Faucet equipment

Abstract

To provide a faucet device capable of suppressing the occurrence of dew condensation on the internal of a waterproof case storing a motor and a controller while suppressing an increase in the size of a faucet body.SOLUTION: The faucet device according to the embodiment includes a water discharge part for discharging hot water, and the faucet body arranged inside a bath room for supplying the hot water to the water discharge part, the faucet body including a flow amount and temperature adjusting part for adjusting the flow amount of the hot water to be discharged from the water discharge part and adjusting the temperature thereof, the motor for driving the flow amount and temperature adjusting part, the controller for controlling the drive of the motor, a first waterproof case storing the motor for isolating the motor from the internal space of the bath room, and a second waterproof case storing the controller for isolating the controller from the internal space of the bath room, the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case being communicated with an external space of the bath room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a water faucet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a faucet device has been known in which a motor that drives a hot and cold water temperature adjustment unit and a flow rate adjustment unit, and a controller that controls the drive of this motor, are housed in a waterproof case to isolate them from the external space of the bathroom (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-275822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional faucet devices such as those described above, condensation sometimes occurs inside the waterproof case that houses the motor and controller. Also, in conventional faucet devices such as those described above, because the motor and controller are housed in a single waterproof case, the size of the waterproof case becomes larger than necessary, which can lead to an increase in the size of the faucet itself.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a faucet device that can suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the waterproof case that houses the motor and controller, and that can prevent the faucet body from becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A faucet device according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a water outlet section that discharges hot and cold water, and a faucet body that is arranged inside a bathroom and supplies hot and cold water to the water outlet section, wherein the faucet body comprises a flow rate / temperature adjustment section that adjusts the flow rate and temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet section, a motor that drives the flow rate / temperature adjustment section, a controller that controls the driving of the motor, a first waterproof case that houses the motor and isolates it from the interior space of the bathroom, and a second waterproof case that houses the controller and isolates it from the interior space of the bathroom, and the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case are connected to the exterior space of the bathroom.

[0007] With this configuration, the first and second waterproof cases communicate with the external space of the bathroom (for example, the space behind the bathroom wall), allowing air from outside the bathroom to flow into the first and second waterproof cases and air to flow out of the first and second waterproof cases. The flow of air from outside the bathroom into and out of the first and second waterproof cases allows the first and second waterproof cases to "breathe." This allows the first and second waterproof cases to "breathe," thereby making the temperature inside the first and second waterproof cases the same as the temperature outside the bathroom. This reduces condensation inside the first and second waterproof cases. Furthermore, by covering the motor with the first waterproof case and the controller with the second waterproof case, i.e., by covering the motor and controller with separate waterproof cases, the size of each waterproof case can be minimized. This prevents the faucet body from becoming too large.

[0008] In the above-mentioned faucet device, either the first waterproof case or the second waterproof case communicates with the external space of the bathroom, and the other waterproof case communicates with the one waterproof case.

[0009] With this configuration, one of the first and second waterproof cases communicates with the bathroom's exterior, and the other communicates with the first, so that the other waterproof case is indirectly connected to the bathroom's exterior via the first waterproof case. This reduces the number of holes required to connect the waterproof case to the bathroom's exterior, improving the flexibility of the motor and controller placement. This also prevents the faucet body from becoming too large. Furthermore, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole in the bathroom wall is the same, using one large hole is more efficient at replacing air than multiple small holes, effectively suppressing condensation.

[0010] The above-mentioned water faucet device further includes a harness that connects the motor and the controller, and the harness passes through a communication hole that connects the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case.

[0011] With this configuration, when a harness is used to electrically connect the motor and controller, a dedicated hole for passing the harness is not required. This allows the electrical connection of the motor and controller to be completed inside the first and second waterproof cases, improving waterproofing.

[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned faucet device, the motor has a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, the first waterproof case separately houses the first motor and the second motor, the second waterproof case is connected to the external space of the bathroom, and the first motor is positioned closer to the part that is connected to the external space of the bathroom than the second motor.

[0013] With this configuration, even if the first waterproof case housing the motor is indirectly connected to the exterior of the bathroom, the first motor, which adjusts the temperature and is more prone to condensation than the second motor, can be placed near the wall of the bathroom or other part that communicates with the exterior of the bathroom. This effectively prevents condensation from forming. It also makes replacing the first motor easy.

[0014] In addition, in the above-mentioned faucet device, the motor has a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, the first waterproof case includes a first motor case that houses the first motor and a second motor case that houses the second motor, and the first motor case is connected to the external space of the bathroom.

[0015] With this configuration, the first motor for adjusting the temperature, which is more prone to condensation than the second motor for adjusting the hot and cold water flow rate, can be placed near the bathroom wall or other part that communicates with the outside space of the bathroom, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of condensation.

[0016] In addition, in the above-mentioned faucet device, either the first waterproof case or the second waterproof case is connected to the external space of the bathroom, the other waterproof case is connected to the one waterproof case, and the one waterproof case is connected to the external space of the bathroom via a hose member.

[0017] With this configuration, the waterproof case that communicates with the exterior space of the bathroom, either the first or second waterproof case, communicates with the exterior space of the bathroom via the hose member, thereby improving the flexibility of the arrangement of the motor and controller. In particular, by making the hose member flexible enough to bend freely to a certain extent, the flexibility of the waterproof case can be improved. Furthermore, by making the hose member flexible, watertightness can be ensured without applying force to the waterproof case.

