Faucet cartridge

Abstract

To provide a faucet cartridge that allows for a rational simplification of the click mechanism. [Solution] The cartridge 1, which adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating a lever handle, comprises a shaft guide 3, a cap 6, a case 7, and a click mechanism C. The shaft guide 3 supports the lever shaft 2 to which the lever handle is attached so as to be integral in the rotational direction. The cap 6 is fitted axially to the outer circumference of the shaft guide 3 so as to be integral in the rotational direction. The case 7 is fitted axially over the cap 6 and the shaft guide 3 so as to surround them. The click mechanism C provides a click sensation to the rotational operation of the lever handle between the inner circumference of the case 7 and the outer circumference of the cap 6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a faucet. More specifically, it relates to a cartridge for a faucet that adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating a lever handle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge for mixing hot and cold water to be assembled to a faucet body of a single lever faucet. This cartridge has a lever shaft to which a lever handle is attached, and a shaft guide that rotatably supports the lever shaft by a pin extending in the left - right direction. The shaft guide is rotated integrally with the lever handle by operating the lever handle to swing it left and right, and adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water inside the cartridge.

[0003] Between the shaft guide and a cylindrical case surrounding it, a click mechanism is provided to give a clicking feeling when the lever handle passes through the boundary position where the mixing of hot and cold water switches. The click mechanism is configured to give a clicking feeling by the friction in which balls elastically held at both ends of the pin are pressed against protrusions formed on the inner peripheral surface of the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it has a complicated and poorly - assemblable structure in which a compression spring for applying an elastic force to the balls is passed through the inside of the pin, and ball holders are assembled to both ends of the pin. Therefore, the present invention provides a faucet cartridge capable of reasonably simplifying the click mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the faucet cartridge of the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a faucet cartridge for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating a lever handle, comprising: a shaft guide that supports a lever shaft to which the lever handle is attached so as to be integral in the rotational direction; a cap that is fitted axially to the outer circumference of the shaft guide so as to be integral in the rotational direction; a case that is placed axially over the cap and the shaft guide so as to surround them; and a click mechanism that provides a clicking sensation to the rotational operation of the lever handle between the inner circumference of the case and the outer circumference of the cap.

[0008] According to the first invention, by constructing the cap separately from the shaft guide and fitting it to the outer circumference, the click mechanism can be made simple and easy to assemble while allowing each structural function to be performed appropriately. As a result, the click mechanism can be rationally simplified.

[0009] The second invention of the present invention is a faucet cartridge that, in the first invention described above, further has a pin that passes through the shaft guide and the lever shaft in the axial direction and rotatably supports the lever shaft with respect to the shaft guide, wherein the pin also passes through the cap in the axial direction and prevents the cap from coming off in the axial direction with respect to the shaft guide.

[0010] According to the second invention, the pin that rotatably supports the lever shaft can be used to rationally prevent the cap from coming off the shaft guide in the axial direction.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet cartridge in which, in the first or second invention described above, the cap and the case are made of resin and the shaft guide is made of metal.

[0012] According to the third invention, the rigidity of the shaft guide can be appropriately increased, and the click mechanism can be configured to allow for easy adjustment of the click feel.

[0013] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet cartridge in which, in the first or second invention described above, the shaft guide has a non-rotationally symmetric shape having reinforcing ribs that extend axially on the outer circumference, and the cap also has a non-rotationally symmetric shape having a rib fitting portion that fits onto the reinforcing ribs.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, the fitting structure between the reinforcing rib formed on the shaft guide and the rib fitting portion formed on the cap makes it possible to appropriately reinforce the shaft guide while rationally preventing the cap from being assembled in the wrong direction or position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a faucet cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a single faucet cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a faucet cartridge. [Figure 4] This is a disassembled perspective view with the case removed. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view with the cap removed. [Figure 6] This is a disassembled perspective view with the click cover removed from the case. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of a faucet cartridge. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the shaft guide rotated from Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] "First Embodiment" (Schematic Configuration of Cartridge (Cartridge for Faucet) 1) First, the configuration of the cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the following description, when indicating directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right, the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to.

[0018] The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from a user standing in front of the single lever faucet F. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference figure, any one of FIGS. 1 to 8 shall be appropriately referred to.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a functional component for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the water discharge amount incorporated in a single lever faucet F for the kitchen. Specifically, the cartridge 1 is configured to be moved to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the water discharge amount by operating the lever handle L attached to the upper part of the faucet body B of the single lever faucet F.

