Faucet

Abstract

To provide a water faucet capable of improving design freedom.SOLUTION: A disclosed water faucet in an embodiment includes: a hot water mixing valve for mixing hot water and cold water; a switching valve for switching the discharge volume of hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve; and a main pipe in which the hot water mixing valve and the switching valve are mounted in parallel in the axial direction therein and a shower spout communicating with the switching valve and a faucet spout are formed between the hot water inlet and the water inlet. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve forms a shower outlet communicating with the shower spout and a faucet outlet communicating with the faucet spout. The shower outlet is located closer to the hot water mixing valve in the axial direction than the faucet outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to faucets. [Background technology]

[0002] Known conventional faucets include, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a structure having a faucet main body that houses a hot and cold water mixing valve and a switching valve, and a metal pipe that houses the faucet main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-268825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional faucets, the metal faucet body itself has internal hot and cold water flow paths, resulting in a complex structure that can be difficult to manufacture. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing the design flexibility of faucets.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a faucet that can solve the above problems and improve design freedom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A faucet of one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water, a switching valve for changing the amount of hot and cold water discharged mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve, a main pipe section in which the hot and cold water mixing valve and the switching valve are mounted side by side in the axial direction, a hot water inlet communicating with the hot and cold water mixing valve, a cold water inlet communicating with the switching valve, and a shower outlet and a faucet outlet communicating with the switching valve between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, the outer surface of the switching valve forming a shower outlet communicating with the shower outlet and a faucet outlet communicating with the faucet outlet, the shower outlet being located closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve in the axial direction than the faucet outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The faucet according to the present disclosure allows for greater freedom in design of the faucet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] A perspective view of the faucet from a different direction than in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Exploded view of the faucet unit [Figure 4] Exploded view of the faucet body [Figure 5] Perspective view of the faucet body [Figure 6] A perspective view of the faucet body from a different direction than in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Cross section of the faucet body [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion. [Figure 8B] Perspective view of a hot and cold water mixing valve [Figure 8C] Perspective view of a switching valve [Figure 8D] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion. [Figure 8E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion. [Figure 9A] Exploded view of the switching valve [Figure 9B] 9A is a cross-sectional view of the switching valve taken along line AA of FIG. [Figure 10]A perspective view of the packing surrounding the first and third regions [Figure 11A] Cross section showing the flow through a faucet [Figure 11B] Vertical cross section showing the flow through a faucet DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a faucet 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a different direction than that of Figure 1. Hereinafter, in the figures, the X, Y, and Z directions indicate the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the faucet 1, respectively.

[0011] In this embodiment, the faucet 1 is a faucet that is attached to the wall of a bathroom.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet 1 includes a faucet unit 2, a connecting member 3, and a handle unit 4. The faucet unit 2 is a unit for discharging water. The faucet unit 2 of this embodiment has the function of discharging water as a shower and as a faucet.

[0013] The connecting member 3 is a member that connects a hot water supply source and a water supply source (not shown) that are provided on the wall of the bathroom to the faucet unit 2. The connecting member 3 includes a hot water supply pipe 31 that supplies hot water, and a water supply pipe 32 that supplies cold water. The hot water supply pipe 31 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for hot water supplied from the hot water supply source. The water supply pipe 32 is a tubular member that forms an internal flow path for water supplied from the water supply source.

[0014] In this embodiment, the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32 are connected to the back of the faucet unit 2 at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the faucet unit 2, as shown in Figure 2. The center of the faucet unit 2 means the center between both ends of the faucet unit 2 along the axial direction (Y direction).

[0015] The handle unit 4 is a unit that allows the water discharge method of the faucet unit 2 to be changed. The handle unit 4 is equipped with a temperature control handle 4A and a switching handle 4B. The temperature control handle 4A is a handle for adjusting the degree of mixing of hot and cold water, and changes the rotational position of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, which will be described later. The switching handle 4B is a handle for adjusting the water discharge amount and water discharge direction, and changes the rotational position of the switching valve 11, which will be described later.

[0016] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the faucet unit 2 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the faucet unit 2 includes a faucet main body 5, a heat insulating material 6, a front cover 7, a rear cover 8, and an elbow 9.

[0017] The faucet main body 5 is a component that constitutes the main body of the faucet unit 2. The faucet main body 5 has the function of mixing the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 31 (Fig. 2) and the water supplied from the cold water supply pipe 32 (Fig. 2) described above. The faucet main body 5 is covered with a heat insulating material 6.

[0018] The heat insulating material 6 is a member that covers the outer periphery of the faucet body 5 to prevent the water inside the faucet body 5 from freezing. The faucet body 5 and the heat insulating material 6 are covered by a front cover 7 and a back cover 8.

