Temperature control handle

Abstract

To improve the aesthetic design of the temperature control handle. [Solution] The temperature control handle 3a is used by being attached to a faucet body having a shaft member. The temperature control handle 3a comprises a transmission member 3a1 connected to the shaft member, a handle cover unit 3a3 connected to the transmission member 3a1, and a retaining member 3a2 that prevents the transmission member 3a1 from coming off the shaft member. Furthermore, the handle cover unit 3a3 has a bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall, and has an engaging portion on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall that engages with the transmission member 3a1 in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control handle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a temperature control handle used by being attached to a shaft member of a faucet body. As shown in FIG. 14, the faucet 70 includes a faucet body 71 and a temperature control handle 72 attached to an end of the faucet body 71. The temperature control handle 72 includes a non-rotating member 73, a handle body 74, a push button 75, and a fixing member 76. The handle body 74 has a bottom wall 74a and a peripheral wall 74b extending from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 74a, and the overall shape is configured in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The handle body 74 has a through hole 74a1 in the bottom wall 74a. The handle body 74 has an engaging piece 74a2 on the inner periphery of the through hole 74a1. The fixing member 76 is also configured in a bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0003] The faucet body 71 has a shaft member 71a at an axial end. The shaft member 71a has a non-rotatable fixed shaft 71a1 and a rotatable rotating shaft 71a2 that protrudes from the fixed shaft 71a1. The rotating shaft 71a2 is connected to a valve member (not shown) inside the faucet body 71.

[0004] When attaching the temperature control handle 72 to the shaft member 71a of the faucet body 71, first, the non-rotating member 73 is attached to the fixed shaft 71a1 of the shaft member 71a. Next, the rotating shaft 71a2 of the shaft member 71a is accommodated inside the peripheral wall 74b of the handle body 74. Then, the tip of the rotating shaft 71a2 is inserted into the through hole 74a1 of the bottom wall 74a of the handle body 74. The tip of the rotating shaft 71a2 is inserted by pushing and expanding the engaging piece 74a2 inside the through hole 74a1.

[0005] Next, a fixing member 76 is inserted into the through hole 74a1 of the bottom wall 74a from the side opposite to the side into which the pivot shaft 71a2 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 76b of the fixing member 76 is inserted on the outer circumference side of the engaging piece 74a2. The cylindrical portion 76b prevents the engaging piece 74a2 from being pushed open, so that the pivot shaft 71a2 of the shaft member 71a is prevented from coming out of the through hole 74a1 of the bottom wall 74a of the handle body 74. In other words, the temperature control handle 72 is connected to the faucet body 71 in a state where it is prevented from coming out. Also, the through hole 74a1 of the bottom wall 74a of the handle body 74 is covered by the bottom wall 76a of the fixing member 76. By rotating the handle body 74, the pivot shaft 71a2 of the shaft member 71a can be operated. By operating the pivot shaft 71a2, the valve member can be operated to adjust the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body 71. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-135731 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, in the case of the temperature control handle 72 described in Patent Document 1, the fixing member 76 attached to the through hole 74a1 in the bottom wall 74a of the handle body 74 is visible from the outside, which could reduce the aesthetic appeal of the temperature control handle 72. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The temperature control handle of Embodiment 1 is a temperature control handle used attached to a faucet body having a shaft member, comprising a transmission member connected to the shaft member, a handle cover unit connected to the transmission member, and a retaining member that prevents the transmission member from coming off the shaft member, and further comprising a handle cover unit having a bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall, and an engaging portion on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall that engages with the transmission member in a state where it is prevented from coming off.

[0009] With this configuration, the temperature control handle is equipped with a retaining member that prevents the transmission member from coming off the shaft member, and furthermore, the handle cover unit has a bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the inner circumference of the peripheral wall has an engaging portion that engages with the transmission member in a retaining state. As a result, the handle cover unit can be connected to the faucet body in a retaining state without providing a through hole in the bottom wall of the handle cover unit. This improves the aesthetic design of the temperature control handle.

[0010] Embodiment 2 is the temperature control handle of Embodiment 1, wherein the handle cover unit has a push button on its peripheral wall for switching the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle. With this configuration, the temperature range of the hot and cold water that can be adjusted by the temperature control handle can be changed by operating the push button to switch the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle.

[0011] Embodiment 3 is the temperature control handle of Embodiment 2, wherein the push button has an annular portion, and the transmission member is inserted inside the annular portion. With this configuration, the space inside the temperature control handle can be effectively utilized, and the temperature control handle can be made smaller.

