Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device that allows the faucet to be installed in a way that ensures a consistent design with the countertop. [Solution] The faucet device 1 includes a faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12 around the sink 11, and a decorative cover 3 that rises from a part of the width direction of the countertop 12 so as to surround the faucet 2, including its upper part. In this way, by covering the faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12 with a decorative cover 3 that has a similar function to the countertop 12, including its upper part, a sense of unity can be given to the design on the countertop 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet device. More specifically, it relates to a faucet device having a faucet rising from a counter top around a water receiver.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a faucet is installed so as to rise from a counter top in a kitchen. Specifically, the faucet is installed so as to rise from the counter top on the back side of the sink in the kitchen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The kitchen counter top and the faucet have different functions from each other. Therefore, if the faucet rises from a part of the counter top, the unity of the design of the entire kitchen may be impaired. Thus, the present invention provides a faucet device capable of installing the faucet so as to ensure the unity of the design with the counter top.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the faucet device of the present invention takes the following means.

[0006] That is, a first invention of the present invention is a faucet device having a faucet rising from a counter top around a water receiver, and having a decorative cover rising from a part in the width direction of the counter top so as to surround the faucet including the upper part.

[0007] According to the first invention, by covering the faucet rising from the countertop with a decorative cover that functions similarly to the countertop, including the top, a sense of unity can be achieved in the design of the countertop. Note that "water basin" refers to the part used for collecting and draining water; in a bathroom vanity, it refers to the washbasin, and in a kitchen, it refers to the sink.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the first invention described above, the decorative cover has a surrounding portion that surrounds the rising portion of the faucet that rises from the countertop, and an opening that opens the spout of the faucet facing the water basin to the outside.

[0009] According to the second invention, the faucet can be used for water dispensing while it is covered by a decorative cover.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the first or second invention described above, the width of the decorative cover is narrower than the width of the water basin.

[0011] According to the third invention, by making the decorative cover narrower than the width of the water basin, the space on the countertop appears lighter compared to a design without the cover, resulting in a less oppressive and more open design. In addition, maintenance of the decorative cover becomes easier, and a flexible design that can be adapted to the installation location and surrounding environment becomes possible.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the first or second invention described above, the cover top plate forming the top plate of the decorative cover extends parallel to the counter top plate.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, the decorative cover can be made to have a design that is more unified with the counter top. In addition, the top surface of the decorative cover can be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which the decorative cover rises vertically from the countertop, in the first or second invention described above.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, by making the decorative cover rise vertically from the countertop, the effect of visually dividing the space can be enhanced. In addition, it becomes easier to prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when water is being used.

[0016] The sixth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the first invention described above, the faucet has a rising portion that rises from the counter top plate and a spout that extends outwards from the rising portion toward the front of the faucet and faces the water basin, and the decorative cover has an overhang that covers the spout from above and further has a magnet that can attract the spout to the bottom of the overhang so as to allow adjustment of the position of the spout by magnetic force.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, the position of the spout of the faucet can be rationally adjusted by utilizing the configuration of the decorative cover.

[0018] The seventh invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the sixth invention described above, the water discharge section is connected to the rising section by a flexible spiral hose that extends spirally and allows water to pass through and be pulled out.

[0019] According to the seventh invention, the water discharge section and the riser section can be connected in a flow path that ensures sufficient extension length without having to pull a water supply hose under the countertop.

[0020] The eighth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which the countertop of the first or second invention described above forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen.

[0021] According to the eighth invention, the decorative cover can function as a back guard to prevent water from splashing from the sink (water basin) to the back where there is no wall. Furthermore, the decorative cover can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink from being visible from the back of the kitchen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view visualizing the faucet inside the cover. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the faucet device seen from the front lower side. [Figure 4] It is a side view of the faucet device. [Figure 5] It is a bottom view of FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of Faucet Device 1) First, the configuration of the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, when indicating directions such as the front, the back, the top, the bottom, the left, and the right, the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from a user standing in front of the kitchen 10 to which the faucet device 1 is attached.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a water supply device applied to a so-called island-type kitchen 10. Specifically, the faucet device 1 includes a countertop-type faucet 2 for discharging and stopping water, and a box-type decorative cover 3 for covering the faucet 2 from the outside.

[0026] (Configuration of Faucet 2) As shown in Figure 2, the faucet 2 is installed so as to rise from the countertop 12 at the back of the sink 11 of the kitchen 10. Specifically, the faucet 2 is installed on the countertop 12 so as to be located at the back of the square-shaped sink 11, approximately in the center in the width direction. The faucet 2 can be switched between water flow and shut-off by operating a switch handle (not shown) installed at another location on the countertop 12. Here, the sink 11 corresponds to the "water receiver" of the present invention.

