Faucet equipment

Abstract

To proved a faucet device capable of selectively switching a head oscillating range of a water discharge pipe with respect to a faucet body with a reasonable configuration.SOLUTION: A water discharge pipe 10 connected to a connection port 2A of a faucet body 2 includes a protrusion 13 to be inserted into a recess 23 formed inside the faucet body 2. The recess 23 includes a first recess 23A having a width in a pipe peripheral direction larger than a width of the protrusion 13 and a second recess 23B further recessed from the first recess 23A in the insertion direction of the protrusion 13 and having a width in the pipe peripheral direction smaller than the width of the first recess 23A. The protrusion 13 comprises either of a first protrusion 13A that is inserted up to the first recess 23A and is allowed to rotate in the pipe peripheral direction in the first recess 23A and a second protrusion 13B which is inserted up to the second recess 23B and the rotation of which in the pipe peripheral direction is restricted in a narrow range in the second recess 23B. The water discharge pipe 10 selectively provided with the first protrusion 13A and the second protrusion 13B is connected to the connection port 2A of the faucet body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet device, and more particularly to a faucet device having a faucet body with a water passage and a water outlet pipe connected to a connection port of the faucet body so as to allow water to flow therethrough. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a faucet device equipped with a structure capable of restricting the swing of a water discharge pipe connected to a faucet body. This faucet device is configured to restrict the swing of the water discharge pipe relative to the faucet body by attaching a locking member to the outer periphery of the water discharge pipe and fitting this locking member into a key groove provided in the faucet body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3941621 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the water discharge pipe and the locking member are separate, which increases the number of parts and reduces the ease of assembly due to the need to assemble small parts. In addition, the locking member protrudes outward from the water discharge pipe in the pipe diameter direction, which makes it easy for the connection between the water discharge pipe and the locking member to become large in the pipe diameter direction. Therefore, the present invention provides a faucet device that allows the swing range of the water discharge pipe relative to the faucet body to be selectively switched using a rational configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the faucet device of the present invention takes the following measures. That is, the faucet device has a faucet body with a water passage, and a water discharge pipe connected to a connection port of the faucet body so that water can flow through it. The faucet device further has a convex portion that protrudes from the water discharge pipe in the axial direction inside the water discharge pipe, and a concave portion formed inside the faucet body and through which the convex portion is inserted. The concave portion has a first concave portion that is wider in the circumferential direction than the convex portion, and a second concave portion that is recessed from the first concave portion in the insertion direction of the convex portion with a width in the circumferential direction narrower than that of the first concave portion.

[0006] The convex portion is composed of either a first convex portion or a second convex portion. The first convex portion is inserted into the first recess and allows rotation of the discharge pipe in the circumferential direction relative to the faucet body within the range where it abuts against each end of the first recess in the circumferential direction. The second convex portion is inserted into the second recess and limits rotation of the discharge pipe in the circumferential direction relative to the faucet body to a narrow range where it abuts against each end of the second recess in the circumferential direction. A discharge pipe selectively having a first convex portion or a second convex portion is connected to a connection port of the faucet body.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the swivel range of the water outlet pipe relative to the faucet body can be selectively changed with a rational configuration that simply changes the length of the convex portion of the water outlet pipe.

[0008] The water faucet device of the present invention may be further configured as follows: The second recess is shaped to fit the second protrusion in a state that prevents rotation in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0009] According to the above configuration, with a rational configuration that simply changes the length of the convex portion of the water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe can be selectively switched between a specification that allows it to swivel relative to the faucet body and a specification that does not allow it to swivel.

[0010] The faucet device of the present invention may further be configured as follows: The faucet device further comprises a clearance-eliminating member interposed between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body to eliminate clearance between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body in the axial and radial directions. The clearance-eliminating member is in metal-to-metal contact with both the water discharge pipe and the faucet body, and is pressed between them in the axial direction by a fastening member fastened to the faucet body.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a high sliding friction resistance force is applied between the clearance-reducing member and the water discharge pipe and between the water faucet body and the water discharge pipe due to the pressing contact between the metals. This makes it possible to prevent the water discharge pipe from rattling relative to the water faucet body not only in the pipe axial direction and pipe diameter direction but also in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0012] The faucet device of the present invention may further be configured as follows: The faucet device further comprises a clearance-eliminating member interposed between the spout pipe and the faucet body for eliminating clearance in the axial direction and radial direction of the spout pipe relative to the faucet body. The clearance-eliminating member is in resin-to-metal contact with both the spout pipe and the faucet body, and is provided in a non-pressing state where it is not subjected to a pressing force in the axial direction due to tightening from a fastening member that is fastened to the faucet body to prevent the spout pipe from coming off.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a non-pressurized clearance-reducing member that is in contact with resin and metal is provided between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body, which makes it difficult for the water discharge pipe to rattle in the pipe axial and radial directions relative to the faucet body, while allowing it to rotate smoothly in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0014] The water faucet device of the present invention may be further configured as follows: The first convex portion and the second convex portion have the same cross section and are shaped to protrude in a cylindrical shape.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the first convex portion and the second convex portion can have a common basic configuration with only the difference being their lengths. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a water faucet device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the water faucet device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view taken along the arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] This is a partially cutaway oblique view showing the state in which the rotating type water outlet pipe has been removed from the faucet body. [Diagram 5] 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part VII in FIG. [Figure 8] This is a partially cutaway oblique view showing the state in which a fixed-type water outlet pipe has been removed from the faucet body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion XI in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of the faucet device 1) First, the configuration of a water faucet device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. In the following description, directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right refer to the respective directions shown in each figure. The directions shown in each figure are the directions seen by a user standing in front of the water faucet device 1. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown or when no reference figure has a corresponding reference symbol, any of Figures 1 to 11 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called pedestal type single-lever mixer faucet that is installed on the top plate at the back side of the sink of a kitchen counter (not shown). The faucet device 1 has a function that allows hot water and cold water supplied from under the top plate of the kitchen counter to be mixed internally and then discharged.

