Handle for a faucet

Abstract

To fix a handle cover so as to be easily removed while securing excellent design.SOLUTION: The handle 10 for the faucet includes a connecting member 41 fixed to an operation shaft 35 of the faucet 1, and a handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41 in a state of covering the outer periphery of the connecting member 41. The handle cover 42 is fixed to the connecting member 41 by engaging the first engaging portion 91 configured to be elastically deformable with the second engaging portion 92 at a position where the connecting member 41 is covered with the handle cover 42. Further, the coupling member 41 includes the end wall portion 45 that closes the opening portion 44 of the handle cover 42 facing the faucet main body 3 from which the operation shaft 35 protrudes, and the engagement release unit 100 provided on the end wall portion 45. The faucet handle 10 is configured to be able to release the engagement state of the first engaging portion 91 and the second engaging portion 92 by operating the first engaging portion 91 using the engagement release unit 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

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, some faucet handles include a connecting member fixed to the operating shaft of the faucet and a handle cover that covers the outer periphery of this connecting member. Furthermore, since the faucet handle is likely to affect the appearance of the faucet, its design is important. Therefore, in the faucet handle of the above-mentioned conventional example, the handle cover is screwed to the handle core, which serves as the connecting member, at a position on the back side of the handle cover that is difficult for the user of the faucet to see. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-148074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional configuration, the operation of removing the handle cover is cumbersome, for example, when replacing parts or performing maintenance and inspection. [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; and a handle cover attached to the connecting member in a state covering the outer periphery of the connecting member; a first engagement portion provided on one side of the connecting member and the handle cover; and a second engagement portion provided on the other side of the connecting member and the handle cover; when the connecting member is covered by the handle cover, the first engagement portion, which is configured to be elastically deformable, engages with the second engagement portion, thereby fixing the handle cover to the connecting member; the handle cover has an opening facing the faucet body from which the operating shaft protrudes; the connecting member has an end wall portion that closes the opening and is covered on its outer periphery by the handle cover; and the end wall portion has an engagement release portion configured to be able to release the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion by operating the first engagement portion.

[0006] The faucet handle with the above-described configuration allows the handle cover to be easily removed, for example, during part replacement or maintenance inspection. Furthermore, the disengagement part used to remove the handle cover can be positioned in a location that is difficult for users of the faucet to see. This ensures excellent design.

[0007] Aspect 2 is the faucet handle according to Aspect 1, which is provided with a hole that opens into the end wall portion, and is configured so that the first engagement portion can be operated via the hole. The faucet handle having the above-described configuration can be provided with a disengagement portion on the end wall of the connecting member that is difficult for the user of the faucet to see, with a simple configuration.

[0008] Aspect 3 is a faucet handle described in Aspect 2, in which the hole portion is located above the operating shaft when the connecting member and the handle cover, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft, are in the reference position of the faucet.

[0009] In the faucet handle having the above configuration, the first engagement portion can be easily operated through the hole, making it easier to remove the handle cover. Aspect 4 is a faucet handle described in Aspect 2 or Aspect 3, in which the hole portion is located in a position hidden by the faucet cover that covers the faucet body, regardless of the rotational position of the connecting member that rotates integrally with the operating shaft and the handle cover.

[0010] The faucet handle having the above configuration can ensure a more excellent design. A fifth aspect is the faucet handle according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the first engagement portion is disposed at a position facing the hole portion.

[0011] In the faucet handle having the above configuration, the first engagement portion can be easily operated through the hole, making it easier to remove the handle cover. A sixth aspect is the faucet handle according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the first engagement portion is an engagement piece having a folded-back shape.

[0012] In the faucet handle having the above-described configuration, the first engagement portion is easily elastically deformed, and by ensuring a larger amount of elastic deformation, the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be more easily released by operating the first engagement portion.

[0013] Aspect 7 is a faucet handle as described in Aspect 1, which comprises a recess provided on the outer surface of the end wall portion and the first engagement portion provided within the recess, and the first engagement portion has an operating portion protruding from the outer surface.

