Lever handle for faucets

Abstract

To provide a lever handle for a faucet that can improve operability. [Solution] The faucet lever handle 1, which is attached to the shaft 3B of the single lever cartridge 3 to change the water flow state, has a mounting portion 1A that is attached to the shaft 3B, and a lever portion 1B that extends integrally from the mounting portion 1A in a direction intersecting the shaft axis direction from which the shaft 3B extends. The faucet lever handle 1 also has an extension portion 1C that extends integrally from the lever portion 1B toward the base side in the shaft axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever handle for a faucet. More specifically, it relates to a lever handle for a faucet that is attached to the shaft of a single lever cartridge to perform an operation for changing the water discharge state.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lever handle used for a single lever faucet. The lever handle is attached to the shaft (faucet rod) of a cartridge incorporated in the faucet body. The shaft of the cartridge rotates around a vertical axis with respect to the cartridge body in conjunction with an operation of turning the lever handle left and right. Thereby, the mixing valve inside the cartridge is operated to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water.

[0003] Also, the shaft of the cartridge rotates around a horizontal axis with respect to the cartridge body in conjunction with an operation of turning the lever handle up and down. Thereby, the opening degree of the valve inside the cartridge is changed to adjust the water discharge amount of hot and cold water. Specifically, the shaft of the cartridge is moved so that the discharge of hot and cold water stops when the lever handle is pushed down, and the water discharge amount gradually increases when the lever handle is pulled up.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, as the lever handle is pulled up, the operating part at its tip approaches the vertical axis, which is the central axis of rotation of the cartridge. As a result, the point of force application for the lever handle approaches the vertical axis, making it difficult to rotate it left or right from the pulled-up position. Therefore, the present invention provides a lever handle for a faucet that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a lever handle for a faucet that is attached to the shaft of a single-lever cartridge to change the water discharge state, and the lever handle for a faucet has a mounting portion that is attached to the shaft, a lever portion that extends integrally from the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the shaft axis direction from which the shaft extends, and an extension portion that extends integrally from the lever portion toward the base side in the shaft axis direction.

[0008] According to the first invention, the extension provides a wider surface area (a surface extending in the direction of the shaft axis) that can be operated by placing a finger on it from the side when rotating the lever around the shaft. Therefore, the lever can be easily operated without having to pinch it with your fingers. As a result, the operability of the faucet lever handle can be improved.

[0009] The second invention of the present invention is a faucet lever handle in which, in the first invention described above, the shaft is capable of temperature adjustment operation around a first axis extending in the direction of the cylindrical axis with respect to the cylindrical cartridge body of the single lever cartridge, and water discharge volume adjustment operation around a second axis extending in the direction of the cylindrical diameter, and the water discharge volume is increased from the shut-off state by rotating the lever portion upward in the direction of the cylindrical axis around the second axis, and the extension portion is always located further from the first axis than the lever portion at any position when the lever portion is pulled up from the shut-off operation position.

[0010] According to the second invention, regardless of the position the lever is raised to, the operating load required to operate the extension is always lighter around the first axis than the operating load required to operate the lever.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a lever handle for a faucet in which, in the second invention described above, the extension portion extends to a position in the cylindrical axis direction where it coincides with the second axis in the water shut-off operation position.

[0012] According to the third invention, even if the lever portion is raised significantly from the water-stopping operating position, the operating load around the first axis by the extension portion can be reduced.

[0013] The fourth invention of the present invention is a lever handle for a faucet in which, in the third invention described above, the extension portion is arranged such that, when the extension portion is raised to the upper limit of the water discharge, the end of the extension portion is aligned so that it overlaps with the second axis in the direction of the cylinder axis.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, even when the lever is raised to the upper limit of the water discharge, the operating load around the first axis by the extension can be reduced.

[0015] The fifth invention of the present invention is a lever handle for a faucet in any of the second to fourth inventions described above, wherein the extension portion has an outer circumferential surface that curves around the second axis.

[0016] According to the fifth invention, the extension has an outer surface that curves around the center of rotation (second axis) of its pulling operation. This makes it easier for the user to visualize the position of the center of rotation when pulling up the extension, thereby further improving the operability of the faucet lever handle.

