Hose connection attachment, passage decompression structure, and shower switching faucet

Abstract

To prevent excessive water pressure from being applied to a shower faucet and attach a hose connection attachment to the shower faucet easily.SOLUTION: A cylindrical body part 45a supports O-rings 43, 44 at upper parts of the O-rings 43, 44 with a thick inner end 45a1, and support projection parts 45a2, 45a3 are respectively formed on an inner peripheral wall surface and an outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical body part 45a so as to contact with lower parts of the O-rings 43, 44. Support walls 45a2, 45a3 are intermittently formed in a circumferential direction. When an internal pressure increases, the O-ring 44 receives a force which pushes the O-ring 44 outward as it has a low external pressure. The O-ring 44 is supported at four positions on the outer side by the support walls 45a3. Thus, portions of the O-ring 44 which are not supported by the support walls 45a3 are pushed outward and cannot maintain a water-tight state. Consequently, water leaks from notch parts 45a4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose connection attachment having an inlet end at one end connectable to an external water flow path and an outlet end at the other end connectable to an external hose. [Background technology]

[0002] There are shower faucets that can switch between a shower spout and a straight spout by turning a knob or the like, and switch between a straight spout that passes through the center and a shower spout that sprays water in a shower-like manner from around it. Such a shower faucet is attached to a mixer that discharges electrolyzed hypochlorous acid water generated from an electrolyzed hypochlorous acid water generating device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, and is used in the sink to sterilize vegetables and cooking utensils. In response to this, there is a demand to be able to remove the shower faucet from the bottom of the mixer and connect a hose connection attachment to use it for watering and disinfecting in places away from the kitchen sink, and a device that connects a hose via a hose connection attachment such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3241138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using a hose, if the hose is twisted and the flow path is blocked while in use, a large amount of pressure is applied to the faucet. If the hose is connected to the faucet via a hose connection attachment, excessive water pressure may be applied to the faucet. With a normal water faucet, an increase in water pressure is not a major problem, but in the case of hose connection attachments or hoses that are attached and detached to the bottom of mixers such as electrolytic hypochlorous acid water generators, even if the pressure does increase, it is desirable to keep it to around 0.1 MPa (maximum 0.15 MPa).

[0005] Paragraph 0026 of Patent Document 1 states, "...the outer diameter of the electrolyzed water outlet 6...has a gap 6d...If abnormal water pressure is applied due to bending of the hose, etc., the electrolyzed water will overflow from this gap 6d...to prevent abnormal water pressure...load...from causing damage to the electrolytic cell, pump, etc." Paragraph 0027 states, "...faucet-connected electrolyzed water chlorine concentration display mixer...gap 6d...a gap of about 3 mm...long holes (4 locations) are provided along the outer periphery of the electrolyzed water outlet 6 that lead to the gap 6d on the inner wall of the hose cap 6b...pump pressure 0.09 MPa (0.9 kgf / cm 2 )...I was able to achieve overflow when hose 6c was bent and back pressure was applied. It is stated that: However, when calculating the minimum pressure at which overflow water leaks from the structure disclosed in Reference 1, taking into account pipe bending loss and position loss, the result was just under 0.002 MPa. On the other hand, the pipe friction loss pressure when the hose is extended horizontally by 1 m from the hose attachment point is about 0.0007 MPa. Since the pressure at the base of the hose attachment is less than the pressure at which overflow occurs, no overflow will occur.

[0006] If the hose outlet is raised 0.15 m above the hose attachment, the pressure at the base of the hose attachment will increase by 0.0015 MPa to 0.0022 MPa (= 0.0007 + 0.0015), causing water to overflow (the amount of water at the hose outlet and the amount of overflowing water will be approximately the same). If the hose length is extended to 3m, the pipe friction loss pressure increases fourfold to 0.0021MPa. As a result, overflow water occurs even if the hose outlet is not raised (the amount of water at the hose outlet and the amount of overflow water are almost the same).

