JP7111319B2 - hot water mixer tap - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to hot and cold water mixer taps.

As disclosed in JP-A-2017-2631, there is known a hot and cold water mixing faucet provided with a fixed valve body and a movable valve body. The fixed valve body has a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole. The movable valve body has a passage forming concave portion. The movable valve body is moved by operating the handle. The movable valve body slides on the fixed valve body. As the movable valve body moves, the positional relationship between the movable valve body and the fixed valve body changes. Due to this change, the discharge amount and the hot water mixing ratio change.

The upper surface of the fixed valve body is a smooth surface. The lower surface of the movable valve body is also a smooth surface. Watertightness can be ensured by abutting these smooth surfaces.

JP 2017-2631 A

From the viewpoint of watertightness, contact pressure is applied between the fixed valve body and the movable valve body. However, water leakage may occur between the fixed valve body and the movable valve body due to aged deterioration and wear of each member.

If the contact pressure is increased in order to suppress water leakage, the sliding resistance of the movable valve body against the fixed valve body increases. This increase in sliding resistance reduces the operability of the handle. Also, when the contact pressure is increased, ringing (sticking of the movable valve body to the fixed valve body) is likely to occur.

Based on a new point of view, the inventor of the present invention has found a configuration that can solve the problems associated with the fixed valve body. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to an improved faucet with novel construction.

In one aspect, the hot and cold water mixer tap has a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole, and a passage forming recess, and a movable valve body that can slide on the fixed valve body. and a handle capable of operating the movable valve body. The fixed valve body has a pressure chamber that is not connected to the discharge hole but is connected to the hot water supply hole or the water supply hole.

In one aspect, pressure bias acting between the fixed valve body and the movable valve body due to the water pressure from the pressure chamber is suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot and cold water mixer tap according to one embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of a lever assembly used in the hot and cold water mixer tap of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lever assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lever assembly of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fixed valve body. 6 is a plan view of the fixed valve body of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fixed valve body of FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10 is a plan view showing opening areas of hot water supply holes, water supply holes, and pressure chambers in the embodiment of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration in which pressure chambers are removed from FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing opening areas of typical hot water supply holes and water supply holes. 13 is the same plan view as FIG. 10. FIG.

[Knowledge on which the present disclosure is based]
As described above, problems such as water leakage, increased sliding resistance, and ringing can occur between the fixed valve body and the movable valve body. Water leakage and sliding resistance are in a trade-off relationship. Similarly, water leakage and ringing are in a trade-off relationship. A comprehensive solution to these problems is difficult.

The fixed valve body has a water supply hole and a hot water supply hole. These supply holes are offset from the center of the fixed valve body. For this reason, it was found that the force of the water pressure pushing up the movable valve body is unevenly distributed. The present disclosure is based on such findings.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In addition, below, the wording of "water" and "hot water" is used. From the standpoint of distinguishing between the liquid from the hot water supply hole and the liquid from the water supply hole, "hot water" and "water" are used according to need. 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".

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot and cold water mixer tap 10 according to one embodiment. The hot and cold water mixer tap 10 has a main body 12 , a handle 14 , a discharge portion 16 , a hot water introduction pipe 18 , a water introduction pipe 20 and a discharge pipe 22 . The ejection section 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 mixer tap 10 is used, for example, in kitchens, washbasins, and the like.

Furthermore, the head 24 has a switching button 28 and a display section 30 . A water purification cartridge (not shown) is incorporated in the discharge part 16 . A switching button 28 switches between a flow path through which the water purification cartridge is transmitted and a flow path through which the water purification cartridge is not transmitted. Purified water is discharged when the flow path is switched to pass through the water purification cartridge. Raw water is discharged when switched to a flow path that does not permeate the water purification cartridge. The display unit 30 displays whether the discharged water is purified water or raw water.

The longitudinal rotation (vertical movement) of the handle 14 changes the longitudinal position of the lever. The discharge amount is adjusted by the lever front-rear position. In this embodiment, the more the handle 14 is moved upward, the more the discharge amount increases. Conversely, the amount of discharge may increase as the handle 14 is moved downward. The lateral rotation of the handle 14 changes the lateral position of the lever. The mixing ratio of hot and cold water changes depending on the left and right position of the lever. By rotating the handle 14 left and right, the temperature of the spouted water can be adjusted.

2 is a perspective view of the lever assembly 38. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of lever assembly 38 along a cross-section perpendicular to the lever axis. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lever assembly 38. FIG. In the hot and cold water mixer tap 10, the lever assembly 38 is replaceable.

The lever assembly 38 is built into the main body 12 of the hot and cold water mixer tap 10 . 3 and 4, the lever assembly 38 includes a moving body 40, a housing 42, a rotating body 44, a lever 46, a lever shaft 48, a left-right click elastic member 50, a left-right click abutment 52, a shaft 54 , a back-and-forth click abutment member 56 , a back-and-forth click elastic member 58 , a movable valve body 60 , a fixed valve body 62 , a packing 64 , an O-ring 66 , an O-ring 67 , and a base body 68 . Handle 14 is fixed to lever 46 .