[0017] The sixth invention of the present invention is a lever handle for a faucet in any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the extension portion extends from the tip of the lever portion.

[0018] According to the sixth invention, the operating load around the first axis by the extension portion can be more effectively reduced.

[0019] The seventh invention of the present invention is the faucet lever handle according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, which is assembled to a faucet body that is attached to a counter top plate separately from the spout.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, since the extension portion does not interfere with the spout, the extension portion can be set longer. Thereby, the operability of the faucet lever handle can be further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a side view of the faucet lever handle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the state where the faucet lever handle is in the water shut-off operation position. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the state where the faucet lever handle is pulled up to the upper limit position of water discharge.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of Faucet Lever Handle 1) First, the configuration of a faucet lever handle (hereinafter referred to as a lever handle) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the following description, when indicating directions such as front, back, up, and down, the directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from a user standing in front of the faucet body 2 to which the lever handle 1 is assembled.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the lever handle 1 according to this embodiment is configured as an operating member for a single-lever faucet F installed on the countertop C of a washbasin. The single-lever faucet F has a two-hole separate configuration in which the faucet body 2, which has the lever handle 1, and a spout (not shown) are mounted separately on the countertop C side by side.

[0025] The lever handle 1 is attached to the shaft 3B of the single-lever cartridge 3, which is built into the faucet body 2. The single-lever cartridge 3 has a cylindrical cartridge body 3A and a rectangular rod-shaped shaft 3B that protrudes upward from its center.

[0026] The shaft 3B is connected to a movable body (not shown) located inside the cylinder of the cartridge body 3A. Through this connection to the movable body (not shown), the shaft 3B can pivot about a first axis L1 that extends in the direction of the cylinder axis relative to the cartridge body 3A. The first axis L1 is an axis that coincides with the central axis of the cartridge body 3A.

[0027] Furthermore, the base of the shaft 3B is connected to a movable body (not shown) so as to be able to rotate around a second axis L2 that extends in the cylindrical direction, i.e., horizontally. This allows the tip of the shaft 3B to be tilted inward or raised forward around the second axis L2.

[0028] The single-lever cartridge 3 adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water supplied to the cartridge body 3A according to the operating position by rotating the shaft 3B left and right around the first axis L1. The single-lever cartridge 3 also adjusts the amount of hot and cold water discharged to the outside according to the operating position by rotating the shaft 3B forward and backward around the second axis L2.

[0029] Specifically, the single-lever cartridge 3 stops water flow when the shaft 3B is in an upright position, extending straight along the first axis L1. As the shaft 3B is tilted inward around the second axis L2 from the upright position, the single-lever cartridge 3 gradually increases the amount of water discharged.

[0030] The range of motion of shaft 3B around the second axis L2 is set to an acute angle range between the water shut-off position shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and the upper limit position of water discharge shown by the dashed line. Note that the basic configuration of the single-lever cartridge 3 is publicly known as disclosed in documents such as Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-46067, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the lever handle 1 has a mounting portion 1A attached to the shaft 3B, a lever portion 1B extending from the mounting portion 1A toward the front in the figure, and an extension portion 1C extending downward from the end of the lever portion 1B in the figure. The mounting portion 1A is inserted into the shaft 3B from above in the figure and fixed integrally. As a result, the mounting portion 1A is provided so as to surround the shaft 3B, including its upper part.

[0032] The lever portion 1B is formed to extend integrally from the mounting portion 1A in the direction towards the front as shown in the figure, i.e., in a direction intersecting the shaft axis direction. More specifically, when the shaft 3B to which the mounting portion 1A is attached is in an upright position (water-stopped state), the lever portion 1B is formed to extend straight from the mounting portion 1A diagonally upward and towards the front as shown in the figure.

[0033] In Figures 1 to 3, the second axis L2, which is the rotation center of the shaft 3B, is assumed to be oriented straight in the left-right direction, which corresponds to the width of the faucet. In this state, the lever portion 1B is configured to extend straight from the mounting portion 1A diagonally upward and towards the front in the diagram. As a result, in the upright position (water shut-off position) of the shaft 3B shown in Figure 2, the lever portion 1B is positioned higher than the second axis L2, which is the rotation center of the shaft 3B.

