WO2020234967A1 - Hot/cold water mixing tap - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a hot/cold water mixing tap that has a click mechanism and can increase the degree of freedom when configuring a water tap structure.　The hot/cold water mixing tap 10 is provided with a lever handle 14 and a valve assembly 38. The valve assembly 38 comprises: a tilt lever 46 that rotates forward and backward and left and right, together with the lever handle 14; a lower case 68; an upper case 42; a lower seal member 66; an inner seal member 64; and an elastic click body 56. The elastic click body 56 has a first click engagement section 170. The tilt lever 46 has a second click engagement section 180. When the click engagement between the first click engagement section 170 and the second click engagement section 180 is released, the elastic click body 56 hits an adjacent section and a click occurs.

Description

Hot water mixing tap

This disclosure relates to a hot water mixing tap.

A single lever type hot and cold water mixing tap having a fixed valve body and a movable valve body that slides on the fixed valve body is known. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-127739 is a single provided with a locking piece and a locking notch for locking the operating lever with a resistance force equal to or higher than a certain level at the vertical rotation position of the operating lever when the amount of water discharged is other than zero. A lever-type hot and cold water mixing tap is disclosed. In this hot and cold water mixing tap, clicks may occur as the locking piece engages with and / or disengages the locking notch. That is, in this hot water mixing tap, a click (left-right click) may occur as the operation lever rotates left-right. In this hot water mixing tap, left and right clicks do not occur when the water is stopped, and left and right clicks occur only when the water is discharged.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-127739

The structure of the faucet can be constrained by the click mechanism. It is preferable that this restriction is small. Further, a click structure having high click clarity is preferable. Further, a click mechanism having a high degree of freedom in designing the range in which clicks occur is preferable. The present inventor has found a click mechanism having a new structure capable of producing an unprecedented effect.

This disclosure relates to a hot and cold water mixing tap having a click mechanism with a new structure.

In one aspect, the hot and cold water mixing faucet includes a faucet body, a lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right, and a valve assembly housed inside the faucet body. The valve assembly has a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole, a flow path forming recess, and is interlocked with the movable valve body that moves on the fixed valve body and the lever handle. A tilt lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position, and a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole, and a discharge hole that are arranged under the fixed valve body. A lower case having a lower case, an upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case, and a lower seal member for sealing between the lower case and the faucet body. Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. It has an inner seal member that seals between the lever handles, and an elastic click body that is not interlocked with the front-rear rotation of the lever handle and is not interlocked with the left-right rotation of the lever handle. The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion. The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion. The elastic click body is elastically deformed by the click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion. When the click engagement is released and the elastic deformation is eliminated, the elastic click body hits the adjacent portion to generate a click.

In another aspect, the hot and cold water mixing faucet includes a faucet main body, a lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right, and a valve assembly housed inside the faucet main body. The valve assembly has a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole, a flow path forming recess, and is interlocked with the movable valve body that moves on the fixed valve body and the lever handle. A tilt lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position, and a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole, and a discharge hole that are arranged under the fixed valve body. A lower case having the above, an upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case, and a lower seal member for sealing between the lower case and the faucet body. Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. An inner seal member that seals between the upper case, an upper seal member that seals between the upper case and the faucet body, and a lever seal that seals between the lever interlocking portion linked to the tilt lever and the upper case. It has a member and an elastic click body that is not interlocked with the front-rear rotation of the lever handle and is not interlocked with the left-right rotation of the lever handle. The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion. The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion. A click occurs due to the click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion.

On one side, the degree of freedom in designing faucets with a click mechanism can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot water mixing tap according to an embodiment. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are perspective views of the valve assembly used in the hot water mixing tap of FIG. In FIG. 2A, the tilt lever is in the water stop position. In FIG. 2B, the tilt lever is in the maximum water discharge position. FIG. 3A is a side view of the vicinity of the valve including the valve assembly of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3A. 4 (a) is a side view of a valve vicinity portion including the valve assembly of FIG. 2 (b), and FIG. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4 (a). FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the elastic click body viewed from diagonally above, FIG. 6B is a side view of the elastic click body, and FIG. 6C is a side view of the elastic click body viewed from diagonally below. It is a perspective view. 7 (a) is a plan view of the elastic click body, FIG. 7 (b) is a rear view of the elastic click body, and FIG. 7 (c) is a bottom view of the elastic click body. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper case and the elastic click body. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the upper case and the elastic click body. What is painted black in FIG. 9 shows an elastic click body placed in the click body accommodating portion of the upper case. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a side surface of the click body accommodating portion and an elastic click body. In FIG. 10, the elastic click body is at the center position of the swing. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the side surface of the click body accommodating portion and the elastic click body. In FIG. 11, the elastic click body swings to the left. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the side surface of the click body accommodating portion and the elastic click body. In FIG. 12, the elastic click body swings to the right.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following, the terms "water" and "hot water" are used. From the viewpoint of distinguishing the liquid from the hot water supply hole and the liquid from the water supply hole, "hot water" and "water" are used properly as needed. On the other hand, there is also a description that the liquid from the hot water supply hole and the liquid from the water supply hole are collectively referred to as "water".

In the present application, words such as "upper", "lower", "upper", and "lower" are used in consideration of the normal usage state in the embodiment. The attitude of the faucet can change depending on the usage conditions, the specifications of the faucet, the specifications of the equipment to which the faucet is attached, and so on. In this case, the above wording is properly interpreted according to the attitude of the faucet.

Unless otherwise specified, the "diameter direction" in the present application means the radial direction of the upper case. Unless otherwise specified, the "circumferential direction" in the present application means the circumferential direction of the upper case.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hot water mixing tap 10 according to the embodiment. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 has a faucet main body 12, a lever handle 14, a discharge portion 16, a hot water introduction pipe 18, a water introduction pipe 20, and a discharge pipe 22. The discharge unit 16 has a head 24. The head 24 has a switching lever 26. By operating the switching lever 26, it is possible to switch between shower discharge and normal discharge. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 is used in, for example, a kitchen, a wash basin, and the like.

The head 24 has a switching button 28 and a display unit 30. A water purification cartridge (not shown) is built in the discharge unit 16. The switching button 28 switches between a purified water flow path through which the water purified by the water purification cartridge passes and a raw water flow path through which the water not purified by the water purification cartridge passes. When switched to the purified water flow path, purified water is discharged. When switched to the raw water flow path, the raw water is discharged. The display unit 30 displays whether the discharged water is purified water or raw water.

The discharge amount is adjusted by rotating the lever handle 14 back and forth (rotating up and down). In the present embodiment, the discharge amount increases as the lever handle 14 is moved upward, and the water is stopped when the lever handle 14 is moved to the lowermost side. Regardless of the left and right position of the lever, when the lever handle 14 is on the lowermost side, the water is stopped. On the contrary, the discharge amount may increase as the lever handle 14 is moved downward. The left-right rotation of the lever handle 14 changes the mixing ratio of hot water and water. The water discharge temperature is adjusted by the left and right positions of the lever. The movement of the lever handle 14 when adjusting the discharge amount is a vertical rotation rather than a front-back rotation. However, the movement of the tilt lever 46 accompanying the rotation of the lever handle 14 is forward / backward rotation. Therefore, from the viewpoint of unifying the wording and making it easy to understand, in the present application, the rotation of the lever handle 14 is referred to as a front-back rotation.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are perspective views of the valve assembly 38. FIG. 2A is a perspective view in a water-stopped state, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view in a water discharge state. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the amount of water discharged is maximum (maximum water discharge state). FIG. 3A is a side view of the valve assembly 38 and its vicinity in a water-stopped state. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4A is a side view of the valve assembly 38 and its vicinity in the water discharge state (maximum water discharge state). FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4A.