The back-and-forth click contact member 56 and the back-and-forth click elastic member 58 are attached to the moving body 40 . The back-and-forth click contact member 56 is biased by a back-and-forth click elastic member 58 (torsion spring) and is in contact with the back-and-forth click engaging portion provided on the side surface of the lever 46 . Although not shown, the back-and-forth click engaging portion has projections and depressions. Due to this contact, a click feeling is generated as the lever 46 rotates back and forth.

The left-right click contact body 52 and the left-right click elastic member 50 are attached to the rotating body 44 . The left-right click contact body 52 can contact the left-right click engaging portion while being biased by the left-right click elastic member 50 (leaf spring). Although not shown, the right and left click engaging portion is provided on the inner surface of the housing 42 . Due to the abutment between the abutment body 52 and the right-and-left click engaging portion, a click feeling is generated as the lever 46 rotates left and right.

The base body 68 has a hot water inlet 70 , a water inlet 72 and an outlet 74 . Openings corresponding to the hot water inlet 70, the water inlet 72, and the outlet 74 are provided in the lower portion of the base body 68, and these openings are provided with the hot water inlet pipe 18 and the water inlet pipe 20, respectively. and a discharge pipe 22 are connected.

The fixed valve body 62 is positioned above the base body 68 . The fixed valve body 62 is supported from below by a packing 64 and pressed against the movable valve body 60 by the packing 64 . The base body 68 is provided with an engagement projection 76 for fixing the fixed valve body 62 and an engagement projection 77 for fixing the housing 42 . The fixed valve body 62 is provided with an engaging concave portion 78 that engages with the engaging convex portion 76 . A side surface of the fixed valve body 62 has an outer peripheral surface 79 . An outer peripheral surface 79 is provided at a plurality of locations (four locations) in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral surface 79 is a circumferential surface.

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 through the fixed valve body 62 . The hot water supply hole 80 is connected to the hot water inlet 70 of the base body 68 . The water supply hole 82 penetrates through the fixed valve body 62 . The water supply hole 82 is connected to the water inlet 72 of the base body 68 . The discharge hole 84 penetrates through the fixed valve body 62 . The discharge hole 84 is connected to the discharge port 74 of the base body 68 .

In the fixed valve body 62, the supply holes 80, 82 are arranged asymmetrically. Only water is discharged when the left and right lever positions are in the front position. That is, when the lever lateral position is in the front position, the water discharge state is achieved. This configuration contributes to saving hot water and enhances energy saving. The supply holes 80, 82 may be arranged symmetrically.

The movable valve body 60 has an upper member 86 and a lower member 88 . Upper member 86 is secured to lower member 88 . This fixation is achieved by the engagement of projections 90 and recesses 92 . In this embodiment, the upper member 86 and the lower member 88 are separate members. 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 FIG. 3, a passage forming concave portion 94 is formed in the lower surface of the movable valve body 60 (lower member 88). The passage forming recess 94 opens downward. The upper portion of the passage forming recess 94 is closed.

A smooth surface PL1 is provided on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62 (see FIG. 4). A smooth surface PL1 is formed in a portion where the holes 80, 82 and 84 do not exist. On the other hand, the lower surface of the lower member 88 (movable valve element 60) is provided with a smooth surface PL2. A smooth surface PL2 is provided in a portion where the passage forming recess 94 is not formed. A watertight state is ensured by surface contact between the smooth surfaces PL1 and PL2.

The upper surface of the upper member 86 is provided with a lever engaging recess 98 that engages with the lower end 95 of the lever 46 . A lower end 95 of the lever 46 is inserted into this lever engaging recess 98 (see FIG. 3). The movable valve body 60 slides on the fixed valve body 62 in conjunction with the movement of the lever 46 (handle 14). The movable valve body 60 rotates in conjunction with the lateral rotation of the handle 14 . As the handle 14 rotates back and forth, the movable valve body 60 moves, and the passage forming concave portion 94 of the movable valve body 60 also moves.

A water spouting state is achieved by overlapping the flow path forming concave portion 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 cold water discharge state. When the passage forming recess 94 overlaps the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82, a 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. When the passage 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 passage 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 passage forming recess 94 does not overlap the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82, the water stop state is achieved.

As shown in FIG. 4, lever 46 has a shaft hole 100 . A lever shaft 48 is inserted through the shaft hole 100 .

The rotating body 44 has a base portion 102 and an upper portion 104 . The upper portion 104 has a lever insertion hole 106 and a shaft hole 108 . The base 102 is slidably attached to (the upper member 86 of) the movable valve body 60 .

The lever 46 is inserted into the lever insertion hole 106, and the shaft hole 100 of the lever 46 and the shaft hole 108 of the rotating body 44 are arranged coaxially. A lever shaft 48 is inserted into these shaft holes 100 and 108 . By inserting the lever shaft 48, the lever 46 is fixed to the rotating body 44 so as to be rotatable back and forth. The dimensions of the lever insertion hole 106 are set so as to allow the lever 46 to rotate back and forth. In the present application, the rotation of the lever 46 about the lever shaft 48 and the accompanying rotation of the handle 14 are also referred to as "back and forth rotation".

