Faucet handle

Abstract

To provide a faucet handle capable of making a seam on a surface of a handle less noticeable.SOLUTION: A faucet handle 10 comprises a connecting member 41 fixed to an operation shaft 35 of a faucet 1, and a handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41 so as to cover an outer periphery of the connecting member 41. The faucet handle 10 further comprises a clip 61 as an engaging member 60 that engages with the connecting member 41 at a position where the handle cover 42 covers the connecting member 41. Engagement of the clip 61 with the connecting member 41 restricts relative movement in an axial direction of the operation shaft 35. Further, in this state, an engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42, which is disposed closer to a base end side of the operation shaft 35 than the clip 61, engages with the clip 61. Accordingly, the faucet handle 10 restricts relative movement of the handle cover 42 in a direction of detachment from the connecting member 41 along the operation shaft 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, there is a faucet handle in which a component such as a handle cover is fixed to an operating shaft by attaching a cap to the tip of the operating shaft that protrudes from the faucet body. By adopting such a configuration, the faucet handle can be easily attached and detached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-135731 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-described conventional configuration has a problem in that the seam formed by the cap on the side of the faucet handle is easily noticeable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of a faucet handle that solve the above problems will be described. Aspect 1 is a faucet handle comprising: a connecting member fixed to the operating shaft of a faucet; a handle cover attached to the connecting member in a state covering the outer periphery of the connecting member; and an engaging member that engages with the connecting member at a position where the handle cover covers the connecting member; the engagement of the engaging member with the connecting member restricts relative movement of the engaging member along the axial direction of the operating shaft, and the engagement of an engaging portion of the handle cover positioned closer to the base end of the operating shaft than the engaging member with the engaging member restricts relative movement of the handle cover in the direction of detachment from the connecting member along the operating shaft.

[0006] The faucet handle with the above configuration can stably secure the handle cover to the connecting member based on the engaging force of the engaging member. Furthermore, the engaging member can be engaged with the connecting member at a position that is difficult for the user of the faucet to see. This makes the seams on the handle surface less noticeable. As a result, a high level of design can be ensured.

[0007] Aspect 2 is a faucet handle described in Aspect 1, in which the engaging member has a pair of engaging pieces that engage with the connecting member in a state where the connecting member is clamped at two positions that radially sandwich the operating shaft.

[0008] The faucet handle having the above configuration can stably maintain the engagement state of the engaging member with the connecting member. Aspect 3 is a faucet handle described in Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, in which the engaging member engages with the connecting member through a hole provided in the handle cover, and is provided with a lid portion that closes the hole flush with the surface of the handle cover when the engaging member is engaged with the connecting member.

[0009] The faucet handle having the above-described configuration can make the seam on the handle surface formed by the hole in the handle cover and the lid of the engaging member less noticeable. A fourth aspect is the faucet handle according to the third aspect, wherein the hole is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the handle cover and opens to an axial end of the handle cover.

[0010] In the faucet handle having the above-described configuration, the contour of the cover that closes the hole at the position where the hole opens to the axial end of the handle cover overlaps the contour of the axial end of the handle cover, thereby reducing the seam on the handle surface, and thereby making the seam on the handle surface formed by the hole of the handle cover and the cover of the engaging member even less noticeable.

[0011] Furthermore, the cover portion of the engaging member faces the axial end of the handle cover, making it easier to grip the cover. This makes it easier to remove the engaging member, for example, during part replacement or maintenance and inspection, and therefore makes it easier to remove the handle cover.

[0012] Aspect 5 is a faucet handle described in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, in which the engaging member engages with the connecting member through a hole provided in the handle cover, and when the handle cover and the connecting member, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft, are in the reference position of the faucet, the hole is located on the back side or underside of the faucet.

[0013] In the faucet handle having the above-described configuration, the hole in the handle cover is positioned so that it is difficult for the user of the faucet to see, which makes the seam on the handle surface even less noticeable.

