AU2018400861B2

AU2018400861B2 - Water discharge head equipped with water purification function, water purification cartridge, and water faucet device

Info

Publication number: AU2018400861B2
Application number: AU2018400861A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Fumitaka Shiratake; Toshio Takagi
Original assignee: Kotobuki Holdings Co Ltd
Current assignee: Takagi Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-10
Filing date: 2018-01-10
Publication date: 2020-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-10
Also published as: CN111587307B; CN113975885A; AU2018400861A1; WO2019138472A1; JPWO2019138472A1; CN111587307A; AU2020289766A1; AU2018400861C1; AU2020289766B2; JP6356940B1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a water purification cartridge that can prevent false recognition of water discharge. [Solution] This water discharge head 8 has: a switching mechanism with which discharged water from an outlet can be switched between raw water and purified water; a restriction member RG1 that can transition between a first state J1 and a second state J2, and that restricts switching from raw water to purified water in the first state J1 and permits switching from raw water to purified water in the second state J2; and a water purification cartridge PC1 that has a restriction release part DR1 that causes the restriction member RG1 to transition from the first state J1 to the second state J2. When the water purification cartridge PC1 is not installed, the restriction member RG1 is in the first state J1, and when the water purification cartridge PC1 is installed, the restriction member RG1 is in the second state J2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a water discharge head having a water purification function, a water purification cartridge and a faucet device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There has been known a water discharge head that contains a water purification cartridge and has a water purification function. Shower heads may have a water purification function and may be capable of switching between a raw water flow path that does not pass through a water purification cartridge and a purified water flow path that passes through the water purification cartridge.

[0003] A water discharge head of this type or a faucet device equipped with the water discharge head includes a handling portion capable of switching between raw water discharge and purified water discharge. Examples of the handling portion include a push button, a lever, and a dial. Some faucet devices might further include a display portion showing which is selected, raw water discharge or purified water discharge.

[0004] Users can recognize which is selected, raw water discharge or purified water discharge, through their handling, display, or the like. Due to a lapse of memory or the like, a water purification cartridge might not be inserted to a faucet. Even in such a situation, users might keep using the faucet while erroneously believing a water purification cartridge is inserted. That is, although raw water is actually discharged, users might erroneously recognize that purified water is discharged.

[0005] [DELETED]

[0006] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a water discharge head having a water purification function comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state that prevents the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge and a second state that permits the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; a water purification cartridge that includes a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a cartridge receiving portion. When the water purification cartridge is not attached to the cartridge receiving portion, the regulation member is in the first state. When the water purification cartridge is attached to the cartridge receiving portion, the deregulation portion makes the regulation member the second state.

[0008] Preferably, the regulation member includes a switch regulating portion that is situated at a first position in the first state and situated at a second position in the second state. Preferably, in the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge performed by the switching mechanism, the switch regulating portion situated at the first position abuts on an interlocking abutment portion that moves in conjunction with the motion of the switching mechanism. Preferably, the switch regulating portion situated at the second position does not abut on the interlocking abutment portion in the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge performed by the switching mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the regulation member is transitioned from the first state to the second state by the deregulation portion abutting on the regulation member.

[0010] Preferably, the regulation member is rotatably fixed. Preferably, the mutual transition between the first state and the second state is attained by rotating the regulation member.

[0011] A preferable faucet device includes the water discharge head.

[0012] In at least a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head including: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state that prevents the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge and a second state that permits the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion. Preferably, this water purification cartridge includes a water purification functional portion and a deregulation portion that causes the regulation member to transition from the first state to the second state.

[0013] Preferably, the deregulation portion causes the regulation member to transition from the first state to the second state by abutting on the regulation member.

[0014] Preferably, the deregulation portion is a downstream-side end face of the water purification cartridge.

[0015] Preferably, the water purification cartridge includes a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted. Preferably, the connection terminal portion includes a gap-forming portion that forms a gap between the connection terminal portion and the insertion portion. Preferably, the gap-forming portion has an end face that is the deregulation portion.

[0016] Preferably, the connection terminal portion further includes an O-ring disposed on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, and a wall portion disposed between the deregulation portion and the O-ring. Preferably, the deregulation portion includes a radial direction outermost portion that is located on an inner side in the radial direction with respect to a radial direction outermost portion of the wall portion.

[0016a] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function,

the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the wall portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D2, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D2-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 6.0 mm.

[0016b] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the wall portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D2, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and D1/D2 is greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than or equal to 0.95.

[0016c] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted, the insertion portion includes an inward projection portion that is projected inwardly in a radial direction and that abuts on the wall portion at a downstream side of the wall portion, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction innermost portion of the inward projection portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D3, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D3-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0016d] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted, the connection terminal portion includes a gap forming portion that forms a gap between the connection terminal portion and the insertion portion, the insertion portion includes an opposed surface that is opposed to an outer surface of the gap forming portion, the opposed surface has an inner diameter that is denoted by D6, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less

9a

than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D6-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 6.0 mm.

[0016e] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water

9b

purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and D1/D4 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.70.

[0016f] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and

9c

a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and D1/D4 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.70.

[0016g] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and

9d

the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an adjacent portion that is opposed to a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, the adjacent portion has an inner diameter that is denoted by D5, D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and a difference (D5-D4) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0016h] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of

9e

undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the connection terminal portion includes an 0 ring, a distance in an axial direction between a center of the O-ring and the deregulation portion is denoted by D7, and D7 is greater than or equal to 2.0 mm and less than or equal to 15.0 mm.

[0016i] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge;

9f

a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm.

[0016j] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function,

9g

the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; and a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; wherein the deregulation portion is an annular surface that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge.

[0016k] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function,

the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge;

9h

a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; and a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; wherein the deregulation portion is a flat surface that is perpendicular to a center line of the water purification cartridge.

[00161] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw

9i

water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the connection terminal portion includes: a wall portion that is disposed on an upstream side of the deregulation portion; an O-ring groove that is provided on the upstream side of the wall portion; and an O-ring that is disposed on the O-ring groove, the O-ring groove has a groove width that is denoted by El, a maximum width of the O-ring in a state where the O-ring is attached on the O-ring groove and the water purification cartridge is attached to the cartridge receiving portion is denoted by E3, and El is greater than E3.

[0017] In at least some embodiments, erroneous recognition regarding water discharge is prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of a water discharge

9j

head in the faucet device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3 (b) are cross-sectional views showing a raw water discharge state. FIG. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3(a) and showing a purified water discharge state. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3(b) and showing the purified water discharge state. FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4(a) and showing the purified water discharge state. FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG 4(b) and showing the purified water discharge state. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet device in FIG. 1. FIG. 8(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the raw water discharge state of the water discharge head according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a switch prevented state. FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b) are cross sectional views showing a state in which a water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the raw water discharge state of the water discharge head according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the switch prevented state. FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are cross-

9k

sectional views showing a state in which a water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view in which a part of FIG. 3 (b) is enlarged. FIG. 10(b) is a cross sectional view in which a part of FIG. 5(b) is enlarged. FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) are cross-sectional views showing a state immediately before a water purification cartridge is attached to an appropriate position. The cross section of FIG. 11(a) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(a). The cross section of FIG. 11(b) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(b). FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view of a regulation member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 12(b) is a plan view of the regulation member, and FIG. 12(c) is a side view of the regulation member. FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of a ball holder according to the first embodiment, FIG. 13(b) is a plan view of the ball holder, and FIG. 13(c) is a side view of the ball holder. FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of a water purification cartridge according to the first to fourth embodiments, FIG. 14(b) is a side view of the water purification cartridge, and FIG. 14(c) is a plan view of the water purification cartridge. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a faucet device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view of a water discharge head in the faucet device of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 17 and showing a purified water discharge state. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet device in FIG. 15. FIG. 22(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a raw water discharge state of the water discharge head according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 22(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a switch prevented state of the water discharge head. FIG. 22 (a) and FIG. 22(b) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 23(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a raw water discharge state of the water discharge head according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 23(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a switch prevented state of the water discharge head. FIG. 23 (a) and FIG. 23(b) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 24(a) is a cross-sectional view in which a part of FIG. 17 is enlarged, and FIG. 24(b) is a cross sectional view in which a part of FIG. 19 is enlarged. FIG. 25(a) is a perspective view of a regulation member according to the second embodiment, FIG. 25(b) is a plan view of the regulation member, and FIG. 25(c) is a side view of the regulation member. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a faucet device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 27(a) is a front view of a water discharge head according to the third embodiment, which is in a raw water discharge state; FIG. 27(b) is a front view of the water discharge head that is set to a switch prevention position, and FIG. 27(c) is a front view the water

9m

discharge head which is in a purified water discharge state. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the third embodiment, which is in the raw water discharge state. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the third embodiment, which is in the purified water discharge state. FIG. 30(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the third embodiment, which is in the raw water discharge state; and FIG. 30(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head, which is in a switch prevented state. FIG. 30(a) and FIG. 30(b) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a faucet device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 32(a) is a side view of a water discharge head according to the fourth embodiment, which is in a raw water discharge state, and FIG. 32(b) is a side view of the water discharge head which is in a purified water discharge state. FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32 (b) show a state in which a cover of the head portion is removed. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the fourth embodiment, which shows the raw water discharge state. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the fourth embodiment, which shows the purified water discharge state. FIG. 35(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the fourth embodiment, which is in the raw water discharge state, and

9n

FIG. 35(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head which is in a switch prevented state. FIG. 35(a) and FIG. 35(b) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the water purification cartridge is not attached. FIG. 36 is a side view of the regulation member according to the first embodiment, which shows a first state and a second state of the regulation member. FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 38 is the same enlarged cross-sectional view as in FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following will describe in detail the present invention based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[0020] Unless otherwise described, a radial direction in the present disclosure means the radial direction of a water purification cartridge PCl that is attached to an appropriate position. Unless otherwise described, an axial direction of the water purification cartridge PCl attached to the appropriate position.

[0021] Unless otherwise described, an upstream side in

the present disclosure means the upstream side of water flow, and a downstream side in the present disclosure means the downstream side of water flow.

[0022] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet device

2 according to a first embodiment. The faucet device 2 is installed to a kitchen sink (not shown in the figure). Portions which are not visually recognized, that is, portions located inside the kitchen sink, are omitted to show in FIG. 1. The faucet device 2 might be installed, for example, to lavatories and bathrooms in addition to kitchens.

[0023] The faucet device 2 includes a body portion 4, a lever handle 6 and a water discharge head 8. The faucet device 2 is a so-called single-lever type faucet. The temperature of discharged water can be adjusted by side-to side pivot motion of the lever handle 6. The amount of

discharged water can be adjusted by up-down pivot motion of the lever handle 6. A valve mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature and amount of discharged water is accommodated inside the body portion 4. This valve mechanism is known.

[0024] Although not shown in drawings, a faucet apparatus including the faucet device 2 includes a hot

water inlet tube and a water inlet tube. The hot-water inlet tube is connected to, for example, a tube extended from a water heater. The water inlet tube is connected to, for example, a water supply tube without going through the water heater.

[0025] Heated water is brought into the hot-water inlet tube. The heating is performed by the water heater.

Unheated Water is brought into the water inlet tube. The valve mechanism adjusts the mixing ratio between hot water

and water. The temperature of discharged water can be adjusted by the mixing ratio. Hereinafter, heated water, unheated water, and a mixture of heated water and unheated water are also simply referred to as "water".

[0026] The water discharge head 8 includes a water

inlet portion 10, a switch portion 12, a handling portion 14, a water-shape adjusting portion 16, a display portion 20 and a discharge port 22. In the present embodiment, the handling portion 14 is a push button. The water inlet portion 10 also functions as a grip portion.

[0027] The water-shape adjusting portion 16 can change the shape (water shape) of discharged water. The water

shape adjusting portion 16 includes a water-shape adjusting lever 18. Water shape can be changed by handling the water-shape adjusting lever 18. The handling of the water shape adjusting lever 18 can select one from among a shower water shape, a straight water shape, or an intermediate

water shape between the two.

[0028] The water discharge head 8 includes a raw water flow path and a purified water flow path. When the raw water flow path is selected, raw water is discharged from the discharge port 22. Such a state in which raw water is discharged is also referred to as a raw water discharge state. When the purified water flow path is selected,

purified water is discharged from the discharge port 22. Such a state in which purified water is discharged is also referred to as a purified water discharge state.

[0029] The switch portion 12 includes a switching mechanism capable of switching between purified water

discharge and raw water discharge by handling the handling portion 14. The switching mechanism is detailed later.

[00301 FIG. 2 is a front view of the water discharge head 8. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along

line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 4(a) is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG.

3(a).

[0031] The handling portion 14 functions as a switching button. The handling portion 14 is pushed to switch between the flow paths. Every time the handling portion 14 is pushed, switching between the raw water flow path and the purified water flow path is performed. In other words, every time the handling portion 14 is pushed, switching between the raw water discharge state and the

purified water discharge state is performed. As described later, the switching mechanism includes a thrust lock mechanism handled by an alternate action. This thrust lock enables the handling portion 14 to function as a push button. Each push of this push button 14 achieves mutual

transition between a projected position and a depressed position of the push button 14.

[0032] A position at which the handling portion 14 is situated when raw water is discharged is also referred to as a raw water discharge position. In the present embodiment, the raw water discharge position is the projected position. A position at which the handling

portion 14 is situated when purified water is discharged is also referred to as a purified water discharge position. In the present embodiment, the purified water discharge position is the depressed position.

[00331 In the present disclosure, a direction in which

the push button 14 is pushed is also referred to as a front-rear direction. The pushing moves the push button 14 rearward. The projected position is located on the front side with respect to the depressed position. The push button 14 is once pushed to a maximum depressed position for achieving the mutual transition between the projected position and the depressed position. The maximum depressed position is located on the rear side with respect to the depressed position. When the push button 14 situated at the projected position is pushed, the push button 14 stops at the depressed position after once being moved to the maximum depressed position. A switch working position is set at or immediately before the maximum depressed position. When the push button 14 reaches the switch working position, switching is performed, and then the push button 14 is transitioned to the depressed position. The push button 14 stays at the depressed position even after releasing the pushing of the push button 14. When the push button 14 situated at the depressed position is pushed, the push button 14 stops at the projected position after once being moved to the maximum depressed position (switch working position). The push button 14 stays at the projected position even after releasing the pushing of the push button 14.

