Patent Publication Number: US-2013239320-A1

Title: Water passage switching device and hand shower head comprising the water passage switching device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a water passage switching device, and in particular to a water passage switching device capable of switching between at least three water spouting and stopping modes by opening and closing a plurality of valves, and to a hand shower head comprising the water passage switching device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In recent years, a hand shower head which can be used by switching a plurality of water spouting modes has been developed. In such a hand shower head, the water spouting patterns are changed by switching between internal water passages by operating valve elements housed in a shower head body. 
     JP 2002-165719A (Patent Document 1) describes a shower head. This shower head is equipped with a seesaw switch-like button at the leading end thereof for switching the water spouting patterns, and through the operation of this button, a valve port is opened and closed by a flow path switching mechanism housed in a water spray portion of the shower head to switch the water spouting patterns. 
     JP 2003-530175A (Patent Document 2) describes a multiway valve for a plumbing joint. This multiway valve has an equilateral-triangular built-in tiltable member (17) to which a closure member (13) is attached at each vertex. When a user pushes each raised portion (10) of an elastic diaphragm (9) which is disposed to cover the tiltable member (17), each push-button (7, 8) provided on the back side of each raised portion (10) pushes a lateral side of the tiltable member (17). This causes the tiltable member (17) to be tilted, which pulls up the closure member (13) attached to the opposite side of the pushed lateral side of the tiltable member (17) to open a valve. 
     LIST OF PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Documents 
     
         
         Patent Document 1: JP 2002-165719A 
         Patent Document 2: JP 2003-530175A 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Object to be Accomplished by the Invention 
     However, the shower head described in JP 2002-165719A has a problem with its poor operability in that it is necessary to operate the button with the hand which is not holding the shower head in switching the water spouting patterns because the button for switching the water spouting patterns is provided at the leading end of the shower head. Specifically, if the operation portion for switching the water spouting patterns was disposed near the gripper portion of the shower head, the user could switch the water spouting patterns with his/her finger of the hand which is holding the shower head while taking a shower, so that the operability would be improved. 
     On the other hand, the multiway valve described in JP 2003-530175A is provided near the gripper portion of the shower head. This makes it possible to operate each push-button with user&#39;s finger of the hand which is holding the shower head. However, the multiway valve described in JP 2003-530175A has a problem that it does not provide sufficiently good operation feeling because it requires to push each raised portion (10) provided on the elastic diaphragm (9) depending on a desired water spouting pattern. In particular, when the multiway valve is applied to a hand shower head, it usually involves an operation with user&#39;s wet finger in a bathroom, so that slight difference in the operability provides large effect on the user&#39;s operation feeling. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a water passage switching device capable of opening and closing a plurality of valves with a very easy operation, and a hand shower head comprising the water passage switching device. 
     Means to Accomplish the Object 
     In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a water passage switching device capable of switching between at least three water spouting and stopping modes by opening and closing a plurality of valves, comprising: a plurality of valve elements configured to be moved between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position in response to the each water spouting and stopping mode; a pivotally movable tilting operation member directly operated by a user to switch between the each water spouting and stopping mode; and a plurality of valve actuating rods arranged around a pivot point of the tilting operation member, and each adapted to open and close a respective one of the plurality of valve elements based on a tilting movement in each direction of the tilting operation member. 
     In the above water passage switching device of the present invention, the tilting operation member is pivotally moved by a user operation, and based on the tilting movement of the tilting operation member in each direction, each of the plurality of valve actuating rods opens and closes a respective one of the plurality of valve elements. By each valve element, when these valve elements are moved between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position, at least three water spouting and stopping modes are switched to each other. 
     Thus, at least three water spouting and stopping modes are directly switched to each other by tilting operation of a single tilting operation member in each direction. This makes it possible to improve the operability of the water passage switching device. Further, the water spouting and stopping modes are switched by the tilting operation of the single tilting operation member. This makes it possible to ensure the user to switch to a desired water spouting and stopping mode only by roughly tilting the tilting operation member. This provides an excellent operability as compared to the case where separate operation button or the like is provided for each water spouting and stopping mode because the user is not required to target and push the operation button for a desired water spouting and stopping mode. For this reason, according to the present invention, even in the case of downsized tilting operation member, the operability is not significantly reduced. In addition, since the only one tilting operation member is exposed to the exterior, the water passage switching device with excellent appearance can be achieved. 
     Preferably, the water passage switching device of the present invention further comprises tilting movement holding means for, when the tilting operation member is tilted to switch to the each water spouting and stopping mode, holding the tilted tilting operation member at a tilted position. 
     Thus, the tilted tilting operation member is held in the tilted position. This makes it possible to allow a user to visually recognize the switched water spouting and stopping mode from the situation of the tilting operation member, and thus the operability can be improved. 
     Preferably, in the water passage switching device of the present invention, the tilting operation member comprises an operation portion to which operational force is applied by a user, and a tilting shaft extending from the operation portion to the pivot point. 
     Thus the operation portion and the pivot point is spaced apart by the tilting shaft, and thus the user can tilt the tilting operation member in each direction only by applying an approximately horizontal force to the operation portion with touching the tilting operation member, for example with his/her finger. This makes it possible to allow the user to tilt the tilting operation member in each direction with his/her fingertip touching on the operation portion, and to easily switch the water spouting and stopping modes with one finger. 
     Preferably, in the water passage switching device of the present invention, the valve elements are moved by movement of the valve actuating rod when the tilting operation member pushes one end of the valve actuating rod, and wherein a contact surface between the tilting operation member and the valve actuating rod is formed in a shape allowing line contact or surface contact therebetween. 
     In this water passage switching device, the tilting operation member pushes one end of the valve actuating rod through the line contact or the surface contact, and thus the tilting operation member is not likely to be worn even in the case of repetitive operation. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the water passage switching device. 
     Preferably, in the water passage switching device of the present invention, the valve elements are moved by movement of the valve actuating rod when the tilting operation member pushes one end of the valve actuating rod, and wherein a contact surface of the valve actuating rod in contact with the tilting operation member is formed in a curved surface. 
     Thus, the contact surface of the valve actuating rod contacting with the tilting operation member is formed in a curved surface. Accordingly, a contact point between the tilting operation member and the valve actuating rod varies with the tilting angle, and thus the tilting operation member is not likely to be worn even in the case of repetitive operation. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the water passage switching device. 
     Preferably, in the water passage switching device of the present invention, the one end of the valve actuating rod pushed by the tilting operation member is expanded in a direction radially-outwardly from the pivot point. 
     In the water passage switching device, the one end of the valve actuating rod is expanded in a direction radially-outwardly from the pivot point. This makes it is possible to establish the contact point between the tilting operation member and the valve actuating rod at a radially outward location from the center of the pivot point. This makes it possible to dispose the valve actuating rod in proximity to the pivot point, namely to dispose a plurality of valve elements in proximity, while setting an angle of gradient of the tilting operation member required to contact with the valve actuating rod to be small. Therefore, the water passage switching device can be downsized. In addition, this allows for larger movement of the valve actuating rod with respect to the angle of the tilting operation member to be inclined. 
     Preferably, the water passage switching device of the present invention further comprises a tilting movement lock member for locking a pivoting movement of the tilting operation member. 
     Thus, the water passage switching device comprises a tilting movement lock member for locking a pivoting movement of the tilting operation member. This makes it possible to prevent an unintended water spout at the time of cleaning or caused by children&#39;s mischief. 
     Preferably, the water passage switching device of the present invention further comprises a tilting movement restricting member for restricting directions to which the tilting operation member is tilted, and the tilting movement restricting member restricting the directions to a plurality of predetermined directions. 
     Thus, in this water passage switching device, tilting direction of the tilting operation member is restricted by the tilting movement restricting member. This makes it possible to prevent a plurality of water spouting and stopping modes from being selected at a time, and to reliably select one mode of the at least three water spouting and stopping modes. 
     Further, the present invention provides a hand shower head capable of switching between water spouting and stopping modes by opening and closing of valves, comprising: a shower head body equipped with a gripper portion and a water spray portion, the gripper portion being gripped by a user; a water spray plate provided with a plurality of water spray holes; and the water passage switching device according to the present invention including the tilting operation member disposed in the gripper part. 
     In this hand shower head of the present invention, even in the case of downsized tilting operation member for placement in the gripper portion of the shower head body, the operability for switching between at least three water spouting and stopping modes is not significantly reduced. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     As above, the water passage switching device and a hand shower head comprising the water passage switching device of the present invention can open and close a plurality of valves with a very easy operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a hand shower head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the hand shower head according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional enlarged view of a water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating water passages switched in the hand shower head. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a valve element housed in the water passage switching device. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an annular lock member provided in the water passage switching device. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cam-constructing member provided in the water passage switching device. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an operation portion covering member provided in the water passage switching device. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the operation portion covering member provided in the water passage switching device. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram for explaining actions of the water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram for explaining actions of the water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an entire faucet device containing a water passage switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional plane view of the faucet device containing the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional front view of the faucet device containing the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the faucet device containing the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a pivot receiving member used in the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a pivot member used in the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the faucet device illustrating a situation where a cover of a faucet device body containing the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is removed. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A hand shower head according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a hand shower head according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the hand shower head  1  of this embodiment comprises a shower head body  2 , a water spray plate  4  attached to a distal end of this shower head body  2 , and a push-button  6  for switching between water-stopping state and water-spouting state, and switching between three water spouting modes of the water-spouting state. Specifically, according to the push-button  6 , it is possible to switch between water-stopping state and three water spouting modes, so that a total of four water spouting and stopping modes are switched to each other by the push-button  6 . The shower head body  2  includes a gripper portion  2   a  for being gripped by a user, and a water spray portion  2   b  provided on the distal end side of and is thicker than the gripper portion  2   a . The water spray portion  2   b  is formed with a circular opening  2   c  to which the water spray plate  4  is attached. Further, a shower hose (not shown) is connected to the base end side of the shower head body  2 . 