[0020] More specifically, the cartridge 1 is moved to adjust the mixing ratio of the hot and cold water supplied therein according to the operation position by operating the lever handle L to be rotated left and right. Further, the cartridge 1 is moved to adjust the water discharge amount of the hot and cold water according to the operation position by operating the lever handle L to be rotated up and down.

[0021] Note that the configuration related to the adjustment of the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the water discharge amount in the cartridge 1 is the same as the known configuration disclosed in documents such as Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020 - 46067. Therefore, a detailed description of the above basic configuration of the cartridge 1 will be omitted.

[0022] The cartridge 1 according to this embodiment includes a click mechanism C that provides a click sensation when the lever handle L passes the boundary position where the mixing ratio of hot and cold water is switched, when the lever handle L is moved from side to side to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the click mechanism C is provided between the case 7 of the cartridge 1 and the cap 6 which rotates left and right (around the axis) together with the lever handle L inside the case 7.

[0023] The click mechanism C of cartridge 1 will be described in detail below, along with the basic configuration of the cartridge 1. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, cartridge 1 has a metal lever shaft 2 to which the lever handle L (see Figure 1) is attached, and a metal shaft guide 3 that supports the lever shaft 2 so that it can rotate back and forth.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the cartridge 1 has a metal pin 4 that passes through the shaft guide 3 and the lever shaft 2 in the left-right direction. The pin 4 functions as a pivot that rotatably supports the lever shaft 2 relative to the shaft guide 3. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the cartridge 1 has a movable resin plate 5 that is assembled to the bottom of the shaft guide 3.

[0025] The movable plate 5 is assembled to the bottom of the shaft guide 3 so as to be integrated with it in the rotational direction. The movable plate 5 rotates together with the shaft guide 3 when the lever shaft 2 is rotated left or right (around the axis). As a result, the movable plate 5 moves together with a movable disc (not shown) assembled to its bottom in the rotational direction.

[0026] As the lever shaft 2 rotates back and forth around the pin 4, the movable plate 5 is guided by the shaft guide 3 and moved by the lower end of the lever shaft 2, being pushed and pulled back and forth. As a result, the movable plate 5 moves together with a movable disc (not shown) assembled to its bottom, moving back and forth as a single unit.

[0027] Thus, the movable plate 5 is configured to rotate and slide a movable disc (not shown) in conjunction with the operation of the lever shaft 2. By doing so, the movable plate 5 rotates and slides the movable disc on a fixed disc (not shown) that overlaps its bottom, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the amount of water discharged.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the cartridge 1 has a cylindrical resin cap 6 that is assembled to the outer circumference of the shaft guide 3. As shown in Figures 4 to 5, the cap 6 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the shaft guide 3 from the axial upper side. In addition, a pin 4, which is passed through the shaft guide 3 and lever shaft 2 from the side, is passed through the cap 6 in the left-right direction.

[0029] As a result, the cap 6 is assembled to the shaft guide 3 in a state where it is integrated both in the rotational and axial directions. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the cap 6 has a pair of click arms 6B that extend in a cantilevered manner in the circumferential direction at two positions on the outer circumference of the cylinder. These click arms 6B constitute the click mechanism C, which will be described in more detail later.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the cartridge 1 has a resin case 7 that is fitted over the shaft guide 3 and cap 6 from the axial upper side so as to surround them. The case 7 consists of a stepped cylindrical member having a large diameter portion 7A and a small diameter portion 7B. The large diameter portion 7A and the small diameter portion 7B are arranged in a shape that is concentrically cylindrical with respect to each other in the axial direction.

[0031] Case 7 is placed over the shaft guide 3 from the axial upper side with the smaller diameter portion 7B facing upwards on the larger diameter portion 7A as shown in the figure. As a result, Case 7 is snap-fitted and integrally fixed to a base (not shown) to which the larger diameter portion 7A is fixed to the faucet body B (see Figure 1).