[0020] Specifically, the faucet device 1 has a temperature control function that can adjust the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water supplied from under the top plate. The faucet device 1 also has a water discharge / stop switching function that can switch between discharging and stopping the mixed hot and cold water.

[0021] The above-mentioned adjustment of the hot and cold water mixing ratio and switching between water discharge and stop are all performed by operating a single lever handle 3 attached to the side of the faucet body 2. Specifically, when a user grasps the lever handle 3 and rotates it back and forth, a hot and cold water mixing cartridge 4 provided inside the faucet body 2 is operated to change the opening of each hot and cold water supply port (not shown). As a result, the hot and cold water mixing ratio mixed inside the faucet body 2 is adjusted to the set temperature according to the operating position of the lever handle 3.

[0022] In addition, when the user tilts the lever handle 3 to the right from any rotational operation position in the front-rear direction, the cartridge 4 is operated to gradually open the discharge port (not shown) from a closed state. As a result, hot and cold water is discharged from the water discharge pipe 10 connected to the upper part of the faucet body 2 in an amount according to the amount of rotational movement as the lever handle 3 is tilted to the right.

[0023] In addition, when the user pulls the lever handle 3, which has been tilted to the right, back to its original position, the outlet (not shown) of the cartridge 4 is closed and water is stopped from being discharged from the water discharge pipe 10. The basic configuration of the cartridge 4 for adjusting the hot and cold water mixing ratio and switching between water discharge and water stop is the same as the publicly known configuration disclosed in documents such as JP2020-46067A. Therefore, a description of the specific configuration of the cartridge 4 will be omitted.

[0024] The above-mentioned water discharge pipe 10 is in the shape of a pipe extending from the top of the faucet body 2 toward the front in a gooseneck shape. The base end of the water discharge pipe 10 is inserted from above into a connection port 2A formed on the top of the faucet body 2 so that water can pass through. In this embodiment, the water discharge pipe 10 is configured to be selectively applied according to the application from two types: a swivel type water discharge pipe 10A that is connected to the faucet body 2 so that it can swivel left and right, and a fixed type water discharge pipe 10B that is connected to the faucet body 2 so that it cannot swivel.

[0025] In this description, the term "water discharge pipe 10" refers collectively to the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A and the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B. Both of the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A and the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B of the water discharge pipe 10 described above are configured with a protrusion 13 that protrudes from the inside of the base end in the axial direction (downward in the figure).

[0026] The protrusion 13 is inserted into a recess 23 formed inside the faucet body 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the protrusion 13 is configured such that the one formed on the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A (first protrusion 13A) and the one formed on the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B (second protrusion 13B) have different protruding lengths. Note that when protrusion 13 is referred to in this description, it collectively refers to the first protrusion 13A formed on the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A and the second protrusion 13B formed on the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B.

[0027] The first protrusion 13A formed on the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A and the second protrusion 13B formed on the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B have the same cross section and are cylindrically shaped and protrude in the pipe axial direction (downward in the figure). However, the first protrusion 13A is configured to have a shorter protruding length than the second protrusion 13B.

[0028] As a result, when the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2, the first protrusion 13A is inserted in the pipe axial direction only up to the first recess 23A (see Fig. 3), which has a wider circumferential width of the recess 23 formed inside the faucet body 2 (see Figs. 4 to 6). On the other hand, when the fixed water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, the second protrusion 13B is inserted in the pipe axial direction only up to the second recess 23B (see Fig. 3), which is recessed further downward in the figure and has a narrower circumferential width (see Figs. 8 to 10).

[0029] As a result, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2, the water discharge pipe 10A can swivel in the circumferential direction (left and right) relative to the faucet body 2 within the range in which the first convex portion 13A is movable in the circumferential direction within the first concave portion 23A of the faucet body 2. Also, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, when the fixed water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, the second convex portion 13B is fitted into the second concave portion 23B of the faucet body 2 in a state in which it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction, and the water discharge pipe 10B is arranged in a state in which it cannot swivel relative to the faucet body 2.

[0030] 2, the above-mentioned swivel type water discharge pipe 10A and fixed type water discharge pipe 10B have different protruding lengths of the first convex portion 13A and the second convex portion 13B, but share a common basic configuration, such as a connection structure to each of the faucet main bodies 2. Meanwhile, the faucet main body 2 has the same configuration, regardless of whether the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A or the fixed type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to it.

