Faucet branch fittings

Abstract

To provide a branch metal fitting for a faucet, capable of improving constructibility, and position holding property after construction.SOLUTION: A branch metal fitting for a faucet includes: a branch pipe part 22 branched from a main pipe part forming a water channel; a pipe joint 3 fitted so as to superpose arrangement in the pipe axial direction on an opening end portion 22A of the branch pipe part 22; an escape groove A1 formed on an outer peripheral surface of a fitted pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3 so as to extend in the pipe circumferential direction; and a machine screw B fixed to a fixed pipe portion 22b of the branch pipe part 22 and projecting so as to enter into the escape groove A1. The escape groove A1 has a key groove A2 in a part in the pipe circumferential direction so as to extend in the pipe axial direction. Entering of the machine screw B into the key groove A2 with slide of the pipe joint 3 in the pipe axial direction with respect to the branch pipe part 22 restricts slide of the pipe joint 3 in the pipe circumferential direction with respect to the branch pipe part 22, and coming-off of the machine screw B from the key groove A2 permits slide of the pipe joint 3 in the pipe circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a branch fitting for a faucet, and more particularly to a branch fitting for a faucet having a main pipe portion forming a water passage and branch pipe portions branching off from the main pipe portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a branch fitting that divides a water passage into two. This branch fitting includes a main pipe section that leads hot and cold water to a water tap, and a branch pipe section that branches off from the main pipe section and leads hot and cold water to other plumbing fixtures (such as a dishwasher or water purifier). A pipe fitting that connects the branch pipe section to the other plumbing fixtures is connected to the branch pipe section so that it can rotate around the pipe axis. This allows the pipe fitting to be freely oriented to suit the conditions at the construction site during piping installation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-210963 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the pipe fitting is connected to the branch pipe section in a manner that allows it to freely rotate. Therefore, after installation, the pipe fitting may be subjected to an external force and rotate in an unintended direction, which may cause excessive tension or kinking in the connecting pipes that connect to other faucet fixtures. Therefore, the present invention provides a branch fitting for a faucet that can be installed more easily and has improved position retention performance after installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the branch fitting for a faucet of the present invention takes the following measures: That is, the first aspect of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet having a main pipe portion forming a water passage and branch pipe portions branching off from the main pipe portion, comprising a pipe fitting fitted to the open end of the branch pipe portion so that their arrangement in the pipe axis direction overlaps and that is supported by the branch pipe portion so as to be slidable in the pipe axis direction and the pipe circumferential direction, a relief groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner fitting pipe portion of the inner and outer double fitting pipe portions fitted together, the relief groove extending in the pipe circumferential direction, and a relief groove formed on the outer fitting pipe portion so as to extend in the pipe circumferential direction. a protruding pin that is fixed to the joint pipe section and protrudes so as to enter the escape groove, the escape groove having a key groove that extends in the pipe axis direction in part of the pipe circumferential direction, and as the pipe fitting slides in the pipe axis direction relative to the branch pipe section, the protruding pin enters the key groove, thereby restricting the pipe fitting's sliding in the pipe circumferential direction relative to the branch pipe section, and the protruding pin comes out of the key groove, allowing the pipe fitting to slide in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the pipe fitting can be locked or unlocked from rotation relative to the branch pipe section by simply moving the protruding pin in and out of the keyway with a simple operation of simply moving the pipe fitting in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe section. Therefore, for example, when connecting other connecting pipes to the pipe fitting, the pipe fitting can be rotated to a position that makes installation easier, and after installation, the pipe fitting can be locked and held in a fixed position, easily switching with a single touch. This improves the ease of installation of the piping and improves the position retention performance after installation.

[0007] A second invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet, in which, in the first invention described above, the escape groove is a groove with a U-shaped cross section that can restrict the movement of the protruding pin in both directions in the pipe axis direction within the range of the groove width.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, by utilizing the structure in which the protruding pin fits into the relief groove, it is possible to rationally configure a retaining structure for the branch pipe portion of the pipe joint.

[0009] The third invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to the first or second invention, wherein the key groove extends from the escape groove so that the protruding pin can enter when the pipe fitting is spaced apart from the branch pipe portion in the pipe axis direction.

[0010] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the direction in which the pipe fitting is moved away from the branch pipe section is the direction in which the pipe fitting is rotationally locked. This makes the direction in which the pipe fitting is rotationally locked the same as the direction in which the pipe fitting is subjected to a force caused by water pressure to move away from the branch pipe section. This prevents the pipe fitting from being unintentionally unlocked during use.

[0011] A fourth invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet, in any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the inner fitting pipe portion is constituted by the pipe fitting and the outer fitting pipe portion is constituted by the branch pipe portion.

[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a relief groove is formed in the pipe joint that constitutes the inner fitting pipe section. Therefore, even if the branch pipe section is made of a cast metal that is integrally molded with the main pipe section and is therefore difficult to machine using complex cutting processes, each component can be machined relatively easily.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the key grooves are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the pipe in the relief groove.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pipe joint can be selectively locked in rotation at a plurality of rotation positions, thereby further improving convenience.

[0015] The sixth invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet, in any one of the first to fifth inventions above, in which the combination of the protruding pin and the key groove into which the protruding pin fits is set at multiple locations around the pipe.

[0016] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the strength of the rotation lock of the pipe joint can be increased, and tilting of the pipe joint relative to the branch pipe portion can be suppressed.

[0017] The seventh invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet, in any of the first to sixth inventions above, further comprising elastic means provided between the branch pipe section and the pipe joint, which applies a spring force to urge the protruding pin into the key groove by aligning the positions of the protruding pin and the key groove in the circumferential direction of the pipe.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the pipe joint is rotated to a position where rotation is desired to be locked and then released, the rotation can be automatically locked by the elastic force. In addition, the elastic force of the elastic means can appropriately maintain the pipe joint in the rotation-locked state.

