Two-stage filter cartridge and its assembly method

Abstract

This application provides a two-stage filter cartridge and its assembly method. The filter cartridge includes: a body further divided into a first part and a second part, the first part including a first filter and the second part including a second filter; a coupling system for the second filter, the second filter including an external cover; and a fluid-tight seal separating the first part and the second part. The coupling system prevents movement of the second filter when it is fixed in its operating position and allows the fluid-tight seal to isolate the two parts without any risk of contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filtration unit for water having two or more filtration stages, commonly referred to as a filter cartridge. Typically, such filter cartridges are used in devices for producing hot beverages, such as kettles and / or coffee makers, or in various types of household appliances for water treatment, such as filter jugs, water dispensers, faucet filters, filter bottles, and coffee makers. Background Technology

[0002] The purpose of filtering water, and generally improving its taste, stems from various requirements, and in some cases, incidental ones. For example, the primary purpose of the filter cartridges in coffee dispensing devices is to remove limescale present in the water, protecting the device from damage caused by limescale buildup. Other requirements arise from, for instance, the need to remove chlorine from tap water. Chlorine is used for disinfection and to make the water potable, but it often has an unpleasant odor and generally makes the water taste bad. Other filtration systems target so-called heavy metals, such as lead or copper, but other systems have been specifically studied to enrich the water with magnesium ions instead of calcium ions. In some cases, particularly where the water supply network cannot guarantee sufficient safety levels for drinking, so-called POU (point of use) filtration systems with antibacterial properties are needed. Another issue may arise from so-called microplastics present in tap water. In fact, numerous tests have shown that many people's daily drinking water is more or less heavily contaminated with particles or microparticles of plastic material, the effects of which on organisms are currently unclear, leading to the need for mechanical filtration of drinking water using systems capable of maximizing the removal of microplastic particles.

[0003] In light of these requirements, several solutions have been developed that focus on: constructing filter units to allow users to purify water; and associating one or more solutions with a single filter cartridge to better meet the aforementioned requirements.

[0004] Chinese utility model CN203513390 describes an example of a filter cartridge that involves a two-stage filter element. The first stage comprises a mixture of ion exchange resin and activated carbon to reduce hardness and chlorine, and the second stage is an antibacterial and sterilization stage. The filter element constituting the second stage is of the type using a membrane suitable for ultrafiltration or microfiltration.

[0005] Generally speaking, it is obvious that for the second filtration stage to be effective, it must be assembled in such a way that no leakage occurs between the two stages; that is, all liquid must pass through the membrane filter. To ensure this, a suitable fluid sealing system is typically provided, such as O-ring seals or overmolded seals.

[0006] These seals can be integrated with the body of the antimicrobial filter and are naturally positioned to engage with the relevant walls of the filter unit.

[0007] However, the applicant has discovered that, in the event of an accidental impact or inaccurate assembly, the proper separation between the first and second parts of the filter unit cannot be ensured due to the movement or incorrect positioning of the seals.

[0008] As stated above, the absence of a second filtration stage, which acts as an antibacterial filter, renders the two sections ineffective. Therefore, if water enters the second section of the filtration unit from the first section without passing through the second filter, the water will still be contaminated by existing bacteria, rendering the filtration unit useless.

[0009] Therefore, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide a filtering unit with two stages that allows at least partial overcoming of one or more disadvantages listed in the prior art cited herein. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a two-stage filtration unit in which the separation between the first part of the filtration unit that functions as a first filter and the second part that functions as a second antibacterial filter can be maintained, thereby allowing the user to obtain drinking water with optimal sensory properties as the filtered product.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter unit that is easy to construct and economical in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved and these objectives are achieved by a two-stage filtration unit as described above, the filtration unit comprising: a body subdivided into a first portion including a first filter and a second portion including a second filter; a coupling system for the second filter, the second filter including an external cover; and a fluid-tight seal separating the first portion and the second portion.

[0013] Preferably, the coupling system includes a plurality of engagement portions configured to connect to corresponding seating portions. Preferably, the engagement portions and seating portions are formed on the outer cover and body of the second filter, respectively, or the engagement portions and seating portions are formed on the body and the outer cover of the second filter, respectively, thereby defining an abutment between the second filter and the body to prevent movement of the second filter, at least in the direction of mutual proximity between the first and second filters, thus allowing a fluid-tight seal to separate the two portions without any risk of contamination.

