Soup and water mixed with water plug

Abstract

To provide a highly user-friendly hot and cold water mixing faucet that allows switching between temperature-controlled hot and cold water and cold water simply by operating the flow control unit. [Solution] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 is equipped with a temperature control operation unit 15 and a flow control operation unit 16. The flow control operation unit 16 switches between a mixed water discharge mode in which temperature-controlled water is discharged and a water discharge mode in which only cold water is discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot and cold water mixing faucet.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional hot and cold water mixing faucet. This hot and cold water mixing faucet includes a faucet body, a flow rate adjustment operation unit, and a temperature adjustment operation unit. The faucet body has a constant flow rate valve and a shower valve. This hot and cold water mixing faucet can select, by operating the flow rate adjustment operation unit, a first water discharge mode in which water is discharged only through the constant flow rate valve and a second water discharge mode in which water is discharged through both the constant flow rate valve and the shower valve. In the first water discharge mode, water is discharged at a constant flow rate, and in the second water discharge mode, water is discharged with the flow rate gradually increasing from the water discharge amount in the first water discharge mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet of Patent Document 1, the flow rate can be adjusted by operating the flow rate adjustment operation unit. However, this hot and cold water mixing faucet cannot be switched from the discharge of hot and cold water mixed and temperature-adjusted water to the discharge of only water by operating the flow rate adjustment operation unit, and the operability is not good.

[0005] In view of the above conventional situation, the present disclosure has been made, and it is an object to be solved to provide a hot and cold water mixing faucet excellent in operability that can be switched from hot and cold water adjusted in temperature by operating only the flow rate adjustment operation unit to water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The hot and cold water mixing device of this disclosure comprises a temperature control control unit and a flow control control unit, the flow control control unit switching between a mixed water discharge mode in which temperature-controlled water is discharged and a water discharge mode in which only water is discharged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the hot and cold water mixing faucet of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is an overall cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet with the flow control valve of Embodiment 1 in the shut-off state. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing the hot and cold water mixing faucet of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet with the flow control valve of Embodiment 1 in the shut-off state. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet with the flow control valve of Embodiment 1 set to the shower state. [Figure 6] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet in which the flow control valve of Embodiment 1 is set to a cold shower state. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing the flow control valve of Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the various switching states of the flow control operation unit of Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view showing the click mechanism, which is the feedback function part of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the hot and cold water mixing faucet of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is an overall cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet with the flow control valve of Embodiment 2 in the shut-off state. [Figure 12] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet with the flow control valve of Embodiment 2 set to the shower state. [Figure 13] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a hot and cold water mixing faucet in which the flow control valve of Embodiment 2 is set to a cold shower state. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view showing the locking mechanism, which is the feedback function unit of Embodiment 1. [Figure 15]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the various switching states and locking mechanism of the flow control operation unit of Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments, without causing any inconsistency, is also included as a form for carrying out the invention. [1] The hot and cold water mixing faucet of this disclosure is equipped with a temperature control control unit and a flow control control unit, and the flow control control unit switches between a mixed water discharge mode in which temperature-controlled water is discharged and a cold water discharge mode in which only cold water is discharged. This hot and cold water mixing faucet is easy to operate because the mixed water discharge mode and cold water discharge mode can be switched by operating only the flow control control unit without turning off the power or operating the temperature control control unit.

[0009] [2] The hot and cold water mixing faucet described in [1] above is equipped with a water outlet and has a mixing channel that is continuous with the water inlet and the hot water inlet and dispenses water that has been mixed and temperature-controlled from the water outlet, and a water channel that is directly continuous with the water inlet and dispenses only cold water from the water outlet, and the switching between the mixed water dispensing mode and the cold water dispensing mode is performed by switching between the mixing channel and the cold water channel. Since this hot and cold water mixing faucet has a mixing channel that dispenses water that has been mixed and temperature-controlled and a water channel that dispenses only cold water, the temperature can be switched immediately by switching the mixing channel to the cold water channel when it is desired to change the temperature from hot water to cold water.

[0010] [3] The water outlet described in [2] above is a shower head, and the shower head is connected to the water flow path. Therefore, when cleaning the bathroom using the shower head, this hot and cold water mixing faucet can easily dispense water by operating only the flow control unit. As a result, when switching from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode, this hot and cold water mixing faucet can prevent wasted water discharge in mixed water discharge mode, leading to savings on energy costs.

