Water purification cartridge and faucet device

Abstract

Provided are a water purification cartridge and a faucet device that can suppress mixing of purified water and raw water. 【Solution means】The water purification cartridge according to the embodiment includes 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 the faucet device. The connection unit is formed on the connection end surface with the faucet device, and includes a purified water through hole through which purified water flows from the water purification unit to the discharge flow path of the faucet device, a packing that is watertightly connected to the outer shell of the faucet device, and a screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface and engaged with a faucet-side screw portion 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) will 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 will 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 aspect of the embodiment includes 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 is formed on a connection end surface with the faucet device, and includes a water purification through-hole through which purified water from the water purification unit flows into a discharge flow path of the faucet device, a packing that is watertightly connected to the outer shell of the faucet device, and a screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface and engaging with a faucet-side screw portion provided on the faucet device.

[0007] In this way, in the connection unit of the water purification cartridge, the packing is watertightly connected to the outer shell of the faucet device, and the screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface engages with the faucet-side screw portion of the faucet device. By the engagement of this screw portion, the water purification cartridge can be reliably connected to the faucet device. In other words, the fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device can be improved. Therefore, in the water purification cartridge, for example, the attachment to the faucet device becomes loose, or it becomes difficult to move due to water pressure. As a result, the packing can surely function as a sealing material that watertightly connects the water purification cartridge and the outer shell of the faucet device, and thus it is possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0008] Further, the packing is provided on the upstream side of the screw portion in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0009] Thereby, while improving the fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device by the engagement of the screw portion, it becomes possible to axially seal the water purification cartridge and the faucet device using the packing. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress the packing from being excessively crushed during the fastening of the screw portion and the function as a sealing material from deteriorating, and thus it is possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0010] Further, in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, the screw portion is arranged to be aligned axially with the faucet-side screw portion. The distance from the connection end surface of the connection portion to the packing is longer than the value obtained by adding the length of the screw portion and the length of the faucet-side screw portion.

[0011] As a result, in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, the screw portion is in a state of idling without meshing with the faucet-side screw portion. Therefore, for example, even if the screw portion is excessively rotated in the tightening direction, it will idle, thus preventing the water purification cartridge from being excessively tightened.

[0012] Also, the packing is provided on the downstream side of the screw portion in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0013] As a result, while improving the fastening force between the water purification cartridge and the faucet device by the engagement of the screw portion, it becomes possible to perform surface sealing of the water purification cartridge and the faucet device using the packing, thus suppressing the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0014] Further, the connection portion includes a stepped portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface. The stepped portion abuts against a contact portion formed on the faucet device in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device.

[0015] In this way, the stepped portion of the connection portion functions as a stopper by abutting against the contact portion of the faucet device. This makes it possible to easily attach the water purification cartridge to the intended position with respect to the faucet device.

[0016] Also, when the packing is provided on the downstream side of the screw portion for surface sealing, by attaching the water purification cartridge to the intended position, for example, it is possible to prevent the packing from being excessively crushed during the tightening of the screw portion and the function as a sealing material from deteriorating. As a result, the mixing of purified water and raw water can be effectively suppressed.

[0017] Also, the faucet device includes the above-described water purification cartridge.

[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

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the water purification cartridge and the faucet device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0022] (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 the 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 subsequent FIGS. 3 are all schematic diagrams.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the water purification cartridge 20 is formed in a long 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". Also, in this specification, it may be described as "upstream side" and "downstream side" according to the flow of water in the faucet device 1. Further, in the water purification cartridge 20, the rear end side (right side in FIG. 2) of the water purification cartridge 20 may be described as the "upstream side", and the front end side (left side in FIG. 2) of the water purification cartridge 20 may be described as the "downstream side".

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the faucet device 1 includes a main body portion 10, a handle lever 11, a water guiding portion 12, a water discharging head portion 13, a switching handle 14, and a water purification cartridge 20 (not visible in FIG. 1). That is, the faucet device 1 is a single lever faucet having a water purification function.

