JP7474956B2 - Water faucet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a faucet.

A known example of a conventional water faucet is the one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that allows the user to switch the water discharge form by operating a lever to select whether raw water from a water faucet is discharged as shower water, straight water, or purified water.

In Patent Document 1, the switching state of the water discharge form is displayed on a display unit. The display unit is composed of a display window, a display roll arranged inside the display window, and a roll shaft that supports the display roll. Characters and illustrations indicating the switching state are printed on the display roll. By operating the lever, the display roll rotates together with the roll shaft, and the water discharge form printed on the display roll is displayed through the display window.

JP 2001-162272 A

However, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, although the water discharge form can be confirmed by looking at the display unit, it is necessary to provide a rotation mechanism such as a display roll or roll axis, making the configuration complicated. For this reason, it can be said that there is still room for improvement in terms of allowing the user to easily recognize the water discharge form with a simple configuration.

The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems by providing a faucet with a simple structure that allows the user to easily recognize the water discharge pattern.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a faucet of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spout main body having a water outlet formed therein, and a push button attached to the spout main body and capable of changing the water outlet pattern, wherein the push button is movable between a first push position which protrudes outward from the spout main body and corresponds to a first water outlet pattern, and a second push position which is pressed closer to the spout main body than the first push position and corresponds to a second water outlet pattern, and a protrusion level display unit is provided on the surface of the push button which indicates the protrusion level of the push button depending on the push position of the push button, and the protrusion level display unit has a plurality of figures arranged at intervals in the direction in which the push button is pressed, the figures decreasing by one each time the push button is pressed towards the spout main body, and at least one of the plurality of figures which is exposed from the spout main body when in the first push position is covered by the spout main body when in the second push position.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a faucet of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spout main body having a water outlet formed therein, and a push button attached to the spout main body and capable of changing the water outlet mode, the push button being movable between a first push position which protrudes outward from the spout main body and corresponds to a first water outlet mode, and a second push position which is pushed closer to the spout main body than the first push position and corresponds to a second water outlet mode, the surface of the push button being provided with a protrusion level display unit which indicates the protrusion level of the push button depending on the push position of the push button, and the surface of the spout main body being provided with a corresponding display unit having a first display which corresponds to the protrusion level display unit when the push button is in the first push position, and a second display which corresponds to the protrusion level display unit when the push button is in the second push position, and a symbol display unit having a first symbol which corresponds to the first display and indicates the first water outlet mode, and a second symbol which corresponds to the second display and indicates the second water outlet mode.

The faucet of the present invention has a simple structure and allows the user to easily recognize the water discharge pattern.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an enlarged front view of the water discharge portion according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first push position of a push button of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a side view showing a second push position of a push button of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a side view showing a third push position of a push button of a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button in a state where the push button is located in a first push position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button in a state where the push button is located in a second push position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button in a state where the push button is located in a third push position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified faucet in a state where the push button is located in a first push position; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified example in a state where the push button is located at a second push position; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified example in a state where the push button is located at a third push position; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a faucet of another modified example in a state where the push button is located in a first push position; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a faucet of another modified example in a state where the push button is located in a second push position; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a faucet of another modified example in a state where the push button is located in a third push position; FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified example different from that of FIG. 6A . FIG. 6C is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified example different from that of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C is a plan view showing a spout body and a push button of a modified example different from that of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spout body in an embodiment, with a portion of the tubular portion omitted; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve holding member according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a plurality of valves, a valve holding member, a connecting member, and a water discharge portion in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a first valve, a valve holding member, a connecting member, and a water discharge portion in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a second valve, a valve holding member, a connecting member, and a water discharge portion in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a third valve, a valve holding member, a connecting member, and a water discharge portion in the embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a valve holding member, a sliding member, and the like in an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of an extension portion of a sliding member in the embodiment; FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view showing the periphery of an extension portion of a sliding member in an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the push button and the slide member in the first stop position according to the embodiment; 1 is a plan view of the push button and the slide member in a second stop position according to an embodiment; 1 is a plan view of the push button and the slide member in a third stop position according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a push button and a slide member in the embodiment; 11A and 11B are side views showing the sequence in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment (first stop position); 11A and 11B are side views showing the order in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment; 11A and 11B are side views showing the order in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment (second stop position); 11A and 11B are side views showing the order in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment; 13A and 13B are side views showing the sequence in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment (third stop position); 11A and 11B are side views showing the order in which the hook portion of the pin moves through the groove portion in the embodiment;

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet comprising a spout body having a water outlet formed therein, and a push button attached to the spout body that can change the water outlet pattern, the push button being movable between a first push position that protrudes outward from the spout body and corresponds to a first water outlet pattern, and a second push position that is pushed further into the spout body than the first push position and corresponds to a second water outlet pattern, and the surface of the push button is provided with a protrusion level indicator that indicates the protrusion level of the push button depending on the push position of the push button.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet according to the first aspect, in which at least a portion of the area of the protruding level indicator that is exposed from the spout body when in the first push position is covered by the spout body when in the second push position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet according to the second aspect, in which the protruding level display has a plurality of figures spaced apart in the direction in which the push button is pressed, and at least one figure among the plurality of figures that is exposed from the spout body when in the first push position is covered by the spout body when in the second push position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet as described in the third aspect, in which the multiple figures have the same shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, in which the push button can be pushed further toward the spout body than the second push position and can be further moved to a third push position corresponding to a third water discharge form, and at least a portion of the area of the protrusion level indicator that is exposed from the spout body when in the second push position is covered by the spout body when in the third push position.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the faucet according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided with a corresponding display section on the surface of the spout body section, the corresponding display section having a first display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when in the first push position and a second display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when in the second push position, and a symbol display section having a first symbol corresponding to the first display and representing a first water discharge form, and a second symbol corresponding to the second display and representing a second water discharge form.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet as described in the sixth aspect, in which the first display and the second display displayed on the corresponding display section are arranged side by side with the first symbol and the second symbol displayed on the symbol display section, respectively, in the direction in which the spout body section extends.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the faucet 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1A. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the faucet 1 according to this embodiment. The faucet 1 is a faucet device installed in, for example, a kitchen, a washroom, a bath, etc. As shown in Fig. 1A, the faucet 1 has a spout body 10 and a push button 30 attached to the spout body 10.