[0034] FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b), FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b) show the push button 14 situated at the projected position. In the water discharge head 8, when the push button 14 is situated at the projected position,

the raw water flow path is selected. In the water discharge head 8, when the push button 14 is situated at the projected position, raw water is discharged. Alternatively, when the push button 14 is situated at the projected position, purified water may be discharged.

[0035] FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) are cross-sectional views of the water discharge head 8 when the push button 14 is situated at the depressed position. The cross section of FIG. 5(a) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(a).

The cross section of FIG. 5(b) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(b). FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5(a).

[00361 FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b), FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b)

show the push button 14 situated at the depressed position. In the water discharge head 8, when the push button 14 is situated at the depressed position, the purified water flow path is selected. In the water discharge head 8, when the push button 14 is situated at the depressed position, purified water is discharged. Alternatively, when the push button 14 is situated at the projected position, raw water

may be discharged.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the water discharge head 8.

[00381 As shown in FIG. 7, the water discharge head 8 includes a water purification cartridge PC1. The water

purification cartridge PCl is disposed inside an outer cylinder portion 24. The above-described water inlet portion (grip portion) 10 includes the outer cylinder portion 24 and the water purification cartridge PC1.

[00391 A raw water flow path WG is formed outside the water purification cartridge PCl (see cross-sectional views such as FIG. 3(a)). A purified water flow path WJ is

formed within the water purification cartridge PCl (see cross-sectional views such as FIG. 3(a)). In the raw water discharge state, raw water flows through the raw water flow path WG, then passes through a raw water flow path WG within the switching mechanism, and then discharges from

the discharge port 22. On the other hand, in the purified water discharge state, raw water is filtered by a permeable portion 26 in the water purification cartridge PCl to be purified water in the process of flowing into the water purification cartridge PCl from outside the water purification cartridge PC1. The purified water flows through the purified water flow path WJ within the water purification cartridge PCl and a purified water flow path WJ within the switching mechanism, and then discharges from the discharge port 22. The permeable portion 26 is an example of a water purification functional portion.

[0040] The water discharge head 8 includes a head body 28, an upper head cover 30, and a lower head cover 32.

[0041] The switch portion 12 of the water discharge head 8 includes a thrust lock mechanism 34. The thrust lock mechanism 34 is accommodated in the head body 28. The

thrust lock mechanism 34 includes a first switch piece 36, a second switch piece 38, a switch ring 40, a switch shaft 42, a coil spring 44, a switch cover 46 and an 0-ring 48. The switch shaft 42 includes pushrods 50 and 51, and a button holder 52. The switch cover 46 includes a rearward

bottom portion 56 and a slit 58. The switch ring 40 is fixed on the front side of the switch cover 46. The switch shaft 42 is guided by the slit 58 to move in the front-rear direction. The second switch piece 38 moves together with the switch shaft 42. The second switch piece 38 and the switch shaft 42 move in the front-rear direction (move frontward and rearward) in conjunction with the pushing of

the handling portion 14. The coil spring 44 biases the switch cover 46 and the switch shaft 42 toward respective directions so that the switch cover 46 and the switch shaft 42 go away from each other. The first switch piece 36 is rotated by each pushing of the button, thereby enabling the

button to be held at the two different positions.

[0042] The thrust lock mechanism 34 attains the alternate action. The above-mentioned JP3454756B2 also adopts a similar thrust lock mechanism as in the present

embodiment. Generally, as what is called a thrust lock mechanism handled by an alternate action, a heart-shaped cam mechanism, a rotating cam mechanism, and a ratchet cam mechanism are known. All these mechanisms are commonly known. For example, one of these mechanisms can be adopted

as the thrust lock mechanism 34.

[0043] The water discharge head 8 includes a water shape changing assembly 70. The water-shape changing assembly 70 includes the above-described water-shape adjusting portion 16, the water-shape adjusting lever 18, and the discharge port 22. The water-shape changing assembly 70 further includes a valve-seat forming portion

80.

[0044] The switching mechanism of the water discharge head 8 includes the above-described handling portion 14, a first valve V1 and a second valve V2. The water discharge state is switched by opening or closing the two valves.

[0045] The first valve V1 includes a valve seat 101a, a first valve body 101b, a ball holder 101c, and an elastic body 101d. The first valve V1 is a ball valve. The first valve body 101b is a ball. The valve seat 101a is an opening edge of a circular hole. The valve seat 101a is formed on the valve-seat forming portion 80. The ball 101b is held by the ball holder 101c. The ball holder 101c is

opened downward. The elastic body 101d is disposed between an upper portion of the ball holder 101c and the ball 101b. The elastic body 101d is a coil spring. The elastic body 101d always biases the ball 101b toward the valve seat 101a side.

[0046] The second valve V2 includes a valve seat 102a, a second valve body 102b, a ball holder 102c, and an elastic body 102d. The second valve V2 is a ball valve. The second valve body 102b is a ball. The valve seat 102a is an opening edge of a circular hole. The valve seat 102a is formed on the valve-seat forming portion 80. The ball 102b is held by the ball holder 102c. The ball holder 102c is opened downward. The elastic body 102d is disposed between an upper portion of the ball holder 102c and the ball 102b. The elastic body 102d is a coil spring. The elastic body 102d always biases the ball 102b toward the valve seat 102a side.

[0047] The pushrod 50 of the switch shaft 42 has an end portion that is connected to the ball holder 101c. The pushrod 51 of the switch shaft 42 has an end portion that is connected to the ball holder 102c. The ball holder 101c

and the ball holder 102c move in the front-rear direction together with the switch shaft 42. The ball 101b moves in the front-rear direction together with the ball holder 101c. The ball 102b moves in the front-rear direction together with the ball holder 102c. The switch shaft 42

moves in the front-rear direction together with the handling portion 14.

[0048] The valve seat 101a and the valve seat 102a are arranged side by side in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction. However, front rear direction positions of those valve seats 101a and 102a are (slightly) different from each other. The valve seat

101a is located on the rear side with respect to the valve seat 102a.

[0049] When the handling portion 14 is situated at the projected position, the ball 102b is fitted into the valve seat 102a to close the second valve V2. In this instance, the center of the ball 101b is located off the center of the valve seat 101a, and thus the first valve V1 is opened. In this state, raw water is discharged. The second valve V2 is a valve for closing the purified water flow path.

[00501 When the handling portion 14 is situated at the depressed position, the ball 101b is fitted into the valve seat 101a to close the first valve V1. In this instance, the center of the ball 102b is located off the center of the valve seat 102a, and thus the second valve V2 is

opened. In this state, purified water is discharged. The first valve V1 is a valve for closing the raw water flow path.

[0051] The water discharge head 8 includes a regulation member RG1. The regulation member RG1 prevents switching into the purified water discharge state when the water purification cartridge PCi is not attached.

[0052] The water discharge head 8 includes a biasing member 104. The biasing member 104 biases the regulation member RG1 so that the regulation member RG1 is in a first state Ji (described later). In the present embodiment, the biasing member 104 is a torsion spring (torsion coil

spring). Thus, the regulation member RG1 is biased so as to be in the first state Ji.

[00531 The ball holder 102c includes an interlocking abutment portion LCl. The interlocking abutment portion LC1 is a stick-shaped portion whose rear end is a free end. The interlocking abutment portion LC1 moves in conjunction with the motion of the handling portion 14. The

interlocking abutment portion LC1 moves in the front-rear direction in accordance with the handling of the handling portion 14. The handling portion 14 cannot be moved when the interlocking abutment portion LC1 is prevented from moving. The handling portion 14 cannot be operated when

the interlocking abutment portion LC1 is prevented from moving.

[0054] In FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b), FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), the handling portion 14 is situated at the projected position. When the handling portion 14 is situated at the projected position, the water discharge head 8 is in the raw water discharge state. In FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5 (b), FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b), the handling portion 14 is situated at the depressed position. When the handling portion 14 is

situated at the depressed position, the water discharge head 8 is in the purified water discharge state. In all these figures, the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to (the appropriate position of) the water discharge head 8. The water purification cartridge PCl is attached to a cartridge receiving portion. In the water discharge head 8, the cartridge receiving portion is a

portion that extends from the inside of the outer cylinder portion 24 to the inside of the head body 28. The water purification cartridge PCl is able to perform its function (generation of purified water) by being attached to (the appropriate position of) the cartridge receiving portion.

[0055] FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are cross-sectional views in which the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached to the cartridge receiving portion. The cross sections of FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b) are taken at the same position as in FIG. 3 (b). The cross sections of FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are taken at the same position as in FIG. 4(b).

[0056] In FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 9(a), the handling portion 14 is situated at the projected position. In FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 9(b), the handling portion 14 is situated at a switch prevention position. The switch prevention position means a position at which the handling portion 14

is prevented from being handled into the purified water discharge state.

[0057] FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view in which a part of FIG. 3 (b) is enlarged. FIG. 10 (b) is a cross

sectional view in which a part of FIG. 5(b) is enlarged.

[0058] For the sake of convenience of explanation, in the present disclosure, a state in which the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached to the cartridge receiving portion is also referred to as an un-attached

state. In addition, a state in which the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to the cartridge receiving portion is also referred to as an attached state. FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are cross sectional views showing the un-attached state. FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) are cross-sectional views showing the attached state.

[0059] The state of the regulation member RG1 in the attached state is different from the state of the regulation member RG1 in the un-attached state. In the un attached state as shown in FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), the regulation member RG1 is in the first

state J1. In the attached state as shown in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b), the regulation member RG1 is in a second state J2.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the difference between the states of the regulation member RG1 is caused by difference in the posture of the regulation member RG1. The above-described biasing member 104 biases the

regulation member RG1 so that the regulation member RG1 is in a first posture. For this reason, in the un-attached state, the regulation member RG1 is in the first posture (see FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b)). In the attached state, the regulation member RG1 is in a second posture (see FIG.

10(a) and FIG. 10 (b)). The difference in posture is achieved by rotation. The attachment of the water purification cartridge PCl to the cartridge receiving portion makes the downstream-side end face of the water purification cartridge PCl abut on the regulation member RG1, thereby rotating the regulation member RG1. This rotation changes the state of the regulation member RG1 from the first state J1 (first posture) into the second state J2 (second posture). The behavior of the regulation member RG1 is detailed later.

[0061] As described above, the biasing member 104 biases the regulation member RG1 toward the first state J1 side. For this reason, when the water purification cartridge PCl is inserted while resisting the biasing force of the biasing member 104 whereby the regulation member RG1 is set to the second state J2, the biasing member 104

presses the water purification cartridge PCl in a detachment direction. The detachment direction is a direction toward a rear forming portion 142 from a connection terminal portion 140 (see FIG. 14(b)). Therefore, the detachment of the water purification

cartridge PCl is facilitated. Although adhesion might occur between the water purification cartridge PCl and an 0-ring 162 attached thereto, which might cause difficulty in detachment of the water purification cartridge PC1, the biasing member 104 contributes to resolving such a difficulty. Thus, the regulation member RG1 has such an effect of facilitating the detachment of the water

purification cartridge PCl (detachment facilitating effect).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b), when the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to set the regulation member RG1 to the second state J2, the

interlocking abutment portion LC1 is not brought into contact with the regulation member RG1 regardless of the position of the handling portion 14. When the regulation member RG1 is set to the second state J2, the regulation member RG1 does not prevent switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG1 is in the second state J2, the transition from the raw water discharge state (FIG. 10(a)) to the purified water discharge state (FIG. 10(b)) is achieved.

[00631 Meanwhile, when the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached and the regulation member RG1 is in the first state J1, the interlocking abutment portion LC1 abuts on the regulation member RG1 during the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge (see FIG. 8 (b) and FIG. 9(b)). When the

handling portion 14 situated at the projected position is pushed, the interlocking abutment portion LC1 abuts on the regulation member RG1 before the handling portion 14 reaches the depressed position. This abutment prevents the handling portion 14 from being further deeply pushed. When

the regulation member RG1 is in the first state J1, the regulation member RG1 prevents the switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG1 is in the first state J1, the transition from the raw water discharge state (FIG. 10(a)) to the purified water discharge state (FIG. 10(b)) is prevented. When the regulation member RG1 is in the first

state J1, the handling portion 14 is prevented from being moved from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position.

[0064] For activating the above-described thrust lock mechanism to switch the water discharge state, the handling

portion 14 needs pushing deeply beyond the depressed position. In other words, an "overstroke" is needed for performing the switching of the water discharge state. A position of the handling portion 14 when pushed as deep as possible is also referred to as the maximum depressed position. A distance in the handling direction between the projected position and the depressed position is denoted by X mm, and a distance in the handling direction of the overstroke is denoted by Y mm. This Y mm is a distance between the depressed position and the maximum depressed position. Therefore, the maximum movable distance of the handling portion 14 is (X+Y) mm. In the present embodiment, X is 4 mm, and Y is 2 mm. Note that the handling direction means the moving direction of the handling portion 14.

[00651 The switch prevention position is may be

situated between the projected position and the depressed position. That is, the switch prevention position may be situated within the range of the X mm. Alternatively, the switch prevention position may be situated within the range of the overstroke. That is, the switch prevention position

may be situated between the depressed position and the maximum depressed position. In other words, the switch prevention position may be situated within the range of the Y mm. However, the handling portion 14 needs preventing from moving before switching is performed by the thrust lock mechanism. That is, the handling portion 14 needs preventing from switching before reaching the above

described switch working position. From the viewpoint of certainty of prevention of the switching, the switch prevention position is preferably situated between the projected position and the depressed position.

[00661 FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) are cross-sectional

views showing a state immediately before the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to the appropriate position. The cross section of FIG. 11(a) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(a). The cross section of FIG. 11(b) is taken at the same position as in FIG. 3(b).

