Faucet device

Abstract

To provide a faucet device that can easily switch water discharge states.SOLUTION: A faucet device 1 that can switch hot-water and water discharge states by rotation operation of a handle 4 comprises: a cylindrical outer cylinder member 5 having a hot-water supply port 5A and a water supply port 5B that penetrate in a cylinder radial direction and are arranged in a cylinder circumferential direction; and an inner cylinder member 6 that is inserted into the cylinder of the outer cylinder member 5 and rotates relative to the outer cylinder member 5 in the cylinder circumferential direction as the handle 4 is rotated. The inner cylinder member 6 has a connection port 6D that penetrates in the cylinder radial direction, and a discharge port 6E that communicates with the connection port 6D and penetrates in a cylinder axis direction. The inner cylinder member 6 rotates relative to the outer cylinder member 5 so as to pass through a water stop position where the connection port 6D is blocked by a cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder member 5 as the handle 4 is rotated in one direction, a water discharge position that communicates only with the water supply port 5B in the cylinder radial direction, and a hot-water discharge position that communicates only with the hot-water supply port 5A in the cylinder radial direction, in this order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a faucet device capable of switching the water discharge state of hot water and cold water by rotating an operation handle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a single lever faucet capable of adjusting the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water and switching between water discharge / stop by operating a lever handle. Specifically, the single lever faucet is configured to adjust the mixing ratio of the discharged hot and cold water by operating the lever handle to rotate it left and right. Further, the single lever faucet is configured to switch between discharging / stopping the mixed hot and cold water by operating the lever handle to move it up and down.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the adjustment of the mixing ratio of hot and cold water and the switching between water discharge / stop are performed by separate operations. Therefore, when discharging hot and cold water, first, the hot and cold water needs to be adjusted to a desired mixing ratio by operating the lever handle, and then switched to water discharge by another operation of the lever handle, which is troublesome to operate. Therefore, the present invention provides a faucet device capable of easily switching the water discharge state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the faucet device of the present invention takes the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a faucet device that can switch between hot and cold water discharge states by rotating a handle, comprising: a cylindrical outer cylinder member having a hot water supply port and a cold water supply port that penetrate in the cylindrical diameter direction and are arranged in the cylindrical circumference direction; and an inner cylinder member inserted into the inside of the outer cylinder member and rotating relative to the outer cylinder member in the cylindrical circumference direction in accordance with the rotation of the handle, wherein the inner cylinder member has a connection port that penetrates in the cylindrical diameter direction and a discharge port that communicates with the connection port and penetrates in the cylindrical axis direction, and the faucet device rotates relative to the outer cylinder member in such order that the connection port is closed by the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder member when the handle is rotated in one direction, a water-stopping position in which the connection port is closed by the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder member, a water discharge position in which only the cold water supply port is in communication in the cylindrical diameter direction, and a hot water discharge position in which only the hot water supply port is in communication in the cylindrical diameter direction.

[0007] According to the first invention, the water discharge state can be switched sequentially from a shut-off state to a cold water discharge state and then to a hot water discharge state by simply rotating the handle in one direction. Therefore, by rotating the handle in one direction from the initial shut-off state, cold water can always be discharged before hot water. In other words, hot water will never be discharged before cold water. Furthermore, by rotating the handle in another direction from the cold water discharge state, the water discharge state can be easily switched from the cold water discharge state to the hot water discharge state. With such a faucet device, the water discharge state can be easily switched.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the first invention described above, the inner cylinder member is connected to the handle and rotates relative to the outer cylinder member by the rotational operation of the handle.

[0009] According to the second invention, by rotating the inner cylinder member by rotating a handle inside the outer cylinder member, without rotating the outer cylinder member that receives hot water and cold water from the outside, the overall structure can be simplified compared to a configuration where the opposite relationship is observed.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in the second invention described above, the inner cylinder member is supported by the outer cylinder member so as to be able to rotate relative to it from the outside in the cylindrical diameter direction, and further comprises a retaining clip that is fitted from the outside in the cylindrical diameter direction into a clip fitting hole formed through the outer cylinder member in the cylindrical diameter direction and an annular groove formed so as to be an annular recess along the outer circumference of the inner cylinder member, thereby preventing the inner cylinder member from coming off in the cylindrical axis direction relative to the outer cylinder member.