The spout body 10 is the main body of the faucet 1 that is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) and discharges water. The spout body 10 is provided, for example, so that it can be pulled out from an attachment part (not shown). In this embodiment, the spout body 10 has a cylindrical part 12 and a water discharge part 14 that extends from the cylindrical part 12 and discharges water.

The cylindrical portion 12 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction A. The water discharge portion 14 is a member extending from the tip of the cylindrical portion 12 in a water discharge direction B that intersects with the axial direction A. The water discharge portion 14 is formed with a water discharge port 16 that opens in the water discharge direction B. The water discharge port 16 is connected to a flow path (not shown) formed inside the spout main body 10. Water supplied from the water supply pipe passes through the flow path and is discharged from the water discharge port 16.

Figure 1B is a front view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the water spouting section 14. As shown in Figure 1B, a straight water spouting port 118 and a shower water spouting port 120 are formed as the water spouts 16 on the water spouting surface 115 of the water spouting section 14. The straight water spouting port 118 is an opening for spouting water in a straight shape, and is composed of a single hole formed in the center of the water spouting surface 115. The shower water spouting port 120 is an opening for spouting water in a shower shape, and is composed of multiple holes arranged concentrically around the straight water spouting port 118.

The push button 30 is a button configured to change the form of water discharged from the water outlet 16. The push button 30 protrudes from the tip of the spout main body 10 (cylindrical portion 12) and is configured to be able to be pushed into the spout main body 10. In this embodiment, the push button 30 is configured to be able to be pushed in the push direction A1, which is the same direction as the axial direction A in which the cylindrical portion 12 extends. Each time the push button 30 is pressed, the form of water discharged from the water outlet 16 changes.

The faucet 1 has multiple water discharge forms. In this embodiment, there are three water discharge forms. The water discharge forms are shower discharge (raw water shower discharge), straight water discharge (raw water straight discharge), and purified water discharge (purified water straight discharge). Here, shower discharge refers to a form in which raw water supplied from a water supply pipe is discharged in a shower-like manner from the shower discharge port 120. Straight water discharge refers to a form in which raw water is discharged in a straight manner from the straight water discharge port 118. Purified water discharge refers to a form in which water is discharged through a water purification section (not shown) such as a filter. In this embodiment, purified water discharge is discharged in a straight manner from the straight water discharge port 118.

Next, the push position (stop position), which is the protruding position of the push button 30, will be explained using Figures 2A to 2C. Figures 2A to 2C are side views of the faucet 1. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the push button 30 of the faucet 1 is configured to be movable to a number of push positions. In this embodiment, the push button 30 is configured to be movable to a first push position P1 (first stop position P1) (Figure 2A), a second push position P2 (second stop position P2) (Figure 2B), and a third push position P3 (third stop position P3) (Figure 2C).

Specifically, when the push button 30 is pressed once when it is at the first push position P1 in FIG. 2A, it moves from the first push position P1 shown in FIG. 2A to the second push position P2 shown in FIG. 2B. When the button is pressed again, the push button 30 moves from the second push position P2 shown in FIG. 2B to the third push position P3 shown in FIG. 2C. When the button is pressed again, the push button 30 returns from the third push position P3 shown in FIG. 2C to the first push position P1. In this way, the push button 30 moves in the order of push positions P1, P2, and P3 in response to the user's push operation, and repeats this movement.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first push position P1 is the position that protrudes most outward from the spout body 10 and corresponds to the first water discharge mode. The first water discharge mode in this embodiment is shower water discharge. When the push button 30 is in the first push position P1 shown in FIG. 2A, shower water is discharged from the shower water discharge port 120 of the water discharge port 16.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the second push position P2 is a position pushed one step inward from the first push position P1, and corresponds to the second water discharge mode. The second water discharge mode in this embodiment is straight water discharge. When the push button 30 is in the second push position P2 shown in FIG. 2B, water is discharged in a straight manner from the straight water discharge port 118 of the water discharge port 16.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the third push position P3 is a position pushed one step further inward from the second push position P2, and corresponds to a third water discharge mode. The third water discharge mode in this embodiment is purified water discharge. When the push button 30 is in the third push position P3 shown in FIG. 2C, purified water is discharged from the straight water discharge port 118 of the water discharge port 16.

Next, the configuration of the display unit provided on the spout body 10 and the push button 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the spout body 10 and the push button 30. Note that the dashed dotted lines in FIG. 3 are not actually provided on the spout body 10 and the push button 30, but are provided for the convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion level display section 32 is provided on the surface of the push button 30. The protrusion level display section 32 is a section that indicates the protrusion level of the push button 30 according to the push position of the push button 30. The protrusion level display section 32 may be formed by printing on the push button 30, for example, or may be a sticker affixed to the push button 30.

In this embodiment, the protrusion level display unit 32 is provided on the top of the push button 30 (at a position visible in a plan view). This allows the user to easily see the protrusion level display unit 32.

A corresponding display section 18 and a symbol display section 20 are provided on the surface of the tubular section 12 of the spout main body 10. The corresponding display section 18 is a display section that corresponds to the display of the protrusion level display section 32 when the push button 30 is located at each push position. The symbol display section 20 is a display section that displays symbols representing each water discharge form, and is provided adjacent to the corresponding display section 18. The corresponding display section 18 and the symbol display section 20 are provided side by side in the push direction A1 of the push button 30. Here, the symbols include figures that imitate the water discharge forms, etc.

The corresponding display section 18 and the symbol display section 20 may be printed on the spout main body section 10 (cylindrical section 12) in the same manner as the protrusion level display section 32, or may be a sticker affixed to the spout main body section 10.

In this embodiment, the correspondence display section 18 and the symbol display section 20 are provided on the upper portion (position visible in a plan view) of the spout main body section 10 (tubular section 12). This allows the user to easily view the protrusion level display section 32.

By providing a protrusion level display unit 32, the protrusion level of the push button 30 can be visually recognized by the user. In FIG. 3, a first protrusion level corresponding to the first push position P1 is displayed. By learning from experience that shower water is discharged at the first protrusion level, the user can indirectly recognize the current water discharge form by checking the protrusion level of the push button 30 displayed by the protrusion level display unit 32. This allows the user to easily recognize the water discharge form with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, by providing a corresponding display section 18 and a symbol display section 20, the water discharge form corresponding to the protruding level of the push button 30 can be more easily recognized through the corresponding display section 18 and the symbol display section 20.