     The water spray plate  4  is an approximately circular plate, in the center of which a water spray hole  4   a  for gyro-beat spouting, where spouting is performed with a water spray nozzle being rotated, is provided. A number of water spray holes  4   b  for spray spouting are provided around the water spray hole  4   a , and an arc-shaped water spray hole  4   c  for waterfall-like spouting is provided on the distal end side on the shower head body  2 . The push-button  6  is a disk-shaped button disposed in the gripper portion  2   a  of the shower head body  2  on the side closer to the opening  2   c , and is directly operated by a user. By pushing this push-button  6  to tilt it to each direction, a water passage switching device housed in the shower head body  2  is actuated to switch between each water-spouting state of the gyro-beat spouting, spray spouting and waterfall-like spouting, and water-stopping state. 
     An internal structure of the hand shower head  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 8 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the hand shower head according to this embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shower head body  2  houses a water flow passage forming member  8 , a water passage switching device  10  connected to the distal end of the water flow passage forming member  8 , and a first water spray chamber forming member  12  connected to the distal end of the water passage switching device  10 . The shower head body  2  further houses a second water spray chamber forming member  14  attached to cover the first water spray chamber forming member  12 , a third water spray chamber forming member  16  disposed on a back side of the water spray plate  4 , and a water spray nozzle forming member  18  disposed on a back side of the third water spray chamber forming member  16 . The shower head body  2  also houses a rotary nozzle  20  for performing a gyro-beat spouting, and a rotary nozzle supporting member  22  for supporting the rotary nozzle  20 . 
     The water flow passage forming member  8  is an elongated tubular member, and has a base end formed as a connection end  8   a  which is connected to the shower hose (not shown). The water flow passage forming member  8  also has a distal end  8   b  to which the water passage switching device  10  is connected. An O-ring is disposed between the water flow passage forming member  8  and the water passage switching device  10  to ensure water-tightness therebetween. Details of the water passage switching device  10  will be described later. 
     The first water spray chamber forming member  12  is a box-shaped member connected to the distal end side (downstream side) of the water passage switching device  10 , and is housed in the back side of the water spray plate  4 . An O-ring is disposed between the first water spray chamber forming member  12  and the water passage switching device  10  to ensure water-tightness therebetween. The first water spray chamber forming member  12  includes a first water passage  12   a , a second water passage  12   b  and a third water passage  12   c  (also illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) formed therein. Hot and cold water that has flowed out from the water passage switching device  10  passes through the first water passage  12   a , the second water passage  12   b  and the third water passage  12   c , and is guided to the water spray hole  4   a  for gyro-beat spouting, the water spray holes  4   b  for spray spouting and the water spray hole  4   c  for waterfall-like spouting, respectively. The side of the first water spray chamber forming member  12  which is closer to the water spray plate  4  is opened, and the second water spray chamber forming member  14  is attached to cover the opening. 
     The second water spray chamber forming member  14  is an approximately disk-shaped member disposed to cover the opening of the first water spray chamber forming member  12 . The second water spray chamber forming member  14  is provided with a concave portion  14   a  in the center thereof so as to communicate with the first water passage  12   a , into which the rotary nozzle  20  for gyro-beat spouting is rotatably disposed. The second water spray chamber forming member  14  is provided with a through-hole  14   b  so as to communicate with the second water passage  12   b , and the hot and cold water that has passed the through-hole  14   b  is spouted from the water spray holes  4   b  for spray spouting. Further, the second water spray chamber forming member  14  is provided with a through-hole  14   c  so as to communicate with the third water passage  12   c , and the hot and cold water that has passed the through-hole  14   c  is spouted from the water spray hole  4   c  for waterfall-like spouting. 
     The third water spray chamber forming member  16  is an approximately disk-shaped member disposed to overlap with the back side of the water spray plate  4 . A space between the back side of the third water spray chamber forming member  16  and the front side of the second water spray chamber forming member  14  forms a water spray chamber for spray spouting. 
     The water spray nozzle forming member  18  is an approximately disk-shaped rubber member, and is disposed between the second water spray chamber forming member  14  and the third water spray chamber forming member  16 . The water spray nozzle forming member  18  is provided with a number of water spray nozzles  18   a  for spray spouting. These water spray nozzles  18   a  are projected outside of the hand shower head  1  through a number of water spray holes  4   b  provided in the water spray plate  4  and a number of holes provided in the third water spray chamber forming member  16 , each designed to align with a respective one of the water spray holes  4   b . The water spray nozzle forming member  18  is also provided with a water spray nozzle  18   b  for waterfall-like spouting so as to be located at the distal end side of the hand shower head  1 . The water spray nozzle  18   b  is projected outside of the hand shower head  1  through the arc-shaped water spray hole  4   c  provided in the water spray plate  4  and an arc-shaped hole provided in the third water spray chamber forming member  16  so as to be aligned with the water spray holes  4   c . The water spray nozzle forming member  18  is made of a rubber, so that it is pressed against a fringe  14   d  of the second water spray chamber forming member  14 , thereby to ensure water-tightness therebetween. 
     The rotary nozzle  20  is an approximately solid cylindrically-shaped member, and is provided with three spray nozzle holes  20   a  for gyro-beat spouting in an axial direction thereof. The rotary nozzle supporting member  22  is an approximately hollow cylindrically-shaped member for rotatably supporting the rotary nozzle  20 . The rotary nozzle supporting member  22  rotatably receives and supports the rotary nozzle  20  therein, and is fitted into the concave portion  14   a  provided in the second water spray chamber forming member  14 . When the hot and cold water flows into second water passage  12   b  of the first water spray chamber forming member  12 , the flow force thereof urges the rotary nozzle  20  to make a precession (precessional movement) in the rotary nozzle supporting member  22 , which causes the water spouting to be performed in a spiral manner. 
     The water passage switching device  10  housed in the hand shower head  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with new reference to  FIGS. 3 to 8 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional enlarged view of a water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head.  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the water passage switching device housed in the hand shower head.  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating water passages switched in the hand shower head.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a valve element housed in the water passage switching device.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an annular lock member provided in the water passage switching device.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cam-constructing member provided in the water passage switching device.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an operation portion covering member provided in the water passage switching device, and  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the operation portion covering member. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the water passage switching device  10  comprises a water passage switching device body  24 , first, second and third valve elements  26   a ,  26   b  and  26   c  slidably arranged within the water passage switching device body  24 , and a valve seat forming member  28  formed with three valve seats which are opened and closed by the valve elements. 
     The water passage switching device  10  further comprises four cylindrical support members  32 , an annular lock member  34  which serves as a rotational lock member, first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , a reset cam-constructing member  38 , three operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c , an operation portion covering member  42 , a pivoting member  44 , and an elastic cover member  46 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the water passage switching device body  24  is an approximately tubular-shaped member which is configured such that the hot and cold water that has passed through the water flow passage forming member  8  is flowed therein. The water passage switching device body  24  includes therein three valve elements: a first valve element  26   a , a second valve element  26   b  and a third valve element  26   c  arranged parallel to the width direction of the hand shower head  1  in side-by-side relation to each other. Further, these three valve elements are slidably supported in a longitudinal direction of the hand shower head  1 , and are movable between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position. When any of the first, second and third valve elements is opened, the hot and cold water that has flowed in from the water flow passage forming member  8  passes through the opened valve seat to be flowed out from the water passage switching device  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the first valve element  26   a  includes a seating portion  27   a , a support frame  27   b  formed on the back side of the seating portion  27   a , sliding protrusions  27   c  provided on both sides of the support frame  27   b , and a spring attachment portion  27   d  formed on the back side of the support frame  27   b.    
     The seating portion  27   a  is a disk-shaped portion provided at the distal end of the first valve element  26   a . The valve hole provided in the valve seat forming member  28  is closed by the distal end of the seating portion  27   a  when it is seated on the valve seat forming member  28 . 
     The support frame  27   b  is a rectangular parallelepiped frame formed on the back side of the seating portion  27   a . The seating portion  27   a  is supported by the support frame  27   b  so as to be seated on a proper position of the valve seat forming member  28 . 
     The sliding protrusions  27   c  are elongated protrusions each provided on both sides of the support frame  27   b . The sliding protrusions  27   c  are slid along an elongated guiding portion  24   a  ( FIG. 5 ) provided within the water passage switching device body  24 . This causes the first valve element  26   a  to be linearly moved within the water passage switching device body  24 . 
     The spring attachment portion  27   d  is a protrusion having a circular cross-section, formed on the back side of the support frame  27   b . By fitting the spring attachment portion  27   d  inside a coil spring  54  ( FIG. 5 ), the coil spring  54  is attached to the first valve element  26   a . The coil spring  54  biases the first valve element  26   a  toward the valve-closed position. 
     Further, inside the support frame  27   b , there is provided an inclined plane  27   e  which serves as moving direction conversion means. The inclined plane  27   e  is an inclined planar portion which is integrally formed inside the support frame  27   b . The first valve element  26   a  is driven to a valve-opening direction by the inclined plane  27   e  when it is pushed by the distal end of the operation rod  40   a , as described below. 
