JP6964267B2 - Faucet and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a faucet and a method for manufacturing the faucet.

Conventionally, various structures of this type of faucet are known. For example, as a conventional faucet, the outside of the faucet body formed by casting is covered with a cover formed of a synthetic resin or a metal material, and the space formed between the faucet body and the cover is insulated. A structure filled with a material is known (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-125534

However, there is still room for improvement in the conventional faucet from the viewpoint of easily manufacturing and improving the heat retention.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a faucet which is easily manufactured and has improved heat retention.

In order to achieve the above object, the faucet of one aspect of the present invention includes a faucet main body through which water passes.
The faucet body is made of resin and is covered with a heat insulating material.

The method for producing a faucet according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a faucet formed of resin and covered with a heat insulating material.
The process of attaching the faucet body, which allows water to pass through, to the mold,
The process includes a step of injecting a polymer material into a space formed between the faucet main body and the mold and foaming the polymer material.

According to the faucet according to the present invention, it can be easily manufactured and the heat retention can be improved.

Perspective view of the faucet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Exploded view of the faucet in FIG. Exploded view of the faucet in FIG. Perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the inside of the faucet unit Perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a faucet body Perspective view of FIG. 5 when viewed from different angles Cross-sectional view of the faucet body to which the hot water mixing valve and the switching valve are attached Perspective view of heat insulating material Perspective view of the heat insulating material from different angles Perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the inside of the faucet unit Side view of the main body cover A vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration in which the main body cover before attaching the top plate cover to the base cover is cut in the X direction. A vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration in which the main body cover is cut in the X direction after the top plate cover is attached to the base cover. A perspective view seen from above showing the schematic configuration of the first handle unit. A perspective view seen from below showing the schematic configuration of the first handle unit. Side view of the first handle unit seen from the outside in the axial direction Cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the handle A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a first molding die. A perspective view showing a schematic configuration in which a second molding die is molded into a first molding die. An exemplary flowchart of a faucet manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the faucet main body part which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. An exploded perspective view of the water discharge block according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the main body of the water discharge block Partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the water discharge block and peripheral members Top perspective view of the heat insulating material according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Downward perspective view of heat insulating material An exploded perspective view of FIG. 24 An exploded perspective view of FIG. 25

(Findings underlying the present invention)
The present inventors have obtained the following findings as a result of diligent studies to easily manufacture a faucet and improve heat retention.

In a conventional faucet, the faucet body is formed of casting. Faucets are required to be even easier to manufacture. Since castings generally require large-scale manufacturing equipment, it is difficult to easily manufacture the faucet main body. Therefore, it is conceivable that the faucet main body is formed of a resin that is easy to manufacture, instead of casting.

However, when the faucet body is made of resin, the water inside the faucet body freezes and expands, which may cause a load on the faucet body and damage the faucet body. This is a new problem discovered by the present inventors.

On the other hand, the present inventors have found that by covering the faucet main body with a heat insulating material, it is possible to prevent the water inside the faucet main body from freezing. As a result, the present inventors have found that the faucet can be easily manufactured and the heat retention can be improved.

Based on these novel findings, the present inventors have arrived at the following inventions.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the faucet 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the faucet 10 is a thermostatic faucet attached to the wall surface of the bathroom. As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet 10 includes a faucet unit 20 and a handle unit 50. The faucet unit 20 is a unit for discharging water. The handle unit 50 is a unit that is attached to the faucet unit 20 and makes it possible to change the amount of water discharged, the direction of water discharge, and the degree of mixing of hot water in the water discharge of the faucet unit 20. Hereinafter, in the drawings, the X, Y, and Z directions indicate the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the faucet 10, respectively.

<Faucet unit>
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the faucet unit 20 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the faucet unit 20 of FIG. 2 further disassembled. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the faucet unit 20 includes a faucet main body 21, a heat insulating material 22, a support member 23, a stay 24, and a main body cover 25.

The faucet main body 21 is a member having a flow path through which water passes, and constitutes the main body of the faucet unit 20. The faucet main body 21 is covered with a heat insulating material 22. The heat insulating material 22 is a member for preventing the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing. The support member 23 is a member for supporting the faucet main body 21 by connecting the faucet main body 21 and the stay 24. The stay 24 is a member for fixing the faucet main body 21 to the wall of the bathroom. The main body cover 25 is a member that covers the faucet main body 21.

<Faucet body>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the faucet unit 20 when the faucet main body 21 is not covered with the heat insulating material 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the faucet main body 21 is connected to the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 by the joint 26. The hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 are hot water and water supply pipes provided inside the wall surface of the bathroom. A water stop valve (not shown) is attached to the joint 26. The water stop valve is a member for stopping the supply of hot water from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a connecting member 29a different from the joint 26 is attached to the faucet main body 21. A shower elbow 29 (FIG. 3) is attached to the connecting member 29a. The shower elbow 29 is a member for connecting a shower hose (not shown).

A hot water mixing valve 30 is attached to the faucet main body 21 from the left side, and a switching valve 31 is attached from the right side. The hot water mixing valve 30 is a member for mixing hot water and water and discharging hot water. The hot and cold water mixing valve 30 is also generally called a thermo cartridge. Hot water is supplied to the hot water mixing valve 30 from the hot water supply source 27 (FIG. 4), and water is supplied from the water supply source 28 (FIG. 4). The switching valve 31 is a member for changing the amount of hot water discharged and the direction of water discharge. The faucet 10 is called a thermostatic faucet because it includes a hot water mixing valve 30 and a switching valve 31.

As shown in FIG. 4, a gear portion 32 that engages with the handle unit 50 is provided at the axially outer ends of the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31. The gear portion 32 at the axially outer end of the hot water mixing valve 30 is omitted in FIG.

Next, the faucet main body 21 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the faucet main body 21. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the faucet main body 21 of FIG. 5 when viewed from different angles. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the faucet main body 21 to which the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are attached.

As shown in FIG. 5, the faucet main body 21 includes a main pipe 210, a hot water supply branch pipe 211, a water supply branch pipe 212, a curan water spouting branch pipe 213, and a shower water spouting branch. It is provided with a pipe portion 214. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the faucet main body 21 includes a pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 and a drainage branch pipe portion 216.

The faucet main body 21 including these members is integrally formed of resin. That is, the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213, the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214, the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215, and the drainage branch pipe portion 215. The branch pipe portion 216 is integrally formed of resin. In the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 is formed by injection molding. The faucet body 21 is formed of, for example, a PPS resin (PPS-GF30). As a result, the faucet main body 21 can withstand water pressure.

<Main part>
The main pipe portion 210 is a tubular member formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 7, the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are aligned in the axial direction (Y direction) and fitted inside the main pipe portion 210. The inner wall of the main pipe portion 210 forms a space containing the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31, and extends along the axial direction. For resin molding using a mold, the inner wall of the main pipe portion 210 may be inclined so as to slightly expand outward from the central side in the axial direction toward the end side (for example, the inclination angle is 0.2). ~ 0.5 degrees). Openings for inserting the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are formed at both ends of the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction (Y direction). Threaded grooves 217 are formed at both ends. The screw groove 217 is provided for attaching the cap member 33 shown in FIG. The thread groove 217 is screwed with a thread formed on the back side of the cap member 33. The thread groove 217 is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 by the resin. The cap member 33 is a member for preventing the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 from falling off.