The moving body 40 is held by the rotating body 44 so as to be vertically movable. The moving body 40 can only move vertically with respect to the rotating body 44 and cannot rotate relative to the rotating body 44 . The moving body 40 is configured to rotate together with the rotating body 44 in conjunction with the lateral rotation of the handle 14 and to move up and down in conjunction with this rotation. The vertical movement of the movable body 40 is achieved by a cam mechanism formed between the movable body 40 and the housing 42 . An inner convex portion (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of the moving body 40 . This cam mechanism is formed by engagement between an inner convex portion formed on the moving body 40 and a groove 112 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on the housing 42 . As shown in FIG. 4, this groove 112 extends curvedly. By moving the inner convex portion along the groove 112, the moving body 40 moves up and down while rotating. When the moving body 40 moves upward, the engagement related to the back-and-forth click (the engagement between the contact body 56 and the back-and-forth click engaging portion 59) is released. When the moving body 40 moves downward, engagement related to forward and backward clicks is achieved.

The moving body 40 is held by the rotating body 44 in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the rotating body 44 . The moving body 40 rotates together with the rotating body 44 . The handle 14, lever 46, moving body 40 and rotating body 44 rotate together.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 42 has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 120, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 122, and a connecting portion 124. As shown in FIG. The connecting portion 124 extends radially of the housing 42 . The small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 has an upper opening . The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 has a lower opening . The aforementioned groove 112 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 .

The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 has an engaging hole 130 . This engagement hole 130 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 77 of the base body 68 . This engagement secures the housing 42 to the base body 68 .

The outer diameter of the circumferential surface portion of the upper portion 104 of the rotating body 44 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 . The upper portion 104 of the rotating body 44 is rotatably held by the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 . During this rotation, the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 104 and the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 120 slide. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 122 accommodates the base portion 102 of the rotating body 44 , the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62 .

5 is a perspective view of the fixed valve body 62, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fixed valve body 62 viewed from above, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the fixed valve body 62 viewed from below.

As described above, the fixed valve body 62 has the hot water supply hole 80 , the water supply hole 82 and the discharge hole 84 .

The hot water supply hole 80 has an upper opening line 80a. The upper opening line 80a is the outline of the hot water supply hole 80 on the smooth surface PL1. An upper opening line 80 a is the outline of the upper opening of the hot water supply hole 80 .

The water supply hole 82 has an upper opening line 82a. The upper opening line 82a is the contour line of the water supply hole 82 on the smooth surface PL1. An upper opening line 82 a is the outline of the upper opening of the water supply hole 82 .

The discharge hole 84 has an upper opening line 84a. The upper opening line 84a is the outline of the discharge hole 84 on the smooth surface PL1. An upper opening line 84 a is the outline of the upper opening of the discharge hole 84 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the upper opening line 80a and the upper opening line 82a are not in line symmetry with each other. That is, the upper opening of the hot water supply hole 80 and the upper opening of the water supply hole 82 are not in line symmetry with each other. These may be in a line-symmetric relationship with each other. The area surrounded by the upper opening line 80a is smaller than the area of the area surrounded by the upper opening line 82a. That is, the upper opening area of the hot water supply hole 80 is smaller than the upper opening area of the water supply hole 82 . These upper opening areas may be the same. In the present application, the upper opening area is also simply referred to as the opening area.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fixed valve body 62 has a grease retaining portion 138 and a pressure chamber 140. As shown in FIG.

Grease holding portion 138 is provided on smooth surface PL1. The grease holding portion 138 is provided radially outside the pressure chamber 140 . The grease holding portion 138 is a groove that opens upward. The grease retaining portion 138 is a groove. A plurality of grease holding portions 138 are distributed in the circumferential direction. The grease holding portion 138 contains grease. This grease is supplied little by little between the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62 as the hot water mixer tap 10 is used. This grease can improve slidability and watertightness.

The grease holding portion 138 exists radially outside the pressure chamber 140 . The grease holding portion 138 exists radially outside the hot water supply hole 80 . The grease holding portion 138 exists radially outside the water supply hole 82 . The grease retaining portion 138 extends along an arc. The grease retaining portion 138 is a groove. The grease holding portion 138 may be a recess instead of a groove.

The pressure chamber 140 is provided on the upper surface of the fixed valve body 62 . The pressure chamber 140 is provided on the smooth surface PL1. The pressure chamber 140 does not pass through the fixed valve body 62 . The pressure chamber 140 has an upper opening line 140a. Pressure chamber 140 is a recess. The pressure chamber 140 is a recess opening upward. Pressure chamber 140 is a groove.

The pressure chamber 140 has a connecting portion 140b and a main portion 140c. The connecting portion 140 b is connected to the water supply hole 82 . The connecting portion 140b connects the water supply hole 82 and the main portion 140c. The width of the connecting portion 140b is smaller than the width of the main portion 140c. Note that the connecting portion 140b may be omitted. For example, the width of pressure chamber 140 may be constant. On the other hand, by changing the width of the pressure chamber 140, the position of the area center of gravity G1 (described later) can be adjusted.