[0014] In other words, the connection system is configured such that when the multiple engagement parts are connected to the corresponding seating parts, the second filter is prevented from moving at least in the proximity direction between the first filter and the second filter.

[0015] The main advantage of this invention is that the presence of the coupling system ensures the correct positioning of the second filter, allowing the fluid-tight seal to maintain separation between the first and second parts and preventing contamination between water still containing bacteria and drinking water discharged from the second filter. Furthermore, the coupling system allows the second filter to maintain its correct positioning even in the event of a collision because it mechanically blocks the external cover, thus preventing its movement.

[0016] It will be understood that, in the context of this invention, the term "abutment" between two bodies, such as between a joint and a corresponding member, refers to contact between the respective surfaces of these bodies.

[0017] This contact specifically restricts the relative movement between the engaging portion and the seated portion, and thus restricts the relative movement between the first filter and the second filter, thereby achieving the aforementioned effect.

[0018] Preferably, the body has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a central axis of this cylindrical shape. The body extends between its upper end and its lower end. Preferably, both ends are partially perforated to allow water to be introduced and discharged, and water to pass through a second filter.

[0019] The terms “up” and “down”, “above” and “below”, “high” and “low” are intended to be understood in accordance with the direction of gravity.

[0020] The general cylindrical shape of the main body may be tapered near the lower end to help block the second filter in the connection system and to facilitate a fluid-tight seal in the partition between the two parts.

[0021] According to several preferred embodiments of the invention, each of the plurality of joint portions extends from the body toward the central axis of the body, thereby reducing the distance from the central axis in the downward direction. Preferably, each joint portion has a triangular cross-section. Preferably, the cross-section is in the form of a right-angled triangle, wherein a 90° angle is located near the body of the filter unit and on the side of the joint portion closer to the lower end of the filter unit.

[0022] Preferably, multiple engagement portions are connected to a seating portion formed on the outer cover of the second filter; when the outer cover is connected to the engagement portions, the second filter is in the working position.

[0023] Preferably, the plurality of joint portions are three joint portions spaced approximately 120° apart from each other.

[0024] The external cover may include, for example, a cylindrical body having a lower edge that protrudes relative to the cylindrical body; and a fluid-tight seal that is integral with the cylindrical body and protrudes relative to the cylindrical body.

[0025] According to several preferred embodiments of the invention, the lower edge extends in an annular manner around the outer cover, and the seating portion is defined by the lower edge in the lower region and by a seal in the upper region.

[0026] Preferably, in the proximal portion of the filter unit relative to the lower end, the lower edge extends upward from the outer cover toward the body, and the lower edge has a gradient opposite to the gradient of the plurality of joint portions.

[0027] In this way, during the insertion step of the second filter, the opposite gradient between the joining portion and the lower edge in the filter unit helps to introduce the second filter and mechanically secure it.

[0028] Preferably, the abutment portion is defined by contact between the upper surface of the lower edge of the seat portion, which preferably limits the seating portion, and the lower surface of the engaging portion.

[0029] Preferably, the lower surface corresponds to one side of the triangle shape of the cross-section of the joint portion.

[0030] Advantageously, the given elastic deformation capacity of the joint portion can also facilitate the insertion step.

[0031] Preferably, the first filter is a filter for improving the sensory properties of water, and may be selected from activated carbon filters and ion exchange resin filters.

[0032] In some implementations, the second filter is an antibacterial filter with hollow fibers.

[0033] Preferably, the joining portion protrudes within the body. In some embodiments, the joining portion protrudes towards the central axis from within the body.

[0034] Preferably, the joining portion is configured such that, in addition to the joining portion, a portion of the outer cover of the second filter is secured when the second filter is inserted into the body.

[0035] Another advantage of the invention relates to structural simplicity. In fact, a second aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a filter unit according to the invention, wherein a second filter is inserted into a body and the second filter is pressed until the second filter elastically deforms the joint portion, thereby securing a portion of the outer cover of the second filter in addition to securing the joint portion, and preventing the second filter from moving inside the body.