[0067] As described above, in the un-attached state, the regulation member RG1 is set to the first state J1. The regulation member RG1 is in the first state J1 also in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b). The downstream-side end face

EF1 of the water purification cartridge PCl abuts on the regulation member RG1 during the process of attaching the water purification cartridge PC1. FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) show a state in which the end face EF1 is almost brought into contact with the regulation member RG1. From this state, the water purification cartridge PCl is further inserted toward the downstream side (see solid filled

arrows in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b)). This insertion causes the end face EF1 to push and rotate the regulation member RG1. This rotation changes the state of the regulation member RG1 from the first state J1 (FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b)) to the second state J2 (FIG. 10(a) and FIG.

10(b)).

[0068] FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view of the regulation member RG1. FIG. 12 (b) is a plan view of the regulation member RG1. FIG. 12(c) is a side view of the regulation member RG1.

[0069] The regulation member RG1 includes a shaft portion 110, a deregulating abutment portion 112, and a

switch regulating portion 114. The regulation member RG1 further includes a first-state retaining portion 116. The shaft portion 110 is a rotation axis of the regulation member RG1.

[0070] The first-state retaining portion 116 abuts on

an adjacent portion by the biasing force of the biasing member 104, thereby keeping the regulation member RG1 in the first state J1. The adjacent portion means a member adjacent to the regulation member RG1. That is, all such members can be the adjacent portion.

[0071] The deregulating abutment portion 112 is located on one side of the shaft portion 110, and the switch regulating portion 114 is located on the other side of the shaft portion 110. In the first state J1 (see FIG.

11(a) and FIG. 11(b)), the deregulating abutment portion 112 is located on the upstream side (rear side) of the shaft portion 110, and the switch regulating portion 114 is located on the downstream side (front side) of the shaft

portion 110.

[0072] As the deregulating abutment portion 112, a first deregulating abutment portion 112a and a second

deregulating abutment portion 112b are provided. The first deregulating abutment portion 112a is an end of a projection portion 118 that is projected from a first position of the shaft portion 110. The second deregulating abutment portion 112b is an end of a projection portion 120

that is projected from a second position of the shaft portion 110.

[0073] The regulation member RG1 includes a U-shaped portion 122 extending from one position of the shaft portion 110 to another position of the shaft portion 110. The switch regulating portion 114 is provided on the U shaped portion 122. The first-state retaining portion 116

is an end face of a protrusion 124 that is protruded from the U-shaped portion 122.

[0074] FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of the ball holder 102c. The ball holder 102c includes a ball accommodating portion 130 and the above-described

interlocking abutment portion LCl. The ball accommodating portion 130 is a cylindrical portion that is opened downward. The ball 102b is accommodated in the ball accommodating portion 130. The interlocking abutment portion LC1 is a stick-shaped portion that is projected from the ball accommodating portion 130. The interlocking abutment portion LC1 extends along the front-rear direction. The interlocking abutment portion LC1 has an end face 132. The end face 132 is the rear end face of the interlocking abutment portion LCl.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the un-attached state, during the process of moving the handling portion 14 from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position, (the end face 132 of) the interlocking abutment portion LC1 abuts on (the switch regulating portion 114 of) the regulation member RG1 which is in the

first state J1. This abutment prevents the interlocking abutment portion LC1 from moving further rearward. This abutment prevents the handling portion 14 from being further deeply pushed. Therefore, the handling portion 14 cannot be set to the purified water discharge position.

[0076] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the attached state, during the process of moving the handling portion 14 from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position, (the end face 132 of) the interlocking abutment portion LC1 does not abut on (the switch regulating portion 114 of) the regulation member RG1 which is in the second state J2. Therefore, the

interlocking abutment portion LC1 can move further rearward to reach the purified water discharge position.

[0077] FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of the water purification cartridge PC1. FIG. 14 (b) is a side view of the water purification cartridge PC1. FIG. 14(c) is a

front view of the water purification cartridge PC1. FIG.

14(c) shows the water purification cartridge PCl as viewed from the downstream side.

[0078] The water purification cartridge PCl includes the above-described permeable portion 26, the connection terminal portion 140 which is disposed at a front end portion of the permeable portion 26, and the rear forming portion 142 which is disposed at a rear end portion of the permeable portion 26. The connection terminal portion 140 is made of a resin. The entirety of the connection terminal portion 140 is integrally formed as a single-piece member. The connection terminal portion 140 is formed in one piece with a resin. The connection terminal portion 140 is coaxial with the permeable portion 26. The rear forming portion 142 is coaxial with the permeable portion 26. Note that, as described above, the permeable portion 26 is one example of the water purification functional portion (a portion that performs the function of purifying water). The water purification cartridge PCl does not have to include the permeable portion 26.

[0079] The connection terminal portion 140 is provided on the downstream side of the permeable portion 26. The inside of the connection terminal portion 140 is an empty space. This empty space functions as the purified water flow path WJ. That is, the connection terminal portion 140 includes the purified water flow path WJ inside the connection terminal portion 140. An end portion of the connection terminal portion 140 is the end face EF1 on the downstream side of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0080] The permeable portion 26 has a cylindrical shape. The permeable portion 26 includes an empty space in the inside thereof. The empty space functions as the purified water flow path WJ. The permeable portion 26 may include an outer filtering layer and an inner filtering layer, for example. A water purification material may be disposed between the outer filtering layer and the inner filtering layer. The principal component of the water purification material is activated carbon, for example. For example, a nonwoven fabric is used for the outer filtering layer and the inner filtering layer. An antibacterial ceramic may be adopted for the outer filtering layer and/or the inner filtering layer. An ion exchanger may be adopted for the outer filtering layer and/or the inner filtering layer. The outer filtering layer may be constituted by a plurality of layers. The inner filtering layer may be constituted by a plurality of layers.

[0081] The rear forming portion 142 closes the rear side of the permeable portion 26. Meanwhile, the connection terminal portion 140 is pervious to water. The inside empty space of the connection terminal portion 140 is the purified water flow path WJ. Purified water that is generated by passing through the permeable portion 26

passes through the connection terminal portion 140 and then reaches the switch portion 12.

[0082] The connection terminal portion 140 includes a first cylinder portion 150. The connection terminal portion 140 further includes a second cylinder portion 152. The connection terminal portion 140 further includes a third cylinder portion 154. The second cylinder portion

152 is located on the downstream side of the third cylinder portion 154. The first cylinder portion 150 is located on the downstream side of the second cylinder portion 152. The second cylinder portion 152 is located between the first cylinder portion 150 and the third cylinder portion

154. The first cylinder portion 150 is coaxial with the second cylinder portion 152. The second cylinder portion 152 is coaxial with the third cylinder portion 154. The center axis of the first cylinder portion 150 coincides with the center axis of the water purification cartridge PC1. The center axis of the second cylinder portion 152 coincides with the center axis of the water purification cartridge PC1. The center axis of the third cylinder portion 154 coincides with the center axis of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[00831 The connection terminal portion 140 includes a maximum outer-diameter portion. In the present embodiment, the maximum outer-diameter portion of the connection terminal portion 140 is the third cylinder portion 154. The maximum outer-diameter portion (third cylinder portion 154) covers a downstream-side end portion of the permeable

portion 26.

[0084] The third cylinder portion 154 has an outer diameter greater than that of the second cylinder portion 152. A stepped surface 156 is formed between the third cylinder portion 154 and the second cylinder portion 152.

The stepped surface 156 extends in the radial direction of the water purification cartridge PC1. The outer diameter of the second cylinder portion 152 is greater than that of the first cylinder portion 150. A stepped surface 158 is formed between the second cylinder portion 152 and the first cylinder portion 150. The stepped surface 158 extends in the radial direction of the water purification

cartridge PC1.

[00851 The first cylinder portion 150 includes a flange 160 and the O-ring 162. The O-ring 162 is attached on the outer surface of the first cylinder portion 150. The flange 160 extends in the radial direction of the water

purification cartridge PC1. The flange 160 is located on the downstream side of the O-ring 162. The flange 160 supports the O-ring 162 from the downstream side.

[00861 As described above, the water purification

cartridge PCl includes the end face EF1 on the downstream side. The end face EF1 is an end face of the first cylinder portion 150. The end face EF1 abuts on the projection portions 118 and 120 of the regulation member RG1, thereby rotating the regulation member RG1. The

rotation axis of this rotation is the shaft portion 110. This rotation transitions the state of the regulation member RG1 from the first state J1 to the second state J2.

[0087] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a faucet device 200 according to a second embodiment. The faucet device 200 is installed to a kitchen sink (not shown in the

figure). Portions which are not visually recognized, that is, portions located inside the kitchen sink, are omitted to show in FIG. 15. The faucet device 200 might be installed, for example, to lavatories and bathrooms in addition to kitchens.

[00881 The faucet device 200 includes a body portion 204, a lever handle 206 and a water discharge head 208. The faucet device 200 is a so-called single-lever type faucet. The temperature of discharged water can be adjusted by side-to-side pivot motion of the lever handle 206. The amount of discharged water can be adjusted by up down pivot motion of the lever handle 206. A valve

mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature and amount of discharged water is accommodated inside the body portion 204. This valve mechanism is known. Although not shown in drawings, a faucet apparatus including the faucet device 200 includes a hot-water inlet tube and a water inlet tube.

[00891 The water discharge head 208 includes a water inlet portion 210, a switch portion 212, a handling portion 214, a water-shape adjusting portion 216, a display portion 220 and a discharge port 222. In the present embodiment, the handling portion 214 is a push button. The water inlet portion 210 also functions as a grip portion. In the present embodiment, the display portion 220 is a side surface of the push button 214. Since which state is selected, the raw water discharge state or the purified water discharge state, can be recognized by how the side surface looks, this side surface is also one example of the display portion. The water-shape adjusting portion 216 can change the shape (water shape) of discharged water.

[00901 The water discharge head 208 includes a raw water flow path and a purified water flow path. When the raw water flow path is selected, raw water is discharged

from the discharge port 222. Such a state in which raw water is discharged is also referred to as a raw water discharge state. When the purified water flow path is selected, purified water is discharged from the discharge port 222. Such a state in which purified water is

discharged is also referred to as a purified water discharge state.

[0091] The switch portion 212 includes a switching mechanism capable of switching between purified water discharge and raw water discharge by handling the handling portion 214. The switching mechanism is detailed later.

[0092] FIG. 16 is a front view of the water discharge

head 208. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 17.

[00931 The handling portion 214 functions as a switching button. The handling portion 214 is pushed to

switch between the flow paths. Every time the handling portion 214 is pushed, switching between the raw water flow path and the purified water flow path is performed. In other words, every time the handling portion 214 is pushed, switching between the raw water discharge state and the purified water discharge state is performed. As with the above-described first embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a thrust lock mechanism handled by an alternate action. This thrust lock enables the handling portion 214 to function as a push button. Each push of the push button 214 achieves mutual transition between a projected position and a depressed position of the push button 214.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the raw water discharge position is the projected position. In the present embodiment, the purified water discharge position is the depressed position.

[0095] The pushing moves the push button 214 rearward. The projected position is located on the front side with respect to the depressed position. The push button 214 is once pushed to a maximum depressed position for achieving the mutual transition between the projected position and the depressed position. The maximum depressed position is located on the rear side with respect to the depressed position. When the push button 214 situated at the projected position is pushed, the push button 214 stops at the depressed position after once being moved to the maximum depressed position. The push button 214 stays at the depressed position even after releasing the pushing of the push button 214. When the push button 214 situated at the depressed position is pushed, the push button 214 stops at the projected position after once being moved to the maximum depressed position. The push button 214 stays at the projected position even after releasing the pushing of the push button 214.

[00961 FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 show the push button 214 situated at the projected position. In the water discharge head 208, when the push button 214 is situated at the projected position, the raw water flow path is selected. In the water discharge head 208, when the push button 214 is situated at the projected position, raw water is discharged.

[0097] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are cross-sectional views

of the water discharge head 208 when the push button 214 is situated at the depressed position. The cross section of FIG. 19 is taken at the same position as in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 19.

[00981 In the water discharge head 208, when the push button 214 is situated at the projected position, the

purified water flow path is selected. In the water discharge head 208, when the push button 214 is situated at the depressed position, purified water is discharged.

[00991 FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the water discharge head 208.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 21, the water discharge head 208 includes a water purification cartridge PC1. The water purification cartridge PCl is the same as used in the first embodiment. The above-described water inlet portion (grip portion) 210 includes an outer cylinder portion 224 and the water purification cartridge PCl disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 224.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 20, a raw water flow path WG is formed outside the water purification cartridge PC1, and a purified water flow path WJ is formed within the water purification cartridge PC1. In the raw water discharge state, raw water flows through the raw

water flow path WG, then passes through the switching mechanism, and then discharges from the discharge port 222. On the other hand, in the purified water discharge state, raw water is changed into purified water by the function of the water purification functional portion (permeable portion 26) of the water purification cartridge PCl during passing through the water purification cartridge PC1. The purified water flows through the purified water flow path WJ within the water purification cartridge PCl and the purified water flow path WJ within the switching mechanism, and then discharges from the discharge port 222.

[0102] The water discharge head 208 includes a head body 228, an upper head cover 230, and a lower head cover 232.

[0103] The switch portion 212 of the water discharge head 208 includes a thrust lock mechanism 234. The thrust

lock mechanism 234 is accommodated in the head body 228. The thrust lock mechanism 234 includes a first switch piece 236, a second switch piece 238, a switch ring 240, a switch shaft 242, a coil spring 244, a switch cover 246 and an 0 ring 248. The switch shaft 242 includes a pushrod 250 and

a button holder 252. The switch cover 246 includes a rearward bottom portion 256 and a slit 258. The switch ring 240 is fixed on the front side of the switch cover 246. The switch shaft 242 is guided by the slit 258 to move in the front-rear direction. The second switch piece 238 moves together with the switch shaft 242. The second switch piece 238 and the switch shaft 242 move in the

front-rear direction (move forward and rearward) in conjunction with the pushing of the handling portion 214. The coil spring 244 biases the switch cover 246 and the switch shaft 242 toward respective directions in which the switch cover 246 and the switch shaft 242 go away from each

other. The first switch piece 236 is rotated by each pushing of the button, thereby enabling the button to be held at the two different positions. As with the above described first embodiment, the thrust lock mechanism 234 attains the alternate action.