[0011] According to the third invention, by utilizing the fitting structure between the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder member, the inner cylinder member can be rationally prevented from coming out of the outer cylinder member in the axial direction by a retaining clip fitted between them.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is a faucet device in which, in any of the first to third inventions described above, the inner cylindrical member passes through a mixed water discharge position in which the connection port simultaneously communicates with the water supply port and the hot water supply port in the cylindrical diameter direction during the transition from the water discharge position to the hot water discharge position accompanying the unidirectional rotation operation of the handle.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, when transitioning from a cold water discharge state to a hot water discharge state, the transition to the hot water discharge state can be made while maintaining the cold water discharge state without interruption. Therefore, the usability of the faucet device can be further improved.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a faucet device that, in the first or second invention described above, further comprises a stopper structure that restricts rotational operation of the handle in other directions from the water-stopping position by contact.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, the handle can be configured to allow rotation in only one direction from the water-stop position, making it easier to switch between water discharge states. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of an assembled part of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the cartridge. [Figure 7] It is a view taken in the direction of arrow VII of FIG. 6 showing the position of the click pin when the inner cylinder member is in the water-stopping position. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6 when the inner cylinder member is in the water-stopping position. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 when the inner cylinder member is in the water-discharging position. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 when the inner cylinder member is in the mixed water-discharging position. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 when the inner cylinder member is in the hot water-discharging position.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of the Faucet Device 1) First, the configuration of the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. In the following description, when indicating directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right, the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from the user standing in front of the faucet device 1. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown, or when there is no reference numeral corresponding to the reference figure, any one of FIGS. 1 to 11 shall be appropriately referred to.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the faucet device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called deck-mounted type mixing faucet, which is installed on the countertop at the back of a washbasin (not shown). This faucet device 1 comprises a spout 2 extending in a gooseneck shape from the countertop, a horizontally oriented cylindrical body case 3 attached to the back of the spout 2, and a horizontally oriented cylindrical handle 4 extending to the right from the body case 3 as shown.

[0020] The water outlet pipe 2 has a gooseneck shape, extending upward from a top plate (not shown) and then curving downward towards the front, with the water outlet 2A at its tip pointing downward. The main body case 3 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and its left front side is integrally connected to the back of the water outlet pipe 2. The main body case 3 is connected to the hot water supply pipe and the cold water supply pipe (not shown) that pass through the water outlet pipe 2, and is configured to take in the hot water and cold water supplied through the water outlet pipe 2.

[0021] Inside the main body case 3 is a cartridge C equipped with separate valve mechanisms for hot and cold water, which can be switched open / closed by rotating the handle 4. As a result, the main body case 3 is configured such that, in response to the operation of cartridge C by rotating the handle 4, the supply paths for hot and cold water to the discharge pipe 2 are either interrupted midway, or each supply path is opened individually so that hot and cold water are discharged individually or mixed in predetermined amounts.

[0022] The handle 4 extends cylindrically from the rightmost end of the main body case 3 in the diagram, to the right in the diagram, forming a continuous cylindrical shape with the main body case 3. The handle 4 is connected to the main body case 3 so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the width direction of the faucet (left-right direction in the diagram) and is concentric with the axis of the main body case 3. The user rotates the handle 4 toward the back in the diagram by grasping its outer circumference with their hand, thereby operating the cartridge C inside the main body case 3 and switching between hot and / or cold water discharge.

[0023] Specifically, the initial rotation position of the handle 4 is when it is turned as far as it will go towards the front in the diagram. When the handle 4 is in the initial rotation position, it closes the valve of cartridge C inside the main body case 3, keeping the water flowing to a "stopped state" by stopping the discharge of hot and cold water, respectively. The water flow state is switched by turning the handle 4 towards the back in the diagram from this initial rotation position, and the water flow state is returned to the original state by turning the handle 4 back towards the front in the diagram.

[0024] Specifically, by turning the handle 4 from its initial rotation position toward the rear in the diagram, it first switches the water discharge state from the above-mentioned shut-off state to a "water discharge state" where only water is discharged. Furthermore, by turning the handle 4 toward the rear in the diagram from the position where the water discharge state is achieved, it then switches the water discharge state to a "mixed water discharge state" where a mixture of hot and cold water is discharged. Furthermore, by turning the handle 4 toward the rear in the diagram from the position where the mixed water discharge state is achieved, it then switches the water discharge state to a "hot water discharge state" where only hot water is discharged.

