inner periphery of the fixed barrel, including the gradually changing inner diameter portion, outside the thickness compensation region, a sufficient thickness of the fixed barrel can be ensured. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to more easily reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove while ensuring a sufficient thickness of the fixed barrel.

[0009] A fourth aspect is the valve unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the outer seal member accommodating groove and the gradually changing inner diameter portion overlap in the axial direction of the fixed barrel. According to the above configuration, the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove can be further reduced while ensuring a sufficient thickness of the fixed barrel.

[0010] A fifth aspect is a faucet including the valve unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. Aspect 6 is a faucet comprising: a first tubular member having a step on its outer periphery; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member; a seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the second tubular member; the seal member accommodating groove disposed at an axial position where the outer diameter of the first tubular member becomes larger across the step; and a gradually changing inner diameter portion disposed on the first tubular member including an axial position between the step and the seal member accommodating groove, whereby the inner diameter of the first tubular member gradually decreases in the axial direction from the seal member accommodating groove side toward the step side of the first tubular member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a reduction in size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the faucet. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the faucet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (VV cross-section). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the valve unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet (cross-section VIII-VIII). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the faucet. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first cylindrical member that constitutes the fixed barrel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of a valve unit and a faucet will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured as a stop valve 10 equipped with an operating handle 7 provided at one end of a branch pipe 5 having a substantially T-shaped outer shape.

[0014] <Stop valve> More specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the branch pipe 5 has a threaded portion 12 provided at the first end 11a of its main pipe 11. The branch pipe 5 also has a threaded portion 14 provided at the tip 13a of its branch pipe 13. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, these threaded portions 12, 14 are used to connect a water supply pipe 15 to the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5, and a water delivery pipe 16 to the branch pipe 13 of the branch pipe 5. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the water supply pipe 15 and the water delivery pipe 16 are connected via the branch pipe 5.

[0015] Specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a substantially annular feed washer 17 is attached to the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 in a manner that fits over the first end 11a where the threaded portion 12 is provided. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured to be installed in a state where the feed washer 17 provided on the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 abuts against a wall portion (not shown) through which the water supply pipe 15 is inserted.

[0016] The faucet 1 of this embodiment is installed with the branch pipe section 13 of its branch pipe 5 facing downward (downward in Figures 1 to 3). Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, an emergency water shutoff device 18 having a check valve (not shown) is connected to the tip 13a of this branch pipe section 13. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the water supply pipe 16 is connected to the branch pipe section 13 of the branch pipe 5 via this emergency water shutoff device 18.

[0017] More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a valve unit 20 arranged within the main pipe section 11 of the branch pipe 5. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the valve unit 20 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The valve unit 20 also has an operating shaft 21 that protrudes in the axial direction. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the valve unit 20 is arranged coaxially within the main pipe section 11 of the branch pipe 5. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the operating handle 7 is fixed to the operating shaft 21 of the valve unit 20 that protrudes from the second end 11b of the main pipe section 11.

[0018] Specifically, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an O-ring 22 fitted onto the outer periphery 20sa of the valve unit 20 near the second end 20b of the valve unit 20, from which the operating shaft 21 projects in the axial direction. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when the valve unit 20 is disposed within the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5, the O-ring 22 is interposed between the inner periphery 11sb of the main pipe 11 and the outer periphery 20sa of the valve unit 20. More specifically, the O-ring 22 is disposed between the inner periphery 11sb of the main pipe 11 and the outer periphery 20sa of the valve unit 20, in a state where it is compressed by these two. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is thus configured so that the O-ring 22 serves as a seal member 23, watertightly sealing the second end 11b of the main pipe 11, from which the operating shaft 21 of the valve unit 20 projects.

[0019] Furthermore, the branch pipe 5 of this embodiment has a threaded portion 24 provided at the second end 11b of its main pipe portion 11. Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is provided with a nut 25 that is threaded onto this threaded portion 24. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the axial position of the valve unit 20 arranged in the main pipe portion 11 of the branch pipe 5 is fixed based on the fastening force of this nut 25.

[0020] That is, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, when inserted into the ring-shaped nut 25, the operating shaft 21 of the valve unit 20 disposed within the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 protrudes from the second end 11b of this main pipe 11. Furthermore, with the faucet 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to operate the valve unit 20 disposed within the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 via the operating handle 7 fixed to the operating shaft 21. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment functions as a stop valve 10 that can adjust the flow of water flowing from the water supply pipe 15 connected via the branch pipe 5 into the water delivery pipe 16.

