Water discharge device

Abstract

A water discharge device (1) starts discharging water when a water discharge handle (3) is rotated, and the water discharge handle (3) gradually returns to a water-shut-off position to shut off the water. The water discharge device (1) has a diaphragm valve body (13) that opens and closes a water passage W. A pressure chamber (C3) formed on a rear side of the diaphragm valve body (13) is opened and closed by a pilot valve body (14). The pilot valve body (14) opens and closes in accordance with rotation of the water discharge handle (3) by an opening / closing mechanism (15). The water flow generated by the opening of the diaphragm valve body (13) causes a reduction mechanism (16) to rotate to reverse the rotation of the water discharge handle (3).

Description

Water discharging device

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water discharging device. More specifically, it relates to a water discharging device that starts discharging water by a rotation operation of a water discharging operation unit, and gradually returns the water discharging operation unit to a water stop position to stop water discharge.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 3-69874 discloses a constant-quantity water stop type water discharging device that returns to a water stop state after discharging a predetermined amount of hot water by operating a water discharging handle. Specifically, the water discharging device has a water stop valve body that is opened against a spring force by an operation of the water discharging handle. The water discharging device further includes a speed reduction mechanism that rotates by the water flow generated when the water stop valve body is opened, and transmits the rotation as a rotational force to return the water discharging handle to its original position while decelerating the rotation of the water discharging handle.

[0003] In the configuration described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 3-69874, the water stop valve body is of a kelp type, that is, the water stop valve body is opened and closed by linear movement accompanied by mechanical operation. Therefore, restrictions are easily imposed on the arrangement and installation direction of the water stop valve body, resulting in low layout flexibility. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a constant-quantity water stop type water discharging device capable of increasing the layout flexibility of the water stop valve body.

[0004] In the water discharging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, water discharge is started by a rotation operation of a water discharging operation unit, and the water discharging operation unit gradually returns to a water stop position to stop water discharge. This water discharging device has a diaphragm valve body that opens and closes a water passage. A pressure chamber formed on a back side of the diaphragm valve body is opened and closed by a pilot valve body. The pilot valve body is opened and closed by an opening / closing mechanism that operates in conjunction with the rotation of the water discharging operation unit. A speed reduction mechanism is rotated by a water flow generated when the diaphragm valve body is opened, and the speed reduction mechanism returns the rotation of the water discharging operation unit.

[0005] According to the above configuration, by using a diaphragm valve body as the water stop valve body, the water passage can be opened and closed by an operation utilizing water pressure. Therefore, the diaphragm valve body can be flexibly arranged in accordance with the set position of the pressure chamber in the limited space of the water discharging device having a constant-quantity water stop function.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure has a cylindrical hot and cold water mixing valve unit having a discharge section that mixes supplied hot and cold water internally and discharges it axially. A first valve operating chamber is connected to the flow path so as to be aligned axially with the discharge section. The diaphragm valve body is positioned in the first valve operating chamber and opens and closes the water passage by axial movement.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the diaphragm valve bodies are arranged in the axial direction, which is the discharge direction of the hot and cold water mixing valve unit, and are also installed to operate in the same direction. This configuration allows for a more compact overall device compared to one where the valve bodies are arranged radially.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pilot valve body is arranged axially alongside the diaphragm valve body with respect to the pressure chamber. The pilot valve body opens and closes the pressure chamber by axial movement.

[0009] According to the above configuration, in addition to the diaphragm valve body, the pilot valve body is also provided to operate in the axial direction. This configuration allows for a more compact overall device.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pilot valve body is disposed inside the waterway together with the reduction mechanism.

[0011] With the above configuration, the pilot valve body can be placed inside the water channel together with the reduction mechanism, thereby streamlining the installation space. This allows the entire device to be made more compact.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pilot valve body is arranged radially such that its axial arrangement overlaps with that of the turbine of the reduction mechanism.

[0013] The above configuration allows for further rationalization of the installation space required for the reduction gear mechanism and pilot valve body. This makes the entire device more compact.