[0007] If the hose length is increased to 6 m, the pipe friction loss pressure increases sixfold to 0.0042 MPa, and the amount of water coming out of the hose outlet decreases further. To stop the overflow water, the hose outlet must be lowered by more than 22 cm. If you want to sterilize every corner of a kitchen with electrolyzed water using a hose, you will likely need a hose length of 5m. You may also want to sterilize high areas such as tables. In these cases, the pressure at the hose connection port exceeds 0.002MPa, so the amount of overflow water cannot be ignored. If more than 50% of the electrolyzed water overflows at the hose connection, the user's cleaning speed will decrease and they will not be satisfied.

[0008] In addition, the inside of the shower faucet of the electrolytic hypochlorous acid water generator needs to be cleaned because chloride dirt accumulates inside after long-term use. If this cleaning is forgotten, and the shower hole remains blocked, water will be discharged in a fully closed state, which may cause excessive pressure to be generated in the mixer and main unit.

[0009] The present invention provides Under normal use (hose base pressure 0.004 MPa or less), overflow water will not leak. When the pressure increases (around 0.01 MPa at the base of the hose), overflow water begins to leak out. The pipe connection structure has a built-in pressure reducing function that can suppress excessive water pressure to about 0.15 MPa, and the hose connection attachment can be easily attached to the bottom of a faucet or mixer. In addition, the shower switching faucet has a built-in pressure reducing function that prevents the pressure rise on the main body from increasing to 0.15 to 0.2 MPa by allowing overflow water to flow from the straight water outlet when the shower hole becomes clogged, and a pressure reducing structure for the flow path. to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention is a hose connection attachment having an inlet end at one end that can be connected to an external water flow path and an outlet end at the other end that can be connected to an external hose, and comprising an inner tube that serves as the outlet end and an outer tube that covers the inner tube and is connected to the flow path, and a cylindrical body having pressure reducing members interposed in a watertight state between the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body and the outer wall surface of the inner tube, and between the outer wall surface of the cylindrical body and the inner wall surface of the outer tube, each via a specified O-ring, and the support walls of the O-rings are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In the above configuration, the hose connection attachment has an inlet end at one end connectable to an external water flow path and an outlet end at the other end connectable to an external hose. This hose connection attachment includes an inner tube that serves as the outlet end and an outer tube that covers the inner tube and communicates with the flow path. Pressure-reducing members are attached to the inner wall surface of the tube and the outer wall surface of the inner tube, and between the outer wall surface of the tube and the inner wall surface of the outer tube, respectively, in a watertight manner via O-rings. The support wall of the O-ring is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. When an external hose is connected to the other end of the hose connection attachment and in use, if the hose twists and water stops being sprayed from the hose under water pressure, water pressure greater than normal will be applied to the pressure-reducing member watertightly interposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. Water pressure is also applied to the support portion of the O-ring, but the support wall of the O-ring has intermittent portions in the circumferential direction. For this reason, when water pressure is applied, the O-ring in the intermittent section tends to be pushed out by the water pressure. If the O-ring is pushed out and bent, the watertightness of that section cannot be maintained, causing water to leak and preventing damage due to water pressure.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the O-ring has a Y-shaped cross section that opens outward in the pressure direction. Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the support walls of the O-ring on the outer side in the pressure direction are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. In another aspect of the present invention, the support walls of the O-ring on the inner side in the pressure direction are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, an L-shaped groove is formed on the inner surface of the outer tube, consisting of a first groove oriented in the insertion direction and a second groove oriented in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction at the back of the first groove, and an engaging protrusion that can be inserted into and engaged with the L-shaped groove is formed in the portion of the pressure reducing member facing the L-shaped groove. In another aspect of the present invention, the outer cylinder extends in the same direction as the inner cylinder.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a recess facing the O-ring is formed on the outer side in the pressure direction of the wall surface that contacts the O-ring. In another aspect of the present invention, the device is provided with a second inner tube and a second outer tube that communicate with the flow path, and has a second pressure reducing member of a cylindrical body that is interposed between the second inner tube and the second outer tube in a watertight state via a predetermined O-ring, and the support wall of the O-ring in the second pressure reducing member is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hose connection attachment, a pressure reducing structure for a flow path, and a shower switching faucet that support an O-ring intermittently, so that when water pressure is applied, the O-ring at the intermittent portion bends, releasing the watertight state and preventing damage due to water pressure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a shower switching faucet to which the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] This is an assembly parts diagram of the water discharge mechanism of a shower switching faucet. [Figure 3] This is an assembly parts diagram of the water discharge mechanism of a shower switching faucet. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a development view of the inner cylinder surface of the hose connection attachment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hose connection attachment in use. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of a hose connection attachment according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of a hose connection attachment according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of a hose connection attachment according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an engagement mechanism of the hose connection attachment. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram of an engagement mechanism of a hose connection attachment according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a shower switching faucet. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a shower switching faucet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the following index was considered as an example of an ideal pressure reducing mechanism. 1) Overflow does not occur when the pressure at the base of the hose attachment is 0.002 to 0.004 MPa. 2) The hose connection begins to overflow at 0.005 to 0.01 MPa or more. 3) When the hose outlet is completely tightened, the maximum pressure at the pump must be 0.09 MPa or less. When realizing such a pressure reducing mechanism, gaps and holes in the hose connection area are not permitted and must be sealed with a Y-packing or similar.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of a shower switching faucet to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show assembly parts diagrams of the water discharge mechanism of the shower switching faucet. The shower switching faucet 10 to which the present invention is applied comprises a mixer body 20 that houses a cartridge (not shown) and a shower switching mechanism 30 that is detachable from the mixer body 20. The shower switching mechanism 30 comprises a fixing member 31 connected to the upstream side of the water channel, a switching ring 32, a connecting member 33, a water channel switching member 34, and a water discharge cap 35. The switching ring 32, connecting member 33, water channel switching member 34, and water discharge cap 35 constitute a switching mechanism 36 that switches between shower water discharge and straight water discharge. The switching ring 32 and water discharge cap 35 together form a faucet section that houses the connecting member 33 and water channel switching member 34.