[0014] Aspect 6 is a faucet handle described in any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the engaging member has an engaging piece that engages with the connecting member while extending radially along the operating shaft, and an engaging portion of the handle cover engages with the engaging piece, and the connecting member has a pair of support portions that are arranged closer to the tip of the operating shaft than the engaging piece, and both support portions engage with the engaging piece at two positions that sandwich the position where the engaging portion of the handle cover engages with the engaging piece in the extension direction of the engaging piece.

[0015] The faucet handle having the above-described configuration can support the engaging pieces engaged with the connecting member in a balanced manner against the load transmitted through the engaging portions, even when a load is applied to the handle cover in a direction that would cause the handle cover to detach from the connecting member. This allows the handle cover to be stably fixed to the connecting member based on the engaging force of the engaging member with the connecting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the seams on the surface of the handle can be made less noticeable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the faucet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the faucet. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the faucet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the faucet. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a faucet handle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the faucet with the faucet handle and its surroundings enlarged. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the handle cover. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the connecting member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the connecting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet handle (cross-section XII-XII). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the clip. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of the clip. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the connecting member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of the connecting member. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet handle (cross-section XVII-XVII). [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the faucet illustrating how to remove the clip. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a rear view of a faucet handle according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of a faucet handle will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Wall-mounted hot and cold water mixing faucet> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the faucet 1 of this embodiment comprises a faucet body 3 covered by a faucet cover 2, and a faucet handle 10 provided on the faucet body 3.

[0019] More specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet body 3 is equipped with a hot water inlet 11 and a cold water inlet 12. The faucet body 3 is also provided with a discharge port 13 and a shower connection port 14 for discharging hot and cold water supplied via these water inlets 11, 12. Furthermore, the faucet body 3 extends in a substantially horizontal direction and is disposed substantially parallel to a wall portion 15, which forms the installation surface S of the faucet 1. Thus, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has the configuration of a so-called wall-mounted hot and cold water mixing faucet.

[0020] Specifically, the faucet body 3 of this embodiment has the discharge outlet 13 and the shower connection port 14 at approximately the center in its longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figures 1 to 4). The faucet body 3 of this embodiment also has hot water and cold water supply ports 11, 12 at two positions spaced apart from each other on either side of the discharge outlet 13 and the shower connection port 14 in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] More specifically, the faucet body 3 of this embodiment has its discharge port 13 at a position facing the underside of the faucet 1. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the front side of the faucet body 3 is the front side, and the back side is the rear side, facing the wall 15 that serves as its installation surface S. The faucet body 3 of this embodiment has its water inlets 11, 12 and shower connection port 14 at positions facing the rear side of the faucet 1.

[0022] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, sockets 21, 22 with stop valves having a flow rate adjustment function are attached to the hot water and cold water supply ports 11, 12 provided on the faucet body 3. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a socket cover 23 is attached to the hot water side socket 21, covering the upper side of this socket 21. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the hot water side water supply pipe 25 and the cold water side water supply pipe 26, which are arranged on the back side of the wall portion 15, are connected to the hot water supply ports 11, 12 of the faucet body 3 via these sockets 21, 22, respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a connection pipe 28 bent in a generally L-shape is attached to the shower connection port 14 of the faucet body 3. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a shower hose (not shown) connected to the shower connection port 14 via this connection pipe 28 is pulled out from the underside of the faucet body 3.

[0024] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3 is configured to include a rear cover 31 that covers the back side of the faucet body 3, and a front cover 32 that has a generally U-shaped cross section and covers the front, upper, and lower sides of the faucet body 3. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, with the rear cover 31 attached to the faucet body 3, the sockets 21 and 22 are connected to the water inlets 11 and 12, and the connection pipe 28 is connected to the shower connection port 14, as described above. Furthermore, in this state, the front cover 32 is attached to the faucet body 3. As a result, with the faucet 1 of this embodiment installed on the wall 15, only the front cover 32 that constitutes the faucet cover 2 can be removed.

[0025] In addition, when the front cover 32 of the faucet cover 2 of this embodiment is attached, the front cover 32 is engaged with the rear cover 31. In this state, the front cover 32 is screwed to the rear cover 31 from the underside of the faucet 1.

