Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device that is easy to install and has excellent leak prevention effects at pipe connections, etc. [Solution] A faucet device S comprising a mounting base 2 that is inserted and fixed to the top plate to be installed and through which a pipe P is inserted, and a pipe fixing member F that is positioned in the space between the inner surface of the mounting base 2 and the pipe P, wherein the pipe fixing member F comprises at least two members, a first fixing member F1 having an engaging portion k1 and a second fixing member F2 having an engaged portion k2 that engages with the engaging portion k1, and also has a long, hole-shaped holding portion H for holding the pipe P, and a fixing portion Fa for fixing the pipe fixing member F to the mounting base 2 is provided only on the first fixing member F1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet device including a mounting base that is inserted and fixed to the top plate of the installation target and through which a pipe is inserted, and a plurality of pipe fixing members that are installed between the inner surface of the mounting base and the pipe to hold the pipe.

Background Art

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

[0046] to

[0057] and FIG. 4).

[0003] In the technique according to Patent Document 1, a housing member 21 constitutes a base member of the faucet. The lower end portion of the base member penetrates the opening of a fixing plate 22 and protrudes below the fixing plate 22, and has a screw portion 21a for fixing the faucet. Above the screw portion 21a, a flange portion 21b that engages with the fixing plate 22 is formed. Outside the housing member 21, a metal cylindrical member 26a that forms a mixing water flow path 25 together with the housing member 21 is attached, and a cover member 26b is attached thereto.

[0004] A valve cartridge 24 provided inside the cover member 26b is provided with a hot water flow path and a cold water flow path. The lower end portions of these flow paths are formed with pipe connection ports 27, 28 of tubular protrusions that protrude downward from the lower surface of the valve cartridge 24.

[0005] The housing member 21 is formed with through holes 29, 30 that are positionally aligned with the pipe connection ports 27, 28. The upper end portions of these through holes 29, 30 are expanded to form pipe connection port receivers 31, 32 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the pipe connection ports 27, 28. The hot water supply pipe 33 and the water supply pipe 34 are inserted into the through holes 29, 30, and the upper end openings thereof are connected to the pipe connection ports 27, 28 of the valve cartridge 24.

[0006] The valve cartridge 24 is pushed downward by the cover member 26b, and the upper ends of the pipes 33 and 34 are clamped and fixed between the outer surfaces of the pipe connection ports 27 and 28 and the inner surfaces of the pipe connection port receivers 31 and 32. As a result, the upper ends of the pipes 33 and 34, after connection, are clamped between the outer surfaces of the pipe connection ports 27 and 28 and the inner surfaces of the pipe connection port receivers 31 and 32 and will not fall out.

[0007] To attach the faucet to the fixing plate 22, the faucet is placed on top of the opening in the fixing plate 22, the threaded portion 21a of the housing member protrudes downward from the fixing plate 22, the female threaded member 36 is attached to this threaded portion 21a, and the faucet is fixed by tightening the female threaded member 36.

[0008] In this faucet device, external forces are less likely to act on the sealing member 35 during installation, thus maintaining good sealing performance during factory assembly of the faucet. Therefore, the assembly and installation of the faucet and the connection of the piping are simple, and the sealing performance of the sealing member 35 is not affected by the faucet installation process. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-26600 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Figure 4 of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 shows a state in which the hot water supply pipe 33 and the cold water supply pipe 34 of a faucet device are held by the housing member 21 over the entire length of the resin housing member 21. However, these hot water supply pipe 33 and cold water supply pipe 34 are inserted through through holes 29 and 30. Therefore, in this faucet device, the pipes must be inserted from the top to the bottom of the housing member 21, and the procedure for connecting the pipes is greatly restricted, such as the fact that the valve cartridge 24 cannot be installed until the pipes have been installed.

[0011] Furthermore, repairing the piping requires disassembling the superstructure of the faucet, making maintenance and inspection work considerably more time-consuming.

[0012] Thus, there is still room for improvement in conventional faucet devices, and there is a need for faucet devices that are easier to install on the target object and that can effectively prevent water leakage at pipe connections and other points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] (Feature composition) The characteristic configuration of the faucet device according to the present invention is: A mounting base that is inserted and fixed to the top panel of the installation target, through which the piping is inserted, The mounting base includes a pipe fixing member positioned in the space between the inner surface of the mounting base and the pipe, The pipe fixing member comprises at least two members, a first fixing member having an engaging portion and a second fixing member having an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, and also includes an elongated hole-shaped holding portion for holding the pipe. The key feature is that the fixing portion for securing the pipe fixing member to the mounting base is provided only on the first fixing member.