     The second valve element  26   b  and the third valve element  26   c  also have an approximately the same configuration as the first valve element  26   a , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . However, the second and third valve elements are formed in L-shaped as a whole because the seating portion for opening and closing the valve seat and the support frame for supporting the seating portion are configured to be offset from each other. Additionally, in the second and third valve elements, the coil spring  54  is attached to the back side of the seating portion, which biases the second and third valve elements to the valve-closed position, respectively. Further, the support frame of the second valve element  26   b  and the third valve element  26   c  is also provided with an inclined plane as with the first valve element  26   a . Each of the second and third valve elements is driven to the valve-opening direction by the inclined plane when it is pushed by a respective one of the operation rods  40   b  and  40   c.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the valve seat forming member  28  is an approximately oval-shaped plate-like member, in which three valve holes  28   a ,  28   b  and  28   c  are formed in line at regular intervals on which the first valve element  26   a , the second valve element  26   b  and the third valve element  26   c  are seated, respectively. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cylindrical support members  32  are cylindrically-shaped members which are arranged on the water passage switching device body  24  on the upper side (the side of water spray plate of the hand shower head  1 ) thereof in  FIG. 3 . The four cylindrical support members  32  are disposed on the upper circumference of the water passage switching device body  24  at regular intervals. Three coil springs  48   a  which serve as cam biasing means and a coil spring  48   b  which serves as resetting cam biasing means are disposed to surround each cylindrical support member  32 , respectively. On each coil spring  48   a , a first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c  are disposed to cover each cylindrical support member  32 , respectively. Therefore, each cam-constructing member is biased by the coil spring  48   a  toward an initial position (upper side in  FIG. 3 ) along the cylindrical support member  32 . Likewise, on the coil spring  48   b , a reset cam-constructing member  38  is disposed to cover the cylindrical support member  32 . Therefore, the reset cam-constructing member  38  is biased by the coil spring  48   b  toward an initial position (upper side in  FIG. 3 ) along the cylindrical support member  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the annular lock member  34  is an annular-shaped member, and is disposed to surround the periphery of the four cylindrical support members  32 . The annular lock member  34  is disposed in a rotatably movable manner around the cylindrical support members  32  between a locking position and an unlocking position about the central axis of the annular lock member  34 . Further, the annular lock member  34  is biased toward the locking position by two torsion springs  50  ( FIG. 4 ) which serve as lock member biasing means. Each torsion spring  50  is fitted in a respective one of shaft portions  24   c  ( FIG. 4 ) which are formed on the water passage switching device body  24 . Each torsion spring  50  has one end in engagement with the annular lock member  34  and the other end in engagement with the operation portion covering member  42  ( FIG. 4 ), thereby to bias the annular lock member  34  to be rotated about its central axis toward the locking position. The two torsion springs  50  are disposed at regular intervals on a periphery centered on the central axis of the annular lock member  34 . 
     The annular lock member  34  further includes an annular-shaped annular portion  34   a , three stand-out portions  34   b  extending from the annular portion  34   a , engaging pawls  34   c  each formed on the distal end of the stand-out portions  34   b , and a resetting stand-out portion  34   d  extending from the annular portion  34   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the three stand-out portions  34   b  are protrusions which extend from the annular portion  34   a  in a direction approximately parallel to the central axis of the annular portion  34   a . At each of the distal end of the stand-out portions  34   b , an engaging pawl  34   c  is formed which extends to a circumferential direction of the annular portion  34   a . Accordingly, each stand-out portion  34   b  and engaging pawl  34   c  constructs an inverted L-shaped engaging portion, respectively. Each stand-out portion  34   b  is provided on the annular portion  34   a  at intervals of 90-degree central angle. 
     Further, on the top surface side (the side opposite to the annular portion  34   a ) of each engaging pawl  34   c , a cam surface  34   e  is provided which is a slope inclined with respect to the annular portion  34   a . The annular lock member  34  is driven from the locking position to the unlocking position against the biasing force of the torsion springs  50  by the cam surfaces  34   e  which serve as pushed portions when these cam surfaces are pushed from the upper side (the side opposite to the annular portion  34   a ) by the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c . On the other hand, when the annular lock member  34  is returned to the locking position by the biasing force of the torsion springs  50 , any of the cam-constructing members pressed down from the initial position is engaged with the lower side (the side facing to the annular portion  34   a ) of the engaging pawl  34   c  and held in the pressed-down position. In this embodiment, a cam surface  34   e  which serves as a pushed portion is formed on the top surface side of each engaging pawl  34   c , so that the pushed portion and the engaging portion are integrally formed. 
     The resetting stand-out portion  34   d  is a protrusion which extends from the annular portion  34   a  in a direction approximately parallel to the central axis of the annular portion  34   a . The resetting stand-out portion  34   d  is formed to have a width wider than the stand-out portion  34   b , and is provided with a cam surface  34   f  which is inclined with respect to the annular portion  34   a  on a top surface side (the side opposite to the annular portion  34   a ) thereof. The resetting stand-out portion  34   d  is provided on the annular portion  34   a  at intervals of 90-degree central angle with respect to each of the two stand-out portions  34   b . Therefore, the three stand-out portions  34   b  and the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  are provided at intervals of 90-degree central angle with each other. 
     The annular lock member  34  is driven from the locking position to the unlocking position against the biasing force of the torsion springs  50  by the cam surface  34   f  of the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  when it is pushed from the upper side (the side opposite to the annular portion  34   a ) by the reset cam-constructing member  38 . However, since the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  is not provided with the engaging pawl  34   c , when the pushing force acting on the reset cam-constructing member  38  is removed, the reset cam-constructing member  38  is returned to its initial position without being held. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  8 , the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is a circular cap-like member having an opened lower side (the side facing to the water passage switching device body  24 ), and is configured to receive the cylindrical support member  32  in the opening ( FIG. 3 ). This causes the first cam-constructing member  36   a  to be movably supported along the cylindrical support member  32 . The first cam-constructing member  36   a  is formed with a gourd-shaped attaching hole  37   a , and the operation rod  40   a  is attached to the first cam-constructing member  36   a  by being fitted in the attaching hole  37   a  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In addition, the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is formed with a flange  37   b  on the lateral side thereof in a manner to surround the periphery of the first cam-constructing member  36   a . The first cam-constructing member  36   a  is biased upwardly (to the direction opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) by the coil spring  48   a  when it is engaged with the flange  37   b.    
     Further, the first cam-constructing member  36   a  has an operation cam  37   c  provided in one location of the lateral side thereof in a manner to project to the radially outward direction. The lower side surface (the surface facing to the water passage switching device body  24 ) of the operation cam  37   c  is obliquely cut out, and is formed with an inclined cam surface  37   d . The cam surface  37   d  is formed to have an angle conforming to the cam surface  34   e  of the annular lock member  34 . When the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pressed down from its initial position, the cam surface  37   d  of the first cam-constructing member  36   a  and the cam surface  34   e  of the annular lock member  34  make a sliding movement with each other, causing the annular lock member  34  to be rotated from the locking position toward the unlocking position. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second and third cam-constructing members  36   b  and  36   c  are configured in an identical shape to the first cam-constructing member  36   a . An operation rod  40   b  is attached to the second cam-constructing member  36   b , while an operation rod  40   c  is attached to the third cam-constructing member  36   c . Further, the second and third cam-constructing members  36   b  and  36   c  are also biased upwardly (to the direction opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) by the coil spring  48   a , as with the first cam-constructing member  36   a . The cam surface provided on each of the second and third cam-constructing members  36   b  and  36   c  also makes a sliding movement with the corresponding cam surface  34   e  of the annular lock member  34 , causing the annular lock member  34  to be rotated from the locking position toward the unlocking position. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the reset cam-constructing member  38  is also configured in an identical shape to the first cam-constructing member  36   a . The operation cam provided on the reset cam-constructing member  38  functions as a resetting cam. An operation rod  40   d  is attached to the reset cam-constructing member  38 , which is configured to be shorter than other operation rods. The reset cam-constructing member  38  is also biased upwardly (to the direction opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) by the coil spring  48   b , as with the first cam-constructing member  36   a . The cam surface provided on the reset cam-constructing member  38  is formed to have an angle conforming to the cam surface  34   f  provided on the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  of the annular lock member  34 . When the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down from its initial position, the cam surface of the reset cam-constructing member  38  and the cam surface  34   f  of the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  make a sliding movement with each other, causing the annular lock member  34  to be rotated from the locking position toward the unlocking position. 
     Each of the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , and the reset cam-constructing member  38  is disposed to receive a respective one of the four cylindrical support members  32 . Each cylindrical support member  32  is arranged on a circumference which forms a concentric circle with the annular lock member  34 . Therefore, the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , and the reset cam-constructing member  38  are arranged along the circumference of the annular lock member  34 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  which serve as valve actuating rods are shafts having a circular cross-section formed in an identical shape, the distal end of which is formed as a hemisphere surface. Each of the operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  is attached to a respective one of the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , and is arranged around a pivot point about which the pivoting member  44  makes a pivoting movement. Each of the operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  has a base end (the side opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) with expanded diameter whose end face is formed in a convex shape which is raised in the middle. The base end of the operation rod  40   d  attached to the reset cam-constructing member  38  is also formed in the same shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the operation rod  40   a  attached to the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is projected to the lower side (in a direction of water passage switching device body  24 ) through the cylindrical support member  32 . The projected operation rod  40   a  is inserted in the water passage switching device body  24  through the circular hole  24   b  ( FIG. 4 ) provided in the water passage switching device body  24 . The distal end of the inserted operation rod  40   a  abuts the first valve element  26   a . In addition, a doughnut-shaped packing (gasket)  52  is disposed in each circular hole  24   b  to ensure water-tightness between the operation rod  40   a  and the water passage switching device body  24 . 
