Cartridge for single lever mixer tap

Abstract

To provide a cartridge for a single lever type combination faucet which enables improvement of durability of a plate spring for providing click feeling to an operation of a lever handle.SOLUTION: A cartridge 10 changes a mixture ratio of hot water to water and the flow rate of the hot water and water discharged from a faucet body by rotational operation of a lever handle and has a click feeling providing part 20 which provides click feeling to rotation of a lever part 13 connected to the lever handle around a lateral shaft 13A relative to a movable part 12. The click feeling providing part 20 has: a plate spring 21 supported at both ends by the lever part 13 and having embossment protruding parts 21B at an intermediate part; and fixing protruding parts 23C provided at the movable part 12. The embossment protruding part 21B comes in contact with the fixing protruding part 23C by rotation of the lever part 13, then slides on the fixing protruding part 23C while pushed down in conjunction with deflection of the plate spring 21, and is restored at a position where the embossment protruding part 21B gets over the fixing protruding part 23C by a resilient force of the plate spring 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet that is connected to a lever handle and changes the mixing ratio and flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body by rotating the lever handle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a single lever faucet that can adjust the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged and switch between discharging and stopping the water by operating a lever handle. The base of the lever handle is connected to a cartridge provided inside the faucet body. The cartridge includes a cylindrical main body portion, a movable portion assembled to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the main body portion, and a lever portion that protrudes upward from the movable portion and is connected to the base of the lever handle.

[0003] The lever portion is connected to the movable portion so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the horizontal direction. When the lever handle of the cartridge is rotated left or right from the neutral position, the lever portion follows and rotates together with the movable portion. As a result, the opening degree of each supply port of the hot and cold water of the valve body provided between the movable portion and the main body portion is changed, and the mixing ratio of the hot and cold water is adjusted.

[0004] Further, when the lever handle of the cartridge is pulled up from the neutral position, the lever portion follows and rotates with respect to the movable portion. As a result, the discharge port of the valve body provided between the movable portion and the main body portion is opened, and an amount of hot and cold water corresponding to the operation amount of the lever handle is discharged.

[0005] In the above cartridge, in order to give a clicking feeling to the pulling-up operation of the lever handle, an uneven fitting structure that elastically fits and disengages between the lever part and the movable part along with the operation of the lever handle is provided. The uneven fitting structure is composed of a combination of a leaf spring bent in a shape having a convex part and a concave part capable of receiving the convex part. The leaf spring is attached to the movable part, and as the lever part rotates by the operation of the lever handle, the convex part elastically fits and disengages from the concave part formed in the lever part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the leaf spring is bent over the entire width direction of the plate, the convex part is formed in a shape protruding like a mountain. Therefore, stress concentration is likely to occur at the tip part of the mountain of the convex part, and there is room for improvement in the durability of the leaf spring. Thus, the present invention provides a cartridge for a single-lever type mixing faucet capable of improving the durability of a leaf spring for imparting a clicking feeling to the operation of a lever handle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention takes the following means. That is, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet is configured to be connected to a lever handle and change the mixing ratio and flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body by rotating the lever handle, and includes a cylindrical main body portion fixed to the faucet body, and a movable portion assembled to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the cylinder with respect to the main body portion. Further, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet is assembled to be rotatable via a horizontal axis extending in the cylinder diameter direction with respect to the movable portion, and includes a lever portion integrally connected to the base of the lever handle, and a click feeling imparting portion that imparts a click feeling associated with elastic engagement with respect to the rotation of the lever portion around the horizontal axis with respect to the movable portion.

[0009] The click feeling imparting portion includes a leaf spring having an embossed convex portion formed in the middle portion with both edges in the plate width direction left while being supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction on one of the lever portion and the movable portion, and a convex fixed convex portion provided on the other. The click feeling imparting portion is configured such that when the lever portion rotates, the embossed convex portion slides on the fixed convex portion while being pushed back with the bending of the leaf spring through contact with the fixed convex portion, and is restored by the elastic force of the leaf spring at a position where the fixed convex portion is overcome.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the embossed convex portion formed on the leaf spring has a high structural strength with a loop-shaped closed cross section of the protrusion compared to a configuration in which the leaf spring is formed by being bent over the entire area in the plate width direction. Thereby, when the embossed convex portion is pressed against the fixed convex portion by the rotation of the lever portion, the leaf spring is configured to bend the whole with the support portions at both ends as fulcrums without applying excessive stress concentration on the embossed convex portion. Therefore, the durability of the leaf spring against repeated use can be improved. Further, since the embossed convex portion itself is difficult to deform, the operation feeling can be appropriately controlled without reducing the click feeling of the lever handle by adjusting the hardness of the leaf spring.

[0011] Further, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured to include a rotation restricting portion that restricts the range of movement in the rotation direction of the movable portion of the lever portion between a first position where the embossed convex portion abuts against one side surface of the fixed convex portion in the rotation direction and a second position where the embossed convex portion abuts against the other side surface in the rotation direction.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the leaf spring having the embossed convex portion with high structural strength can switch the lever handle to ON / OFF (water discharge / water stop) etc. in two stages with good operating feeling.

[0013] Further, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The fixed convex portion has a mountain-shaped convex shape with each slope of one side surface and the other side surface being the slopes of the mountain.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to alleviate the sudden rise of the operating load due to the contact between the embossed convex portion and the fixed convex portion when rotating the lever portion from the first position or the second position. Therefore, the operating feeling of the lever handle can be further improved.

[0015] Further, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The fixed convex portion protrudes in the extending direction from the horizontal axis of the lever portion from the movable portion. The leaf spring projects from the lever portion to the periphery and faces the fixed convex portion in the extending direction. The embossed convex portion protrudes from the leaf spring in the direction opposite to the extending direction and rides on the top plate surface of the fixed convex portion and slides as the lever portion rotates. The top plate surface of the fixed convex portion is a curved surface curved in an arc shape centered on the horizontal axis.

