Water dispenser

Abstract

To provide a water dispenser with improved operability compared to conventional ones.SOLUTION: A water dispenser 1 includes a water discharger 3, links 26 and 27 that operate when force is applied, pressing parts 32 and 33 that cause the links 26 and 27 to operate, a holding part 28 that holds the links 26 and 27, and a valve body 22 that operates in conjunction with the links 26 and 27 and changes a phase when the pressing parts 32 and 33 are pressed to cause the links 26 and 27 to operate, thereby switching a flow path of hot / cold water flowing toward the water discharger 3, where the water discharger 3 discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water ejector used as a shower head.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a shower head capable of switching the flow path of hot and cold water to select different water ejection forms, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The shower head described in Patent Document 1 includes a head case, a water passage member housed in the head case, and a switching member attached to the water passage member for switching the flow path of the hot and cold water discharged from the water passage member. The switching member has a bottomed cylindrical valve body, and the valve body has a plurality of types of water passage paths that are independent of each other along the circumferential direction.

[0003] According to the shower head described in Patent Document 1, it is configured to be able to switch the flow path by rotating the switching member to change the position of the water passage path. However, when performing the above switching, the user has to hold the shower head with one hand and operate the switching member with the other hand, and the operability is not good.

[0004] As a shower head for solving the above problems, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is known. The shower head described in Patent Document 2 has a grip portion with a space formed inside, and a head portion formed at the tip of the grip portion and provided with a switching chamber inside. An insertion cylinder is inserted into the space of the grip portion in a double tubular manner, a covering material is inserted into the switching chamber, and a flow path for hot and cold water is formed by connecting the insertion cylinder and the covering material. A water discharge stop mechanism for performing a water discharge stop operation of the hot and cold water to be discharged is accommodated in the insertion cylinder, and a flow path switching mechanism for switching the water discharge form of the hot and cold water to be discharged is accommodated in the covering material.

[0005] The water discharge / stop mechanism is configured to allow switching between a hot / cold water discharge state and a water stop state by repeatedly pressing the water discharge / stop button located on the grip. The flow path switching mechanism is housed within the head section by a covering material, and is configured to allow switching between a direct stream of hot / cold water discharged from the spray plate or a spray stream discharged from the spray holes by repeatedly pressing the switching button located on the side of the head section. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-22169 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-7026 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, according to the shower head described in Patent Document 2, the switching button is located in a different place from the gripping part where the water flow stop button is provided. As a result, switching between water flow patterns becomes complicated, and the operability is still not considered good.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, even if a configuration is adopted in the shower head described in Patent Document 2 above, in which the flow path switching mechanism is provided in the gripping part, the water flow area inside the gripping part is narrower than inside the head part. As a result, the user has to press the switching button when the flow path switching mechanism is subjected to relatively high water pressure, which may cause a loss of operating load related to switching the water discharge pattern.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a water dispenser with better operability than conventional models. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The present invention comprises a water discharge unit that discharges water, a link that operates when force is applied, a pressing unit that causes the link to operate when pressed, a holding unit that holds the link, and a valve body that, when the pressing unit is pressed and the link operates, operates in conjunction with the link and changes its phase to switch the flow path of water that flows toward the water discharge unit, and the water discharge unit discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. Furthermore, the aforementioned link is a four-bar link, and when the adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, it forms a parallelogram.

[0011] According to the present invention having the features described in (1) above, when the pressing part is pressed, the link operates, and the valve body operates in conjunction with the link, and the phase of the valve body changes, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water towards the discharge part, and water is discharged from the discharge part in a discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. As a result, the discharge mode can be switched with simpler operation than in the conventional method, and the loss of the operating load can be reduced. Furthermore, the link is a four-bar link, and since connecting each adjacent joint of the four-bar link with an imaginary straight line forms a parallelogram, the degree of freedom of the link is increased.

[0012] (2) In addition, the present invention provides a rotatable ratchet fixed to the valve body, the valve body is rotatable integrally with the ratchet, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, and the phase of the valve body changes as it rotates.

[0013] According to the present invention, which has the features described in (2) above, when the link is operated by pressing the pressing part, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link, and the valve body rotates together with the ratchet, thereby changing the phase of the valve body, making it easier to accurately change the phase of the valve body.

[0014] (3) In addition, the present invention includes an arm portion that rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link is operated.

[0015] According to the present invention having the features described in (3) above, when the link is operated by the pressing of the pressing part, the arm part rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link, making it possible to efficiently apply the force to rotate the ratchet.

[0016] (4) In addition, the present invention provides an elastic body attached to the link, and when the pressing portion is pressed and the link is operated, the elastic body compresses and then restores itself, thereby operating the link so that the link returns to its original position.

[0017] According to the present invention, which has the features described in (4) above, since an elastic body is attached to the link, when the pressing part is pressed and the link moves, the elastic body compresses and then recovers, causing the link to move back to its original position, thus making it possible to return the link to its original position without pushing it back.