[0019] The front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 are configured to cover the faucet main body 5 and the heat insulating material 6, and form the external appearance of the faucet 1. The rear cover 8 has multiple openings 81, 82, and 83. Specifically, an opening 81 for connecting an elbow 9, an opening 82 for connecting a hot water supply pipe 31, and an opening 83 for connecting a cold water supply pipe 32 are formed.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the faucet main body 5. As shown in FIG.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the faucet main body 5 houses a hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and a switching valve 11. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is inserted and attached to one end of the faucet main body 5, and the switching valve 11 is inserted and attached to the other end.

[0022] The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is a valve for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot and cold water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is also called a thermo cartridge. The switching valve 11 is a component for changing the amount and direction of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The switching valve 11 of this embodiment changes the direction of hot and cold water discharge between shower discharge and faucet discharge. A gear part 40A that engages with the temperature control handle 4A (Figure 2) is attached to the end of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. A gear part 40B that engages with the switching handle 4B (Figure 2) is attached to the end of the switching valve 11.

[0023] The faucet 1 is a thermostatic faucet equipped with a hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and a switching valve 11.

[0024] Next, the faucet main body 5 will be described in more detail using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the faucet main body 5, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the faucet main body 5 seen from a different direction than in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet main body 5.

[0025] The faucet body 5 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is integrally formed from resin. The faucet body 5 is formed from PPS resin (PPS-GF30) by injection molding, for example.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the faucet main body 5 includes a main pipe 12, a hot water supply branch pipe 13, a cold water supply branch pipe 14, a shower water discharge branch pipe 15, and a faucet water discharge branch pipe 16.

[0027] The main pipe section 12 is a member that houses the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 described above, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4 , the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are fitted and attached to the main pipe section 12, lined up in the axial direction K (Y direction). The inner wall of the main pipe section 12 forms a space that contains the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11, and extends along the axial direction K (Y direction). Openings 50 and 51 are formed at both ends of the main pipe section 12 in the axial direction K (Y direction), respectively, for inserting the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11. Thread grooves 21 are formed at both ends for attaching cap members 33. The cap members 33 are members that prevent the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 from falling off.

[0028] A plurality of recesses are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main pipe portion 12. The recesses have a heat insulating function of suppressing heat conduction between the main pipe portion 12 and the heat insulating material 6, and assist the heat insulating function of the heat insulating material 6 in retaining the heat of the main pipe portion 12.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, ribs 22 are provided on the outer periphery at both ends of the main pipe portion 12. The ribs 22 are adjacent to the thread grooves 21 and extend circumferentially closer to the center of the main pipe portion 12 than the thread grooves 21. The thread grooves 21 and ribs 22 are formed integrally with the main pipe portion 12 from resin.

[0030] 7, a rib 23 is provided on the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12. The rib 23 is formed extending in the circumferential direction L between the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 so as to separate the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 abut against the rib 23, and the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are aligned with the main pipe portion 12. The rib 23 is formed integrally with the main pipe portion 12 from resin.

[0031] For resin molding using a mold, the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12 may be inclined so as to widen slightly outward from the center side toward the end side in the axial direction K (for example, an inclination angle of 0.2 to 0.5 degrees).

[0032] Further, on the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12, a hot water inlet 20A, a cold water inlet 20B, a shower spout 20C, and a faucet spout 20D are formed.

[0033] The hot water inlet 20A is an opening for allowing hot water to flow from a hot water supply source into the main pipe 12, and connects the hot water supply branch pipe 13 (Fig. 6) and the main pipe 12. The hot water inlet 20A is formed around the hot water / cold water mixing valve 10 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the hot water / cold water mixing valve 10. The water inlet 20B is an opening for allowing water to flow from a water supply source into the main pipe 12, and connects the water supply branch pipe 14 (Fig. 6) and the main pipe 12. The water inlet 20B is formed around the selector valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the selector valve 11.

[0034] The shower outlet 20C is an opening for discharging hot and cold water from the main pipe 12, and connects the main pipe 12 to the shower spout branch pipe 15 (Fig. 6). The shower outlet 20C is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B in the axial direction K. The shower outlet 20C is formed around the switching valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11. In this embodiment, the shower outlet 20C is formed in the center between both end portions of the main pipe 12.

[0035] The faucet spout 20D is an opening for spouting hot and cold water from the main pipe portion 12, and connects the main pipe portion 12 to the faucet spout branch pipe portion 16 (Fig. 6). Similar to the shower spout 20C, the faucet spout 20D is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. In this embodiment, the faucet spout 20D overlaps with the shower spout 20C in the circumferential direction L and is formed in the center between both end portions of the main pipe portion 12. Similar to the shower spout 20C, the faucet spout 20D is formed around the selector valve 11 (Fig. 4) and faces the outer peripheral surface of the selector valve 11.

[0036] Returning to Figure 6, the hot water supply branch pipe 13 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the hot water inlet 20A of the main pipe 12 and extends toward the wall of the bathroom (in the X direction). The hot water supply branch pipe 13 extends from the hot water inlet 20A to a first connection port 30A, to which a hot water supply pipe 31 (Figure 2) is connected.

