Water purification cartridges and faucet devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purification cartridge and faucet device that can suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water. [Solution] The water purification cartridge according to the embodiment comprises a water purification unit having a water purification function and a connection unit disposed at the front end of the water purification unit and connected to a faucet device. The connection unit comprises a water purification hole formed on the end face of the connection to the faucet device through which purified water flows from the water purification unit to the discharge channel of the faucet device, a packing that is watertightly connected to the outer casing of the faucet device, and a threaded portion formed on the outer circumferential surface that engages with a threaded portion on the faucet side provided on the faucet device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a water purification cartridge and a faucet device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various faucet devices have been proposed that filter water such as tap water to produce purified water and discharge the produced purified water (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a faucet device, a water purification cartridge having a water purification function is removably housed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the faucet device according to the prior art, there is a risk that the filtered purified water and the unfiltered water (raw water) may be mixed. That is, in the prior art, the water purification cartridge and the faucet device are watertightly connected via an O-ring, and this O-ring separates the flow path through which the purified water flows and the flow path through which the raw water flows. However, for example, when the attachment of the water purification cartridge to the faucet device is loose or the water purification cartridge moves due to water pressure, the O-ring may not function sufficiently as a sealing material, and as a result, there is a risk that the purified water and the raw water may be mixed.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a water purification cartridge and a faucet device that can suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A water purification cartridge according to one embodiment comprises a water purification unit having a water purification function and a connecting unit disposed at the front end of the water purification unit and connected to a faucet device. The connecting unit comprises a water purification hole formed on the end face of the connection to the faucet device through which purified water flows from the water purification unit to the discharge channel of the faucet device, a packing that is watertightly connected to the outer casing of the faucet device, and a threaded portion formed on the outer circumferential surface that engages with a threaded portion on the faucet side provided on the faucet device.

[0007] In this way, at the connection point of the water purification cartridge, the packing is watertightly connected to the outer casing of the faucet device, and the threaded portion formed on the outer surface engages with the threaded portion on the faucet side of the faucet device. This engagement by the threaded portion ensures that the water purification cartridge is securely connected to the faucet device. In other words, the fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device can be improved. As a result, the water purification cartridge is less likely to become loosely attached to the faucet device or move due to water pressure. This allows the packing to function reliably as a sealing material that watertightly connects the water purification cartridge and the outer casing of the faucet device, thereby suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0008] Furthermore, the packing is provided upstream of the threaded portion when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0009] This allows for improved fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device through threaded engagement, while also enabling axial sealing between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device using a packing. Therefore, for example, excessive compression of the packing during threaded fastening can be prevented, thus suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0010] Furthermore, the threaded portion is positioned to be aligned axially with the threaded portion on the faucet side when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device. The distance from the connecting end face of the connecting portion to the packing is longer than the sum of the length of the threaded portion and the length of the threaded portion on the faucet side.

[0011] As a result, when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet, the threaded portion does not engage with the threaded portion on the faucet side and rotates freely. Therefore, even if the threaded portion is rotated excessively in the tightening direction, it will rotate freely, thus preventing the water purification cartridge from being overtightened.

[0012] Furthermore, the packing is provided downstream of the threaded portion when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0013] This improves the fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device through engagement by the threaded portion, while also enabling a surface seal between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device using a packing, thereby suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting portion includes a stepped portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface. The stepped portion contacts a contact portion formed on the faucet device when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0015] In this way, the stepped portion of the connection part functions as a stopper by contacting the contact area of ​​the faucet device. This makes it possible to easily install the water purification cartridge in the desired position on the faucet device.

[0016] Furthermore, if the packing is located downstream of the threaded portion to provide a surface seal, the water purification cartridge can be installed in the desired position, preventing the packing from being excessively compressed during tightening of the threaded portion, thus reducing its function as a sealing material. This effectively suppresses the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0017] In addition, the faucet device includes the water purification cartridge described above.

