Water purification cartridge and faucet device

Abstract

Provided are a water purification cartridge and a faucet device that can prevent rattling and detachment when attached to the faucet device. 【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 concave portion that fits tightly with a convex portion provided on the faucet device, a water purification through hole formed on the connection end surface through which the purified water from the water purification unit flows into the discharge flow path of the faucet device, and a packing provided on the outer peripheral surface and connected to the outer shell of the faucet device in a watertight manner.

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 detachably accommodated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the prior art has 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 watertightly with a convex portion provided on the faucet device, a purified water through-hole formed on the connection end surface through which purified water flows from the water purification unit to a discharge flow path of the faucet device, and a packing provided on an outer peripheral surface and connected watertightly to an outer shell of the faucet device.

[0007] Thus, at the connection part of the water purification cartridge, the concave part is fitted watertightly with the convex part of the faucet device, and the packing provided on the outer peripheral surface is connected watertightly to the outer contour of the faucet device. As a result, in the water purification cartridge, it is connected watertightly to the faucet device at two locations, namely the concave part and the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when attached to the faucet device, rattling and detachment can be prevented.

[0008] Further, the packing is provided such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the faucet-side packing provided on the faucet device and connecting the convex part and the concave part watertightly when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, in a side view.

[0009] As a result, the packing that connects the outer peripheral surface watertightly and the faucet-side packing that connects the concave part watertightly are in a relationship of pushing against each other by their repulsive forces. Therefore, in the water purification cartridge, when attached to the faucet device, watertightness can be maintained even more.

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

[0011] As a result, when the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, the packing comes into contact with the faucet device earlier than the faucet-side packing. The packing has a larger diameter than the faucet-side packing and has a greater effect of suppressing rattling. Therefore, in the water purification cartridge, after the packing comes into contact with the faucet device and is in a stable state, by being further pushed in, it is possible to suppress rattling and securely fit the concave part to the convex part of the faucet device via the faucet-side packing.

[0012] Further, the connection part includes a stepped portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface. The stepped portion comes into contact with 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 coming into contact with the contact part of the faucet device. As a result, it becomes possible to easily attach the water purification cartridge to the intended position with respect to the faucet device.

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

[0015] Thereby, for example, the volume of the filter material in the water purification part can be ensured. That is, for example, when the filter material in the water purification part is provided up to near the bottom of the recess, by setting the depth of the recess to be shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connection end face, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the volume of the filter material due to the provision of the recess as much as possible.

[0016] Also, the connection part includes a connecting part that connects the recess and the outer contour of the connection part.

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

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

[0019] Thereby, for example, when the water purification cartridge is delivered, it becomes possible to put the water purification cartridge into the post at the delivery destination. That is, since the opening of the post is generally 30 mm or more, by making the outer diameter of the cartridge less than 30 mm, it becomes possible to put the water purification cartridge into the post at the delivery destination.

[0020] Also, the faucet device includes the above-described water purification cartridge.

[0021] Thereby, in the water purification cartridge in a state of being attached to the faucet device, rattling and detachment can be prevented.

Advantages 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

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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.

[0026] 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, depending on the flow of water in the faucet device 1, it may be described as the "upstream side" and the "downstream side". 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".

[0027] 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 discharge 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.

[0028] Inside the main body portion 10, a flow path (not shown) is provided. 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 not be connected to the water heater.

[0029] The handle lever 11 is connected to the main body portion 10 so as to be vertically movable and also rotatable in the left - right direction with respect to the main body portion 10. 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 portion 10 operates, and the amount of water flowing through the flow path of the main body portion 10 is adjusted. Also, in response to the left - right rotation operation of the handle lever 11, a valve mechanism (not shown) built in the main body portion 10 operates, and the temperature of the water flowing through the flow path is adjusted.

