Operating device

Abstract

To provide an operation device that can prevent parts constituting an operating shaft from separating, improve productivity and workability, and suppress increases in manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: An operating shaft 3 includes a rod-shaped body shaft portion 31, an intervening portion 32, and a wire corresponding portion 33 connected to an inner wire 5. The operating shaft 3 is constituted by the body shaft portion 31 connected in series by engaging and connecting the body shaft portion 31 to a first connecting portion 322 of the intervening portion 32 and engaging and connecting the wire corresponding portion 33 to a second connecting portion 323 of the intervening portion 32, the intervening portion 32, and the wire corresponding portion 33. With the connected intervening portion 32 and wire corresponding portion 33 placed in a case 2, it is possible to connect the body shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322 by snap-fitting the body shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322 by inserting the body shaft portion 31 into the case 2 and pushing the same toward the intervening portion 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for remotely operating a plug lid provided at a drain outlet of a tank body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an operating device for switching the open / closed state of a drain outlet formed at the bottom of a tank body (for example, a bathtub, a washbowl, etc.) or in the vicinity thereof by remote operation may be provided.

[0003] As an operating device, one including a case, an operating shaft, an inner wire, and an outer tube is known (for example, see Patent Document 1, etc.). The case is inserted with the operating shaft in a reciprocable state and guides the reciprocating movement of the operating shaft. The operating shaft has an operated portion that extends out of the case from an opening on one end side of the case, and the operated portion functions as an operation target by a user. The inner wire reciprocates together with the operating shaft when the operating shaft is pushed or pulled, and transmits the driving force due to the displacement of the operating shaft to the plug lid side. The outer tube is inserted with the inner wire and guides the inner wire from the operating shaft side to the plug lid side. In such an operating device, by pushing or pulling the operating shaft to reciprocate the inner wire, the plug lid moves up and down to switch the open / closed state of the drain outlet.

[0004] Further, in the above operating device, the operating shaft is constituted by a main body shaft portion and a wire corresponding portion that are connected in series and each have a rod shape. The connection between the main body shaft portion and the wire corresponding portion is made by screwing a male screw provided on the main body shaft portion into a female screw provided on the wire corresponding portion.

[0005] In addition, in the above operating device, predetermined portions on the inner circumferential surface of the case and the outer circumferential surface of the wire-compatible portion are hexagonal in cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the case, so that the wire-compatible portion placed inside the case cannot rotate relative to the case. As a result, the wire-compatible portion and the main shaft can be connected by inserting the main shaft into the case and rotating it after placing the wire-compatible portion inside the case. In other words, the wire-compatible portion and the main shaft can be connected while the wire-compatible portion remains inside the case, making the device easier to assemble. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-157442 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Furthermore, in a configuration where the components constituting the operating shaft (main shaft and wire-compatible part) are connected by screws, there is a risk that the male threads may loosen relative to the female threads after prolonged use, causing these components to separate. Also, in a method of connecting the components by rotating the main shaft, the connection requires a lot of effort and time, which may reduce productivity and ease of installation. Moreover, if certain parts on the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the wire-compatible part are configured to have a hexagonal cross-section, it may lead to increased manufacturing costs.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an operating device that can prevent the separation of components constituting the operating shaft, improve productivity and workability, and suppress increases in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed.

[0010] Method 1. A cylindrical case and A rod-shaped operating shaft is inserted into the aforementioned case in a manner that allows it to move back and forth, and one end of the shaft extends out of the case through an opening at one end of the case, forming the part to be operated. The case includes an inner wire connected to the other end of the operating shaft and capable of reciprocating together with the operating shaft, An operating device that can switch the open / closed state of a drain outlet by moving a stopper cover for opening and closing a drain outlet of a tank body up and down by the reciprocating movement of the operating shaft and the inner wire, The aforementioned operating shaft is A rod-shaped main body shaft having the operated portion at one end, A rod-shaped wire-compatible portion having a wire insertion portion that fixes and holds the inner wire in place with one end portion of the inner wire inserted through it, The intervening portion includes a first connecting portion which is connected to the main body shaft portion by engaging with the other end portion of the main body shaft portion, and a second connecting portion which is connected to the wire-compatible portion by engaging with the one end portion of the wire-compatible portion, The main shaft portion is engaged with the first connecting portion and connected to the second connecting portion, thereby connecting the main shaft portion, the intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion in series, forming the operating shaft, and the main shaft portion, the intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion are able to move back and forth in conjunction within the case. An operating device characterized in that, with the connected intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion arranged inside the case, the main shaft portion is inserted into the case and pushed toward the intervening portion, thereby snap-fit ​​engaging the main shaft portion with the first connecting portion of the intervening portion and connecting the main shaft portion to the first connecting portion.

[0011] According to the above-described means 1, the operating shaft is composed of a main shaft portion, an intervening portion, and a wire-compatible portion connected in series. The main shaft portion is engaged and connected to the first connecting portion, and the wire-compatible portion is engaged and connected to the second connecting portion. Therefore, compared to methods using screws, the separation of the components constituting the operating shaft due to long-term use can be made less likely.

[0012] Furthermore, with the connected intervening portion and wire-compatible portion positioned inside the case, the main shaft portion can be inserted into the case and pushed toward the intervening portion, thereby snap-fitting the main shaft portion to the first connecting portion of the intervening portion and connecting the main shaft portion to the first connecting portion. Therefore, there is no need to rotate the main shaft portion when connecting the components that make up the operating shaft (main shaft portion and intervening portion). This reduces the effort and time required for connection, improving productivity and ease of installation.