[0011] [4] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet according to any one of [1] to [3] above, when the flow control operation part is rotated around the rotation axis, it switches from the mixed water discharge mode to the water discharge mode. Therefore, this hot and cold water mixing faucet can switch between the mixed water discharge mode and the water discharge mode without requiring complicated operations.

[0012] [5] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet according to any one of [1] to [4] above, when the flow control operation part is operated in the direction in which the flow rate increases, it switches from the mixed water discharge mode to the water discharge mode. Since this hot and cold water mixing faucet switches from the mixed water discharge mode to the water discharge mode only by operating the flow rate operation part to increase the flow rate, it is easy to use in daily use such as during bathing or cleaning.

[0013] [6] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet according to any one of [1] to [5] above, when the flow control operation part is operated in the direction in which the flow rate increases and is further operated in the same direction from the state where the flow rate in the mixed water discharge mode has reached the maximum, it switches to the water discharge mode. Since this hot and cold water mixing faucet switches to the water discharge mode after the flow rate in the mixed water discharge mode has reached the maximum, in daily use where the user only uses the mixed water discharge mode such as during bathing, it does not unexpectedly switch to the water discharge mode and is easy to use. When setting to discharge water at the same flow rate as the maximum flow rate in the mixed water discharge mode in the water discharge mode, since it switches to the water discharge mode after the mixed water discharge mode has reached the maximum flow rate, it is easy to use because the user can change the mode while maintaining the maximum flow rate during bathtub cleaning when using both modes.

[0014] [7] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet according to any one of [1] to [6] above, when switching from the mixed water discharge mode to the water discharge mode, it is provided with a feedback function part that allows the user to feel and perceive the switch. Therefore, the user can grasp the timing of switching from the mixed water discharge mode to the water discharge mode. Therefore, the user can perform an appropriate mode switch.

[0015] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 that embodies the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 includes a faucet body cover 2, a pair of mounting legs 11, 12, a temperature control operation unit 15, a flow control operation unit 16, a faucet 17, a shower elbow 18, a shower hose 19, and a shower head 20. The faucet 17 and the shower head 20 correspond to the water discharge part. The temperature control operation unit 15 operates a temperature control valve 21 described later. The temperature control operation unit 15 is an operation unit that performs temperature operation. The flow control operation unit 16 operates a flow control valve 22 described later. The flow control operation unit 16 is an operation unit for performing flow rate adjustment, switching between water stop and water discharge, and switching of the flow path. The switching of the flow path here is the switching between water discharge to the faucet 17 and water discharge to the shower head 20, and in the shower water discharge, the switching between the mixed water discharge mode and the water discharge mode.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow control operation unit 16 has a click mechanism 40 that is a feedback function unit. The faucet body cover 2 houses the faucet body 3 inside. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 has a configuration in which a pair of mounting legs 11, 12, a temperature control operation unit 15, a flow control operation unit 16, a faucet 17, and a shower elbow 18 are respectively attached to a faucet body cover 2 having a long cylindrical shape in the axial direction. One end of the shower hose 19 is connected to the shower elbow 18, and the shower head 20 is connected to the other end of the shower hose 19.

[0017] The pair of mounting legs 11, 12 are mounting parts between the faucet body cover 2 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 and a wall surface (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of mounting legs 11, 12 are respectively attached to the rear surfaces of both axial ends of the faucet body cover 2. The pair of mounting legs 11, 12 respectively form a flow path inside. The hot water side mounting leg 11 is connected to a hot water supply pipe (not shown) on the wall surface side which is the mounting surface. The cold water side mounting leg 12 is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) on the wall surface side which is the mounting surface. The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 is supplied with hot water and water from a hot water supply source and a water supply source (not shown) in the wall surface via the pair of mounting legs 11, 12. The shower elbow 18 is attached to the rear surface of the central part in the axial direction of the faucet body cover 2.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 has a water passage inside through which hot and cold water flows. Specifically, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 introduces hot and cold water supplied from the hot water source and cold water source on the wall side into the faucet body cover 2 via a pair of mounting legs 11 and 12. The hot and cold water introduced into the faucet body cover 2 flows into the faucet body 3. The faucet body 3 has a hot water inlet 13, a cold water inlet 14, a temperature control valve 21, a flow control valve 22, and a flow path that allows hot and cold water to flow continuously through these.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the temperature control valve 21 is located downstream of the mounting legs 11 and 12. A hot water side mixing channel 31 is formed between the temperature control valve 21 and the hot water side mounting leg 11. Additionally, a cold water side mixing channel 32 and a portion of a cold water-only channel 33 are formed between the temperature control valve 21 and the cold water side mounting leg 12. The cold water side mixing channel 32 is equipped with a check valve 35. The temperature control valve 21 is supplied with hot and cold water from the mounting legs 11 and 12 via the hot water side mixing channel 31 and the cold water side mixing channel 32. The temperature control valve 21 mixes hot and cold water in the ratio desired by the user through the operation of the temperature control operation unit 15.