[0012] Embodiment 4 is a temperature control handle as described in Embodiment 3, wherein the handle cover unit has a contact portion on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall that contacts the annular portion from a direction intersecting both the operating direction of the push button and the axial direction of the shaft member. With this configuration, when the push button is operated, rattling of the push button in a direction intersecting both the operating direction of the push button and the axial direction of the shaft member can be suppressed.

[0013] Embodiment 5 is the temperature control handle described in Embodiment 3, wherein the push button has connecting walls that connect two points on the inner circumference of the annular portion. This configuration improves the durability and rigidity of the annular portion of the push button. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The temperature control handle of the present invention can improve the aesthetic appeal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a faucet. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control handle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control handle from a different angle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transmission member. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the transmission member from a different angle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the push button. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the push button from a different angle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the handle body. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the handle body from a different angle. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the transmission member, push button, and retaining member combined. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the temperature control handle. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional temperature control handle.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] An embodiment of the temperature control handle will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 is installed on the bathroom wall surface W. Hereinafter, the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and front-rear direction when viewing the faucet 1 toward the wall surface W side will be described as the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and front-rear direction of the faucet 1, respectively.

[0017] The faucet 1 includes a faucet body 2, a faucet handle 3 connected to the faucet body 2, and a faucet cover 4 covering the faucet body 2. <Faucet Body> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet body 2 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is installed on the wall surface W with its axial direction extending in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the faucet body 2 has a cylindrical faucet body 10, a shaft member 20 attached to the faucet body 10, a nut (hereinafter also referred to as a fixing nut 21), and a valve member (not shown). Further, the faucet body 2 has a stopper ring 22 attached to the left end portion of the faucet body 10. The stopper ring 22 is used to restrict the rotation range of the temperature control handle 3a described later.

[0018] (Faucet Body) As shown in Figure 2, the faucet body 10 has openings for attaching the shaft member 20 at both axial end portions. Further, the faucet body 10 has a hot water supply port the rear side and a cold water supply port 12 on the water side. Further, the faucet body 10 has a shower connection port 14 at a position between the hot water supply port 11 and the cold water supply port 12. Further, the faucet body 10 has a spout 13 for the faucet at the lower side in the central portion in the horizontal direction. <000​Sockets 15 and 16 are connected to the hot water inlet 11 and the cold water inlet 12, respectively. The hot water supply piping (not shown), which is located behind the wall, is connected to socket 15, which is connected to the hot water inlet 11. The cold water supply piping (not shown), which is located behind the wall, is connected to socket 16, which is connected to the cold water inlet 12.

[0020] Furthermore, a pipe 17, which is bent in a roughly L-shape, is connected to the shower connection port 14. A shower hose 18 (see Figure 1) is connected to this pipe 17. A shower head (not shown) is connected to the end of the shower hose 18.

[0021] (Shaft member, nut, stopper ring, valve member) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft member 20 is connected to the openings at both ends of the faucet body 10 using fixing nuts 21. The shaft member 20 is rotatably connected to the faucet body 10 with its tip protruding from the inner circumference of the fixing nuts 21. A faucet handle 3, described later, is attached to the tip of the shaft member 20. The base end of the shaft member 20 is connected to a valve member located inside the faucet body 10. The valve member can be operated via the shaft member 20 by rotating the faucet handle 3. Therefore, the shaft member 20 is also called the operating shaft.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft member 20 connected to the left end of the faucet body 10 has a stopper ring 22 positioned on its outer circumference. Furthermore, the shaft member 20 is connected to the faucet body 10 together with the stopper ring 22 by connecting a fixing nut 21 positioned on the outer circumference of the stopper ring 22 to the faucet body 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft member 20 has a cylindrical main body portion 20a and a rod-shaped portion 20b that protrudes from the axial end of the main body portion 20a. The shaft member 20 has a groove 20a1 extending in the axial direction on the outer circumference of the main body portion 20a. This groove 20a1 is formed around the entire circumference of the main body portion 20a. The area where this groove 20a1 is formed is also called the serration portion. The transmission member 3a1 of the temperature control handle 3a, which will be described later, is attached to this serration portion so as to be integrally rotatable.

