Device for filtering a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid, wherein the device has a container, which can be placed on a surface, which has an inlet chamber (2) for receiving the liquid to be filtered and an outlet chamber (4) for receiving the filtered liquid, wherein the outlet chamber (4) is arranged below the inlet chamber (2), wherein the inlet chamber (2) has a filling opening (9) and is connected to the outlet chamber (4) via a connecting section having a narrower cross section than the inlet chamber (2), and wherein in the connecting section (3) a filter module (6) can be placed in the flow opening (5) connecting the inlet chamber (2) to the outlet chamber (4), so that the liquid filled into the inlet chamber (2) can flow through the filter module (6) blocking the flow opening (5) into the outlet chamber (4), characterized in that a manually displaceable pressure element (13, 14) is arranged in the inlet chamber (2), whereby the liquid located in the inlet chamber (2) and to be filtered can be applied with a filter pressure and pressed through the filter module (6) into the outlet chamber (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid, wherein the device has a container, which can be placed on a surface, which has an inlet chamber for receiving the liquid to be filtered and an outlet chamber for receiving the filtered liquid, wherein the outlet chamber is arranged below the inlet chamber, wherein the inlet chamber has a filling opening and is connected to the outlet chamber via a connecting section, which narrows in cross section relative to the inlet chamber, and in which connecting section a filter module can be placed in a flow opening connecting the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber, so that the liquid filled into the inlet chamber can flow through the filter module blocking the flow opening into the outlet chamber. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the course of the increasing concern of people about health issues and at the same time worries, unpolluted and clean drinking water has a greater value. This leads to the development of various devices for filtering water, in particular in the household. Water filter systems ready for sale are available, for example, in the form of a water jug or carafe. Here, first, unfiltered water is poured through a filling opening into an inlet chamber of the jug or carafe and then flows under the drive of gravity through a filter module into an outlet chamber arranged below the inlet chamber. The filter module is arranged in a flow opening in a connecting section between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber, thereby sealing the flow opening. Subsequently, the filtered drinking water can be poured from the outlet chamber through a liquid outlet into a container or drinking glass.

[0003] Activated and usually granulated solid filters, such as activated carbon filters, are used as filter media, but membrane filters can also be used in a variety of designs. This type of filtration serves to remove potentially harmful impurities as well as other non-specific deposits or residues from drinking water. Membrane filters can also be used to remove bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms from drinking water.

[0004] In addition to health problems associated with possibly impure drinking water, such gravity-operated devices are also used for filtering liquids when softening drinking water, for example, when used in a coffee machine or water jug in the household. The filters used here in the form of ion exchangers can soften hard water containing calcium ions. In this process, the calcium ions are replaced in most cases by sodium ions in order to be able to prevent or at least reduce deposits caused by the formation of insoluble calcium salts. In this way, the service life of the household appliance can be significantly prolonged.

[0005] The filter variants already mentioned are mainly modular designs and can be easily replaced and exchanged once the filter is exhausted, without the housing having to be disassembled or replaced.

[0006] To achieve full filtration performance, filtration modules based on chemical or physical interaction of the impurities with the filter medium require a longer contact time compared to filters based on separation according to particle size. For this reason, such systems require a minimum contact time with respect to the passage time, which cannot be reduced in order to still obtain the expected filter performance. For filtration modules based on membrane filters, the filtration performance does not depend on the contact time of the liquid with the filter membrane.

[0007] All variants introduced so far have in common that the filtration of drinking water by a gravity-based system requires a long filtration time, wherein the water to be filtered flows through the filtration module only driven by gravity. SUMMARY

[0008] The problem of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for filtering a liquid, in particular drinking water, which allows a quick filtration in time.

[0009] This problem is solved for the device mentioned at the outset, wherein a manually displaceable pressure element is arranged in the inlet chamber with which a filtration pressure can be applied to the liquid located in the inlet chamber and to be filtered, which can be pressed through the filtration module into the outlet chamber.