[0030] 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 while also referring to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a part of the faucet device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Further, a switching part 15 and a mounting part 50 are provided inside the water discharging head part 13. The switching part 15 is connected to the discharge flow path 13a. The switching part 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). Note that in FIG. 3, for simplicity of illustration, the switching part 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 discharge head unit 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 rotation operation of the switching handle 14. Specifically, the switching unit 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 of flowing purified water, the switching unit 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 of flowing raw water, the switching unit 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 unit 15 described above is merely an example and is not limited.

[0035] The mounting portion 50 is a member to which the purified water cartridge 20 is mounted (connected). The mounting portion 50 is fixed inside the water discharge head unit 13. The detailed configuration of the mounting portion 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 and the like.

[0036] The purified water cartridge 20 is a component that filters water to generate purified water. The purified water cartridge 20 is built into the faucet device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the purified water cartridge 20 is housed inside the water guiding portion 12 and the water discharge head unit 13 of the faucet device 1. Further, the purified water cartridge 20 is configured to be detachable from the faucet device 1. Specifically, for example, when the purified water performance deteriorates due to the generation of purified water or aging, the purified water cartridge 20 with deteriorated purified water performance can be removed and replaced with a new purified water cartridge 20.

[0037] 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. Also, the case 31 is formed in a hollow shape, and the filter medium 32 is accommodated (filled) inside. In other words, the case 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the filter medium 32 extending in the axial direction inside.

[0038] 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 filtration 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. Also, the position where the inflow hole 31a is formed is not limited to the above, and can be set at an arbitrary position, for example, on the side surface or the like. Also, 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.

[0039] 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 filtration, 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. Also, the front end portion 31d of the case 31 is also the front end portion 31d of the water purification unit 30.

[0040] 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, hollow fiber membrane, etc. can be used, but is not limited thereto. Also, the filter medium 32 may be one type of filter medium, or may be configured by combining a plurality of types of filter media.

[0041] In the water purification unit 30 configured as described above, as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3, the water flowing through the flow path 12a of the water guiding unit 12 flows into the case 31 from 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 from the outflow hole 31b.

[0042] Here, the flow path of the water (i.e., raw water) that is not filtered in the faucet device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a gap 16 is formed between the water guiding unit 12 and the water discharging head unit 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 the arrow B in FIG. 3, the raw water flowing through the flow path 12a of the water guiding unit 12 flows into the switching unit 15 through the gap 16. When the valve for raw water opens as described above, the raw water that has flowed into the switching unit 15 flows from the switching unit 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the water discharge port 13b. In the following, the gap 16 may sometimes be referred to as the "raw water flow path 16".

[0043] 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 arranged at the front end part 31d of the water purification unit 30. In other words, the connection part 40 is arranged 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.

[0044] 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 showing the mounting part 50 and the connection part 40 shown in FIG. 3 enlarged.

[0045] 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, a convex part 53 (not visible in FIG. 4), and a faucet-side purified water through-hole 54. Note that the mounting part 50 is made of resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] 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 55 is formed inside by the wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52. The connection portion 40 is disposed 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 contour of the faucet device 1.

[0047] The convex portion 53 is provided on the wall portion 51. Specifically, the convex portion 53 is formed (erected) so as 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 convex portion 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A through hole 53a penetrating in the axial direction is formed at the center or near the center of the convex portion 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). The raw water flowing into this through hole 53a does not flow into the purified water flow path when the water purification cartridge 20 is properly connected to the faucet device 1, which will be described later.

[0048] The attachment portion 50 further includes a faucet-side packing 56. The faucet-side packing 56 is provided on the convex portion 53. Specifically, the faucet-side packing 56 is provided in a circumferential shape along the outer peripheral surface 53b of the convex portion 53. More specifically, a groove portion 53c is formed in a circumferential shape on the outer peripheral surface 53b of the convex portion 53. The faucet-side packing 56 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 53b of the convex portion 53 by being locked to such a groove portion 53c. The faucet-side packing 56 is a sealing member. As the faucet-side packing 56, an O-ring made of an elastic material such as rubber can be used, but it is not limited thereto. 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 convex portion 53 and faucet-side packing 56 are provided in the faucet device 1.