[0025] A flow path (not shown) is provided inside the main body portion 10. The flow path of the main body portion 10 is connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe via a stop valve or the like, and water from the water pipe can flow through it. Also, the flow path of the main body portion 10 is connected to a water heater, and hot water heated by the water heater can flow through it. Note that hereinafter, it may be described as "water" including the heated hot water. Also, the flow path of the main body portion 10 may be configured not to 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 is also connected to the main body 10 so as to be rotatable in the left - right direction. The handle lever 11 is operated by a user. In response to the vertical movement operation of the handle lever 11, a valve mechanism (not shown) built in the main body 10 operates, and the amount of water flowing through the flow path of the main body 10 is adjusted. Further, in response to the left - right rotation operation of the handle lever 11, a valve mechanism (not shown) built in the main body 10 operates, and the temperature of the water flowing through the flow path is adjusted.

[0027] The water guiding part 12 is provided between the main body part 10 and the water discharging head part 13, and guides the water from the flow path of the main body part 10 to the water discharging head part 13. Here, the water guiding part 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 as well. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of the faucet device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the water guiding part 12 is formed in a hollow shape, and a flow path 12a is provided inside. In other words, the water guiding part 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the flow path 12a inside. The flow path 12a is connected to the flow path of the main body part 10 and can flow the water supplied from the flow path of the main body part 10. Note that the flow of water in the flow path 12a of the water guiding part 12 will be described later.

[0029] The water discharging head part 13 is provided on the downstream side of the water guiding part 12. The water discharging head part 13 is detachably connected to the water guiding part 12. The water discharging head part 13 is removed from the water guiding part 12 when replacing the water purification cartridge 20 described later (see FIG. 2). The water discharging head part 13 is formed in a hollow shape, and a discharge flow path 13a is provided inside. In other words, the water discharging head part 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the discharge flow path 13a inside. A water discharge port 13b for discharging the water flowing through the discharge flow path 13a is provided on the downstream side of the discharge flow path 13a.

[0030] Inside the water discharge head portion 13, a switching portion 15 and a mounting portion 50 are further provided. The switching portion 15 is connected to the discharge flow path 13a. The switching portion 15 switches the water flowing into the discharge flow path 13a between the purified water filtered by the water purification cartridge 20 and the unfiltered water (raw water). In FIG. 3, for simplicity of illustration, the switching portion 15 is schematically shown as a block.

[0031] Specifically, the switching portion 15 is connected to the switching handle 14. The switching handle 14 is rotatably connected to the water discharge head portion 13 in the circumferential direction. The switching handle 14 is operated by the user. The switching portion 15 operates in response to the rotational operation of the switching handle 14. Specifically, the switching portion 15 includes a valve for purified water and a valve for raw water (both not shown). When the switching handle 14 is rotated in the direction to flow purified water, the switching portion 15 operates such that the valve for purified water opens while the valve for raw water closes, and is configured to flow purified water into the discharge flow path 13a. When the switching handle 14 is rotated in the direction to flow raw water, the switching portion 15 operates such that the valve for raw water opens while the valve for purified water closes, and is configured to flow raw water into the discharge flow path 13a. Note that the configuration of the switching portion 15 described above is merely an example and is not limited.

[0032] The mounting portion 50 is a member to which the water purification cartridge 20 is mounted (connected). The mounting portion 50 is fixed inside the water discharge head portion 13. Details of the configuration of the mounting portion 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 and the like.

[0033] The water purification cartridge 20 is a component that filters water to generate purified water. The water purification cartridge 20 is built into the faucet device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the water purification cartridge 20 is housed inside the water guiding portion 12 and the water discharge head portion 13 of the faucet device 1. Also, the water purification cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the faucet device 1. Specifically, the water purification cartridge 20 is configured to be replaceable with a new water purification cartridge 20 by removing the water purification cartridge 20 with deteriorated water purification performance, for example, due to the generation of purified water or aging.

[0034] Specifically, the water purification cartridge 20 includes a water purification unit 30 and a connection unit 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the water purification unit 30 includes a case 31 and a filter medium 32, and has a water purification function. The case 31 is formed in a long shape. Further, the case 31 is formed in a hollow shape, and the filter medium 32 is accommodated (filled) therein. In other words, the case 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the filter medium 32 extending in the axial direction therein.

