JP2010229625A - Faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a faucet which miniaturizes a faucet body, which prevents the intrusion of foreign matter into the faucet body, improves the operation of tilting a control lever, and makes the operation guide of the control lever suitable. <P>SOLUTION: This faucet includes: a decorative cover 21 which covers an opening 8, which has a lever operation window 25a, and which is provided with an indication 27 for guiding the tilting operation; an inner cover 23 which has a lever through-hole 23a smaller than the lever operation window, and which moves while covering the lever control window, along with the operation of tilting the control lever; and a holding member 24 for holding the inner cover. The inside of the faucet body 3 is provided with a regulation unit 5 which is constituted in such a manner as to regulate a flow rate of hot or cold water for being supplied to a spout 2, along with the operation of tilting the control lever; and the regulation unit and the decorative cover are provided with portions 14 and 26b to be engaged, which are to be engaged with engaging portions 30 and 31 provided in the holding member, respectively, so that the direction of the decorative cover with respect to the regulation unit can be determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a faucet provided with an operation lever that can be tilted to adjust at least the discharge flow rate from the discharge port.

  In recent years, a hot and cold water mixing faucet having a so-called joystick type operation lever protruding from an opening provided on an upper surface of a faucet body has been distributed in the market (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this type of hot and cold water mixing faucet, the flow rate and temperature of hot water discharged from the discharge port can be adjusted by tilting the operation lever.

  FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the configuration of this type of conventional hot and cold water mixing faucet 90. As shown in this figure, the hot and cold water mixing faucet 90 is provided with a substantially hemispherical flange 92 at the base of the operation lever 91, and the flange 92 rotates following the tilt of the operation lever 91. The flange 92 is configured so as to always cover the opening 93 formed between the operation lever 91 and the faucet body regardless of the rotation angle thereof, so that foreign matter can pass from the opening 93 into the faucet body. Can be prevented from entering.

Special table 2007-518033 gazette JP-A-11-241380

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 13, an adjustment unit (for example, a cartridge) 94 is provided below the flange 92. This adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate of hot water or water introduced from the supply pipe (not shown) into the faucet body and sent to the discharge port (not shown) as the operation lever 91 is tilted. Configured to adjust.

  Therefore, in the hot and cold water mixing faucet 90 shown in FIG. 13, since the flange 92 has a substantially hemispherical shape and rotates, it is necessary to increase the distance Hp from the upper surface of the faucet body to the adjustment unit 94. As a result, the entire faucet becomes larger.

  Further, when the flange 92 rotates with the tilt of the operation lever 91 and the edge 92a collides with the adjustment unit 94 and the tilt of the operation lever 91 is prevented, the adjustment of the discharge flow rate of the hot water from the discharge port is performed. Cause trouble.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, if the width of the flange 92 is narrowed and the opening 93 is enlarged, the tilting of the operation lever 91 is not hindered, but the intended purpose of providing the flange 92 to cover the opening 93 is achieved. It is impossible to prevent foreign matter from entering the faucet body from the opening 93.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned matters, and one of its purposes is to make the faucet body compact and to prevent foreign matter from entering the faucet body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a faucet that can satisfactorily tilt the operation lever.

  On the other hand, instead of the so-called joystick type as described above, as a conventional hot and cold water mixing faucet having an operation lever that is relatively wide and extends forward, the flow rate of hot water discharged from the discharge port is changed by the vertical rotation of the operation lever. In some cases, the temperature is adjusted by turning left and right, and red and blue guidance displays are provided on the left and right (hot water side, water side) of the upper surface of the operation lever (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  However, with this conventional hot and cold water mixing faucet, even if the temperature of the hot water discharged in the discharge state in which the operation lever is rotated upward is adjusted, the guidance display provided on the upper surface of the operation lever is displayed at this time. Since it is in a position hidden behind the operation lever when viewed from the top, it may interfere with the temperature control operation.