[0025] When the handle 4 is rotated to the position where the hot water is dispensed, further rotation towards the back in the diagram is restricted, and only rotation towards the front in the diagram is possible. When the handle 4 is returned from the position where the hot water is dispensed to the initial rotation position, the water discharge state returns to the stopped state via the mixed water discharge state and the cold water discharge state. The specific configuration of the main body case 3 and the cartridge C incorporated inside the main body case 3 will be described in detail below.

[0026] (Main case 3) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main body case 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed end on the left side and an open end on the right side. As shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical wall of the main body case 3 has a hot water supply hole 3A, a cold water supply hole 3B, and a discharge hole 3C. These hot water supply hole 3A, cold water supply hole 3B, and discharge hole 3C are each formed to penetrate the cylindrical wall of the main body case 3 in a circular shape in the direction of the cylindrical diameter.

[0027] A hot water supply pipe (not shown) that passes through the discharge pipe 2 as described in Figure 1 is connected to the hot water supply port 3A, and hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe. Similarly, a water supply pipe (not shown) that passes through the discharge pipe 2 as described in Figure 1 is connected to the cold water supply port 3B, and cold water is supplied from the cold water supply pipe. A discharge pipe (not shown) that passes through the discharge pipe 2 as described in Figure 1 is connected to the discharge port 3C, and hot water and / or cold water discharged from inside the main body case 3 are discharged to the discharge pipe.

[0028] The hot water supply port 3A and the cold water supply port 3B are each formed in the middle of the cylindrical wall of the main case 3 in the direction of the cylindrical axis (left-right direction in the illustration). More specifically, the hot water supply port 3A and the cold water supply port 3B are formed at two vertically symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder where their arrangement in the direction of the cylindrical axis overlaps. The hot water supply port 3A and the cold water supply port 3B are each formed to open straight towards the front side in the illustration.

[0029] The discharge port 3C is formed to the left of the hot water supply port 3A and the cold water supply port 3B in the cylindrical wall of the main body case 3. More specifically, the discharge port 3C is positioned between the hot water supply port 3A and the cold water supply port 3B in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall of the main body case 3. The discharge port 3C is formed to open straight out towards the front side in the cylindrical wall of the main body case 3.

[0030] (Cartridge C) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cartridge C comprises a cylindrical outer cylinder member 5 integrally incorporated inside the cylinder of the main body case 3, and a cylindrical inner cylinder member 6 incorporated inside the cylinder of the outer cylinder member 5 so as to be rotatable relative to it. The cartridge C further comprises a stopper ring 7 that restricts the rotation range of the inner cylinder member 6, and a retaining clip 8 that prevents the inner cylinder member 6 from coming off the outer cylinder member 5 in the axial direction.

[0031] The outer cylinder member 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with openings at both the left and right ends shown in the illustration. The outer cylinder member 5 is inserted into the cylinder of the main body case 3 from the opening on the right side shown in the illustration, and is fitted to the main body case 3 in a manner that makes it integral with the main body case 3 in the rotational direction.

[0032] Specifically, the outer cylinder member 5 is inserted into the cylinder of the main case 3, and a protruding portion (not shown) extending from its outer circumference fits into a recess formed on the inner circumference of the main case 3 in the direction of the cylinder axis, thereby fitting into a state where it becomes integral in the rotational direction. With this configuration, the outer cylinder member 5 is fitted into the cylinder of the main case 3 only in a predetermined rotational direction in which the protruding portion (not shown) and the recess fit together.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the outer cylinder member 5 is fitted to the main body case 3 with a gap S in the direction of the cylinder axis between it and the left end of the main body case 3, due to a stepped shape formed on the inner circumference of the main body case 3. As shown in Figure 4, a hot water supply port 5A and a cold water supply port 5B are formed in the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder member 5.

[0034] The hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B are each formed in a rectangular shape, penetrating the cylindrical wall of the outer cylindrical member 5 at various points in the cylindrical direction. The hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B are formed in the middle of the cylindrical wall of the outer cylindrical member 5 in the cylindrical direction (left-right direction in the illustration). More specifically, the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B are formed at two vertically symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder where their arrangement in the cylindrical direction overlaps. The hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B are each formed to open straight in the cylindrical direction in the cylindrical direction, facing diagonally forward as shown in the illustration.

[0035] The hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B described above are partitioned as follows. Specifically, the cylindrical wall of the outer cylindrical member 5 has a rectangular opening that is elongated in the circumferential direction and penetrates through the cylindrical diameter direction to form the openings for the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B. An eight-shaped packing 5D is fitted into this elongated opening to individually seal the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B. Furthermore, square frame-shaped pieces are fitted into each of the eight-shaped openings of the packing 5D to partition the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B.