     According to this configuration, when the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is downwardly (in a direction of water passage switching device body  24 ) moved along the cylindrical support member  32 , the operation rod  40   a  is also downwardly moved together, causing the distal end of the operation rod  40   a  to push against the inclined plane  27   e  of the first valve element  26   a . This drives the first valve element  26   a  to the valve-opening direction. 
     According to the similar configuration, when the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is pressed down, the operation rod  40   b  attached to the second cam-constructing member  36   b  pushes against the inclined plane provided on the second valve element  26   b  to drive the second valve element  26   b  to the valve-opening direction. When the third cam-constructing member  36   c  is pressed down, the operation rod  40   c  attached to the third cam-constructing member  36   c  pushes against the inclined plane provided on the third valve element  26   c  to drive the third valve element  26   c  to the valve-opening direction. 
     A structure of the operation portion covering member  42  will be described below with new reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the operation portion covering member  42  is a circular cup-like member having an opened lower side (the side facing to the water passage switching device body  24 ). The operation portion covering member  42  is attached to the water passage switching device body  24 , inside of which the annular lock member  34 , the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , the coil spring  48   a , and the torsion springs  50  are housed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the operation portion covering member  42  is formed with four openings  42   a  on the upper end surface (the surface opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) thereof. Each of the upper portions of the first, second and third cam-constructing members  36   a ,  36   b  and  36   c , and the reset cam-constructing member  38  is projected from the upper end surface of the operation portion covering member  42  through a respective one of the four openings  42   a . Each flange  37   b  of each cam-constructing member and the reset cam-constructing member is engaged with an edge of each opening  42   a , thereby to retain each cam-constructing member and the reset cam-constructing member inside the operation portion covering member  42 . 
     The annular lock member  34  is provided with two flanges  34   g  ( FIG. 7 ) on an outer periphery thereof. On the other hand, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the operation portion covering member  42  is formed with a stepped portion  42   b  on an inner lower area thereof. The rotational movement of the annular lock member  34  within the operation portion covering member  42  is guided by the stepped portion  42   b  when each flange  34   g  is received under the stepped portion  42   b . Further, the operation portion covering member  42  has an inner ceiling surface  42   c  which is formed to make a sliding movement with respect to the stand-out portion  34   b  of the annular lock member  34  and the upper end surface of the resetting stand-out portion  34   d . The rotational movement of the annular lock member  34  is also guided by this ceiling surface  42   c . Therefore, the operation portion covering member  42  functions as a rotation guiding member for guiding the rotational movement of the annular lock member  34 . 
     Further, each operation cam  37   c  of the first, second and third cam-constructing members and the reset cam-constructing member  38  is guided by the operation portion covering member  42  when it is moved between its initial position and pressed-down position in a direction parallel to the central axis of the annular lock member  34 . Specifically, the distal end surface  37   e  ( FIG. 8 ) of each operation cam  37   c  is slid and guided with respect to each inner wall surface  42   d  ( FIG. 9 ) of the operation portion covering member  42 . The vertical surface  37   f  on the opposite side of the cam surface  37   d  of each operation cam  37   c  is slid and guided with respect to each vertical surface  42   e  ( FIG. 9 ) which is oriented in a radial direction of the operation portion covering member  42 . Therefore, the operation portion covering member  42  functions as a cam guiding member for guiding a movement of each operation cam  37   c  in a direction parallel to the central axis of the annular lock member  34 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the pivoting member  44  is an approximately disk-shaped member. The pivoting member  44  is provided, at the center thereof, with a downwardly protruding pivoting protrusion  44   a  ( FIG. 3 ) whose distal end is formed as a spherical surface. The distal end of the pivoting protrusion  44   a  is received in a pivot concave portion  43   a  of a pivot-receiving member  43 . The contact point between the distal end of the pivoting protrusion  44   a  and the pivot concave portion  43   a  functions as a pivot point which is located on the central axis of the annular lock member  34 . The pivot-receiving member  43  is received in a concave portion provided at the center of the upper end surface of the operation portion covering member  42 . When the pivoting member  44  is tilted to any direction about the pivot point, the underside surface (the surface facing to the water passage switching device body  24 ) of the pivoting member  44  pushes the upper end of any of the operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c , causing the cam-constructing member along with the operation rod to be moved to its pressed-down position. When the pivoting member  44  is tilted toward the reset cam-constructing member  38 , the pivoting member  44  pushes the reset cam-constructing member  38 , causing the reset cam-constructing member  38  to be moved to its pressed-down position. 
     In this regard, the base end of each operation rod  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  and  40   d  having an expanded diameter is formed as a concave surface, which is an approximately the same shape as a trajectory made by the pivoting member  44  when it is tilted. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the wear caused by a contact as compared to the case of forming the base end as a flat surface. Further, the base end and a surface of the pivoting member  44  contacting with the base end are formed to be coincident with each other and to have a large contact area. Specifically, each operation rod and the pivoting member  44  are configured to make linear contact or surface contact with each other. While the base end of each operation rod  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  and  40   d  has an expanded diameter (the base end is expanded in all directions) in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure each operation rod to have a base end formed in a shape expanded only in radially outward direction of a circle centered on the pivot point. This makes it possible to position the contact point between the base end of each operation rod and the pivoting member  44  in radially outward location, while disposing each operation rod in proximity to the center of the annular lock member  34 . This configuration makes it possible to set the tilting angle of the pivoting member  44  needed to move each operation rod to be small. 
     On the other hand, each of four raised portions  42   f  is provided between adjacent ones of the four openings  42   a  on an upper surface of the operation portion covering member  42  ( FIG. 9 ). A ridge line of each of the raised portions  42   f  is oriented in a radial direction of the operation portion covering member  42 , and each raised portion  42   f  becomes highest at the intermediate position between the adjacent openings  42   a . Thus, in the event of tilting movement of the pivoting member  44  in a direction intermediate between the cam-constructing members or in a direction intermediate between the cam-constructing member and the reset cam-constructing member, the pivoting member  44  and the ridge line of the raised portion  42   f  interfere with each other to prevent the tilting movement in that direction. For this reason, the pivoting member  44  is always tilted in a direction of any of the cam-constructing members or the reset cam-constructing member. Thus, the operation portion covering member  42  functions as a tilting movement restricting member for restricting the tilting movement of the pivoting member  44  in a predetermined four directions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the elastic cover member  46  is an approximately circular bowl-shaped elastic member, and is formed with an opening  46   a  in the center thereof. The push-button  6  is attached to the pivoting member  44  through the opening  46   a  ( FIG. 3 ). Specifically, the elastic cover member  46  is fixed by being sandwiched between the push-button  6  and the pivoting member  44 . In this way, the push-button  6  and the pivoting member  44  are integrated and function as a pivotally movable tilting operation member, where the push-button  6  constitutes an operation portion of the tilting operation member to which an operation force is applied by a user, and the pivoting protrusion of the pivoting member  44  constitutes a tilting shaft of the tilting operation member. The elastic cover member  46  is disposed to cover an upper end portion (a portion opposite to the water passage switching device body  24 ) of the operation portion covering member  42 . The elastic cover member  46  is composed of a flexible elastic body, and thus when a push operation is performed on the push-button  6 , it is elastically deformed to allow tilting movement of the push-button  6  and the pivoting member  44  about the pivot point. When the operation force acting on the push-button  6  is removed, the elastic cover member  46  is returned to the original shape due to its elasticity to cause the push-button  6  and the pivoting member  44  to be returned to their untilted position. 
     Actions of the hand shower head  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with new reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIGS. 11 and 12  are diagrams for explaining actions of the water passage switching device  10  housed in the hand shower head  1 . 
     Firstly, an outline of actions of the hand shower head  1  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 . 
     When a user of the hand shower head  1  pushes the push-button  6  to tilt it to the side of the water spray plate  4  (the side where the first cam-constructing member  36   a  and the operation rod  40   a  are disposed), the first valve element  26   a  is caused to be in a valve-open state to initiate water spouting. When the first valve element  26   a  is caused to be in a valve-open state, the hot and cold water that has flowed from the water flow passage forming member  8  into the water passage switching device  10  flows through the periphery of the first valve element  26   a  into the valve hole  28   a  of the valve seat forming member  28  as indicated by arrows in  FIGS. 2 and 5  ( FIGS. 2 and 5  illustrates the valve-closed state). The hot and cold water that has passed through the valve hole  28   a  flows into the first water passage  12   a  of the first water spray chamber forming member  12 , and then flows through the through-hole  14   b  ( FIG. 2 ) of the second water spray chamber forming member  14  which is formed to communicate with the first water passage  12   a  into a space between the second water spray chamber forming member  14  and the water spray nozzle forming member  18 . The hot and cold water that has flowed into this space is spouted from a number of water spray nozzle  18   a  provided in the water spray nozzle forming member  18 . 