[0026] <Faucet handle> Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of left and right faucet handles 10, 10 at both longitudinal ends of the faucet body 3, constituting the temperature control handle 17 and the switching handle 18. That is, the faucet 1 of this embodiment can adjust the temperature of hot and cold water flowing from the outlet 13 and shower connection port 14 by operating the temperature control handle 17 located on the left side of the faucet body 3 when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the faucet 1 of this embodiment can switch the form of hot and cold water discharged through the outlet 13 and shower connection port 14 by operating the switching handle 18 located on the right side of the faucet body 3 when viewed from the front.

[0027] Specifically, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has operating shafts 35, 35 provided at both longitudinal ends of the faucet body 3. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the faucet handles 10, 10 that make up the temperature control handle 17 and the switching handle 18 are attached to each of these operating shafts 35, 35.

[0028] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, of these two faucet handles 10, 10, only the temperature control handle 17 is provided with a push button 37 for switching its rotation range. Specifically, the temperature control handle 17 of this embodiment is configured so that an engagement piece 38 formed integrally with the push button 37 engages with an engagement groove 39 formed in the faucet cover 2 at a position facing the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3 (see Figures 5 and 6). Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the engagement state between the engagement piece 38 and the engagement groove 39 changes based on the operation of the push button 37. Thus, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the rotation range of the temperature control handle 17 can be expanded by operating the temperature control handle 17 while pressing the push button 37.

[0029] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet handles 10, 10 have substantially the same configuration, except for the push button 37 of the temperature adjustment handle 17 configured as described above, and the mechanism 40 for switching the rotational operation range based on the operation of this push button 37. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the following will explain the detailed configuration of only the switching handle 18 of these faucet handles 10, 10 as the faucet handle 10, with reference to the drawings.

[0030] More specifically, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has an operating shaft 35 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the faucet body 3 and protrudes from the longitudinal end 3x. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment has a connecting member 41 fixed to the operating shaft 35, and a handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41.

[0031] Specifically, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the connecting member 41 is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the operating shaft 35. Note that this connecting member 41 is sometimes referred to as a handle core or the like, for example, in contrast to the handle cover 42. Furthermore, the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41 in a state where it covers the outer periphery of the connecting member 41 and is not to rotate relative to the connecting member 41. As a result, the faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 that make up the faucet handle 10 rotate integrally with the operating shaft 35.

[0032] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has a reference position P0 for each of the faucet handles 10, 10 that are rotated about operating shafts 35, 35 provided at both longitudinal ends of the faucet body 3. In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the reference position P0 for the switching handle 18 is a "water stop position" set between the operating position where water is discharged from the outlet 13 and the operating position where water is discharged from the shower connection port 14. Furthermore, the reference position P0 for the temperature adjustment handle 17 is also the rotational position relative to the faucet body 3 that is equivalent to the reference position P0 of the switching handle 18. The faucet 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when each of the faucet handles 10, 10 is in the reference position P0, the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3 and the faucet handles 10, 10 are arranged integrally.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1 as described above, the handle cover 42 that forms its outer shell has a generally wedge-shaped shape in side view that tapers from the back side to the front side of the faucet 1. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3 also has a generally wedge-shaped shape in side view that tapers from the back side to the front side of the faucet 1, just like each of the faucet handles 10 (see Figures 1 to 6). As a result, when each of the faucet handles 10 is in the reference position P0, the faucet 1 of this embodiment has the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42 that constitutes each faucet handle 10 and the outer peripheral surface 2s of the faucet cover 2 that are arranged flush with each other. Specifically, the front surfaces 42sf, 2sf, upper surfaces 42sa, 2sa, lower surfaces 42sb, 2sb, and rear surfaces 42sr, 2sr of the handle cover 42 and the faucet cover 2 are arranged flush with each other.