[0031] This standardization makes it possible to rationally configure the faucet device 1, which can selectively switch between a swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A and a fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B. Strictly speaking, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2, a resin upper gap-reducing ring 70A and a resin lower gap-reducing ring 70B are used as gap-reducing members. Here, the upper gap-reducing ring 70A and the lower gap-reducing ring 70B each correspond to the "gap-reducing members" of the present invention.

[0032] The upper and lower clearance-eliminating rings 70A and 70B are arranged in a non-pressed state, so that they are not subjected to the tightening force of the fixing nut 40 that tightens the water discharge pipe 10A while it is connected to the faucet body 2 (see Figs. 6 and 7). When the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2, the resin upper clearance-eliminating ring 70A and the resin lower clearance-eliminating ring 70B, which are arranged in a non-pressed state, can appropriately suppress rattling of the water discharge pipe 10A while allowing the water discharge pipe 10A to rotate smoothly in the circumferential direction. Here, the fixing nut 40 corresponds to the "fastening member" of the present invention.

[0033] Also, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, when a fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, the same resin upper gap-eliminating ring 70A as above and a different metal lower gap-eliminating ring 70C are used as the gap-eliminating member. Here, the lower gap-eliminating ring 70C corresponds to the "gaps-eliminating member" of the present invention. The metal lower gap-eliminating ring 70C is thicker in the pipe axial direction than the resin lower gap-eliminating ring 70B shown in Figure 7 and other figures.

[0034] With the above configuration, the upper gap eliminating ring 70A and the lower gap eliminating ring 70C are configured to be provided in a pressed state under the tightening force of the fixing nut 40 that tightens the water discharge pipe 10B in a connected state to the faucet body 2 (see Figs. 10 and 11). As a result, when the fixed water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, the sliding friction resistance force exerted by the resin upper gap eliminating ring 70A and the metal lower gap eliminating ring 70C provided in the above pressed state makes it possible to appropriately suppress rattling in all directions, including the circumferential direction, of the water discharge pipe 10B.

[0035] In particular, the metallic lower backlash-reducing ring 70C is provided in a state in which it exerts high sliding friction resistance force due to pressing contact between metals on the metallic connection nipple 60 and the metallic main body component 20, as described later in Fig. 11. As a result, the water discharge pipe 10B can be provided in a state in which it is difficult for it to wobble with respect to the faucet main body 2 not only in the axial direction and radial direction, but also in the circumferential direction.

[0036] (Specific configuration of each part) Next, the specific configuration of each part of the faucet device 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the faucet device 1 has the above-mentioned water discharge pipe 10, a cylindrical main body part 20 that is incorporated inside the faucet body 2, and a cylindrical decorative cover 30 that is placed over the peripheral side of the main body part 20. The faucet device 1 also has a stepped cylindrical fixing nut 40 that is screwed onto the upper end of the main body part 20 from above in the figure, thereby fastening the base end of the water discharge pipe 10 to the faucet body 2.

[0037] The faucet device 1 also has a cylindrical decorative ring 50 with a top that is placed across the surrounding side and top of the fixing nut 40. The faucet device 1 also has a cylindrical connecting nipple 60 that is screwed onto the base end of the water outlet pipe 10 from below as shown in Figure 4. The above-mentioned water outlet pipe 10, main body part 20, fixing nut 40, and connecting nipple 60 are each made of a copper alloy such as bronze or brass. The decorative cover 30 and decorative ring 50 are each made of a resin material.

[0038] The faucet device 1 also has an upper gap-eliminating ring 70A made of resin in the shape of an open ring, which serves as an upper gap-eliminating member for the faucet body 2 of the water discharge pipe 10. The upper gap-eliminating ring 70A is a common part that is used both when a swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2 as shown in Fig. 4 and when a fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2 as shown in Fig. 8.

[0039] 4, the faucet device 1 has a resin open-ring shaped bottom clearance-reducing ring 70B that serves as a bottom clearance-reducing member when the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2. The faucet device 1 also has a metal open-ring shaped bottom clearance-reducing ring 70C that serves as a bottom clearance-reducing member when the fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, as shown in FIG.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the water discharge pipe 10 is configured with a water passage 11 formed inside the pipe, penetrating in the pipe axial direction. The water discharge pipe 10 is also configured with a connecting pipe section 12 formed at its base end, with the pipe wall thickened on the inside of the pipe and extending in the pipe axial direction (downward in the figure). Furthermore, the water discharge pipe 10 is configured with a protrusion 13 that protrudes in the pipe axial direction (downward in the figure) from the inside of the connecting pipe section 12.

[0041] The base end of the discharge pipe 10 is a round pipe shape with the pipe axis extending straight in the vertical direction in the figure. The connection pipe section 12 functions as a connection section that is connected to the faucet body 2. The connection pipe section 12 is configured to be firmly connected to the faucet body 2 due to its thick-walled configuration that has high structural strength.

[0042] An outer annular groove 12A that is recessed in a circular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe portion 12. An O-ring (not shown) is attached to the outer annular groove 12A as a waterproof seal material that is in close contact with a fitting tubular portion 62 of a connection nipple 60 (described later) that is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the outer annular groove 12A.

[0043] A flange 12B is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connection pipe portion 12, and projects in an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The upper surface of the flange 12B forms the bottom surface of the outer annular groove 12A. A male thread 12C is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connection pipe portion 12. The male thread 12C is formed in the region below the flange 12B.