[0019] The switching mechanism 36 is formed by sequentially placing the water channel switching member 34 and the connecting member 33 on the upward-opening water discharge cap 35, then placing the roughly ring-shaped switching ring 32 over them, and screwing and fixing the switching ring 32 and the water discharge cap 35 together. In this integrated state, the switching ring 32, the water channel switching member 34, and the water discharge cap 35 are immobile, while the connecting member 33 is rotatable relative to them within a range of approximately 90 degrees. The fixing member 31 is fixed to the mixer body 20, and the connecting member 33 is detachably fixed to this fixing member 31. As a result, the switching ring 32, the water channel switching member 34, and the water discharge cap 35 are held rotatable within a range of 90 degrees relative to the mixer body 20.

[0020] In this way, the fixing member 31 can be detachably connected at its upper end to the underside of the mixer body 20, and can be detachably connected at its lower end to the switching mechanism 36. Furthermore, the connecting member 33 can be detachably attached to the fixing member 31 so as to be watertight, and when attached, the entire switching mechanism 36 is supported by the fixing member 31 via the connecting member 33. As will be described later, several O-rings are attached at necessary locations to ensure a watertight state.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hose connection attachment, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pressure reducing member. In this embodiment, the hose connection attachment 40 is used alternatively to the connecting member 33. That is, with the fixing member 31 fixed to the mixer body 20, the hose connection attachment 40 is attached to the fixing member 31 instead of the connecting member 33. In this embodiment, the hose connection attachment 40 and the fixing member 31 are fastened together with a double-thread screw, but details thereof will be omitted.

[0022] The hose connection attachment 40 has an inlet end 41 at one end that can be connected to an external water flow path, and an outlet end 42 at the other end that can be connected to an external hose. It has an inner cylinder 42a that forms the outlet end 42, and an outer cylinder 42b that covers the inner cylinder 42a and communicates with the flow path. The space that connects from the inlet end 41 to the outlet end 42 is the flow path, and the flow path communicates with the internal opening of the inner cylinder 42a and also communicates between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b.

[0023] A roughly annular opening is formed between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b, and a pressure reducing member 45, which is a cylinder and has predetermined O-rings 43, 44 inserted between the inner wall surface of the cylinder and the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 42a, and between the outer wall surface of the cylinder and the outer cylinder 42b, respectively, is inserted into this annular opening. The O-rings 43, 44 and the pressure reducing member 45 close the annular opening between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b in a watertight manner. Note that, because the inner cylinder 42a is supported inside the outer cylinder 42b, a support wall for the inner cylinder 42a exists, and the opening is not completely annular.