[0010] The device for filtering a liquid according to the invention has a housing with an outlet chamber, an inlet chamber arranged above the outlet chamber and a connecting section connecting the two chambers, which housing can be placed with the bottom side on a surface. Therein, the connecting section is designed with a taper, the cross-sectional area of which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet chamber. In the flow opening formed by the connecting section connecting the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber, a filtration module can be inserted and fixed. Unfiltered water can be filled into the filling opening of the inlet chamber, which is located opposite the filtration module, and then the unfiltered water can flow through the filtration module into the outlet chamber driven by gravity. After filling the water to be filtered, a pressure element can be arranged in the inlet chamber so that the filling opening can be completely and water-tightly closed. The pressure element can be displaced within the inlet chamber via a manual actuation. By this actuation, a filtration pressure can be applied to the liquid to be filtered, and the liquid is pressed under pressure through the filtration module into the outlet chamber. Due to the filtration pressure acting on the liquid in addition to the gravity, the filtration duration can be reduced compared to a pure gravity-operated device for filtering a liquid.

[0011] The housing of the device is preferably made of a dimensionally stable and transparent or translucent material, so that the user can verify the liquid level at any time.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the inlet chamber has a pressure section with a constant cross-sectional area, and that the pressure element is arranged in a displaceable manner within the pressure section, such that, when the pressure element is actuated, a filtration pressure can be applied to the liquid located in the inlet chamber. The inlet chamber can have a cylindrical shape with two parallel cross-sectional planes and a lateral surface connecting the cross-sectional planes, wherein the cross-sectional planes can be designed with a circular, elliptical or any polygonal cross-section. Preferably, these cross-sectional planes are arranged vertically with respect to the cylinder axis connecting these cross-sectional planes, in order to be able to exert a constant filtration pressure vertically to the surface and directed to the liquid to be filtered when the pressure element is actuated. Due to the constant cross-section of the pressure section, the pressure element seals the pressure section liquid-tightly at each displacement point when actuated and displaced parallel to the cylinder axis, such that a constant and maximized filtration pressure can be achieved. The liquid-tight sealing of the pressure element in the pressure section can be achieved, for example, by means of an elastic O-ring seal fixed to the circumferential lateral surface of the pressure element. The pressure section is arranged at the upper end of the inlet chamber remote from the connecting section at the filling opening. The filling opening is designed such that the pressure element can be removed from the pressure section when cleaning or filling water, and can be reinserted thereafter.

[0013] Advantageously, according to the invention, the pressure element is optionally provided with a pressure plunger which can be displaced within the pressure section of the inlet chamber, with a plunger plate and a plunger handle fixed to the plunger plate. The plunger plate can be realized as a uniform plate sealing the pressure section, other possible embodiments are also possible, wherein the plunger plate has an arched shape or a conical form adapted to the connecting section. The plunger handle is preferably designed in a cylindrical shape and fixed centrally on the side of the plunger plate facing away from the connecting section, in order to be able to displace the plunger plate uniformly when the pressure plunger is actuated, thereby avoiding tilting within the pressure section.

[0014] Furthermore, another embodiment option is envisaged, wherein a membrane can be fixed in a liquid-tight manner in the pressure section between the plunger plate and the liquid to be filtered, and wherein the pressure plate has a smaller cross-sectional area than the membrane. For example, the membrane can be connected along its circumferential edge with the uniform pressure element plate, and the plunger plate can be arranged between the pressure element plate and the membrane. When the pressure plunger is actuated, the plunger plate presses against the membrane and, first of all, pulls the membrane in the direction of the connecting section with the pressure element plate, wherein the membrane is slightly elastically deformed and the filtration pressure is applied on the liquid to be filtered via the membrane. As soon as the pressure element plate can no longer be displaced in the direction of the connecting section, further actuation of the pressure plunger has the effect that only the membrane will gradually deform and, in the process, gradually adapt to the conical shape of the connecting section, for example, thereby exerting a filtration pressure on the liquid to be filtered.

[0015] Furthermore, when the pressure plunger is actuated, the inflation device arranged between the plunger plate and the cover can be inflated by inflating the elastic, airtight and gas-tight housing, thereby pressing the plunger plate against the water surface.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plunger plate is configured such that its shape is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the pressure section of the inlet chamber, wherein the pressure section can be completely and liquid-tightly sealed by the plunger plate on the side opposite the filter module. The plunger plate is shaped to fit the shape of the pressure section such that their cross-sections are identical. Due to manufacturing tolerances during production, and to ensure easy insertion of the pressure plunger after filling the inlet chamber, a seal (particularly in the form of an elastic O-ring) can be attached to the side surface of the plunger plate to allow the plunger plate to be liquid-tight but still movable. Because the pressure plunger is arranged liquid-tightly in the pressure section when actuated, no water can escape laterally or upward, so that the passage time of the liquid to be filtered is minimized by the device of the invention due to the permanent and constant pressure.

