JP5657595B2 - Hot and cold mixer tap - Google Patents

Description

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

  There is known a faucet capable of adjusting the discharge rate and the mixing ratio of hot and cold water by a handle operation. With a single lever type hot and cold water mixing tap, it is possible to switch between hot water and water and adjust the mixing ratio by turning the lever handle left and right, and the discharge amount can be adjusted by operating the lever handle back and forth (up and down operation). is there.

  In paragraph [0017] and FIG. 5 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-4736, the mouth of the water inflow valve hole of the fixed valve body is enlarged toward the hot water inflow valve hole, and conversely, the mouth of the hot water inflow valve hole is made smaller. The configuration is disclosed. In the present invention, only the water inflow valve hole communicates with the mixed water outflow valve hole at the position where the handle comes to the front.

JP 9-4736 A

  Based on a new technical idea, the present inventor has invented a hot and cold water mixing tap having better temperature control than before.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a hot and cold water mixing tap excellent in temperature controllability.

A preferable hot and cold water mixing plug according to the present invention is a fixed valve body having a hot water valve hole, a water valve hole and a discharge valve hole, and is slidably disposed on the upper surface of the fixed valve body, and has a flow path forming recess. And a movable valve body having a lever engagement hole, a lever that can be rotated left and right and back and forth, and a lever that supports the lever so that the front and rear can be rotated and interlocked with the left and right rotation of the lever. A rotating body that rotates;
It has. Preferably, the movable valve body is rotated with respect to the fixed valve body by the left-right rotation of the lever, and the hot water mixing ratio can be adjusted by the rotation of the movable valve body. Preferably, the movable valve body moves with respect to the fixed valve body by rotating the lever back and forth, and the discharge amount can be adjusted by this movement. Preferably, when the area S1 and the area S2 are defined as follows, the area S1 is larger than the area S2. However,
(A) When the lever is rotated left and right from the left and right position where only water is discharged to the hot water discharge side, the left and right position of the lever where the overlapping of the flow path forming recess and the hot water valve hole is started is the left and right position B. And
(B) When the lever is pivoted back and forth from the water stop state to the discharge side in the state set at the left and right position B, the flow passage forming recess and the water valve hole start to overlap. The lever front-rear position is the front-rear position A,
(C) When the lever is at the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, the point overlapping the upper surface opening line of the water valve hole among the points on the lower surface opening line of the flow path forming recess is Pa and And
(D) When the lever is in the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, the point on the fixed valve body that is in contact with the point Pa is A1,
(E) When the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position with the left-right position B set, the point on the fixed valve body that is in contact with the point Pa is A2,
(F) A point on the fixed valve body, which is the midpoint between the point A1 and the point A2, is A3,
(G) The lever front-rear position when the point Pa overlaps the point A3 is a front-rear position C,
(H) When the lever is rotated left and right in the state set at the front-rear position C, the locus of the point Pa that moves with the left-right rotation is defined as a locus line R1.
(I) When the lever is rotated back and forth in the entire range in the state set at the left and right position B, the overlapping region of the water valve hole that can overlap the flow path forming recess is defined as a region S;
(J) In the region S, the area on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S1, and the area on the discharge increasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S2.

  Preferably, when the lever left-right position is at the front position, only water is discharged.

  Preferably, only the water is discharged when the lever left-right position is at the front position, and the angle θk formed by the water discharge boundary position and the lever front position is not less than 1 degree and not more than 20 degrees.

Preferably, the area S1 is 5.0 mm ² or more and 15.0 mm ² or less. Preferably, the area S2 is not less than 0 mm ^{2 and not} more than 6.0 mm ² .

Preferably, the area S2 is 0.5 mm ² or more. Preferably, S1 / S2 is 5 or more and 25 or less.

  Another preferable hot and cold water mixing plug according to the present invention is a fixed valve body having a hot water valve hole, a water valve hole and a discharge valve hole, and is slidably disposed on the upper surface of the fixed valve body. A movable valve body having a forming recess and a lever engaging hole, a lever that can be rotated left and right and back and forth, and a lever that supports the lever so that it can rotate back and forth, and interlocked with the left and right rotation of the lever And a rotating body that rotates. Preferably, the movable valve body is rotated with respect to the fixed valve body by the left-right rotation of the lever, and the hot water mixing ratio can be adjusted by the rotation of the movable valve body. Preferably, the movable valve body moves with respect to the fixed valve body by rotating the lever back and forth, and the discharge amount can be adjusted by this movement. Preferably, the water valve hole has a main opening and a narrow opening extending from the main opening to the hot water valve hole side and existing only on the discharge decreasing side from the locus line R1.

  A hot and cold water mixing tap excellent in temperature control can be obtained.

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. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lever assembly. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly taken along a plane perpendicular to the lever shaft. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly, and is a vertical cross-sectional view along the center line of the lever shaft. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the lever assembly. FIGS. 9A to 9H show the shaft holder. 9 (a) is a plan view, FIG. 9 (b) is an inner front view, FIG. 9 (c) is a side view, FIG. 9 (d) is an outer front view, and FIG. ) Is a bottom view, FIG. 9 (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line ff in FIG. 9 (d), and FIG. 9 (g) is taken along line gg in FIG. 9 (d). It is sectional drawing and FIG.9 (h) is a perspective view. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F11-F11 in FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lever assembly at a position including a front-rear click sphere. FIG. 13A is a plan view of the upper member, and FIG. 13B is a plan view showing a state in which the front-rear click elastic member (plate spring) is placed on the upper member, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state in which the front-rear click elastic member and the front-rear click sphere are placed on the upper member, and FIG. 13D shows a state where the rotating body is placed on the state of FIG. It is a top view which shows the state. 14 (a) is a plan view of the rotating body, FIG. 14 (b) is a side view of the rotating body, FIG. 14 (c) is a bottom view of the rotating body, and FIG. 14 (d). These are sectional drawings along the dd line of Drawing 14 (a). FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly, which is a lateral cross-sectional view along the center line of the lever shaft. FIG. 16 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 15 and shows a state where the turning click sphere is engaged with the convex portion. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 15 and 16 and shows a state where the engagement between the turning click sphere and the convex portion is released. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the lever assembly. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the left-right rotation (turning) of the handle. FIG. 20A is a plan view of the fixed valve body, and FIG. 20B is a bottom view of the fixed valve body. 21 (a) is a plan view of the lower member 88, FIG. 21 (b) is a bottom view of the lower member 88, and FIG. 21 (c) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 21 (b). FIG. 21D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line dd in FIG. 21B. FIGS. 22A and 22B are views showing an overlapping state of the upper surface opening line of the fixed valve body and the lower surface opening line of the movable valve body. In FIG. 22A, the lever left-right position is at the left-right position B and the lever front-rear position is at the front-rear position A. In FIG. 22B, the lever left-right position is at the left-right position B, and the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position. FIG. 23 shows an overlapping state of the upper opening line of the fixed valve body and the lower opening line of the movable valve body when the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position. FIGS. 24A to 24D are plan views showing modifications of the lower surface opening line of the movable valve body (lower member). FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly along the upper surface of the upper member. In FIG. 25A, the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position. FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly along a direction perpendicular to the lever shaft. In FIG. 25B, the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position. FIG. 25C is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly along the upper surface of the upper member. In FIG.25 (c), the lever front-back position exists in a water stop position. FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly along the direction perpendicular to the lever shaft. In FIG.25 (d), the lever front-back position exists in a water stop position. FIG. 26A is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the fixed valve body 62, and FIG. 26B is an enlarged view of the lower surface opening line of the flow path forming recess. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the area S1 and the area S2. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view showing the region S. FIG. FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are diagrams for explaining the area Q1 and the area Q2.

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

  As will be described later, in the present application, an overlapping region between the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82 is considered. The overlapping region means a region where the region surrounded by the lower surface opening line 94L of the flow path forming recess 94 and the region surrounded by the upper surface opening line 82L of the water valve hole 82 overlap. In other words, the overlapping region between the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82 is an opening area through which water can flow at the boundary surface between the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82.

  The same applies to the overlapping region between the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80. That is, the overlapping region of the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80 means a region where the region surrounded by the lower surface opening line 94L and the region surrounded by the upper surface opening line 80L overlap. In other words, the overlapping region between the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80 is an opening area through which hot water can flow at the boundary surface between the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80.

  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. A part of the main body 12 is covered with an outer cover 13. The ejection unit 16 has a head 24. The head 24 can switch between shower discharge and normal discharge. The hot / cold mixing tap 10 is used, for example, in a kitchen, a wash basin or the like.

  The discharge amount is adjusted by the vertical movement of the handle 14 (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 the left-right rotation of the handle 14. The temperature of the discharged water can be adjusted by turning the handle 14 left and right.

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of FIG. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 has a lever assembly 40 therein. The lever assembly 40 is disposed inside the outer cover 13. The handle 14 is fixed to the lever 46 by a screw 30.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lever assembly 40. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly 40 along a cross section perpendicular to the lever axis. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly 40 along the lever axis. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the lever assembly 40. The lever assembly 40 can be handled alone. In the hot and cold water mixing tap 10, the lever assembly 40 is replaceable.

  As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, the lever assembly 40 includes a housing 42, a rotating body 44, a lever 46, a lever shaft 48, a turning click elastic member 50, a turning click sphere 52, a shaft holding body 54, and a front and rear click sphere. 56, a front-rear click elastic member 58, a movable valve body 60, a fixed valve body 62, a packing 64, a packing 65, an O-ring 66, and a base body 68.

  The base body 68 has a hot water inlet 70, a water inlet 72 and a discharge outlet 74. Under the base body 68, 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 62 is fixed to the upper side of the base body 68. The base body 68 is provided with an engaging convex portion 76 for fixing the fixed valve body 62 and an engaging convex portion 77 for fixing the housing 42. The fixed valve body 62 is provided with an engagement recess 78 that engages with the engagement protrusion 76.

  The fixed valve body 62 has a hot water valve hole 80, a water valve hole 82 and a discharge valve hole 84. The hot water valve hole 80 is connected to the hot water inlet 70 of the base body 68. A watertight state of this connection is maintained by the packing 64. The water valve hole 82 is connected to the water inlet 72 of the base body 68. A watertight state of this connection is maintained by the packing 64. The discharge valve hole 84 is connected to the discharge port 74 of the base body 68. The watertight state of this connection is maintained by the packing 65.

  The hot water valve hole 80 is bent and extends so as to be substantially along the moving direction of the flow path forming concave portion 94 accompanying the left-right rotation of the lever. The water valve hole 82 is bent and extends so as to be substantially along the moving direction of the flow path forming concave portion 94 accompanying the lever left-right rotation.

  The movable valve body 60 includes an upper member 86 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. By using separate members, the optimum material and manufacturing method can be selected for each of the upper member 86 and the lower member 88. The movable valve body 60 may be integrally formed as a whole.

  Although not shown in FIG. 8, a flow path forming recess 94 is provided on the lower surface of the lower member 88 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). A recess 96 is provided on the upper surface of the lower member 88 to avoid interference with the lower end 95 of the lever 46 (see FIG. 8).

  A smooth surface PL1 is provided on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62 (see FIG. 8). A smooth surface PL1 is formed in a portion where the holes 82, 84 and 80 are not present. On the other hand, a smooth surface PL2 is provided on the lower surface of the lower member 88 (movable valve body 60). A smooth surface PL2 is provided in a portion where the flow path forming recess 94 is not formed. A watertight state is ensured by surface contact between the smooth surface PL1 and the smooth surface PL2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the packing 64 has a pipe shape, but in FIG. 7, the packing 64 is illustrated as being solid due to the cross-sectional position. Moreover, in FIG.4 and FIG.6, description of the lever shaft 48 and the elastic member 50 is abbreviate | omitted.

  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 60 slides on the fixed valve body 62.

  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.

  On the upper surface of the upper member 86, an engagement convex portion 99 that can be engaged with the rear surface of the rotating body 44 is provided. An elastic member placement portion 101 is provided on the upper surface of the engagement convex portion 99. The elastic member placement portion 101 is a recess having substantially the same shape as the front / rear click elastic member 58. An elastic member 58 (plate spring) is accommodated in the elastic member placement portion 101.