[0014] The faucet handle of the above configuration has a simple structure and can provide a disengagement portion on the end wall of the connecting member that is difficult for the user of the faucet to see. Furthermore, the operating portion of the first engaging portion protrudes from the outer surface of the end wall, making it easy to operate. This makes it possible to more effectively remove the handle cover easily while maintaining its excellent design. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the handle cover can be fixed in place and easily removed while ensuring excellent design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [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 perspective view of the handle cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the connecting member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the connecting member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet handle (cross-section XI-XI). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of the connecting member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the connecting member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the faucet illustrating how to remove the handle cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of a faucet handle constituting a switching handle in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a connecting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a connecting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section XVIII-XVIII) of the faucet handle in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the gap formed between the handle cover and the faucet cover. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the vicinity of the gap formed between the handle cover and the faucet cover. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a faucet handle constituting a temperature adjustment handle in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [First embodiment] A first 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.

[0018] 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 the hot and cold water supplied via these water inlets 11, 12. Furthermore, the faucet body 3 extends in a substantially horizontal direction and is positioned 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] <Connecting member and handle cover> As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8 to 11, 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 fits into the end wall 45 of the connecting member 41.

[0034] 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.

[0035] <Fixing structure of connecting member to operating shaft> 9 to 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, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting member 41 is fixed to the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1 so as to be non-rotatable relative to it and non-movable in the axial direction.

[0036] 9, 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 on which 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 10 and 11, 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] <Structure for fixing the handle cover to the connecting member> As shown in Figure 11, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment has a core-side engaging portion 61 provided on the connecting member 41 and a cover-side engaging portion 62 provided on the handle cover 42. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the core-side engaging portion 61 and the cover-side engaging portion 62 engage with each other inside the handle cover 42, that is, at the position where the connecting member 41 is covered by the handle cover 42. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the handle cover 42 is fixed to the connecting member 41 based on the engaging force of the core-side engaging portion 61 and the cover-side engaging portion 62.

[0042] Specifically, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has, as its core-side engaging portion 61, upper and lower engaging pieces 63, 64 provided at two positions that sandwich the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41 is fixed in the vertical direction when the faucet handle 10 is in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. Similarly, the handle cover 42 of this embodiment has upper and lower engaging portions 65, 66 provided at two positions that sandwich the operating shaft 35 in the vertical direction when the faucet handle 10 is in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the engaging portions 65, 66 on the handle cover 42 side engage with the engaging pieces 63, 64 on the connecting member 41 side, respectively.

[0043] 8 and 11, in the handle cover 42 of this embodiment, the upper engagement portion 65 is configured as an engagement protrusion 71 protruding from the upper inner wall surface 68a of the handle cover 42. The lower engagement portion 66 is configured as an engagement recess 72 recessed into the lower inner wall surface 68b of the handle cover 42.

[0044] 10 to 13, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment is provided with upper and lower engagement pieces 63, 64 that extend along the axis N of the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41 is fixed. Furthermore, each of the engagement pieces 63, 64 has claw portions 63x, 64x that protrude toward an inner wall surface 68 of the handle cover 42 inside which the connecting member 41 is disposed. The connecting member 41 of this embodiment is configured so that each of the claw portions 63x, 64x of each of the engagement pieces 63, 64 engages with a corresponding engagement protrusion 71 and engagement recess 72 on the handle cover 42 side.

[0045] Specifically, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, the upper engagement piece 63 is provided in a position above the cylindrical protrusion 57 provided on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall 45, in a manner protruding from the inner surface 45sb of the end wall 45 along the axis N of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, the upper engagement piece 63 has a substantially U-shaped curved portion 63u, and thereby has a folded shape in which the tip end 63a side thereof extends toward the end wall 45 side (rightward in FIGS. 11 and 12). The upper engagement piece 63 is configured to have a claw portion 63x protruding upward from a folded piece portion 63c between the curved portion 63u and the tip end 63a.

[0046] Furthermore, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has a peripheral wall portion 75 that extends along the periphery of the end wall portion 45 and protrudes from the inner surface 45sb thereof. Furthermore, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, the lower engagement piece 64 has a generally flat plate-like outer shape with a portion of the peripheral wall portion 75 cut out. Specifically, the lower engagement piece 64 has a free end 64f in the direction in which the end wall portion 45 is located. The lower engagement piece 64 is configured to have a claw portion 64x that protrudes downward from one longitudinal end side that is configured as the free end 64f.