[0018] Thereby, in the faucet device to which the water purification cartridge is connected, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the purified water and the raw water.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the purified water and the raw water.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a part of the faucet device, enlarged. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the attachment part. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the attachment part and the connection part, enlarged. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the attachment part and the connection part according to the second embodiment, enlarged. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the attachment part and the connection part according to the third embodiment, enlarged. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the attachment part and the connection part according to the third embodiment, enlarged.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The embodiments of the water purification cartridge and faucet device disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] (First Embodiment) A faucet device equipped with a water purification cartridge according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a side view of the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded side view of the faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the water purification cartridge 20 to or removal from the faucet device 1. Note that Figures 1, 2, and Figure 3 onwards are all schematic diagrams.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the water purification cartridge 20 is formed in an elongated shape and also in a cylindrical shape. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the water purification cartridge 20 may be described as the "axial direction," and the radial direction of the water purification cartridge 20 may be described as the "radial direction." In this specification, the terms "upstream side" and "downstream side" may be used depending on the flow of water within the faucet device 1. In addition, in the case of the water purification cartridge 20, the rear end side of the water purification cartridge 20 (right side in Figure 2) may be described as the "upstream side," and the front end side of the water purification cartridge 20 (left side in Figure 2) may be described as the "downstream side."

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the faucet device 1 comprises a main body 10, a handle lever 11, a water supply section 12, a water outlet head 13, a switching handle 14, and a water purification cartridge 20 (not visible in Figure 1). In other words, the faucet device 1 is a single-lever faucet with a water purification function.

[0025] The main body 10 has internal flow channels (not shown). These flow channels in the main body 10 are connected to a water source such as a water pipe via a shut-off valve, allowing water from the water pipe to flow through. Alternatively, the flow channels in the main body 10 can be connected to a water heater, allowing heated water from the water heater to flow through. In the following, heated water may also be referred to as "water." Furthermore, the flow channels in the main body 10 may not be connected to a water heater.

[0026] The handle lever 11 is connected to the main body 10 so as to be vertically movable and also so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The handle lever 11 is operated by the user. In response to the vertical movement of the handle lever 11, a valve mechanism (not shown) built into the main body 10 is activated to adjust the amount of water flowing through the passage in the main body 10. In response to the left-right rotation of the handle lever 11, a valve mechanism (not shown) built into the main body 10 is activated to adjust the temperature of the water flowing through the passage.

[0027] The water guide section 12 is provided between the main body 10 and the water outlet head 13, and guides water from the flow path of the main body 10 to the water outlet head 13. The water guide section 12 will now be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of the faucet device 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the water guide section 12 is formed in a hollow shape and has a flow channel 12a inside. In other words, the water guide section 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a flow channel 12a inside. The flow channel 12a is connected to the flow channel of the main body section 10 and can carry water supplied from the flow channel of the main body section 10. The flow of water in the flow channel 12a of the water guide section 12 will be described later.

[0029] The water discharge head 13 is provided downstream of the water guide 12. The water discharge head 13 is detachably connected to the water guide 12. The water discharge head 13 is removed from the water guide 12 when replacing the water purification cartridge 20, which will be described later (see Figure 2). The water discharge head 13 is formed in a hollow shape and has a discharge channel 13a inside. In other words, the water discharge head 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a discharge channel 13a inside. Downstream of the discharge channel 13a, there is a water outlet 13b that discharges the water flowing through the discharge channel 13a.

[0030] The water outlet head 13 is further equipped with a switching unit 15 and a mounting unit 50. The switching unit 15 is connected to the discharge channel 13a. The switching unit 15 switches the water flowing to the discharge channel 13a between purified water filtered by the water purification cartridge 20 and unfiltered water (raw water). In Figure 3, for the sake of simplicity, the switching unit 15 is schematically shown as a block.