  The lever 46 has a shaft hole 100. A lever shaft 48 is inserted into the shaft hole 100. The lever shaft 48 is pipe-shaped and has a hollow portion. The turning click elastic member 50 is inserted into the lever shaft 48. The elastic member 50 is a coil spring. The longitudinal length of the lever shaft 48 and the longitudinal length L1 of the elastic member 50 are substantially the same. Rotating click spheres 52 are arranged at both ends of the lever shaft 48. A spherical body 52 is disposed in the opening of the hollow portion of the lever shaft 48. At the same time, the spheres 52 are arranged at both ends of the elastic member 50. The longitudinal length L1 of the elastic member 50 is the longitudinal length between both ends of the elastic member 50 in the assembled state of the lever assembly, and the longitudinal length L2 of the elastic member 200 described later. Is the same. The natural length of the elastic member 50 is longer than the length L1. The natural length of the elastic member 200 is longer than the length L2. The length L1 and the length L2 will be described later.

  The rotating body 44 includes a base portion 102 and an upper portion 104. The upper part 104 has a lever insertion hole 106 and a shaft hole 108. The base 102 has a spherical through hole 110. The through hole 110 is a long hole. The base 102 is slidably attached to the movable valve body 60 (the upper member 86 thereof).

  The upper portion 104 has an insertion portion 112 for slidingly inserting the shaft holding body 54 and a slide groove 113. The insertion portion 112 is provided at two opposing positions on the side surface of the upper portion 104.

  When the lever 46 is inserted into the lever insertion hole 106, 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. Further, an elastic member 50 is inserted into the lever shaft. By inserting the lever shaft 48, the lever 46 is fixed to the rotating body 44 in a state in which the lever 46 can rotate 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. In the present application, the rotation of the lever 46 using the lever shaft 48 as a rotation axis is also referred to as “front-rear rotation”.

  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.

  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 68. By this engagement, the housing 42 is fixed to the base body 68.

  The outer diameter of the circumferential surface portion of the upper portion 104 of the rotating body 44 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small diameter cylindrical portion 120. The upper portion 104 of the rotating body 44 is held by the small diameter cylindrical portion 120 in a rotatable state. In this rotation, the outer peripheral surface 105 of the upper part 104 and the inner peripheral surface 121 of the small diameter cylindrical part 120 slide. When the shaft holder 54 is fitted into the insertion portion 112, the outer surface 133 of the shaft holder 54 forms a circumferential surface that is substantially the same as the circumferential surface portion of the upper portion 104. Therefore, the shaft holder 54 does not hinder the rotation of the rotating body 44.

  The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 accommodates the base portion 102 of the rotating body 44, the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62.

  FIGS. 9A to 9H show the shaft holder 54. FIG. 9A is a top view. FIG. 9B is a plan view seen from the inside. FIG. 9C is a side view. FIG. 9D is a plan view seen from the outside. FIG. 9E is a bottom view. FIG. 9F is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ff of FIG. FIG. 9G is a cross-sectional view taken along the line gg in FIG. FIG. 9H is a perspective view.

  The shaft holder 54 includes a lever shaft holder 134, a sphere holder 136, a rail 138, a sphere protruding opening 140, and a notch 142. The shaft holding body 54 is attached to the insertion portion 112 of the rotating body 44 by inserting the rail 138 into the slide groove 113. A state where the shaft holder 54 is attached to the insertion portion 112 is also referred to as an attached state. In this attached state, the lever shaft holding portion 134 holds the end portion of the lever shaft 48. In this attached state, the sphere holder 136 holds the sphere 52. The spherical body 52 is always urged by the elastic member 50 regardless of the engagement with the convex portion 170 (described later). The spherical body 52 is pressed outward by the elastic member 50. The sphere 52 is pressed against the sphere holder 136 by the elastic member 50. As shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G, a part of the sphere 52 protrudes from the opening 140. This protrusion enables the turning click mechanism to be developed. The diameter of the opening 140 is smaller than that of the sphere 52. In addition, the diameter of the opening 140 is set in consideration of the protruding amount of the sphere 52 that enables the turning click mechanism to appear.

The shaft holder 54 may not be used. A portion corresponding to the shaft holding body 54 may be a part of the rotating body 44. Moreover, the number of the shaft holding body 54 may be one. That is, a portion corresponding to one of the two shaft holding bodies 54 may be a part of the rotating body 44. However, the provision of the shaft holding body 54 facilitates the assembly of the lever 46 to the rotating body 44. This assembly includes the following steps.
(Step a): The lever shaft 48 in which the elastic member 50 is inserted is inserted into the shaft hole 100 and the shaft hole 108. Alternatively, the lever shaft 48 is inserted into the shaft hole 100 and the shaft hole 108, and the elastic member 50 is inserted into the lever shaft 48.
(Step b): After the step a, the spheres 52 are disposed on both ends of the lever shaft 48 (elastic member 50).
(Step c): After the step b, the two shaft holders 54 are inserted into the insertion portions 112, respectively.

  In the step b, the two spheres 52 are temporarily fixed to both ends of the elastic member 50 using, for example, grease. Thereafter, the above-described step c may be performed. In this assembly, the spheres 52 can be directly arranged at both ends of the elastic member 50 as shown in the step b. By using the shaft holder 54, the ease of assembly is achieved.

  As described above, the shaft holder 54 has the notch 142. Due to the notches 142, the drop of the sphere 52 in the step c is suppressed. That is, the arrangement of the spheres 52 in the process b is easily maintained in the process c. Therefore, the ease of assembly is further improved.

  FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing 42 as viewed from below. Therefore, the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124 is shown in FIG. The lower surface 125 of the connecting part 124 includes a click expression part 146 and a click non-expression part 148. Further, the lower surface 125 includes a first stopper 150 and a second stopper 152.

  The base 102 of the rotating body 44 is in contact with the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124. When the rotating body 44 rotates, the base 102 slides on the lower surface 125. The first stopper 150 and the second stopper 152 regulate the rotation range of the rotating body 44.

  11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F11-F11 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the click mechanism expression unit 146. Note that FIG. 11 is upside down from the normal use state (FIG. 8). That is, in FIG. 11, the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124 is the upper side.

  The click mechanism expression unit 146 has a plurality of grooves 154. The click mechanism expression unit 146 has a plurality of protrusions 156. These grooves 154 and ridges 156 extend along the circumference. The groove 154 is an example of a recess. The protrusion 156 is an example of a convex portion.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly 40 at a position where the front-rear click sphere 56 is present. The front / rear click elastic member 58 is a leaf spring. The elastic member 58 is arranged in the elastic member arrangement portion 101 of the upper member 86. A front-rear click sphere 56 is placed on the upper side of the central portion of the elastic member 58. The spherical body 56 can be displaced downward by the engagement with the protrusion 156. When this displacement occurs, the sphere 56 is biased upward by the elastic member 58. The elastic member placement portion 101 has a space 160 that allows the central portion of the elastic member 58 to be elastically deformed downward.

  FIG. 13A is a plan view of the upper member 86. FIG. 13B is a plan view of a state in which the elastic member 58 is placed on the upper member 86. FIG. 13C is a plan view showing a state where the elastic member 58 and the front-rear click sphere 56 are placed on the upper member 86. FIG.13 (d) is a top view of the state by which the rotation body 44 was mounted in the structure of FIG.13 (c). As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the elastic member placement portion 101 includes the space 160 described above, the elastic member placement surface 162, and the ball holding portion 164. The elastic member mounting surface 162 supports both ends of the elastic member 58 from below. Since there is a step around the mounting surface 162, the displacement of the elastic member 58 does not occur. The sphere 56 is held by the sphere holding portion 164 while being placed on the elastic member 58. Due to the sphere holding portion 164, the sphere 56 is not misaligned. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13D, the sphere 56 protrudes upward from the through hole 110 of the rotating body 44 in a state where the rotating body 44 is placed. That is, a part of the sphere 56 is an upward projecting portion that projects from the upper surface of the rotating body 44. This upward projecting portion comes into contact with the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124. The lower surface 125 is an abutting surface that can abut against the upward projecting portion. When the sphere 56 protruding upward moves on the click mechanism expression unit 146, the click mechanism is expressed.

  A plurality of concave portions 166 having a long hole shape or the like are formed on the upper surface of the upper member 86. These recesses 166 contribute to weight reduction of the movable valve body 60.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly 40 taken along the central axis of the lever shaft 48. A spherical sliding surface 168 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 121 of the small diameter cylindrical portion 120. The spherical sliding surface 168 is a contact surface that can come into contact with the spherical body 52. The circumferential range in which the spherical sliding surface 168 is provided corresponds to the range in which the lever 46 can be rotated in the left-right direction. The spherical sliding surface 168 is provided with a convex portion 170 for click expression. The turning click sphere 52 is always pressed against the sphere sliding surface 168 by the elastic member 50.

[Movement of each part as the lever rotates back and forth]
As described above, in adjusting the discharge amount, the handle 14 is moved up and down (see arrow M in FIG. 3). The movement of the handle 14 causes the lever 46 to rotate back and forth. In conjunction with this forward / backward rotation, the lower end 95 of the lever 46 rotates. The movable valve body 60 is moved by the engagement between the lower end 95 and the lever engagement recess 98. The movable valve body 60 slides on the fixed valve body 62 along a straight line. During this sliding, the surface contact between the smooth surface PL1 and the smooth surface PL2 is maintained. At the same time, the movable valve body 60 slides with respect to the rotating body 44.

  The moving direction of the movable valve body 60 is regulated by the rotating body 44. Due to this restriction, the mixing ratio of hot and cold water does not change only by turning the lever back and forth. In the present embodiment, a plurality of movement direction regulating mechanisms are employed. The movement direction regulating mechanism is an engagement between the rotating body 44 and the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86).

  A rotating body 44 is involved in this movement direction regulating mechanism. FIG. 14A is a plan view of the rotating body 44. FIG. 14B is a side view of the rotating body 44. FIG. 14C is a bottom view of the rotating body 44. FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line dd in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14C, a slide groove Gv is provided on the back surface of the rotating body 44 (the base portion 102 thereof). The slide groove Gv has a bottom surface Gv1 and two side surfaces Gv2. A through hole 110 is provided in the center of the bottom surface Gv1. Engaging protrusions 99 are fitted in the slide grooves Gv.

  The first movement direction restricting mechanism is an engagement between the engagement convex portion 99 of the upper member 86 and the slide groove Gv of the rotating body 44. More specifically, the side surface 174 (see FIGS. 13A to 13C) of the engagement convex portion 99 slides with the side surface Gv2 of the slide groove Gv. The direction of this slide is a linear direction D1 along the side surface 174 of the engaging convex portion 99. The engaging convex portion 99 contributes to the restriction of the moving direction while having the elastic member placement portion 101, the elastic member placement surface 162, the ball holding portion 164, and the like. In addition, the elastic member 58 and the sphere 56 are placed on the engaging convex portion 99 protruding upward, so that the positions of the elastic member 58 and the sphere 56 are increased. Therefore, it is easy to project the sphere 56 above the upper surface of the base 102. Thus, the engagement convex part 99 contributes to the regulation of the moving direction and the expression of the back-and-forth click mechanism.

  As described above, the through hole 110 described above is provided on the bottom surface Gv1 of the slide groove Gv. That is, the portion where the slide groove Gv is formed is thinned by the depth of the slide groove Gv, and the through hole 110 is provided in this thin portion. Therefore, the vertical length of the through hole 110 is shortened, and the formation of the upper protrusion is facilitated.

  The second movement direction regulating mechanism is a relationship between the side surface 180 (see FIGS. 13A and 8) of the upper member 86 and the downward projection 182 (see FIG. 8) provided on the base 102 of the rotating body 44. That's right. The downward convex portion 182 has a side surface 183 (see FIG. 25 described later). The side surface 183 slides with the side surface 180 of the upper member 86. The moving direction by this engagement is also the linear direction D1 described above. The side surface 180 and the side surface 174 described above are parallel.

  Thus, the movement direction is more reliably controlled by providing a plurality of movement direction regulating mechanisms for the same movement direction D1.

  As described above, the through hole 110 is a long hole, and the longitudinal direction of the long hole is the linear direction D1 (see FIG. 13D). The width and depth of the through hole 110 are constant. In the through hole 110, the sphere 56 moves along the direction D1 (longitudinal direction of the through hole 110). Even if the position of the sphere 56 is changed by this movement, the protruding height of the sphere 56 does not change.

