Water faucet pipe fixing structure

Abstract

To provide a faucet pipe fixing structure that minimizes gaps between the pipe and the wall. [Solution] The faucet pipe fixing structure 1 for fixing the shower pipe SP to the wall surface W comprises a wall-side fixing device 3 fixed to the wall surface W, and a connecting device 4 that is coupled to the shower pipe SP and placed over the wall-side fixing device 3 so as to cover its periphery, and fastened by a second screw T2 inserted parallel to the wall surface W. The wall-side fixing device 3 has a guide 3D that contacts the tip of the second screw T2 at an angle so as it is tightened, guiding it toward the wall surface W together with the connecting device 4.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe fixing structure for a faucet. More specifically, it relates to a pipe fixing structure for a faucet that fixes a pipe material to a wall surface.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe fixing structure for fixing a shower pipe to a bathroom wall surface. This pipe fixing structure has a wall-side fixture fixed to the wall surface and a pipe support coupled to the shower pipe and attached to the wall-side fixture. After fastening the pipe support to the wall-side fixture with screws, a cover component is separately placed over the wall-side fixture to cover it from the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to fix the cover component to the wall-side fixture, for example, a configuration in which a screw is inserted from above and fastened can be considered. However, in such a configuration, a gap is likely to occur between the cover component and the wall surface due to factors such as dimensional errors and variations in installation. Therefore, the present invention provides a pipe fixing structure for a faucet in which a gap is unlikely to occur between the structure and the wall surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the pipe fixing structure for a faucet of the present invention takes the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a pipe fixing structure for a faucet that fixes a pipe material to a wall surface, comprising: a wall-side fixing device fixed to the wall surface; and a connecting device that is directly or indirectly connected to the pipe material and is fitted over the wall-side fixing device so as to cover its periphery and fastened with screws inserted parallel to the wall surface, wherein the wall-side fixing device has a guide that causes the tip of the screw to be brought into diagonal contact with the connecting device so as to be tightened, guiding it toward the wall surface.

[0007] According to the first invention, by tightening screws, the connecting member that surrounds the wall-side fixing member can be fastened to the wall-side fixing member while being brought closer to the wall surface. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the gap between the connecting member and the wall surface.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a pipe fixing structure for a faucet, wherein the connector has an upward-facing screw hole into which the screw is inserted from above and brought into contact with the guide, and a bottom plate which is pressed from below against the wall-side fixing device by tightening the screw.

[0009] According to the second invention, by simply tightening the screws from above, the bottom plate is rationally brought closer to the wall surface by gravity, and the wall-side fastener can be properly pressed and secured between them.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet pipe fixing structure in which, in the first or second invention described above, the wall-side fixing device has a return at the end furthest from the wall surface that restricts the movement of the screw away from the wall surface by contact.

[0011] According to the third invention, even if the screw comes off the guide, the latch prevents the connector from falling off the wall-side fixing device.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet pipe fixing structure in which, in the first or second invention described above, the guide is a conical hole that recesses the contact surface of the wall-side fixing device with the screw in a conical shape.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, a guide can be easily formed by simply machining a conical hole in the wall-side fixture. Further, by making the guide a conical hole, not only can the screw be guided to the wall surface, but it can also be fixed in a centered state in the left-right direction with respect to the wall-side fixture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe fixing structure for a faucet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pipe fixing structure for a faucet. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the pipe fixing structure for a faucet. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the pipe fixing structure for a faucet. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of a part of FIG. 4 seen from the back side. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of a pipe support assembled to an upper pipe. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Furthermore, it is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembled to the pipe support. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view of the connector removed from the wall-side fixture. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembled to the wall-side fixture.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of Pipe Fixing Structure 1 for Faucet) First, the configuration of the pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. 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. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from a user standing facing the wall surface W of the bathroom where the pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet is provided.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet according to the present embodiment is a structure for fixing the shower pipe SP to the wall surface W of the bathroom. The shower pipe SP is arranged to extend vertically along the wall surface W of the bathroom. Here, the shower pipe SP corresponds to the "pipe material" of the present invention.