A minimum containing circle CL1 of the fixed valve body 62 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line in FIG. In the present application, the minimum containing circle CL1 is defined as follows. The minimum containing circle CL1 is defined as the circle with the smallest radius among the circles containing the entire fixed valve body 62 inside. The minimum containing circle CL1 is determined in a plan view such as FIG. This plan view is a projection view of the fixed valve body 62 onto a plane parallel to the smooth surface PL1. In this embodiment, the radius R of the minimum containing circle CL1 is equal to the radius of the circumferential surface including the outer circumferential surface 79 . The radial direction in the present application is the radial direction of this minimum containing circle CL1. The circumferential direction in the present application is the circumferential direction of this minimum containing circle CL1.

8 is an enlarged view of the plan view of FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion 140b. FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view of the main portion 140c. 9(a) and 9(b) are cross-sectional views along the radial direction. As for the pressure chamber 140, only the upper opening line 140a (contour line) of the pressure chamber 140 is shown in FIG.

The width W of the pressure chamber 140 varies. Width W1 of connecting portion 140b is smaller than width W2 of main portion 140c. Note that the specification of the width W of the pressure chamber 140 is not limited. For example, the width W may be constant throughout the pressure chamber 140 . The width W of the pressure chamber 140 can be determined in consideration of the position of the area center of gravity G1, the strength of the fixed valve body 62, the relationship with other valve holes, and the like. Note that the width W, the width W1 and the width W2 are measured along the radial direction.

The depth D of the pressure chamber 140 may or may not change. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the pressure chamber 140 is not limited. As shown in FIG. 9A, the cross-sectional shape of the pressure chamber 140 may be a simple groove shape. As shown in FIG. 9B, the cross-sectional shape of the pressure chamber 140 may be a groove with a two-tiered bottom surface. The depth D and cross-sectional shape of the pressure chamber 140 can be determined in consideration of the strength of the fixed valve body 62, the relationship with other valve holes, and the like. Note that the depth D is measured along a direction perpendicular to the smooth surface PL1.

Pressure chamber 140 is not connected to hot water supply hole 80 . The pressure chamber 140 is connected to the water supply hole 82 . Pressure chamber 140 is not connected to exhaust hole 84 . Pressure chamber 140 is not connected to outer edge PL10 of smooth surface PL1. Pressure chamber 140 is not connected to grease holding portion 138 . The pressure chamber 140 is connected only to the water supply hole 82 . The pressure chamber 140 is not connected to anything other than the water supply hole 82 . The pressure chamber 140 is surrounded by a smooth surface PL1 except for the portion connected to the water supply hole 82. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the pressure chamber 140 is connected to the water supply hole 82 at one point. The pressure chamber 140 may be connected to the water supply hole 82 at two or more locations.

The pressure chamber 140 may be connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 . It is preferable that the pressure chamber 140 is connected to only one of the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82 .

Two or more pressure chambers 140 may be provided. A first pressure chamber 140 and a second pressure chamber 140 may be provided. The first pressure chamber 140 may be connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 and the second pressure chamber 140 may be connected only to the water supply hole 82 .

In this embodiment, the pressure chamber 140 is connected to the first end 82b of the water supply hole 82. As shown in FIG. The first end 82b is the end farther from the hot water supply hole 80 in the circumferential direction. Pressure chamber 140 extends substantially along exhaust hole 84 from first end 82b. The pressure chamber 140 extends substantially along the circumferential direction. The pressure chamber 140 is located radially outside the discharge hole 84 .

From the viewpoint of equalizing the pressure between the fixed valve body 62 and the movable valve body 60, the pressure chamber 140 is preferably connected to the first end 82b of the water supply hole 82 (see FIG. 8). From the same point of view, when the pressure chamber 140 is connected to the hot water supply hole 80 , the pressure chamber 140 is preferably connected to the first end 80 b of the hot water supply hole 80 . The first end 80b of the hot water supply hole 80 is the end farther from the water supply hole 82 in the circumferential direction.

Water flows into the pressure chamber 140 from a supply hole connected thereto. The pressure chamber 140 is transmitted with the hydraulic pressure of the supply hole connected thereto. In this embodiment, the water pressure of the water supply hole 82 is transmitted to the pressure chamber 140 . By providing the pressure chamber 140, the water pressure applied to the movable valve body 60 from the supply holes 80 and 82 is dispersed. By providing the pressure chamber 140, unevenness of the force with which the supply holes 80 and 82 push up the movable valve body 60 is suppressed. As a result, uneven contact pressure acting between the fixed valve body 62 and the movable valve body 60 is suppressed.

If the contact pressure is uneven, water leakage is likely to occur from the portion where the contact pressure is low. In this case, from the viewpoint of raising the minimum contact pressure, it is necessary to set a higher base pressure. The base pressure is the contact pressure applied between the movable valve body 60 and the fixed valve body 62 when no water pressure is applied, and is supplied from, for example, the packing 64 (see FIG. 4). A higher base pressure increases the sliding resistance of the movable valve body relative to the fixed valve body. In addition, since the contact pressure is biased, a portion where the pressure is locally high is generated, so that the sliding resistance is further increased. This increase in sliding resistance reduces the operability of the handle. Also, higher contact pressure can lead to ringing.

