Replaceable filter cartridge, filter cartridge housing and replaceable cartridge filter assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a replaceable cartridge type filter assembly of a replaceable filter cartridge, a filter cartridge shell and a fluid distributor, and belongs to the field of filter cartridges of filter assemblies for fluid distributors. The replaceable filter cartridge includes: a filter housing having an integrated rotatable handle; at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotatable handle is provided with at least one locking extension part, and the locking extension part and the end part of the rotatable handle are integrally formed. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly has a replaceable filter cartridge that can be easily installed or removed by a technician or user of the water dispenser. The replaceable cartridge has a handle with a locking extension that engages a notch formed in a cartridge housing into which the replaceable cartridge is fitted to lock the replaceable cartridge in place.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a filter cartridge for a filter assembly of a fluid dispenser. BACKGROUND

[0002] Water dispensers typically have a series of filters through which incoming water passes before being dispensed to a consumer. These filters can be sediment filters, carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, or any other filter that a consumer of water would like to use to make the water taste better, remove sediment, or purify the output water. These types of filter systems have had replaceable cartridge systems for many years. However, the replaceable cartridges of these systems are difficult to replace. They are often in a hard to reach location in the dispenser; behind other components, and use cumbersome twist-in threads for the engagement between components.

[0003] Some systems have sought to address some of the issues of these older, more traditional replaceable cartridge filter systems. The assembly discussed in patent publication US2019 / 0039004 is one such attempt. Nonetheless, such systems still have significant drawbacks. In this system, the replaceable cartridge is separate from the locking mechanism of the filter housing. As a result of this, when the replaceable cartridge is inserted into the filter housing, the inlet and outlet of the replaceable cartridge are not always properly aligned with the inlet and outlet of the filter housing. When the cartridge and housing are not aligned, the locking mechanism cannot properly engage the cartridge cover, and the cartridge cover cannot be closed. As a result, the technician or user replacing the cartridge must remove the replaceable cartridge and start the entire process over again. Alternatively, if the technician or user can force the cartridge cover closed to some extent, this creates an unfortunate situation in which the seals of the cartridge and the housing inlet and outlet are not properly aligned, which will result in leaks in the dispenser when in use. Moreover, by forcing the cartridge cover closed, components of the cartridge or housing can be broken.

[0004] Furthermore, the cartridge in systems such as US2019 / 0039004 is still difficult to remove, and requires unnecessary steps for removing and replacing the cartridge. In this system, to remove the cartridge, the technician or user must first unlock the cartridge cover that is connected to the housing. Then, the user rotates the cartridge cover upward, thereby accessing the replaceable cartridge. The technician or user then needs to grasp the handle connected to the replaceable cartridge to pull the cartridge out of the housing. This entire process requires dexterity of the technician or user, especially if they have large hands, making it more difficult and time consuming to remove and replace the cartridge than it should be.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a replaceable filter cartridge assembly that makes it easier for a user to remove and replace the filter cartridge. There is also a need for a replaceable filter cartridge assembly that makes alignment of the inlet and outlet of both the cartridge and the housing easier and more reliable during installation of the cartridge. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a replaceable filter cartridge for a filter assembly for a fluid distributor may include: a filter housing having an integral rotatable handle, at least one inlet and at least one outlet; wherein the rotatable handle has at least one locking extension integrally formed with an end of the rotatable handle.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a filter cartridge housing for a filter assembly for a fluid distributor may include: a housing defining a cavity and having a pair of sidewalls, wherein a filter cartridge locking recess is formed in at least one sidewall.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a replaceable cartridge filter assembly for a fluid distributor may include: a replaceable filter cartridge and a filter cartridge housing. The replaceable filter cartridge has: a filter housing; a pair of pivot connectors; and a rotatable handle. The rotatable handle has at least one locking extension formed in an end of the rotatable handle, and the rotatable handle is connected to the filter housing via the pair of pivot connectors, wherein the rotatable handle has a first portion disposed on one side of the pair of pivot connectors; wherein the at least one locking extension is integrally formed with an end of the rotatable handle disposed on the opposite side of one of the pair of pivot connectors. The filter cartridge housing defines a cavity, the filter cartridge housing having: a pair of sidewalls, wherein a locking recess is formed in at least one of the pair of sidewalls; and a handle locking latch connected to a sidewall opposite to the end of the sidewall forming the locking recess. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly has an assembled form and an unassembled form, wherein, in the assembled form, the replaceable cartridge is located within the cavity of the cartridge housing; the rotatable handle has been rotated to insert the at least one locking extension into a locking recess formed in at least one of the pair of sidewalls of the cartridge housing; the handle locking latch engages with a first portion of the rotatable handle to lock the replaceable cartridge within the cartridge housing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The object, features, and advantages of this utility model will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a water distributor, depicting embodiments of several replaceable cartridge filter assemblies of the present invention installed in the filter frame of the water distributor.