[0044] The protrusion 13 is formed in a square rod shape protruding from the connecting pipe part 12 in the pipe axial direction (downward in the figure). The protrusion 13 is formed by further thickening the pipe wall of the connecting pipe part 12 on the inside of the pipe. The protrusion 13 is inserted into a recess 23 formed in the recessed top plate part 21 of the main body part 20 as the water discharge pipe 10 is inserted into the inside of the pipe of the main body part 20 from above in the figure.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the water discharge pipe 10 is a swivel type water discharge pipe 10A, the convex portion 13 is formed as a first convex portion 13A with a short protruding length, and is configured to be inserted only up to the first recess 23A of the recess 23. Meanwhile, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, when the water discharge pipe 10 is a fixed type water discharge pipe 10B, the convex portion 13 is formed as a second convex portion 13B with a long protruding length, and is configured to be inserted beyond the first recess 23A of the recess 23 up to the second recess 23B.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper end of the main body part 20 is formed to have a concave recessed top plate portion 21 that allows the connection pipe portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10 to be inserted from above in the figure into the inside of the pipe and set in a bottomed state inside. The main body part 20 is also configured to have a water passage 22 formed inside the pipe that penetrates in the height direction. The water passage 22 is formed in the main body part 20 along the pipe wall on the left side in the figure, extending straight in the height direction so as to penetrate the recessed top plate portion 21 as well.

[0047] The main body part 20 is also configured to have a recess 23 recessed in a cylindrical shape downward in the figure from a part of the recessed top plate part 21. The recess 23 is formed in a stepped shape having a first recess 23A recessed in a sector shape drawn around the central axis of the main body part 20, and a second recess 23B recessed further downward in the figure from a part of the sector shape of the first recess 23A.

[0048] The first recess 23A is formed in an area that is offset to the right of the water passage area on the left side of the drawing, through which the water passage 22 of the recessed top plate portion 21 penetrates. The second recess 23B is formed in a shape that is further recessed downward from the central portion in the circumferential direction of the sector shape of the first recess 23A.

[0049] More specifically, the second recess 23B is formed to extend straight in the pipe diameter direction (left-right direction in the figure) from the outer peripheral edge of the sector shape of the first recess 23A to the center of the sector shape. The second recess 23B is formed to communicate with the water passage 22 after passing through the center of the sector shape to the left in the figure.

[0050] 4 to 6, an outer annular groove 24 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body part 20. The outer annular groove 24 is fitted with an O-ring (not shown) as a waterproof seal material that is in close contact with the decorative cover 30 that covers the peripheral side surface of the main body part 20.

[0051] A connecting pipe portion 25 is formed at the upper end of the main body component 20, extending cylindrically upward in the figure along the periphery of the recessed top plate portion 21. A male thread 25A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting pipe portion 25. The connecting pipe portion 25 is cylindrical and concentric with the outer circumferential portion of the main body component 20, with an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the outer circumferential portion of the main body component 20.

[0052] The fixing nut 40 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape with the outer diameter of its outer periphery expanding in a stepped manner downward as shown in the figure. The cylindrical portion of the fixing nut 40 at its lower end as shown in the figure is a screw-fitting portion 41 with a female thread 41A formed on its inner periphery. The cylindrical portion of the fixing nut 40 at its upper end as shown in the figure is a support portion 42 that supports the connecting pipe portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10 in a manner that surrounds it from the outside in the pipe diameter direction.

[0053] A male thread 42A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 42. An inner protrusion 42B having a U-shaped cross section that protrudes in a circular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end side of the support portion 42 as shown in the figure. The groove inside the U-shape of the inner protrusion 42B is an inner annular groove 42C that is recessed in a circular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe. An O-ring (not shown) is attached to the inner annular groove 42C as a waterproof seal material that fits tightly between the inner annular groove 42C and the water discharge pipe 10 that is passed through the cylindrical interior of the fixing nut 40.

[0054] The fixing nut 40 is assembled to the main body component 20 by screwing the female threads 41A formed on the inner peripheral surface of the screw-in portion 41 into the male threads 25A of the main body component 20 from above in the figure. When the water discharge pipe 10 is a swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A, as shown in Figures 6 to 7, the fixing nut 40 is fastened to a position where the fastening seat surface 41B, which is an annular stepped surface projecting inward from the upper end of the female threads 41A, bottoms out against the tip (upper end) of the connecting pipe portion 25 of the main body component 20.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 10-11, when the water discharge pipe 10 is a fixed water discharge pipe 10B, the metal lower backlash eliminating ring 70C described below has a thick shape, so that the fastening seat surface 41B is fastened only up to a position where it does not bottom out against the tip (upper end) of the connecting pipe part 25 of the main body part 20. By this assembly, as shown in Figures 7 and 11, the fixing nut 40 is set in a state where the upper seat surface 42D forming the bottom surface of the inner protrusion 42B faces the recessed top plate part 21 of the main body part 20 in the height direction (pipe axis direction).

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the decorative ring 50 has a through hole 51 formed in the center of its top plate portion, which penetrates in the shape of a circular hole. The decorative ring 50 also has a female thread 52 formed on the inner peripheral surface of its cylindrical portion. The decorative ring 50 has a configuration in which the water discharge pipe 10 is passed through the through hole 51 in the pipe axial direction, and the female thread 52 is screwed into the male thread 42A of the fixing nut 40 from above in the figure. By this screwing, the decorative ring 50 is locked at a position where its top plate portion bottoms out on the top plate surface of the fixing nut 40, and is set in a state in which it is covered by the upper surface and surrounding side surfaces of the fixing nut 40.

