Packing and faucet direct connection-type water purifier

Abstract

This packing is attached between an outflow port of a faucet and an inflow port of a faucet direct connection-type water purifier when attaching the faucet direct connection-type water purifier to the faucet. The packing comprises: a main body part; and a flow passage which is formed in the main body part and extends, in a water flow direction in which water flows, from the outflow port of the faucet toward the inflow port of the faucet direct connection-type water purifier. The flow passage has: a first region in which the hole diameter is smaller than the hole diameter of the outflow port; and a second region which is formed closer to the inflow port than the first region and in which the hole diameter increases toward the inflow port.

Description

Packing and faucet-connectable water purifier

[0001] The present invention relates to packing for water conservation and a faucet-connectable water purifier. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-164347 filed in Japan on September 20, 2024, and incorporates its content herein by reference.

[0002] Due to the safety of tap water and the increasing awareness of health, water purifiers have become popular, and among them, faucet-connectable water purifiers have attracted attention. A faucet-connectable water purifier is a water purifier that can filter tap water flowing from a faucet into purified water by being attached to the faucet of a water supply.

[0003] For faucet-connectable water purifiers, packing with a smaller pore diameter than that of the faucet of a water supply may be used for the purpose of water conservation. For example, in the direct-connect type water purifier described in Patent Document 1, metal packing with a reduced pore diameter is used.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-009475

[0005] However, when packing with a reduced pore diameter is used, there is a risk that foreign substances may become clogged.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide packing for water conservation and a faucet-connectable water purifier in which foreign substances are less likely to become clogged.

[0007] To solve the above problems, this invention proposes the following means. The gist of the present invention is as follows: [1] A packing to be installed between the outlet of a faucet and the inlet of a faucet-mounted water purifier when a faucet-mounted water purifier is attached to a faucet, comprising: a main body portion; a flow path formed in the main body portion and extending in the direction of water flow from the outlet of the faucet toward the inlet of the faucet-mounted water purifier, wherein the flow path has a first region with a hole diameter smaller than the hole diameter of the outlet portion; and a second region formed on the inlet side of the first region and having a hole diameter that increases as it approaches the inlet. [2] The packing of [1], wherein the flow path has a third region formed on the faucet side of the first region and having a hole diameter that increases as it approaches the faucet. [3] The packing of [1] or [2], wherein the hole diameter at the inlet side end of the second region is approximately equal to the hole diameter at the faucet side end of the third region. [4] The second region and the third region are formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the first region in the direction of water flow, and are packings of any of [1] to [3]. [5] The end of the main body on the faucet side has a flange that protrudes from the main body in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of water flow, and is packings of any of [1] to [4]. [6] The main body is made of rubber, and is packings of any of [1] to [5]. [7] A faucet-mounted water purifier comprising a packing of any of [1] to [6] and a mesh member that is installed between the outlet of the faucet and the inlet of the faucet-mounted water purifier and is capable of capturing foreign matter.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water-saving packing for use in a faucet-mounted water purifier that is less prone to clogging by foreign objects and is easy to use.

[0009] This is a perspective view showing a packing according to an embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the packing shown in Figure 1 along the line F2-F2. This is a perspective view showing the packing attached to the inlet of a faucet-mounted water purifier. This is a front view showing the faucet-mounted water purifier attached to a faucet, showing a cross-section where the packing is attached. This is a diagram comparing the flow rate of water passing through this packing and a conventional water-saving packing. This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified packing, showing a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0010] The packing according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures. In the following description, components having the same or similar function will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted.

[0011] [Packing 100] The packing 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. First, the packing 100 as a whole will be described. However, the packing 100 does not need to have all of the components described below, and some components may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the packing 100. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the packing 100 shown in Figure 1 along the line F2-F2. The packing 100 is a component that is installed between the outlet I1 of the faucet I and the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J when installing the faucet-mounted water purifier J to the faucet I (see Figure 4). At this time, the packing 100 can also be installed together with a mesh member K capable of capturing foreign matter. The faucet-mounted water purifier J is a water purifier that, when installed on the faucet I, can filter tap water flowing from the faucet I into purified water.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the packing 100 comprises a main body 1, a flow path 2, and a flange 3.