[0019] The eighth invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to the seventh invention, wherein the elastic means comprises a support member having a seat portion assembled so as to be fixedly positioned inside the outer fitting pipe portion and a shaft portion extending from the seat portion in the pipe axis direction toward the inside of the inner fitting pipe portion, and a compression coil spring passed through the shaft portion to apply a repulsive force in the pipe axis direction between the seat portion and the inner fitting pipe portion.

[0020] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the elastic means can be incorporated into the outer fitting pipe portion so as not to spoil the appearance of the branch fitting for a faucet.

[0021] The ninth invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to the eighth invention, wherein the shaft portion extends in the pipe axis direction to the inside of the inner fitting pipe portion, and an intermediate flow path is formed in the center of the shaft portion, penetrating in the pipe axis direction and forming a flow path between the outer fitting pipe portion and the inner fitting pipe portion.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the shank having an intermediate flow path complicates the flow path from the inside of the outer fitting pipe to the sealing surface between the outer fitting pipe and the inner fitting pipe, making it difficult for foreign matter to get into the sealing surface. Specifically, the flow path to the sealing surface is formed as a detour that passes through the intermediate flow path of the shank, wraps around between the shank and the inner fitting pipe, passes between them, and then further wraps around to between the inner fitting pipe and the outer fitting pipe.

[0023] The tenth invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the relief groove including the key groove is formed at a position that does not protrude from the outer mating pipe portion in the pipe axis direction throughout the entire range of movement of the pipe fitting in the pipe axis direction relative to the branch pipe portion.

[0024] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, even when the pipe fitting is moved in the pipe axis direction relative to the branch pipe section, the keyway and the relief groove are not exposed to the outside, which makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by foreign matter such as dust getting into the relief groove.

[0025] The eleventh invention of the present invention is a branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the branch fitting for a faucet is configured as a branch stop valve in which the pipe joint is unitized as a rotating elbow in the branch pipe section, and the main pipe section extends in the vertical direction inside a cabinet provided below a sink, and the branch pipe section extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0026] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, piping can be easily installed in a narrow space under a sink by freely changing the orientation of the pipe fitting to suit the conditions of the installation site without using tools. Furthermore, after installation, the pipe fitting can be kept in a state where it does not rotate even if it interferes with other pipes. Therefore, the connecting pipe connected to the pipe fitting can be appropriately fixed in position in the narrow space under the sink where interference with other pipes is likely to occur. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a branch fitting for a faucet according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe joint removed from the branch pipe portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front view corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the pipe joint is assembled to a branch pipe portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional front view corresponding to FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the initial state of the pipe joint. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional front view corresponding to FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state in which the pipe joint is pushed into the branch pipe portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of faucet branch fitting 1) First, the configuration of a water faucet branch fitting 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. 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 directions when viewing the water faucet branch fitting 1 according to this embodiment from the front. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown or when no reference figure has a corresponding symbol, reference will be made to any of Figures 1 to 8 as appropriate.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet branch fitting 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a branch stop valve that is installed in the space under a kitchen sink, i.e., inside a cabinet (not shown) installed below the sink. The faucet branch fitting 1 comprises a copper alloy fitting body 2 and a pipe joint 3 consisting of a copper alloy elbow that is connected to a branch pipe section 22 of the fitting body 2.

[0031] The faucet branch fitting 1 also includes a rotatable upper handle 4 for adjusting the flow rate of the main pipe 21 that forms the water passage of the fitting body 2, and a rotatable lower handle 5 for adjusting the flow rate of the branch pipe 22 of the fitting body 2. The faucet branch fitting 1 also includes elastic means 6 that applies a spring force in the axial direction between the pipe joint 3 and the handle 4 to lock the rotation of the pipe joint 3 relative to the branch pipe 22.

[0032] The faucet branch fitting 1 is configured as a unit in which the fitting body 2, pipe joint 3, upper handle 4, lower handle 5, and elastic means 6 are assembled into one and transported to the installation site. The faucet branch fitting 1 is installed so that a water supply pipe P1 extending from under the floor of the cabinet is connected to the open end 21A on the lower side of the fitting body 2 in the figure. In this way, the faucet branch fitting 1 is configured to receive hot or cold water (hereinafter referred to as hot and cold water) from the water supply pipe P1 on the lower side in the figure.

[0033] Furthermore, the faucet branch fitting 1 is installed so that a water supply faucet (not shown) is connected via a connecting pipe P2 to the upper open end 21B of the fitting body 2. As a result, the faucet branch fitting 1 is configured to allow hot and cold water supplied from the lower water supply pipe P1 to flow through the connecting pipe P2 to the water supply faucet (not shown).

[0034] Furthermore, the faucet branch fitting 1 is installed so that another faucet device (dishwasher or water purifier) ​​(not shown) is connected via another connecting pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3 connected to the branch pipe section 22. As a result, the faucet branch fitting 1 is configured to branch and flow hot and cold water supplied from the water supply pipe P1 on the lower side in the figure to the other faucet device (not shown) via the pipe fitting 3 and the other connecting pipe P3.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pipe fitting 3 is fitted into the open end 22A on the left side of the branch pipe section 22 from the left side in the figure and connected. After the fitting, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, corresponding screws B are tightened from the outside in the pipe diameter direction into screw holes B1 formed through the outer periphery of the branch pipe section 22 at two positions above and below. This allows the pipe fitting 3 to be assembled to the branch pipe section 22 via the screws B in a state where it is prevented from coming off. Here, each screw B corresponds to a "protruding pin" in the present invention.

[0036] Each screw B is tightened to a position where it enters the inside of an escape groove A1 formed on the outer periphery of the pipe joint 3. This allows the pipe joint 3 to be assembled to the branch pipe section 22 via each screw B in a state where it is prevented from falling off in the pipe axis direction. The escape groove A1 has a recessed U-shaped cross section that can restrict the movement of each screw B in both directions in the pipe axis direction within the range of the groove width.