[0035] The case 31 includes an inflow hole 31a and an outflow hole 31b. The inflow hole 31a is formed, for example, at the rear end portion 31c which is the upstream side in the case 31. The inflow hole 31a is a hole for allowing the water before being filtered to flow into the inside of the case 31. Note that the number of the inflow holes 31a can be arbitrarily set, and may be one or a plurality. Further, the position where the inflow hole 31a is formed is not limited to the above, and can also be set at an arbitrary position, for example, on the side surface or the like. Further, when the strength of the filter medium 32 can be ensured, the case 31 may be made short and the surface of the filter medium 32 may be exposed to directly allow the water to flow in.

[0036] The outflow hole 31b is formed, for example, at the front end portion 31d which is the downstream side in the case 31. The outflow hole 31b is an opening (hole) for allowing the water after being filtered, that is, the purified water, to flow out of the case 31. Note that the case 31 is made of resin, but is not limited thereto. Further, the front end portion 31d of the case 31 is also the front end portion 31d of the water purification unit 30.

[0037] The filter medium 32 is a member that filters the passing water to remove substances in the water. As the filter medium 32, for example, activated carbon, a hollow fiber membrane, etc. can be used, but are not limited thereto. Further, the filter medium 32 may be one type of filter medium, or may be configured by combining a plurality of types of filter media.

[0038] In the water purification unit 30 configured as described above, as shown by arrow A in Fig. 3, the water flowing through the flow path 12a of the water guiding part 12 flows into the case 31 through the inflow hole 31a, and purified water is generated by the filter medium 32 inside the case 31. Then, the generated purified water flows out of the case 31 through the outflow hole 31b.

[0039] Here, the flow path of the unfiltered water (i.e., raw water) in the faucet device 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, a gap 16 is formed between the water guiding part 12 and the water discharging head part 13 of the faucet device 1 and the water purification cartridge 20. In the case of raw water, this gap 16 serves as the flow path. Specifically, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 3, the raw water flowing through the flow path 12a of the water guiding part 12 flows into the switching part 15 through the gap 16. When the valve for raw water opens as described above, the raw water flowing into the switching part 15 flows from the switching part 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the water discharge port 13b. Hereinafter, the gap 16 may be referred to as the "raw water flow path 16" in some cases.

[0040] The connection part 40 of the water purification cartridge 20 is a member for connecting the water purification cartridge 20 to the faucet device 1. Specifically, the connection part 40 is disposed at the front end part 31d of the water purification unit 30. In other words, the connection part 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the water purification unit 30. The detailed configuration of the connection part 40 will be described later with reference to Figs. 5 and 6 and the like.

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

[0042] First, the mounting part 50 of the faucet device 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the mounting part 50 includes a wall part 51, a side wall part 52, and a faucet-side purified water through-hole 53. Note that the mounting part 50 is made of resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] The wall portion 51 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. The side wall portion 52 is formed (erected) so as to protrude from the outer peripheral end 51a of the wall portion 51 toward the water purification cartridge 20 side (upstream side). That is, the attachment portion 50 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. Thereby, in the attachment portion 50, an internal space 54 is formed inside by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. The connection portion 40 is disposed 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 an example of the outer contour of the faucet device 1.

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

[0045] The attachment portion 50 further includes a faucet-side screw portion 55. The faucet-side screw portion 55 is provided (formed) on the inner peripheral surface 52a of the side wall portion 52. The faucet-side screw portion 55 is, for example, a female screw. Since the attachment portion 50 is fixed to the water discharge head portion 13 of the faucet device 1, it can be said that the above-described faucet-side screw portion 55 is provided on the faucet device 1.