[0014] (effect) In this configuration, the space between the inner surface of the mounting base and the piping is filled by the pipe fixing member. This ensures that the piping is securely fixed inside the mounting base, preventing unexpected external forces from acting on the part where the piping connects to the mounting base. As a result, water leaks inside the faucet body become less likely. Note that the piping in this configuration may be a single pipe or multiple pipes.

[0015] Furthermore, the relative positions of the first and second fixing members are determined by the engaging and engaged portions provided on each other, and by fixing only the first fixing member to the mounting base, the entire pipe fixing member is secured. Therefore, the installation efficiency of pipe fixing members composed of multiple members is improved.

[0016] (Feature composition) In the faucet device according to the present invention, By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the first and second holding parts are formed as the holding parts. Adjacent first grooves and second grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first fixing member. On both sides of the first groove, a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the first retaining portion. On both sides of the second groove, a second opposing portion and a third opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. Adjacent third and fourth grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the second fixing member. On both sides of the third groove, a fourth opposing portion and a fifth opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. On both sides of the fourth groove, a fifth opposing portion and a sixth opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the first groove and the third groove become integrated, and the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion face each other, and the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion face each other to form the first holding portion. By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the second groove and the fourth groove become integrated, the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion face each other, and the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion face each other to form the second holding portion. When setting a first virtual plane that includes the first axis of the first holding portion and intersects the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion, in a view along the first axis, the first virtual plane is set to a predetermined angular range centered on the first axis. When setting a second virtual plane that includes the second axis of the second holding portion and intersects with the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion, it is advantageous that the second virtual plane is set within a predetermined angular range centered on the second axis when viewed in a direction along the second axis.

[0017] (effect) In this configuration, in order to hold, for example, two pipes as pipes, a first fixing member in which a first groove and a second groove are adjacently formed and a second fixing member in which a third groove and a fourth groove are adjacently formed are abutted against each other to form a long-hole-shaped first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion and the second holding portion are long-hole-shaped, but two dividing portions are formed in each of them. That is, the first holding portion is divided at the opposing positions of the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion and at the opposing positions of the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion. The second holding portion is divided at the opposing positions of the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion common to the first holding portion and at the opposing positions of the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion.

[0018] Furthermore, in this configuration, the shapes of the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion, and the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion are devised. Specifically, the axial center of the first holding portion and the axial center of the second holding portion are not included in the spreading direction of the surfaces forming these opposing portions. For example, for the first holding portion, a first virtual plane that includes the first axial center of the first holding portion and intersects the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion is set. In this case, in the view along the direction of the first axial center, the first virtual plane is set within a predetermined angular range centered on the first axial center. That is, when looking through the first opposing portion or the fourth opposing portion from the side of the first axial center, the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion are set to be in a state where they can be seen overlapping each other.

[0019] Thereby, when the pipes held by the first holding portion and the pipes held by the second holding portion are bent at the portions protruding from the pipe fixing member, the hole-shaped shapes of the first holding portion and the second holding portion are likely to be maintained. That is, when two pipes protrude from the pipe fixing member, when routing the pipes below the faucet device, the two pipes are often bent in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

[0020] With this configuration, the pipe held by the first holding part and the pipe held by the second holding part are pressed against each other in a specific direction. Even if the pressing target is the above two divided parts, the possibility that the opposing parts facing each other there will separate is reduced. For example, since the opposing surfaces of the first opposing part and the fourth opposing part have a predetermined angle when viewed from the first axis, an external force acting from the pipe does not immediately drive a wedge into the divided part. The external force from the pipe is decomposed in the direction along the opposing surface and acts so that the first opposing part and the fourth opposing part slide along the opposing surface. Therefore, the first opposing part and the fourth opposing part do not immediately separate, and the shape of the long-hole-shaped first holding part is likely to be maintained. Incidentally, the same effect occurs with respect to the third opposing part and the sixth opposing part related to the second holding part.

[0021] As described above, with this configuration, the holding effect of the pipe in the first holding part and the second holding part becomes good, and the effect of preventing water leakage or the like inside the faucet body becomes higher.

