Faucet lever handle

Abstract

The present invention provides a faucet lever handle made of resin that improves processability and cost-effectiveness by using resin components while possessing high durability comparable to that of a metal component. [Solution] A resin lever handle 100 is composed of a handle member 110 and an adapter member 120, the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120 are fixed together by a first fixing member 150, and a compressive stress A acts on the fastening portion of the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120 to which the first fixing member 150 is fastened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever handle of a faucet formed of resin.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in consideration of weight reduction, workability, economy, design, etc., the structure of the lever handle of a faucet has been resinified while maintaining the same structure as that of a metal one. As a lever handle resinified while maintaining the same structure as that of a metal one, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-51128 (Patent Document 1). In this conventional technique, in order to suppress the occurrence of sink marks (molding shrinkage) accompanying the resin molding of the lever handle, the lever handle is configured by dividing it into two inner and outer parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technique as shown in Patent Document 1, although the occurrence of sink marks (molding shrinkage) accompanying the resin molding can be suppressed, since one structure is configured by dividing it into two parts, there is a risk that the workability and economy will decrease.

[0005] Further, in the conventional technique as shown in Patent Document 1, there may not be sufficient countermeasures against the decrease in rigidity accompanying the resinification of the members used for the faucet. Specifically, when a female screw portion is formed on a resin member and the resin member is fastened to a screw or the like having a male screw formed thereon, tensile stress from the screw or the like is generated in the female screw portion of the resin member, and there is a risk that the female screw portion will be damaged.

[0006] In addition, conventional technologies, such as those shown in Patent Document 1, may not adequately address other problems arising from the use of resin, such as creep, a phenomenon in which deformation and deterioration progress, leading to hardening or cracking. Specifically, unlike metal components, resin components are susceptible to creep. Therefore, when screw fastening is performed by forming a screw structure such as a female threaded section on a resin component, there was a risk that the screw fastening would easily loosen.

[0007] This invention is proposed in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a faucet lever handle made of resin that has high durability comparable to that of a metal component, while improving processability and cost-effectiveness by using a resin component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention has the following features.

[0009] (Feature Configuration 1) The characteristic configuration of the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is, A lever handle made of resin, The lever handle is composed of a handle member and an adapter member. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed together by the first fixing member. A compressive stress acts on the fastening portion where the handle member and the adapter member, specifically the first fixing member, are fastened together. It's at a single point.

[0010] (Effect 1) This configuration prevents the fastening portion from being damaged by tensile stress.

[0011] (Feature Composition 2) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The first fixing member has a male screw portion, the adapter member has a female screw portion into which the male screw portion is screwed, and the fastening portion is compressed by the screwing of the male screw portion and the female screw portion. It may be.

[0012] (Effect 2) With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the fastening portion from being damaged by tensile stress.

[0013] (Characteristic configuration 3) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the adapter member has a metal member provided with the female screw portion, and the male screw portion is screwed into the metal member. It may be.

[0014] (Effect 3) With such a configuration, a stronger compressive stress can be applied to the fastening portion.

[0015] (Characteristic configuration 4) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the adapter member has a housing portion for receiving the metal member. It may be.

[0016] (Effect 4) With such a configuration, the positioning of the metal member can be made easy.

[0017] (Characteristic configuration 5) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the housing portion has an opening for receiving the metal member, and the opening is provided at the upper end of the housing portion. It may be.

[0018] (Effect 5) By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the metal member from falling out of the accommodating portion during the assembly operation of the lever handle.

[0019] (Characteristic Configuration 6) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the fastening portion may be provided on the front side of the lever handle. It may be.

[0020] (Effect 6) By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the fastening portion is visible to the user of the lever handle and improve the design property. In addition, since the fastening portion is provided on the front side of the lever handle, it is possible to prevent water intrusion more effectively than when it is provided on the upper side.

[0021] (Characteristic Configuration 7) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the lever handle may be provided with a first loosening prevention structure for preventing loosening of the first fixing member that fixes the handle member and the adapter member. It may be.

[0022] (Effect 7) By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the first fixing member from loosening.

[0023] (Characteristic Configuration 8) As the lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention, the first loosening prevention structure of the first fixing member that fixes the handle member and the adapter member may be a decorative cap. It may be.

[0024] (Effect 8) By adopting such a configuration, since the decoration function and the loosening prevention function can be realized by a common member, the loosening prevention function can be realized with a simple configuration with a reduced number of parts.