[0036] With this configuration, the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder member 5 is partitioned into a hot water supply port 5A and a cold water supply port 5B that penetrate in the cylindrical diameter direction. Furthermore, around each of the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B, a packing 5D is provided to seal them individually, bulging outwards and inwards in the cylindrical diameter direction, respectively.

[0037] A circular discharge port 5C is formed at the left end of the outer cylinder member 5 in the diagram, extending through the cylinder in the axial direction. The discharge port 5C is configured to communicate with the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B described above, respectively, through the inside of the outer cylinder member 5. The outer cylinder member 5 is inserted and fitted into the inside of the main body case 3, thereby aligning the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B so that they are individually connected to the hot water supply hole 3A and the cold water supply hole 3B of the main body case 3 via seals provided by packings 5D.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the outer cylinder member 5 has its discharge port 5C opening into the gap S between it and the left-hand end of the main body case 3. As a result, the outer cylinder member 5 is set in a state where the discharge port 5C and the discharge hole 3C of the main body case 3 (see Figures 2 and 4) are connected to each other via this gap S.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the inner cylinder member 6 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape that extends in the left-right direction as shown in the figure. Specifically, the inner cylinder member 6 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape in which a cylindrical operating cylinder portion 6A, an enlarged diameter portion 6B, and a fitting cylinder portion 6C, each having a different outer diameter, are arranged concentrically in the direction of the cylinder axis. The operating cylinder portion 6A forms the cylindrical portion on the left end of the inner cylinder member 6 as shown in the figure. The enlarged diameter portion 6B forms the cylindrical portion in the middle of the inner cylinder member 6 in the direction of the cylinder axis. The fitting cylinder portion 6C forms the cylindrical portion on the right end of the inner cylinder member 6 as shown in the figure.

[0040] An oval-shaped connection port 6D is formed in the cylindrical wall of the operating cylinder 6A, penetrating in the direction of the cylinder diameter. In addition, a circular discharge port 6E is formed at the left end of the operating cylinder 6A in the diagram, penetrating in the direction of the cylinder axis. The discharge port 6E is configured to communicate with the aforementioned connection port 6D through the inside of the operating cylinder 6A.

[0041] The inner cylinder member 6 is fitted into the cylinder by inserting the operating cylinder portion 6A into the inner cylinder member 5 from the open end on the right side of the illustration, so that the connection port 6D is inserted until it is aligned with the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B of the outer cylinder member 5 in the axial direction. As a result, the discharge port 6E is in communication with the discharge port 5C of the main body case 3. With this fitting, the inner cylinder member 6 is set in a state where the operating cylinder portion 6A is supported by the inner circumference of the outer cylinder member 5 so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction from the outside in the radial direction of the cylinder.

[0042] With the above assembly, as the inner cylinder member 6 rotates, the connection port 6D is sequentially connected to the water supply port 5B and hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5 via a seal provided by the packing 5D. Furthermore, as the inner cylinder member 6 rotates, the connection port 6D is moved circumferentially away from the position where it overlaps with the water supply port 5B and hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5, and its cylinder wall closes the water supply port 5B and hot water supply port 5A from the inside via a seal provided by the packing 5D.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, when the inner cylinder member 6 is in its initial rotational position, rotated to its maximum extent towards the front in the illustration, the connection port 6D is rotated away from the position where it overlaps with the water supply port 5B and hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5, in the circumferential direction (counterclockwise in the illustration). In this state, the inner cylinder member 6 is positioned so that the cylinder wall of its operating cylinder portion 6A blocks the water supply port 5B and hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5 from the inside in the diametrical direction, and these are kept closed from the inside (water-stopped state) via the seal provided by the packing 5D. In other words, the connection port 6D is blocked by the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder member 5, resulting in a water-stopped state.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated circumferentially (clockwise in the diagram) toward the inner side of the diagram, from the state in which it is stopped from water, so that the connection port 6D is aligned with the water supply port 5B of the outer cylinder member 5 in the circumferential direction, that is, it faces the water supply port 5B from the inside in the diameter direction. As a result, the inner cylinder member 6 is in a state where the connection port 6D is connected only to the water supply port 5B of the outer cylinder member 5, and only the water supplied from the water supply port 5B is taken into the connection port 6D and discharged from the discharge port 6E (water discharge state).