[0047] 5, 6, and 11, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41 fixed to the operating shaft 35 from the tip 35x side of the operating shaft 35. Furthermore, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, elastic deformation is permitted for the engagement pieces 63, 64 extending in the direction in which the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41. Specifically, the upper and lower engagement pieces 63, 64 are elastically deformable in such a manner that their claw portions 63x, 64x move toward and away from the inner wall surface 68 of the handle cover 42 by bending in the vertical direction. This allows the claw portions 63x, 64x provided on the upper and lower engagement pieces 63, 64 to engage with the corresponding engagement protrusions 71 and engagement recesses 72 on the handle cover 42, respectively.

[0048] That is, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, when the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41, the upper engagement piece 63 elastically deforms, causing the claw portion 63x to climb over the engagement protrusion 71 provided on the upper inner wall surface 68a of the handle cover 42. In the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, the upper engagement piece 63 has a slope 63d against which the engagement protrusion 71 of the handle cover 42 slides when the handle cover 42 is attached. Similarly, when the handle cover 42 is attached to the connecting member 41, the lower engagement piece 64 elastically deforms, causing the claw portion 64x of the engagement piece 64 to be inserted into the engagement recess 72 provided on the lower inner wall surface 68b of the handle cover 42. The faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured to fix the handle cover 42 attached to the connecting member 41 by restricting relative movement in the detachment direction (from right to left in FIG. 11 ) due to the engagement force generated thereby.

[0049] In the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the handle cover 42 is made of resin. Furthermore, the end wall portion 45 of the connecting member 41 and the engaging pieces 63, 64 are also made of resin and are integrally formed. The connecting member 41 of this embodiment has its upper and lower engaging pieces 63, 64 configured to be elastically deformable, so that these engaging pieces 63, 64 function as a so-called snap fit as described above.

[0050] <Handle cover removal structure> 9 to 12 and 14, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the connecting member 41 is provided with a hole 80 that penetrates its end wall 45 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, a core-side engaging portion 61 on the connecting member 41 is disposed in a position facing this hole 80, at a position covered by the handle cover 42, which engages with a cover-side engaging portion 62 on the handle cover 42. Thus, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the engagement between the core-side engaging portion 61 and the cover-side engaging portion 62 can be released by operating the core-side engaging portion 61 through the hole 80 provided in the end wall 45 of the connecting member 41.

[0051] More specifically, as described above, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has a hole 80 that is located above the insertion hole 50 through which the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 1 is inserted when the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. Furthermore, in the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, the upper engaging piece 63 that constitutes the core-side engaging portion 61 is located at a position facing the hole 80. Specifically, the tip 63a of the engaging piece 63, which has a substantially U-shaped curved portion 63u and is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45, is inserted into the hole 80 from the inside of the handle cover 42. This allows the connecting member 41 of this embodiment to operate the upper engaging piece 63 located on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45 from the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45 that closes the opening 44 of the handle cover 42, via the hole 80.

[0052] That is, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, of the engagement pieces 63, 64 provided on the connecting member 41 as the core-side engagement portion 61, the upper engagement piece 63 constitutes the first engagement portion 91. Furthermore, of the engagement pieces 65, 66 provided on the handle cover 42 as the cover-side engagement portion 62, the upper engagement piece 65 constitutes the second engagement portion 92. Furthermore, the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63 arranged in the hole 80 of the connecting member 41 serves as the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91. Thus, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the engagement between the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92 can be released by operating the first engagement portion 91 via the hole 80 that constitutes the disengagement portion 100.

[0053] More specifically, in the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, while the handle cover 42 remains fixed to the connecting member 41, the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63 located within the hole 80 can be operated to elastically deform the engagement piece 63. Specifically, the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63 is displaced radially inward of the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41 is fixed. For example, when the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1, the tip 63a of the upper engagement piece 63 is pushed down. Furthermore, as the upper engagement piece 63 elastically deforms based on this operational input, the folded piece 63c moves away from the upper inner wall surface 68a of the handle cover 42, which is positioned radially outward of the operating shaft 35 relative to the folded piece 63c. In the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment, the claw portion 63x provided on the folded piece portion 63c of the upper engagement piece 63 thereby disengages from the engagement protrusion 71 that constitutes the upper engagement portion 65 provided on the upper inner wall surface 68a of the handle cover 42. In other words, this configuration disengages these engagement states.