[0018] In addition, the above-mentioned faucet device is provided with a plurality of solenoid valves that switch the flow paths through which hot and cold water flows, and a plurality of harnesses that connect each of the plurality of solenoid valves to the controller, the second waterproof case has harness holes through which the harnesses are inserted, the plurality of harnesses are bundled together with a binding member and inserted into the harness holes, and the harness hole is provided with a sealing member that watertightly seals the gap between the harness hole and the harness when the harness is inserted.

[0019] With this configuration, multiple harnesses are bundled with a bundling member (cab tire) and inserted into the harness hole, reducing the number of paths that water can take to reach the controller. Bundling multiple harnesses requires a large harness hole, but even in this case, the harness hole is closed with a sealing member (grommet), preventing water from seeping into the waterproof case via the harness.

[0020] The above-mentioned water faucet device also includes a cover member that covers the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case.

[0021] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a worker from touching the waterproof case during installation, maintenance, etc., which could cause the relative positions of the first and second waterproof cases to shift, resulting in a loss of waterproofness. In this case, by making the cover member soft, it is possible to more effectively prevent a worker from gripping the cover member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the faucet device can suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the waterproof case that houses the motor and controller, and can also prevent the faucet body from becoming larger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a bathroom unit in which a water faucet device according to an embodiment is arranged. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the remote control. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the water faucet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view (part 1) showing the faucet body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the mixer faucet unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the mixer faucet unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view (part 2) of the faucet body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the binding member and the sealing member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the binding member and the sealing member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cover member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following preferred embodiments.

[0025] A faucet device 1 according to the embodiment is installed in a bathroom unit 1000 that serves as a bathroom, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a bathroom unit 1000 in which a faucet device 1 according to the embodiment is arranged.

[0026] Bathroom unit 1000 includes a bathtub 1001, a first counter 1002, a second counter 1003, and a faucet device 1. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between water discharged by faucet device 1 and mixed water that is a mixture of hot and cold water and discharged by faucet device 1, they will be referred to as "hot and cold water."

[0027] In the following, the direction in which the second counter 1003 protrudes from the wall 1004a of the bathroom unit 1000 is referred to as the front, and the opposite side of the front is referred to as the rear, and the vertical direction is referred to as the down, and the opposite side of the down is referred to as the up, and the direction perpendicular to the front, back, and up, and down is referred to as the left, right, and left directions.

[0028] The first counter 1002 is attached to the wall portion 1004a of the bathroom unit 1000. The first counter 1002 protrudes from the wall portion 1004a into the interior of the bathroom. The first counter 1002 is provided above the washing area floor 1005 of the bathroom unit 1000. The faucet body 3 of the faucet device 1 is housed in the first counter 1002.

[0029] The second counter 1003 is attached to the wall 1004a. The second counter 1003 protrudes from the wall 1004a into the bathroom. The second counter 1003 is provided higher than the first counter 1002. For example, the second counter 1003 is provided so as to extend above the bathtub 1001. Note that the second counter 1003 does not have to extend above the bathtub 1001.

[0030] The second counter 1003 houses a portion of the faucet device 1. Specifically, the second counter 1003 houses a portion of the faucet 10 of the faucet device 1 and a portion of the hand shower 11 of the faucet device 1. The second counter 1003 is provided so that the spout 10a of the faucet 10 is exposed. The spout 10a of the faucet 10 is provided on the second counter 1003 so that the direction of hot and cold water spouting is downward.

[0031] In addition, the shower hose 11a of the hand shower 11 of the faucet device 1 is connected to the second counter 1003. The shower hose 11a is connected to a shower water conduit housed in the second counter 1003.

[0032] An overhead shower 12 of the faucet device 1 and a warm pillar 13 of the faucet device 1 are attached to the ceiling 1006 of the bathroom unit 1000. The overhead shower 12 and the warm pillar 13 are provided integrally.

[0033] The overhead shower 12 sprays hot water over a wider area of ​​the user than the hand shower 11. For example, the overhead shower 12 is configured so that hot water hits the entire body of the user. The warm pillar 13 collects hot water into a single stream and sprays it straight. In other words, the warm pillar 13 sprays straightened hot water so that it flows down in a continuous column.

[0034] A remote control 4 (operating unit) for the faucet device 1 is attached to a wall portion 1004b of the bathroom unit 1000. The remote control 4 may be attached to the wall portion 1004a on which the first counter 1002 and the second counter 1003 are attached.

[0035] The remote control 4 accepts various operations by the user on the faucet main body 3. Specifically, the remote control 4 accepts operations to set the hot and cold water temperature in the faucet main body 3. The remote control 4 accepts operations to set the hot and cold water flow rate in the faucet main body 3. The remote control 4 accepts operations to switch between discharging and stopping hot and cold water. The remote control 4 accepts operations to switch the destination to which hot and cold water is discharged. When operated by the user, the remote control 4 sends an operation signal corresponding to each operation to the controller 7 of the faucet device 1 (see Figure 3).