[0025] (Feature configuration 9) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The aforementioned decorative cap has an engaging portion, The engagement portion engages with the adapter member within the housing portion. That's fine.

[0026] (Effect 9) This configuration allows the decorative cap to be more securely fixed to the lever handle.

[0027] (Feature configuration 10) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The adapter member has a cover portion that seals the entire internal space of the handle member. That's fine.

[0028] (Effect 10) This configuration creates a space within the lever handle where air is less likely to be disturbed, thus reducing noise. Furthermore, the lid prevents deformation of the cylindrical part of the lever handle when the handle is pressed hard, thus preventing cracking of the plating or topcoat of the paint.

[0029] (Feature configuration 11) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The handle member and the adapter member have protrusions and recesses for engaging with each other. The aforementioned uneven portions are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed by the fitting of the aforementioned protrusions and recesses. That's fine.

[0030] (Effect 11) This configuration allows for a simple structure that prevents incorrect assembly of the handle member and adapter member, while also restricting the circumferential movement of the adapter member.

[0031] (Feature configuration 12) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The handle member has a first cylindrical portion that protrudes downward at approximately the center position, The adapter member has a second cylindrical portion that protrudes upward at approximately the center position, The first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion are provided with the aforementioned protrusions and recesses for fitting the two together. That's fine.

[0032] (Effect 12) This configuration allows for a simple structure that prevents incorrect assembly of the handle member and adapter member, while also restricting the circumferential movement of the adapter member.

[0033] (Feature configuration 13) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The adapter member is fixed to the valve lever shaft by a second fixing member. The handle member is equipped with a second loosening prevention structure that prevents the second fixing member, which fixes the adapter member and the valve lever shaft, from loosening. The second anti-loosening structure is provided inside the first cylindrical portion. That's fine.

[0034] (Effect 13) This configuration, with its integrated structure with the handle component, allows for a simpler design with fewer parts, while still providing a loosening prevention function.

[0035] (Feature configuration 14) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The second anti-loosening structure is a rib extending from the handle member to the lower surface. That's fine.

[0036] (Effect 14) This configuration allows the ribs to be integrated with the handle component, thus enabling a simpler design with fewer parts while still providing a loosening prevention function.

[0037] (Feature configuration 15) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The valve lever shaft is replaced with a larger diameter one by the adapter member. The adapter member is made of a higher-strength resin than the handle member. That's fine.

[0038] (Effect 15) This configuration allows for reinforcement of the valve lever shaft.

[0039] (Feature configuration 16) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The adapter member has a shape that fills the internal space of the handle member. That's fine.

[0040] (Effect 16) This configuration allows for increased weight of the lever handle, which prevents louder resonant noises from the valve that controls water flow.

[0041] (Feature configuration 17) The lever handle of the faucet according to the present invention is: The adapter member has a decorative cover that covers a portion of the internal space of the handle member. That's fine.

[0042] (Effect 17) This configuration makes it difficult for water to enter the interior from the handle. Furthermore, the design is enhanced as the interior is not visible from the outside.

[0043] (Feature configuration 18) The assembly method for the lever handle of a faucet according to the present invention is as follows: A lever handle made of resin, The lever handle is composed of a handle member and an adapter member. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed together by the first fixing member. The adapter member is fixed to the valve lever shaft by a second fixing member. A compressive stress acts on the fastening portion where the handle member and the adapter member, specifically the first fixing member, are fastened together. The first fixing member has a male threaded portion, and the adapter member has a female threaded portion into which the male threaded portion is screwed, and the fastening portion is compressed by the screwing of the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion. The adapter member has a metal member equipped with the female screw portion, The male screw portion is screwed into the metal member, The adapter member has a housing portion for receiving the metal member. A method for assembling a faucet lever handle, The first step is to fix the adapter member to the valve lever shaft from above using the second fixing member. A second step involves placing the metal member into the housing from above. A third step involves fixing the handle member and the adapter member from the side using the first fixing member. Those that possess, That's fine.