[0016] According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the sliding resistance constant while the embossed convex portion of the leaf spring slides on the top plate surface of the fixed convex portion. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the operating feeling of the lever handle.

[0017] In addition, the cartridge for the single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The leaf spring has an overhanging shape that continuously includes a first overhanging portion that projects from the lever portion in the direction in which the horizontal axis extends, and each second overhanging portion that projects from the lever portion in each direction of the rotation direction of the lever portion. An embossed convex portion is formed on the first overhanging portion, and a support portion supported by the lever portion is formed on each second overhanging portion.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the support span between the embossed convex portion and each support portion can be increased without increasing the distance between the support portions of the leaf spring. Therefore, the deflection of the leaf spring can be more appropriately controlled, and the durability of the leaf spring against repeated use can be more appropriately improved.

[0019] In addition, the cartridge for the single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The cartridge for the single lever type mixing faucet further includes a cap that is provided with a first through hole through which the lever portion passes and is mounted around the entire circumference of the movable portion, and a fixing convex portion is formed on this cap. The leaf spring is provided with a second through hole through which the lever portion passes and is mounted around the entire circumference of the lever portion.

[0020] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to easily retrofit the click feeling imparting portion to an existing cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet that does not have such a configuration.

[0021] In addition, the cartridge for the single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be further configured as follows. The embossed convex portion has a shape that protrudes in a hemispherical or conical shape.

[0022] According to the above configuration, since the embossed convex portion has a tapered shape, it is possible to alleviate a sudden rise in the operating load due to the contact between the embossed convex portion and the fixing convex portion when rotating the lever portion. Therefore, the operating feeling of the lever handle can be further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of Cartridge 10 for Single Lever Type Mixing Faucet) First, the configuration of a cartridge 10 for a single lever type mixing faucet according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the cartridge 10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. 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.

[0026] The directions shown in the respective figures are the directions as seen from a user standing in front of the single lever faucet 1 to which the cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment is applied. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown, or when there is no reference numeral corresponding to the reference figure, any one of FIGS. 1 to 10 shall be referred to as appropriate.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to a so-called countertop type single lever faucet 1 installed on the top plate of a washbasin vanity (not shown). The single lever faucet 1 is configured as a hot and cold water mixing faucet capable of mixing hot water and cold water supplied from below the top plate (not shown) inside and discharging the mixture.

[0028] Specifically, the single lever faucet 1 has a temperature control function capable of adjusting the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water supplied from below the top plate inside. Further, the single lever faucet 1 has a discharge / stop switching function capable of switching the discharge / stop of the mixed hot and cold water.

[0029] All of the adjustment of the mixing ratio of the hot and cold water and the switching of the discharge / stop are performed by operating a single lever handle 3 attached to the head of the faucet body 2. Specifically, when the user picks up the operation portion 3A at the tip of the lever handle 3 and changes the rotational position left and right, the cartridge 10 for mixing hot and cold water provided inside the faucet body 2 is operated to change the opening degree of each supply port (not shown) of the hot and cold water. Thereby, the mixing ratio of the hot and cold water mixed inside the faucet body 2 is adjusted to the set temperature corresponding to the operation position of the lever handle 3.

[0030] Also, when the user operates the operation portion 3A of the lever handle 3 to pull it back from an arbitrary rotational operation position in the left-right direction, the cartridge 10 is operated to gradually open the opening degree of the discharge port (not shown) from the closed state. Thereby, along with the pulling-up operation of the lever handle 3, an amount of hot and cold water corresponding to the rotational movement amount is discharged from the discharge port 2A provided on the front surface of the faucet body 2.

[0031] The hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet 2A of the faucet body 2 flows out onto the water discharge plate 4 attached to the lower part thereof, and is gently sent forward along the water discharge plate 4. Further, when the user returns the lever handle 3 to the original height position by pulling it up, the water outlet (not shown) of the cartridge 10 is closed, and the water discharge from the water outlet 2A is stopped.

[0032] The lever handle 3 has a left-right rotation operation region for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water set as follows. That is, the lever handle 3 has a rotation operation region in which the operation portion 3A at the tip thereof is rotated to the right from the neutral position directly facing the front side (near side) where the user stands. At any operation position, it is a cold water setting region in which the opening degree is adjusted so that the mixing ratio of hot and cold water in the cartridge 10 becomes only water. Further, the lever handle 3 has a rotation operation region in which it is rotated to the left from the neutral position. As the rotation operation amount of the lever handle 3 increases, it is a hot water setting region in which the opening degree is adjusted so that the mixing ratio of hot water in the cartridge 10 increases.

[0033] Also, the lever handle 3 has an up-down rotation operation region for switching the water discharge / stop set as follows. That is, the lever handle 3 has an operation position where the tip of the operation portion 3A that curves and extends obliquely upward in front from the base portion 3B connected to the cartridge 10 in the faucet body 2 is substantially horizontal, which is set as the stop position at the lower limit of the rotation movable range.

[0034] Then, when the lever handle 3 is pulled up by about 20 degrees from the lower limit position toward the back side, it becomes the maximum water discharge position at the upper limit of the rotation movable range. The up-down rotation movable range of the lever handle 3 is limited within the above range by the rotation movable range of the lever portion 13 provided in the cartridge 10 in the faucet body 2 described later.

[0035] Specifically, the lever handle 3 is connected to the cartridge 10 as follows. That is, the base 3B of the lever handle 3 is passed through the cover through-hole 5A of the decorative cover 5 attached to the head of the faucet body 2 from above as shown in the figure, and is fitted into the lever portion 13 (plug rod) of the cartridge 10 provided inside the faucet body 2 and integrally fastened with screws.

