JP2014141797A - Hot and cold water combination faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot and cold water combination faucet having a click mechanism which is excellent in functionality, durability, and reliability.SOLUTION: A hot and cold water combination faucet 10 has a valve body v1, a lever 46, and a click member c1. The valve body v1 has an outer peripheral surface part. The outer peripheral surface part has a first engaging part zk1 for forward and backward click. The click member c1 has an inner peripheral surface part 138. The inner peripheral surface part 138 has a second engaging part zk2 for forward and backward click. The click member c1 moves vertically interlocked with forward and backward rotation of the lever 46. Forward and backward click feeling occurs by engagement between the first engaging part zk1 and the second engaging part zk2. The valve body v1 has a first restriction surface extending in the vertical direction. The click member c1 has a second restriction surface extending in the vertical direction. Movement of the click member c1 in directions other than the vertical direction is restricted by sliding of the first restriction surface with the second restriction surface.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot and cold water mixing tap.

  There is known a faucet capable of adjusting the discharge amount and the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by a handle operation. With a single lever type hot / cold mixing tap, the lever handle can be switched between hot water and water by turning the lever left and right (turning operation) and the mixing ratio can be adjusted. Is possible.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-129535 discloses a single lever hot and cold water mixing tap that discharges water at a position where a lever handle faces a user. An object of the present invention is to prevent a user from unintentionally using mixed water and to save resources.

  On the other hand, some of the hot and cold water mixing plugs have a click mechanism. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-019714 discloses a click mechanism that generates a click feeling at a predetermined position when the operation lever is turned up and down. This click mechanism is provided between the drive part of the movable valve body and the rotation guide.

JP 2003-129535 A JP 2004-019714 A

  The handle is operated repeatedly over a long period of use. Therefore, the click mechanism also appears repeatedly. There is a need for a hot and cold water mixing tap with excellent click mechanism durability. In addition, the click mechanism can hinder the degree of freedom in designing a valve or the like. A click mechanism that does not obstruct the degree of freedom in designing a valve or the like is preferable.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a hot and cold water mixing plug having a click mechanism excellent in functionality, durability or reliability.

  A preferred embodiment of the hot and cold water mixing tap according to the present invention includes a valve body having a valve unit capable of adjusting the water discharge temperature and the discharge amount, a lever capable of operating the valve unit to achieve the adjustment, and the valve body. And a click member that can move in the vertical direction relative to the valve body in conjunction with the forward and backward rotation of the lever. The valve body has an outer peripheral surface portion. This outer peripheral surface portion has a first engagement portion for front-rear click. The click member has an inner peripheral surface portion. The inner peripheral surface portion has a second engagement portion for front-rear click. In at least a part of the relative movement, the first and second click engaging portions and the second and second click engaging portions are engaged. This engagement causes a back-and-forth click feeling. The valve body has a first restricting surface extending in the vertical direction. The click member has a second restricting surface extending in the vertical direction. When the lever is rotated back and forth, the first restriction surface and the second restriction surface slide. These first restricting surface and second restricting surface restrict movement of the click member in directions other than the up-down direction.

  Preferably, one of the lever and the click member is provided with a shaft. Preferably, a long hole is provided in the other of the lever or the click member. Preferably, the shaft moves in the elongated hole in conjunction with the back-and-forth rotation of the lever. This movement allows the relative movement of the click member in the vertical direction.

  Preferably, the outer peripheral surface portion has the first restriction surface. Preferably, the inner peripheral surface portion has the second restriction surface.

  Preferably, the valve body further includes a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever. Preferably, one of the rotating body or the click member has a guide projection extending in the vertical direction. Preferably, the other of the rotating body or the click member has a guide receiving portion extending in the vertical direction. Preferably, the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide receiving portion.

  Preferably, the click member is configured to rotate relative to the valve body in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever. Preferably, the outer peripheral surface portion of the valve body has a left-right click first engaging portion. Preferably, the inner peripheral surface portion of the click member has a left and right click second engaging portion. Preferably, the engagement between the left and right click first engaging portion and the left and right click second engaging portion occurs in at least a part of the region in the relative rotation. Preferably, a left-right click feeling is generated by this engagement.

  A preferred hot and cold water mixing tap according to another aspect of the present invention includes a valve body having a valve unit capable of adjusting a water discharge temperature and a discharge amount, a lever capable of operating the valve unit to achieve the adjustment, and the valve body. And a click member that can rotate relative to the valve body in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever. The said valve main body has an outer peripheral surface part, and this outer peripheral surface part has the 1st engaging part for right-and-left clicks. The click member has an inner peripheral surface portion, and the inner peripheral surface portion has a left and right click second engaging portion. In at least a part of the relative rotation, engagement between the left and right click first engaging portion and the left and right click second engaging portion occurs. This engagement creates a left-right click feeling.

  A preferred faucet device according to the present invention includes any one of the hot and cold water mixing taps described above.

  A hot and cold water mixing tap having a click mechanism excellent in functionality, durability, or reliability can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot and cold water mixing tap according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the hot and cold water mixing tap of FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the hot and cold water mixing tap of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly. FIG. 5 is a more detailed exploded perspective view of the valve assembly. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotating body. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rotating body. 7 is a perspective view seen from a different viewpoint from FIG. 8A is a plan view of the click member, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D are side views of the click member, and FIG. 8E is the bottom surface of the click member. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8E, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 8E. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the click member. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve assembly. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the valve assembly. The lever circumferential position in FIG. 12 is different from the lever circumferential position in FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line CC in FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear click non-engagement state. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view immediately before shifting from the front / rear click non-engagement state to the front / rear click engagement state. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line CC in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear click engagement state. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the valve body. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the lever circumferential position. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a valve assembly according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[Vertical direction]
In the present application, the term “vertical direction” is used. In the embodiment described later, the vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction. This vertical direction may not coincide with the vertical direction. This vertical direction is the axial direction of the housing described later.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot and cold water mixing tap 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the upper part of the hot and cold water mixing tap 10. FIG. 3 is a side view of the upper part of the hot and cold water mixing tap 10. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 includes a main body 12, a handle 14, a discharge part 16, a hot water introduction pipe 18, a water introduction pipe 20 and a discharge pipe 22. The ejection unit 16 has a head 24. The head 24 can switch between shower discharge and normal discharge. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 is attached to, for example, a sink, a wash basin or the like and used as a faucet appliance. The faucet appliance including the hot and cold water mixing tap 10 includes a fixing portion 23 for fixing the hot water and water mixing tap 10 to a sink, a connection portion 25 connected to the hot water supply pipe, and a connection portion 27 connected to the water supply pipe. And have.

  The discharge amount is adjusted by turning the handle 14 up and down (back and forth) (see arrow M in FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, the discharge amount increases as the handle 14 is moved upward. Conversely, the discharge amount may increase as the handle 14 is moved downward. Moreover, the mixing ratio of hot water and water changes by turning the handle 14 left and right (turning). The water discharge temperature can be adjusted by turning the handle 14 left and right.

  The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 has a valve assembly 40 therein. The valve assembly 40 is disposed inside the outer cover 13. The handle 14 is fixed to a lever 46 (described later) by a screw (not shown). The valve assembly 40 can be handled alone. In the hot-water mixing tap 10, the valve assembly 40 is replaceable.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly 40. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly 40 in more detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve assembly 40 includes a valve main body v <b> 1 and a click member c <b> 1.

  The valve main body v1 includes a housing 42, a rotating body 44, a lever 46, a lever shaft 48, a shaft body 50, a movable valve body 52, a fixed valve body 54, a packing 60, and a base body 62. The valve body v1 has a valve unit y1. The valve unit y1 includes a movable valve body 52 and a fixed valve body 54.