[0018] The shower pipe SP is configured as a flow path member for spraying the hot and cold water supplied from a mixing faucet connected to the lower end portion (not shown) thereof from an overhead shower connected to the upper end portion. Specifically, the shower pipe SP is configured to be divided into a circular tubular upper pipe P1 connected to an overhead shower (not shown) and a circular tubular lower pipe P2 connected to a mixing faucet (not shown).

[0019] The connection portion between the upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2 of the shower pipe SP is fixed to the wall surface W by the pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet. Although the shower pipe SP is also fixed to the wall surface W at other locations than the above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet is configured to also function as a connecting member for fluidly connecting the upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2 to each other. The upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2 are connected to each other so as to abut against each other in the pipe axis direction (vertical direction) via the pipe fixing structure 1 for a faucet.

[0021] As a result, the upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2 are configured such that only one seam (joint) is exposed between them. As shown in Figure 2, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 is fixed inside the upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2, and is configured to protrude from an opening Pc formed in the rear peripheral wall of the upper pipe P1 and be fixed to the bathroom wall W.

[0022] The opening Pc of the upper pipe P1 is formed in the inner peripheral wall, which is not visible from the front of the upper pipe P1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 is shaped to fit within the width of the upper pipe P1 and is configured so that it is not visible from the front of the upper pipe P1. As a result, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 does not expose any seams (joints) as a fixing structure on the front side of the upper pipe P1 or lower pipe P2 as shown in the figure.

[0023] (Composition of each part) The configuration of each part of the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 will be described in detail below. As shown in Figure 4, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 includes a pipe support 2 that is connected to the upper pipe P1, a wall-side fixing 3 that is fixed to the wall surface W, and a connecting 4 that connects these together to form an integrated unit.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pipe support 2 has a cylindrical portion 2A that extends in the pipe axis direction (vertical direction) and a protruding portion 2B that extends in a rectangular prism shape from the peripheral wall on the inner side of the cylindrical portion 2A shown in the figure. The pipe support 2 also has a connector 2C that extends in the pipe axis direction and is connected to the flow path of the cylindrical portion 2A from below by screwing it in.

[0025] The cylindrical portion 2A is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted from below into the connection port Pa at the lower end of the upper pipe P1. As shown in Figure 5, the protruding portion 2B is formed in a rectangular prism shape that can be inserted from below into the opening Pc formed in the inner peripheral wall of the upper pipe P1.

[0026] The opening Pc formed in the upper pipe P1 is designed to open continuously from the connection port Pa. More specifically, the opening Pc is formed in a square shape such that when the upper pipe P1 is viewed from the rear, its shape matches the square prism shape of the protruding portion 2B.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 2A is inserted from below into the connection port Pa at the lower end of the upper pipe P1, thereby setting it in a state where it is fitted to the inner surface of the upper pipe P1. The protruding portion 2B is inserted from below into the opening Pc in conjunction with the insertion of the cylindrical portion 2A, thereby setting it in a state where it is fitted to the opening Pc.

[0028] Specifically, the protruding portion 2B is inserted into the opening Pc until it abuts against its upper edge. As a result, the protruding portion 2B is fitted in contact with the upper edge of the opening Pc and each side edge in the circumferential direction of the pipe. This positions the cylindrical portion 2A in the diameter direction by fitting it to the upper pipe P1, and also positions it in the axial direction (upward) and circumferential direction by fitting the protruding portion 2B to the opening Pc.

[0029] The cylindrical portion 2A is set so that its cylindrical part fits snugly inside the upper pipe P1 by the above positioning. As shown in Figure 7, the protruding portion 2B is configured to protrude inward from a position slightly above the lower edge of the cylindrical portion 2A. As a result, even if the upper pipe P1 and the lower pipe P2 are connected in a flow path so that they abut each other vertically as shown in Figure 2, the protruding portion 2B does not interfere with the lower pipe P2.

[0030] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 2A and the protruding portion 2B are set on the upper pipe P1 as described above, and then brazed to the upper pipe P1 (welded portion B). Specifically, the upper edge and each of the three sides of the fitting portion between the protruding portion 2B and the opening Pc of the upper pipe P1 are brazed (welded portion B).

[0031] Furthermore, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 2A is brazed to the inner surface of the upper pipe P1 (welded portion B). Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, an annular groove Aa is formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 2A at a position slightly below its upper edge. The cylindrical portion 2A is fitted into the upper pipe P1 with a ring-shaped brazing material pre-set in this annular groove Aa.