As shown in FIG. 3, handle units 50 and collars 34 are attached to both ends of the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction so as to cover the cap member 33. The collar 34 is arranged between the handle unit 50 and the main pipe portion 210.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the present embodiment, ribs 218a and 218a are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the main pipe portion 210. The rib 218a is provided at the left end of the main pipe 210, and the rib 218a is provided at the right end of the main pipe 210. The ribs 218a and 218a are adjacent to the thread groove 217 and extend in the circumferential direction closer to the center of the main pipe portion 210 than the thread groove 217. The ribs 218a and 218aa are integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 by the resin.

In the present embodiment, ribs 218b are provided at the wall-side ends of the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212. The rib 218b extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212. The rib 218b is integrally formed of the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 with resin.

As shown in FIG. 7, ribs 218c are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210. The rib 218c is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31. The rib 218c is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 by the resin. The rib 218c is a member for reducing the amount of water retained inside the main pipe portion 210. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the main pipe portion 210 due to freezing of water inside the main pipe portion 210.

As shown in FIG. 5, a hot water inlet 210a and a water inlet 210b are formed on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210. The hot water inlet 210a and the water flow inlet 210b are openings formed around the hot water mixing valve 30 and communicate with the hot water mixing valve 30. Further, a faucet spout 210c and a shower spout 210d are formed on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210. The curan spout 210c and the shower spout 210d are openings formed around the switching valve 31 and communicate with the switching valve 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the curan spout 210c and the shower spout 210d are provided axially inside the outer peripheral portion at the right end portion in the axial direction of the main pipe portion 210. The outer peripheral portion connects the support member 23. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion is a rib 218aa.

As shown in FIG. 6, a fastening portion 219 is provided below the main pipe portion 210. The fastening portion 219 is a member for attaching the main body cover 25 (FIG. 2). Specifically, the fastening portion 219 is a member having holes for fastening the screws.

<Branch pipe for hot water supply>
As shown in FIG. 5, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 is a tubular member formed by branching from a position including the hot water inlet 210a of the main pipe portion 210. The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 forms an internal flow path for supplying hot water from the hot water supply source 27 (FIG. 4) to the hot water inlet 210a. That is, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 connects the hot water supply source 27 and the hot water inlet 210a of the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path through which hot water flows.

<Branch pipe for water supply>
The water supply branch pipe portion 212 is a tubular member formed by branching from a position including the water inlet 210b of the main pipe portion. The water supply branch pipe portion 212 internally forms a flow path for supplying water from the water supply source 28 (FIG. 4) to the water inflow port 210b. That is, the water supply branch pipe portion 212 connects the water supply source 28 and the water inlet 210b of the main pipe portion 210 to form a flow path through which water flows.

The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 are provided side by side in the axial direction (Y direction) with respect to the main pipe portion 210.

<Branch pipe for water discharge>
The curan spouting branch pipe portion 213 is a tubular member formed by branching from a position including the curan spouting port 210c of the main pipe portion 210. The branch pipe portion 213 for discharging hot water forms a flow path for discharging hot water inside. In the present embodiment, the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213 is a water discharge pipe that discharges curan water. As shown in FIG. 6, the curan spouting branch pipe portion 213 is provided in the central portion of the main pipe portion 210. In addition, a rectifying section 213a is formed in the branch pipe section 213 for curan water discharge. The rectifying unit 213a is a member for rectifying the discharged water. The rectifying portion 213a is integrally formed with the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213 by the resin.

<Branch pipe for shower water discharge>
As shown in FIG. 5, the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 is a tubular member formed by branching from a position including the shower water discharge port 210d of the main pipe portion 210. The branch pipe portion 214 for shower water discharge extends toward the wall of the bathroom and forms a flow path for discharging hot water inside. In the present embodiment, the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 is a water discharge pipe for performing shower water discharge. As shown in FIG. 4, a connecting member 29a is attached to the wall-side end of the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214.

<Branch tube for pressure relief>
As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 is a tubular member formed by branching from the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211. A pressure relief valve (not shown) is attached to the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215. The pressure relief valve is a valve for releasing the pressure inside the faucet main body 21 to the outside by opening when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied.

<Branch pipe for draining water>
The drainage branch pipe portion 216 is a tubular member formed by branching from the water supply branch pipe portion 212. A drain plug (not shown) is attached to the drainage branch pipe portion 216. The drain plug drains the water around the drainage branch pipe portion 216 by opening the drainage branch pipe portion 216, and injects air into the inside to drain the water inside the faucet main body 21. It is a member for pulling out. This makes it possible to prevent the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing.

<Insulation material>
The heat insulating material 22 is a member that covers the outer periphery of the faucet main body 21 in order to prevent the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing. The heat insulating material 22 closely covers, for example, the outer periphery of the faucet main body 21. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat insulating material 22 covers the outer periphery of the main pipe portion 210 along the axial direction of the main pipe portion 210, and covers from the rib 218a to the vicinity of the rib 218aa. The thickness of the heat insulating material 22 that covers the outer periphery of the main pipe portion 210 is, for example, 5 mm. Further, the heat insulating material 22 includes a hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, a water supply branch pipe portion 212, a connection portion between the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the main pipe portion 210, and a water supply branch pipe portion 212. It covers the connection portion with the main pipe portion 210. Further, the heat insulating material 22 is provided in the space formed between the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the heat insulating material 22. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat insulating material 22 as viewed from different angles. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heat insulating material 22 has a plurality of openings 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226. The faucet main body 21 is arranged inside the heat insulating material 22. A branch pipe portion 211 for hot water supply is arranged in the opening 220. A branch pipe portion 212 for water supply is arranged in the opening 221. A branch pipe portion 213 for water discharge from curan is arranged in the opening 222. A branch pipe portion 214 for shower water discharge is arranged in the opening 223. A branch pipe portion 215 for pressure relief is arranged in the opening 224. A branch pipe portion 216 for draining water is arranged in the opening 225. A fastening portion 219 is arranged in the opening 226.

The material, thickness, and the like of the heat insulating material 22 are selected according to the usage environment. The heat insulating material 22 preferably has a thermal conductivity of 0.05 W / m · K or less, for example. The heat insulating material 22 more preferably has a thermal conductivity of 0.03 W / m · K or less. In this embodiment, the heat insulating material 22 contains either urethane foam or styrofoam.

<Support member>
As shown in FIG. 4, the support member 23 supports the faucet main body 21 by fixing the faucet main body 21 to the stay 24. Specifically, the support member 23 is a faucet main body by connecting the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 to which the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached (left side) and the axially opposite side (right side) to the wall side of the bathroom. The main pipe portion 210 of the portion 21 is supported. Here, "connecting to the wall side of the bathroom" means directly or indirectly to the wall of the bathroom and the members fixed to the wall of the bathroom (including the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28). Means to connect. The support member 23 supports the faucet body 21 so as to keep it horizontal. In the present embodiment, the support member 23 connects the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 to the stay 24 on the wall side of the bathroom. More specifically, the support member 23 connects the collar 34 attached to the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 to the stay 24 on the wall side of the bathroom. As a result, the support member 23 indirectly connects the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 to the wall side of the bathroom via the collar 34.