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, with the above assembly, the case 7 is set so that its large diameter portion 7A surrounds the base portion 3A of the shaft guide 3 and the movable plate 5. The case 7 is also set so that its small diameter portion 7B surrounds the cap 6 that is mounted on the outer circumference of the shaft guide 3. The lever shaft 2 is provided to protrude upward from the upper opening of the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the cartridge 1 further includes a cylindrical click cover 8 that is attached to the outer circumference of the small-diameter portion 7B of the case 7, and two click pins 9 that are also attached. These click cover 8 and click pins 9 constitute the click mechanism C, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0034] The above describes the basic configuration related to the click mechanism C of cartridge 1. Next, the detailed configuration of each component will be explained. As shown in Figure 5, the shaft guide 3 has a ring-shaped base portion 3A that widens in the axial direction, and a cap fitting portion 3B that protrudes in a rectangular cylindrical shape from the top plate of the base portion 3A. The cap fitting portion 3B is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape that is long in the front-to-back direction.

[0035] The cap fitting portion 3B is the part on which the cap 6 is fitted onto its outer circumference. The base portion 3A is the part on which the cap 6 fitted onto the cap fitting portion 3B is grounded. On the outer circumference of the base portion 3A, a fan-shaped projection portion 3C is formed, extending from a part of the bottom edge in the circumferential direction.

[0036] The protruding portion 3C functions as a rotation restricting portion that limits the range of motion of the shaft guide 3 in the rotational direction. Specifically, the protruding portion 3C comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) formed on the inner circumference of the case 7 as the shaft guide 3 is rotated left and right. As a result, the range of motion of the lever handle L (see Figure 1) in the left and right direction is restricted through the shaft guide 3.

[0037] A reinforcing rib 3D, extending in the axial direction, is formed on the front side of the cap fitting portion 3B shown in the illustration. Two reinforcing ribs 3D are formed, spaced apart on the left and right sides. These reinforcing ribs 3D appropriately enhance the bending and torsional rigidity of the cap fitting portion 3B. Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs 3D form the cap fitting portion 3B with a non-rotationally symmetric shape, meaning that it does not retain the same shape even when rotated 180 degrees around its axis.

[0038] The cap 6 has a square-shaped fitting hole 6A that forms its cylindrical opening, and a pair of click arms 6B that extend in a cantilevered manner in the circumferential direction from two positions on the outer circumference of the cylinder. The fitting hole 6A functions as a hole that fits onto the outer circumference of the cap fitting portion 3B of the shaft guide 3. The fitting hole 6A has a rib fitting portion 6C that fits onto the reinforcing rib 3D formed on the cap fitting portion 3B.

[0039] As a result, the cap 6 is also formed with a non-rotationally symmetric shape, such that its fitting hole 6A does not retain the same shape even when rotated 180 degrees around its axis. With this configuration, the cap fitting portion 3B and the cap 6 are equipped with an assembly prevention structure that prevents the cap 6 from being assembled in the wrong direction or position.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each click arm 6B is formed to extend counterclockwise in a plan view from the upper edges of the right and left sides of the cap 6. The upper edges of the right and left sides of the cap 6, where each click arm 6B is formed, are cut in a way that creates recessed corners.

[0041] Each click arm 6B is shaped to curve and extend within the recessed left and right regions of the cap 6, tracing a circle identical to the outer circumferential surface of the cap 6. As shown in Figure 7, the cap 6 is supported at two locations, the front and rear sides, by the inner circumferential surfaces of the recesses 7C that protrude inward in the cylindrical direction from the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7, with a small gap from the outside in the cylindrical direction.

[0042] As a result, the shaft guide 3 is supported from the outside in the cylindrical direction by the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7 through the cap 6. Each recess 7C is partially hollowed out so that the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7 is pushed out from the outside in the cylindrical direction. Each recess 7C is formed to be 180 degrees rotationally symmetric with respect to the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7. This support from the outside in the cylindrical direction by these recesses 7C appropriately suppresses play in the cylindrical direction of the shaft guide 3 and cap 6 relative to the case 7.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the shaft guide 3 has a shape in which its base portion 3A has approximately the same outer diameter as the outer surface of the cap 6. The shaft guide 3, including its base portion 3A and the cap 6, is supported from the outside in the cylindrical direction with a small gap between them by the recesses 7C of the small diameter portion 7B.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, each click arm 6B is formed to be 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to its axis. At the cantilevered end of each click arm 6B, a claw portion 6D is formed that protrudes outward in the cylindrical direction. These claw portions 6D are formed to protrude outward in the cylindrical direction beyond the outer circumferential surface of the cap 6.