  In addition, when the operation lever is a so-called joystick type as shown in Patent Document 1, even if the thin operation lever is provided with a red or blue guidance display, the guidance display must be small and visually recognized. Since it is difficult, there is a fear that the temperature control operation is not sufficiently guided.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described matters, and another object of the present invention is to provide a water faucet that can suitably perform operation guidance for an operation lever.

In order to achieve the above object, the faucet of the present invention is a faucet provided with an operation lever that protrudes outward from the faucet body through an opening provided on the outer surface of the faucet body and is tilted. There,
From the opening to the inside of the faucet body,
A decorative cover that covers the opening and has a lever operation window through which the operation lever is inserted, and is provided with a display that guides the tilting operation exposed from the opening;
An inner cover that penetrates the operation lever and has a lever through hole smaller than the lever operation window and moves while covering the lever operation window as the operation lever is tilted; a holding member that holds the inner cover; In this order,
Further, in the faucet body, the flow rate of hot water or water sent from the supply pipe communicating with the faucet body to the discharge port through the faucet body is adjusted in accordance with the tilting operation of the operation lever. An adjustment unit configured as follows is provided,
The adjusting unit and the decorative cover are provided with an engaged portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the holding member, so that the orientation of the decorative cover with respect to the adjusting unit is determined. (Claim 1).

In the faucet, the decorative cover includes a plate-like portion that covers the opening, and a tubular portion that is provided continuously with an outer peripheral portion of the plate-like portion and extends toward the inside of the faucet body. The engaged portion is provided at the tip portion of the
The adjustment unit includes a valve unit holder in which the valve unit is housed, and the engaged portion is provided in the valve unit holder.
The holding member is a substantially C-ring-shaped member that includes a cutout portion that allows the outer peripheral portion of the holding member to be elastically deformed in the diameter-reducing direction, and is mounted in the cylindrical portion of the decorative cover. The engaging portion may be configured to engage with an engaged portion provided in the cylindrical portion in a mounted state (claim 2).

In order to achieve the above object, the water faucet of the present invention protrudes from the opening provided on the outer surface of the faucet body to the outside of the faucet body, and is provided with an operation lever that can be tilted. A stopper,
From the opening to the inside of the faucet body,
A decorative cover that covers the opening and has a lever operation window through which the operation lever is inserted, and is provided with a display that guides the tilting operation exposed from the opening;
An inner cover that penetrates the operation lever and has a lever through hole smaller than the lever operation window and moves while covering the lever operation window as the operation lever is tilted; a holding member that holds the inner cover; In this order,
Further, an adjustment configured to adjust the flow rate of hot water or water sent from the supply pipe connected to the faucet body to the discharge port in accordance with the tilting operation of the operation lever in the faucet body. A unit is provided,
The decorative cover is provided with an engaged portion that engages with an engaging portion provided in the adjustment unit so that a direction of the decorative cover with respect to the adjustment unit is determined. .

In each of the faucets, a hot water supply pipe and a water supply pipe as the supply pipe are inserted into the faucet body, and the hot water sent from the hot water supply pipe and the water supply pipe to the discharge port through the faucet body is adjusted. Mixed in the unit,
The adjustment unit is configured to adjust a mixing ratio of the hot water and the water in accordance with a tilting operation of the operation lever.
The display of the decorative cover may be configured to guide a tilting operation for adjusting the mixing ratio of the hot and cold water (Claim 4).

  According to the present invention according to claims 1 to 4, the faucet body can be made compact and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the faucet body, and the operation lever can be favorably tilted. Thus, a faucet capable of suitably guiding the operation of the operation lever is obtained.

  That is, in the present invention, the opening can be closed without using a bulky member such as the substantially hemispherical flange 92 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and thus the faucet can be made compact.

  Further, in the present invention, the inner cover always moves while covering the lever operation window as the operation lever is tilted, and the lever operation window is covered by the inner cover regardless of the position of the operation lever. Therefore, since the opening can be covered with the decorative cover and the inner cover, it is possible to extremely effectively prevent dust from entering the faucet body.

