Filter cartridge for treating drinking water

Abstract

A filter cartridge for treating drinking water comprises a housing containing a filter material for treating water, the housing having at least one inlet for water to be treated and at least one outlet for treated water. The filter cartridge further includes an irreversible opening device configured to retain, in use, a defined opening in the filter cartridge adapted to at least partially remove the filter material from the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter element for treating drinking water. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, filter elements are widely used in various applications to improve the quality of water in the water tank of a device for preparing beverages (such as coffee or common hot drinks), or to intercept the inlet water of the device in the case where the device is directly connected to the water supply system. An example of such a device is a household machine, in which a water tank is provided to hold the water necessary for preparing a specific quantity of beverages, and the water tank is connected to the supply line of the machine. Other devices can be, for example, household or café machines, etc., which are directly connected to the water supply system, and inside the machine, the water necessary for preparing beverages is filtered upstream of the supply line, intercepting the inlet water of the water supply system and thus intercepting the connecting pipes of the machine. Similarly, these filter elements are also applicable to water dispensers and refrigerators.

[0003] Another possible application of these filter elements is in the pipes under the sink, in order to filter the water discharged from the faucet and supply the filtered water to the user.

[0004] The filter element filtration system, also known as a "cartridge filter", removes at least part of the impurities present in the water and softens it, thereby improving the sensory quality of the water and reducing the amount of limestone present therein, and the limestone may cause lime scale to form in the pipeline and thus damage the machine.

[0005] Generally, the filter element has a housing, and the housing has a part for accommodating the filter material, and the water to be treated must pass through the filter material. For this purpose, there is at least one inlet for the water to be treated to enter and at least one outlet for discharging the treated water on the housing.

[0006] In a machine for preparing hot beverages, a suction mechanism is used, for example, to make the water flow through the filter material and suction it towards the water boiler of the machine. For this purpose, in the case where the machine is equipped with a water tank, the filter element is connected to the connector in the area of the water tank discharge port in a fluid-tight and removable manner.

[0007] In these cases, the filter element has an inlet opening in the lower area for the water to flow into the first accommodation chamber of the filter material, and the filter element also has a discharge opening from the second chamber in the lower area, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber for discharging the water towards the supply line of the machine.

[0008] An example of a filter element is described in European Patent EP1340442, which is applied to a coffee machine or a water tank generally used for preparing hot drinks.

[0009] However, the applicant has observed that such known filter cartridges have the drawback that they cannot be recycled when the service life of the filter material ends. In fact, it should be understood that the correct treatment for recycling the materials forming these types of filter cartridges requires separating the filter material from the housing. The first separated part usually consists of a mixture containing activated carbon, silicate, and other components, and the second separated part is usually made of plastic material.

[0010] The same problem is also encountered in filter cartridges connected to pipelines and in filter cartridges for filter tanks. In these types of filter cartridges, it is known to provide and use a housing that is divided into two different parts: a lower part that is roughly cup-shaped and capable of accommodating the filter material, and an upper cover.

[0011] An example of this type of filter cartridge is described in patent DE202021001538.

[0012] The solution for filter cartridges for tanks is not applicable to filter cartridges for water tanks connected to the supply pipeline of a machine. To ensure the correct inflow of water along the filtration path defined by the filter cartridge, excellent fluid tightness must be ensured. In addition, in the filter cartridge for a coffee machine, the separation pipeline between the parts must be below the lowest water level in the water tank so that air is not sucked into the water boiler. Also, it is necessary to ensure the fluid tightness between the two parts, for example, by inserting a seal, which results in an increase in production costs.

[0013] Therefore, there is still a need to be able to correctly handle filter cartridges for filters and to open the filter cartridges in a simple and quick manner to remove the contents from the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge that can improve the prior art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0015] In the context of this object, an object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge that is suitable for being treated as recyclable waste. Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge in which the different parts forming the filter cartridge can be correctly treated.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge that can be opened in a simple and quick manner without damaging the seal of the liquid therein.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art as an alternative to other existing solutions.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter cartridge that can be opened and correctly treated while controlling its production cost.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter element that is easy to recycle in the context of a reasonable solution and has controllable costs.

[0020] This object and one or more of the above objects are at least partially achieved by a filter element for treating water, the filter element including a housing that includes a filtering material for treating water, the housing having at least one inlet for water to be treated and at least one outlet for treated water.

