JP2021028448A - Connector and faucet device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector that can be fitted to at least two types of water treatment cartridges.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes a connection portion capable of connecting each of at least two types of water treatment cartridges 21 having different outer diameters to a water discharge device 30. The connection portion includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting device and a faucet device.

Patent Document 1 describes a faucet with a water purifier in which a tubular water purification cartridge is housed inside a tubular container portion provided in a water discharge head.

Patent Document 2 describes a shower head in which a cosmetic cartridge is housed in the shower head.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-2027 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-105251

In the conventional technique as described above, the shape of the cartridge is fixed, and only one type of shape can be fitted.

On the other hand, regarding the spout-in type (faucet built-in type) water purification cartridge, there is a limit to the space for storing the water treatment cartridge provided in the tubular case provided in the spout. Therefore, there is a limit to the total length, outer diameter, and volume of the water treatment cartridge to be stored in the space. In addition, there are restrictions on the length and volume of filter media such as hollow fiber membranes and adsorbents such as activated carbon. Therefore, for example, in the case of a filter medium provided with a hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon, the life of the water treatment cartridge itself is unstable, for example, one of the hollow fiber membrane and the activated carbon causes clogging in advance, and in that respect. There is a need for improvement.

Therefore, it is effective to prepare a plurality of types of water treatment cartridges in which the balance between the hollow fiber membrane and the adsorbent is changed according to the water quality and the target removal substance. At that time, since the optimum capacity of the water treatment cartridge differs depending on the volume and type of the filter medium to be adopted, the outer diameter of the water treatment cartridge may differ.

It is also possible to make a distinction by intentionally changing the shape of the water treatment cartridge so that the user does not mistakenly use the type of the water treatment cartridge. At that time, there is a demand for a connecting device to which a water treatment cartridge having a different shape can be attached.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a connecting device to which at least two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters can be attached.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the connecting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a connecting device provided with a connecting portion capable of connecting each of at least two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters to the water discharge device. The connection portion is smaller than the first connection portion having the first tubular structure having the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter that fits with the first water treatment cartridge having the first outer diameter. A second connecting portion having a second tubular structure having a second inner diameter, which is fitted with a second water treatment cartridge having a second outer diameter, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. However, when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the opening surface of the first tubular structure, the opening surface of the second tubular structure is arranged so as to fit inside the opening surface of the first tubular structure. Moreover, the second connection portion is arranged on the back side of the first connection portion when viewed from the side where the water treatment cartridge to be connected is fitted.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a connecting device to which at least two types of water treatment cartridges can be attached.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the faucet device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the connection device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the connecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention from the direction A in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the connection device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the 1st water treatment cartridge fitted to the 1st connection part of the connection device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the connection device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the 2nd water treatment cartridge fitted to the 2nd connection part of the connection device. Configuration of a first water treatment cartridge that fits into the first connection portion of the connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a third water treatment cartridge that fits into the third connection portion of the connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the connection device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the 3rd water treatment cartridge fitted to the 3rd connection part of the connection device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the connection device which concerns on the modification of embodiment of this invention.

[Faucet device]
The faucet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the faucet device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the connecting device 10 from the direction A in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10 and the first water treatment cartridge 21 fitted to the first connecting portion 111 of the connecting device 10. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10 and the second water treatment cartridge 22 fitted to the second connecting portion 112 of the connecting device 10. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a first water treatment cartridge 21 that fits into the first connection portion 111 of the connection device 10 and a third water treatment cartridge 23 that fits into the third connection portion 113 of the connection device 10. Is. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10 and the third water treatment cartridge 23 fitted to the third connecting portion 113 of the connecting device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 includes a connecting device 10, a spout 20, a hose 60, a base 70, and a lever 80. Further, the faucet device 1 can selectively attach the first water treatment cartridge 21, the second water treatment cartridge 22, and the third water treatment cartridge 23. Hereinafter, the water treatment cartridges attached to the faucet device 1, such as the first water treatment cartridge 21, the second water treatment cartridge 22, and the third water treatment cartridge 23, may be collectively referred to as simply "water treatment cartridges". Further, the faucet device 1 is a spout-in type faucet device that stores a water treatment cartridge inside the case 40.

