JP7129636B2 - Water faucet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to faucets.

Conventionally, faucets of this kind with various structures are known. For example, as a conventional faucet, there is known a faucet provided with a body cover that covers a faucet main body, and the body cover is composed of a top plate cover and a base cover (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2000-336714

However, conventional faucets still have room for improvement in terms of easily changing the design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a faucet whose design can be easily changed.

In order to achieve the above object, a faucet of one aspect of the present invention comprises a faucet main body,
a body cover that covers the faucet body;
a handle attached to the faucet body,
The main body cover has a top plate cover that covers an upper portion of the faucet main body, and a base cover formed separately from the top plate cover and fitted with the top plate cover,
The handle has a top plate portion forming an upper surface, and a base portion formed separately from the top plate portion and fitted to the top plate portion.

According to the faucet according to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the design.

1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Exploded view of the faucet in Figure 1 Exploded view of the faucet in Figure 2 A perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the faucet unit A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a faucet body Perspective view when viewing FIG. 5 from a different angle Cross-sectional view of the faucet main body to which the hot water mixing valve and switching valve are attached Perspective view of insulation Perspective view of insulation from different angles A perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the faucet unit Side view of body cover Vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the body cover cut in the X direction before the top plate cover is attached to the base cover Vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the body cover cut in the X direction after the top plate cover is attached to the base cover. Perspective view showing the faucet with the handle unit removed FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top plate cover of FIG. 13 is disassembled. Enlarged view of top plate cover and collar in Z1 part of FIG. Cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 cut in the X direction Enlarged view of the top plate cover and the base cover in the Z2 part of FIG. 13 Cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 cut in the X direction A perspective view from above showing the schematic configuration of the first handle unit. A perspective view from below showing the schematic configuration of the first handle unit. Side view of the first handle unit viewed from outside in the axial direction Sectional view showing the schematic structure of the handle A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a first mold A perspective view showing a schematic configuration in which a second mold is clamped to the first mold. An exemplary flow chart of a method for manufacturing a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention Perspective view of the handle seen from above before attaching the top plate to the base FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 26 viewed from below; The perspective view which shows the state where the top plate part was attached to the base part.

(Knowledge on which the present invention is based)
The present inventors obtained the following findings as a result of earnest studies for easily changing the design of the faucet.

In a conventional faucet, the faucet main body is covered with a main body cover, and handles are attached to both left and right sides of the faucet main body. When changing the design, specifically the appearance of the faucet, it is conceivable to change the main body cover and the handle that constitute the appearance of the faucet. However, if the members constituting the appearance of the main body cover and the handle are not configured to be separable, it is difficult to replace the main body cover and the handle.

In the faucet of Patent Literature 1, the body cover that covers the faucet main body is configured to be separable into a top plate cover and a base cover. However, it is particularly difficult to replace the handle because the members that make up the appearance of the handle are not separable.

On the other hand, the present inventors have found that the body cover is formed by separating the top plate cover and the base cover, and the handle is formed by separating the top plate portion and the base portion. As a result, when changing the design of the faucet, the present inventors do not need to replace all of the main body cover and the handle. It was found that the design of the faucet can be easily changed.

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

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, embodiment which concerns on this invention is described in detail based on drawing. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(embodiment)
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this 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 spouting water. The handle unit 50 is a unit that is attached to the faucet unit 20 and that can change the amount of water spouted from the faucet unit 20, the direction of the spouted water, and the degree of mixing of hot water. 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 a partially exploded perspective view of the faucet unit 20 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a further exploded perspective view of the faucet unit 20 of FIG. 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 flows, 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 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 body 21 to the wall of the bathroom. The body cover 25 is a member that covers the faucet body 21 .

<faucet body>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the interior of the faucet unit 20 when the faucet main body 21 is not covered with the heat insulating material 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the faucet body 21 is connected to a hot water supply source 27 and a water supply source 28 by a 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 connection member 29a separate from the joint 26 is attached to the faucet main body 21. As shown in FIGS. A shower elbow 29 (FIG. 3) is attached to the connecting member 29a. 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 cold water and discharging hot water. The hot water mixing valve 30 is also generally called a thermo cartridge. Hot water is supplied from the hot water supply source 27 (FIG. 4) and water is supplied from the water supply source 28 (FIG. 4) to the hot water mixing valve 30 . The switching valve 31 is a member for changing the amount and direction of hot 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 . Note that 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. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the faucet main body 21. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the faucet body 21 of FIG. 5 viewed from a different angle. 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 body 21 includes a main pipe portion 210, a hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, a water supply branch pipe portion 212, a faucet water discharge branch pipe portion 213, and a shower water discharge branch. and a tube portion 214 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the faucet main body 21 includes a pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 and a drain 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 callan water discharge branch pipe portion 213, the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214, the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215, and the water drain. The branch pipe portion 216 is integrally formed of resin. In this embodiment, the faucet body 21 is formed by injection molding. The faucet main body 21 is made of PPS resin (PPS-GF30), for example. As a result, the faucet main body 21 can withstand water pressure.