[0021] Preferably, the filter element includes an irreversible opening device for the housing. Preferably, the irreversible opening device is configured such that in use, a defined opening is retained in the filter element, the opening being adapted to enable at least partial removal of the filtering material from the housing.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the term "irreversible" with respect to the opening device should be understood to refer to those devices that are capable of opening the housing or another element to which it is applied and that, at least in the absence of additional devices or elements, do not allow subsequent closing. The irreversibility of the opening device can be obtained, for example, by providing a destructible part in the opening device, such that during the opening process, this part must be destroyed.

[0023] In particular, the applicant has observed that if the irreversible opening device is of the type that can cause at least partial destruction of the housing, the housing cannot be reused, thus ensuring fluid tightness in the discharge port area with a new filter element.

[0024] At the same time, through the opening device, an opening can be provided in the housing through which the filtering material present inside the filter element can be removed.

[0025] Once the material has been removed, the housing, which is typically made of plastic material, can be treated as recyclable waste, thus significantly reducing the environmental impact caused by using these filter elements.

[0026] Based on a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for treating a filter element. The filter element includes a housing that includes a filtering material for treating water and has at least one inlet for water to be treated and at least one outlet for treated water. Preferably, the filter element includes an irreversible opening device for the housing. Preferably, the irreversible opening device is configured to retain a defined opening in the filter element when in use, the opening being adapted to enable at least partial removal of the filtering material from the housing.

[0027] The method includes, when the filtering material has exhausted its filtering capacity, opening the housing through the irreversible opening device, removing the filtering material from the housing through the opening, and treating the housing and the filtering material separately.

[0028] The following additional preferred features are used in the invention according to any of the aspects defined above.

[0029] Furthermore, other preferred but non-exclusive features of the invention are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0030] In some embodiments, the irreversible opening device is preferably formed on the housing.

[0031] The housing is preferably formed by molding, and the irreversible opening device is preferably formed on the housing in the same molding step.

[0032] The opening devices are not formed separately and do not have to be assembled with other components, so that costs and production time are controlled.

[0033] Based on yet another aspect of the invention, the irreversible opening device of the housing preferably includes an opening portion in the housing that at least partially allows a certain degree of damage to the housing itself and limits the degree of damage.

[0034] In this way, the opening defined by using the opening device can be positioned in an exact manner and is thus advantageously arranged to simplify the removal of the filter material and / or ensure its complete removal. Based on another aspect of the invention, the opening portion of the housing is preferably at least partially defined by a desired fracture line that is substantially a guiding line for opening.

[0035] Due to this feature, the opening device can be constructed in a structurally simple manner relative to the steps typically provided for constructing known filter elements, such as molding plastic materials, without the need for additional construction steps.

[0036] Preferably, the desired fracture line is defined by a wall of reduced thickness of the housing.

[0037] In this way, during the step of molding the filter element, the desired fracture line can be directly obtained, avoiding the situation where the presence of the opening device results in additional production costs.

[0038] Preferably, the opening portion is preferably separated from the rest of the housing by tearing.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the term "tear" shall be understood to mean that an element can be separated from the member to which it is fixed by a pulling action in a direction away from the member itself, without having to remove it. This action is preferably carried out manually, that is to say, the connection between the element and the member is such that only the manual action of the user is necessary in order to effect its separation. Thus, the opening of the housing can be carried out by a simple action of the user, but at the same time, it is also difficult to open it inadvertently, that is to say, it is difficult to open the housing when it is not necessary to remove the filter material from the filter element.

[0040] In some embodiments, the irreversible opening device comprises a gripping element preferably protruding from the housing. In this way, the irreversible opening device can be easily operated. Furthermore, especially if the opening device is located in the region of the lid, the same gripping element can also be used to grip and remove the filter element from the water tank during normal use.

[0041] Preferably, the gripping element comprises a tongue protruding from the opening part so as to be able to grip the gripping element in a simple manner, whether during the operation of the filter element or during the opening of the housing. Preferably, the irreversible opening device comprises a breakable part which is configured to connect the opening part to the housing and which is broken as the opening part moves away from the housing.

[0042] In this way, the opening device can be made irreversible simply by the opening action of the housing, which is a particularly simple and effective solution from a structural point of view.