[0036] 2, the remote control 4 includes a temperature adjustment button 41, a water volume adjustment button 42, and a switching button 43. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the remote control 4.

[0037] The temperature adjustment button 41 is a button for adjusting the temperature of the mixed water in the faucet body 3. The temperature adjustment button 41 includes a high temperature button 41a and a low temperature button 41b. The high temperature button 41a is a button for increasing the temperature of the mixed water. The low temperature button 41b is a button for decreasing the temperature of the mixed water. The remote control 4 displays the set temperature of the mixed water on the first display unit 45a. When the high temperature button 41a or the low temperature button 41b is operated, the display on the first display unit 45a changes in accordance with the operation of each button 41a, 41b.

[0038] The temperature of the mixed water in the faucet body 3 can be adjusted within a predetermined temperature range. When the low temperature button 41b is operated and the set temperature of the mixed water becomes lower than the lowest temperature in the predetermined temperature range, the faucet body 3 does not mix hot water with cold water and instead dispenses cold water.

[0039] The water volume adjustment button 42 is a button for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water dispensed from the faucet device 1. The water volume adjustment button 42 includes an increase water button 42a and a decrease water button 42b. The increase water button 42a is a button for increasing the flow rate of hot and cold water. The decrease water button 42b is a button for decreasing the flow rate of hot and cold water. The remote control 4 displays the set status of the hot and cold water volume on the second display unit 45b. When the increase water button 42a or the decrease water button 42b is operated, the display on the second display unit 45b changes in accordance with the operation of each button 42a, 42b. The flow rate of hot and cold water dispensed from the faucet device 1 can be adjusted within a predetermined flow rate range.

[0040] The switching button 43 is a button for switching between discharging hot and cold water and stopping the water supply in the faucet device 1. The switching button 43 is also a button for switching the destination of the hot and cold water supply in the faucet device 1. The switching buttons 43 include a faucet button 43a, a hand shower button 43b, an overhead shower button 43c, and a warm pillar button 43d. Each of the buttons 43a to 43d is switched between "ON" and "OFF" when pressed by the user.

[0041] When each of the buttons 43a to 43d of the switching button 43 is set to "OFF," hot or cold water is not discharged. In other words, the water faucet device 1 is in a water stop state.

[0042] When any one of the switching buttons 43, 43a to 43d, is pressed from the "OFF" state, and the pressed switching button 43 becomes "ON," hot or cold water is discharged. In other words, the water faucet device 1 changes from a water stop state to a water discharge state.

[0043] When one of the switching buttons 43 is "ON" and another switching button 43 is pressed, the switching button 43 that is "ON" is changed, and the destination of hot and cold water is switched.

[0044] For example, when hand shower button 43b is "ON," hot and cold water is discharged from hand shower 11. When faucet button 43a is pressed in this state, hand shower button 43b turns "OFF" and faucet button 43a turns "ON." This changes the destination of hot and cold water discharge from hand shower 11 to faucet 10, and hot and cold water is discharged from faucet 10.

[0045] When the "ON" switch button 43 is pressed again, the pressed switch button 43 turns "OFF," and each of the buttons 43a to 43d of the switch button 43 turns "OFF," stopping the flow of hot and cold water. In other words, the water faucet device 1 changes from a water discharge state to a water stop state.

[0046] Each of the buttons 43a to 43d is configured so that the user can distinguish between the "ON" and "OFF" states. For example, a switching button 43 that is "ON" lights up, and a switching button 43 that is "OFF" lights up.

[0047] Although the faucet device 1 capable of discharging hot and cold water from the overhead shower 12, warm pillar 13, hand shower 11, and faucet 10 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the faucet device 1 may be configured without the overhead shower 12 and warm pillar 13.

[0048] Next, an overview of the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an overview of the faucet device 1 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 3, the flow of hot and cold water is indicated by solid arrows, and communication lines are indicated by dashed lines.

[0049] The faucet device 1 comprises a plurality of water discharge units 2, a faucet body 3, a remote control 4, and a communication unit 5.

[0050] The plurality of water discharge units 2 include a faucet 10, a hand shower 11, an overhead shower 12, and a warm pillar 13.

[0051] The faucet body 3 includes a mixer faucet unit 20, a water discharge switching section 30, and a controller 7.

[0052] The mixer faucet unit 20 is equipped with a flow rate / temperature adjustment section that adjusts the flow rate and temperature of hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge section 2. The mixer faucet unit 20 is equipped with a hot and cold water mixing section 50, which adjusts the temperature of hot and cold water, and a flow rate adjustment section 60 as a flow rate / temperature adjustment section. Hot water is supplied to the hot and cold water mixing section 50 from a hot water supply source 80. Water is also supplied to the hot and cold water mixing section 50 from a water supply source 81. A stop valve 84 is provided in the flow path (hot water supply pipe 82) between the hot and cold water mixing section 50 and the hot water supply source 80. A stop valve 85 is also provided in the flow path (water supply pipe 83) between the hot and cold water mixing section 50 and the water supply source 81.

[0053] The hot and cold water mixing unit 50 mixes hot water supplied from the hot water supply source 80 with cold water supplied from the cold water supply source 81. Specifically, the hot and cold water mixing unit 50 switches whether or not to mix hot water with cold water. The hot and cold water mixing unit 50 also adjusts the ratio of hot water to be mixed with cold water, thereby adjusting the temperature of the mixed water.