[0034] <Connecting member and handle cover> As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9 to 12, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment has an opening 44 facing the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3 from which the operating shaft 35 protrudes. The connecting member 41 of this embodiment also has an end wall 45 having approximately the same outer shape as the opening 44 of the handle cover 42. Specifically, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the opening 44 of the handle cover 42 and the end wall 45 of the connecting member 41 have an approximately wedge-shaped cross-section, similar to the shape of the faucet handle 10, which has the handle cover 42 as its outer shell, in a side view. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is therefore configured so that the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41 in such a way that the opening 44 of the handle cover 42 and the end wall 45 of the connecting member 41 fit together.

[0035] That is, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the opening 44 of the handle cover 42 and the end wall portion 45 of the connecting member 41 are fitted together, restricting relative rotation between the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42. Furthermore, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment is disposed inside the handle cover 42 with its end wall portion 45 closing the opening 44 of the handle cover 42. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the handle cover 42 covers the outer periphery of the connecting member 41.

[0036] <Fixing structure of connecting member to operating shaft> 10 and 11, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has an insertion hole 50 that penetrates its end wall portion 45. That is, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the operating shaft 35 provided at the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 50 of the connecting member 41. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, a cap 51 is fitted onto the connecting member 41 at the position where the tip 35x of the operating shaft 35 inserted into the insertion hole 50 is located (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Thus, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the connecting member 41 is fixed to the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1 so that it cannot rotate relative to it and cannot move axially.

[0037] 10, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, a cylindrical protrusion 52 is provided on the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45 facing the longitudinal end portion 3x of the faucet body 3 where the operating shaft 35 is provided, surrounding the periphery of the insertion hole 50. The connecting member 41 of this embodiment has a serration fitting portion 53 provided on the inner periphery of this cylindrical protrusion 52.

[0038] Furthermore, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, with the operating shaft 35 inserted into the insertion hole 50 of the end wall portion 45, a serration fitting portion 54 provided at the base end portion of the operating shaft 35 fits into a serration fitting portion 53 provided inside the cylindrical protrusion 52. The connecting member 41 of this embodiment is configured so that relative rotation with respect to the operating shaft 35 is restricted by the multiple projections and recesses that make up the serration fitting portions 53, 54 fitting together (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0039] 11 and 12, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45 facing the inside of the handle cover 42 is provided with a plurality of engagement protrusions 55 having a claw-like outer shape and erected on the periphery of the insertion hole 50. The outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45 is generally flat, while the inner surface 45sb has a plurality of ribs arranged in a grid pattern. Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the tip 35x of the operating shaft 35, which is inserted into the insertion hole 50 and positioned on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45, is provided with engagement portions 56 for each of the engagement protrusions 55 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Specifically, the operating shaft 35 of this embodiment has a "narrowed shaft shape" on the base end side of the engagement protrusions 55. Based on this "narrowed shaft shape," the connecting member 41 of this embodiment is configured so that when the operating shaft 35 is inserted into the insertion hole 50, each engaging protrusion 55 engages with the engaging portion 56 of the operating shaft 35.

[0040] The connecting member 41 of this embodiment also has a cylindrical protrusion 57 provided on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45 at a position surrounding each of the engaging protrusions 55. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, a cap 51 is fitted onto the inner periphery of this cylindrical protrusion 57, and the inner periphery of this cap 51 presses each of the engaging protrusions 55 engaged with the engaging portion 56 of the operating shaft 35 radially inward. That is, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the attachment of this cap 51 restricts the expansion of each of the engaging protrusions 55, thereby maintaining the engagement state of the operating shaft 35 with the engaging portion 56. In other words, the engaging portion 56 of the operating shaft 35 apparently presses each of the engaging protrusions 55 radially outward, preventing it from moving axially. Thus, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured to restrict axial movement of the connecting member 41 relative to the operating shaft 35.

[0041] Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, after the connecting member 41 is fixed to the operating shaft 35 by fitting the cap 51, the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the cap 51 fitted to the connecting member 41 cannot be seen from the outside of the handle cover 42.