[0024] The rod-shaped portion 20b of the shaft member 20 has a smaller outer diameter than the main body portion 20a. Furthermore, the rod-shaped portion 20b has an enlarged diameter portion 20b1 (see Figure 12) where the outer diameter increases towards the tip. As shown in Figure 3, the stopper ring 22 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The stopper ring 22 has a restricting wall 22a that protrudes further to the left from its left end. The restricting wall 22a is located on the outer circumference of the shaft member 20 at a distance from the shaft member 20. The restricting wall 22a extends along the circumferential direction of the stopper ring 22 so as to form part of a circular arc.

[0025] <Faucet handle> As shown in Figure 2, the faucet handles 3 are connected to both axial ends of the faucet body 2. Specifically, the temperature control handle 3a, which functions as the faucet handle 3, is connected to the shaft member 20 located at the left end of the faucet body 2. The switching handle 3b, which functions as the faucet handle 3, is connected to the shaft member 20 located at the right end of the faucet body 2. The temperature control handle 3a has a push button 60 for switching the range of rotation. By rotating the temperature control handle 3a, the water temperature can be adjusted. By rotating the switching handle 3b, it is possible to switch between water flow and shut-off, and between tap water flow and shower water flow. Details of the temperature control handle 3a will be described later.

[0026] <Faucet cover> As shown in Figure 2, the faucet cover 4 includes a top cover 5 that covers the top, front, and bottom of the faucet body 2, and a back cover 6 that covers the rear of the faucet body 2. The faucet cover 4 also includes a pair of collars 7 that cover both ends in the left and right directions, which are the axial ends of the faucet body 2.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the collar 7 covering the left end of the faucet body 2 has a flat plate portion 7a that extends in the vertical and front-to-back directions. The flat plate portion 7a has a bell shape that is convex at the bottom and a curved shape that is slightly convex upward at the top. Hereafter, the shape of the flat plate portion 7a will also simply be referred to as bell-shaped.

[0028] The collar 7 has a through hole 7a1 in the center of the flat plate portion 7a that penetrates the flat plate portion 7a. On the left side surface of the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 7a, the collar 7 has a peripheral wall 7b that protrudes to the left from the periphery of the through hole 7a1. The peripheral wall 7b has a notch 7b1 at the periphery of the lower end of the through hole 7a1, where the peripheral wall 7b is cut out.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-3, the faucet body 2 is completely covered by combining the top cover 5, the back cover 6, and the pair of collars 7. In addition, the restricting wall 22a of the stopper ring 22 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the peripheral wall 7b of the left collar 7.

[0030] Furthermore, "entirely covered" does not mean only a state in which the faucet body 2 is completely covered by the faucet cover 4, but also includes a state in which most of the faucet body 2 is covered by the faucet cover 4. In other words, it includes a state in which a part of the faucet body 2 is exposed from the faucet cover 4.

[0031] <Temperature control handle> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the temperature control handle 3a includes a transmission member 3a1 connected to the shaft member 20 of the faucet body 2, a retaining member 3a2 that prevents the transmission member 3a1 from coming off the shaft member 20, and a handle cover unit 3a3 connected to the transmission member 3a1. The handle cover unit 3a3 also has a bottomed cylindrical handle body 50 and a push button 60 attached to the handle body 50.

[0032] (Transmission member) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transmission member 3a1 has a substantially circular flat plate portion 30 that extends in the vertical and front-rear directions. The transmission member 3a1 has a through hole 30a in the center of the flat plate portion 30 that penetrates the flat plate portion 30. The transmission member 3a1 has a peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "first peripheral wall 31") that protrudes to the left from the periphery of the through hole 30a. The transmission member 3a1 also has a peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "second peripheral wall 32") that protrudes to the right from the periphery of the through hole 30a. The transmission member 3a1 has a groove 32a that extends in the axial direction on the inner circumference of the right end of the second peripheral wall 32. This groove 32a is formed over the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the second peripheral wall 32. The area where this groove 32a is formed is also called the serration portion. By the engagement of this serration portion with the serration portion of the shaft member 20, the transmission member 3a1 is connected to the shaft member 20 so as to be integrally rotatable. By connecting the transmission member 3a1 to the shaft member 20 so as to be integrally rotatable, the rotational movement of the temperature control handle 3a is transmitted to the shaft member 20, thereby enabling adjustment of the water discharge temperature.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transmission member 3a1 has three plate-shaped engaging pieces 32b that protrude radially inward from a position to the left of the serration portion on the inner circumference of the second circumferential wall 32 and extend to the left. The three engaging pieces 32b are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the through hole 30a. The outer circumference of the three engaging pieces 32b is curved along the circumferential direction of the through hole 30a, and the outer tangents of the three engaging pieces 32b extend in a circular shape.