[0022] (Characteristic configuration) In the faucet device according to the present invention, the pipe fixing member has a substantially cylindrical shape, the opposing regions of the first opposing part and the fourth opposing part, and the opposing regions of the third opposing part and the sixth opposing part are formed in convex portions protruding outward from the substantially cylindrical shape and along the extending direction, It is advantageous that a concave portion along the extending direction is formed on the inner surface of the mounting base so as to engage with the convex portion.

[0023] (Effect) With this configuration, by engaging the convex portion of the pipe fixing member with the concave portion formed on the inner surface of the mounting base, rotation of the pipe fixing member with respect to the mounting base is prevented. Therefore, inconveniences such as rotational displacement of the position of the pipe due to bending work of the pipe or the like do not occur, and the position holding effect of the pipe is enhanced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent water leakage or the like from occurring at the connection portion of the pipe with respect to the mounting base.

[0024] Furthermore, the opposing regions of the first and second fixing members penetrate the inner surface of the mounting base to a predetermined depth. As a result, the wall thickness of the first and fourth opposing parts, or the third and sixth opposing parts, that constitute the opposing region can be increased. Consequently, the strength of the parts constituting the first or second retaining part is improved, further enhancing the pipe holding effect.

[0025] (Feature composition) In the faucet device according to the present invention, it is preferable to form a chamfered portion on the lower end opening edge of the holding portion of the pipe fixing member.

[0026] (effect) By forming the chamfered portion in this configuration, for example, when bending pipes that protrude downward from the first and second holding portions constituting the pipe fixing member, the condition in which the pipes locally abut against the lower end opening edges of the first and second holding portions is mitigated, and it is possible to prevent the pipes from bending at that position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view showing the structure of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view showing the structure of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view showing the main structure of the faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Perspective view showing the main structure of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] [First Embodiment] (overview) The faucet device S of the present invention stabilizes the fixed state of multiple pipes for cold water, hot water, etc., or a single pipe inserted within the mounting base 2 that fixes the faucet device S to the installation object, thereby preventing problems such as water leakage due to unexpected movement of the pipes. Hereinafter, embodiments of the faucet device S of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a faucet device S according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The faucet device S includes a spout 1 as the main external component of the device. The spout 1 is provided with an arm portion 1a extending laterally, and a discharge portion 6 is provided at its tip. A substantially cylindrical faucet body 3 is arranged inside the spout 1. A cylindrical space serving as a valve case 4 is formed in the upper part of the faucet body 3, and a valve 5 equipped with a flow path switching mechanism is housed inside. The valve 5 is switched by a faucet handle 10 to switch between dispensing cold water and hot water and to adjust the flow rate.

[0030] (Mounting base) A mounting base 2 is connected to the lower part of the faucet body 3. The mounting base 2 is a component that fixes the faucet device S to, for example, the countertop 7 of a sink, and is generally called a shank 2a. Hereinafter, the mounting base 2 will be referred to as shank 2a. The shank 2a is integrally formed using metal or resin material. As shown in Figure 2, the shank 2a has a base flange 21 that abuts the upper surface of the countertop 7, and also integrally has a cylindrical threaded portion 22 that extends downward from the base flange 21. A fixing nut 23 is screwed onto the threaded portion 22, and the shank 2a is fixed by clamping the countertop 7 of the sink between the base flange 21 and the fixing nut 23.

[0031] The base flange 21 extends to the inside of the shank 2a, forming a partition wall 24 that divides the inside of the shank 2a vertically. Below the partition wall 24, a cylindrical connection part 25 is formed through which the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 are connected, and above the partition wall 24, an upper pipe 26 is formed to protrude and supply the fluid received from the connection part 25 to the faucet body 3, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, a cylindrical wall portion 27 is formed around almost the entire circumference of the shank 2a. This wall portion 27 faces the inner surface of the spout 1, which will be described later, and serves as a guide surface for the swing angle movement of the spout 1. For this reason, the cylindrical wall portion 27 has a predetermined height and is configured to prevent the rotating spout 1 from axially wobbling.