[0032] Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, after setting the cylindrical part 2A on the upper pipe P1, the upper pipe P1 is heated from the outside, causing the brazing material to melt and flow into the gap between it and the upper pipe P1. The subsequent cooling then joins the two parts together. As a result, a ring braze Br is formed between the cylindrical part 2A and the upper pipe P1, brazing them together in a ring shape.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connector 2C is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape that can be inserted from above into the connection port Pb at the upper end of the lower pipe P2. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the connector 2C is set in a state where it is fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the lower pipe P2 by inserting the larger diameter portion of the cylinder at the lower end of the lower pipe P2 into the connection port Pb at the upper end of the lower pipe P2 from above.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the connector 2C is inserted into the connection port Pb of the lower pipe P2 until it abuts against the stepped portion Pd where the inner diameter of the lower pipe P2 is reduced. As a result, the connector 2C is positioned in the cylindrical direction by fitting with the lower pipe P2, and also in the pipe axis direction (downward) by abutting against the stepped portion Pd.

[0035] As a result of the above positioning, the connector 2C is set so that the larger diameter portion of its lower cylinder fits snugly inside the lower pipe P2, while the smaller diameter portion of its upper cylinder protrudes from the upper end of the lower pipe P2. After the connector 2C is set in the lower pipe P2, it is brazed to the lower pipe P2 (welded portion B). Specifically, the outer surface of the connector 2C is brazed to the inner surface of the lower pipe P2 (welded portion B).

[0036] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, an annular groove Ca is formed on the outer surface of the connector 2C, slightly above its lower edge. The connector 2C is fitted into the lower pipe P2 with a ring-shaped brazing material pre-set in this annular groove Ca.

[0037] Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, after setting the connector 2C on the lower pipe P2, the lower pipe P2 is heated from the outside, causing the brazing material to melt and flow into the gap between the connector and the lower pipe P2. The subsequent cooling then joins the two. As a result, a ring braze Br is formed between the connector 2C and the lower pipe P2, brazing them together in a ring shape.

[0038] After the connector 2C is fixed to the lower pipe P2 as described above, the small diameter portion of the cylindrical part that protrudes upward is screwed from below into the cylindrical part 2A fixed to the upper pipe P1 to connect to the flow path. An annular recessed mounting groove Cb is formed on the outer surface of the small diameter portion of the connector 2C that is screwed into the cylindrical part 2A.

[0039] An O-ring (not shown) is fitted into this mounting groove Cb, and the space between them is sealed when the connector 2C is screwed into the cylinder of the cylindrical part 2A (see Figure 2). Screwing the connector 2C into the cylindrical part 2A can be easily done by screwing the lower pipe P2, which is integrated with the connector 2C, into the upper pipe P1, which is integrated with the cylindrical part 2A.

[0040] Through the above screwing process, the connector 2C is connected to the cylindrical portion 2A in a state where the insides of both cylinders are in communication. These connectors 2C and cylindrical portion 2A function as flow path members that form the internal flow paths of the lower pipe P2 and the upper pipe P1.

[0041] Furthermore, the connector 2C is sealed by being brazed around its entire circumference to the lower pipe P2 using a ring rod Br. The cylindrical portion 2A is also sealed by being brazed around its entire circumference to the upper pipe P1 using a ring rod Br.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the connector 4 consists of a rectangular cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction. The connector 4 has a connecting portion 4A at the front end of the cylinder shown, which is connected to an overhang 2B that extends from the upper pipe P1 toward the rear. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the connecting portion 4A is fitted to the overhang 2B so as to surround it from the rear side shown.

[0043] Then, as shown in Figure 9, the connector 4 is fixed to the protruding part 2B by inserting two first screws T1, one above and one below, from the rear side shown in the figure into the corresponding through holes 4C and fastening them to the screw holes B1 of the protruding part 2B. After the above connection, as shown in Figures 10 to 11, the connector 4 is placed over the wall-side fixing device 3, which is fixed to the wall surface W, from the front side shown in the figure, and fixed by inserting and fastening the second screws T2 from above.