  Moreover, it is easy to prevent the decorative cover, the inner cover, and the holding member from hitting the faucet cartridge (adjustment unit) or the like like the substantially hemispherical flange 92 shown in FIGS. As a result, the lever operating window can be enlarged to increase the operating angle of the operating lever, and as a result, the tilting operation of the operating lever can be performed more satisfactorily.

  In addition, the following effects can be obtained in the present invention. That is, in the present invention, the direction of the decorative cover relative to the adjustment unit is determined by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, so the display for guiding the tilting operation provided on the decorative cover is not displayed. Inevitably, it is in a state of facing a normal direction corresponding to the movement of the operation lever. Therefore, the operation guide of the operation lever can always be accurately performed by displaying the decorative cover.

It is a figure which shows the use condition of the water tap which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. (A) And (B) is the top view and longitudinal cross-sectional view which show the structure of the said water tap schematically. It is a partial expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematically the structure of the principal part of the said water tap. (A) And (B) is the disassembled perspective view seen from the downward side and upper side which show the structure of the principal part of the said water tap schematically. (A)-(C) is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the faucet body of the faucet, a front view, a longitudinal sectional view, (D) is a bottom view of the bottom of the faucet body, (E) and (F) is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by (a) and (b) in (C). (A) is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the valve unit holder of the faucet, (B) is a sectional view taken along line AA in (A), and (C) is a step along line BB in (A). It is sectional drawing. (A)-(D) are the top view which shows the structure of the decorative cover of the said water tap, a perspective view, a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and a bottom view. (A) And (B) is the top view and longitudinal cross-sectional view which show schematically the structure of the sliding surface formation member of the said water tap. (A) And (B) is the top view and longitudinal cross-sectional view which show schematically the structure of the inner cover of the said water tap. (A) And (B) is the perspective view seen from the upper side and the lower side which show the structure of the holding member of the said faucet schematically, (C) is a top view, (D) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (E) is FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 5C, and FIG. (A) is a top view which shows schematically the structure of the valve unit holding | suppressing of the said faucet, (B) is DD sectional view taken on the line of (A). It is a perspective view which shows schematically the structure of the principal part of the said water tap. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of an example of the conventional water faucet. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the modification of the conventional water faucet.

  Hereinafter, a faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The faucet 1 according to the present embodiment is a faucet of a type installed on a so-called counter surface or deck surface. In FIG. 1, the faucet 1 is installed on the upper surface (counter surface) of the rim portion R of the wash basin W. Indicates the state.

  The faucet 1 is a hot water / water mixing faucet that discharges hot water mixed therein in a wide strip shape (film shape) from a horizontally long discharge port 2 as shown in FIG. The flow rate can be adjusted by tilting the so-called joystick-like operation lever 4 protruding above the faucet body (body) 3.

  That is, in the faucet 1, the downstream end portions of two supply pipes (hot water supply pipe, water supply pipe) P and P for hot water supply and water supply that pass up and down the rim portion R are inserted (FIG. 2). (See (B)).

  Then, hot water and water introduced into the faucet body 3 from the two supply pipes P and P are sent to the adjustment unit 5 and mixed at an arbitrary ratio in the adjustment unit 5, and then the discharge flow path. 6 and discharged from the discharge port 2 downstream thereof (see FIG. 2B). In FIG. 2B, reference numeral 7 denotes a rectifier, which is configured so that the inside thereof forms a part of the discharge flow path 6 while being attached to the faucet body 3. Further, the discharge port 2 is formed in the rectifier 7.

  The above is the outline of the faucet 1, and details of the configuration of the faucet 1 will be described below.

  The faucet body 3 is made of, for example, a hollow casting, and it is possible to attach a member such as the adjustment unit 5 described above, as is apparent when comparing FIGS. 2B and 5C. In addition, the inside is appropriately partitioned so as to have the discharge flow path 6 (see FIGS. 5A to 5F).

