Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device equipped with a curved flow path that minimizes flow resistance. [Solution] A faucet device comprising a resin faucet body 2 housed inside a spout, comprising a first flow path R1 and a second flow path R2 extending in different directions from each other with a bend in between, wherein the first flow path R1 is part of a processed hole R0 having an opening 24 on the surface of the faucet body 2, and is formed by inserting a plug member 5 into the region from the opening 24 to the bend, and a guide surface 5a is formed at the tip of the plug member 5, which constitutes part of the bend and changes the direction of fluid flow between the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet device in which a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path are formed inside a faucet body, and cold water and hot water can be appropriately mixed by operating a faucet handle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technology related to such a faucet device, for example, there is one shown in the following Patent Document 1 (see Specification

[0008] ,

[0009] ,

[0037] , FIG. 10, etc.). This technology aims to obtain a constant water discharge flow rate by securing the cross-sectional area of the water discharge flow path in the double pipe for the selectively switched water discharge on the upstream side of the double pipe.

[0003] In this technology, there is a description of a method of forming a bent flow path inside the flow path forming member 30 in order to constitute a water discharge flow path that exhibits the intended effect. That is, the flow path forming member 30 is entirely formed of a resin material that is easy to drill holes by cutting or the like. When forming the connection flow path 48 inside the flow path forming member 30, first, vertical drilling is performed to form each of the flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, the hot water pipe connection part 32, the water supply pipe connection part 34, and the outer steel pipe member connection part 44.

[0004] After this processing, a horizontal inner side hole 50 is drilled from the outer peripheral side of the flow path forming member 30 toward the processing location of the connection flow path 48 to be formed at a position upstream of the outer steel pipe member connection part 44 of the flow path forming member 30 and downstream of the inner steel pipe member connection part 40. Thereby, the connection flow path 48 is formed so as to communicate the lower end part of the secondary side purified water raw water flow path 30d and the outer steel pipe member connection part 44.

[0005] Next, a lid member 54 made of the same resin material as the channel forming member 30 is attached to the outside of the opening 52 formed near the outer circumference of the channel forming member 30, which is located on the outer side of the central axis direction in the connecting channel 48 formed by drilling, thereby closing the opening 52 from the outside. This process creates a connecting channel 48 inside the channel forming member 30 with the outer side of the connecting channel 48 on the central axis direction side closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-84651 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, a curved channel can be formed inside the resin channel forming member 30. However, according to this technology, a cylindrical cover member 54 is inserted and bonded to the entrance portion of the previously formed lateral hole 50. Since there is no particular description of the end face of the cover member 54 that faces the connecting channel 48, it is presumed that the end face of the cover member 54 is simply formed as a flat surface.

[0008] The space where the end face of the lid member 54 is exposed is an annular space that constitutes the connecting channel 48. The water flowing into the connecting channel 48 circulates along the surface of the inner steel pipe member 38 before coming into contact with the end face of the lid member 54, where its flow direction is changed at a right angle before it flows into the raw water channel 36a for purification. Therefore, the lid member 54 only functions as a lid and cannot be expected to reduce flow resistance.

[0009] Furthermore, the lid member 54 is fixed by adhesive to the inner surface of the lateral hole 50 of the flow path forming member 30, or by forming threads in the opening 52 of the lateral hole 50 and screwing the lid member 54 into it. Both of these fixing structures utilize the inner surface of the lateral hole 50. In that case, during long-term use, high pressure will act on the lid member 54, and there is a risk of water leakage from the gap between the lid member 54 and the lateral hole 50.

[0010] Thus, while conventional faucet devices attempt to achieve a rational faucet device by using a resin flow path forming member 30, the flow resistance of the formed flow path is high, and the durability of the formed flow path is not sufficient. In this way, there is still room for improvement in conventional technology, and there is a need for a faucet device that has a flow path with low flow resistance and is durable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] (Feature composition) The characteristic configuration of the faucet device according to the present invention is: To allow fluid to flow inside the faucet body housed within the spout, it is equipped with a first flow path and a second flow path that extend in different directions from each other, with a bend in between. The first flow path is a part of a processed hole having an opening on the surface of the faucet body, and is formed by inserting a plug member into the region from the opening to the bent portion. The key feature is that the tip of the plug member has a guide surface that forms part of the bent portion and changes the direction of fluid flow between the first and second flow paths.

[0012] (effect) As in this configuration, by providing a guide surface at the bend between the first and second flow paths inside the faucet body, it becomes easier to form a flow path of a predetermined shape that suppresses an increase in flow resistance.