A recess 23a is provided in the upper part of the support member 23. The recess 23a is provided for fitting the shower elbow 29 (FIG. 3). When connecting the shower hose on the right side of the faucet main body 21, the shower elbow 29 is fitted and attached to the recess 23a of the support member 23. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the shower hose can be connected to the shower elbow 29 on the right side of the faucet main body 21. When connecting the shower hose on the left side of the faucet main body 21, a support member 35 described later is used. The support member 23 is made of, for example, ABS resin.

<Stay>
The stay 24 is a member that is fixed to the wall of the bathroom and holds the faucet main body 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the stay 24 has an opening for connecting the joint 26 to the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28. A support member 23 is detachably attached to the right end of the stay 24. A support member 35 is attached to the left end of the stay 24. The support member 35 is a member for fixing the shower elbow 29A on the left side of the faucet main body 21. A recess 35a is provided in the upper part of the support member 35.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the faucet unit 20 when the shower hose is connected on the left side of the faucet main body 21. When the shower hose is connected on the left side of the faucet main body 21, the shower elbow 29A is fitted and attached to the support member 35 attached to the stay 24 as shown in FIG. The shower elbow 29A is connected to the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 via the connecting member 29a.

<Body cover>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body cover 25 has a top plate cover 250 and a foundation cover 251. The main body cover 25 is attached to the stay 24. Further, the main body cover 25 is attached to the faucet main body portion 21. As a result, the main body cover 25 and the faucet main body 21 can be used integrally. The main body cover 25 is made of resin. The top plate cover 250 is attached so as to cover the upper part of the faucet main body 21. The foundation cover 251 has left and right side surfaces and a bottom surface, and is attached so as to cover the lower portion of the faucet main body 21. The foundation cover 251 is formed separately from the top plate cover 250 and fits with the top plate cover 250. In the present embodiment, the top plate cover 250 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA resin), and the base cover 251 is made of ABS resin.

<Top plate cover>
FIG. 11 is a side view of the main body cover 25. As shown in FIG. 11, the top plate cover 250 has an eaves portion 252. The eaves portion 252 forms a slope inclined downward, that is, a slope inclined in the −Z direction with respect to the XY plane. The eaves portion 252 is formed so as to project obliquely downward from the front end portion (end portion in the + X direction) of the foundation cover 251 described later.

FIG. 12A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration in which the main body cover 25 before the top plate cover 250 is attached to the base cover 251 is cut in the X direction at the left end portion (end portion in the −Y direction). FIG. 12B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration in which the main body cover 25 after the top plate cover 250 is attached to the base cover 251 is cut in the X direction at the left end portion. Since the right end portion (+ Y direction end portion) of the main body cover 25 has the same configuration as the left end portion, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the top plate cover 250 has fitting portions 253a and 253b and lock fitting portions 254a and 254b.

The fitting portion 253a is formed in front of the fitting portion 253b (in the + X direction). Specifically, the fitting portion 253a is formed on the back side of the eaves portion 252 of the top plate cover 250. A recess 253aa is formed in the fitting portion 253a. The recess 253aa is formed so as to extend rearward (in the −X direction) from the back side of the eaves portion 252. The fitting portion 253b is formed so as to extend from the left end portion of the top plate cover 250 to the right side (+ Y direction). The lower end portion (end portion in the −Z direction) of the fitting portion 253b is formed so as to extend rearward. That is, the fitting portion 253b is formed in an L shape when viewed from the right side.

The lock fitting portions 254a and 254b are formed so as to extend from the left end portion of the top plate cover 250 to the right side. The lock fitting portion 254a has a guide 254aa at the rear portion. The guide 254aa forms a slope inclined in the + Z direction with respect to the XY plane. The guide 254aa is a member for facilitating the sliding and fitting of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251. The lock fitting portion 254b has a first fitting portion 254ba and a second fitting portion 254bb. The first fitting portion 254ba is formed above the second fitting portion 254bb. The second fitting portion 254bb is formed so as to extend downward from the left end portion of the first fitting portion 254ba. The second fitting portion 254bb is formed so as to extend rearward from the lower end portion. That is, the second fitting portion 254bb is formed in an L shape when viewed from the right side.

<Basic cover>
As shown in FIG. 11, an upwardly curved curved surface is formed at the front end portion of the foundation cover 251. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the collar 34 is fitted on the left side surface of the foundation cover 251. The collar 34 forms a lock fitting portion 256a at the top. The lock fitting portion 256a is formed so as to extend from the upper end portion of the collar 34 to the right side. The lower end of the lock fitting portion 256a is formed so as to extend rearward. That is, the lock fitting portion 256a is formed in an L shape when viewed from the right side.

The foundation cover 251 has fitting portions 255a and 255b and a lock fitting portion 256b. The fitting portion 255a is formed in front of the fitting portion 255b. Specifically, the fitting portion 255a is formed so as to extend upward (+ Z direction) from the lower surface of the foundation cover 251. A protrusion 255aa is formed on the upper end portion (end portion in the + Z direction) of the fitting portion 255a toward the front. The fitting portion 255b is formed so as to extend from the upper end portion of the left side surface of the foundation cover 251 to the right side. The upper end portion of the fitting portion 255b is formed so as to extend forward. That is, the fitting portion 255a is formed in an L shape with the −Z direction facing up when viewed from the right side.

The lock fitting portion 256b is formed so as to extend from the upper end portion of the left side surface of the foundation cover 251 to the right side. The upper end portion of the lock fitting portion 256b has a first fitting portion 256ba and a second fitting portion 256bb. The first fitting portion 256ba and the second fitting portion 256bb are formed so as to extend forward. The first fitting portion 256ba is formed above the second fitting portion 256bb. The first fitting portion 256ba has a guide 256ba at the front portion. The guide 256baa forms a slope inclined in the + Z direction with respect to the XY plane. The guide 256baa is a member for facilitating the sliding and fitting of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251.

Next, how to attach the top plate cover 250 to the foundation cover 251 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12A, the top plate cover 250 is attached to the foundation cover 251 from above. After that, the top plate cover 250 is slid rearward with respect to the base cover 251 to be fitted. At this time, the upper end portion of the lock fitting portion 256a slides and moves with respect to the guide 254aa of the lock fitting portion 254a, and the lower end portion of the first fitting portion 254ba with respect to the guide 256ba of the first fitting portion 256ba. The part slides and moves.

The top plate cover 250 is slid further rearward with respect to the base cover 251 to be fitted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the top plate cover 250 and the foundation cover 251 are in a fitted state. As a result, the top plate cover 250 and the foundation cover 251 can be used integrally.

The protrusion 255aa of the fitting portion 255a fits into the recess 253aa of the fitting portion 253a. This limits the left, right, rear, and upward movement of the top cover 250 with respect to the foundation cover 251. The upper end portion of the fitting portion 255b is arranged on the lower end portion of the fitting portion 253b. This limits the backward and upward movement of the top cover 250 with respect to the foundation cover 251.

The lock fitting portion 254a is arranged at the lower end portion of the lock fitting portion 256a behind the lock fitting portion 256a. This limits the forward and downward movement of the top cover 250 with respect to the foundation cover 251. The first fitting portion 254ba is arranged on the first fitting portion 256ba behind the guide 256ba of the first fitting portion 256ba. This limits the forward and downward movement of the top cover 250 with respect to the foundation cover 251. The second fitting portion 256bb is arranged on the lower end portion of the second fitting portion 254bb. This limits the backward and upward movement of the top cover 250 with respect to the foundation cover 251.