[0044] (Effect 18) This process allows for the assembly of the faucet lever handle in a simpler manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view of the faucet lever handle, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 2] Disassembled perspective view of a faucet lever handle. [Figure 3]Cross-sectional view of the faucet lever handle shown in Figure 1(b) (line AA). [Figure 4] (a) is an enlarged view of the first fixing member in Figure 3, and (b) is an enlarged view of the second fixing member. [Figure 5] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lever handle of the faucet in Figure 3, along line BB, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along line CC. [Figure 6] (a) is a rear view of the faucet's lever handle, and (b) is a rear view of the faucet without the adapter component. [Figure 7] (a) is a perspective view of the bottom side of the handle member, and (b) is a perspective view of the top side of the adapter member. [Figure 8] (a) is a front view of the adapter member, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a top view, (d) is a bottom view, and (e) is a right side view. [Figure 9] (a) is a perspective view of the lever handle of the faucet in the second embodiment, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 10] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lever handle of the faucet in Figure 9(b) along line DD, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the faucet in (a) along line EE. [Figure 11] (a) is a perspective view of the bottom side of the handle member of the second embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of the top side of the adapter member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment is not independent of the others, and it is not necessary to explain them in detail, as those skilled in the art can combine them as appropriate, and the synergistic effects of such combinations can also be understood. In principle, redundant explanations between embodiments will be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, each direction is defined as follows: As shown in Figure 1(b), the front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the handle 115, the left-right direction is the short-side direction of the handle 115, and the up-down direction is perpendicular to the front-rear and left-right directions. Also, the view of the lever handle 100 from the front, as shown in Figure 1(b), is defined as the front view. Note that each direction may be redefined using different expressions based on the disclosure of the entire application.

[0048] [First Embodiment] 〔overview〕 An embodiment of the lever handle 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the lever handle 100 is mainly composed of five structures: a handle member 110, an adapter member 120, a decorative cap 130, a first fixing member 150, and a second fixing member 160. The specific structure will be described below.

[0049] [Handle component 110] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the handle member 110 mainly consists of an upper surface portion 111, a cylindrical portion 112, a first cylindrical portion 113, a rib 114, and a handle 115. While materials such as ABS, PA, PPO, and PPS can be used for the handle member 110, ABS or PA are preferred due to their good appearance after plating. In particular, ABS is preferred when considering the use of direct plating technology, which can ensure better plating adhesion. In this embodiment, ABS was used.

[0050] The upper portion 111 constitutes the upper surface of the handle member 110. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a handle 115 is formed at the front, and a cylindrical portion 112, a first cylindrical portion 113, and a rib 114 are formed at the bottom.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cylindrical portion 112 is configured to accommodate the adapter member 120, and the cylindrical portion 112 is provided with a first engagement portion insertion hole 112a, a second engagement portion insertion hole 112b, a first screw insertion hole 112c, and a notch 112d. The first engagement portion insertion hole 112a and the second engagement portion insertion hole 112b communicate with the first engagement portion insertion hole 122a and the second engagement portion insertion hole 123a of the adapter member 120, respectively, and are for inserting the first engagement portion 132 and the second engagement portion 133 of the decorative cap 130, respectively. The first screw insertion hole 112c communicates with the first screw insertion hole 122b of the adapter member 120 and is for inserting the screw 151 of the first fixing member. The notch 112d is designed to prevent the rear end of the cylindrical portion 112 from coming into contact with other components when the handle member 110 is operated.

[0052] The first cylindrical portion 113 is for restricting the circumferential movement of the adapter member 120, and as shown in Figures 2(b), 3, 5(a), and 7(a), it has a substantially cylindrical shape. The inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 113 is provided with a protrusion 113a (corresponding to a "protrusion") that fits with a recess 124a (corresponding to a "protrusion") provided on the outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 124 of the adapter member 120. The protrusions 113a are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. For example, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 7(a), the protrusions 113a may be provided in one location at the front, one on each side, and two at the rear, but the location of the protrusions 113a is not particularly limited. Because of its shape, the protrusion 113a has a simple structure that prevents incorrect assembly direction with the recess 124a, and also restricts the circumferential movement of the adapter member 120.

[0053] The rib 114 (corresponding to the "second loosening prevention structure") is for preventing the bolt 161 of the second fixing member 160 from loosening, and as shown in Figures 2(b), 3, 5(a), and 7(a), it is provided so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper portion 111 and inside the first cylindrical portion 113. As shown in Figure 3, the lower end of the rib 114 may be in contact with the upper end of the head 161a of the bolt 161, or its lower end may be not in contact with the upper end of the head 161a of the bolt 161 in order to accommodate differences in the vertical dimensions of the head 161a due to differences in the type of bolt 161, or dimensional errors of the rib 114. Furthermore, in order to more effectively prevent the bolt 161 from loosening, the lower end of the rib 114 may be extended to the inside of the tool hole 161c provided in the head 161a of the bolt 161. Since the rib 114 is integrated with the handle member 110, the anti-loosening function can be achieved with a simple configuration that reduces the number of parts.