[0036] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the lever handle 3 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the horizontal axis 13A, which is the rotation center axis with respect to the movable portion 12 of the lever portion 13, integrally with the lever portion 13 of the cartridge 10. Further, the lever handle 3 is configured to be rotatable in the left-right direction with respect to the main body portion 11 of the cartridge 10 that supports the movable portion 12 from the outer peripheral side integrally with the lever portion 13 and the movable portion 12.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the base 3B of the lever handle 3 is also passed through the circular plate-shaped decorative plate 6 provided in an overlapping manner on the upper part of the decorative cover 5 from above through the circular hole-shaped plate through-hole 6A formed in the center of the decorative plate 6. Thereby, due to the vertical rotation of the lever handle 3, the base 3B of the lever handle 3 can pull the decorative plate 6 and move it in the front-rear direction. With the setting of the decorative plate 6, even if the cover through-hole 5A of the decorative cover 5 is widely formed to allow the vertical movement of the lever handle 3, the gap between the cover through-hole 5A and the base 3B is less likely to be exposed to the outside.

[0038] Also, when the lever handle 3 switches the cartridge 10 from the water shut-off state to the water discharge state by its pulling-up operation, a click feeling (a sense of moderation) associated with elastic engagement is imparted at each of the water shut-off position before the pulling-up operation and the maximum water discharge position after the pulling-up operation by a click feeling imparting portion 20 provided on the cartridge 10. Similarly, when the lever handle 3 returns from the water discharge state after the pulling-up operation to the water shut-off state, a click feeling (a sense of moderation) associated with elastic engagement is imparted at each of the maximum water discharge position and the water shut-off position by the click feeling imparting portion 20 provided on the cartridge 10.

[0039] Thereby, the lever handle 3 is configured such that when the user applies an up-and-down force to the lever handle 3, the lever handle 3 can be switched between the water shut-off position and the maximum water discharge position with a good operating feeling having a sense of moderation. Hereinafter, the specific configuration of each part of the cartridge 10 including the click feeling imparting portion 20 will be described in detail.

[0040] (Cartridge 10) As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 10 has a cylindrical main body portion 11 extending in the vertical direction and a capped cylindrical movable portion 12 assembled to the upper portion of the main body portion 11 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. Further, the cartridge 10 has a square bar-shaped lever portion 13 assembled so as to be rotatable with respect to the movable portion 12 via a horizontal axis 13A extending in the left-right direction (cylinder diameter direction) in the drawing. Further, the cartridge 10 has a click feeling imparting portion 20 that imparts a click feeling associated with elastic engagement to the rotation of the lever portion 13 around the horizontal axis 13A with respect to the movable portion 12.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, the above cartridge 10 is incorporated inside the faucet body 2 in an assembled state where each of the above-described components is combined into one. In the cartridge 10, the main body portion 11 is fixed inside the faucet body 2, and when the lever handle 3 connected to the lever portion 13 is rotated in the left-right direction or the up-down direction, each component is moved so as to adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and switch between water discharge and water stop as described above.

[0042] Specifically, when the lever handle 3 of the cartridge 10 is rotated in the left-right direction, the lever portion 13 is integrally rotated in the left-right direction with respect to the main body portion 11 together with the movable portion 12 connected via the horizontal axis 13A. Thereby, a valve body (not shown) provided between the movable portion 12 and the main body portion 11 is moved so as to change the opening degree of each supply port of hot and cold water, and the mixing ratio of hot and cold water supplied into the cartridge 10 is adjusted.

[0043] Also, when the lever handle 3 of the cartridge 10 is rotated in the up-down direction, the lever portion 13 is rotated in the up-down direction around the horizontal axis 13A with respect to the movable portion 12. Thereby, a valve body (not shown) provided between the movable portion 12 and the main body portion 11 is moved so as to change the opening degree of the discharge port as the lever portion 13 rotates, and the discharge amount of hot and cold water discharged from the cartridge 10 is adjusted.

[0044] Note that the basic configuration related to the adjustment of the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the switching between water discharge and water stop of the above-described cartridge 10 is the same as the known configuration disclosed in documents such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-46067. Therefore, detailed descriptions related to these basic configurations will be omitted.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the movable part 12 is assembled to the upper part of the main body part 11 in such a manner that the cylinders are fitted to each other in a concentric position with the cylinders arranged inside and outside each other so as to be relatively rotatable. The horizontal axis 13A, which is the rotation center axis of the lever part 13 with respect to the movable part 12, is arranged at a position where its central axis crosses the central axis C of the cartridge 10, that is, on the central axis C of the cartridge 10 extending in the vertical direction through the central parts of the main body part 11 and the movable part 12.

[0046] The lower end part of the lever part 13 is passed through the lever through-hole 12A formed in the upper part of the movable part 12 into the inside of the movable part 12, and is connected to the movable part 12 by the above-described horizontal axis 13A so as to be rotatable. By the above connection, the lever part 13 can rotate between a water stop position (the first position P1 shown in FIG. 8) that extends straight upward from the horizontal axis 13A along the central axis C with respect to the movable part 12, and a maximum water discharge position (the second position P2 shown in FIG. 10) that is tilted about 20 degrees to the back side around the horizontal axis 13A.

[0047] The rotational movement of the lever part 13 around the horizontal axis 13A with respect to the movable part 12 is regulated at positions where the lever part 13 abuts against the end faces M on each side in the rotational direction inside the lever through-hole 12A of the movable part 12. Here, the end faces M on each side of the lever through-hole 12A that regulate the rotational movement of the lever part 13 correspond to the "rotation regulating part" of the present invention. Note that the rotation regulating part that regulates the rotational movement of the lever part 13 around the horizontal axis 13A with respect to the movable part 12 may be composed of other structures, such as a structure in which a valve body (not shown) that is moved inside the cartridge 10 as the lever part 13 rotates abuts against the inner wall of the movable part 12 to regulate it.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, fitting convex parts 13B that project in a horizontally long square bar shape are formed at intermediate positions in the vertical direction of the lever part 13, respectively, from the front side surface and the back side surface. These fitting convex parts 13B are formed in such a manner that flat surfaces parallel to these surfaces project in a stepped shape from the entire horizontal directions of the front side surface and the back side surface of the lever part 13.