If the contact pressure is uneven, uneven wear can occur. This uneven wear shortens the life of the fixed valve body or the movable valve body. In addition, this uneven wear can cause water leakage.

By suppressing unevenness in the contact pressure, the occurrence of portions where the contact pressure is low is suppressed, and water leakage is suppressed. In addition, by suppressing bias in contact pressure, sliding resistance can be reduced, and handle operability is improved. Furthermore, ringing and uneven wear can be suppressed.

FIG. 10 shows an opening area R1 where the hot water supply hole 80, the water supply hole 82 and the pressure chamber 140 are combined. This opening region R1 is the region in the plan view of the fixed valve body 62. As shown in FIG. The contour lines of this opening region R1 are the upper opening line 80a of the hot water supply hole 80, the upper opening line 82a of the water supply hole 82, and the upper opening line 140a of the pressure chamber 140. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, this opening region R1 is filled.

10 is the center of the minimum containing circle CL1 of the fixed valve body 62. In FIG. In FIG. 10, G1 indicates the area center of gravity (centroid) of the opening region R1. The area center of gravity G1 is close to the center C1. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, bias in contact pressure is suppressed.

FIG. 11 shows the opening region R1 when the pressure chamber 140 is excluded from the fixed valve body 62. As shown in FIG. In this form, the area center of gravity G<b>1 is offset from the center C<b>1 of the fixed valve body 62 . Compared with the form of FIG. 10, the area center of gravity G1 is far from the center C1. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the bias in contact pressure is large.

FIG. 12 has an opening region R1 of a fixed valve body with hot water supply holes 80 and water supply holes 82 of general shape. In this fixed valve body, the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82 are arranged symmetrically. Also in this form, the area center of gravity G1 is deviated from the center C1 of the fixed valve body 62 . Compared with the form of FIG. 10, the area center of gravity G1 is far from the center C1. The contact pressure bias is also large in the embodiment of FIG.

In this embodiment (FIG. 10), the area center of gravity G1 is closer to the center C1 than in the embodiments of FIGS. In this embodiment, uneven contact pressure is effectively suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap the pressure chamber 140 over the entire movable range of the passage forming recess 94 . In other words, the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber 140 at all lever front-rear positions and all lever left-right positions. In the water spouting state, the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap the pressure chamber 140 . In the water-stop state, the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap the pressure chamber 140 .

Pressure chamber 140 is connected to water supply hole 82 or hot water supply hole 80 . Therefore, when the passage forming concave portion 94 overlaps with the pressure chamber 140 and the discharge hole 84, water is discharged. That is, in this case, the water that has passed through the pressure chamber 140 can be discharged. In the water spouting state, water that has passed through the pressure chamber 140 may be discharged. In this embodiment, water that has passed through the pressure chamber 140 is not discharged in the water discharge state.

The following (a) to (f) are exemplified as configurations that can be employed in the faucet of the present disclosure.
(a) The pressure chamber is connected only to the water supply hole 82; The passage forming recess 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the entire movable range of the passage forming recess 94 . In the cold water discharge state, the hot water discharge state, and the mixed discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber.
(b) the pressure chamber is connected only to the water supply hole 82; In the water discharge state, the passage forming recess 94 overlaps with the pressure chamber. In the hot water discharge state and the mixed discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber.
(c) The pressure chamber is connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 . The passage forming recess 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the entire movable range of the passage forming recess 94 . In the cold water discharge state, the hot water discharge state, and the mixed discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber.
(d) The pressure chamber is connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 . In the hot water discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 overlaps with the pressure chamber. In the water discharge state and the mixed discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber.
(e) A first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber are provided. The first pressure chamber is connected only to the water supply hole 82 . The second pressure chamber is connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 . The passage forming recess 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the entire movable range of the passage forming recess 94 . In the cold water discharge state, the hot water discharge state, and the mixed discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber.
(f) A first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber are provided. The first pressure chamber is connected only to the water supply hole 82 . The second pressure chamber is connected only to the hot water supply hole 80 . In the water discharge state, the passage forming recess 94 overlaps with the first pressure chamber. In the hot water discharge state, the passage forming concave portion 94 overlaps with the second pressure chamber. In the mixed discharge state, the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.

Generally, the water pressure at the water supply hole 82 is higher than the water pressure at the hot water supply hole 80 to which hot water is supplied through the hot water supply device. Therefore, providing a pressure chamber connected to the water supply hole 82 is more effective than providing a pressure chamber connected to the hot water supply hole 80 to equalize the contact pressure. From this point of view, configuration (a) and configuration (b) are preferable.