[0057] 4 to 6, the connecting nipple 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical screw-type portion 61 that is screwed onto the connecting pipe portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10 from below in the figure. The connecting nipple 60 also has a fitting tube portion 62 that extends cylindrically upward in the figure along the cylindrical shape of the screw-type portion 61.

[0058] A female thread 61A is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the screw-fitting portion 61. An outer protrusion 61B having a U-shaped cross section that protrudes in a circular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw-fitting portion 61. A groove in the U-shape of the outer protrusion 61B is an outer annular groove 61C that is recessed in a circular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe. An O-ring (not shown) is attached to the outer annular groove 61C as a waterproof seal material that is in close contact with the connection pipe portion 25 of the main body component 20 that is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the outer annular groove 61C.

[0059] The connecting nipple 60 is assembled to the connecting pipe section 12 of the discharge pipe 10 by screwing the female threads 61A formed on the inner peripheral surface of the screw-in portion 61 into the male threads 12C formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe section 12 of the discharge pipe 10 from below as shown in the figure. Specifically, the connecting nipple 60 is tightened until the inner step surface between the screw-in portion 61 and the fitting tubular portion 62 bottoms out against the flange 12B of the discharge pipe 10 from below as shown in the figure. This sets the connecting nipple 60 in a shape such that the fitting tubular portion 62 blocks the outer annular groove 12A of the discharge pipe 10 from the outer periphery.

[0060] After the above assembly, the connecting nipple 60 is set in a state where it bottoms out on the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 via a resin bottom clearance-reducing ring 70B (see FIG. 7) or a metal bottom clearance-reducing ring 70C (FIG. 11) by inserting the connecting pipe portion 12 of the discharge pipe 10 into the inside of the pipe of the main body part 20 from above in the figure. Through the above assembly, the connecting nipple 60 is set in a state where its outer protrusion 61B is fitted into the connecting pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20 with a slight gap in the pipe diameter direction.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the upper gap-eliminating ring 70A is made of an open ring-shaped member with an inverted L-shaped cross section. The upper gap-eliminating ring 70A is configured so that the connection pipe part 12 of the water discharge pipe 10 is passed through the ring in the axial direction, and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the connection pipe part 12 in a gap-eliminating state.

[0062] Furthermore, when the connecting nipple 60 described later is connected to the connecting pipe section 12 of the discharge pipe 10 from below in the figure, the upper backlash eliminating ring 70A is set in a state in which the upper surface of the inner angle of the inverted L shape is supported from below in the figure by the tip (upper end) of the fitting tube section 62 of the connecting nipple 60. Furthermore, when the connecting pipe section 12 of the discharge pipe 10 is inserted into the inside of the main body part 20 from above in the figure, the fixing nut 40 described later is tightened to the main body part 20 from above in the figure, so that the outer periphery of the upper backlash eliminating ring 70A fits loosely into the inner periphery of the support section 42 of the fixing nut 40.

[0063] At the same time, the upper backlash-eliminating ring 70A is set in a state in which its top plate surface is gently abutted against the upper seat surface 42D of the support portion 42 of the fixing nut 40 from below in the figure. As a result, the upper backlash-eliminating ring 70A is set in a state in which it is gently sandwiched in the height direction (pipe axis direction) between the tip (upper end) of the fitting tubular portion 62 of the connection nipple 60 and the upper seat surface 42D of the support portion 42 of the fixing nut 40. Additionally, the upper backlash-eliminating ring 70A is set between the connecting pipe portion 12 of the discharge pipe 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 42 of the fixing nut 40 in a state in which the backlash in the pipe diameter direction is eliminated.

[0064] 4 to 6, the resin bottom clearance eliminating ring 70B, that is, the bottom clearance eliminating ring 70B used when the swivel type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet main body 2, is made of an open ring-shaped member with an L-shaped cross section. The bottom clearance eliminating ring 70B is set on the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 in a state where it is loosely fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe portion 25, which is the edge of the recessed top plate portion 21.

[0065] The lower backlash-reducing ring 70B is set in a state in which the bottom surface of the connection nipple 60 abuts against the upper surface of the inner angle of the L-shape when the connecting pipe section 12 of the water discharge pipe 10A is inserted into the inside of the pipe of the main body part 20 from above in the figure. This abutment restricts the downward movement of the water discharge pipe 10A relative to the main body part 20 in the figure by bottoming out.

[0066] Furthermore, with the above assembly, the outer periphery of the screw-engagement portion 61 of the connection nipple 60 fits loosely into the inner periphery of the inner angle of the L-shape of the lower backlash-eliminating ring 70B. This eliminates any play in the pipe diameter direction between the connection nipple 60 and the connection pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20 via the lower backlash-eliminating ring 70B. As a result, any play in the pipe diameter direction between the water discharge pipe 10A to which the connection nipple 60 is connected and the main body part 20 is eliminated.