<Main department>
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 arranged in the main pipe portion 210 in the axial direction (Y direction) and fitted therein. 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 widen outward from the center 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). Thread grooves 217 are formed at both ends. A 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 from resin. The cap member 33 is a member for preventing the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 from coming off.

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

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in this embodiment, ribs 218a and 218aa are provided on the outer periphery at both end portions of the main pipe portion 210. As shown in FIGS. The rib 218 a is provided at the left end of the main pipe portion 210 and the rib 218 aa is provided at the right end of the main pipe portion 210 . The ribs 218 a and 218 aa 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 from resin.

In this embodiment, ribs 218b are provided at the wall-side end portions of the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212, respectively. 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 formed integrally with the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 from resin.

As shown in FIG. 7 , ribs 218 c are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 . Rib 218 c is formed extending in the circumferential direction between hot water mixing valve 30 and switching valve 31 . The rib 218c is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 from resin. The rib 218c is a member for reducing the amount of water retained inside the main pipe portion 210. As shown in FIG. 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 in the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210. As shown in FIG. The hot water inlet 210 a and the cold water inlet 210 b are openings formed around the hot water mixing valve 30 and communicate with the hot water mixing valve 30 . In addition, a callan spout 210c and a shower spout 210d are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210. As shown in FIG. The callan spout 210 c and the shower spout 210 d are openings formed around the switching valve 31 and communicate with the switching valve 31 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the callan spout 210 c and the shower spout 210 d are provided axially inside the outer peripheral portion of the axially right end portion of the main pipe portion 210 . The outer peripheral portion connects the support member 23 . In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion is a rib 218aa.

As shown in FIG. 6 , a fastening portion 219 is provided at the lower portion of the main pipe portion 210 . The fastening portion 219 is a member for attaching the body cover 25 (FIG. 2). Specifically, the fastening portion 219 is a member having a hole for fastening a screw.

<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 therein a channel 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 to form 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 forms therein a channel for supplying water from the water supply source 28 (FIG. 4) to the water inlet 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, and forms a channel through which water flows.

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

<Branch pipe for water discharge>
The call run water spouting branch pipe portion 213 is a tubular member formed by branching from a position of the main pipe portion 210 including the call run water spout port 210c. The water spouting branch pipe portion 213 forms therein a flow path for spouting hot water. In this embodiment, the flush water spouting branch pipe portion 213 is a spouting pipe for spouting flush water. As shown in FIG. 6 , the callan spouting branch pipe portion 213 is provided in the central portion of the main pipe portion 210 . Further, a rectifying portion 213a is formed in the branch pipe portion 213 for water spouting. The straightening part 213a is a member for straightening the water to be discharged. The rectifying portion 213a is formed integrally with the branch pipe portion 213 for water discharge from resin.

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

<Branch pipe for pressure relief>
As shown in FIG. 6 , the pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 is a tubular member branched 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 that opens to release the pressure inside the faucet main body 21 to the outside when a predetermined pressure or higher is applied.

<Branch pipe for draining water>
The draining 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 drain branch pipe portion 216 . The drain plug drains water around the drain branch pipe portion 216 by opening the drain branch pipe portion 216, and drains the water inside the faucet body portion 21 by injecting air into the inside. It is a member for pulling out. As a result, the water inside the faucet body 21 can be prevented from freezing.

<Thermal insulation>
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 covers, for example, the outer periphery of the faucet main body 21 in close contact. 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, covering from the rib 218a to the vicinity of the rib 218aa. The thickness of the heat insulating material 22 covering the outer circumference of the main pipe portion 210 is, for example, 5 mm. Furthermore, the heat insulating material 22 includes the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the connection portion between the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the main pipe portion 210, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212. It covers the connecting portion with the main pipe portion 210 . Further, the heat insulating material 22 is provided in a 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. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat insulating material 22 viewed from different angles. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heat insulator 22 has a plurality of openings 220,221,222,223,224,225,226. A faucet main body 21 is arranged inside the heat insulating material 22 . A hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 is arranged in the opening 220 . A water supply branch pipe portion 212 is arranged in the opening 221 . A branch pipe portion 213 for water discharge is arranged in the opening 222 . A branch pipe portion 214 for shower water discharge is arranged in the opening 223 . A pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 is arranged in the opening 224 . A drainage branch pipe portion 216 is arranged in the opening 225 . A fastening portion 219 is arranged in the opening 226 .

The material, thickness, etc. 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 includes either urethane foam or polystyrene foam.

<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 connects the outer peripheral portion of the side (left side) to which the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached (left side) and the side (right side) axially opposite to the side (right side) of the main pipe portion 210 to the wall side of the bathroom, so that the faucet main body It supports the main pipe portion 210 of the portion 21 . Here, "connecting to the wall side of the bathroom" means that the wall of the bathroom or the members fixed to the wall of the bathroom (including the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28) are connected directly or indirectly. means to connect. The support member 23 supports the faucet main body 21 so as to keep it horizontal. In this 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. Thereby, 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 concave portion 23 a is provided in the upper portion of the support member 23 . A recess 23a is provided for fitting a 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 into the concave portion 23 a of the support member 23 . Thereby, 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, which will be described later, is used. The support member 23 is made of ABS resin, for example.