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the inner circumference of the three engaging pieces 32b has a tapered portion 32b1 where the thickness of the engaging piece 32b decreases from the inner circumference towards the left, which is the tip side of the engaging piece 32b. The left end of the three engaging pieces 32b is open and is allowed to elastically deform in the radial direction of the through hole 30a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transmission member 3a1 has a notch 30b in the vertical center of the flat plate portion 30 that extends from the front end to the second peripheral wall 32. As will be described later, when the transmission member 3a1 and the push button 60 are combined, the restricting portion 63 of the push button 60 (see Figures 3 and 4) is inserted through the notch 30b of the transmission member 3a1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transmission member 3a1 has a peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "third peripheral wall 33") that extends to the right from the outer circumference of the flat plate portion 30 along the thickness direction of the flat plate portion 30. The transmission member 3a1 has a first engaging claw 33a as an engaging portion at the upper end of the third peripheral wall 33, and a second engaging claw 33b as an engaging portion at the lower end of the third peripheral wall 33.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the first engaging claw 33a is formed at the upper end of the third circumferential wall 33 between two notches that penetrate the third circumferential wall 33 in the thickness direction from the right end to the left end. The first engaging claw 33a has an upwardly convex projection 33a1 on the upper surface of the right end.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the second engaging claw 33b is formed at the lower end of the third circumferential wall 33 between two notches that extend through the third circumferential wall 33 in the thickness direction from the right end to the left end. The second engaging claw 33b has a downwardly convex projection 33b1 on the lower surface of the central part in the left-right direction.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the transmission member 3a1 has transverse walls 34 extending in the front-rear direction from positions on both sides of the first engaging claw 33a at the upper end of the third circumferential wall 33. The surface of the transverse wall 34 is substantially aligned in the front-rear and left-right directions. The transmission member 3a1 also has a vertical wall 35 extending in the vertical direction from the right end of the transverse wall 34. The vertical wall 35 extends integrally with the right end of the third circumferential wall 33. When viewed along the left-right direction, the external shape of the transmission member 3a1 is bell-shaped, similar to the flat plate portion 7a of the collar 7. Furthermore, the external shape of the transmission member 3a1 is slightly smaller than the shape of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50, which will be described later.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, because the transmission member 3a1 has the shape described above, when the transmission member 3a1 is attached to the faucet body 2 (see Figure 2), the vertical wall 35 of the transmission member 3a1 abuts against or is close to the flat plate portion 7a of the collar 7. Also, the peripheral wall 7b of the collar 7 is housed within the inner circumference of the third peripheral wall 33 of the transmission member 3a1. Furthermore, when the various components constituting the temperature control handle 3a are combined, the transmission member 3a1 is housed inside the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50. Then, as will be described later, the left surface of the flat plate portion 30 of the transmission member 3a1 functions as a contact portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "fourth contact portion") that abuts against the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 from the right side.

[0041] (Retaining member) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the retaining member 3a2 is configured as a bottomed cylindrical shape. Specifically, the retaining member 3a2 has a circular bottom wall 40 and a cylindrical portion 41 that extends in the thickness direction of the bottom wall 40 from a position slightly inside the outer circumference of the bottom wall 40. The outer diameter of the bottom wall 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 41 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 41 is larger than the diameter of the outer tangent lines of the three engaging pieces 32b of the transmission member 3a1.

[0042] (Push button on the steering wheel cover unit) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the push button 60 has an annular portion 61 with an octagonal cross-section, formed by the integration of eight flat plate portions. The push button 60 has an operating portion 62 that protrudes outward from one of the planes of the annular portion 61 along the thickness direction of that plane. It also has a restricting portion 63 that protrudes diagonally to the right and rearward from the inner circumference of the aforementioned plane. The push button 60 also has a spring member 64 as a biasing member attached to another plane opposite to the plane having the operating portion 62. Furthermore, the push button 60 has a connecting wall 65 that connects a pair of opposing planes in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operating portion 62 and the spring member 64 face each other. In other words, the connecting wall 65 connects two points on the inner circumference of the annular portion 61. The connecting wall 65 is provided on the left end side of the inner circumference of the annular portion 61. The presence of the connecting wall 65 in the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 improves the durability and rigidity of the annular portion 61 of the push button 60.

