Table water filter

Abstract

Table water filter (1) comprising a jug (2) with a filter cartridge (6), wherein a funnel (9) is inserted into the jug (2), in which the filter cartridge (6) is located, wherein the filter cartridge (6) is sealed with respect to the funnel (9), so that when water is poured through an inlet (11) of the jug (2), the water first collects above the filter cartridge (6), then runs through an inlet (7) of the filter cartridge (6) into the filter cartridge (6) and leaves the filter cartridge (6) via an outlet (8), wherein the jug (2) is placed on a base (5) and wherein a pump (12) is arranged in the jug (2), which is connected via a pipe (14) to the outlet (8) of the filter cartridge (6), wherein the pump (12) is arranged on the bottom (23) of the jug (2) and wherein drive means (13) for the pump (12) are arranged in the base (5), which magnetically drive an impeller (19) arranged in the can (2).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a table water filter, particularly for use in households. This comprises a filter cartridge for treating drinking water, which in particular contains at least one ion exchange material. Background of the invention

[0002] Table water filters are well known in practice. They are usually gravity-operated systems in which a funnel is inserted into a jug, into which a filter cartridge is inserted. The filter cartridge contains a medium for treating the drinking water, such as an ion exchange material and activated carbon. Due to gravity, the water flows through the filter cartridge from top to bottom and collects below the funnel in the jug.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional gravity-driven systems is the often long throughput times. In conventional systems, venting the cartridge is often a problem. For example, openings in the cartridge inlet can become blocked by gas bubbles. Furthermore, the system's operation by gravity limits the choice of filter media that can be used. It is particularly difficult, especially with a gravity-driven system, to provide an ultrafilter as a filtration stage that also removes macromolecular particles such as bacteria using membrane technology.

[0004] International patent application WO 2015 / 121349 A1 describes a water-submersible filtration module. The system consists of two housing components, with a pump driven by magnetic means through a wall to pump water through a filter cartridge.

[0005] The problem is that such a system is difficult to construct using conventional filter cartridges, which are installed in the funnel of a gravity-driven system.

[0006] Filter devices for water treatment are known from the documents WO 2011 / 101642 A2, DE 602 06 283 T2, EP 0 897 686 A1, WO 2015 / 121349 A1 and CN103073076 A. Object of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a table water filter which enables easy integration of a filter cartridge, preferably a filter cartridge such as can also be used for purely gravity-operated systems. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is already achieved by a table water filter according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a table water filter comprising a jug with a filter cartridge. The jug typically includes a removable funnel into which the filter cartridge is inserted. In terms of its basic design, the system is therefore preferably similar to a gravity-operated table water filter.

[0010] The jug's design is arbitrary. The jug requires a water collection chamber for the treated water, as well as a volume above the filter cartridge in which the added water is located before it passes through the filter cartridge.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water is therefore not circulated, but transferred from one container or container section to another container or container section.

[0012] This ensures that all of the water passes through the filter cartridge, which is particularly important if the filter cartridge is not only used to soften the water but also to filter out bacteria from the water.

[0013] According to the invention, the jug is placed on a base, wherein a pump is arranged in the jug, which is connected via a pipe to an outlet of the filter cartridge.

[0014] The fact that the filter cartridge is connected to the pump via a pipe allows for easy integration of the pump, preferably at the bottom of the jug, while at the same time the system is fundamentally designed like a gravity-driven system.

[0015] The pipe, in particular, leads from the pump at the bottom of the jug to the outlet of the filter cartridge. It goes without saying that the funnel, in which the filter cartridge sits, can also be partially formed as the pipe or part of the pipe.

[0016] Preferably, a filter cartridge is used which has a tubular outlet which is connected to the filter cartridge via a plug connection.

[0017] This allows the filter cartridge to be connected to the pump via the pipe when inserted.

[0018] The tube can have any design and in particular does not necessarily have to be circular-cylindrical.

[0019] Preferably the tube has a length of at least 2 cm.

[0020] It is understood that it is also conceivable for the tube not to be directly connected to an outlet of the filter cartridge. Rather, the tube can also be connected to an outlet of the funnel into which the cartridge is inserted. In this embodiment of the invention, the cartridge outlet itself can have any desired design, in particular, it can be configured as a sieve bottom. The tube can be formed integrally with the funnel, particularly in this embodiment of the invention.

[0021] According to the invention, the drive means for the pump are arranged in the base.

[0022] In particular, it is provided that the drive means comprise a magnetic disk via which an impeller arranged in the can can be driven.

[0023] The pump is usually powered electrically, particularly by a battery, accumulator, photovoltaic cell, or power supply. An impeller located in the jug, which is magnetically driven through a wall, eliminates the need for live components in the water.

[0024] Nevertheless, at least the current-carrying components in the base are preferably hermetically sealed so that the base is at least splash-proof or can even be immersed in water.