[0043] Since the opening device is preferably constructed in the same moulding step of the filter element, it does not add any production costs in the production step or the assembly step. Preferably, at least one chamber is defined inside the housing for receiving the filter material, and the chamber has at least one inlet for the water to be treated and at least one outlet for the treated water, and the chamber further defines a filtration path which connects at least one inlet to at least one outlet.

[0044] Preferably, a first filter for retaining the filter material is present in the region of the inlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, a second filter for retaining the filter material is present in the region of the outlet.

[0046] Preferably, the opening part faces at least the chamber.

[0047] Due to one or more of these features, the filter material present in the filter element can be easily emptied and the opening part is appropriately arranged.

[0048] In some embodiments, the filter element has a housing that surrounds at least a portion of the shell. The housing can be opened and, together with the outer wall of the shell, defines a space that can accommodate the scale prevention material. The housing has an opening through which water inside the space can pass.

[0049] Preferably, the housing is opened via a suitable opening device. In this way, the filter element can reduce the scale content present in the water while filtering the scale and ensuring the proper disposal of the scale portion at the end of use.

[0050] The appended claims and the following description also define other preferred aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description of the preferred embodiments of the filter element according to the present invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filter element according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] - Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a cross-section of the filter element;

[0054] - Figure 3 is a detailed view of a cross-section of the filter element;

[0055] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of the filter element according to the present invention during the removal of its opening part;

[0056] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filter element according to the present invention after the removal of its opening part;

[0057] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a filter element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] - Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-section of the filter element shown;

[0059] - Figure 8 is Figure 6 a perspective view of a part of the filter element shown, in which the relevant housing has been removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, in a first embodiment of the filter cartridge according to the present invention, the filter cartridge according to the present invention is generally designated by 100. In a second embodiment of the filter cartridge according to the present invention, the filter cartridge according to the present invention is generally designated by 200 and is shown in Figures 6 to 8 The filter cartridges 100, 200 can be used in a water tank adapted to hold water for preparing beverages. In particular, the filter cartridges 100, 200 can be configured to meet the softening requirements of the water contained in a water tank for a coffee machine or more generally for preparing hot beverages. However, the same inventive concept applies to filter cartridges for softening and more generally treating the water contained in a tank. Similarly, the same concept can be applied to filter cartridges, for example, installed in the inlet pipe area of a device or installed under a water tank, such as machines for preparing beverages, water dispensers, and refrigerators. As shown, the filter cartridges 100, 200 include housings 101, 201, which contain filtering materials for treating water (not shown in the figure) and have at least one inlet 102, 202 for the water to be treated and at least one outlet 103, 203 for the treated water. The housings 101, 201 are preferably made of plastic material, while the filtering material generally but not exclusively consists of a mixture in particulate form, which contains, for example, a mixture of ion exchange resin and / or activated carbon.

[0061] The example of the filter cartridges 100, 200 shown in the figure is applicable to the water tank of a machine for preparing beverages. As Figure 2 and Figure 7 shown, according to this example, a chamber 104, 204 (in other embodiments, there may be more than one chamber) is defined inside the housings 101, 201, which is used to hold the filtering material (not shown) and has an inlet 102, 202 for the water to be treated (in other embodiments, there may be more than one inlet), and in this inlet area, there is a first filter 105, 205 for treating the filtering material. Similarly, the chamber 104, 204 also has an outlet 103, 203 for the treated water (in other embodiments, there may be more than one outlet), and in this outlet area, there is also a second filter 106, 206 for treating the filtering material. The chamber 104, 204 further defines a filtering path P, which is schematically shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 and connects the inlets 102, 202 to the outlets 103, 203.

[0062] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 7In the situation shown, the chambers 104, 204 are subdivided into two parts, which are substantially cup-shaped: a first part 104', 204', in the bottom region of which the inlets 102, 202 are present together with the first filters 105, 205; a second part 104", 204", connected to the first part 104', 204', in the bottom region of which the outlets 103, 203 are present together with the second filters 106, 206. In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the second filters 106, 206, there are hollow protrusions 107, 207 extending from the second part 104", 204", which are provided with seals 108, 208 for fluid-tightly connecting to a connector which is typically present at the bottom of the water tank and leads to the outlet opening region of the machine supply line.