[0043] Furthermore, the push button 60 has ribs 66 projecting outward from the outer circumference of each of the two planes that make up the upper and lower surfaces of the annular portion 61, to which the connecting wall 65 is connected. The ribs 66 extend approximately along the front-to-back direction. The direction in which the ribs 66 extend is in line with the opposing directions of the operating portion 62 of the push button 60 and the spring member 64. In other words, the direction in which the ribs 66 extend is in line with the operating direction of the push button 60. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, only the ribs 66 located on the upper surface of the annular portion 61 are visible, and the ribs 66 located on the lower surface of the annular portion 61 are not visible.

[0044] As will be described later, on the inner circumference of the annular portion 61, the space to the right of the connecting wall 65 functions as a space into which the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 and the bottom wall 40 of the retaining member 3a2 are inserted when the push button 60 and the transmission member 3a1 are combined.

[0045] (Handle body of the handle cover unit) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the handle body 50 is constructed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Specifically, the handle body 50 has a bottom wall 51 and a cylindrical peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "peripheral wall 52") that extends from the outer circumference of the bottom wall 51 in the thickness direction of the bottom wall 51. When viewing the handle body 50 along the left-right direction, the peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 has a bell shape, similar to the flat plate portion 7a of the collar 7.

[0046] The handle body 50 has a through hole 52a extending in the left-right direction at the front end of the outer peripheral wall 52. The operating part 62 of the push button 60 is inserted through this through hole 52a so as to protrude from the inner side to the outer side of the outer peripheral wall 52.

[0047] As shown in Figure 10, the handle body 50 has a groove (hereinafter also referred to as the "first engagement groove 52b") on the inner circumference of the upper end side of the outer peripheral wall 52 that is recessed toward the outer circumference and extends in the front-rear direction. The first engagement groove 52b functions as an engagement portion into which the projection 33a1 of the first engagement claw 33a of the transmission member 3a1 engages.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the handle body 50 has a groove (hereinafter also referred to as the "second engagement groove 52c") on the inner circumference of the lower end side of the outer peripheral wall 52 that is recessed toward the outer circumference and extends in the front-rear direction. The second engagement groove 52c functions as an engagement part into which the projection 33b1 of the second engagement claw 33b of the transmission member 3a1 engages. The handle body 50 also has a notch 52d cut out to the left at the end of the outer peripheral wall 52 to the right of the second engagement groove 52c.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the handle body 50 has a flat portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first flat portion 53") that protrudes downward and extends substantially along the front-rear and left-right directions on the inner circumference of the upper end side of the outer peripheral wall 52. The handle body 50 also has a flat portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second flat portion 54") that protrudes upward and extends substantially along the front-rear and left-right directions on the inner circumference of the lower end side of the outer peripheral wall 52. The first flat portion 53 and the second flat portion 54 extend parallel to each other.

[0050] Furthermore, the handle body 50 has a plate-like portion 55 projecting to the right on the inner circumference of the bottom wall 51. The plate-like portion 55 is also connected to the inner circumference of the rear end side of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50. The wall surface of the plate-like portion 55 extends substantially along the front-rear and left-right directions and extends parallel to the first planar portion 53 and the second planar portion 54.

[0051] When viewing the handle body 50 along the left-right direction, the plate-like portion 55 is located between the first flat portion 53 and the second flat portion 54 in the vertical direction. Also, when viewing the handle body 50 along the vertical direction, the right ends of the first flat portion 53 and the second flat portion 54 are in the same position. The right end of the plate-like portion 55 is located to the left of the right ends of the first flat portion 53 and the second flat portion 54. Furthermore, the right end of the plate-like portion 55 extends in a straight line along the front-back direction.

[0052] The surface of the first planar portion 53, the surface of the second planar portion 54, and the right end of the plate-like portion 55 extend parallel to the operating direction of the push button 60. As will be described later, the first planar portion 53 of the handle body 50 functions as a contact portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first contact portion") that contacts the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 attached to the handle body 50 from above. The second planar portion 54 of the handle body 50 functions as a contact portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second contact portion") that contacts the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 attached to the handle body 50 from below. The first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 from directions that intersect both the operating direction of the push button 60 and the axial direction of the shaft member 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the right end of the plate-shaped portion 55 functions as a contact portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "third contact portion") that contacts the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 attached to the handle body 50 from the left side.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, it is desirable that, when the temperature control handle 3a is in its reference position, that is, when the temperature control handle 3a is in the position shown in Figure 1, the handle body 50 has no openings other than the through hole 52a on its top surface, front surface, and side opposite to the faucet 1 (the left side, which is easily visible to the user).