[0021] <Valve unit> As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the valve unit 20 of this embodiment includes a first cylindrical member 31 that forms the outer periphery 20sa of the valve unit 20, and a second cylindrical member 32 that is disposed within the first cylindrical member 31. Specifically, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical member 33 that is coaxially disposed within the first cylindrical member 31, which has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. In addition, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, a large-diameter portion 34 that has substantially the same outer diameter as the cylindrical member 33 is provided at the base end 21b of the operating shaft 21. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 34 of the operating shaft 21 is coaxially fixed to a second end 33b of the cylindrical member 33 that is disposed within the first cylindrical member 31. Thus, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the second cylindrical member 32 is formed by the cylindrical member 33 and the large-diameter portion 34 of the operating shaft 21, which rotate integrally.

[0022] In the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the second end 31b of the first cylindrical member 31 constituting the second end 20b of the valve unit 20 is provided with an end wall portion 36 having an insertion hole 35 for the operating shaft 21. That is, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the tip end 21a of the operating shaft 21 disposed outside the first cylindrical member 31 protrudes in the axial direction through the insertion hole 35. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, a clip 37 is fitted to the operating shaft 21 disposed outside the first cylindrical member 31 through the insertion hole 35, while fitting along the end wall portion 36 of the first cylindrical member 31. In the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the clip 37 restricts axial movement of the operating shaft 21, thereby fixing the axial position of the second cylindrical member 32 within the first cylindrical member 31.

[0023] In addition, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, when the valve unit 20 is placed inside the piping 40 of the faucet 1, the first cylindrical member 31 forms the fixed cylinder 41. The second cylindrical member 32, which is coaxially placed inside the first cylindrical member 31, forms the rotating cylinder 42.

[0024] That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, with the valve unit 20 coaxially arranged within the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 that constitutes the piping 40 of this faucet 1, the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31 faces the inner periphery 11sb of this main pipe 11. In this state, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured so that relative rotation of the first cylindrical member 31 with respect to the main pipe 11 is restricted.

[0025] Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the second cylindrical member 32, which is coaxially arranged within the first cylindrical member 31, is allowed to rotate relative to the first cylindrical member 31. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured so that its operating state, that is, the state of water flow through the valve unit 20, changes based on the relative rotation of the rotating cylinder 42 with respect to the fixed cylinder 41.

[0026] 5 and 7, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the first cylindrical member 31 has a through hole 43 formed in its substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 31c. Similarly, the cylindrical member 33 constituting the second cylindrical member 32 also has a through hole 44 formed in its substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 33c. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31 has a larger hole shape than the through hole 44 of the second cylindrical member 32. In the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the first cylindrical member 31 and the second cylindrical member 32 have a relative rotational position such that the through hole 44 of the second cylindrical member 32 faces the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0027] In the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the first end 31a of the first cylindrical member 31 and the first end 32a of the second cylindrical member 32 form an open end 45 of the valve unit 20. Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, when the valve unit 20 is placed in the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5, the open end 45 of the valve unit 20 faces the first end 11a (right side in Figures 5 and 7) of the main pipe 11 that is connected to the water supply pipe 15. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is therefore configured so that water in the main pipe 11 flows into the valve unit 20 from the first end 20a, which is configured as the open end 45.

[0028] 5 and 6, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, through holes 43b and 44b are also provided in the first cylindrical member 31 and the second cylindrical member 32 at positions approximately 180 degrees circumferentially away from the through holes 43 and 44. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is thus configured to maintain a pressure balance within the piping 40 in which the valve unit 20 is arranged.

[0029] 5 to 7, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, as described above, an O-ring 22 is fitted onto the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31 that constitutes the outer periphery 20sa of the valve unit 20. Furthermore, a similar O-ring 46 is fitted onto the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32. In the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the O-ring 46 fitted onto the second cylindrical member 32 also functions as the seal member 23, similar to the O-ring 22 fitted onto the first cylindrical member 31.