[0031] Specifically, the switching unit 15 is connected to the switching handle 14. The switching handle 14 is connected to the water outlet head 13 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The switching handle 14 is operated by the user. The switching unit 15 operates in response to the rotational operation of the switching handle 14. More specifically, the switching unit 15 includes a valve for purified water and a valve for raw water (neither of which are shown). When the switching handle 14 is rotated in the direction of flowing purified water, the switching unit 15 operates so that the valve for purified water opens while the valve for raw water closes, thereby flowing purified water into the discharge channel 13a. When the switching handle 14 is rotated in the direction of flowing raw water, the switching unit 15 operates so that the valve for raw water opens while the valve for purified water closes, thereby flowing raw water into the discharge channel 13a. Note that the above-described configuration of the switching unit 15 is merely an example and is not limited to it.

[0032] The mounting section 50 is the component to which the water purification cartridge 20 is attached (connected). The mounting section 50 is fixed inside the water outlet head section 13. The detailed configuration of the mounting section 50 will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 6, etc.

[0033] The water purification cartridge 20 is a component that filters water to produce purified water. The water purification cartridge 20 is built into the faucet device 1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the water purification cartridge 20 is housed inside the water intake section 12 and the water outlet head section 13 of the faucet device 1. Furthermore, the water purification cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the faucet device 1. Specifically, if the water purification performance of the water purification cartridge 20 deteriorates due to, for example, the generation of purified water or aging, the deteriorated water purification cartridge 20 can be removed and replaced with a new water purification cartridge 20.

[0034] More specifically, the water purification cartridge 20 comprises a water purification section 30 and a connection section 40. As shown in Figure 3, the water purification section 30 comprises a case 31 and a filter medium 32, and has a water purification function. The case 31 is formed in an elongated shape. The case 31 is also formed in a hollow shape, and the filter medium 32 is housed (filled) inside. In other words, the case 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the filter medium 32 extending in the axial direction inside.

[0035] The case 31 includes an inlet hole 31a and an outlet hole 31b. The inlet hole 31a is formed, for example, at the rear end 31c, which is on the upstream side of the case 31. The inlet hole 31a is a hole that allows water to flow into the case 31 before filtration. The number of inlet holes 31a can be set arbitrarily; there may be one or multiple holes. Furthermore, the position where the inlet holes 31a are formed is not limited to the above, and they can be set at any position, for example, on the side. In addition, if the strength of the filter media 32 can be ensured, the case 31 may be made shorter, exposing the surface of the filter media 32 and allowing direct inflow.

[0036] The outflow hole 31b is formed, for example, at the front end 31d, which is on the downstream side of the case 31. The outflow hole 31b is an opening (hole) that allows filtered water, i.e., purified water, to flow out of the case 31. The case 31 is made of resin, but is not limited to this. The front end 31d of the case 31 is also the front end 31d of the water purification unit 30.

[0037] The filter media 32 is a component that filters the water passing through it to remove substances from the water. For example, activated carbon or hollow fiber membranes can be used as the filter media 32, but it is not limited to these. Furthermore, the filter media 32 may consist of a single type of filter media, or it may be composed of a combination of multiple types of filter media.

[0038] In the water purification unit 30 configured as described above, as shown by arrow A in Figure 3, water flowing through the channel 12a of the water intake unit 12 flows into the case 31 through the inlet hole 31a, and purified water is produced by the filter material 32 inside the case 31. The produced purified water then flows out of the case 31 through the outlet hole 31b.

[0039] Here, we will describe the flow path of unfiltered water (i.e., raw water) within the faucet device 1. As shown in Figure 3, a gap 16 is formed between the water intake section 12 and the water outlet head section 13 of the faucet device 1 and the water purification cartridge 20. For raw water, this gap 16 becomes the flow path. Specifically, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 3, the raw water flowing through the flow path 12a of the water intake section 12 flows through the gap 16 into the switching section 15. When the valve for raw water opens, as described above, the raw water that has flowed into the switching section 15 flows from the switching section 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the water outlet 13b. In the following, the gap 16 may be referred to as the "raw water flow path 16".

[0040] The connection portion 40 of the water purification cartridge 20 is a component for connecting the water purification cartridge 20 to the faucet device 1. Specifically, the connection portion 40 is located at the front end portion 31d of the water purification unit 30. In other words, the connection portion 40 is located downstream of the water purification unit 30. The detailed configuration of the connection portion 40 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6, etc.