[0037] On the other hand, the relief groove A1 is recessed in a ring shape extending in the circumferential direction of the pipe along the outer periphery of the pipe fitting 3. Therefore, even when the pipe fitting 3 is rotated around the pipe axis relative to the branch pipe section 22 with the screws B assembled therein, the relief groove A1 does not come into contact with the screws B in the circumferential direction of the pipe. For this reason, the pipe fitting 3 is allowed to rotate around the pipe axis (slide in the circumferential direction of the pipe) relative to the branch pipe section 22 even when the pipe fitting 3 is tightened so that the screws B fit inside the relief groove A1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the relief groove A1 is configured such that key grooves A2, recessed semicircularly toward the right in the figure, are formed at six positions around the circumference of the pipe so that each screw B can be received in the axial direction of the pipe. These key grooves A2 are formed in a row at equal intervals at six positions around the circumference of the pipe of the relief groove A1. When the worker rotates the pipe fitting 3 around the pipe axis relative to the branch pipe section 22, these key grooves A2 can be aligned or shifted so that the arrangement of two of the key grooves A2 and each screw B in the circumferential direction of the pipe matches.

[0039] By aligning the arrangement of the two key grooves A2 and the screws B in the circumferential direction of the pipe, the pipe fitting 3 is able to slide to the left in the figure relative to the branch pipe section 22. Therefore, by sliding the pipe fitting 3 to the left from this state, the screws B fit into the corresponding two key grooves A2, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. This fitting restricts the rotation of the pipe fitting 3 around the pipe axis (sliding in the circumferential direction of the pipe) relative to the branch pipe section 22 via the screws B.

[0040] 2 and 3, the pipe fitting 3 described above is configured so that elastic means 6 including a compression coil spring 62 is incorporated between the pipe fitting 3 and the branch pipe section 22. As a result, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the pipe fitting 3 is assembled to the branch pipe section 22, the elastic means 6 constantly applies a spring biasing force to the branch pipe section 22, pressing it to the left side in the figure.

[0041] Due to this spring biasing force, in the free state of the pipe fitting 3, each screw B fits into the right inner surface of the relief groove A1 in the figure, or into the corresponding key groove A2, and is pressed against and held against the right inner surface of each key groove A2 in the figure. With the above configuration, when the pipe fitting 3 rotates, the positions of the two key grooves A2 and the screws B are aligned, and the spring biasing force of the elastic means 6 pushes the pipe fitting 3 to the left in the figure. As a result, each screw B fits into the corresponding two key grooves A2, and rotation of the pipe fitting 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 is locked.

[0042] 8, when the pipe fitting 3 is pushed to the right in the figure by the operator against the spring force of the elastic means 6, the two key grooves A2 that were fitted into the screws B are disengaged from the screws B to the right in the figure. This causes the screws B to switch to a state in which they are inserted into the relief grooves A1. As a result, the rotation lock of the pipe fitting 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 is released, and the pipe fitting 3 can be freely rotated around the pipe axis relative to the branch pipe section 22.

[0043] After the rotational position of the pipe joint 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 has been adjusted to the desired position, the operator releases the force pushing it to the right in the figure, and the spring force of the elastic means 6 pushes it back to the left in the figure, thereby locking it in rotation (see Figure 7). Specifically, the pipe joint 3 is designed to be locked in rotation at each position at 60-degree intervals around the pipe circumference where each screw B fits into the corresponding key groove A2.

[0044] With the above configuration, the pipe fitting 3 can be locked in the desired adjusted orientation. In this way, the faucet branch fitting 1 is equipped with a spring-loaded locking mechanism that can automatically lock the rotation of the pipe fitting 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 using the biasing force of the spring, and can release the rotation lock by pushing the pipe fitting 3 against the biasing force of the spring. With this configuration, the faucet branch fitting 1 can be switched between locking and allowing rotation of the pipe fitting 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 by the simple operation of the worker simply pushing the pipe fitting 3 in and releasing the push-in without using any tools.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet branch fitting 1 is configured such that the pipe fitting 3 is pre-unitized with the branch pipe section 22 as described above, eliminating the need to connect the pipe fitting 3 to the branch pipe section 22 in the narrow space under the sink. Furthermore, by simply pushing the pipe fitting 3 to the right side in the figure toward the branch pipe section 22, the worker can switch the orientation of the pipe fitting 3, which is made of an elbow, to a state where it can be freely changed to suit the situation at the construction site. This makes it easy to connect another connecting pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3 in the narrow space under the sink.

[0046] Furthermore, after connecting the connection pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3, the pipe fitting 3 can be adjusted to a desired orientation and the pushing force can be released, thereby locking the orientation of the pipe fitting 3 relative to the branch pipe section 22 in the desired orientation. Therefore, the pipe fitting 3 can be fixed in an orientation suitable for the routing path of the connection pipe P3. As a result, after a series of piping installations, the pipe fitting 3 and the connection pipe P3 connected to the pipe fitting 3 can be kept in a state where they will not rotate even if they interfere with other pipes (not shown) routed in the narrow space under the sink.

[0047] (Configuration of each part) The specific configuration of each part of the faucet branch fitting 1 will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the fitting body 2 has a main pipe 21 in the shape of a circular pipe that forms a vertical water passage extending up and down in the figure, and a branch pipe 22 also in the shape of a circular pipe that branches off the water passage toward the left in the figure from midway along the path of the main pipe 21. The fitting body 2 is made of a casting in which the main pipe 21 and the branch pipe 22 are integrally molded by casting. The main pipe 21 forms a vertical water passage that extends in a straight line between an open end 21A on the lower side in the figure and an open end 21B on the upper side in the figure.