[0027] The faucet 2 has a riser portion 2A that rises from the countertop 12, and a water outlet portion 2B that is connected to the front side of the riser portion 2A. The water outlet portion 2B is connected to the riser portion 2A by a flexible spiral hose 2C that extends in a spiral shape, allowing water to pass through and be pulled out.

[0028] The spiral hose 2C has its base end connected to the water passage inside the pipe of the riser section 2A, and its tip connected to the water passage inside the pipe of the discharge section 2B. In other words, the spiral hose 2C is configured to connect the riser section 2A and the discharge section 2B via a flow path without being drawn from inside the pipe of the riser section 2A to the underside of the counter top plate 12.

[0029] The water outlet 2B receives hot water supplied from the underside of the countertop 12 into the pipe of the riser 2A via the spiral hose 2C and discharges it from the water outlet B1 on its underside. The top surface of the water outlet 2B is flat. A magnet 2M is embedded in the top of the water outlet 2B. The magnet 2M is used to magnetically attach the water outlet 2B to the bottom of the protruding portion 3C of the decorative cover 3, which will be described later in Figure 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the water outlet 2B is connected to the riser 2A by a flexible spiral hose 2C, allowing it to be pulled out from the riser 2A towards the front by extending the spiral hose 2C. Furthermore, the position of the water outlet 2B can be adjusted by bending the spiral hose 2C, allowing it to swing from side to side.

[0031] (Composition of cosmetic cover 3) As shown in Figure 1, the decorative cover 3 is installed on the countertop 12 so as to surround the faucet 2, including its upper part, which rises from the countertop 12. As a result, even if a faucet 2 with a different function from the countertop 12 is installed on the countertop 12, the faucet 2 can be covered and concealed by the decorative cover 3, which has a similar function to the countertop 12. Consequently, a sense of unity can be achieved in the design of the countertop 12.

[0032] The decorative cover 3 is made of a separate component from the faucet 2. The decorative cover 3 is installed so as to be fixed to the countertop 12 together with the faucet 2 or after the faucet 2 has been installed. The decorative cover 3 may be directly fixed to the countertop 12 using a fixing means such as adhesive, or it may be indirectly fixed to the countertop 12 through assembly to the faucet 2. The decorative cover 3 may be fixed to the countertop 12 so as to be removable, or it may be fixed so as not to be removable.

[0033] The decorative cover 3 is made of appropriate materials such as artificial marble, enamel, or tiles. The materials and colors of the decorative cover 3 may be the same as or similar to those of the countertop 12 in order to maintain a sense of design unity with the countertop 12, but they may also be made of different materials and colors.

[0034] The decorative cover 3 is formed in the shape of an irregularly shaped box with an open bottom. Specifically, the decorative cover 3 has a surrounding part 3A that surrounds the rising part 2A of the faucet 2 that rises from the countertop 12 in a rectangular cylindrical shape, and a cover top plate 3B that forms the top of the surrounding part 3A. The cover top plate 3B functions as an upper covering part that covers the rising part 2A of the faucet 2 from above.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the decorative cover 3 further has an overhang portion 3C that extends forward in an awning-like manner from the upper part of the surrounding portion 3A. The overhang portion 3C is shaped to extend forward from the entire widthwise area of ​​the upper part of the surrounding portion 3A (see Figure 3).

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the cover top plate 3B is shaped to extend flush with the tops of the surrounding portion 3A and the protruding portion 3C, forming the top plate of both. The cover top plate 3B is flat and extends parallel to the counter top plate 12. As a result, the cover top plate 3B can be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, with the above configuration, the decorative cover 3 is formed into a hollow box shape that forms an inverted L-shape when viewed from the side. The surrounding portion 3A is shaped so that its front, back, left, and right surrounding sides rise vertically from the lower edge that contacts the countertop 12. As a result, the decorative cover 3 has a shape that is highly effective in visually dividing the space. In addition, the decorative cover 3 is designed to easily prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when the faucet 2 is used.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the decorative cover 3 is shaped to be wider than the width of the riser portion 2A of the faucet 2 and narrower than the width of the sink 11. As a result, the decorative cover 3 is installed on the countertop 12 in a way that forms a convex step that is narrower than the sink 11 in a portion of the width direction. Consequently, even with the decorative cover 3 installed on the countertop 12, the space on the countertop 12 appears lighter, making the kitchen 10 have a less oppressive and more open design.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a flange-like projection C1 is formed at the bottom of the protruding portion 3C, extending downward from the front and left and right edges. This projection C1 functions as a surrounding cover that surrounds the spout portion 2B of the faucet 2 from the front and both sides. As shown in Figure 3, the spout portion 2B of the faucet 2 is pulled out towards the front through an opening 3D that opens from the front side of the surrounding portion 3A of the decorative cover 3. As a result, the spout portion 2B is positioned so that its underside, the spout B1, faces the sink 11.