[0104] The water discharge head 208 includes a water shape changing assembly 270. The water-shape changing assembly 270 includes the above-described water-shape adjusting portion 216 and the discharge port 222. The

water-shape changing assembly 270 further includes a valve seat forming portion 280.

[0105] The switching mechanism of the water discharge head 208 includes the above-described handling portion 214, a first valve V1 and a second valve V2. The water discharge state is switched by opening or closing the two valves.

[0106] The first valve V1 includes a valve seat 301a, a first valve body 301b, a ball holder 301c, and an elastic body 301d. The first valve V1 is a ball valve. The first valve body 301b is a ball. The valve seat 301a is an opening edge of a circular hole. The valve seat 301a is

formed on the valve-seat forming portion 280. The ball 301b is held by the ball holder 301c. The ball holder 301c is opened downward. The elastic body 301d is disposed between an upper portion of the ball holder 301c and the ball 301b. The elastic body 301d is a coil spring. The elastic body 301d always biases the ball 301b toward the valve seat 301a side.

[0107] The second valve V2 includes a valve seat 302a (see FIG. 19 and FIG. 20), a second valve body 302b, and a shaft body 302c. The second valve V2 is a shaft valve. The second valve body 302b is an 0-ring. The valve seat 302a is an inclined surface that is formed on a

circumferential edge of an opening of a flow path hole (see

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20). The inclined surface is a surface that faces rearward. The O-ring 302b is attached to the shaft body 302c. The shaft body 302c is connected to the switch shaft 242 through the medium of the ball holder 301c. The shaft body 302c moves in the front-rear direction together with the switch shaft 242. The switch shaft 242 is connected to the handling portion 214. The shaft body 302c moves in the front-rear direction together

with the handling portion 214 (push button).

[0108] The shaft body 302c includes an interlocking abutment portion LC2. The interlocking abutment portion LC2 is a rear end portion of the shaft body 302c. The interlocking abutment portion LC2 moves in the front-rear direction in accordance with the handling of the handling portion 214.

[0109] The pushrod 250 of the switch shaft 242 has an end portion that is connected to the ball holder 301c (see FIG. 18 and FIG. 20). The ball holder 301c moves in the front-rear direction together with the switch shaft 242. The ball holder 301c moves in the front-rear direction

together with the handling portion 214.

[0110] When the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position, the center of the ball 301b is located off the center of the valve seat 301a, and thus the first valve V1 is opened. Meanwhile, when the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position, the 0 ring 302b attached to the shaft body 302c abuts on the

valve seat 302a (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18). This abutment closes the second valve V2. In this state, raw water is discharged. The second valve V2 is a valve for closing the purified water flow path.

[0111] When the handling portion 214 is situated at

the depressed position, the ball 301b is fitted into the valve seat 301a to close the first valve V1. In this instance, the O-ring 302b attached to the shaft body 302c is located apart from the valve seat 302a (see FIG. 19 and

FIG. 20). In this state, purified water is discharged. The first valve V1 is a valve for closing the raw water flow path.

[0112] As shown in an enlarged portion of FIG. 21, the water discharge head 208 includes a regulation member RG2.

The regulation member RG2 prevents switching into the purified water discharge state when the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached.

[0113] As shown in an enlarged portion of FIG. 21, the water discharge head 208 includes a biasing member 304. The biasing member 304 biases the regulation member RG2 so that the regulation member RG2 is in a first state. In the

present embodiment, the biasing member 304 is a torsion spring (torsion coil spring).

[0114] In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position. When the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position,

the water discharge head 208 is in the raw water discharge state. In FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the handling portion 214 is situated at the depressed position. When the handling portion 214 is situated at the depressed position, the water discharge head 208 is in the purified water discharge state. In all these figures, the water purification cartridge PCi is attached to (the appropriate position of)

the water discharge head 208. The water purification cartridge PCi is attached to a cartridge receiving portion. In the water discharge head 208, the cartridge receiving portion is a portion that extends from the inside of the outer cylinder portion 224 to the inside of the head body

228. The water purification cartridge PCi is able to perform its function (generation of purified water) by being attached to (the appropriate position of) the cartridge receiving portion.

[0115] FIG. 22(a), FIG. 22(b), FIG. 23(a) and FIG. 23(b) are cross-sectional views showing the un-attached state. In FIG. 22(a) and FIG. 23(a), the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position. In FIG. 22(b) and FIG. 23(b), the handling portion 214 is situated at the

switch prevention position. In FIG. 22 (b) and FIG. 23 (b), the water discharge head 208 is in a switch prevented state. The switch prevented state means a state in which the interlocking abutment portion LC2 abuts on the regulation member RG2 and thus is prevented from moving.

[0116] FIG. 24(a) is a cross-sectional view in which a part of FIG. 17 is enlarged. FIG. 24 (b) is a cross

sectional view in which a part of FIG. 19 is enlarged. FIG. 24(a) and FIG. 24(b) are cross-sectional views showing the attached state. In FIG. 24(a), the handling portion 214 is situated at the projected position. In FIG. 24(b), the handling portion 214 is situated at the depressed

position.

[0117] The state of the regulation member RG2 in the attached state is different from the state of the regulation member RG2 in the un-attached state. In the un attached state as shown in FIG. 22(a), FIG. 22(b), FIG. 23(a) and FIG. 23(b), the regulation member RG2 is in the first state J1. In the attached state as shown in FIG.

24(a) and FIG. 24(b), the regulation member RG2 is in a second state J2.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the difference between the states of the regulation member RG2 is caused by difference in the posture of the regulation member RG2.

The above-described biasing member 304 biases the regulation member RG2 so that the regulation member RG2 is in a first posture. For this reason, in the un-attached state, the regulation member RG2 is in the first posture (see FIG. 22(a)). In the attached state, the regulation member RG2 is in a second posture (see FIG. 24(a)). The difference in posture is achieved by rotation. The attachment of the water purification cartridge PCl to the cartridge receiving portion makes the end face EF1 of the water purification cartridge PCl abut on the regulation member RG2, thereby rotating the regulation member RG2. This rotation changes the state of the regulation member RG2 from the first state Ji (first posture) into the second state J2 (second posture).

[0119] As shown in FIG. 24(a), the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (rear end portion of the shaft body 302c) does not abut on the regulation member RG2 when the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to set the regulation member RG2 to the second state J2, and the handling portion 214 is situated at the raw water discharge position.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 24(b), the interlocking abutment portion LC2 can abut on the regulation member RG2, when the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to set the regulation member RG2 to the second state J2, and the handling portion 214 is situated at the purified water discharge position. However, the regulation member RG2 which is in the second state J2 cannot prevent the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (rear end portion of the shaft body 302c) from moving rearward. In this instance, the regulation member RG2 is pushed by the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (rear end portion of the shaft body 302c) and is (slightly) rotated, but does not block the rearward moving of the interlocking abutment portion LC2

(rear end portion of the shaft body 302c). Therefore, when the regulation member RG2 is in the second state J2, the regulation member RG2 does not prevent switching from the

raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG2 is in the second state J2, the transition from the raw water discharge state to the purified water discharge state is achieved.

[0121] Meanwhile, when the water purification

cartridge PCl is not attached and the regulation member RG2 is in the first state J1, the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (rear end portion of the shaft body 302c) abuts on the regulation member RG2 during the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge (see FIG. 22 (b) and FIG. 23 (b)). When the handling portion 214 situated at the projected position is pushed, the

interlocking abutment portion LC2 abuts on the regulation member RG2 before the handling portion 214 reaches the depressed position. This abutment prevents the handling portion 214 from being further deeply pushed. When being in the first state J1, the regulation member RG2 is in a

state (posture) that is capable of receiving a handling force transmitted from the handling portion 214 to the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (shaft body 302c). As shown in FIG. 23(b), a part of the regulation member RG2 is inserted into a recess portion r1 that is provided on the rear end face of the shaft body 302c, which allows the regulation member RG2 to stably support the shaft body 302c

(interlocking abutment portion LC2).

[0122] Thus, when the regulation member RG2 is in the first state J1, the regulation member RG2 prevents the switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG2 is in the

first state J1, the transition from the raw water discharge state to the purified water discharge state is prevented. When the regulation member RG2 is in the first state J1, the handling portion 214 is prevented from being moved from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position.

[0123] The posture of the regulation member RG2 in FIG. 24(a) is different from the posture of the regulation member RG2 in FIG. 24 (b). However, these postures cannot prevent the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (handling portion 214) from moving to the purified water discharge position. Therefore, both of these postures are the second state J2.

[0124] FIG. 25(a) is a perspective view of the regulation member RG2. FIG. 25 (b) is a plan view of the regulation member RG2. FIG. 25(c) is a side view of the regulation member RG2.

[0125] The regulation member RG2 includes a shaft portion 310, a deregulating abutment portion 312, and a switch regulating portion 314. The shaft portion 310 is a rotation axis of the regulation member RG2. The deregulating abutment portion 312 is located on one side of the shaft portion 310, and the switch regulating portion 314 is located on the other side of the shaft portion 310. In the first state J1 (see FIG. 22(a) and FIG. 22(b)), the

deregulating abutment portion 312 is located on the upstream side (rear side) of the shaft portion 310, and the switch regulating portion 314 is located on the downstream side (front side) of the shaft portion 310.

[0126] As the deregulating abutment portion 312, a first deregulating abutment portion 312a and a second deregulating abutment portion 312b are provided. The first deregulating abutment portion 312a is an end of a projection portion 318 that is projected from a first position of the shaft portion 310. The second deregulating abutment portion 312b is an end of a projection portion 320 that is projected from a second position of the shaft portion 310.

[0127] The regulation member RG2 further includes a first-state retaining portion 316. The first-state retaining portion 316 abuts on the adjacent portion by the biasing force of the biasing member 304, thereby keeping the regulation member RG2 in the first state J1.

[0128] The switch regulating portion 314 is provided on an end portion of a projected extension portion 322 that extends from the shaft portion 310. The switch regulating portion 314 includes a protrusion 324, and support portions 326 provided on the right and left sides of the protrusion 324. When the regulation member RG2 prevents the interlocking abutment portion LC2 (shaft body 302c) from moving, the protrusion 324 is inserted into the recess portion r1 of the shaft body 302c, and thus the support portions 326 located on the right and left sides of the protrusion 324 abut on the rear end face of the shaft body 302c (see FIG. 23(b)). For this reason, the regulation member RG2 stably abuts on the rear end portion of the shaft body 302c, thereby surely preventing the moving of the shaft body 302c.

[0129] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a faucet device 400 according to a third embodiment. The faucet device 400 is installed to a kitchen sink (not shown in the figure). Portions which are not visually recognized, that is, portions located inside the kitchen sink, are omitted to show in FIG. 26.

[0130] The faucet device 400 includes a body portion 404, a lever handle 406 and a water discharge head 408.

The faucet device 400 is a so-called single-lever type faucet. The temperature of discharged water can be adjusted by side-to-side pivot motion of the lever handle

406. The amount of discharged water can be adjusted by up down pivot motion of the lever handle 406. A valve mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature and amount of discharged water is accommodated inside the body portion 404. Although not shown in drawings, a faucet apparatus

including the faucet device 400 includes a hot-water inlet tube and a water inlet tube.

[0131] The water discharge head 408 includes a water inlet portion 410, a switch portion 412, a handling portion 414, a water-shape adjusting portion 416, a display portion 420 and a discharge port 422. In the present embodiment, the handling portion 414 is a dial. The handling portion

414 is rotated to perform switching between raw water discharge and purified water discharge. In the present disclosure, this water discharge head 408 is also referred to as a dial type water discharge head. The dial type water discharge head is known.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the display portion 420 is a display window. Indication in the display window allows users to determine which is selected, the raw water discharge state or the purified water discharge state. The water-shape adjusting portion 416 can change the shape (water shape) of discharged water.

[0133] The water discharge head 408 includes a raw

water flow path and a purified water flow path. When the raw water flow path is selected, raw water is discharged from the discharge port 422. When the purified water flow path is selected, purified water is discharged from the discharge port 422.

[0134] The switch portion 412 includes a switching mechanism capable of switching between the purified water discharge and the raw water discharge by handling (rotation handling of) the handling portion 414. The switching mechanism is detailed later.

[0135] FIG. 27(a), FIG. 27(b) and FIG. 27(c) are front views of the water discharge head 408. FIG. 27(a) is the front view showing the raw water discharge state. FIG. 27(b) is the front view showing the switch prevented state.

FIG. 27(c) is the front view showing the purified water discharge state.

[0136] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 27(a). FIG. 28 is the cross-sectional view showing the raw water discharge state. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 27(c). FIG. 29 is the cross-sectional view showing the purified

water discharge state.

[0137] The handling portion 414 functions as a switching dial. The handling portion 414 is rotated to switch between the flow paths. The handling portion 414 is rotated to perform switching between the raw water flow

path and the purified water flow path. The handling portion 414 is situated at a first rotation position in the raw water discharge state (see FIG. 27(a)). The handling portion 414 is situated at a second rotation position in the purified water discharge state (see FIG. 27(c)). In the present embodiment, an angle 0 between the first rotation position and the second rotation position is 90

degrees. In the present embodiment, switching between the raw water discharge state and the purified water discharge state is performed by rotating the handling portion 414 through the angle 0 (90 degrees).

[0138] The water discharge head 408 includes a cam

mechanism 430 capable of transforming the rotation of the handling portion 414 into movement in the front-rear direction, and a shaft body 432 that is moved in the front rear direction by the cam mechanism 430. As well shown in

FIG. 29, the shaft body 432 includes a shaft portion 432a, a disk portion 432b, a rear inflow port 432c, a main flow path 432d, and a branch flow path 432e. The shaft body 432 further includes an interlocking abutment portion LC3. The interlocking abutment portion LC3 is the rear end face of

the shaft body 432.

[0139] The disk portion 432b includes a purified water outflow port 432f and a raw water outflow port 432g. The branch flow path 432e connects the main flow path 432d and the purified water outflow port 432f. The main flow path 432d is opened rearward with the rear inflow port 432c. The purified water outflow port 432f is provided at one

position in the circumferential direction of the disk portion 432b. The raw water outflow port 432g is provided at one position in the circumferential direction of the disk portion 432b. The circumferential direction position of the purified water outflow port 432f is different from

the circumferential direction position of the raw water outflow port 432g.