[0020] The flow control valve 22 is located downstream of the temperature control valve 21. A hot and cold water mixing channel 34 is formed between the flow control valve 22 and the temperature control valve 21. A water-only channel 33 is formed between the flow control valve 22 and the water-side mounting leg 12. The flow control valve 22 discharges hot and cold water that flows in from the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 from either the faucet 17 or the shower head 20. The flow control valve 22 also discharges water that flows in from the water-only channel 33 from the shower head 20.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the flow control valve 22 comprises a first outer cylinder portion 23 and a first inner cylinder portion 24. The first outer cylinder portion 23 and the first inner cylinder portion 24 are cylindrical in shape. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first outer cylinder portion 23 has a first opening 51 for hot and cold water to flow to the water outlet and a second opening 52 for water to flow in from the water-only channel 33. The first opening 51 is connected to the shower head 20. The second opening 52 is connected to the faucet 17. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first inner cylinder portion 24 has a first hole 54 for hot and cold water to flow to the water outlet and a second hole 55 for water to flow in from the water-only channel 33. Of these, the first hole 54 is continuous with the shower elbow 18 and the faucet 17. The second hole 55 is continuous with the water-only channel 33.

[0022] As shown in Figure 7, the first inner cylinder portion 24 has a partition wall 25 at the end on the temperature control valve 21 side. The partition wall 25 has a crescent-shaped fourth opening 26. The first outer cylinder portion 23 has a lid portion 27. The first outer cylinder portion 23 has a crescent-shaped fifth opening 28 in the portion continuous with the temperature control valve 21. When the flow control operation unit 16 is operated and the first inner cylinder portion 24 rotates, the degree of overlap between the fourth opening 26 and the fifth opening 28 changes.

[0023] The first inner cylinder 24 rotates in conjunction with the click mechanism 40, which will be described later, by operating the flow control operation unit 16 in the direction of the rotation axis. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the hot and cold water flowing into the faucet body 3 is discharged when the first inner cylinder 24 rotates and the first hole 54 aligns with either the first opening 51 or the second opening 52 provided in the first outer cylinder 23. The second hole 55 is blocked by the first outer cylinder 23 when in mixed water discharge mode.

[0024] As shown in Figure 8, when the handle is in positions A, B, C, and D, A is the water-stopped state. Between A and C, water is discharged from the shower head 20; between A and B, it is a mixed water discharge mode; between B and C, it is a water-only water discharge mode. Between A and D, it is a mixed water discharge from the faucet 17. When the handle is in a position between A and B, the first hole 54 of the first inner cylinder 24 penetrates the first opening 51, and water is discharged in the first water discharge mode, which is the mixed water discharge mode from the shower head 20. The water discharge flow rate increases from A to B. When the handle is in a position between B and C, the first hole 54 of the first inner cylinder 24 remains penetrated by the first opening 51, while the second hole 55 penetrates the third opening 53, and water is discharged in the second water discharge mode, which is the water-only water discharge mode from the shower head 20. The water discharge flow rate between B and C is approximately equal to the maximum flow rate in the mixed water discharge mode. In the water discharge mode, the fourth opening 26 and the fifth opening 28 do not overlap, and the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 is closed. When the handle position is between A and D, the first hole 54 of the first inner cylinder 24 penetrates the second opening 52, and water is discharged from the faucet 17. The water discharge flow rate increases from A to D.