<Stay>
The stay 24 is a member that is fixed to the wall of the bathroom and holds the faucet body 21 . As shown in FIG. 3, stay 24 has openings for connecting joint 26 with hot water supply 27 and water supply 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. As shown in FIG. A concave portion 35 a is provided in the upper portion of the support member 35 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the faucet unit 20 when the shower hose is connected on the left side of the faucet main body 21. As shown in FIG. When connecting the shower hose on the left side of the faucet main body 21, as shown in FIG. The shower elbow 29A is connected to the shower water spouting branch pipe portion 214 via a 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 base cover 251 . The body cover 25 is attached to the stay 24 . Also, the body cover 25 is attached to the faucet body 21 . Thereby, the main body cover 25 and the faucet main body 21 can be used integrally. The body cover 25 is made of resin. The top plate cover 250 is attached so as to cover the upper portion of the faucet main body 21 . The base 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 base cover 251 is formed separately from the top plate cover 250 and is fitted with the top plate cover 250 . In this embodiment, the top cover 250 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA resin), and the base cover 251 is made of ABS resin.

<top plate cover>
11 is a side view of the body cover 25. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11 , the top plate cover 250 has a canopy 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 protrude obliquely downward from a front end portion (an end portion in the +X direction) of a base cover 251 to be described later.

FIG. 12A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the body cover 25 before the top plate cover 250 is attached to the base cover 251, cut in the X direction at the left end (the end in the -Y direction). FIG. 12B is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the body cover 25 after the top plate cover 250 is attached to the base cover 251, cut in the X direction at the left end. The right end portion (+Y direction end portion) of the main body cover 25 has the same configuration as the left end portion, so 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 forward (+X direction) of the fitting portion 253b. Specifically, the fitting portion 253 a is formed on the back side of the eaves portion 252 of the top plate cover 250 . A concave portion 253aa is formed in the fitting portion 253a. The concave portion 253aa is formed extending rearward (−X direction) from the back side of the eaves portion 252 . The fitting portion 253b is formed extending rightward (+Y direction) from the left end portion of the top plate cover 250 . A lower end portion (−Z direction end portion) of the fitting portion 253b is formed 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 rightward from the left end portion of the top plate cover 250. As shown in FIG. The lock fitting portion 254a is formed between the fitting portion 253a and the fitting portion 253b in the X direction. The lock fitting portion 254a has a guide 254aa at its 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 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 extending downward from the left end of the first fitting portion 254ba. The second fitting portion 254bb is formed extending 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, the front end portion of the base cover 251 is formed with an upward curved surface. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the collar 34 is fitted to the left side of the base cover 251 . Collar 34 forms a lock fitting 256a on the top. The lock fitting portion 256a is formed so as to extend rightward from the upper end portion of the collar 34. As shown in FIG. A lower end portion of the lock fitting portion 256a is formed to extend rearward. That is, the lock fitting portion 256a is formed in an L shape when viewed from the right side.

The base cover 251 has fitting portions 255a and 255b and a lock fitting portion 256b. The fitting portion 255a is formed forward of the fitting portion 255b. Specifically, the fitting portion 255a is formed to extend upward (+Z direction) from the lower surface of the base cover 251 . A protrusion 255aa is formed toward the front at the upper end (the end in the +Z direction) of the fitting portion 255a. The fitting portion 255b is formed to extend rightward from the upper end portion of the left side surface of the base cover 251 . An 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 up as viewed from the right side.

The lock fitting portion 256b is formed so as to extend rightward from the upper end portion of the left side surface of the base cover 251 . The upper end 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 to extend forward. The first fitting portion 256ba is formed above the second fitting portion 256bb. The first fitting portion 256ba has a guide 256baa 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 to the base cover 251 .

The body cover 25 has an operation hole 80 for releasing the engagement between the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251 . In this embodiment, hole 80 is formed between collar 34 and top cover 250 . A tool 90 such as a slotted screwdriver can access the lock fitting portions 254a and 256a through the hole 80 . The hole 80 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. Specifically, the hole 80 is formed such that the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Z direction in side view. The hole 80 is sized to allow the tool 90 to be inserted therein.

The hole 80 is formed on the side surface of the main body cover 25 in a portion covered by the handle 51 (first handle unit 50a) shown in FIG. Also, the hole 80 is formed at a position that is not exposed to the outside even when the first handle unit 50a is rotated. Thereby, the design of the faucet 10 can be improved. Also, water can be prevented from entering the body cover 25 through the hole 80 .