[0017] According to the invention, the inlet chamber can also be optionally configured to have a removable cover to close the filling opening of the inlet chamber. The cover closing the filling opening of the inlet chamber allows for safe operation of the device of the invention. On the one hand, it provides hygiene by preventing impurities in the filled water; on the other hand, it prevents the water to be filtered from overflowing from the inlet chamber in case of accidental handling. Furthermore, the use of the cover allows the filling opening to have a cross-section that is the same as or larger than that of the pressure zone. In this way, due to the large filling opening, the inlet chamber can be safely and quickly filled with water, for example, under a tap.

[0018] The cover can be designed as a support cover, held or attached to the filling opening by a locking tongue, or have a notch, protrusion or even a hinge to securely attach to the filling opening of the inlet chamber.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, the cover can and optionally be configured such that the cover has a through recess, and the plunger handle is guided in the recess and can be actuated from outside the inlet chamber. A plunger plate is arranged in the pressure section, and a plunger handle attached to the plunger plate is arranged in the recess of the cover such that the plunger handle protrudes from the recess, with its end positioned relative to the plunger plate. For this purpose, a plunger handle with a cross-sectional area larger than that of the recess can be attached, having a spherical or any geometric shape or other thickening, such that the pressure plunger is secured to the cover. The ball that can be attached to the plunger handle provides the advantage of being able to remove the pressure plunger, for example, to clean the cover.

[0020] The recess is designed to fit the shape of the plunger handle, allowing it to be securely guided within the recess when the pressure element is actuated. The firm, wobbly guidance of the plunger plate parallel to the cylinder axis and the associated forces perpendicular to the horizontally arranged water surface prevent tilting or uneven pressure. Furthermore, the device of the present invention can be used with a cap without the recess for liquid filtration operated purely by gravity. In this case, the cap can also be implemented as an embodiment with a small, closable opening, which can preferably be opened and closed with one hand.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plunger handle is positioned such that it can be fixed in a recess in the cap, allowing the plunger plate to be arranged horizontally and vertically displaced. Filtration pressure can be applied by the plunger to the liquid located in the inlet chamber, which can then be forced through the filtration module into the outlet chamber. When the pressure plunger is actuated, i.e., using pressure applied from outside the cap to the plunger handle, the plunger plate moves vertically toward the water surface, thereby applying pressure thereon. Because the plunger plate is positioned horizontally and therefore parallel to the water surface, the pressure applied to the water surface can be evenly distributed. When using an inlet chamber in which the axis of the cylinder is not perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane of the inlet chamber, the hinged connection between the plunger plate and the plunger handle can, for example, allow the plunger plate to be positioned parallel to the water surface.

[0022] Advantageously, according to the invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section is optionally configured such that it has less than half the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure section of the inlet chamber, preferably less than one-third, and most preferably less than one-quarter. When the pressure plunger is actuated, a pressure plate presses against the surface of the water to be filtered, applying filtration pressure thereon. Due to the small cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section and the filter module, the filtration pressure applied to the filter module increases because the ratio of the force acting perpendicularly on the surface is proportional to the surface area. Therefore, the pressure difference at the filter module affects the filtration rate, as a higher applied pressure contributes to a faster flow rate.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet chamber, having a connecting section, is manufactured separately and removably attached to the container housing forming the outlet chamber. Before using the filtration system, the inlet chamber (which has the connecting section fixed thereto), manufactured separately from the outlet chamber, must be inserted into the inlet opening of the outlet chamber. Variations are contemplated where the inlet chamber can be fully or partially inserted into the outlet chamber and secured, for example, by clamping. This separate manufacturing allows for easy cleaning, particularly of the outlet chamber, where both the outlet and inlet chambers can be designed for dishwasher use. Furthermore, variations are contemplated where the inlet chamber, connecting section, and outlet chamber are manufactured as a single unit. This single-piece construction, and therefore requiring fewer individual components, necessitates fewer seals or corresponding liquid-tight connections to prevent potential leaks or leaks.

[0024] According to the invention, the outlet chamber can also be optionally configured to have a liquid outlet for pouring the filtered liquid. For example, the liquid outlet, designed as a nozzle, can be attached at different heights of the outlet chamber and can be implemented in the shape of a tube or in the shape of a protrusion on the chamber wall forming a nozzle. After filtration, the filtered liquid can be poured from the outlet chamber through the nozzle into a container or drinking glass.

