Drinking water jug

Abstract

Drinking water jug ​​(2) with a base (3), designed as a table water filter (1), comprising a replaceable water treatment medium, wherein the base (3) has a change indicator (17) for the water treatment medium, wherein the drinking water jug ​​(2) is removable from the base (3) or the bottom (16) of the drinking water jug ​​(2) is designed as a base (3) with the change indicator (17), wherein the change indicator (17) comprises an optical display device, characterized in that the optical display device emits light through a transparent bottom (16) of the drinking water jug ​​(2).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a drinking water jug ​​which is designed as a table water filter and which has a change indicator, in particular for indicating a necessary change of a filter cartridge. Background of the invention

[0002] Drinking jugs designed as table water filters are well-known. These consist of a jug that can be designed as desired.

[0003] The pitcher contains a funnel into which a filter cartridge, particularly one containing an ion exchange material and / or activated carbon, can be inserted. For hygienic reasons, and also due to the exhaustion of the filter material when using an ion exchanger, this filter cartridge must be replaced regularly.

[0004] For this purpose, replacement indicators are commonly used. These can, for example, signal the need to replace the filter cartridge at a specific time. Traditional replacement indicators are usually located in the lid of the drinking water jug, which has certain design disadvantages. Electronic indicators typically have a hermetically sealed electronic module. For integration into the lid, this module must be compact and lightweight, which limits its functionality.

[0005] Furthermore, an integrated change indicator in the lid restricts the design freedom of the lid, especially with regard to its design.

[0006] Finally, the change indicator can only be read from above the lid.

[0007] Furthermore, the electronic modules of changeover displays integrated into the lid are usually not dishwasher-safe or can only be made dishwasher-safe with considerable effort.

[0008] Document US 2007 / 0 209 984 A1 shows a table water filter with a base ( Fig. 9), which has a control unit. This is primarily intended to operate a UV lamp for disinfecting the water, but also includes a changeover indicator with a display device and a reset button.

[0009] Document WO 2013 / 173 242 A1 shows a table water filter with a type of holder containing a pump. This pump may include a replacement indicator.

[0010] Document DE 10 2014 102 583 A1 shows a water treatment device with a changeable display which has a wireless communication device.

[0011] Document WO 2015 / 121349 A1 discloses a water treatment device with a change indicator arranged in a housing base. Object of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to make reading a change indicator more user-friendly and / or to provide a drinking water jug ​​either without a lid or with a lid offering greater design freedom. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is already solved by a drinking water jug ​​according to claim 1.

[0014] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention relates to a drinking water jug ​​with a base.

[0016] The drinking water jug ​​can be designed in any way. The essential thing is that it includes a water collection chamber.

[0017] The drinking water pitcher is designed as a table water filter. This can include a funnel inserted into the drinking water pitcher and a filter cartridge containing a water purification medium.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the drinking water jug ​​is detachable from the base. This has the advantage that the drinking water jug, which may also be cleaned in a dishwasher, does not need to include any electronic parts of the changeover indicator.

[0019] However, it is also conceivable, as is provided in one embodiment of the invention, that the base is attached to the bottom of the drinking water jug ​​or that the bottom of the drinking water jug ​​is designed as a base with a change indicator.

[0020] According to the invention, the change indicator for the replaceable water treatment medium is integrated into the base.

[0021] This allows for a free design of the lid. If necessary, the lid can even be omitted entirely. At the same time, the change indicator does not need to be as compact as required for integration into the lid and can be equipped with additional functionalities.

[0022] The changeover indicator provided in the base is electronic.

[0023] The signal indicating a necessary replacement of the water treatment medium is given electronically.

[0024] One possibility, for example, is the integration of an LED display in the base.

[0025] According to the invention, the optical indication is provided by means of light, in particular by means of one or more LEDs. To signal a necessary replacement, for example an LED can be switched on or emit a flashing signal.

[0026] It is also conceivable to use at least one LED light strip for the changeover display. An LED light strip offers a particularly simple way to ensure the changeover display is readable from all directions.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the optical display device generates light in at least two different colors. For example, a green LED can signal that no replacement is yet necessary, whereas a red LED signals that a replacement is required.