[Movement of each part as the lever rotates left and right]
As described above, in the temperature adjustment, the handle 14 is turned (see FIG. 19 described later). As the handle 14 turns, the lever 46 also turns. This turning is a left-right rotation. The movable valve body 60 is rotated by the engagement between the lower end 95 of the lever 46 and the lever engaging recess 98. The movable valve body 60 rotates with respect to the fixed valve body 62. During this rotation, the surface contact between the smooth surface PL1 and the smooth surface PL2 is maintained. By this rotation, the area ratio r1 (described later) changes, and the temperature of the water discharge is adjusted.

  The angle range of lever left-right rotation is restricted. As described above, the first stopper 150 and the second stopper 152 are provided on the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, the base portion 102 of the rotating body 44 has an outer extending portion 109 protruding outward in the radial direction (see FIGS. 13D and 8). The outer extending portion 109 is provided with the through hole 110 described above. As the lever rotates left and right, the outer extending portion 109 moves in the circumferential direction in the range from the first stopper 150 to the second stopper 152. That is, the outer extending portion 109 moves in the circumferential direction in the range from the left and right positions Rx1 to Ry1 (see FIG. 10). In this movement, the movement range of the center position in the circumferential direction of the outer extending portion 109 is from the left and right positions Rx2 to Ry2. The angle range Rf from the left and right positions Rx2 to Ry2 is the left and right rotation angle range of the lever 46. The angle range Rf is also a moving range of the forward / backward click sphere 56.

  Thus, the engagement between the outer extending portion 109 and the stoppers 150 and 152 is the first left-right rotation range regulating mechanism. Further, a second left / right rotation range regulating mechanism is provided. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14 (d), the base portion 102 of the rotating body 44 is provided with a second outer extending portion 111. The second outer extending portion 111 moves in the circumferential direction in the range from the left and right positions Rx3 to Ry3 (see FIG. 10).

  These two left-right rotation range regulating mechanisms are interlocked. When the outer extending portion 109 is in contact with the first stopper 150, the second outer extending portion 111 is in contact with the second stopper 152. When the outer extending portion 109 is in contact with the second stopper 152, the second outer extending portion 111 is in contact with the first stopper 150. The two left and right rotation range regulating mechanisms disperse the impact force when the lever 46 is rotated left and right to the limit, thereby improving durability.

  The lever assembly 40 having the above structure includes a turning click mechanism and a front / rear click mechanism. The turning click mechanism is a mechanism that develops a click feeling associated with the left and right rotation of the lever 46. The back-and-forth click mechanism is a mechanism that expresses the click feeling associated with the back-and-forth rotation of the lever 46.

[Click sensation α when turning left and right]
The click feeling in the left-right rotation operation is generated by the turning click mechanism. In the present application, this click feeling is also simply referred to as a click feeling α. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the click feeling α is generated by engagement or disengagement between the turning click sphere 52 and the convex portion 170. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15, and shows a state where the sphere 52 is engaged with the convex portion 170. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15 and shows a state where the engagement between the sphere 52 and the convex portion 170 is released. As the lever 46 rotates left and right, the state shown in FIG. 15 is shifted to the engaged state shown in FIG. The elastic member 50 is compressed by the engagement state shown in FIG. 16, and the resistance force at the time of left-right rotation increases. The sense resulting from the increase in resistance is also an example of the click feeling α. In addition, vibration occurs at the moment of disengagement. This vibration produces a typical click feeling α. In addition, a sound is generated at the moment of disengagement. This sound is also an example of the click feeling α.

[Click feeling β in forward and backward rotation operation]
The click feeling in the forward / backward rotation operation is generated by the forward / backward click mechanism. In the present application, this click feeling is also simply referred to as a click feeling β. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the sphere 56 and the groove 154 are engaged. This click feeling β is generated by engagement or disengagement between the sphere 56 and the groove 154. Further, the click feeling β is generated by engagement or disengagement between the sphere 56 and the protrusion 156. As the lever 46 rotates back and forth, the sphere 56 moves on the click mechanism expression unit 146 in the radial direction. By this movement, the engagement between the sphere 56 and the first groove 154 is released, and when the movement further moves, the sphere 56 and the second groove 154 are engaged. These engagements can cause vibrations. This vibration causes a click feeling β. Due to these engagements, the resistance force when the lever rotates back and forth changes. The sense resulting from this change in resistance is also an example of the click feeling β. In addition, a sound is generated at the moment of this engagement. This sound is also an example of the click feeling β. Further, due to the engagement between the sphere 56 and the protrusion 156, the resistance force when the lever is rotated back and forth is increased. The sense resulting from this increase in resistance is also an example of the click feeling β.

  FIG. 18 is a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, two elastic members 200 are used instead of the elastic member 50. These elastic members 200 are coil springs. The longitudinal length of the coil spring 200 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the coil spring 50. Further, the embodiment of FIG. 18 has an intermediate member 202. The intermediate member 202 is a columnar member. The material of the intermediate member 202 is stainless steel. The intermediate member 202 serves as a spacer. The interval between the two coil springs 200 is set by the intermediate member 202. The compression degree of the coil spring 200 can be adjusted by the intermediate member 202.

  The intermediate member 202 is not fixed to the lever shaft 48. The intermediate member 202 may be fixed to the lever shaft 48.

  FIG. 19 is a plan view for explaining left-right rotation of the handle 14. The handle 14 can turn left and right from the left limit ML to the right limit MR. The left-right pivotable range RF of the handle 14 corresponds to the angle range Rf of FIG. 10 described above. The angle θf of the range RF is equal to the angle θf of the range Rf. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the center left-right position C <b> 1 of the left-right pivotable range RF coincides with the front position FR of the handle 14. The center left-right position C1 corresponds to the center left-right position c1 in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the left / right rotation range of the handle 14 is symmetrical with respect to the front position. The left-right rotation range of the handle 14 may not be symmetrical with respect to the front position FR.

  In FIG. 19, a double arrow RT1 indicates an angle range in which hot water is not mixed. A double-headed arrow RT2 indicates an angle range in which hot water and water are mixed or water is not mixed (hot water is 100%). In the present embodiment, the boundary position K1 between the angle range RT1 and the angle range RT2 is located on the left side of the front position FR. Therefore, even when the lever left-right position is deviated from the front position FR, only water can be discharged. For this reason, unintended mixing of hot water is suppressed, which can contribute to energy saving. In the present application, the boundary position K1 is also referred to as a water discharge boundary position.

  In FIG. 19, a double arrow θk indicates an angle between the front position FR and the water discharge boundary position K1. From the viewpoint of energy saving, the angle θk is preferably 1 degree or more, more preferably 3 degrees or more, and further preferably 5 degrees or more. From the viewpoint of improving the operability in switching from water to hot / cold water, the angle θk is preferably 20 degrees or less, more preferably 15 degrees or less, and even more preferably 10 degrees or less. In the present embodiment, this angle θk is 5 degrees.

  The left-right position (angle θk) of the boundary position K1 is adjusted by, for example, an angle θx (described later). Of course, the angle θk may be adjusted by the position, shape, etc. of each valve hole and the flow path forming recess.

  When the lever left-right position (the left-right position of the handle 14) is at the front position FR, only water is discharged. That is, hot water is not mixed when the lever left-right position is at the front position FR. When the lever left-right position is at the front position FR, the ratio of water is 100%.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the angle range RT1 is on the right side (low temperature side) of the boundary position K1 when viewed from the user. This angle range RT1 corresponds to the angle range Rt1 in FIG. The angle θ1 of the range RT1 is equal to the angle θ1 of the range Rt1. When the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT1, hot water is not mixed. That is, when the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT1, the ratio of water is 100%.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the angle range RT2 is on the left side of the water discharge boundary position K1 when viewed from the user. This angle range RT2 corresponds to the angle range Rt2 in FIG. The angle θ2 of the range RT2 is equal to the angle θ2 of the range Rt2. When the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT2, hot water and water are mixed, or water is not mixed (hot water is 100%). That is, when the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT2, the ratio of water is 0% or more and less than 100%.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the left-right pivotable range RF of the handle 14 is symmetric with respect to the front position FR. For example, the angle between the front position FR and the right limit MR may be 40 degrees, and the angle between the front position FR and the left limit ML may be 60 degrees.

  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 can be abrupt. 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.

  The angle θ1 of the angle range RT1 can be 0 degree. However, since the angle θ1 is not set to 0 degrees in a normal hot and cold water mixing tap, if θ1 is set to 0 degrees, the user may excessively operate the handle 14 to the right side of the front position FR. . Repeating this excessive operation may place an excessive burden on the hot / cold mixing tap and adversely affect the durability of the hot / cold mixing tap. In this respect, 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. In this respect, the angle θ1 of the range RT1 is preferably 70 degrees or less, more preferably 60 degrees or less, and particularly preferably 50 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 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and particularly preferably 0.7 or less.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the angle range RT1 is set to the right side of the water discharge boundary position K1 from the user, and the ratio of water is set to 100% on the right side of the water discharge boundary position K1. Furthermore, the angle range RT2 is on the left side of the water discharge boundary position K1 when viewed from the user, and the water ratio is 0% or more and less than 100% on the left side of the water discharge boundary position K1. These configurations may be reversed. That is, the angle range RT1 is on the left side of the water discharge boundary position K1 when viewed from the user, the water ratio is 100% on the left side of the water discharge boundary position K1, and the angle range RT2 is When viewed from the user, it is on the right side of the water discharge boundary position K1, and the ratio of water on the right side of the water discharge boundary position K1 can be 0% or more and less than 100%. Even in this case, all of the numerical values described above regarding the angle θ1, the angle θ2, and / or the angle ratio (θ1 / θ2) can be applied.

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, the click mechanism expression part 146 is provided in the entire range of the angle range Rt2. Therefore, when the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT2, the back-and-forth click mechanism works. On the other hand, the click mechanism expression part 146 is not provided in the whole range of the angle range Rt1. The entire range of the angle range Rt1 is the click non-expression part 148. Therefore, when the lever left-right position is in the angle range RT1, the back-and-forth click mechanism does not work.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the click feeling β does not appear in the forward / backward rotation operation at the lever left / right position where hot water is not mixed. In addition, a click feeling β is generated by a forward / backward rotation operation at the lever left / right 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 the click feeling β.

  The determination as to whether hot water is mixed can also be achieved by a click feeling α that accompanies the lever left-right rotation. It is preferable that the click feeling α is developed at the water discharge boundary position K1 during the left-right rotation of the lever 46. Based on this click feeling α, it is determined whether or not hot water is mixed. In this case, it is possible to more reliably determine whether hot water is mixed based on the click feeling β and the click feeling α. This contributes to energy saving.

  FIG. 20A is a plan view of the fixed valve body 62. Fig.20 (a) is the figure which looked at the fixed valve body 62 from the upper side. FIG. 20B is a bottom view of the fixed valve body 62. FIG. 20B is a view of the fixed valve body 62 as viewed from below.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the hot water valve hole 80 is a bent long hole. The hot water valve hole 80 has an upper surface opening line 80L. The upper surface opening line 80L is a contour line of the hot water valve hole 80 in the smooth surface PL1. As shown in FIG. 20A, the water valve hole 82 is a bent long hole. The water valve hole 82 has an upper surface opening line 82L. The upper surface opening line 82L is a contour line of the water valve hole 82 in the smooth surface PL1.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, the hot water valve hole 80 has a lower surface opening line 80s. The water valve hole 82 has a lower surface opening line 82s. The discharge valve hole 84 has a lower surface opening line 84s.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the upper surface opening line 80L of the hot water valve hole 80 and the upper surface opening line 82L of the water valve hole 82 are formed asymmetrically. That is, in the plan view of FIG. 20A, there is no symmetry axis where the upper surface opening line 80L and the upper surface opening line 82L overlap when the figure is reversed with a certain straight line as an axis. For example, the upper surface opening line 80L and the upper surface opening line 82L have no symmetry with respect to the lever front-rear direction center line Lc. When viewed from above, the lever longitudinal center line Lc coincides with the center line of the lever 46 when the lever 46 is at the front position FR (see FIG. 19).

  One method for increasing the degree of freedom of the hot water switching function is to design various positional relationships between the flow path forming recess 94, the hot water valve hole 80, and the water valve hole 82. The design freedom of the hot water valve hole 80 and the water valve hole 82 is improved by not being limited to the above-described symmetrical configuration. Therefore, various hot and cold water switching functions can be realized without causing a large cost increase.

