FAUCET ASSEMBLY AND FAUCET STRUCTURE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421685289.0, filed on Jul. 16, 2024, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202421726427.5, filed on Jul. 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to the technical field of mounting a faucet, and in particularly relates to a faucet assembly and a faucet structure.

In kitchens, bathrooms, balconies, and other places, a faucet (on washbasins, hand basins, vegetable basins, or other basins) is generally mounted to a wall. The faucet may be connected to a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe to control hot and cold water to be supplied to an outlet via a waterway structure of the faucet. The outlet may be a handheld shower, an overhead shower, or a bathtub faucet. Depending on a user's need, the faucet may require two waterway structures for discharging water through two outlets. For example, one outlet may be for a handheld shower and another outlet may be for an overhead shower. In another example, one outlet may be for a bathtub faucet, and another outlet may be for an overhead shower. Some faucets may require three waterway structures for discharging water. For example, the faucet may include a first waterway structure for a handheld shower, a second waterway structure for an overhead shower, and a third waterway structure for a bathtub faucet.

Conventionally, the waterway structures are securely provided in the faucet main body. As a result, different waterway structures need different product designs. For example, for three types of waterway structures, three corresponding types of the faucet main body structures need to be designed, resulting in the poor modularity of the waterway structure module, and the high cost of the product

Additionally, the faucet is generally connected with a pipe in the wall with an elbow fitting. After assembly of the faucet to the wall, a special and/or complex manner is needed to secure the faucet to the elbow fitting as a portion of the faucet is coupled (e.g., flushed) to the wall. In some conventional systems, an elbow connecting assembly including an elbow, a faucet body, and the screws may be used. A tail end of the elbow is connected to the wall body, and a protruding end of the elbow is inserted into the inner cavity of the faucet body. The inner cavity receives an annular locking retention pin, which is sleeved on the elbow. The locking retention pin is provided with a first locking hole and the faucet body is provided with a second locking hole. The screw passes through the second locking hole and the first locking hole sequentially from the outside to the inside to lock the locking retention pin with the elbow. A nut is then threaded with the inner wall of the inner cavity to confine the locking retention pin within the inner cavity. However, such systems have disadvantages. The nut is on the rear side of the locking retention pin to press against the locking retention pin, which requires leaving enough platform portion on the front side of the curved section of the elbow for sleeving the nut. This increases the axial length of the elbow and requires the locking retention pin to be assembled at a deeper position within the inner cavity to leave space for the threaded connection between the cavity wall and the nut. Additionally, during assembling, the upper half of the nut is blocked by the bent section of the elbow and only the lower portion of the nut is exposed, which makes it difficult to rotate the nut and results in the low efficiency of the assembling.