[0034] The extension 1C extends from the end of the lever portion 1B, which extends diagonally upward and in front of the diagram, and curves downward in the diagram. The downward direction to which this extension 1C extends is the base direction in the shaft axis direction from which the shaft 3B extends.

[0035] Specifically, the extension 1C has a shape having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface that curve around the second axis L2. In the upright state (water-stopped state) of the shaft 3B shown in Figure 2, the extension 1C is formed to extend longer downward than the second axis L2, which is the rotation center of the shaft 3B.

[0036] More specifically, in the water-stopped state shown in Figure 2, the extension 1C is formed to a length such that its lower end is located closer to the front than the tip of the lever 1B. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when the shaft 3B is lowered to the upper limit position of water discharge by pulling up the lever handle 1, the extension 1C is formed to a length such that its lower end is aligned with the second axis L2 in the height direction (cylinder axis direction).

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the lever handle 1 is attached to the shaft 3B, and by raising and lowering the lever part 1B or rotating it left and right, the shaft 3B can be rotated around the second axis L2 or around the first axis L1. As a result, the lever handle 1 can adjust the water flow rate by rotating the shaft 3B around the second axis L2, or adjust the water temperature by rotating it around the first axis L1.

[0038] The operation of raising and lowering or rotating the lever portion 1B can be performed by the user directly pinching the lever portion 1B with their fingers, or it can be done by moving the extension portion 1C. Specifically, from the position of the water shut-off operation shown in Figure 2, the user can raise the lever portion 1B to the upper limit position of water discharge, as shown in Figure 3, by operating the lever handle 1 in a way that pushes the lower end of the extension portion 1C upward as shown.

[0039] Furthermore, the lever handle 1 is designed so that the user can rotate the lever part 1B left or right by operating the extension part 1C from the side. This operation of pushing the extension part 1C from the side is easy to perform because the extension part 1C is shaped to extend in the height direction (in the direction of the cylinder axis), making it difficult for the fingers placed on the extension part 1C from the side to slip off vertically.

[0040] More specifically, the extension 1C is shaped to curve downward from the tip of the lever 1B around the second axis L2 as shown in the figure. Therefore, the extension 1C is always positioned further forward than the lever 1B, regardless of the operating position of the lever 1B.

[0041] Therefore, when lifting the lever portion 1B from the water-stopping position (see Figure 2) and rotating it left or right, it is possible to operate it with less force by operating the extension portion 1C than by directly operating the lever portion 1B. In other words, as the lever portion 1B is lifted around the second axis L2 from the water-stopping position (see Figure 2), it is moved closer to the first axis L1.

[0042] As a result, the distance D1 between the tip of the lever part 1B and the first axis L1 decreases to the distance D2 shown in Figure 3. Therefore, when the lever part 1B is rotated directly left or right from the position where it is pulled up, the point of force application is close to the first axis L1, which is the center of rotation, and the operating load tends to become heavy.

[0043] In contrast, the extension 1C is always positioned further from the first axis L1 than any part of the lever 1B, regardless of the position it is pulled up to around the second axis L2, including when it is in the water-stopping position (see Figure 2). This is because the extension 1C is shaped to curve downward from the tip of the lever 1B around the second axis L2 as shown in the figure. Also, the length of the extension 1C is set to the length described above.

[0044] Therefore, when rotating the lever 1B from the raised position to the left or right, pressing any part of the extension 1C from the side with a finger allows for operation with less force than directly operating the lever 1B. Also, when rotating the lever 1B from the left or right, if the point of force application is far from the third axis L3, that is, the third axis L3 that extends in the front-to-back direction through the fulcrum of the shaft 3B (the intersection of the first axis L1 and the second axis L2), a moment around the third axis L3 will act, making it easier for the operation to become twisting.