  FIG. 21A is a plan view of the lower member 88 of the movable valve body 60. FIG. 21A is a view of the lower member 88 as viewed from above. FIG. 21B is a bottom view of the lower member 88. FIG. 21B is a view of the lower member 88 as viewed from below. FIG.21 (c) is sectional drawing along the cc line of FIG.21 (b). FIG. 21D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line dd in FIG.

  The flow path forming recess 94 has a lower surface opening line 94L. The lower surface opening line 94L is also simply referred to as an opening line. The opening line 94L is the opening shape of the flow path forming recess 94 in the smooth surface PL2.

[Definition]
The terms used in this application are defined as follows.
(A) Left and right position B
Left and right lever position at which the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80 start to overlap when the lever is rotated left and right from the left and right position to the hot water discharge side. Is the left-right position B. If the lever left-right position where the overlap G starts is different depending on the lever front-rear position, the lever left-right position where the overlap G first occurs in any lever front-back position is the left-right position B.
(B) Front / rear position A
When the lever is rotated back and forth from the water-stopped state in the state set to the left-right position B, the lever front-and-rear position where the overlapping of the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82 is started is The front-rear position A is assumed.
(C) Point Pa
When the lever is at the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, among the points on the lower surface opening line 94L of the flow path forming recess 94, the point overlapping the upper surface opening line 82L of the water valve hole 82 is Pa and Is done. When the lever is in the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, if the overlap between the lower surface opening line 94L and the upper surface opening line 82L is a line, the midpoint of this line is set to a point Pa.
(D) Point A1
When the lever 46 is in the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, a point on the fixed valve body 62 that is in contact with the point Pa is A1.
(E) Point A2
When the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position with the left-right position B set, the point on the fixed valve body 62 in contact with the point Pa is A2.
(F) Point A3
A point on the fixed valve body 62, which is the midpoint between the point A1 and the point A2, is A3.
(G) Front-rear position C
The lever front-rear position when the point Pa overlaps the point A3 is defined as the front-rear position C.
(H) Trajectory line R1
When the lever 46 is rotated left and right in the state where it is set at the front-rear position C, the locus of the point Pa that moves with the left-right rotation is defined as a locus line R1.
(I) Region S
When the lever is rotated back and forth over the entire range in the state set to the left and right position B, the overlapping region of the water valve hole 82 that can overlap the flow path forming recess 94 is defined as a region S.
(J) Areas S1, S2
In the region S, the area on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S1, and the area on the discharge increasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S2.
(K) Discharge increase / decrease direction The locus of the point Pa under the condition that the lever left-right position is fixed is the discharge increase / decrease direction. The discharge increase / decrease direction differs depending on the lever left / right position. The discharge increase / decrease direction is a linear direction.
(L) Discharge increase side, discharge decrease side Based on the discharge increase / decrease direction, the discharge increase side and the discharge decrease side are determined.
(M) Flowable area W1 of water valve hole
In consideration of the entire range of the left / right rotation of the lever and the entire range of the front / rear rotation, the total area of the water valve hole 82 that can overlap the flow path forming recess 94 in any state is W1.
(N) Flowable area H1 of hot water valve hole
In consideration of the entire range of the left / right rotation of the lever and the entire range of the front / rear rotation, the total area of the hot water valve hole 80 that can overlap the flow path forming recess 94 in any state is set to H1.
(O) Total area W2 of water valve hole
The area of the water valve hole 82 is W2. This area W2 is the area of the region Y surrounded by the upper surface opening line 82L (see FIG. 26A described later).
(P) Total area H2 of the hot water valve hole
The area of the hot water valve hole 80 is H2. The area H2 is an area of the region X surrounded by the upper surface opening line 80L (see FIG. 26A described later).
(Q) Area Q1, Area Q2
Of the area W1, the area on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is defined as Q1. Of the area W1, the area on the discharge increase side with respect to the locus line R1 is Q2.

  22 and 23 are views showing an overlapping state between the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62 and the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88). 22 and FIG. 23, the fixed valve body 62 is drawn with a solid line including the portion hidden by the movable valve body 60. 22 and 23, the lower surface line of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88) is drawn with a broken line. 22 and 23, the upper surface opening line 80L and the upper surface opening line 82L are overlapped with the lower surface opening line 94L.

The upper diagram in FIG. 22 shows the next state B1.
[State B1]: The lever left-right position is the left-right position B, and the lever front-rear position is the front-rear position A.

The lower diagram in FIG. 22 shows the next state B2.
[State B2]: The lever left-right position is the left-right position B, and the lever front-rear position is the maximum discharge position.

  As described above, the point Pa and the point A1 are determined in the state B1. The point Pa is a point on the lower surface opening line 94L. In the present embodiment, the point Pa is located at the convex portion m1 (described later). Point A <b> 1 is a point on the fixed valve body 62. The point A1 is a point on the upper surface opening line 82L.

  As described above, the point A2 is determined in the state B2. The point A2 overlaps with the point Pa in the state B2. The point A2 is a point on the fixed valve body 62. Point A2 is a point on the smooth surface PL1.

  As described above, the point A3 is the midpoint of the line segment connecting the points A1 and A2. The point A3 is a point on the fixed valve body 62. Point A3 is a point on the smooth surface PL1.

The left diagram in FIG. 23 shows the next state ML1.
[State ML1]: The lever left-right position is the left limit ML (hot water side limit ML), and the lever front-rear position is the maximum discharge position.

The middle diagram in FIG. 23 shows the next state FR1.
[State FR1]: The lever left-right position is the front position FR, and the lever front-rear position is the maximum discharge position.

The diagram on the right side in FIG. 23 shows the next state MR1.
[State MR1]: The lever left-right position is the right limit MR (water-side limit MR), and the lever front-rear position is the maximum discharge position.

  In the state ML1, the flow path forming recess 94 does not overlap the water valve hole 82. The flow path forming recess 94 overlaps only with the hot water valve hole 80. In state ML1, only hot water (100% hot water) is discharged. In the state FR1, the flow path forming recess 94 does not overlap the hot water valve hole 80. The flow path forming recess 94 overlaps only with the water valve hole 82. In the state FR1, only water (100% water) is discharged. In the present embodiment, only water is discharged when the lever left-right position is at the front position FR regardless of the lever front-rear position. In the state MR1, the flow path forming recess 94 does not overlap the hot water valve hole 80. The flow path forming recess 94 overlaps only with the water valve hole 82. In the state MR1, only water (water 100%) is discharged.

  In the state ML1 of FIG. 23, an overlapping region XZ between the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80 is indicated by hatching. In the state FR1 of FIG. 23, the overlapping region YZ between the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82 is indicated by hatching. In the state MR1 in FIG. 23, the overlapping region YZ between the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82 is indicated by hatching. The region XZ is a region where the region X surrounded by the upper surface opening line 80L and the region Z surrounded by the lower surface opening line 94L overlap. The region YZ is a region where the region Y surrounded by the upper surface opening line 82L and the region Z surrounded by the lower surface opening line 94L overlap.

[Flow of hot water]
The hot water reaches the hot water valve hole 80 via the hot water introduction section (the hot water introduction pipe 18 and the hot water introduction port 70). The water reaches the water valve hole 82 through the water introduction part (the water introduction pipe 20 and the water introduction port 72).

  The hot water that has reached the hot water valve hole 80 flows into the flow path forming recess 94. This inflow is caused by the region XZ. As the movable valve body 60 slides, the area of the region XZ changes. When the region XZ does not exist, hot water does not flow into the flow path forming recess 94. The case where the region XZ does not exist means that the hot water valve hole 80 is completely closed by the smooth surface PL2 constituting the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88). An example of a state in which the hot water valve hole 80 is completely blocked by the smooth surface PL2 is the state FR1 and the state MR1 in FIG.

  The water that has reached the water valve hole 82 flows into the flow path forming recess 94. This inflow is caused by the region YZ. As the movable valve body 60 slides, the area of the region YZ changes. When the region YZ does not exist, water does not flow into the flow path forming recess 94. The case where the region YZ does not exist means that the water valve hole 82 is completely closed by the smooth surface PL2 constituting the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88). An example of a state in which the water valve hole 82 is completely blocked by the smooth surface PL2 is a state ML1 in FIG.

  The hot water and / or water that has reached the flow path forming recess 94 reaches the discharge portion 16 via the discharge valve hole 84, the discharge port 74, and the discharge pipe 22.

  The mixing ratio of hot water and water depends on the area ratio r1 between the region XZ and the region YZ. The movable valve body 60 is rotated by the left-right rotation of the handle 14 (lever 46). By the rotation of the movable valve body 60, the area ratio r1 changes. The water temperature is adjusted by this change.

  The discharge amount depends on the total area Sa of the region XZ and the region YZ. As the handle 14 moves up and down, the lever 46 rotates back and forth, and the movable valve body 60 moves in the linear direction D1. Due to the movement of the movable valve body 60, the total area Sa changes. The discharge amount is adjusted by this change. When the total area Sa is zero, the discharge is stopped. The case where the total area Sa is zero means that the hot water valve hole 80 and the water valve hole 82 are completely closed by the smooth surface PL2. The aforementioned front-rear position A is a boundary between a state where the discharge amount is zero and a state where discharge is started (see state B1 in FIG. 22).

  As indicated by the state FR1 in FIG. 23, hot water is not mixed when the lever left-right position is at the front position FR regardless of the front-rear position of the lever. That is, in this case, water is 100%. Therefore, the heating device (water heater) does not operate. In general, the user of the hot and cold water mixing tap tends to use the lever 46 in accordance with the front position FR. Therefore, in the hot water / water mixing tap 10, useless mixing of hot water is suppressed and energy saving is achieved.

  FIG. 24A is a plan view showing the shape of the lower surface opening line 94L. The lower surface opening line 94L has a straight portion ST1. The straight portion ST1 is parallel to the linear direction D1. The straight portion ST1 is disposed on the hot water valve hole 80 side. In a state where the discharge amount is the maximum, when shifting from a state where only water is discharged to a state where hot water is mixed, it is this straight shape that first overlaps the upper surface opening line 80L among the lower surface opening lines 94L. Part ST1. Such an arrangement of the straight portion ST1 contributes to preventing mixing of hot water when the lever left-right position is at the front position FR.

  24B, 24C, and 24D are modified examples of the lower surface opening line 94L. As shown in FIG. 24C, the straight portion ST1 may not be provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 24D, straight portions ST1 may be provided on both the hot water valve hole 80 side and the water valve hole 82 side.

  Note that the straight portion ST1 is preferably substantially parallel to the linear direction D1. The term “substantially parallel” is intended to allow an error angle of ± 5 degrees. The error angle is preferably ± 3 degrees, and more preferably, the straight portion ST1 and the linear direction D1 are parallel to each other as in the above embodiment. When the straight part ST1 is not a straight line, the error angle and the parallelism are determined by a straight line connecting both ends of the straight part ST1.

  By providing the straight portion ST1 along the linear direction D1, mixing of hot water is effectively prevented in the entire range of forward and backward rotation at the front position FR. Therefore, mixing of hot water against the user's intention is suppressed, and energy saving can be achieved. In addition, since it is not necessary to avoid mixing hot water with a special valve hole shape, the degree of freedom in designing the valve hole is improved.

  FIGS. 25A to 25D are views showing the movement of each part as the lever 46 is rotated forward and backward. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25C, the linear direction D1 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction D2. The configuration that realizes this inclination is the movement direction regulating mechanism described above.

  The front-rear direction D2 is the front-rear rotation direction of the lever 46 in plan view as viewed from above. The front-rear direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the lever 46 that pivots back and forth (the central axis of the lever shaft 48). Considering an intersection line Lm (not shown) between a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the lever 46 and rotating in the front-rear direction and the smooth surface PL2, the front-rear direction D2 is parallel to the intersection line Lm.

  The linear direction D1 is a moving direction of the movable valve body 60 accompanying the lever back-and-forth rotation. Therefore, the flow path forming concave portion 94 (lower surface opening line 94L) moves along the linear direction D1 by the lever back-and-forth rotation.