  5A and 5C, an opening 8 is provided on the outer surface (upper surface) of the faucet body 3, and the inside and outside of the faucet body 3 communicate with each other through the opening 8. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operating lever 4 includes a lever body 4a and a plug bar 18 (details will be described later) that are screwed and connected to the base end portion of the lever body 4a. The lever main body 4a has a female screw 4b at its base end, and is a rod-shaped member made of a metal that matches the material and design of the faucet main body 3. The diameter of the free end is larger than that of the base end side. Is somewhat larger, which makes the free end a grip with high operability and design. The lever body 4a may be made of a hard synthetic resin plated with metal or may be made of another material that matches the design of the faucet body 3.

  The adjustment unit 5 adjusts the flow rate (discharge flow rate) and temperature (mixing ratio) of hot water discharged from the discharge port 2 in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever 4 while being fixed in the faucet body 3. It is configured to be able to. That is, when the operation lever 4 is in the upright posture shown by the solid line in FIG. 2B, the water stops, and when the operation lever 4 is tilted backward from the upright posture, the discharge (water discharge) state is established (FIG. 2B). In the tilted posture, the larger the tilt angle from the upright posture, the larger the discharge flow rate. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the temperature (mixing ratio) of hot water discharged can be adjusted by moving the tilting direction of the operation lever 4 to the left and right.

  The adjustment unit 5 includes a valve unit holder 9 and a valve unit 10 accommodated in the valve unit holder 9 as shown in FIGS. 2 (B), 3, 4 (A) and (B). The valve unit 10 is provided with a valve unit holder 11 for fixing the valve unit 10 in the valve unit holder 9.

  The valve unit holder 9 is a substantially cylindrical member made of metal (copper alloy in this example), and a seat for mounting the valve unit 10 at the center as shown in FIGS. A substantially cylindrical wall 13 is connected to the periphery of the sheet portion 12. A female screw 13a is provided on the inner side of the tip (upper end) of the wall 13, and a notch 14 is provided on the outer edge (see also FIGS. 3 and 4B).

  In addition, through holes that respectively constitute the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 and the mixed water flow path 17 are formed in the lower portion of the valve unit holder 9, one end (upper end) of each flow path 15 to 17 is the seat portion 12. (See FIG. 6A). And the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 are extended under the valve unit holder 9, and piping P and P are connected to each other end (lower end) as shown in FIG.6 (C). On the other hand, the other end of the mixed water channel 17 is configured to extend toward the lower side surface of the valve unit holder 9 and communicate with the discharge channel 6 as shown in FIG. B)).

  The valve unit 10 is a cartridge-type member, and has an opening on one end surface (bottom surface) that communicates with the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 in a state of being attached to the seat portion 12 of the valve unit holder 9 (not shown). Not) Then, hot water introduced into the valve unit 10 from the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 through these openings is mixed at an appropriate ratio, and then led out to the mixed water flow path 17 of the valve unit holder 9.

  Further, a plug rod 18 is inserted and connected to the valve unit 10 to enable adjustment of the mixing ratio of hot water mixed inside and the flow rate of hot water led out from the inside to the mixed water flow path 17 by tilting. (See FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the plug bar 18 has a male screw 18a on the distal end side, and the male screw 18a is screwed into the female screw 4b of the lever body 4a.

  As the valve unit 10, a cylinder valve unit or the like having a known configuration can be used, and a more detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 (A) and (B), and FIGS. 11 (A) and (B), the valve unit presser 11 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is screwed into the female screw 13 a of the valve unit holder 9. An external thread 11a for wearing is formed on the outer peripheral surface. Further, two notches 11b for facilitating the screwing operation to the valve unit holder 9 are provided at one end (upper end) of the valve unit presser 11.

  The faucet 1 includes a cover unit 20 for covering the opening 8 of the faucet body 3 in a state where the adjustment unit 5 is accommodated and fixed therein. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 (A) and (B), the cover unit 20 includes a decorative cover 21 attached to the opening 8 from the opening 8 toward the inside of the faucet body 3, and the makeup cover 21. The sliding surface forming member 22 that contacts the back surface (lower surface) of the cover 21, the inner cover 23 that contacts the back surface (lower surface) of the sliding surface forming member 22, and the inner cover 23 are pressed against the sliding surface forming member 22. And a holding member 24 that contacts and holds the back surface (lower surface) of the inner cover 23 in this order.