[0049] The water purification through-hole 54 on the faucet side is provided in the wall portion 51. The water purification through-hole 54 on the faucet side is a hole formed so as to penetrate the wall portion 51 in the axial direction. Clean water flows through the water purification through-hole 54 on the faucet side. Specifically, the upstream side of the water purification through-hole 54 on the faucet side communicates with the water purification through-hole 43 (described later) of the connection portion 40. The downstream side of the water purification through-hole 54 on the faucet side communicates with the flow path 17 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The flow path 17 is a flow path that connects the attachment portion 50 and the switching portion 15 and through which clean water flows.

[0050] 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 recess 42, a water purification through-hole 43 (not visible in FIG. 6), a connecting portion 44, and a stepped portion 45. Note that the connection portion 40 is made of resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The recess 42 is formed in the connection end surface 40a. The recess 42 is hermetically fitted with a convex portion 53 provided on the faucet device 1 as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the recess 42 is formed so as to recess upstream from the connection end surface 40a. The depth D1 of the recess 42 is set to a value at which the convex portion 53 can be hermetically fitted into the recess 42. Specifically, the depth D1 of the recess 42 is set to a value such that the faucet-side packing 56 of the convex portion 53 abuts against the inner wall 42a of the recess 42, and the recess 42 and the convex portion 53 are hermetically fitted by the faucet-side packing 56.

[0053] In this way, by the watertight fitting of the concave portion 42 and the convex portion 53, the raw water flowing into the through hole 53a of the convex portion 53 does not flow into the flow path of the purified water (for example, the purified water through hole 54 on the faucet side or the flow path 17). That is, in the present embodiment, the concave portion 42 and the convex portion 53 are watertightly fitted, and by properly connecting the purified water cartridge 20 to the faucet device 1, the raw water and the purified water are not mixed. In other words, when the connecting portion 40 has a shape that does not fit watertightly with the convex portion 53, the raw water flowing into the through hole 53a flows into the flow path of the purified water (such as the purified water through hole 54 on the faucet side), and the raw water and the purified water are mixed. However, by configuring the connecting portion 40 as described above, such mixing can be prevented.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the purified water through hole 43 is formed in the connection end face 40a. The purified water through hole 43 is a hole that penetrates in the axial direction. The purified water through hole 43 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the concave portion 42 in a plan view (axial view). The upstream side of the purified water through hole 43 communicates with the outflow hole 31b of the purified water portion 30. The downstream side of the purified water through hole 43 communicates with the purified water through hole 54 on the faucet side of the attachment portion 50. Therefore, the purified water generated in the purified water portion 30 flows through the purified water through hole 43 of the connecting portion 40 to the purified water through hole 54 on the faucet side of the attachment portion 50 and the flow path 17, and flows into the switching portion 15 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3 and the arrow E in FIG. 6. When the valve for purified water is opened as described above, the purified water flowing into the switching portion 15 flows from the switching portion 15 to the discharge flow path 13a and is discharged from the discharge port 13b. In this way, the purified water flows from the purified water portion 30 to the discharge flow path 13a of the faucet device 1 through the purified water through hole 43.

[0055] The connecting portion 44 is formed in the connection end face 40a. The connecting portion 44 connects the concave portion 42 and the side wall portion 41 which is the outer contour of the connecting portion 40. Specifically, there are a plurality (for example, two) of the connecting portions 44, and they are formed in a bridge shape that connects the concave portion 42 and the side wall portion 41. The connecting portions 44 are formed to be arranged linearly in a plan view (axial view). Although the connecting portion 44 is formed so as to block a part of the purified water through hole 43, the size, shape, and number of the connecting portions 44 are set such that a sufficient amount of purified water flows through the purified water through hole 43.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the filter medium 32 of the water purification unit 30 is provided up to the vicinity of the bottom 42b of the recess 42. In other words, the filter medium 32 of the water purification unit 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 medium 32 shown in FIG. 6 and the like are merely illustrative and not limiting.