[0054] The mixer faucet unit 20 includes a motor that drives the flow rate and temperature adjustment section. In this embodiment, the hot and cold water mixing section 50 includes a first motor 51. The first motor 51 is, for example, a stepping motor. In response to operation of the temperature adjustment button 41 on the remote control 4, the hot and cold water mixing section 50 drives the temperature control valve 210 (see FIG. 7) to switch whether or not hot water is mixed with cold water.

[0055] Furthermore, in response to operation of the temperature adjustment button 41 on the remote control 4, the hot water / cold water mixing unit 50 drives the temperature control valve 210 by driving the first motor 51, thereby adjusting the ratio of hot water to be mixed with water. Furthermore, even if the temperature adjustment button 41 is not operated, when the temperature of the hot water changes and the temperature of the mixed water changes, the hot water / cold water mixing unit 50 can automatically adjust the temperature of the mixed water by adjusting the ratio of the flow rate of hot water to the flow rate of water according to the temperature of the mixed water.

[0056] Hot and cold water flows into the flow rate adjusting unit 60 from the hot and cold water mixing unit 50. When hot and cold water is discharged from the water discharge unit 2, the flow rate adjusting unit 60 adjusts the flow rate of the discharged hot and cold water.

[0057] As described above, the mixer faucet unit 20 includes a motor that drives the flow rate / temperature adjustment unit. In this embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 60 includes a second motor 61. The second motor 61 is, for example, a stepping motor. In response to operation of the water volume adjustment button 42 on the remote control 4, the second motor 61 drives the flow adjustment valve 230 (see FIG. 7), thereby adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water.

[0058] The water discharge switching unit 30 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water flowing out from the mixer faucet unit 20. In other words, the water discharge switching unit 30 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water from the water discharge unit 2. The water discharge switching unit 30 also switches the destination to which the hot and cold water is discharged. The faucet device 1 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water from the water discharge unit 2 using the water discharge switching unit 30, and adjusts the flow rate of the hot and cold water when it is being discharged using the flow rate adjustment unit 60.

[0059] The water discharge switching unit 30 includes a plurality of solenoid valves 31 to 35. Specifically, the water discharge switching unit 30 includes a first solenoid valve 31, a second solenoid valve 32, a third solenoid valve 33, and a fourth solenoid valve 34. The water discharge switching unit 30 may also include a fifth solenoid valve 35.

[0060] The first solenoid valve 31 to the fourth solenoid valve 34 are switched to "closed (OFF)" or "open (ON)" in response to the operation of the switching button 43.

[0061] When the first solenoid valve 31 to the fourth solenoid valve 34 are "closed," hot or cold water is not discharged from the water discharge section 2. In other words, when the first solenoid valve 31 to the fourth solenoid valve 34 are "closed," hot or cold water is stopped. When any one of the first solenoid valve 31 to the fourth solenoid valve 34 is "open," hot or cold water is discharged from the water discharge section 2 corresponding to the solenoid valve that is "open."

[0062] The first solenoid valve 31 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water at the faucet 10. The second solenoid valve 32 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water at the hand shower 11. The third solenoid valve 33 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water at the overhead shower 12. The fourth solenoid valve 34 switches between discharging and stopping hot and cold water at the warm pillar 13.

[0063] For example, when the first solenoid valve 31 is "open" and the second solenoid valve 32 to the fourth solenoid valve are "closed", hot and cold water is discharged from the faucet .

[0064] The fifth solenoid valve 35 is switched to "closed (OFF)" or "open (ON)" in response to operation by an external device 89 (for example, a multi-remote control provided in the bathroom). The fifth solenoid valve 35 may also be switched to "closed" or "open" in response to operation by the remote control 4. The fifth solenoid valve 35 is a valve for discharging residual water from the hose of the hand shower 11 or the like and from the piping, and is normally kept "closed." In other words, the fifth solenoid valve 35 is "open" only when residual water treatment is performed. When the fifth solenoid valve 35 is "open," residual water is discharged from the residual water discharge flow path 88.

[0065] The controller 7 controls the first motor 51, the second motor 61, and the first solenoid valve 31 to the fourth solenoid valve 34 in response to the operation of the faucet body 3 received by operating the remote control 4. The controller 7 also controls the fifth solenoid valve 35 in response to the operation of an external device 89, for example.

[0066] The controller 7 includes various circuits and a microcomputer having, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), etc. The controller 7 may also include hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0067] The communication unit 5 receives operation signals from the remote control 4 and the external device 89, and transmits the received operation signals to the controller 7. The remote control 4 and the external device 89 are connected to the communication unit 5 via wired communication or wireless communication. The controller 7 is connected to the communication unit 5 via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0068] Next, the faucet body 3 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the faucet body 3. In addition to the mixer faucet unit 20, the water discharge switching unit 30, and the controller 7 (see Figure 3), the faucet body 3 comprises a flow path unit 70. The faucet body 3 is attached to the wall 1004a (see Figure 1) of the bathroom unit 1000 by the flow path unit 70.