  25 (a) and 25 (b) are cross-sectional views of the lever assembly 40 in the water discharge state. FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view along the upper surface of the upper member 86, and FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view along the vertical direction of the shaft hole 100 of the lever 46. FIGS. 25C and 25D are cross-sectional views of the lever assembly 40 in a water stop state. FIG. 25C is a cross-sectional view along the upper surface of the upper member 86, and FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view along the vertical direction of the shaft hole 100 of the lever 46. In FIGS. 25B and 25D, the description of members inside the shaft hole 100 is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25C, a gap Gp is provided between the lower end portion (hatched portion) of the lever 46 and the lever engaging recess 98. As described above, the movement direction of the lower end portion of the lever 46 is the front-rear direction D2 by the front-rear rotation of the lever 46, but the movement direction of the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86) is the linear direction D1. The gap Gp allows the movable valve body 60 to move along the linear direction D1. Although the linear direction D1 and the front-rear direction D2 are different due to the presence of the gap Gp, the lower end of the lever 46 does not hinder the movement of the movable valve body 60.

  As shown in FIG. 25A, in the state where the discharge amount is maximum, the gap Gp is located on the right side of the lever 46 as viewed from the user side of the hot water / water mixing tap 10, and in this case, on the left side of the lever 46 There is substantially no gap Gp. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), in the water stop state, the gap Gp is located on the left side of the lever 46 as viewed from the user side of the hot water mixing tap 10, and in this case, on the right side of the lever 46. There is substantially no gap Gp. With these configurations, the size of the gap Gp is minimized. Although not shown, in the intermediate state between the maximum water discharge and the water stop, the gap Gp exists on the right side and the left side of the lever 46 when viewed from the user side of the hot water mixing tap 10. In FIG. 25A, what is indicated by reference sign G1 is the gap distance on the right side of the lever 46. In FIG. 25C, the reference symbol G2 indicates the gap distance on the left side of the lever 46. [G1 + G2] is constant regardless of the position of the lever 46 in the vertical direction.

  The lever engaging recess 98 has a first side surface 98a and a second side surface 98b (see FIGS. 13A, 25B, and 25D). The first side surface 98a is a plane. The second side surface 98b is a plane.

  The lower end portion of the lever 46 has a first curved surface Rs1 and a second curved surface Rs2. The first curved surface Rs1 and the second curved surface Rs2 are convex curved surfaces.

  In the longitudinal rotation of the lever 46, the first curved surface Rs1 is in contact with the first side surface 98a. This contact (referred to as contact 1) is a line contact. When the lever 46 is rotated to the discharge side, the first curved surface Rs1 pushes the first side surface 98a, and the movable valve body 60 moves. The position of the line contact moves up and down depending on the position of the lever rotating back and forth, but the line contact is maintained regardless of the position of the lever rotating back and forth.

  In the longitudinal rotation of the lever 46, the second curved surface Rs2 is in contact with the second side surface 98b. This contact (referred to as contact 2) is a line contact. When the lever 46 is turned to the water stop side, the second curved surface Rs2 pushes the second side surface 98b, and the movable valve body 60 moves. The position of the line contact moves up and down depending on the position of the lever rotating back and forth, but the line contact is maintained regardless of the position of the lever rotating back and forth.

  As described above, the contact position moves as the lever rotates back and forth, but the first curved surface Rs1 and the second curved surface Rs2 reduce the frictional resistance associated with the movement of the contact position. Therefore, smooth lever operation is realized.

  In the cross section of the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the lever 46, the cross section line of the first curved surface Rs1 is an arc (referred to as an arc 1), and the radius of the arc 1 is r1. In the cross section of the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the lever 46, the cross section line of the second curved surface Rs2 is an arc (arc 2), and the radius of the arc 2 is r2. The radius r1 is equal to the radius r2. The center of the arc 1 and the center of the arc 2 are the same. That is, the arc 1 and the arc 2 are on the same circumference.

  In FIG. 25D, a double arrow d1 indicates the diameter of a circle including the arc 1 and the arc 2. In FIG. 25A, a double arrow d3 indicates the distance between the first side surface 98a and the second side surface 98b. From the viewpoint of suppressing play and rattling in the lever back-and-forth rotation operation, the difference (d3-d1) is preferably 0.2 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or less, and particularly preferably 0.05 mm or less. From the viewpoint of relaxing the dimensional accuracy, the difference (d3−d1) is preferably 0 mm or more, more preferably 0.01 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.02 mm or more.

  The first curved surface Rs1 and the second curved surface Rs2 are both part of the same cylindrical surface (hereinafter referred to as a virtual cylindrical surface). The central axis Cz of the virtual cylindrical surface is perpendicular to the front-rear direction D2. The central axis Cz is parallel to the central axis of the lever 46 that rotates forward and backward. Even if the movable valve body 60 moves along the linear direction D1, the first side surface 98a and the second side surface 98b are always in contact with the virtual cylindrical surface. That is, the contact between the first side surface 98a and the first curved surface Rs1 is maintained even though the linear direction D1 and the front-rear direction D2 are different. Similarly, the contact between the second side surface 98b and the second curved surface Rs2 is maintained even though the linear direction D1 and the front-rear direction D2 are different. Moreover, these contacts are always line contacts. Accordingly, the difference between the linear direction D1 and the front-rear direction D2 is realized, and stable contact between the lever engaging recess 98 and the lower end of the lever 46 is maintained over the entire range of front-rear rotation of the lever. ing. Moreover, since the contact form is a line contact, the frictional resistance is suppressed. The direction of these line contact lines is along the relative movement direction between the side surfaces 98a and 98b and the curved surfaces Rs1 and Rs2. Therefore, the frictional resistance is suppressed. With these configurations, the lever 46 can be rotated back and forth smoothly and stably.

  Since the movable valve body 60 moves in a linear direction D1 that is different from the front-rear direction D2, horizontal sliding occurs between the first curved surface Rs1 and the first side surface 98a. The shape of the first curved surface Rs1 reduces the frictional resistance associated with this sliding and realizes a smooth lever operation. Similarly, horizontal sliding occurs between the second curved surface Rs2 and the second side surface 98b. The shape of the second curved surface Rs2 reduces the frictional resistance associated with this sliding and realizes smooth lever operation.

  The depth of the recess 96 (see FIG. 8) is set so that the lower end of the lever 46 and the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86) do not come into contact with each other in the entire range of forward and backward rotation of the lever 46. This facilitates the operation of turning the lever 46 back and forth.

  In FIG. 25D, a double arrow d2 indicates the distance between the front end of the shaft hole 100 of the lever 46 and the second side surface 98b. This distance d2 is measured along a direction perpendicular to the second side surface 98b. This distance d2 is substantially equal to the diameter d1. The absolute value of the difference (d1−d2) is set within 0.05 mm. That is, d2 = d1 ± 0.05 mm. This dimensional relationship contributes to the downsizing of the lever 46 and the movable valve body 60. The horizontal position of the shaft hole 100 is between the first side surface 98a and the second side surface 98b with respect to the entire range of the lever 46 in the longitudinal direction.

  In the conventional hot and cold water mixing tap, the front-rear direction D2 and the linear direction D1 are parallel. On the other hand, in the hot and cold water mixing tap 10, the front-rear direction D2 is not parallel to the linear direction D1. In FIG. 25, a double arrow θx indicates an angle formed by the linear direction D1 and the front-rear direction D2.

  If the movable valve body 60 moves in the front-rear direction D2 as in the prior art, a region XZ occurs in the state FR1 in FIG. That is, when the lever 46 is in the front position FR, hot water is mixed. However, in the present embodiment, the linear direction D1 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction D2. Moreover, the direction of the inclination is such that the flow path forming recess 94 and the hot water valve hole 80 are prevented from overlapping when the lever left-right position is the front position FR. Therefore, when the lever left-right position is the front position FR, even if the lever 46 is rotated in the ejection direction, only the region YZ occurs, and the region XZ does not occur.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the generation of the region XZ is controlled by making the linear direction D1 different from the front-rear direction D2. For this reason, the restriction | limiting of a valve hole shape can be decreased and the design freedom of a valve hole shape improves. This improvement in the degree of freedom in design improves the degree of freedom in setting the relationship between the hot / cold water mixing ratio and the lever left-right rotation operation. Further, the degree of freedom is improved in setting the relationship between the discharge amount and the lever back-and-forth rotation operation.

  From the viewpoint of preventing mixing of hot water at the front position FR and increasing the degree of design freedom of each valve hole, the angle θx is preferably 5 degrees or more, more preferably 10 degrees or more, and particularly preferably 20 degrees or more. From the viewpoint of facilitating the forward and backward rotation operation of the lever 46, the angle θx is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 40 degrees or less, and particularly preferably 35 degrees or less. In the present embodiment, the angle θx is 30 degrees.

  In general, the supply pressure of hot water supplied to the hot water valve hole 80 is lower than the supply pressure of water supplied to the hot water valve hole 82. This is because hot water passes through the hot water supply device. By providing the straight portion ST1 on the hot water valve hole 80 side, the region XZ is likely to increase with a small left-right rotation angle in the left-right rotation to the hot water side. In particular, when switching from a state where only water is discharged to a state where hot water is mixed, the mixing ratio of hot water tends to increase. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the water discharge temperature is unlikely to rise despite being in the lever left and right positions where hot water is mixed. For this reason, the hot and cold water mixing tap 10 with easy temperature control can be realized.

  The length of the flow path forming recess 94 in the direction parallel to the linear direction D1 is Lf. In the present application, the straight portion ST1 means a portion formed by a line having a radius of curvature that is equal to or greater than twice the length Lf. In the straight portion ST1, the radius of curvature may change. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacture and design, the straight portion ST1 is preferably formed by a line having a radius of curvature that is three or more times the length Lf, and the most preferable shape of the straight portion ST1 is a straight line. is there. In addition, the curvature radius of straight part ST1 can also be 20 mm or more, Furthermore, it can also be 25 mm or more, for example, can be 28 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the upper surface opening line 80L of the hot water valve hole 80 has a straight portion ST2. The straight portion ST2 is parallel to the linear direction D1 at the left-right position B. As shown in FIG. 22, in the left-right position B, the straight portion ST1 and the straight portion ST2 overlap each other.

  Mixing of hot water at the front position FR is reliably prevented by the straight portion ST1 and the straight portion ST2. Moreover, when the lever 46 is rotated from the left and right position B to the hot water side by the straight portion ST1 and the straight portion ST2, the mixing ratio of hot water can be increased. That is, when the lever 46 is rotated from the left / right position B to the hot water side, the increase rate of the region XY with respect to the change amount of the left / right rotation angle of the lever can be increased. Therefore, at the time of switching from water only and discharge to hot water mixed state, the water discharge temperature can be raised smoothly.

  FIG. 26A is a partially enlarged view of the fixed valve body 62. In FIG. 26A, the area W2 of the water valve hole 82 is indicated by hatching. In FIG. 26A, the area H2 of the hot water valve hole 80 is indicated by hatching.

  FIG. 26B is an enlarged view of the lower surface opening line 94 </ b> L of the flow path forming recess 94. The flow path forming recess 94 has a plurality of convex portions m1. The area of the region Z surrounded by the lower surface opening line 94L is MZ (see FIG. 21B). Of this area MZ, the area of the convex part m1 is M1, and the area of the other part (main part) is M2. When there are a plurality of convex portions m1, the area M1 is the total area of the plurality of convex portions m1. The boundary between the area M1 and the area M2 is partitioned by a straight line.

  It is the convex part m1 that water or hot water first circulates when shifting from the water stop state to the water discharge state at any lever left and right positions. The convex portion m1 can alleviate sudden inflow or sudden shut-off of the hot water or water into the flow path forming concave portion 94 when shifting from the water stop state to the discharge state. The convex part m1 contributes to suppression of the water hammer.

  When M1 / MZ is too small, the water hammer suppression effect is reduced. Moreover, when the area M1 is too small, the manufacturing cost of the movable valve body 60 may increase. From these viewpoints, M1 / MZ is preferably 0.005 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, and more preferably 0.015 or more. When M1 / MZ is excessive, the flow rate to the convex portion m1 increases and the water hammer suppression effect can be reduced. In this respect, M1 / MZ is preferably 0.03 or less, more preferably 0.025 or less, and more preferably 0.02 or less. In the present embodiment, M1 / MZ is set to 0.017.

From the viewpoint of enhancing the adjustment of the hot and cold water mixing ratio, the area MZ is preferably 100 mm ² or more, more preferably 110 mm ² or more, 115 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area MZ is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. In this respect, the area MZ is preferably 150 mm ² or less, more preferably 130 mm ² or less, and more preferably 120 mm ² or less. In the present embodiment, the area MZ is 118 mm ² .