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

[0058] The packing 46 is a member that watertightly connects the connecting portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50. Specifically, the packing 46 provided on the connecting portion 40 abuts against the side wall portion 52 of the mounting portion 50, which is an example of the outer shell of the faucet device 1, and the connecting portion 40 and the side wall portion 52 are watertightly connected. In this way, by watertightly connecting the connecting portion 40 and the side wall portion 52, the raw water in the raw water flow path 16 can be prevented from flowing into the purified water flow path (for example, the faucet-side purified water through-hole 54 and the flow path 17) through the space between the connecting portion 40 and the side wall portion 52.

[0059] The diameter of the packing 46 is set to be larger than the diameter of the faucet-side packing 56. Also, the packing 46 is provided so as to at least partially overlap the faucet-side packing 56 in a side view. Specifically, the packing 46 is provided so as to at least partially overlap the faucet-side packing 56 in a side view when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. In FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience of understanding, the axial length of the region where the packing 46 and the faucet-side packing 56 overlap in a side view is indicated by the symbol X.

[0060] Also, the packing 46 is provided on the downstream side of the faucet-side packing 56. Specifically, the packing 46 is provided on the downstream side of the faucet-side packing 56 while at least partially overlapping the faucet-side packing 56 in a side view. In other words, the packing 46 is provided offset toward the connection end face 40a side from the faucet-side packing 56. Since the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1 with the connection part 40 at the head, when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached, the packing 46 comes into contact with the faucet device 1 before the faucet-side packing 56.

[0061] The stepped portion 45 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 45 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 41a of the side wall portion 41. And the stepped portion 45 abuts against a contact portion 52a formed on the faucet device 1 in a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1. The contact portion 52a is the end portion on the rear end side (upstream side) of the side wall portion 52 of the attachment portion 50. Therefore, the stepped portion 45 functions as a stopper that abuts against the contact portion 52a and restricts further movement of the water purification cartridge 20 when the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1 with the connection portion 40 at the head.

[0062] The length D2 from the connection end face 40a of the stepped portion 45 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 to the connection end face 40a of the stepped portion 45.

[0063] 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. In the above description, specific numerical values are given for the cartridge outer diameter F, but this numerical value is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0064] 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 unit 40 disposed at the front end portion 31d of the water purification unit 30 and connected to the faucet device 1. The connection unit 40 includes a concave portion 42 formed on the connection end surface 40a with the faucet device 1 and fitting tightly with a convex portion 53 provided on the faucet device 1, a water purification through-hole 43 formed on the connection end surface 40a through which the purified water from the water purification unit 30 flows into the discharge flow path 13a of the faucet device 1, and a packing 46 provided on the outer peripheral surface 41a and connected tightly to the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1.

[0065] In this way, in the connection unit 40 of the water purification cartridge 20, the concave portion 42 is fitted tightly with the convex portion 53 of the faucet device 1, and the packing 46 provided on the outer peripheral surface 41a is connected tightly to the side wall portion 52 of the faucet device 1. As a result, in the water purification cartridge 20, it is connected tightly to the faucet device 1 at two locations, namely the concave portion 42 and the outer peripheral surface 41a. Therefore, in the state of being attached to the faucet device 1, rattling and detachment can be prevented.

[0066] Also, in the water purification cartridge 20, no protruding parts are formed, such as by providing the concave portion 42 on the connection end surface 40a with the faucet device 1. As a result, in the water purification cartridge 20, even if it accidentally drops to the floor, for example, the connection end surface 40a and the like are less likely to be damaged compared to those with protruding parts formed.