  The base body 62 has a hot water inlet 70, a water inlet 72 and a discharge outlet 74. Under the base body 62, openings corresponding to the hot water inlet 70, the water inlet 72, and the discharge port 74 are provided, and the hot water inlet pipe 18 and the water inlet pipe 20 are respectively provided in these openings. And the discharge pipe 22 is connected.

  The fixed valve body 54 is fixed to the base body 62. The fixed valve body 54 is fitted into the upper part of the base body 62. The base body 62 is provided with an engaging convex portion 76 for fixing the fixed valve body 54 and an engaging convex portion 77 for fixing the housing 42. The fixed valve body 54 is provided with an engagement recess 78 that engages with the engagement protrusion 76.

  The fixed valve body 54 has a hot water valve hole 80, a water valve hole 82, and a mixed water valve hole 84. The hot water valve hole 80 is connected to the hot water inlet 70 of the base body 62. The packing 60 maintains the watertight state of this connection. The water valve hole 82 is connected to the water inlet 72 of the base body 62. The packing 60 maintains the watertight state of this connection. The mixed water valve hole 84 is connected to the discharge port 74 of the base body 62. The packing 60 maintains the watertight state of this connection.

  The movable valve body 52 includes an upper member 86, an O-ring 87, and a lower member 88. The upper member 86 is fixed to the lower member 88. This fixing is achieved by the engagement between the convex portion 90 and the concave portion 92. In the present embodiment, the upper member 86 and the lower member 88 are separate members. In this case, an optimal material and manufacturing method can be selected for each of the upper member 86 and the lower member 88. The movable valve body 52 may be integrally formed as a whole.

  The movable valve body 52 has a flow path forming recess. The flow path forming recess is formed by closing the upper surface opening of the through hole 94 provided in the lower member 88 with the upper member 86. O-ring 87 prevents water leakage from the boundary between upper member 86 and lower member 88.

  A smooth surface PL1 is provided on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 54 (see FIG. 5). The portion where the holes 82, 84 and 80 are not present is the smooth surface PL1. On the other hand, a smooth surface PL2 is provided on the lower surface of the lower member 88 (movable valve body 52). A smooth surface PL2 is provided in a portion where the through hole 94 is not formed. A watertight state is ensured by surface contact between the smooth surface PL1 and the smooth surface PL2.

  A lever engaging recess 98 that engages with the lower end 95 of the lever 46 is provided on the upper surface of the upper member 86. The lower end 95 of the lever 46 is inserted into the lever engaging recess 98. In conjunction with the movement of the lever 46, the movable valve body 52 slides on the fixed valve body 54.

  The engagement between the lever 46 and the lever engaging recess 98 may be direct or indirect. For example, another member may be interposed between the lever 46 and the lever engaging recess 98.

  The lever 46 has a shaft hole 100. A lever shaft 48 is inserted into the shaft hole 100. The lever 46 rotates back and forth around the lever shaft 48. More specifically, the lever 46 rotates back and forth around the axis of the lever shaft 48.

  The lever 46 has a shaft body hole 101. The shaft body 50 is inserted into the shaft body hole 101. The shaft body 50 contributes to the vertical movement of the click member c1 in a cam mechanism described later.

  The housing 42 includes a small diameter cylindrical portion 120, a large diameter cylindrical portion 122, and a connecting portion 124. The connecting portion 124 extends in the radial direction of the housing 42. The small diameter cylindrical portion 120 has an upper opening 126. The large diameter cylindrical portion 122 has a lower opening 128.

  Unless otherwise specified, the radial direction in the present application means the radial direction of the housing 42.

  The large diameter cylindrical portion 122 has an engagement hole 130. The engagement hole 130 is engaged with the engagement convex portion 77 of the base body 62 (see FIG. 4). The housing 42 is fixed to the base body 62 by this engagement.

  6 and 7 are perspective views of the rotating body 44. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view obliquely from above. FIG. 7 is a perspective view from obliquely below.

  The rotating body 44 includes a base portion 102 and an upper portion 104. The upper part 104 has a lever insertion hole 106, a shaft hole 108, and a column part 110. A plurality of column portions 110 are provided. In the present embodiment, three pillar portions 110 are provided. The column part 110 extends upward. The upper end of the column part 110 is a free end.

  The upper part 104 of the rotating body 44 has an outer peripheral surface part 132. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface portion 132 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small diameter cylindrical portion 120.

  The lever 46 is inserted into the lever insertion hole 106. By this insertion, the shaft hole 100 of the lever 46 and the shaft hole 108 of the rotating body 44 are arranged coaxially. The lever shaft 48 is inserted into the shaft hole 100 and the shaft hole 108. By inserting the lever shaft 48, the lever 46 is attached to the rotating body 44 in a state in which the lever 46 can be rotated back and forth. The dimension of the lever insertion hole 106 is set so as to allow the lever 46 to rotate back and forth. When the lever 46 is rotated left and right, the rotating body 44 rotates (spins). That is, the rotating body 44 rotates in conjunction with the left / right rotation of the lever 46. The movable valve body 52 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 44.

  The rotating body 44 is held in a rotatable state in the housing 42 (small diameter cylindrical portion 120). In the rotation of the rotating body 44, the outer peripheral surface portion 132 of the upper portion 104 and the inner peripheral surface 121 of the small diameter cylindrical portion 120 slide. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 accommodates the base portion 102 of the rotating body 44, the movable valve body 52, and the fixed valve body 54.

  FIG. 8A is a plan view of the click member c1. FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8D are side views of the click member c1. In FIGS. 8B to 8D, the viewpoints are different. FIG. 8E is a bottom view of the click member c1. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the click member c1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from obliquely below. In addition, the click member c1 in FIG.4 and FIG.5 is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward.

  The click member c1 includes a lever insertion hole 134, an outer peripheral surface portion 136, an inner peripheral surface portion 138, a receiving hole 140, and a receiving groove 142.

  11 and 12 are perspective views of the valve assembly 40. FIG. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the left and right rotational positions of the lever 46 and the click member c <b> 1 are different. Details of this difference in position will be described later.

  In the valve assembly 40, the lever 46 is inserted into the lever insertion hole 134 of the click member c1. The lever insertion hole 134 does not hinder the forward and backward rotation of the lever 46. The inner surface 134 a of the lever insertion hole 134 is in surface contact with the side surface 46 a of the lever 46. The click member c <b> 1 rotates in conjunction with the left / right rotation of the lever 46.

   The small diameter cylindrical portion 120 of the housing 42 has an outer peripheral surface portion 144. The outer peripheral surface portion 144 is an example of an outer peripheral surface portion of the valve body v1. The inner peripheral surface portion 138 of the click member c1 covers a part of the outer peripheral surface portion 144.

[Previous click mechanism]
The back-and-forth click mechanism generates a click feeling associated with the back and forth rotation of the lever 46. This click feeling is also referred to as a back-and-forth click feeling.

  The click member c <b> 1 can move relative to the valve body v <b> 1 in the vertical direction in conjunction with the forward / backward rotation of the lever 46. This relative movement is achieved by a cam mechanism. This cam mechanism converts the forward and backward rotation of the lever 46 into the vertical movement of the click member c1.

  This cam mechanism will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8B, FIG. 10, and the like, the click member c <b> 1 has a long hole 146. The long hole 146 is a through hole. Two long holes 146 are provided. A pair of long holes 146 that are opposed to each other are provided.

  The shaft body 50 is inserted through the long hole 146. The shaft body 50 is inserted through both of the two long holes 146. As described above, the shaft body 50 is also inserted into the shaft body hole 101 of the lever 46.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 40. (A) of FIG. 13 shows a water stop state. FIG. 13B shows a discharge state. When the lever 46 is rotated back and forth, the shaft body hole 101 rotates about the lever shaft 48. By this rotation, the vertical position of the shaft body hole 101 is changed, and the vertical position of the shaft body 50 is similarly changed. In conjunction with the movement of the shaft body 50, the vertical position of the click member c1 changes. In the present embodiment, the click member c1 moves downward as the discharge amount increases. In other words, the click member c1 moves upward as the discharge amount decreases. Conversely, the click member c1 may move upward as the discharge amount increases.