[0063] Preferably, the connection between the two parts 104', 204' and 104", 204" occurs at the upper part of the two parts (relative to the installation position of the filter element corresponding to the position shown in the figure, and during normal use of the filter element, this position points upwards), across the partition walls 109, 209 separating them, and below the covers 110, 210 for closing the housings 101, 201.

[0064] Thus, the path P follows a generally U-shaped shape between the inlets 102, 202 and the outlets 103, 203.

[0065] Two main parts of the housing can be substantially identified, including the lower parts 111, 211 of the chambers 104, 204 and the upper parts corresponding to the covers 110, 210. In the step of constructing the filter elements 100, 200, the covers 110, 210 are suitably mounted above the two parts 104', 204' and 104", 204", and are preferably heat-welded to the upper peripheries of the lower parts 111, 211.

[0066] The filter elements 100, 200 according to the invention advantageously comprise irreversible opening devices 112, 212 which are configured such that in use, there are limited openings 113, 213 retained in the filter elements 100, 200, which openings 113, 213 are adapted to at least partially remove the filter material from the housings 101, 201.

[0067] Preferably, the irreversible opening devices 112, 212 are formed in the housings 101, 201. This is implemented by molding, and the opening devices 112, 212 are formed in the housings during the same molding step.

[0068] Figure 4 is shown Figure 1 and Figure 2The situation of the same filter element 100 shown during opening by the irreversible opening device 112. And Figure 5 shows the situation of the filter element 100 when it is in a state completely without the upper part at the end of its opening, which will be clarified more clearly in the following description.

[0069] For the second embodiment, Figure 8 shows the situation when the housing 201 of the filter element 200 is opened.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned irreversible opening devices 112, 212 are of a type adapted to cause at least part of the housings 101, 201 to be damaged.

[0071] For this purpose, the irreversible opening devices 112, 212 may include opening portions 114, 214 in the housings 101, 201, and the opening portions are at least partially removable to define openings 113, 213.

[0072] The term "removable" with respect to the opening portions 114, 214 should be understood in this case as causing the portions to be at least partially separated from the rest of the housings 101, 201.

[0073] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 8 shown, the opening portions 114, 214 are peripherally defined by desired fracture lines 115, 215. In other cases not shown, the desired fracture lines may only partially define the opening portions.

[0074] Preferably, as Figure 3 shown in the enlarged view of, the desired fracture lines 115, 215 are defined by walls of the housings 101, 201 with reduced thickness, for example defined by grooves.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, for example in the illustrated case, the desired fracture lines 115, 215 and the associated opening portions 114, 214 are located on the covers 110, 210. However, in other embodiments of the same invention, for example if the inlet and outlet are arranged on the upper part of the filter element, the desired fracture lines 115, 215 and the associated opening portions 114, 214 may be located on the side walls or the bottom of the lower parts 111, 211.

[0076] Advantageously, if the filter element is arranged in two different parts as described above, such an arrangement on the cover allows the openings 113, 213 to face the two parts, thus allowing the filter material to be easily removed from the two parts.

[0077] The opening portions 114, 214 are separable, preferably by tearing from the remaining parts of the housings 101, 201.

[0078] Advantageously, the irreversible opening devices 112, 212 include gripping elements 116, 216 which preferably project from the housings 101, 201. By applying a force to the opening parts 114, 214 via the gripping elements 116, 216, a torn opening can be obtained. In the illustrated embodiments, the opening parts 114, 214 correspond to wall parts of the housings 101, 201, in particular the cover parts 110, 210, and the gripping elements 116, 216 include tongues which project from the opening parts 114, 214. As shown, the tongues may have holes 117, 217, and preferably, the tongues may have a width which allows at least one finger to pass through, so as to facilitate gripping by the user.

[0079] As shown, the gripping element 116 projects from the opening part 114 at a preferably off-center position which is inside the region defined by the desired fracture line 115, preferably near the desired fracture line 115. In order to separate the opening part 114 from the rest of the housing 101 by tearing, the user may pull the gripping element 116 upwards or towards the side opposite to the side on which it is arranged (off-center) until the opening part 114 is lifted outwards. Alternatively, the gripping element 116 may be pushed so as to rotate in the opposite direction, in which case the gripping element 116 acts as a lever to force the opening part 114 to descend towards the inside of the housing 101, in which case a tear along the desired fracture line 115 also occurs (as happens in the opening mechanism of an aluminum can, also known as a stay-on tab in English-speaking countries). The opening part 114 preferably has a thickness which can be folded during opening.