[0020] (5) Furthermore, in the present invention, whether the link is operating or not, when adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by a virtual straight line, the result is a parallelogram.

[0021] the above (5) According to the present invention, which has the above characteristics, in both cases when the link is in operation and when the link is not in operation, the connection of each adjacent joint of the four-bar link with an imaginary straight line forms a parallelogram, making it easier to accurately perform the predetermined movement of the link.

[0022] (6) Furthermore, the present invention comprises a water discharge unit that discharges water, a link that operates when force is applied, a pressing unit that causes the link to operate when pressed, a holding unit that holds the link, and a valve body that, when the pressing unit is pressed and the link operates, operates in conjunction with the link and changes its phase to switch the flow path of water that flows toward the water discharge unit, and the water discharge unit discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. The aforementioned link is installed so as to surround the outside of the pipe through which hot and cold water flows.

[0023] the above (6) According to the present invention, which has the following characteristics, When the pressing part is pressed, the link operates, and in conjunction with the link, the valve body operates and the phase of the valve body changes, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water towards the discharge part. Water is then discharged from the discharge part according to the discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. As a result, the discharge mode can be switched with simpler operation than before, and the loss of the operating load can be reduced. Since the links are installed to surround the outside of the pipe, the size of the pipe can be reduced.

[0024] (7) In the present invention, The device comprises a water discharge unit that discharges water, a link that operates when force is applied, a pressing unit that causes the link to operate when pressed, a holding unit that holds the link, a valve body that switches the flow path of hot and cold water towards the water discharge unit by operating in conjunction with the link and changing its phase when the pressing unit is pressed and the link operates, and a rotatable ratchet fixed to the valve body, wherein the water discharge unit discharges water in a discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body, the valve body is rotatable together with the ratchet, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link when the pressing unit is pressed and the link operates, and the valve body changes its phase by rotating. the link consists of a first link and a second link, the pressing part consists of a first pressing part and a second pressing part, the ratchet consists of a first ratchet and a second ratchet, when the first pressing part is pressed, it causes the first link to operate, when the first pressing part is pressed and the first link operates, the first ratchet rotates in conjunction with the first link, and when the valve body rotates in the first direction, the phase changes; when the second pressing part is pressed, it causes the second link to operate, when the second pressing part is pressed and the second link operates, the second ratchet rotates in conjunction with the second link, and when the valve body rotates in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, the phase changes.

[0025] The above (7) According to the present invention having the characteristics as described above, When the pressing part is pressed, the link operates, causing the valve body to move in conjunction with the link and changing its phase. This switches the flow path of the hot and cold water towards the discharge section, and water is discharged from the discharge section according to the discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. As a result, the discharge mode can be switched with simpler operation than before, and the loss of the operating load can be reduced. Furthermore, when the pressing part is pressed and the link operates, the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link, and the valve body rotates together with the ratchet, changing the phase of the valve body, making it easier to accurately change the phase of the valve body. since the rotation directions of the first ratchet and the second ratchet are opposite to each other, when the number of times the first pressing part is pressed is the same as the number of times the second pressing part is pressed, it is possible to return the phase of the valve body to the state before the operation. That is, it is possible to return to the water discharge mode before the operation.

[0026] (8) In the present invention, the first pressing part is provided adjacent to the second pressing part.

[0027] The above (8) According to the present invention having the characteristics as described above, since the first pressing part and the second pressing part are provided adjacent to each other, it is possible for the user to easily perform the pressing.

Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, there is an effect of making the operability better than before.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] This figure shows one embodiment of the water dispenser according to the present invention, where (a) is a front view of the water dispenser and (b) is a perspective view of the water dispenser. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the disassembled water dispenser. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the connection part and the main part of the valve body in the discharge section. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an operation method for changing the phase of a valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction. (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means before the above operation, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between A and B in (a). [Figure 5] This figure follows Figure 4, where (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means during operation to change the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between A and B in Figure 4(a) during the above operation. [Figure 6] This figure follows Figure 5, where (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means after the phase of the valve body has been changed, and (b) is a cross-sectional view between A and B in Figure 4(a) after the phase of the valve body has been changed. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an operation method for changing the phase of a valve body by rotating the valve body in the reverse direction. (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means before the above operation, (b) is a cross-sectional view between B and C in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view between C and C in (a). [Figure 8] This figure follows Figure 7, where (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means during operation to change the phase of the valve body by rotating the valve body in the forward direction, (b) is a cross-sectional view between B and C in Figure 7(a) during the above operation, and (c) is a cross-sectional view between C and C in (a). [Figure 9] This figure follows Figure 8, where (a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the water discharge mode switching means after changing the phase of the valve body, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the section B in Figure 7(a) after changing the phase of the valve body, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the section C in (a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] This embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0031] <About the overall configuration of the water dispenser> The water dispenser 1 according to this embodiment is a device used as a shower head, connected to one end of a shower hose (not shown) and configured to discharge water from its tip. It comprises a gripping part 2, which is the part held by the user, and a water discharge part 3, which is connected to the gripping part 2 and constitutes the tip of the water dispenser 1. The various components of the water dispenser 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0032] <Regarding the gripping part> The gripping section 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a gripping cover 4, a first bayonet 5, a second bayonet 6, and a filter 7.