[0024] In this shape, the outer cylinder 42b extends in the direction in which the inner cylinder 42a extends. The pressure reducing member 45 includes a cylindrical portion 45a to which O-rings 43, 44 are attached to form a watertight state, and an engaging ring 45b formed behind the cylindrical portion 45a in the insertion direction and constituting an engaging structure with the outer tube 42b of the hose connection attachment 40. At locations on the cylindrical portion 45a that are outside the support positions of the O-rings 43, 44, the engaging ring 45b and the cylindrical portion 45a are connected by four connecting portions 45c.

[0025] The upper portion of the pressure-reducing member 45 is referred to as the inner side and the lower portion as the outer side. When the O-rings 43 and 44 are attached from above the inner end 45a1 of the cylindrical portion 45a, they abut against the support walls 45a2. The upper end of the inner end 45a1 also has four notches 45a1a. These notches 45a1a serve as guideways for water flow when excessive pressure is applied. When pressure builds up in the inner cylinder 42a, they maintain the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upward toward the outer O-ring 44—that is, maintain it equal to or greater than the total area of ​​the openings communicating between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b. This ensures that pressure is applied to the O-ring 44 without being reduced, ensuring that the O-ring 44 does not lag behind the inner O-ring 43 in its snake-like deformation. The snake-like deformation here refers to the way the O-rings 43 and 44 deform under pressure, forming a wavy shape relative to a horizontal plane.

[0026] Above the cylinder 45a at radius R10, the gap to the part 42b (ceiling) is only 0.6 mm, making this the narrowest part of the flow path leading to the top of the outer O-ring 44. The cross-sectional area is 37.7 mm^2 (millimeters squared) (= circumference φ20 * π * 0.6). Note that there is a 1.3 mm gap above the outer O-ring (hereinafter referred to as a Y-ring). The surface of the notch 45a1a is 1.6 mm lower than the upper surface of the cylindrical body 45a, and the average width of the notch 45a1a is 3.8 mm, so that an increase of 24.4 mm^2 (=4*3.8*1.6) can be obtained in the passage cross-sectional area. When added to the gap area with the ceiling mentioned above, the total cross-sectional area of ​​37.7 + 24.4 = 62 mm^2 can become a flow path. Between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b, due to the presence of a support wall and the like, six fan-shaped holes (3.85*0.7) and a square hole (2*3.75) are actually formed, so the total cross-sectional area of ​​the holes is 61 mm^2. Therefore, by adding the notch 45a1a, the opening between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b and the flow path cross-sectional area above the radius 10 of the cylinder 45a become substantially the same area.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 45a supports the O-rings 43, 44 at the upper portion thereof by an inner end 45a1. Support walls 45a2, 45a3 are formed on the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical portion 45a, respectively, to abut the lower portions of the O-rings 43, 44. The support walls 45a2, 45a3 do not support the lower portions of the O-rings 43, 44 along the entire circumference, but are formed at only four locations in this embodiment. That is, the support walls 45a2, 45a3 are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction. These support walls 45a2, 45a3 are formed as thick portions extending vertically in the portion where the connecting portion 45c is formed. In this example, the support walls of the O-rings on the outer side in the pressure direction are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0028] Figure 6 shows the inner cylinder surface of the hose connection attachment in a developed view. In reality, the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder is shown as an open plane. As shown in the figure, the cylindrical portion 45a abuts against and supports the upper portion of the O-ring 43 with an inner end 45a1, and abuts against and supports the lower portion of the O-ring 43 with a support wall 45a2. The inner end 45a1 is discontinued in the circumferential direction where the notch 45a1a is formed, and the support wall 45a2 is also discontinued in the circumferential direction because it is formed in only four places. At the lower end of the cylindrical portion 45a, a notch 45a4 is formed between the support walls 45a2.

[0029] Such cutout portions 45a4 correspond to recesses that face the O-rings 43 and 44 at the support walls of the O-rings 43 and 44 and at the outer side in the pressure direction. 7 is a schematic diagram of the hose connection attachment in use. In the following, the drawings may be shown in a schematic manner to make them easier to understand. In the figure, an O-ring 44 is depicted interposed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a. The O-ring 44 is supported by being sandwiched between the inner end 45a1 and the support wall 45a3.