[0011] Figure 2AAn exploded view of an embodiment of a pair of replaceable cartridge filter assemblies of the present invention is shown, depicting a filter rack removed from a water distributor.

[0012] Figure 2B This is a top view of a filter frame showing an embodiment of a pair of filter cartridge housings according to the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3A This is a right-side view of an embodiment of the replaceable filter cartridge of this utility model;

[0014] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2B The cross-sectional view of the filter frame, taken by section line 3B-3B, depicts the right side view of an embodiment of the filter cartridge housing of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 4A This is a left-side view of an embodiment of the replaceable filter cartridge of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 4B It is along Figure 2B The cross-sectional view of the filter frame, taken by section line 4B-4B, depicts the left side view of an embodiment of the filter cartridge housing of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a water distributor, depicting several embodiments of the filter cartridge housing of this utility model, wherein no replaceable cartridge filter cartridge is installed;

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view depicting the first stage of inserting a replaceable filter cartridge into the filter cartridge housing;

[0019] Figure 7 It is a perspective view depicting the second stage of inserting the replaceable filter cartridge into the filter cartridge housing;

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view depicting the third stage of inserting the replaceable filter cartridge into the filter cartridge housing;

[0021] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the replaceable cartridge filter assembly of this utility model, depicting the interaction between the handle and the locking latch of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 9B This is a side view of the replaceable cartridge filter assembly of this utility model, depicting the interaction between the handle and the locking latch of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 10A This is a perspective view of the replaceable cartridge filter assembly of this utility model, wherein the locking latch of this utility model is in the locked position; and

[0024] Figure 10BThis is a side view of the replaceable cartridge filter assembly of this utility model, wherein the locking latch of this utility model is in the locked position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Reference Figure 1 An exemplary water dispenser 20 is depicted, wherein its filter channel door 21 is removed. In this exemplary water dispenser 20, the water dispenser 20 has two filter holders 22, 23. Filter holder 22 contains a pair of replaceable cartridge filter assemblies 24a, 24b of the present invention. Filter holder 23 has components similar to those of filter holder 22, and such components are similarly identified (e.g., 24c, 24d). Referring now... Figures 2A-2B The replaceable cartridge filter assembly 24a of this invention includes a replaceable filter cartridge 26a and a filter cartridge housing 28a. In use, as detailed below, the replaceable filter cartridge 26a is disposed within the filter cartridge housing 28a to filter fluid. It should be understood that any replaceable cartridge filter assembly 24 described herein has the same components as the replaceable cartridge filter assembly 24a and functions in the same manner (i.e., 24b, 24c, 24d).