[0054] The handle 115 is for operating the handle member 110, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is provided on the front portion of the upper surface 111 and extends forward.

[0055] [Adapter component 120] As shown in Figures 2 to 8, the adapter member 120 mainly consists of a lid portion 121, a housing portion 122, a engaged portion 123, a second cylindrical portion 124, an enlarged diameter portion 125, and a decorative cover 126. The adapter member 120 can be made of materials such as PPS, PA6T / 6I, or POM. PA6T / 6I or POM is preferred due to its superior impact resistance, and PA6T / 6I is particularly preferred when high strength is required. In this embodiment, PA6T / 6I was used. Furthermore, since the adapter member 120 also has the function of reinforcing the handle member 110 and the valve lever shaft 162, it is preferable to use a resin with higher strength than the material of the handle member 110 for the adapter member 120.

[0056] Furthermore, the adapter member 120 has a shape that actively fills the internal space of the handle member 110 with its lid portion 121, housing portion 122, engaged portion 123, second cylindrical portion 124, enlarged diameter portion 125, and decorative cover 126. This shape makes it possible to increase the mass of the lever handle 100. Generally, replacing metal components with resin components can reduce the overall weight of a product. However, in the case of faucets and the like, excessive weight reduction can lead to increased resonant noise from the valve that controls water flow. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the weight of the entire faucet is adjusted by actively filling the internal space of the handle component 110, thereby preventing increased resonant noise from the valve that controls water flow.

[0057] The lid portion 121 is for sealing the lower end of the space formed by the upper surface portion 111 and the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, and for improving the rigidity of the handle member 110. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 7(b), and 8, a housing portion 122 is provided on the upper front side, an engaging portion 123 is provided on the lower front side, a second cylindrical portion 124 is provided approximately above the center, an enlarged diameter portion 125 is provided approximately below the center, and a decorative cover 126 is provided on the lower rear side. Since the lid portion 121 closes the lower end of the entire internal space formed by the upper surface portion 111 and the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, a space is created within the handle member 110 where the air is less likely to be disturbed, thus enabling noise reduction measures. Furthermore, since the lid portion 121 is configured to contact the front of the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, even if excessive force is applied during operation of the handle 115, causing the front of the cylindrical portion 112 to bend, the lid portion 121 reinforces the front of the cylindrical portion 112, thereby preventing deformation of the cylindrical portion 112 and suppressing cracking of the plating or topcoat of paint.

[0058] The housing portion 122 is located above the front side of the lid portion 121 and is for positioning the nut 152 of the first fixing member 150. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5(a), 7(b), and 8, a first engagement portion insertion hole 122a is provided above it, and a first screw insertion hole 122b is provided below the first engagement portion insertion hole 122a. The first engagement portion insertion hole 122a communicates with the first engagement portion insertion hole 112a of the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, and is for inserting the first engagement portion 132 of the decorative cap 130. The first screw insertion hole 122b communicates with the first screw insertion hole 112c of the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, and is for inserting the screw 151 of the first fixing member 150. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing section 122 has an opening at its upper end to receive the nut 152, allowing the nut 152 to be accommodated from above. This structure prevents the nut 152 from falling out of the housing section 122 during the assembly of the lever handle 100.

[0059] The engaging portion 123 is provided on the lower front side of the lid portion 121 and is for engaging with the second engaging portion 133 of the decorative cap 130. As shown in Figures 3, 8(a), (d), and (e), a second engaging portion insertion hole 123a is provided. As shown in Figure 3, the second engagement portion insertion hole 123a communicates with the second engagement portion insertion hole 112b of the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, and is for inserting the second engagement portion 133 of the decorative cap 130.

[0060] The second cylindrical portion 124 is located approximately above the center of the lid portion 121 and is intended to restrict the circumferential movement of the adapter member 120. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5(a), 7(b), 8(b), (c), and (e), it has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 124 is provided with a recess 124a that fits with a protrusion 113a provided on the inner circumference of the first cylindrical portion 113 of the handle member 110. The recesses 124a are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. For example, as shown in Figures 5(a), 7(b), 8(b), (c), and (e), the recesses 124a may be provided in one location at the front, one on each side, and two at the rear, but the location of the recesses 124a is not particularly limited.