[0013] In addition, in order to connect the intervening part and the main shaft part while the intervening part and the wire-compatible part are positioned inside the case, it is not necessary to make the inner surface of the case and the outer surface of the wire-compatible part have special shapes such as a hexagonal cross-section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0014] Method 2. A cylindrical outer tube through which the inner wire is inserted, The case is provided with a cylindrical seal retaining member having an axial hole in the center and made of a predetermined elastic material. The operating device according to means 1, characterized in that the seal holding member integrally comprises a holding portion that elastically holds the wire corresponding portion inserted through the shaft hole, and a sealing portion that is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and the inner circumferential surface of the case, which are located in the shaft hole, and which watertightly seal the space between the outer tube and the case.

[0015] According to the above-described means 2, the holding portion that elastically holds the operating shaft can make the operating shaft in a state where it does not move easily. Thereby, the drain opening can be more reliably maintained in the open state or the closed state.

[0016] Also, by the sealing portion, even if water enters the case through the outer tube, it is possible to effectively prevent the water from leaking out from the other end side of the case. Thereby, the hygiene can be improved.

[0017] Furthermore, the seal holding member integrally includes the seal portion and the holding portion having the above-described functions. Therefore, compared with the case where the seal portion and the holding portion are constituted by separate parts, the number of parts can be reduced and the internal structure can be simplified. As a result, the improvement of productivity and workability and the suppression of an increase in manufacturing cost can be achieved more effectively.

[0018] In addition, the seal holding member is formed of an elastic material, and by utilizing the elasticity of this material, while the holding portion holds the operating shaft, the seal portion can ensure watertightness. Therefore, compared with the case where the seal holding member is constituted by using a plurality of materials to realize the above respective functions, the cost related to the manufacture of the seal holding member can be effectively reduced. As a result, the suppression of an increase in manufacturing cost can be achieved more effectively.

[0019] Incidentally, examples of the "predetermined elastic material" include elastic rubber and elastic resin.

[0020] Means 3. The wire corresponding portion includes a protrusion protruding outward, The operating device according to means 2, characterized in that the holding portion is arranged between the intervening portion and the protrusion when the drain opening is in an open state.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned means 3, when the drain outlet is in the open state, it is possible to make the operation shaft more difficult to move. Thereby, the unintended movement of the operation shaft can be more effectively suppressed, and the drain outlet can be more reliably maintained in the open state.

[0022] Means 4. The intervening part is characterized in that it comprises a plate-like part having the first connecting part protruding from the front surface and the second connecting part protruding from the back surface, and is the operating device according to any one of Means 1 to 3.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned means 4, the intervening part has a structure in which a plate-like part exists between the first connecting part and the second connecting part. Therefore, when connecting the intervening part and the main body shaft part, it is possible to more reliably prevent the second connecting part from elastically deforming in accordance with the elastic deformation of the first connecting part. Thereby, a stable connection state between the intervening part and the wire corresponding part can be more reliably maintained.

[0024] Means 5. The first connecting part is separated by two slits and has two divided parts having a point-symmetrical shape centered on the central axis of the first connecting part. The inner peripheral surface of each of the divided parts has a non-undercut shape with respect to the moving direction of the mold when removing the mold forming the inner peripheral surface through one of the slits. Each of the divided parts is characterized in that a part located on the side opposite to the slit through which the mold for forming its inner peripheral surface passes extends to a position overlapping the slit along the moving direction, and is the operating device according to any one of Means 1 to 4.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned means 5, smooth mold release during the manufacture of the intervening part becomes possible, so that damage and deformation of the intervening part can be prevented, and productivity can be further increased.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the above means 5, each divided portion has a shape such that the part located on the opposite side of the slit through which the mold for forming the inner circumferential surface of the divided portion passes extends along the direction of movement of the mold to a position where it overlaps with the slit. In other words, the opposite part of each divided portion has a shape that wraps around over a wider area on the side of the main shaft portion. Moreover, since both divided portions have a point-symmetric shape, the movement of the main shaft portion connected to the intervening portion toward both slits can be restricted, making it less likely for the main shaft portion to become eccentric with respect to the intervening portion. As a result, localized uneven loads on the intervening portion, etc., can be effectively suppressed during operation, and as a result, damage, deformation, and malfunctions of the intervening portion, etc., can be more reliably prevented.

[0027] Furthermore, by having the divided section wrap around a wider area to the side of the main shaft, the strength in the tensile and bending directions of the first connecting section can be more reliably increased. This allows the first connecting section and the main shaft to engage and connect more firmly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operating device attached to a faucet. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the operating device when the operating shaft is returned to its original position to close the drain port. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the operating device when the operating shaft is moved back and forth to open the drain port. [Figure 4] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the operating device when the operating shaft is returned to its original position to close the drain port. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the operating device when the operating shaft is moved back and forth to open the drain port. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the intervening part. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the intervening part. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view of the intervening part and other components used to indicate the removal direction of the inner circumference forming mold. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the operating device used to explain the connection of the main shaft portion to the first connecting portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The operating device 1 remotely operates a stopper cover (not shown) for opening and closing a drain outlet provided in a tank body (e.g., a washbasin, bathtub, or sink), and switches the open or closed state of the drain outlet by moving the stopper cover up and down. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the operating device 1 is attached to a faucet 100 provided in the tank body. More specifically, the operating device 1 is attached to the faucet 100 by screwing the male threaded portion 21a of the case 2, which will be described later, into the female thread 101 provided on the faucet 100. Note that the faucet 100 is shown in a simplified form in Figure 1. In addition, a pipe (not shown) that serves as a flow path for the drainage that has passed through the drain outlet is attached to the bottom of the tank body.