     Then, when the user pushes the push-button  6  to tilt it laterally (to the side where the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the operation rod  40   b  are disposed), the first valve element  26   a  that has been opened is moved to the valve-closed position whereas the second valve element  26   b  is moved to the valve-open position. It is noted that the action of the water passage switching device  10  for moving the first valve element  26   a  to the valve-closed position and moving the second valve element  26   b  to the valve-open position will be described later. When the second valve element  26   b  is moved to the valve-open position, the hot and cold water that has flowed into the water passage switching device  10  flows through the periphery of the second valve element  26   b  into the valve hole  28   b  of the valve seat forming member  28 . The hot and cold water that has passed through the valve hole  28   b  flows into the second water passage  12   b  of the first water spray chamber forming member  12 . The hot and cold water that has flowed into the second water passage  12   b  flows through the through-hole  14   a  ( FIG. 2 ) of the second water spray chamber forming member  14  which is formed to communicate with the second water passage  12   b , and is spouted from the spray nozzle hole  20   a  of the rotary nozzle  20 . The rotary nozzle  20  is urged to make a precessional rotary movement by the force of the hot and cold water that has flowed into the second water passage  12   b  to cause the hot and cold water spouted from the spray nozzle hole  20   a  to be a spiral gyro-beat spouting. 
     Further, when the user pushes the push-button  6  to tilt it laterally (to the side where the third cam-constructing member  36   c  and the operation rod  40   c  are disposed), the second valve element  26   b  that has been opened is moved to the valve-closed position whereas the third valve element  26   c  is moved to the valve-open position. When the third valve element  26   c  is moved to the valve-open position, the hot and cold water that has flowed into the water passage switching device  10  flows through the periphery of the third valve element  26   c  into the valve hole  28   c  of the valve seat forming member  28 . The hot and cold water that has passed through the valve hole  28   c  flows into the third water passage  12   c  of the first water spray chamber forming member  12 . The hot and cold water that has flowed into the third water passage  12   c  flows out from the through-hole  14   c  which is formed to communicate with the third water passage  12   c . The hot and cold water that has flowed out from the through-hole  14   c  is spouted in a waterfall-like manner from an arc-shaped water spray nozzle  18   b  provided opposite the through-hole  14   c  in the water spray nozzle forming member  18 . 
     Then, when the user pushes the push-button  6  to tilt it to the side opposite to the water spray plate  4  (to the side where the reset cam-constructing member  38  is disposed), the third valve element  26   c  that has been opened is moved to the valve-closed position and the hand shower head  1  becomes in a water-stopping state. 
     Actions of the water passage switching device  10  will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram of actions of the water passage switching device  10 , illustrating the operation cam of the cam-constructing member, the operation rod attached to the cam-constructing member, and a part of the annular lock member  34 , and representing a positional relationship therebetween. The upper stage of  FIG. 11  sequentially illustrates a process that the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pressed down from the initial position to the pressed-down position and held therein, and the lower stage sequentially illustrates a process that the second cam-constructing member  36   b  which has been held in the pressed-down position is returned to the initial position simultaneously with the action of the upper stage. 
     Firstly, in the situation of  FIG. 11(   i ), the first cam-constructing member  36   a  and the operation rod  40   a  attached thereto are in the initial position, and the first valve element  26   a  disposed in association with the operation rod  40   a  is in the valve-closed position (the position of the first valve element  26   a  in  FIG. 3) . At the same time, in the situation of  FIG. 11(   i ), the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the operation rod  40   b  attached thereto is in the pressed-down position, and the second valve element  26   b  disposed in association with the operation rod  40   b  is in the valve-open position (the position where the operation rod  40   b  is pressed downward in  FIG. 3  and the abutting valve element  26   b  is moved to the left). 
     The second cam-constructing member  36   b  is biased toward the initial position by the coil spring  48   a . However, as illustrated in the lower stage of  FIG. 11  ( i ), the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the operation rod  40   b  is held in the pressed-down position against the biasing force of the coil spring  48   a  because the operation cam of the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is engaged with the corresponding engaging pawl  34   c  of the annular lock member  34  which is in the locking position. 
     Then, when the user operates the push-button  6  to press down the first cam-constructing member  36   a , the operation cam  37   c  of the first cam-constructing member  36   a  presses the abutting cam surface  34   e  of the annular lock member  34 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11(   ii ). This causes the annular lock member  34  to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 4  (to the right side in  FIG. 11)  against the biasing force of the torsion springs  50 . 
     When the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pressed down to the position as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 11(   ii ), the annular lock member  34  is moved to the unlocking position. Simultaneously, as illustrated in the lower stage of  FIG. 11(   ii ), the engaging pawl  34   c  that has been engaged with the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is also moved to the right side in  FIG. 11 . This causes the engagement between the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the engaging pawl  34   c  to be released, and the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is returned to the initial position by the biasing force of the coil spring  48   a . When the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the operation rod  40   b  are returned to the initial position, the second valve element  26   b  abutting the operation rod  40   b  is moved to the valve-closed position by the biasing force of the coil spring  54  that is biasing the second valve element  26   b.    
     Further, as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 11(   iii ), when the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pressed down to the position where it is not engaged with the engaging pawl  34   c , the annular lock member  34  is rotated in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 4  (to the left side in  FIG. 11)  by the biasing force of the torsion springs  50  and moved to the locking position. When the annular lock member  34  is moved to the locking position, the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is set in the underside of the engaging pawl  34   c  to be engaged with the engaging pawl  34   c , as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 11(   iii ). This causes the first cam-constructing member  36   a  to be held in the pressed-down position even after the removal of operation force applied by the user. Further, during the movement of the first cam-constructing member  36   a  and the operation rod  40   a  to the pressed-down position, the distal end of the operation rod  40   a  pushes the inclined plane  27   e  of the first valve element  26   a , and the first valve element  26   a  is moved to the left side in  FIG. 3  against the biasing force of the coil spring  54  attached thereto. When the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is held in the pressed-down position, the first valve element  26   a  abutting the operation rod  40   a  is held in the valve-open position, so that the water-spouting state is maintained. 
     As described above, in the situation of  FIG. 11(   i ), the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is held in the pressed-down position and the second valve element  26   b  is opened, so that the gyro-beat spouting is being performed. In this situation, when the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pressed down from the initial position to the pressed-down position, the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is moved from the pressed-down position to the initial position and the second valve element  26   b  is closed, as illustrated in  FIG. 11(   ii ). Simultaneously, the first valve element  26   a  is opened to initiate the spray spouting. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 11(   iii ), the first cam-constructing member  36   a  which is pressed down to the pressed-down position is held therein, so that the spouting-state is maintained even after removal of the pushing force. 
     While the example as shown in  FIG. 11  has described the case where the first cam-constructing member  36   a  is pushed during the gyro-beat spouting is performed, the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment acts such that when a cam-constructing member for any water spouting is pressed down during the performance of another water spouting, the prior spouting is stopped and the spouting of the pattern corresponding to the pushed cam-constructing member is initiated. 
     Actions of the water passage switching device  10  when the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pushed will be described below with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 12  is an explanatory diagram of actions of the water passage switching device  10 , illustrating a positional relationship between the operation cam of the reset cam-constructing member  38 , the operation cam of the cam-constructing member, the operation rod attached to the cam-constructing member, and a part of the annular lock member  34 . The upper stage of  FIG. 12  sequentially illustrates a process that the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down from the initial position to the pressed-down position and again returned to the initial position, and the lower stage sequentially illustrates a process that the second cam-constructing member  36   b  which has been held in the pressed-down position is returned to the initial position simultaneously with the action of the upper stage. 
     Firstly, in the situation of  FIG. 12(   i ), the reset cam-constructing member  38  is in the initial position. On the other hand, in the situation of  FIG. 12(   i ), the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the operation rod  40   b  attached thereto are held in the pressed-down position, and the second valve element  26   b  is in the valve-open position. 
     Then, when the user operates the push-button  6  to press down the reset cam-constructing member  38 , the cam surface  34   f  of the annular lock member  34  abutting the resetting cam of the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed, as illustrated in  FIG. 12(   ii ). This causes the annular lock member  34  to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 4  (to the right side in  FIG. 12)  against the biasing force of the torsion springs  50 . 
     When the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down to the position as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 12(   ii ), the annular lock member  34  is moved to the unlocking position. Simultaneously, as illustrated in the lower stage of  FIG. 12(   ii ), the engaging pawl  34   c  that has been engaged with the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is also moved to the right side in  FIG. 12 . This causes the engagement between the second cam-constructing member  36   b  and the engaging pawl  34   c  to be released, and the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is returned to the initial position and the second valve element  26   b  is moved to the valve-closed position. 
     Further, as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 12(   ii ), since the resetting stand-out portion  34   d  abutting the reset cam-constructing member  38  is not provided with an engaging pawl, the annular lock member  34  is maintained in the unlocking position even in the situation where the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down to the pressed-down position. 
     Then, when the operation force applied by the user is removed, the reset cam-constructing member  38  is returned to the initial position by the biasing force of the coil spring  48   a  as illustrated in the upper stage of  FIG. 12(   iii ). 
     When the reset cam-constructing member  38  is returned to the initial position, the annular lock member  34  is rotated in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 4  (to the left side in  FIG. 12 ) by the biasing force of the torsion springs  50  and moved to the locking position. 
     As described above, in the situation of  FIG. 12(   i ), the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is held in the pressed-down position and the second valve element  26   b  is opened, so that the gyro-beat spouting is being performed. In this situation, when the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down from the initial position to the pressed-down position, the second cam-constructing member  36   b  is moved from the pressed-down position to the initial position and the second valve element  26   b  is closed and the hand shower head  1  becomes in a water-stopping state, as illustrated in  FIG. 12(   ii ). Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , when the operation force applied by the user does not act any more, the reset cam-constructing member  38  is returned to the initial position. 
     While the example as shown in  FIG. 12  has described the case where the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pushed during the gyro-beat spouting is performed, the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment acts such that when the reset cam-constructing member  38  is pressed down during the performance of any water spouting, the prior spouting is stopped and all the cam-constructing members and the reset cam-constructing member  38  are returned to the initial position. 