  As the lever shaft 48 rotates back and forth, the radial position of the shaft body hole 101 also changes. For this reason, the radial direction position of the shaft body 50 also changes. Due to this change in position, the shaft body 50 moves in the long hole 146 (see FIG. 13). Thus, the movement of the shaft body 50 in the radial direction is absorbed by the long hole 146 and does not affect the position of the click member c1.

  Eventually, of the movement of the shaft body 50, only the movement in the vertical direction is reflected in the movement of the click member c1.

  The valve body v1 has a first restricting surface extending in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface portion 144 has this first restriction surface. The click member c1 has a second restricting surface extending in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surface portion 138 of the click member c1 has this second restriction surface.

  As described above, the outer peripheral surface portion 144 has the first restriction surface. The first restriction surface is provided on the housing 42 which is a member constituting the valve body v1. The housing 42 is a fixed member that does not move by the operation of the lever 46. This fixing member is a member that does not move when the lever 46 rotates back and forth, and does not move when the lever 46 rotates left and right. The valve body v1 has the fixing member, and the first regulating surface is provided on the fixing member.

  The first restriction surface may be provided other than the outer peripheral surface portion 144. The second restriction surface may be provided other than the inner peripheral surface portion 138.

  When the lever 46 rotates back and forth, the outer peripheral surface portion 144 as the first restricting surface and the inner peripheral surface portion 138 as the second restricting surface slide. Due to this sliding, the movement of the click member c1 in a direction other than the vertical direction is restricted. That is, the moving direction of the click member c1 is restricted only in the up and down direction.

  In the present embodiment, the combination of the outer peripheral surface portion 144 and the inner peripheral surface portion 138 is also referred to as a contact mechanism A. The contact mechanism A regulates the movement of the click member c1 only in the vertical direction. Therefore, the moving direction of the click member c1 is reliably regulated. For this reason, changes in the back-and-forth click feeling due to manufacturing errors or deterioration of parts over time can be suppressed.

  The valve body v1 further has the other first restriction surface. In this embodiment, the column part 110 (the outer surface) has this 1st control surface. The click member c1 further has the other second restriction surface. In the present embodiment, the inner surface of the receiving hole 140 of the click member c1 has this second regulating surface. Furthermore, the inner surface of the receiving groove 142 also has this second regulating surface.

  When the lever 46 rotates back and forth, the column part 110 as the first restriction surface and the receiving hole 140 as the second restriction surface slide. Further, the column part 110 as the first regulating surface and the receiving groove 142 as the second regulating surface slide. Due to these sliding movements, the movement of the click member c1 in a direction other than the vertical direction is restricted.

  In the present embodiment, the combination of the column part 110 and the receiving hole 140 is also referred to as a contact mechanism B. By this contact mechanism B and the contact mechanism A, the movement of the click member c1 is more reliably regulated. For this reason, the change of the back-and-forth click feeling due to the manufacturing error or the deterioration of the parts over time can be further suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the combination of the column part 110 and the receiving groove 142 is also referred to as a contact mechanism C. By the contact mechanism C and the contact mechanism A and the contact mechanism B, the movement of the click member c1 is more reliably regulated. For this reason, the change of the back-and-forth click feeling due to the manufacturing error or the deterioration of the parts over time can be further suppressed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the mechanism which controls the movement to the direction other than the up-down direction of the click member c1 is implement | achieved by the simple structure. Moreover, the click member c1 can be moved up and down with a simple structure by the cam mechanism.

  The column part 110 is suppressing the inclination of the click member c1. Therefore, a back-and-forth click feeling and a left-right click feeling can be stably obtained. In the present embodiment, the guide protrusions extending in the vertical direction are provided at three places, and the guide receiving portions that slide relative to the guide protrusions are also provided at three places. Therefore, the inclination of the click member c1 is more effectively suppressed. An example of the guide protrusion is the column part 110 described above. Examples of the guide receiving portion are the receiving hole 140 and the receiving groove 142 described above. From the viewpoint of suppressing the inclination of the click member c1, a plurality of the guide protrusions and the guide receiving portions are preferably provided, and more preferably three or more. From the viewpoint of simplification of the structure, the number of the guide protrusions and the guide receiving portion is preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 5 or less.

  In addition, the structure of the guide protrusion (column portion 110) and the guide receiving portion (receiving hole 140, receiving groove 142) is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the click member c1 may have a guide projection, and the rotating body 44 may have a guide receiving portion.

  The outer peripheral surface portion 144 of the valve body v1 has a first engagement portion zk1 for front-rear click (see FIG. 4). The first engaging portion zk1 is convex and / or concave. In the first engagement portion zk1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are arranged in the vertical direction.

  As described above, the first engaging portion zk1 for front and rear click is provided on the outer peripheral surface portion 144. The first engaging portion zk1 is provided in a housing 42 that is a member constituting the valve body v1. The housing 42 is a fixed member that does not move by the operation of the lever 46. This fixing member is a member that does not move when the lever 46 rotates back and forth, and does not move when the lever 46 rotates left and right. The valve body v1 has the fixing member, and the first engaging portion zk1 for front and rear clicks is provided on the fixing member.

  The inner peripheral surface portion 138 of the click member c1 has a second engagement portion zk2 for front and rear clicks (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The second engagement portion zk2 is convex and / or concave. In the second engagement portion zk2 of the present embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are arranged in the vertical direction.

  The back-and-forth click feeling is generated by the engagement between the front-rear click first engaging portion zk1 and the front-rear click second engaging portion zk2. Since the back-and-forth click mechanism is provided outside the valve body v1, the degree of freedom in designing the valve is high. A plurality of valve bodies are precisely arranged inside the valve unit y1, and these valve bodies are assembled in a complicated manner. The space in the valve is limited. If a click mechanism is provided inside the valve, the degree of freedom in designing the valve is reduced. In the present embodiment, since the back-and-forth click mechanism is provided outside the valve body v1, there is no need to change the structure inside the valve. Therefore, a back-and-forth click feeling can be imparted to various valves.

  The cam mechanism causes a relative movement between the click member c1 and the valve main body v1 (outer peripheral surface portion 144). Engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 occurs in a part of the region in the relative movement. This engagement causes a back-and-forth click feeling. The engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 may occur in all regions in this relative movement.

  As described above, the movement of the click member c1 other than in the vertical direction is restricted. In this restricted state, since the movement of the shaft body 50 in the radial direction is allowed, the cam mechanism can operate. The long hole 146 allows the shaft body 50 to move in the radial direction and functions the cam mechanism. As described above, the shaft body 50 moves in the long hole 146 in conjunction with the forward and backward rotation of the lever 46, and this movement allows the relative movement of the click member c1 in the vertical direction.

  In the present embodiment, the long hole 146 is a through hole. The long hole may not be a through hole. For example, the long hole may be a groove.

  In the above embodiment, the lever 46 is provided with the shaft body 50, but this is not a limitation. For example, the shaft member 50 may be provided on the click member c1.

  In the above embodiment, the long hole 146 is provided in the click member c1, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, a long hole 146 may be provided in the lever 46.

  In the above embodiment, the valve body v <b> 1 has the rotating body 44 that rotates in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever 46. The rotating body has a column part 110 extending upward. On the other hand, the click member c1 has a receiving hole 140 that extends in the vertical direction and opens downward. The column part 110 is inserted into the receiving hole 140. Therefore, a restriction function for moving the click member c1 in the vertical direction while suppressing movements other than in the vertical direction is exhibited. Moreover, the rotation transmission function which transmits rotation of the rotation body 44 to the click member c1 reliably is show | played. That is, the integral rotation of the rotating body 44 and the click member c1 can be reliably performed. The restriction function and the rotation transmission function are enhanced by providing a plurality of pillars 110 and receiving holes 140.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving hole 140 is a through hole. The receiving hole 140 may not be a through hole. For example, the receiving hole may be a recess. The receiving hole 140 may be replaced with the receiving groove 142. Conversely, the receiving groove 142 may be replaced with the receiving hole 140.