[0033] The cylindrical connector 25 to which the chilled water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 are connected is formed on the lower surface of the partition wall 24 of the shank 2a and is located behind the opening at the lower end of the shank 2a. For example, the insertion end of the chilled water pipe P1 is inserted into the connector 25 for several centimeters. Two rubber O-rings 40 are attached to the outer surface of the insertion end, positioned between three annular spacers 41. By using such annular spacers 41, the position of the O-rings 40 is reliably defined, and the sealing effect at that point can be enhanced.

[0034] However, long pipes P, such as the cold water pipe P1 and the hot and cold water pipe P2, extend downward from the shank 2a and are installed in the internal space of the sink in a state where they are bent to various curvatures. At this time, the insertion end of the cold water pipe P1 changes its posture, creating a gap between it and the connection part 25, which may cause water leakage. Therefore, in the faucet device S of this embodiment, the vicinity of the ends of the cold water pipe P1 and the hot and cold water pipe P2 are fixed as follows.

[0035] (Pipe fixing component) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a pipe fixing member F is installed inside the shank 2a, which is the mounting base 2, to stabilize the position of the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2. The pipe fixing member F is positioned to fill the space between the inner surface of the shank 2a and the pipes P. Here, the pipe fixing member F consists of two members: a first fixing member F1 and a second fixing member F2. Note that the pipe fixing member F may consist of three or more members depending on the number of pipes P.

[0036] The first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 engage with each other, holding the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 between them, and are inserted into the shank 2a from below in this state. Flanges Pf are formed near the ends of the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2, and as shown in Figure 1, with the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 formed, the flanges Pf abut against the upper surface of the pipe fixing member F. When the pipe fixing member F and the pipe P are fixed to the shank 2a, the flanges Pf are sandwiched between the shank 2a and the pipe fixing member F, preventing the pipe P from coming out.

[0037] In this configuration, for example, the cold water pipe P1 is held by the first holding part H1, the hot water pipe P2 is held by the second holding part H2, and the pipe fixing member F is fixed inside the shank 2a. The pipe fixing member F is positioned to fill the gap between the inner surface of the shank 2a and the pipe P, thereby increasing its own positional stability. Therefore, even when bending the pipe P protruding from the pipe fixing member F, the hole shapes of the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 are reliably maintained. As a result, the effects of bending the pipe P do not extend to the insertion end of the pipe P, and the water-sealing function of the connection part 25 can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0038] The detailed structures of the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 are shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 are positioned opposite each other, and a long, perforated holding portion H is formed to hold the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, adjacent first grooves h1 and second grooves h2 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first fixing member F1. The first groove h1 is the portion that will become the first retaining portion H1, which will be described later, and the second groove h2 is the portion that will become the second retaining portion H2, which will be described later. On both sides of the first groove h1, a first opposing portion f1 and a second opposing portion f2 are formed along the extension direction of the first retaining portion H1. Similarly, on both sides of the second groove h2, the aforementioned second opposing portion f2 and a third opposing portion f3 are formed along the extension direction of the second retaining portion H2. The second opposing portion f2 is the portion that separates the first groove h1 and the second groove h2 and is a portion common to both the first groove h1 and the second groove h2.

[0040] On the other hand, adjacent third grooves h3 and fourth grooves h4 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the second fixing member F2. Fourth opposing parts f4 and fifth opposing parts f5 are formed on both sides of the third groove h3, along the extension direction of the second retaining part H2. Fifth opposing parts f5 and sixth opposing parts f6 are formed on both sides of the fourth groove h4, along the extension direction of the second retaining part H2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in order to stabilize the opposing posture of the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2, a convex engaging portion k1 is formed on the second opposing portion f2, and a concave engaged portion k2 that receives this engaging portion k1 is formed on the fifth opposing portion f5. As a result, for example, when inserting the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 into the shank 2a while they are gripped by the pipe fixing member F, the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 do not move relative to each other, making the insertion work easier.

[0042] These first fixing member F1 and second fixing member F2 are formed by resin molding, and numerous recesses 45 for material removal are formed around them. This configuration prevents shape defects caused by shrinkage during resin molding.

[0043] By arranging the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 opposite each other, the first groove h1 and the third groove h3 are integrated. The first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 have surfaces facing each other along the proximity direction. The second opposing part f2 and the fifth opposing part f5 are in contact with each other. This forms the first holding part H1, which is an elongated hole.

[0044] Similarly, the second groove h2 and the fourth groove h4 are integrated, the second opposing portion f2 and the fifth opposing portion f5 are in contact with each other, and the surfaces of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 that are aligned in the proximity direction face each other, thereby forming the second retaining portion H2.