[0069] The flow path unit 70 is formed with a flow path that allows hot water supplied from a hot water supply source 80 (see Figure 3) to flow into the mixer tap unit 20, a flow path that allows water supplied from a water supply source 81 (see Figure 3) to flow into the mixer tap unit 20, and a flow path that allows hot and cold water to flow from the mixer tap unit 20 to each water discharge section 2. The flow path unit 70 is also provided with a water discharge switching section 30. The flow path unit 70 is also provided with stop valves 84, 85 (see Figure 3). The flow path unit 70 is also provided with a residual water discharge flow path 88.

[0070] In the faucet body 3, a flow path unit 70 is provided at the rear, and the mixer faucet unit 20 is provided in front of the flow path unit 70. A part of the flow path unit 70 is provided above the mixer faucet unit 20. Also, in front of the mixer faucet unit 20, a controller case 201, which is a second waterproof case (described later) and which houses the controller 7, is provided.

[0071] Next, the mixer tap unit 20 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the mixer tap unit 20. Figure 6 is a front view showing the mixer tap unit 20. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the VII-VII cross section of Figure 6.

[0072] The mixer faucet unit 20 is provided to extend in the left-right direction. At one left-right end of the mixer faucet unit 20, specifically the left end, is provided a first motor case 200a, which is a first waterproof case described below and which houses a first motor 51 of the hot and cold water mixing section 50. At the other left-right end of the mixer faucet unit 20, specifically the right end, is provided a second motor case 200b, which is a first waterproof case described below and which houses a second motor 61 of the flow rate adjustment section 60.

[0073] The hot and cold water mixing unit 50 switches whether or not to mix the hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel 203 with the water supplied from the water supply channel 202 by moving the temperature adjustment valve 210 (adjustment valve) in the left-right direction.

[0074] For example, when the temperature control valve 210 abuts against the case 211 provided to the left of the temperature control valve 210, the supply of hot water is blocked by the temperature control valve 210, and the hot water is not mixed with the water supplied from the water supply path 202.

[0075] Furthermore, by separating the temperature control valve 210 from the case 211, the supply of hot water is not blocked by the temperature control valve 210, and the hot water supplied from the hot water supply path 203 is mixed with the water supplied from the water supply path 202.

[0076] The temperature control valve 210 is biased by the temperature sensitive spring 212 in a direction away from the case 211. The temperature control valve 210 is also biased by the bias spring 213 in a direction toward contact with the case 211. That is, the temperature control valve 210 moves left and right depending on the magnitude relationship between the biasing force of the temperature sensitive spring 212 and the biasing force of the bias spring 213.

[0077] The temperature-sensitive spring 212 is a spring whose spring constant changes depending on the temperature, and is made of, for example, a shape memory alloy. The bias spring 213 is a spring whose spring constant is almost constant regardless of the temperature.

[0078] When the biasing force of the bias spring 213 is greater than the biasing force of the temperature-sensing spring 212, the temperature control valve 210 moves leftward toward the case 211. When the temperature control valve 210 is in contact with the case 211, the temperature control valve 210 is maintained in contact with the case 211.

[0079] When the biasing force of the temperature-sensing spring 212 is greater than the biasing force of the bias spring 213, the temperature adjustment valve 210 moves to the right so as to move away from the case 211.

[0080] When the biasing force of the temperature sensitive spring 212 and the biasing force of the bias spring 213 are equal, the temperature adjustment valve 210 does not move left or right and is held in a position where the biasing force of the temperature sensitive spring 212 and the biasing force of the bias spring 213 are balanced.

[0081] The temperature-sensing spring 212 abuts against the liner 214 at one end opposite to the end that abuts against the temperature control valve 210. The liner 214 is connected to a rotating shaft 216 via a spindle 215. The spindle 215 is rotatably supported by the case 211, and converts the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 216 into linear movement of the liner 214 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the liner 214 moves left-right in response to the rotation of the rotating shaft 216.

[0082] The rotating shaft 216 is connected to the first motor 51 via a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is housed in the first motor case 200a. The transmission mechanism includes a first gear connected to the rotating shaft of the first motor 51 and a second gear connected to the rotating shaft 216. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other. The rotation of the rotating shaft of the first motor 51 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 216 by the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is the same as the transmission mechanism in the flow rate adjustment unit 60, which will be described later.

[0083] In the hot and cold water mixing unit 50, the liner 214 moves left and right in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating shaft 216, i.e., in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating shaft of the first motor 51. In other words, the hot and cold water mixing unit 50 can change the position of the temperature control valve 210 to a position where the biasing force of the temperature sensing spring 212 and the biasing force of the bias spring 213 are balanced in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating shaft of the first motor 51. As a result, when discharging mixed water, the hot and cold water mixing unit 50 can set the temperature of the mixed water to a set temperature that corresponds to the rotational position of the rotating shaft of the first motor 51.

[0084] Furthermore, when discharging mixed water, if the temperature of the hot water changes and the temperature of the mixed water changes, for example, the temperature-sensitive spring 212 expands and contracts according to the temperature of the mixed water, and the temperature control valve 210 moves left and right, automatically changing the equilibrium position of the temperature control valve 210. This adjusts the amounts of hot and cold water in the mixed water, and automatically adjusts the temperature of the mixed water.

[0085] The hot and cold water mixer 50 is in communication with the flow rate adjuster 60 via a communication hole 220. Hot and cold water flows into the flow rate adjuster 60 from the hot and cold water mixer 50 via the communication hole 220.