  The front-rear click first engaging part zk1 may have only a convex, may have only a concave, or may have an unevenness. The front / rear click second engaging portion zk2 may have only a protrusion, may have only a recess, or may have an unevenness. “Engagement” that creates a back-and-forth click feeling includes all forms. If some kind of back-and-forth click feeling is generated, it corresponds to “engagement”. This “engagement” includes, for example, getting over.

[Left and right click mechanism]
The left / right click mechanism generates a click feeling associated with the left / right rotation of the lever 46. This click feeling is also referred to as a left-right click feeling.

  The click member c <b> 1 contacts the outer peripheral surface portion 144 of the valve body v <b> 1 and can rotate relative to the outer peripheral surface portion 144 in conjunction with the left / right rotation of the lever 46. The lever circumferential position is different between FIG. 11 and FIG. As can be understood from a comparison between FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the click member c1 and the valve body v1 (outer peripheral surface portion 144) rotate relative to each other in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever 46. In this relative rotation, the outer peripheral surface portion 144 and the inner peripheral surface portion 138 of the click member c1 slide with each other. This relative rotation produces a left-right click feeling.

  14, 15, and 16 are cross-sectional views taken along the line CC of FIG. 11. In these FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, three cross-sectional views with different lever circumferential positions are shown. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the valve body v1. The outer peripheral surface portion 144 of the valve body v1 has a first engaging portion sk1 for left and right clicks (see FIG. 17). The inner peripheral surface portion 138 of the click member c1 has a left and right click second engaging portion sk2 (see FIGS. 8E and 10).

  A left-right click feeling is generated by the engagement between the first engagement portion sk1 and the second engagement portion sk2. Since the left-right click mechanism is provided outside the valve body v1, the degree of freedom in designing the valve is high. A plurality of valve bodies are precisely arranged inside the valve unit y1, and these valve bodies are assembled in a complicated manner. The space in the valve is limited. If a click mechanism is provided inside the valve, the degree of freedom in designing the valve is reduced. In this embodiment, since the left and right click mechanism is provided outside the valve body v1, there is no need to change the structure inside the valve. Therefore, a left-right click feeling can be given to various valves.

  The left-right click first engaging part sk1 may have only a convex, may have only a concave, or may have an unevenness. The left and right click second engaging part sk2 may have only a convex, may have only a concave, or may have an unevenness. The “engagement” that creates a left-right click feeling includes all modes. If any left-right click feeling is generated, it corresponds to “engagement”. This “engagement” includes, for example, getting over.

  In FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the lever circumferential position is different. Depending on the lever circumferential position, it is determined whether or not the first engagement part zk1 for front and rear clicks and the second engagement part zk2 for front and rear clicks are engaged.

  In FIG. 14, the front / rear click first engagement part zk1 and the front / rear click second engagement part zk2 are not engaged. That is, FIG. 14 is the front-rear click non-engagement state ZH.

  In FIG. 16, the first engaging part zk1 for front and rear clicks and the second engaging part zk2 for front and rear clicks are engaged. That is, FIG. 16 is the front-rear click engagement state ZE.

  FIG. 15 shows a state immediately before the transition from the front / rear click non-engagement state ZH to the front / rear click click engagement state ZE.

  The first engaging part zk1 for front-rear click is provided in a predetermined range in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear click engagement state ZE occurs at the lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed. The lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed includes a lever circumferential position where hot water is 100%. In the present embodiment, the front-rear click non-engagement state ZH occurs at the lever circumferential position where hot water is not mixed. At the lever circumferential position where hot water is not mixed, water is 100%. In this embodiment, whether or not hot water is mixed can be determined based on whether or not a back-and-forth click feeling occurs. This embodiment contributes to energy saving.

  Of course, the lever circumferential position where the front-rear click engagement state ZE occurs can be set variously. For example, the lever circumferential position where the front-rear click engagement state ZE occurs can be freely changed by changing the installation range in the circumferential direction of the first engagement part zk1 for front-rear click.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the left and right click first engagement portion sk1 and the left and right click second engagement portion sk2 are engaged at the lever circumferential position where the front and rear click engagement state ZE is started. Occurs. In this embodiment, the start of hot water mixing is notified to the user by a left-right click feeling. This embodiment contributes to energy saving.

  Of course, the lever circumferential position where the left-right click feeling is generated can be variously set. For example, by changing the circumferential position of the first engagement portion sk1 or the second engagement portion sk2, the lever circumferential position where a left-right click feeling can be freely changed.

  As described above, the valve assembly 40 includes the left-right click mechanism and the front-rear click mechanism. Both the left-right click mechanism and the front-rear click mechanism are generated by the engagement between the outer peripheral surface portion 144 of the housing 42 and the click member c1. In the present embodiment, these two click mechanisms are integrated in a compact manner.

  Due to the engagement between the left and right click first engaging portion sk1 and the left and right click second engaging portion sk2, the resistance force when the lever 46 is rotated left and right is changed. The sense resulting from this change in resistance is an example of a left-right click feeling. In addition, vibration may occur at the moment when the engagement between the first engagement portion sk1 and the second engagement portion sk2 is released. This vibration produces a typical left-right click feeling. Also, a sound can be generated at the moment of disengagement. This sound also produces a typical left-right click feeling. All senses resulting from the engagement between the first engagement portion sk1 and the second engagement portion sk2 are included in the left-right click feeling.

  Due to the engagement of the front / rear click first engaging part zk1 and the front / rear click second engaging part zk2, the resistance force when the lever 46 is rotated back and forth is increased. The sense resulting from this increase in resistance is an example of a back-and-forth click feeling. Further, vibration may occur at the moment when the engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 is released. This vibration creates a typical back-and-forth click feeling. Also, a sound can be generated at the moment of disengagement. This sound is also an example of a back-and-forth click feeling. All senses resulting from the engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 are included in the back-and-forth click feeling.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the second engaging portion zk2 for front and rear click has a plurality of irregularities. For this reason, a plurality of click feelings are generated by one-time one-way back and forth rotation. The number N of back-and-forth click feeling generated by one-way back-and-forth rotation can be freely set. In addition, the rotation range in which the back-and-forth click feeling is generated in the front-rear rotation range of the lever 46 can be freely set. Needless to say, a back-and-forth click feeling may occur in a part of the front-rear rotation range of the lever 46.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view for explaining left-right rotation of the handle 14. It is not the lever 46 but the handle 14 that is actually operated. In consideration of this point, the handle 14 will be described below. However, the lever 46 and the handle 14 are integrated. The following description of the handle 14 is applied to the lever 46 as it is.

  The range in which the handle 14 can be rotated to the left and right is from the left limit ML to the right limit MR. In the present embodiment, the angle of the laterally rotatable range RF is θf. At the center circumferential position C1 of the range RF, the handle 14 faces the front. In the present embodiment, the laterally rotatable range RF of the handle 14 is symmetrical with respect to the front position S1.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the angle range RT1, it is located on the right side when viewed from the user. When the circumferential position of the handle 14 is in the angle range RT1, hot water is not mixed. That is, when the circumferential position of the handle 14 is in the angle range RT1, the ratio of water is 100%. A range RT1 is a water discharge position.

  The angle range RT1 includes the center circumferential position C1. When the circumferential position of the handle 14 is at the central circumferential position C1, hot water is not mixed. That is, when the peripheral position of the handle 14 is at the central peripheral position C1, the ratio of water is 100%. When the handle 14 is in the front position S1, hot water is not mixed. This configuration contributes to energy saving.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the angle range RT2 is on the left side of the angle range RT1 when viewed from the user. When the circumferential position of the handle 14 is in the angle range RT2, hot water is mixed. That is, when the circumferential position of the handle 14 is in the angle range RT2, hot water and water are mixed, or water is not mixed (hot water is 100%). Range RT2 is a hot water mixing discharge position and a hot water discharge position.