SUMMARY

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a faucet assembly. The faucet assembly includes a faucet body including a mounting cavity, an adapting pipe, and a locking clasp sleeved on the adapting pipe. The locking clasp secures a first end of the adapting pipe into the mounting cavity. The faucet assembly includes a retention pin to secure the locking clasp in the mounting cavity and a locking screw to lock the adapting pipe and the locking clasp. The first end of the adapting pipe is positioned in the mounting cavity in a sealing manner and a second end of the adapting pipe extends out of the faucet body. The faucet body includes a screw via hole in communication with the mounting cavity, the locking clasp includes an internal threaded hole, and the locking screw passes through the screw via hole and couples to the internal threaded hole. The locking clasp includes a first slot on an outer surface and the retention pin is secured to the mounting cavity and coupled to the first slot.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a faucet structure. The faucet structure includes a faucet base having a mounting cavity, a faucet panel removably coupled to the faucet base, a water diverting valve connected with the faucet base, a control module removably coupled to the faucet base, and a water diverting module removably mounted in the mounting cavity. The water diverting module includes a module inlet and a water diverting channel. An outlet of the control module is inserted into the module inlet and a valve body of the water diverting valve is inserted into the water diverting channel. The water diverting module includes a two-way water diverting module or a three-way water diverting module. The two-way water diverting module includes a first outlet and a second outlet and the three-way diverting module including the first outlet, the second outlet, and a third outlet. Each of the outlets are configured to supply water to a product.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a faucet assembly. The faucet assembly includes a faucet body including a faucet base and a facet panel. The faucet base includes a mounting cavity. The faucet assembly includes an adapting pipe, a locking clasp sleeved on the adapting pipe, the locking clasp to secure a first end of the adapting pipe into the mounting cavity, a water diverting valve connected with the faucet base, a control module removably coupled to the faucet base, and a water diverting module removably mounted in the mounting recess. The water diverting module includes a module inlet and a water diverting channel. An outlet of the control module is inserted into the module inlet and a valve body of the water diverting valve is inserted into the water diverting channel. The water diverting module includes at least two outlets. Each of the outlets are configured to supply water to a product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, the contents disclosed by the present application will be more easily understood. It should be understood that: these drawings are merely used for illustration and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapting pipe;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the adapting pipe;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the faucet body taken in the axial direction of the adapting pipe;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the faucet body taken in the radial direction of the adapting pipe;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion A in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking clasp;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the faucet, according to an exemplary embodiment, taken in the axial direction of the adapting pipe;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the portion B in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken in the C-C direction in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the faucet assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a two-way water diverting module having the first structure from a top view angle;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the two-way water diverting module having the first structure from a bottom view angle;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a faucet base;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the faucet assembly shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a two-way water diverting module having the second structure from a top view angle;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the two-way water diverting module having the second structure from a bottom view angle;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a bottom plate of the faucet base with a bottom plate through hole;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the faucet assembly shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a three-way water diverting module from a top view angle; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a three-way water diverting module from a bottom view angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific embodiments of the present application will be further described with reference to the drawings hereinafter. Same parts are denoted by the same reference signs. It should be noted that the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions in the drawings, and the terms “inner” and “outer” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric centers of specific parts, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1-24, a faucet assembly and structure provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The faucet assembly includes a faucet body 1. The faucet body 1 includes a faucet base 2 and a faucet panel 3. The faucet panel 3 is detachably connected (e.g., removably coupled) with the faucet base 2. The faucet body 1 may include a water diverting valve 8 connected with the faucet base 2, a control module 9 detachably connected with the faucet base 2, and a water diverting module 10.

The faucet body 1 includes a mounting cavity 15 (e.g., a mounting recess), an adapting pipe 4 for connecting the faucet body 1 with a pipe embedded in the wall, a locking clasp 5 sleeved on the adapting pipe 4 and used for securing an end of the adapting pipe 4 in the mounting cavity 15, a retention pin 6 for securing the locking clasp 5 in the mounting cavity 15, and a locking screw 7 for locking the adapting pipe 4 and the locking clasp 5. An end of the adapting pipe 4 is connected in the mounting cavity 15 in a sealing manner, and the other end of the adapting pipe 4 extends outside the faucet body 1. The mounting cavity 15 may be within the faucet base 2.

The faucet body 1 is provided with a screw via hole 155 which is in communication with the mounting cavity 15. The locking clasp 5 is provided with an internal threaded hole 51. The locking screw 7 passes through the screw via hole 155 and is connected to the internal threaded hole 51.

An outer surface of the locking clasp 5 is provided with a first slot 52. The retention pin 6 is secured to the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15 and snap-fitted into (e.g., coupled to) the first slot 52.

The faucet assembly and structure provided by the present application may include a faucet body 1, an adapting pipe 4, a faucet locking clasp 5, a retention pin 6, a locking screw 7 and the like. The faucet assembly and structure may further include a faucet base 2, a faucet panel 3, a water diverting valve 8, a control module 9, and a water diverting module 10. The longitudinal direction mentioned in the present application is the axial direction of the locking clasp 5. The transverse direction in the present application refers to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and it may also be referred to as the left-to-right direction of the locking clasp 5.