[0014] This is a schematic perspective view of the water discharge device according to the first embodiment. This is a front view of the water discharge device. This is an exploded perspective view of the water discharge device. This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the water discharge device cut by a vertical plane along the central axis. This is a partial enlargement of Figure 4. This is an enlarged perspective view of the quantitative water stop cartridge. This is an exploded perspective view with the cartridge cap removed along with the support shaft. This is an exploded perspective view of Figure 7 seen from the left side. This is an exploded perspective view with the cartridge body removed. This is a perspective view showing the assembly parts inside the cartridge base visualized. This is a perspective view showing the pilot valve body in the open state due to the rotation of the water discharge operation unit. This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the diaphragm valve body in the open state. This is a perspective view showing the opening and closing mechanism rotating due to the water flow generated by opening the valve. This is a perspective view showing the pilot valve body in the closed state when the operation of the water discharge operation unit is returned.

[0015] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 《First Embodiment》 (Outline Configuration of Water Discharge Device 1) The configuration of the water discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 14. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the respective directions shown in each figure.

[0017] The directions shown in each figure represent the direction when the water discharge device 1 is viewed from the front. In the following explanation, if a specific reference figure is not shown, or if there is no corresponding reference numeral in the reference figure, refer to any of Figures 1 to 14 as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the water dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a wall-mounted type mixing faucet attached to the wall of a bathroom. The water dispensing device 1 is configured to mix hot water and cold water supplied from the back of the wall inside and discharge it.

[0019] Specifically, the water discharge device 1 comprises a roughly cylindrical device body 2 extending to the left and right, a roughly cylindrical water discharge handle 3 attached to the right side of the device body 2, and a roughly cylindrical temperature control handle 4 attached to the left side of the device body 2. The water discharge device 1 also comprises a water supply connection pipe 5 that connects the device body 2 to a water supply connection port (not shown) provided on the wall, and a hot water connection pipe 6 that connects to a hot water connection port.

[0020] The water supply connection pipe 5 is inserted from the rear of the device body 2 into the water-side connection port, which is located at the rear of the device body 2. The hot water connection pipe 6 is inserted from the rear of the device body 2 into the hot water-side connection port, which is located at the rear of the device body 2. The water supply connection pipe 5 is connected to the right-side area of ​​the device body 2, which is close to the water outlet handle 3. The hot water connection pipe 6 is connected to the left-side area of ​​the device body 2, which is close to the temperature control handle 4. Here, the water outlet handle 3 corresponds to the "water outlet operation unit" in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] The water discharge device 1 has a water discharge nipple 7 attached to the bottom of the device body 2. The nipple 7 is screwed into an opening 2C provided in the bottom of the device body 2 from below and connected to the flow path. The nipple 7 functions as a water discharge unit that discharges hot water or cold water mixed inside the device body 2.

[0022] The water dispensing device 1 has a cylindrical temperature control cartridge 8 and a quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 that are incorporated inside the device body 2. The temperature control cartridge 8 is a functional component for mixing the hot water and cold water supplied to the device body 2.

[0023] Specifically, the temperature control cartridge 8 adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water mixed internally to a set temperature corresponding to the rotation position as the temperature control handle 4 is rotated around its central axis. Here, the temperature control cartridge 8 corresponds to one embodiment of the "hot and cold water mixing valve unit" of this disclosure.

[0024] The quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 is a functional component for switching between the discharge and stopping (shutting off) of hot and cold water from the main body of the device 2. Specifically, the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 is switched from the initial shut-off state to the state of discharging hot and cold water by rotating the water discharge handle 3 inward around its central axis.

[0025] Furthermore, the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 has a function that, after water discharge has started, gradually returns the water discharge handle 3 to the shut-off position before operation by the force of the water flow inside, thereby stopping the water flow. This function enables the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 to automatically return to the shut-off state after discharging a predetermined amount of hot or cold water according to the amount of rotation of the water discharge handle 3.

[0026] The temperature control cartridge 8 and the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 are positioned side-by-side with respect to the main body 2, with their respective central axes aligned on the same axis. As shown in Figure 3, the temperature control cartridge 8 is installed inside the main body 2 through the left-side opening 2A. The quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 is installed inside the main body 2 through the right-side opening 2B.