[0049] (Click feeling imparting part 20) As shown in FIG. 3, the click feeling imparting portion 20 includes a ring plate-shaped leaf spring 21 passed through the lever portion 13, a ring plate-shaped support plate 22 provided in a superposed manner on the upper portion of the leaf spring 21, and a capped cylindrical cap 23 attached to the movable portion 12. The leaf spring 21 is made of metal, and the support plate 22 and the cap 23 are each made of resin. The leaf spring 21, the support plate 22, and the cap 23 constituting the click feeling imparting portion 20 are configured to be attachable in a retrofitted manner from an assembled state in which the respective components of the cartridge 10 other than these are combined.

[0050] The leaf spring 21 is a component that functions as an elastic member for imparting an elastic click feeling to the operation of the lever portion 13. The support plate 22 is a component that functions as a support member for attaching the leaf spring 21 to the lever portion 13 in a state of being supported at both ends. The cap 23 is attached to the movable portion 12 and functions as a mating member that engages with and disengages from the leaf spring 21 by the operation of the lever portion 13 to change the deflection of the leaf spring 21.

[0051] Next, the specific configurations of the respective parts of the click feeling imparting portion 20 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the leaf spring 21 has a flat ring plate shape with a rectangular hole-shaped second through hole 21A formed in its central portion, which can be passed through the lever portion 13 from above as shown in the figure. The second through hole 21A has a rectangular hole shape that gently matches the cross section of the portion where the fitting convex portion 13B of the lever portion 13 is formed.

[0052] The leaf spring 21 is set in a state of being passed through the lever portion 13 up to the position where the second through hole 21A fits into the fitting convex portion 13B (see FIG. 8). By the above assembly, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the leaf spring 21 has a pair of left and right first protruding portions A1 protruding from the left and right side surfaces of the lever portion 13 having a square bar shape, and a pair of front and rear second protruding portions A2 protruding from the front side surface and the back side surface of the lever portion 13, and is set in a continuous form.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, embossed convex portions 21B are formed by embossing in a hemispherical shape protruding downward in the drawing at intermediate portions of a pair of left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21. Each embossed convex portion 21B is formed in a shape protruding in an embossed manner downward in the drawing, leaving both edges in the plate width direction (cylinder diameter direction) at symmetric positions in the left and right directions of each first projecting portion A1. Thereby, each embossed convex portion 21B has a structure with high structural strength in which the cross section of the protrusion is a loop-shaped closed cross section as compared with that formed by bending over the entire area in the plate width direction of the leaf spring 21. The embossed convex portions 21B have symmetric shapes with respect to each other.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, fitting holes 21C for partially expanding the hole shape into a square hole shape on the front side and the back side are formed at respective locations on the front edge portion and the back edge portion of the square hole-shaped second through hole 21A formed in the central portion of the leaf spring 21. These fitting holes 21C function as holes for fitting and engaging corresponding fitting protrusions 22C formed on the support plate 22 from above in the drawing. Flat support portions 21D that are abutted and supported from above in the drawing by corresponding abutting portions 22D formed on the support plate 22 are formed on respective surface portions located on the outer peripheral side of each fitting hole 21C in the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of each second projecting portion A2 of the leaf spring 21.

[0055] The support plate 22 has a flat ring plate shape with a square hole-shaped third through hole 22A formed at its central portion, through which the lever portion 13 can pass from above in the drawing. The third through hole 22A has a square hole shape that gently matches the cross section of the general portion above the location where each fitting convex portion 13B of the lever portion 13 is formed. The support plate 22 is configured to be passed through the lever portion 13 together with the leaf spring 21 in a state of being set in a shape of being superposed on the above-described leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing (see FIG. 8).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the support plate 22 is configured such that small protrusions 22B that partially protrude slightly are formed at various circumferential locations on the inner circumferential surface of its third through-hole 22A. Further, fitting protrusions 22C that protrude in a horizontally long upright plate shape downward in the drawing are formed on the front and rear surface portions of the support plate 22 that sandwich the third through-hole 22A, at locations away from the third through-hole 22A. Also, flat contact portions 22D that are brought into surface contact with the respective support portions 21D of the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing are formed on the front and rear surface portions of the support plate 22 that are located on the outer peripheral side of each fitting protrusion 22C.

[0057] The support plate 22 is assembled so as to be superposed on the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing as follows, and together with the leaf spring 21, it is to be passed through the lever portion 13. First, each fitting protrusion 22C of the support plate 22 is fitted into the corresponding fitting hole 21C of the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing. Thereby, each fitting protrusion 22C of the support plate 22 completely enters into the corresponding fitting hole 21C of the leaf spring 21, and each contact portion 22D of the support plate 22 is set in a state of being in surface contact with the respective support portions 21D of the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing.

[0058] Also, by the above assembly, the support plate 22 is set with respect to the leaf spring 21 such that the third through-hole 22A and the second through-hole 21A formed at their respective central portions overlap in plan view. Next, the support plate 22 and the leaf spring 21 are inserted into the lever portion 13 from above in the drawing in the order of the second through-hole 21A and the third through-hole 22A. By the above insertion, as shown in FIG. 8, when the second through-hole 21A of the leaf spring 21 has been passed through to the fitting convex portion 13B of the lever portion 13, the front and rear surface portions of the support plate 22 facing the third through-hole 22A come into contact with the upper surface of each fitting convex portion 13B from above in the drawing, respectively.