[0044] The connector 4 has a cylindrical end on the rear side of the diagram which is fitted over the wall-side fixing device 3 from the front side of the diagram, forming a cover portion 4B. After the cover portion 4B is fitted over the wall-side fixing device 3, the second screw T2 is inserted from above and fastened, causing it to be pulled closer to the wall surface W and fixed in a gap-free state.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the connector 4 is moved toward the wall surface W as the second screw T2 is tightened, causing the second screw T2 to be pressed diagonally against the cone-shaped recessed guide 3D formed in the wall-side fixing device 3, and guided toward the wall surface W. As a result, the connector 4 is fixed to the wall surface W without any gaps. Here, the second screw T2 corresponds to the "screw" of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the wall-side fixing device 3 has a flat base 3A that is pressed against the wall surface W, and a flat overhang plate 3B that extends from the middle of the base 3A in the vertical direction toward the front in the illustration. The wall-side fixing device 3 also has a return 3C that extends upward from the front end (the side furthest from the wall surface W) of the overhang plate 3B in the illustration.

[0047] The wall-side fixing device 3 is fixed to the wall surface W by first placing the base 3A against the wall surface W, and then inserting two third screws T3 into the base 3A from the front side as shown in the diagram, and fastening them together. The connecting device 4 is then placed over the wall-side fixing device 3, which is fixed to the wall surface W in this manner, from the front side as shown in the diagram, and fixed in a position close to the wall surface W.

[0048] First, the rear cover portion 4B of the connector 4 is placed over the wall-side fixing device 3 from the front side, surrounding it. Next, the second screw T2 is screwed from above into the screw hole 4D formed in the center of the top plate of the cover portion 4B.

[0049] As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the screwed-in end of the second screw T2 is pressed against the inclined surface on the front side of the guide 3D, which is recessed in a conical hole shape formed on the upper surface of the protruding plate 3B of the wall-side fixing device 3. Consequently, as the second screw T2 is tightened, it is guided to move along the inclined surface of the guide 3D towards the rear wall surface W shown in the figure.

[0050] The second screw T2 is tightened into the cone-shaped recessed guide 3D, and as it moves, it is guided toward the back side as shown in the diagram, and also centered toward the center of the cone in the left-right direction. As a result, the connector 4 can be fixed closer to the wall surface W, and can also be fixed to the wall-side fixing device 3 in a left-right centered state.

[0051] As the second screw T2 is fastened, the bottom plate 4E of the cover portion 4B of the connector 4 is pressed from below against the bottom surface of the base 3A. As a result, the connector 4 can be properly fixed to the wall-side fixing device 3 by being pressed between the second screw T2 and the bottom plate 4E.

[0052] The bottom plate 4E of the overlay portion 4B is moved by gravity, with the contact point between the second screw T2 and the guide 3D of the protruding plate 3B acting as a fulcrum, simply by tightening the second screw T2 from above onto the guide 3D of the protruding plate 3B. Therefore, the connector 4 can be easily fixed to the wall surface W by fastening only one second screw T2.

[0053] The second screw T2 has a return 3C formed on the front end of the protruding plate 3B shown in the diagram. Therefore, even if it is subjected to an external load that moves it away from the wall surface W and comes out of the guide 3D, it will catch on the return 3C and will not fall out. Thus, even if such an external load is applied, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 can be prevented from coming off the wall surface W.

[0054] Furthermore, the configuration in which the second screw T2 catches on the return 3C reduces the risk that when the second screw T2 is removed during maintenance, the connector 4 may suddenly detach from the wall-side fixing device 3 as soon as the second screw T2 comes off the guide 3D. This improves the maintainability of the faucet pipe fixing structure 1.

[0055] In summary, the faucet pipe fixing structure 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0056] In other words, the faucet pipe fixing structure (1) for fixing the pipe material (SP) to the wall surface (W) has a wall-side fixing device (3) that is fixed to the wall surface (W). The faucet pipe fixing structure (1) also has a connector (4) that is directly or indirectly connected to the pipe material (SP) and is fastened by screws (T2) that are placed over the wall-side fixing device (3) so as to cover its periphery and are inserted parallel to the wall surface (W).