[0027] The temperature control cartridge 8 has a temperature control handle 4 attached to its left end. As a result, the temperature control cartridge 8 adjusts the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by rotating the temperature control handle 4 around its central axis.

[0028] The quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 has a water discharge handle 3 attached to its right end. As a result, the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 can be switched to a state where it discharges (discharges) hot and cold water by rotating the water discharge handle 3 around its central axis. Furthermore, after water discharge begins, the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 operates in such a way that the force of the water flowing inside returns the water discharge handle 3 to its original shut-off position.

[0029] (Configuration of each part) The detailed configuration of the water discharge device 1 will be described below. As shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical temperature control cartridge 8 and the quantitative water stop cartridge 10 described above are assembled inside the main body 2 in a state in which they are connected in the axial direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the hot water supply connection pipe 6 is directly connected to a hot water side connection port (not shown) formed at the rear of the temperature control cartridge 8. As a result, the hot water supplied from the hot water supply connection pipe 6 is supplied directly to the inside of the temperature control cartridge 8 without passing through any other hot water supply path.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the water supply connection pipe 5 is connected to a water-side connection port (not shown) formed in the rear part of the main body of the device 2. As a result, the water supplied from the water supply connection pipe 5 is supplied to the inside of the temperature control cartridge 8 via the water supply path C formed by the gap between the main body of the device 2 and the quantitative water stop cartridge 10.

[0032] The water supply path C is formed in an annular shape that extends almost the entire axial direction, surrounding the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10. The water supplied to the water supply path C is taken into the temperature control cartridge 8 through a water intake port 8A (see Figure 3) formed on the outer circumference of the cartridge.

[0033] By providing such a water supply path C, the water supply path C can function as a water jacket. This makes it possible to rationally suppress the temperature rise of the main body of the device 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the hot and cold water taken into the temperature control cartridge 8 is mixed internally and then discharged from the discharge section 8B formed at the right end of the temperature control cartridge 8. The hot and cold water discharged from the discharge section 8B is taken into the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10, which is connected to the discharge section 8B via a flow path.

[0035] In this case, when the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 is in a shut-off state before the water discharge handle 3 is operated, the diaphragm valve body 13 shown in the figure is closed, blocking the flow of water beyond it. This diaphragm valve body 13 is opened by the action of water pressure when the water discharge handle 3 is turned.

[0036] As the diaphragm valve body 13 opens, the hot water discharged from the discharge section 8B is drawn into the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10, as will be explained in more detail using Figure 12. The hot water drawn into the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10 is then discharged to the outside from the nipple 7, which is the discharge section, while the water flow rotates the water turbine 16A installed inside the cartridge.

[0037] Meanwhile, the water turbine 16A, which is rotated by the water flow, transmits its rotation to the water discharge handle 3 via the intermediate gear train 16B, while being decelerated. As a result, the water discharge handle 3 is gradually returned to the shut-off position.

[0038] The above describes the general flow of hot and cold water in the water discharge device 1. Note that the basic configuration of the temperature control cartridge 8 is identical to that of a known configuration disclosed in documents such as Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-146082, therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0039] Next, the specific configuration of each part of the quantitative water-stopping cartridge 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge 10 is configured as a unit in which multiple functional components are incorporated into a cylindrical cartridge case 11.

[0040] The cartridge case 11 comprises a cylindrical main case 11A and a cap 11B that fits over the right end of the main case 11A. The main case 11A and the cap 11B are detachably connected by a retaining ring 11D. Specifically, the right end of the main case 11A has multiple fitting pieces A1 that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and protrude axially.

[0041] Multiple fitting pieces B1 are formed on the outer circumference of the cap 11B, extending radially at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. The cap 11B is fitted into the cylinder of the main case 11A such that each of the fitting pieces B1 is fitted between each of the fitting pieces A1 of the main case 11A.

[0042] After this fitting, an open-ring shaped retaining ring 11D is attached to the outer circumference of each fitting piece B1 of the cap 11B and each fitting piece A1 of the main case 11A, so as to straddle them. The retaining ring 11D integrally connects the cap 11B and the main case 11A. The support shaft 12, which forms the rotation axis of the water outlet handle 3, is inserted through the cap 11B from the inside (left side) in the axial direction in a sealed state.