[0025] Preferably, the filter module is configured such that it can be inserted into and removed from the connecting section through the inlet chamber. If necessary, the filter module can be replaced through the filling opening of the inlet chamber after the cover is removed, without any further steps. For example, the filter module can be clamped or latched in the flow opening and can be inserted or removed vertically.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention, the filter module can and optionally be configured such that it has a removal ring for removing the filter module. On the top side of the filter module, facing the cover, a ring, tab, or chain can be attached. By pulling the chain, the filter module can be removed from the flow opening.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filtration module is configured as a hollow fiber membrane filter. A membrane filter is understood as a filter in which unwanted substances are separated through a permeable membrane. For a hollow fiber membrane filter, separation occurs via hollow fibers, most of which are incorporated into a composite to create the filtration module, wherein the walls of the hollow fibers act as the membrane. Depending on the properties of the hollow fibers, separation occurs by diffusion or convection. Starting materials for hollow fiber synthesis include polyethersulfone, polysulfone, and polyarylonitrile, but also include ceramic materials or metals. Due to the modular design of the filtration module, filtration modules with other filter media (such as activated carbon) can also be used in the apparatus of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Other advantageous embodiments of the apparatus for filtering liquids are explained below by way of examples of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus for filtering liquids according to the present invention is shown, wherein the housing is manufactured as a single piece.

[0030] Figure 2 Showing from Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the exploded view of the device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention is shown, wherein the plunger plate is adapted to the connecting section.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention is shown, wherein the liquid outlet is arranged above the filter module.

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention is shown, wherein the inlet chamber and the connecting section are manufactured separately and can be inserted into the outlet chamber.

[0034] Figure 6 Showing from Figure 5 An exploded view of the device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus for filtering liquids according to the present invention is shown. The apparatus has a nearly cylindrical, freestanding housing 1 with an inlet chamber 2 for receiving the liquid to be filtered, a connecting section 3, and an outlet chamber 4 for receiving filtered liquid. The outlet chamber 4 can be placed bottom-side on a surface, and the inlet chamber 2 is arranged above the outlet chamber 4 and connected to the outlet chamber 4 via a flow opening 5 arranged in the connecting section 3 between the two chambers 2 and 4. The connecting section 3 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet chamber 2, while the inlet chamber 2 and the outlet chamber 4 are implemented to have the same cross-sectional area. A filter module 6 is fixed in the flow opening 5; in this exemplary embodiment, the filter module 6 is implemented as a hollow fiber membrane filter with a filter membrane 7. A removal ring 8 for removing the filter module 6 is arranged at the filter module 6. On the side opposite to the connecting section 3, the inlet chamber 2 has a filling opening 9 for filling with the liquid to be filtered, which can be closed with a cover 10. Any liquid filled into the inlet chamber 2 enters the outlet chamber 4 under gravity through the filter module 6. A liquid outlet 11 is fixed at the outlet chamber 4, through which filtered water can be poured out. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 1, which has an inlet chamber 2, a connecting section 3, and an outlet chamber 4, is manufactured as a single piece. Here, the liquid outlet 11 of the outlet chamber 4 is arranged below the filter module 6.

[0036] The inlet chamber 2 has a pressure section 12 with a constant cross-sectional area. Within this pressure section 12, a pressure element is arranged in a displaceable manner. The pressure element is designed as a pressure plunger, consisting of a uniform plunger plate 13 and a cylindrical plunger handle 14 centrally fixed to the upper side of the plunger plate 13. The plunger plate 13 is adapted to the cylindrical geometry of the pressure section 12 and can be liquid-tightly sealed by a sealing ring fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the plunger plate 13. In the cover 10 that closes the filling opening 9, a recess is centrally arranged, in which the plunger handle can be disposed and guided. This recess is adapted to the shape of the plunger handle 14. The plunger plate 13 has a circumferential seal 15 along its peripheral edge, which can be designed as, for example, an annular seal fixed in a peripheral groove. A thickened portion 16, having a larger cross-sectional area than the recess, is attached to the end of the plunger handle 14 that protrudes through the recess of the cap and is positioned opposite the plunger plate 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickened portion is designed as a ball. The thickened portion 16 facilitates a comfortable grip and actuation of the pressure plunger and prevents the pressure plunger from accidentally detaching from the cap 10, for example, during cleaning. The thickened portion 16 can be removably attached to the plunger handle 14, for example, by screwing it into place, and thus also allows the pressure element to be intentionally removed from the cap 10 as needed.