[0025] As shown in Figure 9, the click mechanism 40 is provided between the flow control side rotating shaft 46 to which the flow control operating unit 16 is attached and the flow control valve 22. The click mechanism 40 has a first spring portion 41, a click ring 42, and a stopper 43. The click ring 42 has two recesses 44. The stopper 43 has four protrusions 45. The stopper 43 is integrated with the flow control side rotating shaft 46 and rotates in accordance with the operation of the flow control operating unit 16 in the rotation axis direction. The click ring 42 is constantly pressed against the stopper 43 by the first spring portion 41. When the flow control operating unit 16 is operated, the stopper 43 rotates in conjunction, and the recesses 44 of the click ring 42 engage with and disengage from the protrusions 45 of the stopper 43. The click mechanism 40 engages with the convex portion 45 of the stopper 43 when the water is stopped between the water discharge from the tap 17 and the water discharge from the shower head 20, i.e., when the handle is in position A, and when the water discharge mode is changed between the mixed water discharge mode and the water discharge mode, i.e., when the handle is in position B.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the faucet body 3 is provided with a hot water mixing channel 31, a cold water mixing channel 32, and a cold water-only channel 33. Hot water flowing into the faucet body cover 2 from the hot water mounting leg 11 flows through the hot water mixing channel 31 and into the temperature control valve 21. Cold water flowing into the faucet body cover 2 from the cold water mounting leg 12 flows through either the cold water mixing channel 32 or the cold water-only channel 33. The cold water mixing channel 32 flows through the inside of the faucet body cover 2 and into the temperature control valve 21. The hot and cold water flowing into the temperature control valve 21 is adjusted to the desired temperature and flows into the flow control valve 22. The cold water-only channel 33 flows into the faucet body cover 2 from the cold water mounting leg 12, and then flows directly into the flow control valve 22 without passing through the temperature control valve 21. The water-side mixing channel 32 and the water-only channel 33 flow along the same path until the water-only channel 33 flows into the flow control valve 22.

[0027] Next, the effects and advantages of the above embodiment 1 will be described.

[0028] The water-side mixing channel 32 is equipped with a check valve 35. Therefore, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 can prevent hot water from flowing back from the temperature control valve 21 into the water-side mixing channel 32, and when used in cold water discharge mode, hot water does not flow into the water channel.

[0029] Water passing through the water-only channel 33 flows into the flow control valve 22 without passing through the temperature control valve 21. Therefore, by providing the water-only channel 33 in the faucet body 3, water can be dispensed without operating the temperature control control unit 15. As a result, the user can easily switch from mixed water dispensing mode to water dispensing mode simply by operating the flow control control unit 16.

[0030] The first inner cylinder portion 24 has a crescent-shaped fourth opening 26 in the portion continuous with the temperature control valve 21. The first outer cylinder portion 23 has a cover portion 27 in the portion continuous with the temperature control valve 21. The cover portion 27 has a crescent-shaped fifth opening 28. When the flow control operation unit 16 is operated and the first inner cylinder portion 24 rotates, the degree of overlap between the fourth opening 26 and the fifth opening 28 changes. Therefore, when the flow control operation unit 16 is operated to switch from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode, the fourth opening 26 and the fifth opening 28 can be closed, blocking the hot and cold water mixing flow path 34. As a result, it is possible to prevent temperature-controlled hot and cold water from flowing into the flow control valve 22 when in cold water discharge mode. Consequently, it becomes possible to discharge only cold water from the shower head 20.

[0031] The first outer cylinder portion 23 has a first opening 51, a second opening 52, and a third opening 53, while the first inner cylinder portion 24 has a first hole 54 and a second hole 55. The first inner cylinder portion 24 rotates in conjunction with the flow control operation unit 16. As a result, the first hole 54 and the second hole 55 of the first inner cylinder portion 24 and the first opening 51, the second opening 52, and the third opening 53 of the first outer cylinder portion 23 are either passed through or blocked. Therefore, in mixed water discharge mode, the hot and cold water mixing flow path 34 continues to the water discharge section, and in cold water discharge mode, the cold water-only flow path 33 continues to the water discharge section. This allows the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 to switch flow paths by operating only the flow control operation unit 16, making it easy to switch water discharge modes.

[0032] The click mechanism 40, which is a feedback function unit, is a mechanism in which the recess 44 of the click ring 42 engages with and disengages from the protrusion 45 of the stopper 43. The click mechanism 40 operates at the timing of stopping the water flow between the water discharge from the faucet 17 and the shower discharge, and at the timing of switching between the mixed water discharge mode and the water discharge mode. In this way, the click mechanism 40 can notify the user of the switch in the water discharge mode by giving them a click sensation.

