Water purification cartridges and faucet devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purification cartridge and a faucet device that can prevent rattling and detachment when installed in the faucet device. [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 recess formed on the connection end face to the faucet device that fits watertight with a protrusion provided on the faucet device, a water purification hole formed on the connection end face through which purified water flows from the water purification unit to the discharge channel of the faucet device, and a packing provided on the outer circumferential surface that is watertightly connected to the outer casing of 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 accommodated in a replaceable manner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in preventing rattling and detachment in the water purification cartridge attached to the faucet device.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a water purification cartridge and a faucet device that can prevent rattling and detachment when attached to the faucet device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A water purification cartridge according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a water purification unit having a water purification function, and a connection unit disposed at a front end of the water purification unit and connected to a faucet device. The connection unit includes a concave portion formed on a connection end surface with the faucet device and fitting tightly with a convex portion provided on the faucet device, a purified water through-hole formed on the connection end surface through which purified water from the water purification unit flows into a discharge flow path of the faucet device, and a packing provided on an outer peripheral surface and connected tightly to an outer shell of the faucet device.

[0007] In this way, at the connection point of the water purification cartridge, the recessed portion fits watertightly with the protruding portion of the faucet device, and the packing provided on the outer surface is watertightly connected to the outer casing of the faucet device. As a result, the water purification cartridge is watertightly connected to the faucet device at two points: the recessed portion and the outer surface. Therefore, when installed in the faucet device, rattling and detachment can be prevented.

[0008] Furthermore, when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, the packing is provided such that, in a side view, at least a portion of it overlaps with the faucet-side packing provided on the faucet device, which connects the protrusion and the recess in a watertight manner.

[0009] As a result, the packing that connects the outer surface to the watertight seal and the packing on the faucet side that connects the recess to the watertight seal are pushed against each other by their repulsive forces. Therefore, in the case of a water purification cartridge, watertightness can be maintained even more effectively when it is installed in the faucet device.

[0010] Furthermore, the packing is provided downstream of the packing on the faucet side.

[0011] As a result, when the water purification cartridge is installed in the faucet, the packing comes into contact with the faucet before the packing on the faucet side. The packing has a larger diameter than the packing on the faucet side, and therefore has a greater effect in suppressing rattle. Consequently, in the case of the water purification cartridge, once the packing has come into contact with the faucet and is in a stable state, it can be further pushed in, suppressing rattle and allowing the recessed part to be securely fitted into the protruding part of the faucet via the packing on the faucet side.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Furthermore, the depth of the recess is shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connecting end face.

[0015] This allows for, for example, securing sufficient volume for the filter media in the water purification section. In other words, if the filter media in the water purification section extends to near the bottom of the recess, setting the depth of the recess to be shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connecting end face minimizes the reduction in the volume of the filter media caused by the recess.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting portion includes a connecting portion that connects the recess and the outer casing of the connecting portion.

[0017] In this way, since the recess is connected to the outer casing of the connecting part via the connecting part, the strength of the recess can be improved.

[0018] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cartridge is less than 30 mm.

[0019] This makes it possible, for example, to place a water filter cartridge in the recipient's mailbox when it is delivered. In other words, since mailbox openings are generally 30mm or larger, making the cartridge's outer diameter less than 30mm makes it possible to place the water filter cartridge in the recipient's mailbox.

[0020] Furthermore, the faucet device is equipped with the water purification cartridge described above.

[0021] This prevents rattling and detachment of the water purification cartridge when it is attached to the faucet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, rattling and detachment can be prevented when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [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 the faucet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of the faucet device shown in FIG. 1. [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. [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.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the water purification cartridge and the faucet device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0025] (First Embodiment) A faucet device including a water purification cartridge according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view of a faucet device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 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 the faucet device 1 or the removal from the faucet device 1. Note that FIGS. 1, 2, and FIGS. 3 and later are all schematic diagrams. [[ID=!45]]

[0026] 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."

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The filter media 32 is a component that filters the water passing through it to remove substances from the water. Examples of filter media 32 include activated carbon and hollow fiber membranes, but are 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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".