[0030] Specifically, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the O-ring 46 is fitted to the second end 32b of the second cylindrical member 32 formed by the large diameter portion 34 of the operating shaft 21 fixed coaxially to the cylindrical member 33. Furthermore, the O-ring 46 fitted to the second cylindrical member 32 is interposed in a crushed state between the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32 and the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31. Thus, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the O-ring 46 serves as the seal member 23 to watertightly seal the second end 31b side of the first cylindrical member 31, where the insertion hole 35 of the operating shaft 21 is provided.

[0031] The valve unit 20 of this embodiment also includes a seal member 47 and a frame member 48 that are fitted into a through hole 43 provided in the peripheral wall 31c of the first cylindrical member 31. Specifically, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31 has a substantially rectangular hole shape. Furthermore, the seal member 47 has a ring shape that fits snugly inside the through hole 43. The frame member 48 is configured to fit snugly inside the seal member 47 and be fitted into the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0032] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when the valve unit 20 is positioned within the main pipe portion 11 of the branch pipe 5, a sealing member 47 fitted into the through hole 43 of the first tubular member 31 is interposed between the inner circumference 11sb of the main pipe portion 11 and the outer circumference 32sa of the second tubular member 32.

[0033] Specifically, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31 constituting the fixed cylinder 41, more specifically, the outlet 49 formed by the frame member 48 fitted into this through hole 43, is positioned so as to face the branch pipe 13 opening into the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, in this state, the seal member 47 fitted into the through hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31 abuts against the inner periphery 11sb of the main pipe 11, surrounding the entire periphery of the position where the branch pipe 13 of the branch pipe 5 opens into the main pipe 11. Furthermore, the seal member 47 is interposed between the inner periphery 11sb of the main pipe 11 and the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32 in a crushed state. As a result, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the sealing member 47 can watertightly seal the area around the position where the branch pipe section 13 of the branch pipe 5 opens into the main pipe section 11.

[0034] <Operating the faucet> 1 to 3, 5, and 7, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, rotating the operating handle 7 provided at the second end 11b of the main pipe 11, which is one end of the branch pipe 5, rotates the operating shaft 21 of the valve unit 20 fixed to the operating handle 7. Furthermore, rotating the second tubular member 32 of the valve unit 20, which is provided integrally with the operating shaft 21, changes the relative rotational position of the second tubular member 32 as the rotatable cylinder 42 with respect to the first tubular member 31 as the fixed cylinder 41. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, in the valve unit 20 arranged in the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5, the relative position of the through-hole 44 provided in the second tubular member 32 is changed with respect to the through-hole 43 of the first tubular member 31 facing the branch pipe 13.

[0035] 8, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment has an engagement protrusion 51 that protrudes radially outward and is provided on the operating shaft 21. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 51 of the operating shaft 21 is disposed in an engagement recess 52 that has a generally arc-shaped cross section and is provided on the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31. This makes it possible for the valve unit 20 of this embodiment to rotate the operating shaft 21 within the range in which the engagement protrusion 51 can move within the engagement recess 52.

[0036] Specifically, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the operating angle of the operating shaft 21, i.e., the angular range over which the second cylindrical member 32, which is integral with the operating shaft 21, can rotate relative to the first cylindrical member 31, is set to approximately 90 degrees. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, within the relative rotation range allowed for the second cylindrical member 32 configured as the rotatable cylinder 42, there is a relative rotation position in which the through-hole 44 of the second cylindrical member 32 faces the through-hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, within the relative rotation range allowed for the second cylindrical member 32, the through-hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31 can be disengaged from the relative rotation position facing the through-hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31. This allows the faucet 1 of this embodiment to use the valve unit 20 as a stop valve 60.

[0037] 5 and 7, the valve unit 20 of this embodiment is in an "open" state when it is in a relative rotation position where the through-hole 44 of the second cylindrical member 32 faces the through-hole 43 of the first cylindrical member 31. In other words, the inside and outside of the valve unit 20 are in a state of communication at two locations: the overlapping through-holes 43, 44, and the first end 20a configured as an open end 45. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is thus configured to allow water to flow through the piping 40 via the valve unit 20.

[0038] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, by rotating the operating handle 7 counterclockwise in Figure 3, the valve unit 20 in the branch pipe 5 is set to the "open" state near the end of the relative rotation range allowed for the operating shaft 21, which rotates integrally with the operating handle 7. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that water that has flowed from the water supply pipe 15 into the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5 flows out through the valve unit 20 located in the main pipe 11 to the branch pipe 13 of the branch pipe 5 to which the water supply pipe 16 is connected.