[0013] In particular, to form the bend between the first and second flow channels, a stopper member is inserted into a processed hole formed in the faucet body, and a guide surface is formed at the tip of the stopper member. This allows the faucet body to be manufactured inexpensively by resin molding using a die or the like.

[0014] (Feature composition) In the faucet device according to the present invention, a fitting portion can be formed between the stopper member and the processed hole to prevent the stopper member from rotating around its insertion direction.

[0015] (effect) By providing such a fitting portion, the insertion posture of the plug member is determined. Therefore, the posture of the curved surface of the plug member in the bent portion becomes optimal.

[0016] (Characteristic configuration) In the faucet device according to the present invention, a flange portion having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion inserted into the processing hole of the plug member can be formed at the end portion of the plug member located at the opening portion among both end portions of the plug member.

[0017] (Effect) By forming a large-diameter flange portion at the end of the plug member, the insertion depth of the plug member into the processing hole is accurately determined. Therefore, the curved surface of the plug member can be accurately positioned with respect to the connecting portion between the first flow path and the second flow path, and the flow resistance of the flow path can be kept small.

[0018] (Characteristic configuration) In the faucet device according to the present invention, the faucet body is made of resin, and in order to prevent the plug member from coming out of the faucet body, a retaining portion is provided opposite to the end face of the plug member, and a screw member acting on the retaining portion and a nut arranged on the faucet body are screwed together, and the retaining portion and the nut can be configured to sandwich a part of the faucet body.

[0019] (Effect) By compressing a part of the faucet body with the retaining portion and the nut, the fixed state of the retaining portion is stabilized. For example, when the faucet body is molded with resin, a screw is passed through a hole provided in the retaining portion and screwed into a female screw portion formed in the faucet body, if the tightening force of the screw becomes excessive, the female screw portion of the faucet body is likely to be damaged.

[0020] However, as in this configuration, when a part of the resin is sandwiched between the retaining portion and the nut, the portion exhibits appropriate strength against the compressive force. Therefore, it is difficult for the fixing portion to be damaged due to poor tightening of the screw member, and the plug member can be stably fixed.

[0021] (Characteristic configuration) In the faucet device according to the present invention, a nut hole for arranging the nut is formed in the faucet body, and an edge portion of a surface of the nut facing the stopper portion is separated from a wall surface of the nut hole, and a convex seat portion with which a central region of the surface of the nut facing the stopper portion abuts is formed on the wall surface of the nut hole, which is advantageous.

[0022] (Effect) With this configuration, when the screw member and the nut are fastened, the nut abuts against the seat portion, so that the edge portion of the nut is separated from the wall portion of the nut hole. As a result, stress concentration on the faucet body due to the edge portion of the nut locally abutting against the wall portion does not occur. In particular, when the nut hole is formed in the minimum size according to the size of the nut, the edge portion of the nut presses near the inner corner portion of the nut hole, so that cracking is likely to occur from the corner portion of the nut hole.

[0023] However, with this configuration, the risk of damage to the nut hole is significantly reduced, and a faucet device with excellent durability can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the faucet device according to the present invention [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing the main part structure of the faucet device according to the present invention [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view showing the main part structure of the faucet device according to the present invention [Figure 4] Explanatory view showing the stopper structure of the plug member of the faucet device according to the present invention

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (Overview) The faucet device S according to the present invention devises the shape of a flow path formed inside the faucet device S and suppresses an increase in the flow resistance of water or the like. In particular, when the flow paths intersect at a predetermined angle inside the faucet device S, a smooth flow state is formed at the intersection portion. Hereinafter, embodiments of the faucet device S of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 4 show a faucet device S according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The faucet device S of this embodiment has a faucet body 2 located inside a spout 1, and a valve 3 equipped with a flow path switching mechanism is further housed inside the faucet body 2. A cold water flow path Rc and a hot water flow path Rh are connected to this valve 3 via the faucet body 2. The valve 3 is switched by a faucet handle H, which switches the discharge of cold water and hot water and adjusts the flow rate.

[0027] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for compact kitchen faucets S, which are designed for use in relatively narrow sinks. For example, such faucets S are designed with a short horizontal spout projection and a low spout height.