[0054] Furthermore, the connecting member 41 of this embodiment has a recess 101 that opens into the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45 at a position below the insertion hole 50 when the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. In the connecting member 41 of this embodiment, a lower engaging piece 64 provided on the connecting member 41 as the core-side engaging portion 61 is disposed within the recess 101.

[0055] Specifically, in connecting member 41 of this embodiment, recess 101 opens to outer peripheral surface 75s of peripheral wall portion 75 with inner surface 101s continuing on outer peripheral surface 75s of peripheral wall portion 75. Furthermore, in connecting member 41 of this embodiment, lower engaging piece 64 can be formed integrally with end wall portion 45 by resin molding using a mold (not shown). In connecting member 41 of this embodiment, upper engaging piece 63 is disposed at a position facing hole 80 formed in end wall portion 45, so that upper engaging piece 63 can also be formed integrally with end wall portion 45 by resin molding using the mold.

[0056] Furthermore, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the holes 80 and recesses 101 provided in the end wall portions 45 of the connecting member 41 are positioned in a position hidden by the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3, regardless of the rotational positions of the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft 35. This allows the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment to be configured to ensure excellent design.

[0057] <Operation of this embodiment> In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, when removing the handle cover 42 fixed to the connecting member 41, for example, during part replacement or maintenance and inspection, the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3 is first removed. As described above, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, of the rear cover 31 and front cover 32 that make up the faucet cover 2, only the front cover 32 can be removed. In this case, too, it is sufficient to remove only the front cover 32 (see Figure 14).

[0058] In the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the faucet handle 10 is then positioned at a position that serves as the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. As a result, the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the hole 80 provided in the end wall portion 45 of the connecting member 41, that is, the disengagement portion 100, is positioned on the top side of the faucet 1 where it is easily visible to the operator.

[0059] Furthermore, in this state, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the upper engagement piece 63 serving as a first engagement portion 91 provided on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall 45 is operated from the outer surface 45sa side of the end wall 45 through the hole 80. Specifically, the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63 arranged in the hole 80 is pressed down. This pressing operation also causes the upper engagement piece 63 serving as the first engagement portion 91 to elastically deform, causing the claw portion 63x of the engagement piece 63 to disengage from the upper engagement portion 65 serving as a second engagement portion 92 provided on the upper inner wall surface 68a of the handle cover 42. This releases the engagement between the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92, making it possible to remove the handle cover 42 from the connecting member 41 of the faucet handle 10 of this embodiment.

[0060] <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 covering the outer periphery of the connecting member 41. The faucet handle 10 also comprises a first engagement portion 91 provided on the connecting member 41 and a second engagement portion 92 provided on the handle cover 42. When the connecting member 41 of the faucet handle 10 is covered by the handle cover 42, the first engagement portion 91, which is configured to be elastically deformable, engages with the second engagement portion 92, thereby fixing the handle cover 42 to the connecting member 41.

[0061] The handle cover 42 also has an opening 44 facing the faucet body 3, with the operating shaft 35 protruding from it. Furthermore, the connecting member 41 has an end wall portion 45 that closes the opening 44 of the handle cover 42, and its outer periphery is covered by the handle cover 42, and the connecting member 41 also has a disengagement portion 100 provided on the end wall portion 45. The faucet handle 10 is configured so that the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92 can be disengaged by operating the first engagement portion 91 using the disengagement portion 100.

[0062] The above configuration allows for easy removal of the handle cover 42, for example, during part replacement or maintenance and inspection. Furthermore, the disengagement part 100 used to remove the handle cover 42 can be positioned in a location that is difficult for users of the faucet 1 to see. This ensures excellent design.

[0063] (2) The connecting member 41 has a hole 80 that opens into its end wall 45. The faucet handle 10 is configured so that its first engagement portion 91 can be operated via this hole 80. According to the above configuration, the disengaging portion 100 can be provided on the end wall portion 45 of the connecting member 41, which is difficult for the user of the faucet 1 to see, with a simple configuration.

[0064] (3) The hole 80 is located above the operating shaft 35 when the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft 35, are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1. This makes it easier to operate the first engagement portion 91 through the hole 80. As a result, the handle cover 42 can be removed more easily.