[0037] Water supply branch pipe 14 is a tubular member that branches off from main pipe 12 at a position including water inlet 20B and extends toward the wall of the bathroom (in the X direction). Water supply branch pipe 14 extends from water inlet 20B to second connection port 30B, to which second connection port 30B is connected water supply pipe 32 (Fig. 2).

[0038] The hot water supply branch pipe 13 and the water supply branch pipe 14 are provided in the main pipe 12 at an interval in the axial direction K. In addition, a shower discharge branch pipe 15 is formed between the hot water supply branch pipe 13 and the water supply branch pipe 14. The shower discharge branch pipe 15 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the shower spout 20C of the main pipe 12 and extends toward the wall of the bathroom (in the X direction). The shower discharge branch pipe 15 is provided in the center of the main pipe 12 in the axial direction K. The shower discharge branch pipe 15 forms an internal flow path that discharges hot and cold water from a third connection port 30C formed on the wall side. In this embodiment, the shower discharge branch pipe 15 is a discharge pipe for shower water.

[0039] An elbow 9 is attached to the third connection port 30C of the shower water discharge branch pipe section 15. The shower water discharge branch pipe section 15 is connected via the elbow 9 to a shower hose (not shown).

[0040] Furthermore, a faucet water discharge branch pipe 16 is formed alongside the shower water discharge branch pipe 15 in the circumferential direction L. The faucet water discharge branch pipe 16 is a tubular member that branches off from a position including the faucet water outlet 20D (Fig. 7) of the main pipe 12 and extends toward the bathroom floor (-Z direction). Like the shower water discharge branch pipe 15, the faucet water discharge branch pipe 16 is provided in the center of the main pipe 12. The faucet water discharge branch pipe 16 forms a flow path therein that discharges hot and cold water from a fourth connection port 30D formed on the floor side. In this embodiment, the faucet water discharge branch pipe 16 is a discharge pipe that discharges water from the faucet.

[0041] In addition, a rectifying section 16A (FIG. 4) is attached to the faucet water discharge branch pipe section 16. The rectifying section 16A is a member for rectifying the flow of water discharged from the faucet.

[0042] The main pipe 12 further has a pressure relief branch pipe 17 branching off from the hot water supply branch pipe 13. The pressure relief branch pipe 17 is a pipe for releasing the pressure inside the faucet main body 5 to the outside, and is fitted with a pressure relief valve (not shown). The pressure relief valve is a valve that automatically opens when the internal pressure of the pressure relief branch pipe 17 exceeds a predetermined pressure, and prevents the internal pressure of the pressure relief branch pipe 17 from becoming excessively high.

[0043] The main pipe 12 further includes a drain branch pipe 18 that branches off from the water supply branch pipe 14. The drain branch pipe 18 is a pipe for draining water from inside the faucet main body 5, and is fitted with a drain plug (not shown). Opening the drain plug to drain the water can prevent the water inside the faucet main body 5 from freezing.

[0044] Next, the internal structure of the main pipe portion 12 will be described in more detail using Figures 8A to 8E. Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. Figure 8C is a perspective view of the switching valve 11. Figure 8D is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion as seen from a different direction than Figure 8A. Figure 8E is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration inside the main pipe portion as seen from a different direction than Figures 8A and 8D. As will be described later, Figure 8A shows the second region P2, Figure 8D shows the first region P1, and Figure 8E shows the third region P3.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8A, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is inserted into the switching valve 11 in the first axial direction K1, and the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are connected and fixed to each other. An O-ring (not shown) is provided at the connecting part between the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 to seal them from each other.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 8B, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 forms an internal flow path R0, and as shown in Fig. 8C, the switching valve 11 forms an internal flow path R1. Because the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are connected to each other, the internal flow path R0 and the internal flow path R1 communicate with each other, and in the internal flow paths R0 and R1, hot and cold water flows from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 toward the switching valve 11 along the first axial direction K1. With this configuration, hot and cold water mixed in the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 flows from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 to the switching valve 11, and is discharged from the switching valve 11 according to the water discharge method selected by the user, for example.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8B, the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10 has a hot water inlet 10A and a cold water inlet 10B on its outer peripheral surface S0, which are connected to the internal flow path R0. The hot water inlet 10A is an opening that connects the hot water inlet 20A (Figure 7) with the internal flow path R0, and is used to introduce hot water into the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10. The water inlet 10B is an opening that connects the water inlet 20B (Figure 7) with the internal flow path R0, and is used to introduce water into the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the hot water inlet 10A and the water inlet 10B, sealing them from each other.

[0048] The opening areas of the hot water inlet 10A and the cold water inlet 10B can be changed by operating the handle unit 4 (Fig. 1). With this configuration, the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 can mix hot and cold water at any desired ratio.