<Handle unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the handle unit 50 includes a first handle unit 50a and a second handle unit 50b.

In the present embodiment, the first handle unit 50a is a unit for adjusting the temperature of the discharged water. Specifically, the temperature of the discharged water is adjusted by rotating the first handle unit 50a in the R direction. For example, the temperature of the discharged water is lowered by rotating downward from the reference position, and the temperature of the discharged water is raised by rotating upward from the reference position. Here, the R direction indicates a direction of rotation with the axis of the main pipe portion 210 as a rotation axis. Further, the reference position indicates a position where the upper surface of the handle unit 50 is flush with the upper surface of the top plate cover 250.

When the first handle unit 50a is in the reference position, the temperature of the discharged water is set to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 40 degrees. When the first handle unit 50a rotates upward from the reference position, the hot water mixing valve 30 (FIG. 3) rotates upward together with the first handle unit 50a. As a result, the ratio of the amount of hot water to the amount of water increases, and the temperature of the discharged water rises above a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, when the first handle unit 50a rotates downward from the reference position, the hot water mixing valve 30 rotates downward together with the first handle unit 50a. As a result, the ratio of the amount of water to the amount of hot water increases, and the temperature of the discharged water drops below a predetermined temperature.

The second handle unit 50b is a unit for changing the water discharge direction (faucet water discharge or shower water discharge) and the water discharge amount by rotation. Specifically, the water discharge direction is changed by changing the rotation direction R of the second handle unit 50b from the reference position. For example, the curan water discharge is performed from the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213 by rotating downward from the reference position, and the shower water discharge is performed from the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 by rotating upward from the reference position. Furthermore, the amount of water discharged is changed by changing the degree of rotation from the reference position. For example, when the amount of rotation of the second handle unit 50b from the reference position is increased, the amount of water discharged increases.

When the second handle unit 50b is in the reference position, neither the curan spout 210c (FIG. 4) nor the shower spout 210d (FIG. 4) communicates with the switching valve 31 (FIG. 3), so that water is discharged. I can't do it. When the second handle unit 50b rotates upward from the reference position, the switching valve 31 rotates upward together with the second handle unit 50b. As a result, the switching valve 31 and the shower spout 210d communicate with each other to perform shower spouting. When the second handle unit 50b rotates further upward, the switching valve 31 and the shower spout 210d communicate with each other over a wider area, so that the amount of shower water spouting increases.

On the other hand, when the second handle unit 50b rotates downward from the reference position, the switching valve 31 rotates downward together with the second handle unit 50b. As a result, the switching valve 31 and the faucet spout 210c communicate with each other to discharge the faucet. When the second handle unit 50b rotates further downward, the switching valve 31 and the curan spout 210c communicate with each other over a wider area, so that the amount of curan spout increases.

As shown in FIG. 3, the handle unit 50 is attached to the faucet main body 21. Specifically, the handle unit 50 is attached to both ends of the main pipe portion 210 of the faucet main body portion 21 in the axial direction (Y direction).

Next, the first handle unit 50a will be described in detail. Since the second handle unit 50b has the same configuration as the main part of the first handle unit 50a, the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a perspective view seen from above showing a schematic configuration of the first handle unit 50a. FIG. 14 is a perspective view seen from below showing a schematic configuration of the first handle unit 50a.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first handle unit 50a includes a handle 51 and a transmission member 52. The handle 51 is a member for operating the handle unit 50. The transmission member 52 is connected to the faucet unit 20 and transmits the force of the handle 51 to the faucet unit 20. The handle 51 (foundation portion 56 described later) and the transmission member 52 are fixed to the faucet unit 20 from the outside in the axial direction by, for example, a screw 53. Further, the outer lid 54 is attached to the handle 51 from the outside in the axial direction so as to cover the screw 53.

<Handle>
As shown in FIG. 3, the handles 51 are provided at both ends of the main pipe portion 210 to operate the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31. In the present embodiment, the handle 51 of the first handle unit 50a operates the hot water mixing valve 30, and the handle 51 of the second handle unit 50b operates the switching valve 31.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the handle 51 has a top plate portion 55 forming the upper surface and a base portion 56 formed separately from the top plate portion 55. The handle 51 is made of resin. In the present embodiment, the top plate portion 55 is formed of acrylic resin (PMMA resin), and the base portion 56 is formed of ABS resin.

<Top plate>
As shown in FIG. 1, the top plate portion 55 of the handle 51 is formed so as to be flush with the top plate cover 250 when the handle unit 50 is attached to the faucet unit 20. As shown in FIG. 13, the top plate portion 55 is formed so as to cover the upper side of the transmission member 52.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the first handle unit 50a as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the top plate portion 55 has a handle eaves portion 57. The handle eaves portion 57 forms a slope inclined in the −Z direction with respect to the XY plane. The handle eaves portion 57 is formed so as to project obliquely downward from the front end portion of the foundation portion 56.

As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of protrusion pieces 55a, 55b, 55c are formed on the back side of the top plate portion 55. The protrusion 55a is formed so as to extend in the axial direction (Y direction) on the back side of the rear portion of the top plate portion 55. The lower end of the protrusion 55a has a slide portion 55aa. The slide portion 55aa is formed so as to extend rearward. The protrusion 55b is formed so as to extend in the axial direction on the back side of the handle eaves 57 of the top plate 55. The lower end of the protrusion 55b has a slide portion 55ba. The slide portion 55ba is formed so as to extend diagonally downward in parallel with the slope of the handle eaves portion 57. The protrusion 55c is formed on the back side of the top plate portion 55 so as to extend from the rear portion to the handle eaves portion 57.

<Foundation>
As shown in FIG. 13, the foundation portion 56 is formed so as to cover the left side and the lower side of the transmission member 52. Plate-shaped portions 56a, 56b, and 56c are provided at the upper end of the foundation portion 56. The plate-shaped portions 56a, 56b, 56c are formed so as to extend inward. The plate-shaped portion 56a is formed so as to extend forward from the rear end portion (end portion in the −X direction). The plate-shaped portion 56a fits on the slide portion 55aa. The plate-shaped portion 56b is formed so as to extend from the front end portion to the rear in parallel with the slope of the handle eaves portion 57. The plate-shaped portion 56b fits on the slide portion 55ba. The plate-shaped portion 56c is formed so as to extend from the left end portion toward the right side. The plate-shaped portion 56c is provided with an opening 58. The opening 58 fits with the protrusion 55c.

Next, how to attach the top plate portion 55 to the foundation portion 56 will be described. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the handle 51 of the first handle unit 50a. From the state shown in FIG. 13, the top plate portion 55 is slid with respect to the base portion 56 in the Y direction to be fitted. At this time, the plate-shaped portion 56a slides and moves on the slide portion 55aa, and the plate-shaped portion 56b slides and moves on the slide portion 55ba. The top plate portion 55 is further slid with respect to the base portion 56, and the protrusion 55c is fitted into the opening 58 of the plate-shaped portion 56c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the top plate portion 55 and the base portion 56 are in a fitted state.

By fitting the plate-shaped portion 56a on the slide portion 55aa and fitting the plate-shaped portion 56b on the slide portion 55ba, the movement of the top plate portion 55 with respect to the base portion 56 in the rotational direction is restricted. Further, by fitting the protruding piece 55c with the opening 58, the axial movement of the top plate portion 55 with respect to the base portion 56 is restricted. As a result, the top plate portion 55 and the foundation portion 56 can be used integrally.