[0061] The enlarged diameter portion 125 is located approximately below the center of the lid portion 121 and is fitted onto the outer circumference of the valve lever shaft 162. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5(b), 8(d), and (e), it has a cylindrical shape with a roughly square cross-section. Since the enlarged diameter portion 125 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the valve lever shaft 162, it effectively has the function of enlarging the diameter of the valve lever shaft 162. Therefore, the enlarged diameter portion 125 can reinforce the valve lever shaft 162.

[0062] The decorative cover 126 is located on the lower rear side of the lid portion 121 and covers the space below the notch 112d of the handle member 110, as shown in Figures 3, 5(b), 6, 8(d), and (e). The cylindrical portion 112 is provided with a notch 112d to prevent its rear end from contacting other components when the handle member 110 is operated. Therefore, if the decorative cover 126 is not present, the internal space of the handle member 110, including the enlarged diameter portion 125, is visible through the notch 112d, as shown in Figure 6(b). When the internal space of the handle member 110, including the enlarged diameter portion 125, is visible through the notch 112d, it not only looks bad, but there is also a risk of water entering the interior through the notch 112d. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(a), it is preferable to cover the space below the notch 112d with the decorative cover 126 to prevent the interior from being seen from the outside, thereby enhancing the design and preventing water from entering the interior through the notch 112d.

[0063] [Cosmetic cap 130] The decorative cap 130 (corresponding to the "first loosening prevention structure") is mainly composed of a display portion 131, a first engaging portion 132 (corresponding to the "engaging portion"), and a second engaging portion 133 (corresponding to the "engaging portion"), as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0064] The display unit 131 is attached to the front side of the cylindrical portion 112 of the handle member 110, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is equipped with a display that the user can understand when the adjustment is made by operating the handle 115 in the left and right directions. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the first embodiment, there is a display ("H") that indicates that hot water will be dispensed when the handle 115 is turned to the left, and a display ("C") that indicates that room temperature water will be dispensed when the handle 115 is turned to the right. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), the rear side of the display unit 131 is in contact with the head of the screw 151 of the first fixing member 150. This configuration allows the display unit 131 to prevent the screw 151 from loosening. Additionally, since both the decorative function and the loosening prevention function can be achieved with a common component, the loosening prevention function can be realized with a simple configuration that reduces the number of parts.

[0065] The first engaging portion 132 and the second engaging portion 133 are provided above and below the display portion 131, respectively, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first engaging portion 132 passes through the first engaging portion insertion hole 112a of the cylindrical portion 112 and the first engaging portion insertion hole 122a of the housing portion 122, and engages with the housing portion 122 inside the housing portion 122. The second engaging portion 133 engages with the engaged portion 123 by passing through the second engaging portion insertion hole 112b of the cylindrical portion 112 and the second engaging portion insertion hole 123a of the engaged portion 123. The first engaging portion 132 and the second engaging portion 133 allow the decorative cap 130 to be more firmly fixed to the handle member 110.

[0066] [First fixing member 150] The first fixing member 150, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, is mainly composed of a screw 151 and a nut 152 (corresponding to the "metal member"). The screw 151 and nut 152 are preferably made of metal, taking into consideration durability and other factors.

[0067] The screw 151 is for fixing the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120, and is attached from the front of the handle member 110, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. The screw 151 has a male threaded portion, which passes through the first screw insertion hole 112c of the cylindrical portion 112 and the first screw insertion hole 122b of the housing portion 122, and is fastened to a nut 152 which has a female threaded portion and is housed in the housing portion 122. Since the nut 152 is housed in the housing portion 122 in a way that prevents it from rotating and moving back and forth, as the screw 151 is tightened, the screw 151 moves backward. When the screw 151 moves backward, a compressive stress A acts on the cylindrical portion 112 and the housing portion 122, as shown in Figure 4(a). If a female thread were formed on the cylindrical portion 112 and / or the housing portion 122, tensile stress would act on these components when fastening the screw 151. However, in the first embodiment, since a nut 152 with a female thread is used, no tensile stress acts on the resin cylindrical portion 112 and the housing portion 122. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the resin cylindrical portion 112 and the housing portion 122 from being damaged by tensile stress. The portion of the cylindrical portion 112 and the housing portion 122 on which compressive stress A acts corresponds to the "fastening portion".