[0030] Furthermore, the operating device 1 may be attached to a wall that constitutes a part of the tank body or a structure located near the tank body (for example, the counter of a washbasin or vanity). Also, when attaching the operating device 1 to a faucet 100 or the like, a sealing member 110 may be provided between one end of the case 2 (described later) and the faucet 100 or the like to ensure watertightness.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 (the faucet 100 is not shown in Figure 2, etc.), the operating device 1 comprises a case 2, an operating shaft 3, an outer tube 4, an inner wire 5, and a seal retaining member 6.

[0032] Case 2 holds the operating shaft 3 and outer tube 4, and also functions as a mounting part for the operating device 1 to the faucet 100, etc. Case 2 is cylindrical overall and comprises a main cylindrical part 21, a connecting cylindrical part 22, and a fixed holding part 23.

[0033] The main cylindrical portion 21 is cylindrical with a through hole in the center and constitutes the portion of the case 2 from one end to a position beyond its longitudinal center. The operating shaft 3 is inserted through the inner circumference of the main cylindrical portion 21 in a manner that allows it to reciprocate, and the reciprocating movement of the operating shaft 3 is guided by the inner surface of the main cylindrical portion 21. In addition, a male threaded portion 21a is formed on the outer circumference of one end of the main cylindrical portion 21 for attaching the operating device 1 to an object to be attached, such as a faucet 100. On the other hand, an annular groove 21b is formed on the outer circumference of the other end of the main cylindrical portion 21 for attaching the connecting cylindrical portion 22.

[0034] The connecting cylinder portion 22 is connected in series with the main cylinder portion 21 and together with the main cylinder portion 21 constitutes the majority of the case 2. The connecting cylinder portion 22 is cylindrical with a through hole in the center, similar to the main cylinder portion 21, and a locking claw 22a that can be elastically deformed along the radial direction of the connecting cylinder portion 22 is provided at one end. The main cylinder portion 21 and the connecting cylinder portion 22 are connected in series by inserting one end of the connecting cylinder portion 22 into the inner circumference of the other end of the main cylinder portion 21 and positioning the locking claw 22a in the annular groove 21b. In this embodiment, an annular sealing member 7 is also placed between the main cylinder portion 21 and the connecting cylinder portion 22 to improve watertightness. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the connecting cylinder portion 22 where the wire-compatible portion 33 of the operating shaft 3 (described later) is located is not a special shape such as a hexagonal cross-section, but simply a circular cross-section.

[0035] Furthermore, the other end of the connecting cylinder portion 22 is provided with multiple mounting window portions 22b that penetrate from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the connecting cylinder portion 22. The other end portion of the connecting cylinder portion 22 on which these mounting window portions 22b are formed is elastically deformable along the radial direction, for example, by forming a slit. In addition, a stepped portion 22c is formed on the inner circumference of the connecting cylinder portion 22 to prevent the operating shaft 3 from coming out of the case 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the main cylindrical portion 21 and the connecting cylindrical portion 22 are separate parts, and they are connected to each other. However, the main cylindrical portion 21 and the connecting cylindrical portion 22 may be integrally constructed from a single component. In this case, it is not necessary to provide an annular groove 21b or a locking claw 22a, or any other component for connecting the main cylindrical portion 21 and the connecting cylindrical portion 22.

[0037] The fixing and holding portion 23 is a cylindrical component having a through hole in its center through which the outer tube 4 or the like is inserted, and a recess formed on its outer circumference. The fixing and holding portion 23 has the role of holding one end portion of the outer tube 4 and the seal holding member 6. The fixing and holding portion 23 is inserted through the opening on the other end of the connecting cylinder portion 22, and is attached to the other end of the connecting cylinder portion 22 by fitting a projection provided on its outer circumference into the mounting window portion 22b. In this embodiment, by utilizing the elasticity of the other end portion of the connecting cylinder portion 22, the fixing and holding portion 23 can be easily attached to the connecting cylinder portion 22 by pushing the fixing and holding portion 23 into the opening on the other end of the connecting cylinder portion 22.

[0038] The operating shaft 3 is a rod-shaped component that is pushed or pulled by the user when switching the open or closed state of the drain outlet. In this embodiment, the operating shaft 3 is configured by connecting a main shaft portion 31, an intervening portion 32, and a wire-compatible portion 33 in series. The configuration of the operating shaft 3 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The outer tube 4 is a long cylindrical shape and is intended to guide the inner wire 5 toward the plug cap side. The outer tube 4 is fixed to the case 2 with one end positioned inside the other end of the case 2. More specifically, one end of the outer tube 4 is provided with a flange-shaped flare portion 4a, and this flare portion 4a is sandwiched between the seal holding member 6 and the fixing holding portion 23, thereby fixing one end of the outer tube 4 to the case 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the opening at one end of the outer tube 4 (the opening on the side where the flared portion 4a is located) is in communication with the shaft hole 63 of the seal holding member 6, which will be described later. On the other hand, the opening at the other end of the outer tube 4 (not shown) is located within the piping that serves as a drainage channel, allowing drainage to enter the outer tube 4 from this other end opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, water that enters the outer tube 4 from the other end opening may flow towards the opening at one end of the outer tube 4 and eventually reach the shaft hole 63.