[0025] The pump may have a pump housing which is connected to the jug or is formed integrally with the jug and / or which is partially formed as a flange of the pipe leading to the filter cartridge.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, in addition to the filter cartridge, there is a further filter stage which can be separated from the filter cartridge.

[0027] In particular, it is intended to use an ultrafilter operating according to the membrane principle, preferably on the downstream side as the final filter stage. This generally has a longer service life than a filter cartridge with an ion exchange material.

[0028] The ultrafilter is used to remove bacteria and does not need to be replaced when the filter cartridge is replaced.

[0029] It is also conceivable to design the ultrafilter as the pipe or part of the pipe, so that if the ultrafilter needs to be replaced, the pipe or part of the pipe is replaced.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the pump can be switched on via a sensor or switch located in the base.

[0031] It is particularly conceivable to detect whether a jug is placed on the base by means of a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, an inductive, capacitive sensor, a motion sensor or a switching contact.

[0032] In the simplest case, the pump can then be activated for a certain period of time via the sensor, which ensures that the water is completely pumped through the cartridge when the table water filter is fully filled.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the running time of the pump is variably adjusted to the amount of water, for example by a sensor detecting the weight of the jug placed on top or by a capacitive sensor detecting that no more water is passing through the pump.

[0034] The pump can therefore preferably be switched off based on time and / or volume.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the base comprises a change indicator for a necessary replacement of the filter cartridge.

[0036] The change indicator can in particular be part of an electronic module which simultaneously controls the drive means for the pump.

[0037] In particular, it is intended that the replacement indicator interact with the pump drive. It is conceivable that the replacement interval will depend at least partially on the pump's on-time. In particular, it is intended that the replacement interval be calculated both time-controlled and volume-controlled. Even with infrequent use, a filter cartridge should be replaced after a certain period of time, which can be achieved by setting a maximum time in the electronic module.

[0038] If the replacement indicator simultaneously records the pump's operating time, this can at least roughly determine the amount of treated water. This can signal an earlier need to replace at least the filter cartridge, especially if the table water filter is used frequently.

[0039] If at least one further filter stage is used, such as an ultrafilter, it is also conceivable that the change indicator comprises several displays for the different filter stages.

[0040] The change indicator can, as provided in a further development of the invention, also interact with the drive means in such a way that the flow rate of the pump is variably adjusted depending on the exhaustion level of the filter cartridge. This makes it possible to run the pump more slowly toward the end of the filter cartridge's service life, which increases the residence time of the water to be treated in the filter cartridge. A deteriorating softening effect of the filter cartridge toward the end of its service life can thus be partially compensated.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, the table water filter includes a backflow preventer. The backflow preventer can be arranged, in particular, in the pipe in a pump housing or at the outlet of the funnel. The backflow preventer prevents water from flowing back into the filter cartridge if the fill level in the jug exceeds the insertion height of the filter cartridge.

[0042] This makes it possible to use at least the volume of the jug next to the funnel as a water reservoir. This allows the tabletop water filter to be designed more compactly.

[0043] The backflow preventer is preferably designed as a valve, in particular a check valve. It is also conceivable to use a slotted diaphragm as the valve. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] The subject matter of the invention will be explained below with reference to a schematically illustrated embodiment with reference to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a table water filter according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the Fig. 2. Detailed description of the drawings

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of the basic structure of a table water filter 1 according to the invention. The table water filter 1 comprises a jug 2 with a handle 3 and a spout 4.

[0046] The jug 2 is placed on a base 5.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the Fig. 1.

[0048] It can be seen that a funnel 9 is inserted into the can 2.

[0049] In the funnel 9 there is a filter cartridge 6 which has a seal 10 by means of which the filter cartridge 6 is sealed off from the funnel 9, so that when water is poured into the jug 2 through an inlet 11, the water first collects above the filter cartridge 6, then runs through the inlet 7 into the filter cartridge and leaves the filter cartridge 6 via an outlet 8.

[0050] The treated water can then collect in jug 2.

[0051] This basic structure corresponds to a conventional gravity-operated table water filter.

[0052] The jug 2 is placed on a base 5, which is preferably removable from the jug 2.

[0053] In the jug 2, a pump 12 is arranged at the bottom, which is connected via a pipe 14 to the outlet 8 of the filter cartridge 6.

[0054] In order to drive the pump 12, drive means 13 are provided in the base 5.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the Fig. 2.

[0056] It can be seen that the drive means 13 comprise a motor 16, in particular an electric motor, which is arranged in the interior 21 of the base 5. The motor 16 drives a magnetic disk 15, which can be designed as desired.

[0057] This magnetic disk 15 is magnetically connected to an impeller 19 of the pump designed as a turbine wheel.

[0058] There are no current-carrying components in the can 2 itself.

[0059] Preferably, however, the base 5 is also hermetically sealed. The base 5 can contain rechargeable batteries or batteries or be connected to a power outlet via a power supply (not shown).