[0057] The wall-side fixing device (3) has a guide (3D) that diagonally contacts the tip of the screw (T2) so as it is tightened, it is guided toward the wall surface (W) together with the connector (4). With the above configuration, by tightening the screw (T2), the connector (4) that surrounds the wall-side fixing device (3) can be fastened to the wall-side fixing device (3) while being brought toward the wall surface (W). Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for a gap to occur between the connector (4) and the wall surface (W).

[0058] Furthermore, the connector (4) has an upward-facing screw hole (4D) into which a screw (T2) is inserted from above and brought into contact with the guide (3D), and a base plate (4E) which is pressed from below against the wall-side fixing device (3) by tightening the screw (T2). With the above configuration, by simply tightening the screw (T2) from above, the base plate (4E) is also reasonably brought closer to the wall surface (W) by gravity, and the wall-side fixing device (3) can be fastened in a state where it is properly pressed between them.

[0059] Furthermore, the wall-side fixing device (3) has a barb (3C) at the end furthest from the wall surface (W) that restricts the movement of the screw (T2) away from the wall surface (W) by contact. With the above configuration, even if the screw (T2) comes off the guide (3D), the barb (3C) will catch on it, preventing the connector (4) from falling off the wall-side fixing device (3).

[0060] Furthermore, the guide (3D) is a conical hole that creates a conical recess on the contact surface of the wall-side fixing device (3) with the screw (T2). With the above configuration, the guide (3D) can be easily formed by simply machining a conical hole in the wall-side fixing device (3). In addition, by making the guide (3D) a conical hole, the screw (T2) can be guided to the wall surface (W), and the wall-side fixing device (3) can be fixed in a state that is centered in the left-right direction.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 1. The pipe fixing structure for faucets of the present invention may be configured such that the connector is directly joined to the pipe material by welding or the like, without the need for a pipe support. Furthermore, the screws used to fasten the connector to the wall-side fixing device may be inserted parallel to the wall surface relative to the connector, and may be inserted from above, below, or from the side.

[0063] 2. The guide formed on the wall-side fixing device may consist of a conical hole that creates a conical recess for the contact surface with the screw, or it may consist of an inclined surface that tilts the contact surface with the screw toward the wall surface.

[0064] 3. The pipe material fixed by the faucet pipe fixing structure may be cylindrical or rectangular. In addition, the pipe material may be a shower pipe or a slide bar that allows the mounting position of the shower hook on the wall to be changed in the height direction.

[0065] 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]

[0066] 1...Water faucet pipe fixing structure, 2...Pipe support, 2A...Cylindrical part, Aa...Annular groove, 2B...Protruding part, B1...Screw hole, 2C...Connector, Ca...Annular groove, Cb...Mounting groove, 3...Wall-side fixing device, 3A...Base, 3B...Protruding plate, 3C...Return, 3D...Guide, 4...Connector, 4A...Joint part, 4B...Covering part, 4C...Through hole, 4D...Screw hole, 4E...Bottom plate, SP...Shower pipe (pipe material), P1...Upper pipe, P2...Lower pipe, Pa...Connection port, Pb...Connection port, Pc...Opening, Pd...Stepped part, W...Wall surface, B...Welded part, Br...Ring rod, T1...First screw, T2...Second screw (screw), T3...Third screw

Claims

1. A pipe fixing structure for a faucet that fixes pipe material to a wall surface, A wall-side fixing device fixed to the aforementioned wall surface, The device comprises a connector that is directly or indirectly connected to the pipe material and is fitted over the wall-side fixing device so as to cover its periphery, and fastened with screws inserted parallel to the wall surface, A faucet pipe fixing structure having a wall-side fixing device that has a guide that diagonally contacts the tip of the screw together with the connector to guide it toward the wall surface as it is tightened.

2. A pipe fixing structure for a faucet according to claim 1, The connecting device is a pipe fixing structure for a faucet, having an upward-facing screw hole into which the screw is inserted from above and brought into contact with the guide, and a bottom plate that is pressed from below against the wall-side fixing device by tightening the screw.

3. A pipe fixing structure for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet pipe fixing structure comprising a wall-side fixing device having a return at the end furthest from the wall surface that restricts the movement of the screw away from the wall surface by contact.

4. A pipe fixing structure for a faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet pipe fixing structure wherein the guide has a conical hole that recesses the contact surface of the wall-side fixing device with the screw in a conical shape.

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