     According to the water passage switching device  10  of the first embodiment of the present invention, four water spouting and stopping modes are directly switched to each other by tilting operation of a single push-button  6  in each direction. This makes it possible to improve the operability of the water passage switching device  10 . Further, the water spouting and stopping modes are switched by the tilting operation of the single push-button  6 . This makes it possible to ensure the user to switch to a desired water spouting and stopping mode only by roughly tilting the push-button  6 . 
     According to the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment, the push-button  6  and the pivot point is spaced apart by the pivoting protrusion  44   a , and thus a user can tilt the pivoting member  44  in each direction only by moving the push-button  6  in an approximately horizontal direction. This makes it possible to allow the user to tilt the pivoting member  44  in each direction with his/her fingertip touching on the concave portion at the center of the push-button  6 , and to easily switch the water spouting and stopping modes with one finger. 
     Further, according to the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment, the pivoting member  44  pushes one end of the operation rods  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  through the line contact, and thus the pivoting member  44  is not likely to be worn even in the case of repetitive operation. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the water passage switching device  10 . 
     According to the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment, tilting direction of the pivoting member  44  is restricted by the operation portion covering member  42 . This makes it possible to reliably select one mode of the four water spouting and stopping modes. 
     Further, according to the water passage switching device  10  of this embodiment, the push-button  6  is disposed in the gripper portion  2   a  of the shower head body  2 . This makes it possible for a user to switch the water spouting and stopping modes with his/her finger which is holding the hand shower head  1 . The water spouting and stopping modes can be switched only by moving (tilting) the push-button  6  with user&#39;s fingertip touching thereon. This makes it possible to easily switch between the four water spouting and stopping modes by the small-sized push-button  6 . 
     A faucet device containing a water passage switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 21 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an entire faucet device containing the water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the faucet device  100  comprises a faucet device body  102 , a hot water supply pipe  104 , a cold water supply pipe  106 , a faucet spouting portion  108 , a shower spouting portion  110 , a water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  which serves as a tilting operation member, a temperature setting knob  114 , and a flow rate setting knob  116 . In use, a shower hose and a hand shower head (not shown) are attached to the shower spouting portion  110 . 
     The hot water supply pipe  104  and the cold water supply pipe  106  are connected to the faucet device body  102 . Hot water and cold water supplied through these pipes are mixed at a predetermined proportion by a thermo faucet contained in the faucet device body  102 , and then subjected to flow rate adjustment by a flow adjusting valve to be spouted. The water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is an operation portion provided to be pivotally movable about a pivot point at the center thereof. When a user pushes near the “faucet” marking of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , temperature and flow rate adjusted mixed water is spouted from the faucet spouting portion  108 . Likewise, when a user pushes near the “shower” marking of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , temperature and flow rate adjusted mixed water is spouted via the shower spouting portion  110 . Further, when a user pushes near the “stop” marking of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , the faucet device  100  becomes in a water-stopping state regardless of being in any water-spouting state. 
     An internal structure of the faucet device  100  containing a water passage switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 21 . 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional plane view,  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional front view, and  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the faucet device  100 .  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the water passage switching device contained in the faucet device body.  FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of the water passage switching device contained in the faucet device body.  FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a pivot receiving member used in the water passage switching device contained in the faucet device body.  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a pivot member used in the water passage switching device contained in the faucet device body.  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the faucet device illustrating a situation where a cover of the faucet device body. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 to 16 , the faucet device body  102  is an approximately rectangular parallelepiped member having a front portion formed in a curved surface, in which a thermo faucet  118 , a flow adjusting valve  120  and a water passage switching device  122  is contained. 
     The hot water supply pipe  104  and the cold water supply pipe  106  are lines connected to the back side of the faucet device body  102 . The hot water supply pipe  104  is adapted to supply hot water that is spouted from a water heater to the faucet device body  102 , while the cold water supply pipe  106  is adapted to supply tap water to the faucet device body  102 . The hot water that has been supplied from the hot water supply pipe  104  flows through the faucet device body  102  along an solid arrow indicated in  FIG. 14  into the thermo faucet  118 . The cold water that has been supplied from the cold water supply pipe  106  flows through the faucet device body  102  along an dashed arrow indicated in  FIG. 14  into the thermo faucet  118 . 
     The faucet spouting portion  108  extends to protrude ahead (toward a user) from a bottom surface of the faucet device body  102 , and has a spouting port provided in the lower portion of the distal end thereof. 
     The shower spouting portion backwardly (toward a wall surface) extends from a back side of the faucet device body  102 , and has a spouting port provided toward a lower side thereof. This spouting port is designed to be connected by a shower hose (not shown). 
     The water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is a disk-shaped member which is subjected to a direct push operation by a user, and has a “stop” marking in the front area, a “faucet” marking in the left rear area, and a “shower” marking in the right rear area. When a user pushes down near each marking, valves of the water passage switching device  122  disposed under the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  are opened and closed to switch flow passes, resulting in switching of water spouting and stopping modes. The structure of the water passage switching device  122  will be described later. In this embodiment, the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , when operated by a user, is tilted about the central pivot point to any of front, left rear or right rear directions, and held in that state. 
     The temperature setting knob  114  is an approximately cylindrically-shaped knob provided on the left side of the faucet device body  102 . By rotating the temperature setting knob  114 , a temperature setting of the contained thermo faucet  118  can be changed. 
     The flow rate setting knob  116  is an approximately cylindrically-shaped knob provided on the right side of the faucet device body  102 . By rotating the flow rate setting knob  116 , a flow rate settings of the contained flow adjusting valve  120  can be changed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the thermo faucet  118  includes a temperature adjusting valve element  124 , biasing spring  126 , shape memory alloy spring  128 , temperature adjusting screw  130 , and a biasing spring holder  132 . The hot water and the cold water that have flowed into and mixed in the thermo faucet  118  flow from a lateral side of the thermo faucet  118  into the flow adjusting valve  120  disposed on the right side in  FIG. 14 . 
     The temperature adjusting valve element  124  is an approximately cylindrically-shaped valve element, and is disposed in a horizontally slidable manner in the thermo faucet  118 . When the temperature adjusting valve element  124  is moved to the right in  FIG. 14 , an amount of hot water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  is increased, while an amount of cold water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  is decreased. This raises the temperature of the mixed water flowed from the thermo faucet  118 . On the contrary, when the temperature adjusting valve element  124  is moved to the left in  FIG. 14 , an amount of cold water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  is increased, while an amount of hot water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  is decreased. This lowers the temperature of the mixed water flowed from the thermo faucet  118 . 
     The biasing spring  126  is a coil spring which is coaxially disposed with the temperature adjusting valve element  124  in the thermo faucet  118 . The biasing spring  126  biases the temperature adjusting valve element  124  to the right in  FIG. 14 . 
     The shape memory alloy spring  128  is a coil spring made from a shape memory alloy which is coaxially disposed with the temperature adjusting valve element  124  in the thermo faucet  118 . The shape memory alloy spring  128  biases the temperature adjusting valve element  124  to the left in  FIG. 14 . When the temperature of the mixed water that has been mixed in the thermo faucet  118  is raised, a biasing force generated by the shape memory alloy spring  128  is increased, moving the temperature adjusting valve element  124  to the left in  FIG. 14 . This decreases the amount of hot water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  and lowers the temperature of the mixed water. On the other hand, when the temperature of the mixed water that has been mixed in the thermo faucet  118  is lowered, a biasing force generated by the shape memory alloy spring  128  is decreased, moving the temperature adjusting valve element  124  to the right in  FIG. 14 . This decreases the amount of cold water flowing into the thermo faucet  118  and raises the temperature of the mixed water. 
     The temperature adjusting screw  130  is an external thread provided to rotate along with the temperature setting knob  114 . 
     The biasing spring holder  132  is an approximately cylindrically-shaped member, inside of which is formed with an internal thread. This internal thread is screwed with the temperature adjusting screw  130 , where the rotational operation of the temperature setting knob  114  moves the biasing spring holder  132  to left or right in  FIG. 14 . The end of the biasing spring holder  132  opposite to the temperature setting knob  114  is abutted by the biasing spring  126 , where the movement of the biasing spring holder  132  changes the biasing force of the biasing spring  126  for biasing the temperature adjusting valve element  124 . This changes a position at which the biasing forces are balanced between the biasing spring  126  and the shape memory alloy spring  128 , causing the temperature settings of the thermo faucet  118  to be modified. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the flow adjusting valve  120  includes an approximately cylindrically-shaped flow adjusting valve element  134 . The flow adjusting valve element  134  is rotated by the rotational operation of the flow rate setting knob  116 , which causes an opening position of a valve port to be changed to modify the flow rate. The mixed water that has flowed out from the thermo faucet  118  flows into the inner side of the cylindrically-shaped flow adjusting valve element  134 , and flows out to the outer side of the flow adjusting valve element  134  through the valve port. The mixed water that has flowed out from the flow adjusting valve  120  flows into the upstream side of the water passage switching device  122  as indicated by an solid arrow in  FIG. 16 . 