The faucet body 1 comprises knobs 11 (e.g., handles) for adjusting the water temperature, the flow rate, and the like. The faucet body 1 comprises at least one outlet 12 for connecting with a shower, a bathtub faucet, a pipe column, and the like. The faucet body 1 comprises a flow passage 13, which is in communication with the temperature adjusting valve, the flow valve, or the like in the faucet body 1 (e.g., water diverting valve 8, the control module 9). The water temperature and the flow rate may be adjusted by rotating the knobs 11. As described herein, the knobs 11 may include a first knob 11a and a second knob 11b. The first knob 11a and the second knob 11b may be configured to aid in control of the valve, the flow valve, or the like in the faucet body 1.

A side of the faucet body 1 facing toward the wall surface is provided with a detachable cover plate 14, on which an opening 141 is provided for the adapting pipe 4 to pass through. The mounting cavity 15 is located between the flow passage 13 and the cover plate 14. When assembling, one end of the adapting pipe 4 is connected in the mounting cavity 15 in a sealing manner, and the other end of the adapting pipe 4 extends outside the faucet body 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the adapting pipe 4 comprises an inlet end 41 and a main body section 42. The main body section 42 is connected in the mounting cavity 15 in a sealing manner and the inlet end 41 extends out of the faucet body 1, such that the inlet end 41 is connected with a pipe embedded in the wall. The inlet end 41 is provided with an external thread, such that the inlet end 41 is connected with the pipe embedded in the wall.

The locking clasp 5 is annular. The bottom of the locking clasp 5 has an internal screw hole 51. The cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15 is provided with a screw via hole 155 for the locking screw 7 to pass through, such that the locking screw 7 is connected with the internally threaded hole 51. The outer surface of the locking clasp 5 is provided with at least one first slot 52 for being snap-fitted with (e.g., coupled to) the retention pin 6. In various embodiments, both sides of the locking clasp 5 are respectively provided with the first slot 52.

The retention pin 6 is an elastic retention pin, which may be a U-shaped retention pin for snap-fitting with the locking clasp 5, preventing the locking clasp 5 from moving along the axial direction. Before mounting the adapting pipe 4 and the locking clasp 5, the cover plate 14 may be opened first to secure the retention pin 6 to the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15, such that the retention pin 6 is pre-assembled in the mounting cavity 15.

When assembling, the locking clasp 5 is sleeved on the main body section 42 of the adapting pipe 4 and enters the mounting cavity 15. After the main body section 42 extends into the mounting cavity 15 in place, the retention pin 6 secures the locking clasp 5, with a portion of the retention pin 6 snap-fitted into the first slot 52, playing the role of limiting the movement of the locking clasp 5 along the axial direction, but not affecting the up-to-down movement of the locking clasp 5. Then, the locking screw 7 passes through the screw via hole 155 and is connected to the internal screw hole 51. The locking screw 7 is further tightened. The locking clasp 5 is pulled downward via the locking screw 7. The locking clasp 5 presses against the main body section 42 of the adapting pipe 4. The end portion of the locking screw 7 presses against the main body section 42 of the adapting pipe 4, securing the main body section 42 of the adapting pipe 4 in the mounting cavity 15.

In the faucet assembly provided by the present application, there is no assembling relationship between the retention pin 6 and the adapting pipe 4. Thus, the size of the adapting pipe 4 will not be affected by the retention pin 6. It is also convenient to assemble the retention pin 6 to secure the locking clasp 5, improving the assembling efficiency.

In various embodiments, as shown FIGS. 2, 5, 8 and FIGS. 10-11, the retention pin 6 comprises a retention pin crossbar 61 and a retention pin vertical bars 62 connected to both ends of the retention pin crossbar 61. A cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15 is provided with a second slot 157 and the retention pin crossbar 61 is snap-fitted into (e.g., coupled to) the second slot 157. In embodiments where both sides of the locking clasp 5 are respectively provided with the first slot 52, the two retention pin vertical bars 62 may be respectively snap-fitted into the two first slots 52.