[0037] By actuating pressure plungers 13 and 14 from outside the inlet chamber 2, plunger plate 13 can be pressed against the surface of the liquid, wherein the liquid can be applied with filtration pressure and forced into outlet chamber 4 through filter module 6.

[0038] Figure 2 Showing from Figure 1 The exploded view of the device of the present invention is a schematic cross-sectional view, which includes, but is not limited to, a housing 1, a filter module 6, pressure plungers 13 and 14, and a cover 10.

[0039] Figure 3 Showing from Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention, wherein the plunger plate 13 is adapted to connect the section 3.

[0040] Figure 4 Showing from Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention, wherein the liquid outlet 11 is arranged above the filter module 6.

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention is shown, wherein the inlet chamber 2 and the connecting section 3 are manufactured separately and inserted into the outlet chamber 4 by clamping. Here, the liquid outlet 11 is designed as a nozzle.

[0042] Figure 6Showing from Figure 5 An exploded view of the device of the present invention, which includes a housing 1, a filter module 6, pressure plungers 13 and 14, and a cover 10.

[0043] List of reference numerals

[0044] 1. Shell

[0045] 2 Entrance Room

[0046] 3 connecting sections

[0047] Exit 4

[0048] 5-flow opening

[0049] 6 Filter Modules

[0050] 7 Filter Membrane

[0051] 8. Remove the ring

[0052] 9 Filling opening

[0053] 10 caps

[0054] 11 Liquid outlets

[0055] 12 pressure zones

[0056] 13-piston plate

[0057] 14-Plunger Handle

[0058] 15 sealing rings

[0059] The ball at the plunger handle (16).

Claims

1. An apparatus for filtering liquid, wherein the apparatus has a container that can be placed on a surface, the container having an inlet chamber (2) for receiving liquid to be filtered and an outlet chamber (4) for receiving filtered liquid, wherein the outlet chamber (4) is arranged below the inlet chamber (2), wherein the inlet chamber (2) has a filling opening (9) and is connected to the outlet chamber (4) via a connecting section having a narrower cross-section than the inlet chamber (2), and in the connecting section (3), a filter module (6) can be placed in a flow opening (5) connecting the inlet chamber (2) to the outlet chamber (4), such that liquid filling the inlet chamber (2) can flow through the filter module (6) blocking the flow opening (5) to the outlet chamber (4), and manually movable pressure elements (13, 14) are arranged in the inlet chamber (2), thereby applying filtration pressure to the liquid to be filtered in the inlet chamber (2) and being forced through the filter module (6) into the outlet chamber (4). in, The inlet chamber has a pressure section with a constant cross-sectional area. The pressure element is arranged in a displaceable manner within the pressure section, thereby applying filtration pressure to the liquid located in the inlet chamber when the pressure element is actuated. The pressure element includes a pressure plunger capable of displacement within a pressure section of the inlet chamber. The pressure plunger has a plunger plate and a plunger handle fixed to the plunger plate. The feature is that a membrane is fixed in a liquid-tight manner between a plunger plate and the liquid to be filtered in a pressure section, and the pressure element has a smaller cross-sectional area than the membrane, which can be elastically deformed by the actuation of the plunger plate to adapt to the conical shape of the connecting section.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the plunger plate (13) is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the pressure section (12) of the inlet chamber (2), wherein the pressure section (12) can be completely and liquid-tightly sealed by the plunger plate (13) on the side opposite to the filter module (6).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The entrance chamber (2) has a removable cover (10) that closes the filling opening (9) of the entrance chamber (2).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover (10) has a through recess, and the plunger handle (14) is guided in the recess and can be actuated from the outside of the inlet chamber (2).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plunger handle (14) can be fixed in the recess of the cover (10), so that the plunger plate (13) is arranged horizontally and can be moved vertically, wherein the liquid in the inlet chamber (2) can be subjected to filtration pressure by the plunger and can be forced into the outlet chamber (4) through the filter module (6).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section (3) is less than half the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure section (12) of the inlet chamber (2).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The entrance chamber (2) with the connecting section (3) is manufactured separately and can be removably fixed in the container forming the exit chamber (4).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outlet chamber (4) has a liquid outlet (11) for pouring out the filtered liquid.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The filter module (6) can be inserted into and removed from the connection section (3) through the inlet chamber (2).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The filter module (6) has a removal ring (8) for removing the filter module (6).

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The filtration module (6) is a hollow fiber membrane filter.

12. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section (3) is less than one-third the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure section (12).

13. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section (3) is less than one-quarter the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure section (12).

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