[0033] <Embodiment 2> Next, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 15. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, and similar structural descriptions are omitted.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 of Embodiment 2 is equipped with a mixing water flow control valve 122 and a cold water discharge on / off valve 132 instead of the flow control valve 22 of Embodiment 1, and has a locking mechanism 140 which is a feedback function unit in the flow control operation unit 116.

[0035] The mixed water flow control valve 122 is connected to a cold water side mixing channel 32 and a hot water side mixing channel 31. The mixed water flow control valve 122 has a second outer cylinder portion 123 and a second inner cylinder portion 124. The second outer cylinder portion 123 and the second inner cylinder portion 124 are cylindrical in shape. The second outer cylinder portion 123 has a sixth opening 151 and a seventh opening 152 formed therein for hot and cold water to flow to the water outlet. The sixth opening 151 is connected to the shower head 20. The seventh opening 152 is connected to the faucet 17. The second inner cylinder portion 124 has a third hole 154 formed therein for hot and cold water to flow to the shower head 20 and the faucet 17.

[0036] The water discharge valve 132 is connected to a water-only channel 33. The water discharge valve 132 has a third outer cylinder portion 133 and a third inner cylinder portion 134. The third outer cylinder portion 133 and the third inner cylinder portion 134 are cylindrical in shape. The third outer cylinder portion 133 has an eighth opening 153 formed therein for water to flow in from the water-only channel 33. The third inner cylinder portion 134 has a fourth hole 155 formed therein for water to flow in from the water-only channel 33.

[0037] Hot water flowing from the hot water mounting leg 11 through the hot water outlet 13 into the faucet body 3, and cold water flowing from the cold water mounting leg 12 through the cold water outlet 14 into the faucet body 3, flow through the cold water side mixing channel 32 and the hot water side mixing channel 31 into the temperature control valve 21. The mixed hot and cold water flowing out of the temperature control valve 21 flows through the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 into the mixed water discharge flow control valve 122.

[0038] The second inner cylinder portion 124 of the mixed water discharge flow control valve 122 and the third inner cylinder portion 134 of the water discharge on-off valve 132 are continuous by the flow control side rotation shaft 46. Therefore, when the flow control operation unit 116 is rotated, the second inner cylinder portion 124 and the third inner cylinder portion 134 rotate in conjunction. When the flow control operation unit 116 is positioned between A and D, either the third hole 154 and the sixth opening 151 or the third hole 154 and the seventh opening 152 overlap, and water is discharged in mixed water discharge mode. At this time, the fourth hole 155 of the water discharge on-off valve 132 is blocked by the third outer cylinder portion 133.

[0039] Water flowing from the water-side mounting leg 12 through the water inlet 14 into the faucet body 3 flows directly into the water discharge on / off valve 132 through the water-only channel 33. When the flow control operation unit 116 is positioned between B and C, the fourth hole 155 and the eighth opening 153 overlap, and water is discharged in water discharge mode. At this time, the third hole 154 of the mixed water discharge flow control valve 122 is blocked by the second outer cylinder portion 123.

[0040] As shown in Figure 14, the flow control control unit 116 has a locking mechanism 140 which is a feedback function unit. The locking mechanism 140 has a button 141, a second spring portion 142, a first opposing surface 143, a second opposing surface 144, and a third opposing surface 145. The button 141 is continuously pressed outward from the flow control control unit 116 by the second spring portion 142.

[0041] As shown in Figure 15, when the handle is in positions A, B, C, and D, position A is the water-stopped state. Between A and C, water is discharged from the showerhead 20; between A and B, it is the mixed water discharge mode; between B and C, it is the cold water discharge mode; and between A and D, it is the mixed water discharge from the faucet 17. The positions of the button 141 at handle positions A, B, C, and D are denoted as 141A, 141B, 141C, and 141D, respectively.

[0042] The flow control unit 116 is locked by a locking mechanism 140, preventing it from switching from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode. The locked state is when button 141 hits the first opposing surface 143, preventing it from switching to cold water discharge mode, i.e., state 141B. This locked state is released by pressing button 141 on the flow control unit 116 while rotating it. If the unit is rotated further from the cold water discharge mode, button 141 hits the second opposing surface 144, preventing it from rotating any further, i.e., state 141C. Mixed water discharge from the faucet 17 is also prevented from rotating any further when button 141D hits the third opposing surface 145.