<Transmission member>
As shown in FIG. 14, the transmission member 52 is provided with a safety lock 60. The safety lock 60 fits into the opening 59 of the foundation 56. The safety lock 60 is a member for preventing the first handle unit 50a from rotating to the high temperature side. A gear portion 61 is provided inside the transmission member 52. By engaging the gear portion 61 of the transmission member 52 and the gear portion 32 of the hot and cold water mixing valve 30 in the rotational direction, the force in the rotational direction applied to the handle 51 is transmitted to the hot and cold water mixing valve 30 through the gear portion 61. NS.

Next, a method of manufacturing the faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the first molding die 71. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration in which a second molding die 72 is molded into a first molding die 71. FIG. 19 is an exemplary flowchart of a method for manufacturing the faucet 10. As shown in FIG. 18, the mold 70 includes a first mold 71 and a second mold 72. As shown in FIG. 17, the first molding die 71 is provided with a recess 73. The faucet main body 21 is attached to the recess 73. With the faucet body 21 attached to the recess 73, a cavity is formed between the recess 73 and the faucet body 21. The cavity is a space for injecting the polymer material. Further, the first molding die 71 is formed with a communication hole 74 for injecting a polymer material. Similarly, in the second molding die 72, a recess 73 to which the faucet main body 21 is attached and a communication hole 74 for injecting a polymer material are formed.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step ST10, the faucet main body 21 is attached to the mold 70 (first molding die 71) (attachment step). Further, the second mold 72 is molded into the first mold 71.

In step ST20, the polymer material is injected into the space formed between the faucet main body 21 and the mold 70 to foam (injection / foaming step). Specifically, from the communication holes 74 formed in the first molding die 71 and the second molding die 72, the cavity formed between the faucet main body 21 and the first molding die 71, and water. A polymer material is injected into the cavity formed between the stopper main body 21 and the second molding mold 72 and foamed.

In this embodiment, the polymer material is urethane resin. Specifically, the urethane resin is foamed by adding a foaming agent to the urethane resin. After foaming, the faucet body 21 is removed from the mold 70. As described above, the faucet main body 21 is covered with the foamed urethane resin (foamed urethane).

[effect]
According to the faucet 10 according to the present embodiment, the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 are provided. The main pipe portion 210 is internally fitted with a hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and water, and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount of hot water discharged and the direction of water discharge mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 side by side in the axial direction. The main pipe portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and forms a hot water inlet 210a and a water flow inlet 210b communicating with the hot water mixing valve 30. The main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 are integrally formed of resin.

According to this configuration, hot water and water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30. As a result, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with an outer cylinder and a flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, a flow path is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since there is no need, the faucet 10 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured while suppressing the cost. Further, the faucet 10 can be easily manufactured by integrally forming the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured while suppressing the cost. Further, by forming the main pipe portion 210, the branch pipe portion 211 for hot water supply, and the branch pipe portion 212 for water supply with resin, the cost of the faucet main body 21 is suppressed as compared with the case where the main pipe portion 210 is formed of metal. Can be done.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main pipe portion 210 is formed with a curan spout 210c and a shower spout 210d communicating with the switching valve 31. Further, the faucet 10 includes a curan spouting branch pipe portion 213 and a shower water spouting branch pipe portion 214. The curan spouting branch pipe portion 213 branches from the position including the curan spout port 210c of the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path for discharging hot water inside. The shower spouting branch pipe portion 214 branches from a position including the shower spouting port 210d of the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path for discharging hot water inside. The main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213, and the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 are integrally formed of resin.

According to this configuration, the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the faucet water spouting branch pipe portion 213, and the shower water spouting branch pipe portion 214 are integrally formed of resin. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213 is a water discharge pipe that discharges curan water, and the rectifying portion 213a is integrally formed with the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213 by the resin.

According to this configuration, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily because it is not necessary to form the rectifying portion 213a as a separate member by integrally forming the rectifying portion 213a with the branch pipe portion 213 for discharging water from the faucet. can do. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing. Further, it is possible to save the trouble of mounting the rectifying unit 213a.

Further, in the present embodiment, openings for inserting the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are formed at both ends of the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction. Cap members 33 for preventing the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 from falling off are attached to both ends. A thread groove 217 screwed with the thread of the cap member 33 is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 by the resin.

According to this configuration, the cap member 33 can be easily attached to the main pipe portion 210. Further, by integrally forming the screw groove 217 with the main pipe portion 210 with resin, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing.

Further, in the present embodiment, ribs 218a and 218aa extending in the circumferential direction adjacent to the center of the main pipe portion 210 with respect to the thread groove 217 are provided on the outer periphery of the main pipe portion 210, and the ribs 218a and 218aa are provided. It is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 by a resin.

According to this configuration, when the cap member 33 is attached to the main pipe portion 210, the cap member 33 is stopped by the ribs 218a and 218aa, so that the cap member 33 can be more reliably fastened to the main pipe portion 210. .. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the hot and cold water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 from falling off. Further, when the main pipe portion 210 is covered with the heat insulating material 22, it is possible to prevent the heat insulating material 22 from covering the screw groove 217. Therefore, the main pipe portion 210 can be easily covered with the heat insulating material 22.

Further, in the present embodiment, a rib 218c extending in the circumferential direction is provided between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210, and the rib 218c is provided with the main pipe portion 210 and the resin. Is integrally formed by.

According to this configuration, by providing the rib 218c between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31, the space where water collects between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 can be reduced. As a result, when the water freezes, it is possible to prevent the main pipe portion 210 from expanding and cracking. Further, by integrally forming the rib 218c with the main pipe portion 210 with resin, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the faucet 10 includes a pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 to which a pressure relief valve is attached and a drainage branch pipe portion 216 to which a drain plug is attached. The main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215, and the drainage branch pipe portion 216 are integrally formed of resin.

According to this configuration, the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215, and the drainage branch pipe portion 216 are integrally formed of resin. , The faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing.

According to the faucet 10 according to the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 including the main pipe 210, the hot water supply branch pipe 211, and the water supply branch pipe 212, and the support member 23 are provided. .. The main pipe portion 210 is internally fitted with a hot water mixing valve 30 that mixes hot water and water, and a switching valve 31 that changes the amount of hot water discharged and the direction of water discharge mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 side by side in the axial direction. The main pipe portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and forms a hot water inlet 210a and a water flow inlet 210b communicating with the hot water mixing valve 30. The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 branches from a position including the hot water inlet 210a of the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path inside which the hot water from the hot water supply source 27 is supplied to the hot water inlet 210a. The water supply branch pipe portion 212 branches from a position including the water inflow port 210b of the main pipe portion 210, and forms an internal flow path for supplying water from the water supply source 28 to the water inflow port 210b. The support member 23 supports the main pipe portion 210 by connecting the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 on the side where the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached and the side opposite to the axial direction to the wall side of the bathroom.

According to this configuration, hot water and water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30. As a result, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with an outer cylinder and a flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, a flow path is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since there is no need, the faucet 10 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured while suppressing the cost.