[0033] <About the gripping cover> The grip cover 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with one end connected to the water outlet 3 and the other end to which a shower hose can be connected. The grip cover 4 is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the neck portion 14 of the shower head cover 8, which will be described later, and is also formed to be connectable to the neck portion 14.

[0034] <Regarding the first bayonet, second bayonet, and filter> The first bayonet 5 and the second bayonet 6 are formed in a cylindrical shape and are connectable so as to rotate relative to each other, and the first bayonet 5 is formed so as to be fitted into the gripping cover 4 when connected. The filter 7 is formed in a net shape and is attached to the other end of the gripping cover 4.

[0035] <About the water outlet> The water discharge unit 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a shower head cover 8, a water discharge unit body 9, a spray plate 10, a connection part 11, and a water discharge mode switching means 12. As will be described later, it discharges water in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body 22.

[0036] <About shower head covers> The shower head cover 8 has a head portion 13 formed in the shape of a frustocone, and a neck portion 14 that is continuous with the head portion 13 and formed in the shape of a cylinder perpendicular to the axial direction of the head portion 13. The head portion 13 is formed so as to be able to cover the outer surface of the water outlet body 9 other than the water outlet surface 17, and the tip side is formed as an opening 15. The neck portion 14 is formed so as to be able to house a water outlet mode switching means 12 inside, and a pressing part insertion hole 16 is formed on its outer surface.

[0037] <About the water outlet unit> The water discharge unit body 9 has numerous water discharge holes 18 formed on its water discharge surface 17. When the water discharge unit body 9 is covered by the head portion 13, the water discharge surface 17 is formed to face outwards from the opening 15 (see Figure 1). The water discharge unit body 9 has multiple water discharge mode flow paths (not shown) formed inside, which enable the discharge of hot and cold water in various water discharge modes.

[0038] Here, the term "water discharge mode" can also be rephrased as "water discharge form," and refers to the method, style, etc. of water discharge. For example, there may be a normal mode, a mist mode, etc. Furthermore, the diameter, number, position, etc. of the water discharge holes 18 may differ for each water discharge mode.

[0039] <About the sprayer plate> The spray plate 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is designed to be attachable to the center of the water discharge surface 17 of the water discharge unit body 9.

[0040] <Regarding the connection part> The connecting portion 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is designed to allow hot and cold water to flow toward the water discharge portion 9 when connected to the water discharge portion body 9. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the connecting portion 11 has a central wall 19 formed along the central axis of the connecting portion 11, and a plurality of partition walls 20 that are continuous with the central wall 19 and extend radially from the central wall 19, dividing the internal space of the connecting portion 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, eight partition walls 20 are formed, and they are provided at 45° intervals around the central axis of the connection portion 11. The internal space of the connection portion 11 separated by adjacent partition walls 20 is formed as a branched channel 21 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the connection portion 11 has eight branched channels 21.

[0042] Each branch channel 21 is formed to allow hot water to flow toward the main body 9 of the water outlet, and the partition wall 20 is designed to prevent hot water from flowing from one branch channel 21 to the other of adjacent branch channels 21.

[0043] Each branch channel 21 is formed to communicate with various water discharge mode channels (not shown) formed within the water discharge body 9 when the connection part 11 is connected to the water discharge body 9, and is formed to allow hot water flowing toward the water discharge body 9 to pass through each of the water discharge mode channels.

[0044] <Regarding the water discharge mode switching mechanism> The water discharge mode switching means 12 shown in Figure 2 is a mechanism configured to switch the water discharge mode from the water discharge section 3, and includes a valve body 22, a backflow prevention packing 23, a float shaft 24, a fixing nut 25, a first link 26, a second link 27, a retaining pin 28, a pair of retaining pin holders 29, a first ratchet 30, a second ratchet 31, a first pressing part 32, a second pressing part 33, a first spring 34, a second spring 35, a bias spring 36, a U-packing 37, and a packing retaining member 38.

[0045] <About the valve body> The valve body 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape that allows hot and cold water to flow toward the water discharge unit body 9 and can be connected to the connection part 11. Furthermore, the valve body 22 is configured to allow switching of the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge unit body 9 by changing the phase of the valve body 22.