[0065] (4) The hole 80 is located in a position hidden by the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3, regardless of the rotational positions of the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 that rotate integrally with the operating shaft 35. According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a more excellent design.

[0066] (5) The first engagement portion 91 is disposed at a position facing the hole portion 80 . According to the above configuration, the first engagement portion 91 can be easily operated through the hole 80. As a result, the operation of removing the handle cover 42 can be performed more easily.

[0067] (6) The first engaging portion 91 is configured as an engaging piece 63 having a folded shape. According to the above configuration, the first engagement portion 91 is more likely to be elastically deformed. This ensures a larger amount of elastic deformation, making it easier to release the engagement between the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92 based on the operation of the first engagement portion 91.

[0068] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the piping cover will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment differs from the faucet handle 10 of the first embodiment in the removal structure of the handle cover 42B provided on the end wall portion 45B of the connecting member 41B.

[0070] <Structure for fixing the handle cover to the connecting member> The faucet handle 10B of this embodiment also has upper and lower engagement pieces 103, 104 provided on the end wall portion 45B of the connecting member 41B as its core-side engagement portion 61. The faucet handle 10B also has upper and lower engagement recesses 105, 106 provided on the inner wall surface 108 of the handle cover 42B as its cover-side engagement portion 62. Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, the handle cover 42B is attached to the connecting member 41B fixed to the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 110 from the tip 35x side of the operating shaft 35 (left side in Figure 18). The faucet handle 10B of this embodiment is thus configured so that the engagement pieces 103, 104 on the connecting member 41B side engage with the engagement recesses 105, 106 on the handle cover 42B side.

[0071] More specifically, the connecting member 41B of this embodiment also has a peripheral wall portion 115 that extends along the periphery of the end wall portion 45B and protrudes from the inner surface 45sb thereof. Furthermore, in the connecting member 41B of this embodiment, the upper and lower engagement pieces 103, 104 each have a generally flat plate-like shape with a portion of the peripheral wall portion 115 cut out. Furthermore, these engagement pieces 103, 104 each have claw portions 103x, 104x that protrude toward the inner wall surface 108 of the handle cover 42B. The faucet handle 10B of this embodiment is configured so that the claw portions 103x, 104x of these engagement pieces 103, 104 engage with upper and lower engagement recesses 105, 106, respectively, that are provided on the inner wall surface 108 of the handle cover 42B.

[0072] That is, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, when the handle cover 42B is attached to the connecting member 41B, the upper and lower engagement pieces 103, 104 elastically deform, thereby engaging with the respective engagement recesses 105, 106 on the handle cover 42B. In other words, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, the engagement pieces 103, 104 on the connecting member 41B also function as a so-called snap fit. The faucet handle 10B of this embodiment is also configured to fix the handle cover 42B attached to the connecting member 41B by restricting relative movement in the detachment direction (from right to left in FIG. 18) due to the engagement force generated thereby.

[0073] <Handle cover removal structure> Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, the end wall 45B of the connecting member 41B is provided with a recess 120 that opens onto its outer surface 45sa. In the connecting member 41B of this embodiment, this recess 120 is recessed into the outer surface 45sa of the end wall 45B in a manner that surrounds the outer periphery of the cylindrical protrusion 52 through which the operating shaft 35 of the faucet 110 is inserted. Furthermore, this recess 120 opens onto the outer peripheral surface 115s of the peripheral wall 115, with its inner surface 120s continuing onto the outer surface 45sa of the end wall 45B and the outer peripheral surface 115s of the peripheral wall 115. The connecting member 41B of this embodiment is configured so that its lower engagement piece 104 is positioned within this recess 120.

[0074] More specifically, in connecting member 41B of this embodiment, recess 120 recessed into the outer surface 45sa of end wall portion 45B has a side opening 121 that opens to the outer peripheral surface 115s of the peripheral wall portion 115. Furthermore, in connecting member 41B of this embodiment, when connecting member 41B is in reference position P0 of the faucet 110, the side opening 121 of the recess 120 is located on the underside of the faucet 110 (the lower side in Figures 15 and 18). Connecting member 41B of this embodiment is configured to have a lower engagement piece 104 at a position that corresponds to the side opening 121 of the recess 120.