The water treatment cartridge is a cartridge for treating raw water to generate treated water. For example, a cartridge formed by storing a processing material in a case can be mentioned. Examples of the treatment material include a filter material for filtering impurities in raw water.

The first water treatment cartridge 21 includes a housing 210. The housing 210 is provided with a raw water inlet 211 and a treated water outlet 213. Further, the filter medium 212 is stored in the housing 210. The raw water inlet 211 is an opening for supplying raw water into the first water treatment cartridge 21. The filter material 212 filters raw water to generate treated water. Examples of the filter material 212 include activated carbon, hollow fiber membranes, ion exchange resins and the like. The treated water outlet 213 is a place where the treated water is discharged from the first water treatment cartridge 21. The second water treatment cartridge 22 has the same configuration as the first water treatment cartridge 21 except that it has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The third water treatment cartridge 23 has a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter, includes a protrusion 234 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and has a treated water outlet at the end of the protrusion 234. It has the same configuration as the first water treatment cartridge 21 except that it includes 233.

Arrow A in FIGS. 1 to 3 indicates a water flow path. When purified water obtained by treating raw water using a water treatment cartridge is discharged from a water discharge device 30, the raw water supplied from the raw water inlet 211 passes through the filter medium 212. The treated water that has passed through the filter material 212 flows out from the treated water outlet 213, passes through the connecting device 10, reaches the water discharge device 30, and is discharged from the water discharge device 30. The same applies when the second water treatment cartridge 22 or the third water treatment cartridge 23 is fitted into the connecting device 10 instead of the first water treatment cartridge 21.

The shape of the water treatment cartridge is preferably columnar, more preferably columnar so that it can be stored in the case 40. In the present embodiment, the case where the shape of the water treatment cartridge attached to the faucet device 1 is cylindrical will be described, but the shape of the water treatment cartridge that can be attached to the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the cylindrical shape. The shape of the connecting device of the present invention can be changed according to the shape of the water treatment cartridge.

The first water treatment cartridge 21 has a first outer diameter. The second water treatment cartridge 22 has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The third water treatment cartridge 23 has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter. For example, a case where the first outer diameter is 29 mm or more and 32 mm or less and is 30 mm in the present embodiment will be described. The case where the second outer diameter is, for example, 26 mm or more and 28 mm or less, and 27 mm in this indicated embodiment will be described. The case where the third outer diameter is, for example, 24 mm or more and 26 mm or less, and 25 mm in the present embodiment will be described. Here, the outer diameter of the water treatment cartridge means the diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction (the maximum diameter if it is not circular). Specifically, the outer diameter of the water treatment cartridge is the length B shown in FIG.

From the viewpoint of fixing to the first connection portion 111 to prevent leakage of the treated water, it is preferable that the first water treatment cartridge 21 is provided with an O-ring at the tip on the treated water outlet 213 side. The second water treatment cartridge 22 preferably has an O-ring at the tip on the treated water outlet 223 side. From the viewpoint of fixing to the second connection portion 112 to prevent leakage of the treated water, it is preferable that the second water treatment cartridge 22 is provided with an O-ring at the tip on the treated water outlet 223 side. As the material of the O-ring, a material having elasticity may be appropriately selected, and examples thereof include nitrile rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber, urethane rubber, and silicone rubber.

The hose 60 is a pipe for supplying raw water to the spout 20. The hose 60 is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out of the base portion 70 or the case 40.

The base portion 70 is a base for fixing the faucet device 1 to a counter or the like. The base portion 70 accommodates the hose 60 so that it can be taken in and out. The spout 20 can be attached to the base portion 70. When the spout 20 is attached to the base 70, the hose 60 is housed in the case 40 and / or the base 70.

The lever 80 is a tiltable lever for discharging or stopping the treated water or raw water from the spout 20. When the lever 80 is in the open position (for example, the position above the tilt range), the treated water or the raw water is supplied to the spout 20 via the hose 60. The lever 80 stops the supply of treated water or raw water to the spout 20 when it is in the closed position (for example, a position below the tilt range). The faucet device 1 does not necessarily have to include the lever 80, and it is sufficient that the user can discharge or stop the treated water or the raw water from the spout 20. For example, the faucet device 1 is provided with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object at a position that receives water discharged from the spout 20, and when the sensor detects the presence of an object, it is controlled to discharge water from the spout 20. May be good. Further, the faucet device 1 may control the treated water or the raw water to be discharged or stopped from the spout 20 based on the voice of the user.