[0041] Next, the mounting portion 50 of the faucet device 1 and the connection portion 40 of the water purification cartridge 20 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion 50, and Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection portion 40. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 50 and connection portion 40 shown in Figure 3.

[0042] First, the mounting portion 50 of the faucet device 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the mounting portion 50 comprises a wall portion 51, a side wall portion 52, and a faucet-side purified water passage hole 53. The mounting portion 50 is made of resin, but is not limited to resin.

[0043] The wall portion 51 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. The side wall portion 52 is formed (erected) to protrude from the outer peripheral end 51a of the wall portion 51 toward the water purification cartridge 20 side (upstream side). In other words, the mounting portion 50 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. As a result, an internal space 54 is formed inside the mounting portion 50 by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. The connecting portion 40 is placed in this internal space 54 and the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Note that the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52 are examples of the outer casing of the faucet device 1.

[0044] The faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 is provided in the wall portion 51. The faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 is a hole formed to penetrate the wall portion 51 in the axial direction. Purified water flows through the faucet-side purified water passage hole 53. Specifically, the upstream side of the faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 is in communication with the purified water passage hole 42 (described later) of the connection portion 40. The downstream side of the faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 is the flow path 17 (see Figures 3 and 6). The flow path 17 connects the mounting portion 50 and the switching portion 15, and is a flow path through which purified water flows.

[0045] The mounting portion 50 further includes a faucet-side threaded portion 55. The faucet-side threaded portion 55 is provided (formed) on the inner circumferential surface 52a of the side wall portion 52. The faucet-side threaded portion 55 is, for example, a female thread. Since the mounting portion 50 is fixed to the water outlet head portion 13 of the faucet device 1, it can be said that the faucet-side threaded portion 55 is provided on the faucet device 1.

[0046] Next, the connection part 40 of the water purification cartridge 20 will be described in detail. The connection part 40 is connected to the mounting part 50 of the faucet device 1. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connection part 40 comprises a side wall part 41, a water purification passage hole 42 (not visible in Figure 6), and a stepped part 43. The connection part 40 is made of resin, but is not limited to resin.

[0047] The side wall portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape, or in other words, in an annular shape. The side wall portion 41 is an example of the outer casing of the connecting portion 40. In addition, the downstream end face of the connecting portion 40, which includes the side wall portion 41, becomes the connecting end face 40a with the faucet device 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the purified water passage hole 42 is formed on the connection end face 40a. The purified water passage hole 42 is a hole that penetrates in the axial direction. The upstream side of the purified water passage hole 42 communicates with the outlet hole 31b of the purified water section 30. The downstream side of the purified water passage hole 42 communicates with the faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 of the mounting section 50. Therefore, the purified water generated in the purified water section 30 flows through the purified water passage hole 42 of the connection section 40 to the faucet-side purified water passage hole 53 of the mounting section 50, into the flow path 17, and into the switching section 15, as shown by arrow A in Figure 3 and arrow C in Figure 6. When the valve for purified water opens as described above, the purified water that has flowed into the switching section 15 flows from the switching section 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the outlet 13b. In this manner, purified water flows from the purified water section 30 to the discharge channel 13a of the faucet device 1 through the purified water passage 42.

[0049] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the filter material 32 is provided in the purified water passage hole 42, but this is not the only option. The filter material 32 may be provided in only a part of the purified water passage hole 42, or the filter material 32 may not be provided in the purified water passage hole 42.