[0075] More specifically, as shown in Figures 15 to 20, in the connecting member 41B of this embodiment, the lower engagement piece 104 is provided at a position that becomes the side opening 121 and protrudes from the bottom surface 120sb of the recess 120. Furthermore, in the connecting member 41B of this embodiment, the tip 104a of the lower engagement piece 104 protrudes from the outer surface 45sa of the end wall 45B in which the recess 120 is provided toward the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3 (to the right in Figures 19 and 20). Furthermore, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, the lower engagement piece 104 can be elastically deformed by operating the tip 104a that protrudes from the outer surface 45sa of the end wall 45B, i.e., that is located outside the recess 120. The faucet handle 10B of this embodiment is thus able to easily disengage the lower engagement piece 104 provided on the connecting member 41B from the lower engagement recess 106 provided on the handle cover 42.

[0076] Specifically, the tip 104a of this engagement piece 104 is displaced radially inward of the operating shaft 35 to which the connecting member 41B is fixed. For example, when the connecting member 41B and the handle cover 42B are at the reference position P0 of the faucet 110, the tip 104a of the lower engagement piece 104, which is positioned below the operating shaft 35, is pushed up. As a result, the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment is configured so that the lower engagement piece 104 elastically deforms, causing the claw portion 104x to detach from the engagement recess 106 on the handle cover 42 side.

[0077] That is, in the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, of the engagement pieces 103, 104 provided on the end wall portion 45B of the connecting member 41B, the lower engagement piece 104 constitutes the first engagement portion 91. Furthermore, of the engagement recesses 105, 106 provided on the inner wall surface 68 of the handle cover 42B, the lower engagement recess 106 constitutes the second engagement portion 92. As a result, the tip end 104a of the engagement piece 104 protruding outside the recess 120 of the connecting member 41B serves as an operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91, thereby forming a disengagement portion 100 that can disengage the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92.

[0078] 15 to 20 is used as the switching handle 18 of a faucet 110. The faucet handle 10B that serves as the switching handle 18 has an upper engagement piece 103 that protrudes from the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45B and serves as the core-side engagement portion 61 on the connecting member 41B side. As a result, the switching handle 18 is configured so that the entire upper engagement piece 103 is covered by the handle cover 42B fixed to the connecting member 41B.

[0079] The faucet handle 10C shown in FIG. 21 is used as the temperature control handle 17 of a faucet 110. This faucet handle 10C has a recess 120C provided in the end wall portion 45C of the connecting member 41C, which also has a side opening 121C that opens into the outer peripheral surface 115s of the peripheral wall portion 115 at a position facing the upper surface of the faucet 110. Furthermore, this faucet handle 10C has an upper engagement piece 103C provided at the position that will become the upper side opening 121C. Specifically, this upper engagement piece 103C is also provided in a manner that protrudes from the bottom surface 120sb of the recess 120C. Note that the tip 103a of this upper engagement piece 103C is positioned within the recess 120C without protruding beyond the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45C. In addition, the faucet handle 10C is configured such that an upper engagement piece 103C thereof engages with an upper engagement recess 105 (see FIG. 18) provided on the inner wall surface 68 of the handle cover 42C.

[0080] <Operation of this embodiment> As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the faucet 110 of this embodiment, a gap 130 is formed between the handle cover 42B of the faucet handle 10B and the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3. Furthermore, the lower engagement piece 104 provided on the connecting member 41B has a tip portion 104a that protrudes from within the recess 120 onto the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45B, and is positioned near the longitudinal end 3x of the faucet body 3 where this gap 130 is formed. As a result, in the faucet 110 of this embodiment, the lower engagement piece 104 that constitutes the first engagement portion 91 can be operated via the gap 130 between the handle cover 42B and the faucet cover 2.

[0081] Specifically, a tool is inserted into the gap 130 between the handle cover 42B and the faucet cover 2, for example, to press the tip 104a of the engagement piece 104, which serves as the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91. This pressing operation causes the lower engagement piece 104 serving as the first engagement portion 91 to elastically deform, causing the claw portion 104x of the engagement piece 104 to disengage from the lower engagement recess 106 serving as the second engagement portion 92 provided on the inner wall surface 108 of the handle cover 42B. This releases the engagement between the first engagement portion 91 and the second engagement portion 92 of the faucet handle 10B of this embodiment, making it possible to remove the handle cover 42B from the connecting member 41B.