[0045] These claw portions 6D are pressed against the corresponding click pins 9 assembled on the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7 as the shaft guide 3 is rotated to the boundary position where the mixing of hot and cold water switches. As a result, each claw portion 6D, through the elastic force of each click arm 6B, provides a resistance that gives a sense of control to the rotation of the shaft guide 3.

[0046] As the shaft guide 3 continues to rotate, each claw portion 6D flexes each click arm 6B and overcomes each click pin 9 in the rotational direction against the elastic force. As shown in Figure 8, by overcoming each click pin 9, each claw portion 6D is released from the state in which it was pressed in by the elastic force of each click arm 6B.

[0047] As a result, the resistance to rotation of the shaft guide 3 is released, and a clicking sensation is imparted to the rotational operation of the lever handle L (see Figure 1). This clicking sensation is imparted in the same way regardless of which direction the shaft guide 3 passes through the boundary position where the mixing of hot and cold water switches. In Figures 7 and 8, rotating components are shown with solid lines to emphasize them, while non-rotating components are shown with thin lines.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, each click pin 9 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction. Each click pin 9 is set in corresponding through holes 7D formed at two locations in the circumferential direction of the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7. Each click pin 9 is then held in place by a cylindrical click cover 8 that fits over the outer circumference of the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7, preventing it from falling out of the through holes 7D in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The click cover 8 is set such that its protrusions 8A, which extend inward in the cylindrical direction from two positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, fit into corresponding recesses 7C formed in the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7. As a result, the click cover 8 is set in a state where it is prevented from rotating relative to the small diameter portion 7B of the case 7.

[0050] The click cover 8 is fitted over the entire axial area of ​​the small diameter section 7B with a small gap. As a result, the hoop stress that could act on the small diameter section 7B is reduced through the click cover 8, thereby appropriately increasing the structural strength of the small diameter section 7B. As shown in Figure 7, each click pin 9 is held in a state in which a portion of them protrudes inward in the cylindrical direction from the small diameter section 7B due to external support from the click cover 8.

[0051] Each click pin 9 is held in place by internal support from the outer circumferential surface of the cap 6, which is positioned inside the cylinder of the small diameter portion 7B, preventing it from falling out of the small diameter portion 7B in the cylindrical direction. Each click pin 9 has an axial length that extends further downward than each click arm 6B of the cap 6, and this downward-extending portion faces the outer circumferential surface of the cap 6 from the outside in the cylindrical direction with a small gap between them.

[0052] As a result, each click pin 9 also appropriately suppresses the cylindrical play of the cap 6 relative to the case 7. Each click pin 9 and each recess 7C mentioned above that support the cap 6 from the outer circumference are widely distributed in the cylindrical direction of the small diameter portion 7B. Therefore, these click pins 9 and each recess 7C can appropriately suppress the cylindrical play of the cap 6 relative to the case 7.

[0053] In summary, the cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the components shown in the above embodiment.

[0054] In other words, the faucet cartridge (1) that adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating the lever handle (L) comprises a shaft guide (3), a cap (6), a case (7), and a click mechanism (C). The shaft guide (3) supports the lever shaft (2) to which the lever handle (L) is attached so as to be integral in the rotational direction.

[0055] The cap (6) is fitted axially to the outer circumference of the shaft guide (3) so as to be integrated in the rotational direction. The case (7) is placed axially over the cap (6) and the shaft guide (3) so as to surround them. The click mechanism (C) provides a click sensation when rotating the lever handle (L) between the inner circumference of the case (7) and the outer circumference of the cap (6).

[0056] In this way, by constructing the cap (6) separately from the shaft guide (3) and fitting it to the outer circumference, the click mechanism (C) can be made simple and easy to assemble while allowing each structural function to be performed appropriately. As a result, the click mechanism (C) can be rationally simplified.

[0057] Furthermore, the faucet cartridge (1) has a pin (4) that passes through the shaft guide (3) and the lever shaft (2) in the axial direction and rotatably supports the lever shaft (2) relative to the shaft guide (3). The pin (4) also passes through the cap (6) in the axial direction and prevents the cap (6) from coming off axially relative to the shaft guide (3). With the above configuration, the pin (4) that rotatably supports the lever shaft (2) can rationally prevent the cap (6) from coming off axially relative to the shaft guide (3).

[0058] Furthermore, the cap (6) and case (7) are made of resin. The shaft guide (3) is made of metal. With the above configuration, the rigidity of the shaft guide (3) can be appropriately increased, and the click mechanism (C) can be configured to allow for easy adjustment of the click feel.