Further, since the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 are connected to the hot water inlet 210a and the water flow inlet 210b communicating with the hot water mixing valve 30, they are arranged unevenly on the side where the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached. On the other hand, in the main pipe portion 210, the support member 23 supports the side on which the hot and cold water mixing valve 30 is attached and the side opposite to the axial direction, that is, the side on which the switching valve 31 is attached. The load can be supported on the wall side of the. Therefore, the position of the faucet main body 21 can be held at a predetermined position.

Further, the faucet 10 according to the present embodiment includes a stay 24 that is fixed to the wall of the bathroom and holds the faucet main body 21, and the support member 23 connects the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe 210 to the stay 24.

According to this configuration, by attaching the support member 23 to the stay 24, the main pipe portion 210 and the wall of the bathroom can be more easily connected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 is integrally formed of resin.

According to this configuration, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily by integrally forming the faucet main body 21. Further, by forming the faucet main body 21 with resin, the cost of the faucet main body 21 can be further suppressed as compared with the case where the faucet main body 21 is formed of metal.

Further, in the present embodiment, a water spout (shower spout 210d) communicating with the switching valve 31 is provided inside the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction. The faucet main body 21 is branched from a position including a spout (shower spout 210d) of the main pipe 210, extends toward the wall of the bathroom, and has a flow path for spouting hot water formed inside. A branch pipe portion (shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214) is provided. Shower elbows 29 and 29A connected to the shower hose are attached to the wall-side end of the water discharge branch pipe portion (shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214). A recess 23a into which the shower elbow 29 is fitted is provided in the upper part of the support member 23.

According to this configuration, the shower elbows 29 and 29A can be attached to the recess 23a of the support member 23, so that the shower elbows 29 and 29A can be held more easily.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the main pipe portion 210, the handle unit 50 and the handle unit 50 and the main pipe portion 210 are arranged at the ends on the side where the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached and the side opposite to the axial direction. Collar 34 is attached. The support member 23 connects the collar 34 to the wall side of the bathroom.

According to this configuration, in order to connect the main pipe portion 210 and the wall side of the bathroom to support the main pipe portion 210, it is not necessary to newly provide a member other than the collar 34, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

According to the faucet 10 according to the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 through which water passes is provided, and the faucet main body 21 is formed of resin and is covered with a heat insulating material.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the faucet main body 21 due to freezing and expansion of water.

Further, in the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 includes a main pipe 210, a hot water supply branch pipe 211, and a water supply branch pipe 212. The main pipe portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and water and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount of hot water discharged and the direction of hot water discharged mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 are internally attached. .. The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 connects the hot water supply source 27 and the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path through which hot water flows. The water supply branch pipe portion 212 connects the water supply source 28 and the main pipe portion 210, and forms a flow path through which water flows.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the water inside the faucet main body 21 including the main pipe 210, the hot water supply branch pipe 211, and the water supply branch pipe 212 from freezing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the faucet main body 21 from being damaged.

Further, in the present embodiment, the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are attached side by side in the axial direction of the main pipe portion 210. The main pipe portion 210 has a hot water inlet 210a and a water flow inlet 210b communicating with the hot water mixing valve 30. The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 connects the hot water supply source 27 and the hot water inlet 210a of the main pipe portion 210. The water supply branch pipe portion 212 connects the water supply source 28 and the water inlet 210b of the main pipe portion 210.

According to this configuration, hot water and water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30. As a result, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with an outer cylinder and a flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, a flow path is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since there is no need, the faucet 10 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the cost of the faucet 10 can be further suppressed for manufacturing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 are provided side by side with respect to the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction, and the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch are provided. A heat insulating material 22 is provided in the space formed between the pipe portion 212 and the pipe portion 212.

According to this configuration, since the water inside the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 is particularly liable to freeze, it is possible to further suppress the freezing of the water in the portion. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the faucet main body 21 from being damaged.

Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 is formed with ribs extending in the circumferential direction.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the heat insulating material 22 from being formed outside the ribs, so that the heat insulating material 22 can be more easily covered with respect to the faucet 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 22 preferably has a thermal conductivity of 0.05 W / m · K or less.

According to this configuration, the heat retention of the faucet main body 21 can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 22 contains either urethane foam or styrofoam.

According to this configuration, the heat retention of the faucet main body 21 can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the step ST10 and the step ST20 are included in the method of manufacturing the faucet 10 formed of resin and covered with the heat insulating material 22. In step ST10, the faucet main body 21 through which water passes is attached to the mold 70. In the step ST20, the polymer material is injected into the space formed between the faucet main body 21 and the mold 70 and foamed.

According to this configuration, the heat insulating material 22 can be more easily covered with respect to the faucet main body 21. Further, by changing the mold 70, the thickness of the heat insulating material 22 can be easily changed depending on the location. Therefore, the heat retention can be further improved especially for the portion to be kept warm.

According to the faucet 10 according to the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 is provided, a main body cover 25 for covering the faucet main body 21, and a handle 51 attached to the faucet main body 21. The main body cover 25 has a top plate cover 250 that covers the upper part of the faucet main body 21, and a base cover 251 that is formed separately from the top plate cover 250 and is fitted with the top plate cover 250. The handle 51 has a top plate portion 55 forming the upper surface and a base portion 56 formed separately from the top plate portion 55 and fitted with the top plate portion 55.

According to this configuration, the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 of the handle 51 can be easily replaced. Therefore, when changing the design such as the color and shape of the faucet 10, it is not necessary to replace all of the main body cover 25 and the handle 51, and only the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 need to be replaced. The design of the stopper 10 can be easily changed. Further, since the foundation cover 251 and the foundation portion 56 can be shared, the manufacturing cost of the faucet 10 having a modified design can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the top plate cover 250 is formed so as to protrude from the foundation cover 251 and the top plate portion 55 is formed so as to protrude from the foundation portion 56.

According to this configuration, the foundation cover 251 and the foundation portion 56 can be obscured when viewed from above. Therefore, the design of the faucet 10 can be changed more easily by changing the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 without changing the foundation cover 251 and the foundation portion 56.

Further, in the present embodiment, the top plate cover 250 slides and fits with the foundation cover 251 and the top plate portion 55 slides and fits with the foundation portion 56.

According to this configuration, the top plate cover 250 can be more easily attached to the foundation cover 251 and the top plate portion 55 can be more easily attached to the foundation portion 56. Further, since the rattling of the handle 51 can be suppressed, the operability of the handle 51 can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main body cover 25 and the handle 51 are made of resin.

According to this configuration, the cost of the main body cover 25 and the handle 51 can be further suppressed as compared with the case where the main body cover 25 and the handle 51 are made of metal.

Further, in the present embodiment, the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 are made of acrylic resin.

According to this configuration, the cleanability of the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the faucet main body 21 has a hot water mixing valve 30 that mixes hot water and water, and a switching valve 31 that changes the amount and direction of hot water discharged mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 in the axial direction. It is provided with a tubular main pipe portion 210 that is attached to the inside side by side. Handles 51 are provided at both ends of the main pipe portion 210 to operate the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31.