Next, the configuration of the spout body 10 and the push button 30 at each push position P1, P2, and P3 will be described in detail using Figures 4A to 4C. Figures 4A to 4C are plan views of the spout body 10 and the push button 30 when the push button 30 is located at push positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively.

As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, when the push button 30 is located at the first push position P1, the protrusion level is highest, and the protrusion levels decrease in the order of the second push position P2 and the third push position P3.

The protrusion level display unit 32 of this embodiment has multiple figures 34. The protrusion level display unit 32 displays the protrusion level of the push button 30 according to the number of figures 34. The multiple figures 34 are arranged at intervals in the push direction A1 of the push button 30. Specifically, the multiple figures 34 are arranged at intervals from each other so that some or all of the multiple figures 34 are covered by the spout main body 10 depending on the push position of the push button 30. In this embodiment, two figures 34 are provided on the push button 30.

The multiple figures 34 are arranged in the same shape (e.g., circular). In this specification, figures include any figures such as designs, letters, symbols, two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional shapes, etc.

At the first push position P1, all (two) of the multiple figures 34 are exposed. This indicates that the push button 30 is at its maximum protrusion level.

In the protrusion level display unit 32, one of the figures 34 exposed from the spout body 10 at the first push position P1 (FIG. 4A) is covered by the spout body 10 at the second push position P2 (FIG. 4B). That is, a portion of the area exposed from the spout body 10 at the first push position P1 is covered by the spout body 10 at the second push position P2. In this way, at the second push position P2, one figure 34 is exposed, thereby making it possible to indicate that the protrusion level is the next level after the maximum level.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, one figure 34 exposed from the spout body 10 at the second push position P2 (FIG. 4B) is covered by the spout body 10 at the third push position P3 (FIG. 4C). That is, a portion of the area exposed from the spout body 10 at the second push position P2 is covered by the spout body 10 at the third push position P3. This makes it possible to indicate that the protrusion level is at a minimum level by not exposing the figure 34 at the third push position P3.

In this way, each time the push button 30 is pressed, the number of figures 34 decreases by one, from the position (P1) at which the push button 30 protrudes most from the spout body 10 to the position (P3) at which the push button is pressed most toward the spout body 10. This allows the protrusion level display unit 32 to allow the user to visually confirm the protrusion level of the push button 30.

The corresponding display unit 18 of this embodiment displays figures corresponding to the multiple figures 34 exposed depending on the push position. The corresponding display unit 18 has a first display 18a, a second display 18b, and a third display 18c. The third display 18c of this embodiment is blank. Displays 18a, 18b, and 18c are displays corresponding to the displays of the protrusion level display unit 32 when the push positions are P1, P2, and P3, respectively.

The first display 18a in this embodiment is a figure similar to the two figures 34 displayed in the exposed area of the push button 30 in the first push position P1. The second display 18b in this embodiment is a figure similar to the one figure 34 displayed in the exposed area of the push button 30 in the second push position P2. The third display 18c in this embodiment is a blank display similar to the display in the area exposed from the spout body 10 when the push button 30 is located in the third push position P3.

In this embodiment, the symbol display section 20 has a first symbol 20a, a second symbol 20b, and a third symbol 20c.

The first symbol 20a in this embodiment is a symbol representing the first water discharge form, which is a shower discharge. The first symbol 20a indicates the first water discharge form in correspondence with the first display 18a. The first symbol 20a is a figure representing the state in which water is being discharged in a shower-like form.

The second symbol 20b in this embodiment is a symbol that allows the user to recognize that the water discharge mode is straight water discharge. The second symbol 20b indicates the second water discharge mode in correspondence with the second display 18b. The second symbol 20b is a figure that represents the state in which water is being discharged in a straight line.

The third symbol 20c in this embodiment is a symbol that allows the user to recognize that the water discharge mode is purified water. The third symbol 20c indicates the third water discharge mode in response to the third display 18c. The third symbol 20c is a symbol that resembles a cup filled with water.

The display of the corresponding display section 18 is arranged next to the display of the symbol display section 20 in the direction A in which the spout body 10 extends. Specifically, the first display 18a, the second display 18b, and the third display 18c are arranged next to the first symbol 20a, the second symbol 20b, and the third symbol 20c, respectively, in the direction in which the spout body 10 extends (the direction in which the push button 30 is pressed). By arranging in this manner, the spout body 10 can be made elongated in the direction A, improving the design.

As described above, according to the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the push button 30 can be moved between a first push position P1 and a second push position P2, which is pushed closer to the spout body 10 than the first push position P1 and corresponds to a second water discharge form. In addition, a protrusion level display 32 is provided on the surface of the push button 30, which indicates the protrusion level of the push button 30 according to the push position of the push button 30.

With this configuration, the protrusion level display unit 32 allows the user to recognize the push position of the push button 30, and the water discharge pattern corresponding to the push position. This allows the user to easily recognize the water discharge pattern with a simple configuration.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the area of the protrusion level display portion 32 that is exposed from the spout body portion 10 when in the first push position P1 is covered by the spout body portion 10 when in the second push position P2.

With this configuration, the area of the protrusion level display section 32 exposed from the spout body section 10 changes depending on the push position of the push button 30, thereby indirectly displaying the protrusion level of the push button 30.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, of the multiple figures 34, at least one figure 34 that is exposed from the spout body 10 when in the first push position P1 is covered by the spout body 10 when in the second push position P2.

With this configuration, the number of figures 34 indicates the water discharge pattern, making it easier to recognize the water discharge pattern.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, multiple figures 34 have the same shape.

With this configuration, by making multiple figures 34 the same shape, the water discharge pattern can be more easily recognized.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the push button 30 can be pushed further toward the spout body 10 than the second push position P2 and can be moved to a third push position P3 corresponding to a third water discharge form. In the protrusion level display unit 32, at least a portion of the area exposed from the spout body 10 when in the second push position P2 is covered by the spout body 10 when in the third push position P3.

With this configuration, the area of the protrusion level display section 32 exposed from the spout body section 10 changes depending on the first to third push positions P1, P2, and P3, making it easy to distinguish between the three types of water discharge patterns.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, a corresponding display section 18 and a symbol display section 20 are provided on the surface of the spout body section 10. The corresponding display section 18 has a first display 18a that corresponds to the protrusion level display section 32 when the first push position P1 is reached, and a second display 18b that corresponds to the protrusion level display section 32 when the second push position P2 is reached. The symbol display section 20 has a first symbol 20a that corresponds to the first display 18a and represents a first water discharge form, and a second symbol 20b that corresponds to the second display 18b and represents a second water discharge form.