[0045] In this configuration, the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 are brought into contact to form the elongated hole-shaped first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2. The elongated hole-shaped first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 have two divided parts. Specifically, the first holding part H1 is divided at the opposing positions of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4, and at the opposing positions of the second opposing part f2 and the fifth opposing part f5. The second holding part H2 is divided at the opposing positions of the second opposing part f2 and the fifth opposing part f5, which are common to the first holding part H1, and at the opposing positions of the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6.

[0046] (Reinforcement structure for the first and second retaining parts) As shown in Figure 4, the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 are engaged, forming the elongated hole-shaped first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2. The first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 each hold the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 separately. Bending forces are applied to the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 during the installation of the faucet device S, and the pipes P may exert external forces on the inner wall of the first retaining part H1 or the inner wall of the second retaining part H2. In such cases, the opposing parts of the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2, where the thickness of the members is reduced, may be damaged.

[0047] Specifically, when the chilled water pipe P1 held by the first holding part H1 and the hot water pipe P2 held by the second holding part H2 are bent at the portion that protrudes downward from the pipe fixing member F, they are often bent in a direction that separates them from each other. As a result, the pressing force is concentrated at the position of the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 that is outside the pipe fixing member F. Consequently, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the opposing regions of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4, and the opposing regions of the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6.

[0048] In this configuration, the formation positions of the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4, and the opposing regions of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6, have been carefully designed. For example, for the first holding portion H1, a first virtual plane 51 is set that intersects both the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4, including the first axis X1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the first virtual plane 51 is set within the range indicated by reference numerals 51a to 51b. In this way, when viewed in a direction along the first axis X1, the first virtual plane 51 is set within a predetermined angular range centered on the first axis X1.

[0049] In this configuration, when viewing the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 from the side of the first axis X1, the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 appear to overlap. In other words, the direction of expansion of the opposing surface formed between the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 is different from the direction of expansion of the first virtual plane 51 which includes the first axis X1, while intersecting both the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4. The shape of the opposing surface formed between the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 may be either a flat or curved surface.

[0050] As a result, when the chilled water pipe P1 held by the first holding part H1 is bent at the portion protruding from the pipe fixing member F, even if the chilled water pipe P1 is pressed against the opposing parts of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4, the possibility of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 separating is reduced. In other words, the direction of expansion of the opposing surfaces of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 has a predetermined angle when viewed from the first axis X1, so the external force acting from the chilled water pipe P1 does not immediately drive a wedge into the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4. The pressing force from the chilled water pipe P1 is decomposed in the direction along the opposing surfaces, and acts so that the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 slide along the opposing surfaces. Therefore, the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 become less likely to move relative to each other, and the elongated hole shape of the first holding part H1 is more easily maintained.

[0051] Furthermore, the same configuration and effects apply to the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6 related to the second holding part H2. As shown in Figure 4, a second virtual plane 52, which includes the second axis X2 of the second holding part H2 and intersects with both the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6, is set within the range of reference numerals 52a to 52b. As a result, in a view along the second axis X2, the second virtual plane 52 is set within a predetermined angular range centered on the second axis X2. The effects of this configuration are the same as those for the first holding part H1 and are therefore omitted.

[0052] Furthermore, in this configuration, the positions of the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4, and the positions of the opposing regions of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6, are offset (downward in Figure 4) from the straight line L connecting the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. As a result, the chilled water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2, which are bent in opposite directions, are pressed against the base end of the first opposing portion f1 or the base end of the third opposing portion f3, which are spaced apart from their respective opposing regions, further suppressing the separation effect.

[0053] (Fixed part) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first fixing member F1 of the pipe fixing members F is provided with a fixing portion Fa for fixing the first fixing member F1 to the shank 2a. In this embodiment, the fixing portion Fa is provided only on the first fixing member F1, which is the larger of the two fixing members F2. The fixing portion Fa is, for example, a fixing hole through which a screw member 55 can be inserted.