[0050] The connecting portion 40 further comprises a packing 44 and a threaded portion 45. The packing 44 is provided on the side wall portion 41. More specifically, the packing 44 is provided circumferentially along the outer circumferential surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 of the connecting portion 40. More specifically, a groove 41b is formed circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface 41a of the side wall portion 41. The packing 44 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 by being locked into the groove 41b. The packing 44 is a sealing member. As the packing 44, an O-ring made from an elastic material such as rubber can be used, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The packing 44 is a component that provides a watertight connection between the connection portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50. Specifically, the packing 44 provided on the connection portion 40 comes into contact with the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50, which is an example of the outer casing of the faucet device 1, and the connection portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 are connected in a watertight manner. In this way, the connection portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 are connected in a watertight manner, which prevents the raw water from the raw water channel 16 from flowing through the gap between the connection portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 into the purified water channel (for example, the purified water passage hole 53 on the faucet side or the channel 17). In other words, the packing 44 prevents the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0052] The threaded portion 45 is provided (formed) on the outer circumferential surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 of the connecting portion 40. The threaded portion 45 is, for example, a male thread. The threaded portion 45 engages with the faucet-side threaded portion 55 of the faucet device 1. More specifically, the threaded portion 45 meshes with the faucet-side threaded portion 55 of the faucet device 1 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the packing 44 is located upstream of the threaded portion 45 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. When the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the connection portion 40 is attached first. Therefore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached, the threaded portion 45 comes into contact with the faucet device 1 before the packing 44 and engages with the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side.

[0054] The stepped portion 43 is formed to protrude outward (radially outward) from the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 of the connecting portion 40. Specifically, the outer diameter of the stepped portion 43 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41. The stepped portion 43 then contacts a contact portion 52b formed on the faucet device 1 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. The contact portion 52b is the rear end (upstream side) of the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50. Therefore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1 with the connecting portion 40 in the lead, the stepped portion 43 contacts the contact portion 52b and functions as a stopper that restricts further movement of the water purification cartridge 20.

[0055] In the water purification cartridge 20 configured as described above, the cartridge outer diameter F (see Figure 2) is set to be less than 30 mm, and more preferably 27 mm or less. This makes it possible, for example, to place the water purification cartridge 20 into the recipient's mailbox when it is delivered. In other words, since the opening of a mailbox is generally 30 mm or larger, setting the cartridge outer diameter F to less than 30 mm makes it possible to place the water purification cartridge 20 into the recipient's mailbox. Note that while specific values ​​for the cartridge outer diameter F have been given above, these values ​​are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0056] As described above, the water purification cartridge 20 according to the first embodiment comprises a water purification unit 30 having a water purification function, and a connecting unit 40 located at the front end 31d of the water purification unit 30 and connected to the faucet device 1. The connecting unit 40 comprises a water purification passage hole 42 formed on the connection end face 40a with respect to the faucet device 1, through which purified water flows from the water purification unit 30 to the discharge passage 13a of the faucet device 1, a packing 44 that is watertightly connected to the side wall 52 of the faucet device 1, and a threaded portion 45 formed on the outer circumferential surface 41a that engages with a faucet-side threaded portion 55 provided on the faucet device 1.

[0057] In this way, at the connection portion 40 of the water purification cartridge 20, the packing 44 is watertightly connected to the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1, and the threaded portion 45 formed on the outer peripheral surface 41a engages with the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side of the faucet device 1. This engagement by the threaded portion 45 ensures that the water purification cartridge 20 is securely connected to the faucet device 1. In other words, the fastening force between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 can be improved. As a result, the water purification cartridge 20 is less likely to become loosely attached to the faucet device 1 or to move due to water pressure. This allows the packing 44 to function reliably as a sealing material that watertightly connects the water purification cartridge 20 and the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1, thereby suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0058] Furthermore, the water purification cartridge 20 is equipped with the packing 44 and threaded portion 45 described above, which prevents rattling and detachment when attached to the faucet device 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the packing 44 is provided upstream of the threaded portion 45 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0060] This improves the fastening force between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 through engagement by the threaded portion 45, while also enabling axial sealing between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 using the packing 44. Therefore, for example, excessive compression of the packing 44 during fastening of the threaded portion 45 can be suppressed, thereby preventing a decrease in its function as a sealing material and thus preventing mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0061] Furthermore, the connecting portion 40 includes a stepped portion 43 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 41a. The stepped portion 43 contacts a contact portion 52b formed on the faucet device 1 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0062] In this way, the stepped portion 43 of the connection portion 40 functions as a stopper by coming into contact with the contact portion 52b of the faucet device 1. This makes it possible to easily attach the water purification cartridge 20 to the faucet device 1 in the desired position.