The valve assembly 38 is built in the faucet body 12 of the hot water mixing faucet 10. The faucet body 12 has a side wall portion 12a and a bottom portion 12b. The side wall portion 12a and the bottom portion 12b form an accommodating portion 13 accommodating the valve assembly 38. Further, the faucet main body 12 has a valve fixing member 12c that presses the valve assembly 38 from above. The valve fixing member 12c has a male screw portion, and this male screw portion is screwed to a female screw portion provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 12a. The valve fixing member 12c fixes the valve assembly 38 to the accommodating portion 13 by pressing the valve assembly 38 from above.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly 38. As shown in FIG. 5, the valve assembly 38 has an upper seal member 40, an upper case 42, a rotating body 44, an inclined lever 46, and a lever seal member 48. The tilt lever 46 has a lever shaft 46a and a lever cap 46b. The lever shaft 46a has an upper portion 50, a spherical portion 52, and a lower portion 54. The spherical portion 52 is located between the upper portion 50 and the lower portion 54. A lever handle 14 is fixed to the upper portion 50.

A set screw 53 is used to fix the lever handle 14 to the tilt lever 46 (see FIG. 3B). Although not shown, the lever handle 14 is provided with a lever insertion portion and a screw hole having a shape corresponding to the upper portion 50 of the tilt lever 46. A set screw 53 is screwed into the screw hole with the tilt lever 46 (upper part 50) inserted into the lever insertion portion. In this embodiment, a set screw with a hexagonal hole is used as the set screw 53. The tip of the set screw 53 presses the tilt lever 46 by the axial force F1 of the set screw 53. By this pressing, the lever handle 14 is fixed to the tilt lever 46. At the same time, the pressing of the set screw 53 also contributes to fixing the lever cap 46b to the lever shaft 46a. The set screw 53 presses the lever shaft 46a via the lever cap 46b. As a result, the lever cap 46b is strongly pressed against the lever shaft 46a at the portion pressed by the set screw 53. As a result, the fixing force of the lever cap 46b with respect to the lever shaft 46a is increased.

Further, the valve assembly 38 has an elastic click body 56. The elastic click body 56 is mounted on the upper surface of the upper case 42 (the upper surface of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 described later). The elastic click body 56 is exposed in the valve assembly 38. As will be described later, the elastic click body 56 produces a click sound. If the click noise is generated inside the valve assembly 38, the click noise tends to be small. On the other hand, the elastic click body 56 is exposed. This configuration can make the click sound louder.

Further, the valve assembly 38 has a movable valve body 60, a fixed valve body 62, an inner seal member 64, a lower seal member 66, and a lower case 68. The inner seal member 64 has a hot water hole seal portion 64a, a water hole seal portion 64b, and a discharge hole seal portion 64c. In the present embodiment, the hot water hole sealing portion 64a, the water hole sealing portion 64b, and the discharge hole sealing portion 64c are separated from each other. The hot water hole seal portion 64a, the water hole seal portion 64b, and the discharge hole seal portion 64c may be connected. In this case, the inner seal member 64 may be an integral member having three annular portions.

The lower case 68 has a hot water introduction hole 70, a water introduction hole 72, and a discharge hole 74. The above-mentioned bottom portion 12b located on the lower side of the lower case 68 is provided with openings corresponding to each of the hot water introduction hole 70, the water introduction hole 72, and the discharge hole 74. The hot water introduction pipe 18, the water introduction pipe 20, and the discharge pipe 22 described above are connected to each of these openings in the bottom portion 12b. The lower seal member 66 seals the connection portion between the holes 70, 72, 74 of the lower case 68 and each opening of the bottom portion 12b.

The fixed valve body 62 is located above the lower case 68. The fixed valve body 62 is supported from below by the inner seal member 64, and is pressed against the movable valve body 60 by the inner seal member 64. The lower case 68 is provided with an engaging convex portion 76 for preventing the fixed valve body 62 from rotating, and an engaging convex portion 77 for fixing the upper case 42 to the lower case 68. The fixed valve body 62 is provided with an engaging recess 78 that engages with the engaging protrusion 76.

The fixed valve body 62 has a hot water supply hole 80, a water supply hole 82, and a discharge hole 84. The hot water supply hole 80 penetrates the fixed valve body 62. The hot water supply hole 80 is connected to the hot water introduction hole 70 of the lower case 68. The inner seal member 64 (hot hole sealing portion 64a) ensures the sealing property of this connection. The water supply hole 82 penetrates the fixed valve body 62. The water supply hole 82 is connected to the water introduction hole 72 of the lower case 68. The inner seal member 64 (water hole seal portion 64b) ensures the sealability of this connection. The discharge hole 84 penetrates the fixed valve body 62. The discharge hole 84 is connected to the discharge hole 74 of the lower case 68. The inner seal member 64 (discharge hole seal portion 64c) ensures the sealability of this connection.

The movable valve body 60 has an upper member 86 and a lower member 88. The upper member 86 is fixed to the lower member 88. This fixing is achieved by engaging the convex portion 90 of the upper member 86 with the concave portion 92 of the lower member 88. In the present embodiment, the upper member 86 and the lower member 88 are separate members from each other. By using separate members, the optimum material and manufacturing method can be selected for each of the upper member 86 and the lower member 88. The movable valve body 60 may be integrally molded as a whole.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), a flow path forming recess 94 is formed on the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88). The flow path forming recess 94 opens downward. The upper part of the flow path forming recess 94 is closed. In the present embodiment, the bottomed recess formed in the lower member 88 is the flow path forming recess 94, but a through hole may be provided in place of this recess. For example, a flow path forming recess can be formed by closing the opening on the upper side of the through hole with a separate body using a packing such as an O-ring.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), a first sliding surface PL1 is provided on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62. The first sliding surface PL1 is a flat surface. The first sliding surface PL1 is formed in a portion where the above-mentioned openings 80, 82 and 84 do not exist. On the other hand, a second sliding surface PL2 is provided on the lower surface of the lower member 88 (movable valve body 60). A second sliding surface PL2 is provided in a portion where the flow path forming recess 94 is not formed. The sliding mating surface PL3 is formed by the surface contact between the first sliding surface PL1 and the second sliding surface PL2. The sliding mating surface PL3 exhibits watertightness.

As shown in FIG. 5, a lever engaging recess 98 that engages with the lower portion 54 of the tilting lever 46 (lever shaft 46a) is provided on the upper surface of the upper member 86. The lower portion 54 of the tilt lever 46 is inserted into the lever engaging recess 98. As described above, the lever handle 14 is fixed to the tilt lever 46. When the lever handle 14 rotates back and forth, the tilt lever 46 also rotates back and forth. This forward / backward rotation changes the lever tilt position of the tilt lever 46. When the lever handle 14 rotates left and right, the tilt lever 46 also rotates left and right. This left-right rotation changes the left-right position of the tilt lever 46.

The movable valve body 60 slides on the fixed valve body 62 in conjunction with the movement of the tilt lever 46. The movable valve body 60 rotates in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the tilt lever 46. The movable valve body 60 moves in conjunction with the forward / backward rotation of the tilt lever 46, and the flow path forming recess 94 of the movable valve body 60 also moves.

The water discharge state is achieved by overlapping the flow path forming recess 94 with the hot water supply hole 80 and / or the water supply hole 82 and the discharge hole 84. The water discharge state includes a mixed discharge state, a hot water discharge state, and a water discharge state. When the flow path forming recess 94 overlaps the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82, the mixed discharge state is achieved. In the mixed discharge state, the hot water from the hot water supply hole 80 and the water from the water supply hole 82 are mixed and discharged. When the flow path forming recess 94 overlaps only the hot water supply hole 80 and does not overlap the water supply hole 82, the hot water discharge state is achieved. In the hot water discharge state, only hot water is discharged from the hot water supply hole 80, and water is not discharged from the water supply hole 82. When the flow path forming recess 94 overlaps only the water supply hole 82 and does not overlap the hot water supply hole 80, the water discharge state is achieved. In the water discharge state, only water is discharged from the water supply hole 82, and hot water is not discharged from the hot water supply hole 80. When the flow path forming recess 94 does not overlap the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82, the water stop state is achieved.