[0014] In the following explanation, in the water flow direction A in which water enters and exits the packing 100, the side into which water flows into the packing 100 will be referred to as the inlet side (faucet side) A1, and the side out of the packing 100 will be referred to as the outlet side (inlet side) A2. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the water flow direction A will be referred to as the horizontal direction B.

[0015] The main body 1 is a component formed to be attachable to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Specifically, the main body 1 is formed to be fitted into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. When viewed from the direction of water flow A, the main body 1 is formed to be approximately the same shape as the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Here, even if there are slight differences in the shapes of the two, if they are mostly the same, they are considered to be approximately the same shape.

[0016] In this embodiment, the main body 1 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the direction of water flow A. The packing 100 according to this embodiment is formed to be attachable to a faucet-mounted water purifier J whose inlet J1 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the direction of water flow A. Here, substantially circular means that the shape is such that most of it is circular.

[0017] The main body 1 is formed to be insertable into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J in the direction of water flow A. The main body 1 is formed in a columnar shape with the direction of water flow A as its longitudinal direction.

[0018] The main body 1 is formed to be liquid-tightly attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The main body 1 is made of an elastically deformable material. In this embodiment, the main body 1 is made including rubber. The main body 1 is formed to be approximately the same size as the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J when viewed from the water flow direction A. The main body 1 is formed to be slightly larger than the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J when viewed from the water flow direction A. Therefore, when attaching the packing 100 to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, the main body 1 is fitted in by pushing it into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. As a result, the main body 1 is liquid-tightly attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Here, "approximately the same" means that the difference in size is 10% or less.

[0019] In this embodiment, the main body 1 is formed such that its outer diameter decreases as it moves towards the outflow side A2 in the water flow direction A. The main body 1 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the horizontal direction B. That is, the main body 1 is formed in a substantially frustoconical shape. Therefore, when fitting the main body 1 into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, it is easy to fit it from the inflow side A1 to the outflow side A2 in the water flow direction A. Note that the shape of the main body 1 is not limited.

[0020] The flow path 2 is a hole through which water can pass in the direction of water flow A. The flow path 2 is formed in the main body 1 and extends in the direction of water flow A. The flow path 2 is formed in a columnar shape with the direction of water flow A as its longitudinal direction. The flow path 2 extends from the end 1s of the inlet side A1 of the main body 1 to the end 1t of the outlet side A2 of the main body 1. The flow path 2 is a hole that allows water flowing from the outlet I1 of the faucet I to flow to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The flow path 2 is a component with a shape that makes it difficult for water flowing from the outlet I1 of the faucet I to flow towards the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Therefore, the packing 100 in which the flow path 2 is formed has a water-saving effect.

[0021] The flow path 2 has a first region 21, a second region 22, and a third region 23. The second region 22 is formed on the outflow side A2 from the first region 21. The third region 23 is formed on the inflow side A1 from the first region 21. The first region 21 is formed between the second region 22 and the third region 23 in the direction of water flow A.

[0022] The first region 21 is a region of the flow path 2 in which the hole diameter L is smaller than the hole diameter L of the outlet I1 of the faucet I. Here, the hole diameter L is the inner diameter of a circularly formed hole, as shown in Figure 2. Note that the hole diameter L is the inner diameter in the radial direction when the water flow direction A is the axial direction. The first region 21 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the water flow direction A. The first region 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the water flow direction A as the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the hole diameter L of the first region 21 is formed to be approximately half the hole diameter L of the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J (see Figure 4). Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 21 when cut by a plane perpendicular to the water flow direction A is formed to be about one-quarter the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet I1 of the faucet I when cut by a plane perpendicular to the water flow direction A. Therefore, water does not flow as easily in the water flow direction A in the first region 21 compared to the outlet I1 of the faucet I. Therefore, the formation of the first region 21 results in a water-saving effect.