[0043] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the support shaft 12 has a flange portion 12B that protrudes from its axial middle section. The support shaft 12 is inserted into the cap 11B such that the flange portion 12B abuts against the cap 11B from the axial inner side. The support shaft 12 has a connecting end portion 12A that protrudes to the right from the center of the cap 11B. The water outlet handle 3 is connected to the connecting end portion 12A.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 7, after removing the retaining ring 11D, the support shaft 12 is separated from the main body case 11A together with the cap 11B by grasping the right connection end 12A thereof and pulling it to the right side. As shown in Fig. 8, a rotating body 19 is passed through a shaft end 12C on the left side of the support shaft 12. A clutch 17 consisting of two friction plates 17A and an output gear 16C are also mounted on the shaft end 12C. The rotating body 19, the clutch 17 and the output gear 16C are prevented from coming off from the shaft end 12C by an end cap 12D. The rotating body 19, the clutch 17 and the output gear 16C can be taken out from the main body case 11A together with the cap 11B.

[0045] Therefore, maintenance such as checking the deterioration state of the clutch 17 or pulling the clutch 17 out from the shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12 and replacing it with a new one can be easily performed. As shown in Fig. 9, the cartridge case 11 further includes a cylindrical inner case 11C incorporated inside the main body case 11A.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 9 to 10, inside the inner case 11C, a diaphragm valve body 13, which is a main functional component of the constant-quantity water stop cartridge 10, a pilot valve body 14, an opening / closing mechanism 15, and a speed reduction mechanism 16 are incorporated. Further, as shown in Figs. 5 and 9, a stepped circular pipe-shaped valve connection pipe 11E is connected to the cylindrical end portion on the left side of the inner case 11C.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, the valve connection pipe 11E is connected to the discharge portion 8B of the temperature adjustment cartridge 8 so as to connect the flow path to the right side. The valve connection pipe 11E is arranged such that its central axis is aligned on the same axis as that of the discharge portion 8B. The hot and cold water discharged from the discharge portion 8B flows into the pipe of the valve connection pipe 11E.

[0048] The diaphragm valve body 13 is incorporated in a cylindrical first valve operation chamber C1 formed side by side on the right side of the valve connection pipe 11E of the inner case 11C. The diaphragm valve body 13 operates axially in the first valve operation chamber C1 to close and open the opening on the right side of the valve connection pipe 11E. Thereby, the diaphragm valve body 13 opens and closes the water passage W passing through the valve connection pipe 11E.

[0049] Inside the inner case 11C, a partition wall C2 is formed that divides the inside of the cylinder into left and right sections, forming a pressure chamber C3 on the rear side (right side) of the diaphragm valve body 13. As the pressure in the pressure chamber C3 formed between the diaphragm valve body 13 and the partition wall C2 on its rear side (right side) increases, the diaphragm valve body 13 operates to close the opening on the right side of the valve connecting pipe 11E.

[0050] Furthermore, the diaphragm valve body 13 operates to open the opening on the right side of the valve connecting pipe 11E due to the pressure of the water flowing through the valve connecting pipe 11E, in conjunction with the release of pressure in the pressure chamber C3 by the pilot valve body 14, which will be described later. The diaphragm valve body 13 is constantly subjected to a biasing force in the closing direction (leftward) by the first spring 13A (compression coil spring) provided between it and the partition wall C2.

[0051] The pilot valve body 14 is incorporated into a cylindrical second valve operating chamber C4 formed on the right side of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C. When the water discharge handle 3 is in the initial shut-off position, the pilot valve body 14 is held closed by the opening / closing mechanism 15, which will be described later, with respect to the opening hole C5 formed in the partition wall C2.

[0052] As a result, the pressure chamber C3 formed between the diaphragm valve body 13 and the partition wall C2 is kept closed. In this state, when hot water flows from the discharge section 8B of the temperature control cartridge 8 into the valve connecting pipe 11E, the pressure of the flowing water causes the hot water to flow into the pressure chamber C3 through the small hole 13B formed in the center of the diaphragm valve body 13.