  In the present embodiment, the left-right pivotable range RF of the handle 14 is left-right symmetric with respect to the front position S1, but it may be left-right asymmetric.

  If the angle range RT2 is too small, the angle range of the handle 14 that can adjust the hot / cold water mixing ratio becomes too narrow, and the change of the hot / cold water mixing ratio may become too rapid. In this respect, the angle θ2 of the range RT2 is preferably 40 degrees or more, more preferably 50 degrees or more, and particularly preferably 55 degrees or more. If the angle range RT2 is too large, the angle range of the handle 14 that can adjust the hot / cold water mixing ratio becomes too wide, and the operability deteriorates. From this viewpoint, the angle θ2 of the range RT2 is preferably 100 degrees or less, more preferably 90 degrees or less, and particularly preferably 70 degrees or less.

  From the viewpoint of energy saving, the angle θ1 of the range RT1 is preferably 10 degrees or more, more preferably 20 degrees or more, and particularly preferably 30 degrees or more. When the angle θ1 is excessive, the range in which the ratio of water is 100% becomes too wide and the operability is deteriorated. From this viewpoint, the angle θ1 of the range RT1 is preferably 100 degrees or less, more preferably 90 degrees or less, and particularly preferably 70 degrees or less.

  If the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) between the angle range RT1 and the angle range RT2 is too small, the angle θ1 becomes too small or the angle θ2 becomes too large, and the above-described problem is likely to occur. In this respect, the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.2, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. On the other hand, if the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) is too large, the angle θ1 becomes too large or the angle θ2 becomes too small, and the above-described problem is likely to occur. In this respect, the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) is preferably 1.7 or less, more preferably 1.6 or less, and particularly preferably 1.5 or less. When importance is attached to the viewpoint of energy saving, the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) preferably exceeds 1.0.

  The circumferential position of the handle 14 is the same as the circumferential position of the lever 46 (lever left-right position). The angle range RT1 is a lever circumferential position where hot water is not mixed. The angle range RT2 is a lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed. “Hot water is mixed” includes the case where hot water is 100%.

  In the present embodiment, when the lever circumferential position is in the angle range RT2, the engagement between the front and rear click first engagement portion zk1 and the front and rear click second engagement portion zk2 occurs. In this embodiment, when the lever circumferential position is in the angle range RT2, a back-and-forth click feeling is generated. In the present embodiment, when the lever circumferential position is in the angle range RT1, the engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 does not occur. In this embodiment, when the lever circumferential position is in the angle range RT1, there is no back-and-forth click feeling.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the back-and-forth click feeling does not appear at the lever circumferential position where hot water is not mixed. In addition, a back-and-forth click feeling is developed at the lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed. Therefore, if a back-and-forth rotation operation is performed, whether hot water is mixed or not is determined based on the presence or absence of a back-and-forth click feeling. However, there are various settings for the back-and-forth click feeling, and an effect commensurate with each setting can be achieved.

  The determination of whether hot water is mixed can also be achieved by a left-right click feeling. Preferably, in the left-right pivoting operation of the lever 46, a left-right click feeling appears at the boundary K1 between the lever circumferential position where only water is discharged and the lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed or in the vicinity of the boundary K1. This left-right click feeling is generated by the engagement between the first engagement portion sk1 and the second engagement portion sk2.

  As described above, it is preferable that a left-right click feeling appears at the boundary between the angle range RT1 and the angle range RT2. In this case, it is possible to more reliably determine whether hot water is mixed or not by the synergistic effect of the back-and-forth click feeling and the left-right click feeling. However, there are various combinations of combinations of the back-and-forth click feeling and the left-and-right click feeling, and an effect commensurate with each setting can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the boundary K1 is located on the left side of the front position S1. Therefore, even when the lever circumferential position is deviated from the front position S1, only water can be discharged. For this reason, mixing of the unintended hot water is suppressed and energy saving property is improved. In FIG. 18, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow θk is an angle between the front position S1 and the boundary K1. From the viewpoint of energy saving, the angle θk is preferably 2 degrees or more, more preferably 5 degrees or more, and further preferably 7 degrees or more. If the angle range RT2 is excessively narrow, the water discharge temperature may be difficult to adjust. In this respect, the angle θk is preferably 20 degrees or less, more preferably 15 degrees or less, and still more preferably 12 degrees or less. However, any angle θk is possible depending on the application.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, chipped portions z2 are provided on both sides of the front / rear click second engaging portion zk2. This notch part z2 is notched. The click member c1 is deformed by the engagement between the first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2. This deformation is referred to as deformation X below. The chipped portion z2 can adjust the magnitude of the force required for the deformation X. The strength of the back-and-forth click feeling can be adjusted by the chipped portion z2. Further, the chip portion z2 prevents the force required for the deformation X from becoming excessive. Therefore, for example, wear and destruction are suppressed in the first engagement portion zk1 or the second engagement portion zk2. The durability of the click member c1 can be improved by the chipped portion z2. The durability of the back-and-forth click mechanism can be improved by the chipped portion z2.

  The deformation X is an elastic deformation. The click member c1 is easily elastically deformed by the chipped portion z2. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member such as a spring in the back-and-forth click mechanism. Therefore, the number of parts and the assembly cost are reduced. Moreover, a highly reliable front-rear click mechanism can be realized with a simple structure.

  In FIG. 9B, what is indicated by a double-pointed arrow La is the vertical length of the chipped portion z2. In FIG. 9A, the double arrow Lb indicates the length in the vertical direction of the second engaging portion zk2 for front and rear click.

  From the viewpoint of durability of the back-and-forth click mechanism, the length La is preferably equal to or longer than the length Lb. From the viewpoint of relaxing the stress caused by the deformation X, the difference (La−Lb) is preferably 0 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 1.5 mm or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the back-and-forth click feeling from becoming excessively small, the difference (La−Lb) is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less. From the viewpoint of downsizing the click member c1, the difference (La−Lb) is preferably reduced. From the viewpoint of emphasizing the downsizing of the click member c1, for example, the difference (La−Lb) is preferably set to 1 mm or less, and more preferably set to 0 mm.

  Since the force required for the deformation X is reduced by the chipped portion z2, the lever 46 can be smoothly rotated back and forth. This smoothness increases the sensitivity of the back-and-forth click feeling. Therefore, for example, a minute back-and-forth click feeling is easily recognized. For this reason, the freedom degree of the setting of a back-and-forth click feeling can be improved.

  The back-and-forth click feeling can be adjusted according to the specification of the chipped portion z2. For example, the width, length, position, etc. of the chipped portion z2 can be changed. By these changes, the feeling of back-and-forth click feeling, sound volume, sound frequency, and the like can be adjusted. The chipped portion z2 increases the degree of freedom in designing the back-and-forth click feeling.

  As shown in FIG. 10, chipped portions s <b> 2 are provided on both sides of the left and right click second engaging portion sk <b> 2. The notch s2 has a notch shape. The click member c1 is deformed by the engagement between the first engagement portion sk1 and the second engagement portion sk2. This deformation is also referred to as deformation Y below. The chipped portion s2 can adjust the magnitude of the force required for the deformation Y. The strength of the left-right click feeling can be adjusted by the chipped portion s2. Further, the chip portion s2 prevents the force required for the deformation Y from becoming excessive. Therefore, for example, wear and destruction are suppressed in the first engagement portion sk1 or the second engagement portion sk2. The durability of the click member c1 can be improved by the chipped portion s2. The durability of the left-right click mechanism can be improved by the chipped portion s2.