[0046] Next, the connection portion 40 of the water purification cartridge 20 will be described in detail. The connection portion 40 is connected to the attachment portion 50 of the faucet device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connection portion 40 includes a side wall portion 41, a purified water through-hole 42 (not visible in FIG. 6), and a step portion 43. Note that the connection portion 40 is made of resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The side wall portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape, in other words, in an annular shape. The side wall portion 41 is an example of the outer contour of the connection portion 40. Further, in the connection portion 40, the downstream end surface including the side wall portion 41 becomes the connection end surface 40a with the faucet device 1.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, the purified water through-hole 42 is formed in the connection end face 40a. The purified water through-hole 42 is a hole penetrating in the axial direction. The upstream side of the purified water through-hole 42 communicates with the outflow hole 31b of the purified water part 30. The downstream side of the purified water through-hole 42 communicates with the faucet-side purified water through-hole 53 of the attachment part 50. Therefore, the purified water generated in the purified water part 30 flows through the purified water through-hole 42 of the connection part 40, into the faucet-side purified water through-hole 53 of the attachment part 50 and the flow path 17, and then into the switching part 15, as shown by the arrow A in Fig. 3 and the arrow C in Fig. 6. When the valve for purified water opens as described above, the purified water flowing into the switching part 15 flows from the switching part 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the water discharge port 13b. In this way, the purified water flows from the purified water part 30 to the discharge flow path 13a of the faucet device 1 through the purified water through-hole 42.

[0049] Also, in the example shown in Fig. 6 and the like, the filter material 32 is provided in the purified water through-hole 42, but it is not limited thereto. The filter material 32 may be provided in a part of the purified water through-hole 42, or a configuration in which the filter material 32 is not provided in the purified water through-hole 42 may also be adopted.

[0050] The connection part 40 further includes a packing 44 and a screw part 45. The packing 44 is provided on the side wall part 41. Specifically, the packing 44 is provided in a circumferential shape along the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall part 41 of the connection part 40. More specifically, a groove part 41b is formed in a circumferential shape on the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall part 41. The packing 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall part 41 by being locked in such a groove part 41b. The packing 44 is a sealing member. As the packing 44, an O-ring made of an elastic material such as rubber can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0051] The packing 44 is a member that watertightly connects the connection part 40 and the side wall part 52 of the mounting part 50. Specifically, the packing 44 provided on the connection part 40 abuts against the side wall part 52 of the mounting part 50 which is an example of the outer shell of the faucet device 1, and the connection part 40 and the side wall part 52 are watertightly connected. In this way, by watertightly connecting the connection part 40 and the side wall part 52, it is possible to prevent the raw water in the raw water flow path 16 from flowing into the purified water flow path (for example, the faucet-side purified water through-hole 53 or the flow path 17) through between the connection part 40 and the side wall part 52. In other words, the packing 44 can suppress the mixing of the purified water and the raw water.

[0052] The screw part 45 is provided (formed) on the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall part 41 of the connection part 40. The screw part 45 is, for example, a male screw. The screw part 45 engages with the faucet-side screw part 55 of the faucet device 1. Specifically, the screw part 45 meshes with the faucet-side screw part 55 of the faucet device 1 in a state where the purified water cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0053] Also, the packing 44 is provided on the upstream side of the screw part 45 in a state where the purified water cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. When the purified water cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, it is attached to the faucet device 1 with the connection part 40 at the front. Therefore, when the purified water cartridge 20 is attached, the screw part 45 abuts against the faucet device 1 prior to the packing 44 and engages with the faucet-side screw part 55.

[0054] The stepped portion 43 is formed so as to protrude outward (outward in the radial direction) from the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 of the connection 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. Then, the stepped portion 43 abuts against the abutting portion 52b formed on the water tap device 1 in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the water tap device 1. The abutting portion 52b is the end portion on the rear end side (upstream side) of the side wall portion 52 of the attachment portion 50. Therefore, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the water tap device 1 with the connection portion 40 as the leading end, the stepped portion 43 abuts against the abutting portion 52b and functions as a stopper for restricting 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 FIG. 2) is set to be less than 30 mm, and more preferably set to be 27 mm or less. Thereby, for example, when the water purification cartridge 20 is delivered, it becomes possible to put the water purification cartridge 20 into the post at the delivery destination. That is, since the opening of the post is generally 30 mm or more, by making the cartridge outer diameter F less than 30 mm, it becomes possible to put the water purification cartridge 20 into the post at the delivery destination. Note that in the above, specific numerical values are given for the cartridge outer diameter F, but this numerical value is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0056] As described above, the water purification cartridge 20 according to the first embodiment includes a water purification unit 30 having a water purification function, and a connection portion 40 disposed at the front end portion 31d of the water purification unit 30 and connected to the water tap device 1. The connection portion 40 is formed on the connection end surface 40a with the water tap device 1, and includes a water purification through hole 42 through which purified water from the water purification unit 30 flows into the discharge flow path 13a of the water tap device 1, a packing 44 that is watertightly connected to the side wall portion 52 of the water tap device 1, and a screw portion 45 formed on the outer peripheral surface 41a and engaged with the water tap side screw portion 55 provided on the water tap device 1.