[0086] The flow rate adjustment unit 60 rotates the flow rate adjustment valve 230 (adjustment valve) around an imaginary axis extending in the left-right direction, thereby changing the area of ​​communication between the opening of the restricting member 221 and the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 230, and changing the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 230. By changing the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 230, the flow rate adjustment unit 60 adjusts the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing out of the mixer faucet unit 20, i.e., the flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge unit 2 (see Figure 3).

[0087] Next, the faucet body 3 will be further described with reference to Figures 8 to 13. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the faucet body 3. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and the second waterproof casing 201. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing modified examples of the first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and the second waterproof casing 201. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the binding member 306 and the sealing member 307. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the binding member 306 and the sealing member 307. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the cover member 400.

[0088] As described above, faucet body 3 is disposed inside bathroom unit 1000 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 8, in faucet body 3, first motor 51 that drives hot and cold water mixing section 50 is housed in first motor case 200a, which is the first waterproof case. In faucet body 3, second motor 61 that drives flow rate adjustment section 60 is housed in second motor case 200b, which is the first waterproof case. In other words, the first waterproof case includes first motor case 200a and second motor case 200b.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9, first motor case 200a houses first motor 51, isolating first motor 51 from the internal space of bathroom unit 1000. Second motor case 200b houses second motor 61, isolating second motor 61 from the internal space of bathroom unit 1000. In this way, first motor case 200a and second motor case 200b, which are first waterproof cases, house first motor 51 and second motor 61 separately.

[0090] Furthermore, in faucet body 3, controller 7 is housed in controller case 201, which is a second waterproof case. By housing controller 7, controller case 201 isolates controller 7 from the internal space of bathroom unit 1000.

[0091] Either the first motor case 200a, the second motor case 200b, which are the first waterproof cases, or the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, is in communication with the external space of the bathroom unit 1000.

[0092] In addition, the other waterproof case of the first motor case 200a, the second motor case 200b, which is the first waterproof case, and the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, is connected to one of the waterproof cases that is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 9, the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000, and the first motor case 200a and second motor case 200b, which are the first waterproof cases, are connected to the controller case. The first motor 51 is positioned closer to the part that is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 than the second motor 61.

[0094] Returning to Figure 8, one of the first waterproof cases, the first motor case 200a, the second motor case 200b, and the second waterproof case, the controller case 201, is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit. In this case, one of the waterproof cases is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 via the hose member 300.

[0095] The hose member 300 is flexible. One end of the hose member 300 is connected to the faucet body 3, and the other end is connected to the wall (wall surface WS) of the bathroom unit 100. One of the first waterproof case, the first motor case 200a, the second motor case 200b, and the second waterproof case, the controller case 201 (for example, the second waterproof case, the controller case 201) is connected to the space behind the wall of the bathroom unit 1000.

[0096] As shown in Figure 9, when air inside the waterproof case flows out into the space outside the bathroom unit 1000, air A1 from the first motor case 200a of the first waterproof case flows through the communication hole 301, the controller case 201 which is the second waterproof case, and the hose member 300 towards the wall surface WS. Note that the communication hole 301 is a hole for communicating between the first motor case 200a of the first waterproof case and the controller case 201 which is the second waterproof case.

[0097] Furthermore, when the air inside the waterproof case flows out into the external space of the bathroom unit 1000, air A2 from the second motor case 200b of the first waterproof case flows out through the communication hole 302, via the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, and towards the wall surface WS to the hose member 300. The communication hole 302 is a hole for communicating between the second motor case 200b of the first waterproof case and the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case.

[0098] Air A3, which is a combination of air A1 from first motor case 200a and air A2 from second motor case 200b, flows out from hose member 300 into the space outside bathroom unit 1000.

[0099] In addition, when air flows from the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 into the inside of the waterproof case, air A4 from the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 flows into the hose member 300, and flows out from the hose member 300 through the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, to the first motor case 200a and the second motor case 200b, which are the first waterproof cases.

[0100] With this configuration, first waterproof casing 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 are connected to external space such as the space behind the wall of bathroom unit 1000, allowing air A4 from outside bathroom unit 1000 to flow into first waterproof casing 200a and second waterproof casing 201, while air A3 flows out from first waterproof casing 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 to the outside of bathroom unit 1000. The flow of air A4 from outside bathroom unit 1000 in and out of first waterproof casing 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 allows first waterproof casing 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 to "breathe," so to speak. In this way, first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 "breathe," allowing the temperature inside first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201 to be the same as the temperature outside bathroom unit 1000. This prevents condensation from forming inside first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and second waterproof casing 201. Furthermore, by covering motors 51, 61 with first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and controller 7 with second waterproof casing 201, i.e., by covering motors 51, 61 and controller 7 with separate waterproof casings, the size of each waterproof casing can be minimized. This prevents faucet body 3 from becoming larger.