[0060] The pump 12 comprises a pump housing 24, which is partially formed as a flange 18 of the pipe 14.

[0061] The pipe 14 is connected to the outlet 8 of the cartridge 6 via a plug connection 17.

[0062] In this embodiment, the tube 14 has a section 26 in which an ultrafilter is located. The ultrafilter is detachable from the cartridge 6.

[0063] The pump housing 24 has at least one outlet 20 through which the treated water flows into the jug 2.

[0064] The water is thus sucked in by the impeller 19 via the pipe 14 and enters the jug 2 at the side of the outlet 20.

[0065] In order to easily install the pump housing 24, the bottom 23 of the can 2 includes a recess 25 into which the pump housing 24 is inserted.

[0066] The can 2 and / or the base 5 may further comprise form-locking elements 22 to ensure a defined position of the can 2 on the base 5.

[0067] An electronics module 27 is also provided in the interior space 21 of the base 5. The electronics module 27 comprises, on the one hand, a sensor 28, in particular a capacitive sensor, which detects when the jug 2 is placed on the base 5.

[0068] Via this sensor 28, the electronic module 27 activates the motor 16 so that, after the jug 2 has been placed on the coffee machine, it runs for a time-controlled period long enough to ensure that all of the water has passed through the filter cartridge 6.

[0069] The electronic module 27 also includes an indicator 29, which signals the need to replace the filter cartridge 6, and an indicator 30, which signals the need to replace the ultrafilter. These indicators can be LEDs, for example.

[0070] It is also conceivable that the electronic module 27 blocks operation of the motor 16 when the filter cartridge 6 or the ultrafilter needs to be replaced. Only after inserting a new filter cartridge 6 or a new ultrafilter can the motor 16 be reactivated by activating a reset mechanism (not shown).

[0071] Furthermore, a backflow preventer 31 is installed in the pipe 14. The backflow preventer 31 is arranged as a valve, in particular as a slotted diaphragm valve, and prevents water from flowing back through the pipe 14 toward the filter cartridge 6. The backflow preventer 31 also allows the volume of the jug 2 adjacent to the funnel 9 or the filter cartridge 6 to be used as a storage volume for treated drinking water. This makes it possible to provide a table water filter 1 with a larger capacity while maintaining the same dimensions, or to design a table water filter 1 with a more compact design while maintaining the same capacity.

[0072] The invention has made it possible to provide an active water filter in which a filter cartridge and, if necessary, further filter stages can be easily integrated and in which, in a preferred embodiment, conventional filter cartridges can be used, such as those provided for gravity-operated table water filters. List of reference symbols 1 table water filter 2 jugs 3 handle 4 spout 5 sockets 6 filter cartridges 7 Inlet / Inlet 8 Outlet 9 funnels 10 Seal 11 Inlet 12 Pump 13 Propulsion means 14 pipe 15 magnetic disc 16 Engine 17 Plug connection 18 Flange 19 Wheel 20 outlet 21 Interior 22 Form-locking devices 23 Floor 24 pump housing 25 recess Section 26 27 Electronic module 28 Sensor 29 Filter cartridge display 30 Display Ultrafilter 31 backflow preventer

Claims

[1] Table water filter (1) comprising a jug (2) with a filter cartridge (6), wherein a funnel (9) is inserted into the jug (2), in which the filter cartridge (6) is located, wherein the filter cartridge (6) is sealed off from the funnel (9), so that when water is poured through an inlet (11) of the jug (2), the water first collects above the filter cartridge (6), then runs through an inlet (7) of the filter cartridge (6) into the filter cartridge (6) and leaves the filter cartridge (6) via an outlet (8), wherein the jug (2) is placed on a base (5) and wherein a pump (12) is arranged in the jug (2), which is connected via a pipe (14) to the outlet (8) of the filter cartridge (6), wherein the pump (12) is arranged on the bottom (23) of the jug (2) and wherein drive means (13) for the pump (12) are arranged in the base (5), which magnetically drive an impeller (19) arranged in the can (2). [2] Table water filter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the pipe (14) is connected to the filter cartridge (5) via a plug connection (17). [3] Table water filter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pump (12) has a pump housing (24) which is connected to the can (2) and / or which is partially designed as a flange (18) of the pipe (14). [4] Table water filter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in addition to the filter cartridge (6) there is a further filter stage which can be separated from the filter cartridge (6), in particular an ultrafilter. [5] Table water filter (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the table water filter (1) has an ultrafilter, preferably as the last filtration stage. [6] Table water filter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pump (12) can be switched on via a sensor or switch provided in the base (5) and / or that the pump (12) can be switched off in a time- and / or volume-controlled manner. [7] Table water filter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base (5) has a change indicator (29) for a necessary replacement of the filter cartridge (6), in particular a change indicator (29) which cooperates with drive means (13) for the pump (12).

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