[0028] Furthermore, in such a faucet device S, it is advantageous if the spout 1 that houses the faucet body 2 and the grip cover G that extends laterally from the spout 1 and holds the water purification cartridge C and the pull-out water discharge pipe are integrated. Integration eliminates the need for a connection structure between the spout 1 and the grip cover G, and also eliminates looseness in the connection between the two. Integration also improves the strength of the spout 1. Moreover, with this configuration, the water purification cartridge C can be placed very close to the faucet body 2 attached to the spout 1, reducing stagnant water near the water purification cartridge C and making it easier to maintain hygienic conditions inside the spout 1.

[0029] As the spout 1 and grip cover G are made more compact, the outer dimensions of the faucet body 2 also need to be reduced accordingly. To achieve this, the design of the multiple flow paths R inside the faucet body 2 is crucial. Even if the overall size is reduced, the flow resistance of the flow paths R must be minimized in order to obtain the required water flow rate. Therefore, it is difficult to excessively reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths R.

[0030] On the other hand, although the internal volume of the faucet body 2 is reduced, necessary mechanisms such as the switching valve 3 must be incorporated. Therefore, a structure is required that allows the intended components to be housed inside by devising the routing path of the flow path R, while minimizing flow resistance as much as possible.

[0031] In that case, the routing path of the flow path R must avoid other components, inevitably resulting in the formation of a bend. To form a bend inside the faucet body 2, for example, multiple straight flow paths can be drilled, and then a stopper member can be installed at a predetermined location. Alternatively, when the faucet body 2 is made of resin, methods such as using a segmented mold to injection-mold multiple straight holes and then sealing the predetermined locations can be employed. Thus, to form a bent flow path R, it is necessary to process the parts that are not used as flow path R.

[0032] One possible method of processing this is to install a stopper member 5 for sealing water in unnecessary through-holes. However, forming a flow path R with a bent portion inside the faucet body 2 complicates the manufacturing process, and the flow resistance increases at the bent portion. The present invention rationally forms this bent portion and reduces flow resistance.

[0033] (Faucet body) Figures 2 to 4 show the configuration of the faucet body 2 according to this embodiment. This faucet body 2 is injection molded using a mold. The overall shape is roughly cylindrical, and a cylindrical space with a bottom 22 is formed at the top as a valve case 21. At the bottom, there is a pipe receiving section 23 into which cold water pipes and hot water pipes, which are arranged via a shank section 4 (Figure 1), are inserted and connected.

[0034] A curved cold water channel Rc and a hot water channel Rh are formed to extend from the pipe receiving section 23 to the bottom section 22. Figure 2 shows, for example, the cold water channel Rc. The cold water channel Rc is formed by connecting three straight channels R. Here, the channel extending downward from the bottom section 22 parallel to the axis X of the faucet body 2 is designated as the second channel R2, the channel extending from the lower end of the second channel R2 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X of the faucet body 2 is designated as the first channel R1, and the channel descending from the end of the first channel R1 towards the pipe receiving section 23 is designated as the third channel R3.

[0035] To injection mold the faucet body 2, for example, a fixed mold is used to form the area of ​​the valve case 21 within the substantially cylindrical wall portion 2a of the faucet body 2, a movable mold is used to form the area of ​​the pipe receiving portion 23, movable dies are used to form the second flow path R2 and the third flow path R3, and a movable dies are used to form the first flow path R1, which are positioned to extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable mold.

[0036] In particular, since the second channel R2 and the third channel R3 are connected to the end of the first channel R1, both ends of the first channel R1 remain inside the faucet body 2. However, during the manufacturing process, a long processed hole R0 is formed, which has part of the first channel R1 in it.

[0037] (Formation of a flow path using the plug member 5) The first to third flow paths R1 to R3 inside the faucet body 2 are bent in a crank shape, as shown in Figure 2. Here, let's call this flow path R the cold water flow path Rc. Due to this bend, the cold water flow path Rc is formed in a bypass area around the faucet body 2. With this configuration, a central flow path R4 (Figure 1) is provided at the center of the faucet body 2, which flows a mixture of cold and hot water, coinciding with the rotation center of the spout 1.

[0038] During injection molding of the faucet body 2, a processed hole R0 having an opening 24 is formed on the surface of the faucet body 2 using a die-cutting process. A stopper member 5 is inserted into this processed hole R0 through the opening 24. The stopper member 5 is inserted into the region from the opening 24 to the bent section where the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 intersect. For example, two seal rings 51 are attached to the outer surface of the stopper member 5 to seal the gap with the processed hole R0. With this configuration, the guide surface 5a provided at the tip of the stopper member 5 constitutes part of the inner surface of the bent section.