[0082] The method for removing the handle cover 42C of the faucet handle 10C used for the temperature adjustment handle 17 is also the same as that for the faucet handle 10B used for the switching handle 18. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] As described above, even if the configuration of this embodiment is adopted, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 protrudes from the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45B, making it easy to operate the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91. Furthermore, the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 can be operated through the gap 130 between the handle cover 42B and the faucet cover 2. This makes it easy to remove the handle cover 42B without having to remove the faucet cover 2 that covers the faucet body 3.

[0084] Furthermore, when the faucet handle 10B is in the reference position P0, the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 is positioned on the underside of the faucet 110. In other words, the disengagement portion 100 used to remove the handle cover 42B is positioned in a position that is even less visible to the user of the faucet 110. This ensures better design.

[0085] The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0086] The shapes and arrangements of the first engaging portion 91 and the second engaging portion 92 may be changed as desired. For example, in the first embodiment, the upper engagement piece 63 provided on the connecting member 41 as the core-side engagement portion 61 is defined as the first engagement portion 91. Furthermore, this first engagement portion 91 is configured as an engagement piece 63 having a folded shape. Then, the engagement protrusion 71 as the upper engagement portion 65 provided on the handle cover 42 as the cover-side engagement portion 62 configures the second engagement portion 92. However, this is not limited to this, and the first engagement portion 91 does not necessarily have to have a folded shape. Furthermore, the second engagement portion 92 may also be configured as a recess rather than a protrusion. Then, a configuration may be adopted in which the lower engagement piece 64 is defined as the first engagement portion 91 and the lower engagement portion 66 is defined as the second engagement portion 92.

[0087] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the upper engaging piece 103 may be the first engaging portion 91, and the upper engaging recess 105 may be the second engaging portion 92. The second engaging portion 92 may also be a protrusion, not necessarily a recess.

[0088] Furthermore, it is not necessary that the first engagement portion 91 is provided on the connecting member 41 and the second engagement portion 92 is provided on the handle cover 42. It may be possible to have the first engagement portion 91 provided on the handle cover 42 and the second engagement portion 92 provided on the connecting member 41.

[0089] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the core-side engaging portions 61 and the cover-side engaging portions 62 may be changed as desired. For example, the core-side engaging portions 61 and the cover-side engaging portions 62 may be arranged in one or three or more locations, not limited to two locations that sandwich the operating shaft 35 in the vertical direction as in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, any of the core-side engaging portions 61 and the cover-side engaging portions 62 may serve as the first engaging portion 91 and the second engaging portion 92. At least one pair of the core-side engaging portions 61 and the cover-side engaging portions 62 may constitute the first engaging portion 91 and the second engaging portion 92. Again, it is arbitrary which of the core-side engaging portions 61 and the cover-side engaging portions 62 in each pair serves as the first engaging portion 91.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the connecting member 41 and the handle cover 42 are in the reference position P0 of the faucet 1, the hole 80 is located above the insertion hole 50 through which the operating shaft 35 is inserted. However, this is not limiting, and the shape, number, and arrangement of the hole 80 may be changed as desired.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first engagement portion 91 is disposed at a position facing the hole 80. Specifically, the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63, which becomes the operation portion 91x, is disposed within the hole 80. However, this is not limiting, and the tip 63a of the engagement piece 63 does not necessarily have to be disposed within the hole 80. Moreover, the first engagement portion 91 does not necessarily have to be disposed at a position facing the hole 80. For example, the first engagement portion 91 may be configured to be operated via the hole 80 using a tool or the like.

[0092] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the tip 104a of the lower engagement piece 104 is the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91. However, this is not limited to this, and the number and arrangement of the first engagement portions 91 may be changed as desired. For example, the configuration may be such that the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 can be operated from the top side of the faucet 1 through the gap 130 between the handle cover 42B and the faucet cover 2. Furthermore, when operating the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 protruding from the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45B, it is not necessarily necessary to use the gap 130 between the handle cover 42B and the faucet cover 2. For example, the configuration may be such that the operating portion 91x of the first engagement portion 91 can be operated directly, without using tools, by removing the faucet cover 2, for example.