[0030] In this state, suppose a hose is connected to the inner tube 42a of the hose connection attachment 40 and used for watering or the like. If the hose is twisted and the flow path is closed, a large amount of water pressure will be applied to the flow path within the hose connection attachment 40. When the internal pressure increases, the O-ring 44 will be subjected to a strong force pushing it outward because the external pressure is low. Because the O-ring 44 is supported at four points on the outside by support walls 45a3, the parts not supported by support walls 45a3 will be pushed outward.

[0031] When the O-ring 45 is pushed outward, the O-ring 45 itself stretches, reducing the wire diameter, and the watertight state cannot be maintained compared to the distance between the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a. (However, because the gap created by the reduced wire diameter is small, the flow rate of overflow water passing through is small, and pressure drop is unlikely.) Furthermore, when O-ring 45 bends and tries to move outward, it overlaps with notch 45a4 shown in Figure 6 and is no longer in contact with the outer wall surface of cylindrical portion 45a. This makes it impossible to maintain a watertight state, and water leaks out from notch 45a4. (If the intermittent distance of support wall 45a2 is increased, the sealing ring can be easily bent, increasing the cross-sectional area through which overflow water can pass and reducing pressure.)

[0032] In the prototype, 45a4 is located about 1.5 mm lower than the bottom of O-ring 43, and when the pressure is around 0.05 MPa, the bottom of O-ring 43 reaches 45a4. When the pressure is 0.1 MPa, the bottom of O-ring 43 drops another 1 mm, creating a passage hole and suppressing the pressure rise. Ultimately, a 2mm high hole was created and the maximum pressure was suppressed to about 0.15MPa (pressure in the connecting tube between the mixer and the main body).

[0033] Even if water leaks out forcefully, the leaking water will not be blown outward in the radial direction from between the outer tube 42b and the inner tube 42a by the outer tube 42b, but will flow along the inner tube 42a and blow out toward the hose. Therefore, the water will not blow out to the surrounding area and accidentally wet the surrounding area. Both of the above actions can reduce the water pressure, so that excessive water pressure can be prevented from being applied to the mixer and main body 20.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the O-ring 44 interposed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer tube 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a, but it goes without saying that the O-ring 43 interposed between the outer peripheral wall surface of the inner tube 42a and the inner peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a functions in the same way.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a hose connection attachment according to a modified example in a partially cutaway view. In the above-described example, the O-rings 43 and 44 are what are called "O-rings" with a standard circular cross section, but there are various types of sealing rings, and the sealing ring shown in this modified example has a Y-shaped cross section that opens outward in the pressure direction and is called a "Y-ring." In the figure, a Y-ring 44a is depicted interposed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a. The Y-ring 44a is supported between an inner end 45a1 and a support wall 45a3.

[0036] The Y-ring 44a has an annular groove 44a1 formed from the outer side toward the inner side, and fin-like portions 44a2, 44a2 formed at the outer end, which widen toward the inner circumferential wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer circumferential wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a. The annular groove 44a1 is open only to the outside and does not communicate with the inside. This shape is called a Y-shaped cross section.

[0037] Normally, even if annular groove 44a1 is present, groove 44a1 does not close simply by interposing Y-ring 44a between the inner peripheral wall surface of outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of cylindrical portion 45a because Y-ring 44a has sufficient elasticity. Also, fin-shaped portions 44a2, 44a2 at the outer end are pressed against the inner peripheral wall surface of outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of cylindrical portion 45a, respectively, and bend slightly, thereby maintaining a watertight state.

[0038] In this state, suppose a hose is connected to the inner tube 42a of the hose connection attachment 40 and used for watering, etc. If the hose is twisted and the flow path is closed, a large water pressure will be applied to the flow path within the hose connection attachment 40. When the internal pressure increases, the Y-ring 44a begins to deform so as to narrow the groove 44a1, because the external pressure is low. As a result, the force pressing the fin-like portions 44a2, 44a2, which maintain the watertight state, against the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a, respectively, weakens (this force is, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 N per unit circumferential length of 1 mm). The difference between the internal and external pressure causes the fin-like portions 44a2 to bend outward, causing water leakage and lowering the internal pressure (for example, it can be made to function so that leakage begins at around 0.01 MPa).