[0039] In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, by rotating the operating handle 7 clockwise in Figure 3, the valve unit 20 in the branch pipe 5 is brought into a "closed" state near the end of the relative rotation range allowed for the operating shaft 21, which rotates integrally with the operating handle 7. In other words, when the through-hole 43 of the first tubular member 31 moves away from the relative rotation position facing the through-hole 43 of the first tubular member 31, one side of the water passage connecting the inside and outside of the valve unit 20 is closed. In this way, the faucet 1 of this embodiment blocks water flow through the pipe 40 via the valve unit 20. In other words, by "stopping water," water in the main pipe 11 flowing from the water supply pipe 15 can be prevented from flowing out to the branch pipe 13 of the branch pipe 5 to which the water supply pipe 16 is connected.

[0040] <Valve unit seal structure> 5, 6, and 9, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, annular grooves 61, 62 extending over the entire circumference are recessed in the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31 and the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32, respectively. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured to accommodate, in each of these annular grooves 61, 62, an O-ring 22 fitted onto the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31 and an O-ring 46 fitted onto the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32, respectively.

[0041] Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment, in its axial direction (the left - right direction in FIG. 9), the annular groove 61 on the side of the first cylindrical member 31 that constitutes the outer seal member accommodation groove 71 and the annular groove 62 on the side of the second cylindrical member 32 that constitutes the inner seal member accommodation groove 72 are arranged apart from each other. That is, by shifting these axial positions, the inner diameter R1 of the first cylindrical member 31 at the formation position of the outer seal member accommodation groove 71 can be set smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the first cylindrical member 31 at the arrangement position of the inner seal member accommodation groove 72 (R1 < R2). And the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment is configured to reduce its diameter while securing a sufficient thickness D1 for the peripheral wall 31c of the first cylindrical member 31 at the formation position of the outer seal member accommodation groove 71 by this means.

[0042] In addition, in the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment, the second cylindrical member 32 integrally formed with the operation shaft 21 as described above is assembled into the first cylindrical member 31 from the side of the first end portion 20a configured as the opening end 45 (see FIG. 6). Based on this point, in the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment, the inner seal member accommodation groove 72 of the second cylindrical member 32 is arranged closer to the first end portion 20a side (the right side in FIG. 9) in its axial direction than the outer seal member accommodation groove 71 of the first cylindrical member 31. And in the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment, by this means, the outer periphery �2sa of the second cylindrical member 32 does not interfere with the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31 even at the formation position of the outer seal member accommodation groove 71.

[0043] <Inner diameter gradual change portion> The valve unit 20 of this embodiment also includes a gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 provided in the first cylindrical member 31, including an axial position between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 that are spaced apart in the axial direction as described above. That is, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 gradually decreases from the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 side (from right to left in FIG. 9 ) within the axial range in which this gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided. The first cylindrical member 31 of this embodiment is configured so that the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 and the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 overlap in the axial direction.

[0044] More specifically, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is formed by a tapered surface 81 provided on the inner circumference 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31. As a result, the first cylindrical member 31 of this embodiment is configured so that its inner diameter R continuously decreases from "R2" at the position where the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 is disposed to "R1" at the position where the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 is formed.

[0045] Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, an inner tapered surface 82 is provided on the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32 constituting the rotating cylinder 42 at a position facing the tapered surface 81 of the first cylindrical member 31. That is, in the second cylindrical member 32 of this embodiment, the outer diameter Rb of the first cylindrical member 31 continuously decreases from the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 side within the axial range where this inner tapered surface 82 is provided. This makes it possible for the valve unit 20 of this embodiment to set the outer diameter Rb of the second cylindrical member 32 to be approximately equal on both axial sides of the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 while reducing the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72.

[0046] <Thickness compensation area> 9 and 10 , in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, a thickness compensation region α is set for the first cylindrical member 31 based on the inner surface 71s of the outer seal member accommodating groove 71. That is, a lower limit value D0 is set in advance for the first cylindrical member 31 to ensure a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31. Furthermore, in the valve unit 20 of this embodiment, a distance corresponding to this lower limit value D0, a position spaced from the inner surface 71s of the outer seal member accommodating groove 71, defines the boundary of the thickness compensation region α set for the first cylindrical member 31. The valve unit 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31, including its gradually changing inner diameter portion 80, is located outside the thickness compensation region α.