[0093] Alternatively, for example, a hole opening into the underside 42sb of the handle cover 42B may be provided. The lower engagement piece 104, which serves as the first engagement portion 91, may be operable through the hole. Preferably, the lower engagement piece 104 is exposed through the hole provided in the underside 42sb of the handle cover 42B when viewed from below. Furthermore, the hole may have a notch shape with one end opening into the opening 44 of the handle cover 42B. This makes it easier to operate the lower engagement piece 104, which serves as the first engagement portion 91. When such a hole is provided, the tip 104a of the engagement piece 104, which serves as the first engagement portion 91, does not necessarily have to protrude beyond the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45B.

[0094] Note that this configuration in which the first engagement portion 91 can be operated via a hole provided in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42B is not limited to the lower surface 42sb, and may also be applied to a configuration in which such a hole is provided in the back surface 42sr of the handle cover 42B, for example. Furthermore, this does not exclude configurations in which the above-mentioned hole is provided in the upper surface 42sa or lower surface 42sb of the handle cover 42B. However, when considering the design of the faucet 110, it is desirable to position the hole and the first engagement portion 91 in a position that is difficult for a user of the faucet 110 to see.

[0095] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42, together with the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45, constitutes the handle surface. In this case, the first engagement portion 91 may be configured to be operable through a hole opening in the outer peripheral surface 42s of the handle cover 42, but the first engagement portion 91 does not necessarily have to be provided in the recess 120 recessed in the outer surface 45sa of the end wall portion 45B. For example, as in the first embodiment, the first engagement portion 91 may be configured to be disposed on the inner surface 45sb of the end wall portion 45. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 embodiments and modifications will be described.

[0098] (i) The faucet handle is configured so that the operating part can be operated through a gap between the handle cover and a faucet cover that covers the faucet body. According to the above configuration, for example, the handle cover can be easily removed without any preparation such as removing the faucet cover in advance.

[0099] (b) The faucet handle is positioned so that the operating part is lower than the operating shaft when the connecting member and the handle cover, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft, are in the reference position of the faucet.

[0100] According to the above configuration, the operating part of the first engaging part that constitutes the disengaging part is positioned in a position that is even less visible to the user of the faucet, thereby ensuring better design.

[0101] (c) A faucet handle comprising: a connecting member fixed to the operating shaft of a faucet; and a handle cover attached to the connecting member in a state covering the outer periphery of the connecting member; and a first engagement portion provided on one side of the connecting member and the handle cover; and a second engagement portion provided on the other side of the connecting member and the handle cover, wherein, when the connecting member is covered by the handle cover, the first engagement portion, which is configured to be elastically deformable, engages with the second engagement portion, thereby fixing the handle cover to the connecting member; and a hole portion opening on the handle surface, wherein the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be released by operating the first engagement portion through the hole portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...faucet, 3...faucet body, 10...faucet handle, 35...operating shaft, 41...connecting member, 42...handle cover, 44...opening, 45...end wall portion, 91...first engaging portion, 92...second engaging portion, 100...disengaging 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; In addition to providing a first engagement portion provided on one side of the connecting member and the handle cover; a second engagement portion provided on the other side of the connecting member and the handle cover, When the connecting member is covered by the handle cover, the first engaging portion, which is elastically deformable, engages with the second engaging portion, thereby fixing the handle cover to the connecting member, and The handle cover has an opening facing the faucet body from which the operating shaft protrudes, The connecting member has an end wall portion that closes the opening, and the outer periphery is covered by the handle cover, A faucet handle having an engagement release portion on the end wall portion that is configured to be able to release the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion by operating the first engagement portion.

2. a hole opening in the end wall portion, The first engagement portion is configured to be operable through the hole portion. The faucet handle according to claim 1.

3. When the connecting member and the handle cover, which rotate integrally with the operating shaft, are in a reference position of the faucet, the hole is provided at a position above the operating shaft. The faucet handle according to claim 2.

4. The hole is provided at a position hidden by the faucet cover that covers the faucet body, regardless of the rotational positions of the connecting member that rotates integrally with the operating shaft and the handle cover. The faucet handle according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The first engagement portion is disposed at a position facing the hole portion. The faucet handle according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The first engaging portion is an engaging piece having a folded shape. The faucet handle according to claim 2 or 3.

7. a recess provided on an outer surface of the end wall portion; The first engagement portion is provided in the recess, and The first engagement portion has an operating portion protruding from the outer surface. The faucet handle according to claim 1.

Images