[0042] <Structure for fixing the handle cover to the connecting member> 5, 6, 9, and 12, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment includes a handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41, and a clip 61 serving as an engaging member 60 that engages with the connecting member 41 at a position where the handle cover 42 covers the connecting member 41. In the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the clip 61 engages with the connecting member 41, thereby restricting relative movement of the clip 61 along the axial direction of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment, when attached to the connecting member 41, includes an engaging portion 62 that is located closer to the base end of the operating shaft 35 (toward the back of the paper in FIG. 12) than the clip 61 engaged with the connecting member 41. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42 engages with the engaging member 60 engaged with the connecting member 41, thereby restricting relative movement of the handle cover 42 along the operating shaft 35 in the direction of detachment of the handle cover 42 from the connecting member 41.

[0043] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 12 to 14, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the clip 61 has a generally U-shaped outer shape, with a pair of parallel engaging pieces 63, 63 and a base 64 connecting the base ends of these engaging pieces 63, 63. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the clip 61 engages with the connecting member 41 in a state where the connecting member 41 is sandwiched between the engaging pieces 63, 63.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 to 17, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has a pair of engagement grooves 65, 65 provided at positions that correspond to the upper and lower surfaces of the faucet 1 when the connecting member 41 is in the reference position P0. In the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, these engagement grooves 65, 65 extend along the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45, near the inner surface 45sb. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the clip 61 is attached to the connecting member 41 in such a manner that the engagement pieces 63, 63 of the clip 61 are inserted into the engagement grooves 65, 65, respectively. That is, the clip 61 of this embodiment engages with the connecting member 41, which is fixed to the operating shaft 35, with the engagement pieces 63 extending radially of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, the pair of engagement pieces 63, 63 of the clip 61 engage with the connecting member 41 at two positions that sandwich the operating shaft 35 in the radial direction. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting member 41 is sandwiched between the two engagement pieces 63, 63 of the clip 61.

[0045] In the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the bottom 65c of each engagement groove 65, 65 is provided with a bulge 66 at a position above and below the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41 is fixed. Furthermore, each engagement piece 63, 63 of the clip 61 is provided with a recess 67 that engages with the bulge 66 when the engagement piece 63, 63 is inserted into the engagement groove 65, 65. This makes it difficult for the clip 61 attached to the connecting member 41 to come off the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, when the engagement piece 63 of the clip 61 is inserted into the engagement groove 65 of the connecting member 41, this engagement piece 63 is sandwiched between the side wall portions 65a, 65b of the engagement groove 65. This restricts the axial movement of the clip 61 engaged with the connecting member 41, more specifically, the relative movement along the axial direction of the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41 is fixed.

[0047] 9, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment has a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 68, 68 that protrude into the handle cover 42 near the opening 44 facing the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3. Furthermore, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment is attached to the operating shaft 35 from its tip 35x in the axial direction, with the connecting member 41 fixed to the operating shaft 35 positioned inside through the opening 44 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the engaging protrusions 68, 68 that form the engaging portion 62 on the handle cover 42 are located at positions closer to the base end of the operating shaft 35 than the engaging grooves 65, 65 of the connecting member 41 (see FIGS. 12 and 17).

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8, 9, 12 to 14, and 17, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the clip 61 serving as the engaging member 60 engages with the connecting member 41 through a hole 70 provided in the handle cover 42.

[0049] More specifically, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment has a hole 70 that opens in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42 on its back surface 42sr, that is, at a position facing the back surface of the faucet 1 when the handle cover 42 is in the reference position P0. Furthermore, the clip 61 of this embodiment engages with the connecting member 41 via the hole 70 in the handle cover 42, and its base 64 closes the hole 70. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the base 64 of the clip 61 serves as a cover 71, which closes the hole 70 in the handle cover 42 flush with the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42, that is, the surface of the handle cover 42. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the seam on the handle surface, with the handle cover 42 as the outer shell, is less noticeable.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 has a generally rectangular elongated hole shape extending vertically when the handle cover 42 is in the reference position P0. The base 64 of the clip 61, which serves as the lid 71, also has a generally rectangular flat plate-like outer shape that is substantially the same as the generally rectangular elongated hole shape of the hole 70 (see Figure 14). Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the hole 70 provided in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42 also opens to the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42, which has an opening 44 facing the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3. Thus, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the lid 71 of the clip 61 that closes the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 also has one end, which is the long side of its generally rectangular flat plate shape, facing the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42.