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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, a protrusion 53 (not visible in Figure 4), and a faucet-side purified water passage hole 54. The mounting portion 50 is made of resin, but is not limited to resin.

[0046] 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 55 is formed inside the mounting portion 50 by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. The connection portion 40 is placed in this internal space 55 and the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Note that the side wall portion 52 is an example of the outer casing of the faucet device 1.

[0047] The protrusion 53 is provided on the wall portion 51. Specifically, the protrusion 53 is formed (erected) to protrude from the center or near the center of the inner surface 51b of the wall portion 51 toward the water purification cartridge 20 side (upstream side). The protrusion 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A through hole 53a is formed in the protrusion 53, penetrating axially through the center or near the center of the protrusion 53. The through hole 53a communicates with the raw water flow path 16 in the faucet device 1 described above. Therefore, raw water can flow into the through hole 53a (see arrow C). Raw water flowing into this through hole 53a will not flow into the purified water flow path if the water purification cartridge 20 is properly connected to the faucet device 1, but this will be explained later.

[0048] The mounting portion 50 is further equipped with a faucet-side packing 56. The faucet-side packing 56 is provided on the protrusion 53. More specifically, the faucet-side packing 56 is provided circumferentially along the outer circumferential surface 53b of the protrusion 53. More specifically, a groove 53c is formed circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface 53b of the protrusion 53. The faucet-side packing 56 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 53b of the protrusion 53 by engaging with this groove 53c. The faucet-side packing 56 is a sealing member. An O-ring made from an elastic material such as rubber can be used as the faucet-side packing 56, but is not limited to this. Since the mounting portion 50 is fixed to the water outlet head portion 13 of the faucet device 1, the above-mentioned protrusion 53 and faucet-side packing 56 can be said to be provided on the faucet device 1.

[0049] The faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 is provided in the wall portion 51. The faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 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 54. Specifically, the upstream side of the faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 is in communication with the purified water passage hole 43 (described later) of the connection portion 40. The downstream side of the faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 is in communication with 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.

[0050] 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 recess 42, a water purification passage hole 43 (not visible in Figure 6), a connecting part 44, and a stepped part 45. The connection part 40 is made of resin, but is not limited to resin.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The recess 42 is formed on the connecting end face 40a. As shown in Figure 6, the recess 42 fits watertight with the protrusion 53 provided on the faucet device 1. Specifically, the recess 42 is formed to recess upstream from the connecting end face 40a. The depth D1 of the recess 42 is set to a value that allows the protrusion 53 to fit watertight into the recess 42. More specifically, the depth D1 of the recess 42 is set to a value such that the faucet-side packing 56 of the protrusion 53 abuts against the inner wall 42a of the recess 42, and the recess 42 and the protrusion 53 are fitted watertight by the faucet-side packing 56.

[0053] In this way, the recess 42 and the protrusion 53 are fitted together in a watertight manner, so that the raw water flowing into the through hole 53a of the protrusion 53 does not flow into the purified water flow path (for example, the purified water passage hole 54 on the faucet side or the flow path 17). In other words, in this embodiment, the recess 42 and the protrusion 53 are fitted together in a watertight manner, and the purified water cartridge 20 is properly connected to the faucet device 1, so that the raw water and purified water do not mix. To put it another way, if the connection part 40 is not shaped to fit together in a watertight manner with the protrusion 53, the raw water flowing into the through hole 53a will flow into the purified water flow path (the purified water passage hole 54 on the faucet side, etc.) and the raw water and purified water will mix, but by configuring the connection part 40 as described above, such mixing can be prevented.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the purified water passage hole 43 is formed on the connection end face 40a. The purified water passage hole 43 is a hole that penetrates in the axial direction. In a plan view (axial view), the purified water passage hole 43 is formed to surround the periphery of the recess 42. The upstream side of the purified water passage hole 43 communicates with the outlet hole 31b of the purified water section 30. The downstream side of the purified water passage hole 43 communicates with the faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 of the mounting section 50. Therefore, as shown by arrow A in Figure 3 and arrow E in Figure 6, the purified water generated in the purified water section 30 flows through the purified water passage hole 43 of the connection section 40 to the faucet-side purified water passage hole 54 of the mounting section 50, into the flow path 17, and into the switching section 15. 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 hole 43.