[0046] The valve body 22 shown in Figure 3 is cylindrical and has an outer circumferential wall 39 and an upper wall 40 that partially closes the upper surface of the valve body 22. Multiple water passage holes 41 and 42 are formed in the upper wall 40. A bolt portion 43 is formed along the lower end of the outer circumferential wall 39 (see Figure 3). A pair of backflow prevention packings 23 are attached to the upper wall 40 to prevent backflow of hot and cold water from the water discharge body 9.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the water passage hole 41 is formed by cutting out the upper wall 40 between a virtual line L1 extending radially from the central axis X of the valve body 22 and a virtual line L2 extending radially from the central axis of the valve body 22 and spaced 45° apart from the virtual line L2. The water passage hole 42 is identical in shape to the water passage hole 41 and is formed to be symmetrical with respect to the water passage hole 41.

[0048] Here, "the phase of the valve body changes" means, for example, that the shape changes in one cycle of a repeating phenomenon due to rotation or sliding. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the shape changes due to the rotation of the valve body 22. When the valve body 22 rotates in a predetermined direction, the position of the water passage holes 41 and 42 of the valve body 22 changes, which changes the flow path of hot and cold water toward the water discharge unit body 9. When it rotates a predetermined number of times in the same direction, the position of the water passage holes 41 and 42 returns to its original position (i.e., the valve body 22 completes one rotation).

[0049] <About the float shaft> The float shaft 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape that allows hot water to flow toward the water outlet body 9 and is connectable to the valve body 22. More specifically, the float shaft 24 includes a connecting portion 44 whose upper end is formed to be fitted into the lower end of the valve body 22, and a pipe portion 45 that is continuous with the lower end of the connecting portion 44.

[0050] A waterproof packing 47 is provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 44, extending in the circumferential direction. The waterproof packing 47 is provided so as to be able to make watertight contact with the inner surface (not shown) at the lower end of the valve body 22 when the upper end of the float shaft 24 is fitted into the lower end of the valve body 22. A water passage 46 is formed inside the pipe portion 45. The water passage 46 is able to pass hot water flowing toward the discharge portion body 9 and is formed to communicate with the inside of the valve body 22 and the water passage holes 41 and 42.

[0051] <Regarding fixing nuts> The fixing nut 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with a nut portion 48 formed on its inner surface and a through hole 49 formed on its lower surface. The nut portion 48 is formed to be fastened to a bolt portion 43 provided on the lower end side of the valve body 22, and the through hole 49 is formed to allow the float shaft 24 to be inserted from the lower end side. The fixing nut 25 can fix the connection between the valve body 22 and the float shaft 24 by fastening the nut portion 48 to the bolt portion 43 of the valve body 22 when the upper end side of the float shaft 24 is fitted onto the lower end side of the valve body 22.

[0052] <About the first link> The first link 26 constitutes the "link" in the claims and is a mechanism configured to operate when a force (load) is applied. The first link 26 comprises a pressed link 50, an opposing link 51, a link arm 52, and a link plate 53, and is provided to surround the outside of the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24. The components 50 to 53 of the first link 26 are molded from, for example, resin or metal (for example, stainless steel).

[0053] The pressed link 50 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate, and in the first link 26, it is arranged and configured to move in the longitudinal direction when pressed. The pressed link 50 has a pivot shaft 54 ​​formed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pivot shaft 55 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] The opposing link 51 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate, and in the first link 26, it is positioned opposite and parallel to the pressed link 50. The opposing link 51 has a pivot shaft 56 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pivot shaft 57 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] The link arm 52 is a member formed in the shape of a long plate. In the first link 26, one end of the link arm 52 in the longitudinal direction is connected to one end of the pressed link 50 in the longitudinal direction, and the other end of the link arm 52 is connected to one end of the opposing link 51 in the longitudinal direction, and is held in place by a retaining pin 28, which will be described later. The link arm 52 has a rotating bearing hole 58 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, a rotating bearing hole 59 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and a retaining pin insertion hole 60 formed approximately in the middle of the link arm 52 in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] The rotating bearing hole 58 is formed so that the rotating shaft 54 ​​of the pressed link 50 can be rotatably connected, the rotating bearing hole 59 is formed so that the rotating shaft 56 of the opposing link 51 can be rotatably connected, and furthermore, the retaining pin insertion hole 60 is formed so that the retaining pin 28 can be inserted through it.

[0057] In the first link 26, the link plate 53 is connected to the other longitudinal end of both the pressed link 50 and the opposing link 51, and is positioned to face the link arm 52 via the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(b), the link plate 53 is formed in a ring shape and has an insertion ring portion 61 that is fitted onto the outer circumference of the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24, and an arm portion 62 that is formed on the upper surface of the insertion ring portion 61.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(b), the insertion ring portion 61 has a rotating bearing hole 63 at one end and a rotating bearing hole 64 at the other end. The rotating bearing hole 63 is formed so that the pivot shaft 55 of the pressed link 50 can be rotatably connected, and the rotating bearing hole 64 is formed so that the pivot shaft 57 of the opposing link 51 can be rotatably connected.