[0048] (Branch pipe section 22) The branch pipe section 22 forms a horizontal water passage branching off from the main pipe section 21 so as to extend perpendicularly to the left in the figure. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the branch pipe section 22 has a pipe section extending toward the open end 22A on the left side in the figure formed as a fitting pipe section 22B into which the pipe fitting 3 can be fitted. Here, the fitting pipe section 22B corresponds to the "outer fitting pipe section" of the present invention.

[0049] Two circular screw holes B1 are formed in the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 22B, one above the other as shown in the figure, penetrating the pipe in the radial direction. Each screw hole B1 has an internal thread cut into its inner periphery.

[0050] The inner periphery of the fitting pipe portion 22B is formed in a stepped shape in which the inner diameter gradually increases from the base end (the right end in the drawing) in the pipe axis direction toward the open end 22A. Specifically, the inner periphery of the fitting pipe portion 22B is shaped so that the expanded diameter portion B3, the reduced diameter portion B2, and the locking seat B4 are continuously aligned in the pipe axis direction from the open end 22A on the left side in the drawing toward the base end (the right end in the drawing).

[0051] The expanded diameter portion B3 forms the inner periphery of the pipe on the open end side facing the open end 22A on the left side in the figure of the fitting pipe portion 22B. The inner periphery of the expanded diameter portion B3 is formed as a smooth annular surface that is concentric with the pipe of the fitting pipe portion 22B. The reduced diameter portion B2 forms the inner periphery of the pipe upstream of the expanded diameter portion B3. The inner periphery of the reduced diameter portion B2 is formed as a concentric smooth annular surface that is one size smaller than the expanded diameter portion B3. The locking seat B4 is formed as an annular seat portion that forms a step between the reduced diameter portion B2 and the inner periphery of the further reduced diameter pipe upstream of it.

[0052] The fitting pipe portion 22B is set so that the elastic means 6 (described later) and the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3 are loosely fitted into the pipe, starting from the open end 22A on the left side in the figure (see Figures 4 and 5). With the above assembly, the fitting pipe portion 22B is set so that the seat portion 61A of the elastic means 6 (described later) is in contact with the locking seat B4 in the pipe axial direction from the left side in the figure over the entire circumferential area of ​​the pipe. Here, the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3 corresponds to the "inner fitting pipe portion" of the present invention.

[0053] The fitting pipe portion 22B is set so that the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3, which will be described later, is loosely fitted into its reduced diameter portion B2 in the pipe axial direction. As a result, the O-ring R attached to the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 31A is pressed tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the reduced diameter portion B2 over the entire circumferential direction of the pipe. The above-mentioned screw holes B1 are formed at two positions, one above the other in the figure, in the enlarged diameter portion B3 of the fitting pipe portion 22B, so that they are aligned vertically in a straight line toward the center of the pipe axis.

[0054] (Pipe fitting 3) 2 and 3, the pipe fitting 3 has a main pipe section 31 in the form of a stepped circular pipe extending straight in the left-right direction in the figure, and a connecting pipe section 32 in the form of a circular pipe connected to a connecting port 31B formed on the outer periphery of the main pipe section 31. The pipe fitting 3 is configured to be unitized as an elbow that forms an L-shaped piping joint by connecting the main pipe section 31 and the connecting pipe section 32.

[0055] Specifically, the pipe fitting 3 is integrally connected so that the internal pipes of the two pipes communicate with each other by screwing the connecting pipe section 32 from above into the connection port 31B that opens on the upper side of the figure in the figure of the main pipe section 31. With this connection, the pipe fitting 3 is assembled so that the open end on the right side of the figure of the main pipe section 31 and the open end on the upper side of the figure of the connecting pipe section 32 form an L-shaped pipe that communicates with each other. The main pipe section 31 has a closed-bottomed circular pipe shape with its left end on the left side of the figure closed.

[0056] The main body pipe 31 is formed as a fitting pipe 31A, with the circular pipe portion on the right end in the figure being one size smaller than the circular pipe portion on the left end in the figure, and having a concentric circular pipe shape. A recessed relief groove A1 extending annularly in the circumferential direction of the pipe is formed in the middle of the outer periphery of the fitting pipe 31A in the pipe axial direction. The relief groove A1 is a groove into which the aforementioned screws B are fastened so that they can fit inside. The aforementioned key grooves A2 are formed at six positions in the circumferential direction of the relief groove A1.

[0057] Furthermore, an annular groove A3 is formed in the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 31A, in an axially intermediate portion thereof, offset to the right of the region where the relief groove A1 is formed, and extending annularly in the pipe circumferential direction. A rubber O-ring R is fitted into this annular groove A3. As shown in FIG. 3, a base end portion A5 on the left side of the relief groove A1 on the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 31A in the figure is formed into a concentric, smooth annular surface having an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the expanded diameter portion B3 of the branch pipe portion 22.

[0058] 2 and 3, the fitting pipe 31A is inserted into the fitting pipe 22B of the branch pipe 22 from the open end 22A on the left side in the drawing in the pipe axis direction and fitted. Specifically, the fitting pipe 31A is set into the fitting pipe 22B of the branch pipe 22 by the following procedure. First, a shaft 61B of the elastic means 6 (described later) and a compression coil spring 62 passed through the shaft 61B are inserted into the fitting pipe 31A from the open end on the right side in the drawing, and the elastic means 6 is assembled to the fitting pipe 31A.

[0059] Next, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fitting pipe portion 31A to which the elastic means 6 is attached is inserted into the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22 together with the elastic means 6. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the seat portion 61A of the elastic means 6, which will be described later, is passed through the reduced diameter portion B2 of the branch pipe portion 22 and is set in a state in which it abuts against the locking seat B4 in the pipe axial direction from the left side in the figure over the entire circumferential area of ​​the pipe. The seat portion 61A of the elastic means 6 has a disk shape with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than but approximately the same as the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion B2. Therefore, by passing the seat portion 61A of the elastic means 6 through the reduced diameter portion B2, it is supported by being surrounded from the outside in the pipe radial direction by the reduced diameter portion B2 and is held in a position that is approximately the center of the pipe axis of the reduced diameter portion B2.