[0057] Thus, in 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 faucet-side threaded portion 55 of the faucet device 1. By the engagement of the threaded portion 45, the water purification cartridge 20 can be 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. Therefore, in the case of the water purification cartridge 20, for example, it is difficult for the attachment to the faucet device 1 to become loose or to move due to water pressure. As a result, the packing 44 can surely function as a sealing material that watertightly connects the water purification cartridge 20 and the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1, and thus it is possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0058] Further, in the water purification cartridge 20, by providing the above-described packing 44 and threaded portion 45, it is also possible to prevent rattling and detachment in the state of being attached to the faucet device 1.

[0059] Also, the packing 44 is provided on the upstream side of the threaded portion 45 in the state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0060] Thereby, while improving the fastening force between the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 by the engagement of the threaded portion 45, it becomes possible to axially seal the water purification cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 using the packing 44. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress the packing 44 from being excessively crushed during the fastening of the threaded portion 45 and the function as a sealing material from deteriorating, and thus it is possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0061] Further, the connection portion 40 includes a stepped portion 43 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 41a. The stepped portion 43 abuts against the abutting portion 52b formed on the faucet device 1 in the state where 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. As a result, the water purification cartridge 20 can be easily attached to the faucet device 1 at a desired position.

[0063] Further, the faucet device 1 includes the water purification cartridge 20 described above.

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

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Next, a faucet device 1 including the water purification cartridge 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection portion 40 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion 50 and the connection portion 40 according to the second embodiment. In the following, for the components common to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used and the description may be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connection portion 40 according to the second embodiment includes a packing 44a. The packing 44a is provided on the downstream side of the threaded portion 45 in a state where 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. Specifically, the packing 44a is arranged so as to come into contact with the connection end face 40a (see FIG. 8) of the connection portion 40. Further, the packing 44a is arranged so as to come into contact with the inner surface 51b of the wall portion 51 of the attachment portion 50 in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Therefore, the packing 44a makes the connection portion 40 and the wall portion 51 watertightly connected (surface-sealed) by coming into contact with the connection end face 40a of the connection portion 40 and the wall portion 51 of the attachment portion 50 which is an example of the outer shell of the faucet device 1.

[0067] Further, the packing 44a is a ring-shaped seal member having an opening 44a1 inside. Such an opening 44a1 serves as a flow path through which purified water flows (see arrow C1 in FIG. 8). Note that as the packing 44a, a flat packing made of an elastic material such as rubber can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

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

[0069] Thus, the packing 44a according to the second embodiment is provided on the downstream side of the threaded portion 45 in a state where the purified water cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0070] Thereby, while improving the fastening force between the purified water cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 by the engagement of the threaded portion 45, it becomes possible to perform surface sealing between the purified water cartridge 20 and the faucet device 1 using the packing 44a, and thus it is possible to suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

[0071] Further, when the packing 44a is provided on the downstream side of the threaded portion 45 and performs surface sealing, by setting the length D1 to the connecting end face 40a of the stepped portion 43 as described above, the purified water cartridge can be attached to the intended position. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the packing 44a from being excessively crushed during the fastening of the threaded portion 45 and the function as a sealing material from deteriorating. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the mixing of purified water and raw water.

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

[0073] In the third embodiment, in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the threaded portion 45 is configured to rotate freely without engaging with the faucet-side threaded portion 55.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the connection portion 40 according to the third embodiment includes a non-threaded portion 46. The non-threaded portion 46 is a portion on the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41 where no thread is 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] Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the mounting portion 50 includes a faucet-side non-threaded portion 56. The faucet-side non-threaded portion 56 is a portion on the inner peripheral surface 52a of the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 where no thread is formed. The faucet-side non-threaded portion 56 is provided downstream of the faucet-side threaded portion 55. The non-threaded portion 46 is provided downstream of the packing 44a.