The hot water supply hole 80 does not have a connecting passage leading to the outer edge of the fixed valve body 62. The water supply hole 82 does not have a connecting passage leading to the outer edge of the fixed valve body 62. The discharge hole 84 does not have a connecting passage leading to the outer edge of the fixed valve body 62. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 is a dry sliding type. Generally, hot and cold water mixing taps are classified into underwater sliding type and dry sliding type. The underwater sliding type is a hot water mixing tap used by submerging the sliding mating surfaces. The underwater sliding type hot water mixing tap has a water supply path for supplying water to the space around the sliding mating surface. The communication passage is an example of this water supply passage. The hot and cold water mixing tap 10 does not have a water supply path for supplying water to the space around the sliding mating surface PL3. In the hot and cold water mixing tap 10, water leakage to the space around the sliding mating surface PL3 is regulated by the sliding mating surface PL3. In the dry sliding type, the sliding mating surface PL3 is not intentionally submerged.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating body 44 has a spherical support portion 102, an engaging portion 104, and a circumferential outer surface 105. As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), the spherical support portion 102 is a concave surface of a spherical surface, and is in surface contact with the spherical surface portion 52 of the tilt lever 46. The engaging portion 104 is slidably attached to the slide engaging portion 106 of the movable valve body 60 (upper member 86). The rotating body 44 is supported by the upper case 42 in a state where it can rotate within a predetermined angle range. The rotating body 44 is housed inside the upper case 42. The entire rotating body 44 is located inside the upper case 42.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), the lever seal member 48 is fixed by being sandwiched between the upper end surface 108 of the rotating body 44 and the upper case 42. The spherical portion 52 of the tilt lever 46 is in close contact with the lever seal member 48.

The tilt lever 46 rotates left and right as the lever handle 14 rotates left and right. The rotating body 44 rotates together with the tilt lever 46, and the movable valve body 60 also rotates. As the tilt lever 46 rotates left and right, the lever seal member 48 also rotates. In the left-right rotation of the tilt lever 46, the lever seal member 48 rotates together with the spherical surface portion 52 and does not slide with the spherical surface portion 52. The lever seal member 48 does not have to rotate as the tilt lever 46 rotates left and right. The spherical surface portion 52 is in close contact with the lever seal member 48 at all lever left and right positions.

The tilt lever 46 rotates back and forth in conjunction with the back and forth rotation of the lever handle 14. When the tilt lever 46 is rotated back and forth, the tilt of the tilt lever 46 changes. As the tilt lever 46 rotates back and forth, the movable valve body 60 slides with respect to the rotating body 44. As the tilt lever 46 rotates back and forth, the lever seal member 48 slides with the spherical surface portion 52.

The tilt of the tilt lever 46 changes due to the forward / backward rotation of the tilt lever 46. In the present application, the front-rear position of the tilt lever 46 that changes depending on the tilt of the tilt lever 46 is also referred to as a lever tilt position. The lever seal member 48 is in close contact with the spherical surface portion 52 at all lever tilt positions. The lever tilt position has a water stop position and a maximum water discharge position. The water stop position is the lever tilt position in the water stop state. The maximum water discharge position is the lever tilt position when the amount of water discharge is maximum.

From the viewpoint of sealing property, it is preferable that the sealing surface in close contact with the lever sealing member 48 is a spherical portion 52. For example, by using a sealing member having high followability, the sealing surface can be a non-spherical portion.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lever seal member 48 is an endless annular member. The lever seal member 48 is an annular packing. The lever seal member 48 has an inner peripheral surface 48a and an outer peripheral surface 48b. Further, the lever seal member 48 has an upper surface 48c and a lower surface 48d. The outer peripheral surface 48b has a recess. The outer peripheral surface 48b is in close contact with the inner surface of the small diameter cylindrical portion 120 (upper case 42). The inner peripheral surface 48a is in close contact with the spherical surface portion 52. The upper surface 48c is in close contact with the upper case 42 (seal support portion 126). The lower surface 48d is in close contact with the rotating body 44.

From the viewpoint of sealing performance, it is preferable that the spherical portion 52 is molded with high accuracy. From this viewpoint, the spherical surface portion 52 is preferably formed on the lever shaft 46a. By using metal as the material of the lever shaft 46a, the material of the spherical surface portion 52 can be made of metal. In the case of metal, a high-precision spherical surface can be formed by polishing, and the surface can be made a mirror surface.

The lever seal member 48 seals between the lever interlocking portion interlocked with the tilt lever 46 and the upper case 42. In the present embodiment, the lever interlocking portion is the spherical portion 52. The lever interlocking portion sealed to the lever seal member 48 is not limited to the spherical portion 52. This lever interlocking portion may be a part of the tilt lever 46, or may be other than the tilt lever 46. For example, the lever interlocking portion sealed to the lever seal member 48 may be a rotating body 44. That is, the lever seal member 48 may seal between the upper case 42 and the rotating body 44, and between the rotating body 44 and the upper member 86.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper case 42 has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 120, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 122, and a connecting portion 124. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 constitutes the upper part of the upper case 42. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 is located above the large-diameter cylindrical portion 122. The connecting portion 124 extends in the radial direction of the upper case 42. The connecting portion 124 connects the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 122. The connecting portion 124 forms an upward surface.

As described above, the valve fixing member 12c has a male screw portion 12d, and this male screw portion is screwed to the female screw portion 12e provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 12a (FIG. 3B). And FIG. 4 (b)). The tightening direction is a direction for tightening the screw connection, and the loosening direction is a direction for loosening the screw connection. When the valve fixing member 12c is rotated in the tightening direction, the valve fixing member 12c moves downward and the pressing force on the valve assembly 38 increases. When the valve fixing member 12c is rotated in the loosening direction, the valve fixing member 12c moves upward and can be removed.

The upper case 42 has a seal support portion 126. The seal support portion 126 is provided on the small diameter cylindrical portion 120. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 is annular. The seal support portion 126 projects from the inner surface of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 inward in the radial direction of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120. The upper surface 48c of the lever seal member 48 is in contact with the lower surface of the seal support portion 126.

The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 has a seal arrangement portion 128. The seal arrangement portion 128 is a peripheral groove. The seal arrangement portion 128 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 122. The seal arrangement portion 128 is provided on the upper portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 122. The upper seal member 40 is arranged on the seal arrangement portion 128.

The large diameter cylindrical portion 122 has an engaging hole 130. The engaging hole 130 is engaged with the engaging convex portion 77 of the lower case 68. By this engagement, the upper case 42 is fixed to the lower case 68.

The lever cap 46b is used by being attached to the lever shaft 46a. The inside of the lever cap 46b is hollow. As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), the lever shaft 46a (upper part 50) is inserted inside the lever cap 46b.

The lever cap 46b covers the lever shaft 46a. The cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the lever cap 46b corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the lever shaft 46a at the portion inserted into the lever cap 46b. The size of the inner surface of the lever cap 46b is (slightly) smaller than the size of the lever shaft 46a at the portion inserted into the lever cap 46b. The lever shaft 46a is press-fitted into the lever cap 46b. The lever shaft 46a is fitted inside the lever cap 46b. By this fitting, the lever cap 46b is fixed to the lever shaft 46a. Further, as described above, the set screw 53 further strengthens the fixing. The set screw 53 and the lever cap 46b ensure that the lever handle 14 is fixed to the lever shaft 46a.

The valve assembly 38 has a detachment prevention member 140 (see FIG. 5). The detachment prevention member 140 has a form in which a flat plate is cut out. The detachment prevention member 140 has a shape along a plane. The detachment prevention member 140 is inserted into a slit 142 provided in the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120. A part of the detachment prevention member 140 projects inside the click body accommodating portion 190 (described later). The detachment prevention member 140 prevents the elastic click body 56 from moving upward. The detachment prevention member 140 prevents the elastic click body 56 from detaching from the upper case 42 (small diameter cylindrical portion 120).

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the elastic click body 56 viewed from diagonally above, FIG. 6B is a side view of the elastic click body 56, and FIG. 6C is an obliquely downward view of the elastic click body 56. It is a perspective view seen from. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the elastic click body 56 viewed from above, FIG. 7B is a rear view of the elastic click body 56, and FIG. 7C is a view of the elastic click body 56 from below. It is a bottom view.