[0051] 11, 12, 16, and 17, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, each engagement groove 65 of the connecting member 41 has a notch 73 provided in the side wall portion 65a located on the tip side (lower side in FIG. 17) of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, when the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41 from the tip 35x side of the operating shaft 35 as described above, each engagement protrusion 68 serving as the engagement portion 62 of the handle cover 42 passes inside this notch 73. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment moves beyond each engagement groove 65 of the connecting member 41, with each engagement portion 62 of the handle cover 42 moving toward the base end side of the operating shaft 35.

[0052] In addition, in this state, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the engagement pieces 63 of the clip 61 are inserted into the engagement grooves 65 of the connecting member 41 through the holes 70 of the handle cover 42. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, when the engagement pieces 63 of the clip 61 are engaged with the engagement grooves 65 of the connecting member 41, one side wall portion 65a having the notch 73 constitutes a pair of support portions 74, 74 that are located closer to the tip of the operating shaft 35 than the engagement piece 63. In other words, these support portions 74, 74 engage with the engagement piece 63 at two positions sandwiching the position where the engagement portion 62 of the handle cover 42 engages with the engagement piece 63 engaged in the engagement groove 65, that is, the position where the notch 73 is formed, in the extension direction of the engagement piece 63. Furthermore, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is able to support the engagement piece 63 engaged in the engagement groove 65 in a balanced manner, even when a load is applied to the handle cover 42 in a direction that causes it to detach from the connecting member 41, and resist that load.

[0053] <Operation of this embodiment> In the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, a handle cover 42 is attached to a connecting member 41 fixed to an operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1 from the tip 35x side of the operating shaft 35. A clip 61 serving as an engaging member 60 is inserted into a hole 70 provided in the handle cover 42, whereby the clip 61 engages with the connecting member 41 via the hole 70. This engagement restricts relative movement between the connecting member 41 and the clip 61 along the operating shaft 35, and the engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42 is positioned closer to the base end of the operating shaft 35 than the clip 61. The engagement of the engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42 with the clip 61 restricts relative movement of the handle cover 42 in the direction of detachment from the connecting member 41 along the operating shaft 35.

[0054] 18, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when the handle cover 42 needs to be removed from the connecting member 41, for example, during part replacement or maintenance and inspection, the faucet handle 10 is rotated. For example, the faucet handle 10 is rotated to a position where the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42 is partially exposed above the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3. This makes it easier to grip the cover portion 71 of the clip 61 that faces the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42, facilitating the removal of the clip 61 that secures the handle cover 42 to the connecting member 41.

[0055] <Effects of this embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The faucet handle 10 comprises a connecting member 41 fixed to the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1, and a handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41 in a state where it covers the outer periphery of the connecting member 41. The faucet handle 10 also comprises a clip 61 as an engaging member 60 that engages with the connecting member 41 at a position where the handle cover 42 covers the connecting member 41. The clip 61 is engaged with the connecting member 41, thereby restricting relative movement along the axial direction of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, in this state, an engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42, which is positioned closer to the base end of the operating shaft 35 than the clip 61, engages with the clip 61. This restricts relative movement of the faucet handle 10 in a direction in which the handle cover 42 would detach from the connecting member 41 along the operating shaft 35.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the handle cover 42 can be stably fixed to the connecting member 41 based on the engaging force of the clip 61. Furthermore, the clip 61 can be engaged with the connecting member 41 at a position that is difficult for the user of the faucet 1 to see. This makes the seam on the handle surface less noticeable. As a result, a high level of design can be ensured.