[0043] Next, the effects of the second embodiment described above will be explained.

[0044] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 is equipped with a flow control valve 122 for mixed water discharge and an on-off valve 132 for cold water discharge. Therefore, the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 flows into the flow control valve 122 for mixed water discharge, and the cold water-only channel 33 flows into the on-off valve 132 for cold water discharge. Therefore, there is no need to prevent the water flowing through the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 from flowing into the flow control valve 122 for mixed water discharge. For this reason, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 does not require a cover portion 27 between the temperature control valve 21 and the flow control valve 122 for mixed water discharge.

[0045] The second outer cylinder portion 123 has a sixth opening 151 and a seventh opening 152, and the second inner cylinder portion 124 has a third hole 154. The third outer cylinder portion 133 has an eighth opening 153, and the third inner cylinder portion 134 has a fourth hole 155. The second inner cylinder portion 124 and the third inner cylinder portion 134 rotate in conjunction with the flow control side rotation shaft 46. Therefore, by operating the flow control operation unit 116 of the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101, the third hole 154 of the second inner cylinder portion 124, the sixth opening 151 and seventh opening 152 of the second outer cylinder portion 123, the fourth hole 155 of the third inner cylinder portion 134, and the eighth opening 153 of the third outer cylinder portion 133 are opened or closed. Therefore, in mixed water discharge mode, the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 continues all the way to the water outlet, and in cold water discharge mode, the cold water-only channel 33 continues all the way to the water outlet. As a result, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 can switch between water flow modes simply by operating the flow control unit 116, making it easy to switch between water discharge modes.

[0046] The flow control unit 116 has a lock mechanism 140, which is a feedback function unit. The lock mechanism 140 is a mechanism that locks the rotation operation of the flow control unit 116 to switch from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode. In order to release the lock, the user must press button 141 while rotating the flow control unit 116. This prevents the user from switching from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode against their will. If the flow control unit 116 is rotated further from the cold water discharge mode state, button 141 will hit the second opposing surface 144. Therefore, the user will know that the flow control unit 116 cannot be rotated any further. Similarly, in the case of mixed water discharge from the faucet 17, button 141D will hit the third opposing surface 145, so the user will know that the flow control unit 116 cannot be rotated any further. In this way, the locking mechanism 140 can inform the user of the water discharge mode switching and the limits of the rotational operation.

[0047] As described above, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 of Embodiments 1 and 2 is equipped with a temperature control operation unit 15 and a flow rate control operation unit 116. The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches between a mixed water discharge mode, in which temperature-controlled water is discharged, and a cold water discharge mode, in which only cold water is discharged, using the flow rate control operation unit 116.

[0048] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 offers excellent operability because it allows switching between mixed water discharge mode and cold water discharge mode using only the flow control unit 116, without having to turn off the power or operate the temperature control unit 15.

[0049] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 is equipped with a tap 17, a shower elbow 18, a shower hose 19, and a shower head 20. The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 has a hot and cold water mixing channel 34 through which hot and cold water flowing in from mounting legs 11 and 12 are mixed in a temperature control valve 21, and the temperature-controlled water is discharged from the tap 17 and shower head 20 via a flow control valve 22 and a mixed water discharge flow control valve 122. It also has a water-only channel 33 through which water flowing in from the water-side mounting leg 12 is directly and continuously discharged from the tap 17 and shower head 20 via a flow control valve 22 and a water discharge on / off valve 132. The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches between a mixed water discharge mode and the water-only discharge mode by switching between the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 and the water-only channel 33.

[0050] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 has a hot and cold water mixing channel 34 that dispenses temperature-controlled hot and cold water and a cold water-only channel 33 that dispenses only cold water. Therefore, when you want to change the temperature from hot water to cold water, you can instantly switch the temperature by switching the hot and cold water mixing channel 34 to the cold water-only channel 33.

[0051] In the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101, the shower head 20 is connected to a water-only flow path 33. Therefore, when using the shower head 20 to clean the bathroom, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 can easily dispense cold water simply by operating the flow control unit 116. As a result, when switching from mixed water dispensing mode to cold water dispensing mode, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 can prevent wasted water in mixed water dispensing mode, leading to savings on energy costs.

[0052] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode when the flow control unit 116 is rotated around its axis. Therefore, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 can switch between mixed water discharge mode and cold water discharge mode without requiring complicated operations.