The elastic click body 56 is made of a material that can be elastically deformed. In this embodiment, the elastic click body 56 is made of resin.

The elastic click body 56 has a base portion 150 and an upward extending portion 152. As shown in FIG. 7A, the elastic click body 56 has a plane-symmetrical shape. The elastic click body 56 has a plane of symmetry Ps (see FIG. 7A).

The base 150 is a curved and extending end portion. The base 150 is an endd annular portion. The base 150 is partially interrupted in the circumferential direction. The base 150 is C-shaped. The base 150 extends along a plane. The base 150 extends along a circle.

The base 150 has a first end 150a and a second end 150b. The base 150 is interrupted between the first end 150a and the second end 150b. The base 150 has an outer surface 150c and a bottom surface 150d. In this embodiment, the outer surface 150c is the outer peripheral surface of the base 150.

The elastic click body 56 (base 150) has a locking portion 151. The locking portion 151 is formed on the base portion 150. The locking portion 151 is a recess. The locking portion 151 may be, for example, a convex portion. The locking portion 151 is located on the plane of symmetry Ps. The elastic click body 56 can swing around the locking portion 151. Details of the movement of the elastic click body 56 will be described later.

The base 150 has a first portion E1 and a second portion E2. The first portion E1 is a portion from the locking portion 151 to the first end 150a. The second portion E2 is a portion from the locking portion 151 to the second end 150b. The first portion E1 includes a first position P1 of the base 150. The second portion E2 includes a second position P2 of the base 150.

The upward extending portion 152 is connected to the base 150. The upward extending portion 152 extends upward from the base 150. The upward extending portion 152 connects the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the base 150. The upward extending portion 152 forms a bridge portion 154 extending between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The elastic click body 56 has a base portion 150 and a cross-linking portion 154 connecting the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the base portion 150.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the first position P1 is located on one side of the plane of symmetry Ps (on the right side in FIG. 7A), and the second position P2 is on the other side of the plane of symmetry Ps. (It is located on the left side in FIG. 7A). The first end 150a is located on one side of the plane of symmetry Ps (on the right side in FIG. 7A), and the second end 150b is on the other side of the plane of symmetry Ps (on the left side in FIG. 7A). To position.

The first position P1 is located on one side of the locking portion 151, and the second position P2 is located on the other side of the locking portion 151. The first end 150a is located on one side of the locking portion 151, and the second end 150b is located on the other side of the locking portion 151.

The upward extending portion 152 (bridge portion 154) has a first rising portion 156 extending upward from the first position P1 of the base portion 150 and a second rising portion 158 extending upward from the second position P2 of the base portion 150. Further, the upward extending portion 152 (bridge portion 154) has a connecting portion 160 connecting the first rising portion 156 and the second rising portion 158.

The connecting portion 160 has a first curved portion 162, a second curved portion 164, and a laterally extending portion 166. The first curved portion 162 is curved and extends from the upper end of the first upward extending portion 156. The second curved portion 164 is curved and extends from the upper end of the second rising portion 158. The laterally extending portion 166 connects the first curved portion 162 and the second curved portion 164. The laterally extending portion 166 extends horizontally.

The first curved portion 162 is connected to the first end of the laterally extending portion 166 while facing diagonally downward. The second curved portion 164 is connected to the second end of the laterally extending portion 166 while facing diagonally downward. The first curved portion 162 and the second curved portion 164 play a role of adjusting the protruding direction of the first click engaging portion 170 provided in the laterally extending portion 166. Further, the first curved portion 162 and the second curved portion 164 promote the elastic deformation of the upward extending portion 152 (bridge portion 154).

The elastic click body 56 has a bottom convex portion 168. As shown in FIG. 6C and the like, the bottom surface convex portion 168 is provided on the bottom surface of the elastic click body 56. The bottom surface convex portion 168 is provided on the bottom surface 150d of the base portion 150. A plurality (4) bottom surface convex portions 168 are provided. The bottom surface convex portion 168 projects downward. When the elastic click body 56 is placed on the horizontal plane, only the bottom convex portion 168 comes into contact with the horizontal plane. The elastic click body 56 is stably placed on the horizontal plane by the plurality of bottom convex portions 168. The bottom convex portion 168 is a convex curved surface. The bottom convex portion 168 is a spherical surface. The elastic click body 56 is placed on a flat surface and is not fixed. Therefore, the elastic click body 56 has a high degree of freedom of movement. This degree of freedom of movement contributes to the expression of clear clicks. Details of this movement will be described later.

The elastic click body 56 has a click engaging portion 170. As shown in FIG. 6B, in the present embodiment, the click engaging portion 170 projects obliquely downward. In the present embodiment, the click engaging portion 170 is a convex portion. The click engaging portion 170 may be, for example, a recess. In the present application, the click engaging portion 170 provided on the elastic click body 56 is also referred to as a first click engaging portion.

The click engaging portion 170 is provided on the upward extending portion 152. The click engaging portion 170 is provided on the cross-linked portion 154. The click engaging portion 170 is provided on the connecting portion 160. The click engaging portion 170 is provided on the laterally extending portion 166.

It is the second click engaging portion 180 that engages with the first click engaging portion 170. The second click engaging portion 180 is provided on the tilt lever 46. The second click engaging portion 180 is provided on the lever shaft 46a. The second click engaging portion 180 is provided on the spherical portion 52. The second click engaging portion 180 is provided above the lever seal member 48. The second click engaging portion 180 does not hit the lever seal member 48 at any lever tilt position. The second click engaging portion 180 does not hit the lever seal member 48 at any lever left / right position. The second click engaging portion 180 is in a position that does not hinder the close contact between the lever seal member 48 and the spherical portion 52.

In the present embodiment, the second click engaging portion 180 is a protrusion. The second click engaging portion 180 is a streak-like protrusion. The second click engaging portion 180 extends so as to be able to engage with the first click engaging portion 170 at all lever tilt positions. The click is generated by the engagement between the second click engaging portion 180 and the first click engaging portion 170. This click is a left-right click that occurs with the left-right rotation of the lever handle 14 (tilt lever 46). Left and right clicks occur regardless of the lever tilt position of the tilt lever 46. Left and right clicks occur even at the maximum water discharge position. Left and right clicks occur even at the water stop position.

When the tilt lever 46 rotates left and right, the second click engaging portion 180 also rotates left and right. On the other hand, even if the tilt lever 46 rotates left and right, the elastic click body 56 does not rotate left and right. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the left-right rotation of the tilt lever 46, the rotating second click engaging portion 180 engages with the first click engaging portion 170 of the elastic click body 56. It fits. Further, as the left-right rotation of the tilt lever 46 progresses, the first click engaging portion 170 gets over the second click engaging portion 180, and the engagement is released. The moment this disengagement is disengaged, a click occurs.

The elastic click body 56 is not interlocked with the forward / backward rotation of the lever handle 14. The elastic click body 56 is not interlocked with the left-right rotation of the lever handle 14. The elastic click body 56 does not rotate in conjunction with the left-right rotation of the lever handle 14. Regardless of the operation of the lever handle 14, the position and posture of the elastic click body 56 are substantially unchanged. Therefore, the position of the first click engagement portion 170 is constant, and the lever position when the click engagement occurs is also constant. Click engagement can be generated at the desired lever position. However, as described later, the elastic click body 56 moves finely.

[Click engagement using elastic click body]
The details of the click engagement will be described below. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the elastic click body 56 and the upper case 42. The upper case 42 has a click body accommodating portion 190. The click body accommodating portion 190 is provided in the small diameter cylindrical portion 120 of the upper case 42. The click body accommodating portion 190 has a bottom surface 192 and a side surface 194.

The bottom surface 192 is the upper surface of the seal support portion 126 described above. The bottom surface 192 is a flat surface. The bottom surface 192 is an annular surface. An opening is formed inside the bottom surface 192, and an inclination lever 46 (spherical portion 52) is inserted through this opening. The elastic click body 56 is mounted on the bottom surface 192. The elastic click body 56 can slide and move on the bottom surface 192.

