Water filters and methods for operating a water filter

Abstract

A water filter for filtering water, particularly for household use and / or especially for filtering water with a maximum flow rate of 20 l / min, comprising a filter holder with a position sensor and a container connectable to the filter holder. The container includes a movable passage element with an opening relative to a container opening, a water supply to the passage element, an adjustment mechanism for positioning the passage element with the opening relative to the container opening, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to interact with the position sensor, enabling the position sensor to output a position signal indicative of the position of the passage element with the opening.

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to a water filter and a method for operating a water filter. In particular, the invention relates to a water filter with a transmitter and a sensor for detecting the position of a passage element, in particular for determining the degree of bypass of the filtered water. State of the art:

[0002] Water filter systems are known from the state of the art that filter tap water by passing it through various other substances and / or remove limescale from the water by other measures, for example through chemical reactions.

[0003] Water filters are known from the state of the art that have a unique identifier (e.g., RFID) that allows the water filter to be uniquely identified by the device. It is also known that these unique identifiers can be written with additional information by the device, such as the degree of use or the duration of use.

[0004] It is known from the state of the art that these water filter systems have the option of setting a defined blending level. Blending level refers to the proportion of, for example, unfiltered raw water that is added back to the filtered water to ensure that the water hardness and pH value are suitable for direct drinking.

[0005] In conventional water filters, the water is often passed through ion exchange resin along its entire length. Depending on the water hardness at the inlet, excessive demineralization can occur. This is compensated for by mixing in raw water. This blending process usually takes place in the filter holder, for example, by adjusting an adjustment element from the inside or outside.

[0006] A particular disadvantage of this solution is that the blending process results in raw water being added back to the filtered water, which may contain particles, heavy metals or microplastics, so that the filtered water also contains these pollutants.

[0007] Another disadvantage is that the service life of the water filter is not dependent on the mostly purely mechanical adjustment of the bypass rate in the filter holder. Thus, especially with softer water, where a high bypass rate is required, only a relatively low volume flow through the ion exchange resin flows, meaning that a large amount of ion exchange resin remains unused at the end of the filter's lifespan. This wastes a lot of resources. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to at least partially solve the problems of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a water filter and a method for operating a water filter, which advantageously enables the operation of the water filter depending on an adjustable bypass rate.

[0009] This object is achieved with a water filter according to claim 1, as well as a filter system and a method for operating a water filter according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and from this description.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a water filter for filtering water, in particular for filtering water in a household and / or in particular for filtering water with a maximum flow rate of 20 l / min, comprising a filter holder with a position sensor and a container that can be coupled to the filter holder. The container includes a passage element with a passage opening that is movable relative to a container opening of the container, a supply for supplying water to the passage element, an adjusting device for adjustably positioning the passage element with the passage opening relative to the container with the container opening, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to interact with the position sensor, so that the position sensor is configured to output a position signal that is indicative of a position of the passage element with the passage opening.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a water filter according to one of the embodiments and / or aspects described herein. The method includes adjusting a position of the passage element with the passage opening relative to the container with the container opening to adapt the water filter and determining the position of the passage element with the position sensor.

[0012] According to one aspect, a water filter is described. The water filter may be a further development of the water filter described in the application with the file number 10 2023 118 228.5, received by the German Patent and Trademark Office on July 10, 2023. Reference is made to this document in this regard, and its content is hereby incorporated into this application. The material of the water filter, in particular the container and / or the filter holder, is not essential to the present invention.

[0013] Advantageously, in embodiments, by eliminating the blending with raw water and with adjustable demineralization, complete filtration of the water and thus the absence of sediments, heavy metals and / or microplastics can be ensured.

[0014] Advantageously, in embodiments, the set position of the passage element can be detected by detecting the position of the passage element. Advantageously, the detection can be performed contactless and / or automatically. In particular, the actual consumption of one or more filter elements of the water filter can be determined by detecting the position. Advantageously, the remaining service life of the water filter and / or the filter elements of the water filter can be determined more precisely.