[0101] Furthermore, by connecting one of the first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and the second waterproof casing 201 to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 and the other to the other, the other waterproof casing is indirectly connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 via the first waterproof casing. This reduces the number of holes to be formed in the wall of the bathroom unit 1000 or the like to connect the waterproof casing to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000, thereby improving the flexibility of the placement of the motors 51, 61 and the controller 7. This also prevents the faucet body 3 from becoming larger. Furthermore, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the holes formed in the wall of the bathroom unit 1000 or the like is the same, using one large hole rather than multiple small holes improves air exchange efficiency, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of condensation. Furthermore, using one large hole requires only a single connection compared to connecting multiple small holes individually, improving manufacturability and installation.

[0102] Furthermore, first waterproof cases 200a, 200b house first motor 51 and second motor 61 separately, second waterproof case 201 is connected to the external space of bathroom unit 1000, and first motor 51 is positioned closer to the portion that communicates with the external space of bathroom unit 1000 than second motor 61. Even if first waterproof cases 200a, 200b that house motors 51, 61 are indirectly connected to the external space of bathroom unit 1000, first motor 51, which is used for temperature regulation and is more prone to condensation than second motor 61, which is used for hot and cold water flow rate regulation, can be positioned closer to the portion that communicates with the external space of bathroom unit 1000, such as the wall of bathroom unit 1000. This effectively suppresses the occurrence of condensation. It also makes it easier to replace first motor 51.

[0103] Furthermore, the waterproof case among the first waterproof case 200a, 200b and the second waterproof case 201 that is in communication with the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 is in communication with the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 via the hose member 300, thereby improving the freedom of arrangement of the motors 51, 61 and the controller 7. In particular, by making the hose member 300 flexible so that it can bend freely to a certain extent, the freedom of arrangement of the waterproof case is improved. Furthermore, by making the hose member 300 flexible, watertightness can be ensured without applying force to the waterproof case.

[0104] Also, returning to Figure 8, the second motor case 200b that houses the second motor 61 is connected to the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case that houses the controller 7, by a hose member 310. The second motor case 200b is connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000, i.e., the space behind the wall of the bathroom unit 1000, via the hose member 300, the controller case 201 and the hose member 310.

[0105] The hose member 310 is flexible, similar to the above-described hose member 300. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the second motor 61 and the controller 7. In this case, similar to the above-described hose member 300, by giving the hose member 310 flexibility that allows it to bend freely to a certain extent, the degree of freedom in arranging the waterproof case is improved. Furthermore, watertightness can be ensured without applying force to the waterproof case.

[0106] Furthermore, a harness 303 (see FIG. 11) is inserted into the communication holes 301, 302 and passes through these communication holes 301, 302. The harness 303 electrically connects the motors (first motor 51, second motor 61) and the controller 7.

[0107] With this configuration, when using a harness 303 to electrically connect the motors 51, 61 and the controller 7, there is no need for a dedicated hole for passing the harness 303. This allows the electrical connections of the motors 51, 61 and the controller 7 to be completed inside the first waterproof casings 200a, 200b and the second waterproof casing 201, improving waterproofing.

[0108] Also, as shown in Figure 10, when the first waterproof case, which is the first motor case 200a and the second motor case 200b, separately houses the first motor 51 and the second motor 61, for example, the first motor case 200a of the first waterproof case that houses the first motor 51 may be connected to the external space of the bathroom unit 1000 (see Figure 1).

[0109] With this configuration, since hot water and cold water flow in more quickly than second motor 61, which adjusts the flow rate of the mixed hot and cold water, first motor 51, which adjusts the temperature and where condensation tends to occur around the cold water, can be placed near a part of bathroom unit 1000 that communicates with the space outside, such as the wall of bathroom unit 1000. This effectively prevents condensation from occurring.

[0110] 11 and 12, the controller case 201, which is the second waterproof case, has harness holes 305 through which multiple harnesses 304 are inserted. The multiple harnesses 304 electrically connect multiple solenoid valves that switch the flow paths of hot and cold water, and each of the multiple solenoid valves to the controller 7. The multiple harnesses 304 are bundled together with a bundling member 306. The bundling member 306 is, for example, a cab tire that covers the multiple harnesses 304 with rubber or the like.

[0111] Furthermore, harness hole 305, through which multiple harnesses 304 are inserted, is provided with sealing member 307. When harnesses 304 are inserted in harness hole 305, sealing member 307 watertightly seals the gap between harness hole 305 and harness 304. Sealing member 307 is, for example, a grommet.

[0112] According to this configuration, multiple harnesses 304 are bundled with bundling member (cab tire) 306 and inserted into harness hole 305, thereby reducing the number of paths through which water can travel to controller 7. Furthermore, when multiple harnesses 304 are bundled together, a large harness hole 305 is required, but even in this case, since harness hole 305 is closed with sealing member (grommet) 307, it is possible to prevent water from entering the inside of the waterproof case along harness 304.

[0113] As shown in Figure 13, the faucet body 3 further includes a cover member 400. The cover member 400 is a soft member. The cover member 400 covers the first waterproof case (first motor case 200a, second motor case 200b) and the second waterproof case (controller case 201), for example, from the front side.

[0114] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which waterproofing cannot be ensured due to a worker touching the waterproof case during installation or maintenance, causing a shift in the relative position between the first waterproof case 200a, 200b and the second waterproof case 201. In this case, by making the cover member 400 soft, it is possible to more effectively prevent a worker from gripping the cover member 400.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, a display label 401 may be provided on the cover member 400 for the installation worker. The display label 401 is preferably provided in a conspicuous position such as on the front or top surface of the cover member 400. For example, the display label 401 displays a warning message or illustration to remind the worker not to move the position of the waterproof case.