[0023] The second region 22 is a region of the flow path 2 that is formed on the side of the first region 21 that is closer to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The second region 22 is a region where the hole diameter L at the end 22t of the outlet side A2 is larger than the hole diameter L at the end 22s of the inlet side A1. The second region 22 is a region where the hole diameter L increases as it approaches the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The second region 22 is in communication with the first region 21. The second region 22 is formed from the end 21t of the outlet side A2 of the first region 21 to the end 2t of the outlet side A2 of the flow path 2. The hole diameter L at the end 22t of the outlet side A2 of the second region 22 is approximately equal to the hole diameter L of the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J (see Figure 4). The second region 22 is formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from the horizontal direction B. That is, the second region 22 is formed in a roughly frustoconical shape. Therefore, the second region 22 is formed in a shape that facilitates water flow in the direction of water flow A as it moves toward the outflow side A2. In particular, water flows easily in the direction of water flow A at the end 22t of the second region 22 on the outflow side A2. Note that the shape of the second region 22 is not limited.

[0024] The third region 23 is a region of the flow path 2 that is formed on the inflow side A1 in the flow direction A from the first region 21. The third region 23 is a region where the hole diameter L at the end 23s of the inflow side A1 is larger than the hole diameter L at the end 23t of the outflow side A2. The third region 23 is a region where the hole diameter L increases as it approaches the outlet I1 of the faucet I. The third region 23 is in communication with the first region 21. The third region 23 is formed from the end 21s of the inflow side A1 of the first region 21 to the end 2s of the inflow side A1 of the flow path 2. When viewed from the horizontal direction B, the third region 23 is formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape. That is, the third region 23 is formed in a roughly frustum of a cone.

[0025] In the flow path 2, the hole diameter L of the end 22t of the outflow side A2 in the flow direction A of the second region 22 is approximately equal to the hole diameter L of the end 23s of the inflow side A1 in the flow direction A of the third region 23. That is, the hole diameter L of the end 2s of the inflow side A1 of the flow path 2 and the hole diameter L of the end 2t of the outflow side A2 are approximately equal. Furthermore, in the flow direction A, the length from the end 22s of the inflow side A1 of the second region 22 to the end 22t of the outflow side A2 is approximately equal to or longer than the length from the end 23s of the inflow side A1 of the third region 23 to the end 23t of the outflow side A2. Viewed from the horizontal direction B, the second region 22 and the third region 23 are formed approximately symmetrically with respect to the first region 21 in the flow direction A. More specifically, the second region 22 and the third region 23 are formed approximately symmetrically with respect to the first region 21 in the flow direction A. Therefore, the flow path 2 is formed approximately symmetrically across the first region 21 in the direction of water flow A. Here, approximately symmetry includes both perfect symmetry and shapes that largely coincide with its shape.

[0026] The flange 3 is a member that protrudes horizontally B from the main body 1 at the end 1s of the inlet side A1 of the main body 1. The flange 3 is formed on the outer circumference of the end 1s of the inlet side A1 of the main body 1. When viewed from the direction of water flow A, the flange 3 is formed to be larger than the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. When viewed from the direction of water flow A, the flange 3 is formed to be approximately circular. When viewed from the direction of water flow A, the outer diameter of the flange 3 is larger than the hole diameter L of the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J (see Figure 4). The shape of the flange 3 is not limited.

[0027] The flange 3 is formed to be elastically deformable, similar to the main body 1. The flange 3 is also formed to include rubber, similar to the main body 1. The flange 3 is integrally formed with the main body 1. The material of the flange 3 is not limited.

[0028] [Function of packing 100] Next, the function of packing 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the packing 100 attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Figure 4 is a front view showing the faucet-mounted water purifier J attached to the faucet I, and shows a cross-section where the packing 100 is attached.

[0030] The packing 100 is installed between the outlet I1 of the faucet I and the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J when the faucet-mounted water purifier J is attached to the faucet I. At this time, the packing 100 can also be installed together with a mesh member K capable of capturing foreign matter.

[0031] The user can also attach a mesh member K to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J before attaching the faucet-mounted water purifier J to the faucet I. The mesh member K is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the direction of water flow A. The mesh member K is formed to be approximately the same size as the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J when viewed from the direction of water flow A. The user fits the mesh member K into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J by moving the mesh member K from the inflow side A1 to the outflow side A2 in the direction of water flow A. By attaching the mesh member K to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, foreign matter contained in the water flowing into the faucet-mounted water purifier J is removed. Therefore, the mesh member K makes it difficult for foreign matter to flow into the faucet-mounted water purifier J, keeping the faucet-mounted water purifier J clean. The mesh member K is removablely attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Therefore, the user can periodically remove the mesh member K, clean it, or replace it with a new one.