With this configuration, the symbol display unit 20 can display the water discharge form with higher visibility than the corresponding display unit 18, and the water discharge form displayed by the protrusion level display unit 32 can be more easily recognized via the corresponding display unit 18.

In addition, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the first display 18a and the second display 18b displayed in the corresponding display section 18 are arranged side by side with the first symbol 20a and the second symbol 20b displayed in the symbol display section 20, respectively, in the direction in which the spout body section 10 extends.

With this configuration, the spout bodies 10 are arranged in a line in the direction in which they extend (vertical direction), making the faucet 1 more compact than if they were arranged in a line in a direction intersecting the direction in which they extend (horizontal direction).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the above embodiment, two figures 34 are provided on the push button 30 and the first display 18a, but this is not limited. For example, the faucet 2 shown in Figures 5A to 5C may be used. Figures 5A to 5C are plan views showing modified spout body 11 and push button 31.

As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the number of figures 35 displayed on the push button 31 of the faucet 2 is greater than the number of figures 34 displayed on the push button 30 of Figures 4A to 4C.

Specifically, the number of shapes 35 on the faucet 2 is three. Three shapes 35 are exposed at the first push position P1, two shapes 35 are exposed at the second push position P2, and one shape 35 is exposed at the third push position P3.

A figure is displayed on the corresponding display section 22 (first display 22a, second display 22b, third display 22c) corresponding to the display of the protrusion level display section 40 at each push position P1 (Fig. 5A), P2 (Fig. 5B), P3 (Fig. 5C). At least one figure 35 is exposed at each push position P1, P2, P3. This makes it easier to recognize the water discharge form than the faucet 1 shown in Figs. 4A to 4C. This configuration also allows the user to easily recognize the water discharge form with a simple configuration.

The faucet may be, for example, the faucet 3 shown in Figures 6A to 6C. Figures 6A to 6C are plan views showing the spout body 13 and push button 31 of another modified example. Figures 6A to 6C are the same as the configuration of Figures 5A to 5C, except that the symbol display section 20 and the corresponding display section 22 are omitted. Even with this configuration, the protrusion level of the push button 30 can be confirmed by the figure 35, and the user can indirectly recognize the water discharge form corresponding to the protrusion level. This makes it possible to easily recognize the water discharge form with a simple configuration.

The faucet may be, for example, the faucet 4 shown in Figures 7A to 7C. Figures 7A to 7C are plan views showing a spout body 15 and a push button 33 of a modified example different from those shown in Figures 6A to 6C.

The faucet 4 shown in Figures 7A to 7C has the same configuration as the faucet 2 shown in Figures 5A to 5C, except that the figure 35 has been changed to a figure 36, the figure of the corresponding display section 24 has been changed, and the positions of the first symbol 20a and the third symbol 20c have been changed.

In Figures 7A to 7C, figure 36 is a line shape rather than a dot (black circle) shape like figure 35. Figure 36 is a line that extends in a direction that intersects with push direction A1. Figure 36 in Figures 7A to 7C is a line that extends in the width direction of the faucet 4. In conjunction with the change to figure 36, the figures of the first display 24a, second display 24b, and third display 24c in the corresponding display unit 24 have also been changed to a figure similar to figure 36.

By making the figures 36 long and thin lines, they can be more easily seen by the user than dots such as the figure 35. Furthermore, by making the figures 36 lines that extend in the width direction, each figure 36 can be more reliably hidden depending on the push position of the push button 33.

In Figs. 5A to 5C, the first symbol 20a, the second symbol 20b, and the third symbol 20c are displayed in this order from the right when viewed in the push direction A1, but in Figs. 7A to 7C, the arrangement order of the symbols 20a, 20b, and 20c is different. Specifically, in Figs. 7A to 7C, the first symbol 20a, the second symbol 20b, and the third symbol 20c are displayed in this order from the left when viewed in the push direction A1, rather than from the right. In accordance with the order of the first symbol 20a to the third symbol 20c, the first display 24a to the third display b 24c of the corresponding display section 24 are also displayed in order from the left.

In Figures 7A to 7C, the display (first symbol 20a and first display 24a) showing the highest protrusion level is positioned on the far left, and as the protrusion level decreases, the display showing the protrusion level is positioned further to the right. This allows the display showing the protrusion level to shift from left to right each time the push button 33 is pressed. This allows the water discharge pattern to be recognized more intuitively than when the display showing the protrusion level shifts from right to left.

Although the number of water discharge patterns has been described as three, this is not limited to this. The number of water discharge patterns may be, for example, two, or four or more. In this case, the number of protruding positions of the push button 30 may be set to the same number according to the number of water discharge patterns.

In addition, although the multiple figures 34 are described as having the same shape, they may be different shapes.

In addition, while it has been described that the number of figures 34 decreases by one each time the push button 30 is pressed from the position (P1) at which the push button 30 protrudes most from the spout body 10 to the position (P3) at which the push button 30 is most pressed into the spout body 10, this is not limiting. For example, the number of figures 34 may decrease by multiple each time the push button 30 is pressed. Also, for example, the configuration may be such that at least a portion of the area exposed from the spout body 10 at the first push position P1 is covered by the spout body 10 at the second push position P2.

In addition, although the symbols are described as including shapes that mimic the shape of water discharge, the symbols may also include letters.

The flow path switching mechanism of the faucet 1, which allows switching between the three water discharge modes described above, is built into the spout body 10. The internal structure of the spout body 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 16C.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the spout body 10 with the tubular portion 12 omitted. As shown in Figure 8, the interior of the spout body 10 includes a valve retaining member 132, a plurality of valves 134, and a slide member 136.

The valve retaining member 132 is a member that retains multiple valves 134. The valve retaining member 132 is inserted into the cartridge portion 138 of the spout body 10 in the push direction A1 and attached. The valve retaining member 132 and the cartridge portion 138 have internal flow paths that are connected to the water discharge portion 14. The internal flow paths of the valve retaining member 132 and the cartridge portion 138 will be described using Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the valve retaining member 132, and Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cartridge portion 138. Figure 9 shows the end of the valve retaining member 132 that is connected to the cartridge portion 138.