According to this configuration, the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 can be easily replaced in the faucet 10 having the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31. Therefore, the design of the faucet 10 having the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 can be easily changed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various other aspects. In the above embodiment, the faucet main body 21 includes a main pipe 210, a hot water supply branch pipe 211, a water supply branch pipe 212, a curan water discharge branch pipe 213, and a shower water discharge branch pipe. Although it is provided with 214, other configurations may be used. As long as the faucet main body 21 through which water passes is formed of resin and covered with the heat insulating material 22, another configuration may be used. For example, it may be a single faucet that discharges either water or hot water. Further, for example, the faucet main body 21 is covered with an outer cylinder, a flow path is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, and water from the water supply source 28 is introduced through the flow path to a hot water mixing valve. It may be configured to supply to 30. Even with these configurations, it can be easily manufactured and the heat retention can be improved.

Further, the heat insulating material 22 includes, but is not limited to, either urethane foam or styrofoam. The heat insulating material 22 may be another member as long as it can prevent the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing.

Further, in the method of manufacturing the faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22, between the step ST10 of attaching the faucet main body 21 through which water passes to the mold 70 and the faucet main body 21 and the mold 70. It is said that the step ST20 of injecting a polymer material into the formed space and foaming it is included, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the heat insulating material 22 is a member that prevents the water inside the faucet main body 21 from freezing, the faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22 may be manufactured by another manufacturing method. For example, a heat insulating material 22 previously formed of foamed plastic such as foamed PP (expanded polypropylene) or foamed PS (expanded polystyrene) may be attached so as to cover the outer periphery of the faucet main body 21. This configuration also prevents damage to the faucet body 21.

(Embodiment 2)
The faucet of the second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 27. In the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is the peripheral configuration of the branch pipe portion 213A for water discharge from Karan and the configuration of the heat insulating material 100.

With reference to FIG. 20, the peripheral configuration of the curan spouting branch pipe portion 213A in the faucet main body portion 21A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the faucet main body 21A. In FIG. 20, the configurations other than the faucet main body 21A are not shown as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 20, the curan spouting branch pipe portion 213A has a substantially elliptical shape. Inside the branch pipe portion 213A for curan water discharge, the curan water discharge port 210c formed on the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 is exposed. A water discharge block 80 (FIG. 21), which will be described later, is attached to the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213A so as to communicate with the curan water discharge port 210c.

Screw receiving portions 82 are provided on both sides of the branch pipe portion 213A for curan water discharge. A screw 85 (FIG. 21), which will be described later, is screwed into the screw receiving portion 82. By screwing the screw 85 into the screw receiving portion 82, the water discharge block 80 can be fixed to the faucet main body portion 21A. The screw receiving portion 82 is formed with a thread groove (not shown) for receiving the thread of the screw 85.

Next, the water discharge block 80 for performing the curan water discharge in the faucet main body 21A will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the water discharge block 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the main body 84 of the water discharge block 80. FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view showing the water discharge block 80 and peripheral members.

As shown in FIG. 21, the water discharge block 80 includes a main body portion 84, a screw 85, a strainer 86, and a cap 88.

The main body portion 84 is a cylindrical member that constitutes the main body of the water discharge block 80. An upstream opening 90A is formed at the upstream end of the main body 84, and a downstream opening 90B (FIG. 22) is formed at the downstream end. The upstream side opening 90A and the downstream side opening 90B communicate with each other to form a flow path for water discharge from Karan. The upstream opening 90A is arranged at a position facing the Karan spout 210c inside the Karan spouting branch pipe portion 213A described above.

The main body 84 is provided with flanges 92a and 92b extending in the left-right direction (Y direction). Insertion holes 94 are formed in the flange portions 92a and 92b, respectively. The insertion hole 94 is a hole for inserting the screw 85. With the screw 85 inserted into the insertion hole 94, the screw 85 is screwed into the screw receiving portion 82 (FIG. 20) of the faucet main body 21A.

As shown in FIG. 23, in a state where the water discharge block 80 is attached to the branch pipe portion 213A for water discharge from the curan, the flange portion 92a is configured to be longer outward than the screw receiving portion 82. Specifically, the left flange portion 92a is formed so as to extend to the left side of the left end of the left screw receiving portion 82.

A rectifying unit 87 (FIG. 22) is provided inside the main body 84. The rectifying unit 87 is a member for rectifying the water flowing through the main body 84. The rectifying unit 87 in this embodiment is integrally formed with the main body 84. Specifically, the main body portion 84 and the rectifying portion 87 are integrally formed of the resin by injection molding using the same resin material.

The strainer 86 is a net-like member for adjusting the amount of water flowing through the main body 84. The strainer 86 is provided between the main body 84 and the cap 88.

The cap 88 is a tubular member that covers the downstream side of the main body portion 84. The cap 88 is screwed into the main body portion 84. An opening (not shown) is formed at the lower end of the cap 88, and the downstream opening 90B of the main body 84 is exposed through the opening. The downstream opening 90B constitutes the spout of the spout block 80.

Next, the heat insulating material 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27. FIG. 24 is an upward perspective view of the heat insulating material 100. FIG. 25 is a downward perspective view of the heat insulating material 100. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 24. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 25.

As shown in FIGS. 24 to 27, the heat insulating material 100 is formed in a divisible manner and is attached to the faucet main body 21A (FIG. 20). Further, the heat insulating material 100 has a shape that follows the outer peripheral shape of the faucet main body 21A. The heat insulating material 100 has a first heat insulating material 101 and a second heat insulating material 102 that fits with the first heat insulating material 101. In the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 100 is formed by being divided into upper and lower parts, and has a lower heat insulating material 101 and an upper heat insulating material 102. Hereinafter, the first heat insulating material 101 will be referred to as the lower heat insulating material 101, and the second heat insulating material 102 will be referred to as the upper heat insulating material 102.

The lower heat insulating material 101 and the upper heat insulating material 102 are positioned by the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 (FIG. 20) and the water supply branch pipe portion (FIG. 20). The lower insulation material 101 and the upper insulation material 102 have a plurality of openings 220A, 221A, 223A on the back surface facing the wall of the bathroom. A branch pipe portion 211 for hot water supply is arranged in the opening 220A. A branch pipe portion 212 for water supply is arranged in the opening 221A. A branch pipe portion 214 (FIG. 20) for shower water discharge is arranged in the opening 223A.

The lower heat insulating material 101 is attached to the side where the curan spout 210c is formed in the main pipe portion 210. The lower heat insulating material 101 has a plurality of openings 222A, 224A, 225A, and 226A on the bottom surface. A branch pipe portion 213A (FIG. 20) for water discharge from curan is arranged in the opening 222A. A branch pipe portion 215 (FIG. 20) for pressure relief is arranged in the opening 224A. A branch pipe portion 216 (FIG. 20) for draining water is arranged in the opening 225A. A fastening portion 219 (FIG. 20) is arranged in the opening 226A.

In the present embodiment, the opening 222A is formed along the outer periphery of the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213A and the screw receiving portion 82, and is fitted and inserted into the curan water discharge branch pipe portion 213A and the screw receiving portion 82. NS. Similarly, the opening 224A is formed along the outer circumference of the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215, and is fitted and inserted into the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215. Similarly, the opening 225A is formed along the outer circumference of the drainage branch pipe portion 216, and is fitted and inserted into the drainage branch pipe portion 216. As a result, the lower heat insulating material 101 is fitted and attached to the faucet main body 21A. Therefore, the lower heat insulating material 101 can be held against the faucet main body 21A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, in a state where the lower heat insulating material 101 is attached to the faucet main body 21A, the lower heat insulating material 101 is held by the water discharge block 80 with the main pipe 210.