[0060] The arm portion 62 is formed to rotate the first ratchet 30 in conjunction with the first link 26 when the first link 26 is operated by pressing. The arm portion 62 is formed in a substantially arc shape, with one end in the longitudinal direction formed as the push-side arm 65 and the other end in the longitudinal direction formed as the pull-side arm 66. The push-side arm 65 is formed to press against the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30, which will be described later, and the pull-side arm 66 is formed to lock onto the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first link 26 employs a four-bar linkage mechanism, and is configured such that when the adjacent joints, the pivot axes 54-57, are connected by a virtual straight line, they form a parallelogram (see Figure 4(b), etc.). Furthermore, whether the first link 26 is operating or not, when the pivot axes 54-57 are connected by a virtual straight line, they form a parallelogram (see Figures 4(b), 5(b), and 6(b), etc.).

[0062] The first link 26 may employ other linkage mechanisms (for example, a three-bar linkage mechanism, a five-bar linkage mechanism, etc.).

[0063] <Regarding the second link> The second link 27 constitutes the "link" in the claims and is a mechanism configured to operate when a force (load) is applied. The second link 27 comprises a pressed link 67, an opposing link 68, a link arm 69, and a link plate 70, and is provided to surround the outside of the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24. The constituent members 67 to 70 of the second link 27 are molded from, for example, resin or metal (for example, stainless steel).

[0064] Each of the above-mentioned components 67 to 70 of the second link 27 is a component having the same configuration as the pressed link 50, opposing link 51, link arm 52, and link plate 53 of the first link 26, and is configured to be symmetrical with respect to the first link 26.

[0065] The pressed link 67 has a pivot shaft 71 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pivot shaft 72 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The opposing link 68 has a pivot shaft 73 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pivot shaft 74 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The link arm 69 has a pivot bearing hole 75 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a pivot bearing hole 76 at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and furthermore, a retaining pin insertion hole 77 is formed approximately in the middle of the longitudinal direction.

[0066] The rotating bearing hole 75 is formed so that the rotating shaft 71 of the pressed link 67 can be rotatably connected, the rotating bearing hole 76 is formed so that the rotating shaft 73 of the opposing link 68 can be rotatably connected, and furthermore, the retaining pin insertion hole 77 is formed so that the retaining pin 28 can be inserted through it.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(c), the link plate 70 has an insertion ring portion 78 and an arm portion 79 formed on the lower surface of the insertion ring portion 78. The insertion ring portion 78 has a rotating bearing hole 80 at one end and a rotating bearing hole 81 at the other end. The rotating bearing hole 80 is formed so that the pivot shaft 72 of the pressed link 67 can be rotatably connected, and the rotating bearing hole 81 is formed so that the pivot shaft 74 of the opposing link 68 can be rotatably connected.

[0068] The arm portion 79 is formed to rotate the second ratchet 31 in conjunction with the second link 27 when the second link 27 is operated by pressing. The arm portion 79 is formed in a substantially arc shape, with one end in the longitudinal direction formed as the push-side arm 82 and the other end in the longitudinal direction formed as the pull-side arm 83. The push-side arm 82 is formed to press the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31, which will be described later, and the pull-side arm 83 is formed to lock the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second link 27 employs a four-bar linkage mechanism, and is configured such that when the adjacent joints, the pivot axes 71 to 74, are connected by a virtual straight line, they form a parallelogram (see Figure 7(b), etc.). Furthermore, whether the second link 27 is operating or not, when the pivot axes 71 to 74 are connected by a virtual straight line, they form a parallelogram (see Figures 7(b), 8(b), and 9(b), etc.).

[0070] The second link 27 may employ other linkage mechanisms (for example, a three-bar linkage mechanism, a five-bar linkage mechanism, etc.).

[0071] <Regarding retaining pins> The retaining pin 28 is a rod-shaped member and is formed to be insertable into the retaining pin insertion hole 60 of the link arm 52 and the retaining pin insertion hole 77 of the link arm 69.

[0072] <Regarding a pair of retaining pin holders> A pair of retaining pin holders 29 are arranged vertically and attached to one end and the other end of the retaining pin 28 in the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling them to hold the retaining pin 28.

[0073] <Regarding the first and second ratchets> As shown in Figures 4(b) and 7(c), the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are formed in a gear-shaped ring form that is inverted from each other, and their inner surfaces are formed to fit onto the outer surface of the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24, and are fixed to the valve body 22 via the float shaft 24 (although a detailed explanation is omitted, the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are provided with recesses formed to fit onto, for example, protrusions provided on the outer surface of the tubular portion 45). Therefore, the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 are configured to rotate integrally with the valve body 22 in the water discharge mode switching means 12.

[0074] The outer circumference of the first ratchet 30 is provided with teeth 84 at equal intervals along its circumferential direction, and the outer circumference of the second ratchet 31 is provided with teeth 85 at equal intervals along its circumferential direction. The teeth 84 and 85 are provided at 45° intervals around the central axis of the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31, respectively.