[0080] Similar considerations apply equally to the second embodiment of the filter cartridge 200.

[0081] To make these operations easier, preferably, the gripping elements 116, 216 have a substantially inverted L-shaped cross-section, with a first part extending perpendicularly with respect to the opening parts 114, 214 so as to be connected to a second part which extends parallel to the same opening parts.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the gripping element may include a screw cap which, by weakening the structure, causes the screw cap to tear from the rest of the housing along a defined fracture line, similar to the screw cap with a seal commonly used on bottles.

[0083] In another possible embodiment (not shown), the fracture line may be defined peripherally and transversely along the lower part of the housing. In this case, there may be no projecting gripping element.

[0084] In any embodiment of the present invention, the opening parts 114, 214 are preferably at least facing the chambers 104, 204 as shown in the embodiment, so as to facilitate the removal of the filter material from the housings 101, 201.

[0085] The filter element 200 in the second embodiment is different from the filter element 100 in that there is an outer shell 218 around at least a part of the housing 201. The outer shell 218 can be opened and, together with the outer wall of the housing 201, defines a space suitable for accommodating the scale prevention material. The outer shell 218 has an opening 219 for the water inside the space to pass through.

[0086] The outer shell 218 includes an auxiliary opening device 220, which is preferably of a reversible type. Optionally, these opening devices can define the destruction of the outer shell.

[0087] In the shown embodiment, the outer shell 218 includes a receiving part 221, which is inverted in its use position, and a part of the housing 201 is present inside the receiving part 221. In this case, the receiving part 221 includes a chamber 204 and a cover 210 and a base that unfolds outward from the housing 201, and the receiving part 221 is closed on the base. As can be seen from Figure 7 and Figure 8 two opposite blocking tongues 223 with protrusions 224 unfold from the base 222. The blocking tongues 223 can be inserted into the corresponding additional openings present in the receiving part 221 and, together with the receiving part 221, form the opening device 220 of the outer shell 218. The outer shell 218 is preferably made of plastic material as well as the housing 201. In addition, the lower part 211 of the housing 201 and the base 222 are preferably formed as a single piece by a single molding step.

[0088] The use of the filter element according to the present invention is as follows.

[0089] When the filter element 100 is exhausted, the user can simply open it, preferably by pulling the gripping element 116 with a tongue, so as to tear the opening part 114 along the desired breaking line 115 until it is at least partially separated from the rest of the cover 110, while lifting it as Figure 4 shown.

[0090] Optionally, the user can rotate the same gripping element 116 towards the desired breaking line part 115 near the protrusion of the same element by at least partially pushing the opening part 114 towards the inside of the housing 101. By at least partially tearing the opening part 114, a defined opening 113 is retained in the filter element 100, prompting the filter element 100 to empty. As Figure 5As shown, the opening part 114 can actually be completely removed, or partially removed, as Figure 4 shown is an intermediate configuration.

[0091] In this way, by discarding the filter material and the housing into the corresponding types of waste, the exhausted filter element 100 can be properly disposed of.

[0092] In addition, the opening part cannot be reused to close the housing 101 of the filter element 100, so the filter element 100 cannot be reused, thus avoiding any risk of installing an improperly operated filter element in the machine water tank.

[0093] Specifically, to open the filter element 200 in the second embodiment, the outer shell 218 needs to be opened through the auxiliary opening device 220 by pushing the tongue 223 to disengage from the corresponding opening of the receiving part together with the protrusion 224. In this way, the scale prevention material filter element can be emptied. Subsequently, the above operations for the filter element 100 can be performed on this filter element 200.

[0094] In practice, it has been found that the present invention achieves the stated purposes and objectives by providing a filter element that can be opened by the user in a simple and rapid manner, while facilitating the proper disposal of the filter element, which cannot be re-closed, thereby preventing the reuse of the filter element by replacing the filter material originally contained therein.

[0095] It can also be noted that there are desired fracture lines that define the housing rupture area (i.e., the opening part), allowing for the maximum degree of opening and allowing for the limitation of the opening degree.

[0096] It can also be noted that forming the irreversible opening device directly on the housing can control the production cost of the filter element.