The spout 20 is an instrument for storing a water treatment cartridge and discharging treated water or raw water treated by the water treatment cartridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the spout 20 includes a water spouting device 30 and a case 40.

The water discharge device 30 is a device that discharges raw water or treated water treated by a water treatment cartridge. The water spouting device 30 is detachably attached to the tip of the case 40. The water spouting device 30 may spout raw water supplied from a route different from the treated water. For example, the raw water supplied to the water discharge device 30 may be discharged by passing between the case 40 and the outer wall of the water treatment cartridge. The user may operate a switching unit for switching between the treated water and the raw water to switch between the treated water and the raw water. Further, the water discharge device 30 may discharge water in a shower shape. That is, even if the faucet device 1 is provided with a switching unit that allows the water to be discharged to be selected from non-shower-shaped treated water, shower-shaped treated water, non-shower-shaped raw water, and shower-shaped raw water. Good.

The case 40 has a storage space for a water treatment cartridge inside, and a water discharge device 30 is detachably attached to the tip thereof. Further, the case 40 is detachably attached from the base portion 70. Even when the case 40 is removed from the base portion 70, the case 40 is connected by a hose 60 provided so as to be taken in and out of the base portion 70 or the case 40. Therefore, even if the case 40 is removed from the base portion 70, the raw water can pass through the hose, be treated by the water treatment cartridge depending on the state of the switching portion, and be discharged from the water discharge device 30. In this way, the case 40 and the water spouting device 30 form a spout type water spouting head.

The connecting device 10 is a connecting device (adapter) for supplying the water treated by the water treatment cartridge to the water discharge device 30. Examples of the material of the connecting device 10 include POM (polyacetal) resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, PP (polypropylene) resin, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin and the like.

[Connecting device]
As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting device 10 includes a connecting portion 11, a water spouting device connecting portion 12, a rib 13 (contact portion), a first stopper portion 14, and a second stopper portion 15.

The connection portion 11 connects each of at least two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters to the water discharge device 30. In the present embodiment, the connection portion 11 is the water discharge device 30 inside the faucet device 1, and the outer diameters of the first water treatment cartridge 21, the second water treatment cartridge 22, and the third water treatment cartridge 23 are different from each other. Connect one of each.

The connection unit 11 includes a first connection unit 111, a second connection unit 112, and a third connection unit 113. The first connection portion 111 has a first tubular structure having a first inner diameter that fits with the first water treatment cartridge 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the tip of the first water treatment cartridge 21 on the treated water outlet 213 side is inserted into the inside of the first tubular structure of the first connecting portion 111 to be fitted. The second connection portion 112 has a second tubular structure having a second inner diameter that fits with the second water treatment cartridge 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip of the second water treatment cartridge 22 on the treated water outlet 223 side is fitted into the inside of the second tubular structure of the second connecting portion 112. The third connection portion 113 has a structure for fitting with the third water treatment cartridge 23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the third connection portion 113 has a screw type or bayonet type mounting structure with the third water treatment cartridge 23. As a result, the third connection portion 113 can connect the third water treatment cartridge 23 to the water discharge device 30.

Since the connection portion 11 includes the first connection portion 111, the second connection portion 112, and the third connection portion 113, the first water treatment cartridge 21, the second water treatment cartridge 22, and the third water treatment cartridge 23 are respectively provided. Can be connected to the water spouting device 30. Therefore, in the case of a faucet device that uses multiple types of water treatment cartridges according to the water quality and the target removal substance, the shapes are distinguished by changing the outer diameter according to the type, and water treatment of each shape is performed. It is possible to install a cartridge. In addition, in the case of a conventional connecting device that fits only one type of water treatment cartridge, it cannot be fitted if a water treatment cartridge having an outer diameter different from the outer diameter of the water treatment cartridge is purchased by mistake. There is a problem that it is wasted. On the other hand, by using the connecting device 10, regardless of which of the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water treatment cartridge 22 is purchased, it can be used without waste. Further, in the future, for example, even if the first water treatment cartridge 21 is no longer distributed and the second water treatment cartridge 22 becomes mainstream, it is necessary to replace the connecting device or the faucet device provided with the connecting device. You can continue to use it without any problems.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first connecting portion 111 and the second connecting portion 112 are in the normal direction of the opening surface 1111 of the first tubular structure (the direction indicated by the arrow A through which water flows in FIGS. 1 to 3). When the normal direction is also referred to as "A direction" in the present specification), the opening surface 1121 of the second tubular structure is inside the opening surface 1111 of the first tubular structure. It is arranged so that it fits. With such an arrangement, not only the first water treatment cartridge 21 but also the second water treatment cartridge can be attached to the connecting device 10. That is, two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters can be attached.