As shown in FIG. 9, the valve retaining member 132 has a cylindrical first attachment portion 140. The first attachment portion 140 is a portion that is attached to the cartridge portion 138 shown in FIG. 10, and has a screw thread formed on its outer periphery. The valve retaining member 132 is attached to the cartridge portion 138 by screwing the screw thread of the first attachment portion 140 into the screw thread formed on the cartridge portion 138.

A second mounting portion 142 is provided inside the first mounting portion 140. The second mounting portion 142 is a portion that is attached to the water purification cartridge 144 of the cartridge portion 138 shown in FIG. 10. A screw thread is formed on the inner circumference of the second mounting portion 142, and is attached by screwing into the screw thread provided on the water purification cartridge 144.

The cartridge section 138 shown in FIG. 10 is a cylindrical member that houses a water purification cartridge 144. The water purification cartridge 144 generates purified water by passing raw water sent from a water supply pipe through a filtration filter (not shown). The water purification cartridge 144 forms a purified water flow path 146 in the center through which the generated purified water flows.

A raw water flow path 148 is formed around the purified water flow path 146. The raw water flow path 148 is a flow path through which raw water sent from the water supply pipe flows as raw water without passing it through the purified water cartridge 144. The purified water flow path 146 and the raw water flow path 148 are formed concentrically and are separated from each other by the purified water cartridge 144.

As shown in FIG. 9, a purified water flow path 150 and a raw water flow path 152 are formed inside the valve retaining member 132.

The purified water flow path 150 is a flow path formed inside the second attachment portion 142, and is connected to the purified water flow path 146 of the cartridge portion 138 shown in FIG. 10. The purified water flow paths 146, 150 are flow paths corresponding to the "purified water straight discharge" described above. A first valve 158 (FIG. 11), which will be described later, is provided downstream of the purified water flow path 150.

The raw water flow path 152 is a flow path formed inside the first mounting portion 140 and outside the second mounting portion 142. The raw water flow path 152 communicates with the raw water flow path 148 of the cartridge portion 138 shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, raw water flow path 152 branches into two raw water flow paths 154, 156 downstream. Raw water flow paths 154, 152 are flow paths corresponding to the aforementioned "raw water straight discharge," and a second valve 160 (FIG. 11), which will be described later, is provided downstream of them. Raw water flow paths 156, 152 are flow paths corresponding to the aforementioned "raw water shower discharge," and a third valve 162 (FIG. 11) is provided downstream of them.

An exploded perspective view of the valve retaining member 132 and the plurality of valves 134 is shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of valves 134 includes a first valve 158, a second valve 160, and a third valve 162.

The first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162 are valves that open and close the internal flow paths corresponding to the respective water discharge modes. The first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162 are inserted through the first through hole 164, the second through hole 166, and the third through hole 168, respectively, provided in the valve retaining member 132.

The first through hole 164, the second through hole 166, and the third through hole 168 are each through holes provided on the upper surface of the valve holding member 132 and communicate with the internal flow path of the valve holding member 132. The first through hole 164 communicates with the purified water flow path 150 shown in FIG. 9, the second through hole 166 communicates with the raw water flow path 154, and the third through hole 168 communicates with the raw water flow path 156.

As shown in FIG. 11, a connection member 170 is attached to the water discharge portion 14. The connection member 170 is a member for connecting the water discharge portion 14 and the valve holding member 132. In FIG. 11, the connection member 170 and the valve holding member 132 are shown separated, but when in use, they are fixed to each other by screws.

The connection member 170 includes a first valve receiver 172, a second valve receiver 174, and a third valve receiver 176. The first valve receiver 172 is a portion that receives the first valve 158 inserted through the first through hole 164. Similarly, the second valve receiver 174 is a portion that receives the second valve 160 inserted through the second through hole 166, and the third valve receiver 176 is a portion that receives the third valve 162 inserted through the third through hole 168.

Each of the first valve receiver 172, the second valve receiver 174, and the third valve receiver 176 is composed of a through hole that penetrates vertically and a base portion that surrounds the periphery of the through hole.

The connection relationship between the internal flow paths of the above-mentioned connection member 170, water discharge portion 14, and valve holding member 132 will be described using Figures 12A to 12C. Figures 12A to 12C are perspective views showing cross sections of the valve holding member 132, connection member 170, and water discharge portion 14.

Figure 12A is a perspective view showing a cross section of the first valve 158 and the first valve receiver 172. As shown in Figure 12A, the first valve 158 is disposed in the purified water flow passage 150 via the first through hole 164 of the valve holding member 132, and is received in the first valve receiver 172 of the connection member 170. Inside the connection member 170, a first connection flow passage 178 is formed that communicates with the through hole of the first valve receiver 172, and the first connection flow passage 178 is connected to the straight flow passage 180 of the water discharge portion 14 and communicates with the straight water discharge port 118.

According to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 12A, when the first valve 158 is received in the first valve receiver 172, the purified water flow path 150 and the first connecting flow path 178 are not connected, and water is not discharged through these flow paths. When the first valve 158 rises relative to the first valve receiver 172, the purified water flow path 150 and the first connecting flow path 178 are connected, and purified water is discharged straight from the straight water outlet 118 via these flow paths and the straight flow path 180. FIG. 12A shows the state in which the first valve 158 is received in the first valve receiver 172.

Figure 12B is a perspective view showing the second valve 160 and the second valve receiver 174 in cross section. As shown in Figure 12B, the second valve 160 is disposed in the raw water flow passage 154 through the second through hole 166 of the valve holding member 132 and is received in the second valve receiver 174. Inside the connection member 170, a second connection passage 182 is formed that communicates with the through hole of the second valve receiver 174, and the second connection passage 182 is connected to the straight passage 180 of the water discharge section 14 and communicates with the straight water discharge port 118. The second connection passage 182 merges with the first connection passage 178 shown in Figure 12A on the downstream side, and a part of it overlaps.

According to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 12B, when the second valve 160 is received in the second valve receiver 174, the raw water flow path 154 and the second connecting flow path 182 are not connected, and water is not discharged through these flow paths. When the second valve 160 rises relative to the second valve receiver 174, the raw water flow path 154 and the second connecting flow path 182 are connected, and raw water is discharged straight from the straight water outlet 118 via these flow paths and the straight flow path 180. FIG. 12B shows the state in which the second valve 160 is received in the second valve receiver 174.