[0045] More specifically, as the inner cylinder member 6 rotates clockwise in the illustrated direction, the overlap between the openings of the connection port 6D and the water supply port 5B widens, and the flow rate of water taken in from the water supply port 5B to the connection port 6D increases. As a result, the flow rate of water discharged from the discharge port 6E also increases.

[0046] From the state in which the water is discharged, the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated further in the circumferential direction (clockwise direction in the illustration) toward the inner side as shown in Figure 10, so that the connection port 6D straddles the water supply port 5B and the hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5 and faces them from the inside in the diameter direction. Specifically, the inner cylinder member 6 is in a state where its connection port 6D straddles the central partition of the figure-eight shaped packing 5D that individually seals the water supply port 5B and the hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5 in the circumferential direction.

[0047] As a result, the inner cylinder member 6 is connected to the water supply port 5B and the hot water supply port 5A even if the connection port 6D does not face them directly. Consequently, the inner cylinder member 6 takes in the water and hot water supplied from the water supply port 5B and the hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5 into the connection port 6D and discharges the mixed hot and cold water from the discharge port 6E (mixed water discharge state).

[0048] As shown in Figure 11, the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated further in the circumferential direction (clockwise in the figure) toward the inner side of the cylinder, from the state in which it is in the mixed water discharge position described above. This switches the connection port 6D to a state where its circumferential arrangement overlaps with that of the hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5, that is, a state where it faces the hot water supply port 5A from the inside in the diameter direction of the cylinder. As a result, the inner cylinder member 6 is in a state where the connection port 6D is connected only to the hot water supply port 5A of the outer cylinder member 5, and only the hot water supplied from the hot water supply port 5A is taken into the connection port 6D and discharged from the discharge port 6E (hot water discharge state).

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the enlarged diameter portion 6B is formed to protrude outward in the diameter direction from the right end of the operating cylinder portion 6A in a cylindrical shape that is slightly larger than the operating cylinder portion. The fitting cylinder portion 6C is formed to extend outward to the right from the right end of the enlarged diameter portion 6B in a cylindrical shape with an open top.

[0050] An annular groove 6F is formed on the outer circumference of the operating cylinder portion 6A, closer to the enlarged diameter portion 6B than the hot water supply port 5A and the cold water supply port 5B, and extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. This annular groove 6F is inserted into the cylinder when the operating cylinder portion 6A is inserted into the cylinder from the right-hand opening end of the outer cylinder member 5 and fitted, until it aligns with the clip fitting hole 5E, which is formed through the outer circumference of the outer cylinder member 5, in the axial direction of the cylinder. The clip fitting hole 5E is formed in a curved shape that extends in the circumferential direction along the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder member 5.

[0051] After inserting the operating cylinder portion 6A into the cylinder of the outer cylinder member 5, a retaining clip 8, which has a curved plate shape corresponding to the shape of the hole, is fitted into the clip fitting hole 5E of the outer cylinder member 5 from the outside in the diameter direction of the cylinder. As a result, the retaining clip 8 is also fitted into the annular groove 6F of the operating cylinder portion 6A facing the inside of the clip fitting hole 5E, and is fitted so that it is flush with the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder member 5. This fitting prevents the operating cylinder portion 6A from coming out of the outer cylinder member 5 in the cylinder axis direction via the retaining clip 8, while allowing rotation relative to the outer cylinder member 5 due to the annular shape of the annular groove 6F (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the enlarged diameter portion 6B has a locking projection 6G that protrudes from a part of the circumferential direction on its right side in the illustration. The locking projection 6G functions as a rotation restrictor that locks the rotation of the inner cylinder member 6 by contacting the locking projection 7A of the stopper ring 7, which is passed through the fitting cylinder portion 6C of the inner cylinder member 6 and integrally incorporated into the cylinder of the main body case 3. The locking projection 7A of the stopper ring 7 is shaped to protrude in an arc along the stopper ring 7 in the circumferential direction from a part of the circumferential direction on the left side of the stopper ring 7 in the illustration, toward the left in the illustration.