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

The top plate cover 250 is further slid rearward with respect to the base cover 251 and fitted. As a result, the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251 are fitted together as shown in FIG. 12B. Thereby, the top plate cover 250 and the base 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 restricts leftward, rightward, rearward, and upward movement of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251 . The upper end of the fitting portion 255b is arranged on the lower end of the fitting portion 253b. This restricts the rearward and upward movement of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base 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. As a result, forward and downward movement of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251 is restricted. The first fitting portion 254ba is arranged on the first fitting portion 256ba behind the guide 256baa of the first fitting portion 256ba. As a result, forward and downward movement of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251 is restricted. The second fitting portion 256bb is arranged on the lower end portion of the second fitting portion 254bb. This restricts the rearward and upward movement of the top plate cover 250 with respect to the base cover 251 .

Next, how to remove the top plate cover 250 from the base cover 251 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the faucet 10 with the first handle unit 50a (FIG. 1) removed. 14 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the top plate cover 250 of FIG. 13. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, after the tool 90 is inserted into the hole 80 to release the engagement between the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251, the top plate cover 250 is moved forward (+X) with respect to the base cover 251. direction) to remove.

How to remove the top plate cover 250 from the base cover 251 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the top plate cover 250 and the collar 34 at the Z1 portion of FIG. 13, showing the front lock fitting portions 254a and 256a. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 cut in the X direction. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251 at the Z2 portion of FIG. 13, showing the rear lock fitting portions 254b and 256b. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 cut in the X direction.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lock fitting portion 254a and the lock fitting portion 256a are fitted in front of the top plate cover 250. As shown in FIGS. A tool 90 (FIG. 13) is inserted into hole 80 to lift lock fitting 254a upward. Specifically, the lower end portion 257 of the lock fitting portion 254a shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is lifted above (in the A1 direction) the upper end portion 259 of the lock fitting portion 256a. As a result, the movement restriction of the top plate cover 250 forward (direction A2) is released. Furthermore, by sliding and moving the top plate cover 250 forward (direction A2), the lock fitting portion 254a and the lock fitting portion 256a are disengaged.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the lock fitting portion 254a is formed between the fitting portion 253a and the fitting portion 253b in the X direction. can be lifted easily. Therefore, it is possible to easily release the engagement between the lock fitting portion 254a and the lock fitting portion 256a.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the lock fitting portion 254 b and the lock fitting portion 256 b are fitted behind the top plate cover 250 . The guide 254baa of the lock fitting portion 254b is in contact with the slope S1 behind the guide 256baa of the lock fitting portion 256b. When the top plate cover 250 is moved forward, the guide 256baa is elastically deformed in the A3 direction as the top plate cover 250 moves. As a result, the upper end portion 263 of the guide 256baa moves to the lower end portion 261 of the guide 254baa, and the lock fitting portion 254b and the lock fitting portion 256b are disengaged. Furthermore, by sliding and moving the top plate cover 250 forward, the engagement between the lock fitting portion 254b and the lock fitting portion 256b is released.

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

In this embodiment, the first handle unit 50a is a unit for adjusting the temperature of spouted water. Specifically, the temperature of the spouted water is adjusted by rotating the first handle unit 50a in the R direction. For example, downward rotation from the reference position lowers the temperature of the spout, and upward rotation from the reference position raises the temperature of the spout. Here, the R direction indicates the direction of rotation about the axis of the main pipe portion 210 as the rotation axis. Further, the reference position indicates a position where the upper surface of the handle unit 50 and the upper surface of the top plate cover 250 are flush with each other.

When the first handle unit 50a is in the reference position, the temperature of the spouted 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 spouted water falls below a predetermined temperature.

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

When the second handle unit 50b is in the reference position, the water spout 210c (FIG. 4) and the shower spout 210d (FIG. 4) are not in communication with the switching valve 31 (FIG. 3), so water is spouted. can't break 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 water outlet 210d are communicated to perform shower water discharge. When the second handle unit 50b rotates further upward, the switching valve 31 communicates with the shower water outlet 210d over a wider area, so the amount of shower water 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 blowing water port 210c are communicated with each other, and blowing water is performed. When the second handle unit 50b rotates further downward, the switching valve 31 communicates with the blowing water port 210c over a wider area, so the amount of blowing water increases.

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

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. 19 is a perspective view from above showing a schematic configuration of the first handle unit 50a. FIG. 20 is a perspective view from below showing the schematic configuration of the first handle unit 50a.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first handle unit 50a includes a handle 51 and a transmission member 52. As shown in FIGS. 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 . A handle 51 (a base portion 56 to be described later) and a transmission member 52 are fixed to the faucet unit 20 from the outside in the axial direction by screws 53, for example. Further, an outer lid 54 is attached to the handle 51 from the axial outside 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 this embodiment, the handle 51 of the first handle unit 50 a operates the hot water mixing valve 30 and the handle 51 of the second handle unit 50 b operates the switching valve 31 .

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the handle 51 has a top plate portion 55 forming an upper surface and a base portion 56 formed separately from the top plate portion 55 . The handle 51 is made of resin. In this embodiment, the top plate portion 55 is made of acrylic resin (PMMA resin), and the base portion 56 is made of ABS resin.

<top plate part>
As shown in FIG. 1 , the top plate portion 55 of the handle 51 is formed 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. 19 , the top plate portion 55 is formed so as to cover the transmission member 52 from above.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the first handle unit 50a viewed from the outside in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 21 , 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 to protrude obliquely downward from the front end portion of the base portion 56 .