[0053] As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber C3 is gradually increased, and the diaphragm valve body 13 gradually closes the opening on the right side of the valve connecting pipe 11E, stopping the flow of water (shutting off). When the water discharge handle 3 is turned from the above shut-off state, the opening / closing mechanism 15, which will be described later, pulls the pilot valve body 14 to the right so as to open the opening hole C5 in the partition wall C2.

[0054] As a result, the hot water inside the pressure chamber C3 can flow out through the opening C5 into the second valve operating chamber C4. Consequently, the pressure in the pressure chamber C3 is released, and the diaphragm valve body 13 is moved by the pressure of the water flowing through the valve connecting pipe 11E to open the opening on the right side of the valve connecting pipe 11E. This opens the water passage W through the valve connecting pipe 11E, and the hot water is discharged downstream.

[0055] When the water discharge handle 3 is returned to the shut-off position from the above-described water discharge state, the pilot valve body 14 and the diaphragm valve body 13 are closed again by the mechanism described above. This stops the discharge of hot and cold water.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the opening / closing mechanism 15 is incorporated into the second valve operating chamber C4 of the inner case 11C. The opening / closing mechanism 15 has a push pin 15A that extends axially within the second valve operating chamber C4. Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 15 has a seesaw 15B that is provided to be rotatable around a pivot shaft 15C that extends radially within the second valve operating chamber C4.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the push pin 15A is positioned eccentrically from the central axis of the inner case 11C and extends axially. The push pin 15A passes through an intermediate wall C6 (see Figure 5) that protrudes to divide the area to the right of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C into left and right sections. This guides the push pin 15A so that it can move only in the axial direction relative to the inner case 11C.

[0058] A second spring 15D (compression coil spring) is provided between the partition wall C2 shown in Figure 5 and the seesaw 15B shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, one end of the seesaw 15B extending towards the front from its pivot axis 15C is constantly biased by the second spring 15D to be pushed to the right (outward in the axial direction). As a result, the other end of the seesaw 15B extending towards the back is constantly biased to be pushed to the left (inward in the axial direction) around the pivot axis 15C.

[0059] Due to the biasing force described above, the seesaw 15B, with one end extending towards the front, presses the push pin 15A to the right (outward in the axial direction) and holds it pressed against the rotating body 19. The seesaw 15B also, with its other end extending towards the back, holds the pilot valve body 14 pressed against the partition wall C2 in a state that closes the valve.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the rotating body 19 is made up of a disc-shaped member. The rotating body 19 is passed through the support shaft 12 from the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12. As a result, the rotating body 19 becomes integrated with the support shaft 12 in both the rotational and axial directions. The rotating body 19 is positioned so that its central axis aligns with that of the support shaft 12 (and the diaphragm valve body 13).

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, a cam groove 19A is formed on the left side of the rotating body 19. When the water outlet handle 3 is in the shut-off position, the cam groove 19A receives the right end of the push pin 15A. As shown in Figure 11, when the water outlet handle 3 is rotated inward from the shut-off position, the rotating body 19 presses the push pin 15A to the left while sliding it along its left side surface, disengaging it from the cam groove 19A. This is because the depth of the cam groove 19A gradually decreases axially in the circumferential direction opposite to the arrow.

[0062] As a result, the push pin 15A pushes one end of the seesaw 15B, which extends towards the front, to the left against the biasing force of the second spring 15D. This push causes the seesaw 15B to rotate around the pivot shaft 15C, releasing the pilot valve body 14 from the closed position.

[0063] As a result, the pilot valve body 14 opens as it is pulled to the right by the pressure in the pressure chamber C3. As shown in Figure 12, when the pilot valve body 14 opens, the pressure in the pressure chamber C3 is released, and the diaphragm valve body 13 opens due to the pressure of the water flowing through the valve connecting pipe 11E.

[0064] As a result, the water passage W through the valve connecting pipe 11E is opened, and hot water flows out through the upper opening in the cylindrical wall to the left of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C into the gap between the inner case 11C and the main case 11A. Then, the hot water that has flowed out into this gap flows into the interior of the inner case 11C (second valve operating chamber C4) through the upper opening in the cylindrical wall to the right of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C.