The side surface 194 is the inner surface of the circumferential wall formed by the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120. The side surface 194 is the inner surface of the circumference. The side surface 194 faces the outer surface 150c of the base 150 of the elastic click body 56.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the elastic click body 56 in the click body accommodating portion 190 of the upper case 42. The click body accommodating portion 190 is open upward, and the elastic click body 56 is arranged in the click body accommodating portion 190 from above. In order to clearly show the arrangement of the elastic click body 56 in the click body accommodating portion 190, the elastic click body 56 arranged in the click body accommodating portion 190 is shown in black in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper case 42 has a click support portion 200 that engages with the locking portion 151 of the elastic click body 56. The click support portion 200 is formed in the click body accommodating portion 190. The click support portion 200 is a convex portion. The click support portion 200 is a convex portion that protrudes upward from the bottom surface 192. The click support portion 200 is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the click body accommodating portion 190.

The shape of the click support portion 200 corresponds to the shape of the locking portion 151. The click support portion 200 is engaged with the locking portion 151. The click support portion 200, which is a convex portion, is engaged with the locking portion 151, which is a concave portion. Due to this engagement, the elastic click body 56 cannot rotate. However, as described later, the elastic click body 56 can swing.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the lower view of FIG. In FIG. 10, a black-painted click body 56 and a side surface 194 (inner peripheral surface) of the click body accommodating portion 190 are shown. There is play between the click body accommodating portion 190 and the elastic click body 56. Due to this play, the elastic click body 56 can move within the click body accommodating portion 190. As shown in FIG. 10, in the elastic click body 56, the diameter of the side surface 194 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base 150. In plan view, the outer surface 150c of the base 150 is along a circle. The diameter of this circle is the outer diameter of the base 150. There is a gap gp between the outer surface 150c of the base 150 and the side surface 194. The gap gp allows the elastic click body 56 to move within the click body accommodating portion 190. There is a gap gp between the base 150 that is not elastically deformed and the side surface 194.

11 and 12 are enlarged plan views similar to FIG. 10. Similar to FIG. 10, in FIGS. 11 and 12, a black-painted click body 56 and a side surface 194 (inner peripheral surface) of the click body accommodating portion 190 are shown. In FIG. 10, the elastic click body 56 is located at the center of the swing width of the swing. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the elastic click body 56 swings to the most one side (left side in the drawing). FIG. 12 shows a state in which the elastic click body 56 swings to the most opposite side (right side in the drawing). The center of this swing is the click support portion 200. The center of the swing is in the vicinity of the click support portion 200, although it is slightly displaced during the swing.

The left-right rotation of the tilt lever 46 causes the second click engagement portion 180 of the tilt lever 46 to rotate, and the second click engagement portion 180 engages with the first click engagement portion 170 of the elastic click body 56. (See FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 6 (a)). This engagement is the engagement between the protrusions. By this engagement, the first click engaging portion 170 receives an upward force and a horizontal force. The direction of the force in the horizontal direction differs depending on the direction of left-right rotation of the lever handle 14 (tilt lever 46).

Here, consider the case where the horizontal force F received by the first click engaging portion 170 is facing left on FIG. This is the direction of the force when the lever handle 14 is rotated to the left side (hot water side). This force F acts on the cross-linked portion 154 (upward extending portion 152) provided with the first click engaging portion 170. This force F gives the elastic click body 56 a rotational moment around the click support portion 200. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the elastic click body 56 swings until the second portion E2 of the base 150 comes into contact with the side surface 194. Further, this force F elastically deforms the base portion 150 so that the first portion E1 approaches the second portion E2 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11). Due to this elastic deformation, the elastic click body 56 accumulates a force for recovering the elastic deformation (deformation recovery force).

Eventually, the first click engaging portion 170 gets over the second click engaging portion 180, and the engagement between the two is released. By this release, the force F disappears, and the elastic deformation recovers at once. That is, the above-mentioned deformation recovery force is exhibited at once. At this time, the deformation of the first portion E1 in the direction approaching the second portion E2 is restored, and the elastic click body 56 swings in the direction opposite to the swing caused by the force F. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the first portion E1 hits the side surface 194 this time. Since the elastic deformation recovers at once, the first portion E1 vigorously hits the side surface 194. The first part E1 hits the side surface 194. When the first portion E1 hits the side surface 194, a sound is generated. This sound is a click sound. Along with the sound, vibration also occurs.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the center line CL of the elastic click body 56 in a plan view is shown by a chain line. Assuming that the swing amplitude angle is θ (°), the force F swings to an angle of θ / 2 (°) on one side with respect to the swing center CL1. The center line CL at this time is CL2 (see FIG. 11). When the force F disappears, it swings to the other side with respect to the swing center CL1 to an angle of θ / 2 (°), and a click sound is generated. The center line CL at this time is CL3 (see FIG. 12). The gap gp is very small, and the swing amplitude angle θ is also small. However, even a small swing amplitude angle θ is effective in increasing the click sound.

In order to increase the click sound, it is not preferable that the swing amplitude angle θ is too large or too small. From the viewpoint of increasing the click sound, the swing amplitude angle θ is preferably 1.5 ° or more, more preferably 2.0 ° or more, and more preferably 2.5 ° or more. From the viewpoint of increasing the click sound, the swing amplitude angle θ is preferably 4.0 ° or less, more preferably 3.5 ° or less, and more preferably 3.0 ° or less. In the embodiment, θ was set to 2.8 °.

In the above, the case where the lever handle 14 is rotated to the left side (hot water side) has been described, but the same click occurs when the lever handle 14 is rotated to the right side (water side). In this case, the direction of the force F (FIG. 11) is reversed, and the swinging direction of the elastic click body 56 is also reversed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the engaging portion 210 that allows the elastic click body 56 to swing is provided between the elastic click body 56 and the click body accommodating portion 190. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 210 is a locking portion 151 and a click support portion 200.

When the second click engaging portion 180 engages with the first click engaging portion 170, the elastic click body 56 is pushed upward. However, the base 150 is pressed by the detachment prevention member 140 (see FIG. 2B). The upward movement of the base 150 is blocked by the detachment prevention member 140. As a result, in the elastic click body 56, the cross-linked portion 154 (upward extending portion 152) is deformed so that the first click engaging portion 170 moves upward. The resilience associated with this deformation increases the engagement force of the click engagement and increases the above-mentioned force F.

As described above, the elastic click body 56 is mounted on the bottom surface 192. In the elastic click body 56, the bottom surface convex portion 168 is in contact with the bottom surface 192 (see FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c)). Only the bottom convex portion 168 is in contact with the bottom surface 192. The contact area between the elastic click body 56 and the bottom surface 192 is reduced by the bottom surface convex portion 168. Therefore, the elastic click body 56 easily slides on the bottom surface 192. The bottom convex portion 168 contributes to increasing the click sound.

In the present embodiment, a gap gp is provided between the elastic click body 56 and the click body accommodating portion 190. This gap gp can increase the swing amplitude of the elastic click body 56. The gap gp can increase the collision speed of the elastic click body 56. The gap gp contributes to increasing the click sound.

The gap gp may not be present. A click sound can occur even if there is no gap gp. Even if there is no gap gp between the elastic click body 56 that has not been elastically deformed and the click body accommodating portion 190, the gap can be temporarily formed by the elastic deformation of the elastic click body 56. Then, when the elastic deformation is recovered, the elastic click body 56 can hit the surface of the click body accommodating portion 190 at the same time as the gap disappears. Therefore, the click sound can be generated even if there is no gap gp between the elastic click body 56 in the natural state and the click body accommodating portion 190.

Due to the gap gp, the elastic click body 56 can move on the bottom surface 192 when the elastic deformation is released. This movement can increase the collision speed of the elastic click body 56 with respect to the click body accommodating portion 190. The gap gp contributes to increasing the click sound. In the present embodiment, the movement of the elastic click body 56 is oscillating. The movement of the elastic click body 56 may be other than swinging. Further, the movement of the elastic click body 56 is not limited to the movement on the bottom surface 192. The movement may be such that a click sound is generated when the elastic click body 56 hits the surface of the click body accommodating portion 190 due to the reaction of the elastic deformation of the elastic click body 56. In the case of rocking, the rotation and movement of the elastic click body 56 can be blocked by the engaging portion 210, and the position of the first click engaging portion 170 can be fixed, which is preferable.