  The number of the convex portions m1 is preferably 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more. When the number of the convex portions m1 is large, the effect of the convex portions m1 (suppression of water hammer, etc.) is likely to be exhibited at any lever left and right positions. In addition, when there are too many convex-shaped parts m1, the manufacturing cost of the movable valve body 60 will rise easily. In this respect, the number of the convex portions m1 is preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 4 or less.

  FIG. 27 illustrates the above-described area S1 and area S2. Each of the area S1 and the area S2 is indicated by hatching. A region obtained by combining the region of area S1 and the region of area S2 is region S. Further, in FIG. 27, the locus line R1 described above is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In the present embodiment, the trajectory line R1 is an arc. The area S2 may be zero.

  FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the region S shown in FIG. With reference to this FIG. 28, the division of the main opening and narrow opening of the water valve hole 82 is demonstrated.

  The water valve hole 82 has a main opening N1 and a narrow opening T1. The narrow opening T1 extends from the main opening N1 to the hot water valve hole 80 side. In other words, the distance between the water valve hole 82 and the hot water valve hole 80 approaches due to the presence of the narrow opening T1. The main opening N1 has a substantially crescent shape.

  The narrow opening T1 exists only on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1. As shown in FIG. 28, there is an intersection Pr between the locus line R1 and the upper surface opening line 82L. Of the discharge increasing / decreasing direction straight line Lr, a straight line Lr1 passing through the intersection Pr is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The straight line Lr1 is a boundary line between the narrow opening T1 and the main opening N1.

  The lever left-right position and the lever front-rear position are set so that the point Pa overlaps the point Pr. From this state, the lever 46 is rotated back and forth without changing the lever left-right position. The locus of the point Pa in this forward / backward rotation is a straight line Lr1.

  The water valve hole 82 has an ultrafine opening T2. The ultrafine opening T2 is located closest to the hot water valve hole 80 in the water valve hole 82 and exists only on the discharge decreasing side of the locus line R1. In the present embodiment, the narrow opening T1 has a very thin opening T2 (see FIG. 28).

  The width Wt of the ultrafine opening T2 is 70% or less of the transverse width Wm of the straight line Lr1. The transverse width Wm is the distance between the point Pr and the point Ps (see FIG. 28). The point Ps is an intersection of the straight line Lr1 and the upper surface opening line 82L, and is a point other than the point Pr. In the present application, the upper surface opening widths of the hot water valve hole 80 and the water valve hole 82 are measured along the discharge increase / decrease direction, including the width Wt, the width Wm, and the width Wx.

  The water valve hole 82 has a width detail T3. The width detail T3 is located closest to the hot water valve hole 80 side in the water valve hole 82 and exists only on the discharge decreasing side of the locus line R1. The width detail T3 is a portion whose opening width Wx is 1.5 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the narrow opening T1 has a width detail T3 (see FIG. 28).

  The narrow opening T1 has a bottomed portion Tb (see FIG. 20A). A portion of the upper surface opening of the water valve hole 82 that does not penetrate in the direction perpendicular to the smooth surface PL1 is a bottomed portion Tb. In the top view of FIG. 20A, the bottomed portion Tb is a portion surrounded by the upper surface opening line 82L and the lower surface opening line 82s. Although not shown, the bottom surface of the bottomed portion Tb is a slope. This slope is on the upper side as it goes to the hot water side.

  The bottomed portion Tb suppresses the amount of water mixed in switching to the hot / cold water mixed state. In order to suppress the mixing amount of water, it is conceivable to provide a through hole with a narrower opening width instead of the bottomed portion Tb. However, in this case, since the opening width is too small, there is a possibility that water cannot be stably discharged. A small amount of water can be stably discharged by the bottomed portion Tb. Therefore, stable water temperature control can be obtained. Moreover, when forming a thin through-hole, the manufacturing cost of the fixed valve body 62 may become high. From these viewpoints, the bottomed portion Tb is preferably provided. Moreover, since the rapid inflow and sudden interruption | blocking of water are suppressed by the slope of the bottom face of the bottomed part Tb, a water hammer can be suppressed.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of providing the narrow opening T1, the length Lt1 of the narrow opening T1 is preferably 3.0 mm or more, more preferably 4.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 4.5 mm or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the area W2 from becoming too small, the length Lt1 is preferably 7.0 mm or less, more preferably 5.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 5.0 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the length Lt1 is 4.7 mm.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of providing the ultrafine opening T2, the length Lt2 of the ultrafine opening T2 is preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and more preferably 2.5 mm or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the area W2 from becoming too small, the length Lt2 is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the length Lt2 is 2.8 mm.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of providing the width detail T3, the length Lt3 of the width detail T3 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and more preferably 2.2 mm or more. From the viewpoint of preventing the area W2 from becoming too small, the length Lt3 is preferably 4.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.8 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the length Lt3 is 2.5 mm.

  The lengths Lt1, Lt2, and Lt3 are determined as follows. The discharge increasing / decreasing direction straight line Lr is taken into consideration at every lever left-right position, and two intersections with the upper surface opening line 82L are determined for each of the straight lines Lr. Taking the straight line Lr1 in FIG. 28 as an example, the two intersections are a point Ps and a point Pr. The midpoint MP of these two intersections is determined. This midpoint MP is determined at every lever left and right position. A midpoint set line that is a set of the midpoints MP is determined. The lengths Lt1, Lt2, and Lt3 are the lengths of the midpoint set line.

  Usually, the water supply pressure (water pressure) in the water valve hole 82 is larger than the hot water supply pressure (hot water pressure) in the hot water valve hole 80. This difference in supply pressure is also referred to as a WH pressure difference in the present application. This is because hot water is supplied via a heating device such as a water heater.

  When the opening area of the water valve hole 82 in the vicinity of the hot water switching position is large, the following phenomenon (referred to as phenomenon A) may occur. When the left and right positions B are switched to the hot / cold water mixed state in a state where the discharge amount is large, the inflow amount of hot water tends to be smaller than intended due to the pressure of water due to the WH pressure difference. When the inflow amount of hot water is small, the hot water supply device does not operate and consequently no hot water flows in. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the water temperature, and it may be difficult to obtain the water temperature intended by the user. Therefore, considering this large discharge amount, the opening area of the water valve hole 82 in the vicinity of the hot water switching position should be small.

  On the other hand, when the opening area of the water valve hole 82 in the vicinity of the hot water / water switching position is small, the following phenomenon (referred to as phenomenon B) may occur. If the left and right position B is switched to the hot and cold mixed state with the discharge amount being small, the discharge amount at the left and right position B can be excessively reduced. In this case, since the distance between the hot water valve hole 80 and the water valve hole 82 is likely to increase, water may not flow unless the lever 46 is pivoted to the water side. Therefore, in consideration of a state where the discharge amount is small, it is preferable that the opening area of the water valve hole 82 in the vicinity of the hot water / water switching position is large.

  By providing the narrow opening T1, the ultrafine opening T2, and / or the width detail T3 on the hot water side of the main opening N1, both the phenomenon A and the phenomenon B can be effectively suppressed. That is, the phenomenon A when the discharge amount is large and the phenomenon B when the discharge amount is small can be effectively suppressed.

[Area S1 (mm ² )]
When the area S1 is small, the discharge amount of water can be too small when the discharge amount is small. When the area S <b> 1 is small, the distance between the hot water valve hole 80 and the water valve hole 82 may be excessive depending on the shapes of the flow path forming recess 94 and the water valve hole 82. In this case, water may not be sufficiently discharged unless the lever is largely rotated back and forth toward the discharge side. From these viewpoints, the area S1 is preferably 5.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 7.0 mm ² or more, 9.0 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area S1 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From this viewpoint, the area S1 is preferably 15.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 13.0 mm ² or less, 12.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area S1 is 9.4 mm ² .

[Area S2 (mm ² )]
The area S2 may be zero. However, when the area S2 is made larger than zero, the rate of increase in the amount of water can be moderated when the next lever rotation E2 is performed from the next state E1.
(E1) A state in which the lever left-right position is the left-right position B, and the lever front-rear position has a small or medium water discharge amount.
(E2) Rotation in which the lever 46 is rotated back and forth to the discharge side and left and right to the water side From this viewpoint, the area S2 is preferably 0.2 mm ² or more, and more preferably 0.5 mm ² or more. When the area S2 is excessive, the above-described effect due to the area S1 being larger than the area S2 is reduced. When the area S2 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From these viewpoints, the area S2 is preferably 6.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 3.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 1.0 mm ² or less. In the present embodiment, the area S2 is 0.6 mm ² .

[S1 / S2]
When S1 / S2 is too small, the above-mentioned effect due to the area S1 being larger than the area S2 is reduced. From this viewpoint, S1 / S2 is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and more preferably 13 or more. When S1 / S2 is excessive, the area S1 tends to be excessive or the area S2 tends to be excessively small. From these viewpoints, S1 / S2 is preferably 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and more preferably 18 or less.

FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are diagrams for calculating the area Q1 and the area Q2. In FIG. 29A, the area Qa, the area Qb, and the area Qc are indicated by hatching. In FIG. 29B, the area Qd is indicated by hatching. In FIG. 29C, the area Qe is indicated by hatching. 29 (a), 29 (b), and 29 (c), the overlapping region of the water valve hole 82 and the flow path forming recess 94 in each aspect of the left and right rotation is shown. The area Qd shown in FIG. 29B is an overlapping region when the lever left-right position is the right limit MR and the lever vertical position is at the maximum discharge position. In consideration of the entire range of lever left-right rotation and lever front-rear rotation, the area of the water valve hole 82 that can overlap the flow path forming recess 94 includes area Qa, area Qb, and area Qc in addition to area Qd. . Therefore, the area W1 is as follows. The area Qe is a part of the area Qd.
W1 = Qa + Qb + Qc + Qd

Of the area W1, the area Qa and the area Qe are on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1. Therefore, the areas Q1 and Q2 are as follows.
Q1 = Qa + Qe
Q2 = (Qb + Qc + Qd) -Qe

[Area Q1]
When the area Q1 is small, in the next state E3, the amount of water discharged tends to be insufficient.
(E3) The lever left-right position is a position for discharging only water, and the lever front-rear position is a position for a small to medium discharge amount.
From this viewpoint, the area Q1 is preferably 14.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 16.0 mm ² or more, 19.0 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area Q1 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From this viewpoint, the area Q1 is preferably 30.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 25.0 mm ² or less, 22.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area Q1 is 20.3 mm ² .

[Area Q2]
When the area Q2 is small, in the next state E4, the amount of water discharged tends to be insufficient.
(E4) The lever left-right position is a position for discharging only water, and the lever front-rear position is a position for medium to large discharge amounts.
From this viewpoint, the area Q2 is preferably 7.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 10.0 mm ² or more, 12.0 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area Q2 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. When the area Q2 is excessive, it is difficult to set the areas S1 and S2 within the above-described range. If the area Q2 is excessive, the configuration of each valve hole can be complicated. From these viewpoints, the area Q2 is preferably 20.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 15.0 mm ² or less, 13.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area Q2 is 12.8 mm ² .

[Q1 / Q2]
When Q1 / Q2 is too small, Q1 tends to be too small or Q2 tends to be too large. From these viewpoints, Q1 / Q2 is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and more preferably 1.5 or more. When Q1 / Q2 is excessive, Q1 tends to be excessive or Q2 tends to be excessively small. From these viewpoints, Q1 / Q2 is preferably 1.9 or less, more preferably 1.7 or less, and more preferably 1.6 or less. In the present embodiment, Q1 / Q2 is 1.58.

[Area W1]
From the viewpoint of preventing shortage of water discharge amount, the area W1 is preferably 25.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 30.0 mm ² or more, and more preferably 32.0 mm ² or more. When the area W1 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From this viewpoint, the area W1 is preferably 40.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 37.0 mm ² or less, 34.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area W1 is 33.15 mm ² .

[Area H1]
From the viewpoint of preventing shortage of hot water discharge, the area H1 is preferably 25.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 30.0 mm ² or more, and more preferably 32.0 mm ² or more. When the area H1 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From this viewpoint, the area H1 is preferably 40.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 37.0 mm ² or less, 34.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In this embodiment, the area H1 is 33.28 mm ² .