[0067] After the above assembly, the female thread 41A of the fixing nut 40 is fastened to the male thread 25A of the main body part 20, so that the connection nipple 60 is set in a state in which it is gently sandwiched in the height direction (pipe axis direction) between the upper seating surface 42D of the fixing nut 40 and the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 via the upper clearance-reducing ring 70A and the lower clearance-reducing ring 70B. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the fixing nut 40 is fastened to a position where its fastening seating surface 41B bottoms out on the tip (upper end) of the connecting pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20.

[0068] However, even if the fixing nut 40 is tightened to the bottoming position, the height dimension secured between the upper seat surface 42D of the fixing nut 40 and the upper surface of the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 allows the upper clearance-reducing ring 70A, the connecting nipple 60, and the lower clearance-reducing ring 70B to be provided in a non-pressed state where they are not subjected to the tightening force of the fixing nut 40. Therefore, when the swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A is connected to the faucet body 2, the resin upper clearance-reducing ring 70A and the resin lower clearance-reducing ring 70B provided in a non-pressed state appropriately suppress the rattle of the water discharge pipe 10A relative to the main body part 20, while allowing the water discharge pipe 10A to rotate smoothly in the circumferential direction.

[0069] 8 to 10, the metal bottom clearance eliminating ring 70C, that is, the bottom clearance eliminating ring 70C used when a fixed type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet main body 2, is made of an open ring-shaped member with an L-shaped cross section. The bottom clearance eliminating ring 70C is set on the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 in a state where it is loosely fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the connecting pipe portion 25, which is the edge of the recessed top plate portion 21.

[0070] The lower backlash-reducing ring 70C is set in a state in which the bottom surface of the connection nipple 60 abuts against the upper surface of the inner angle of the L-shape when the connecting pipe section 12 of the water discharge pipe 10B is inserted into the inside of the pipe of the main body part 20 from above in the figure. This abutment restricts the downward movement of the water discharge pipe 10B in the figure relative to the main body part 20 by bottoming out.

[0071] Furthermore, with the above assembly, the outer periphery of the screw-engagement portion 61 of the connection nipple 60 fits loosely into the inner periphery of the inner angle of the L-shape of the lower backlash-eliminating ring 70C. This eliminates any play in the pipe diameter direction between the connection nipple 60 and the connection pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20 via the lower backlash-eliminating ring 70C. As a result, any play in the pipe diameter direction between the water discharge pipe 10B to which the connection nipple 60 is connected and the main body part 20 is eliminated.

[0072] After the above assembly, the female thread 41A of the fixing nut 40 is tightened onto the male thread 25A of the main body part 20, so that the connection nipple 60 is set in a state where it is tightly sandwiched in the height direction (pipe axis direction) between the upper seating surface 42D of the fixing nut 40 and the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20 via the upper clearance-reducing ring 70A and the lower clearance-reducing ring 70C. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 11, the tightening of the fixing nut 40 is restricted before the fastening seating surface 41B bottoms out on the tip (upper end) of the connecting pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20 due to tightening.

[0073] The reason is as follows. That is, the thickness of the L-shaped bottom plate of the lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C is greater than the thickness of the bottom plate of the resin lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C described above in Fig. 8. Therefore, the height positions of the connection nipple 60 provided on the lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C and the upper clearance-eliminating ring 70A provided on the connection nipple 60 are each raised higher than those described above in Fig. 8. As a result, the tightening of the fixing nut 40 is restricted before the fastening seat surface 41B bottoms out on the tip (upper end) of the connecting pipe portion 25 of the main body part 20 due to tightening.

[0074] Therefore, the upper clearance-eliminating ring 70A, the connection nipple 60, and the lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C, which are sandwiched between the upper seat surface 42D of the fixing nut 40 and the upper surface of the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body component 20, are each subjected to a compressive force in the height direction (pipe axis direction) associated with the tightening of the fixing nut 40. Therefore, when the fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B is connected to the faucet body 2, the sliding friction resistance force exerted by the upper clearance-eliminating ring 70A and the metallic lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C, which are provided in the above-mentioned pressed state, makes it possible to appropriately suppress rattling in each direction, including rotation in the pipe circumferential direction, of the water discharge pipe 10B.

[0075] (Procedure for assembling the water outlet pipe 10 to the faucet body 2) Next, a procedure for assembling the water spout pipe 10 to the faucet body 2 will be described. The procedure for assembling the water spout pipe 10 to the faucet body 2 is the same for the swivel type water spout pipe 10A and the fixed type water spout pipe 10B.

[0076] 4 and 8, the decorative ring 50, the fixing nut 40, and the upper backlash-reducing ring 70A are inserted from below into the connecting pipe portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10. Then, the connecting nipple 60 is connected to the connecting pipe portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10.

[0077] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, when connecting a swivel type discharge pipe 10A to the faucet body 2, a resin bottom clearance eliminating ring 70B is set from above on the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, when connecting a fixed type discharge pipe 10B to the faucet body 2, a metal bottom clearance eliminating ring 70C is set from above on the recessed top plate portion 21 of the main body part 20.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figures 5-6 and 9-10, the connecting tube portion 12 of the water discharge pipe 10 is inserted into the inside of the tube of the main body part 20 from above in the figures. As a result, as shown in Figures 5-6, if the water discharge pipe 10 is a swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A, the first convex portion 13A is inserted into the first concave portion 23A of the main body part 20. Also, as shown in Figures 9-10, if the water discharge pipe 10 is a fixed-type water discharge pipe 10B, the second convex portion 13B is inserted into the second concave portion 23B of the main body part 20.