As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of projecting pieces 55a, 55b, and 55c are formed on the back side of the top plate portion 55. As shown in FIG. The protruding piece 55a is formed on the back side of the rear portion of the top plate portion 55 so as to extend in the axial direction (Y direction). A lower end portion of the projecting piece 55a has a slide portion 55aa. The slide portion 55aa is formed to extend rearward. The projecting piece 55b is formed on the back side of the handle eaves portion 57 of the top plate portion 55 so as to extend in the axial direction. A lower end portion of the projecting piece 55b has a slide portion 55ba. The slide portion 55ba is formed so as to extend obliquely downward in parallel with the slope of the handle eaves portion 57 . The projecting piece 55 c 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. 19 , the base portion 56 is formed to cover the left side and the lower side of the transmission member 52 . Plate-like portions 56 a , 56 b , 56 c are provided at the upper end portion of the base portion 56 . The plate-like portions 56a, 56b, 56c are formed extending inward. The plate-like portion 56a is formed so as to extend forward from the rear end portion (the end portion in the -X direction). The plate-like portion 56a is fitted on the slide portion 55aa. The plate-like portion 56b is formed extending rearward from the front end portion in parallel with the slope of the handle eaves portion 57 . The plate-like portion 56b is fitted on the slide portion 55ba. The plate-like portion 56c is formed extending rightward from the left end portion. An opening 58 is provided in the plate-like portion 56c. The opening 58 is fitted with the projecting piece 55c.

Next, how to attach the top plate portion 55 to the base portion 56 will be described. FIG. 22 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. 19, the top plate portion 55 is slid in the Y direction with respect to the base portion 56 and fitted. At this time, the plate-like portion 56a slides and moves on the slide portion 55aa, and the plate-like 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 projecting piece 55c is fitted into the opening 58 of the plate-like portion 56c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, the top plate portion 55 and the base portion 56 are fitted together.

The plate-like portion 56a is fitted on the slide portion 55aa, and the plate-like portion 56b is fitted on the slide portion 55ba. In addition, the axial movement of the top plate portion 55 with respect to the base portion 56 is restricted by fitting the projection piece 55c into the opening 58 . Thereby, the top plate portion 55 and the base portion 56 can be used integrally.

<Transmission member>
As shown in FIG. 20, the transmission member 52 is provided with a safety lock 60 . Safety lock 60 fits into opening 59 in base 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 with the gear portion 32 of the hot water mixing valve 30 in the rotational direction, the rotational force applied to the handle 51 is transmitted to the hot water mixing valve 30 through the gear portion 61. be.

Next, a method of manufacturing the faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the first molding die 71. As shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration in which the first mold 71 is clamped with the second mold 72 . FIG. 25 is an exemplary flow chart of a method for manufacturing the faucet 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the mold 70 has a first mold 71 and a second mold 72 . As shown in FIG. 23 , a recess 73 is provided in the first molding die 71 . The faucet body 21 is attached to the recess 73 . A cavity is formed between the recess 73 and the faucet main body 21 in a state where the faucet main body 21 is attached to the recess 73 . The cavities are spaces for injecting polymeric material. A communication hole 74 for injecting a polymer material is formed in the first molding die 71 . Similarly, the second molding die 72 also has a recess 73 to which the faucet main body 21 is attached, and a communication hole 74 for injecting the polymeric material.

As shown in FIG. 25, in step ST10, the faucet main body 21 is attached to the mold 70 (first molding die 71) (attachment step). Furthermore, the second mold 72 is clamped to the first mold 71 .

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

In this embodiment, the polymeric 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]
The faucet 10 according to this embodiment includes the main pipe portion 210 , the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 , and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 . A hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and cold water, and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount and direction of the hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 are installed inside the main pipe 210 so as to be aligned in the axial direction. The main pipe portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape and forms a hot water inlet 210 a and a cold water inlet 210 b 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 cold water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30 . Thus, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with the outer cylinder and the flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, the flow path is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since it is not necessary, the faucet 10 can be manufactured easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a reduced cost. Further, by integrally forming the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the faucet 10 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a reduced cost. Further, by forming the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 from resin, the cost of the faucet main body 21 can be reduced and manufactured as compared with forming from metal. can be done.

Further, in this embodiment, the main pipe portion 210 is formed with a callan water outlet 210 c and a shower water outlet 210 d that communicate with the switching valve 31 . Further, the faucet 10 includes a branch pipe portion 213 for water discharge and a branch pipe portion 214 for shower water discharge. The call run water spouting branch pipe portion 213 branches from a position including the call run water spout port 210c of the main pipe portion 210, and forms therein a flow path for spouting hot water. The shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 branches from a position including the shower water discharge port 210d of the main pipe portion 210, and forms therein a flow path for discharging hot water. The main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, the water supply branch pipe portion 212, the quench 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 callan water discharge branch pipe portion 213, and the shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214 are integrally formed of resin. , the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Further, in the present embodiment, the flush water discharge branch pipe portion 213 is a water discharge pipe for performing flush water discharge, and the rectifying portion 213a and the flush water discharge branch pipe portion 213 are integrally formed of resin.