[0059] At this time, as the third through-hole 22A of the support plate 22 is passed through the lever portion 13, each small protrusion 22B (see FIG. 5) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the third through-hole 22A is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the lever portion 13. Thereby, the support plate 22 is fitted to the lever portion 13 in a state where it is difficult to slide in each of the insertion direction and the removal direction due to the sliding frictional resistance force accompanying the pressing of each small protrusion 22B.

[0060] Further, when each small protrusion 22B is pressed against the lever portion 13, a repulsive force in the direction of expanding the hole shape of the third through-hole 22A toward the front side and the back side is applied to the support plate 22. Due to the above-mentioned repulsive force, the support plate 22 is pressed in the direction in which the fitting protrusions 22C are separated from each other, and each fitting protrusion 22C of the support plate 22 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of each fitting hole 21C of the leaf spring 21. Thereby, each fitting protrusion 22C of the support plate 22 is strongly fitted to the inner peripheral surface of each fitting hole 21C of the leaf spring 21, and the support plate 22 and the leaf spring 21 are coupled to each other in a form that is difficult to separate in the vertical direction.

[0061] Therefore, in that state, when the support plate 22 is inserted together with the leaf spring 21 to a position where it abuts on the fitting convex portion 13B of the lever portion 13, both the support plate 22 and the leaf spring 21 are assembled to the lever portion 13 in a state where it is difficult to move in both the insertion direction and the removal direction (see FIG. 8). By the above-mentioned assembly, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the support plate 22 is set in a state of supporting the corresponding support portions 21D of the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing at the two contact portions 22D on the front side and the back side thereof. Further, by the above-mentioned assembly, the support plate 22 is set in a state of being integral with the leaf spring 21 in the rotational direction with respect to the lever portion 13.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the support plate 22 has a ring plate shape generally matching the outer diameter of the leaf spring 21, but the left and right edges are cut in a shape to avoid overlapping with the outer peripheral edges of the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the support plate 22 has its left and right edges cut straight in the front-rear direction so as not to overlap with the outer peripheral side regions from the formation locations of the emboss convex portions 21B in the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21.

[0063] Thereby, when the leaf spring 21 deflects the left and right first projecting portions A1 upward in the drawing due to interference with the fixing convex portion 23C of the cap 23 described later from the free state shown in FIG. 8, the support plate 22 is less likely to interfere with each first projecting portion A1. That is, the leaf spring 21 is configured to deflect the left and right first projecting portions A1 upward in the drawing due to interference with the fixing convex portion 23C of the cap 23 described later. At that time, the leaf spring 21 deflects its left and right first projecting portions A1 in a shape that bends the left and right outer peripheral edges upward more greatly like the deflection form of a cantilever beam with the support portions 21D, which are the front and rear end portions, as the fulcrum.

[0064] Therefore, by cutting the left and right edges of the support plate 22, the deflection of the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21 can be appropriately released. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, in each portion of the support plate 22 that overlaps the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21 from above in the drawing, there are formed cutout portions 22E that are cut out in a shape such that the plate thickness decreases in an inclined manner upward in the drawing from the inner peripheral edge toward the outer peripheral edge on their lower surface portions.

[0065] As a result, the support plate 22 is configured to more appropriately relieve the upward deflection in the drawing of the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21. Specifically, each of the left and right side surfaces of the support plate 22 where the cutout portion 22E is formed is such that its plate thickness becomes thinner toward the outer peripheral edge. Thus, even if the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21 are applied from below in the drawing due to deflection, they can flexibly bend together with the left and right first projecting portions A1. Thereby, the support plate 22 is configured to more appropriately relieve the upward deflection in the drawing of the left and right first projecting portions A1 of the leaf spring 21.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the cap 23 has a toped cylindrical shape with a first through hole 23A in the shape of an angular hole formed at the center of its top plate, through which the lever portion 13 can pass from above in the drawing. The first through hole 23A has an angular hole shape that allows the cross section of the portion where the fitting convex portion 13B of the lever portion 13 is formed to pass in the insertion direction.

[0067] The cap 23 is set to cover the movable portion 12 completely as shown in FIG. 3 by being passed through the lever portion 13 from above in the drawing before the above-described leaf spring 21 and support plate 22 are passed through the lever portion 13. Specifically, the cap 23 is assembled in such a manner that its cylindrical portion completely covers the movable portion 12 from above in the drawing by passing its first through hole 23A through the lever portion 13 from above in the drawing. By the above assembly, the cap 23 is set in a state where its top plate abuts against the top plate of the movable portion 12.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, due to the above assembly, locking portions 23B that project downward in a plate shape from the left and right inner peripheral edges of the first through hole 23A of the cap 23 enter the lever through hole 12A of the movable portion 12 and abut against the left and right inner peripheral edges of the lever through hole 12A, respectively. Thereby, the cap 23 is set in a state where its rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted with respect to the movable portion 12.

[0069] At symmetrical positions on the left and right sides sandwiching the first through-hole 23A on the top plate of the cap 23, fixing convex portions 23C are formed that protrude in a mountain-shaped bulge upward in the illustrated upper direction. Each of the fixing convex portions 23C has a shape that is symmetrical about the left and right. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the fixing convex portions 23C is formed to protrude obliquely upward from a middle position in the front-rear direction on the top plate of the cap 23 toward the back side.

[0070] Specifically, in a side view shown in FIG. 8, each of the fixing convex portions 23C is configured such that a first curved surface C1 in the form of a convex curved surface that bulges obliquely upward in the front is formed at the upper corner of the slope on the front side of the mountain. Also, each of the fixing convex portions 23C is configured such that a second curved surface C2 in the form of a convex curved surface that bulges obliquely upward in the back is formed at the upper corner of the slope on the back side of the mountain. Here, the first curved surface C1 corresponds to the "one side surface" of the present invention, and the second curved surface C2 corresponds to the "other side surface" of the present invention.