[0140] Meanwhile, an adjacent portion that is adjacent to the shaft body 432 includes a support hole 440 that supports the shaft body 432 so as to allow the shaft body 432 to move in the front-rear direction, a disk opposed portion 442, and a flow path hole 444. The adjacent

portion is fixed regardless of handling of the handling portion 414.

[0141] The cam mechanism 430 moves the shaft body 432 back and forth in accordance with the rotation of the handling portion 414. When the handling portion 414 is

situated at the raw water discharge position or situated at the purified water discharge position, the disk portion 432b of the shaft body 432 abuts on the disk opposed portion 442. The position of the shaft body 432 at this time is also hereinafter referred to as a reference position. When the handling portion 414 is situated between the raw water discharge position and the purified water discharge position, the disk portion 432b is located apart from the disk opposed portion 442. That is, when the handling portion 414 is situated between the raw water discharge position and the purified water discharge position, the shaft body 432 is located on the rear side with respect to the reference position.

[0142] The shaft body 432 is rotated together with the handling portion 414. That is, the shaft body 432 is rotated together with the handling portion 414 while moving

in the front-rear direction in accordance with the rotation of the handling portion 414.

[0143] In the purified water discharge state, the purified water outflow port 432f of the shaft body 432 is placed over the flow path hole 444 (see FIG. 29). In this

instance, the raw water outflow port 432g is closed by the disk opposed portion 442. As a result, purified water that has flowed through the purified water flow path WJ within the water purification cartridge PCl passes through the main flow path 432d, the purified water outflow port 432f and the flow path hole 444, and then discharges from the discharge port 422.

[0144] In the raw water discharge state, the raw water outflow port 432g of the shaft body 432 is placed over the flow path hole 444 (see FIG. 28). In this instance, the purified water outflow port 432f is closed by the disk opposed portion 442. As a result, purified water that has

flowed through the purified water flow path WJ within the water purification cartridge PCl is stopped, and raw water that has flowed through the raw water flow path WG located outside the water purification cartridge PCl passes through the raw water outflow port 432g and the flow path hole 444, and then discharges from the discharge port 422.

[0145] Thus, the switching mechanism according to the third embodiment is an outflow-port selecting mechanism using the disk portion which is rotated together with the handling portion (dial) and the disk opposed portion. The cam mechanism is incorporated to the outflow-port selecting mechanism, whereby the disk portion and the disk opposed portion are located apart from each other when the handling portion 414 is situated between the raw water discharge position and the purified water discharge position. This interval between the disk portion and the disk opposed portion prevents a high water pressure that is otherwise applied when both the raw water discharge and the purified water discharge are stopped.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the water discharge head 408 includes a regulation member RG3. The regulation member RG3 prevents switching into the purified water discharge state when the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached.

[0147] Although not shown in the drawings, the water discharge head 408 includes a biasing member. The biasing member biases the regulation member RG3 so that the regulation member RG3 is in a first state.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, in the attached state, the regulation member RG3 is in a second state J2. In the second state J2, the regulation member RG3 never blocks the movement of the shaft body 432 in the front-rear direction. Even when the shaft body 432 is situated at the rearmost position, the regulation member

RG3 in the second state J2 does not block the movement of the shaft body 432 because the front end portion of the regulation member RG3 is inserted from the rear inflow port

432c into the main flow path 432d (see FIG. 29). As a result, the transition from the raw water discharge state to the purified water discharge state is achieved.

[0149] FIG. 30(a) and FIG. 30(b) are cross-sectional views showing the un-attached state. In FIG. 30(a), the

handling portion 414 is situated at the raw water discharge position. In FIG. 30(b), the handling portion 414 is situated at the switch prevention position. As described above, the switch prevention position means a position that is located between the raw water discharge position and the purified water discharge position, and at which the handling portion 414 is prevented from being handled toward

the purified water discharge state.

[0150] The above-described FIG. 27(b) shows the handling portion 414 situated at the switch prevention position. FIG. 27(a) shows the handling portion 414 situated at the raw water discharge position, and FIG.

27(c) shows the handling portion 414 situated at the purified water discharge position. Thus, the raw water discharge position, the purified water discharge position and the switch prevention position are concepts including rotation positions in the circumferential direction.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 30(a), in the un-attached state, the regulation member RG3 is in the first state J1.

Meanwhile, as described above, in the attached state, the regulation member RG3 is in the second state J2 (see FIG. 28 and FIG. 29).

[0152] In the present embodiment, the difference between the states of the regulation member RG3 is caused

by difference in the posture of the regulation member RG3.

The difference in posture is achieved by rotation. The attachment of the water purification cartridge PCl to the cartridge receiving portion makes the end face EF1 of the water purification cartridge PCl abut on the regulation member RG3, thereby rotating the regulation member RG3. This rotation changes the state of the regulation member RG3 from the first state Ji (first posture) to the second state J2 (second posture).

[0153] When the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached and the regulation member RG3 is in the first state J1, the interlocking abutment portion LC3 (rear end face of the shaft body 432) abuts on a switch regulating portion of the regulation member RG3 during the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge (see FIG. 30 (b)). When the handling portion 414 is rotated from the raw water discharge position, the interlocking abutment portion LC3 abuts on the switch regulating portion 460 of the regulation member RG3 before the handling portion 414 reaches the purified water discharge position. The switch regulating portion 460 is the front end portion of the regulation member RG3 in the first state Ji. This abutment prevents the handling portion 414 from being further rotated toward the purified water discharge position side.

[0154] When being in the first state J1, the regulation member RG3 is in a state (posture) that is capable of receiving a handling force transmitted from the handling portion 414 to the interlocking abutment portion LC3 (shaft body 432). As shown in FIG. 30(b), the tip end portion of the regulation member RG3 is caught by a corner portion that is formed by the rear end face LC3 of the shaft body 432 and an inner circumferential surface 450 of the adjacent portion, whereby the regulation member RG3 is prevented from rotating and stably supports the rear end face of the shaft body 432.

[0155] Thus, when the regulation member RG3 is in the

first state J1, the regulation member RG3 prevents the switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG3 is in the first state J1, the transition from the raw water discharge state to the purified water discharge state is prevented.

When the regulation member RG3 is in the first state J1, the handling portion 414 is prevented from being rotated from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position.

[0156] [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a faucet device 600 according to a fourth embodiment. The faucet

device 600 is installed to a kitchen sink (not shown in the figure). Portions which are not visually recognized, that is, portions located inside the kitchen sink, are omitted to show in FIG. 31.

[0157] The faucet device 600 includes a body portion

604, a lever handle 606 and a water discharge head 608. The faucet device 600 is a so-called single-lever type faucet. The temperature of discharged water can be adjusted by side-to-side pivot motion of the lever handle 606. The amount of discharged water can be adjusted by up down pivot motion of the lever handle 606. A valve mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature and amount

of discharged water is accommodated inside the body portion 604. Although not shown in drawings, a faucet apparatus including the faucet device 600 includes a hot-water inlet tube and a water inlet tube.

[0158] The water discharge head 608 includes a water inlet portion 610, a switch portion 612, a handling portion

614, a water-shape adjusting portion 616, a display portion

620 and a discharge port 622. In the present embodiment, the handling portion 614 is a lever. The handling portion 614 is handled (rotated) to perform switching between raw water discharge and purified water discharge. In the present disclosure, this water discharge head 608 is also referred to as a lever type water discharge head. Since the lever 614 is located at a side of the switch portion

612, the water discharge head 608 is also referred to as a side-lever type water discharge head. Such a side-lever type water discharge head is known.

[0159] In the present embodiment, the display portion 620 is a display window. Indication in the display window allows users to determine which is selected, the raw water discharge state or the purified water discharge state. The

water-shape adjusting portion 616 includes a water-shape adjusting lever 618. The shape of discharged water (water shape) can be changed by handling the water-shape adjusting lever 618.

[0160] The water discharge head 608 includes a raw

water flow path and a purified water flow path. When the raw water flow path is selected, raw water is discharged from the discharge port 622. When the purified water flow path is selected, purified water is discharged from the discharge port 622.

[0161] The switch portion 612 includes a switching mechanism capable of switching between the purified water

discharge and the raw water discharge by handling the handling portion 614 (rotation handling of the side lever). The switching mechanism is detailed later.

[0162] FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32(b) are side views showing a part of the water discharge head 608. FIG. 32 (a)

is the side view showing the raw water discharge state.

FIG. 32(b) is the side view showing the purified water discharge state. Note that a cover that covers the switch portion 612 and the water-shape adjusting portion 616 is

omitted to show in FIG. 32(a), FIG. 32 (b), and below described FIG. 33 and FIG. 34.

[0163] The handling portion 614 functions as a switching lever. The handling portion 614 is rotated to switch between the flow paths. The handling portion 614 is

rotated to perform switching between the raw water flow path and the purified water flow path. The handling portion 614 is situated at a first rotation position in the raw water discharge state (see FIG. 32(a)). The handling portion 614 is situated at a second rotation position in the purified water discharge state (see FIG. 32(b)). In the present embodiment, an angle 0 between the first

rotation position and the second rotation position is 90 degrees. Switching between the raw water discharge state and the purified water discharge state is performed by rotating the handling portion 614 through the angle 0 (90 degrees).

[0164] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head 608 in the raw water discharge state. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the water discharge head 608 in the purified water discharge state.

[0165] The switching mechanism of the water discharge head 608 includes a rotation portion 630 that is rotated together with the handling portion 614. The rotation

portion 630 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The rotation portion 630 includes an empty space in the inside thereof. The rotation portion 630 includes a flow path hole 632 that penetrates through a wall of the rotation portion 630 between an outer surface and an inner surface

thereof. The rotation portion 630 also includes a projected portion p4 and a recessed portion r4 that is adjacent to the projected portion p4. As shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, the rotation portion has a two-layered structure that includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The recessed portion r4 is formed by providing an outer layer removed portion in which a part of the outer layer in the two-layered structure is removed. A protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the inner layer at a position that corresponds to the position of the outer layer removed portion. This protrusion is the projected portion p4.

[0166] An adjacent portion that is adjacent to the rotation portion 630 includes a purified water outflow port 634 by which purified water that has passed through the inside of the water purification cartridge PCl is

discharged toward the rotation portion 630.

[0167] In the raw water discharge state, the flow path hole 632 is not placed over the purified water outflow port 634, and the purified water outflow port 634 is closed by the rotation portion 630 (see FIG. 33). In this state, the

flow path hole 632 communicates with the raw water flow path WG. For this reason, purified water is stopped, and raw water flows from the flow path hole 632 into the inside of the rotation portion 630 and then discharges from the discharge port 622.

[0168] In the purified water discharge state, the flow path hole 632 is placed over the purified water outflow

port 634 (see FIG. 34). In this state, the flow path hole 632 does not communicate with the raw water flow path WG. For this reason, raw water is stopped, and purified water flows from the flow path hole 632 into the inside of the rotation portion 630 and then discharges from the discharge

port 622.

[0169] The rotation portion 630 includes an interlocking abutment portion LC4. The interlocking abutment portion LC4 is the above-described projected portion p4.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, the water discharge head 608 includes a regulation member RG4. The regulation member RG4 prevents switching into the purified water discharge state when the water purification cartridge PCl is not attached.

[0171] Although not shown in the drawings, the water discharge head 608 includes a biasing member. The biasing member biases the regulation member RG4 so that the regulation member RG4 is in a first state.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, in the attached state, the regulation member RG4 is in a second state J2. In the second state J2, the regulation member RG4 never blocks the movement (rotation) of the rotation portion 630. In the second state J2, (a front end portion of) the regulation member RG4 is located apart from the rotation portion 630. Therefore, the regulation member RG4 does not affect the rotation of the rotation portion 630. As a result, the transition from the raw water discharge state to the purified water discharge state is achieved.

[0173] FIG. 35(a) and FIG. 35(b) are cross-sectional views showing the un-attached state. In FIG. 35(a), the handling portion 614 is situated at the raw water discharge position. In FIG. 35(b), the handling portion 614 is situated at the switch prevention position.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 35(a), in the un-attached state, the regulation member RG4 is in the first state Ji. Meanwhile, in the attached state as described above, the regulation member RG4 is in the second state J2 (see FIG. 33 and FIG. 34).

[0175] In the present embodiment, the difference between the states of the regulation member RG4 is caused by difference in the posture of the regulation member RG4.

The difference in posture is achieved by rotation. The attachment of the water purification cartridge PCl to the cartridge receiving portion makes the end face EF1 of the water purification cartridge PCl abut on the regulation member RG4, thereby rotating the regulation member RG4.

This rotation changes the state of the regulation member RG4 from the first state J1 (first posture) to the second state J2 (second posture). This rotation is performed in such a manner that the front end portion of the regulation member RG4 is raised.

[0176] In the un-attached state and the raw water discharge state, when the regulation member RG4 is in the

first state J1, the front end portion of the regulation member RG4 is inserted into the recessed portion r4 (see FIG. 35(a)). When the handling portion 614 is rotated from this state to the purified water discharge position, a switch regulating portion 660 of the regulation member RG4

abuts on the projected portion p4 (interlocking abutment portion LC4). At this time, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the switch regulating portion 660 of the regulation member RG4 is sandwiched between the projected portion p4 and the adjacent portion. For this reason, the handling portion 614 cannot be further rotated toward the purified water discharge position side. The switch regulating portion 660

is the front end portion of the regulation member RG4 which is in the first state Ji.

[0177] When being in the first state Ji and abutting on the projected portion p4, the regulation member RG4 is in a state that is capable of receiving a handling force

transmitted from the handling portion 614 to the interlocking abutment portion LC4 (projected portion p4). As described above, the switch regulating portion 660 of regulation member RG4 is sandwiched between the projected portion p4 and the adjacent portion, which prevents the regulation member RG4 from rotating and enables the regulation member RG4 to stably support the projected portion p4.