[0060] By the above assembly, the fitting pipe portion 31A is fitted to the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22 so that their pipes communicate with each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the fitting pipe portion 31A is fitted to communicate with the pipe of the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22 via an intermediate flow path B5 formed by penetrating the center of the shaft portion 61B of the elastic means 6. Then, by fitting the fitting pipe portion 31A into the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22, the O-ring R attached to the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 31A is set in a state of intimate contact with the inner circumferential surface of the reduced diameter portion B2 of the branch pipe portion 22 over the entire circumferential direction of the pipe. In addition, the base end portion A5 is set in a state of loosely fitting with the expanded diameter portion B3.

[0061] As a result, the fitting pipe 31A is fitted into the fitting pipe 22B of the branch pipe 22 so that their arrangements in the pipe axis direction overlap, and the O-ring R ensures a watertight connection, while the loose fitting of the base end A5 makes it difficult for the axis to tilt. As shown in Figure 8, the fitting pipe 31A can be inserted into the fitting pipe 22B of the branch pipe 22 up to a position where the step surface 31C of the main pipe 31, which protrudes like a flange from the base end (left end in the figure) of the base end A5, abuts against the open end 22A of the branch pipe 22.

[0062] By inserting the fitting pipe section 31A to the above position, the relief grooves A1 of the fitting pipe section 31A are aligned in the pipe axis direction with the screw holes B1 of the branch pipe section 22 and are opposed to the screw holes B1 in the pipe diameter direction. Therefore, by tightening the screws B into the screw holes B1 from this state, the screws B can be tightened to a position where they enter the relief grooves A1, and the fitting pipe section 31A of the pipe fitting 3 can be assembled to the fitting pipe section 22B of the branch pipe section 22 in a state where they are not slipped out.

[0063] 7, even when the assembled fitting pipe section 31A is pressed to the left by the spring force of the elastic means 6 so that the two keyways A2 corresponding to the screws B fit into each other, it is only moved to a position where the relief groove A1 is contained within the branch pipe section 22. Therefore, the relief groove A1 is not exposed to the outside, and foreign matter such as dust entering the relief groove A1 and causing malfunctions is prevented.

[0064] (Elastic means 6) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the elastic means 6 includes a support member 61 serving as a seat component, and a compression coil spring 62 attached to the support member 61. The support member 61 is integrally configured to include a disk-shaped seat portion 61A facing the tube axis direction and a shaft portion 61B extending cylindrically from the center of the seat portion 61A toward the left in the figure in the tube axis direction. A circular hole-shaped intermediate flow passage B5 is formed in the shaft portion 61B and the seat portion 61A, penetrating them in the tube axis direction through their centers. The compression coil spring 62 is passed through the outer periphery of the shaft portion 61B from the tip on the left side in the figure, and is set in a state where the end on the right side in the figure is in contact with the seat portion 61A.

[0065] The elastic means 6 is assembled into the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3 by the following procedure, and is inserted and set together with the fitting pipe portion 31A into the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22. That is, first, the compression coil spring 62 is passed through the shank 61B of the support member 61 from the tip side and set. Next, the shank 61B of the support member 61 and the compression coil spring 62 passed through the shank 61B are inserted into the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3 from the open end on the right side in the figure. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the shank 61B is loosely fitted into the inner fitting portion A4, which is a stepped inner peripheral portion formed at a position inserted into the fitting pipe portion 31A in the pipe axial direction and which is reduced in diameter.

[0066] The compression coil spring 62 is set so that the left end portion of the compression coil spring 62 threaded through the shaft portion 61B abuts against the right side end surface of the inner fitting portion A4 in the figure, thereby sandwiching the compression coil spring 62 between the right side end surface of the inner fitting portion A4 in the figure and the seat portion 61A of the support member 61 in the pipe axial direction.

[0067] Next, as shown in the same figure (Fig. 7), the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3, to which the elastic means 6 is assembled, is inserted into the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22. As a result, the seat portion 61A of the support member 61 is passed through the reduced diameter portion B2 of the branch pipe portion 22 and is set in a state in which it is in contact with the locking seat B4 in the pipe axial direction over the entire circumferential area of ​​the pipe from the left side in the figure. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3 is further pushed in until the stepped surface 31C abuts against the open end 22A of the branch pipe portion 22, and each screw B is tightened into each screw hole B1 and inserted into the relief groove A1.

[0068] As a result, the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3 is assembled to the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22 in a state where a spring biasing force is constantly applied to the left side in the figure via the elastic means 6. With this assembly, the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3 and the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22 are connected so that their pipe lines communicate internally via the intermediate flow path B5 of the support member 61. The intermediate flow path B5 runs from the center of the seat portion 61A of the support member 61, passes through the center of the shaft portion 61B, and opens into the pipe at the intermediate portion (inner fitting portion A4) in the pipe axial direction of the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3.

[0069] With this flow path structure, even if some foreign matter is mixed in with the hot and cold water flowing through the intermediate flow path B5, the faucet branch fitting 1 is configured so that this foreign matter is unlikely to reach the sealing surface of the O-ring R. Specifically, for example, suppose that hot and cold water flowing through the intermediate flow path B5 passes through the narrow fitting gap between the inner fitting portion A4 of the pipe fitting 3 and the shaft portion 61B and flows out to the right side of the figure toward the installation space for the compression coil spring 62.