[0079] Next, the fixing nut 40 is tightened to the main body component 20. Then, the decorative ring 50 is tightened to the fixing nut 40. As a result, when the water discharge pipe 10 is a swivel-type water discharge pipe 10A, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the water discharge pipe 10A is assembled to the main body component 20 in a state in which it can rotate smoothly in the pipe circumferential direction while being appropriately suppressed in the pipe axial direction and pipe radial direction via the resin upper gap-reducing ring 70A and the resin lower gap-reducing ring 70B.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, when the water-discharge pipe 10 is a fixed water-discharge pipe 10B, the water-discharge pipe 10B is assembled to the main body part 20 via a resin upper clearance-eliminating ring 70A and a metal lower clearance-eliminating ring 70C in a state in which clearance is appropriately reduced in all directions, including the pipe circumferential direction, the pipe axial direction, and the pipe radial direction.

[0081] To summarise the above, the water faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that in the following, the reference characters in parentheses correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0082] That is, the faucet device (1) has a faucet body (2) having a water passage (22), and a water discharge pipe (10) connected to a connection port (2A) of the faucet body (2) so as to allow water to pass through. The faucet device (1) further has a convex portion (13) that protrudes from the water discharge pipe (10) in the axial direction inside the water discharge pipe (10), and a concave portion (23) formed inside the faucet body (2) and through which the convex portion (13) is inserted. The concave portion (23) has a first concave portion (23A) that is wider in the circumferential direction than the convex portion (13), and a second concave portion (23B) that is recessed from the first concave portion (23A) in the insertion direction of the convex portion (13) and has a width in the circumferential direction narrower than that of the first concave portion (23A).

[0083] The convex portion (13) is composed of either a first convex portion (13A) or a second convex portion (13B). The first convex portion (13A) is inserted into the first recessed portion (23A) and allows the water discharge pipe (10) to rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the faucet body (2) within the range where it abuts against each end of the first recessed portion (23A) in the circumferential direction. The second convex portion (13B) is inserted into the second recessed portion (23B) and limits the circumferential rotation of the water discharge pipe (10) relative to the faucet body (2) to a narrow range where it abuts against each end of the second recessed portion (23B) in the circumferential direction. The water discharge pipe (10) selectively having the first convex portion (13A) or the second convex portion (13B) is connected to the connection port (2A) of the faucet body (2).

[0084] According to the above configuration, the swing range of the water discharge pipe (10) relative to the faucet body (2) can be selectively changed with a rational configuration that simply changes the length of the convex portion (13) of the water discharge pipe (10).

[0085] In addition, the second recess (23B) is shaped to fit the second protrusion (13B) in a state that prevents it from rotating in the circumferential direction of the pipe. With the above-described configuration, the water discharge pipe (10) can be selectively switched between a specification that allows it to swivel relative to the faucet body (2) and a specification that does not allow it to swivel, simply by changing the length of the protrusion (13) of the water discharge pipe (10).

[0086] The faucet device (1) further includes a clearance-eliminating member (70C) that is interposed between the discharge pipe (10) and the faucet body (2) and eliminates clearance in the axial direction and radial direction of the discharge pipe (10) relative to the faucet body (2). The clearance-eliminating member (70C) is in metal-to-metal contact with both the discharge pipe (10) and the faucet body (2), and is pressed between them in the axial direction by a fastening member (40) that is fastened to the faucet body (2).

[0087] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a high sliding friction resistance force is applied between the clearance-reducing member (70C) and the water discharge pipe (10) and between the water faucet body (2) and the water discharge pipe (10) due to the pressing contact between the metal parts. This makes it possible to prevent the water discharge pipe (10) from rattling relative to the water faucet body (2) not only in the pipe axial direction and pipe radial direction, but also in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0088] The faucet device (1) further includes clearance-eliminating members (70A, 70B) that are interposed between the discharge pipe (10) and the faucet body (2) and that eliminate clearance in the axial direction and radial direction of the discharge pipe (10) relative to the faucet body (2). The clearance-eliminating members (70A, 70B) are in contact with resin and metal on both the discharge pipe (10) and the faucet body (2) and are provided in a non-pressing state where they are not subjected to a pressing force in the axial direction due to fastening by a fastening member (40) that is fastened to the faucet body (2) to prevent the discharge pipe (10) from coming off.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the non-pressurized clearance-reducing members (70A, 70B) that are in contact between resin and metal are provided between the water discharge pipe (10) and the faucet body (2). This makes it possible to smoothly rotate the water discharge pipe (10) in the circumferential direction while preventing the water discharge pipe (10) from rattling relative to the faucet body (2) in the axial and radial directions.

[0090] In addition, the first protrusion (13A) and the second protrusion (13B) have a cylindrical protruding shape with the same cross section. According to the above configuration, the first protrusion (13A) and the second protrusion (13B) can have a common basic configuration with only the difference being their lengths.

[0091] Other embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

[0092] 1. The faucet device of the present invention can be applied to various faucet devices having a faucet body with a water passage and a water outlet pipe connected to the connection port of the faucet body so that water can flow through it. For example, the faucet device of the present invention may be a single faucet that only discharges cold water, in addition to a mixed faucet that discharges hot and cold water.