[0075] <Regarding the first and second pressing sections> The first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 constitute the "pressing portion" in the claims, and are so-called push buttons. The first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are fitted into the pressing portion insertion hole 16 on the outer surface of the neck portion 14 of the shower head cover 8 when the water discharge mode switching means 12 is housed in the neck portion 14, and are positioned so that they can be pressed by the fingers of the same hand when the user is holding the grip portion 2 with one hand.

[0076] The first pressing section 32 and the second pressing section 33 are provided adjacent to each other. When the first pressing section 32 is pressed, it causes the first link 26 to perform an action, and when the second pressing section 33 is pressed, it causes the second link 27 to perform an action.

[0077] <Regarding the first and second springs> The first spring 34 and the second spring 35 are so-called helical springs, corresponding to the "elastic body" in the claims. In this embodiment, the first spring 34 and the second spring 35 are used as the "elastic body," but the embodiment is not limited to these, and other elastic members (for example, an elastic member made of rubber) may be used.

[0078] The first spring 34 is positioned to operate the first link 26 so that it returns to its original position before pressing when the first pressing portion 32 is pressed and the first link 26 is operated, by compressing and then releasing. The second spring 35 is positioned to operate the second link 27 so that it returns to its original position before pressing when the second pressing portion 33 is pressed and the second link 27 is operated, by compressing and then releasing.

[0079] <Regarding bias springs, U-packings, and packing retaining members> In the assembled state of the water dispenser 1 having the above configuration, the bias spring 36 is provided on the outer circumference of the upper end of the second bayonet 6, the U packing 37 is provided so as to create a watertight seal between the lower end of the pipe portion 45 of the float shaft 24 and the second bayonet 6, and the packing retaining member 38 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the pipe portion 45 of the float shaft 24 and is provided so as to be able to press the bias spring 36 and the U packing 37 from above.

[0080] <Instructions for operating the water dispenser> Next, the operation method of the water dispenser 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 9, etc. In this embodiment, there are two methods for operating the water dispenser 1: one in which the phase of the valve body 22 is changed by rotating the valve body 22 in the forward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "forward rotation method"), and another in which the phase of the valve body 22 is changed by rotating the valve body 22 in the opposite direction to the forward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "reverse rotation method").

[0081] In this embodiment, the "forward rotation direction" is the "clockwise direction" and corresponds to the "first direction" in the claims, and in this embodiment, the "reverse rotation direction" is the "counterclockwise direction" and corresponds to the "second direction" in the claims. The following describes each operation method.

[0082] <Regarding the forward rotation operation of the valve body> First, the method for operating the valve body 22 in the forward direction will be explained, referring to Figures 4 to 6, etc. In Figures 4 and 5, when the user presses the first pressing part 32 with their fingers, the pressed link 50 of the first link 26 moves in the direction of arrow F1 shown in Figure 5(b), causing the first ratchet 30 to rotate in conjunction with the first link 26.

[0083] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5(b), the push-side arm 65 of the arm portion 62 presses against the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30, while the pull-side arm 66 of the arm portion 62 pulls against the teeth 84, thereby rotating the first ratchet 30 in the forward direction (direction of arrow F2). Because the pressing and pulling positions are opposite each other across the central axis of the first ratchet 30, the loss of operating force transmission is extremely small.

[0084] As a result of the above rotation, the valve body 22, which is fixed to the first ratchet 30 via the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24, rotates approximately 45° in the forward direction, thereby changing the phase of the valve body 22. Figure 5 shows the state after the first pressing portion 32 has been pressed three times in Figure 4. Furthermore, when the first pressing portion 32 is pressed and the first link 26 is operated, the first spring 34 becomes compressed (see Figure 5(a)).

[0085] Subsequently, by releasing the pressure on the first pressing part 32 in Figure 5, the first spring 34 returns to its original state from the compressed state as shown in Figure 6(a), and the pressed link 50 of the first link 26 moves back to its position before the first pressing part 32 pressed. At this time, the arm part 62 moves in conjunction with the pressed link 50 to rotate counterclockwise, and the pull-side arm 66 locks the tooth 84 of the first ratchet 30 that was locked by the pull-side arm 66 in Figure 5(b) with the tooth 84 adjacent to it in the counterclockwise direction, and the push-side arm 65 locks the tooth 84 that was pressed by the push-side arm 65 with the tooth 84 adjacent to it in the counterclockwise direction (see Figure 6(b)).

[0086] As a result, the forward rotation of the valve body 22 is completed, and the valve body 22 is held in a state where its phase has changed (i.e., the water discharge mode has been changed).

[0087] <Regarding the reverse operation method of the valve body> First, the method for operating the valve body 22 in the forward direction will be explained, referring to Figures 7 to 9, etc. In Figures 7 and 8, when the user presses the second pressing part 33 with their fingers, the pressed link 67 of the second link 27 moves in the direction of arrow F3 shown in Figure 8(b), causing the second ratchet 31 to rotate in conjunction with the second link 27.