  Since the force required for the deformation Y is reduced by the chipped portion s2, the left and right turning operation of the lever 46 becomes smooth. This smoothness increases the sensitivity of the left-right click feeling. Therefore, for example, a minute left-right click feeling is easily recognized. For this reason, the freedom degree of the setting of a left-right click feeling can improve.

  The deformation Y is elastic deformation. The click member c1 is easily elastically deformed by the chipped portion s2. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member such as a spring in the left-right click mechanism. Therefore, the number of parts and the assembly cost are reduced. In addition, a simple and reliable left-right click mechanism can be realized.

  The left-right click feeling can be adjusted according to the specification of the chipped portion s2. For example, the width, length, position, etc. of the chipped portion s2 can be changed. By these changes, the left / right click feeling, the volume of the sound, the frequency of the sound and the like can be adjusted. The chipped portion s2 increases the degree of freedom in designing the left / right click feeling.

  It may be difficult to determine whether hot water is mixed based only on the temperature of the discharged water. For example, when the mixing ratio of hot water is small, the temperature is not so high as compared with the case where water is 100%. Therefore, in this case, mixing of hot water may not be noticed only from the temperature of the discharged water. Even when the mixing ratio of hot water is high, the temperature of the discharged water may not rise until the hot water heated by a heating device such as a water heater reaches the faucet. Also in this case, the mixing of hot water may not be noticed only from the temperature of the discharged water. Further, depending on the circumferential position of the handle 14, it may not be possible to accurately determine whether hot water is mixed. In these cases, hot water may be mixed against the user's intention. In this case, energy is wasted. In the above embodiment, whether hot water is mixed or not is easily determined based on the presence or absence of a back-and-forth click feeling. Furthermore, in the said embodiment, the lever circumferential position where hot water is mixed is discriminate | determined by a left-right click feeling. Therefore, waste of energy is suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, for example, by changing the installation range of the first engagement portion zk1 for front and rear clicks, the angular range in which the front and rear click feeling is generated can be freely set. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the back and forth click feeling is high. Further, for example, by changing the position of the first engagement portion sk1 or the second engagement portion sk2, the circumferential position where the left-right click feeling can be set can be freely set. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the left-right click feeling is high.

  By changing the shape of the first engagement portion zk1 and / or the second engagement portion zk2, the specification of the back-and-forth click feeling can be freely designed. By changing the shape of the first engagement portion sk1 and / or the second engagement portion sk2, the specification of the left-right click feeling can be freely designed. In this embodiment, the degree of freedom in designing the back-and-forth click feeling and the left-right click feeling is high.

  The first engagement portion zk1 and the second engagement portion zk2 are disposed outside the valve body v1. For this reason, the back-and-forth click feeling can be set without affecting the structure in the valve. The first engaging part sk1 and the second engaging part sk2 are arranged outside the valve body v1. For this reason, it is possible to set the left-right click feeling without affecting the structure in the valve.

  The click feeling is perceived by humans. The click feeling can provide the user with various information that cannot be obtained visually. Preferably, the click feeling is sensed by hearing and / or tactile sense. From the viewpoint of enhancing the sensitivity, hearing and touch may be used in combination. Sound is an example of a sense of click sensed by hearing. Examples of the click feeling detected by tactile sensation include change in resistance and vibration during lever operation. The duration of the click feeling is not limited. A typical click feeling includes a resistance change and a sound for a relatively short time, but a click feeling for a relatively long time is also possible.

As described above, in this embodiment, the degree of freedom in designing the back-and-forth click feeling and the left-right click feeling is high. There is a variety of information that can be obtained by these click feelings. The following is exemplified as this information.
[Information 1]: Information on water discharge temperature [Information 2]: Information on discharge amount [Information 3]: Information on presence / absence of hot water mixing [Information 4]: Information on lever front / rear position [Information 5]: Information on lever circumferential position

Examples of the click feeling related to the information 1 include the following.
[1a]: Left-right click feeling informing that the water discharge temperature is high [1b]: Left-right click feeling informing that the discharge is only water [1c]: Plural left-right click feelings informing the change in water discharge temperature step by step [1d]: Click feeling before and after notifying that the water discharge temperature is high [1e]: Click feeling before and after notifying that only water is discharged

  The left-right click feeling 1a can contribute to, for example, suppressing unintended high-temperature water discharge. The left-right click feeling 1b can contribute to energy saving, for example. The left-right click feeling 1c can be easily set to a desired temperature, for example. The back-and-forth click feeling 1d can contribute to, for example, avoiding excessively high water discharge. The back-and-forth click feeling 1e can contribute to energy saving, for example.

Examples of the click feeling related to the information 2 include the following.
[2a]: A click feeling before and after notifying that the discharge amount at which the water heater operates is reached [2b]: A plurality of click feelings before and after informing a change in discharge amount

  The back-and-forth click feeling 2a can contribute to energy saving, for example. The back-and-forth click feeling 2b can contribute to avoiding an unintended discharge amount, for example.

Examples of the click feeling related to the information 3 include the following.
[3a]: Left-right click feeling expressed at the boundary K1 [3b]: Left-right click feeling expressed near the boundary K1

  The left-right click feeling 3a can contribute to energy saving, for example. The left-right click feeling 3b can contribute to energy saving, for example.

  Examples of the vicinity of the boundary K1 in 3b include within ± 10 degrees of the boundary K1, within ± 7 degrees of the boundary K1, within ± 5 degrees of the boundary K1, within ± 3 degrees of the boundary K1, and the like.

Examples of the information related to the information 4 include the following.
[4a]: Front / rear click feeling informing that the lever front / rear position is approaching the maximum discharge position [4b]: Front / rear click feeling informing that the lever front / rear position is the maximum discharge position

  The back-and-forth click feelings 4a and 4b can contribute to alleviating the impact when the lever reaches the limit position, for example. This mitigation of impact can suppress deterioration associated with repeated use.

Examples of the information related to the information 5 include the following.
[5a]: Left-right click feeling informing that the lever circumferential position is approaching the right limit MR [5b]: Left-right click feeling informing that the lever circumferential position is approaching the left limit ML [5c]: The lever circumferential position is Left and right click feeling to notify that it is the right limit MR [5d]: Left and right click feeling to notify that the lever circumferential position is the left limit ML

  The back-and-forth click feelings 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d can contribute to alleviating the impact when the lever reaches the limit position, for example. This mitigation of impact can suppress deterioration associated with repeated use.

  The click feeling may be different depending on the lever front-rear position and / or the lever circumferential position. Due to this difference, more information can be transmitted to the user. Due to this difference, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of the information 1 to 5 is effectively transmitted to the user. Therefore, a highly convenient hot and cold water mixing tap can be realized.

The following (A), (B), (C) and (D) are exemplified as the difference in the click feeling.
(A) The back-and-forth click feeling differs depending on the lever circumferential position.
(B) The back-and-forth click feeling differs depending on the lever front-rear position.
(C) The left-right click feeling differs depending on the lever circumferential position.
(D) The left-right click feeling differs depending on the lever front-rear position.

  The difference in click feeling may be at least one selected from the group consisting of (A), (B), and (C), or a combination of two or more.

  The aspect (A) can have various effects. This aspect (A) can give a user the information regarding water discharge temperature. For example, making the back-and-forth click feeling more prominent as the mixing ratio of hot water increases helps to save energy. The operation of rotating the lever back and forth without changing the lever circumferential position is frequently used in actual use. Aspect (A) can have an energy saving effect in this high-frequency operation.

  The aspect (B) can have various effects. This aspect (B) can give the user information about the discharge amount. For example, making the back-and-forth click feeling more conspicuous as the discharge amount increases helps to save water resources and / or energy. Moreover, adjustment of the amount of water discharge can be made easy.

  The aspect (C) can have various effects. This aspect (C) can give a user the information regarding water discharge temperature. For example, if the left-right click feeling becomes more prominent as the mixing ratio of hot water increases, it helps to save energy. Further, the water discharge temperature can be easily adjusted.