[0049] 8C, 8D, and 8E, the switching valve 11 forms a shower outlet 11A (FIG. 8D) and a faucet outlet 11B (FIG. 8E) on the outer peripheral surface S1. The shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B each communicate with an internal flow path R1 (FIG. 8C) and allow hot and cold water flowing from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 to flow outward.

[0050] Shower outlet 11A shown in Fig. 8D is an opening that connects internal flow path R1 (Fig. 8C) to shower spout 20C (Fig. 7) and allows hot and cold water to flow from selector valve 11 to shower spout branch pipe 15 (Figs. 5 and 6). Faucet outlet 11B shown in Fig. 8E is an opening that connects faucet spout 20D (Fig. 7) and internal flow path R1 (Fig. 8C) and allows hot and cold water to flow from selector valve 11 to faucet spout branch pipe 16 (Fig. 7). Shower outlet 11A is formed in first region P1, which will be described later, and faucet outlet 11B is formed in third region P3, which will be described later.

[0051] 8D and 8E, the shower outlet 11A is closer to the center in the axial direction K of the faucet main body 5 (not shown) than the faucet outlet 11B, i.e., closer to the center between the gear parts 40A and 40B located at both ends. In this embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is formed on the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 at the center of the faucet main body 5 so as to face the shower spout 20C (FIG. 7).

[0052] Returning to FIG. 8A, the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 forms three regions P1, P2, and P3 along the circumferential direction L. The first region P1 forms the shower outlet 11A (FIG. 8D), the second region P2 forms the outer peripheral flow path R2, and the third region P3 forms the faucet outlet 11B (FIG. 8E).

[0053] The outer peripheral flow path R2 formed in the second region P2 is a flow path that communicates with the water inlet 20B (FIG. 7) and flows water that has flowed from the water inlet 20B into the main pipe portion 12 (FIG. 7) toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0054] The first region P1, the third region P3, and the second region P2 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction L. The circumferential direction L is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the first axial direction K1. The second region P2 is provided adjacent to both the third region P3 and the first region P1 along the circumferential direction L. The first region P1 and the third region P3 form a boundary along the axial direction K.

[0055] The fins 44 are located in the second region P2.

[0056] Here, the regions P1 to P3 and the packing 42 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9A, 9B, and 10. Figure 9A is a development view of the regions P1 to P3 of the switching valve 11. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9A. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the packing 42.

[0057] The regions P1 to P3 are each separated by a packing 42. The packing 42 is fitted into a recess 41A of the switching valve 11 shown in Figure 9B. The recess 41A is formed by a protruding wall 41 on the outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11.

[0058] 10, the packing 42 of this embodiment has a portion 42A that surrounds the first region P1 and a portion 42B that surrounds the third region P3. By surrounding the first region P1 and the third region P3, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are separated from each other, and the second region P2, which is located outside the first region P1 and the third region P3, is separated from the first region P1 and the third region P3. Therefore, in the second region P2, it is possible to isolate the respective regions P1 to P3 without providing a separate wall structure or packing 42.

[0059] The packing 42 of this embodiment is an integrated packing formed by continuously forming the portions 42A and 42B. By using such a packing 42, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the portions 42A and 42B are provided independently, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0060] The first region P1 surrounded by the portion 42A and the third region P3 surrounded by the portion 42B are adjacent to each other along the central portion 42C of the packing 42. In addition, since the packing 42 is integrally formed, the recess 41A (FIG. 9B) is formed continuously across the first region P1 and the third region P3.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9A, the area of ​​the first region P1 is larger than the opening area of ​​the shower outlet 11A. Similarly, the area of ​​the third region P3 is larger than the opening area of ​​the faucet outlet 11B. This configuration allows the flow rate of hot and cold water to be maintained in the regions P1 and P3.

[0062] Furthermore, the portion of the first region P1 that forms the shower outlet 11A is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions. Specifically, it has a length L2 that is longer than length L1. Similarly, the portion of the third region P3 that forms the faucet outlet 11B has a length L4 that is longer in the circumferential direction L than the length L3 of the other portions. This configuration further reduces resistance to the discharged hot and cold water, particularly around the outlets 11A and 11B, allowing the hot and cold water to flow out more smoothly.

[0063] 9B, the first region P1 and the third region P3 are each defined by a protruding wall 41 formed on the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11. The protruding wall 41 is a portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11, and the protruding wall 41 has a recess 41A formed therein for fitting a packing 42 therein.

[0064] On the other hand, fins 44 are formed in the second region P2. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the fins 44 are ribs that protrude from the outer peripheral surface S1 and are formed along the axial direction K. The fins 44 have the function of maintaining the distance between the inner peripheral surface S2 (Figure 7) of the main pipe portion 12 and the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 in the second region P2, thereby suppressing rattle. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9A, by extending in the axial direction K, the fins 44 also have the function of rectifying the water flowing through the second region P2 by directing it along the second axial direction K2.

[0065] Here, the arrangement of the shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B in the faucet 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 11A and 11B.