Figure 12C is a perspective view showing a cross section of the third valve 162 and the third valve receiver 176. As shown in Figure 12C, the third valve 162 is disposed in the raw water flow path 156 via the third through hole 168 of the valve holding member 132, and is received in the third valve receiver 176. Inside the connecting member 170, a third connection flow path 184 is formed that communicates with the through hole of the third valve receiver 176, and the third connection flow path 184 is connected to the shower flow path 186 of the water discharge portion 14 and communicates with the shower water discharge port 120.

According to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 12C, when the third valve 162 is received in the third valve receiver 176, the raw water flow path 156 and the third connection flow path 184 are not connected, and water is not discharged through these flow paths. When the third valve 162 rises relative to the third valve receiver 176, the raw water flow path 156 and the third connection flow path 184 are connected, and raw water shower water is discharged from the shower outlet 120 via these flow paths and the shower flow path 186. FIG. 12C shows the third valve 162 raised relative to the third valve receiver 176.

As shown in Figures 12A to 12C, a first biasing member 188, a second biasing member 190, and a third biasing member 192 are disposed around the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162, respectively. The first biasing member 188, the second biasing member 190, and the third biasing member 192 are springs for biasing the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162 downward toward the first valve receiver 172, the second valve receiver 174, and the third valve receiver 176, respectively. The upper ends of the first biasing member 188, the second biasing member 190, and the third biasing member 192 contact the inner wall surface of the valve holding member 132, and the lower ends contact the enlarged diameter portions of the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162 from above.

The opening and closing of the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162 described above is controlled by the sliding movement of the slide member 136 shown in FIG. 8. A perspective view including the slide member 136, the push button 30, and the valve retaining member 132 is shown in FIG. 13.

The slide member 136 shown in FIG. 13 is a member that moves integrally with the push button 30 in the slide direction A2 in response to a push operation of the push button 30. The slide member 136 is fitted inside the push button 30 and fixed to the push button 30 so that it moves integrally with the push button 30.

As shown in FIG. 13, the slide member 136 has an extension portion 194 that extends in the push direction A1.

The extension portion 194 is a portion that engages with the valve holding member 132 so as to be slidable in the axial direction A. When the extension portion 194 slides while engaged with the valve holding member 132, it selectively engages with one of the valves 158, 160, 162 inserted through the through holes 164, 166, 168 of the valve holding member 132, thereby lifting the valve.

The specific configuration of the extension portion 194 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figures 14 and 15 are respectively an oblique view and a plan view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the extension portion 194.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the extension portion 194 has a first extension portion 196, a second extension portion 198, and a third extension portion 200.

The first extension portion 196, the second extension portion 198, and the third extension portion 200 are all portions that extend in the sliding direction A2. The first extension portion 196, the second extension portion 198, and the third extension portion 200 are arranged side by side in the width direction B of the spout body portion 10, and the first extension portion 196 is arranged between the second extension portion 198 and the third extension portion 200.

The first extension portion 196, the second extension portion 198, and the third extension portion 200 each have a first protrusion portion 196A, a second protrusion portion 198A, and a third protrusion portion 200A. The first protrusion portion 196A, the second protrusion portion 198A, and the third protrusion portion 200A are portions of the first extension portion 196, the second extension portion 198, and the third extension portion 200 that partially protrude in the upward direction C, respectively.

The first protrusion 196A, the second protrusion 198A, and the third protrusion 200A each engage with the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162, respectively, when the extension portion 194 is in a specific position in the sliding direction A2.

The positional relationship between the protrusions 196A, 198A, and 200A and the valves 158, 160, and 162 is explained using Figures 16A to 16C.

Figures 16A to 16C are enlarged plan views of the push button 30 and the slide member 136 when they are in stop positions P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Stop positions P1, P2, and P3 correspond to the stop positions (push positions) P1, P2, and P3 shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Figures 16A to 16C show valves 158, 160, and 162, respectively, in a schematic manner.

Figure 16A shows the state in which the push button 30 and the slide member 136 are in the first stop position P1. As shown in Figure 16A, in the first stop position P1, the third protrusion 200A engages with the third valve 162, lifting the third valve 162 upward. The lifted third valve 162 operates to open the corresponding raw water shower discharge flow path, and raw water shower discharge is performed from the water discharge section 14 (Figures 2A and 12C).

In the state shown in FIG. 16A, the first protrusion 196A and the second protrusion 198A are not engaged with the first valve 158 and the second valve 160, and the first valve 158 and the second valve 160 seal the corresponding flow paths.

Figure 16B shows the state in which the push button 30 and the slide member 136 have moved from the first stop position P1 to the second stop position P2 and stopped. As shown in Figure 16B, at the second stop position P2, the second protrusion 198A engages with the second valve 160, lifting the second valve 160 upward. The lifted second valve 160 operates to open the corresponding flow path for the straight raw water discharge, and straight raw water discharge is performed from the discharge section 14 (Figures 2B and 12B).

In the state shown in FIG. 16B, the first protrusion 196A and the third protrusion 200A are not engaged with the first valve 158 and the third valve 162, and the first valve 158 and the third valve 162 seal the corresponding flow paths.

Figure 16C shows the state where the push button 30 and the slide member 136 have moved from the second stop position P2 to the third stop position P3 and stopped. As shown in Figure 16C, at the third stop position P3, the first protrusion 196A engages with the first valve 158, lifting the first valve 158. The lifted first valve 158 operates to open the corresponding flow path for straight purified water discharge, and straight purified water discharge is performed from the water discharge portion 14 (Figures 2C and 12A).

In the state shown in FIG. 16C, the second protrusion 198A and the third protrusion 200A are not engaged with the second valve 160 and the third valve 162, and the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 seal the corresponding flow paths.

According to the above configuration, the stop positions of the push button 30 and the slide member 136 are changed in stages by pushing the push button 30, and one of the three valves 158, 160, 162 operates to open the corresponding flow path depending on the stop position. This makes it possible to realize a flow path switching mechanism that can switch between three water discharge modes by pushing the push button 30.

In this embodiment, an extension portion 194 is provided on the slide member 136 so that three water discharge modes can be switched by pushing the push button 30. Three extension portions 196, 198, and 200 are provided as the extension portion 194, and protrusions 196A, 198A, and 200A are provided on each of the extension portions 196, 198, and 200 to selectively engage with the first valve 158, the second valve 160, and the third valve 162, respectively. By arranging the three protrusions 196A, 198A, and 200A so that only one of the three protrusions engages with the corresponding valve according to the three stop positions P1, P2, and P3, it is possible to realize one water discharge mode that is preset for each stop position P1, P2, and P3. This allows the three valves 158, 160, and 162 to be selectively operated with a simple configuration.