[0065] The hot water that flows into the second valve operating chamber C4 rotates the water turbine 16A located in the second valve operating chamber C4 as it flows. Furthermore, the hot water flows out from the lower opening in the cylindrical wall to the right of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C into the gap between it and the main case 11A. The hot water that flows out into this gap is then discharged to the outside from the nipple 7, which is connected to the flow path at an opening in the lower cylindrical wall of the main case 11A.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, an O-ring R is fitted to the outer circumference of the inner case 11C to control the flow of hot and cold water between it and the main case 11A, as described above. The O-ring R seals the space between the inner case 11C and the main case 11A by diagonally separating them. When hot and cold water flows out from the upper opening on the left side of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C, the flowing water then flows out from the lower opening on the right side of the partition wall C2 of the inner case 11C.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, the water turbine 16A rotates due to the water flow described above, transmitting its rotation to the intermediate gear train 16B of the reduction mechanism 16. This transmitted rotation is then reduced in the reduction mechanism 16 and transmitted to the support shaft 12. As a result, the water discharge handle 3 is gradually returned to the shut-off position.

[0068] The return rotation of the support shaft 12 moves the cam groove 19A of the rotating body 19 to a position where it can receive the right end of the push pin 15A. As a result, as shown in Figure 14, the push pin 15A is moved to the right by the biasing force of the second spring 15D so that its right end fits into the cam groove 19A.

[0069] As a result, the seesaw 15B rotates, and the pilot valve body 14 returns to the state where it closes the pressure chamber C3. Consequently, as described above in Figure 5, the diaphragm valve body 13 closes in response to the increase in pressure in the pressure chamber C3, stopping the discharge of hot and cold water.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the reduction mechanism 16 includes a water turbine 16A, an intermediate gear train 16B, and an output gear 16C. The water turbine 16A, the intermediate gear train 16B, and the output gear 16C are connected so that they can rotate in conjunction with each other around an axis extending in the axial direction.

[0071] The water turbine 16A is arranged radially so as to overlap with the pilot valve body 14 and the second spring 15D described above in terms of their axial arrangement. The intermediate gear train 16B consists of a gear train in which multiple gears of different sizes arranged axially are arranged alternately in the radial direction and mesh together.

[0072] The intermediate gear train 16B rotates as the water turbine 16A is rotated by the water flow, causing its upstream gear to rotate as a single unit. As a result, each gear that meshes downstream of it receives rotational power in sequence and rotates.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the output gear 16C is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the left shaft end 12C of the pivot shaft 12 described above. The output gear 16C generates frictional force with each friction plate 17A of the clutch 17, which is arranged in pairs on both sides in its axial direction. Through the action of the clutch 17, the output gear 16C can be switched to rotate integrally with the pivot shaft 12 or to allow the pivot shaft 12 to rotate freely inside it.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, the output gear 16C is positioned to mesh with the downstream gear of the intermediate gear train 16B. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, when the water discharge handle 3 is turned from the shut-off position towards the back, the output gear 16C is held in place by the braking action of the reduction mechanism 16, even though it is subjected to friction from each friction plate 17A of the clutch 17 due to the rotation of the pivot shaft 12.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13, the output gear 16C rotates when the water turbine 16A is rotated by the water flow, and the rotational force is transmitted from the intermediate gear train 16B. In this case, the output gear 16C rotates integrally with each friction plate 17A of the clutch 17 due to the action of friction, and also rotates the support shaft 12. As shown in Figure 8, the output gear 16C is assembled to the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12 by passing it from the left side together with each friction plate 17A of the clutch 17.

[0076] Specifically, the rotating body 19, the right friction plate 17A, the output gear 16C, and the left friction plate 17A are assembled in this order to the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12. Then, an end cap 12D, which prevents these components from coming loose in the axial direction, is assembled to the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12.

[0077] The rotating body 19 is assembled in a state where it is prevented from rotating by a pin (not shown) that passes through the support shaft 12, with a round hole formed in its center being fitted into a round hole formed in the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12. Each friction plate 17A is assembled in a state where it is prevented from rotating by fitting a square hole formed in its center into the outer circumference of a rectangular tube formed on the left shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12.