[0070] In this case, the hot water further follows a path that flows outward in the pipe diameter direction through the gap between the right end of the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3 and the seat portion 61A of the support member 61. The flowing hot water then follows a path that flows outward in the pipe diameter direction through the narrow fitting gap between the outer periphery of the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe fitting 3 and the inner periphery of the fitting pipe portion 22B of the branch pipe portion 22, flowing out toward the left side in the figure toward the sealing surface of the O-ring R. In this way, the flow path from the intermediate flow path B5 to the sealing surface of the O-ring R has a complex detour structure that turns back twice in the pipe axial direction, thereby appropriately preventing foreign matter from getting into the sealing surface of the O-ring R.

[0071] In the above explanation, the elastic means 6 is first assembled into the pipe of the fitting pipe portion 31A of the pipe joint 3, and then these are assembled together into the pipe of the branch pipe portion 22, but these may also be assembled individually into the pipe of the branch pipe portion 22.

[0072] (How to use the faucet branch fitting 1) Next, we will explain the piping installation method for the faucet branch fitting 1. As shown in Figure 1, the faucet branch fitting 1 is transported to the installation site in a unitized state, with each component pre-assembled as described above. At this time, the pipe fitting 3 is assumed to be pre-locked in an arbitrary rotational position. However, the pipe fitting 3 may also be transported to the installation site in a rotational position where it is not locked.

[0073] Next, at the construction site, the water supply pipe P1 is connected to the lower open end 21A of the faucet branch fitting 1. After that, the connection pipe P2 is connected to the upper open end 21B, and the connection pipe P3 is connected to the pipe fitting 3 connected to the branch pipe section 22. At this time, the worker can freely change the orientation of the pipe fitting 3, which is made of an elbow, to suit the situation at the construction site by pushing the pipe fitting 3 to the right side in the illustration and then rotating it in the desired direction. This simplifies the work of connecting the connection pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3.

[0074] After connecting the connection pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3, the orientation of the pipe fitting 3 is adjusted to suit the routing of the connection pipe P3, and the pushing force applied to the pipe fitting 3 is released. This locks the rotation of the pipe fitting 3, allowing the pipe fitting 3 to be fixed in an orientation suitable for the routing of the connection pipe P3. The faucet branch fitting 1 may be configured to be installed in either a cold water supply path or a hot water supply path. The faucet branch fitting 1 may also be configured to be installed so that the branch pipe section 22 extends to the right, rear, or front from the main pipe section 21, depending on the conditions at the installation site.

[0075] To summarize the above, the faucet branch fitting 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0076] That is, the faucet branch fitting (1) has a main pipe (21) that forms a water passage and a branch pipe (22) that branches off from the main pipe (21). The faucet branch fitting (1) has a pipe joint (3), an escape groove (A1), and a protruding pin (B). The pipe joint (3) is fitted into the open end (22A) of the branch pipe (22) so that their axial arrangements overlap, and is supported by the branch pipe (22) so that it can slide in the axial and circumferential directions. The escape groove (A1) is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the inner fitting pipe (31A) of the double inner and outer fitting pipes (31A, 22B) that are fitted between the pipe joint (3) and the branch pipe (22) so as to extend in the circumferential direction.

[0077] The protruding pin (B) is fixed to the outer mating pipe portion (22B) and protrudes so as to enter the relief groove (A1). The relief groove (A1) has a key groove (A2) that extends in the pipe axial direction in part of the pipe circumferential direction. As the pipe fitting (3) slides in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe portion (22), the protruding pin (B) enters the key groove (A2), restricting the pipe fitting (3) from sliding in the pipe circumferential direction relative to the branch pipe portion (22). However, as the protruding pin (B) comes out of the key groove (A2), the pipe fitting (3) is allowed to slide in the pipe circumferential direction.

[0078] According to the above configuration, the pipe fitting 3 can be locked or unlocked from rotation relative to the branch pipe section 22 by simply moving the protruding pin B in and out of the key groove A2 by simply moving the pipe fitting 3 in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe section 22. Therefore, for example, when connecting another connecting pipe P3 to the pipe fitting 3, the pipe fitting 3 can be rotated to a position that makes installation easier, and after installation, the pipe fitting 3 can be locked and held in place with a simple one-touch switch. This improves the ease of piping installation and improves the position retention performance after installation.

[0079] In addition, the relief groove A1 has a U-shaped cross section that can restrict movement of the protruding pin B in both directions along the pipe axis within the range of the groove width. According to the above configuration, by utilizing the structure in which the protruding pin B enters the relief groove A1, it is possible to rationally configure a retaining structure for the branch pipe portion 22 of the pipe joint 3.

[0080] Furthermore, the keyway A2 extends from the relief groove A1 so that the protruding pin B can enter when the pipe fitting 3 is moved away from the branch pipe portion 22 in the pipe axial direction. According to the above configuration, the direction in which the pipe fitting 3 is moved away from the branch pipe portion 22 is the direction in which the pipe fitting 3 is rotationally locked. This makes the direction in which the pipe fitting 3 is rotationally locked the same as the direction in which the pipe fitting 3 receives a force due to water pressure that pulls it away from the branch pipe portion 22. This prevents the pipe fitting 3 from being unintentionally unlocked during use.

[0081] Furthermore, the inner fitting pipe portion 31A is formed by the pipe joint 3, and the outer fitting pipe portion 22B is formed by the branch pipe portion 22. With this configuration, the relief groove A1 is formed in the pipe joint 3 constituting the inner fitting pipe portion 31A. Therefore, even if the branch pipe portion 22 is formed of a casting integrally molded with the main pipe portion 21, which is difficult to perform complex cutting work on, each component can be machined relatively easily.

[0082] In addition, key grooves A2 are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the pipe of the relief groove A1. According to the above configuration, the pipe joint 3 can be selectively locked at a plurality of rotational positions, thereby further improving convenience.