[W1 / H1]
When W1 / H1 is too small, the left-right rotation range in which hot and cold water mixes tends to be narrow. From the viewpoint of enhancing temperature controllability, W1 / H1 is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, and more preferably 0.95 or more. When W1 / H1 is excessive, the left / right rotation range in which hot and cold water mixes tends to be narrow. From the viewpoint of improving temperature controllability, W1 / H1 is preferably 1.15 or less, more preferably 1.1 or less, and even more preferably 1.05 or less. In the present embodiment, W1 / H1 is 1.0.

[Area W2]
From the standpoint of preventing shortage of the ejection amount of water, the area W2 is preferably 25.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 30.0 mm ² or more, 35.0 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area W2 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. From this viewpoint, the area W2 is preferably 45.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 42.0 mm ² or less, 40.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area W2 is 38.0 mm ² .

[Area H2]
From the standpoint of preventing shortage of hot water discharge amount, the area H2, preferably 25.0 mm ² or more, more preferably 30.0 mm ² or more, 35.0 mm ² or more is more preferable. When the area H2 is excessive, the hot and cold water mixing tap can be enlarged. In this respect, the area H2, preferably 45.0 mm ² or less, more preferably 42.0 mm ² or less, 40.0 mm ² or less being more preferred. In the present embodiment, the area H2 is 38.5 mm ² .

[W2 / H2]
When W2 / H2 is too small, the movable valve body 60 is likely to be inclined due to the difference between the hot water pressure and the water pressure. In this respect, W2 / H2 is preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.8, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.9. When W2 / H2 is excessive, the movable valve body 60 is likely to be inclined due to the difference between the hot water pressure and the water pressure. From this viewpoint, W2 / H2 is preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.2 or less, and even more preferably 1.1 or less. In this embodiment, W2 / H2 is 1.0.

[Effect of click mechanism]
In the above embodiment, the sphere 52 and the sphere 56 are used. These spheres 52 and 56 are supported in a rotatable state. As these spheres 52 and 56 rotate, wear and scratches are suppressed. Therefore, deterioration with time accompanying use is suppressed, and the durability of the click mechanism is increased. Further, since wear and scratches are suppressed, there is little variation in the click feelings α and β associated with use. A highly reliable click mechanism is realized.

  In the turning click mechanism, coil springs 50 and 200 are used as elastic members. Even with repeated deformation, the elastic coefficient of the coil spring hardly changes. By using the coil spring, deterioration with the passage of time with use is suppressed. Therefore, the durability of the click mechanism is increased. In addition, there is little variation in the click feeling α with use. A highly reliable click mechanism is realized.

  Further, the coil springs 50 and 200 are easily deformed smoothly, and a large amount of deformation can be secured. Therefore, a comfortable and smooth click feeling α is realized.

  In the turning click mechanism, since the sphere 52 and the coil springs 50 and 200 that support the sphere 52 are used, the variation in the click feeling α caused by the dimensional error or assembly error of the members is suppressed.

  In the back-and-forth click mechanism, a sphere 56 and a spring member that supports the sphere 56 are used. Therefore, the variation in the click feeling β that may be caused by the dimensional error or assembly error of the members is suppressed. In addition, since the sphere 56 is placed on the leaf spring 58, manufacturing errors and defects during use are suppressed, and variations in the click feeling β are suppressed.

  As described above, the smooth surface PL <b> 2 is formed on the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88), and the smooth surface PL <b> 1 is formed on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62. Water leakage is prevented by surface contact between these flat surfaces. Since these smooth flat surfaces are in surface contact with each other, the surface pressure is easily dispersed, and “wear” due to sliding is less likely to occur. If this wear occurs, the position of the movable valve body 60 is lowered by the amount of wear. That is, when this wear occurs, the leaf spring 58 and the sphere 56 arranged on the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86) move relatively downward with respect to the housing 42. By this movement, the gap distance between the sphere 56 and the housing 42 changes. The click feeling β changes due to the change in the gap distance. However, in actuality, as described above, since wear does not easily occur, the vertical position of the sphere 56 is unlikely to change. Therefore, there is little fluctuation | variation of the click feeling (beta) accompanying use (effect a).

  As described above, since the smooth flat surfaces are in surface contact with each other between the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62, the surface pressure is easily dispersed. Therefore, “uneven wear” due to sliding hardly occurs. If this uneven wear occurs, the movable valve body 60 is inclined. That is, when this uneven wear occurs, the moving direction of the sphere 56 arranged on the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86) is inclined. If it does so, the clearance gap distance of the spherical body 56 and the housing 42 will change during the movement of the spherical body 56 accompanying a back-and-forth rotation. The click feeling β changes due to the change in the gap distance. However, in actuality, as described above, since uneven wear is unlikely to occur, inclination of the moving direction of the sphere 56 hardly occurs. Therefore, there is little fluctuation | variation of click feeling (beta) accompanying use (effect b).

  These effects a and b are realized because the elastic member 58 and the sphere 56 are arranged on the upper side of the movable valve body 60, and the sphere 56 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the housing 42. In the present embodiment, the variation of the click feeling β can be suppressed by utilizing a configuration in which the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62 are in surface-tight contact with each other without a gap.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the operational feeling in the forward / backward rotation operation is different due to the difference in the lever left / right position. In the above embodiment, the difference in the operational feeling is the presence or absence of the click feeling β. The presence or absence of the click feeling β is easy to determine. In the above embodiment, whether hot water is mixed or not is easily determined based on the presence or absence of the click feeling β.

  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, it may be impossible to accurately determine whether hot water is mixed or not depending on the lever left-right position. In such a case, hot water may be mixed against the user's intention. That is, although the user intends to use water discharged without hot water (100% water), hot water may actually be mixed. 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 the click feeling β. Therefore, waste of energy is suppressed.

  Thus, in the said embodiment, due to the difference in lever left-right position, the operational feeling in the lever turning operation can be made different (effect c). The reason for this effect c is that the back-and-forth click mechanism is realized by the engagement between the member X and the fixing member Z.

Here, the classification of the members X, Y and Z will be described. The members constituting the lever assembly 40 can be classified into the following three types.
(1) Member X: A member that rotates in conjunction with the left / right pivoting operation of the lever and moves in conjunction with the lever's longitudinal pivoting operation.
(2) Member Y: A member that turns in conjunction with the left / right rotation operation of the lever, but does not move by the front / rear rotation operation of the lever.
(3) Fixing member Z: A member that does not move with respect to any operation of the lever.

  Examples of the member X of (1) include the movable valve body 60 (the upper member 86 and the lower member 88). As the member Y of the above (2), a rotating body 44 is exemplified. Examples of the fixing member Z of (3) include a housing 42, a fixed valve body 62, and a base body 68.

  In order to change the forward / backward rotation of the lever 46 into the linear movement of the movable valve body 60, the rotating body 44 should not move when the lever 46 is rotated back and forth. On the other hand, in order to transmit the left / right rotation of the lever 46 to the movable valve body 60, the rotating body 44 must be rotated by the left / right rotation of the lever 46. Therefore, the rotating body 44 as the member Y is essential. Therefore, this rotating body 44 (member Y) exists above the member X (movable valve body 60). That is, the rotating body 44 (member Y) is interposed between the member X (movable valve body 60) and the lower surface of the member Z (housing 42). Therefore, it is difficult to engage the member X and the member Z. For this reason, in the prior art, the back-and-forth click mechanism has been achieved by the engagement between the lever and the rotating body (member Y) (see the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 2777792). In this case, when the lever 46 is rotated left and right, the rotating body 44 also rotates together. The relative relationship between the lever 46 and the rotating body 44 is always the same regardless of the left-right rotation. Therefore, the click feeling accompanying the forward / backward rotation is constant regardless of the lever left / right position. In the prior art, the click feeling cannot be made different depending on the lever left-right position.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the engagement between the member X (movable valve body 60) and the member Z (housing 42) is achieved despite the intervention of the member Y (rotating body 44). By this engagement, a click mechanism that expresses the click feeling β is realized. With this configuration, the click feeling β can be made different depending on the lever left-right position, and the effect c is achieved.

  In the present embodiment, by changing the specification of the lower surface of the housing 42 (the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124), the angular range in which a click feeling can be generated can be freely designed. For example, by changing the position of the click mechanism expression unit 146, the lever left-right position where the click feeling in the forward / backward rotation operation is expressed can be freely changed (see FIG. 10). Also, the click feeling can be designed freely. For example, various click feelings can be obtained by changing the number, interval, shape, height, and the like of the grooves 154 or the protrusions 156. By using the lower surface of the housing 42 to create a click feeling, the degree of freedom in designing the click feeling is increased.

The presence or absence of a click feeling is easy to distinguish for the user. From this point of view, a preferred embodiment of the difference in operation feeling is the presence or absence of a click feeling. The following is exemplified as the setting for the presence or absence of a click feeling. The following setting 1 is a setting in the above-described embodiment. Below, the mixing ratio of hot water and water is shown as a percentage (%).
[Setting 1]: The click feeling β does not occur at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is 100%. A click feeling β occurs in the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is less than 100%.
[Setting 2]: A click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is 100%. The click feeling β does not occur at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is less than 100%.

As the difference in operation feeling, not the presence or absence of the click feeling β but the difference in the click feeling β may be adopted. The following is exemplified as the setting of the difference in the click feeling β.
[Setting 3]: The click feeling β differs between the lever left-right position where the water mixing ratio is 100% and the lever left-right position where the water mixing ratio is less than 100%.

In this setting 3, for example, there are two types of click feelings β. Of course, there may be three or more types of click feeling β, and an example thereof is the following setting 4.
[Setting 4]: The first click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is 100%, and the second click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is equal to or more than Wa% and less than 100%. And a third click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is less than Wa%.

 For example, the mixing ratio Wa% may be set to such a ratio that the water temperature becomes dangerous when directly touched by a human body. In this case, whether or not hot hot water is discharged can be sensed by a click feeling. This can help prevent accidents (burns, etc.) caused by hot water.

The presence or absence of a click feeling and a difference in click feeling may be combined, and an example thereof is the following setting 5.
[Setting 5]: No click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is 100%, and the first click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is not less than Wa% and less than 100%. The second click feeling β occurs at the lever left-right position where the mixing ratio of water is less than Wa%.

How to make the click feeling β different is not limited. The following is exemplified as the specification of the click feeling β that can be made different.
[Specification 1]: Number of occurrences of click feeling β when the lever is rotated from the discharge stop position to the maximum discharge position N
[Specification 2]: Feeling of resistance when the lever rotates back and forth when the click feeling β occurs [Specification 3]: Sound when the click feeling β occurs

  In an example related to the specification 1, the number N is 3 or less at a certain lever left-right position, and the number N is 4 or more at another lever left-right position. In an example relating to the specification 2, the resistance feeling is relatively small at a certain lever left-right position, and the resistance feeling is relatively large at another lever left-right position. As an example of the specification 3, the frequency of the sound is relatively high at a certain lever left-right position, and the sound frequency is relatively low at another lever left-right position.

  In addition, the resistance feeling of the specification 2 is synonymous with the rotational moment required to rotate the lever back and forth.

  The settings 1 to 5 and the specifications 1 to 3 can be easily realized only by changing the shape of the lower surface 125 of the connecting portion 124. The lever assembly 40 has a high degree of freedom in designing the click feeling.

  Due to the left and right position of the lever, the operation feeling other than the click feeling may be different. As an example of this operation feeling, there is a resistance feeling of a lever back-and-forth rotation operation in a phase where the click feeling β is not generated.

  With repeated use, the click mechanism works repeatedly. The vibration that can occur when the click feeling is generated is usually fine, but this vibration can put a load on the lever assembly 40 in repeated use. In particular, a load is easily applied to the rotating shaft holding portions such as the lever shaft 48 and the shaft hole 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the elastic member (coil spring) 50 in the turning click mechanism is disposed inside the lever shaft 48. The longitudinal direction of the elastic member 50 is equal to the longitudinal direction of the lever shaft 48. The elastic member 50 extends and contracts along the longitudinal direction of the lever shaft 48. The central axis of the elastic member 50 is equal to the central axis of the lever shaft 48. These configurations can reduce the influence of vibration on the swivel click. In this configuration, vibration in the turning click occurs substantially along the lever shaft 48. The force acting on the elastic member 50 and the sphere 52 acts inside the lever shaft 48 and is in a direction along the lever shaft 48. From the above, a load acting in the vertical direction with respect to the lever shaft 48 is hardly generated, and the load on the rotating shaft holding portion is small (effect d). Therefore, rattling of the lever 46 due to repeated use is suppressed, and the durability of the lever assembly 40 can be improved.