[0063] Furthermore, the faucet device 1 is equipped with the water purification cartridge 20 described above.

[0064] This makes it possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water in the faucet device 1 to which the water purification cartridge 20 is connected.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Next, a faucet device 1 equipped with a water purification cartridge 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part 40 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting part 50 and the connection part 40 according to the second embodiment. In the following, components common to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connection portion 40 according to the second embodiment includes a packing 44a. The packing 44a is provided downstream of the threaded portion 45 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Specifically, the packing 44a is provided at the downstream end of the threaded portion 45. In other words, the packing 44a is provided at the downstream end of the side wall portion 41. More specifically, the packing 44a is positioned to abut against the connection end face 40a of the connection portion 40 (see Figure 8). Furthermore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the packing 44a is positioned to abut against the inner surface 51b of the wall portion 51 of the mounting portion 50. Therefore, the packing 44a abuts against the connection end face 40a of the connection portion 40 and the wall portion 51 of the mounting portion 50, which is an example of the outer casing of the faucet device 1, thereby creating a watertight connection (surface seal) between the connection portion 40 and the wall portion 51.

[0067] Furthermore, the packing 44a is a ring-shaped sealing member having an opening 44a1 inside. This opening 44a1 serves as a passage through which purified water flows (see arrow C1 in Figure 8). While a flat packing made of an elastic material such as rubber can be used as the packing 44a, it is not limited to this.

[0068] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the stepped portion 43 of the connection portion 40 is set so as not to excessively crush (compress) the packing 44a. Specifically, the length D1 of the stepped portion 43 to the connection end face 40a is set to a value such that, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the connection end face 40a does not excessively crush the packing 44a.

[0069] Thus, the packing 44a according to the second embodiment is provided downstream of the threaded portion 45 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0070] This improves the fastening force between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 through engagement by the threaded portion 45, while also enabling a surface seal between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 using the packing 44a, thereby suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0071] Furthermore, if the packing 44a is provided downstream of the threaded portion 45 to provide a surface seal, the length D1 from the stepped portion 43 to the connecting end face 40a is set as described above, allowing the water purification cartridge to be installed in the desired position. This prevents the packing 44a from being excessively compressed when the threaded portion 45 is fastened, thus reducing its function as a sealing material. This effectively suppresses the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0072] (Third embodiment) Next, a faucet device 1 equipped with a water purification cartridge 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part 40 according to the third embodiment. Figures 10 and 11 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the mounting part 50 and connection part 40 according to the third embodiment. Figure 10 shows the state in which the water purification cartridge 20 is being attached to the faucet device 1, and Figure 11 shows the state in which the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the water purification cartridge 20 is configured to rotate freely without engaging with the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side when it is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0074] To explain in more detail, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the connecting portion 40 according to the third embodiment includes a non-threaded portion 46. The non-threaded portion 46 is a part of the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 where no threads are formed. The non-threaded portion 46 is provided upstream of the threaded portion 45. The non-threaded portion 46 is provided downstream of the packing 44a.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the mounting portion 50 includes a non-threaded portion 56 on the faucet side. The non-threaded portion 56 on the faucet side is a portion on the inner circumferential surface 52a of the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 where no threads are formed. The non-threaded portion 56 on the faucet side is located downstream of the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side. The non-threaded portion 46 is located downstream of the packing 44a.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the threaded portion 45 according to the third embodiment is positioned to be aligned axially with the faucet-side threaded portion 55 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Also, the threaded portion 45 is positioned downstream of the faucet-side threaded portion 55 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the distance E from the connecting end face 40a of the connecting portion 40 to the packing 44 is set to be longer than the sum of the length F1 of the threaded portion 45 and the length F2 of the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side. Note that distance E is the axial distance, and lengths F1 and F2 are axial lengths.