The three-dimensional structure of the elastic click body 56 as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c) and 7 (a) to 7 (c) is suitable for click engagement. The base 150 provides a stable placement state in the click body accommodating portion 190 and contributes to the stable movement of the elastic click body 56. The upward extending portion 152 (bridge portion 154) increases the degree of freedom in setting the position and orientation of the first click engaging portion 170. Further, the upward extending portion 152 (bridge portion 154) surely generates a horizontal force F due to the vertical deformation at the time of click engagement, and transmits this horizontal force F to the base 150. , The base 150 can be deformed. Since the cross-linked portion 154 connects the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the base portion 150, the base portion 150 can be efficiently deformed. The deformation of the cross-linked portion 154 due to the click engagement gives the base 150 a deformation that brings the first position P1 and the second position P2 closer to each other. The base portion 150 has low rigidity in the recess formed as the locking portion 151. Therefore, the cross-linked portion 154 connected to the two positions sandwiching the locking portion 151 can effectively deform the base portion 150.

The click in the above embodiment is a left-right click that occurs when the tilt lever 46 (lever handle 14) is rotated left-right. The click may be a front-back click that occurs when the tilt lever 46 (lever handle 14) is rotated back and forth. Further, in the above embodiment, the left and right clicks occur at all lever tilt positions. As shown by the enlarged portion of FIG. 5, the second click engaging portion 180 is elongated in the vertical direction. The second click engagement portion 180 extends so that click engagement occurs at any lever tilt position. This point can also be understood from FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). As shown in FIG. 2A, click engagement occurs even in the water stop state, and as shown in FIG. 2B, click engagement occurs in all water discharge states including the maximum water discharge position. Even when the click is a front-back click, it is preferable that click engagement occurs at every lever left and right position. In this case, for example, in the spherical surface portion 52, the second click engaging portion 180 can be extended in the lateral direction.

The click may be a sound or a sensation (vibration, rotation resistance, etc.) transmitted to the hand holding the lever handle 14. Preferably, the click includes a sound (click sound) and a hand-held sensation.

In the above embodiment, left and right clicks occur. The left and right positions of the lever when left and right clicks occur are not limited. In the above embodiment, the left-right position of the lever when the left-right click occurs is a position slightly (less than 10 °) on the hot water side of the front position. This left and right click can notify the user whether or not hot water is mixed.

[Adjacent part where the elastic click body hits]
In the above embodiment, the elastic click body 56 hits the side surface 194 of the click body accommodating portion 190 when the click engagement is released. The elastic click body 56 does not have to hit the side surface 194. When the elastic click body 56 hits the adjacent portion, a click occurs. The adjacent portion is a portion adjacent to the elastic click body 56. The adjacent portion is a portion other than the elastic click body 56. The adjacent portion is a portion other than the tilt lever 46. An example of a preferred adjacent portion is the upper case 42. An example of a more preferable adjacent portion is the surface of the click body accommodating portion 190. When the elastic click body 56 hits the adjacent portion, the elastic recovery force accumulated by the click engagement can be instantaneously converted into collision energy, and a loud sound can be generated.

[Sealed structure]
As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), the valve assembly 38 has a valve body peripheral space S1. In the hot and cold water mixing tap 10, the valve body peripheral space S1 is a closed space. The valve body peripheral space S1 is sealed by a plurality of sealing members. The valve body peripheral space S1 includes a space around the sliding mating surface PL3. The valve body peripheral space S1 includes a space around the inner seal member 64. The valve body peripheral space S1 includes a space between the valve assembly 38 and the accommodating portion 13. These spaces are connected by gaps between the members. The valve body peripheral space S1 is a space in which leaked water leaked from the sliding mating surface PL3 and the inner seal member 64 can be stored.

The upper side of the valve body peripheral space S1 is sealed by the lever seal member 48 and the upper seal member 40. The upper seal member 40 seals between the upper case 42 and the faucet body 12. In the present embodiment, the upper seal member 40 seals between the upper case 42 (large diameter cylindrical portion 122) and the side wall portion 12a. The lever seal member 48 seals between the lever interlocking portion (spherical portion 52) and the upper case 42. The upper seal member 40 and the lever seal member 48 are located above the sliding mating surface PL3. The lever seal member 48 located inside the valve assembly 38 and the upper seal member 40 located outside the valve assembly 38 realize sealing on the upper side of the valve body peripheral space S1. The lever seal member 48 is in close contact with the lever interlocking portion (spherical portion 52) at all lever left and right positions. The lever seal member 48 is in close contact with the lever interlocking portion (spherical portion 52) at all lever tilt positions.

The lower side of the valve body surrounding space S1 is sealed with an inner seal member 64 and a lower seal member 66. The inner seal member 64 seals between the fixed valve body 62 and the lower case 68. The lower seal member 66 seals between the lower case 68 and the faucet body 12. In the present embodiment, the lower seal member 66 seals between the lower case 68 and the bottom portion 12b. The inner seal member 64 and the lower seal member 66 are located below the sliding mating surface PL3. The inner seal member 64 located inside the valve assembly 38 and the lower seal member 66 located outside the valve assembly 38 realize the sealing of the lower side of the valve body peripheral space S1.

As described above, the valve assembly 38 and the accommodating portion 13 of the faucet body 12 are sealed by the upper seal member 40 on the upper side and by the lower seal member 66 on the lower side. Further, the lever interlocking portion is sealed with the lever seal member 48. Further, the fixed valve body 62 and the lower case 68 are sealed with an inner seal member 64. The valve body peripheral space S1 is sealed by these sealing members.

In the dry sliding type hot and cold water mixing tap 10, water outflow from the sliding mating surface PL3 is not desired. However, water leakage from the sliding mating surface PL3 may occur due to the influence of wear, grease outflow, and the like. In addition, water leakage from each seal portion occurs due to deterioration. In a normal hot water mixing tap on the dry sliding side, the valve body peripheral space S1 is not sealed. Therefore, the leaked water overflows to the outside of the faucet main body 12 after filling the valve body peripheral space S1. The overflowing leaked water flows down along the outer wall of the hot water mixing tap 10 and collects at the base of the faucet. The faucet root portion means a boundary portion between the faucet main body 12 and the faucet installation portion (sink or the like). The accumulated water corrodes the base of this faucet.

In the hot water mixing tap 10 of the present disclosure, the valve body peripheral space S1 is sealed. Therefore, the leaked water does not flow out to the outside.

By the above sealing, the space around the valve body S1 is blocked from the outside. Therefore, the washing water used for washing the hot water mixing tap 10 is prevented from entering the inside of the valve body peripheral space S1. In addition, the intrusion of detergent is prevented. As a result, the outflow of grease is suppressed.

When the temperature of the discharged water is high, the air in the valve body surrounding space S1 and its peripheral members are warmed and expanded. The high air pressure caused by this expansion pushes down the movable valve body 60. As a result, water leakage from the sliding mating surface PL3 at the time of water discharge is suppressed.

As the amount of leaked water increases, the pressure in the sealed valve body surrounding space S1 increases. Due to this pressure, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the seal member becomes small, and water leakage is suppressed. Further, when this pressure becomes the same as the pressure inside the seal member, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the seal member disappears, and water leakage does not occur. Further, when the pressure in the valve body peripheral space S1 increases, the seal member is pressed from the inside and the outside to become thin and tends to extend in the vertical direction, so that the seal pressure increases. Regarding water leakage from the sliding mating surface PL3, if the pressure in the valve body surrounding space S1 becomes the same as the leak water pressure, water leakage is prevented. In this way, the structure in which the valve body peripheral space S1 is sealed can suppress water leakage due to an increase in internal pressure.