[0039] By changing the type of sealing ring in this way, it is possible to release the pressure by causing an overflow when the internal pressure is not so high (0.01 MPa), thereby preventing excessive water pressure from being applied to the mixer or main body 20. In addition to O-rings with a Y-shaped cross section, O-rings with a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section can also be used as such sealing rings, and excessive internal pressure can be released in the same way.

[0040] FIG. 9 shows a hose connection attachment according to a modified example in a partially cutaway view. In this example, four support walls 42b1 are formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 42b. An O-ring 44 is interposed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the outer cylinder 42b and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical portion 45a, and the O-ring 44 is supported by being sandwiched between a support wall 45a3 of the cylindrical portion 45a and a support wall 42b1 formed on the outer cylinder 42b side. As an example, the support wall 45a3 of the cylindrical portion 45a and the support wall 42b1 formed on the outer cylinder 42b side are formed with a 45-degree offset. As a result, the O-ring 44 abuts against the support wall 42b1 on the inner side and against the support wall 45a3 on the outer side at every 45 degrees around the axis.

[0041] In this way, not only when the internal pressure becomes excessive, but also when either the internal or external pressure becomes high, the O-ring 44 can deform and release the excessive pressure. That is, the pressure can be released by reducing the wire diameter, or by bending, a gap can be formed in the flow path to release the pressure.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a hose connection attachment according to a modified example in a partially cutaway view. In this example, the corners on the inner periphery of the open end 42b2 of the outer cylinder 42b are cut so that the inner diameter gradually widens toward the open end 42b2. When the internal pressure increases under the circumstances described above, the O-ring 44 is subjected to a strong force pushing it outward because the external pressure is low. Because the O-ring 44 is supported at four points on the outside by support walls 45a3, the parts not supported by support walls 45a3 are pushed outward. When the O-ring 44 is pushed out to the position of the cut surface of the opening end 42b2, the opening diameter gradually increases, so the watertight state cannot be maintained and water leaks from the cut surface, releasing the internal pressure.

[0043] The cut surface of the open end 42b2 of the outer cylinder 42b may be formed along the entire circumference, or may be formed only in a portion facing the middle of the plurality of support walls 45a3. There is room for appropriate modification. Such cut surfaces also correspond to recesses facing the O-rings 43 and 44 at the support walls of the O-rings 43 and 44 and at the outer side in the pressure application direction.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement mechanism of the hose connection attachment. The pressure reducing member 45 is inserted into the annular space between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b, and O-rings 43, 44 are placed between the cylindrical portion 45a and the inner cylinder 42a, and between the cylindrical portion 45a and the outer cylinder 42b, respectively, to maintain a watertight state. However, if left as is, the internal pressure will act to push the pressure reducing member 45 out of the annular space between the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b, so a structure to hold the pressure reducing member 45 is required.

[0045] In the illustrated example, an L-shaped groove 42b3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 42b. The L-shaped groove 42b3 is composed of a first groove 42b3a oriented in the insertion direction and a second groove 42b3b oriented in the circumferential direction, perpendicular to the insertion direction, at the rear of the first groove 42b3a. An engaging protrusion 45b1 that can be inserted into and engaged with the L-shaped groove 42b3 is formed on the outer surface of the engaging ring 45b of the pressure reducing member 45, at a location facing the L-shaped groove 42b3. Two L-shaped grooves 42b3 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 42b, and two engaging protrusions 45b1 are also formed on the corresponding engaging ring 45b. The L-shaped grooves 42b3 are formed at positions symmetrically rotated 180 degrees around the axis.

[0046] When attaching the pressure reducing member 45, the O-rings 43 and 44 (not shown) are attached to the pressure reducing member 45, and the pressure reducing member 45 is inserted between the inner tube 42a and the outer tube 42b of the hose connection attachment 40 from the inner end 45a1 side. At this time, the engaging protrusions 45b1 and 45b1 are positioned facing the first grooves 42b3a and 42b3a. The depth of the first grooves 42b3a and 42b3a is formed to approximately correspond to the distance from the top surface to the top surface of the engaging protrusions 45b1 and 45b1 formed on the engaging ring 45b of the pressure reducing member 45. Therefore, the engaging protrusions 45b1 and 45b1 fit into the first grooves 42b3a and 42b3a with the utmost care, allowing the pressure reducing member 45 to be inserted between the inner tube 42a and the outer tube 42b of the hose connection attachment 40.