[0026] Figure 3A , Figure 4A An embodiment of the replaceable filter cartridge 26 of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, the replaceable filter cartridge 26 includes: a filter housing 30 having a cover 40; a handle 32 rotatably connected to the cover 40 at a pair of pivot connections 42, 44; a pair of inlets 34 and a pair of outlets 36. Each inlet 34 includes a seal 35, and each outlet 36 also has a seal 37. In this embodiment of the present invention, the seals 35, 37 are O-rings. The replaceable filter cartridge 26 also includes a filter element (not shown) located within the filter housing 30. In this embodiment, the rotatable handle 32 has a U-shaped first portion 45 extending between the two pivot connections 42, 44. The handle 32 also includes a first locking extension 46 (…). Figure 3A The handle 32 is integrally formed around the pivot connector 42 and the first portion 45 of the handle 32. In this embodiment, the handle 32 also includes a second locking extension 48. Figure 4A The second locking extension 48 is also integrally formed around the pivot connector 44 and the first portion 45 of the handle 32. It should also be understood that any water distributor 20 using the replaceable cartridge filter assembly 24 of this invention can use any number of replaceable cartridge filter assemblies 24 as needed across as many filter holders 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge housings 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are integrally formed with the filter holders 22, 23. In other embodiments, the cartridge housings 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d can be configured such that they are separable or detachable from their respective filter holders 22, 23, and are separable from each other.

[0027] Figure 3B , Figure 4B An embodiment of the filter cartridge housing 28 of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, the filter cartridge housing 28 has cavities and openings formed therein; specifically, a cavity 50 for receiving a replaceable filter cartridge 26; a pair of openings 52 for receiving an inlet 34 of the replaceable filter cartridge 26; and a pair of openings 54 for receiving a pair of outlets 36 of the replaceable filter cartridge 26. The filter cartridge housing 28 also includes a pair of top sidewalls 60, 62 along the top of the filter cartridge housing 28. Figure 2A , Figure 2B ).(exist Figure 2A , Figure 2B In this embodiment, filter cartridge housings 28a and 28b share a common top sidewall 61. If filter cartridge housings 28a and 28b are separate, independent filter cartridge housings 28, then the top sidewall 61 has the characteristics of sidewalls 62a and 60b. In this embodiment, each top sidewall 60 and 62 has a locking recess 64 and 66 formed therein, and each locking recess 64 and 66 has a corresponding opening 63 and 65 formed therein. It should be understood that the number of locking recesses 64 and 66 generally matches the number of extensions 46 and 48 of the handle 32. The filter cartridge housing 28 in this embodiment also includes a locking latch 70 rotatably connected to a pair of top sidewalls 60 and 62. In this embodiment, the locking latch 70 includes a bottom arm 72 and a shorter top arm 74, which, in conjunction with a back wall 73, defines an opening 76 having an opening width substantially equal to the width of the first portion 45 of the handle 32. The locking latch 70 also includes a release handle 78. In this embodiment, when the locking latch 70 is not in the locked position, the locking latch 70 is held in the open unlocked position by a leaf spring (not shown).

[0028] Now for reference Figure 5 In this illustration, all filter cartridge housings 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d are empty and do not yet contain replaceable filter cartridges 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d. To install replaceable filter cartridges 26a and 26b into filter cartridge housings 28a and 28b, in this embodiment, a technician or user rotates the filter holder 22 forward to make it easier to access the filter cartridge housings 28a and 28b. The technician or user then grasps the first replaceable cartridge filter 26 to be installed by the handle 32 and aligns the first replaceable filter cartridge 26 with its corresponding filter cartridge housing 28. (Refer to...) Figure 6In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a technician installs the replaceable filter cartridge 26b into the filter cartridge housing 28b. After aligning the replaceable filter cartridge 26b with the filter cartridge housing 28b, the technician or user then pushes the replaceable filter cartridge 26b into the cavity 50b of the filter cartridge housing 28b. When the technician or user pushes the replaceable filter cartridge 26b downwards, the locking extensions 46b, 48b ( Figure 4A Each contact is formed on the top sidewalls 62b and 61. Figure 7 The corresponding notches 64b and 66b in ) Figure 4B The openings are 63b and 65b.