[0028] According to the invention, the optical indicator emits light through a transparent base of the jug. This makes it particularly easy to see and simply signals to the user that the water treatment medium needs to be changed. The jug containing the water changes color according to the light color of the LED in the base.

[0029] However, the use of one or more RGB LEDs is also conceivable. This allows, in particular, the generation of three different colors: green if a replacement is not necessary, yellow if a replacement will soon be necessary, and red if a replacement of the water treatment medium is now required.

[0030] When using an RGB LED, it is conceivable to continuously change the light color over the lifetime of the water treatment medium from one color, such as green, to another color, especially from green via yellow to red.

[0031] When integrating the changeover indicator into the base, it is also conceivable to use the changeover indicator for an additional functionality.

[0032] It is particularly conceivable to use an electronic module of the changeover display simultaneously for illuminating the drinking water jug, especially through a transparent bottom.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the changeover indicator has an additional reminder function for the user, for example reminding them via a visual display to drink a certain amount of water, or that the changeover indicator signals the amount of water already drunk.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the base comprises a sensor by means of which a movement of the drinking water jug, a placing of the drinking water jug ​​on the base or an approach of the user to the drinking water jug ​​is detected.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the sensor works together with the optical display device of the changeover display.

[0036] In particular, the sensor can be used to activate a light signal or illumination of the carafe after it has been placed on the surface.

[0037] It is also conceivable to use the sensor to detect when the carafe is being filled. This would allow the system to determine the amount of water already treated, which in turn could be factored into the calculation of the replacement interval.

[0038] The replacement interval is therefore determined taking the sensor signals into account. In particular, it is intended that the replacement indicator will operate based on both time and consumption.

[0039] A capacitive, inductive, or pressure sensor, for example, can be used to detect whether the carafe is placed on the base. If a capacitive sensor is used, it could also detect whether there is water in the carafe. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor could be used as a proximity switch to detect whether the user removes the carafe.

[0040] Particularly in the case that the base is part of the floor, it is also conceivable to integrate a conductivity sensor, which in turn can be taken into account in the calculation of the replacement interval.

[0041] The base preferably includes a hermetically sealed electronic module.

[0042] The electronic module can be powered via a power supply, a battery, or a rechargeable battery.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, an energy storage device in the base is inductively charged. This embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for the variant in which the base is part of the carafe. Here, it is conceivable to integrate a coil for inductive charging into a shelf or another base onto which the carafe is placed. The electronics are then inductively powered by placing the carafe on the base. In a further development of the invention, the optical signal is supplemented by an acoustic signal. The base therefore also incorporates an acoustic signal generator.

[0044] The indicator light's warning signal should preferably be visible from all viewing angles. This can be achieved particularly easily by emitting a light signal through the transparent base of the jug. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The subject matter of the invention will below be described with reference to schematically illustrated embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 shows a first, non-inventive embodiment of a drinking water jug ​​designed as a table water filter in a side view. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the lid of the drinking water jug ​​in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the drawings

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment not according to the invention, in which a drinking water jug ​​2 is shown in side view, which serves as a table water filter 1.

[0047] The drinking water jug ​​2, hereinafter also referred to as "jug", includes a handle 5 and a spout 6. Water can be poured in via a lid 4.

[0048] The drinking water jug ​​2 is placed on a base 3. In this embodiment, the base 3 is removable from the jug; that is, when the user lifts the jug, the base 3 remains on the surface on which it stands.

[0049] It is understood that base 3 and jug 2 may have corresponding positive locking elements (not shown) to center the drinking water jug ​​2 relative to the base 3.

[0050] In this embodiment, the base 3 comprises a changeover display 17, which is designed as a simple window with a light-emitting diode.

[0051] In this embodiment, the change indicator 17 operates purely on a time-controlled basis. After a predetermined time has elapsed, which is necessary for hygienic reasons to replace the filter cartridge (not shown) located in the drinking water jug ​​2, the LED of the change indicator 17 lights up, for example, red, and the user must replace the filter cartridge.