[0055] <Mechanism for assembling the temperature control handle to the faucet body> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when assembling the temperature control handle 3a to the faucet body 2 (see Figure 2), the top cover 5, back cover 6, and a pair of collars 7, which serve as the faucet cover 4, are first assembled to the faucet body 2.

[0056] Next, the transmission member 3a1 is brought close to the shaft member 20 of the faucet body 2 from the left side. Then, the shaft member 20 is inserted into the second peripheral wall 32 of the transmission member 3a1, and the serrated portion inside the second peripheral wall 32 engages with the serrated portion of the shaft member 20.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12, the enlarged diameter portion 20b1 of the shaft member 20 moves to the left, pushing apart the three engaging pieces 32b within the second circumferential wall 32 of the transmission member 3a1. Then, the enlarged diameter portion 20b1 of the shaft member 20 engages with the tapered portions 32b1 of the three engaging pieces 32b of the transmission member 3a1.

[0058] Next, the cylindrical portion 41 of the retaining member 3a2 is inserted into the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1. The cylindrical portion 41 of the retaining member 3a2 is inserted between the inner circumference of the first circumferential wall 31 and the second circumferential wall 32 of the transmission member 3a1 and the outer circumference of the three engaging pieces 32b. In addition, the bottom wall 40 of the retaining member 3a2 abuts against the tip of the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1. The cylindrical portion 41 of the retaining member 3a2 prevents the three engaging pieces 32b from elastically deforming and spreading outward. As a result, the transmission member 3a1 is prevented from coming off the shaft member 20.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the push button 60 is inserted into the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50. Furthermore, the operating portion 62 of the push button 60 is inserted into the through hole 52a of the handle body 50 from the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 52, causing the operating portion 62 to protrude to the outside of the outer peripheral wall 52.

[0060] When the push button 60 is inserted into the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50, the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 comes into contact with the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion of the handle body 50. Specifically, the rib 66 on the upper surface of the annular portion 61 comes into contact with the first flat portion 53, which is the first contact portion. The rib 66 on the lower surface of the annular portion 61 comes into contact with the second flat portion 54, which is the second contact portion. The left end of the annular portion 61 comes into contact with the right end of the plate-shaped portion 55, which is the third contact portion. In addition, the spring member 64 attached to the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 comes into contact with the inner circumference of the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50.

[0061] The annular portion 61 of the push button 60 contacts the first and second contact portions of the handle body 50, thereby suppressing rattle of the push button 60 in a direction intersecting both the operating direction of the push button 60 and the axial direction of the shaft member 20 when the push button 60 is operated. In addition, the ribs 66 of the annular portion 61 contact the first and second flat portions 53 and 54 of the handle body 50, thereby reducing the contact area between the handle body 50 and the push button 60, and thus reducing sliding resistance and making the movement of the push button 60 smoother.

[0062] Furthermore, the spring member 64 contacts the inner circumference of the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50, thereby biasing the push button 60 in the opposite direction to the operating direction when the push button 60 is pressed.

[0063] Next, the handle body 50, to which the push button 60 is attached, is brought closer to the transmission member 3a1, to which the retaining member 3a2 is attached, from the left. The transmission member 3a1 is then housed within the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50. The projection 33a1 (see Figure 5) of the first engaging claw 33a of the transmission member 3a1 engages with the first engaging groove 52b of the handle body 50. Furthermore, the projection 33b1 (see Figure 6) of the second engaging claw 33b of the transmission member 3a1 engages with the second engaging groove 52c of the handle body 50. As a result, the handle body 50 is prevented from coming off the transmission member 3a1. In this manner, the temperature control handle 3a is assembled to the faucet body 2.

[0064] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the handle body 50 (see Figure 3) and the transmission member 3a1 are connected, the first peripheral wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 and the bottom wall 40 of the retaining member 3a2 are inserted into the annular portion 61 of the push button 60. This allows for effective use of the space inside the handle body 50, making it possible to miniaturize the temperature control handle 3a.