[0088] More specifically, as shown in Figure 8(c), the push-side arm 82 of the arm portion 79 presses against the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31, while the pull-side arm 83 of the arm portion 79 pulls against the teeth 85, thereby rotating the second ratchet 31 in the reverse direction (direction of arrow F4). Because the pressing and pulling positions are opposite each other across the central axis of the second ratchet 31, the loss of operating force transmission is extremely small.

[0089] As a result of the above rotation, the valve body 22, which is fixed to the second ratchet 31 via the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24, rotates approximately 45° in the reverse direction, thereby changing the phase of the valve body 22. When the second pressing portion 33 is pressed and the second link 27 is operated, the second spring 35 becomes compressed (see Figure 8(a)).

[0090] Subsequently, by releasing the pressure on the first pressing part 32 in Figure 8, the second spring 35 returns to its original state from the compressed state as shown in Figure 9(a), and the pressed link 67 of the second link 27 moves back to its position before the second pressing part 33 was pressed. At this time, the arm part 79 moves in conjunction with the pressed link 67 to rotate clockwise, and the pull-side arm 83 locks the tooth 85 of the second ratchet 31 that was locked by the pull-side arm 83 in Figure 8(c) with the tooth 85 adjacent to it in the clockwise direction, and the push-side arm 82 locks the tooth 85 that was pressed by the push-side arm 82 with the tooth 85 adjacent to it in the clockwise direction (see Figure 9(c)).

[0091] As a result, the reversal operation of the valve body 22 is completed, and the valve body 22 is held in a state where its phase has changed (i.e., the water discharge mode has been changed).

[0092] <Effects and benefits obtained by this embodiment> In this embodiment, which has the above configuration, when the first pressing part 32 or the second pressing part 33 is pressed, the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operated, and the valve body 22 operates in conjunction with the first link 26 or the second link 27, and the phase of the valve body 22 changes, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water flowing toward the water discharge unit body 9, and water is discharged from the water discharge unit 3 in a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body 22. As a result, the water discharge mode can be switched with simpler operation than in the conventional method, and the loss of the operating load can be reduced.

[0093] More specifically, the push-side arm 65 of the arm 62 presses the teeth 84 of the first ratchet 30, while the pull-side arm 66 of the arm 62 pulls the teeth 84, allowing the first ratchet 30 to rotate in the forward direction (see Figure 5(b)). Simultaneously, the push-side arm 82 of the arm 79 presses the teeth 85 of the second ratchet 31, while the pull-side arm 83 of the arm 79 pulls the teeth 85, allowing the second ratchet 31 to rotate in the reverse direction (see Figure 8(c)). The pressing and pulling positions are opposite each other across the central axes of the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31, thus minimizing the loss of operating force transmission.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operated by the pressing of the first pressing part 32 or the second pressing part 33, the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31 rotates in conjunction with the first link 26 or the second link 27, and the valve body 22 rotates together with the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31, thereby changing the phase of the valve body 22. This makes it easier to accurately change the phase of the valve body 22.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operated by the pressing of the first pressing part 32 or the second pressing part 33, the arm part 62 or the arm part 79 rotates the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31 in conjunction with the first link 26 or the second link 27, making it possible to efficiently apply the force necessary to rotate the first ratchet 30 or the second ratchet 31.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first spring 34 is attached to the first link 26 and the second spring 35 is attached to the second link 27, when the first pressing part 32 or the second pressing part 33 is pressed and the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operated, the first spring 34 or the second spring 35 compresses and then restores, causing the first link 26 or the second link 27 to move back to its original position. Thus, it is possible to return the first link 26 or the second link 27 to its original position without pushing it back.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first link 26 and the second link 27 are four-bar links, and when the pivot axes 54-57 of the first link 26 and the pivot axes 71-74 of the second link 27 are connected by imaginary straight lines, they form a parallelogram, thus increasing the degrees of freedom of the first link 26 and the second link 27.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in both cases when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is operating and when the first link 26 or the second link 27 is not operating, the rotation axes 54-57 of the first link 26 and the rotation axes 71-74 of the second link 27 are connected by imaginary straight lines to form a parallelogram, which makes it easier to accurately perform the predetermined movements of the first link 26 and the second link 27.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first link 26 and the second link 27 are provided so as to surround the outside of the tubular portion 45 of the float shaft 24, the size of the tubular portion 45 can be reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first ratchet 30 and the second ratchet 31 rotate in opposite directions, if the number of times the first pressing part 32 is pressed and the number of times the second pressing part 33 is pressed are the same, it is possible to return the phase of the valve body 22 to the state before operation. In other words, it is possible to return the water discharge mode to the water discharge mode before operation.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 are provided adjacent to each other, it becomes possible for the user to easily perform pressing.