[0178] Thus, when the regulation member RG4 is in the

first state J1, the regulation member RG4 prevents switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge. When the regulation member RG4 is in the first state J1, the transition from the raw water discharge state into the purified water discharge state is prevented. When the regulation member RG4 is in the first state J1, the handling portion 614 is prevented from being rotated

from the raw water discharge position to the purified water discharge position.

[0179] [First to Fourth Embodiments] As explained above, the above-discussed embodiments each include: a switching mechanism capable of

switching water discharge that is brought from a discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member; and a water purification cartridge. The regulation member is capable of undergoing a mutual transition between the first state J1 and the second state J2.

[0180] In the above embodiments, the transition

between the first state J1 and the second state J2 is attained by rotating the regulation member. The method for this transition is not limited to the rotation of the regulation member. The transition may be attained by, for example, moving (parallel moving), moving that involves

rotation, or the like instead of the rotation. A change between the first state J1 and the second state J2 is not limited, and it is required only that respective purposes of the first state J1 and the second state J2 are attained.

That is, the first state J1 is only required to prevent the switching mechanism from switching from raw water discharge to purified water discharge, and the second state J2 is only required to permit the switching mechanism to switch from raw water discharge to purified water discharge.

[0181] The water purification cartridge PCl includes the deregulation portion which changes the state of the regulation member from the first state J1 to the second state J2. In the above-discussed embodiments, the deregulation portion is the downstream-side end face EF1 of the water purification cartridge PC1. Needless to say, the deregulation portion is not limited to the end face EF1.

Any portion of the water purification cartridge PCl can become the deregulation portion. In the above-discussed embodiments, the deregulation portion of the water purification cartridge PCl directly abuts on the regulation member. In view of facilitating the direct abutment of the

deregulation portion onto the regulation member, the deregulation portion is preferably (a part of) the connection terminal portion 140, and more preferably the end face EF1. However, the deregulation portion does not have to directly abut on the regulation member. In this case, the degree of design freedom in setting the position of the deregulation portion is further enhanced.

[0182] Examples of the case where the deregulation portion does not directly abut on the regulation member include the following configurations (a) and (b). (a) The water discharge head includes a linking portion that is connected to the regulation member. The

deregulation portion abuts on the linking portion. The abutment of the deregulation portion on the linking portion changes the state of the linking portion, and the state of the regulation member is transitioned from the first state

J1 to the second state J2 in conjunction with the change of the state of the linking portion. (b) The water discharge head includes: a detection portion capable of detecting the presence of the deregulation portion; and an actuator that actuates the regulation

member. When the deregulation portion is detected by the detection portion, the regulation member is actuated by the actuator, which transitions the state of the regulation member from the first state J1 to the second state J2.

[0183] The linking portion in the configuration (a) may be a structure like a push button (protrusion), for example. The detection portion in the configuration (b)

may be a detector that detect the deregulation portion electrically or magnetically, for example.

[0184] The above-discussed embodiments each include a biasing member that biases the regulation member so as to be the first state J1. The biasing member surely enables

the regulation member to be the first state in the un attached state. The biasing member does not have to be present. It is required only that the regulation member is in the first state J1 in the un-attached state. For, example, the regulation member may be made the first state J1 by a gravity force that acts on the regulation member.

[0185] The regulation member includes a switch

regulating portion that is situated at a first position in the first state J1 and is situated at a second position in the second state J2. In the above-discussed embodiments, the front end portion (end portion on the handling portion side) of the regulation member in the first state J1 is the

switch regulating portion. In the regulation member, the position of the switch regulating portion is not limited.

[0186] In the above-discussed embodiments, changing of the posture of the regulation member causes the switch

regulating portion to be the first position or the second position.

[0187] FIG. 36 is a side view showing the rotation of the regulation member RG1 according to the first embodiment. The regulation member is rotated about a

rotation center line Z1, which moves the switch regulating portion 114 on the circumference of a circle, the center of which is the rotation center line Z1. This movement changes the position of the switch regulating portion 114. The position of the switch regulating portion 114 in the first state J1 is the first position PS1. The position of the switch regulating portion 114 in the second state J2 is

the second position PS2.

[0188] As described above, the way of the mutual transition between the first state J1 and the second state J2 is not limited to the rotation of the regulation member. The transition may be attained by moving (parallel moving

or the like) of the regulation member. For example, the regulation member may be slid to perform the transition. Therefore, the difference between the first position PS1 and the second position PS1 is not limited to the difference in position on a single circular arc.

[0189] In the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge performed by the

switching mechanism, the switch regulating portion 114 situated at the first position PS1 abuts on the interlocking abutment portion LC1 which moves in conjunction with the motion of the switching mechanism. Note that, within one embodiment, the first position PS1

may be set at one position, or may be set at plural positions.

[0190] As described above, the regulation member RG1 according to the first embodiment includes the first-state

retaining portion 116. The first-state retaining portion 116 abuts on an adjacent portion AJ1 using the biasing force of the biasing member 104, thereby keeping the regulation member RG1 in the first state J1. The abutment of the first-state retaining portion 116 on the adjacent

portion AJ1 stably keeps the first state J1 even when the switch regulating portion 114 is pressed by the interlocking abutment portion LCl. For this reason, switching into the purified water discharge state is surely prevented (see FIG. 36). The adjacent portion AJ1 is a portion adjacent to the regulation member RG1.

[0191] By the biasing member 104, the regulation

member RG1 is biased in a first rotation direction in which the regulation member RG1 is transitioned from the second state J2 toward the first state J1. An abutting force of the interlocking abutment portion LC1 acts in a direction in which the regulation member RG1 is rotated in the first

rotation direction. However, this rotation is blocked by the abutment between the first-state retaining portion 116 and the adjacent portion AJ1. On the other hand, the regulation member RG1 abuts on the deregulation portion DR1 of the water purification cartridge PC1, thereby being rotated in a second rotation direction in which the regulation member RG1 is transitioned from the first state

J1 toward the second state J2. In the regulation member RG1 in the second state J2, the pressing force of the deregulation portion DR1 is balanced with the biasing force of the biasing member 104. For this reason, the second state J2 is stably kept. Furthermore, as described above,

the biasing force of the biasing member 104 causes the regulation member RG1 to achieve the detachment facilitating effect.

[0192] A member that forms the interlocking abutment

portion is not limited. The interlocking abutment portion moves in conjunction with the motion of the switching mechanism. The interlocking abutment portion moves in conjunction with the motion of the handling portion. The interlocking abutment portion may be a member that is

included in the switching mechanism, or a member that is not included in the switching mechanism. The handling portion is prevented from being handled toward the purified water discharge state side by preventing the movement of the interlocking abutment portion toward the purified water discharge state side.

[0193] The switch regulating portion 114 situated at

the second position PS2 does not abut on the interlocking abutment portion LC1 in the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge performed by the switching mechanism. Note that, within one embodiment, the second position PS2 may be set at one

position, or may be set at plural positions.

[0194] In view of attaining the mutual transition between the first state J1 and the second state J2 with a simple structure, the regulation member is preferably fixed in a rotatable manner. The mutual transition between the first state J1 and the second state J2 is preferably attained by the rotation of the regulation member.

[0195] As described above, in the above-discussed embodiments, the deregulation portion of the water purification cartridge PCl is the end face EF1 on the downstream side. When the water purification cartridge PCl is attached to the appropriate position, the deregulation

portion transitions the regulation member from the first state J1 to the second state J2.

[01961 As shown in FIG. 14(a) and FIG. 14(c), the deregulation portion DR1 (end face EF1) is an annular

surface. The deregulation portion DR1 is a surface that extends along the circumferential direction of the water purification cartridge PC1. The deregulation portion DR1 is the annular surface coaxial with the water purification cartridge PC1. The deregulation portion DR1 is a flat

surface. The deregulation portion DR1 extends along a plane perpendicular to the center line of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0197] Due to tolerances in manufacturing, the overall length of the water purification cartridge PCl varies. This variation causes variation in the axial-direction position of the deregulation portion DR1 (end face EF1) in

the attached state. This axial direction means the axial direction of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0198] A deviation in the axial-direction position of the deregulation portion DR1 can obstruct the abutment between the deregulation portion DR1 and the deregulating

abutment portion of the regulation member RG1. However, since the deregulation portion DR1 is disposed annularly, the abutment between the deregulation portion DR1 and the regulation member RG1 is easily kept even when the axial direction position of the deregulation portion DR1 is deviated. In other words, the abutment between the deregulation portion DR1 and the regulation member RG1 is

easily kept even when the posture (angle) of the regulation member RG1 is slightly changed. Therefore, the second state J2 is surely attained.

[0199] In the second state J2, two positions of the regulation member RG1 abut on the deregulation portion DR1.

One position of the abutment is the deregulating abutment portion 118 (first deregulating abutment portion 112a), and the other position of the abutment is the deregulating abutment portion 120 (second deregulating abutment portion

112b) (see FIG. 12 (b)). Therefore, stability and reliability of the abutment are enhanced, whereby the second state J2 is surely kept.

[0200] FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water discharge head 8 according to the first

embodiment. FIG. 37 is the cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0201] As described above, the water purification cartridge PCl includes the connection terminal portion 140. The cartridge receiving portion of the water discharge head 8 includes the insertion portion 800 to which the

connection terminal portion 140 is inserted. The insertion portion 800 means a portion that is adjacent to the outer side in the radial direction of the connection terminal portion 140. The radial direction means the radial direction of the water purification cartridge PC1. In the

embodiment of FIG. 37, the insertion portion 800 is constituted by a plurality of members.

[0202] The connection terminal portion 140 includes a gap-forming portion 802 that forms a gap gpl between the connection terminal portion 140 and the insertion portion 800. The gap-forming portion 802 forms the downstream-side end portion of the connection terminal portion 140. The

gap-forming portion 802 forms the downstream-side end portion of the first cylinder portion 150 (see FIG. 14). The gap gpl is positioned on the outer side in the radial direction of the gap-forming portion 802. The radial direction means the radial direction of the water

purification cartridge PC1. The gap gpl is present over the entire circumference of the gap-forming portion 802. The end face of the gap-forming portion 802 is the above described end face EF1. The end face of the gap-forming portion 802 is the deregulation portion DR1.

[0203] The end face EF1 is a circumferentially continuous end face that is wholly continuous in the circumferential direction (3600) of the water purification cartridge PC1. The circumferentially continuous end face

EF1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This structure enables the regulation member RG1 to abut on the end face EF1 and to work appropriately without a process of position alignment in the circumferential direction between the water purification cartridge PCl and the insertion portion 800 of the water discharge head 8. In other words, the structure enables

the regulation member RG1 to abut on the end face EF1 and to work appropriately regardless of a positional relationship in the circumferential direction between the water discharge head 8 and the water purification cartridge PCl attached thereto. The end face EF1 is preferably a

surface that continuously extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. However, the end face EF1 may include a recess and/or the like as long as such a structure "enables the regulation member RG1 to abut on the end face EF1 and to work appropriately regardless of the positional relationship in the circumferential direction between the water discharge head 8 and the water

purification cartridge PCl attached thereto".

[0204] The end face EF1 is preferably a surface, which abuts on the regulation member RG1. However, the abutment of the end face EF1 and the regulation member RG1 may be achieved by a linear contact or a point contact.

Specifically, the abutment may be achieved by, for example, an abutment between a ridgeline of the end face EF1 and a surface of the regulation member RG1, an abutment between the end face EF1 and a ridgeline of the regulation member

RG1, or an abutment between the end face EF1 and a point of the regulation member RG1. The abutment between the end face EF1 and the regulation member RG1 may be achieved by a surface contact, a line contact, or a point contact.

[0205] As described above, the connection terminal

portion 140 includes the O-ring 162 (see FIG. 14). The 0 ring 162 is located between the insertion portion 800 and the connection terminal portion 140, and seals a gap between the insertion portion 800 and the connection terminal portion 140. This sealing enables the connection terminal portion 140 to connect the purified water flow path WJ1 within the connection terminal portion 140 and a

purified water flow path WJ2 located on the downstream side relative to the connection terminal portion 140 in a high watertight manner.

[0206] As described above, the connection terminal portion 140 includes the flange 160 (see FIG. 14). The

flange 160 is provided wholly in the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction means the circumferential direction of the water purification cartridge PCl (connection terminal portion 140). The flange 160 is an example of a wall portion that is disposed on the upstream side of the deregulation portion DR1 (end face EF1). The flange 160 is an example of a wall portion

that is disposed between the deregulation portion DR1 and the O-ring 162 located on the upstream side of the deregulation portion DR1. The wall portion 160 does not have to be provided wholly in the circumferential direction. The wall portion 160 does not have to support

the O-ring 162. For example, the wall portion 160 may be solely provided at a position apart from an 0-ring.

[0207] The O-ring 162 is disposed on an 0-ring groove. The O-ring groove is an annularly continuous groove in the

circumferential direction. The O-ring groove is a groove for receiving an 0-ring provided on the upstream side of the wall portion 160. Here, El, E2 and E3 are defined as follows. El is a groove width of the O-ring groove. E2 is a maximum width of the O-ring in a state where the O-ring

is attached to the O-ring groove and the water purification cartridge is not attached to the cartridge receiving portion. E3 is a maximum width of the O-ring in a state where the O-ring is attached to the O-ring groove and the water purification cartridge is attached to the cartridge receiving portion. El, E2 and E3 are widths measured in the axial direction of the water purification cartridge.

El is preferably greater than E2. El is preferably greater than E3. These dimensional relationships help the O-ring to move slightly within the O-ring groove when the water purification cartridge is attached to or detached from the cartridge receiving portion, whereby the O-ring is less

likely to adhere to the O-ring groove or the cartridge receiving portion. As a result, the attachability and detachability of the water purification cartridge to the cartridge receiving portion are improved.

[0208] The present embodiment uses the O-ring 162 which is an annular packing having a circular cross section. However, the O-ring 162 may be replaced by an 0

ring having an elliptical cross section. The cross sectional shape of such an annular packing is not limited. Examples of usable annular packing include a quadrilateral packing having a quadrilateral cross section, a U-packing having a U-shaped cross section, a V-packing having a V

shaped cross section, a Y-packing having a Y-shaped cross section, and an X-packing having an X-shaped cross section.