[0032] The user attaches the mesh member K to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, and then attaches the packing 100 to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The user moves the packing 100 from the inlet side A1 to the outlet side A2 in the water flow direction A relative to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, thereby fitting the packing 100 into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. At this time, the packing 100 undergoes elastic deformation, and the packing 100 is fitted to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from leaking out through the gaps in the packing 100.

[0033] When the packing 100 is attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, the flange 3 catches on the end of the inlet side A1 of the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. This prevents the packing 100 from sinking into the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Also, when the user removes the packing 100 from the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, they can hook their fingers or nails onto the flange 3 and pull it towards the inlet side A1 in the direction of water flow A. Therefore, it is easy for the user to remove the packing 100 from the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J.

[0034] After the packing 100 is attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, the user attaches the faucet-mounted water purifier J to the faucet I. Once the faucet-mounted water purifier J is attached to the faucet I, the water flowing out of the faucet I passes through the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Since the faucet-mounted water purifier J is equipped with a filter material that can filter the water passing through it, the water passing through the faucet-mounted water purifier J is filtered into purified water. Therefore, the user can easily obtain purified water.

[0035] Since the packing 100 is installed between the outlet I1 of the faucet I and the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, the water flowing out of the faucet I passes through the packing 100 and flows into the faucet-mounted water purifier J. The water passing through the packing 100 passes through the flow path 2 formed in the packing 100. Since the flow path 2 has a first region 21 with a hole diameter L smaller than the hole diameter L of the outlet I1 of the faucet I, water does not flow as easily through the flow path 2 compared to the outlet I1 of the faucet I. Therefore, by installing the packing 100 between the outlet I1 of the faucet I and the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, even if the user accidentally flushes a large amount of water from the faucet I, the amount of water flowing out of the faucet-mounted water purifier J can be limited by the packing 100. Therefore, a water-saving effect can be obtained by installing the packing 100. The packing 100 according to this embodiment has a water-saving effect of approximately 50 percent compared to the case in which the packing 100 is not installed.

[0036] Since a second region 22 is formed in the flow path 2 formed in the packing 100, the risk of blockage by foreign matter can be reduced in the flow path 2, even though the hole diameter L is narrowed by the formation of the first region 21. Since a mesh member K is formed on the outlet side A2 of the packing 100, foreign matter contained in the water passing through the packing 100 gets caught in the mesh member K. If foreign matter gets caught in the mesh member K, it becomes difficult for water to flow into the faucet-mounted water purifier J. In particular, if the hole diameter L of the flow path 2 formed in the packing 100 is narrowed, it becomes even more difficult for water to flow into the faucet-mounted water purifier J, and in the worst case, there is a risk of blockage. In the packing 100 according to this embodiment, a second region 22 is formed on the outlet side A2 of the first region 21, and the hole diameter L becomes larger as it approaches the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J, so even if some foreign matter gets caught in the mesh member K, water can flow easily. According to the flow path 2 of this embodiment, the hole diameter L at the end 2t of the outflow side A2 is approximately equal to the hole diameter L of the inlet J1 of the faucet-mounted water purifier J. Therefore, even though there is a section where the hole diameter L is narrowed, water flows easily even if some foreign matter gets caught in the mesh member K.

[0037] Figure 5 compares the water flow rate through a conventional water-saving packing and packing 100. In Figure 5, the water flow rate through a conventional water-saving packing and packing 100 attached to a faucet-mounted water purifier J are compared. The flow rate of the main valve is set to 16.0 L / min. A mesh member K is provided on the outlet side A2 of the packing. The conventional packing used for comparison has a flow path with a hole diameter L narrower than the hole diameter L of the outlet I1 of the faucet I, but does not have a second region 22. In Figure 5, ion exchange resin is mixed as a foreign substance into the water passing through the packing, and the water flow rate is compared when the amount of ion exchange resin mixed with the water is changed. According to Figure 5, water flows more easily through packing 100 compared to the conventional water-saving packing.