[0102] Based on the above, this embodiment has the effect of making it possible to improve operability compared to the conventional method.

[0103] <Modified version of the present invention> The configuration described in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, and the invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments.

[0104] In other words, in the above embodiment, a first pressing part 32 and a second pressing part 33 are used as the components constituting the "pressing part" in the claims, but instead, a configuration using one pressing button may also be used. Here, as the pressing button, for example, one is configured so that the first link 26 and the second link 27 can be operated by pressing one end of the pressing button and the other end of the pressing button around a pivot point in a seesaw-like manner. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1…Water dispenser 2...Gripping part 3...Water outlet 4… Gripping cover 5…First Bayonetto 6…2nd Bayonetto 7…Filter 8… Shower head cover 9...Water outlet unit 10... Sprinkler plate 11…Connection part 12...Water discharge mode switching means 13…Head section 14…Neck section 15…Opening 16…Pressing part insertion hole 17…Water discharge surface 18...Water hole 19…Center wall 20...Bulkhead 21... Branch channel 22... Valve body 23... Backflow prevention packing 24... Float shaft 25... Fixing nut 26…First Link (link) 27…Second Link (link) 28…Retaining pin (retaining part) 29…Retaining pin holder 30...First ratchet 31... Second ratchet 32...First pressing section (pressing section) 33...Second pressing section (pressing section) 34...First spring (elastic body) 35...Second spring (elastic body) 36... Bias spring 37... U-packing 38... Packing retainer 39...Outer wall 40... Upper wall 41, 42... Water passage holes 43... Bolt section 44...Connection part 45...Pipe section 46…Waterway 47... Waterproof gasket 48... Nut part 49…Through hole 50, 67... Pressed links 51, 68... Opposite links 52, 69… Link Arm 53, 70... Link board 54, 55, 56, 57, 71, 72, 73, 74… Rotary shafts 58, 59, 63, 64, 75, 76, 80, 81... Rotating bearing holes 60, 77… Retaining pin insertion holes 61, 78... Insertion ring section 62, 79... Arm section 65, 82... Push-side arm 66, 83... Pull-side arm 84, 85... teeth

Claims

1. The water outlet that dispenses water, A link that moves when force is applied, A pressing part that causes the link to perform an action when pressed, A holding part that holds the link, The system includes a valve body that, when the pressing portion is pressed, causes the link to operate, and which operates in conjunction with the link and changes its phase, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water towards the water discharge portion. The water discharge section discharges water according to a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. The aforementioned link is a four-bar link, and when the adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by imaginary straight lines, the resulting water dispenser forms a parallelogram.

2. The valve body is equipped with a rotatable ratchet, The valve body is rotatable in conjunction with the ratchet, The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, and the phase of the valve body changes as it rotates.

3. The water dispenser according to claim 2, further comprising an arm portion that rotates the ratchet in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates.

4. The link is equipped with an elastic body, The water dispenser according to claim 2, wherein when the pressing portion is pressed and the link is operated, the elastic body compresses and then restores itself, thereby operating the link so that it returns to its original position.

5. The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, in both cases when the link is in operation and when the link is not in operation, when adjacent joints of the four-bar link are connected by a virtual straight line, the shape is a parallelogram.

6. A water discharge unit that discharges water, A link that moves when force is applied, A pressing part that causes the link to perform an action when pressed, A holding part that holds the link, The system includes a valve body that, when the pressing portion is pressed, causes the link to operate, and which operates in conjunction with the link and changes its phase, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water towards the water discharge portion. The water discharge section discharges water according to a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. The aforementioned link is a water dispenser, which is installed to surround the outside of a pipe through which hot and cold water flows.

7. A water discharge unit that discharges water, A link that moves when force is applied, A pressing part that causes the link to perform an action when pressed, A holding part that holds the link, When the pressing portion is pressed, the link operates, and a valve body operates in conjunction with the link and changes its phase, thereby switching the flow path of hot and cold water towards the water discharge portion. The valve body is equipped with a rotatable ratchet fixed to it, The water discharge section discharges water according to a water discharge mode corresponding to the flow path switched by the valve body. The valve body is rotatable in conjunction with the ratchet, The ratchet rotates in conjunction with the link when the pressing portion is pressed and the link operates, and the valve body changes its phase as it rotates. The aforementioned link consists of a first link and a second link. The pressing portion consists of a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion. The ratchet consists of a first ratchet and a second ratchet. The first pressing part, when pressed, causes the first link to perform an action. The first ratchet rotates in conjunction with the first link when the first pressing portion is pressed and the first link operates, and the valve body rotates in the first direction, thereby changing the phase. The second pressing part, when pressed, causes the second link to perform an action. A water dispenser wherein the second ratchet rotates in conjunction with the second link when the second pressing portion is pressed and the second link operates, and the valve body rotates in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, thereby changing the phase.

8. The water dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the first pressing portion is provided adjacent to the second pressing portion.

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