[0066] 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views illustrating the flow through a faucet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0067] 11A, the switching valve 11 is housed inside the main pipe section 12, and a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12 by a packing 42. The packing 42 abuts against the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe section 12, thereby sealing the first region P1 and the third region P3 watertight.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 11A, the shower outlet 11A overlaps with the shower outlet 20C in the circumferential direction L. Therefore, a first distance D1 between the shower outlet 11A and the shower outlet 20C measured along the axial direction K is 0. When the switching valve 11 is positioned in the rotational position for shower spouting, the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 communicates with a flow path formed in the shower spouting branch pipe section 15 via the shower outlet 11A and the shower outlet 20C. In this state, although not shown in Fig. 11A, the faucet outlet 20D faces a part of the outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 that is different from the part where the faucet outlet 11B is formed.

[0069] 11B, the faucet outlet 11B is formed further away from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 in the axial direction K than the faucet outlet 20D. Therefore, the faucet outlet 11B does not face the faucet outlet 20D, but is formed closer to the end of the faucet 1 than the faucet outlet 20D. A second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet outlet 20D measured along the axial direction K is greater than 0, i.e., greater than the first distance D1 (FIG. 11A).

[0070] Based on the above-mentioned configuration, the flow of cold water and hot and cold water in the switching valve 11 will be described.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11A, hot water flowing into the main pipe 12 through the hot water supply branch pipe 13 flows along arrow A from the hot water inlet 20A into the internal flow path R0 inside the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0072] Furthermore, water flowing into the main pipe 12 through the water supply branch pipe 14 flows from the water inlet 20B along the arrow B into the second region P2 of the switching valve 11. As shown in Fig. 11B, the water flows in the second axial direction K2 toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 through an outer circumferential flow path R2 formed by the second region P2 of the outer circumferential surface S1 of the switching valve 11 and the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe 12.

[0073] The downstream end of the outer peripheral flow passage R2 communicates with an outer peripheral flow passage R3 formed by a fourth region P4 (FIG. 8A) of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12. A water inlet 10B is formed in the fourth region P4. Therefore, water flows from the outer peripheral flow passage R2 into the outer peripheral flow passage R3, and then flows into the internal flow passage R0 through the water inlet 10B of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0074] 11B, hot water and cold water are mixed in the internal flow path R0 of the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10. The mixed hot water and cold water flows in the first axial direction K1 along the arrow C and flows from the internal flow path R0 of the hot water and cold water mixing valve 10 into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11.

[0075] The flow of hot and cold water that has flowed into the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 is changed depending on the water discharge method selected by the switching handle 4B of the handle unit 4 (FIG. 2).

[0076] First, we will explain the case where shower spouting is selected on the switch handle 4B (Fig. 2). When shower spouting is selected, the first area P1 shown in Fig. 8D is in a rotational position facing the shower spout 20C, and as shown in Fig. 11A, the shower outlet 11A in the first area P1 and the shower spout 20C are connected to each other. On the other hand, the third area P3 shown in Fig. 8E is in a rotational position facing neither the shower spout 20C nor the faucet outlet 20D, and the faucet outlet 11B in the third area P3 and the faucet spout 20D are not connected to each other.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11A, hot and cold water flows from the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 through the shower outlet 11A into the first area P1 along the arrow D. Because the first area P1 is sealed by the packing 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into the other areas P2 and P3 is prevented.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are opposed to each other (i.e., D1 = 0), the hot and cold water that flows out of the shower outlet 11A flows directly into the shower spout branch pipe 15 along the arrow D. This reduces the flow resistance of the hot and cold water as it flows from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C, preventing a reduction in the shower flow rate. The hot and cold water is then discharged from the shower head via a shower hose connected to the shower spout branch pipe 15.

[0079] Next, consider the case where faucet water spouting is selected using the switch handle 4B (Fig. 2). When faucet water spouting is selected, the direction of the switch valve 11 is different from the direction of the switch valve 11 when shower water spouting is selected, due to the operation of the handle unit 4. Specifically, when faucet water spouting is selected, the third region P3 shown in Fig. 8E is in a rotational position facing the faucet spout 20D, and as shown in Fig. 11B, the faucet outlet 11B in the third region P3 and the faucet spout 20D are connected to each other. On the other hand, the first region P1 shown in Fig. 8D is in a rotational position not facing the shower spout 20C, and the shower outlet 11A in the first region P1 and the shower spout 20C are not connected to each other.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11B, hot and cold water flows along arrow E in the internal flow path R1 of the switching valve 11 toward the faucet outlet 11B. At this time, the hot and cold water passes through the shower outlet 11A (FIG. 11A). That is, the faucet outlet 11B is formed downstream of the shower outlet 11A with respect to the flow in the internal flow path R1. The hot and cold water flows into the third area P3 through the faucet outlet 11B. Because the third area P3 is also sealed with the gasket 42, the inflow of hot and cold water into the other areas P1 and P2 is prevented.