[0045] However, by operating the extension 1C that extends downward from the lever 1B as shown in the figure, the point of force application can be brought closer to the third axis L3 compared to when operating the lever 1B. Therefore, the torsional action is reduced, and the lever 1B can be rotated left and right with little force by operating the extension 1C.

[0046] Since the extension 1C is shaped to curve around the second axis L2 from the tip of the lever 1B, the distance from the second axis L2 to any part of the lever 1B is longer than that of any part other than the tip. Therefore, even when lifting the lever 1B from the water-stopping position shown in Figure 2, the user can lift the lever 1B with little force by operating the lower end of the extension 1C upward as shown in the figure.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation of rotating the lever portion 1B left or right can be performed by pushing the extension portion 1C from the side with a finger, or by pinching the extension portion 1C with a finger. As shown in Figure 3, when the extension portion 1C is raised to the upper limit position of the water discharge, its lower end is aligned so that it overlaps with the second axis L2 in the height direction (direction of the cylinder axis). Therefore, by pinching the lower end of the extension portion 1C or pushing it from the side with a finger, the operation of rotating the lever portion 1B left or right can be performed with almost no moment (torsion) generated around the third axis L3.

[0048] Since the extension 1C has an outer surface that curves around the rotation center (second axis L2) of its lifting operation, the curvature of this outer surface makes it easier for the user to visualize the position of the rotation center when lifting the extension 1C. This improves the operability of the lever handle 1.

[0049] In summary, the lever handle 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.

[0050] In other words, the faucet lever handle (1), which is attached to the shaft (3B) of the single lever cartridge (3) and used to change the water flow state, has a mounting portion (1A) that is attached to the shaft (3B), and a lever portion (1B) that extends integrally from the mounting portion (1A) in a direction intersecting the shaft axis direction from which the shaft (3B) extends. The faucet lever handle (1) also has an extension portion (1C) that extends integrally from the lever portion (1B) toward the base side in the shaft axis direction.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the extension (1C) provides a wide surface area (a surface extending in the direction of the shaft axis) that can be operated by placing a finger on it from the side when rotating the lever part (1B) around the shaft (3B). Therefore, the lever part (1B) can be easily operated without having to pinch it with your fingers. As a result, the operability of the faucet lever handle (1) can be improved.

[0052] Furthermore, the shaft (3B) allows for temperature adjustment around a first axis (L1) extending in the direction of the cylindrical axis and water discharge volume adjustment around a second axis (L2) extending in the direction of the cylindrical diameter, relative to the cylindrical cartridge body (3A) of the single lever cartridge (3). Moreover, the shaft (3B) is configured to increase the water discharge volume from a stopped state by rotating the lever portion (1B) towards the end in the direction of the cylindrical axis around the second axis (L2).

[0053] The extension (1C) is always positioned further away from the first axis (L1) than the lever (1B) at any position when the lever (1B) is raised from the water-stopping operation position. With this configuration, no matter what position the lever (1B) is raised to, the operating load required to rotate the extension (1C) around the first axis (L1) is always lighter than that required to rotate the lever (1B).

[0054] Furthermore, the extension (1C) extends to a position where, at the water-stopping operation position, its alignment coincides with the second axis (L2) in the direction of the cylinder axis. With the above configuration, even if the lever (1B) is pulled up significantly from the water-stopping operation position, the operating load around the first axis (L1) by the extension (1C) can be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, when the extension (1C) is raised to the upper limit of the water discharge, its extended end is aligned so that it overlaps with the second axis (L2) in the direction of the cylinder axis. With the above configuration, even when the lever (1B) is raised to the upper limit of the water discharge, the operating load around the first axis (L1) by the extension (1C) can be reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, the extension (1C) has an outer surface that curves around the second axis (L2). With the above configuration, the extension (1C) has an outer surface that curves around the center of rotation (second axis (L2)) of its lifting operation. This makes it easier for the user to visualize the position of the center of rotation when lifting the extension (1C), thereby further improving the operability of the faucet lever handle (1).

[0057] Furthermore, the extension (1C) extends from the tip of the lever (1B). With the above configuration, the operating load around the first axis (L1) by the extension (1C) can be made more effectively lighter.