[0071] In addition, each of the fixing convex portions 23C is configured such that a top plate surface C3 in the form of a convex curved surface that curves in an arc shape centered on the horizontal axis 13A is formed on the top surface of the mountain. The front edge and the back edge of the top plate surface C3 of each fixing convex portion 23C are formed to be smoothly connected to the first curved surface C1 and the second curved surface C2 without a step.

[0072] Each of the fixing convex portions 23C is configured such that in a state where the lever portion 13 is in the water-stopping position shown in FIG. 8, that is, in a state where the lever portion 13 is at the lower limit position (first position P1) of the rotation movable range, the back slope of each corresponding emboss convex portion 21B of the leaf spring 21 abuts on the first curved surface C1 from the front side. In this state, each emboss convex portion 21B of the leaf spring 21 is not pressed against the first curved surface C1 of the corresponding fixing convex portion 23C, and the leaf spring 21 is in a state of being hardly bent.

[0073] When the lever part 13 is tilted rearward about the horizontal axis 13A from the first position P1, each fixed convex part 23C causes the corresponding emboss convex parts 21B of the leaf spring 21 to ride up onto each top plate surface C3 while sliding along each first curved surface C1, as shown in FIG. 9. At this time, each emboss convex part 21B bends the first overhanging parts A1 of the leaf spring 21 upward with the support parts 21D at both ends as fulcrums, and rides up from the first curved surface C1 of each fixed convex part 23C onto the top plate surface C3.

[0074] Therefore, due to the elastic force generated by the bending of each first overhanging part A1 of the leaf spring 21 accompanying the riding up of each emboss convex part 21B, a resistance force associated with a sharp increase in sliding frictional force is applied to the movement of tilting the lever part 13 rearward. As a result, a click feeling is imparted to the pulling-up operation of the lever handle 3 (see FIG. 1) from the water-stop position.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, after each emboss convex part 21B rides up onto their top plate surfaces C3, each fixed convex part 23C slides each emboss convex part 21B rearward along each top plate surface C3 due to the rearward tilting of the lever part 13. Therefore, during this period, the amount of bending of the leaf spring 21 is kept constant, and a constant sliding frictional resistance force is continuously applied to the pulling-up operation of the lever handle 3.

[0076] When the lever part 13 is tilted to the maximum water discharge position shown in FIG. 10, that is, the upper limit position (second position P2) of the rotation movable range of the lever part 13, each fixed convex part 23C passes the corresponding emboss convex parts 21B of the leaf spring 21 to the rear side of each top plate surface C3. Thereby, each emboss convex part 21B falls onto the second curved surface C2 of each fixed convex part 23C along with the restoration deformation due to the elastic force of the leaf spring 21. And thereby, each emboss convex part 21B causes the slope on their front side to abut against the second curved surface C2 of each fixed convex part 23C from the rear side.

[0077] Therefore, due to the elastic return of the leaf spring 21 accompanying the depression of each embossed convex portion 21B, a sense of release is imparted in which the sliding frictional force is suddenly released with respect to the movement of tilting the lever portion 13 toward the back side. As a result, a clicking feeling is imparted to the operation of bringing the lever handle 3 (see FIG. 1) to the maximum water discharge position.

[0078] In addition, the above-described clicking feeling is also imparted at each of the maximum water discharge position (see FIG. 10) and the water stop position (FIG. 8) in the same manner as described above when returning the lever portion 13 from the maximum water discharge position (see FIG. 10) to the water stop position (FIG. 8). The behavior of the leaf spring 21 at that time is the same as the behavior when pulling up the lever handle 3.

[0079] Summarizing the above, the cartridge 10 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. In the following, the reference numerals in parentheses are the reference numerals corresponding to each configuration shown in the above embodiment.

[0080] That is, the single lever type mixing faucet cartridge (10) is configured to be connected to the lever handle (3) and change the mixing ratio and flow rate of the hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body (2) by the rotational operation of the lever handle (3), and has a cylindrical main body portion (11) fixed to the faucet body (2) and a movable portion (12) assembled so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the cylinder with respect to the main body portion (11).

[0081] Further, the single lever type mixing faucet cartridge (10) is assembled so as to be rotatable via a horizontal axis (13A) extending in the cylinder diameter direction with respect to the movable portion (12), and has a lever portion (13) integrally connected to the base portion (3B) of the lever handle (3), and a click feeling imparting portion (20) that imparts a click feeling accompanying elastic engagement to the rotation of the lever portion (13) around the horizontal axis (13A) with respect to the movable portion (12).

[0082] The click feeling imparting portion (20) includes a leaf spring (21) that is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction on the lever portion (13) and has an embossed convex portion (21B) that protrudes in an embossed shape with both edges in the plate width direction left at the intermediate portion, and a convex fixed convex portion (23C) provided on the movable portion (12). The click feeling imparting portion (20) is configured such that when the lever portion (13) rotates, the embossed convex portion (21B) slides on the fixed convex portion (23C) while being pushed back along with the deflection of the leaf spring (21) after contacting the fixed convex portion (23C), and is restored by the elastic force of the leaf spring (21) at a position where it has overcome the fixed convex portion (23C).

[0083] According to the above configuration, the embossed convex portion (21B) formed on the leaf spring (21) has a structure with high structural strength in which the cross section is loop-shaped and closed, compared to a structure in which the leaf spring (21) is formed by being bent over the entire area in the plate width direction. Thereby, when the embossed convex portion (21B) is pressed against the fixed convex portion (23C) by the rotation of the lever portion (13), the leaf spring (21) is configured to bend as a whole with the support portions (21D) at both ends as fulcrums without applying excessive stress concentration to the embossed convex portion (21B).