According to this configuration, since the rectifying portion 213a and the branch pipe portion 213 for water discharge are integrally formed of resin, there is no need to form the rectifying portion 213a as a separate member, so the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. can do. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost. In addition, it is possible to save the trouble of mounting the rectifying portion 213a.

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

With this configuration, the cap member 33 can be easily attached to the main pipe portion 210 . Further, by integrally forming the thread groove 217 with the main pipe portion 210 with resin, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

In this embodiment, ribs 218a and 218aa extending in the circumferential direction are provided on the outer periphery of the main pipe portion 210 adjacent to the thread groove 217 near the center of the main pipe portion 210. The ribs 218a and 218aa are It is integrally formed with the main pipe portion 210 from resin.

According to this configuration, when the cap member 33 is attached to the main pipe portion 210, the cap member 33 is prevented from rotating by the ribs 218a and 218aa. . Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 from coming off. Moreover, when the main pipe portion 210 is covered with the heat insulating material 22 , the heat insulating material 22 can be prevented from covering the thread groove 217 . Therefore, the main pipe portion 210 can be easily covered with the heat insulating material 22 .

In this embodiment, a rib 218c extending in the circumferential direction between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210, and the rib 218c 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 between the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 where water is accumulated 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 and the main pipe portion 210 with resin, the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Further, in this embodiment, the faucet 10 includes a pressure relief branch pipe portion 215 to which a pressure relief valve is attached, and a drain 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 drain 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 drain branch pipe portion 216 are integrally formed of resin. , the faucet 10 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

The faucet 10 according to the present embodiment includes the faucet main body 21 including the main pipe portion 210, the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, and the water supply branch pipe portion 212, and the support member 23. . A hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and cold water, and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount and direction of the hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30 are installed in the main pipe portion 210 so as to be aligned in the axial direction. The main pipe portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape and forms a hot water inlet 210 a and a cold water inlet 210 b 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 therein a flow path for supplying hot water from the hot water supply source 27 to the hot water inlet 210a. The water supply branch pipe portion 212 branches from a position including the water inlet 210b of the main pipe portion 210, and forms therein a channel for supplying water from the water supply source 28 to the water inlet 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 opposite side in the axial direction to the side on which the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached to the wall side of the bathroom.

According to this configuration, hot water and cold water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30 . Thus, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with the outer cylinder and the flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, the flow path is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since it is not necessary, the faucet 10 can be manufactured easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a reduced cost.

Also, the hot water supply source 27 and the cold water supply source 28 are connected to the hot water inlet 210a and the cold water inlet 210b communicating with the hot water mixing valve 30, so that they are arranged biased toward the side where the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached. On the other hand, since the support member 23 supports the side of the main pipe portion 210 axially opposite to the side on which the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached, that is, the side on which the switching valve 31 is attached, even when a load is applied, the bathroom is can support the load 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 this embodiment includes the 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 portion 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 from resin, it is possible to manufacture the faucet main body 21 at a lower cost than forming it from metal.

Further, in this embodiment, a water outlet (shower water outlet 210 d ) communicating with the switching valve 31 is provided axially inward of the outer peripheral portion of the main pipe portion 210 . The faucet main body 21 has a water discharge channel branched from a position including the water discharge port (shower water discharge port 210d) of the main pipe 210 and extending toward the wall of the bathroom to discharge hot water. A branch pipe portion (branch pipe portion 214 for shower water discharge) is provided. Shower elbows 29 and 29A connected to the shower hose are attached to the wall-side ends of the water discharge branch pipe (shower water discharge branch pipe portion 214). A concave portion 23 a in which a shower elbow 29 is fitted is provided on the upper portion of the support member 23 .

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

In the present embodiment, the handle unit 50 and the handle unit 50 and the main pipe portion 210 are arranged at the end portion of the main pipe portion 210 on the opposite side in the axial direction from the side on which the hot water mixing valve 30 is attached. A collar 34 is attached. A support member 23 connects the collar 34 to the bathroom wall.

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

According to the faucet 10 of this embodiment, the faucet main body 21 through which water flows is provided, and the faucet main body 21 is made of resin and covered with a heat insulating material.

According to this configuration, freezing of the water inside the faucet main body 21 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the faucet main body 21 from being damaged due to water freezing and expanding.

Further, in this embodiment, the faucet main body 21 includes a main pipe portion 210 , a hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 , and a water supply branch pipe portion 212 . The main pipe part 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is provided with a hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and cold water, and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount and direction of the hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30. . The hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 connects the hot water supply source 27 and the main pipe portion 210 to form 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 channel through which water flows.

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 are mounted side by side in the axial direction of the main pipe portion 210 . The main pipe portion 210 has a hot water inlet 210 a and a cold water inlet 210 b 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 210 a of the main pipe portion 210 . The water supply branch pipe portion 212 connects the water supply source 28 and the water inlet 210 b of the main pipe portion 210 .