[0047] Once the engaging protrusions 45b1, 45b1 can be inserted all the way into the first grooves 42b3a, the second grooves 42b3b, 42b3b are connected to the back of the first groove 42b3a, and the pressure reducing member 45 is rotated around its axis. Then, the engaging protrusions 45b1, 45b1 enter the second grooves 42b3b, 42b3b, which are oriented in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. Because the second grooves 42b3b, 42b3b are perpendicular to the insertion direction, the engaging protrusions 45b1, 45b1 engage with the second grooves 42b3b, 42b3b.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement mechanism of a modified hose connection attachment. In the previous example, the engaging protrusions 45b1, 45b1 of the engaging ring 45b engage with the L-shaped groove 42b3 of the outer tube 42b, but the L-shaped groove 42b3 does not necessarily have to be composed of a first groove 42b3a oriented in the insertion direction and a second groove 42b3b oriented circumferentially at the back of the first groove 42b3a, perpendicular to the insertion direction. As shown in the figure, an L-shaped groove 42b4 may also be one that opens facing the insertion direction, gradually changes direction by 90 degrees as it moves toward the back, and finally, at the back, is oriented circumferentially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0049] In this example, the engagement structure is formed by the engagement protrusions 45b1, 45b1 of the pressure reducing member 45 and the L-shaped grooves 42b3, 42b4 of the outer tube 42b, but various engagement structures can be adopted. In the above-described embodiment, one cylindrical portion 45a is attached between the inner tube 42a and the outer tube 42b of the hose connection attachment 40.

[0050] However, by forming a second outer cylinder outside the outer cylinder 42b of the hose connection attachment 40, in addition to the annular space between the outer cylinder 42b and the inner cylinder 42a, another annular space may be formed between the outer cylinder 42b and the second outer cylinder, and a second pressure reducing member may also be attached to this annular space. In this case as well, the support walls of the O-ring in the second pressure reducing member are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0051] By installing two pressure reducing members, if excessive internal pressure occurs, both pressure reducing members can release the internal pressure, allowing the pressure to be reduced quickly. As a result, the mixer body 20 can be protected more reliably. It is also possible to adjust the magnitude of the pressure at which the pressure starts to be released. That is, it is provided with a second inner tube and a second outer tube that communicate with the flow path, and has a second pressure reducing member of a cylindrical body that is interposed between the second inner tube and the second outer tube in a watertight state via a predetermined O-ring, and the support wall of the O-ring in the second pressure reducing member is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0052] We have explained the pressure reducing mechanism of the hose connection attachment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The O-ring that seals the space between the water channel switching member 34 and the water discharge cap 35 inside the shower switching mechanism 30 is also provided with the pressure reducing structure described with reference to FIG. Figure 13 shows a cross section of the shower head when water is being discharged. Water is being discharged from the shower hole 35b in the water discharge cap 35. If the shower hole is not cleaned for a long period of time, it may become clogged. In this case, the internal pressure will increase, just as if the hose were fully closed, increasing the risk of the unit breaking down.

[0053] Figure 14 shows how chlorides and other substances clog shower hole 35b, increasing internal pressure and causing the O-ring sealing the space between water channel switching member 34 and discharge cap 35 to deform into a snake shape, activating the pressure reduction function. Water that was supposed to be discharged from shower hole 35b pushes up O-ring 35o and flows into the straight discharge pipe through the gap that has formed, resulting in a straight discharge. Users will know that internal cleaning is necessary when water comes out of the straight spout even though the shower is running.

[0054] In Figures 5 and 6, support walls 45a2 are formed so as to abut against the lower part of the O-ring 43, and the support walls 45a2 do not support the lower part of the O-ring 43 all around, but are formed only in four places. In the example of FIG. 14, the O-ring wire diameter is small at φ1.5 (inner diameter φ14), so there are eight support walls, and suitable pressure reduction was achieved.

