Water volume fixing device

Abstract

This invention provides a water volume fixing device that can be retrofitted to a two-handle mixing faucet, mechanically stores the adjusted handle rotation position, and allows for easy reproduction of the same water volume and temperature. [Solution] A water volume fixing device 1 is attached to the handle of a two-handle mixing faucet and is used to store the rotation position of the handle, comprising: a rotating ring 11 that rotates in conjunction with the handle; a fixing ring 12 that engages with the rotating ring 11 and defines the rotation position of the handle; and a base ring 13 fixed to the faucet side and having a locking mechanism 13a for fixing the rotation of the fixing ring 12 at an arbitrary position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water volume fixing device that can memorize the rotational position of the handles of a two-handle mixing faucet.

Background Art

[0002] A two-handle mixing faucet has a structure for adjusting the water volume and water temperature by individually rotating the hot water handle and the cold water handle. This type of faucet is still widely used in rental housing, apartment buildings, accommodation facilities, etc. because of its simple structure and excellent durability.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, faucets with improved operability, such as lever-type mixing faucets and thermostat-type mixing faucets, have also become popular. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device for adjusting the water discharge volume in a single lever-type mixing faucet.

[0004] In a two-handle mixing faucet, a simple retrofittable device that mechanically memorizes the rotational position of the handle and enables easy reproduction of the same water volume and water temperature was not found within the scope of the applicant's investigation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, with a two-handle mixing faucet, the water flow and temperature must be adjusted by rotating the hot and cold water handles separately. Therefore, to reproduce the desired water flow after initial adjustment, both handles must be readjusted to the same position. This operation is cumbersome and lacks reproducibility. In particular, for applications requiring consistent water temperature and flow each time, the adjustment process becomes a burden.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a water volume fixing device that can be retrofitted to a two-handle mixing faucet, mechanically stores the adjusted handle rotation position, and allows for easy reproduction of the same water volume and temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A water volume fixing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a water volume fixing device attached to the handle of a two-handle mixing faucet for storing the rotational position of the handle, and is configured to include a rotating ring that rotates in conjunction with the handle, a fixing ring that engages with the rotating ring and defines the rotational position of the handle, and a base ring fixed to the faucet side and having a locking mechanism for fixing the rotation of the fixing ring at an arbitrary position.

[0009] A water volume fixing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured such that the rotating ring has an interference portion, and the ring and the fixing ring rotate in conjunction with each other due to the physical interference portion of the interference portion interfering with the fixing ring.

[0010] A water volume fixing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured such that the locking mechanism can switch between a locked state that physically prevents the rotation of the fixing ring and an unlocked state that allows the rotation of the fixing ring.

[0011] A water volume fixing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured such that an elastic member is provided on the inner circumference of the rotating ring to absorb the difference in outer diameter with respect to the handle.

[0012] The water volume fixing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the base ring is fixed via adhesive means attached to the fixing surface on the faucet side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the configuration comprising a rotating ring, a fixing ring, and a base ring allows the rotational position of the faucet handle to be mechanically maintained. This makes it possible to store the handle position once it has been set as a reference position.

[0014] Furthermore, this configuration has a simple structure, does not require the use of specific expensive materials, and can utilize general-purpose materials with a predetermined rigidity, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0015] From a second perspective, the configuration allows the rotating ring's interference portion and the fixed ring to physically interfere with each other, ensuring that the fixed ring rotates reliably in conjunction with the handle's rotation. This ensures stable reproduction of the movement to the set position.

[0016] A third aspect is that, because it is equipped with a locking mechanism that can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state, the rotation of the fixing ring can be stopped at a desired position, and the memory position can be set arbitrarily. This makes it possible to set the water volume and water temperature according to the user's preference.

[0017] From a fourth perspective, by providing an elastic member on the inner circumference of the rotating ring, frictional force can be ensured while absorbing the difference in outer diameter with the faucet handle. As a result, stable mounting is possible for handles of various diameters.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, since the base ring is fixed by adhesive means, no tools are required for installation, and it can be easily retrofitted to existing faucets without modification.

[0019] From the above, according to the present invention, in a two-handle combined faucet, it is possible to mechanically remember the water volume and water temperature adjusted once and easily operate it back to the same position again. As a result, each adjustment operation can be simplified, and the reproducibility of the water volume and water temperature can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a water volume fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the rotating ring in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the fixed ring in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the base ring in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a series of operations of the water volume fixing device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. [Configuration of Water Volume Fixing Device 1]

[0022] A water volume fixing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the water volume fixing device 1 mainly includes a rotating ring 11, a fixed ring 12, and a base ring 13. Each member will be described below. [Rotating Ring 11]

[0024] The rotating ring 11 is a movable member that rotates in conjunction with the handle. The rotating ring 11 is a hollow cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section having a partially protruding portion that is an interference portion 11a. The present invention is applicable regardless of the size of the faucet handle. The same effect can be achieved by enlarging or reducing the dimensions for all cylindrical rotating operation bodies with different diameters.

[0025] The material of the attachment body of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a rigid material. For example, rigid resins such as ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), and polypropylene (PP) can be used. Metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel may also be used.

[0026] In this embodiment, the rotating ring 11 is substantially cylindrical and can be formed within the following dimensions, for example. Note that these dimensions are examples and can be appropriately changed depending on the diameter of the faucet handle to which it is applied. Outer diameter D1: 49~70mm Inner diameter D2: 45~60mm Length L1: 10~16mm Wall thickness ((D1-D2) / 2): 2~5mm <Interference section 11a>

[0027] The interfering part 11a physically interferes with the fixed ring, causing the rotating ring 11 and the fixed ring 12 to rotate in conjunction. <Elastic member 11b>

[0028] The elastic member 11b is provided on the inner circumference of the rotating ring 11 and is interposed between it and the faucet handle. The elastic member 11b may be made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, spring steel, leaf spring, or urethane resin.