[0078] The output gear 16C is assembled so that it can rotate around its central axis relative to the support shaft 12 by fitting a circular hole formed in its center onto the outer circumference of the support shaft 12. Each friction plate 17A is held in a state where it presses the output gear 16C axially between them by attaching an end cap 12D to the left end 12C of the support shaft 12. As a result, each friction plate 17A can exert frictional force with the output gear 16C.

[0079] With this configuration, the clutch 17 and output gear 16C can be easily removed from the left end 12C of the support shaft 12 by removing the end cap 12D. Therefore, maintenance such as checking the deterioration of the clutch 17 or removing the clutch 17 from the end 12C of the support shaft 12 and replacing it with a new one can be easily performed. Note that the clutch 17 may be replaced as a whole unit (support shaft 12, clutch 17, rotating body 19, output gear 16C) assembled to the support shaft 12.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, and as described above, the quantitative water stop cartridge 10 is configured as a unit in which multiple functional components are incorporated into a cylindrical cartridge case 11. The quantitative water stop cartridge 10 is incorporated into the device body 2 as follows: First, the quantitative water stop cartridge 10 is inserted into the device body 2 through the opening 2B on the right side.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the nipple 7 is screwed into the lower opening 2C of the device body 2 and fitted into the lower opening of the main body case 11A of the quantitative water stop cartridge 10, which faces the opening 2C from the inside. As a result, the nipple 7 is installed in the lower opening 2C of the device body 2 with the flow path directly connected to the lower opening of the main body case 11A.

[0082] As a result, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge 10 is temporarily fixed in place via the nipple 7, restricting its movement in the axial and rotational directions relative to the device body 2. Next, the bushing 18 is screwed into the opening 2B on the right side of the device body 2. This fastens the bushing 18 in a state where it is pressed axially against the cap 11B of the quantitative water-stopping cartridge 10 and the fitting pieces B1 and A1 of the main body case 11A. As a result, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge 10 is assembled in a state where it is fixed in position to the device body 2.

[0083] To summarize, the water discharge 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.

[0084] In other words, the water discharge device (1) is configured to start discharging water by rotating the water discharge operation unit (3) and to stop the water by gradually returning the water discharge operation unit (3) to the shut-off position. The water discharge device (1) has a diaphragm valve body (13), a pilot valve body (14), and an opening / closing mechanism (15). The diaphragm valve body (13) opens and closes the water passage (W). The pilot valve body (14) opens and closes the pressure chamber (C3) formed on the back side of the diaphragm valve body (13). The opening / closing mechanism (15) opens and closes the pilot valve body (14) in accordance with the rotation of the water discharge operation unit (3).

[0085] Furthermore, the water discharge device (1) has a reduction mechanism (16) that rotates due to the water flow generated by the opening of the diaphragm valve body (13) and returns the rotation of the water discharge operation unit (3). With the above configuration, by using a diaphragm valve body (13) as the water shut-off valve body, the water passage (W) can be opened and closed by operation using water pressure. Therefore, in the limited space of the water discharge device (1) which has a quantitative water shut-off function, the diaphragm valve body (13) can be flexibly positioned to match the set position of the pressure chamber (C3).

[0086] The water discharge device (1) further comprises a cylindrical hot and cold water mixing valve unit (8) and a first valve operating chamber (C1). The hot and cold water mixing valve unit (8) includes a discharge section (8B) that mixes the supplied hot and cold water internally and discharges it axially. The first valve operating chamber (C1) is connected to the flow path so as to be aligned axially with the discharge section (8B). A diaphragm valve body (13) is positioned in the first valve operating chamber (C1) and opens and closes the water passage (W) by axial movement.

[0087] According to the above configuration, by arranging the diaphragm valve bodies (13) in the axial direction, which is the discharge direction of the hot and cold water mixing valve unit (8), and by providing them to operate in the same direction, the entire device can be made more compact compared to one where the diaphragm valve bodies are arranged radially.