  The decorative cover 21 is made of a metal that matches the material and design of the faucet body 3, and as shown in FIG. 3, is a lid-like member that is formed so as to fit into and cover the opening 8. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, a substantially disc-like plate-like portion 25 and a cylindrical portion 26 that is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the plate-like portion 25 and extends toward the inside of the faucet body 3. And have.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7A to 7D, the plate-like portion 25 is formed with a lever operation window 25a having a size that allows the operation lever 4 to pass therethrough and prevents the operation lever 4 from tilting. The peripheral portion of the lever operation window 25a is a tapered surface.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 7A, on the surface (upper surface) of the plate-like portion 25, as a display 27 for guiding the tilting operation of the operation lever 4, "HOT", "STOP" , “COLD” is provided. The decorative cover 21 is attached to the faucet body 3 so that the display 27 is exposed from the opening 8.

  That is, as the operation lever 4 is tilted toward the left side of the faucet body 3 (the side with the letter “HOT” in FIG. 2A), the temperature of the hot water discharged increases, and the opposite side (FIG. 2). In (A), the temperature of the hot water discharged is lowered as it is tilted to the side where “COLD” is present. Further, as shown by a solid line and a virtual line in FIG. 2B, the discharge flow rate increases as the operation lever 4 is tilted toward the rear side of the faucet body 3. A display 27 is provided to guide this to the user. In addition, illustration of the display 27 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.1, FIG.4 (B) and FIG.7 (B).

  On the other hand, an annular taper groove 26a is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 26 of the decorative cover 21 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7C.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 7B to 7D, a notch groove 26b is provided at the tip (lower end) of the cylindrical portion 26.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, an annular groove 26c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 26, and the decorative cover 21 is opened by an O-ring 28 as a sealing member fitted into the annular groove 26c. The sealing performance when fitted to the portion 8 is ensured (see FIG. 3).

  The sliding surface forming member 22 is a sheet-like member having a substantially circular shape in plan view, which has a low static friction resistance, and is excellent in sliding (sliding friction) property, wear resistance and fatigue resistance. In this example, the sheet is made of polyacetal. (Abrasion resistant sheet). Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, and FIGS. 8A and 8B, the sliding surface forming member 22 has an opening 22a through which the operation lever 4 is inserted at the center. The opening 22a is larger than the lever operation window 25a. There is some play between the peripheral edge of the sliding surface forming member 22 and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 26 of the decorative cover 21, and the sliding surface forming member 22 is formed on the plate-like portion 25 of the decorative cover 21. Since it abuts against the back surface so as to surround the lever operation window 25a (at a position avoiding the lever operation window 5b), the sliding surface forming member 22 is not exposed from the lever operation window 5b of the decorative cover 5. The material of the sliding surface forming member 6 is not limited to polyacetal, and various synthetic resins such as polyethylene having low frictional resistance can be used.

  The inner cover 23 is a substantially disc-shaped (thin plate-shaped) member made of a metal that matches the material and design of the faucet body 2, and is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 (A) and (B), and FIG. 9 (A). And as shown to (B), it has the lever penetration hole 23a which the operation lever 4 penetrates in the center part, and this lever penetration term 23a is smaller than the lever operation window 25a. In addition, the lever through hole 23a of this example is formed in the minimum necessary size that can penetrate the base portion even when the operation lever 4 is tilted.