[0068] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fastening portion to which the first fixing member 150 is fastened is provided on the front side of the handle member 110. If the fastening portion were provided on the upper side of the handle member 110, there would be a high possibility that the fastening portion would be visible to the user of the lever handle 100. However, by providing the fastening portion on the front side of the handle member 110, the possibility of the fastening portion being visible to the user of the lever handle 100 can be reduced, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, since the fastening portion is located on the front side of the handle member 110, it can prevent water from entering more effectively than if it were located on the upper side.

[0069] The nut 152 is for fixing the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120, and as shown in Figures 2 to 4, it is housed in the housing portion 122 of the adapter member 120. Since the nut 152 is housed within the housing 122 in such a way that it cannot rotate or move back and forth, it is possible to prevent the nut 152 from spinning freely when tightening the screw 151. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the nut 152 has a hexagonal outer surface and is housed in the housing portion 122 with two faces positioned in the left-right direction. Since the left-right length of the housing portion 122 is approximately the same as the distance between the left-right faces of the nut 152, the nut 152 cannot rotate within the housing portion 122. Furthermore, since the front-rear length of the housing portion 122 is approximately the same as the front-rear thickness of the nut 152, the nut 152 cannot move back and forth within the housing portion 122. Furthermore, since the nut 152 is made of metal, it can more effectively apply compressive stress A to the fastening portion.

[0070] [Second fixing member 160] The second fixing member 160, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, mainly consists of a bolt 161 and a valve lever shaft 162.

[0071] The bolt 161 is used to fix the adapter member 120 and the valve lever shaft 162, and as shown in Figures 2 to 4, it is installed through a second screw insertion hole 121a provided inside the second cylindrical portion 124 of the adapter member 120. The bolt 161 consists of a head 161a and a screw thread 161b. The threads 161b of the bolt 161 pass through the second thread insertion hole 121a provided inside the second cylindrical portion 124 of the adapter member 120 and are fastened to the female thread portion 162a provided above the valve lever shaft 162.

[0072] The valve lever shaft 162 can rotate circumferentially around its vertical axis and rotate vertically around its shaft 162c in response to the operation of the handle 115. The circumferential rotation adjusts the temperature, while the vertical rotation adjusts the discharge volume. The mechanism for adjusting temperature and discharge volume using the valve lever shaft 162 is also employed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5970566. The mechanism for adjusting temperature and discharge volume in the first embodiment can be the same as the mechanism described in this patent publication, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0073] The valve lever shaft 162 can rotate circumferentially and vertically, but movement in the direction of fastening the bolt 161 (the longitudinal direction of the valve lever shaft 162) is prevented by the presence of shaft 162c. Therefore, when the bolt 161 is tightened, only the bolt 161 moves in the direction of fastening. When the bolt 161 moves in the direction of fastening, a compressive stress A acts on the adapter member 120 as shown in Figure 4(b). This configuration prevents the resin adapter member 120 from being damaged by tensile stress. The part of the adapter member 120 where the compressive stress A acts corresponds to the "fastening part".

[0074] Because the first embodiment has the configuration described in detail above, it is possible to provide a faucet lever handle that has high durability, similar to that of a metal component, while improving processability and cost-effectiveness by using a resin component.

[0075] [Assembly instructions for lever handle 100] Next, we will explain how to assemble the lever handle 100. The assembly method for lever handle 100 is as follows: The first step is to fix the adapter member 120 and the valve lever shaft 162. The second step involves housing the nut 152 in the housing portion 122 of the adapter member 120. The third step is to fix the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120 together. The fourth step is to secure the cosmetic cap 130. It has.

[0076] In the first step, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the enlarged diameter portion 125 of the adapter member 120 is first fitted onto the valve lever shaft 162. Once fitted, the second screw insertion hole 121a of the adapter member 120 and the second screw insertion hole 162b of the valve lever shaft 162 are in communication. Subsequently, the bolt 161 is inserted from above through the second screw insertion hole 121a of the adapter member 120 and the second screw insertion hole 162b of the valve lever shaft 162, and fastened to the female screw portion 162a of the valve lever shaft 162. When the bolt 161 is fastened to the female screw portion 162a of the valve lever shaft 162, a compressive stress A is applied to the adapter member 120, as shown in Figure 4(b), and the adapter member 120 and the valve lever shaft 162 are fixed together.