[0053] Specifically, the locking projection 6G protruding from the enlarged diameter portion 6B contacts the locking projection 7A of the stopper ring 7 in the rotational direction when the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated towards the front in the figure to the initial rotation position, which is the water-stopping position, as described in Figure 8, thereby restricting the rotation of the inner cylinder member 6 in the same direction. Furthermore, the locking projection 6G contacts the locking projection 7A of the stopper ring 7 in the rotational direction when the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated towards the back in the figure to the hot water discharge position, as described in Figure 11, thereby restricting the rotation of the inner cylinder member 6 in the same direction. Here, the rotation restriction structure caused by the contact between the locking projection 6G and the locking projection 7A corresponds to the "stopper structure" of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the fitting cylinder portion 6C is provided so as to extend from the inside of the main body case 3 to the right in the figure when the operating cylinder portion 6A of the inner cylinder member 6 is inserted into the outer cylinder member 5 and set together with the outer cylinder member 5 inside the cylinder of the main body case 3. The handle 4 is fitted into the portion of the fitting cylinder portion 6C that extends from the main body case 3 to the right in the figure, and the two are integrally connected. As a result, the fitting cylinder portion 6C rotates the inner cylinder member 6 integrally with the handle 4 as the handle 4 is rotated.

[0055] In the cylindrical wall of the left-hand region shown in the figure, which is incorporated into the main case 3 of the fitting cylindrical portion 6C, an assembly opening 6H is formed, which houses a click portion 6J equipped with a click pin 6K. As shown in Figure 4, the assembly opening 6H is formed in a shape that causes a part of the cylindrical wall of the fitting cylindrical portion 6C to open outward in the radial direction. The click portion 6J is formed in an oval shape that is loosely fitted inside the assembly opening 6H so as to be slidable in the radial direction. The click portion 6J is assembled in a state in which it is elastically supported from the inside in the radial direction by a spring (not shown) incorporated inside the assembly opening 6H.

[0056] As a result, the click portion 6J is constantly subjected to a force that pushes it outward in the cylindrical direction due to the biasing force of the spring (not shown) mentioned above. Consequently, the click portion 6J is constantly subjected to a force that causes the click pin 6K (round pin), which protrudes outward in the cylindrical direction from its center, to protrude outward beyond the cylindrical wall of the fitting cylindrical portion 6C in the cylindrical direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the click pin 6K of the click portion 6J is positioned within the ring of the stopper ring 7 described above, which is passed through the fitting cylinder portion 6C. The stopper ring 7 has three recessed water-stopping click grooves 7B, a water-discharge click groove 7C, and a hot water-discharge click groove 7D formed on its inner circumference, at three positions in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, which can receive the click pin 6K from the inside in the radial direction of the cylinder.

[0058] The click pin 6K elastically enters the water-stopping click groove 7B when the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated to the initial rotation position, which is the water-stopping position, as described in Figure 8. As a result, the click pin 6K provides resistance (a sense of determination) due to its elastic engagement with the water-stopping click groove 7B against the movement of the inner cylinder member 6 from this position toward the inner side of the cylinder (clockwise direction in the figure). When the inner cylinder member 6 rotates circumferentially (clockwise direction in the figure) against the elastic engagement force with the water-stopping click groove 7B from the water-stopping position, the click pin 6K disengages from the water-stopping click groove 7B and is pushed inward in the diameter direction by the inner circumference of the stopper ring 7.

[0059] Subsequently, as the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated to the water discharge position described above in Figure 9, the click pin 6K aligns with the water discharge click groove 7C of the stopper ring 7 in the circumferential direction and elastically engages with the water discharge click groove 7C. Therefore, even in this position, the click pin 6K provides resistance (a sense of determination) to the movement of the inner cylinder member 6 as it rotates circumferentially from this position toward the front or back side shown in the figure, due to its elastic engagement with the water discharge click groove 7C.

[0060] Similarly, as the inner cylinder member 6 is rotated to the hot water discharge position described above in Figure 11, the click pin 6K aligns with the hot water discharge click groove 7D of the stopper ring 7 in the circumferential direction and elastically engages with the hot water discharge click groove 7D. Therefore, even in this position, the click pin 6K provides resistance (a sense of determination) to the movement of the inner cylinder member 6 rotating circumferentially (counterclockwise in the diagram) toward the front side of the diagram from this position, due to its elastic engagement with the hot water discharge click groove 7D.

[0061] With this configuration, as described above in Figure 1, the faucet device 1 can be switched to a state where cold water is always dispensed before hot water simply by the user turning the handle 4 from the initial shut-off position towards the back in the diagram. Furthermore, from this cold water dispensing position, the user can easily switch the dispensing state to a state where hot water is dispensed by turning the handle 4 further towards the back in the diagram, without requiring any other operation.