The retention pin 6 may be U-shaped, and the two retention pin vertical bars 62 may be connected to both ends of the retention pin crossbar 61 and extend downward. The left and right sides of the locking clasp 5 are respectively provided with a vertically extending first slot 52 and the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15 is provided with a transversely extending second slot 157. When assembling, the retention pin crossbar 61 is snap-fitted in the second slot 157, so as to secure the retention pin 6 to the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15. The two retention pin vertical bars 62 are respectively snap-fitted in the two first slots 52, so as to limit the locking clasp 5 from the left and right sides, improving the stability of the securing of the locking clasp 5.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and FIGS. 10-11, the second slot 157 is provided on an upper surface of a top side cavity wall 154 of the mounting cavity 15 and the screw via hole 155 is provided on the bottom side cavity wall 153 of the mounting cavity 15. The cavity walls on both sides of the mounting cavity 15 are respectively provided with a cavity wall opening 156 for the extending of the edges on both sides of the locking clasp 5, and the first slots 52 are located outside the mounting cavity 15. The retention pin crossbar 61 is snap-fitted on the top side cavity wall 154, and the retention pin vertical bars 62 are located outside the mounting cavity 15 and snap-fitted into the first slots 52.

In such embodiments, the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15 comprises the bottom side cavity wall 153, the top side cavity wall 154, and side cavity walls on the left and right sides. The bottom side cavity wall 153 and the top side cavity wall 154 are substantially in the shape of a flat plate. The second slot 157 is formed on the upper surface of the top side cavity wall 154, and the second slot 157 extends along the transverse direction on the upper surface of the top side cavity wall 154. The screw via hole 155 is provided on the bottom side cavity wall 153, and it is a stepped hole for the threaded section of the locking screw 7 to pass through, such that the end of the locking screw 7 may be blocked.

The side cavity walls on the left and right sides of the mounting cavity 15 are respectively provided with cavity wall openings 156 for the edges having the first slots 52 on both sides of the locking clasp 5 to extend out, such that the first slots 52 extend out of the mounting cavity 15. The retention pin crossbar 61 is snap-fitted onto the top side cavity wall 154, and the two retention pin vertical bars 62 extend downwardly from the outside of the side cavity walls, such that they are snap-fitted into the first slot 52, facilitating the assembling.

In various embodiments, the two retention pin vertical bars 62 are formed integrally with the retention pin crossbar 61, facilitating the processing and the molding, and providing high strength of the structure.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 9-10, the mounting cavity 15 comprises a first cavity body 151 and a second cavity body 152 adjacent to each other. A radius of the second cavity body 152 may be greater than a radius of the first cavity body 151. A stepped surface 158 for positioning the locking clasp 5 is formed at the position where the second cavity body 152 and the first cavity body 151 meet.

An end of the adapting pipe 4 is connected to the first cavity body 151. The locking clasp 5 is assembled in the second cavity body 152. The retention pin 6 is secured to the cavity wall of the second cavity body 152. In such embodiments, the mounting cavity 15 is divided into the first cavity body 151 and the second cavity body 152. The first cavity body 151 is near the flow passage 13 and the second cavity body 152 is near the cover plate 14. The second cavity body 152 is thicker than the first cavity body 151 so that a stepped surface 158 is formed at the position where the two meet, so as to position the locking clasp 5.