[0036] When the second filter is inserted, it is positioned such that a fluid-tight seal is received between the body and the outer cover of the second filter, so that the two parts of the filter unit are not in communication with each other except through the second filter.

[0037] Subsequently, a first filter is introduced, and finally the filter unit is sealed with a non-removable upper end.

[0038] Due to this structure, the filter unit provides a first purification stage and a second purification stage. The first purification stage is introduced into the first part and improves the sensory properties of the water to be purified. The second purification stage is introduced into the second part and removes bacteria present in the water, thereby purifying the water. Attached Figure Description

[0039] These features and associated advantages will be better understood through a detailed description of several preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a side view of the filter unit involved in the present invention and installed in the filter jug;

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the second filter of the filter unit; and

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 3A yes Figure 1 Side view and detailed drawing of the filter unit and related details. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of a filter unit, typically indicated by 1, is shown.

[0044] The two-stage filter unit 1 includes a body 10, which is subdivided into a first part 14 and a second part 15. The first part 14 includes a first filter 8, and the second part 15 includes a second filter 9.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the filter unit 1 may be installed in the filter jug ​​16, and the filter unit 1 is mechanically fixed in the jug 16 via a divider element 6 (funnel-shaped element) that divides the jug 16 into two regions: a first region that contains the water 11 to be purified; and a second region that contains the purified water 7 after the water has passed through the filter unit.

[0046] In this article, the term "purified water" is intended to be understood as drinking water or water in general, which is characterized by having become more suitable or more suitable for the user to drink.

[0047] The water to be purified 11 is intended to be understood as water that may contain harmful ions, impurities, and is suitable for bacteria.

[0048] Advantageously, the isolation element 6 ensures that there is no contamination between the water to be purified 11 and the purified water 7, and ensures that the water to be purified 11 reaches the second area of ​​the purified water 7 only by passing through the filter unit 1 with two stages.

[0049] In some embodiments, the body 10 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a central axis of the cylindrical shape. Preferably, the body extends between its upper end 12 and its lower end 13. Both ends 12, 13 may be partially perforated to allow water flow through a two-stage filter unit 1, wherein water 11 to be purified is introduced from the upper end 12 and purified water 7 is discharged from the lower end 13.

[0050] The terms “up” and “down” are intended to be understood in accordance with the direction of gravity.

[0051] The filter unit 1 also includes a coupling system for the second filter 9 and a fluid-tight seal 3, which separates the first portion 14 and the second portion 15. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the coupling system includes a plurality of engaging portions 4 ( Figure 3The joining portion 4 is configured to connect to the corresponding seat portion 5. The joining portion 4 and the seat portion 5 are respectively formed on the body 10 and the outer cover of the second filter 9, thereby defining the abutment portion between the second filter 9 and the body 10 to prevent the second filter 9 from moving at least in the proximity direction between the first filter 8 and the second filter 9, thereby allowing the fluid-tight seal 3 to isolate the two portions 14, 15 without any risk of contamination.

[0052] Still according to the preferred embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the coupling system includes three joint portions 4 extending from the body 10 toward the central axis X, thereby reducing the distance d from the central axis in a downward direction. Essentially, each joint portion 4 has a cross-section in the form of a right-angled triangle, wherein a 90° angle is located near the body 10 of the filter unit 1 and on the side of the joint portion 4 near the lower end 13 of the filter unit 1.

[0053] Preferably, the joining portion 4 is connected to a corresponding seating portion 5 formed on the outer cover 2 of the second filter 9; when the outer cover 2 is connected to the joining portion 9, the second filter 9 is positioned in the working position.

[0054] In some embodiments, there are three joint portions, and the three joint portions are preferably spaced 120° apart from each other.

[0055] In order to be able to connect with the joining part 4, the outer cover 2 preferably includes a cylindrical body with a lower edge 17 that protrudes relative to the cylindrical body.

[0056] In some embodiments, the lower edge 17 extends in an annular shape around the outer cover 2, and the seating portion 5 is also defined continuously along the outer cover 2. The seating portion 5 is bounded in the lower region by the lower edge 17 and in the upper region by the seal 3, as in... Figure 3 This can be observed in the example shown.