[0055] The connecting portion 44 is formed on the connecting end face 40a. The connecting portion 44 connects the recess 42 and the side wall portion 41, which is the outer casing of the connecting portion 40. Specifically, there are multiple (for example, two) connecting portions 44, which are formed in a bridge-like manner connecting the recess 42 and the side wall portion 41. The connecting portions 44 are formed to be aligned in a straight line in a plan view (axial view). The connecting portions 44 are formed to block a portion of the purified water passage hole 43, but the size, shape, and number of the connecting portions 44 are set so that a sufficient amount of purified water flows through the purified water passage hole 43.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the filter media 32 of the water purification section 30 is provided up to the vicinity of the bottom 42b of the recess 42. In other words, the filter media 32 of the water purification section 30 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom 42b of the recess 42. Note that the position and shape of the filter media 32 shown in Figure 6, etc., are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0057] The connecting portion 40 further includes a packing 46. The packing 46 is provided on the side wall portion 41. More specifically, the packing 46 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 46 is provided on the outer circumferential surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 by being locked into the groove 41b. The packing 46 is a sealing member. As the packing 46, an O-ring made from an elastic material such as rubber can be used, but is not limited to this.

[0058] The packing 46 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 46 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 54 on the faucet side or the channel 17).

[0059] The diameter of packing 46 is set to be larger than the diameter of faucet-side packing 56. Furthermore, packing 46 is installed so that at least a portion overlaps with faucet-side packing 56 in a side view. Specifically, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, packing 46 is installed so that at least a portion overlaps with faucet-side packing 56 in a side view. In Figure 6, for ease of understanding, the axial length of the region where packing 46 and faucet-side packing 56 overlap in a side view is indicated by the symbol X.

[0060] Furthermore, the packing 46 is located downstream of the faucet-side packing 56. More specifically, the packing 46 is located downstream of the faucet-side packing 56, with at least a portion overlapping it in a side view. In other words, the packing 46 is positioned offset toward the connection end face 40a side of the faucet-side packing 56. When the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the connection part 40 is the first to be attached to the faucet device 1. Therefore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached, the packing 46 will come into contact with the faucet device 1 before the faucet-side packing 56.

[0061] The stepped portion 45 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 45 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41. The stepped portion 45 then contacts a contact portion 52a formed on the faucet device 1 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. The contact portion 52a 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 45 contacts the contact portion 52a and functions as a stopper that restricts further movement of the water purification cartridge 20.

[0062] The length D2 of the stepped portion 45 to the connecting end face 40a is set to be longer than the depth D1 of the recess 42. Conversely, the depth D1 of the recess 42 is set to be shallower than the length D2 of the stepped portion 45 to the connecting end face 40a.

[0063] 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. While specific values ​​for the cartridge outer diameter F are given above, these values ​​are merely examples and not limiting.

[0064] 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 recess 42 formed on the connecting end face 40a with the faucet device 1 that fits watertight with a protrusion 53 provided on the faucet device 1, a water purification passage hole 43 formed on the connecting end face 40a through which purified water flows from the water purification unit 30 to the discharge passage 13a of the faucet device 1, and a packing 46 provided on the outer circumferential surface 41a that is watertightly connected to the side wall 52 of the faucet device 1.

[0065] In this way, at the connection portion 40 of the water purification cartridge 20, the recess 42 is fitted watertight with the protrusion 53 of the faucet device 1, and the packing 46 provided on the outer peripheral surface 41a is watertightly connected to the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1. As a result, the water purification cartridge 20 is watertightly connected to the faucet device 1 at two points, the recess 42 and the outer peripheral surface 41a, thereby preventing rattling and detachment when attached to the faucet device 1.