[0083] In addition, combinations of the protruding pins (B) and the key grooves (A2) into which the protruding pins (B) fit are set at multiple locations around the pipe. This configuration increases the strength of the rotation lock of the pipe joint (3). It also reduces tilting of the pipe joint (3) relative to the branch pipe section (22).

[0084] The faucet branch fitting (1) further includes elastic means (6) disposed between the branch pipe section (22) and the pipe joint (3). The elastic means (6) exerts a resilient force that urges the protruding pin (B) into the key groove (A2) by aligning the protruding pin (B) with the key groove (A2) in the circumferential direction of the pipe. With the above configuration, the pipe joint (3) can be automatically locked by rotating it to the desired rotation-lock position and then releasing the hand. Furthermore, the resilient force of the elastic means (6) can appropriately maintain the pipe joint (3) in the rotation-locked state.

[0085] The elastic means 6 is comprised of a support member 61 having a seat 61A assembled so as to be fixedly positioned inside the outer fitting pipe 22B and a shaft 61B extending in the pipe axis direction from the seat 61A toward the inside of the inner fitting pipe 31A, and a compression coil spring 62 passed through the shaft 61B to apply a repulsive force in the pipe axis direction between the seat 61A and the inner fitting pipe 31A. This configuration allows the elastic means 6 to be incorporated into the outer fitting pipe 22B without disrupting the appearance of the faucet branch fitting 1.

[0086] Moreover, the shaft portion 61B extends in the pipe axis direction to the inside of the inner fitting pipe portion 31A, and an intermediate flow path B5 is formed in the center of the shaft portion 61B, penetrating in the pipe axis direction and forming a flow path between the outer fitting pipe portion 22B and the inner fitting pipe portion 31A. According to the above configuration, the shaft portion 61B including the intermediate flow path B5 complicates the flow path from the inside of the outer fitting pipe portion 22B to the sealing surface between the outer fitting pipe portion 22B and the inner fitting pipe portion 31A, making it difficult for foreign matter to get into the sealing surface.

[0087] Specifically, the flow path to the sealing surface is formed as a detour that passes through the intermediate flow path (B5) of the shaft portion (61B), then wraps around between the shaft portion (61B) and the inner fitting pipe portion (31A), passes between these, and then wraps around further between the inner fitting pipe portion (31A) and the outer fitting pipe portion (22B).

[0088] Furthermore, the relief groove A1 including the keyway A2 is formed at a position that does not protrude from the outer fitting pipe portion 22B in the pipe axis direction throughout the entire range of movement of the pipe fitting 3 in the pipe axis direction relative to the branch pipe portion 22. With this configuration, the keyway A2 and the relief groove A1 are not exposed to the outside even when the pipe fitting 3 is moved in the pipe axis direction relative to the branch pipe portion 22. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by foreign matter such as dust entering the relief groove A1.

[0089] In addition, the branch fitting (1) for the faucet is configured as a branch stop valve in which the pipe joint (3) is unitized as a rotating elbow on the branch pipe section (22), and the main pipe section (21) extends in the vertical direction inside a cabinet provided below the sink, and the branch pipe section (22) extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the pipe fitting (3) can be freely adjusted to suit the conditions of the installation site without using tools, making it easy to install the pipes in the narrow space under the sink. Furthermore, after installation, the pipe fitting (3) can be held in a state where it will not rotate even if it interferes with other pipes. Therefore, the connecting pipe (P3) connected to the pipe fitting (3) can be appropriately fixed in position in the narrow space under the sink where interference with other pipes is likely to occur.

[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 branch fitting of the present invention may be installed in the space under a kitchen sink, the space under a vanity, the bathroom, or other spaces. The faucet branch fitting may be a so-called straight-type branch stop valve that connects to piping coming from under the floor, or a so-called angle-type branch stop valve that connects to piping coming from the wall and changes direction to supply water. The faucet branch fitting may also be configured as a simple branch pipe without a water-stop function.

[0093] 2. The pipe joint may be an elbow, a socket that connects the branch pipe section to other connecting pipes in a straight line, or a T-shaped pipe that further branches a flow path branched from the branch pipe section.

[0094] 3. The pipe fitting and the branch pipe portion may be configured so that the outer fitting pipe portion of the inner and outer double fitting pipe portions that are fitted together is configured as the pipe fitting, and the inner fitting pipe portion is configured as the branch pipe portion. In this case, an escape groove is formed in the branch pipe portion, which is the inner fitting pipe portion, and a protruding pin is fixed to the pipe fitting, which is the outer fitting pipe portion, and is provided so as to protrude into the escape groove.

[0095] 4. The relief groove may be shaped to extend in the circumferential direction of the pipe so as to allow rotational movement of the pipe joint, and may extend in an annular (endless) shape in the circumferential direction of the pipe, or may extend in an arc shape (with ends) only in a portion of the circumferential direction of the pipe. The key grooves are formed to correspond to the rotation lock positions of the pipe joint, and by increasing the number of key grooves, it is possible to lock the pipe joint at multiple rotation positions.

[0096] Therefore, the number of keyways may be limited to one circumferential position for one protruding pin that fits into the keyway, or multiple keyways may be formed in the circumferential direction of the pipe. When multiple keyways are formed in the circumferential direction for one protruding pin, the pitch of the arrangement does not need to be constant, as long as they are formed at positions corresponding to the rotation lock positions of the pipe joint. The keyways may also be formed in a continuous arrangement in the circumferential direction of the pipe, like a so-called spline groove. The keyway may be configured so that the protruding pin extends from the relief groove so that it can enter the relief groove when the pipe joint is pushed into the branch pipe section and moved in the axial direction of the pipe.