[0077] In the second step, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the nut 152 is fitted into the housing portion 122 of the adapter member 120 from above. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the nut 152 is fitted into the housing portion 122 such that two of its six outer surfaces are positioned in the left-right direction. In the second step, the direction in which the nut 152 is accommodated (from top to bottom) is the same as the direction in which the bolt 161 is inserted into the second screw insertion hole 162b in the first step. Since both operations can be performed from above the adapter member 120, the assembly work becomes easier. Furthermore, since the nut 152 is housed in the housing section 122 from above, it is possible to prevent the nut 152 from falling out during operation. Furthermore, since the length of the housing portion 122 in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the length of the nut 152's faces in the left-right direction, the nut 152 cannot rotate within the housing portion 122. Also, since the length of the housing portion 122 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the nut 152 in the front-rear direction, the nut 152 cannot move back and forth within the housing portion 122.

[0078] In the third step, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, first, the handle member 110 is fitted onto the adapter member 120, which has completed the second step, from above. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5(a), the two are fitted together so that the protrusion 113a on the first cylindrical portion 113 of the handle member 110 fits into the recess 124a on the second cylindrical portion 124 of the adapter member 120. By fitting the two together in this way, the adapter member 120 can be prevented from rotating about the vertical axis relative to the handle member 110. Subsequently, the screw 151 is inserted from the front of the handle member 110 through the first screw insertion hole 112c of the handle member 110 and the first screw insertion hole 122b of the adapter member 120, and fastened to the nut 152 housed in the housing 122. When the screw 151 is fastened to the nut 152, a compressive stress A is applied to the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120, as shown in Figure 4(a), and the handle member 110 and the adapter member 120 are fixed together.

[0079] In the fourth step, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the decorative cap 130 is attached to the front of the handle member 110 after the third step is completed. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first engaging portion 132 of the decorative cap 130 is inserted through the first engaging portion insertion hole 112a of the handle member 110 and the first engaging portion insertion hole 122a of the adapter member 120, and the second engaging portion 133 of the decorative cap 130 is inserted through the second engaging portion insertion hole 112b of the handle member 110 and the second engaging portion insertion hole 123a of the adapter member 120. Then, when the decorative cap 130 is pushed towards the rear, the first engaging portion 132 and the second engaging portion 133 of the decorative cap 130 engage with the housing portion 122 and the engaged portion 123 of the adapter member 120, respectively, and the decorative cap 130 is fixed more firmly.

[0080] Because the assembly method for the lever handle 100 involves these steps, the lever handle 100 can be assembled in a simpler process.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] 〔overview〕 A second embodiment of the lever handle 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the first cylindrical portion 213 and rib 216 of the handle member 210, and the second cylindrical portion 224 of the adapter member 220. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0082] The first cylindrical portion 213 differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in Figures 10(a), (b), and 11(a), its cross-section is mainly a rectangular cylindrical shape. The inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 213 is provided with a protrusion 213a that fits into a recess 224a provided on the outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 224 of the adapter member 220. The protrusions 213a are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. For example, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(a), the protrusions 213a may be provided in two locations on each side and one location at the rear, but the location of the protrusions 213a is not particularly limited.

[0083] The second cylindrical portion 224 differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in Figures 10(a), (b), and 11(b), its cross-section is mainly a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 224 is provided with a recess 224a that fits with a protrusion 213a provided on the inner circumference of the first cylindrical portion 213 of the handle member 210. The recesses 224a are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. For example, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(b), the recesses 224a may be provided in two locations on each side and one location at the rear, but the location of the recesses 224a is not particularly limited.

[0084] The rib 216 reinforces the handle member 210 and connects the upper surface 211 of the handle member 210, the inner circumference of the first cylindrical portion 213, and the outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 224, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(a). The ribs 216 may be provided in various configurations, such as two on each side and two at the rear, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(a), but the location and number of ribs 216 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the rib 216 also functions as a shape that actively fills the internal space of the handle member 110. In other words, by providing the rib 216, the weight of the lever handle 100 is increased, which prevents the resonance noise from the valve that controls the flow of water from becoming louder.