[0059] Furthermore, the shaft guide (3) has a non-rotationally symmetric shape with reinforcing ribs (3D) that extend axially on its outer circumference. The cap (6) also has a non-rotationally symmetric shape with a rib fitting portion (6C) that fits into the reinforcing ribs (3D). With the above configuration, the fitting structure between the reinforcing ribs (3D) formed on the shaft guide (3) and the rib fitting portion (6C) formed on the cap (6) makes it possible to appropriately reinforce the shaft guide (3) while rationally preventing the cap (6) from being assembled in the wrong direction or position.

[0060] Regarding other embodiments: Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms as shown below, in addition to the above embodiment.

[0061] 1. The faucet cartridge of the present invention is applicable not only to single-lever faucets for kitchens, but also to single-lever faucets installed in washbasins, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor handwashing facilities, etc. Furthermore, the faucet cartridge only needs to be used to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating the lever handle, and does not need to have a function to adjust the water flow rate.

[0062] In other words, the lever shaft to which the lever handle is attached may not be rotatably supported by a pin inserted in the axial direction relative to the shaft guide, but rather may be assembled as a complete integral part, with the lever handle only performing rotational operation around the shaft. In that case, for example, the flow of water may be switched on or off by opening and closing a separately provided solenoid valve.

[0063] 2. The click mechanism may be configured such that a click pin and a click cover supporting it from the outer circumference are assembled to the case, or it may be configured such that a protrusion or recess that provides a clicking sensation between the case and the outer circumference of the cap is integrally molded.

[0064] 3. The cap only needs to be fitted axially to the outer circumference of the shaft guide so as to be integrated in the rotational direction, but it does not necessarily have to be integrated axially. Furthermore, the axial retention of the cap from the shaft guide may be achieved by passing a pin or screw through in the axial direction, or by a snap-fit ​​or press-fit by inserting the cap axially. Alternatively, the cap may be integrated with the shaft guide by adhesive.

[0065] 4. The cap and case do not need to be separate components, and their respective materials are not limited to specific ones. For example, the cap and case may both be made of the same or different resins or metals. In other words, the fact that the cap and case are separate components allows for selection that ensures each component performs its structural function appropriately.

[0066] 5. The shaft guide may have a rotationally symmetric shape without reinforcing ribs on its outer circumference into which the cap is fitted. Similarly, the cap may have a rotationally symmetric shape without a rib fitting portion into which the reinforcing ribs are fitted.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...Cartridge (faucet cartridge), 2...Lever shaft, 3...Shaft guide, 3A...Base part, 3B...Cap fitting part, 3C...Protruding part, 3D...Reinforcement rib, 4...Pin, 5...Movable plate, 6...Cap, 6A...Fitting hole, 6B...Click arm, 6C...Rib fitting part, 6D...Claw part, 7...Case, 7A...Large diameter part, 7B...Small diameter part, 7C...Recess, 7D...Through hole, 8...Click cover, 8A...Protrusion, 9...Click pin, C...Click mechanism, F...Single lever faucet, B...Faucet body, L...Lever handle

Claims

1. A faucet cartridge that adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating a lever handle, A shaft guide that supports the lever shaft to which the lever handle is attached so as to be integral in the rotational direction, A cap is fitted axially to the outer circumference of the shaft guide so as to be integrated in the rotational direction, A case is fitted axially over the cap and the shaft guide, A faucet cartridge having a click mechanism that provides a clicking sensation to the rotational operation of the lever handle between the inner circumference of the case and the outer circumference of the cap.

2. A faucet cartridge according to claim 1, The lever shaft further has a pin that passes through the shaft guide and the lever shaft in the axial direction and rotatably supports the lever shaft with respect to the shaft guide, The aforementioned pin is also passed through the cap in the axial direction, preventing the cap from coming off axially relative to the shaft guide, in a faucet cartridge.

3. A faucet cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet cartridge in which the cap and the case are made of resin, and the shaft guide is made of metal.

4. A faucet cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, The shaft guide has a non-rotationally symmetrical shape with reinforcing ribs extending in the axial direction on its outer circumference. The aforementioned cap is a faucet cartridge having a non-rotationally symmetrical shape with a rib fitting portion that fits onto the reinforcing rib.

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