[0041] The inner wire 5 moves together with the operating shaft 3 when the operating shaft 3 reciprocates, and transmits the driving force caused by the displacement of the operating shaft 3 to the plug cover side. The inner wire 5 is made up of, for example, a core coil (tight coil spring) and is inserted into the outer tube 4 in a manner that allows it to reciprocate. One end of the inner wire 5 exits the outer tube 4 through one end opening and is connected to the other end of the operating shaft 3 (particularly the wire-compatible portion 33) inside the case 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, by pushing the operating shaft 3 (pushing the operating shaft 3 downwards), the inner wire 5 is moved forward together with the operating shaft 3 (as shown in Figures 3 and 5), thereby moving the stopper cover upwards and switching the drain port from a closed state to an open state. On the other hand, by pulling the operating shaft 3 (pulling the operating shaft 3 upwards), the inner wire 5 is returned to a state (as shown in Figures 2 and 4), thereby moving the stopper cover downwards and switching the drain port from an open state to a closed state.

[0043] The seal retaining member 6 is a component that performs various functions in the case 2, such as improving watertightness and holding the operating shaft 3. The seal retaining member 6 is formed from a predetermined elastic material [for example, elastic rubber such as EPDM rubber, or elastic resin such as elastomer (thermoplastic elastomer)].

[0044] The seal retaining member 6 has a large-diameter portion 61 with a relatively large outer diameter and a small-diameter portion 62 with a relatively small outer diameter (see Figures 4 and 5). Visually, it has a shape in which a long cylinder with a relatively small outer diameter is coaxially stacked on a short cylinder with a relatively large outer diameter. In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 61 is sandwiched between the connecting cylinder portion 22 and the fixed retaining portion 23, so that the seal retaining member 6 is positioned and fixed inside the other end of the case 2 (main cylinder portion 21). Note that the seal retaining member 6 is compressed and deformed when placed inside the case 2, but Figure 2 and others show the seal retaining member 6 in an uncompressed state.

[0045] Furthermore, the seal holding member 6 has an axial hole 63 that penetrates its own center and extends in the direction of reciprocating movement of the operating shaft 3, and one end portion (flared portion 4a) of the outer tube 4 is positioned at the other end portion of the axial hole 63. In this embodiment, the small diameter portion 62 is made relatively long so that the operating shaft 3 is always inserted into the axial hole 63 regardless of the position of the operating shaft 3 (i.e., whether the drain port is open or closed).

[0046] In addition, the seal holding member 6 integrally comprises a holding portion 64 that elastically holds the operating shaft 3 (particularly the wire-compatible portion 33) inserted through the shaft hole 63, and a cylindrical sealing portion 65 that is positioned between the outer circumference of one end portion (flare portion 4a) of the outer tube 4 located in the shaft hole 63 and the inner circumference of the other end portion of the case 2 (connecting cylindrical portion 22) to provide a watertight seal between the two.

[0047] The retaining portion 64 has the function of preventing the operating shaft 3 (wire-compatible portion 33) from moving back and forth too easily by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the operating shaft 3 while being pressed against it. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 64 is in the shape of an inner flange protruding from the inner circumference of one end of the small diameter portion 62, and is in watertight contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating shaft 3 (wire-compatible portion) inserted through the shaft hole 63. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 64 is in watertight contact with the outer circumferential surface of the operating shaft 3 inserted through the shaft hole 63, whether the drain port is open or closed.

[0048] The seal portion 65 is formed by the large-diameter portion 61 and is sandwiched between the outer circumferential surface of one end portion (flared portion 4a) of the outer tube 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the other end portion of the case 2 (connecting cylinder portion 22). The seal portion 65 ensures a watertight seal between the outer tube 4 and the case 2.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, when the operating shaft 3 is moved back and forth to switch the drain port from a closed state to an open state, the operating shaft 3 (intervening portion 32) comes into contact with one end surface of the seal holding member 6, thereby restricting further movement of the operating shaft 3.

[0050] Next, the operating shaft 3 will be explained in more detail. As described above, the operating shaft 3 comprises a main shaft portion 31, an intervening portion 32, and a wire-compatible portion 33.

[0051] The main shaft portion 31 is configured with a cylindrical main base portion 311 and an operated portion 312 having a larger diameter than the main base portion 311, arranged in series. The main base portion 311 has a wide area of ​​its outer surface close to the inner surface of the case 2 (main cylindrical portion 21), which makes it possible to maintain the case 2 and the operating shaft 3 in a nearly coaxial state.

[0052] Furthermore, the end of the main body base 311 opposite to the operated portion 312 (the other end) is provided with a neck portion 311a and a head portion 311b. The neck portion 311a has a smaller diameter than the head portion 311b, and is formed to allow the head portion 311b to protrude outward from the neck portion 311a, thereby enabling engagement of the head portion 311b with the intervening portion 32 (particularly the first engaged portion 3221b, which will be described later).