The following is illustrated as said aspect (A).
(A1) The back-and-forth click feeling is different between the water discharge position (100% water) and the hot water mixing discharge position (including 100% hot water).
(A2) The back-and-forth click feeling is different between the water discharge position (100% water), the hot water mixing discharge position with a high water ratio, and the hot water mixing discharge position (including 100% hot water) with a low water ratio. To do.
(A3) The back-and-forth click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%), the hot water mixing discharge position (not including 100% hot water), and the hot water discharge position (hot water 100%).
(A4) Click back and forth between a water discharge position (100% water), a hot water mixing discharge position with a high water ratio, a hot water mixing discharge position with a low water ratio, and a hot water discharge position (100% hot water). The feeling is different.
(A5) The back-and-forth click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%), the hot water mixing discharge position with high usage frequency, and the hot water mixing discharge position (including 100% hot water) with low usage frequency. .
(A6) Water discharge position (100% water), hot water mixing discharge position with high usage frequency, hot water mixing discharge position with low usage frequency (not including 100% hot water), hot water discharge position (100% hot water) And click feeling are different.

  From the viewpoint of versatility, for example, (A1), (A2), and (A3) can be employed. From the viewpoint of saving hot water, it is preferable to use (A1) which is simple and easy to see whether hot water is used. Further, when operability is important, (A2), (A3), (A4), (A5) and (A6) are preferable. In these (A2) to (A6), the amount of information obtained by the difference in click feeling is large, and the state of water discharge is easy to understand.

The following is illustrated as said aspect (C).
(C1) The left-right click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%) and the hot water mixing discharge position (including hot water 100%).
(C2) The left-right click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%), the hot water mixing discharge position with a high water ratio, and the hot water mixing discharge position (including 100% hot water) with a low water ratio. To do.
(C3) The left-right click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%), the hot water mixing discharge position (not including 100% hot water), and the hot water discharge position (hot water 100%).
(C4) Left-right click between a water discharge position (water 100%), a hot water mixing discharge position with a high water ratio, a hot water mixing discharge position with a low water ratio, and a hot water discharge position (100% hot water) The feeling is different.
(C5) The left-right click feeling is different between the water discharge position (water 100%), the hot water mixing discharge position with high usage frequency, and the hot water mixing discharge position (including 100% hot water) with low usage frequency. .
(C6) Water discharge position (100% water), hot water mixing discharge position with high usage frequency, hot water mixing discharge position with low usage frequency (not including 100% hot water), hot water discharge position (100% hot water) Left and right click feeling is different.

  From the viewpoint of versatility, for example, (C1), (C2), and (C3) can be employed. From the viewpoint of saving hot water, (C1) is preferable because it is easy to understand whether hot water is used or not. In the case where operability is important, (C2), (C3), (C4), (C5) and (C6) are preferable. In these (C2) to (C6), the amount of information obtained by the difference in click feeling is large, and the state of water discharge is easy to understand.

The following (C11) may be combined with the above (C1).
(C11) A left-right click feeling appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixing discharge position.

The following (C21) may be combined with the above (C2).
(C21) A left-right click feeling kc1 appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixing / discharging range where the water ratio is high, and the boundary between the hot water mixing / discharging range where the water ratio is high and the hot water mixing / discharging range where the water ratio is low Left and right click feeling kc2 appears.

  In (C21), the left and right click feeling kc1 and the left and right click feeling kc2 may be different.

The following (C31) may be combined with the above (C3).
(C31) A left-right click feeling kc3 appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixing discharge range, and a left-right click feeling kc4 appears at the boundary between the hot water mixing discharge range and the hot water discharge range.

  In (C31), the left and right click feeling kc3 and the left and right click feeling kc4 may be different.

The following (C41) may be combined with the above (C4).
(C41) A left-right click feeling kc5 appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixed discharge range where the water ratio is high, and between the hot water mixed discharge range where the water ratio is high and the hot water mixed discharge range where the water ratio is low. A left-right click feeling kc6 appears, and a left-right click feeling kc7 appears between the hot water mixing discharge range and the hot water discharge range where the ratio of water is low.

  In (C41), at least two or all three selected from the left and right click feeling kc5, the left and right click feeling kc6, and the left and right click feeling kc7 may be different.

The following (C51) may be combined with the above (C5).
(C51) A left-right click feeling kc8 appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixing / discharging range where the usage frequency is high, and the left / right click feeling kc8 Click feeling kc9 appears.

  In (C51), the left and right click feeling kc8 and the left and right click feeling kc9 may be different.

The following (C61) may be combined with the above (C6).
(C61) A left-right click feeling kc10 appears at the boundary between the water discharge range and the hot water mixing / discharging range where the usage frequency is high, and left / right at the boundary between the hot water mixing / discharging range where the usage frequency is high and the hot water mixing / discharging range where the usage frequency is not high A click feeling kc11 appears and a left-right click feeling kc12 appears between the hot water mixing discharge range and the hot water discharge range, which are not frequently used.

  In (C61), at least two or all three selected from the left and right click feeling kc10, the left and right click feeling kc11, and the left and right click feeling kc12 may be different.

  In the aspect (A), it is preferable that the lever circumferential position is divided into a plurality of ranges, and the back-and-forth click feeling is made different for each of these ranges. In (C) above, it is preferable to divide the lever circumferential position into a plurality of ranges, and to make the left-right click feeling different for each of these ranges. Further, as shown in the above (C11), (C21), (C31), (C41), (C51), and (C61), a left-right click feeling may be expressed at the boundaries of a plurality of divided ranges. Good. This left-right click feeling at the boundary can be combined with any aspect described in the present application.

The following is illustrated as a difference in the back-and-forth click feeling in the above aspects (A) and (B).
(X1) Presence or absence of back and forth click feeling (X2) Difference in feeling of back and forth click feeling (X3) Difference in number of back and forth click feelings (X4) Difference in back and forth click feeling interval (X5) From (X1) to (X4) above 2 or more selected combinations

  From the viewpoint of emphasizing hot water saving, the difference (X1) in which the difference in the sense is remarkable is preferable. Further, when it is desired to recognize a plurality of ranges at the lever circumferential position, it is preferable to increase the information obtained by the difference in the back-and-forth click feeling according to the above (X5). preferable.

  Examples of the sensation of the back-and-forth click feeling include tactile sensations (resistance, vibration, etc.) and auditory sensations (sound). Examples of the difference (X2) include a difference in resistance and a difference in sound. The difference in sound is exemplified by the difference in sound frequency.

  The difference (X2) can be realized, for example, by making the depth of the concave portion and / or the height of the convex portion different. The difference (X3) can be realized, for example, by making the number of concave portions and / or convex portions different. The difference (X4) can be realized, for example, by making the intervals between the concave portions and / or the convex portions different. The number of times in the difference (X3) is, for example, the number of times of forward / backward click feeling in the entire range of forward / backward rotation (the above number N).

[Material of each member]

  Examples of the material of the click member include resin and metal. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. From the viewpoint of slidability and wear resistance, POM resin, PA resin, PPO resin, PPS resin, and their fiber reinforcing materials are preferable as the material of the click member. POM resin is polyacetal resin. PA resin is a polyamide resin. PPO resin is polyphenylene oxide resin. PPS resin is polyphenylene sulfide resin. In the above embodiment, a fiber reinforced POM resin is used.

  As a material of the shaft body, a metal is preferable. Examples of the metal include steel such as stainless steel. Spring steel and spring stainless steel are preferable from the viewpoint of durability, and spring stainless steel is more preferable from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. Commercially available spring pins and parallel pins can be used as the shaft body. In the above embodiment, a spring pin made of stainless steel for springs is used.