According to this configuration, hot water and cold water can flow directly from the hot water supply source 27 and the water supply source 28 into the hot water mixing valve 30 . Thus, unlike the case where the faucet main body 21 is covered with the outer cylinder and the flow path is formed between the faucet main body 21 and the outer cylinder, the flow path is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the faucet main body 21. Since it is not necessary, the faucet 10 can be manufactured easily. Therefore, the faucet 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Further, in this embodiment, 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 with respect to the main pipe portion 210, and the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 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, the water inside the hot water supply branch pipe portion 211 and the water supply branch pipe portion 212 freezes particularly easily, so that freezing of the water in these portions can be further suppressed. 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.

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

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

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

Moreover, in this embodiment, the heat insulating material 22 contains either urethane foam or polystyrene foam.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, the method for manufacturing the faucet 10 made of resin and covered with the heat insulating material 22 includes steps ST10 and ST20. In step ST10, the faucet main body 21 through which water flows is attached to the mold 70 . In step ST20, a 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 faucet body 21 can be more easily covered with the heat insulating material 22 . Also, by changing the mold 70, the thickness of the heat insulating material 22 can be easily changed depending on the location. For this reason, it is possible to further improve the heat retention of a portion particularly desired to be kept warm.

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

With 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 the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 are replaced. The design of the plug 10 can be easily changed. Moreover, since the basic cover 251 and the basic portion 56 can be shared, the manufacturing cost of the faucet 10 with a modified design can be suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, the top plate cover 250 is formed to protrude from the base cover 251 , and the top plate portion 55 is formed to protrude from the base portion 56 .

This configuration makes it difficult to see the base cover 251 and the base portion 56 when viewed from above. Therefore, by changing the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 without changing the base cover 251 and the base portion 56, the design of the faucet 10 can be changed more easily.

Further, in this embodiment, the top plate cover 250 is slidably fitted to the base cover 251 , and the top plate portion 55 is slidly fitted to the base portion 56 .

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

The body cover 25 has an operation hole 80 for releasing the fitting between the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251 in the portion covered by the handle 51 .

According to this configuration, the engagement between the top plate cover 250 and the base cover 251 can be easily released. Moreover, since the hole 80 is provided in the portion of the main body cover 25 covered by the handle 51, it is difficult to be exposed to the outside. Thereby, the design of the faucet 10 can be improved. Also, water can be prevented from entering the body cover 25 through the hole 80 .

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

According to this configuration, the main body cover 25 and the handle 51 can be manufactured at a lower cost than when they are made of metal.

Further, in this 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.

In the present embodiment, the water faucet main body 21 has a hot water mixing valve 30 for mixing hot water and cold water, and a switching valve 31 for changing the amount and direction of the hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve 30. It has a cylindrical main pipe part 210 that is installed inside along with the main pipe part 210 . The handles 51 are provided at both ends of the main pipe portion 210 and operate the hot water mixing valve 30 and the switching valve 31 .

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

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other modes. In the above-described embodiment, the faucet main body 21 includes a main pipe portion 210, a hot water supply branch pipe portion 211, a water supply branch pipe portion 212, a faucet water discharge branch pipe portion 213, and a shower water discharge branch pipe portion. 214, the faucet main body 21 may have other configurations. For example, the faucet body 21 is covered with an outer cylinder, a flow path is provided between the outer periphery of the faucet body 21 and the outer cylinder, and water from the water supply source 28 is supplied to the hot water mixing valve 30 through the flow path. It may be configured to supply. This configuration also makes it possible to easily change the design.

Also, although the main body cover 25 and the handle 51 are made of resin, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the body cover 25 and the handle 51 may be made of metal. As a result, the faucet 10 can have a more luxurious design.

Also, although the top plate cover 250 and the top plate portion 55 are made of acrylic resin (PMMA resin), and the base cover 251 and the base portion 56 are made of ABS resin, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the top plate cover 250 and/or the top plate portion 55 may be formed of a member obtained by plating a resin material, or of metal. As a result, the faucet 10 can have a more luxurious design.

Further, in the method of manufacturing the faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22, the step ST10 of attaching the faucet main body 21 through which water flows inside to the mold 70 and the step ST10 between the faucet main body 21 and the mold 70 Although it includes the step ST20 of injecting and foaming the polymer material into the formed space, the present invention is not limited to this. The faucet 10 covered with the heat insulating material 22 may be manufactured by other manufacturing methods as long as the heat insulating material 22 is a member that prevents the water inside the water faucet main body 21 from freezing. For example, a heat insulating material 22 formed in advance from foamed plastic such as foamed PP (foamed polypropylene) or foamed PS (foamed polystyrene) may be attached so as to cover the outer periphery of the faucet main body 21 . This configuration can also prevent the faucet main body 21 from being damaged.