[0053] The head portion 311b is frustoconical in shape, gradually widening from the other end of the main body base portion 311 toward the neck portion 311a. Furthermore, the surface of the head portion 311b that is connected to the neck portion 311a is a surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the main body shaft portion 31 (a surface perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the neck portion 311a), and is engaged with the first engaged portion 3221b of the intervening portion 32, which will be described later.

[0054] The operated portion 312 is a part provided with the intention of being operated by the user. The operated portion 312 is composed of one end of the operating shaft 3 that protrudes outside the case 2 from an opening at one end of the case 2. The operated portion 312 is located at one end of the main shaft portion 31 and has a larger diameter than the main base portion 311.

[0055] The intervening portion 32 is formed of a predetermined resin and is intended to connect the main shaft portion 31 and the wire-compatible portion 33. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the intervening portion 32 comprises a plate-shaped portion 321, a first connecting portion 322, and a second connecting portion 323.

[0056] The plate-like portion 321 is disc-shaped and is located between the first connecting portion 322 and the second connecting portion 323.

[0057] The first connecting portion 322 is formed to protrude from the surface (front side) of the plate-like portion 321, and is connected to the main shaft portion 31 by engaging with the other end portion of the main shaft portion 31 (the head portion 311b in this embodiment). The first connecting portion 322 is separated by two slits S and has two divided portions 3221 that form a point-symmetric shape with respect to the central axis CL of the first connecting portion 322 when viewed along the central axis CL of the first connecting portion 322. In this embodiment, the central axis CL of the first connecting portion 322 coincides with the central axis of the intervening portion 32 (a line that passes through the center of the plane of the plate-like portion 321 and extends in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion 321).

[0058] Each divided portion 3221 includes a base portion 3221a that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 321, and a first engaged portion 3221b that protrudes inward (towards the central axis CL) from the tip side of the base portion 3221a (opposite side from the plate-shaped portion 321).

[0059] The inner circumferential surface of the base portion 3221a (the surface located on the central axis CL side), excluding the portion connected to the plate-shaped portion 321, has a shape comprising a flat surface a1 and a curved surface a2 (the portion shown by the dotted line in Figure 7). The inner circumferential surface of the first engaged portion 3221b also has a shape comprising a flat surface b1 corresponding to the flat surface a1 of the base portion 3221a and a curved surface b2 corresponding to the curved surface a2 of the base portion 3221a.

[0060] Furthermore, when viewed along the central axis CL, the flat surfaces a1 and b1 are parallel to each other. Also, when viewed along the central axis CL, the curved surfaces a2 and b2 are configured to extend in the direction in which the flat surfaces a1 and b1 extend to a position where they coincide with the slit S. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the divided portion 3221 from the base portion 3221a to the first engaged portion 3221b has flat surfaces a1 and b1 and curved surfaces a2 and b2 that extend in the direction in which the flat surfaces a1 and b1 extend to a position where they coincide with the slit S.

[0061] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of each divided portion 3221 is provided with an inclined surface 3221c configured to gradually move away from the central axis CL from the first engaged portion 3221b toward one end of the first connecting portion 322 (the end opposite to the plate-shaped portion 321). The inclined surface 3221c is provided to facilitate the connection of the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322.

[0062] The second connecting portion 323 is formed to protrude from the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 321 and is connected to the wire-compatible portion 33 by engaging with one end portion of the wire-compatible portion 33 (in this embodiment, the flange portion 332 described later). The second connecting portion 323 comprises a pair of second connecting pieces 3231 and a curved plate-shaped connecting portion that connects them. In other words, the second connecting portion 323 is U-shaped when viewed along the central axis CL, and an opening O is formed between the ends of both connecting pieces 3231 opposite to the connecting portion. Furthermore, each second connecting piece 3231 and the connecting portion have a second engaged portion 3231a that protrudes inward (towards the central axis CL).

[0063] The intervening portion 32 described above can be manufactured using a predetermined mold by injection molding or the like. The mold includes a pair of inner circumference forming molds MD1 (see Figure 8). In this embodiment, the inner circumference forming molds MD1 correspond to the "mold". The two inner circumference forming molds MD1 form the inner circumference surfaces of the divided portion 3221, excluding the inclined surface 3221c, that is, the inner circumference surfaces from at least the base portion 3221a to the first engaged portion 3221b, which are the flat surfaces a1, b1 and the curved surfaces a2, b2.

[0064] In this embodiment, during the manufacturing of the intervening portion 32, as shown in Figure 8, the inner circumference forming mold MD1 is slid along the flat surfaces a1 and a2 so as to pass through the slit S when viewed along the central axis CL, thereby allowing the inner circumference forming mold MD1 to be removed without getting caught in the intervening portion 32. Therefore, the inner circumference surfaces of each divided portion 3221 can be said to have a non-undercut shape with respect to the direction of movement of the inner circumference forming mold MD1 when removing the inner circumference forming mold MD1 that forms the inner circumference surface through the slit S (direction of the thick arrow in Figure 8).

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the inner circumferential surface of the divided portion 3221 is provided with curved surfaces a2 and b2 that extend along the direction in which the flat surfaces a1 and b1 extend to a position where they overlap with the slit S. During the manufacturing of the intervening portion 32, the inner circumferential forming mold MD1, which forms the inner circumferential surface of the divided portion 3221, passes through the slit S. Therefore, it can be said that each divided portion 3221 has a shape in which the portion located on the opposite side of the slit S through which the inner circumferential forming mold MD1 passes to form its own inner circumferential surface extends along the direction of movement of the inner circumferential forming mold MD1 to a position where it overlaps with the slit S.