[0066] Furthermore, the water purification cartridge 20 is provided with a recess 42 at the connection end face 40a with the faucet device 1, so as not to form any protruding parts. As a result, even if the water purification cartridge 20 is dropped on the floor due to carelessness, for example, the connection end face 40a and other parts are less likely to be damaged compared to one with protrusions.

[0067] Furthermore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the packing 46 is provided such that, in a side view, at least a portion of it overlaps with the faucet-side packing 56, which is provided on the faucet device 1 and connects the convex portion 53 and the concave portion 42 in a watertight manner.

[0068] As a result, the packing 46 that connects the outer surface 41a to the watertight surface and the faucet-side packing 56 that connects the recess 42 to the watertight surface are in a relationship where they push against each other due to their repulsive forces. Therefore, the water purification cartridge 20 can maintain watertightness even more effectively when attached to the faucet device 1.

[0069] Furthermore, since the faucet-side packing 56 is provided on the faucet device 1, the user does not touch the faucet-side packing 56 when replacing the water purification cartridge 20. As a result, dirt such as the user's sebum is less likely to adhere to the faucet-side packing 56, and deterioration of the faucet-side packing 56 due to dirt can be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, by providing the faucet-side packing 56 on the faucet device 1, it becomes possible to reduce the number of packings on the water purification cartridge 20 side. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the water purification cartridge 20, which is a replacement part, can be reduced by the amount of the reduced number of packings, and the product can be made more environmentally friendly.

[0071] Furthermore, the packing 46 is located downstream of the packing 56 on the faucet side.

[0072] As a result, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the packing 46 comes into contact with the faucet device 1 before the faucet-side packing 56. The packing 46 has a larger diameter than the faucet-side packing 56 and is more effective at suppressing rattle. Therefore, in the case of the water purification cartridge 20, once the packing 46 has come into contact with the faucet device 1 and is in a stable state, it is further pushed in, which suppresses rattle and makes it possible to securely fit the recess 42 into the protrusion 53 of the faucet device 1 via the faucet-side packing 56.

[0073] Furthermore, the connecting portion 40 includes a stepped portion 45 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 41a. The stepped portion 45 contacts a contact portion 52a formed on the faucet device 1 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0074] In this way, the stepped portion 45 of the connection portion 40 functions as a stopper by coming into contact with the contact portion 52a 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.

[0075] Furthermore, the depth of the recess 42 is shallower than the length from the stepped portion 45 to the connecting end face 40a.

[0076] This makes it possible to secure the volume of the filter media in the water purification section 30, for example. That is, if the filter media of the water purification section 30 is provided up to near the bottom of the recess 42, the depth of the recess 42 is set to be shallower than the length from the stepped portion 45 to the connecting end face 40a, thereby minimizing the reduction in the volume of the filter media due to the provision of the recess 42.

[0077] Furthermore, the connecting portion 40 includes a connecting portion 44 that connects the recess 42 and the outer casing of the connecting portion 40.

[0078] In this way, since the recess 42 is connected to the outer casing of the connecting portion 40 via the connecting portion 44, the strength of the recess 42 can be improved.

[0079] Furthermore, the filter material 32 of the water purification unit 30 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom 42b of the recess 42. As a result, the recess 42 is supported by the filter material 32 of the water purification unit 30, which further improves the strength of the recess 42.

[0080] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cartridge is less than 30 mm.

[0081] This makes it possible, for example, to place the water filter cartridge 20 into the recipient's mailbox when it is delivered. In other words, since mailbox openings are generally 30 mm or larger, by making the outer diameter of the cartridge less than 30 mm, it becomes possible to place the water filter cartridge 20 into the recipient's mailbox.

[0082] Furthermore, the faucet device 1 is equipped with the water purification cartridge 20 described above.

[0083] This prevents rattling and detachment of the water purification cartridge 20 when it is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0084] (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 description, components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0085] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the connection portion 40 according to the second embodiment, three connecting portions 44 are formed. Specifically, in a plan view (axial view), three connecting portions 44 are formed at 120-degree intervals around the center of the recess 42. In the example shown in Figure 7, the connecting portions 44 are formed at equal intervals of 120 degrees, but this is not the only option, and a configuration in which they are not formed at equal intervals is also possible.