The elastic click body 56 is provided on the outside of the sealed valve body peripheral space S1. The click sound generated inside the valve body surrounding space S1 is difficult to hear. By arranging the elastic click body 56 outside the valve body peripheral space S1, the click sound is easy to hear. The second click engaging portion 180 is also arranged outside the valve body peripheral space S1. The second click engaging portion 180 engages with the first click engaging portion 170 of the elastic click body 56 outside the valve body peripheral space S1.

The shape of the upper seal member 40 is not limited. When sealing between the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 12a and the outer peripheral surface of the upper case 42 as in the above embodiment, the upper sealing member 40 is preferably annular. Examples of this annular seal include an O-ring and a lip packing. In the above embodiment, an O-ring is used.

The shape of the lever seal member 48 is not limited. When sealing the spherical portion 52 of the tilt lever 46 as in the above embodiment, the lever seal member 48 is preferably annular.

The shape of the inner seal member 64 is not limited. As described above, the inner seal member 64 may be three annular seals as in the above embodiment, or may have three annular portions and be integrated. When three separate annular seals are used, each annular seal may be cylindrical. Also in the above embodiment, the hot water hole seal portion 64a, the water hole seal portion 64b, and the discharge hole seal portion 64c have a cylindrical shape (see FIG. 5). The inner seal member 64 is used by being compressed between the fixed valve body 62 and the lower case 68. Due to the presence of the inner seal member 64, a gap is secured between the fixed valve body 62 and the lower case 68. The inner seal member 64 presses the fixed valve body 62 upward (movable valve body 60 side) while maintaining this gap. This pressing force increases the contact pressure on the sliding mating surface PL3 and suppresses water leakage from the sliding mating surface PL3.

The shape of the lower seal member 66 is not limited. The lower seal member 66 may be three annular seals, or may have three annular portions and be integrated as in the above embodiment.

[Click mechanism with a high degree of freedom in faucet structure]
In the above embodiment, the second click engaging portion 180 provided with the tilt lever 46 engages with the elastic click body 56. The rotating tilt lever 46 directly engages with the elastic click body 56 to cause a click. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the elastic click body 56 by the rotating body 44. Since it is not necessary to expose the rotating body 44 to the upper side, the degree of freedom in designing the valve assembly 38 is improved. As a result, the sealed structure is possible. Further, since it is not necessary to rotate the elastic click body 56, a click structure in which the elastic click body 56 is placed is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b), the rotating body 44 is located below the lever seal member 48. The rotating body 44 is not exposed in the valve assembly 38. The rotating body 44 is located inside the sealed portion. As described above, in the present embodiment, the tilt lever 46 rotates and engages with the elastic click body 56. Therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the elastic click body 56. Therefore, it is not necessary to expose the rotating body 44, and a closed structure can be easily constructed.

[Exposed elastic click body]
When the click mechanism is located inside the valve assembly 38, it becomes difficult to hear the click sound. On the other hand, the elastic click body 56 is exposed in the valve assembly 38. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the valve assembly 38, the elastic click body 56 constituting the click mechanism is exposed. Therefore, the click sound that reaches the ear becomes louder, and the clarity of the left and right clicks increases.

The above sealed structure has high sound insulation. Even if the click mechanism is provided in this sealed structure, the click sound is blocked and the click sound is reduced. In the above embodiment, the click mechanism is exposed while adopting a closed structure. Therefore, the click sound can be increased.

In the above embodiment, the elastic click body 56 can be exposed, and a configuration in which the elastic click body 56 moves can be easily achieved.

[Clicks occur at all lever positions]
As described above, by extending the second click engagement portion 180 in a predetermined length and direction, the range in which the click engagement occurs can be easily set. Therefore, left and right clicks can be generated at all lever tilt positions. In addition, front and rear clicks can be generated at all lever left and right positions.

[Click engagement part provided on the tilt lever]
By providing the second click engaging portion 180 on the tilt lever 46, it is not necessary to rotate the elastic click body 56, and a closed structure can be achieved. However, since the tilt of the tilt lever 46 changes depending on the lever tilt position, the position of the second click engaging portion 180 may change depending on the lever tilt position. For this reason, it may be difficult to click-engage at all lever tilt positions. In the above embodiment, by extending the second click engagement portion 180, click engagement occurs at all lever tilt positions. Further, the engagement state of the second click engaging portion 180 and the first click engaging portion 170 is the same at all the lever tilt positions. By providing the second click engaging portion 180 on the spherical portion 52, the identity of this engaged state is easily achieved.

Resin and metal are exemplified as the material of the upper case. This resin also includes a fiber reinforced resin. From the viewpoint of withstanding the pressing force of the valve fixing member, a material having high rigidity and strength is preferable. From this point of view, PPS resin is particularly preferable. The PPS resin is a polyphenylene sulfide resin.

Examples of the material of the lever cap 46b include resin (including fiber reinforced resin) and metal. From the viewpoint of moldability for thin-walled portions, resin is preferable, and PP (polypropylene) is particularly preferable. In the above embodiment, PP was used.

Examples of the material of the lever shaft 46a include resin (including fiber reinforced resin), metal, and ceramic. Metal is preferable from the viewpoint of strength against operating force. Since the lever shaft is in a position where it is exposed to water, stainless steel is more preferable in consideration of rust. In the above embodiment, SUS304 was used.

Examples of the material of the elastic click body 56 include resin and metal. Resin is preferable from the viewpoint of low cost, excellent productivity, and elasticity. From the viewpoint of moldability, a thermoplastic resin is more preferable. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin), POM (polyacetal) and the like. From the viewpoint of wear resistance, a material having low frictional resistance is preferable, and from this viewpoint, POM is preferable. In the above embodiment, POM was used.

In the above embodiment, the elastic click body 56 is integrally molded as a whole. The elastic click body 56 may be formed by combining a plurality of members. From the viewpoint of click performance due to the elasticity of the elastic click body 56, it is preferable that the elastic click body 56 is integrally molded as a whole.

Examples of the material of the lever seal member 48 include resin and rubber (elastic rubber). Rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of adhesion to the spherical surface portion 52. Preferred rubbers include silicone rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). In the above embodiments, rubber (EPDM) was used.

Examples of the material of the upper seal member 40 include resin and rubber (elastic rubber). Rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing property. In the above embodiment, rubber was used.

Examples of the material of the inner seal member 64 include resin and rubber (elastic rubber). Rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing property. In the above embodiment, rubber was used.

Examples of the material of the lower seal member 66 include a resin and a rubber material (vulcanized rubber). Rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing property. In the above embodiment, rubber was used.