[0047] <Operation of this embodiment> That is, by shortening the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72, the length of the valve unit 20 can be shortened, but the thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31 tends to be thin at the axial position between them. However, by providing the above-described gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 in the first cylindrical member 31, the thinning of the first cylindrical member 31 caused by shortening the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 is mitigated.

[0048] <Effects of this embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The valve unit 20 comprises a first cylindrical member 31 that is disposed within the piping 40 of the faucet 1 to form the fixed cylinder 41, and a second cylindrical member 32 that is disposed within the first cylindrical member 31 to form the rotatable cylinder 42. The valve unit 20 also comprises an outer seal member accommodating groove 71 recessed in the outer periphery 31sa of the first cylindrical member 31, and an inner seal member accommodating groove 72 recessed in the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32. In the valve unit 20, the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 are spaced apart in the axial direction. The valve unit 20 also comprises a gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 provided in the first cylindrical member 31, including an axial position between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72. In the valve unit 20, in the axial range where this gradually changing inner diameter section 80 is provided, the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 gradually decreases from the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 side.

[0049] According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 while ensuring a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31. This makes it possible to achieve a reduction in size while ensuring high reliability.

[0050] (2) The gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is configured by a tapered surface 81 provided on the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31. According to the above configuration, the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 continuously decreases, which makes it easier to reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 while ensuring a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0051] (3) A thickness compensation region α is set in the first cylindrical member 31 based on the inner surface 71s of the outer seal member accommodating groove 71. The gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided outside this thickness compensation region α.

[0052] That is, by positioning the inner periphery 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31, including the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80, outside the thickness compensation region α, it is possible to ensure a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to more easily reduce the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 while ensuring a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0053] (4) The gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided at a position that overlaps with the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 in the axial direction. According to the above configuration, the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 can be further reduced while ensuring a sufficient thickness D of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0054] (5) The valve unit 20 has an inner tapered surface 82 provided on the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32 that constitutes the rotary cylinder 42 at a position facing the tapered surface 81 of the first cylindrical member 31.

[0055] According to the above configuration, it is possible to set the outer diameter Rb of the second cylindrical member 32 to be approximately equal on both axial sides of the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 while reducing the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72. This makes it possible to ensure a favorable watertight effect of the seal member 23 accommodated in the inner seal member accommodating groove 72.

[0056] <Another example> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 accommodate the O-rings 22 and 46, respectively, as the seal members 23. However, this is not limiting, and the configuration of the seal members 23 accommodated in the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 may be changed as desired, for example, to a so-called X-ring or U-packing.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is configured by a tapered surface 81 provided on the inner circumference 31sb of the first cylindrical member 31. However, the configuration of the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is not limited to this, and may be changed arbitrarily as long as the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 gradually decreases from the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 side, for example, by having a stepped cross-sectional shape.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the outer periphery 32sa of the second cylindrical member 32 also has an inner tapered surface 82 at a position facing the tapered surface 81 of the first cylindrical member 31. However, this is not limiting, and the shape of the outer periphery of the second cylindrical member 32 at the position facing the tapered surface 81 of the first cylindrical member 31 may be changed as desired.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided at a position that overlaps in the axial direction with the outer seal member accommodating groove 71. However, this is not limiting, and the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 may be configured not to overlap in the axial direction with the outer seal member accommodating groove 71.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the valve unit 20 is disposed within the main pipe 11 of the branch pipe 5, which has a generally T-shaped outer shape. By using this valve unit 20 as a stop valve 60, the faucet 1 functions as a stop valve 10. However, this is not limiting, and the configuration of the pipe 40 inside which the valve unit 20 is disposed may be modified as desired. Furthermore, the faucet 1 equipped with this valve unit 20 does not necessarily have to be a stop valve 10. The shape, function, etc. of the valve unit 20 may also be modified as desired to suit the function of the faucet 1 in which the valve unit 20 is disposed within the pipe 40.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the valve unit 20 has the first cylindrical member 31 that forms the outer periphery 20sa thereof as the fixed cylinder 41, and the second cylindrical member 32 disposed inside this first cylindrical member 31 as the rotating cylinder 42. However, this is not limiting, and the first cylindrical member 31 does not necessarily have to be the fixed cylinder 41. Furthermore, the second cylindrical member 32 does not necessarily have to be the rotating cylinder 42.