[0067] Further, the packing 46 is provided such that at least a part thereof overlaps in a side view with a faucet-side packing 56 provided on the faucet device 1 and connecting the convex portion 53 and the concave portion 42 tightly in the state where the water purification cartridge 20 is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0068] As a result, the packing 46 connecting the outer peripheral surface 41a tightly and the faucet-side packing 56 connecting the concave portion 42 tightly are in a relationship of pressing against each other by their repulsive forces. Therefore, in the water purification cartridge 20, in the state of being attached to the faucet device 1, watertightness can be maintained even more.

[0069] In addition, since the faucet-side packing 56 is provided in the faucet device 1, when the water purification cartridge 20 is replaced, the user does not touch the faucet-side packing 56. Therefore, it is difficult for dirt such as the user's sebum to adhere to the faucet-side packing 56, and deterioration due to dirt on the faucet-side packing 56 can be suppressed.

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

[0071] Also, the packing 46 is provided on the downstream side of the faucet-side packing 56.

[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 has a greater effect of suppressing rattling. Therefore, in the water purification cartridge 20, after the packing 46 comes into contact with the faucet device 1 and is in a stable state, by being further pushed in, it is possible to suppress rattling and securely fit the concave portion 42 to the convex portion 53 of the faucet device 1 via the faucet-side packing 56.

[0073] Also, the connecting portion 40 includes a stepped portion 45 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 41a. The stepped portion 45 abuts against a contact portion 52a formed in 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 connecting portion 40 functions as a stopper by abutting against the contact portion 52a of the faucet device 1. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily attach the water purification cartridge 20 to the faucet device 1 at a desired position.

[0075] Further, the depth of the concave portion 42 is shallower than the length from the stepped portion 45 to the connection end surface 40a.

[0076] Thereby, for example, the volume of the filter medium of the water purification unit 30 can be ensured. That is, for example, when the filter medium of the water purification unit 30 is provided up to near the bottom of the concave portion 42, by setting the depth of the concave portion 42 to be shallower than the length from the stepped portion 45 to the connection end surface 40a, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the volume of the filter medium due to the provision of the concave portion 42 as much as possible.

[0077] Further, the connection portion 40 includes a connection portion 44 that connects the concave portion 42 and the outer contour of the connection portion 40.

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

[0079] Further, the filter medium 32 of the water purification unit 30 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom portion 42b of the concave portion 42. Thereby, the concave portion 42 is supported by the filter medium 32 of the water purification unit 30, and the strength of the concave portion 42 can be further improved.

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

[0081] 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 setting the outer diameter of the cartridge to be less than 30 mm, it becomes possible to put the water purification cartridge 20 into the post at the delivery destination.

[0082] Further, the faucet device 1 includes the above-described water purification cartridge 20.

[0083] Thereby, rattling and detachment can be prevented in the water purification cartridge 20 in a state where it is attached to the faucet device 1.

[0084] (Second Embodiment) Next, a faucet device 1 including a 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 a connection part 40 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an attachment part 50 and the connection part 40 according to the second embodiment enlarged. In the following, components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the connection part 40 according to the second embodiment, three connecting parts 44 are formed. Specifically, the connecting parts 44 are formed at 120-degree intervals around the center of the recess 42 in a plan view (axial direction view). In the example of FIG. 7 and the like, the connecting parts 44 are formed at equal intervals at 120-degree intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which they are not formed at equal intervals may also be used.

[0086] The connecting part 44 is formed so as to extend from an end 42c on the opening side (connection end face 40a side) of the recess 42 to the bottom 42b. That is, the axial length G (see FIG. 8) of the connecting part 44 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 part 44 is set to the same value or an approximately equal value as the length H from the end 42c on the opening side of the recess 42 to the bottom 42b.

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

[0088] Further, in the water purification part 30 according to the second embodiment, the case 31 is arranged such that the outflow hole 31b is located on the upstream side with respect to the bottom 42b of the recess 42. The filter medium 21 in such an outflow hole 31b is formed, for example, in a flat shape.