When assembling, an end of the main body section 42 is inserted into the first cavity body 151, and the locking clasp 5 is in the second cavity body 152 and blocked by the stepped surface 158, indicating the mounting is in place. The retention pin 6 is secured to the cavity wall of the second cavity body 152, such that the retention pin 6 is snap-fitted with the locking clasp 5 located in the second cavity body 152. Specifically, the second slot 157 is provided on the top side cavity wall of the second cavity body 152. The screw via hole 155 is provided on the bottom side cavity wall of the second cavity body 152, and a cavity wall opening 156 is provided on the side cavity walls on both the left and right sides of the second cavity body 152.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the adapting pipe 4 is a bent pipe for being adapted for the adjustment of the mounting positions. Specifically, the inlet end 41 and the main body section 42 are connected via an inclined transition section, so as to meet the special requirements for mounting some products in special shapes.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-4 and FIGS. 9-10, an end of the adapting pipe 4 is provided with a sealing ring 43, which is sealed with the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 15. The sealing ring 43 is provided on the outer surface of the main body section 42 and assembled with the inner surface of the mounting cavity 15 in a sealing manner, so as to connect the main body section 42 in the mounting cavity 15 in a sealing manner. Specifically, the sealing ring 43 is sealed with the cavity wall of the first cavity body 151.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, an end of the adapting pipe 4 is provided with a positioning groove 44. The sealing ring 43 may be assembled in the positioning groove 44. The main body section 42 is provided with the positioning groove 44 and the thickness of the sealing ring 43 is greater than the groove depth of the positioning groove 44. The outer circumference of the sealing ring 43 protrudes from the positioning groove 44, to be assembled with the surface of the cavity wall in a scaling manner. By positioning the scaling ring 43 via the positioning groove 44, the stability of the scaling ring 43 assembled on the adapting pipe 4 is improved.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the adapting pipe 4 is provided with a one-way valve 45 to prevent the water in the adapting pipe 4 from backflow. The one-way valve 45 is preferably provided in the main body section 42.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the adapting pipe 4 is provided with a filter screen 46, which plays a role of filtering. The filter screen 46 is preferably provided at the outlet of the main body section 42, downstream of the one-way valve 45.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, among others, the faucet body 1 may include the water diverting valve 8 connected with the faucet base 2, the control module 9 detachably connected with the faucet base 2, and the water diverting module 10 detachably mounted in the mounting cavity 15. The water diverting module 10 has a module inlet 101 and a water diverting flow channel 102. The control module 9 includes an outlet 93 that is inserted into the module inlet 101. A valve body 81 of the water diverting valve 8 is inserted into the water diverting flow channel 102.

The water diverting module 10 includes a two-way water diverting module 10-1 or a three-way water diverting module 10-2. The two-way water diverting module 10-1 and the three-way water diverting module 10-2 include the at least one outlets 12. The two-way water diverting module 10-1 includes a first outlet 12a for supplying water to a first product (e.g., an overhead shower) and a second outlet 12b for supplying water to a second product (e.g., a handheld shower). Alternatively, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 may include the second outlet 12b and a third outlet 12c for supplying water to a third product (e.g., a bathtub). Alternatively, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 may include the first outlet 12a and the third outlet 12c. The three-way water diverting module 10-2 includes the first outlet 12a, the second outlet 12b, and the third outlet 12c.

The faucet base 2 and the faucet panel 3 form the faucet body 1. The water diverting valve 8 and the control module 9 are mounted at the specified positions of the faucet body 1. The two-way water diverting module 10-1 or the three-way water diverting module 10-2 are respectively matched with the faucet body 1, providing parts with high commonality. Specifically, the faucet base 2 has a mounting cavity 15 for mounting the water diverting module 10. The faucet panel 3 is mounted on the top surface of the faucet base 2.

The water diverting valve 8 includes the valve body 81 and the knob 11a. The water diverting valve 8 is mounted on the side plate of the faucet base 1, and the valve body 81 is located in the mounting cavity 15. The valve body 81 is configured to be assembled in the water diverting flow channel 102 of the water diverting module 10 in order to switch to different outlets for discharging water. The knob 11a is located on the outside of the faucet base 2. A user may rotate the valve body 81 via the knob 11a. The water diverting valve 8 may adopt a water diverting valve or a switching valve.

