Water discharge device

Abstract

A water discharge device (1) starts discharging water by a rotating operation of a water discharge handle (3) and gradually returns the water discharge handle (3) to a water shut-off position to shut off the water. The water discharge device (1) comprises a water shut-off valve body (13) that opens and closes a water passage by axial movement. The water discharge device (1) further comprises a support shaft (12), an opening / closing mechanism (15), and a speed reduction mechanism (16). The support shaft (12) forms an axis of rotation around the axis of the water discharge handle (3). The opening / closing mechanism (15) opens and closes the water shut-off valve body (13) in conjunction with the rotation of the water discharge handle (3). The speed reduction mechanism (16) is caused to rotate by a water flow created by opening the water shut-off valve body (13), and returns the rotation of the water discharge handle (3). The water shut-off valve body (13), the support shaft (12), the opening / closing mechanism (15), and the speed reduction mechanism (16) are disposed in a device body (2) to be capable of being incorporated from one opening (2B) that opens in the axial direction of the device body (2).

Description

Water discharging device

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water discharging device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a water discharging device that starts water discharge by a rotation operation of a water discharge operation unit and gradually returns the water discharge 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 discharge handle. Specifically, the water discharging device has a water stop valve body that is opened against a spring force by the operation of the water discharge handle. The water discharging device further includes a speed reduction mechanism that is rotated by a water flow generated by opening the water stop valve body and transmits the rotation as a rotational force that returns the water discharge handle to the original position while decelerating the rotation.

[0003] In the configuration described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 3-69874, a support shaft that supports the water discharge handle and the water stop valve body are arranged radially offset from each other, and are assembled to the device main body through separate openings. Therefore, the entire device tends to increase in size, and the design performance is also easily impaired. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a constant-quantity water-stop type water discharging device capable of improving space efficiency.

[0004] The water discharging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure starts water discharge by a rotation operation of a water discharge operation unit, and gradually returns the water discharge operation unit to a water stop position to stop water discharge. The water discharging device has a water stop valve body that opens and closes a water passage by an axial movement. The water discharging device further includes a support shaft, an opening / closing mechanism, and a speed reduction mechanism. The support shaft forms a rotation axis around an axis of the water discharge operation unit. The opening / closing mechanism opens and closes the water stop valve body in accordance with the rotation of the water discharge operation unit. The speed reduction mechanism is rotated by a water flow generated by opening the water stop valve body to return the rotation of the water discharge operation unit. The water stop valve body, the support shaft, the opening / closing mechanism, and the speed reduction mechanism are arranged inside a device main body so as to be able to be assembled from one opening that opens in the axial direction of the device main body.

[0005] According to the above configuration, the shut-off valve body, pivot shaft, opening / closing mechanism, and reduction mechanism are arranged to be incorporated axially into the main body of the device through a common opening. This configuration reduces the radial space required for the entire device. As a result, a water discharge device with a quantitative shut-off function can be made compact.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the water dispensing device further comprises a cylindrical quantitative water stop cartridge. The quantitative water stop cartridge is positioned inside the device body so as to be retractable through the opening.

[0007] With the above configuration, the assembly and removal of the shut-off valve body, support shaft, opening / closing mechanism, and reduction mechanism to the main body of the device can be performed simply and appropriately all at once via the quantitative shut-off cartridge.

[0008] Another embodiment of the water dispensing device of the present disclosure further comprises a cylindrical temperature-controlled cartridge that mixes supplied hot and cold water internally and discharges it axially. The quantitative shut-off cartridge is connected to the flow path of the discharge portion of the temperature-controlled cartridge so as to be aligned axially with the central axes of the respective components.

[0009] With the above configuration, the entire device can be made compact by arranging the quantitative water stop cartridges on the same axis in the axial direction, which is the discharge direction of the temperature control cartridge.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the shut-off valve body is a diaphragm valve body. The diaphragm valve body is incorporated into the quantitative shut-off cartridge and is located in a first valve operating chamber that is flow-connected to the discharge section in an axial direction.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by using a diaphragm valve body for the shut-off valve, the water passage can be opened and closed using water pressure. Therefore, in the limited space of a water discharge device with a quantitative shut-off function, the diaphragm valve body can be flexibly positioned to match the set position of the pressure chamber. As a result, the entire device can be made compact.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge is fixed in its mounting position relative to the device body by attaching a water-discharging nipple that is mounted on the outer circumference of the device body.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the quantitative water stop cartridge can be rationally fixed to the main body of the device using a water discharge nipple attached to the main body of the device. The fixing of the quantitative water stop cartridge with the nipple may be either permanent or temporary.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening and closing mechanism opens and closes the shut-off valve body by axial movement. The reduction mechanism consists of a gear train that rotates around an axis extending in the axial direction.

[0015] With the above configuration, the entire device can be made more compact compared to devices in which the opening / closing mechanism or reduction mechanism operates radially or rotates around a radially extending axis.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the water-stopping valve body and the support shaft are arranged so that their respective central axes lie on the same axis.

[0017] The above configuration allows for a reduction in the radial space required for the entire device. This enables a more compact water discharge system.