[0065] Furthermore, the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 contacts the left surface of the flat plate portion 30 of the transmission member 3a1, which serves as the fourth contact portion. The annular portion 61 of the push button 60 is in contact with the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion from both sides in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to suppress the rattle of the push button 60 relative to the axial direction of the shaft member 20 when the push button 60 is operated.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, when the temperature control handle 3a is assembled to the faucet body 2 (see Figure 2), the notch 52d in the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 is positioned below the second engaging claw 33b of the transmission member 3a1. By pushing the second engaging claw 33b upward through the notch 52d, for example using a rod-shaped jig, the engagement between the second engaging claw 33b and the second engaging groove 52c of the handle body 50 can be released. Therefore, the handle body 50 can be easily removed from the transmission member 3a1.

[0067] <Operating mechanism of the temperature control handle> As shown in Figure 3, when the temperature control handle 3a is assembled to the faucet body 2 (see Figure 2), when the temperature control handle 3a is rotated, the restricting portion 63 of the push button 60 comes into contact with the restricting wall 22a of the stopper ring 22. This restricts further rotation of the temperature control handle 3a. Specifically, the restricting portion 63 of the push button 60 comes into contact with the circumferential end of the restricting wall 22a of the stopper ring 22, which extends in an arc shape. When the push button 60 is pressed from this state, the restricting portion 63 of the push button 60 moves along the radial direction of the stopper ring 22 towards the inner circumference of the stopper ring 22. This disengages the restricting portion 63 of the push button 60 from the restricting wall 22a of the stopper ring 22. This allows the rotation range of the temperature control handle 3a to be switched, making it possible to rotate the temperature control handle 3a further. By changing the temperature range of the hot and cold water that can be adjusted with the temperature control handle 3a, it becomes possible to make the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body 2 higher, for example.

[0068] <Operation and Effects of This Embodiment> (1) The temperature control handle 3a includes a transmission member 3a1 connected to the shaft member 20, a handle cover unit 3a3 connected to the transmission member 3a1, and a retaining member 3a2 that prevents the transmission member 3a1 from coming off the shaft member 20. The handle body 50 of the handle cover unit 3a3 has a bottom wall 51 and a cylindrical outer wall 52, and the inner circumference of the outer wall 52 has engaging parts (first engaging groove 52b, second engaging groove 52c) that engage with the transmission member 3a1 in a retaining state.

[0069] Because the temperature control handle 3a has the above configuration, the handle body 50 can be connected to the faucet body 2 in a secured state without having to provide a through hole in the bottom wall 51 of the handle body 50. This improves the aesthetic design of the temperature control handle 3a.

[0070] (2) The handle cover unit 3a3 has a push button 60 on the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 for switching the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle 3a. Therefore, by operating the push button 60 to switch the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle 3a, the temperature range of the hot water that can be adjusted by the temperature control handle 3a can be changed.

[0071] (3) The push button 60 has an annular portion 61, and the first peripheral wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 and the bottom wall 40 of the retaining member 3a2 are inserted inside the annular portion 61. Therefore, the space inside the handle body 50 can be effectively utilized to make the temperature control handle 3a smaller.

[0072] (4) The handle cover unit 3a3 has contact portions (first contact portion, second contact portion) on the inner circumference of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 that contact the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 from directions that intersect both the operating direction of the push button 60 and the axial direction of the shaft member 20. Therefore, when the push button 60 is operated, rattling of the push button 60 in directions that intersect both the operating direction of the push button 60 and the axial direction of the shaft member 20 can be suppressed.

[0073] (5) The push button 60 has connecting walls 65 that connect two points on the inner circumference of the annular portion 61. Therefore, the durability and rigidity of the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 can be improved. <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0074] The handle cover unit 3a3 may omit the push button 60 for switching the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle 3a. In other words, the handle cover unit 3a3 may consist only of the handle body 50. In the embodiment in which the push button 60 is omitted, the handle body 50 does not need to have a through hole 52a in the outer peripheral wall 52. In other words, the handle body 50 does not need to have any openings other than the opening at the right end of the outer peripheral wall 52, such as a through hole 52a.

[0075] In this embodiment, the retaining member 3a2 was configured as a bottomed cylindrical shape, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the retaining member 3a2 may be composed only of a cylindrical portion 41, with the bottom wall 40 omitted. The retaining member 3a2 can adopt any shape that suppresses elastic deformation of the three engaging pieces 32b so that they spread outward within the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1. The retaining member may also be a screw. The transmission member 3a1 may be prevented from coming off the shaft member 20 by inserting a screw as the retaining member into the first circumferential wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 and screwing it into the shaft member 20. In this embodiment, the engaging pieces 32b are not required.