[0057] (2) The clip 61 has a pair of engagement pieces 63, 63 that engage with the connecting member 41 in a state in which the clip 61 clamps the connecting member 41 at two positions that sandwich the operating shaft 35 in the radial direction. According to the above configuration, the engagement state of the clip 61 with the connecting member 41 can be stably maintained.

[0058] (3) The clip 61 engages with the connecting member 41 via a hole 70 provided in the handle cover 42. The clip 61 has a lid 71 that closes the hole 70 flush with the surface of the handle cover 42 when engaged with the connecting member 41. This makes it possible to make the seam on the handle surface formed by the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 and the lid 71 of the clip 61 less noticeable.

[0059] (4) The hole 70 is provided in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42, and the hole 70 opens to the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42. According to the above configuration, at the position where the hole 70 opens into the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42, the outline of the lid portion 71 closing the hole 70 overlaps the outline of the axial end 42x of the handle cover 42, thereby reducing the seam on the handle surface. This makes it possible to make the seam on the handle surface formed by the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 and the lid portion 71 of the clip 61 even less noticeable.

[0060] Furthermore, the lid portion 71 of the clip 61 faces the axial end portion 42x of the handle cover 42, making it easier to grip the lid portion 71. This makes it easier to remove the clip 61, for example, during part replacement or maintenance and inspection, and thus makes it easier to remove the handle cover 42.

[0061] (5) When the handle cover 42, which rotates integrally with the operating shaft 35, and the connecting member 41 are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1, the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 is located on the back side of the faucet 1.

[0062] According to the above configuration, the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 is positioned in a position that is difficult for the user of the faucet 1 to see. This makes it possible to make the seam on the handle surface even less noticeable.

[0063] (6) The clip 61 has an engagement piece 63 that engages with the connecting member 41 while extending radially of the operating shaft 35, and the engagement portion 62 of the handle cover 42 engages with the engagement piece 63. Furthermore, the connecting member 41 has a pair of support portions 74, 74 that are positioned closer to the tip 35x of the operating shaft 35 than the engagement piece 63. The connecting member 41 has both support portions 74, 74 that engage with the engagement piece 63 at two positions that sandwich the position in the extension direction of the engagement piece 63 where the engagement portion 62 of the handle cover 42 engages with the engagement piece 63 of the clip 61.

[0064] According to the above configuration, even when a load is applied to the handle cover 42 in a direction that causes the handle cover 42 to detach from the connecting member 41, the engaging pieces 63 engaged with the engaging grooves 65 can be supported in a balanced manner against the load transmitted via the engaging portions 62. As a result, the handle cover 42 can be stably fixed to the connecting member 41 based on the engaging force of the clips 61 with the connecting member 41.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the holes 70 are provided in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42, and the holes 70 open to the axial end portions 42x of the handle cover 42. However, this is not limiting, and the arrangement of the holes 70 may be changed as desired.

[0067] For example, a faucet handle 10B of another example shown in Figure 19 has a hole 70B at a position away from the axial end 42x on the back surface 42sr of the handle cover 42B. In this faucet handle 10B of this another example, the hole 70B and the cover 71B of the clip 61B have a generally rectangular elongated hole shape that is narrower than the hole 70 and the cover 71 of the clip 61 in the first embodiment. Even when such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0068] In the faucet handle 10B of this alternative example, a recess 77 into which a tool can be inserted when removing the clip 61B is provided at a position adjacent to the hole 70B on the back surface 42sr of the handle cover 42B. This makes it possible to easily remove the clip 61B by inserting the tip of a tool into the recess 77 and hooking it onto the cover 71 of the clip 61.

[0069] The shapes of the hole 70 of the handle cover 42 and the lid 71 of the clip 61 may also be changed as desired. The arrangement of the hole 70 is also not limited to the rear surface 42sr of the handle cover 42, and the hole 70 may be configured to open on the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42 at a position that is difficult for a user of the faucet 1 to see.