Moreover, regarding the method of attaching the top plate portion 55 to the base portion 56, the top plate portion 55 is slid in the Y direction from the state shown in FIG. For example, it may be a handle 100 as shown in FIGS. 26-28. FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the handle 100 before the top plate portion 101 is attached to the base portion 102. FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the handle 100 of FIG. 26. FIG. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state where the top plate portion 101 is attached to the base portion 102. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the base portion 102 is provided with plate-like portions 102a, 102b, and 102c, like the base portion 56. As shown in FIGS. The plate-like portion 102a of the base portion 102 has a projecting portion 102aa projecting forward at the right end portion. The plate-like portion 102b of the base portion 102 has a projecting portion 102ba projecting rearward at the right end portion. The plate-like portion 102c of the base portion 102 has a projecting portion 102ca projecting leftward (−Y direction) from the right end portion of the opening 103 so as to partially cover the opening 103 .

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, on the back side of the top plate portion 101, a plurality of projecting pieces 101a, 101b, and 101c are formed like the top plate portion 55. As shown in FIGS. Projection piece 101 c of top plate portion 101 extends downward on the back side of top plate portion 101 and has opening 104 . The opening 104 is an opening for inserting the protruding portion 102ca of the plate-like portion 102c of the base portion 102 .

The top plate portion 101 is attached to the base portion 102 as follows. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the top plate portion 101 is attached to the base portion 102 from above in the B1 direction. At this time, the projecting piece 101c of the top plate portion 101 is inserted into the opening 103 of the base portion 102 . Further, the top plate portion 101 is slid and moved with respect to the base portion 102 in the B2 direction. At this time, the projecting portion 102aa of the base portion 102 slides and moves on the sliding portion 101aa of the projecting piece 101a of the top plate portion 101, and the projecting portion 102ba slides and moves on the sliding portion 101ba of the projecting piece 101b. The projecting portion 102ca of the base portion 102 is inserted into the opening 104 of the top plate portion 101 . As a result, the base portion 102 is attached to the top plate portion 101 as shown in FIG.

Although the invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be included therein insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Also, changes in combination and order of elements in the embodiments may be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is useful for manufacture of the faucet which can change design.

10 faucet 20 faucet unit 21 faucet body 210 main pipe 210a hot water inlet 210b water inlet 210c water outlet 210d shower outlet 211 hot water supply branch pipe 212 water supply branch pipe 213 water discharge branch pipe Part 213a Straightening part 214 Branch pipe part for shower water discharge 215 Branch pipe part for pressure relief 216 Branch pipe part for draining water 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 base cover 252 eaves 253a, 253b, 255a, 255b fitting portion 253aa recess 254a, 254b, 256a, 256b lock fitting portion 254aa , 254baa, 256baa Guide 254ba, 256ba First fitting portion 254bb, 256bb Second fitting portion 255aa Projection 257, 261 Lower end portion 259, 263 Upper end portion 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 portion 33 Cap member 34 Collar 35 Supporting member 35a Recess 50 Handle unit 51 Handle 52 Transmission member 53 Screw 54 Outer lid 55 Top plate portion 55a, 55b, 55c Projection piece 55aa, 55ba Slide portion 56 base portion 56a, 56b, 56c plate-like portion 57 handle eaves portion 58, 59 opening 60 safety lock 61 gear portion 70 mold 71 first mold 72 second mold 73 recess 74 communicating hole 80 hole 90 tool 100 Handle 101 Top plate portion 101a, 101b, 101c Protruding piece 101aa, 101ba Slide portion 102 Base portion 102a, 102b, 102c Plate-like portion 102aa, 102ba, 102ca Projecting portion 103, 104 Opening

Claims (6)

a faucet main body;
a body cover that covers the faucet body;
a handle attached to the faucet body,
The main body cover has a top plate cover that covers an upper portion of the faucet main body, and a base cover formed separately from the top plate cover and fitted with the top plate cover,
The handle has a top plate portion forming an upper surface, and a base portion formed separately from the top plate portion and fitted to the top plate portion ,
the top plate cover is slidably fitted to the base cover;
The faucet , wherein the top plate portion is slidably fitted to the base portion . a faucet main body;
a body cover that covers the faucet body;
a handle attached to the faucet body,
The main body cover has a top plate cover that covers an upper portion of the faucet main body, and a base cover formed separately from the top plate cover and fitted with the top plate cover,
The handle has a top plate portion forming an upper surface, and a base portion formed separately from the top plate portion and fitted to the top plate portion,
The water faucet, wherein the body cover has an operation hole for releasing engagement between the top plate cover and the base cover in a portion covered by the handle. The top plate cover is formed to protrude from the base cover,
The faucet according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said top plate portion is formed to protrude from said base portion. The body cover and the handle are made of resin,
A faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The top plate cover and the top plate portion are made of acrylic resin,
A faucet according to claim 4 . The water faucet main body is a cylinder in which a hot water mixing valve for mixing hot water and cold water and a switching valve for changing the amount and direction of the hot water mixed by the hot water mixing valve are arranged in the axial direction and mounted inside. Equipped with a shaped main part,
The faucet according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the handles are provided at both ends of the main pipe portion and operate the hot water mixing valve and the switching valve.

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