  The holding member 24 is a member made of a synthetic resin having elasticity. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 10A to 10F, the holding member 24 has a substantially C-ring shape having a notch portion. is doing. And the protrusion 29 is provided in the one surface (lower surface) side in the both sides of a notch part, and the holding member 24 is diameter-reduced by pinching the two protrusion 29 so that it may mutually approach with tools, such as pliers, for example. be able to.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 10A to 10F, on one surface (lower surface) side of the holding member 24, a first projecting piece 30 projecting to the one surface side is provided. A second protruding piece 31 protruding to the side of the holding member 24 is provided, and the second protruding piece 31 is connected to the first protruding piece 30. The first protruding piece 30 can be locked to the cutout portion 14 of the valve unit holder 9, and the second protruding piece 31 can be locked to the cutout groove 26 b of the decorative cover 21.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 10A to 10F, a plurality of (illustrated examples) that are engaged with the tapered groove 26 a of the decorative cover 21 are provided on the side of the holding member 24. , Four locking pieces 32 are provided, and the front end surface (outer peripheral surface) of each locking piece 32 is a tapered surface.

  And in order to cover the clearance gap formed between the control lever 4 and the cover unit 20, the cylindrical member 33 which can move to the axial direction is provided in the base end part of the lever main body 4a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the plug member 18 is inserted into the cylindrical member 33 from one end (lower end) side, and the lever body 4a is inserted from the other end (upper end) side. . That is, the cylindrical member 33 is disposed at the base of the lever body 4a so as to cover the joint between the shaft 18 and the lever body 4a, and is configured to be slidable in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the operation lever 4. The outer surface is a member having a substantially spherical curved surface. Further, the cylindrical member 33 is urged toward the lower inner cover 23 side by a coil spring (an example of an urging means) 34 accommodated therein. Note that both ends of the coil spring 34 are in contact with the base end surface of the lever body 4 a and an inward flange 33 a provided on one end side of the cylindrical member 33.

  Next, a procedure for attaching the operation lever 4 to the faucet body 3 will be described.

  (1) First, the adjustment unit 5 including the valve unit holder 9, the valve unit 10, and the valve unit presser 11 is assembled (see FIGS. 2B, 4A, and 4B).

  The adjustment unit 5 is assembled by, for example, inserting two convex portions (not shown) on the bottom surface of the valve unit 10 into the recessed portions 12a and 12a (see FIG. 6A) in the seat portion 12 of the valve unit holder 9. By fitting, the valve unit 10 is mounted on the seat portion 12 in a state in which the valve unit 10 is oriented in a predetermined direction (a state where the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 of the valve unit holder 9 communicate with the opening of the bottom surface of the valve unit 10). The male screw 11 a of the valve unit holder 11 is screwed to the female screw 13 a of the valve unit holder 9, and the valve unit 10 is fixed in the valve unit holder 9.

  (2) The adjustment unit 5 assembled in this way is accommodated in the faucet body 3 through the opening 8 and fixed with, for example, a screw 19 while facing a predetermined direction (FIG. 2B). reference).

  (3) On the other hand, the cover unit 20 is assembled. This step (3) may be performed before or after the steps (1) and (2).

  The cover unit 20 is assembled in such a manner that the sliding surface forming member 22 is in contact with the back surface (lower surface) of the decorative cover 21 and the inner cover 23 is in contact with the back surface (lower surface) of the sliding surface forming member 22. The holding member 24 is reduced in diameter by hooking and pinching a tool such as pliers on the projection 29 of the 24, and the holding member 24 is locked so that each locking piece 32 of the holding member 24 is locked to the tapered groove 26 a of the decorative cover 21. This can be done by inserting it into the decorative cover 21 (see FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B). At this time, the second protruding piece 31 of the holding member 24 is fitted into the notch groove 26b of the decorative cover 21 (see FIGS. 3 and 12).

  (4) After performing the above steps (1) to (3), the cover unit 20 is inserted into the faucet body 3 from the opening 8, and at this time, the first protruding piece 30 of the holding member 24 of the cover unit 20 is inserted. Is locked (contacted) with the notch 14 of the valve unit holder 9 (see FIGS. 3 and 12).

  Here, the removal of the cover unit 20 from the opening 8 is prevented by the O-ring 28 fitted in the annular groove 26c of the cylindrical portion 26 of the decorative cover 21 and contacting the inner peripheral surface of the opening 8 (FIG. 3). reference).