When the water is discharged through the pressure chamber, the flow rate of spouted water tends to decrease, and it becomes difficult to control the amount of spouted water. From this point of view, it is preferable that the passage forming recess 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the entire movable range of the passage forming recess 94 . From the same point of view, it is preferable that the passage-forming concave portion 94 does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the water discharge state, the hot water discharge state, and the mixed discharge state. Therefore, the above configuration (a) is preferable to the above configuration (b). Moreover, the configuration (c) is more preferable than the configuration (d). Moreover, the above configuration (e) is more preferable than the above configuration (f).

The pressure chamber 140 can also function as a grease reservoir. Grease accumulated in the pressure chamber 140 can be released gradually. Moreover, the presence of grease allows the water pressure in the pressure chamber 140 to be transmitted to the movable valve body 60 more reliably. Note that if the viscosity of the grease is too high, the grease accumulated in the pressure chamber 140 will be difficult to move, and there is a possibility that the water pressure will not reach the details of the pressure chamber 140 . It is preferable to select the grease in consideration of this point.

The width of the pressure chamber 140 is indicated by a double arrow W in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). From the viewpoint of the opening area of the pressure chamber, the width W is preferably 2.3 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.7 mm or more. Considering the limited size and strength of the fixed valve body 62, the width W is preferably 3.1 mm or less, more preferably 2.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.7 mm or less. Width W is measured along the radial direction.

The depth of the pressure chamber 140 is indicated by a double arrow D in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). From the viewpoint of water pressure transmissibility, the depth D is preferably 0.6 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, and more preferably 0.8 mm or more. Since the pressure chamber only needs to be able to transmit pressure, the depth D need not be excessively large. Considering the limited thickness and strength of the fixed valve body 62, the depth D is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or less. Depth D is measured along a direction perpendicular to smooth surface PL1.

A double arrow S in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 indicates the distance (mm) between the center C1 of the minimum containing circle CL1 and the area center of gravity G1. From the viewpoint of equalizing the contact pressure, the distance S is preferably small. From this viewpoint, the distance S is preferably 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.1 mm or less. The distance S may be zero.

As described above, from the viewpoint of equalizing the contact pressure, the distance S is preferably small. When the radius of the minimum containing circle CL1 is R (mm), S/R is preferably 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.4 or less, more preferably 0.3 or less, and more preferably 0.2 or less. Preferably, 0.1 or less is more preferable. S/R may be zero.

In the conventional example of FIG. 11, the distance S is 5.9 mm and the S/R is 0.33. Further, in the conventional example of FIG. 12, the distance S is 5.7 mm and the S/R is 0.32. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the distance S is 0.5 mm and S/R is 0.03. In this embodiment, the area center of gravity G1 is close to the center C1, and the uneven contact pressure is suppressed.

Actual pressure distributions were measured for the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the conventional example shown in FIG. An upward load (base pressure) applied from the packing 64 to the fixed valve body 62 was set to 50N. A water pressure of 0.2 MPa was applied to the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82 . A surface pressure sensor was installed between the fixed valve body and the movable valve body to measure the pressure distribution. As a result, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the maximum value of pressure was 0.5 MPa and the minimum value was 0.3 MPa. On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the maximum value of pressure was 0.5 MPa and the minimum value was 0.2 MPa. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, pressure bias was suppressed.

13 is the same view as FIG. 10. FIG. In FIGS. 13 and 8, the two-headed arrow θ indicates the angle of existence of the pressure chamber 140 and the water supply hole 82 connected thereto in the circumferential direction. As described above, the water pressure is normally higher in the water supply hole 82 than in the hot water supply hole 80, and the contact pressure can be effectively equalized by increasing the angle θ. In addition, in a configuration in which only water is discharged from the water supply hole 82 when the lever left-right position is at the front, the angle .theta. From these points of view, the angle θ is preferably 200° or more, more preferably 230° or more, and more preferably 260° or more. Considering the opening area of the hot water supply hole 80, the angle θ is preferably 300° or less, more preferably 290° or less, and more preferably 280° or less. In this embodiment, the angle θ is 278° (77% of 360°).

A double arrow θc in FIG. 13 indicates a circumferential direction existence angle of the opening region Rc related to the water supply hole 82 . The opening area Rc is an opening area including the water supply hole 82 and the pressure chamber connected to the water supply hole 82, if any. Although the pressure chamber 140 is connected to the water supply hole 82 in this embodiment, if the water supply hole 82 is not connected to the pressure chamber, the opening area Rc can be an opening area for the water supply hole 82 only.

A double arrow θh in FIG. 13 indicates a circumferential direction existence angle of the opening region Rh related to the hot water supply hole 80 . The opening area Rh is an opening area including the hot water supply hole 80 and the pressure chamber connected to the hot water supply hole 80, if any. In the present embodiment, the pressure chamber 140 is not connected to the hot water supply hole 80, but if the pressure chamber is connected to the hot water supply hole 80, the opening region Rh is connected to the hot water supply hole 80 and the hot water supply hole 80. It can be an open area combined with a chamber.