[0039] At the bend, the direction of the water flow is bent, resulting in the generation of vortices near the guide surface 5a. Since these vortices cause pressure loss in the flow path, it is desirable to eliminate vortex generation. For this reason, in this configuration, the guide surface 5a is curved. As shown in Figure 2, a curved surface with an arc-shaped cross-section is formed so that the cylindrical inner surface of the first flow path R1 smoothly connects to the cylindrical inner surface of the second flow path R2.

[0040] The formation of the curved surface creates a flow path R that suppresses an increase in flow resistance. Furthermore, if the structure involves inserting a plug member 5, the curved flow path R can be easily formed by injection molding using a die or the like. The intersection angle between the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 is not limited to a right angle and can be set arbitrarily. The same can be done for the hot and cold water flow path Rh. Moreover, the shape of the guide surface 5a is not limited to a curved surface; for example, it may be composed of one or more planes having an extension direction midway between the extension direction of the first flow path R1 and the extension direction of the second flow path R2. The guide surface 5a can be any configuration as long as the flow direction is changed without increasing the fluid flow resistance as much as possible.

[0041] The plug member 5 is non-rotatably fitted into the machined hole R0 so that the curved guide surface 5a smoothly connects to the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2. This fitting portion is configured, for example, as shown in Figure 3. A flange portion 5b with a larger diameter than the diameter of the plug member 5 is formed at the end of the plug member 5 opposite the curved surface. On the other hand, an annular recess 2b corresponding to the flange portion 5b is formed around the opening 24 of the faucet body 2. As a result, when the plug member 5 is inserted into the machined hole R0, the flange portion 5b fits into the annular recess 2b, determining the insertion depth of the plug member 5. Therefore, the curved surface of the plug member 5 can be accurately positioned relative to the connection between the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2, and the flow resistance of the flow path R can be kept small.

[0042] Furthermore, a radially protruding engagement projection 5c is formed on a part of the flange portion 5b, and an engagement recess 2c that engages with the engagement projection 5c is formed on a part of the annular recess 2b. A fitting portion is formed by these engagement projections 5c and engagement recess 2c, and the rotational position of the plug member 5 is determined by the engagement of the two, so that the guide surface 5a is set in the appropriate position.

[0043] Although not shown in the illustration, the engaging projection 5c and engaging recess 2c may be formed along the insertion direction of the plug member 5. For example, an engaging projection 5c may be formed on a part of the flange portion 5b that protrudes inward along the insertion direction rather than radially, and an engaging recess 2c may be provided on a part of the corresponding annular recess 2b along the insertion direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the plug member 5 in view of the insertion direction may be formed as an ellipse or an isosceles triangle, etc., so that the insertion position of the plug member 5 is limited to one direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, a retaining part 6 is positioned opposite the flange portion 5b of the stopper member 5, which has one side forming a cold water channel Rc and the other side forming a hot water channel Rh. The retaining part 6 has, for example, a plate-shaped member 6a that abuts against the outer surface of the flange portion 5b of the stopper member 5. Two screw insertion holes 6ah are provided in this plate-shaped member 6a, and a screw member 6b is inserted into each screw insertion hole 6ah from the outside of the plate-shaped member 6a. A second insertion hole 2d is formed in the faucet body 2 opposite each screw insertion hole 6ah, and the screw member 6b passes through the second insertion hole 2d.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, a nut hole 2e is formed at the back of the second insertion hole 2d, into which a nut 6c for screwing the threaded member 6b is inserted. The nut hole 2e is formed in a stepped portion 2f provided on the side surface of the faucet body 2 so as to face the shank portion 4. In other words, the nut hole 2e is located at a predetermined distance from the side surface of the faucet body 2 within the stepped portion 2f, and is a hole with depth in the direction along the axis X of the faucet body 2. In this embodiment, the hole is made to be slightly wider than the distance between two opposing sides of the hexagonal nut 6c.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4(b), two nuts 6c are inserted in series into the nut hole 2e. By bringing the vertices of the nuts 6c into contact with each other, the relative positions of each nut 6c are determined simply by inserting the two nuts 6c into the nut hole 2e.

[0047] In this configuration, by screwing the screw member 6b into the nut 6c, a portion of the faucet body 2 is clamped between the plate-shaped member 6a and the nut 6c. The compression of a portion of the faucet body 2 stabilizes the fixed state of the retaining part 6. In an alternative configuration, if the faucet body 2 is molded from resin, and the screw member 6b is passed through the screw insertion hole 6ah provided in the retaining part 6, and the screw member 6b is screwed into the female threaded portion formed in the faucet body 2, excessive tightening force of the screw member 6b may damage the female threaded portion of the faucet body 2. However, in this configuration, when a portion of the faucet body 2 is clamped between the retaining part 6 and the nut 6c, that portion exhibits appropriate strength against compressive force. Therefore, damage to the faucet body 2 due to excessive tightening of the screw member 6b is less likely to occur, and the stopper member 5 can be stably fixed.