The control module 9 is used for controlling the communication of the waterways, the water flow rate, the water temperature, and the like. The control module 9 is a modular structure to be detachably connected with the faucet base 2, for example, via retention pins, pins, or the like. Such configuration allows for selection of the control modules 9 based on functions.

The control module 9 comprises a main body 91, the knob 11b, and an outlet 93. The control module 9 is detachably mounted on the side plate of the faucet base 2. The main body 91 is located in the mounting cavity 15, and the outlet 93 is connected with the main body 91 for controlling the water supply to the water diverting module 10. The knob 11b is located outside the faucet base 2. The user may adjust the communication of the waterways, the water temperature, the flow rate, and the like by operating the knob 11b.

The water diverting module 10 is a modular structure, so as to be assembled in the mounting cavity 15. The water diverting module 10 has the module inlet 101 and the water diverting flow channel 102. The module inlet 101 is located on one side of the water diverting module 10 to connect with the outlet 93 of the control module 9. The opening of the water diverting channel 102 faces toward the water diverting valve 8, to assemble the valve body 81 into the water diverting channel 102. The module inlet 101 is in communication with the water diverting channel 102. Water flowing out of the control module 9 enters the water diverting channel 102, and then it is distributed to different outlets 12 of the water diverting module 10 via the valve body 81.

According to the number of the outlets of the water diverting module 10, the water diverting module 10 may be a two-way water diverting module 10-1 or a three-way water diverting module 10-2. During manufacture, according to the requirement for the waterways of the product, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 may be selected to be mounted in the mounting cavity 15. Alternatively, the three-way water diverting module 10-2 may be selected to be mounted in the mounting cavity 15.

The two-way water diverting module 10-1 has two outlets 12, each of which corresponds to a water consuming end, which may be a handheld shower, an overhead shower, or a bathtub.

A design scheme for the outlets 12 of the two-way water diverting module 10-1 according to an exemplary embodiment is described herein. In various embodiments, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 comprises the first outlet 12a and the second outlet 12b. The first outlet 12a is for supplying water to the first product, such as an overhead shower. The second outlet 12b is for supplying water to a second product, such as a handheld shower. The overhead shower is typically mounted on a shower column, a lower end of which is connected with the first outlet 12a. A water channel in the shower column is for supplying water to the overhead shower. The handheld shower is typically connected with the second outlet 12b via a hose.

In other embodiments, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 comprises the second outlet 12b and the third outlet 12c. The second outlet 12b is for supplying water to the second product. The third outlet 12c is for supplying water to a third product, such as a bathtub. The third outlet 12c may directly serve as a faucet for supplying water to the bathtub. In other embodiments, the two-way water diverting module 10-1 comprises the first outlet 12a and the third outlet 12c. The design scheme of the two-way water diverting module 10-1 may be dependent on a desired need of the faucet body 1 and desired products for the outlets 12 to be supplying water to.

Inlet ports for the outlets 12 are in communication with the water diverting channel 102, respectively. A concave portion and a convex portion are provided on the circumference of the valve body 81. The inlet ports for the two outlets 12 of the two-way water diverting module 10-1 are uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of the water diverting channel 102. When the valve body 81 is rotated such that the concave portion corresponds to one inlet port, the convex portion blocks the other inlet port and the outlet 12 related to the concave portion may discharge water.

The inlet ports corresponding to the three outlets 12 of the three-way water diverting module 10-1 are uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of the water diverting channel 102. When the valve body 81 is rotated such that the concave portion corresponds to one inlet port, the convex portion blocks the other two inlet ports, and the outlet 12 related to the concave portion may discharge water.

In various embodiments, the faucet base 2 and the faucet panel 3 may be provided with corresponding through holes in advance, so that the first outlet 12a, the second outlet 12b and the third outlet 12c may extend out of the through holes, or a water supply pipe may pass through the through holes for connection.