[0057] It is understood that the seating portion 5, which is continuously defined along the outer cover 2, can be formed from different regions of a single seating portion, each region being used to form a corresponding seating portion for engaging portion 4.

[0058] According to another aspect, in the portion of the filter unit 1 near the lower end 13, the lower edge 17 extends from the outer cover 2 toward the body 10 in an upward direction, and the lower edge 17 has a gradient opposite to the gradient of the plurality of joint portions 4.

[0059] In this way, during the insertion step of the second filter 9, the opposite gradient between the engaging portion 4 and the lower edge 17 in the filter unit 1 facilitates the introduction of the second filter 9 and the mechanical fixation of the second filter 9.

[0060] Advantageously, the given elastic deformation capacity of the joint portion 4 can also facilitate the insertion step.

[0061] Advantageously, during the assembly step, when the second filter 9 is introduced into the interior of the filter unit 1, the second filter 9 is pressed toward the lower end 15 of the filter unit 1, and the lower edge 17 is mechanically fixed by elastically deforming the engagement portion 4, thereby ensuring that the second filter 9 occupies and maintains its working position.

[0062] In fact, the abutment portion 41 is defined by the contact between the upper surface 170 of the lower edge that limits the seating portion 5 and the lower surface 42 of the joining portion 4.

[0063] Therefore, the lower edge 17 defines a portion 2A of the outer body 2 of the second filter, which can interlock with the engaging portion 4 to define the abutment portion 41.

[0064] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the fluid-tight seal 3 is integral with the outer cover 2 of the second filter 9 at a position higher than the lower edge 17.

[0065] In this way, when the second filter 9 is in its working position, the second filter 9 positions the fluid-tight seal 3 to separate the first part 14 and the second part 15 of the filter unit 1, thereby ensuring that there is no contamination between the water to be purified 11 and the purified water 7.

[0066] In addition, the filter unit 1 includes a tapered portion located near the lower end 13 of the body 10, which helps to receive the fluid-tight seal 3.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the first filter 8 is an ion exchange resin filter.

[0068] Preferably, the second filter 9 is an antibacterial filter with hollow fibers.

[0069] As expected, when the second filter 9 is inserted into the two-stage filter unit 9, the second filter 9 is in the working position, the fluid-tight seal 3 is also correctly positioned, and the assembly of the filter unit 1 continues by inserting the first filter 8 and finally closing the filter unit 1 with the removable upper end 12.

[0070] Due to this structure, the filter unit 1 is provided with: a first purification stage in which the sensory characteristics of the water 11 to be purified are improved; and a second stage in which the water is cleaned of present bacteria, thereby becoming purified water 7.

[0071] To meet additional and incidental requirements, those skilled in the art can apply various additional modifications and variations to the above-described two-stage filter unit 1 and related usage methods, all of which are still included within the scope of protection of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A filter cylindrical member (1) having two stages, said filter cylindrical member (1) comprising: - A body (10) is subdivided into a first part (14) and a second part (15), the first part (14) including a first filter (8) and the second part (15) including a second filter (9), wherein the body (10) extends between an upper end (12) and a lower end (13), wherein both the upper end (12) and the lower end (13) are partially perforated, the upper end (12) being configured to close the body (10) in a non-removable manner, the filter cylinder (1) being configured such that water (11) to be purified is introduced from the upper end (12) and purified water (7) is discharged from the lower end (13) in the direction of gravity, the first filter (8) including an activated carbon filter and / or an ion exchange resin filter, and the second filter (9) including an antibacterial filter having hollow fibers; - A coupling system (40) for the second filter (9), the second filter (9) including an external cover (2); - A fluid-tight seal (3) that separates the first portion (14) and the second portion (15); The connection system (40) includes a plurality of elastically deformable engagement portions (4) configured to connect to corresponding seating portions (5), the engagement portions (4) and the seating portions (5) being formed on the outer cover (2) of the second filter (9) and the body (10), respectively, or the engagement portions (4) and the seating portions (5) being formed on the body (10) and the outer cover (2) of the second filter (9), respectively, to define an abutment portion (41) between the second filter (9) and the body (10). The abutment portion (41) located between the engagement portion (4) and the corresponding seating portion (5) prevents the second filter (9) from moving at least in the mutual proximity direction between the first filter (8) and the second filter (9), thereby allowing the fluid-tight seal (3) to isolate the first portion (14) and the second portion (15) without any risk of contamination.