From the comprehensive viewpoint of ensuring watertightness and preventing adhesion of the annular packing to the water purification cartridge and other surrounding members, the 0-ring is preferably used, and the O-ring having a circular cross section is particularly preferably used.

[0209] In the present disclosure, a radial-direction outermost portion Ml of the deregulation portion DR1 is

defined. The radial-direction outermost portion Ml means a portion positioned on the outermost side in the radial direction in the deregulation portion DR1. In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the radial-direction outermost portion Ml is an outer circumferential edge of the end face EF1. The radial direction means the radial direction of the water purification cartridge PCl (connection terminal

portion 140).

[0210] In the present disclosure, a radial-direction outermost portion M2 of the wall portion 160 is defined. The radial-direction outermost portion M2 means a portion positioned on the outermost side in the radial direction in

the wall portion 160. In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the radial-direction outermost portion M2 is an outer circumferential edge of the wall portion 160. The radial direction means the radial direction of the water purification cartridge PCl (connection terminal portion 140).

[0211] The radial-direction outermost portion Ml of

the deregulation portion DR1 is positioned inside in the radial direction relative to the radial-direction outermost portion M2.

[0212] The deregulation portion DR1 is a portion that abuts on the regulation member RG1. If damage or an

unintentional recess is caused to the deregulation portion

DR1, the abutment between the deregulation portion DR1 and the regulation member RG1 might not be appropriately made. For example, the abutment between the deregulation portion

DR1 and the regulation member RG1 might be insufficient, or the rotation angle of the regulation member RG1 might vary depending on the circumferential direction position (phase) of the water purification cartridge PC1. From this viewpoint, when the water purification cartridge PCl is

attached, collisions between the deregulation portion DR1 and other members should preferably be avoided. In other words, the deregulation portion DR1 preferably has an excellent collision avoidablity.

[0213] However, such collisions between the deregulation portion DR1 and other members are actually apt to occur. In the process of attaching the water

purification cartridge PC1, such as replacing process of a used water purification cartridge PCl with a new water purification cartridge PC1, the water purification cartridge PCl is inserted to the cartridge receiving portion. In this insertion, the deregulation portion DR1

is positioned on the forefront in the inserting direction. For this reason, other members (such as the insertion portion 800) are apt to collide with the deregulation portion DR1.

[0214] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, the connection terminal portion 140 preferably includes the above-described gap-forming portion 802. The

presence of the gap-forming portion 802 situates the deregulation portion DR1 inside in the radial direction relative to the adjoining insertion portion 800, thereby enhancing the collision avoidablity.

[0215] From the viewpoint of the collision

avoidablity, the connection terminal portion 140 preferably includes the above-described wall portion 160. As shown in FIG. 37, a circumferential outer surface 804 is formed between the wall portion 160 and the deregulation portion DR1. The gap gpl is positioned outside in the radial direction of the circumferential outer surface 804. The circumferential outer surface 804 has a constant diameter. The diameter of the circumferential outer surface 804 is equal to the diameter of the radial-direction outermost portion Ml of the deregulation portion DR1.

[0216] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, the wall portion 160 is preferably provided. Because of the presence of the wall portion 160, in the process of inserting the water purification cartridge PC1, the possibility of collision between the wall portion 160 with other members becomes higher than the possibility of

collision between the deregulation portion DR1 with other members. The wall portion 160 is capable of protecting the deregulation portion DR1. For this reason, the collision avoidablity is enhanced. From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, the radial-direction outermost

portion Ml of the deregulation portion DR1 is preferably positioned inside in the radial direction relative to the radial-direction outermost portion M2 of the wall portion 160.

[0217] The insertion portion 800 includes an inward projection portion 810. The inward projection portion 810 is projected inwardly in the radial direction. The inward

projection portion 810 is positioned on the downstream side relative to the wall portion 160. The inward projection portion 810 abuts on the wall portion 160. This abutment sets the position of the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0218] In the present disclosure, a radial-direction

innermost portion M3 of the inward projection portion 810 is defined. The radial-direction innermost portion M3 means a portion positioned on the innermost side in the radial direction in the inward projection portion 810. In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the radial-direction innermost portion M3 is an inner circumferential edge of the inward projection portion 810. The radial direction means the radial direction of the water purification cartridge PCl (connection terminal portion 140).

[0219] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, the radial-direction outermost portion Ml of the deregulation portion DR1 is preferably positioned inside in the radial direction relative to the radial direction innermost portion M3 of the inward projection portion 810.

[0220] FIG. 38 shows the same cross section as in FIG. 37. Further reference signs to FIG. 37 are confusing, FIG. 38 is shown for the sake of easy understanding.

[0221] A double-pointed arrow Dl in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion Ml of the

deregulation portion DR1. In the present embodiment, Dl is the outer diameter of the end face EF1. Virtual cylindrical surfaces in the present disclosure are coaxial with the water purification cartridge PC1.

[0222] A double-pointed arrow D2 in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion M2 of the

wall portion 160. In the present embodiment, D2 is the outer diameter of the outer circumferential edge of the wall portion 160.

[0223] A double-pointed arrow D3 in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes

through the radial-direction innermost portion M3 of the inward projection portion 810. In the present embodiment, D3 is the inner diameter of the inward projection portion 810.

[0224] A double-pointed arrow D4 in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion M4 of the connection terminal portion 140. In the present embodiment, D4 is the outer diameter of a maximum outer

diameter portion of the connection terminal portion 140. In the present embodiment, D4 is the outer diameter of the radial-direction outermost portion M4. In the present embodiment, D4 is the outer diameter of the maximum outer diameter portion of the connection terminal portion 140. In the present embodiment, D4 is the outer diameter of the third cylinder portion 154.

[0225] A double-pointed arrow D5 in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction innermost portion M5 of an adjacent portion AJ2 that is opposed to the radial direction outermost portion M4 of the connection terminal

portion 140. In the present embodiment, D5 is the inner diameter of a portion, in the cartridge receiving portion, that is opposed to the radial-direction outermost portion M4. In other words, in the present embodiment, D5 is the inner diameter of the adjacent portion AJ2. The adjacent portion AJ2 is a portion adjacent to the radial-direction outermost portion M4.

[0226] An opposed surface that is opposed to the outer surface of the gap-forming portion 802 includes a radial direction innermost portion M6 (see FIG. 37). A double pointed arrow D6 in FIG. 38 shows the diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial

direction innermost portion M6. In the present embodiment,

D6 is the inner diameter of the opposed surface which is opposed to the outer surface of the gap-forming portion 802.

[0227] A double-pointed arrow D7 in FIG. 38 shows a distance in the axial direction between the center of the O-ring 162 of the connection terminal portion and the deregulation portion DR1.

[0228] Note that the units of Dl to D7 are mm.

[0229] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, a difference (D2-D1) is preferably greater. The difference (D2-D1) is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. An excessively small Dl decreases the inner diameter of the end face EF1, which can cause decrease in purified water

passage area. In view of the amount of water flow, such an excessively small Dl is not preferable. From this viewpoint, the difference (D2-D1) is preferably less than or equal to 6.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 5.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 4.0

mm. In the present embodiment, the difference (D2-D1) is 3.0 mm.

[0230] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, a difference (D3-D1) is preferably greater. The difference (D3-D1) is preferably greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 0.8 mm.

In view of the amount of water flow, an excessively small Dl is not preferable. From this viewpoint, the difference (D3-D1) is preferably less than or equal to 3.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 2.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In the present

embodiment, the difference (D3-D1) is 1.0 mm.

[0231] As described above, from the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, the gap gpl is preferably greater. From this view point, a difference (D6-D1) is preferably greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In view of the amount of water flow, an excessively small Dl is not preferable. From this viewpoint, the difference (D6-D1) is preferably less than

or equal to 6.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 5.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 4.0 mm. In the present embodiment, the difference (D6-D1) is 2.0 mm.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 37, a gap gp2 is present between the radial-direction outermost portion M4 of the connection terminal portion 140 and the radial-direction

innermost portion M5 of the adjacent portion AJ2. From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity between the deregulation portion DR1 and other members, the gap gp2 is preferably smaller. A narrowed gap gp2 prevents the deviation of the position of the water purification

cartridge PCl in the radial-direction when the water purification cartridge PCl is inserted. Therefore, the collision avoidablity between the deregulation portion DR1 and other members is enhanced.

[0233] From the viewpoint of the collision avoidablity, a difference (D5-D4) is preferably smaller than the difference (D6-D1).

[0234] From the viewpoint of increasing the amount of water flow in the raw water flow path WG, the difference (D5-D4) is preferably greater. From this viewpoint, the difference (D5-D4) is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 mm,

and still more preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

When D5 is excessively great, the water discharge head having a water purification function and the water purification cartridge are apt to become larger in size.

When D4 is excessively small, the amount of water flow in the purified water flow path WJ is apt to be decreased, and/or housing capacity for the purification material and the like is decreased, which is likely to result in deterioration of water purification performance. From

these viewpoints, the difference (D5-D4) is preferably less than or equal to 5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 3 mm. In the present embodiment, the difference (D5-D4) is 2.0 mm.

[0235] From the viewpoints of increasing the amount of water flow in the purified water flow path WJ and

increasing the housing capacity for the purification material and the like to enhance water purification performance, D4 is preferably greater. From this viewpoint, D4 is preferably greater than or equal to 20 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 25 mm, and still

more preferably greater than or equal to 27 mm. From the viewpoint of preventing the water discharge head having a water purification function and the water purification cartridge from becoming larger in size, an excessively great D4 is not preferable. From this viewpoint, D4 is preferably less than or equal to 40 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 35 mm, and still more preferably less

than or equal to 32 mm. In the present embodiment, D4 is 29.5 mm.

[0236] The connection terminal portion 140 includes an abutment settling portion 812 that set the position in the axial direction of the water purification cartridge PC1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the abutment settling portion

812 is the wall portion 160.

[0237] When the water purification cartridge PCl is inserted, the abutment settling portion 812 can collide

with the inward projection portion 810. A water pressure of purified water that flows downstream generates a force that acts on the abutment settling portion 812. For this reason, the abutment settling portion 812 requires rigidity and strength thereof. From this viewpoint, it is

preferable that an appropriate thickness in the axial direction is surely given to the abutment settling portion 812. In addition, as described above, it is preferably that the gap gpl is surely provided, and the gap-forming portion 802 is preferably provided to surely provide the gap gpl. From these viewpoints, D7 is preferably greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, more preferably greater than or

equal to 4.0 mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 5.0 mm. In view of downsizing of the water discharge head, D7 is preferably less than or equal to 15.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 10.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 8.0 mm. In the

present embodiment, D7 is 6.0 mm.

[0238] As described above, the regulation member RG1 is rotated about the rotation center line Z1 in the transition from the first state J1 to the second state J2. This rotation causes both end portions (the deregulating abutment portion 112, the switch regulating portion 114) of the regulation member RG1 to move to respective positions

apart from the center line Z2 of the water purification cartridge PCl (see FIG. 38). For this reason, the both end portions of the regulation member RG1 are likely to be brought into contact with the adjacent portion AJ1. If this contact occurs, the rotation of the regulation member

RG1 is hampered, and thus the second state J2 is not achieved. Furthermore, as described above, due to tolerances in the length of the water purification cartridge PC1, variation in the position of the end face EF1 can occur. In order to achieve the second state J2 in the entire scope of the variation, the second state J2 is required to be satisfied in a certain scope of angle. If the above-mentioned contact occurs in the certain scope of angle, the rotation of the regulation member RG1 is hampered, whereby the number of defective water purification cartridges PC1 which are not able to achieve the second state J2 is increased.

[0239] In order to avoid these problems, the rotation center line Z1 is preferably disposed closer to the center line Z2. A distance between the rotation center line Z1 and the center line Z2 is preferably less than or equal to

3.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 2.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The lower limit value of the distance between the rotation center line Z1 and the center line Z2 is 0 mm. In the present embodiment, the distance between the rotation

center line Z1 and the center line Z2 is 0 mm (see FIG. 38).

[0240] When the rotation center line Z1 of the regulation member RG1 is disposed close to the center line Z2, the deregulation portion DR1 which abuts on the regulation member RG1 is also preferably disposed closer to the center line Z2. That is, in view of abutability of the

deregulation portion DR1 on the regulation member RG1, D1 is preferably small. From this viewpoint, Di is preferably less than or equal to 20.0 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 16.0 mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 14.0 mm. From the viewpoint of the amount of

water flow, Di is preferably greater than or equal to 6.0 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 8.0 mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 10.0 mm. In the present embodiment, Dl is 12.0 mm.

[0241] From the viewpoint of the abutability on the regulation member RG1 and the collision avoidablity, D1/D2 is preferably less than or equal to 0.95, more preferably less than or equal to 0.90, and still more preferably less than or equal to 0.85. From the viewpoint of the amount of

water flow, D1/D2 is preferably greater than or equal to 0.60, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.70, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 0.75. In the present embodiment, D1/D2 is 0.80.

[0242] From the viewpoint of the abutability on the regulation member RG1 and the collision avoidablity, D1/D4 is less than or equal to 0.70, more preferably less than or

equal to 0.60, and still more preferably less than or equal to 0.50. From the viewpoint of the amount of water flow, D1/D4 is preferably greater than or equal to 0.25, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.30, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 0.35. In the present

embodiment, D1/D4 is 0.41.

[0243] Examples of the material of the regulation member include a resin or a metal. From the viewpoint of cost, when the material is a metal, the process for manufacturing the regulation member is preferably sintering, casting, or forging. When the material is a resin, a thermoplastic resin that is easy to form is

preferably adopted. From the viewpoint of formability, more preferable examples include a polyoxymethylene resin (POM), a polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), and a polypropylene resin (PP). From the viewpoint of strength,

the polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS) is particularly preferable.

[0244] Examples of the material of the deregulation portion of the water purification cartridge include a resin

and a metal. From the viewpoint of cost, when the material is a metal, the process for manufacturing the deregulation portion is preferably sintering, casting, or forging. When the material is a resin, a thermoplastic resin that is easy to form is preferably adopted. From the viewpoint of

formability, more preferable examples include a polyoxymethylene resin (POM), a polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS), and a polypropylene resin (PP). From the viewpoints of formability and cost, the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS) and the polypropylene resin (PP) are particularly preferable.