When providing the three extensions 196, 198, and 200, the extensions 196, 198, and 200 are arranged side by side in the width direction B of the spout body 10, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. This allows the length of the spout body 10 in the axial direction A to be shortened.

In addition, the first extension 196 corresponding to the first valve 158 is provided between the second extension 198 corresponding to the second valve 160 and the third extension 200 corresponding to the third valve 162. With this arrangement, as shown in Figures 12A to 12C, in a configuration in which the purified water flow path 150 is arranged at the center and the raw water flow path 152 is arranged around it, when the first valve 158 is arranged in the purified water flow path 150 and the valves 160, 162 are arranged in the raw water flow paths 154, 156 that communicate with the raw water flow path 152, each valve can be arranged while making effective use of the internal space of the spout main body 10. This allows the spout main body 10 to be made smaller.

As shown in FIG. 11 and other figures, the positions of the through holes 164, 166, and 168 are set so that the first valve 158 is positioned offset from the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 in the axial direction A of the spout body 10. In particular, the first through hole 164 and the first valve 158 are positioned on the base side of the spout body 10 relative to the second through hole 166 and the second valve 160, and the third through hole 168 and the third valve 162. With this arrangement, when the first valve 158 is arranged in the purified water flow path 150 and the valves 160 and 162 are arranged in the raw water flow paths 154 and 156 that communicate with the raw water flow path 152 as shown in FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C, each valve can be arranged while effectively utilizing the internal space of the spout body 10. In particular, the length of the spout body 10 in the axial direction A and the width direction B can be shortened, and the spout body 10 can be made smaller.

As shown in FIG. 11 and other figures, the positions of the second through hole 166 and the third through hole 168 are set so that the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 are arranged in a position where they overlap in the width direction B of the spout main body 10. With this arrangement, when the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 are arranged in the raw water flow paths 154, 156 that communicate with the raw water flow path 152 as shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C, the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 can be arranged at an equal distance from the raw water flow path 152. This makes it easier for the flow rate and pressure of the raw water passing through the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 to be equal, and the operation of the second valve 160 and the third valve 162 can be stabilized.

Next, the configuration for gradually stopping the push button 30 at three stop positions P1, P2, and P3 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18A to 18F.

Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the inside of the push button 30 and the slide member 136. As shown in Figure 17, a biasing member 204 and a pin 206 are attached to the inside of the push button 30 and the slide member 136.

The biasing member 204 is a spring for biasing the push button 30 in a biasing direction A3, which is the opposite direction to the push direction A1. The biasing member 204 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the push button 30, and is disposed in a recess 208 of the valve holding member 132 shown in FIG. 13. By providing the biasing member 204, the push button 30 is constantly biased in the biasing direction A3 relative to the valve holding member 132, and a repulsive force is generated when the user pushes the push button 30 in the push direction A1.

The pin 206 is a member for stopping the push button 30 at each of the stop positions P1, P2, and P3. The pin 206 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the push button 30 together with the biasing member 204, and moves integrally with the push button 30 as it slides. The pin 206 is formed in a rod shape, and a pair of hooks 210A and 210B are provided at the tip. The hooks 210A and 210B are bent toward the inside where the biasing member 204 is located.

The hook portion 210A engages with the groove portion 212A of the valve retaining member 132 shown in FIG. 12B. The other hook portion 210B engages with the groove portion 212B of the valve retaining member 132 shown in FIG. 12C.

Groove portion 212A and groove portion 212B are groove portions provided on the side surface of valve retaining member 132. By arranging hook portions 210A and 210B in groove portion 212A and groove portion 212B, the stopping position of push button 30 is controlled. More specifically, this will be described with reference to Figures 18A to 18F.

Figures 18 to 18F are side views for explaining the order in which hooks 210A and 210B arranged in grooves 212A and 212B move. In Figures 18 to 18F, groove 212A and hook 210A are shown on the right side, and groove 212B and hook 210B are shown on the left side.

18A shows the push button 30 in the outermost first stop position P1. The hooks 210A and 210B are located at the entrances of the grooves 212A and 212B, respectively. When the push button 30 is in the first stop position P1, the push button 30 is held in the first stop position P1 by the bias of the biasing member 204. When the push button 30 is in the first stop position P1, raw water shower water is discharged from the water discharger 14 (FIG. 2A).

When the push button 30 is pressed in the push direction A1 from the state shown in FIG. 18A, the hooks 210A and 210B of the pin 206 move in the push direction A1 together with the push button 30. The hooks 210A and 210B move in the direction D1 as shown in FIG. 18A according to the shape of the grooves 212A and 212B.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the hooks 210A and 210B are positioned at the back of the grooves 212A and 212B and then move in the direction D2. At this time, due to the bias of the biasing member 204, the hooks 210A and 210B move in the biasing direction A3, which is the opposite direction to the push direction A1, while moving downward due to gravity.

Figure 18C shows the push button 30 in the second stop position P2, which is one step down from the first stop position P1. The hooks 210A and 210B are positioned and stationary in the grooves 212A and 212B, respectively. When the push button 30 is in the second stop position P2, straight raw water is discharged from the water discharger 14 (Figure 2B).

When the push button 30 is pressed in the push direction A1 from the state shown in FIG. 18C, the hooks 210A and 210B move in the direction D3 according to the shape of the grooves 212A and 212B.

As shown in FIG. 18D, the hooks 210A and 210B are positioned at the back of the grooves 212A and 212B and then move in the direction D4. At this time, the hooks 210A and 210B move in the biasing direction A3 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 204, and move downward due to gravity.

Figure 18E shows the push button 30 in the third stop position P3, which is one step down from the second stop position P2. The hooks 210A and 210B are positioned and stationary in the grooves 212A and 212B, respectively. When the push button 30 is in the third stop position P3, straight purified water is discharged from the water discharger 14 (Figure 2C).

When the push button 30 is pressed in the push direction A1 from the state shown in FIG. 18E, the hooks 210A and 210B move in the direction D5 according to the shape of the grooves 212A and 212B.

As shown in FIG. 18F, the hooks 210A and 210B are positioned at the back of the grooves 212A and 212B, and then move in the direction D6. At this time, the hooks 210A and 210B move in the biasing direction A3 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 204, and return to the position shown in FIG. 18A (first stop position P1).