  (5) Subsequently, the cylindrical member 33, the coil spring 34, and the lever main body 4a are assembled to the plug bar 18 in this order (see FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B). As a result, the cylindrical member 33 comes into contact with the inner cover 22.

  Thus, the mounting of the operation lever 4 to the faucet body 3 is completed.

  In the faucet 1 described above, the inner cover 23 always covers the lever operation window 25a along the sliding surface forming member 22 between the sliding surface forming member 22 and the holding member 24 as the operation lever 4 is tilted. Slide (move). Therefore, since the opening 8 can be covered with the decorative cover 21 and the inner cover 23, the faucet 1 looks good and dust can be prevented from entering the faucet body 3 as much as possible.

  Furthermore, since the cover unit 20 that closes the opening 8 is not bulky like the substantially hemispherical flange 92 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the faucet 1 can be made compact.

  In addition, the gap between the plug rod 18 and the lever through hole 23a is covered with a cylindrical member 33, which also improves the effect of preventing dust from entering the faucet body 3, and this cylindrical member 33 Since the joint part of the lever main body 4a and the stopper rod 18 is also covered, the appearance of the faucet 1 is further improved.

  In addition, the static frictional resistance generated between the sliding surface forming member 22 that contacts the back surface of the decorative cover 21 and the inner cover 23 is kept low, and the sliding (slidability) of the inner cover 23 with respect to the sliding surface forming member 22 is good. The sliding operation of the inner cover 23 and the tilting operation of the operation lever 4 can be performed with a little force.

  In addition, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the faucet 1, as shown in FIG. 12, the first protruding piece 30 and the second protruding piece 31 of the holding member 24 are formed in the cutout portion 14 of the valve unit holder 9 and the cutout groove 26 b of the decorative cover 21. With each engagement, the orientation of the decorative cover 21 with respect to the valve unit holder 9 is inevitably determined. And since the mounting direction of the valve unit 10 with respect to the valve unit holder 9 is determined according to the arrangement of the introduction flow paths 15 and 15 and the mixed water flow path 17 shown in FIG. The direction of the decorative cover 21 with respect to is inevitably determined, and the display 27 provided on the decorative cover 21 is in a normal direction corresponding to the movement of the plug rod 18 of the valve unit 10. Therefore, the operation guide of the operation lever 4 can be accurately performed by the display 27 of the decorative cover 21, and the first and second projecting pieces 30 and 31, the cutout portion 14 and the cutout groove 26b are necessary for that purpose. The configuration of the faucet 1 is not complicated.

  In addition, the faucet 1 of this example can change suitably components, such as a material and a shape of each member. Therefore, a modification example is shown below.

  In this example, the faucet 1 is a so-called counter faucet that is installed on a counter surface or deck surface, but is not limited thereto, and may be a so-called wall-mounted faucet.

  In this example, the faucet 1 is a hot and cold water mixing faucet, but is not limited thereto, and may be a single faucet.

  In this example, the operation lever 4 is constituted by the lever main body 4a and the plug bar 18, but the lever main body 4a and the plug bar 18 may be integrated without being separated.

  In this example, the sliding surface forming member 22 is merely brought into contact with the back surface side of the decorative cover 21, but even if the sliding surface forming member 22 is attached to the back surface of the decorative cover 21 using an adhesive or the like. Good.

  Various synthetic resins such as polyacetal used for molding the sliding surface forming member 22 and polyethylene having low frictional resistance are used for molding the decorative cover 21 or for coating the back surface of the decorative cover 21. If the rear surface of the decorative cover 21 is configured to exhibit the same function as the sliding surface forming member 22, the sliding surface forming member 22 can be omitted. In this case, the inner cover 23 is pressed against the decorative cover 21 by the holding member 24, and slides along the decorative cover 21 as the operation lever 4 is tilted.

  A separate sliding surface forming member (for example, the same as the sliding surface forming member 22 (not shown)) may be interposed between the inner cover 23 and the holding member 24.

  A biasing means such as a spring may be separately provided to press the holding member 24 against the inner cover 23.