[0063] Furthermore, as long as the faucet 1 is configured to include a first cylindrical member 31 having an outer seal member accommodating groove 71 and disposed within the piping 40, and a second cylindrical member 32 having an inner seal member accommodating groove 72 and disposed within the first cylindrical member 31, these do not necessarily have to be configured to rotate relative to one another. Furthermore, as long as the faucet 1 is configured to include such a first cylindrical member 31 and second cylindrical member 32, these first cylindrical member 31 and second cylindrical member 32 do not necessarily have to be components of the valve unit 20.

[0064] Furthermore, in a configuration in which a step 90 is provided on the outer periphery 31sa of the first tubular member 31 to reduce its thickness D, a sealing structure may be applied that takes into account its positional relationship with the inner seal member accommodating groove 72 of the second tubular member 32, as in the above embodiment. For example, in the case of the faucet 1 of the above embodiment, the outer seal member accommodating groove 71 can be considered as the step 90 (see FIG. 9 ). However, the seal member 23 does not necessarily have to be disposed in the step 90. The function of the step 90 is optional, such as a configuration in which a separate member positioned radially outside the first tubular member 31 engages with the step 90. Furthermore, the shape of the step 90 does not necessarily have to be a groove shape with sidewalls on both axial sides, like the annular groove 61 in the above embodiment, and may be modified as desired.

[0065] That is, a seal member accommodating groove on the second cylindrical member 32 side, such as the inner seal member accommodating groove 72, is disposed at an axial position across the step 90 where the outer diameter Ra of the first cylindrical member 31 becomes larger (for example, the position on the right side in FIG. 9). Furthermore, a gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided in the first cylindrical member 31, including an axial position between the seal member accommodating groove and the step 90. In the axial range where the gradually changing inner diameter portion 80 is provided, it is sufficient that the inner diameter R of the first cylindrical member 31 gradually decreases from the seal member accommodating groove side toward the step 90 side.

[0066] <Additional Notes> Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) An inner tapered surface is provided on the outer periphery of the rotary barrel at a position facing the tapered surface of the fixed barrel.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the outer diameter of the second cylindrical member can be set to be approximately equal on both axial sides of the inner seal member accommodating groove while reducing the axial distance between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove, thereby ensuring a favorable watertight effect of the seal member accommodated in the inner seal member accommodating groove. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...faucet, 20...valve unit, 31...first tubular member, 31sa...outer circumference, 32...second tubular member, 32sa...outer circumference, 40...piping, 41...fixed cylinder, 42...rotating cylinder, 71...outer seal member accommodating groove, 72...inner seal member accommodating groove, 80...gradually changing inner diameter portion, R...inner diameter.

Claims

1. a fixed cylinder disposed within the piping; a rotating cylinder disposed within the fixed cylinder; an outer seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the fixed barrel; an inner seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder, the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction of the fixed barrel, a gradually changing inner diameter portion provided in the fixed barrel including an axial position between the outer seal member accommodating groove and the inner seal member accommodating groove, the inner diameter of the fixed barrel gradually decreasing from the inner seal member accommodating groove side toward the outer seal member accommodating groove side in the axial direction of the fixed barrel; Valve unit.

2. The gradually changing inner diameter portion is a tapered surface provided on the inner periphery of the fixed barrel. The valve unit according to claim 1 .

3. 2. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein the gradually changing inner diameter portion is provided outside a thickness compensation region of the fixed barrel relative to the inner surface of the outer seal member accommodating groove.

4. The outer seal member accommodating groove and the gradually changing inner diameter portion overlap in the axial direction of the fixed barrel. The valve unit according to claim 1 .

5. A faucet comprising the valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a first cylindrical member having a step on its outer periphery; a second cylindrical member disposed within the first cylindrical member; a seal member accommodating groove recessed in the outer periphery of the second cylindrical member; The seal member accommodating groove is disposed at an axial position where the outer diameter of the first cylindrical member becomes larger across the stepped portion, and A faucet comprising a gradually changing inner diameter portion provided on the first tubular member, including the axial position between the step portion and the seal member accommodating groove, in which the inner diameter of the first tubular member gradually decreases from the seal member accommodating groove side toward the step portion side in the axial direction of the first tubular member.

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