[0040] A plate-shaped magnet 3M is integrally attached to the bottom of the protruding section 3C. This magnet 3M is used to magnetically attach the spout section 2B of the faucet 2 to the bottom of the protruding section 3C. The magnet 3M exerts a magnetic force that attaches the spout section 2B to the magnet 2M (see Figure 2) embedded in the upper part of the spout section 2B.

[0041] As a result, even if the water outlet 2B is connected to the riser portion 2A of the faucet 2 only by a flexible spiral hose 2C, that is, even if there is no support for the riser portion 2A, it can be fixed in a suspended manner to the protruding portion 3C of the decorative cover 3. As shown in Figure 5, in more detail, the magnet 3M provided at the bottom of the protruding portion 3C is provided over a wide area of ​​the bottom of the protruding portion 3C so that the attachment position of the water outlet 2B can be freely adjusted in the front, back, left, and right directions.

[0042] The water outlet section 2B can be slid along the bottom of the protruding section 3C to change its attachment position to the protruding section 3C. Furthermore, by detaching the water outlet section 2B from the protruding section 3C, the spiral hose 2C can be extended and pulled out from the decorative cover 3.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet device 1 is configured such that the faucet 2 is covered by a decorative cover 3, thereby creating a unified design on the countertop 12. Furthermore, the configuration of the decorative cover 3 allows for rational adjustment of the position of the spout 2B of the faucet 2.

[0044] Furthermore, by installing the faucet device 1 equipped with such a decorative cover 3 on the countertop 12 of the island-type kitchen 10, the decorative cover 3 can function as a back guard to prevent water and dirt from splashing from the sink 11 to the back where there is no wall. In addition, the decorative cover 3 can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink 11 from being visible from the back of the kitchen 10.

[0045] In summary, the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0046] In other words, the faucet device (1) includes a faucet (2) rising from the countertop (12) around the water basin (11), and a decorative cover (3) rising from a part of the width direction of the countertop (12) so as to surround the faucet (2), including its top. In this way, by covering the faucet (2) rising from the countertop (12) with a decorative cover (3) that has a similar function to the countertop (12), including its top, a sense of unity can be achieved in the design of the countertop (12).

[0047] Furthermore, the decorative cover (3) has a surrounding portion (3A) that surrounds the rising portion (2A) of the faucet (2) that rises from the countertop (12), and an opening (3D) that opens the spout (B1) of the faucet (2) facing the water basin (11) to the outside. With the above configuration, the faucet (2) can be used to dispense water while it is covered by the decorative cover (3).

[0048] Furthermore, the width of the decorative cover (3) is narrower than the width of the water tray (11). By making the decorative cover (3) narrower than the width of the water tray (11), the space on the countertop (12) appears lighter compared to a design that is not narrower, resulting in a less oppressive and more open design. In addition, maintenance of the decorative cover (3) becomes easier, and a flexible design can be made to suit the installation location and surrounding environment.

[0049] Furthermore, the cover top plate (3B) that forms the top of the decorative cover (3) extends parallel to the counter top plate (12). With the above configuration, the decorative cover (3) can be made to have a more unified design with the counter top plate (12). In addition, the cover top plate (3B) of the decorative cover (3) can also be used as a platform for placing objects.

[0050] Furthermore, the decorative cover (3) rises vertically from the countertop (12). By making the decorative cover (3) rise vertically from the countertop (12) in this way, the effect of visually dividing the space can be enhanced. In addition, it is easier to prevent dirt and water splashes from scattering when water is being used.

[0051] Furthermore, the faucet (2) has a rising section (2A) that rises from the countertop (12), and a spout section (2B) that extends outwards from the rising section (2A) toward the front of the faucet and has a spout (B1) facing the water basin (11). The decorative cover (3) has an overhanging section (3C) that covers the spout section (2B) from above. The faucet device (1) further has magnets (3M, 2M) that can attract the spout section (2B) to the bottom of the overhanging section (3C) so that its extension position can be adjusted by magnetic force. With the above configuration, the extension position of the spout section (2B) of the faucet (2) can be rationally adjusted by utilizing the configuration of the decorative cover (3).