[0029] When the locking extensions 46b and 48b are now in contact with the corresponding openings 63b and 65b of the recesses 64b and 66b, such as Figure 8 As shown, a technician or user rotates the first portion 45b of the handle 32b forward and downward around the pivot connectors 42b, 44b. As the first portion 45b of the handle 32b is rotated downward in this manner, the locking extensions 46b, 48b further engage the corresponding recesses 64b, 66b. The engagement of the locking extensions 46b, 48b with the recesses 64b, 66b causes the replaceable filter cartridge 26b to self-align with the filter cartridge housing 28b, resulting in proper alignment of the inlet 34b and seal 35b with the opening 52b, and proper alignment of the outlet 36b and its seal 37b with each corresponding opening 54b. Because the components of the replaceable filter cartridge 26b are self-aligned with the components of the filter cartridge housing 28b, the technician or user does not need to worry about misalignment that could lead to incorrect sealing of components, or the need for the technician or user to force the cartridge cover downwards over the filter cartridge.

[0030] With the locking extensions 46b and 48b now engaged with the notches 64b and 66b, as Figure 9A , Figure 9B As shown, the technician or user continues to rotate the first portion 45b of the handle 32b downwards until the first portion 45b of the handle 32b engages with the bottom arm 72b of the locking latch 70b. As the technician or user continues to push the handle 32b downwards, the first portion 45b of the handle 32b pushes down the bottom arm 72b of the locking latch 70b, causing the rear wall 73b and the top arm 74b to rotate toward the handle 32b. As this movement continues, the first portion 45b of the handle 32b fits into the opening 76b, and the top arm 74b of the locking latch 70b engages with the top of the first portion 45b of the handle 32b; locking the handle 32b and the replaceable filter cartridge 26b into the filter cartridge housing 28b. Figure 10A , Figure 10B ).

[0031] Refer again Figure 5The technician or user then installs the replaceable filter cartridge 26a into the filter cartridge housing 28a in the same manner as described above for installing the replaceable filter cartridge 26b. Once the replaceable filter cartridge 26a is installed, the technician or user can rotate the filter holder 22 back to the closed position and then rotate the filter holder 23 outward to the open position to install the replaceable filter cartridges 26c and 26d in the same manner as the other replaceable filter cartridges 26a and 26b. Once the replaceable filter cartridges 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are installed to form the replaceable cartridge filter assemblies 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, and the filter holders 22 and 23 are in the closed position, the technician or user can replace the filter channel door and put the water distributor 20 into operation.

[0032] When it is necessary to replace replaceable cartridge filters 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, the technician or user shall remove them in the reverse manner as if they were installed. The technician or user shall remove the filter access doors and tilt the filter holders 22 and 23 as needed. For example, refer to... Figure 10B As the filter holder 22 rotates forward, a technician or user pulls the release handle 78b outward away from the handle 32b. This movement causes the bottom arm 72b of the locking latch 70b to push the first portion 45b of the handle 32b upward; as the release handle 78b continues to rotate outward, the first portion 45b of the handle 32b separates from the locking latch 70b. With the first portion 45b of the handle 32b separated from the locking latch 70b, the technician or user can grasp the handle 32b and continue to rotate it upward. As the first portion 45b of the handle 32b rotates upward in this manner, the locking extensions 46b, 48b disengage from the corresponding notches 64b, 66b. Once the locking extensions 46b, 48b and the corresponding notches 64b, 66b are completely disengaged, the technician or user can pull the replaceable filter cartridge 26b out of the filter cartridge housing 28b; disengage the seal 35b from the opening 52b, and disengage the seal 37b from its corresponding opening 54b. With the replaceable filter cartridge 26b completely removed from the filter cartridge housing 28b, the filter cartridge housing 28b is now ready to have a new replaceable filter cartridge 26b installed therein.