[0062] Furthermore, since the faucet device 1 restricts further rotation once the handle 4 is turned to the position where hot water is dispensed, it is possible to make it easier for the user to intuitively understand that they can return the water flow state to the cold water dispensing state by releasing the handle 4, and return the water flow state to the initial shut-off state by releasing the handle 4 again.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, since the discharge port 6E of the inner cylinder member 6 and the discharge port 5C of the outer cylinder member 5 are shaped to penetrate in the direction of the cylinder axis, compared to a configuration in which they penetrate in the direction of the cylinder diameter, it is possible to appropriately form the discharge ports 6E and 5C while appropriately ensuring the structural strength of the inner cylinder member 6 and the outer cylinder member 5. In other words, if the discharge ports 6E and 5C are configured to penetrate in the direction of the cylinder diameter, the inner cylinder member 6 rotates relative to the outer cylinder member 5, so it is necessary to keep them widely open in the direction of the cylinder circumference. However, since the discharge ports 6E and 5C are configured to penetrate in the direction of the cylinder axis, they can be kept wide open at all times without having to make them widely open in the direction of the cylinder circumference.

[0064] In summary, the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0065] In other words, the faucet device (1) is a faucet device (1) that can switch between hot water and cold water discharge by rotating the handle (4). The faucet device (1) has a cylindrical outer cylinder member (5) having a hot water supply port (5A) and a cold water supply port (5B) that penetrate in the diameter direction of the cylinder and are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, and an inner cylinder member (6) that is inserted into the inside of the outer cylinder member (5) and rotates relative to the outer cylinder member (5) in the circumferential direction as the handle (4) is rotated.

[0066] The inner cylinder member (6) has a connection port (6D) that penetrates in the cylindrical diameter direction and a discharge port (6E) that communicates with the connection port (6D) and penetrates in the cylindrical axis direction. As the handle (4) is rotated in one direction, the inner cylinder member (6) rotates relative to the outer cylinder member (5) so that it passes through, in this order, a water-stopping position (shown in Figure 8) where the connection port (6D) is closed by the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder member (5), a water-discharging position (shown in Figure 9) where it communicates only with the water supply port (5B) in the cylindrical diameter direction, and a hot water-discharging position (shown in Figure 11) where it communicates only with the hot water supply port (5A) in the cylindrical diameter direction.

[0067] With the above configuration, the water discharge state can be switched sequentially from the shut-off state to the cold water discharge state and then to the hot water discharge state by simply rotating the handle (4) in one direction. Therefore, by rotating the handle (4) in one direction from the initial shut-off state, cold water is always discharged before hot water. In other words, hot water is never discharged before cold water. Furthermore, by rotating the handle (4) again in one direction from the cold water discharge state, the water discharge state can be easily switched from the cold water discharge state to the hot water discharge state. With such a faucet device (1), the water discharge state can be easily switched.

[0068] Furthermore, the inner cylinder member (6) is connected to the handle (4) and rotates relative to the outer cylinder member (5) by the rotation of the handle (4). In this way, by rotating the inner cylinder member (6) by the rotation of the handle (4) inside the outer cylinder member (5), which receives hot and cold water from the outside, without rotating the outer cylinder member (5), the overall structure can be simplified compared to a configuration where the relationship is reversed.

[0069] Furthermore, the inner cylinder member (6) is supported by the outer cylinder member (5) so as to be able to rotate relative to it from the outside in the cylindrical direction. The faucet device (1) further includes a clip fitting hole (5E) formed in the outer cylinder member (5) that penetrates in the cylindrical direction, and an annular groove (6F) formed to be an annular recess along the outer circumference of the inner cylinder member (6), and a retaining clip (8) that is fitted from the outside in the cylindrical direction to prevent the inner cylinder member (6) from coming out of the outer cylinder member (5) in the cylindrical direction. With the above configuration, by utilizing the fitting structure of the inner cylinder member (6) and the outer cylinder member (5), the retaining clip (8) fitted between them can rationally prevent the inner cylinder member (6) from coming out of the outer cylinder member (5) in the cylindrical direction.

[0070] Furthermore, as the inner cylinder member (6) transitions from the cold water discharge position to the hot water discharge position due to the unidirectional rotation of the handle (4), the connection port (6D) passes through a mixed discharge position (shown in Figure 10) where it simultaneously communicates with the cold water supply port (5B) and the hot water supply port (5A) in the cylindrical diameter direction. With the above configuration, when transitioning from the cold water discharge state to the hot water discharge state, the transition to the hot water discharge state can be made while maintaining the cold water discharge state without interruption. Therefore, the usability of the faucet device (1) can be further improved.