[0088] Furthermore, the pilot valve body (14) is positioned axially aligned with the diaphragm valve body (13) with the pressure chamber (C3) in between, and opens and closes the pressure chamber (C3) through axial movement. With the above configuration, by providing the pilot valve body (14) to operate axially in conjunction with the diaphragm valve body (13), the entire device can be made more compact.

[0089] Furthermore, the pilot valve body (14) is arranged inside the water passage (W) together with the reduction mechanism (16). With the above configuration, by arranging the pilot valve body (14) together with the reduction mechanism (16) inside the water passage (W), the installation space can be rationalized. As a result, the entire device can be made more compact.

[0090] Furthermore, the pilot valve body (14) is arranged radially so that its axial arrangement overlaps with that of the turbine (16A) of the reduction mechanism (16). With this configuration, the installation space of the reduction mechanism (16) and the pilot valve body (14) can be further streamlined. As a result, the entire device can be made more compact.

[0091] Regarding other embodiments: Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above using one embodiment, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms other than those described above, as shown below.

[0092] One form of the water dispensing device described herein can be widely applied to indoor and outdoor water supply equipment, such as bathrooms, washbasins, and kitchens. Furthermore, the water dispensing device may be configured as a mixing faucet that mixes hot and cold water internally before dispensing, or as a single faucet that receives and dispenses either hot or cold water only.

[0093] The water discharge control unit may consist of a handle or a rotary lever. The water discharge control unit may also be operated by rotation around an axis that extends perpendicular to the direction of operation of the diaphragm valve body.

[0094] The diaphragm valve body and pilot valve body may open and close in the axial direction, which is the discharge direction of the hot and cold water mixing valve unit, or they may open and close radially. The diaphragm valve body and pilot valve body may be arranged so that their respective directions of operation are perpendicular to each other.

[0095] The pilot valve body may be located in the main water channel (main channel) for hot and cold water, such as the second valve operating chamber (C4) shown in the above embodiment, or it may be located in a position outside the main channel.

[0096] The hot and cold water mixing valve unit may be configured as a unit of the temperature control cartridge as shown in the above embodiment, or it may be configured by assembling its components separately onto the main body of the device. Similarly, the diaphragm valve body, pilot valve body, opening / closing mechanism, and reduction mechanism, which are functional components for quantitative water shutoff, may be configured as a unit of the quantitative water shutoff cartridge, or these components may be assembled separately onto the main body of the device.

[0097] The diaphragm valve body, pilot valve body, opening / closing mechanism, and reduction mechanism may be incorporated through a single opening formed in the main body of the device, or they may be incorporated through separate openings. The opening / closing mechanism and reduction mechanism may operate radially or rotate around a radially extending axis. The turbine of the reduction mechanism may be positioned axially offset so as not to overlap with the axial arrangement of the pilot valve body.

[0098] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of one embodiment of this disclosure 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.

Claims

1. A water discharge device that starts water discharge by rotating a water discharge control unit and gradually returns the water discharge control unit to a shut-off position to stop water discharge, comprising: a diaphragm valve body for opening and closing a water passage; a pilot valve body for opening and closing a pressure chamber formed on the back side of the diaphragm valve body; an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the pilot valve body in accordance with the rotation of the water discharge control unit; and a deceleration mechanism that rotates due to the water flow generated by the opening of the diaphragm valve body to return the rotation of the water discharge control unit to its original position.

2. A water discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cylindrical hot and cold water mixing valve unit having a discharge section that mixes supplied hot and cold water internally and discharges it in the axial direction; and a first valve operating chamber connected to a flow path so as to be aligned with the discharge section in the axial direction, wherein the diaphragm valve body is arranged in the first valve operating chamber and opens and closes the water passage by axial movement.

3. A water discharge device according to claim 2, wherein the pilot valve body is arranged to be aligned axially with the diaphragm valve body with the pressure chamber in between, and the pressure chamber is opened and closed by axial movement.

4. A water discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pilot valve body is disposed inside the water passage together with the reduction mechanism.

5. A water discharge device according to claim 4, wherein the pilot valve body is arranged radially such that its axial arrangement overlaps with that of the water turbine of the reduction mechanism.

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