[0033] Although certain embodiments and features of replaceable cartridge filter assemblies have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of this disclosure that fall fully within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A replaceable filter cartridge for a filter assembly in a fluid distributor, characterized in that, The replaceable filter cartridge includes: A filter housing having an integrated rotatable handle; At least one entrance; and At least one export, The rotatable handle has at least one locking extension, which is integrally formed with the end of the rotatable handle.

2. The replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotatable handle has a pair of locking extensions formed at opposite ends of the rotatable handle.

3. The replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The replaceable filter cartridge also includes a pair of pivot connections, wherein the rotatable handle is connected to the filter housing via the pair of pivot connections.

4. The replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotatable handle has a first portion disposed on one side of the pair of pivot connectors; and Wherein, one of the pair of locking extensions is integrally formed with one end of the rotatable handle located on the opposite side of one of the pair of pivot connectors, and the other of the pair of locking extensions is integrally formed with the other end of the rotatable handle located on the opposite side of the other of the pair of pivot connectors.

5. The replaceable filter cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The replaceable filter cartridge further includes a cover connected to the filter housing, the cover having: Entrance and exit; or A pair of entrances and a pair of exits.

6. A filter cartridge housing for a filter assembly in a fluid distributor, characterized in that, The filter cartridge housing includes: The housing defines a cavity and has a pair of sidewalls, wherein at least one of the sidewalls has a filter cartridge locking recess formed therein.

7. The filter cartridge housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, A filter cartridge locking notch is formed in each of the pair of sidewalls.

8. The filter cartridge housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the pair of sidewalls has an opening formed in it for locking the filter cartridge notch.

9. The filter cartridge housing according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The filter cartridge housing also includes a handle locking latch connected to the side wall, wherein the filter cartridge locking notch is located on the opposite side of the side wall away from the handle locking latch.

10. The filter cartridge housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The width of the opening of the handle locking latch is set to accommodate and engage a replaceable filter cartridge handle of equal width.

11. The filter cartridge housing according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The filter cartridge housing also includes: Entrance and exit; or A pair of entrances; and a pair of exits.

12. A replaceable cartridge filter assembly, comprising: Replaceable filter cartridge, featuring: Filter housing; A pair of pivotal connectors; A rotatable handle having at least one locking extension formed at an end of the rotatable handle, and the rotatable handle being connected to the filter housing via the pair of pivot connectors, wherein the rotatable handle has a first portion disposed on one side of the pair of pivot connectors, and wherein the at least one locking extension is integrally formed with an end of the rotatable handle disposed on the opposite side of one of the pair of pivot connectors; and Filter cartridge housing, the filter cartridge housing defining a cavity, the filter cartridge housing having: A pair of sidewalls, wherein a locking notch is formed in at least one of the pair of sidewalls; and A handle locking latch is attached to the pair of sidewalls and faces the ends of the sidewalls that form the locking recess. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly has an assembled form and an unassembled form. In the assembled form, the replaceable cartridge is located within the cavity of the cartridge housing. The rotatable handle is rotated to insert the at least one locking extension into a locking recess formed in at least one of the pair of sidewalls of the cartridge housing. The handle locking latch engages with the first portion of the rotatable handle to lock the replaceable cartridge into the cartridge housing.

13. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one locking extension is a pair of locking extensions respectively formed at both ends of the rotatable handle; and / or A locking notch is formed in each of the pair of sidewalls.

14. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The replaceable filter cartridge also includes an inlet and an outlet; Optionally, the filter housing further includes an inlet and an outlet; In the assembled configuration, the inlet of the replaceable filter cartridge is located inside the inlet of the filter cartridge housing, and the outlet of the replaceable filter cartridge is located inside the outlet of the filter cartridge housing.

15. The replaceable cartridge filter assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The replaceable filter cartridge also includes a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets; Optionally, the filter housing further includes a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets; In the assembled configuration, the pair of inlets of the replaceable filter cartridge are located within the pair of inlets of the filter cartridge housing, and the pair of outlets of the replaceable filter cartridge are located within the pair of outlets of the filter cartridge housing.

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