  Examples of the material of the housing include resin and metal. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. The sound generated when the click mechanism appears is preferably comfortable and easy to hear. The material of the housing affects this sound. In view of obtaining good sound, durability, rust resistance, and hygiene, stainless steel alloy and fiber reinforced resin are preferable as the housing material. In the above embodiment, a glass fiber reinforced PPS resin is used.

  Examples of the material of the rotating body include resin and metal. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. An unpleasant sound may be generated if metals slide during lever operation. In addition, since the material of the sliding surface fluctuates the frictional force, it affects the operability of the lever. From the viewpoint of operability and avoidance of unpleasant noise, the material of the rotating body is preferably a resin, and more preferably a resin that does not contain reinforcing fibers. In the above embodiment, a POM resin not containing reinforcing fibers was used.

  Examples of the material of the lever shaft include resin and metal. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. From the viewpoint of suppressing water corrosion, stainless steel alloys and resins are preferred. In the above embodiment, a stainless alloy is used.

  Examples of the material of the shaft used in the cam mechanism include resin and metal. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. From the viewpoint of suppressing water corrosion, stainless steel alloys and resins are preferred. In the above embodiment, a stainless alloy is used.

  Resin and metal are illustrated as a material of the upper member of the said movable valve body. This resin includes a fiber reinforced resin. An unpleasant sound may be generated if metals slide during lever operation. From the viewpoint of avoiding unpleasant noise, the upper member is preferably made of resin. Moreover, the manufacturing cost as the whole movable valve body is suppressed by using this upper member as resin. In the above embodiment, a POM resin not containing reinforcing fibers was used.

  Examples of the material of the lower member of the movable valve body include resin (including fiber reinforced resin), metal, and ceramic. From the viewpoint of wear resistance in sliding with the fixed valve body, ceramic is preferable. This ceramic is also preferable from the viewpoints of corrosiveness to water, strength and durability. In the above embodiment, ceramic is used.

  Examples of the material of the fixed valve body include resin (including fiber reinforced resin), metal, and ceramic. From the viewpoint of wear resistance in sliding with the movable valve body (lower member), ceramic is preferable. This ceramic is also preferable from the viewpoints of corrosiveness to water, strength and durability. In the above embodiment, ceramic is used.

  Examples of the material for the packing and the O-ring include a resin and a rubber material (vulcanized rubber). The stretchability improves the assemblability and can reduce manufacturing errors (such as dimensional errors). From these viewpoints, a rubber material is preferable. In the above embodiment, a rubber material is used.

  Examples of the material of the base body include resin (including fiber reinforced resin) and metal. From the viewpoint of avoiding unpleasant noise and strength, a fiber reinforced resin is preferable, and a glass fiber reinforced resin is more preferable. In the above embodiment, a glass fiber reinforced PPS resin is used.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a valve assembly 400 according to another embodiment. The valve assembly 400 includes a valve main body v10 and a click member c10.

  The valve main body v1 includes a housing 42, a rotating body 44, a lever 460, a lever shaft 48, a movable valve body 52, a fixed valve body 54, a packing 60, and a base body 62. The housing 42 is the same as the housing of the valve assembly 40 described above. Although not shown in FIG. 19, the rotating body 44, the lever shaft 48, the movable valve body 52, the fixed valve body 54, the packing 60, and the base body 62 are the same as those of the valve assembly 40 described above.

  The lever 460 is different from the lever 46 described above. The lever 460 has a shaft body 500. The shaft body 500 has the same function as the shaft body 50 described above.

  The click member c10 is different from the click member c1 described above. The click member c10 has a long hole forming portion c12 that can be engaged with the shaft body 500 of the lever 460. A long hole c14 is formed in the long hole forming portion c12. The long hole c14 has the same function as the long hole 146 described above.

  In the present embodiment, the cam mechanism is configured by the engagement between the shaft body 500 and the long hole c14. The principle of this cam mechanism is the same as that of the valve assembly 40 described above. Thus, the shaft body of the cam mechanism may be integrated with the lever 460.

  The present application also describes other inventions that are not included in the claimed invention (including independent claims). Respective forms, members, configurations, and combinations thereof described in the claims and embodiments of the present application are recognized as inventions based on the respective functions and effects.

  Each form, member, configuration, etc. shown in each of the above embodiments is not limited to all of the forms, members, or configurations of these embodiments. It can be applied to all described inventions.

  The present invention can be applied to a hot and cold water mixing tap for any application.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Hot water mixing tap 12 ... Mixing stopper main body 14 ... Handle 16 ... Discharge part 18 ... Hot water introduction pipe 20 ... Water introduction pipe 22 ... Discharge pipe 40 ... Valve Assembly 42 ... Housing 44 ... Rotating body 46 ... Lever 48 ... Lever shaft 50 ... Shaft body 52 ... Movable valve body 54 ... Fixed valve body 60 ... Packing 62 ... Base body 110 ... Column part 138 ... Inner peripheral surface part (second regulating surface) of click member
140 ... receiving hole 142 ... receiving groove 144 ... outer peripheral surface portion (first regulating surface) of the valve body
146 ... long hole v1 ... valve body y1 ... valve unit c1 ... click member sk1 ... first engaging part for left and right clicks sk2 ... second engaging part for left and right clicks zk1 ..First engagement part for front and rear click zk2 ... Second engagement part for front and rear click

Claims (7)

A valve body having a valve unit capable of adjusting the water discharge temperature and the discharge amount;
A lever capable of operating the valve unit to achieve the adjustment;
A click member that is in contact with the valve body, and that can move relative to the valve body in the vertical direction in conjunction with the forward and backward rotation of the lever;
The valve main body has an outer peripheral surface portion, and the outer peripheral surface portion has a first engaging portion for front and rear clicks,
The click member has an inner peripheral surface portion, and the inner peripheral surface portion has a second engaging portion for front and rear click,
In at least a part of the relative movement, the engagement of the first engaging part for front and rear clicks and the second engaging part for front and rear clicks is generated, and by this engagement, a feeling of front and rear clicks is generated.
The valve body has a first regulating surface extending in the vertical direction;
The click member has a second regulating surface extending in the vertical direction;
When the lever rotates back and forth, the first restriction surface and the second restriction surface slide, and the first restriction surface and the second restriction surface are the click member in a direction other than the vertical direction. Hot and cold water mixing taps that restrict the movement of water. A shaft is provided on one of the lever and the click member,
A slot is provided in the other of the lever or the click member,
2. The hot and cold water according to claim 1, wherein the shaft moves in the elongated hole in conjunction with the back-and-forth rotation of the lever, and the movement allows the relative movement of the click member in the vertical direction. Mixing tap. The outer peripheral surface portion has the first regulating surface;
The hot and cold water mixing plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner peripheral surface portion has the second restriction surface. The valve body further has a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever,
One of the rotating body or the click member has a guide projection extending in the up-down direction,
The other of the rotating body or the click member has a guide receiving portion extending in the vertical direction,
The hot and cold water mixing plug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide receiving portion. The click member is configured to rotate relative to the valve body in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever.
The outer peripheral surface portion of the valve body has a left and right click first engaging portion,
The inner peripheral surface portion of the click member has a left and right click second engaging portion,
The left and right click first engaging portion and the left and right click second engaging portion are engaged with each other in at least a part of the relative rotation, and the left and right click feeling is generated by the engagement. To 4. The hot-water / water mixing tap according to any one of 1 to 4. A valve body having a valve unit capable of adjusting the water discharge temperature and the discharge amount;
A lever capable of operating the valve unit to achieve the adjustment;
A click member that abuts on the valve body and can rotate relative to the valve body in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever;
The valve body has an outer peripheral surface portion, and the outer peripheral surface portion has a first engaging portion for right and left clicks,
The click member has an inner peripheral surface portion, and the inner peripheral surface portion has a second engaging portion for right and left click,
In at least a portion of the relative rotation, the first and second left and right click engaging portions are engaged with each other and the left and right click second engaging portions are engaged. .   A faucet device comprising the hot and cold water mixing tap according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images