[0054] The pipe fixing member F, which holds the pipe P, is inserted through the shank 2a, the threaded member 55 is inserted from below the fixing part Fa, and then the partition wall 24 of the shank 2a is inserted and screwed into the nut 56 located on the upper part of the partition wall 24. As a result, the pipe fixing member F is pressed against the partition wall 24, and at the same time, the ends of the cold water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 are inserted into the cylindrical connection part 25 provided below the partition wall 24.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fixing portion Fa is offset to the outer circumference of one of the pipe fixing members F that are engaged with each other. However, the pipe fixing members F, while engaged, are inserted into the inner wall of the shank 2a without any gaps, and no tilt occurs relative to the shank 2a. As a result, the sealed state of the end of the pipe P inserted into the connection portion 25 is reliably maintained, preventing water leakage into the faucet body 3.

[0056] Furthermore, since the fixing process only requires fixing the first fixing member F1 to the shank 2a, the installation efficiency of the pipe fixing member F, which is composed of multiple members, is improved.

[0057] (Anti-rotation structure for pipe fixing components) As shown in Figure 4, in the faucet device S of this embodiment, the pipe fixing member F has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the opposing regions between the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4, and the opposing regions between the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 are formed as convex portions Fb that protrude outward from the above substantially cylindrical shape and are aligned with the extension direction of the first retaining portion H1 and the like. On the other hand, a concave portion 2b that engages with the convex portion Fb is formed on the inner surface of the shank 2a along the extension direction.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the two convex portions Fb are not symmetrically positioned with respect to the cylindrical center X0 of the pipe fixing member F, but are offset to the lower side in the figure. This determines the rotational phase when inserting the pipe fixing member F into the shank 2a, making it easier to align the chilled water pipe P1, the hot water pipe P2, and the fixing portion Fa.

[0059] Furthermore, by engaging the convex portion Fb of the pipe fixing member F with the concave portion 2b formed on the inner surface of the mounting base 2, rotation of the pipe fixing member F relative to the mounting base 2 is prevented. Therefore, problems such as rotational displacement of the pipe P due to bending work on the pipe P do not occur, and the position-holding effect of the pipe P is enhanced. As a result, water leakage and other problems at the connection point of the pipe P to the mounting base 2 are prevented.

[0060] Furthermore, the opposing regions of the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 penetrate the inner surface of the mounting base 2 to a predetermined depth. As a result, the wall thickness of the first opposing portion f1, the fourth opposing portion f4, or the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 that constitute the opposing region can be increased. Consequently, the strength of the parts constituting the first holding portion H1 or the second holding portion H2 is improved, further enhancing the pipe holding effect.

[0061] (Chamfered structure of the holding part) As shown in Figure 3, chamfered portions Fc are formed on the lower end opening edges of the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2 in the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2. The chamfered portion Fc is, for example, a conical surface inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the first retaining portion H1. Alternatively, it may be a trumpet-shaped curved surface instead of a conical surface. In short, the chamfered portion Fc can have any configuration as long as the pipe P protruding from the outside of the pipe fixing member F is not locally pressed when the pipe P is about to be bent.

[0062] By providing such a chamfered portion Fc, when bending the pipe P that protrudes downward from the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2, the local contact of the pipe P with the lower end opening edge of the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2 is mitigated, and the pipe P can be prevented from bending at the lower end opening edge.

[0063] (Shank material) When forming the shank 2a into a complex shape, it is preferable to use a resin material. For example, the material of the shank 2a can be PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PA6T (semi-aromatic nylon) / 6I (polyamide), or POM (polyacetal resin). PA6T / 6I or POM are preferred due to their excellent impact resistance, and PA6T / 6I is particularly preferred when high strength is required. In this example, PA6T / 6I was used.

[0064] Furthermore, if the pipe fixing member F of the present invention is usable, the shank 2a can be made of a metal material. For example, it can be made of brass, stainless steel, or aluminum. Brass and stainless steel are particularly suitable for improving corrosion resistance. If workability is required, brass is preferable.

[0065] (Another embodiment) Although not shown in the diagram, the pipe fixing member F can also be formed by dividing the first fixing member F1 or the second fixing member F2 along the extending direction of the first holding portion H1, etc. For example, the second fixing member F2 can be divided into an upper member and a lower member, and each can be positioned to engage with the first fixing member F1. Between the upper member and the first fixing member F1, and between the lower member and the first fixing member F1, there should be an engagement portion k1 and an engaged portion k2 with a concave and concave shape similar to that shown in Figure 3.

[0066] With this configuration, the vertical position of the chilled water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2 held by the pipe fixing member F can be maintained, thus achieving the same effect as the above embodiment in maintaining the posture of the pipe P.