[0097] The protruding pin that enters the keyway may be a screw that is tightened and fixed to the outer fitting pipe portion, or a press-fit pin that is press-fitted and fixed to the outer fitting pipe portion. The protruding pin may also be a plunger that is embedded in the outer fitting pipe portion and uses spring force to insert a ball or pin at its tip into the escape groove. The protruding pin may be provided at only one location around the circumference of the pipe, or at multiple locations around the pipe. When multiple protruding pins are provided around the pipe, the arrangement pitch does not need to be constant, and there are no particular limitations on their arrangement around the pipe.

[0098] 5. In the above embodiment, the relief groove is a U-shaped groove in cross section that can restrict bidirectional movement of the ejector pin in the pipe axial direction within the range of the groove width, and is configured to also prevent the pipe fitting from coming off in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe portion. However, the relief groove may be an L-shaped groove with one axial end open, and may not prevent the pipe fitting from coming off in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe portion. In other words, the pipe fitting may be prevented from coming off in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe portion by a different portion.

[0099] 6. The branch fitting for a faucet may not have an elastic means, i.e., an elastic means provided between the branch pipe section and the pipe joint that applies a spring biasing force to insert the protruding pin into the key groove. For example, instead of an elastic means, a structure may be used in which the branch pipe section and the pipe joint are held in a position where the protruding pin is inserted into the key groove and a position where it is removed from the key groove and inserted into the relief groove by sliding friction resistance between them. The elastic means may be an urging structure using a spring other than a compression coil spring, such as a tension spring, or an urging structure using an elastic body other than a spring, such as rubber.

[0100] 7. The relief groove and / or key groove may be formed at a position that protrudes from the outer fitting pipe portion in the axial direction within the range of movement of the pipe joint relative to the branch pipe portion. Also, the elastic means may be configured to be exposed to the outside, such as by attaching a tension spring or compression spring between the pipe joint and the branch pipe portion in a manner that exposes it to the outside of the pipe.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1... Faucet branch fitting, 2... Fitting body, 3... Pipe joint, 4... Upper handle, 5... Lower handle, 6... Elastic means, 21... Main pipe section, 21A... Opening end, 21B... Opening end, 22... Branch pipe section, 22A... Opening end, 22B... Fitting pipe section (outer fitting pipe section), B1... Screw hole, B2... Reduced diameter section, B3... Expanded diameter section, B4... Locking seat, 31... Main pipe section, 31A... Fitting pipe section ( Inner fitting pipe portion), A1...relief groove, A2...key groove, A3...annular groove, A4...inner fitting portion, A5...base end portion, 31B...connection port, 31C...step surface, 32...connection pipe portion, R...O-ring, B...screw (protruding pin), P1...water supply pipe, P2...connection pipe, P3...connection pipe, 61...support member, 61A...seat portion, 61B...shaft portion, B5...intermediate flow path, 62...compression coil spring

Claims

1. A branch fitting for a faucet having a main pipe portion forming a water passage and a branch pipe portion branching from the main pipe portion, a pipe joint that is fitted to the open end of the branch pipe portion so as to overlap with the open end of the branch pipe portion in the pipe axial direction and is supported by the branch pipe portion so as to be slidable in the pipe axial direction and the pipe circumferential direction; a relief groove formed on an outer peripheral surface of an inner fitting pipe portion of a double fitting pipe portion between the pipe joint and the branch pipe portion, the relief groove extending in the pipe circumferential direction; a protruding pin fixed to the outer fitting pipe portion and protruding so as to enter the relief groove, the relief groove has a key groove extending in the pipe axial direction in a part of the pipe circumferential direction, and as the pipe joint slides in the pipe axial direction relative to the branch pipe section, the protruding pin enters the key groove, thereby restricting the pipe joint from sliding in the pipe circumferential direction relative to the branch pipe section, and the protruding pin comes out of the key groove, thereby allowing the pipe joint to slide in the pipe circumferential direction; The branch fitting for a faucet is provided between the branch pipe portion and the pipe joint, and further includes elastic means for applying a resilient force to urge the protruding pin into the key groove by aligning the positions of the protruding pin and the key groove in the circumferential direction of the pipe, The elastic means is a support member having a seat portion that is assembled so as to be fixed in position inside the outer fitting pipe portion and a shaft portion that extends from the seat portion in the pipe axis direction toward the inside of the inner fitting pipe portion, and a compression coil spring that is passed through the shaft portion and applies a repulsive force in the pipe axis direction between the seat portion and the inner fitting pipe portion.

2. The branch fitting for a faucet according to claim 1, The branch fitting for a faucet, wherein the relief groove is a groove having a U-shaped cross section that can restrict movement of the protruding pin in both directions in the pipe axis direction within a range of the groove width.

3. The branch fitting for a faucet according to claim 1 or 2, The key groove extends from the relief groove so that the protruding pin can be inserted when the pipe joint is spaced apart from the branch pipe portion in the pipe axis direction.

4. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The inner fitting pipe is constituted by the pipe joint, and the outer fitting pipe is constituted by the branch pipe.

5. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A branch fitting for a faucet, wherein the key grooves are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the pipe in the relief groove.

6. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The branch fitting for a faucet has combinations of the protruding pin and the key groove into which the protruding pin fits, which are set at multiple locations around the pipe.

7. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The axial portion extends to the interior of the inner fitting pipe portion in the pipe axis direction, and an intermediate flow path is formed in the center of the axial portion, penetrating the pipe axis direction and forming a flow path between the outer fitting pipe portion and the inner fitting pipe portion.

8. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A branch fitting for a faucet is formed in such a way that the relief groove, including the key groove, does not protrude from the outer fitting pipe section in the pipe axis direction throughout the entire range of movement of the pipe fitting relative to the branch pipe section in the pipe axis direction.

9. The branch fitting for a faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The branch fitting for a faucet is configured as a branch stop valve in which the pipe joint is unitized as a rotating elbow in the branch pipe section, and the main pipe section extends in the vertical direction inside a cabinet provided below the sink, and the branch pipe section extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

Images