According to the above configuration, by pushing the push button 30 in the push direction A1, the push button 30 can be repeatedly moved in the order of the first stop position P1, the second stop position P2, the third stop position P3, the first stop position P1, etc. This allows the water discharge form of the water discharge section 14 to be switched in the order of raw water shower discharge (first stop position P1), raw water straight discharge (second stop position P2), purified water straight discharge (third stop position P3), raw water shower discharge (first stop position P1), etc. In this way, a flow path switching mechanism can be realized that can switch between three water discharge forms by pushing the push button 30.

In particular, in this embodiment, the water discharge unit 14 is set to a raw water shower discharge when in the first stop position P1 shown in FIG. 18A. If the water discharge unit 14 is set to a shower discharge when in the second stop position P2 shown in FIG. 18C or the third stop position P3 shown in FIG. 18E, the water discharge mode temporarily becomes a shower discharge when the axial position A of the hook parts 210A, 210B overlaps with the second stop position P2 or the third stop position P3 during the series of movements of the hook parts 210A, 210B shown in FIG. 18A to FIG. 18F. In such a case, the shower discharge temporarily occurs in the middle of switching between the straight discharge of raw water and the straight discharge of purified water, which may confuse the user.

In this embodiment, the water discharge form of the water discharge unit 14 is set to shower water discharge when the device is in the first stop position P1 shown in FIG. 18A, so that the device is designed not to temporarily switch to shower water discharge while switching between the two straight water discharge forms. This prevents the user from becoming confused when switching between water discharge forms.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the push button 30 is set to perform straight raw water spouting when it is in the second stop position P2, and to perform straight purified water spouting when it is in the third stop position P3, but this is not the only case. It may also be set to perform straight purified water spouting when it is in the second stop position P2, and to perform straight raw water spouting when it is in the third stop position P3.

In the above embodiment, the connection member 170 is a separate member from the water discharge portion 14 and the valve holding member 132, but this is not limited to the above case, and the connection member 170 may be integral with the water discharge portion 14 and/or the valve holding member 132.

In the above embodiment, the protrusions 196A, 198A, and 200A that partially protrude from the extension portion 194 are provided as the engagement portions that engage with the valves 158, 160, and 162, but this is not limited to the above case. Any configuration may be used as long as the engagement portion is capable of engaging with the valves 158, 160, and 162, and is not limited to the protrusions.

In addition, any of the various embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate to achieve the effects of each.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they deviate therefrom. Also, changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The faucet of the present invention is useful as a faucet that can switch the water discharge mode with a push button.

1, 2, 3, 4 Faucet 10, 11, 13, 15 Spout body 12 Cylindrical section 14 Water outlet 16 Water outlet 118 Straight water outlet 120 Shower water outlet 18, 22, 24 Corresponding display section 18a, 22a, 24a First display 18b, 22b, 24b Second display 18c, 22c, 24c Third display 20 Symbol display section 20a First symbol 20b Second symbol 20c Third symbol 30, 31, 33 Push button 32, 40, 42 Protrusion level display section 34, 35, 36 Figure 132 Valve retaining member 134 Valve 136 Slide member 138 Cartridge section 140 First mounting section 142 Second mounting section 144 Water purification cartridge 146 Purified water flow path 148 Raw water flow path 150 Purified water flow path 152 Raw water flow path 154 Raw water flow path 156 Raw water flow path 158 First valve 160 Second valve 162 Third valve 164 First through hole 166 Second through hole 168 Third through hole 170 Connection member 172 First valve receiver 174 Second valve receiver 176 Third valve receiver 178 First connection flow path 180 Straight flow path 182 Second connection flow path 184 Third connection flow path 186 Shower flow path 188 First biasing member 190 Second biasing member 192 Third biasing member 194 Extension portion 196 First extension portion 196A First protruding portion 198 Second extension portion 198A Second protruding portion 200 Third extension portion 200A Third protruding portion 204 Urging member 206 Pin 208 Recess 210A, 210B Hook 212A, 212B Groove A Axial direction A1 Push direction A2 Slide direction A3 Urging direction B Width direction C Upward direction P1 First push position (first stop position)
P2 Second push position (second stop position)
P3 Third push position (third stop position)
W Water outlet

Claims (6)

A spout body having a water outlet formed therein;
A push button attached to the spout body portion and capable of changing the water discharge form from the water outlet,
the push button is movable between a first push position where it protrudes outward from the spout body and corresponds to a first water discharge form, and a second push position where it is pushed closer to the spout body than the first push position and corresponds to a second water discharge form,
a protrusion level indicator is provided on a surface of the push button to indicate a protrusion level of the push button according to a push position of the push button ;
the protrusion level display portion has a plurality of figures arranged at intervals in a pressing direction of the push button,
The figure is decreased by one each time the push button is pressed toward the spout body portion,
A faucet , wherein at least one of the plurality of figures that is exposed from the spout body when in the first push position is covered by the spout body when in the second push position. The faucet of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of graphics are the same shape. The push button is further movable to a third push position that is pushed toward the spout body portion from the second push position and corresponds to a third water discharge form,
The faucet according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the area of the protrusion level indicator that is exposed from the spout body when in the second push position is covered by the spout body when in the third push position. The surface of the spout body is
a corresponding display section having a first display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when the push button is at the first push position and a second display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when the push button is at the second push position;
The faucet described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a symbol display unit having a first symbol corresponding to the first display and representing the first water discharge form, and a second symbol corresponding to the second display and representing the second water discharge form. The faucet described in claim 4, wherein the first display and the second display displayed in the corresponding display unit are arranged next to the first symbol and the second symbol displayed in the symbol display unit, respectively , in the direction in which the spout main body extends. A spout body having a water outlet formed therein;
A push button attached to the spout body portion and capable of changing the water discharge form from the water outlet,
the push button is movable between a first push position where it protrudes outward from the spout body and corresponds to a first water discharge form, and a second push position where it is pushed closer to the spout body than the first push position and corresponds to a second water discharge form,
a protrusion level indicator is provided on a surface of the push button to indicate a protrusion level of the push button according to a push position of the push button;
The surface of the spout body is
a corresponding display section having a first display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when the push button is at the first push position and a second display corresponding to the protrusion level display section when the push button is at the second push position;
The faucet is provided with a symbol display unit having a first symbol corresponding to the first display and representing the first water discharge form, and a second symbol corresponding to the second display and representing the second water discharge form.

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