[0071] Furthermore, the faucet device (1) is further equipped with a stopper structure (6G, 7A) that restricts rotation of the handle (4) from the shut-off position in any other direction by contact. With the above configuration, the handle (4) can be configured to allow rotation in only one direction from the shut-off position, making it easier to switch between water discharge states.

[0072] Regarding other embodiments: Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms as shown below, in addition to the above embodiment.

[0073] 1. The faucet device of the present invention may be installed not only in indoor environments other than washbasins such as kitchens and bathrooms, but also in outdoor environments such as gardens. The faucet device may be configured as a so-called pedestal type that is mounted on the countertop of a washbasin or kitchen counter, or as a so-called wall-mounted type that is mounted on the wall of a washbasin, kitchen, or bathroom.

[0074] 2. The faucet device may be configured such that an outer cylinder member is connected to a handle, and the rotation of the handle causes the outer cylinder member to rotate, resulting in relative rotation between it and an inner cylinder member. The handle may be rotated around an axis extending in the width direction of the faucet, or around an axis extending in the height direction of the faucet or in the front-to-back direction of the faucet. Alternatively, it may be rotated around an axis extending in an oblique direction including any of the above directions. When the handle is rotated around an axis extending in the width direction of the faucet, the handle may be configured so that it can be switched sequentially from the shut-off position to the cold water discharge position and then to the hot water discharge position by turning it towards the front from its initial rotation position.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1...Faucet device, 2...Discharge pipe, 2A...Discharge port, 3...Main body case, 3A...Hot water supply port, 3B...Cold water supply port, 3C...Discharge port, 4...Handle, 5...Outer cylinder member, 5A...Hot water supply port, 5B...Cold water supply port, 5C...Discharge port, 5D...Packing, 5E...Clip fitting hole, 6...Inner cylinder member, 6A...Operating cylinder part, 6B...Enlarged diameter part, 6C...Fitting cylinder part, 6D...Connection port, 6E...Discharge port, 6F...Annular groove, 6G...Locking projection (stopper structure), 6H...Assembly opening, 6J...Click part, 6K...Click pin, 7...Stopper ring, 7A...Locking projection (stopper structure), 7B...Water stop click groove, 7C...Water discharge click groove, 7D...Hot water discharge click groove, 8...Retaining clip, C...Cartridge, S...Gap

Claims

1. A faucet device that allows switching between hot and cold water flow by rotating a handle, A cylindrical outer cylinder member having a hot water supply port and a cold water supply port that penetrate in the diameter direction of the cylinder, arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylinder such that their arrangements in the axial direction of the cylinder overlap, The outer cylindrical member is inserted into the inside of the cylinder and has an inner cylindrical member that rotates relative to the outer cylindrical member in the circumferential direction as the handle is rotated, The faucet device has an inner cylindrical member having one connection port that penetrates in the cylindrical diameter direction and a discharge port that communicates with the connection port and penetrates in the cylindrical axis direction, and the inner cylindrical member rotates relative to the outer cylindrical member so as the handle is rotated in one direction that it selectively passes through, in this order, a water-stopping position where the connection port is closed by the cylindrical wall of the outer cylindrical member, a water-discharging position where it communicates only with the water supply port in the cylindrical diameter direction, and a hot water-discharging position where it communicates only with the hot water supply port in the cylindrical diameter direction.

2. A faucet device according to claim 1, A faucet device in which the inner cylindrical member is connected to the handle and rotates relative to the outer cylindrical member by the rotational operation of the handle.

3. A faucet device according to claim 2, The inner cylinder member is supported by the outer cylinder member so as to be able to rotate relative to it from the outside in the diameter direction. A faucet device further comprising a clip fitting hole formed through the outer cylindrical member in the cylindrical diameter direction, and an annular groove formed so as to be an annular recess along the outer circumference of the inner cylindrical member, wherein a retaining clip is fitted from the outside in the cylindrical diameter direction to prevent the inner cylindrical member from coming off relative to the outer cylindrical member in the cylindrical axis direction.

4. A faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A faucet device in which the inner cylindrical member passes through a mixed water discharge position in which the connection port simultaneously communicates with the water supply port and the hot water supply port in the cylindrical diameter direction during the transition from the water discharge position to the hot water discharge position accompanying the unidirectional rotation operation of the handle.

5. A faucet device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A faucet device further comprising a stopper structure that restricts rotational operation of the handle in other directions from the water-stopping position by contact.

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