[0081] The hot and cold water flowing out of the faucet outlet 11B flows through the outer circumferential flow path R4, formed by the third region P3 of the switching valve 11 and the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12, in the second axial direction K2, which is the opposite direction to the internal flow path R1, toward the faucet spout 20D. The outer circumferential flow path R4 extends from the faucet outlet 11B to the faucet spout 20D. The length of the outer circumferential flow path R4 corresponds to the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D. The distance from the faucet outlet 11B to the faucet spout 20D increases flow resistance, but unlike shower spouting, the final flow rate is less likely to decrease. The hot and cold water flowing out of the outer circumferential flow path R4 is then discharged from the faucet spout branch pipe portion 16 through the faucet spout 20D.

[0082] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0083] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, by locating both the shower spout branch pipe 15 and the faucet spout branch pipe 16 between the hot water supply pipe 31 and the cold water supply pipe 32 and positioning them toward the center of the faucet 1, a symmetrical structure can be achieved, improving the appearance of the faucet 1. In order to achieve this arrangement, conventional faucets have an internal flow path in the metal main pipe itself, which forms a flow path for hot water and cold water within the main pipe.

[0084] On the other hand, the faucet 1 of the present disclosure employs a symmetrical structure, but does not provide an internal flow path in the main pipe 12. Instead, a flow path for mixing hot and cold water is formed between the selector valve 11 and the main pipe 12. Specifically, the hot water inlet 20A for hot water is positioned opposite the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, while the water inlet 20B for cold water is positioned opposite the selector valve 11. An outer circumferential flow path R2 extending from the water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is formed between the selector valve 11 and the main pipe 12. More specifically, a second region P2 for forming the outer circumferential flow path R2 is formed between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B. The second region P2 is isolated from the first region P1 and the third region P3 and faces the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe 12. Therefore, the outer circumferential flow path R2 for supplying water to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is formed without forming an independent flow path in the inner wall of the main pipe 12. Therefore, the main pipe portion 12 has a simple structure and can be formed by, for example, resin molding, which improves the design freedom of the faucet 1.

[0085] Furthermore, since the first region P1 and the third region P3 and the inner peripheral surface S2 of the main pipe 12 form a flow path for discharging water without forming an independent flow path in the inner wall of the main pipe 12, it is possible to save space in the main pipe 12 for the flow path for discharging water from the switching valve 11. Therefore, it is possible to design the faucet 1 so as to provide an outer peripheral flow path R4 for discharging water without compromising the design of the faucet 1 by forming a flow path in the main pipe itself on the faucet side.

[0086] Furthermore, regions P1 to P3 are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction L. This arrangement allows the dimensions of the switching valve 11 to be reduced, making it possible to save space for the faucet 1 in the axial direction K. In addition to saving space for the faucet 1, the possibility of a symmetrical structure for the main pipe section 12 and the faucet body section 5 improves the design of the faucet 1 and allows the faucet 1 to be installed stably.

[0087] In this design, the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are overlapped in the circumferential direction L. This shortens the distance from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C compared to when the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C are offset in the axial direction K, shortening the distance the hot and cold water flows outside the switching valve 11. This reduces resistance to the hot and cold water during shower spouting, preventing a decrease in flow rate. When shower spouting is performed, the flow rate is throttled by the shower head's spray plate (not shown). Therefore, if the flow rate decreases upstream of the faucet body 5, the flow rate decreases further downstream, making a decrease in flow rate problematic. Therefore, by adopting a design that prevents a decrease in the flow rate of the shower spout, the flow rate of the shower spout can be ensured. Since a decrease in flow rate is less of a problem when using a faucet spout, the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D are offset in the axial direction K. This allows the shower outlet 11A and the faucet outlet 11B to be positioned offset in the axial direction K, with the shower outlet 11A located upstream and the faucet outlet 11B located downstream. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9A, the portion of the first region P1 that forms the shower outlet 11A and the portion of the third region P3 that forms the faucet outlet 11B can each be designed to be long in the circumferential direction L. This design prevents the second region P2 from becoming locally narrow, stabilizing the water flow in the second region P2.

[0088] [Effect 1] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0089] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment comprises a hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a switching valve 11, and a main pipe 12. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 mixes hot and cold water. The switching valve 11 changes the discharge rate of the hot and cold water mixed by the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are mounted inside the main pipe 12, lined up in the axial direction. The main pipe 12 defines a hot water inlet 20A that communicates with the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a water inlet 20B that communicates with the switching valve 11, and a water outlet 20C between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B that communicates with the switching valve 11. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11 defines a first region P1 that includes an outlet 11A that communicates with the water outlet 20C, and a second region P2 that is isolated from the first region P1 and follows the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 through the water inlet 20B.

[0090] With this configuration, the outlet 20C is located between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B for a well-balanced arrangement, while the second area P2 extending from the water inlet 20B toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 is located on the outer circumferential surface of the switching valve 11, isolated from the first area P1. This simplifies the shape of the main pipe 12 while improving the design of the faucet 1 having the main pipe 12. Resin can also be selected as the material for forming the faucet 1. This allows for greater freedom in designing the faucet 1.