[0245] The water purification cartridge PCl is replaced by a new one after a predetermined period of use, whereas the regulation member is not replaced. The regulation member repeatedly used for a long period of time preferably has a high rigidity and a high abrasion

resistance. From this viewpoint, the material of the regulation member preferably has a longitudinal elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 0.1 GPa, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 GPa, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 3.0 GPa. Considering the above-described preferably materials, the longitudinal elastic modulus of the material of the regulation member is

preferably less than or equal to 10 GPa, more preferably less than or equal to 9 GPa, and still more preferably less than or equal to 8 GPa. The longitudinal elastic modulus of the material of the regulation member is preferably greater than the longitudinal elastic modulus of the

material of the deregulation portion of the water purification cartridge. The longitudinal elastic modulus is obtained from a relation between tensile stress and the amount of strain. The longitudinal elastic modulus is a proportionality constant between the amount of strain and the stress within the range of elasticity, which is also referred to as a Young's modulus. Longitudinal elastic moduli of typical materials are described in many literatures and are known. If the literatures fail to provide an accurate value, the longitudinal elastic modulus can be measured in conformity to ASTM D638. A test piece made of a material that is the same as the material of a member to be measured can be used in the measurement.

[0246] In the above-described embodiments, the permeable portion 26 is configured to allow water to pass through the permeable portion 26 from the outer

circumferential surface of the water purification cartridge PCl to the inside of the water purification cartridge PC1. However, the structure of the permeable portion is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the outer circumferential surface of the water purification cartridge

PCl may be formed with a circumferential wall that is impervious to water, and a permeable portion may be provided inside the circumferential wall. In this case, water flows from the upstream-side end (rear end) of the water purification cartridge PCl to the inside of the water purification cartridge PC1, passes through the permeable portion, and reaches the connection terminal portion 140.

In this structure, a through hole or the like is provided on the above-described rear forming portion 142, thereby allowing water to flow into the water purification cartridge PCl from the rear end thereof.

[0247] In the above-described embodiments, the water

purification functional portion is the permeable portion, and raw water is passed through the permeable portion to generate purified water. As described above, the permeable portion is one example of the water purification functional portion. Purified water may be generated without passing through the permeable portion. For example, the water purification cartridge may include a metal material that releases metal ions having disinfectant, antibacterial, bactericidal, or bacterial growth inhibiting effect, whereby purified water can be generated.

[0248] Purified water in the present disclosure conceptually includes the following generated water (1) and (2): (1) generated water obtained by removing a substance, ions and the like contained in water using an absorbent, a filter membrane or the like; (2) generated water obtained by adding metal ions, electrons, a substance, or the like to water for the purpose of providing beneficial properties such as a disinfectant effect or the like achieved by adding metal ions.

[0249] Specifically, purified water in the present disclosure conceptually includes water generated by the following function A and/or function B. In other words, the water purification functional portion in the present disclosure conceptually includes a functional portion having the following function A and/or function B.

[0250] [Function A]

The function A means one or more functions selected from the group consisting of the following functions Al, A2, A3, A4, and A5. Al: A function of absorbing and removing a substance contained in water by using an adsorbent such as

activated carbon.

A2: A function of filtering off a substance contained in water by using a filter material. Preferably, the filter material is a filter membrane such as a reverse

osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, a microfiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, a porous hollow fiber membrane, or the like, and the function of filtering off the substance contained in water is achieved by the filter membrane.

A3: A function of trapping and removing metal ions or the like contained in water with a use of an ion exchange resin or the like. A4: A function of allowing a metal material to release metal ions having a disinfectant, antibacterial, bactericidal, and/or bacterial growth inhibiting effect.

A5: A function of allowing a metal material to release metal ions and causing oxygen in water to acquire electrons released together with the released metal ions, thereby generating active oxygen.

[0251] Examples of the substance to be removed from water for purification include chlorine, volatile organic

compounds, agricultural chemicals, musty odor substances, and heavy metals. Preferably, one or more substances selected from the group consisting of chlorine, volatile organic compounds, agricultural chemicals, musty odor substances, and heavy metals are removed.

[0252] Examples of the volatile organic compounds include chloroform, bromodichloromethane,

dibromochloromethane, bromoform, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and total trihalomethane. One or more substances selected from the group consisting of chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform, tetrachloroethylene,

trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and total trihalomethane are preferably removed.

[0253] Examples of the agricultural chemicals include 2-chloro-4,6-bis (ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine. This 2 chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine is preferably removed.

[0254] Examples of the musty odor substances include 2-methylisoborneol, geosmin, and phenols. One or more substances selected from the group consisting of 2 methylisoborneol, geosmin, and phenols are preferably removed.

[0255] Examples of the heavy metals include lead, mercury, copper, arsenic, and cadmium. One or more substances selected from the group consisting of lead, mercury, copper, arsenic, and cadmium are preferably removed.

[0256] Examples of the metal ions in the function A4 include zinc ions and silver ions. One or more kinds of ions selected from the group consisting zinc ions and silver ions are preferably released.

[0257] Examples of bacteria in the function A4 include colon bacilli and staphylococci, as well as miscellaneous bacteria defined as (included in) general bacteria. It is preferable to achieve a disinfectant, antibacterial, bactericidal, or bacterial growth inhibiting action against one or more kinds of those bacteria.

[0258] The active oxygen in the function A5 can decompose organic substances such as bacteria. Examples of the bacteria include colon bacilli and staphylococci, as well as miscellaneous bacteria defined as (included in) general bacteria. One or more kinds of these bacteria are preferably decomposed.

[0259] From the viewpoint of effectively removing chlorine and harmful substances in addition to suppressing manufacturing cost of the water purification cartridge, the water purification cartridge preferably has the function Al. In addition to the function Al, the water purification cartridge may also have one or more functions selected from the group consisting of the functions A2, A3, A4 and A5.

[0260] [Function B] The function B is a function of purifying water by using a filter material and/or a medium defined in "(vi) water purifiers" in Appended Table 2 (Regarding Article 2) in Miscellaneous Manufactured Goods Quality Labeling Regulation (Revision Date: March 30, 2017 / Effective Date: April 1, 2017). In other words, the water purification cartridge is preferably include a water purification functional portion that purifies water by using the filter material and/or the medium defined in "(vi) water purifiers" in Appended Table 2 (Regarding Article 2) in Miscellaneous Manufactured Goods Quality Labeling Regulation (Revision Date: March 30, 2017 / Effective Date: April 1, 2017).

[0261] The water purification functional portion having the function A and/or the function B may constitute a part of the purified water flow path, or alternatively, may be disposed in the purified water flow path, or further alternatively, may be disposed in a pool portion that communicates with the purified water flow path.

[0262] The water purification cartridge may be of an integrated type in which the water purification cartridge is integrated as a whole so as not to be disassembled, or may be of a composite type in which the water purification cartridge is constituted by a plurality of members which can be disassembled.

[0263] The composite-type water purification cartridge, for example, may have a configuration that includes a cartridge body portion and an adapter member including the deregulation portion. The adapter member may be connectable to the cartridge body portion, or alternatively, may be unconnectable to the cartridge body portion. In other words, the adapter member may be attachable to the cartridge body portion, or alternatively, may be un-attachable to the cartridge body portion. When the adapter member is attachable to the cartridge body portion, the adapter member may be detachably attached to the cartridge body portion, or alternatively, may be un detachably attached to the cartridge body portion.

[0264] The configuration of the adapter member and the cartridge body portion is not limited. Examples of the configuration may include the following configurations B1 to B4.

B1: A configuration in which the adapter member is attached to the cartridge body portion, and then these in the attached state are attached to the cartridge receiving portion. B2: A configuration in which the adapter member

is first attached to the cartridge receiving portion, and then the cartridge body portion is attached to the adapter member. B3: A configuration in which the adapter member is attached to a part of the cartridge receiving portion, and then the cartridge body portion is attached to another part of the cartridge receiving portion.

B4: A configuration in which the adapter member is first attached to a part of the cartridge receiving portion, and then the cartridge body portion is attached to the adapter member and another part of the cartridge receiving portion.

[0265] In the above configurations B1 to B4, the adapter member may be detachably attached to the cartridge receiving portion, or alternatively, may be un-detachably attached to the cartridge receiving portion. However, when the adapter member is un-detachably attached to the cartridge receiving portion, the regulation member is kept in the second state. Therefore, the adapter member is preferably detachably attached to the cartridge receiving portion.

[0266] The present disclosure also provides other inventions which are not included in the inventions recited in claims (including independent claims). The modes, the members, the configurations, and the like described in the claims and the embodiments of the present disclosure are recognized as inventions based on their respective advantageous effects.

[0267] The modes, the members, and the configurations, and the like, disclosed in the embodiments are individually applicable to all the inventions disclosed in the present disclosure, inclusive of the inventions recited in the claims, even if failing to include all of the modes, the members, and the configurations according to the embodiments. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0268] The disclosure described above is applicable to faucets for all-purpose use.

[0268a] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0268b] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0269] 2, 200, 400, 600 Faucet device 4, 204, 404, 604 Body portion 6, 206, 406, 606 Lever handle 8, 208, 408, 608 Water discharge head 14, 214, 414, 614 Handling portion RG1 to RG4 Regulation member DR1 to DR4 Deregulation portion LC1 to LC4 Interlocking abutment portion PCl Water purification cartridge 140 Connection terminal portion of the water purification cartridge EF1 End face (downstream-side end face of the water purification cartridge PCl) Ji First state of the regulation member J2 Second state of the regulation member

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; a water purification cartridge including a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a cartridge receiving portion, wherein when the water purification cartridge is not attached to the cartridge receiving portion, the regulation member is in the first state, and when the water purification cartridge is attached to the cartridge receiving portion, the deregulation portion causes the regulation member to be in the second state.

2. The water discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the regulation member includes a switch regulating portion that is situated at a first position in the first state and is situated at a second position in the second state, when situated at the first position, the switch regulating portion abuts on an interlocking abutment portion that moves in conjunction with a motion of the switching mechanism in a process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge performed by the switching mechanism, and when situated at the second position, the switch regulating portion does not abut on the interlocking abutment portion in the process of switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge.

3. The water discharge head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulation member is transitioned from the first state to the second state by the deregulation portion abutting on the regulation member.

4. The water discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the regulation member is rotatably fixed, and the mutual transition between the first state and the second state is achieved by rotating the regulation member.

5. A faucet device that comprises the water discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; and a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state.

7. The water purification cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the deregulation portion abuts on the regulation member to transition the regulation member from the first state to the second state.

8. The water purification cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the deregulation portion is a downstream-side end face of the water purification cartridge.

9. The water purification cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the water purification cartridge further includes a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted, the connection terminal portion includes a gap forming portion that forms a gap between the connection terminal portion and the insertion portion, and the gap-forming portion has an end face that is the deregulation portion.

10. The water purification cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the connection terminal portion further includes: an O-ring disposed on an upstream side of the deregulation portion; and a wall portion disposed between the deregulation portion and the O-ring, and the deregulation portion includes a radial direction outermost portion that is located on an inner side in a radial direction with respect to a radial direction outermost portion of the wall portion.

11. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the wall portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D2, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D2-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 6.0 mm.

12. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the wall portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D2, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and D1/D2 is greater than or equal to 0.60 and less than or equal to 0.95.

13. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function,

the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge; and a wall portion that is provided on the connection terminal portion and is located on an upstream side of the deregulation portion, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted, the insertion portion includes an inward projection portion that is projected inwardly in a radial direction and that abuts on the wall portion at a downstream side of the wall portion, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction innermost portion of the inward projection portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D3, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D3-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

14. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function,

the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an insertion portion to which the connection terminal portion is inserted, the connection terminal portion includes a gap forming portion that forms a gap between the connection terminal portion and the insertion portion, the insertion portion includes an opposed surface that is opposed to an outer surface of the gap-forming portion, the opposed surface has an inner diameter that is denoted by D6, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and a difference (D6-D1) is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 6.0 mm.

15. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and Dl /D4 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.70.

16. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and Dl /D4 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.70.

17. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the cartridge receiving portion includes an adjacent portion that is opposed to a radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, the adjacent portion has an inner diameter that is denoted by D5, D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and a difference (D5-D4) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

18. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the connection terminal portion includes an 0 ring, a distance in an axial direction between a center of the O-ring and the deregulation portion is denoted by D7, and D7 is greater than or equal to 2.0 mm and less than or equal to 15.0 mm.

19. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through a radial-direction outermost portion of the deregulation portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by Dl, a diameter of a virtual cylindrical surface that passes through the radial-direction outermost portion of the connection terminal portion and that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge is denoted by D4, Dl is greater than or equal to 6.0 mm and less than or equal to 20.0 mm, and D4 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm.

20. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; and a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; wherein the deregulation portion is an annular surface that is coaxial with the water purification cartridge.

21. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; and a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; wherein the deregulation portion is a flat surface that is perpendicular to a center line of the water purification cartridge.

22. A water purification cartridge that is attachable to a water discharge head having a water purification function, the water discharge head comprising: a discharge port; a switching mechanism capable of switching water discharge that is brought from the discharge port between raw water discharge and purified water discharge; a regulation member capable of undergoing a mutual transition between a first state and a second state, the first state preventing the switching mechanism from switching from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge, and the second state permitting the switching mechanism to switch from the raw water discharge to the purified water discharge; and a cartridge receiving portion, and the water purification cartridge comprising: a water purification functional portion; a deregulation portion that transitions the regulation member from the first state to the second state; and a connection terminal portion that forms a downstream-side end portion of the water purification cartridge, wherein the connection terminal portion includes: a wall portion that is disposed on an upstream side of the deregulation portion; an O-ring groove that is provided on the upstream side of the wall portion; and an O-ring that is disposed on the O-ring groove, the O-ring groove has a groove width that is denoted by El, a maximum width of the O-ring in a state where the O-ring is attached on the O-ring groove and the water purification cartridge is attached to the cartridge receiving portion is denoted by E3, and El is greater than E3.