[0066] Returning to Figures 4 and 5, the wire-receiving portion 33 is a rod-shaped component that holds one end of the inner wire 5, thereby fixing that end. The wire-receiving portion 33 comprises a rod-shaped wire-receiving base portion 331 and a flange portion 332 that protrudes outward from one end of the wire-receiving base portion 331. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the wire-receiving portion 33 is not a complex shape such as a hexagonal cross-section, but simply a circular cross-section.

[0067] The wire-compatible base portion 331 is provided with a wire insertion portion 331a which is an elongated hole that opens at the other end face of the wire-compatible portion 33 (the end face opposite to the flange portion 332) and extends along the longitudinal direction of the wire-compatible base portion 331. In this embodiment, with one end of the inner wire 5 inserted through the elongated hole, the outer circumferential surface of the wire insertion portion 331a is pressed to deform the wire insertion portion 331a, thereby holding and fixing one end of the inner wire 5 to the wire insertion portion 331a. In other words, the inner wire 5 is crimped and fixed to the wire-compatible portion 33. As a result, the inner wire 5 is connected to the wire-compatible portion 33 and moves back and forth together with the wire-compatible portion 33.

[0068] Furthermore, a flange-shaped projection 331b is provided on the outer circumference of the wire-compatible base 331 on the side other than the flange portion 332, projecting outward. The retaining portion 64 is positioned between the intervening portion 32 and the projection 331b when the drain port is open (see Figure 5).

[0069] As described above, the main shaft portion 31, the intervening portion 32, and the wire-compatible portion 33 are configured. The operating shaft 3 is composed of the main shaft portion 31, the intervening portion 32, and the wire-compatible portion 33, which are connected in series by engaging and connecting the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322 and the wire-compatible portion 33 to the second connecting portion 323. Within the case 2, the main shaft portion 31, the intervening portion 32, and the wire-compatible portion 33 are able to move back and forth in conjunction with each other.

[0070] In this embodiment, the head portion 311b is positioned between the two divided portions 3221, and the main body shaft portion 31 is connected to the first connecting portion 322 by engaging the head portion 311b with the first engaged portion 3221b. On the other hand, the flange portion 332 is positioned between the two second connecting pieces 3231, and the main body shaft portion 31 is connected to the second connecting portion 323 by engaging the flange portion 332 with the second engaged portion 3231a.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, with the connected intervening portion 32 and wire-compatible portion 33 arranged inside the case 2, the main shaft portion 31 is inserted into the case 2 and pushed toward the intervening portion 32, thereby snap-fit ​​engaging (engaging using the elasticity of the material) the main shaft portion 31 with the first connecting portion 322, making it possible to connect the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322.

[0072] To explain in more detail the connection of the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322, first, the connected intervening portion 32 and wire-compatible portion 33 are placed inside the case 2. More specifically, the wire-compatible portion 33 and the inner wire 5 are connected, and the wire-compatible portion 33 is inserted into the shaft hole 63 of the seal-holding member 6. Then, the intervening portion 32 and the wire-compatible portion 33 are connected. The connection of the intervening portion 32 and the wire-compatible portion 33 can be performed by placing one end portion (flange portion 332, etc.) of the wire-compatible portion 33 to the side of the opening O located between the two second connecting pieces 3231, and then sliding the intervening portion 32 or the wire-compatible portion 33 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire-compatible portion 33 so that the flange portion 332 is placed between the two second connecting pieces 3231 through the opening O.

[0073] Then, the intervening portion 32, the wire-compatible portion 33, and the seal-holding member 6 are inserted into the connecting cylinder portion 22 from the other end opening, and the fixing-holding portion 23 is pushed into the other end opening to attach the fixing-holding portion 23 to the connecting cylinder portion 22. As a result, the seal-holding member 6 is sandwiched between the fixing-holding portion 23 and the connecting cylinder portion 22, and the flared portion 4a is sandwiched between the fixing-holding portion 23 and the seal-holding member 6, with the connected intervening portion 32 and wire-compatible portion 33 positioned inside the case 2.

[0074] Next, the main cylinder portion 21 is connected to the connecting cylinder portion 22. Alternatively, after connecting the main cylinder portion 21 and the connecting cylinder portion 22, the intervening portion 32 or the like may be inserted into the connecting cylinder portion 22 as described above.

[0075] After the intervening part 32 and the like are placed inside the case 2, the main shaft part 31 is inserted into the case 2 from the opening at one end of the case 2. Then, the head part 311b is brought into contact with the inclined surface 3221c, and the main shaft part 31 is pushed toward the intervening part 32. By pushing the main shaft part 31, the first connecting part 322 (each divided part 3221) elastically deforms outward (away from the central axis CL). As the elastic deformation of the first connecting part 322 progresses and the head part 311b passes the first engaged part 3221b, the elastic deformation of the first connecting part 322 is released and it returns to its original shape. As a result, the head part 311b is engaged with the first engaged part 3221b, and the main shaft part 31 is connected to the first connecting part 322.