The present embodiment is concentric when the opening surface 1111 and the opening surface 1121 are viewed in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, even when the opening surface of the first tubular structure and the opening surface of the second tubular structure are both annular such as a circle or an ellipse, the opening of the second tubular structure is inside the opening surface of the first tubular structure. As long as the faces fit, the centers may be different and some of their outer edges may overlap. The same applies to the positional relationship between the portion where the third connecting portion fits with the third water treatment cartridge and the opening surface of the second tubular structure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first connection portion 111 and the second connection portion 112 are connected to the first connection portion 111 when viewed from the side in which the water treatment cartridge to be connected is fitted. It is located on the far side of the water. With such an arrangement, not only the second water treatment cartridge 22 but also the first water treatment cartridge 21 can be attached to the connecting device 10. That is, two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters can be attached.

Even if at least one of the first connection portion 111 and the second connection portion 112 is provided with packing from the viewpoint that the O-ring of at least one of the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water treatment cartridge 22 becomes unnecessary. Good. As the packing material, an elastic material may be appropriately selected, and examples thereof include nitrile rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber, urethane rubber, and silicone rubber.

The first inner diameter and the second inner diameter are appropriately set according to the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter, the presence / absence of the O-ring and packing, the outer diameter and material of the O-ring, and the inner diameter and material of the packing, respectively. do it. The first inner diameter and the second inner diameter may be determined according to the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portion where the third connecting portion 113 fits with the third water treatment cartridge 23 is accommodated inside the opening surface 1121 of the second tubular structure when viewed in a plan view from the A direction. Have been placed. Further, the third connection portion 113 is arranged on the back side of the second connection portion 112 when viewed from the side where the water treatment cartridge to be connected is fitted.

The mounting structure of the third connecting portion 113 with the protruding portion 234 of the third water treatment cartridge 23 is a screw type or a bayonet type from the viewpoint that it can be fixed with difficulty in coming off and rattling even if the outer diameter is small. Is preferable.

The water spouting device connection portion 12 fits with the water spouting device 30. The water treatment cartridge can be connected to the water discharge device 30 by fitting the water treatment cartridge into the connection portion 11 of the connection device 10 fitted with the water discharge device 30 in the water discharge device connection portion 12.

The rib 13 comes into contact with the side walls of the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water treatment cartridge 22. Since the connecting device 10 includes the rib 13, it is possible to prevent the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water treatment cartridge 22 from rattling. The contact portion included in one aspect of the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the form such as the rib 13. That is, the contact portion may be any one that comes into contact with the side wall of any one of at least two types of water treatment cartridges.

The shape of the rib 13 may be appropriately set so that when the first water treatment cartridge 21 is fitted into the first connection portion 111, all the ribs do not come into contact with the inner wall of the case 40 at the same time.

The first stopper portion 14 is the innermost end that can be reached by the end face on the side of the first water treatment cartridge 21 that is fitted into the connecting device 10. The second stopper portion 15 is the innermost end that can be reached by the end face on the side of the second water treatment cartridge 22 that is fitted into the connecting device 10. With these stoppers, the innermost positions of the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water treatment cartridge 22 can be defined.