[0058] Furthermore, the faucet lever handle (1) is assembled to the faucet body (2), which is attached to the countertop (C) separately from the spout. With this configuration, the extension (1C) does not interfere with the spout, allowing the extension (1C) to be made longer. This further improves the operability of the faucet lever handle (1).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 1. The faucet lever handle of the present invention is applicable not only to single-lever faucets used in washbasins, but also to single-lever faucets used in kitchens, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor handwashing facilities, etc. Furthermore, the faucet lever handle may be attached to a single-lever cartridge that is incorporated into the faucet body with the shaft extending upward, or it may be attached to a single-lever cartridge that is incorporated into the faucet body with the shaft extending horizontally.

[0061] Furthermore, the faucet lever handle may be attached to a single-lever faucet of the type in which the spout is attached to the faucet body. However, in this type, depending on the arrangement of the extension and the spout, there may be constraints that limit the length of the extension to one that does not interfere with the spout. Also, the faucet lever handle may be configured to increase the water flow rate from the stopped state by pressing down on the lever.

[0062] 2. The extension may extend from the lever portion in a shape having an outer surface that curves around the second axis, or it may extend in a straight line. It may also extend in a curved shape other than the curved shape described above.

[0063] The extension may be formed in such a way that, at any position where the lever is raised from the water-stopping operation position, it is closer to the first axis than the lever. Even with such a shape, the extension extending from the lever toward the base in the direction of the shaft axis provides a wider surface area (the surface extending in the direction of the shaft axis) that can be operated by placing a finger on it from the side, compared to when the lever is operated directly.

[0064] The extension may be shaped so that, at the water-stopping operation position, it does not overlap with the second axis in the direction of the cylinder axis. Even with such a shape, pulling up the lever will cause the extension to be positioned further away from the first axis than the lever, thereby reducing the operating load required to rotate it around the first axis.

[0065] More specifically, the extension may be shaped such that, when the lever is raised to its upper limit, its extended end does not overlap with the second axis in the direction of the cylinder axis. The reason for this is the same as described above. The extension does not necessarily have to extend from the tip of the lever; it may extend from partway along it.

[0066] 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]

[0067] 1...Lever handle for faucet, 1A...Mounting part, 1B...Lever part, 1C...Extension part, 2...Faucet body, 3...Single lever cartridge, 3A...Cartridge body, 3B...Shaft, C...Countertop, F...Single lever faucet, L1...First axis, L2...Second axis, L3...Third axis, D1...Distance, D2...Distance

Claims

1. A lever handle for a faucet that is attached to the shaft of a single-lever cartridge and is used to change the water flow state, A mounting portion attached to the shaft, A lever portion extends integrally from the mounting portion in a direction intersecting the shaft axis direction from which the shaft extends, A lever handle for a faucet, having an extension portion that extends integrally from the lever portion toward the base side in the axial direction of the shaft.

2. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 1, The shaft is capable of temperature adjustment around a first axis extending in the direction of the cylindrical axis and water discharge volume adjustment around a second axis extending in the direction of the cylindrical diameter, and the water discharge volume is increased from a stopped state by rotating the lever portion upwards in the direction of the cylindrical axis around the second axis. A faucet lever handle wherein the extension portion is always located further from the first axis than the lever portion, regardless of the position in which the lever portion is raised from the water shut-off operating position.

3. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 2, A lever handle for a faucet, wherein the extension portion extends to a position where, in the water-stopping operation position, its alignment in the direction of the cylinder axis coincides with that of the second axis.

4. A lever handle for a faucet according to claim 3, A lever handle for a faucet, wherein when the extension is raised to the upper limit of water discharge, the end of the extension is aligned such that it overlaps with the second axis in the direction of the cylinder axis.

5. A lever handle for a faucet according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The extension portion is a lever handle for a faucet having an outer surface that curves around the second axis.

6. A lever handle for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The extension portion is a lever handle for a faucet that extends from the tip of the lever portion.

7. A lever handle for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, This faucet lever handle is a lever handle for a faucet that is attached to the faucet body, which is mounted on the countertop separately from the spout.

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