[0091] In addition, in the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the first region P1 and the second region P2 are aligned in the circumferential direction L.

[0092] With this configuration, the length of the switching valve 11 in the axial direction K can be reduced, which in turn reduces the length of the main pipe portion 12 and the dimension of the faucet 1 in the axial direction K.

[0093] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment includes a packing 42 that is disposed to surround the first area P1 and separates the first area P1 from the second area P2.

[0094] This configuration allows the first area P1 and the second area P2 to be separated with a simple structure, and also allows for a design that omits the packing surrounding the second area P2.

[0095] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the main pipe 12 further defines a faucet outlet 20D between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B, which is in communication with the switching valve 11. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve 11 defines a third region P3 that is isolated from the first region P1 and the second region P2 and includes a faucet outlet 11B in communication with the faucet outlet 20D.

[0096] With this configuration, even in a configuration in which multiple spouts 20C, 20D are formed, the shape of the main pipe 12 can be simplified while improving the design of the faucet 1 having the main pipe 12.

[0097] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region P3 are aligned in the circumferential direction L.

[0098] With this configuration, even when three or more regions are formed on the outer periphery of the switching valve 11, it is possible to design the faucet 1 so that its dimension in the axial direction K is small.

[0099] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment has a portion surrounding the first region P1 and a portion surrounding the third region P3, and is provided with a packing 42 that separates the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region P3.

[0100] This configuration allows the first region P1, the second region P2, and the third region to be isolated from one another with a simple structure, and also allows for a design that omits the packing surrounding the second region P2.

[0101] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the packing 42 is integral, and the first region P1 and the third region P3 are adjacent to each other via the packing 42.

[0102] With this configuration, the number of parts that make up the faucet 1 can be reduced compared to when separate packings are provided to seal the first area P1 and the third area P3.

[0103] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the portion of the first region P1 that forms the shower outlet 11A is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions. Also, the portion of the second region P2 that forms the faucet outlet 11B is longer in the circumferential direction L than the other portions.

[0104] With this configuration, the area around the outlets 11A and 11B can be made wide, thereby ensuring the flow rate of hot and cold water, and the area of ​​the second area P2 can be made large by making the other parts narrow.

[0105] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, fins 44 that protrude toward the inner circumferential surface S2 of the main pipe portion 12 are formed in the second region P2.

[0106] With this configuration, rattle of the switching valve 11 relative to the main pipe portion 12 can be suppressed.

[0107] In the faucet 1 of the embodiment, the outer surface of the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 has a fourth area P4 that communicates with the second area P2 of the switching valve 11, and the second area P2 and the fourth area P4 form outer peripheral water flow paths R2, R3.

[0108] With this configuration, water flows into the outer peripheral flow paths R2, R3 formed by the second region P2 and the fourth region P4, so the shape of the main pipe portion 12 can be simplified by using the main pipe portion 12 without having to provide a separate flow path for the flow of water toward the hot and cold water mixing valve 10.

[0109] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the main pipe portion 12 is integrally formed from resin.

[0110] With this configuration, the faucet 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0111] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment further comprises a hot water supply branch pipe 13 and a water supply branch pipe 14. The hot water supply branch pipe 13 branches off from the main pipe 12 at a position including the hot water inlet 20A, and forms an internal flow path for supplying hot water from the hot water supply source (hot water supply pipe 31) to the hot water inlet 20A. The water supply branch pipe 14 branches off from the main pipe 12 at a position including the water inlet 20B, and forms an internal flow path for supplying water from the water supply source (water supply pipe 32) to the water inlet 20B.

[0112] With this configuration, the main pipe portion 12 can be connected to a hot and cold water supply source provided on the wall of a bathroom or the like.

[0113] [Effect 2] The faucet 1 according to the embodiment comprises a hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a switching valve 11, and a main pipe 12. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 mixes hot and cold water. The switching valve 11 changes the amount of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve 10. The hot and cold water mixing valve 10 and the switching valve 11 are mounted inside the main pipe 12 and aligned axially. The main pipe 12 defines a hot water inlet 20A that communicates with the hot and cold water mixing valve 10, a water inlet 20B that communicates with the switching valve 11, and, between the hot water inlet 20A and the water inlet 20B, a water outlet 20C that communicates with the switching valve 11 and a faucet outlet 20D. The outer peripheral surface S1 of the switching valve 11 defines a shower outlet 11A that communicates with the shower outlet 20C and a faucet outlet 11B that communicates with the faucet outlet 20D. The shower outlet 11A is provided closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve 10 in the axial direction K than the faucet outlet 11B.

[0114] This configuration allows for a design that shortens the distance from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C, thereby reducing the resistance of the hot and cold water from the shower outlet 11A to the shower spout 20C and preventing a reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

[0115] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is located upstream of the faucet outlet 11B in the direction of hot and cold water flowing inside the switching valve 11.