[0076] Furthermore, when connecting the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322, the wire-compatible portion 33 located inside the case 2 is elastically held by the holding portion 64. As a result, the displacement movement of the intervening portion 32 along the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the case 2 is suppressed, and the intervening portion 32 is positioned in a fixed position in the direction perpendicular to the central axis. Therefore, the head portion 311b can be made to contact the inclined surface 3221c more reliably, and the connection of the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322 can be easily performed.

[0077] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, the main shaft portion 31 is engaged and connected to the first connecting portion 322, and the wire-compatible portion 33 is engaged and connected to the second connecting portion 323. As a result, the main shaft portion 31, the intervening portion 32, and the wire-compatible portion 33 are connected in series to constitute the operating shaft 3. Therefore, compared to a method using "screw fastening" when connecting the components constituting the operating shaft 3 (main shaft portion 31, etc.), it is possible to make it less likely for the components constituting the operating shaft 3 to separate due to long-term use.

[0078] Furthermore, with the connected intervening portion 32 and wire-compatible portion 33 positioned inside the case 2, the main shaft portion 31 can be inserted into the case 2 and pushed toward the intervening portion 32, thereby snap-fit ​​engaging the main shaft portion 31 with the first connecting portion 322 and connecting the main shaft portion 31 to the first connecting portion 322. Therefore, there is no need to rotate the main shaft portion 31 when connecting the components constituting the operating shaft 3 (main shaft portion 31 and intervening portion 32). This reduces the effort and time required for connection, improving productivity and ease of installation.

[0079] In addition, when using "screw fastening" to connect the components constituting the operating shaft 3, as in conventional designs, it is necessary to give the inner surface of the case 2 and the outer surface of the wire-compatible portion 33 a special shape, such as a hexagonal cross-section. However, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to give the inner surface of the case 2 or the outer surface of the wire-compatible portion 33 such a special shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0080] Furthermore, the holding part 64, which elastically holds the operating shaft 3, prevents the operating shaft 3 from easily moving. This allows the drain port to be more reliably maintained in the open or closed position.

[0081] Furthermore, the sealing portion 65 provides a watertight seal between the outer circumference of one end of the outer tube 4 positioned in the shaft hole 63 and the inner circumference of the other end of the case 2. Therefore, even if water were to enter the case 2 through the outer tube 4, it would be effectively prevented from leaking out from the other end of the case 2.

[0082] In particular, in this embodiment, the retaining portion 64 is always in contact with the outer surface of the operating shaft 3 along its entire circumference, regardless of the position of the operating shaft 3 (i.e., whether the drain port is open or closed). Therefore, even if water flows through the outer tube 4 into the case 2, the water can be more reliably contained in the shaft hole 63. This further enhances the effect of preventing water leakage to the outside of the case 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the seal holding member 6 integrally includes a holding portion 64 and a sealing portion 65 having the functions described above. Therefore, compared to the case where the holding portion 64 and the sealing portion 65 are made of separate parts, the number of parts can be reduced and the internal structure can be simplified. As a result, productivity and workability can be improved, and the increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed more effectively.

[0084] In addition, the seal holding member 6 is made of an elastic material, and by utilizing the elasticity of this material, the operating shaft 3 can be held by the holding portion 64 while watertightness is ensured by the sealing portion 65. Therefore, compared to the case in which the seal holding member is constructed using multiple materials to achieve the above functions, the manufacturing cost of the seal holding member 6 can be effectively reduced. As a result, the increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0085] In addition, when the operating shaft 3 is moved back and forth to switch the open / closed state of the drain outlet (in this embodiment, switching the drain outlet from the closed state to the open state), the operating shaft 3 comes into contact with one end surface of the seal holding member 6, which is made of an elastic material. Therefore, the impact applied to the user via the operating shaft 3 during operation can be reduced, resulting in a better operating feel.

[0086] Furthermore, since the retaining portion 64 is positioned between the intervening portion 32 and the projection portion 331b when the drain port is in the open position, the operating shaft 3 can be made less likely to move when the drain port is in the open position. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress unintended movement of the operating shaft 3 and to more reliably maintain the drain port in the open position.

[0087] Furthermore, the intervening portion 32 has a structure in which a plate-like portion 321 exists between the first connecting portion 322 and the second connecting portion 323. Therefore, when connecting the intervening portion 32 and the main shaft portion 31, it is possible to more reliably prevent the second connecting portion 323 from elastically deforming in accordance with the elastic deformation of the first connecting portion 322. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain a stable connection state between the intervening portion 32 and the wire-compatible portion 33.

[0088] In addition, according to this embodiment, smooth die-cutting of the intervening portion 32 is possible during manufacturing, which prevents damage or deformation of the intervening portion 32 and further increases productivity.

[0089] Furthermore, each divided portion 3221 has a shape such that the portion located on the opposite side of the slit S through which the inner circumferential forming die MD1, which forms the inner circumferential surface of the divided portion 3221, passes, extends along the direction of movement of the inner circumferential forming die MD1 to a position where it overlaps with the slit S. In other words, the opposite portion of each divided portion 3221 has a shape that wraps around over a wider area to the side of the main shaft portion 31. Moreover, since both divided portions 3221 have a point-symmetric shape, the movement of the main shaft portion 31 connected to the intervening portion 32 toward both slit S sides can be restricted, making it less likely for the main shaft portion 31 to become eccentric with respect to the intervening portion 32. As a result, localized uneven loads on the intervening portion 32, etc., can be effectively suppressed during operation, and as a result, damage, deformation, and malfunctions of the intervening portion 32, etc., can be more reliably prevented.