[0076] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the threaded portion 45 according to the third embodiment is arranged to be axially aligned with the faucet-side threaded portion 55 in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. Further, the threaded portion 45 is arranged downstream of the faucet-side threaded portion 55 in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0077] Further, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance E from the connection end face 40a of the connection portion 40 to the packing 44 is set to be longer than the value obtained by adding the length F1 of the screw portion 45 and the length F2 of the faucet-side screw portion 55. Note that the distance E is the distance in the axial direction, and the lengths F1 and F2 are the lengths in the axial direction.

[0078] Next, the attachment of the water purification cartridge 20 configured as described above to the faucet device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the internal space 54 of the attachment portion 50 with the connection portion 40 at the front. When the water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the internal space 54, the screw portion 45 engages with the faucet-side screw portion 55. Next, when the screw portion 45 is further rotated in the tightening direction, the water purification cartridge 20 is pushed into the downstream side of the internal space 54 as shown by the arrow G. When the water purification cartridge 20 is further pushed in and attached to the faucet device 1, as shown in FIG. 11, the screw portion 45 is at a position corresponding to the faucet-side non-screw portion 56, and the non-screw portion 46 is at a position corresponding to the faucet-side screw portion 55. That is, in the state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1, the screw portion 45 is in a state of idling without meshing with the faucet-side screw portion 55.

[0079] Accordingly, in the third embodiment, even if the screw portion 45 is excessively rotated in the tightening direction, it will idle, thus preventing the water purification cartridge 20 from being excessively tightened. Note that even in the idling state, the screw portion 45 is caught by the faucet-side screw portion 55, and since the packing 44 also abuts against the attachment portion 50, the water purification cartridge 20 will not fall off.

[0080] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the faucet device 1 is a device that manually operates the handle lever 11 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the faucet device 1 may be another type of faucet device such as an automatic faucet device that automatically performs water discharge and water discharge stop (water shutoff) in response to detection of an object such as a user's hand.

[0081] <Supplementary Note> (1) A water purification unit having a water purification function, a connection part disposed at the front end of the water purification unit and connected to a faucet device, and the connection part is formed on the connection end surface with the faucet device, and has a purified water through-hole through which purified water from the water purification unit flows into the discharge flow path of the faucet device, a packing that is watertightly connected to the outer shell of the faucet device, and a screw part formed on the outer peripheral surface and engaging with a faucet-side screw part provided on the faucet device, A water purification cartridge. (2) The packing is provided on the upstream side of the screw part in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, The water purification cartridge according to (1). (3) The screw part is arranged to be axially aligned with the faucet-side screw part in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, and the distance from the connection end surface of the connection part to the packing is longer than the value obtained by adding the length of the screw part and the length of the faucet-side screw part, The water purification cartridge according to (1) or (2). (4) The packing is provided on the downstream side of the screw part in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, The water purification cartridge according to (1). (5) The connection part has a stepped part protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface, and the stepped part abuts against a contact part formed on the faucet device in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, The water purification cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) A faucet device comprising the water purification cartridge according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0082] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. For this reason, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various changes are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 1 Faucet device 20 Water purification cartridge 30 Water purification section 40 Connection section 42 Water purification through-hole 44 Packing 45 Threaded portion 55 Faucet-side threaded portion

Claims

1. A water purification unit having a water purification function; a connection part disposed at a front end of the water purification part and connected to a water faucet device; Equipped with The connection portion is A purified water passage hole is formed on the connecting end surface with the water faucet device, through which purified water flows from the water purification section to the discharge flow path of the water faucet device; A packing that is watertightly connected to the outer shell of the water faucet device; a threaded portion formed on the outer peripheral surface and adapted to engage with a faucet-side threaded portion provided on the faucet device; Equipped with The screw portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the water faucet device, the water purification cartridge is arranged to be aligned in the axial direction with the water faucet side thread portion, The distance from the connection end surface of the connection portion to the packing is longer than the sum of the length of the threaded portion and the length of the faucet-side threaded portion. Water purification cartridge.

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

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

4. The connection portion is A step portion protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface Equipped with The step portion is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the water faucet device, the water purification cartridge abuts against an abutment portion formed on the water faucet device. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1 .

5. A water faucet device comprising the water purification cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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