[0048] Furthermore, the nut hole 2e can be configured as shown in Figures 4(b) to 4(d). On the inner wall surface 2g of the nut hole 2e, a convex seat portion 2ez is formed, which abuts against the central region of the face of the nut 6c facing the plate-like member 6a. This seat portion 2ez causes the edge of the face of the nut 6c facing the retaining portion 6 to be separated from the wall surface 2g of the nut hole 2e.

[0049] As in this configuration, when the screw member 6b and the nut 6c are fastened together, the edge of the nut 6c is separated from the wall surface 2g of the nut hole 2e, preventing stress concentration caused by the edge of the nut 6c locally contacting the wall surface 2g. In particular, if the nut hole 2e is formed to the minimum size to match the size of the nut 6c, the edge of the nut 6c will press against the vicinity of the corner of the nut hole 2e, making it prone to cracking from the corner. However, with this configuration, the risk of damage to the nut hole 2e is significantly reduced, and a highly durable faucet device S can be obtained.

[0050] Other configurations include applying a metallizing treatment between the screw member 6b and the nut 6c, or applying a thread-locking agent to the screw member 6b, which further stabilizes the anti-loosening function. For example, constructing both the screw member 6b and the nut 6c from SUS material and applying a metallizing treatment enhances the anti-loosening effect of both.

[0051] Furthermore, if a rounded portion 2r with a radius of approximately 0.2 mm is formed at the corner between the wall surface 2g on which the seat portion 2ez is formed and the side surface perpendicular to the wall surface 2g of the nut hole 2e, the stress concentration that occurs at the corner of the nut hole 2e when the screw member 6b is tightened can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, the seat portion 2ez is positioned slightly behind the entrance of the nut hole 2e. This increases the width in the same direction at the entrance of the nut hole 2e compared to the distance between the surfaces of the opposing seat portions 2ez and the wall surface 2g. Therefore, a guiding effect is expected when inserting the nut 6c into the nut hole 2e, making the insertion of the nut 6c easier.

[0053] (Material of component) The material used for the faucet body 2 can be PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PA (polyamide) 6T / 6I, or POM (polyacetal resin). PA6T / 6I or POM are preferred due to their superior impact resistance, and PA6T / 6I is particularly preferred when high strength is required. In this example, PA6T / 6I was used. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] The technology according to the present invention can be widely applied to various devices such as faucet bodies that require the formation of cold water channels, hot water channels, etc. in a bent shape, as well as shower heads and nozzles that have various internal channels. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1 Spout 2. Faucet body 2c Engaging recess (fitting part) 2e Nut Hole 2g wall surface 24 openings 5 Plug member 5a Guide surface 5b Flange section 5c Engaging projection (fitting part) 6 Retaining part 6b Screw component 6c nut R0 Machining hole R1 First channel R2 Second channel S Faucet device

Claims

1. To allow fluid to flow inside the faucet body housed within the spout, it is equipped with a first flow path and a second flow path that extend in different directions from each other, with a bend in between. The first flow path is a part of a processed hole having an opening on the surface of the faucet body, and is formed by inserting a plug member into the region from the opening to the bent portion. A faucet device having a guide surface formed at the tip of the plug member, which constitutes part of the bent portion and changes the direction of fluid flow between the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein a fitting portion is formed between the plug member and the processed hole to prevent the plug member from rotating around its insertion direction.

3. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein a flange portion with a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the plug member that is inserted into the processed hole is formed at the end of both ends of the plug member that is located at the opening.

4. The faucet body is made of resin, To prevent the stopper member from coming out of the faucet body, a retaining portion is provided on the end face of the stopper member, The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein a screw member acting on the retaining portion and a nut positioned on the faucet body are screwed together, and a part of the faucet body is clamped between the retaining portion and the nut.

5. A nut hole for arranging the nut is formed in the faucet body, The faucet device according to claim 4, wherein the edge of the side of the nut facing the retaining portion is separated from the wall surface of the nut hole, and a convex seat portion is formed on the wall surface of the nut hole, with which the central region of the side of the nut facing the retaining portion abuts.

Images