[0090] Furthermore, the shape of the divided portion 3221, which wraps around a wider area to the side of the main shaft portion 31, makes it possible to more reliably increase the strength of the first connecting portion 322 in the tensile and bending directions. As a result, the first connecting portion 322 and the main shaft portion 31 can be more firmly engaged and connected.

[0091] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0092] (a) The shape of the intervening portion is not limited to those given in the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the first connecting portion may be composed of three or more protruding portions (parts corresponding to the divided portion 3221) arranged in an annular shape. Alternatively, for example, the plate-shaped portion 321 may be omitted, and the intervening portion may be configured to be cylindrical with a part of it interrupted in the circumferential direction.

[0093] (b) The connection configuration of the second connecting portion and the wire-compatible portion is not limited to those given in the above embodiment and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the connection configuration of the first connecting portion 322 and the main shaft portion 31 in the above embodiment may be applied to the connection configuration of the second connecting portion and the wire-compatible portion.

[0094] (c) In the above embodiment, the operating shaft 3 is configured to always be inserted into the shaft hole 63 (i.e., whether the drain port is open or closed), and the operating shaft 3 is always elastically held by the holding part 64. Alternatively, the operating shaft 3 (wire-compatible part 33) may be configured to be inserted into the shaft hole 63 only when the operating shaft 3 is moving forward and the drain port is in the open state. In this case, the open state can be maintained more reliably, while the operating force that needs to be applied to the operating shaft 3 when switching the open or closed state of the drain port can be reduced.

[0095] (d) In the above embodiment, the drain port is switched from a closed state to an open state by the forward movement of the operating shaft 3 and the inner wire 5, and the drain port is switched from an open state to a closed state by the return movement of the operating shaft 3 and the inner wire 5. Alternatively, the drain port may be switched from an open state to a closed state by the forward movement of the operating shaft 3, etc., and the drain port is switched from a closed state to an open state by the return movement of the operating shaft 3, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1...Operating device, 2...Case, 3...Operating shaft, 4...Outer tube, 5...Inner wire, 6...Seal retaining member, 31...Main shaft part, 32...Intervening part, 33...Wire compatible part, 63...Shaft hole, 64...Retaining part, 65...Seal part, 321...Plate-shaped part, 322...First connecting part, 323...Second connecting part, 331a...Wire insertion part, 331b...Protrusion, 3221...Dividing part, CL...Central axis (of the first connecting part), MD1...Inner circumference forming mold (type), S...Slit.

Claims

1. A cylindrical case, A rod-shaped operating shaft is inserted into the aforementioned case in a manner that allows it to move back and forth, and one end of the shaft extends out of the case through an opening at one end of the case, forming the part to be operated. The case includes an inner wire connected to the other end of the operating shaft and capable of reciprocating together with the operating shaft, An operating device that can switch the open / closed state of a drain outlet by moving a stopper cover for opening and closing a drain outlet of a tank body up and down by the reciprocating movement of the operating shaft and the inner wire, The aforementioned operating shaft is A rod-shaped main body shaft having the operated portion at one end, A rod-shaped wire-compatible portion having a wire insertion portion that fixes and holds the inner wire in place with one end portion of the inner wire inserted through it, The intervening portion includes a first connecting portion which is connected to the main body shaft portion by engaging with the other end portion of the main body shaft portion, and a second connecting portion which is connected to the wire-compatible portion by engaging with the one end portion of the wire-compatible portion, The main shaft portion is engaged with the first connecting portion and connected to the second connecting portion, thereby connecting the main shaft portion, the intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion in series, forming the operating shaft, and the main shaft portion, the intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion are able to move back and forth in conjunction within the case. An operating device characterized in that, with the connected intervening portion and the wire-compatible portion arranged inside the case, the main shaft portion is inserted into the case and pushed toward the intervening portion, thereby snap-fit ​​engaging the main shaft portion with the first connecting portion of the intervening portion and connecting the main shaft portion to the first connecting portion.

2. It comprises a cylindrical outer tube through which the inner wire is inserted, The case is provided with a cylindrical seal retaining member having an axial hole in the center and made of a predetermined elastic material. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal holding member integrally comprises a holding portion that elastically holds the wire corresponding portion inserted through the shaft hole, and a sealing portion that is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and the inner circumferential surface of the case, which are located in the shaft hole, and which watertightly seal the space between the outer tube and the case.

3. The wire-compatible portion is provided with a projection that protrudes outward, The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding portion is positioned between the intervening portion and the protrusion when the drain port is in the open state.

4. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the intervening portion comprises a plate-like portion on which the first connecting portion is formed to protrude from the surface and the second connecting portion is formed to protrude from the back surface.

5. The first connecting portion is separated by two slits and has two dividing portions that have a point-symmetric shape with respect to the central axis of the first connecting portion. The inner circumferential surface of each of the division portions has a non-undercut shape with respect to the direction of movement of the mold when the mold forming the inner circumferential surface is removed through the slit of 1, The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the divisions has a shape such that the portion located on the opposite side of the slit through which the mold for forming its inner circumferential surface passes extends along the direction of movement to a position that overlaps with the slit.

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