[0097] In addition to the above, the present invention is also capable of various modifications and variations, all of which are included within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A filter element (100, 200) for treating drinking water, the filter element (100, 200) comprising a housing (101, 201), the housing (101, 201) containing a filtering material for treating water and having at least one inlet (102, 202) for water to be treated and at least one outlet (103, 203) for treated water. It is characterized in that The filter element (100, 200) includes an irreversible opening device (112, 212) for the housing (101, 201), the irreversible opening device (112, 212) being configured such that in use, a defined opening (113, 213) is retained in the filter element (100, 200), the opening (113, 213) being adapted to enable at least partial removal of the filtering material from the housing (101, 201).

2. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein, The irreversible opening device (112, 212) is formed on the housing (101, 201).

3. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The size of the opening (113, 213) is larger than the inlets (102, 202) and the outlets (103, 203).

4. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening (113, 213) is different from the inlets (102, 202) and the outlets (103, 203).

5. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The irreversible opening device (112, 212) is of a type adapted to cause at least partial destruction of the housing (101, 201).

6. The filter element (100, 200) according to the previous claim, wherein, The irreversible opening device (112, 212) includes a destructible part, the destructible part being configured such that after a user performs an opening action on the housing, the destructible part is destroyed, thereby not allowing subsequent closing of the housing.

7. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing and the irreversible opening device (112, 212) are formed as a single piece separable by destruction of the destructible part.

8. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing is constructed by molding, and the irreversible opening device (112, 212) is formed on the housing in the same molding step.

9. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Both the housing and the irreversible opening device (112, 212) are made of a plastic material.

10. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Both the housing and the irreversible opening device (112, 212) are made of the same material.

11. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The irreversible opening device (112, 212) includes an opening part (114, 214) in the housing (101, 201), the opening part (114, 214) being capable of being at least partially removed to define the opening (113, 213).

12. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 11, wherein, The opening part (114, 214) is at least partially defined by a desired breaking line (115, 215).

13. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein, The desired breaking line (115, 215) is defined by a wall of reduced thickness of the housing (101, 201).

14. The filter element (100, 200) according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, dependent on claim 6, wherein, The opening part (114, 214) defines the destructible part.

15. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The opening part (114, 214) can be separated from the remainder of the housing (101, 201) by tearing.

16. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The irreversible opening device (112, 212) includes a gripping element (116, 216) that preferably projects from the housing (101, 201).

17. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 16, wherein, The gripping element (116, 216) includes a tongue that projects from the opening part (114, 214).

18. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one chamber (104, 204) is defined inside the housing (101, 201), and the at least one chamber (104, 204) is for accommodating the filter material. Also, the at least one chamber (104, 204) has at least one inlet (102, 202) for the water to be treated and at least one outlet (103, 203) for the treated water. A first filter (105, 205) for retaining the filter material is present in the region of the at least one inlet (102, 202), and a second filter (106, 206) for retaining the filter material is present in the region of the at least one outlet (103, 203). The chamber (104, 204) further defines a filtration path that communicates the at least one inlet (102, 202) with the at least one outlet (103, 203).

19. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 17, wherein, The opening part (114, 214) faces at least the chamber (104, 204).

20. The filter element (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter material includes a mixture in particulate form.

21. The filter element (100, 200) according to the previous claim, wherein, The filter material includes a mixture of ion exchange resin and / or activated carbon.

22. The filter element (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (218) that is arranged around at least a part of the housing (201) and can be opened. The housing (218) and the outer wall of the housing (201) together define a space that can accommodate anti-scaling material. The housing (218) has an opening (219) for water inside the space to pass through.

23. The filter element (100, 200) according to claim 22, wherein, The housing (218) includes an auxiliary opening device (220).

24. A method for treating a filter element (100, 200), the filter element (100, 200) being constructed according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: When the filtering capacity of the filter material has been exhausted, opening the housing (101, 201) through the irreversible opening device (112, 212); Removing the filter material from the housing (101, 201) through the opening (113, 213); and Treating the housing (101, 201) and the filter material separately.

25. The method for treating a filter cartridge (100, 200) according to the previous claim, wherein, Opening the housing (101, 201) through the irreversible opening device (112, 212) includes irreversibly damaging the housing (101, 201) in the region of the opening (113, 213).

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