As shown in FIGS. 24 to 27, the upper heat insulating material 102 has a front surface 103 extending downward. The lower heat insulating material 101 has a front surface 104 extending upward. When the upper heat insulating material 102 is attached to the lower heat insulating material 101, a part of the lower heat insulating material 101 is covered with the front surface 103 of the upper heat insulating material 102. Specifically, the front surface 104 of the lower heat insulating material 101 is arranged behind the front surface 103 of the upper heat insulating material 102 and is covered with the front surface 103. The upper heat insulating material 102 and the lower heat insulating material 101 are formed in consideration of shrinkage after molding.

The upper heat insulating material 102 has a plurality of protrusions 105, and the lower heat insulating material 101 has a plurality of recesses 106. The protrusion 105 is fitted and attached to the recess 106. As a result, the upper heat insulating material 102 can be positioned with respect to the lower heat insulating material 101.

Next, a method of assembling the heat insulating material 100 will be described. The lower heat insulating material 101 is fitted and attached to the faucet main body 21A (FIG. 20). The protrusion 105 is fitted into the recess 106, and the upper heat insulating material 102 is attached to the lower heat insulating material 101. Further, the water discharge block 80 is attached to the branch pipe portion 213A (FIG. 20) for water discharge from Karan. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23, the lower heat insulating material 101 is arranged between the flange portion 92a of the water discharge block 80 and the main pipe portion 210. After attaching the lower heat insulating material 101 and the upper heat insulating material 102 to the faucet main body 21A, the front and rear seams of the lower heat insulating material 101 and the upper heat insulating material 102 are fixed with, for example, aluminum tape. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heat insulating material 100 from coming off from the faucet main body 21A.

[effect]
In the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 100 is formed so as to be divisible.

According to this configuration, the heat insulating material 100 can be easily attached to the faucet main body 21A.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 100 has a first heat insulating material 101 and a second heat insulating material 102 that fits with the first heat insulating material 101. The first heat insulating material 101 and the second heat insulating material 102 have a shape along the outer peripheral shape of the faucet main body 21A, and are positioned by the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212.

According to this configuration, the first heat insulating material 101 and the second heat insulating material 102 can be easily positioned with respect to the faucet main body 21A.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main pipe portion 210 is formed with a curan spout 210c communicating with the switching valve 31, and a water spout block 80 communicating with the curan spout 210c to form a flow path for curan spouting is a main pipe. It is attached to the portion 210. The first heat insulating material 101 is attached to the side where the curan spout 210c is formed in the main pipe portion 210, and is held by the spout block 80.

According to this configuration, the water discharge block 80 can prevent the first heat insulating material 101 from coming off from the faucet main body 21A.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various other aspects. In the above embodiment, the left flange portion 92a is formed so as to extend to the left side from the left end of the left screw receiving portion 82, but if the first heat insulating material 101 is held by the water discharge block 80, another configuration is used. It may be. For example, the flange portions 92a and 92b may be formed longer in the front-rear direction (X direction) than the screw receiving portion 82 to hold the first heat insulating material 101.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that such modifications and modifications are included within the scope of the invention as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the invention according to the appended claims. In addition, changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments can be realized without departing from the scope and ideas of the present invention.

The present invention is useful for faucets that require heat retention.

10 Faucet 20 Faucet unit 21 and 21A Faucet body 210 Main pipe 210a Hot water inlet 210b Water inlet 210c Karan spout 210d Shower spout 211 Hot water supply branch pipe 212 Water supply branch pipe 213,213A Karan Water spouting faucet 213a Rectifying part 214 Shower water spouting faucet 215 Pressure relief faucet 216 Draining faucet 217 Thread groove 218a, 218aa, 218b, 218c Rib 219 Fastening part 22 Heat insulating material 220,221 222,223,224,225,226 Opening 23 Support member 23a Recess 24 Stay 25 Body cover 250 Top plate cover 251 Basic cover 252 Faucet 253a, 253b, 255a, 255b Fitting part 253aa Recess 254a, 254b, 256a, 256b Fitting part 254aa, 256ba Guide 254ba, 256ba First fitting part 254bb, 256bb Second fitting part 255aa Protrusion 26 Joint 27 Hot water supply source 28 Water supply source 29, 29A Shower elbow 29a Connection member 30 Hot water mixing valve 31 Switching valve 32 Gear part 33 Cap member 34 Collar 35 Support member 35a Recess 50 Handle unit 51 Handle 52 Transmission member 53 Screw 54 Outer lid 55 Top plate part 55a, 55b, 55c Projection piece 55aa, 55ba Slide part 56 Base part 56a, 56b, 56c Plate-shaped part 57 Handle eaves part 58, 59 Opening 60 Safety lock 61 Gear part 70 Mold 71 First molding mold 72 Second molding mold 73 Recession 74 Communication hole 80 Water discharge block 82 Screw receiving part 84 Main body part 85 Screw 86 Strainer 87 Straightening part 88 Cap 90A Upstream side opening 90B Downstream side opening 92a, 92b Flange part 94 Insertion hole 100 Heat insulating material 101 1st heat insulating material 102 2nd heat insulating material 103, 104 Front surface 105 Protrusion 106 Recess 220A, 221A, 222A, 223A , 224A, 225A, 226A Opening

Claims (7)

Equipped with a faucet body that allows water to pass inside
The faucet body is made of resin and covered with a heat insulating material.
The faucet body is
A cylindrical main pipe portion to which a hot water mixing valve for mixing hot water and water and a switching valve for changing the amount of hot water discharged and the direction of discharge of hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve are mounted inside.
A branch pipe for hot water supply that connects the hot water supply source and the main pipe to form a flow path for hot water to flow inside.
A branch pipe for water supply that connects the water supply source and the main pipe to form a flow path for water to flow inside.
With
The heat insulating material includes a first heat insulating material and a second heat insulating material that fits with the first heat insulating material.
The first heat insulating material and the second heat insulating material have a shape along the outer peripheral shape of the faucet main body portion, and are positioned by the hot water supply branch pipe portion and the water supply branch pipe portion.
A curan spout that communicates with the switching valve is formed in the main pipe portion.
A water discharge block that communicates with the curan spout and forms a flow path for curan water is attached to the main pipe portion.
The first heat insulating material is a faucet that is attached to the side where the curan spout is formed in the main pipe portion and is held by the spout block. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the heat insulating material has a thermal conductivity of 0.05 W / m · K or less. The hot water mixing valve and the switching valve are mounted side by side in the axial direction of the main pipe portion.
The main pipe portion has a hot water inlet and a water inlet that communicate with the hot water mixing valve.
The hot water supply branch pipe portion connects the hot water supply source and the hot water inlet of the main pipe portion.
The faucet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water supply branch pipe portion connects the water supply source and the water inlet of the main pipe portion. The hot water supply branch pipe portion and the water supply branch pipe portion are provided side by side in the axial direction with respect to the main pipe portion, and are provided between the hot water supply branch pipe portion and the water supply branch pipe portion. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a heat insulating material is provided in the formed space. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat insulating material is formed in a divisible manner. The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat insulating material contains either urethane foam or styrofoam. According to any one of claims 1 to 6, ribs extending in the circumferential direction are formed in at least one of the main pipe portion, the hot water supply branch pipe portion, and the water supply branch pipe portion. Described faucet.

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