The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiment.
[Appendix 1]
The faucet body and
A lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right,
It is provided with a valve assembly housed inside the faucet body.
The valve assembly
A fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole,
A movable valve body that has a flow path forming recess and moves on the fixed valve body,
An inclined lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position in conjunction with the lever handle.
A lower case arranged on the lower side of the fixed valve body and having a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole and a discharge hole,
An upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case.
A lower seal member that seals between the lower case and the faucet body,
Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. An inner seal member that seals between and
An elastic click body that is not linked to the front-back rotation of the lever handle and is not linked to the left-right rotation of the lever handle.
Have and
The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion, and the elastic click body has a first click engaging portion.
The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion and has a second click engaging portion.
The elastic click body is elastically deformed by the click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion.
A hot and cold water mixing tap in which a click occurs when the elastic click body hits an adjacent portion when the click engagement is released and the elastic deformation is eliminated.
[Appendix 2]
The upper case has a click body accommodating portion for accommodating the elastic click body.
The hot water mixing tap according to Appendix 1, wherein the adjacent portion is the surface of the click body accommodating portion.
[Appendix 3]
The hot and cold water mixing tap according to Appendix 2, wherein the elastic click body is placed on the bottom surface of the click body accommodating portion.
[Appendix 4]
A gap is provided between the elastic click body and the click body accommodating portion to allow the movement of the elastic click body.
The hot water mixing tap according to Appendix 2 or 3, wherein the elastic click body moves when the click engagement is released.
[Appendix 5]
The movement of the elastic click body is oscillating.
The hot and cold water mixing tap according to Appendix 4, wherein an engaging portion is provided between the elastic click body and the click body accommodating portion to prevent the rotation of the elastic click body while allowing the swing.
[Appendix 6]
An upper seal member that seals between the upper case and the faucet body,
The hot and cold water mixing tap according to Appendix 1 to 5, further comprising a lever interlocking portion interlocking with the tilt lever and a lever sealing member for sealing between the upper case.
[Appendix 7]
The tilt lever has a spherical surface portion and has a spherical portion.
The hot water mixing tap according to Appendix 6, wherein the lever seal member seals between the spherical surface portion and the upper case.
[Appendix 8]
The faucet body and
A lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right,
It is provided with a valve assembly housed inside the faucet body.
The valve assembly
A fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole,
A movable valve body that has a flow path forming recess and moves on the fixed valve body,
An inclined lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position in conjunction with the lever handle.
A lower case arranged on the lower side of the fixed valve body and having a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole and a discharge hole,
An upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case.
A lower seal member that seals between the lower case and the faucet body,
Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. An inner seal member that seals between and
An upper seal member that seals between the upper case and the faucet body,
A lever seal member that seals between the lever interlocking portion interlocked with the tilt lever and the upper case,
An elastic click body that is not linked to the front-back rotation of the lever handle and is not linked to the left-right rotation of the lever handle.
Have and
The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion, and the elastic click body has a first click engaging portion.
The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion and has a second click engaging portion.
A hot and cold water mixing tap in which a click occurs due to a click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion.
[Appendix 9]
The tilt lever has a spherical surface portion and has a spherical portion.
The hot water mixing tap according to Appendix 8, wherein the lever seal member seals between the spherical surface portion and the upper case.
[Appendix 10]
The hot and cold water mixing tap according to Appendix 8 or 9, wherein a click occurs when the elastic click body hits an adjacent portion when the click engagement is released and the elastic deformation is eliminated.
[Appendix 11]
The hot water mixing tap according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 10, wherein the click is a left-right click that occurs when the tilt lever is rotated left-right.
[Appendix 12]
The hot and cold water mixing tap according to Appendix 11, in which the left and right clicks occur at all lever tilt positions.

The present application also describes other inventions that are not included in the invention according to the claims (including the independent claims). Each of the forms, members, configurations and combinations thereof described in the claims and embodiments of the present application is recognized as an invention based on the action and effect of each.

Each of the embodiments, members, configurations, etc. shown in the above embodiments does not include all the embodiments, members, or configurations of these embodiments, but individually includes the invention according to the claims of the present application. It can be applied to all the inventions described.

10 ... Hot water mixing tap 14 ... Lever handle 16 ... Discharge part 18 ... Hot water introduction pipe 20 ... Water introduction pipe 22 ... Discharge pipe 38 ... Valve assembly 40 ... Upper seal member 42 ... Upper case 44 ... Rotating body 46 ... Tilt lever 46a ... Lever shaft 48 ... Lever seal member 52 ... Spherical part 56 ... Elastic click body 60 ...・ Movable valve body 62 ・ ・ ・ Fixed valve body 64 ・ ・ ・ Inner seal member 66 ・ ・ ・ Lower seal member 68 ・ ・ ・ Lower case 120 ・ ・ ・ Small diameter cylindrical part of upper case 122 ・ ・ ・ Large diameter of upper case Cylindrical part 150 ・ ・ ・ Base of elastic click body 152 ・ ・ ・ Upper extension part of elastic click body 154 ・ ・ ・ Bridge part of elastic click body 168 ・ ・ ・ Bottom convex part of elastic click body 170 ・ ・ ・ First Click engagement part 180 ・ ・ ・ 2nd click engagement part 190 ・ ・ ・ Click body housing part 192 ・ ・ ・ Bottom surface of click body housing part 194 ・ ・ ・ Side surface (adjacent part) of click body housing part
200 ・ ・ ・ Click support part 210 ・ ・ ・ Engaging part E1 ・ ・ ・ First part of elastic click body E2 ・ ・ ・ Second part of elastic click body S1 ・ ・ ・ Space around valve body PL1 ・ ・ ・ First Sliding surface PL2 ・ ・ ・ 2nd sliding surface PL3 ・ ・ ・ Sliding mating surface

Claims (12)

1. The faucet body and
   A lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right,
   It is provided with a valve assembly housed inside the faucet body.
   The valve assembly
   A fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole,
   A movable valve body that has a flow path forming recess and moves on the fixed valve body,
   An inclined lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position in conjunction with the lever handle.
   A lower case arranged on the lower side of the fixed valve body and having a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole and a discharge hole,
   An upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case.
   A lower seal member that seals between the lower case and the faucet body,
   Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. An inner seal member that seals between and
   An elastic click body that is not linked to the front-back rotation of the lever handle and is not linked to the left-right rotation of the lever handle.
   Have and
   The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion, and the elastic click body has a first click engaging portion.
   The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion and has a second click engaging portion.
   The elastic click body is elastically deformed by the click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion.
   A hot and cold water mixing tap in which a click occurs when the elastic click body hits an adjacent portion when the click engagement is released and the elastic deformation is eliminated.
2. The upper case has a click body accommodating portion for accommodating the elastic click body.
   The hot water mixing tap according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent portion is the surface of the click body accommodating portion.
3. The hot and cold water mixing tap according to claim 2, wherein the elastic click body is placed on the bottom surface of the click body accommodating portion.
4. A gap is provided between the elastic click body and the click body accommodating portion to allow the movement of the elastic click body.
   The hot water mixing tap according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elastic click body moves when the click engagement is released.
5. The movement of the elastic click body is oscillating.
   The hot and cold water mixing tap according to claim 4, wherein an engaging portion is provided between the elastic click body and the click body accommodating portion to prevent the rotation of the elastic click body while allowing the swing.
6. An upper seal member that seals between the upper case and the faucet body,
   The hot water mixing tap according to claim 1 to 5, further comprising a lever interlocking portion interlocking with the tilt lever and a lever sealing member for sealing between the upper case.
7. The tilt lever has a spherical surface portion and has a spherical portion.
   The hot water mixing tap according to claim 6, wherein the lever seal member seals between the spherical surface portion and the upper case.
8. The faucet body and
   A lever handle that rotates back and forth and left and right,
   It is provided with a valve assembly housed inside the faucet body.
   The valve assembly
   A fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole, and a discharge hole,
   A movable valve body that has a flow path forming recess and moves on the fixed valve body,
   An inclined lever that rotates back and forth to change the lever tilt position and rotates left and right to change the lever left and right position in conjunction with the lever handle.
   A lower case arranged on the lower side of the fixed valve body and having a hot water introduction hole, a water introduction hole and a discharge hole,
   An upper case fixed to the lower case and forming an outer surface of the valve assembly together with the lower case.
   A lower seal member that seals between the lower case and the faucet body,
   Between the fixed valve body and the lower case, between the hot water supply hole and the hot water introduction hole, between the water supply hole and the water introduction hole, and between the discharge hole and the discharge hole. An inner seal member that seals between and
   An upper seal member that seals between the upper case and the faucet body,
   A lever seal member that seals between the lever interlocking portion interlocked with the tilt lever and the upper case,
   An elastic click body that is not linked to the front-back rotation of the lever handle and is not linked to the left-right rotation of the lever handle.
   Have and
   The elastic click body has a first click engaging portion, and the elastic click body has a first click engaging portion.
   The tilt lever has a second click engaging portion and has a second click engaging portion.
   A hot and cold water mixing tap in which a click occurs due to a click engagement between the first click engaging portion and the second click engaging portion.
9. The tilt lever has a spherical surface portion and has a spherical portion.
   The hot water mixing tap according to claim 8, wherein the lever seal member seals between the spherical surface portion and the upper case.
10. The hot and cold water mixing tap according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a click occurs when the elastic click body hits an adjacent portion when the click engagement is released and the elastic deformation is eliminated.
11. The hot water mixing tap according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the click is a left-right click that occurs when the tilt lever is rotated left and right.
12. The hot and cold water mixing tap according to claim 11, wherein the left and right clicks occur at all lever tilt positions.

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