[0018] 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.

[0019] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 《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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Specifically, the temperature control cartridge 8 adjusts the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water mixed inside the cartridge to reach a set temperature corresponding to the rotation position of the temperature control handle 4 as it is rotated around its central axis.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The cartridge case 11 comprises a cylindrical main body case 11A and a cap 11B fitted to the cylindrical end portion on the right side thereof. The main body case 11A and the cap 11B are detachably connected by a retaining ring 11D. Specifically, a plurality of fitting pieces A1 protruding in the axial direction at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder are formed at the right cylindrical end portion of the main body case 11A.

[0045] On the outer periphery of the cap 11B, a plurality of fitting pieces B1 protruding in the radial direction at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder are formed. The cap 11B is fitted into the cylinder of the main body case 11A such that each fitting piece B1 is fitted between respective fitting pieces A1 of the main body case 11A.

[0046] After this fitting, an open-ring shaped retaining ring 11D is attached to the outer periphery of the cap 11B and the main body case 11A so as to straddle each fitting piece B1 of the cap 11B and each fitting piece A1 of the main body case 11A. The cap 11B and the main body case 11A are integrally connected by the retaining ring 11D. A support shaft 12, which forms the rotation shaft of the water discharge handle 3, is inserted through the cap 11B in a state sealed from the axially inner side (left side).

[0047] In detail, as shown in Fig. 7, the support shaft 12 has a flange portion 12B protruding from the axially intermediate portion thereof. The support shaft 12 is inserted through the cap 11B such that the flange portion 12B abuts against the cap 11B from the axially inner side. The support shaft 12 has a connection end portion 12A protruding to the right side from the central portion of the cap 11B. The water discharge handle 3 is connected to the connection end portion 12A.

[0048] 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 portion 12A and pulling it to the right. As shown in Fig. 8, a rotating body 19 is passed through the shaft end portion 12C on the left side of the support shaft 12. A clutch 17 formed of two friction plates 17A and an output gear 16C are also attached to the shaft end portion 12C. The rotating body 19, the clutch 17 and the output gear 16C are prevented from coming off from the shaft end portion 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.

[0049] Therefore, maintenance such as checking the deterioration state of the clutch 17 or removing the clutch 17 from the shaft end 12C of the support shaft 12 and replacing it with a new one can be easily performed. As shown in Figure 9, the cartridge case 11 further has a cylindrical inner case 11C that is incorporated inside the main body case 11A.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9 to 10, the inner case 11C houses the diaphragm valve body 13, pilot valve body 14, opening / closing mechanism 15, and reduction mechanism 16, which are the main functional components of the quantitative water shut-off cartridge 10. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 9, a stepped cylindrical valve connecting pipe 11E is connected to the left end of the inner case 11C.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the valve connecting pipe 11E is connected to the discharge section 8B of the temperature control cartridge 8 so as to connect the flow path to the right. The valve connecting pipe 11E is positioned so as to align its central axis with that of the discharge section 8B. The hot water discharged from the discharge section 8B flows into the pipe of the valve connecting pipe 11E.

[0052] The diaphragm valve body 13 is incorporated into a cylindrical first valve operating chamber C1 formed to the right of the valve connecting pipe 11E in the inner case 11C. The diaphragm valve body 13 moves axially within the first valve operating chamber C1, thereby opening and closing the opening on the right side of the valve connecting pipe 11E. As a result, the diaphragm valve body 13 opens and closes the water passage W through the valve connecting pipe 11E.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In other words, the water discharge device (1) is configured to start discharging water by rotating the water discharge operating unit (3) and to stop the water by gradually returning the water discharge operating unit (3) to the shut-off position. The water discharge device (1) has a shut-off valve body (13) that opens and closes the water passage (W) by axial movement. The water discharge device (1) further has a support shaft (12), an opening / closing mechanism (15), and a reduction mechanism (16). The support shaft (12) forms the axis of rotation around the axis of the water discharge operating unit (3). The opening / closing mechanism (15) opens and closes the shut-off valve body (13) in accordance with the rotation of the water discharge operating unit (3). The reduction mechanism (16) rotates due to the water flow generated by the opening of the shut-off valve body (13) and returns the rotation of the water discharge operating unit (3).

[0089] The shut-off valve body (13), the support shaft (12), the opening / closing mechanism (15), and the reduction mechanism (16) are arranged to be assembled through a single opening (2B) that opens in the axial direction of the device body (2). By arranging the shut-off valve body (13), the support shaft (12), the opening / closing mechanism (15), and the reduction mechanism (16) so that they can be assembled axially from a common opening (2B) to the device body (2), the radial space required for the entire device can be reduced. As a result, the water discharge device (1) with a quantitative water shut-off function can be made compact.

[0090] The shut-off valve body (13), the support shaft (12), the opening / closing mechanism (15), and the reduction mechanism (16) are incorporated inside the main body of the device (2). Along with these, a cylindrical quantitative shut-off cartridge (10) is incorporated into the main body of the device (2) through the opening (2B). With the above configuration, the shut-off valve body (13), the support shaft (12), the opening / closing mechanism (15), and the reduction mechanism (16) can be assembled and removed from the main body of the device (2) in a simple and appropriate manner via the quantitative shut-off cartridge (10).