[Modification example]
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the connecting device 50 according to the modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. As a modification of the present invention, the connecting device 50 does not have to include the rib 13 as shown in FIG.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the third water treatment cartridge 23 is provided with a protrusion 234, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, it suffices if the outer diameter of the third water treatment cartridge is smaller than that of the second water treatment cartridge 22, and the third water treatment cartridge does not have the protrusion 234, and the first water treatment cartridge 21 and the second water It may have the same shape as the processing cartridge 22. In this case, the third connection portion has a third tubular structure that fits with the tip of the third water treatment cartridge on the treated water outlet side. The second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are arranged so that the opening surface of the third tubular structure fits inside the opening surface 1121 of the second tubular structure when viewed in a plan view from the A direction. The third connection portion may be arranged on the back side of the second connection portion 112 when viewed from the side where the water treatment cartridge to be connected is fitted.

Further, at least one of the first water treatment cartridge and the second water treatment cartridge further includes a protrusion that is longer in the A direction than the protrusion 234 of the third water treatment cartridge 23 and that fits with the third connection portion 113. You may. In this case, the first water treatment cartridge is fixed at the third connection portion 113 in addition to the first connection portion 111 and the rib 13. The second water treatment cartridge is fixed at the third connection portion 113 in addition to the second connection portion 112 and the rib 13. Therefore, the first water treatment cartridge or the second water treatment cartridge provided with the protrusion can be more firmly fixed to the connecting device 10.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Additional notes]
As described above, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, the connecting portion includes a third connecting portion that fits with a third water treatment cartridge having a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter. Is more preferable.

Further, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, when the portion where the third connecting portion fits with the third water treatment cartridge is viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the opening surface of the first tubular structure. More preferably, it is arranged so as to fit inside the opening surface of the second tubular structure.

Further, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, it is more preferable that the mounting structure of the third connecting portion with the third water treatment cartridge is a screw type or a bayonet type.

Further, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, it is more preferable to further provide a contact portion that comes into contact with the side wall of any one of the at least two types of water treatment cartridges.

Further, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, it is more preferable that at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is provided with packing.

Further, in one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention, the connecting portion is attached to the water spouting device provided in the water faucet device for storing any one of the at least two types of water treatment cartridges inside. It is more preferable to connect each of the water treatment cartridges of at least two types of water treatment cartridges.

Further, one aspect of the faucet device according to the present invention includes one aspect of the connecting device according to the present invention.

The present invention can be used for faucet devices and the like.

1 Faucet device 10, 50 Connection device 11 Connection part 12 Water discharge device connection part 13 Rib (contact part)
14 1st stopper part 15 2nd stopper part 21 1st water treatment cartridge (water treatment cartridge)
22 Second water treatment cartridge (water treatment cartridge)
23 Third water treatment cartridge (water treatment cartridge)
30 Water spouting device 40 Case 60 Hose 70 Base 80 Lever 111 1st connection 112 2nd connection 113 3rd connection 234 Protruding 1111 Open surface of 1st tubular structure 1121 Open surface of 2nd tubular structure

Claims (8)

A connecting device having a connection portion capable of connecting each of at least two types of water treatment cartridges having different outer diameters to the water discharge device.
The connection part
A first connecting portion having a first tubular structure with a first inner diameter, which is fitted with a first water treatment cartridge having a first outer diameter,
A second connecting portion having a second tubular structure having a second inner diameter, which is fitted with a second water treatment cartridge having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, is provided.
The first connection part and the second connection part
When viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the opening surface of the first tubular structure, the opening surface of the second tubular structure is arranged so as to fit inside the opening surface of the first tubular structure. ,
A connecting device in which the second connecting portion is arranged on the back side of the first connecting portion when viewed from the side into which the water treatment cartridge to be connected is fitted. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a third connecting portion that fits with a third water treatment cartridge having a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter. The portion where the third connection portion fits with the third water treatment cartridge is fitted inside the opening surface of the second tubular structure when viewed in a plan view from the normal direction of the opening surface of the first tubular structure. The connecting device according to claim 2, which is arranged in. The connecting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the mounting structure of the third connecting portion with the third water treatment cartridge is a screw type or a bayonet type. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a contact portion that comes into contact with the side wall of any of the at least two types of water treatment cartridges. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes a packing. The connection portion is a water spouting device provided with a water faucet device for storing any one of the at least two types of water treatment cartridges inside, and the connection portion is any one of the at least two types of water treatment cartridges. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which connects each of the water treatment cartridges. A faucet device comprising the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images