As described herein, in the faucet body 1, the water diverting module 10 may be designed as a two-way water diverting module 10-1 or a three-way water diverting module 10-2. The faucet base 2, the faucet panel 3, the water diverting valve 8, the control module 9, and the water diverting module 10 may be the same for the two-way water diverting module 10-1 and the three-way water diverting module 10-2. During manufacture, according to requirements, the control modules 4 with different functions may be selected. The water diverting module 10 suitable for the waterways may be selected according to different waterway requirements, which improves the modularity of the water diverting module 10 and is beneficial for reducing the cost of the product.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 12, 13, and 21-23, the first outlet 12a may be provided on the top of the water diverting module 10. The faucet panel 3 is provided with a panel through hole 31 for the first outlet 12a to extend out. In such embodiments, the first outlet 12a is provided on the top of the water diverting module 10 and passes through the panel through hole 31 on the faucet panel 3 to connect with the lower end of the shower column.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 24, the second outlet 12b is provided on one side of the water diverting module 10. The faucet base 2 is provided with an adapting pipe 22 connected with the second outlet 12b. In such embodiments, the second outlet 12b is provided on one side of the water diverting module 10. An end of the adapting pipe 22 is connected with the second outlet 12b, and the other end of the adapting pipe 22 extends from one side of the faucet base 2 to connect with the hose of the handheld shower.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the module inlet 101 and the second outlet 12b are provided on two opposite sides of the water diverting module 10. The water diverting flow channel 102 may be provided between the module inlet 101 and the second outlet 12b, which is convenient for the arrangement of the structures.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the third outlet 12c is provided at the bottom of the three-way water diverting module 10-2. The bottom plate of the faucet base 2 is provided with a bottom plate through hole 23 for the third outlet 12c to extend out. In such embodiments, the third outlet 12c directly passes through the bottom plate through hole 23 downwardly to supply water to the bathtub below. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 22, the third outlet 12c is provided with a bubbler 126 to reduce water splashing.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the faucet panel 3 and the faucet base 2 are snap-fitted via first retention pins 32 or connected via first pins, which is convenient for assembling and disassembling. The first retention pins 32 may be provided at the edge of the faucet panel 3, or they may be provided at the edge of the faucet base 2. The faucet panel 3 may also be provided with pin holes, so that the faucet panel 3 is connected to the faucet base 2 via the first pins.

In various embodiments, the water diverting module 10 and the faucet base 2 are snap-fitted via second retention pins or connected via second pins. There are many ways to connect the water diverting module 10 with the faucet base 2. In one configuration, the second retention pins may be provided at the edge of the water diverting module 10, such that the water diverting module 10 is snap-fitted with the faucet base 2 via the second retention pins. Alternatively, the pin holes 107 may be provided on the water diverting module 10, such that the water diverting module 10 is connected to the faucet base 2 via the second pins.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 18, 19, 23 and 24, the water diverting module 10 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing convex ribs 108 to improve structural strength of the water diverting module 10.

In various embodiments, the control module 9 comprises a regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate and the water temperature, or a thermostatic valve for keeping the water temperature within a preset range. The regulating valve may be configured to adjust the communication, the flow rate, and the water temperature of the waterways. A user may adjust by operating the knob 11b. The regulating valve may be a mechanical valve, a solenoid valve, etc. The thermostatic valve may keep the water temperature within the preset temperature range, without specifically adjusting the water temperature by the user, improving the convenience of the usage. The user may adjust the water temperature within a preset temperature range by operating the knob 11b. The thermostatic valve may be a water mixing valve.

The above technical solutions may be combined as required to achieve the best technical effect. The above are merely the principle and the preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skills in the art, several other variations may be made on the basis of the principle of the present application, which should also be regarded as falling in the protection scope of the present application.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. For example, such joining may be achieved with clamps, pressing pins, etc.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.