[0053] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode when the flow rate control unit 116 is operated in a direction that increases the flow rate. Because the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches from mixed water discharge mode to cold water discharge mode simply by operating the flow rate control unit, it is easy to use for everyday purposes such as bathing or cleaning.

[0054] The hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches to cold water discharge mode when the flow rate control unit 116 is operated in the direction that increases the flow rate, and the unit is operated further in the same direction after the flow rate in mixed discharge mode has reached its maximum. Because the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1,101 switches to cold water discharge mode after the flow rate has reached its maximum in mixed discharge mode, it is easy to use in everyday situations where the user only uses mixed discharge mode, such as when bathing, as it will not unexpectedly switch to cold water discharge mode.

[0055] In Embodiment 1, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 1 is equipped with a click mechanism 40, which is a feedback function unit. The click mechanism 40 functions when switching from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode, providing the user with a click sensation. As a result, the user can understand the timing of the switch from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode. Therefore, the user can perform the appropriate mode switch.

[0056] In Embodiment 2, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 101 is equipped with a locking mechanism 140, which is a feedback function unit. The locking mechanism 140 locks the rotation of the flow control unit 116 when switching from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode. In order to release the lock, the user must press the button 141 while rotating the flow control unit 116. This allows the user to understand the timing of the switch from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode. As a result, the user can perform the appropriate mode switch.

[0057] This disclosure is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2 described above in the description and drawings, but also includes, for example, the following embodiments within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) The flow control mechanism can be a handle, a dial, or a button. (2) The switching operation of the flow control unit may be done by rotation, or by other methods such as sliding. (3) The water-side mixing channel may be equipped with a check valve, or the water-side mixing channel may be blocked in the water discharge mode to prevent hot water from flowing. (4) The water discharge mode does not have to be limited to water discharge from the shower head only, or it may be limited to water discharge from both the shower head and the faucet, or it may be limited to water discharge from the faucet only. (5) The water discharge mode may be switched after the flow rate in the mixed discharge mode has reached its maximum, or it may not be switched at any other time. (6) The flow rate in water discharge mode may be the maximum flow rate, or the flow rate may be adjustable using the flow control unit. (7) A hot and cold water mixing faucet may or may not have a feedback function. (8) The feedback function unit may provide the user with a click sensation when the water discharge mode is switched, lock the rotation of the flow control unit, or emit an electrical signal such as light or sound. (9) The opening formed in the partition wall at the end of the temperature control valve does not have to be crescent-shaped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1,101…Hot and cold water mixing faucet, 15…Temperature control unit, 16,116…Flow rate control unit, 17…Faucet (water outlet), 20…Shower head (water outlet), 33…Water-only flow path, 34…Hot and cold water mixing flow path, 40…Click mechanism (feedback function unit), 140…Locking mechanism (feedback function unit)

Claims

1. It is equipped with a temperature control control unit and a flow control control unit. A hot and cold water mixing faucet that switches between a mixed water discharge mode, in which temperature-controlled water is discharged, and a cold water discharge mode, in which only cold water is discharged, via the flow control unit.

2. It is equipped with a water outlet, A mixing channel is provided, which is continuous with the water inlet and the hot water inlet, and which mixes hot and cold water to control the temperature of the water and discharges it from the water outlet. The water inlet has a water channel that discharges only water from the discharge section directly and continuously. The hot and cold water mixing faucet according to claim 1, wherein the switching between the mixed water discharge mode and the cold water discharge mode is performed by switching between the mixing channel and the cold water channel.

3. The water outlet is a shower head, The hot and cold water mixing faucet according to claim 2, wherein the shower head is connected to the water flow path.

4. The hot and cold water mixing faucet according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein rotating the flow control unit around the rotation axis switches the mode from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode.

5. The hot and cold water mixing faucet according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the flow rate adjustment control unit is operated in a direction that increases the flow rate, it switches from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode.

6. A hot and cold water mixing faucet according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flow rate adjustment control unit is operated in a direction that increases the flow rate, and when the flow rate in the mixed water discharge mode is maximized, the unit is operated further in the same direction, the faucet switches to the cold water discharge mode.

7. A hot and cold water mixing faucet according to either claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a feedback function unit that allows the user to perceive and understand the switching from the mixed water discharge mode to the cold water discharge mode.

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