[0052] The change indicator 17 can, as shown in this embodiment, also be configured as a reset switch. That is, after replacing the filter cartridge, the user presses the change indicator 17 so that it starts counting again from the beginning.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the lid 4.

[0054] As can be seen, the lid 4 is closed with a flap 7. The flap 7 is pressed down when water is poured in, revealing a filling opening.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows the one in Fig. 1 table water filter 1 shown in a sectional view.

[0056] It can now be seen that a funnel 8 is inserted into the can 2.

[0057] In the funnel 8, a filter cartridge 9 is inserted, which includes an ion exchange material and activated carbon.

[0058] When the user pours water through the filling opening, the flap 7 opens and the water accumulates above the filter cartridge 9.

[0059] The water flows into the filter cartridge 9 via the filling openings 10 and leaves the filter cartridge 9 via the outlet 11 to be collected in the jug 2.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a table water filter 1 according to the invention with extended functionality.

[0061] Here too, the jug 2 is placed on a base 3.

[0062] Several LEDs 12 and 13 are arranged in the base 3. These can, for example, each form a ring. The LEDs 12 emit light in a first color, for example, green, which passes through a transparent base 16 of the jug 2 into the jug 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the base 3 includes a sensor 14, which can be designed, for example, as a capacitive sensor and which detects when the jug 2 is removed from the base 3 or placed back on it.

[0064] These components are preferably enclosed in a hermetically sealed electronic module, which forms socket 3.

[0065] When the user places the jug 2 on the base 3, the LEDs 12 light up in a first light color for a predetermined period and signal to the user after placement that no replacement of the filter cartridge is necessary.

[0066] When the filter cartridge is used up, instead of the LEDs 12, the LEDs 13 are switched on after placement, which emit light in a second color, for example the color red, also through the transparent base 16 of the jug 2.

[0067] To calculate the replacement interval, both the time elapsed since the filter cartridge was last replaced and the number of times the drinking water jug ​​2 has been lifted from base 3 are taken into account. This allows for an approximate estimate of the amount of water treated.

[0068] After replacing the filter cartridge, the user can press a reset switch 15, which resets the replacement indicator back to its initial state.

[0069] The invention makes it easier to recognize a change indicator and thus more user-friendly. Furthermore, it improves the design freedom of a drinking water jug, particularly in the area of ​​the lid.

[0070] Furthermore, the electrical components are preferably arranged in a separate base, so that the jug can be easily made dishwasher-safe. Reference symbol list 1 table water filter 2 jugs / drinking water jugs 3 sockets 4 lids 5 handle 6 spouts 7th flap 8 funnels 9 filter cartridges 10 Enema 11 Exit 12 LED 13 LED 14 Sensor 15 reset switches 16 Floor 17 Change display

Claims

[1] Drinking water jug ​​(2) with a base (3), designed as a table water filter (1), comprising a replaceable water treatment medium, wherein the base (3) has a change indicator (17) for the water treatment medium, wherein the drinking water jug ​​(2) is removable from the base (3) or the bottom (16) of the drinking water jug ​​(2) is designed as a base (3) with the change indicator (17), wherein the change indicator (17) comprises an optical display device, characterized by , that the optical display device emits light through a transparent base (16) of the drinking water jug ​​(2). [2] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the base (3) includes a sensor (14) by means of which a movement of the drinking water jug ​​(2) or a placing of the drinking water jug ​​(2) on the base (3) can be detected. [3] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the sensor (14) interacts with the optical display device of the change indicator (17) and / or that a change interval is determined taking into account the signals of the sensor (14). [4] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optical display device is designed as an LED (12, 13). [5] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the optical display device produces light in at least two colors, in particular that the optical display device has an RGB LED. [6] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base (3) comprises a hermetically sealed electronic module. [7] Drinking water jug ​​(2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the electronic module can be powered via a power supply, a battery, a rechargeable battery or inductively.

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