[0116] <Additional Notes> (1) A water outlet that discharges hot and cold water; a faucet body that is disposed inside the bathroom and supplies hot and cold water to the water outlet; A water faucet device comprising: The faucet body is a flow rate / temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the flow rate and temperature of hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge unit; a motor that drives the flow rate / temperature adjusting unit; a controller for controlling the driving of the motor; a first waterproof case that houses the motor and isolates the motor from an interior space of the bathroom; a second waterproof case that houses the controller and isolates the controller from the interior space of the bathroom; Equipped with The first waterproof case and the second waterproof case are in communication with the external space of the bathroom. (2) A faucet device as described in (1), wherein one of the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case is connected to the external space of the bathroom, and the other waterproof case is connected to the first waterproof case. (3) A harness connecting the motor and the controller Equipped with The faucet device according to (2), wherein the harness passes through a communication hole for connecting the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case. (4) The motor includes a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, the first waterproof case accommodates the first motor and the second motor separately; The second waterproof case communicates with the exterior space of the bathroom, The faucet device according to (2) or (3), wherein the first motor is disposed closer to the portion of the bathroom that communicates with the exterior space than the second motor. (5) The motor includes a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, The faucet device described in (2) or (3), wherein the first waterproof case includes a first motor case that houses the first motor and a second motor case that houses the second motor, and the first motor case is connected to the external space of the bathroom. (6) One of the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case communicates with the space outside the bathroom, and the other waterproof case communicates with the one waterproof case; The faucet device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the one waterproof case communicates with an external space of the bathroom via a hose member. (7) A plurality of solenoid valves for switching the flow paths through which hot and cold water flows; a plurality of harnesses connecting each of the plurality of solenoid valves to the controller; Equipped with the second waterproof case has a harness hole through which the harness is inserted, The plurality of harnesses are bundled together with a bundling member and are inserted through the harness holes, A faucet device described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the harness hole is provided with a sealing member that watertightly seals the gap between the harness hole and the harness when the harness is inserted. (8) a cover member for covering the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case; The faucet device according to any one of (1) to (7), comprising:

[0117] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Faucet equipment 2. Water outlet 3 Faucet body 7 Controller 31 Solenoid valve (first solenoid valve) 32 Solenoid valve (second solenoid valve) 33 Solenoid valve (third solenoid valve) 34 Solenoid valve (4th solenoid valve) 35 Solenoid valve (5th solenoid valve) 50 Water temperature adjustment section (hot water mixing section) 51 First motor 60 Flow rate adjustment section 61 Second motor 200a First waterproof case (first motor case) 200b First waterproof case (second motor case) 201 Second waterproof case (controller case) 301 Communication hole 302 Communication hole 304 Harness 305 Harness hole 306 Binding material (cab tire) 307 Sealing material (grommet) 400 Cover material 1000 bathroom (bathroom unit)

Claims

1. A water outlet that discharges hot and cold water; a faucet body that is disposed inside the bathroom and supplies hot and cold water to the water outlet; A water faucet device comprising: The faucet body is a flow rate / temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the flow rate and temperature of hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge unit; a motor that drives the flow rate and temperature adjustment unit; a controller for controlling the driving of the motor; a first waterproof case that houses the motor and isolates the motor from an interior space of the bathroom; a second waterproof case that houses the controller and isolates the controller from the interior space of the bathroom; Equipped with The first waterproof case and the second waterproof case communicate with the exterior space of the bathroom.

2. The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case is connected to the external space of the bathroom, and the other waterproof case is connected to the first waterproof case.

3. A harness connecting the motor and the controller Equipped with The water faucet device according to claim 2 , wherein the harness passes through a communication hole for communicating between the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case.

4. The motor includes a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, the first waterproof case accommodates the first motor and the second motor separately; the second waterproof case communicates with the exterior space of the bathroom; The faucet device according to claim 2 , wherein the first motor is disposed closer to the portion of the bathroom that communicates with the exterior space than the second motor.

5. The motor includes a first motor for adjusting the temperature of hot and cold water and a second motor for adjusting the flow rate of hot and cold water, The faucet device according to claim 2, wherein the first waterproof case includes a first motor case that houses the first motor and a second motor case that houses the second motor, and the first motor case is in communication with the exterior space of the bathroom.

6. One of the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case communicates with the space outside the bathroom, and the other waterproof case communicates with the one waterproof case; The faucet device according to claim 1, wherein the one waterproof case is in communication with an exterior space of the bathroom via a hose member.

7. A plurality of solenoid valves for switching the flow paths through which hot and cold water flows; a plurality of harnesses connecting each of the plurality of solenoid valves to the controller; Equipped with the second waterproof case has a harness hole through which the harness is inserted, The plurality of harnesses are bundled together with a bundling member and are inserted through the harness holes, The water faucet device according to claim 1 , wherein the harness hole is provided with a sealing member that watertightly seals a gap between the harness hole and the harness when the harness is inserted therethrough.

8. a cover member for covering the first waterproof case and the second waterproof case; The water faucet device according to claim 1 , comprising:

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