[0052] Furthermore, the water outlet (2B) is connected to the riser (2A) by a flexible spiral hose (2C) that extends spirally, allowing water to pass through and be pulled out. With the above configuration, the water outlet (2B) and the riser (2A) can be connected in a flow path that ensures sufficient pull-out length without having to pull the water supply hose under the counter top plate (12).

[0053] Furthermore, the countertop (12) forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen (10). With the above configuration, the decorative cover (3) can function as a back guard to prevent water from splashing from the sink (11) to the back where there is no wall. In addition, the decorative cover (3) can function as a cover to prevent the inside of the sink (11) from being visible from the back of the kitchen (10).

[0054] Regarding other embodiments: Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms as shown below, in addition to the above embodiment.

[0055] 1. The faucet device of the present invention is applicable not only to kitchens but also to bathroom vanity units. Furthermore, the faucet device is applicable not only to island-type kitchens but also to peninsula-type kitchens and wall-mounted kitchens.

[0056] 2. The decorative cover may be designed to completely enclose the faucet so that the spout does not open to the outside. In other words, the decorative cover may be removed from the faucet when it is in use and installed to cover the faucet only when it is not in use.

[0057] In that case, the faucet may be configured such that the handle for switching between water flow and shut-off is attached to the part covered by a decorative cover, like a so-called single-lever faucet. Alternatively, the faucet may consist of a sensor faucet that switches between water flow and shut-off by detecting the user's outstretched hand without contact. The faucet may be installed not only in the approximate center in the width direction at the back of the water basin, but also near the left and right ends at the back of the water basin.

[0058] 3. The decorative cover may be made up of a shape that rises from a part of the width direction of the counter top, and may be made up of a shape that is wider than the water tray. The shape of the decorative cover is not limited to a specific shape, and may be other irregular shapes such as a cylindrical shape with a top, a cone shape, a frustum shape (truncated cone shape), etc. In other words, the cover top that forms the top of the decorative cover does not necessarily have to extend parallel to the counter top. The decorative cover may rise diagonally from the counter top.

[0059] 4. The spout of the faucet may be attached to the bottom of the protruding part of the decorative cover with a magnet, or it may be connected so that it can slide back and forth. Also, the spout of the faucet may not have an adjustable position relative to the riser.

[0060] The faucet may be configured to mix hot and cold water supplied from beneath the countertop inside the riser section and then discharge it from the spout, or it may be configured so that hot and cold water are mixed beneath the countertop and the mixed water is supplied to the riser section. In addition, the faucet may dispense only cold water, as well as hot and cold water.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1...Faucet device, 2...Faucet, 2A...Rising section, 2B...Spout section, B1...Spout, 2C...Spiral hose, 2M...Magnet, 3...Decorative cover, 3A...Enclosure section, 3B...Cover top, 3C...Protruding section, C1...Border, 3D...Opening, 3M...Magnet, 10...Kitchen, 11...Sink (water tray), 12...Counter top

Claims

1. A faucet device having a faucet rising from the countertop around the water receiving area, A faucet device having a decorative cover that rises from a portion of the width direction of the counter top so as to surround the faucet, including its upper part.

2. A faucet device according to claim 1, A faucet device having a decorative cover that surrounds the rising portion of the faucet that rises from the countertop, and an opening that causes the spout of the faucet facing the water basin to open to the outside.

3. A faucet device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet device in which the width of the decorative cover is narrower than the width of the water basin.

4. A faucet device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet device in which the cover top plate forming the top plate of the decorative cover extends parallel to the counter top plate.

5. A faucet device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned decorative cover is a faucet device that rises vertically from the countertop.

6. A faucet device according to claim 1, The faucet has a rising portion that extends from the countertop, and a spout that extends from the rising portion toward the front of the faucet and has a spout facing the water basin. The decorative cover has a protruding portion that covers the water outlet from above, A faucet device further comprising a magnet capable of magnetically adsorbing the water outlet to the bottom of the protruding part so that its extension position can be adjusted.

7. A faucet device according to claim 6, A faucet device in which the water outlet is connected to the rising section by a flexible spiral hose that extends spirally and allows water to pass through and be pulled out.

8. A faucet device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet device in which the aforementioned countertop forms the countertop of an island-type or peninsula-type kitchen.

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