[0076] In this embodiment, the handle body 50 has a first engagement groove 52b and a second engagement groove 52c as engaging portions that engage with the first engagement claw 33a and the second engagement claw 33b of the transmission member 3a1, but it is not limited to this configuration. The transmission member 3a1 may further have a third engagement claw, and the handle body 50 may have a third engagement groove that engages with the third engagement claw. Also, either the first engagement groove 52b or the second engagement groove 52c may be omitted. Furthermore, the engagement relationship between the first engagement claw 33a and the first engagement groove 52b may be reversed. Similarly, the engagement relationship between the second engagement claw 33b and the second engagement groove 52c may be reversed. In other words, the transmission member 3a1 may have a first engagement groove and a second engagement groove, and the handle body 50 may have a first engagement claw and a second engagement claw that engage with these.

[0077] In this embodiment, the handle body 50 had a notch 52d cut out to the left at the end of the outer peripheral wall 52 to the right of the second engagement groove 52c, but it is not limited to this configuration. Instead of the notch 52d, it may have a through hole. Also, the notch 52d may be omitted.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first peripheral wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 and the bottom wall 40 of the retaining member 3a2 were inserted inside the annular portion 61 of the push button 60, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As part of the transmission member 3a1 inserted inside the annular portion 61 of the push button 60, portions other than the first peripheral wall 31 of the transmission member 3a1 may also be inserted. For example, a part of the flat plate portion 30 of the transmission member 3a1 may be inserted inside the annular portion 61. Furthermore, the transmission member 3a1 does not have to be inserted inside the annular portion 61 of the push button 60.

[0079] In this embodiment, the push button 60 had connecting walls 65 that connected two points on the inner circumference of the annular portion 61, but it is not limited to this configuration. The connecting walls 65 may connect three or more points on the inner circumference of the annular portion 61, or they may connect the entire annular portion 61 in a bottom wall-like manner.

[0080] The annular portion 61 of the push button 60 may have a shape other than octagonal. Also, the connecting wall 65 may be omitted. The push button 60 may omit the annular portion 61.

[0081] In this embodiment, the spring member 64 of the push button 60 was configured to abut against the inner circumference of the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the transmission member 3a1 disposed inside the handle body 50 may have a wall portion between the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 and the spring member 64, and the spring member 64 may abut against this wall portion. In this embodiment, the stroke amount of the push button 60 can be restricted to a constant stroke amount by changing the shape of the wall portion, such as its thickness. Alternatively, the transmission member 3a1 may have a wall portion extending to the right from the bottom wall 51 of the handle body 50 between the outer peripheral wall 52 of the handle body 50 and the transmission member 3a1, and the spring member 64 may abut against this wall portion. Furthermore, the transmission member 3a1 may have a contact portion to which the outer peripheral rear end of the annular portion 61 of the push button 60 abuts. The stroke amount of the push button 60 may be restricted by this contact portion.

[0082] In this embodiment, the handle body 50 did not have a through hole in the bottom wall 51, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The bottom wall 51 of the handle body 50 may have a through hole, as long as it does not affect the design of the temperature control handle 3a. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1...faucet, 2...faucet body, 3a...temperature control handle, 3a1...transmission member, 3a2...retaining member, 3a3...handle cover unit, 4...faucet cover, 5...top cover, 6...back cover, 7...collar, 20...shaft member, 21...fixing nut, 22...stopper ring, 50...handle body, 51...bottom wall, 52...outer wall, 52b...first engagement groove, 52c...second engagement groove, 60...push button, 61...annular part, 65...connecting wall.

Claims

1. A temperature control handle used attached to a faucet body having a shaft member, A transmission member connected to the shaft member, A handle cover unit connected to the transmission member, The transmission member is provided with a retaining member that prevents it from coming off the shaft member, Furthermore, the handle cover unit has a bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall, A temperature control handle characterized in that it has an engaging portion on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall that engages with the transmission member in a manner that prevents it from coming loose.

2. The temperature control handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle cover unit has a push button on its peripheral wall for switching the rotational operating range of the temperature control handle.

3. The aforementioned push button has an annular portion, The temperature control handle according to claim 2, wherein the transmission member is inserted inside the annular portion.

4. The temperature control handle according to claim 3, wherein the handle cover unit has a contact portion on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall that contacts the annular portion from a direction intersecting both the operating direction of the push button and the axial direction of the shaft member.

5. The temperature control handle according to claim 3, wherein the push button has a connecting wall that connects two locations on the inner circumference of the annular portion.

Images