  The spherical body 52 may be disposed only on one side of both end portions of the lever shaft 48. However, in this embodiment, as FIG.7 and FIG.15 shows, the spherical body 52 is arrange | positioned at the both ends of the lever shaft 48 (elastic member 50). Therefore, vibrations generated from these two spheres 52 can cancel each other. Therefore, the burden on the rotating shaft holding portion can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 16, in the above embodiment, when the first sphere 52 is engaged with the convex portion 170, the second sphere 52 is also engaged with the convex portion 170. In this case, stresses acting on the elastic member 50 can cancel each other. With this configuration, the effect d is enhanced.

  In the above embodiment, since a plurality of spheres 52 for providing a turning click feeling are provided, the degree of freedom in designing the click feeling α is improved. As shown in FIG. 16, the click feeling can be increased by simultaneously engaging the two spheres 52 with the convex portion 170. It can be selected whether two spheres 52 are simultaneously engaged with the convex portion 170 or only one sphere 52 is engaged with the convex portion 170. By this selection, the strength of the click feeling can be designed. For example, when two click feelings α are generated, the first sphere 52 can share the first click sensation α, and the second sphere 52 can share the second click sensation α. By sharing the generation of the click feeling α by the two spheres 52, the durability of the spheres 52 can be improved.

  With the configuration in which the elastic member 50 or the elastic member 58 holds the sphere, the degree of freedom in designing the click feeling is high. The click feeling can be easily adjusted simply by changing the elastic coefficient of the elastic members 50 and 58.

  When the diameters of the spheres 52 and 56 are changed, the protruding amount of the sphere toward the contact surface side can be changed. By using the spheres 52 and 56 for the expression of the click mechanism, a change in the click feeling can be achieved simply by changing the diameter of the sphere. Therefore, the click feeling can be easily adjusted.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the degree of freedom in designing the click feeling α is further increased. In this embodiment, even if the coil spring 200 is not changed, the click feeling α can be designed only by changing the length of the intermediate member 202. Therefore, the click feeling α can be easily set. By adopting the intermediate member 202, the coil spring 200 can be shortened. This shortness can facilitate the design of the click feeling α.

  As described above, the intermediate member 202 is not fixed to the lever shaft 48. Therefore, the intermediate member 202 can move so that the stress acting on the first coil spring 200 and the stress acting on the second coil spring 200 are equal. By this movement, the click feeling α produced by the first sphere 52 and the click feeling α produced by the second sphere 52 are equalized. Therefore, variations in the click feeling α are suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the housing 42 is integrally formed as a whole. The housing 42 may be a combination of separately molded members. A member belonging to the fixing member Z and capable of coming into contact with the sphere 52 or the sphere 56 corresponds to a housing.

  A double arrow L1 in FIG. 15 indicates the length in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 50 in a state where the sphere 52 is not engaged with the convex portion 170. If the diameter of the upper part 104 is too small, the function required for the hot and cold water mixing tap 10 may not be realized. In this respect, the length L1 is preferably 15 mm or more, and more preferably 17 mm or more. Moreover, in the hot water / water mixing tap 10 which is excessively enlarged, the commercial value is lowered. In this respect, the length L1 is preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or less. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the length L1 is 19 mm.

  In FIG. 18, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow L <b> 2 is the longitudinal length of the elastic member 200 in a state where the sphere 52 is not engaged with the convex portion 170. From the viewpoint of obtaining a smooth click feeling α, the ratio of the length L2 to the length L1 is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and even more preferably 20% or more. From the viewpoint of facilitating the design of the click feeling α, the ratio of the length L2 to the length L1 is preferably 45% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and even more preferably 35% or less. In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the ratio of the length L2 is 30% with respect to the length L1 of the embodiment of FIG.

  From the viewpoint of obtaining a clear click feeling α, the height Ha of the convex portion 170 (see FIG. 15) is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, and further preferably 0.15 mm or more. When the height Ha is excessive, the thickness of the housing 42 or the rotating body 44 becomes too thin, and the durability can be lowered. In this respect, the height Ha is preferably equal to or less than 1.0 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 0.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.4 mm. In the said embodiment, height Ha of the convex part 170 was 0.3 mm.

  From the viewpoint of obtaining a clear click feeling β, the height Hb of the convex portion 156 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, and further preferably 0.15 mm or more. When the height Hb is excessive, the thickness of the housing 42 or the rotating body 44 becomes too thin, and the durability can be lowered. In this respect, the height Hb is preferably equal to or less than 1.0 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 0.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.4 mm. In the above embodiment, the height Hb of the convex portion 156 is 0.3 mm.

  From the viewpoint of ease of assembly and obtaining a clear click feeling α, the diameter Da of the sphere 52 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. If the diameter Da is excessive, the diameter of the lever shaft 48 may be excessive, or the lever assembly 40 may be excessively enlarged. Moreover, in order to avoid this enlargement, the housing 42 and the like can be excessively thinned. From these viewpoints, the diameter Da is preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 4.0 mm or less. In the above embodiment, the diameter Da of the sphere 52 is set to 3.0 mm.

  From the viewpoint of ease of assembly and obtaining a clear click feeling β, the diameter Db of the sphere 56 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. When the diameter Db is excessive, the width of the through hole 110 for securing the height of the upper protrusion is excessive. If the diameter Db is excessive, the width of the groove 154 that can engage with the sphere 56 is also increased. In this case, the necessary number of grooves 154 may be provided on the lower surface 125 of the limited space. It can be difficult. From these viewpoints, the diameter Db is preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 4.0 mm or less. In the above embodiment, the sphere 56 has a diameter Db of 3.0 mm.

[Material]
Resin and metal are illustrated as a material of a housing. 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. PPS resin is polyphenylene sulfide resin.

  Resin and metal are illustrated as a material of a rotating body. 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. POM resin is polyacetal resin.

  Examples of the material of the shaft holder 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 viewpoints of operability and avoidance of unpleasant noise, the material of the shaft holder 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 sphere include resin and metal. From the viewpoint of the sound and durability of the click mechanism, metal is particularly preferable. In the above embodiment, a stainless alloy is used.

  Rubber and a coil spring are exemplified as the elastic body used in the click mechanism at the time of the left / right rotation operation. A coil spring is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration due to repeated use and from the viewpoint of freedom in adjusting the click feeling. As a material of this coil spring, a spring steel material is preferable. In the above embodiment, a coil spring made of spring steel is used.

  Examples of the elastic body used in the click mechanism during the forward / backward rotation operation include rubber, a leaf spring, and a coil spring. From the viewpoint of suppressing the space in the vertical direction, a leaf spring is preferable. In the above embodiment, a spring spring made of spring steel is 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.

  Resin and metal are illustrated as a material of the upper member of a 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. The effect a and the effect b are further improved by the lower surface of the movable valve body being made of ceramic.

  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. Since the upper surface of the fixed valve body is made of ceramic, the effects a and b are further improved.

  Examples of the material of 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.

  When a resin is used as the material of each of the above members, a POM resin and a PPS resin are preferable. POM resin has little change over time in mechanical properties (such as tensile strength) when used for a long time and in a wide temperature range. Moreover, the POM resin is excellent in fatigue resistance against repeated stress loads. Furthermore, in the POM resin, the dimensional change due to water absorption is small. PPS resin is excellent in strength and rigidity, and is excellent in wear resistance. Furthermore, the PPS resin has a small shrinkage rate at the time of molding, and can achieve high dimensional accuracy. In order to further enhance these properties, the resin is preferably reinforced with short fibers such as glass fibers.

  In the present application, other inventions different from the invention according to the claims (including independent claims) are also described. 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 ... Lever Assembly 42 ... Housing 44 ... Rotating body 46 ... Lever 48 ... Lever shaft 50 ... Revolving click elastic member 52 ... Revolving click sphere 54 ... Shaft holder 56 ··· Ball for front and rear click 58 ··· Elastic member for front and rear click 60 · · · movable valve body 62 · · · fixed valve body 64, 65 · · · packing 68 · · · base body 80 · · · valve hole for hot water 80L: Upper surface opening line of hot water valve hole 82 ... Water valve hole 82L ... Upper surface opening line of water valve hole 84 ... Discharge valve hole 86 ... Upper member of movable valve body 88 ... Lower member of movable valve element 94 ... Flow path forming recess 98 ... Lever Joint concave portion 100 ... Lever shaft hole 106 ... Lever insertion hole 108 ... Rotating body shaft hole 110 ... Sphere through hole PL1 ... Smooth surface on the upper surface of the fixed valve body PL2 ... Smooth surface of the lower surface of the movable valve body ST1... Straight portion in the lower surface opening line of the flow path forming recess ST2... Straight portion in the upper surface opening line of the hot water valve hole X. Area surrounded by opening line Y: Area surrounded by upper surface opening line of water valve hole Z: Area surrounded by lower surface opening line of flow path forming recess XZ: Area X and area Z Overlapping region YZ ... Overlapping region of region Y and region Z D1 ... Linear direction of movement of movable valve element D2 ... Forward / backward rotation direction of lever in plan view as seen from above

Claims (4)

A fixed valve body having a hot water valve hole, a water valve hole and a discharge valve hole;
A movable valve body that is slidably disposed on the upper surface of the fixed valve body and has a flow path forming recess and a lever engagement hole;
A lever that can turn left and right and back and forth; and
A rotating body that supports the lever so that the front-rear rotation is possible and rotates in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever;
With
The movable valve body is rotated with respect to the fixed valve body by the left-right rotation of the lever, and the hot water mixing ratio can be adjusted by the rotation of the movable valve body,
By moving the lever back and forth, the movable valve body moves relative to the fixed valve body, and by this movement, the discharge amount can be adjusted,
When the area S1 and the area S2 are defined as follows, rather the area S1 is greater than the area S2,
When the lever left-right position is in the front position, only water is discharged,
The water valve hole has a main opening, and a narrow opening extending from the main opening to the hot water valve hole side and existing only on the discharge decreasing side from the locus line R1,
The narrow opening extends from the main opening to the hot water valve hole side,
A hot and cold water mixing tap in which the distance between the water valve hole and the hot water valve hole is approached due to the presence of the narrow opening .
However,
(A) When the lever is rotated left and right from the left and right position where only water is discharged to the hot water discharge side, the left and right position of the lever where the overlapping of the flow path forming recess and the hot water valve hole is started is the left and right position B. And
(B) A lever that starts to overlap the flow path forming recess and the water valve hole when the lever is rotated back and forth from the water stop state to the discharge side in the state set at the left and right position B. The front-rear position is the front-rear position A,
(C) When the lever is at the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, the point overlapping the upper surface opening line of the water valve hole among the points on the lower surface opening line of the flow path forming recess is Pa and And
(D) When the lever is in the front-rear position A and the left-right position B, the point on the fixed valve body that is in contact with the point Pa is A1,
(E) When the lever front-rear position is at the maximum discharge position with the left-right position B set, the point on the fixed valve body that is in contact with the point Pa is A2,
(F) A point on the fixed valve body, which is the midpoint between the point A1 and the point A2, is A3,
(G) The lever front-rear position when the point Pa overlaps the point A3 is a front-rear position C,
In a state of being set to (h) above the front and rear position C, when brought into the right and left pivoting the lever, the trajectory of the point Pa to move along with the left and right rotation is as the locus line R1,
(I) When the lever is rotated back and forth in the entire range in the state set at the left and right position B, the overlapping region of the water valve hole that can overlap the flow path forming recess is defined as a region S;
(J) In the region S, the area on the discharge decreasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S1, and the area on the discharge increasing side with respect to the locus line R1 is S2. When the lever left-right position is in the front position, only water is discharged,
The hot / cold mixing tap according to claim 1, wherein an angle θk formed by the water discharge boundary position and the lever front surface position is not less than 1 degree and not more than 20 degrees. The area S1 is at 5.0 mm ² or more 15.0 mm ² or less,
Hot and cold water mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2 said area S2 is 0 mm ² or more 6.0 mm ² or less. The hot and cold water mixing tap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the area S2 is 0.5 mm ² or more and S1 / S2 is 5 or more and 25 or less.

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