[0116] With this configuration, the distance that water flows to the shower outlet 11A inside the switching valve 11 is made shorter than the distance that water flows to the faucet outlet 11B, thereby further reducing resistance to hot and cold water and preventing a reduction in the flow rate of the shower water.

[0117] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the first distance D1 between the shower spout 20C and the shower outlet 11A along the axial direction K is smaller than the second distance D2 between the faucet spout 20D and the faucet outlet 11B.

[0118] This configuration can further prevent a reduction in the flow rate of shower water.

[0119] In the faucet 1 according to the embodiment, the shower outlet 11A is closer to the center of the main pipe portion 12 than the faucet outlet 11B.

[0120] With this configuration, when the shower outlet 20C is located toward the center of the main pipe section 12, the first distance D1 from the shower outlet 11A to the shower outlet 20C can be shortened and the design of the faucet 1 can be improved.

[0121] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, when the switching valve 11 is positioned in the rotation position for shower spouting, the shower spout 20C and the shower outlet 11A overlap.

[0122] With this configuration, resistance can be reduced between the shower water spout 20C and the shower outlet 11A, further preventing a reduction in the flow rate of shower water.

[0123] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the shower water spout 20C and the faucet water spout 20D overlap in the circumferential direction L of the main pipe portion.

[0124] This configuration improves the design of the faucet 1 and allows the faucet 1 to be stably attached to the bathroom wall.

[0126] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be embodied in various other forms. For example, in the embodiment, the faucet 1 is described as a faucet that spouts shower water and faucet water, but is not limited to this.

[0127] In the embodiment, an example in which the faucet 1 is made of resin has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0128] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C face each other (first distance D1 = 0), but this is not limiting. A first distance D1 may be formed between the shower outlet 11A and the shower spout 20C in the axial direction K. Even in this case, the same effect can be achieved by making the first distance D1 smaller than the second distance D2 between the faucet outlet 11B and the faucet spout 20D.

[0129] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the shower spout 20C and the faucet spout 20D overlap in the circumferential direction L, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient that the shower spout 20C and the faucet spout 20D are located between the hot water inlet 20A and the cold water inlet 20B. Even with this structure, the faucet 1 can be stably attached to the bathroom wall.

[0130] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0131] The faucet of the present disclosure is useful in faucets equipped with hot and cold water mixing valves and switching valves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 faucet 2 Faucet units 3 Connecting members 4 Handle unit 5 Faucet body 6 Heat insulation material 7 Front cover 8 Rear cover 10 Hot and cold water mixing valve 11. Switching valve 11A Shower outlet 11B Faucet outlet 12 Main pipe section 13 Branch pipe for hot water supply 14 Water supply branch pipe section 15 Branch pipe for shower water discharge 16 Faucet water outlet branch pipe 20A Molten metal inlet 20B Water inlet 20C shower outlet 20D Faucet 41 Projecting wall 42 Gasket P1~P3 area R0~R1 Internal flow path R2~R4 outer flow passage

Claims

1. a hot and cold water mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water; A switching valve for changing the amount of hot and cold water discharged from the hot and cold water mixing valve; The hot and cold water mixing valve and the switching valve are mounted inside the piping, and the main pipe portion has a hot water inlet communicating with the hot and cold water mixing valve, a cold water inlet communicating with the switching valve, and a shower outlet and a faucet outlet communicating with the switching valve between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet. The outer peripheral surface of the switching valve forms a shower outlet communicating with the shower spout and a faucet outlet communicating with the faucet spout, The shower outlet is provided closer to the hot and cold water mixing valve in the axial direction than the faucet outlet, an outer peripheral surface of the switching valve defines a first region including the shower outlet and a third region isolated from the first region and including the faucet outlet, each of the first region and the third region being surrounded by a packing; A faucet in which the first region and the third region overlap in the axial direction and are aligned in the circumferential direction.

2. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the shower outlet is located upstream of the faucet outlet in the direction of flow of hot and cold water through the switching valve.

3. The faucet of claim 1 or 2, wherein a first distance along the axial direction between the shower spout and the shower outlet is less than a second distance between the faucet spout and the faucet outlet.

4. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the shower outlet is closer to the center of the main pipe than the faucet outlet.

5. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the shower spout and the shower outlet overlap when the switching valve is in a rotation position for shower spouting.

6. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the shower spout and the faucet spout overlap in the circumferential direction of the main pipe portion.

7. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein the main pipe portion is integrally formed from resin.

8. 8. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein in the first region, the circumferential dimension of the portion forming the shower outlet is greater than the circumferential dimension of the portion away from the shower outlet.

9. The faucet according to claim 1 , wherein in the third region, the circumferential dimension of the portion forming the faucet outlet is greater than the circumferential dimension of the portion away from the faucet outlet.

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