[0091] The water discharge device (1) further includes a cylindrical temperature control cartridge (8) that mixes the supplied hot and cold water internally and discharges it axially. The quantitative shut-off cartridge (10) is connected via a flow path so that it is aligned axially with the discharge section (8B) of the temperature control cartridge (8) and their respective central axes are on the same axis. In this way, the quantitative shut-off cartridge (10) is installed so as to be aligned on the same axis in the axial direction, which is the discharge direction of the temperature control cartridge (8). This configuration allows the entire device to be made compact.

[0092] The shut-off valve body (13) is a diaphragm valve body (13). The diaphragm valve body (13) is incorporated into the quantitative shut-off cartridge (10) and is positioned in the first valve operating chamber (C1), which is connected to the flow path so as to be aligned axially with the discharge section (8B). By using a diaphragm valve body (13) as the shut-off valve body (13) in this way, the water passage (W) can be opened and closed by operation using water pressure. Therefore, within the limited space of the water discharge device (1) which has a quantitative shut-off function, the diaphragm valve body (13) can be flexibly positioned to match the set position of the pressure chamber (C3). As a result, the entire device can be made compact.

[0093] The quantitative water-stopping cartridge (10) is fixed in its mounting position to the device body (2) by attaching a water discharge nipple (7) that is mounted on the outer circumference of the device body (2). With the above configuration, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge (10) can be rationally fixed to the device body (2) using the water discharge nipple (7) that is mounted on the device body (2).

[0094] The opening / closing mechanism (15) opens and closes the shut-off valve body (13) by axial movement. The reduction mechanism (16) consists of a gear train that rotates around an axis extending in the axial direction. With the above configuration, the entire device can be made more compact compared to devices in which the opening / closing mechanism (15) and reduction mechanism (16) operate radially or rotate around an axis extending radially.

[0095] The shut-off valve body (13) and the support shaft (12) are arranged so that their respective central axes lie on the same axis. With this configuration, the radial space required for the entire device can be reduced. As a result, the water discharge device (1) can be made more compact.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The shut-off valve body may consist of a valve body other than a diaphragm valve body, such as a valve stem type (gland packing type), butterfly valve, or gate valve. If the shut-off valve body consists of a diaphragm valve body, the opening and closing mechanism will operate a pilot valve body that opens and closes the pressure chamber. If the shut-off valve body consists of a valve body other than a diaphragm valve body, such as the aforementioned valve stem type, the mechanism will directly operate the shut-off valve body. The opening and closing mechanism and reduction mechanism may operate radially or rotate around an axis extending radially.

[0100] The water turbine of the reduction gear mechanism may be positioned offset in the axial direction so as not to overlap with the pilot valve body in the axial direction.

[0101] The shut-off valve body, pivot shaft, opening / closing mechanism, and reduction mechanism, which are functional components for quantitative water shut-off, may be configured as a unit of the quantitative water shut-off cartridge, or these components may be assembled separately onto the main body of the device.

[0102] The fixing of the quantitative water-stopping cartridge to the main body of the device by the nipple may be permanent rather than temporary. In other words, the quantitative water-stopping cartridge may be fixed to the main body of the device by the nipple alone, without using any other fixing members.

[0103] 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 operating part and gradually returns the water discharge operating part to a shut-off position to shut off water, comprising: a shut-off valve body that opens and closes a water passage by axial movement; a support shaft that forms a rotation axis around the axis of the water discharge operating part; an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the shut-off valve body in accordance with the rotation of the water discharge operating part; and a reduction mechanism that rotates due to the water flow generated by the opening of the shut-off valve body to return the rotation of the water discharge operating part, wherein the shut-off valve body, the support shaft, the opening and closing mechanism, and the reduction mechanism are arranged inside the main body of the device so as to be assembled through a single opening that opens in the axial direction of the main body of the device.

2. A water dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical quantitative water stop cartridge, wherein the quantitative water stop cartridge is disposed inside the main body of the device so as to be installable from the opening.

3. A water dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising a cylindrical temperature control cartridge that mixes supplied hot water and cold water internally and discharges it axially, wherein the quantitative water shut-off cartridge is connected via a flow path such that it is aligned axially with the discharge portion of the temperature control cartridge, with their respective central axes aligned on the same axis.

4. A water discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the shut-off valve body is a diaphragm valve body, and the diaphragm valve body is arranged in a first valve operating chamber that is connected to the flow path so as to be aligned axially with the discharge section.

5. A water dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the assembly position of the quantitative water stop cartridge with respect to the device body is fixed by attaching a water dispensing nipple that is mounted on the outer circumference of the device body.

6. A water discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening / closing mechanism opens and closes the shut-off valve body by axial movement, and the reduction mechanism consists of a gear train that rotates around an axis extending in the axial direction.

7. A water discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shut-off valve body and the support shaft are arranged so that their respective central axes lie on the same axis.

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