[0038] Since the flow path 2 formed in the packing 100 has not only a second region 22 but also a third region 23, it is possible to prevent sound from being generated when water flows through the flow path 2. If only the first region 21 and the second region 22 were formed in the flow path 2 and the third region 23 was not formed, there is a possibility that sound would be generated each time water flows through the flow path 2 of the packing 100. In the second region 22, the hole diameter L increases as it moves toward the outflow side A2 in the flow direction A, so like the principle of a megaphone, the sound generated in the flow path 2 is transmitted without attenuation. On the other hand, since the flow path 2 of the packing 100 has a third region 23, it is possible to cancel out the sound diffused in the second region 22. In particular, in this embodiment, the second region 22 and the third region 23 are formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the first region 21 in the flow direction A, so the sound diffused in the second region 22 is canceled out in the third region 23.

[0039] According to the packing 100 of this embodiment, since it has a flow path 2 in which a first region 21 with a hole diameter L smaller than the hole diameter L of the outlet I1 of the faucet I is formed, the faucet-mounted water purifier J to which the packing 100 is attached has a water-saving effect. For this reason, the packing 100 is easy to use.

[0040] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since the flow path 2 in which the second region 22 with the aperture diameter L increasing as it approaches the inlet J1 of the faucet-connected water purifier J is formed, water can flow easily while having a water-saving effect. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0041] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since it has the third region 23 in which the aperture diameter L increases as it approaches the faucet I, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise by forming the second region 22. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0042] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since the aperture diameter L of the end 22t on the outflow side A2 of the second region 22 is substantially equal to the aperture diameter L of the end 23s on the inflow side A1 of the third region 23, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise by forming the second region 22. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0043] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since the second region 22 and the third region 23 are formed substantially symmetrically with the first region 21 interposed therebetween in the flowing water direction A, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise by forming the second region 22. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0044] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since the flange 3 is formed, the packing 100 is difficult to sink into the inlet J1 of the faucet-connected water purifier J. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0045] According to the packing 100 according to the present embodiment, since the main body portion 1 is formed including rubber, the main body portion 1 is attached to the inlet J1 of the faucet-connected water purifier J in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, the packing 100 is easy to use. <> <>

[0046] [Packing 100B] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the packing 100B, which is a modified example of the packing 100, will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the packing 100B, and shows a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction B. The packing 100B is a modified example of the packing 100. <> <>

[0047] In the packing 100B, as shown in FIG. 6, the third region 23 is not formed in the flow path 2. In the flow path 2, the third region 23 may not be formed. By not forming the third region 23, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

[0048] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included. In addition, the components shown in the above-described embodiments and the modification examples shown below can be combined as appropriate.

[0049] 100, 100B... packing, 1... main body portion, 2... flow path, 3... flange, 21... first region, 22... second region, 23... third region, I... faucet, J... faucet-connect type water purifier, K... mesh member, L... pore diameter, A... flowing water direction, B... horizontal direction

Claims

A packing that is installed between the outlet of the faucet and the inlet of the faucet-mounted water purifier when attaching a faucet-mounted water purifier to a faucet, The main body and A flow path is formed in the main body and extends in the direction of water flow from the outlet of the faucet toward the inlet of the faucet-mounted water purifier, Equipped with, The aforementioned flow path is A first region with a pore diameter smaller than the pore diameter of the outlet, It has a second region formed on the inlet side of the first region, where the diameter of the pores increases as it approaches the inlet, rubber seal. 　 The flow path is formed on the faucet side of the first region and has a third region in which the diameter of the hole increases as it approaches the faucet. The packing according to claim 1. 　 The diameter of the hole at the inlet-side end of the second region is approximately equal to the diameter of the hole at the faucet-side end of the third region. The packing according to claim 2. 　 The second region and the third region are formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the first region in the direction of water flow. The packing according to claim 3. 　 The end of the main body portion on the faucet side has a flange that protrudes from the main body portion in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the water flow direction, A packing according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 　 The main body is formed including rubber. A packing according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 　 The packing described in claim 1, A mesh-like member capable of capturing foreign matter is installed between the outlet of the aforementioned faucet and the inlet of the aforementioned faucet-mounted water purifier, Equipped with, Faucet-mounted water purifier.

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