The sum of the angles θc and θh is the circumferential direction existence angle of the region (opening region R1) where the hot water supply hole 80, the water supply hole 82 and the pressure chamber 140 are combined. From the viewpoint of equalizing the contact pressure, the sum of the angles θc and θh is preferably large. (θc+θh) is preferably 280° or more, more preferably 300° or more, and more preferably 320° or more. From the viewpoint of securing the space between the hot water supply hole 80 and the water supply hole 82 for appropriately setting the hot water mixing ratio, and from the viewpoint of the strength of the fixed valve body 62, (θc+θh) is preferably 345° or less. 340° or less is more preferable, and 335° or less is more preferable. In this embodiment, (θc+θh) is 330°.

The opening area of the water supply hole 82 is Mc, the opening area of the hot water supply hole 80 is Mh, and the opening area of the pressure chamber 140 is Mp. From the viewpoint of equalizing the contact pressure, it is not preferable that (Mc+Mh)/Mp is too large or too small. (Mc+Mh)/Mp is preferably 0.9 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more, and more preferably 1.05 or more. (Mc+Mh)/Mp is preferably 1.2 or less, more preferably 1.1 or less, and more preferably 1.06 or less.

The material of the fixed valve body 62 is ceramic. The fixed valve body 62 is manufactured by firing compression-molded powder. If the bottom surface of the groove has corners, cracks are likely to occur at the corners during the compression molding. From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of cracks, in cross-sectional views of the pressure chamber 140 (FIGS. 9A and 9B), it is preferable that the side surface of the groove and the bottom surface of the groove are smoothly connected.

From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of cracks, the angle θ1 formed between the side surfaces of the groove (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) is preferably 20° or more, more preferably 30° or more, and 40° or more. more preferred. If the angle θ1 is too large, the groove volume becomes small relative to the groove width W, and the pressure transmissibility may deteriorate. From this point of view, the angle θ1 is preferably 60° or less, more preferably 50° or less, and more preferably 40° or less.

From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of cracks, the angle θ2 formed between the smooth surface PL1 and the side surface of the groove (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) is preferably 90° or more, more preferably 100° or more. 110° or more is more preferable. If the angle θ2 is too large, the groove volume becomes small relative to the groove width W, and the pressure transmissibility may deteriorate. From this point of view, the angle θ2 is preferably 130° or less, more preferably 120° or less, and more preferably 110° or less.

Resin and metal are exemplified as the material of the housing. This resin also includes a fiber reinforced resin. The sound produced when the click mechanism is activated is preferably pleasing and easy to hear. The housing material affects this sound. From the standpoint of obtaining good sound, durability, rust resistance, and sanitation, stainless steel alloys and fiber-reinforced resins are preferable as materials for the housing. In the above embodiments, a glass fiber reinforced PPS resin was used. PPS resin is polyphenylene sulfide resin.

Resin and metal are exemplified as the material of the rotating body. This resin also includes a fiber reinforced resin. If the metal pieces slide against each other when the lever is operated, an unpleasant sound may be generated. Also, the material of the sliding surface affects the operability of the lever because it changes the frictional force. From the viewpoint of operability and avoidance of unpleasant noise, resin is preferable as the material of the rotating body, and resin that does not contain reinforcing fibers is more preferable. In the above embodiments, POM resin containing no reinforcing fibers was used. POM resin is polyacetal resin.

Resin and metal are exemplified as the material of the lever shaft. This resin also includes a fiber reinforced resin. Stainless alloys and resins are preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing corrosion by water. A stainless alloy was used in the above embodiment.

Examples of materials for the upper member of the movable valve body include resin and metal. This resin also includes a fiber reinforced resin. If the metal pieces slide against each other when the lever is operated, an unpleasant sound may be generated. From the viewpoint of avoiding unpleasant sounds, resin is preferable as the material of the upper member. Further, by using resin for the upper member, the manufacturing cost of the movable valve body as a whole can be suppressed. In the above embodiments, POM resin containing no reinforcing fibers was used.

Examples of materials for the lower member of the movable valve body include resins (including fiber-reinforced resins), metals, and ceramics. Ceramic is preferable from the viewpoint of wear resistance in sliding with the fixed valve body. This ceramic is also preferred from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance to water, strength and durability. Ceramic (alumina) was used in the above embodiment.

Examples of the material of the fixed valve body include resin (including fiber-reinforced resin), metal and ceramic. Ceramic is preferable from the viewpoint of wear resistance in sliding with the movable valve body (lower member). This ceramic is also preferred from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance to water, strength and durability. Ceramic (alumina) was used in the above embodiment.

Resins and rubber materials (vulcanized rubber) are exemplified as materials for the packing and the O-ring. The stretchability can improve the ease of assembly and mitigate manufacturing errors (such as dimensional errors). From these points of view, a rubber material is preferable. A rubber material was used in the above embodiment.

Examples of materials for the base body include resin (including fiber-reinforced resin) and metal. Fiber reinforced resins are preferable, and glass fiber reinforced resins are more preferable, from the viewpoints of avoidance of unpleasant sound and strength. In the above embodiments, a glass fiber reinforced PPS resin was used.