[0086] The connecting portion 44 is formed to extend from the end 42c on the opening side (connecting end face 40a side) of the recess 42 to the bottom 42b. That is, the axial length G of the connecting portion 44 (see Figure 8) is set to be the same as or approximately the same as the axial length H of the recess 42. In other words, the axial length G of the connecting portion 44 is set to be the same as or approximately the same as the length H from the opening side end 42c to the bottom 42b of the recess 42.

[0087] The depth D1a of the recess 42 according to the second embodiment is set to be deeper than the depth D1 of the recess 42 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 6), but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Furthermore, in the water purification unit 30 according to the second embodiment, the case 31 is arranged such that the outflow hole 31b is located upstream of the bottom 42b of the recess 42. The filter material 21 in the outflow hole 31b is formed, for example, in a flat shape.

[0089] Thus, in the second embodiment, three connecting portions 44 are formed in the connection portion 40, so that the flow area of ​​purified water can be secured while improving the strength of the recess 42. That is, for example, if a large number of connecting portions 44 are provided, the strength of the recess 42 can be improved, but since the connecting portions 44 are formed to block a part of the purified water passage hole 43, the flow area of ​​the purified water passage hole 43 (in other words, the flow area of ​​purified water) is reduced. Therefore, in the second embodiment, by forming three connecting portions 44, the strength of the recess 42 can be improved while securing the necessary flow area in the purified water passage hole 43 (in other words, securing the necessary flow area for purified water).

[0090] Furthermore, since the connecting portion 44 according to the second embodiment is formed to extend from the end portion 42c to the bottom portion 42b of the recess 42, it is possible to make the axial length G relatively long, and thus the strength of the recess 42 can be further improved.

[0091] 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.

[0092] <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 recess is formed on the connection end face with the aforementioned faucet device, and which fits snugly with a protrusion provided on the faucet device, A water purification hole is formed on the connecting end face through which purified water flows from the water purification section to the discharge channel of the faucet device, A packing provided on the outer surface and connected in a watertight manner to the outer casing of 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, the faucet-side packing, which is provided on the faucet device and connects the protrusion and the recess in a watertight manner, is provided such that at least a portion of it overlaps with it in a side view. (1) The water filter cartridge described above. (3) The aforementioned packing is Located downstream of the aforementioned faucet-side packing, (2) The water filter cartridge described above. (4) 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 (3). (5) The depth of the recess is shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connecting end face. (4) The water filter cartridge described above. (6) The aforementioned connection part is A connecting portion that connects the recess and the outer casing of the connecting portion. A water purification cartridge equipped with any one of the features described in (1) to (5). (7) The outer diameter of the cartridge is less than 30 mm. A water filter cartridge listed in any one of (1) to (6). (8) A faucet device equipped with a water purification cartridge as described in any one of (1) to (7).

[0093] 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]

[0094] 1. Faucet device 20 water filter cartridges 30 Water Treatment Department 40 Connection part 42 recess 43 Water purification hole 46 Packing 53 Convex part

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 recess is formed on the connection end face with the aforementioned faucet device, and which fits snugly with a protrusion provided on the faucet device, A water purification hole is formed on the connecting end face through which purified water flows from the water purification section to the discharge channel of the faucet device, A packing provided on the outer surface and connected in a watertight manner to the outer casing of 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, the faucet-side packing, which is provided on the faucet device and connects the protrusion and the recess in a watertight manner, is provided such that at least a portion of it overlaps with it in a side view. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned packing is Located downstream of the aforementioned faucet-side packing, The water purification cartridge according to claim 2.

4. 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.

5. The depth of the recess is shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connecting end face. The water purification cartridge according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned connection part is A connecting portion that connects the recess and the outer casing of the connecting portion. A water purification cartridge according to claim 1, comprising the features described above.

7. The outer diameter of the cartridge is less than 30 mm. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1.

8. A faucet device comprising a water purification cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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