[0093] The faucet device of the present invention may be an automatic faucet that adjusts the water discharge volume and temperature automatically by detecting the presence of a hand using a sensor, rather than by operating a lever handle.The faucet device of the present invention may be a faucet device installed in a washstand or bathroom, as well as in a kitchen.The faucet device may be a pedestal type or a wall-mounted type.

[0094] 2. The discharge pipe may be connected to the top of the faucet body, or to the side or bottom of the faucet body. In other words, the discharge pipe may be connected to extend upward from the faucet body, or to extend sideways or downward.

[0095] 3. In the above embodiment, the convex portion of the water discharge pipe is selectively provided with a first convex portion and a second convex portion, so that the water discharge pipe can be selectively switched between a specification in which the water discharge pipe can be swiveled and a specification in which the water discharge pipe cannot be swiveled. However, the water discharge pipe may be selectively provided with a convex portion of the first convex portion and a second convex portion, so that the water discharge pipe can be selectively switched between a specification in which the water discharge pipe can be swiveled and a specification in which the water discharge pipe cannot be swiveled. In other words, both are configured to be swiveled.

[0096] 4. The first convex portion and the second convex portion may be configured to have different lengths and different cross sections, such as different widths in the pipe circumferential direction and pipe radial direction.

[0097] 5. In the above embodiment, a pair of upper and lower clearance-reducing members are provided between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body, and when the water discharge pipe is swivelable, both are made of resin, and when the water discharge pipe is non-swivelable, the upper clearance-reducing member may also be made of metal. Alternatively, even when the water discharge pipe is non-swivelable, both clearance-reducing members may be made of resin. Also, the clearance-reducing members may be provided only at one location, at the top and the bottom.

[0098] 6. The recess may be such that the second recess is provided at multiple locations around the first recess in the circumferential direction, and the second protrusion can be selectively fitted into the first recess. This makes it possible to select the position (orientation) at which the water discharge pipe is fixed so that it cannot be swung. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Faucet equipment 2 Faucet body 2A connection port 3 Lever Handle 4 Cartridge 10. Water outlet pipe 10A Outlet pipe 10B Water outlet pipe 11 Waterway 12 Connection pipe section 12A Outer annular groove 12B flange 12C male thread 13 Convex 13A First protrusion 13B Second protrusion 20 Main body parts 21 Recessed top plate 22 Waterway 23 Recess 23A First recess 23B Second recess 24 Outer annular groove 25 Connection pipe section 25A male thread 30 Makeup Cover 40 Fixing nut (fastening member) 41 Threaded joint 41A Female thread 41B Fastening seat 42 Bearing part 42A Male thread 42B Internal protrusion 42C Inner annular groove 42D Upper seat surface 50 Cosmetic Ring 51 Through hole 52 Female thread 60 Connection nipple 61 Threaded part 61A Female thread 61B External process 61C Outer annular groove 62 Fitting cylinder part 70A Upper gap reducing ring (gas reducing component) 70B Lower clearance reducing ring (reducing part) 70C Lower gap reducing ring (gas reducing part)

Claims

1. A faucet device having a faucet body having a water passage and a water discharge pipe connected to a connection port of the faucet body so as to allow water to flow therethrough, A protrusion protruding from the water discharge pipe in a pipe axial direction inside the water discharge pipe; A recess formed inside the faucet body and into which the protrusion is inserted, The recess includes a first recess having a width in the pipe circumferential direction wider than that of the protrusion, and a second recess recessed from the first recess in the insertion direction of the protrusion with a width in the pipe circumferential direction narrower than that of the first recess, The convex portion is either a first convex portion that is inserted into the first recess and allows the water discharge pipe to rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the faucet body within a range between the first recess and each end of the first recess in the circumferential direction, or a second convex portion that is inserted into the second recess and limits the circumferential rotation of the water discharge pipe relative to the faucet body to a narrow range between the second recess and each end of the second recess in the circumferential direction, A faucet device in which the water outlet pipe, which selectively has the first convex portion and the second convex portion, is connected to the connection port of the faucet body.

2. The water faucet device according to claim 1, A water faucet device in which the second recess is shaped to fit into the second protrusion in a state that prevents rotation in the circumferential direction of the pipe.

3. The water faucet device according to claim 2, The water discharge pipe is interposed between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body, and a clearance reducing member is provided to reduce clearance between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body in the pipe axis direction and the pipe diameter direction, A faucet device in which the gap-filling member is in metal-to-metal contact with both the water outlet pipe and the faucet body, and is pressed between the two in the pipe axis direction by a fastening member fastened to the faucet body.

4. The water faucet device according to claim 1, The water discharge pipe is interposed between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body, and a clearance reducing member is provided to reduce clearance between the water discharge pipe and the faucet body in the pipe axis direction and the pipe diameter direction, The faucet device is arranged in a non-pressurized state in which the gap-filling member is in resin-to-metal contact with both the outlet pipe and the faucet body, and is not subjected to any pressing force in the pipe axial direction due to tightening from a fastening member that is fastened to the faucet body to prevent the outlet pipe from coming loose.

5. A water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A water faucet device in which the first convex portion and the second convex portion are shaped to protrude in a cylindrical shape with the same cross section.

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