When resin is used as the material of each member, POM resin and PPS resin are preferable. The POM resin exhibits little change in mechanical properties (tensile strength, etc.) over time when used for a long time and in a wide temperature range. In addition, POM resin is excellent in fatigue resistance against repeated stress loads. Furthermore, the POM resin undergoes little dimensional change due to water absorption. PPS resin is excellent in strength and rigidity, and is also excellent in abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the PPS resin has a small shrinkage rate during molding and can achieve high dimensional accuracy. In order to further enhance these properties, the resin is preferably reinforced with short fibers such as glass fibers.

The following remarks are disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments.
[Appendix 1]
a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole;
a movable valve body having a channel-forming concave portion and capable of sliding on the fixed valve body;
a handle that can operate the movable valve body;
and
A hot and cold water mixer tap, wherein the fixed valve body has a pressure chamber that is not connected to the discharge hole but is connected to the hot water supply hole or the water supply hole.
[Appendix 2]
The hot and cold water mixer tap according to appendix 1, wherein the pressure chamber is connected to the water supply hole.
[Appendix 3]
3. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the pressure chamber is provided at a circumferential position different from the water supply hole and the hot water supply hole.
[Appendix 4]
S (mm) is the distance between the area center of gravity of the opening region including the water supply hole, the hot water supply hole and the pressure chamber and the center of the minimum inclusion circle of the fixed valve body, and the radius of the minimum inclusion circle is 4. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein S/R is 0.5 or less when R (mm).
[Appendix 5]
5. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the circumferential direction existence angle of the combined area of the hot water supply hole, the water supply hole and the pressure chamber is 280° or more.

This application also describes other inventions that are not included in the claimed inventions (including independent claims). Each form, member, configuration, and combination thereof described in the claims and embodiments of this application are recognized as inventions based on their effects.

Each of the forms, members, configurations, etc. shown in each of the above embodiments, even if they do not have all the forms, members, or configurations of these embodiments, can It can be applied to all described inventions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Hot water mixing tap 14... Handle 16... Discharge part 18... Hot water introduction pipe 20... Water introduction pipe 22... Discharge pipe 38... Lever assembly 40... Movement Body 42... Housing 44... Rotating body 46... Lever 48... Lever shaft 60... Movable valve body 62... Fixed valve body 64... Packing 66, 67... O-ring 68... Base body 80... Hot water supply hole 82... Water supply hole 84... Discharge hole 86... Upper member of movable valve body 88... Lower member of movable valve body 94... Flow path forming concave portion 140 Pressure chamber 140a Upper opening line of pressure chamber 140b Connection portion 140c Main portion CL1 Minimum inclusion circle of fixed valve body C1 Minimum inclusion Center of circle R1: opening area of hot water supply hole, water supply hole and pressure chamber combined G1: area center of gravity of opening area of hot water supply hole, water supply hole and pressure chamber combined

Claims (8)

a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole;
a movable valve body having a channel-forming concave portion and capable of sliding on the fixed valve body;
a handle that can operate the movable valve body;
and
The fixed valve body has a pressure chamber that is not connected to the discharge hole but is connected to the water supply hole,
The pressure chamber has a portion located radially outward of the discharge hole,
The pressure chamber and the water supply hole connected thereto have an angle of existence in the circumferential direction of 200° or more ,
A hot and cold water mixer tap , wherein the pressure chamber is provided at a circumferential position different from the water supply hole and the hot water supply hole . a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole;
a movable valve body having a channel-forming concave portion and capable of sliding on the fixed valve body;
a handle that can operate the movable valve body;
and
The fixed valve body has a pressure chamber that is not connected to the discharge hole but is connected to the hot water supply hole or the water supply hole,
The pressure chamber has a portion located radially outward of the discharge hole,
S (mm) is the distance between the area center of gravity of the opening region including the water supply hole, the hot water supply hole and the pressure chamber and the center of the minimum inclusion circle of the fixed valve body, and the radius of the minimum inclusion circle is A hot and cold water mixing faucet in which S/R is 0.3 or less when R (mm) is used. a fixed valve body having a hot water supply hole, a water supply hole and a discharge hole;
a movable valve body having a channel-forming concave portion and capable of sliding on the fixed valve body;
a handle that can operate the movable valve body;
and
The fixed valve body has a pressure chamber that is not connected to the discharge hole but is connected to the hot water supply hole or the water supply hole,
The pressure chamber has a portion located radially outward of the discharge hole,
a circumferential direction existence angle of a region where the hot water supply hole, the water supply hole, and the pressure chamber are combined is 280° or more ;
A hot and cold water mixer tap , wherein the pressure chamber is provided at a circumferential position different from the water supply hole and the hot water supply hole . 4. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure chamber has a depth of 1.0 mm or less. 4. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pressure chamber is connected to the water supply hole. 3. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to claim 2, wherein the pressure chamber is provided at a circumferential position different from the water supply hole and the hot water supply hole. When the upper opening area of the water supply hole is Mc, the upper opening area of the hot water supply hole is Mh, and the opening area of the pressure chamber is Mp,
The hot and cold water mixer tap according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein (Mc + Mh)/Mp is 1.2 or less. The hot and cold water mixer tap according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the passage forming recess does not overlap with the pressure chamber in the entire movable range of the passage forming recess.

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