[0085] The second embodiment has the configuration described in detail above, and therefore, by using resin components, it is possible to provide a faucet lever handle that has high durability similar to that of a metal component, while improving processability and cost-effectiveness. [Industrial applicability]

[0086] The lever handle for a faucet according to the present invention can be widely applied not only to household faucets but also to faucet devices that dispense and stop the flow of fluids such as water and hot water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Lever handle 110: Handle component 111:Top part 112: Cylindrical section 112a: First engagement part insertion hole 112b: Second engagement part insertion hole 112c: First screw insertion hole 112d: Notch 113:First cylindrical part 113a: Convex part 114: Rib 115: Handle 120: Adapter component 121: Lid 121a: Second screw insertion hole 122: Containment Unit 122a: First engagement part insertion hole 122b: First screw insertion hole 123: Engaged part 123a: Second engagement part insertion hole 124:Second cylinder part 124a: Recess 125: Expanded diameter part 126: Makeup cover 130: Cosmetic cap 131: Display section 132: First engaging part 133: Second engaging part 150: First fixing member 151: Screw 152: Nut 160: Second fixing member 161: Bolt 161a:Head 161b: Screw thread 161c: Tool hole 162: Valve lever shaft 162a: Female threaded portion 162b: Second screw insertion hole 162c: Axis 200: Lever handle 210: Handle component 211:Top part 213: First cylindrical part 213a: Convex part 216: Rib 220: Adapter component 224:Second cylinder part 224a: Recess A: Compressive stress

Claims

1. A lever handle made of resin, The lever handle is composed of a handle member and an adapter member. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed together by the first fixing member. Compressive stress acts on the fastening portion where the handle member and the adapter member, specifically the first fixing member, are fastened together. The lever handle of a water faucet.

2. The first fixing member has a male threaded portion, and the adapter member has a female threaded portion into which the male threaded portion is screwed, and the fastening portion is compressed by the screwing of the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 1.

3. The adapter member has a metal member equipped with the female screw portion, The male screw portion is screwed into the metal member. The lever handle for a faucet according to claim 2.

4. The adapter member has a housing portion for receiving the metal member. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 3.

5. The housing portion has an opening for receiving the metal member, The opening is provided at the upper end of the housing portion. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 4.

6. The fastening portion is provided on the front side of the lever handle. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 5.

7. The lever handle is equipped with a first loosening prevention structure that prevents the first fixing member, which fixes the handle member and the adapter member, from loosening. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 6.

8. The first loosening prevention structure of the first fixing member that secures the handle member and the adapter member is a decorative cap. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned decorative cap has an engaging portion, The engagement portion engages with the adapter member within the housing portion. The lever handle for a faucet according to claim 8.

10. The adapter member has a cover portion that seals the entire internal space of the handle member. A lever handle for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The handle member and the adapter member have protrusions and recesses for engaging with each other. The aforementioned uneven portions are formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction and in an irregular arrangement. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed together by the fitting of the aforementioned protrusions and recesses. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 10.

12. The handle member has a first cylindrical portion that protrudes downward at approximately the center position, The adapter member has a second cylindrical portion that protrudes upward at approximately the center position, The first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion are provided with the aforementioned protrusions and recesses for fitting the two together. The lever handle for a faucet according to claim 11.

13. The adapter member is fixed to the valve lever shaft by a second fixing member. The handle member is equipped with a second loosening prevention structure that prevents the second fixing member, which fixes the adapter member and the valve lever shaft, from loosening. The second anti-loosening structure is provided inside the first cylindrical portion, A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 12.

14. The second anti-loosening structure is a rib extending from the handle member to the lower surface. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 13.

15. The valve lever shaft is replaced with a larger diameter one by the adapter member. The adapter member is made of a higher-strength resin than the handle member. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 10.

16. The adapter member has a shape that fills the internal space of the handle member. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 10.

17. The adapter member has a decorative cover that covers a portion of the internal space of the handle member. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 10.

18. A lever handle made of resin, The lever handle is composed of a handle member and an adapter member. The handle member and the adapter member are fixed together by the first fixing member. The adapter member is fixed to the valve lever shaft by a second fixing member. A compressive stress acts on the fastening portion where the handle member and the first fixing member of the adapter member are fastened together. The first fixing member has a male threaded portion, and the adapter member has a female threaded portion into which the male threaded portion is screwed, and the fastening portion is compressed by the screwing of the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion, The adapter member has a metal member equipped with the female screw portion, The male screw portion is screwed into the metal member, The adapter member has a housing portion for receiving the metal member. A method for assembling a faucet lever handle, The first step is to fix the adapter member to the valve lever shaft from above using the second fixing member. A second step involves placing the metal member into the housing from above. A third step involves fixing the handle member and the adapter member from the side using the first fixing member. A method for assembling a lever handle for a faucet.

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