[0070] For example, the hole 70 may be formed on the underside 42sb of the handle cover 42. In other words, when the handle cover 42 and the connecting member 41, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1, are in the reference position P0 of the faucet, the hole 70 may be located on the underside of the faucet 1. With such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41 fixed to the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1, the clip 61 serving as the engaging member 60 is engaged with the connecting member 41 through the hole 70 in the handle cover 42. However, this is not limiting, and the handle cover 42 may be attached to the connecting member 41 with the engaging member 60 engaged therewith. In this case, for example, when attaching the handle cover 42 to the connecting member 41, at least one of the engaging portion 62 and the engaging member 60 may elastically deform, so that the engaging portion 62 of the handle cover 42 is positioned closer to the base end of the operating shaft 35 than the engaging member 60. In this case, the hole 70 in the handle cover 42 is unnecessary. Even when such a configuration is adopted, the seam on the handle surface can be made less noticeable.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the clip 61 having a generally U-shaped outer shape and including a pair of parallel engaging pieces 63, 63 and a base 64 connecting the base ends of the engaging pieces 63, 63 is used as the engaging member 60 for the connecting member 41. However, this is not limiting, and the number of engaging pieces 63 may be one or three or more. Furthermore, a configuration in which multiple engaging members 60 engage with the connecting member 41 may also be used. The engaging structure of the engaging member 60 with the connecting member 41, including the shape of the connecting member 41, may also be changed as desired.

[0073] The shapes of the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 may be changed as desired. The structure for fixing the connecting member 41 to the operating shaft 35 may also be changed as desired. Furthermore, the shape of the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3, including whether or not it is present, may also be changed as desired. The configuration of the faucet 1 to which the faucet handle 10 is applied may also be changed as desired.

[0074] For example, the present invention may be applied to a configuration other than a hot and cold water mixer faucet. The number and arrangement of the faucet handles 10 used in the faucet 1 may also be changed as desired. <Additional Notes> Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.

[0075] (i) The engaging member has a base portion that connects the pair of engaging pieces, thereby allowing the pair of engaging pieces to be simultaneously engaged with the connecting member. (b) The base portion is the lid portion, whereby the engaging member can be easily engaged with the connecting member through the hole in the handle cover while gripping the base portion of the engaging member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...faucet, 10...faucet handle, 35...operating shaft, 41...connecting member, 42...handle cover, 60...engaging member, 61...clip, 62...engaging portion

Claims

1. a connecting member fixed to the operating shaft of the faucet; a handle cover attached to the connecting member in a state of covering the outer periphery of the connecting member; an engaging member that engages with the connecting member at a position where the handle cover covers the connecting member, The engagement of the engaging member with the connecting member restricts relative movement of the engaging member along the axial direction of the operating shaft, A faucet handle in which relative movement of the handle cover in the direction of detachment from the connecting member along the operating shaft is restricted by engaging with the engaging member at an engaging portion of the handle cover, which is located closer to the base end of the operating shaft than the engaging member.

2. 2. The faucet handle according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member has a pair of engaging pieces that engage with the connecting member in a state in which the connecting member is sandwiched between the engaging pieces at two positions that sandwich the operating shaft in the radial direction.

3. A faucet handle as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engaging member engages with the connecting member through a hole provided in the handle cover, and is provided with a lid portion that closes the hole flush with the surface of the handle cover when the engaging member is engaged with the connecting member.

4. The faucet handle according to claim 3, wherein the hole is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the handle cover and opens to an axial end of the handle cover.

5. The engaging member engages with the connecting member through a hole provided in the handle cover, When the handle cover and the connecting member, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft, are in a reference position of the faucet, the hole is disposed on the rear side or the bottom side of the faucet. The faucet handle according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The engaging member has an engaging piece that engages with the connecting member while extending along the radial direction of the operating shaft, and an engaging portion of the handle cover engages with the engaging piece, The connecting member has a pair of support portions that are arranged closer to the tip of the operating shaft than the engaging piece, and both support portions engage with the engaging piece at two positions that sandwich the position where the engaging portion of the handle cover engages with the engaging piece in the extending direction of the engaging piece. The faucet handle according to claim 1 or 2.

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