     A structure of the water passage switching device  122  according to the second embodiment of the present invention contained in the faucet device  100  will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 21 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the water passage switching device  122  includes two push type faucets  136   a  and  136   b , and a pivot mechanism  138  for transmitting the operation made on the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  to each push type faucet. As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the push type faucet  136   a  has a diaphragm  140 , a main valve body  142 , a pilot valve  144 , a pilot valve spring  146 , a shaft  148  which serves as a valve actuating rod, a pressure chamber forming member  150 , a cleaning pin  152 , and an O-ring  154 . It is noted that although the push type faucet  136   b  also has the same structure as the push type faucet  136   a , the illustration is omitted in  FIG. 18 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the pivot mechanism  138  has a base member  156 , a holding plate  158 , a pivot receiving member  160 , a pivot member  162 , a pivot member holder  164 , a shaft stopper  166 , and an operation portion holder  168 . 
     Firstly, structures of each push type faucet will be described. 
     The diaphragm  140  is an approximately disk-shaped flexible member, and forms a valve element by integration with the main valve body  142 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , an outer periphery of the diaphragm  140  is fixed to the faucet device body  102  by being sandwiched between a diaphragm fixing portion  102   a  of the faucet device body  102  and the base member  156 . Further, the inner side of the fixed outer periphery of the diaphragm  140  is deformably constructed. Elastic deformation in this area makes it possible to move the valve element between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position. It is noted that  FIG. 17  illustrates the push type faucet  136   a  in a valve-open state while the push type faucet  136   b  in a valve-closed state. 
     The main valve body  142  is an approximately disk-shaped member, and forms a valve element by integration with the diaphragm  140 . The main valve body  142  also has a pilot valve port  142   a  provided on the central axis thereof. 
     The pilot valve  144  is an approximately solid cylindrically-shaped small valve element, and is provided to open and close the pilot valve port  142   a  of the main valve body  142  based on the operation of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 . 
     The pilot valve spring  146  is disposed between the pilot valve  144  and a ceiling surface of the pressure chamber forming member  150 , and is configured to bias the pilot valve  144  toward the pilot valve port  142   a.    
     The shaft  148  has a lower end attached to the pilot valve  144 , and is disposed to upwardly extend from the pilot valve  144 . When the shaft  148  is pulled up by the operation of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , the pilot valve  144  is drawn away from the pilot valve port  142   a  against the biasing force of the pilot valve spring  146  to open the pilot valve port  142   a.    
     The pressure chamber forming member  150  is a cup-like member having an opened lower end, and houses the pilot valve  144  and the pilot valve spring  146  therein. The pressure chamber forming member  150  is also provided with a hole at the center of the upper end surface thereof, through which the shaft  148  extends to the outside of a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber forming member  150  forms a pressure chamber consisting of its inside space and a space above the diaphragm  140  and the main valve body  142 . 
     The cleaning pin  152  is a wire which is bent to construct an circular portion disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure chamber forming member  150  and a linear portion downwardly extending from the circular portion. The linear portion of the cleaning pin  152  extends downwardly through an eyehole  140   a  provided in the diaphragm  140  and an eyehole  142   b  provided in the main valve body  142 . Penetration of the cleaning pin  152  through each eyehole prevents the eyeholes from being blocked for example by foreign objects which are mixed in the tap water. 
     The O-ring  154  is disposed around the shaft  148  extending through the pressure chamber forming member  150  to keep the water-tightness of the pressure chamber. 
     A structure of the pivot mechanism  138  will be described below. 
     The base member  156  is a plate-like member disposed within the faucet device body  102 . The base member  156  is provided with two pressure chamber constructing portions  156   a  for housing the pressure chamber forming member  150  therein. 
     The holding plate  158  is a plate-like member disposed on the base member  156 . The base member  156  is fixed to the faucet device body  102  by sandwiching the base member  156  between the faucet device body  102  and the holding plate  158  and attaching the holding plate  158  to the faucet device body  102 . The holding plate  158  is provided with two circular holes  158   a  for receiving each pressure chamber constructing portion  156   a.    
     The pivot receiving member  160  is a T-shaped plate-like member disposed on the holding plate  158 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the pivot receiving member  160  is provided with a depression centered on an intersection of the T-shape, and the surface of the depression is composed of three spherical surfaces  160   a . These three spherical surfaces  160   a  form a part of a surface of a single sphere centered on the pivot point. Each spherical surface  160   a  has a wedge-shaped notch  160   b  provided in the center thereof. Further, as indicated in dashed line in  FIG. 19 , magnets  160   c  for attraction is embedded in each of three end portions of the T-shape. These three magnets  160   c  keep the pivot member  162  being tilted to each direction by attracting an iron plate embedded in the pivot member  162 . 
     The pivot member holder  164  is an approximately cylindrically-shaped member, and is screwed to the base member  156  by a screw (not shown) penetrating the center thereof through the pivot member  162  and the pivot receiving member  160 . As a result, the pivot receiving member  160  is sandwiched between the pivot member holder  164  and the base member  156  to be fixed to the base member  156 . The pivot member  162  is engaged with a flange  164   a  of the pivot member holder  164 , and is supported in a pivotally movable manner between the pivot receiving member  160  and the flange  164   a.    
     The water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is snap-fitted in and integrated with the pivot member  162 . 
     The operation portion holder  168  is a disk-shaped member having three legs, and is fixed to the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  by snap-fit. 
     A structure of the pivot member  162  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 20(   a ) is a perspective view illustrating an upper surface, and  FIG. 20(   b ) is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of the pivot member  162 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the pivot member  162  is an approximately plate-like member, and is provided with three spherical surfaces  170   a  in substantially the center thereof. These three spherical surfaces  170   a  are provided to project from the lower surface of the pivot member  162 , and each spherical surface  170   a  forms a part of a surface of a single sphere centered on a pivot point P. Each spherical surface  170   a  is provided with a wedge-shaped protrusion  170   b  at the center thereof. Each spherical surface  170   a  of the pivot member  162  is formed to be coincident with each spherical surface  160   a  of the pivot receiving member  160 , and each protrusion  170   b  is formed to be received in each notch  160   b  of the pivot receiving member  160 . As a result, the pivot member  162  is supported by the pivot receiving member  160  in a pivotally movable manner about the pivot point P. 
     The lower surface of the pivot member  162  is composed of a first plane  172   a , a second plane  172   b  and a third plane  172   c  which are partitioned by three ridge lines. Thus, when the pivot member  162  is rotated about a first rotational axis A 1  that passes through the pivot point P, then the first plane  172   a  makes surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 . Likewise, when the pivot member  162  is rotated about a second rotational axis A 2 , then the second plane  172   b  makes surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 , and when rotated about a third rotational axis A 3 , then the third plane  172   c  makes surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 . As used herein, the rotatable (tiltable) movement about a plurality of rotational axes, such as by the pivot member  162  is referred to as a “pivoting movement”. 
     The pivot member  162  is further provided with circular holes  162   a ,  162   b  and  162   c  for attaching a circular iron plate thereto. In each of these three circular holes, circular, iron-made thin plate (not shown) is fitted and fixed. When the pivot member  162  is rotated about the first rotational axis A 1  and the first plane  172   a  is contacted with the pivot receiving member  160 , the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   a  is attracted to the magnet  160   c  embedded in the pivot receiving member  160 . This causes the pivot member  162  to be held in a situation where the first plane  172   a  and the pivot receiving member  160  are in contact with each other. Likewise, when the second plane  172   b  is contacted with the pivot receiving member  160 , the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   b  is attracted, and when the third plane  172   c  is contacted with the pivot receiving member  160 , the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   c  is attracted to hold these states. Thus, in this embodiment, the iron plates attached to the pivot member  162  and the magnets  160   c  embedded in the pivot receiving member  160  function as a tilting movement holding member for holding the tilted water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  in that position. 
     The pivot member  162  is also provided with two shaft fixing portions  162   a  and  162   b  each for fixing a respective one of two shafts  148 . To these shaft fixing portions, an upper end of the shaft  148  extending from the pilot valve  144  is fixed. An annular groove is provided on the upper end of the shaft  148  ( FIG. 18 ). On the other hand, the shaft stopper  166  ( FIG. 18 ) is a disk-shaped member having a notch, where the shaft stopper  166  is attached to the shaft  148  by fitting the groove of the shaft  148  in the notch. The shaft  148  is attached to the pivot member  162  by attaching the shaft stopper  166  to the shaft  148  with the upper end of the shaft  148  being inserted in the shaft fixing portion of the pivot member  162  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     In this regard, in a situation where the third plane  172   c  is in contact with the pivot receiving member  160 , the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   b  is descended while the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   a  is ascended, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . On the contrary, in a situation where the second plane  172   b  is in contact with the pivot receiving member  160 , the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   a  is descended while the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   b  is ascended. Further, in a situation where the first plane  172   a  is in contact with the pivot receiving member  160 , both shafts  148  are descended. In this way, through the pivoting movement of the pivot member  162 , any of the situations where only the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   a  is ascended, where only the shaft  148  of the push type faucet  136   b  is ascended, and where both shafts  148  are descended is selected. 
     A fixing mechanism of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion will be described below with reference to  FIG. 21 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , to the back side of the faucet device body  102 , a tilting movement lock member  174  is attached in a manner to be slidable in a horizontal direction. The tilting movement lock member  174  includes a sliding operation portion  174   a  which is exposed to the outside of the faucet device body  102 , and an L-shaped engaging portion  174   b  extending from the sliding operation portion  174   a . On the other hand, the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is formed with a locking recess  112   a  on a lower portion of its back side, the locking recess  112   a  being designed to receive the engaging portion  174   b.    