[0084] Therefore, the durability of the leaf spring (21) against repeated use can be improved. Also, since the embossed convex portion (21B) itself is difficult to deform, the operating feeling can be appropriately controlled by adjusting the hardness of the leaf spring (21) without reducing the click feeling of the lever handle (3).

[0085] Further, the cartridge (10) for a single lever type mixing faucet further includes a rotation restricting portion (M) that restricts the movable range in the rotation direction of the lever portion (13) with respect to the movable portion (12) between a first position (P1) where the embossed convex portion (21B) contacts the side surface (C1) on one side in the rotation direction of the fixed convex portion (23C) and a second position (P2) where it contacts the side surface (C2) on the other side in the rotation direction. According to the above configuration, the leaf spring (21) having the embossed convex portion (21B) with high structural strength enables the lever handle (3) to be switched in two stages, such as ON / OFF (water discharge / water stop), with a good operating feeling.

[0086] Further, the fixed convex portion (23C) has a mountain-shaped convex shape with the one side surface (C1) and the other side surface (C2) being the slopes of the mountain. According to the above configuration, when rotating the lever portion (13) from the first position (P1) or the second position (P2), the sudden rise of the operating load due to the contact between the embossed convex portion (21B) and the fixed convex portion (23C) can be alleviated. Therefore, the operating feeling of the lever handle (3) can be further improved.

[0087] Also, the fixed convex portion (23C) protrudes in the extending direction from the transverse axis (13A) of the lever portion (13) from the movable portion (12). The leaf spring (21) projects from the lever portion (13) to the periphery and faces the fixed convex portion (23C) in the extending direction. The embossed convex portion (21B) protrudes from the leaf spring (21) in the direction opposite to the extending direction and rides on and slides on the top plate surface (C3) of the fixed convex portion (23C) by the rotation of the lever portion (13). The top plate surface (C3) of the fixed convex portion (23C) is a curved surface curved in an arc shape centered on the transverse axis (13A).

[0088] According to the above configuration, the sliding resistance while the embossed convex portion (21B) of the leaf spring (21) slides on the top plate surface (C3) of the fixed convex portion (23C) can be made constant. Therefore, further improvement of the operating feeling of the lever handle (3) can be achieved.

[0089] Also, the leaf spring (21) has a wraparound shape having a first projecting portion (A1) that projects from the lever portion (13) in the extending direction of the transverse axis (13A) and second projecting portions (A2) that project from the lever portion (13) in each direction of the rotation direction of the lever portion (13) in one continuous piece. The embossed convex portion (21B) is formed on the first projecting portion (A1), and the support portion (21D) supported by the lever portion (13) is formed on each second projecting portion (A2).

[0090] According to the above configuration, without increasing the distance between the support portions (21D) of the leaf spring (21), the support span between the embossed convex portion (21B) and each support portion (21D) can be increased. Therefore, the deflection of the leaf spring (21) can be more appropriately controlled, and the durability of the leaf spring (21) against repeated use can be more appropriately improved.

[0091] Further, the cartridge (10) for a single lever type mixing faucet further includes a cap (23) that is provided with a first through hole (23A) passed through the lever portion (13) and is mounted around the entire circumference of the movable portion (12), and a fixing convex portion (23C) is formed on this cap (23). The leaf spring (21) is provided with a second through hole (21A) passed through the lever portion (13) and is mounted around the entire circumference of the lever portion (13). According to the above configuration, the click feeling imparting portion (20) can be easily retrofitted to an existing cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet that does not have this configuration.

[0092] Further, the embossed convex portion (21B) has a hemispherical protruding shape. According to the above configuration, since the embossed convex portion (21B) has a tapered shape, it is possible to relieve a sudden rise in the operating load due to the contact between the embossed convex portion (21B) and the fixing convex portion (23C) when rotating the lever portion (13). Therefore, the operating feeling of the lever handle (3) can be further improved.

[0093] 《Regarding Other Embodiments》 As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described using one embodiment, but the present invention can be implemented in various forms shown below in addition to the above embodiments.

[0094] 1. The cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet of the present invention may be applied to a single lever faucet installed on the kitchen countertop in addition to the washbasin vanity. Further, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet may be applied to a wall-mounted type single lever faucet installed on the bathroom wall.

[0095] In addition, the cartridge for a single lever type mixing faucet may be configured to be applied to a single lever faucet of a type in which the lever handle is horizontally attached to the side of the faucet body, and the lever portion extends horizontally. In that case, the rotation direction around the horizontal axis with respect to the movable portion of the lever portion is the rotation direction in which it is horizontally tilted or lifted. The lever portion may be formed not only in a square bar shape but also in a round bar shape or an irregular bar shape.

[0096] 2. The click feeling imparting portion may be configured such that a leaf spring having an embossed convex portion is provided on the movable portion and a fixed convex portion is provided on the lever portion. The leaf spring and the fixed convex portion may be arranged so as to face each other in the extending direction of the horizontal axis, and the leaf spring may be configured to bend horizontally rather than vertically by the contact between the embossed convex portion and the fixed convex portion. In that case, the leaf spring may be formed either in a vertically long shape or in a shape that is long in the rotation direction around the horizontal axis of the lever portion.

[0097] The leaf spring may be configured in a ring plate shape having a pair of embossed convex portions at symmetric positions on one of the lever portion and the movable portion, or may be formed in a non-circular shape such as a semi-ring having only one embossed convex portion. The click feeling imparting portion may be configured such that the fixed convex portions are provided at a plurality of positions in the rotation direction of the lever portion, and the embossed convex portion of the leaf spring overrides the fixed convex portions at a plurality of positions within the movable range of the lever portion to impart a click feeling at three or more positions in the rotation direction.