  In this example, the holding member 24 is attached to the decorative cover 21, but the edge portion of the opening 8 in the faucet body 3 may be suspended, and the holding member 24 may be held by the suspended portion.

  In this example, the first and second projecting pieces 30 and 31 of the holding member 24 are connected to the cutout portion 14 of the adjustment unit 5 and the cutout groove of the decorative cover 21 so that the orientation of the decorative cover 21 with respect to the adjustment unit 5 is determined. In other words, the first and second projecting pieces 30 and 31, the cutout portion 14, and the cutout groove 26 b are engaged with each other. There is a relationship. The configuration for this engagement is not limited to that of the present example, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, the decorative cover 21 and the adjustment unit 5 can be engaged with each other, An engaging portion may be provided so that the both 21 and 5 are directly engaged. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the engaging member and the engaged portion on the holding member 24.

1 faucet 2 discharge port 3 faucet body 4 operation lever 5 adjustment unit 8 opening 14 engaged portion (notch)
21 decorative cover 23 inner cover 23a lever through hole 24 holding member 25a lever operation window 26b engaged portion (notch groove)
27 Display 30 Engagement part (first protruding piece)
31 engaging part (second protruding piece)

Claims (4)

A faucet provided with an operation lever that protrudes outward from the faucet body through an opening provided on the outer surface of the faucet body and is tilted,
From the opening to the inside of the faucet body,
A decorative cover that covers the opening and has a lever operation window through which the operation lever is inserted, and is provided with a display that guides the tilting operation exposed from the opening;
An inner cover that penetrates the operation lever and has a lever through hole smaller than the lever operation window and moves while covering the lever operation window as the operation lever is tilted; a holding member that holds the inner cover; In this order,
Further, in the faucet body, the flow rate of hot water or water sent from the supply pipe communicating with the faucet body to the discharge port through the faucet body is adjusted in accordance with the tilting operation of the operation lever. An adjustment unit configured as follows is provided,
The adjustment unit and the decorative cover are provided with an engaged portion that engages with an engagement portion provided on the holding member, so that the direction of the decorative cover relative to the adjustment unit is determined. plug. The decorative cover includes a plate-like portion that covers the opening, and a cylindrical portion that is connected to an outer peripheral portion of the plate-like portion and extends toward the inside of the faucet body. An engaged portion is provided,
The adjustment unit includes a valve unit holder in which the valve unit is housed, and the engaged portion is provided in the valve unit holder.
The holding member is a substantially C-ring-shaped member that includes a cutout portion that allows the outer peripheral portion of the holding member to be elastically deformed in the diameter-reducing direction, and is mounted in the cylindrical portion of the decorative cover. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is configured to engage with an engaged portion provided in the cylindrical portion in a mounted state. A faucet provided with an operation lever that protrudes outward from the faucet body through an opening provided on the outer surface of the faucet body and is tilted,
From the opening to the inside of the faucet body,
A decorative cover that covers the opening and has a lever operation window through which the operation lever is inserted, and is provided with a display that guides the tilting operation exposed from the opening;
An inner cover that penetrates the operation lever and has a lever through hole smaller than the lever operation window and moves while covering the lever operation window as the operation lever is tilted; a holding member that holds the inner cover; In this order,
Further, an adjustment configured to adjust the flow rate of hot water or water sent from the supply pipe connected to the faucet body to the discharge port in accordance with the tilting operation of the operation lever in the faucet body. A unit is provided,
A faucet configured such that the decorative cover is provided with an engaged portion that engages with an engaging portion provided in the adjustment unit, and the orientation of the decorative cover with respect to the adjustment unit is determined. A hot water supply pipe and a water supply pipe as the supply pipe are inserted into the faucet body, and hot water sent from the hot water supply pipe and the water supply pipe to the discharge port through the faucet body is mixed in the adjustment unit,
The adjustment unit is configured to adjust a mixing ratio of the hot water and the water in accordance with a tilting operation of the operation lever.
The faucet in any one of Claims 1-3 comprised so that the display of the said decorative cover might also guide tilting operation for adjusting the mixing ratio of the said hot water.

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