     When the sliding operation portion  174   a  is slid by a user toward the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , the distal end of the horizontally extending engaging portion  174   b  is inserted in the locking recess  112   a  of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 . In a situation where the engaging portion  174   b  is inserted in the locking recess  112   a , the pivoting movement of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is locked in a state in which the “stop” marking on the front side is pressed down to prohibit the tilting movement to other directions, and thus the faucet device  100  is kept in the water-stopping state. In this way, locking of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  in the water-stopping state makes it possible to prevent the water spouting from being abruptly started by accidentally pushing the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  during, for example, cleaning of the bathroom, or by a children&#39;s mischief. 
     Actions of the push type faucets  136   a  and  136   b  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 17 . The mixed water that has been mixed in the thermo faucet  118  ( FIG. 14 ) and subjected to flow rate adjusting in the flow adjusting valve  120  ( FIG. 14 ) firstly arrives in a water passage  102   b  ( FIG. 17 ) formed in the faucet device body  102 . When the push type faucet  136   a  is in the valve-open state, the mixed water that has arrived in the water passage  102   b  flows into a main valve port  102   c  formed in the faucet device body  102 , as indicated by a solid arrow in  FIG. 17 . The mixed water that has passed through the main valve port  102   c  of the push type faucet  136   a  is spouted from the faucet spouting portion  108 . On the other hand, the mixed water that has passed through the main valve port of the push type faucet  136   b  is spouted from the shower spouting portion  110 . 
     A part of the mixed water that has arrived in the water passage  102   b  also flows through the eyeholes provided in the diaphragm  140  and the main valve body  142  into the pressure chamber residing above the valve element. However, in the push type faucet  136   a  as shown in  FIG. 17 , the pilot valve  144  is pulled up by the shaft  148  to open the pilot valve port  142   a , causing the mixed water that has flowed into the pressure chamber to flow out through the pilot valve port  142   a , so that the pressure in the pressure chamber cannot be increased. 
     On the other hand, in a situation where the shaft  148  is descended as in the push type faucet  136   b  as shown in  FIG. 17 , the pilot valve  144  is pressed against the pilot valve port  142   a  by the pilot valve spring  146  to close the pilot valve port  142   a . In this situation, the mixed water that has flowed into the pressure chamber through the eyeholes of the diaphragm  140  and the main valve body  142  pools in the pressure chamber, so that the pressure in the pressure chamber is increased. This pressure depresses the valve element toward the main valve port to bring the push type faucet in a valve-closed state. It is noted that since the pilot valve  144  is biased by the pilot valve spring  146 , when the shaft  148  is being descended, the pilot valve port  142   a  is maintained in a valve-closed state even if the valve element is descended. 
     In this way, the pilot valve port  142   a  is opened and closed by ascent and descent of the corresponding shaft  148 , and each push type faucet is opened and closed based on the opening and closing of the pilot valve port  142   a.    
     Actions of the water passage switching device  122  according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Firstly, in a situation where the “stop” marking on the front side of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is pressed down, the shafts  148  for both of the push type faucets  136   a  and  136   b  are being descended. In this situation, the first plane  172   a  of the pivot member  162  is in surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 , and attracting force between the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   a  and the magnet  160   c  maintains this state. Further, in this situation, both push type faucets  136   a  and  136   b  are in the valve-closed state to bring the faucet device  100  in the water-stopping state. 
     Then, when a user pushes near the “faucet” marking in the left rear area of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is pivotally moved with the pivot member  162  to transition to the situation where the third plane  172   c  is in surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 . This causes the shaft  148  which is attached to the right front side of the pivot member  162  to be ascended to bring the corresponding push type faucet  136   a  in a valve-open state, so that the mixed water is spouted from the faucet spouting portion  108 . In this situation, the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   c  is attracted to the magnet  160   c  to keep the tilted state of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 . 
     Further, when a user pushes near the “shower” marking in the right rear area of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is pivotally moved to transition to the situation where the second plane  172   b  is in surface contact with the upper surface of the pivot receiving member  160 . This causes the shaft  148  which is attached to the left front side of the pivot member  162  to be ascended, while the shaft  148  on the right front side to be descended. This bring the push type faucet  136   b  corresponding to the shaft  148  on the left front side in a valve-open state, so that spouting from the shower spouting portion  110  is started. In addition, the push type faucet  136   a  corresponding to the shaft  148  on the right front side is brought in a valve-closed state, so that spouting from the faucet spouting portion  108  is stopped. In this situation, the iron plate fitted in the circular hole  162   b  is attracted to the magnet  160   c  to keep the tilted state of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 . 
     The water-stopping state, the water-spouting state from the faucet spouting portion  108 , and the water-spouting state from the shower spouting portion  110  can be mutually directly transitioned between each state based on the user operation. 
     According to the water passage switching device  122  of the second embodiment of the present invention, the tilted water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112  is held in the tilted position. This makes it possible to allow a user to visually recognize the switched water spouting and stopping mode from the state of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 , and thus the operability can be improved. Thus, the water passage switching device  122  of this embodiment comprises a tilting movement lock member  174  for locking a pivoting movement of the water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion  112 . This makes it possible to prevent an unintended water spout at the time of cleaning or caused by children&#39;s mischief. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above described embodiment. 
     EXPLANATION OF CODES 
     
         
           1 . hand shower head according to a first embodiment of the present invention 
           2 . shower head body 
           2   a . gripper portion 
           2   b . water spray portion 
           2   c . opening 
           4 . water spray plate 
           4   a . water spray hole 
           4   b . water spray hole 
           4   c . water spray hole 
           6 . push-button (operation portion of the tilting operation member) 
           8 . water flow passage forming member 
           8   a . connection end 
           8   b . distal end (opening-closing mechanism body) 
           10 . water passage switching device 
           12 . first water spray chamber forming member 
           12   a . first water passage 
           12   b . second water passage 
           12   c . third water passage 
           14 . second water spray chamber forming member 
           14   a . concave portion 
           14   b . through-hole 
           14   c . through-hole 
           14   d . fringe 
           16 . third water spray chamber forming member 
           18 . water spray nozzle forming member 
           18   a . water spray nozzle 
           18   b . water spray nozzle 
           20 . rotary nozzle 
           20   a . spray nozzle hole 
           22 . rotary nozzle supporting member 
           24 . water passage switching device body 
           24   a . guiding portion 
           24   b . circular hole 
           24   c . shaft portion 
           26   a . first valve element 
           26   b . second valve element 
           26   c . third valve element 
           27   a . seating portion 
           27   b . support frame 
           27   c . sliding protrusion 
           27   d . spring attachment portion 
           27   e . inclined plane 
           28 . valve seat forming member 
           28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c . valve hole 
           32 . cylindrical support member 
           34 . annular lock member (rotational lock member) 
           34   a . annular portion 
           34   b . stand-out portion 
           34   c . engaging pawl 
           34   d . resetting stand-out portion 
           34   e . cam surface (pushed portion) 
           34   f . cam surface 
           34   g . flange 
           36   a . first cam-constructing member 
           36   b . second cam-constructing member 
           36   c . third cam-constructing member 
           37   a . attaching hole 
           37   b . flange 
           37   c . operation cam 
           37   d . cam surface 
           37   e . distal end surface 
           37   f . vertical surface 
           38 . reset cam-constructing member 
           40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c . operation rod (valve actuating rod) 
           42 . operation portion covering member (tilting movement restricting member) 
           42   a . opening 
           42   b . stepped portion 
           42   c . ceiling surface 
           42   d . inner wall surface 
           42   e . vertical surface 
           42   f . raised portion 
           43 . pivot-receiving member 
           43   a . pivot concave portion 
           44 . pivoting member (tilting operation member) 
           44   a . pivoting protrusion (tilting shaft of the tilting operation member) 
           46 . elastic cover member 
           46   a . opening 
           48   a . coil spring (cam biasing means) 
           48   b . coil spring (resetting cam biasing means) 
           50 . torsion spring (lock member biasing means) 
           52 . packing (gasket) 
           54 . coil spring 
           100 . faucet device 
           102 . faucet device body 
           102   a . diaphragm fixing portion 
           102   b . water passage 
           104 . hot water supply pipe 
           106 . cold water supply pipe 
           108 . faucet spouting portion 
           110 . shower spouting portion 
           112 . water spouting and stopping modes switching operation portion (tilting operation 
         member) 
           112   a . locking recess 
           114 . temperature setting knob 
           116 . flow rate setting knob 
           118 . thermo faucet 
           120 . flow adjusting valve 
           122 . water passage switching device according to a second embodiment of the present 
         invention 
           124 . temperature adjusting valve element 
           126 . biasing spring 
           128 . shape memory alloy spring 
           130 . temperature adjusting screw 
           132 . biasing spring holder 
           134 . flow adjusting valve element 
           136   a ,  136   b . push type faucet 
           138 . pivot mechanism 
           140 . diaphragm 
           140   a . eyehole 
           142 . main valve body 
           142   a . pilot valve port 
           142   b . eyehole 
           144 . pilot valve 
           146 . pilot valve spring 
           148 . shaft (valve actuating rod) 
           150 . pressure chamber forming member 
           152 . cleaning pin 
           154 . O-ring 
           156 . base member 
           156   a . pressure chamber constructing portion 
           158 . holding plate 
           160 . pivot receiving member 
           160   a . spherical surface 
           160   b . notch 
           160   c . magnet 
           162 . pivot member 
           162   a ,  162   b ,  162   c . circular hole 
           162   d ,  162   e . shaft fixing portion 
           164 . pivot member holder 
           166 . shaft stopper 
           168 . operation portion holder 
           170   a . spherical surface 
           170   b . protrusion 
           172   a . first plane 
           172   b . second plane 
           172   c . third plane 
           174 . tilting movement lock member 
           174   a . sliding operation portion 
           174   b . engaging portion