[0098] 3. The embossed convex portion of the leaf spring may be shaped to protrude not only in a hemispherical shape but also in a conical shape. The tip of the protruding embossed convex portion may be pointed, rounded, or may have a flat truncated shape.

[0099] 4. The fixing convex portion does not necessarily have to be formed in a mountain-shaped convex shape in which both the one-side surface and the other-side surface are convex curved surfaces, and may be formed in a mountain-shaped convex shape in which both the one-side surface and the other-side surface are straight inclined surfaces. Further, the fixing convex portion may be formed in a convex shape protruding in a square-bar shape such that the one-side surface and the other-side surface rise perpendicularly. Similarly, the embossing convex portion does not necessarily have to be formed in a tapered shape, and may be formed in a convex shape protruding in a square-bar shape. Even with such a configuration, by making the convex portion on the other side have a tapered shape, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the embossing convex portion rides onto the fixing convex portion via contact with the fixing convex portion as the lever portion rotates.

[0100] 5. The rotatable range of the lever portion with respect to the movable portion is set to a rotatable range that includes, in addition to the rotatable range while the embossing convex portion contacts both the one-side surface and the other-side surface in the rotation direction of the fixing convex portion, a non-contact position spaced apart in the rotation direction from the position where the embossing convex portion contacts the one-side surface and / or the other-side surface of the fixing convex portion. Further, when the rotatable range of the lever portion with respect to the movable portion is restricted between a first position where the embossing convex portion contacts the one-side surface in the rotation direction of the fixing convex portion and a second position where it contacts the other-side surface, the first position and / or the second position may be set to a position where the embossing convex portion rides onto the fixing convex portion and the elastic force due to the deflection of the leaf spring acts.

[0101] 6. The leaf spring may be configured to be attached so as to be supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction directly to the lever portion without passing through the support plate. The fixing convex portion may be formed not only in a cap detachably provided with respect to the movable portion, but also directly formed on the movable portion.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1 Single-lever faucet 2 Faucet body 2A Water outlet 3 Lever handle 3A Operating portion 3B Base 4 Water discharge plate 5 Makeup cover 5A Cover through-hole 6 Makeup plate 6A Plate through-hole 10 Cartridge 11 Body part 12 Movable part 12A Lever through-hole 13 Lever part 13A Horizontal axis 13B Fitting convex part 20 Click feeling imparting part 21 Leaf spring 21A Second through-hole 21B Emboss convex part 21C Fitting hole 21D Support part A1 First protruding part A2 Second protruding part 22 Support plate 22A Third through-hole 22B Small protrusion 22C Fitting protrusion 22D Contact part 22E Cutout part 23 Cap 23A First through-hole 23B Locking part 23C Fixed convex part C1 First curved surface (one side surface) C2 Second curved surface (the other side surface) C3 Top plate surface M End face (rotation restricting part) P1 First position P2 Second position C Central axis line

Claims

1. A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet that is connected to a lever handle and changes the mixture ratio and flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the faucet body by rotating the lever handle, A cylindrical main body portion fixed to the faucet main body; a movable part assembled to the main body so as to be rotatable in a cylindrical circumferential direction; a lever portion that is rotatably attached to the movable portion via a horizontal shaft that extends in a cylindrical radial direction and is integrally connected to a base portion of the lever handle; a click sensation imparting portion that imparts a click sensation associated with elastic engagement of the lever portion with respect to the movable portion when the lever portion rotates about the horizontal axis, the click feeling imparting portion has a leaf spring supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by one of the lever portion and the movable portion, and having an embossed protrusion formed in the middle portion, excluding both edges in the plate width direction, and a convex fixed protrusion provided on the other, wherein when the lever portion rotates, the embossed protrusion comes into contact with the fixed protrusion, slides over the fixed protrusion while being pushed aside with the deflection of the leaf spring, and returns to its original position by the elastic force of the leaf spring; the fixed protrusion protrudes from the movable portion in a direction in which the lever portion extends from the horizontal axis, the leaf spring protrudes from the lever portion to the periphery and faces the fixed protrusion in the extending direction, and the embossed protrusion protrudes from the leaf spring in a direction opposite to the extending direction and rides up and slides on a top surface of the fixed protrusion due to rotation of the lever portion, The top surface of the fixing protrusion is a curved surface curved like an arc drawn around the horizontal axis, a cap having a first through hole that is inserted into the lever portion and is attached to the movable portion in a manner surrounding the entire circumference thereof, the fixing protrusion being formed on the cap; A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet, in which the leaf spring is attached to the lever portion in a manner surrounding the entire circumference of the lever portion and has a second through hole that passes through the lever portion.

2. 2. A cartridge for a single-lever mixer tap according to claim 1, A cartridge for a single-lever mixer tap, further comprising a rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotational movement range of the lever portion relative to the movable portion between a first position where the embossed convex portion abuts against the side surface on one side of the fixed convex portion in the rotational direction, and a second position where the embossed convex portion abuts against the side surface on the other side of the rotational direction.

3. 3. A cartridge for a single-lever mixer tap according to claim 2, A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet, wherein the fixing convex portion has a mountain-like convex shape with the one side surface and the other side surface as respective slopes of a mountain.

4. A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet, wherein the leaf spring has a wraparound shape having a first protrusion portion that protrudes from the lever portion in the direction of extension of the horizontal axis, and each second protrusion portion that protrudes from the lever portion in each direction of the rotational direction of the lever portion, the embossed convex portion is formed on the first protrusion portion, and a support portion supported by the lever portion is formed on each of the second protrusion portions.

5. A cartridge for a single-lever mixer tap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A cartridge for a single-lever mixer faucet, wherein the embossed convex portion protrudes in a hemispherical or conical shape.

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