[0055] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The mutually replaceable components and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately changed and applied. Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, members and configurations that are publicly known and can be mutually substituted for the members and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately substituted, and their combinations may be changed and applied. Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, members and configurations may be substituted by those skilled in the art based on publicly known techniques as substitutes for the members and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments, and the combinations may be changed and applied. is disclosed as an embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10...Shower switching faucet, 20...Mixer body, 30...Shower switching mechanism, 31...Fixing member, 32...Switching ring, 33...Connecting member, 34...Waterway switching member, 35...Water outlet cap, 35o...O-ring, 36...Switching mechanism, 40...Hose connection attachment, 41...Inlet end, 42...Outlet end, 42a...Inner tube, 42b...Outer tube, 42b1...Support wall, 42b2...Opening end, 42b3...L-shaped groove, 42b3a...first groove, 42b3b...second groove, 42b4...L-shaped groove, 43...O-ring, 44...O-ring, 44a...Y-ring, 44a1...groove, 44a2...fin-shaped portion, 45...pressure reduction member, 45a...cylindrical portion, 45a1...inner end, 45a1a...cutout portion, 45a2...support wall, 45a3...support wall, 45a4...cutout portion, 45b...engaging ring, 45b1...engaging protrusion, 45c...connecting portion.

Claims

1. A hose connection attachment has an inlet end at one end that can be connected to an external water flow path, and an outlet end at the other end that can be connected to an external hose, and includes an inner tube that serves as the outlet end, and an outer tube that covers the inner tube and communicates with the flow path, a cylindrical body having pressure reducing members interposed in a watertight state between an inner wall surface of the cylindrical body and an outer wall surface of the inner cylinder, and between the outer wall surface of the cylindrical body and the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder, via predetermined O-rings, A hose connection attachment characterized in that the support wall of the O-ring is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

2. 2. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the O-ring has a Y-shaped cross section that opens outward in the pressure direction.

3. 3. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the support wall of the O-ring on the outer side in the pressure direction is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

4. 2. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the support wall of the O-ring on the inner side in the pressure direction is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

5. An L-shaped groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, the L-shaped groove being composed of a first groove oriented in the insertion direction and a second groove oriented in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction at the back of the first groove, 3. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the pressure reducing member has an engaging protrusion formed at a portion thereof facing the L-shaped groove, the engaging protrusion being insertable into and engageable with the L-shaped groove.

6. 3. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube extends in the extending direction of the inner tube.

7. 3. The hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein a recess facing the O-ring is formed on the outer side of the wall surface that contacts the O-ring in the pressure direction.

8. a second inner cylinder and a second outer cylinder communicating with the flow path; a second pressure reducing member of a cylindrical body interposed between the second inner cylinder and the second outer cylinder in a watertight state via a predetermined O-ring; 3. A hose connection attachment according to claim 1, wherein the support wall of the O-ring in the second pressure reducing member is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

9. It has a tubular shape with an inlet end at one end and an outlet end at the other end, an inner cylinder that serves as the outflow end, and an outer cylinder that covers the inner cylinder and communicates with the flow path; a cylindrical body having pressure reducing members interposed in a watertight state between an inner wall surface of the cylindrical body and an outer wall surface of the inner cylinder, and between the outer wall surface of the cylindrical body and the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder, via predetermined O-rings, A pressure reducing structure for a flow path, characterized in that the support wall of the O-ring is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

10. 10. The pressure reducing structure for a flow passage according to claim 9, wherein the support wall of the O-ring on the outer side in the pressure application direction is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

11. A shower switching faucet that can switch between shower spout and straight spout, A tubular portion having an inflow end at one end and an outflow end at the other end, an inner cylinder that serves as the outflow end, and an outer cylinder that covers the inner cylinder and communicates with the flow path; a cylindrical body having pressure reducing members interposed in a watertight state between an inner wall surface of the cylindrical body and an outer wall surface of the inner cylinder, and between the outer wall surface of the cylindrical body and the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder, via predetermined O-rings, A shower switching faucet characterized in that the support wall of the O-ring is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

12. The shower switching faucet according to claim 11, wherein the support wall of the O-ring on the outer side in the pressure direction is formed intermittently in the circumferential direction.

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