[0029] Furthermore, the elastic member 11b may function as an anti-slip member that increases the coefficient of friction. <Prevention part 11c>

[0030] The rotating ring 11 may be provided with a retaining portion 11c to prevent the fixed ring 12 from falling off in the axial direction. The retaining portion 11c may be a flange-shaped member formed to have a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the rotating ring 11. [Fixing ring 12]

[0031] The fixed ring 12 is a substantially annular member having multiple engaging parts in the circumferential direction, and may be formed, for example, in the shape of a gear. When the rotating ring 11 rotates in a predetermined direction, the interfering part 11a of the rotating ring and the interfering part 12a of the fixed ring interfere with each other, causing the fixed ring 12 to rotate simultaneously in conjunction. This rotation serves to store the position of the faucet handle adjusted to the optimal water flow.

[0032] In this embodiment, the fixing ring 12 is substantially cylindrical and can be formed within the following dimensions, for example. Note that these dimensions are examples and can be appropriately changed depending on the diameter of the faucet handle to which it is applied. Outer diameter D3: 70~80mm Inner diameter D4: 60~75mm Length L2: 4~7mm Wall thickness ((D3-D4) / 2): 5~8mm <Fixing ring interference part 12a> The fixed ring interference portion 12a is designed to interfere with the rotating ring interference portion 11a. <Pin section 12b>

[0033] The pin portion 12b is a marker portion that makes the rotational position of the fixing ring 12 visible, and is also shaped to engage with the locking mechanism 13a. <Base Ring 13>

[0034] The base ring 13 has a built-in locking mechanism. By fixing the rotation of the fixing ring 12, it memorizes the set position of the faucet handle.

[0035] In this embodiment, the base ring 13 is substantially cylindrical and can be formed within the following dimensions, for example. Note that these dimensions are examples and can be appropriately changed depending on the diameter of the faucet handle to which it is applied. Outer diameter D5: 70~85mm Inner diameter D6: 45~60mm Length L3: 10~15mm Wall thickness ((D5-D6) / 2): 10~12mm <Locking mechanism 13a>

[0036] The locking mechanism 13a can switch between a locked state that physically prevents the rotation of the retaining ring and an unlocked state that allows rotation. [Operation of water volume fixing device 1]

[0037] The operation of the water volume fixing device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5. (1) Initial state (Figure 5-a)

[0038] When the locking mechanism 13a is released, the fixing ring 12 is rotatable relative to the base ring 13. When the faucet handle is rotated in this state, the rotating ring 11 attached to the handle rotates in conjunction with it.

[0039] When the rotating ring 11 rotates, its interfering portion 11a physically engages with the interfering portion 12a of the stationary ring 12, and the rotational force of the rotating ring 11 is transmitted to the stationary ring 12. As a result, the stationary ring 12 also rotates integrally with the rotating ring 11. (2) Setup procedure (Figure 5-b)

[0040] After the user rotates the handle to the position where the desired water volume and temperature are achieved, the locking mechanism 13a is switched to the locked state. This physically prevents the rotation of the fixing ring 12, and the fixing ring 12 is held in that position.

[0041] The angular position of the fixing ring 12 at this time is mechanically stored as the reference position. (3) Water shutoff operation (Figure 5-c)

[0042] When the handle is rotated in the water-stopping direction, the rotating ring 11 rotates with the handle. On the other hand, the fixed ring 12, which is in the locked state, does not rotate, so only the rotating ring 11 rotates relative to the fixed ring 12.

[0043] This differential rotational motion keeps the reference position of the fixed ring 12. (4) Re-discharge operation (Figure 5-d)

[0044] When the handle is turned again in the water discharge direction, the rotating ring 11 rotates toward the fixed ring 12. When the interference portion 11a of the rotating ring 11 reaches the interference portion 12a of the fixed ring 12, the two engage, and further rotation is restricted.

[0045] This automatically guides the handle to the previously set position, and the initially adjusted water volume and temperature are reproduced.

[0046] As described above, according to the present invention, the relative rotation structure between the rotating ring 11 and the fixed ring 12, and the action of the locking mechanism 13a, allow the rotation position of the handle to be mechanically memorized, making it possible to easily and reliably reproduce the same water discharge state. This simplifies the adjustment operation each time and reduces the burden on the user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1…Water volume fixing device 11...Rotating ring; 11a...Rotating ring interference part; 11b...Elastic member; 11c...Prevention part 12... Fixing ring; 12a... Fixing ring interference part; 12b... Pin part 13...Base ring; 13a...Locking mechanism

Claims

1. A water volume fixing device attached to the handle of a two-handle mixing faucet, for storing the rotational position of the handle, A rotating ring that rotates in conjunction with the handle, A fixing ring that engages with the rotating ring and defines the rotational position of the handle, A base ring fixed to the faucet side and having a locking mechanism for fixing the rotation of the fixing ring at an arbitrary position, A water volume fixing device equipped with this feature.

2. The water volume fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating ring has an interference portion, and the interference portion physically interferes with the fixing ring, causing the ring and the fixing ring to rotate in conjunction.

3. The water volume fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism is configured to switch between a locked state that physically prevents the rotation of the fixing ring and an unlocked state that allows the rotation of the fixing ring.

4. The water volume fixing device according to claim 3, characterized in that an elastic member is provided on the inner circumference of the rotating ring to absorb the difference in outer diameter with the handle.

5. The water volume fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base ring is fixed via an adhesive means attached to the fixing surface on the faucet side.

Images