[0089] Thus, in the second embodiment, since three connecting portions 44 of the connecting portion 40 are formed, it is possible to improve the strength of the recessed portion 42 while ensuring the flow passage area of the purified water. That is, for example, if a large number of connecting portions 44 are provided, the strength of the recessed portion 42 can be improved. However, since the connecting portion 44 is formed so as to block a part of the purified water through-hole 43, the flow passage area of the purified water through-hole 43 (in other words, the flow passage area of the purified water) is reduced. Therefore, in the second embodiment, by forming three connecting portions 44, it is possible to improve the strength of the recessed portion 42 while ensuring the necessary flow passage area in the purified water through-hole 43 (in other words, while ensuring the necessary flow passage area in the purified water).

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

[0091] In addition, 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 shut-off) in response to detection of an object such as a user's hand.

[0092] <Supplementary Note> (1) A water purification unit having a water purification function, A connecting portion disposed at the front end portion of the water purification unit and connected to a faucet device and comprising The connecting portion is formed on the connection end surface with the faucet device, and includes a recess that fits watertightly with a convex portion provided on the faucet device, is formed on the connection end surface, and includes a purified water through-hole through which purified water from the water purification unit flows into the discharge flow path of the faucet device, and a packing provided on the outer peripheral surface and connected watertightly to the outer shell of the faucet device A water purification cartridge comprising. (2) The packing is provided such that at least a part thereof overlaps with a packing on the faucet side that is provided in the faucet device and watertightly connects the convex portion and the concave portion in a state where the water purification cartridge is attached to the faucet device, as viewed from the side. The water purification cartridge according to (1). (3) The packing is provided on the downstream side of the packing on the faucet side. The water purification cartridge according to (2). (4) The connection part is provided with a stepped portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface. The stepped portion abuts on a contact portion formed in 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 (3). (5) The depth of the concave portion is shallower than the length from the stepped portion to the connection end surface. The water purification cartridge according to (4). (6) The connection part is provided with a connecting portion that connects the concave portion and the outer contour of the connection part. The water purification cartridge according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The outer diameter of the cartridge is less than 30 mm. The water purification cartridge according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) A faucet device including the water purification cartridge according to any one of (1) to (7).

[0093] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments presented and described as above. Accordingly, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1 Faucet device 20 Purification cartridge 30 Purification section 40 Connection section 42 Recess 43 Purified water through-hole 46 Packing 53 Projection

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 recess formed on the connection end surface with the water faucet device and adapted to watertightly fit with a protrusion provided on the water faucet device; A purified water passage hole formed on the connection end surface through which purified water flows from the purified water section to a discharge flow path of the faucet device; a packing provided on the outer peripheral surface and connected watertightly to the outer shell of the water faucet device; Equipped with The packing is When the water purification cartridge is attached to the water faucet device, the water purification cartridge is provided so as to at least partially overlap, in a side view, with a water faucet side gasket that is provided in the water faucet device and connects the convex portion and the concave portion in a water-tight manner. Water purification cartridge.

2. 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 recess formed on the connection end surface with the water faucet device and adapted to watertightly fit with a protrusion provided on the water faucet device; A purified water passage hole formed on the connection end surface through which purified water flows from the purified water section to a discharge flow path of the faucet device; a packing provided on the outer peripheral surface and connected watertightly to the outer shell of the water faucet device; Equipped with 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 depth of the recess is shallower than the length from the step portion to the connection end surface. Water purification cartridge.

3. The packing is Provided downstream of the faucet side packing, The water purification cartridge according to claim 1 .

4. The connection portion is A connecting portion that connects the recess and the outer periphery of the connection portion The water purification cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

5. The cartridge outer diameter is less than 30 mm. The water purification cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A water faucet device comprising the water purification cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.

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