[0078] Next, the installation of the water purification cartridge 20 configured as described above to the faucet device 1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 10, the water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the internal space 54 of the mounting part 50 with the connection part 40 leading. When the water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the internal space 54, the threaded part 45 engages with the threaded part 55 on the faucet side. Then, as the threaded part 45 is further rotated in the tightening direction, the water purification cartridge 20 is pushed downstream of the internal space 54, as indicated by arrow G. When the water purification cartridge 20 is pushed further and installed in the faucet device 1, as shown in Figure 11, the threaded part 45 is in a position corresponding to the non-threaded part 56 on the faucet side, and the non-threaded part 46 is in a position corresponding to the threaded part 55 on the faucet side. That is, when the water purification cartridge 20 is installed in the faucet device 1, the threaded part 45 rotates freely without engaging with the threaded part 55 on the faucet side.

[0079] As a result, in the third embodiment, even if the threaded portion 45 is rotated excessively in the tightening direction, it will rotate freely, thus preventing the water purification cartridge 20 from being overtightened. Furthermore, even when the threaded portion 45 is rotating freely, it remains engaged with the threaded portion 55 on the faucet side, and the packing 44 is also in contact with the mounting portion 50, so the water purification cartridge 20 will not fall off.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the faucet device 1 is shown as a device in which the handle lever 11 is operated manually, but it is not limited to this. That is, the faucet device 1 may be any other type of faucet device, such as an automatic faucet device that automatically dispenses and stops (stops) water flow in response to the detection of an object such as the user's hand.

[0081] <Note> (1) A water purification unit that has a water purification function, A connection part is located at the front end of the water purification unit and is connected to the faucet device. Equipped with, The aforementioned connection part is A water purification hole is formed on the connection end face with the faucet device, through which purified water flows from the water purification section to the discharge channel of the faucet device, The packing is connected to the outer casing of the faucet device in a watertight manner, A threaded portion formed on the outer surface engages with the threaded portion on the faucet side provided on the faucet device. A water purification cartridge equipped with these features. (2) The aforementioned packing is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is provided upstream of the threaded portion, (1) The water filter cartridge described above. (3) The aforementioned threaded portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is positioned so as to be aligned axially with the threaded portion on the faucet side. The distance from the connecting end face of the connecting portion to the packing is longer than the sum of the length of the threaded portion and the length of the threaded portion on the faucet side. (1) or (2) the water filter cartridge described above. (4) The aforementioned packing is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is provided downstream of the threaded portion, (1) The water filter cartridge described above. (5) The aforementioned connection part is Stepped portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface Equipped with, The aforementioned stepped portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it comes into contact with a contact portion formed on the faucet device. A water filter cartridge as described in any one of (1) to (4). (6) A faucet device equipped with a water purification cartridge as described in any one of (1) to (5).

[0082] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Faucet device 20 water filter cartridges 30 Water Treatment Department 40 Connection part 42 Water purification holes 44 Packing 45 Threaded part 55 Threaded part on the faucet side

Claims

1. A water purification unit that has a water purification function, A connection part is located at the front end of the water purification unit and is connected to the faucet device. Equipped with, The aforementioned connection part is A water purification hole is formed on the connection end face with the faucet device, through which purified water flows from the water purification section to the discharge channel of the faucet device, The packing is connected to the outer casing of the faucet device in a watertight manner, A threaded portion formed on the outer surface engages with the threaded portion on the faucet side provided on the faucet device. A water purification cartridge equipped with these features.

2. The aforementioned packing is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is provided upstream of the threaded portion, The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned threaded portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is positioned so as to be aligned axially with the threaded portion on the faucet side. The distance from the connecting end face of the connecting portion to the packing is longer than the sum of the length of the threaded portion and the length of the threaded portion on the faucet side. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned packing is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it is provided downstream of the threaded portion, The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned connection part is Stepped portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface Equipped with, The aforementioned stepped portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, it comes into contact with a contact portion formed on the faucet device. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

6. A faucet device comprising a water purification cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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