2. The filter cylindrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The coupling system (40) is configured such that when the plurality of the engagement portions (4) are engaged with the corresponding seating portions (5), the second filter (9) is prevented from moving in the proximity direction between the first filter (8) and the second filter (9).

3. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main body (10) has a cylindrical shape and includes a central axis (X) of the cylindrical shape.

4. The filter cylindrical component (1) according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of the joint portions (4) extends from the body (10) toward the central axis of the body (10), thereby reducing the distance (d) between the joint portion (4) and the central axis (X) in the downward direction.

5. The filter cylindrical component (1) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of said joint portions (4) has a triangular cross section.

6. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The cross section is in the form of a right triangle, wherein a 90° angle is positioned near the body (10) of the filter cylindrical member (1) and on the side of the joint portion (4) near the lower end (13) of the body (10).

7. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The joining portion (4) is connected to the outer cover (2) of the second filter (9), and the second filter (9) is in the working position when the outer cover (2) is connected to the joining portion (4).

8. The filter cartridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter cartridge (1) comprises three joint portions (4) spaced 120° apart from each other.

9. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The seating portion (5) is defined by a lower edge (17) formed on the outer cover (2) and protruding relative to the outer cover (2).

10. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The body (10) has a cylindrical shape and includes a central axis (X) of the cylindrical shape. Each of the plurality of joint portions (4) extends from the body (10) toward the central axis of the body (10) such that the distance (d) between the joint portion (4) and the central axis (X) is reduced in a downward direction. In the proximal portion of the filter cylindrical member (1) relative to the lower edge (17), the lower edge (17) extends in an upward direction from the outer cover (2) toward the body (10) and has a gradient opposite to the gradient of the plurality of joint portions (4).

11. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The abutting portion (41) is defined by the contact between the upper surface (170) of the lower edge (17) and the lower surface (42) of the joining portion (4).

12. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The upper surface (170) defines the seated portion (5).

13. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid-tight seal (3) protrudes relative to the outer cover (2).

14. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The external cover (2) is a cylindrical component.

15. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The cylindrical shape of the body (10) tapers near the lower end (13) of the body (10).

16. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main body (10) is configured to be installed in the filter jug ​​(16).

17. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The joining portion (4) is configured such that when the second filter (9) is inserted into the body (10), a portion (2A) of the outer cover of the second filter (9) is secured, in addition to the joining portion (4).

18. The filter cylindrical member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The joining portion (4) is protruding in the body.

19. A method for assembling a two-stage filter cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the filter cartridge (1) comprising a body (10) subdivided into a first portion (14) and a second portion (15), the first portion (14) further comprising a first filter (8), the second portion (15) further comprising a second filter (9), the filter cartridge (1) further comprising a coupling system for the second filter (9), the second filter (9) further comprising an outer cover (2), wherein, The coupling system (40) includes a plurality of engaging portions (4) extending from the body (10) toward each other, and the method includes: - Insert the second filter (9) into the body (10) and press the second filter (9) until the second filter (9) causes the joint portion (4) to elastically deform, so as to fix a portion (2A) of the outer cover (2) of the second filter (9) in addition to fixing the joint portion (4) and prevent the second filter (9) from moving inside the body (10), wherein the second filter (9) comprises an antibacterial filter with hollow fibers; - The second filter (9) is inserted by positioning the second filter (9) such that the fluid-tight seal (3) is received between the body (10) and the outer cover (2) of the second filter (9) so that the two parts of the filter cylinder (1) are not in communication with each other except through the second filter (9); - The first filter (8) is introduced at an upper position relative to the second filter (9), wherein the first filter (8) comprises an activated carbon filter and / or an ion exchange resin filter; - The body (10) is closed by the upper end (12), which is partially perforated and configured to close the body (10) in a non-removable manner.

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