[0067] Furthermore, in other embodiments, although not shown in the figures, the configuration of the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 and the opposing regions of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 can be changed. That is, as shown in Figure 4 above, if the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 and the opposing regions of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 are spaced apart with respect to the straight line L connecting the first axis X1 of the first holding portion H1 and the second axis X2 of the second holding portion H2, then the opposing surfaces forming the opposing regions of the first opposing portion f1 and the fourth opposing portion f4 and the opposing regions of the third opposing portion f3 and the sixth opposing portion f6 may be a plane that includes the first axis X1 or the second axis X2.

[0068] A typical example is when the opposing surfaces of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4 are a plane containing the first axis X1, and the opposing surfaces of the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6 are a plane containing the second axis X2. In this case, since both opposing regions are spaced apart from the straight line L, even if the chilled water pipe P1 held by the first holding part H1 and the hot water pipe P2 held by the second holding part H2 are bent in opposite directions, the opportunities for the pipes to exert external force on both opposing regions are reduced.

[0069] With this configuration, the opposing surfaces of the first opposing part f1 and the fourth opposing part f4, and the opposing surfaces of the third opposing part f3 and the sixth opposing part f6 are simplified, eliminating the need to overlap the opposing surfaces circumferentially with respect to the first axis X1, as in the previous embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the first fixing member F1 and the second fixing member F2 while maintaining the holding effect of the chilled water pipe P1 and the hot water pipe P2. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The faucet device according to the present invention can be widely applied to devices that are inserted and fixed to the countertop of the object to be installed, and that have a mounting base 2 through which one or more pipes are inserted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 2 Mounting base 2b Concave part 7 Top plate 51 First Virtual Plane 52 Second Virtual Plane F Pipe fixing member F1 First fixing member F2 Second fixing member Fa fixed part Fb convex part Fc chamfer f1 First opposing part f2 Second opposing part f3 Third opposing section f4 Fourth opposing section f5 Fifth opposing part f6 6th opposing part H holding part H1 1st holding part H2 2nd holding part h1 1st groove h2 2nd groove h3 3rd groove h4 4th groove k1 Engagement part k2 Engaged part P piping S Faucet device X1 1st axis center X2 2nd axis center

Claims

1. A mounting base that is inserted and fixed to the top panel of the installation target, through which the piping is inserted, The mounting base includes a pipe fixing member positioned in the space between the inner surface of the mounting base and the pipe, The pipe fixing member comprises at least two members, a first fixing member having an engaging portion and a second fixing member having an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, and also includes an elongated hole-shaped holding portion for holding the pipe. A faucet device in which a fixing portion for fixing the aforementioned pipe fixing member to the mounting base is provided only on the first fixing member.

2. By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the first and second holding parts are formed as the holding parts. Adjacent first grooves and second grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first fixing member. On both sides of the first groove, a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the first retaining portion. On both sides of the second groove, a second opposing portion and a third opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. Adjacent third and fourth grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the second fixing member. On both sides of the third groove, a fourth opposing portion and a fifth opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. On both sides of the fourth groove, a fifth opposing portion and a sixth opposing portion are formed along the extending direction of the second retaining portion. By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the first groove and the third groove become integrated, and the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion face each other, and the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion face each other to form the first holding portion. By arranging the first fixing member and the second fixing member opposite each other, the second groove and the fourth groove become integrated, the second opposing portion and the fifth opposing portion face each other, and the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion face each other to form the second holding portion. When setting a first virtual plane that includes the first axis of the first holding portion and intersects the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion, in a view along the first axis, the first virtual plane is set to a predetermined angular range centered on the first axis. The faucet device according to claim 1, in which a second virtual plane is set that includes the second axis of the second holding portion and intersects the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion, the second virtual plane is set to a predetermined angular range centered on the second axis when viewed in a direction along the second axis.

3. The aforementioned pipe fixing member has a substantially cylindrical shape. The opposing regions between the first opposing portion and the fourth opposing portion, and the opposing regions between the third opposing portion and the sixth opposing portion, are formed as convex portions that protrude outward from the substantially cylindrical shape and along the extension direction. The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein a concave portion is formed on the inner surface of the mounting base so as to engage with the convex portion, along the extension direction.

4. The faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a chamfered portion is formed on the lower end opening edge of the holding portion of the pipe fixing member.

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