[0015] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the filter's capacity can be fully utilized by simply adjusting the hardness level using a dial that is also easily accessible. In particular, resources can be conserved.

[0016] Advantageously, in embodiments, values, in particular container values ​​and / or container consumption values, can be written into a transponder of the container. This allows the filter capacity, in particular a residual filter capacity, to be utilized even when the filter is transferred to another device or when a different filter is temporarily used. Short description of the drawings:

[0017] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the figures show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a water filter according to a typical embodiment, Fig. 2 a method for operating a water filter according to a typical embodiment, and Fig. 3 a container for a water filter. Description of implementation examples:

[0018] Typical embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures, wherein the invention is not limited to the embodiments; rather, the scope of the invention is determined by the claims. When describing the embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts in different figures and for different embodiments in order to make the description clearer. However, this does not mean that corresponding parts of the invention are limited to the variants shown in the embodiments. Where the term "or" is used herein without further specification, it shall be understood to mean "and / or" unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a water filter 100. The water filter comprises an inlet 1 for unfiltered water, which flows from the inlet into a supply line 21. The supply line is cylindrical and extends centrally along an opening in a container 80, in which various filter elements, specifically the particle filter 7, the Carboblock 8, and the exchange resin 9, are arranged.

[0020] Furthermore, a passage element 22 with passage openings extends coaxially around the inlet 21. The container 80 has an opening centrally along a central axis. Typical water filters comprise a container with a through-opening formed by an inner wall of the container, with the container openings provided in the inner wall. Typical inner walls are cylindrical. Typical covers of embodiments have a central opening. Typical containers of embodiments are cylindrical, conical, or pot-shaped.

[0021] Typical feeds comprise a feed pipe arranged coaxially with the container or the passage element. Typical passage elements are cylindrical, with the passage openings provided in the outer surface. By positioning seals, such as O-rings or mechanical seals (not shown), between the feed 21 and the passage element 22, the water flow can be defined from the inlet 1 via the respective filter elements to the respective outlets 2, 3.

[0022] Typical water filters are particularly suitable for filtering water in a household, or especially for filtering water with a maximum flow rate of 50 l / min or a maximum of 20 l / min. Typically, a container is provided to hold filter elements and a feed line to supply water to a flow element.

[0023] The passage element 22 typically has a plurality of passage openings, wherein a plurality of container openings are provided in the container. By appropriately positioning the passage openings relative to the container openings, it is possible to set different paths for the water through the filter or to set relative flow rates through different filter elements. Paths can also be set in which the water flowing through the filter does not flow through all of the filter elements or, in some embodiments, no filter element at all. To adjust the passage element, typical embodiments have an adjusting device for adjustably positioning the passage element relative to the container. Optionally, this adjustment can also be achieved by a movable perforated plate between the different filter elements, which is rotated or moved against a fixed perforated plate.

[0024] In the design of the Fig. 1, an adjustment wheel 12 is provided at a lower end of the passage element 22, with which the angular position of the cylindrical passage element 22 relative to the container 80 can be adjusted. In particular, the adjustment device can be configured to adjustably position the passage element 22 relative to the container opening by rotating it about an axis, for example, a concentric and / or central axis of the container. This adjusts the position of passage openings 23 of the passage element 22 relative to container openings 25 of the container. By partially intersecting the openings, the cross-section for the water flowing through can be adjusted.

[0025] In typical designs, the adjustment dial 12 is located below the container. "Top" and "bottom" are merely designations to distinguish the position on the water filter; the water filter can also be used horizontally or upside down.

[0026] The water filter 100 of the Fig. 1, like typical embodiments, has a cover which closes the container 80, in particular at an upper end, i.e. opposite the adjustment wheel 12.

[0027] As in the embodiment of the Fig. 1, in typical embodiments, the cover is connected to the container 80 in such a way that a non-destructive detachment of the cover from the container 80 is only possible using a tool. Typically, the tool is a special tool. Special tools are characterized, for example, by the fact that they can be used to release locking lugs or general fastening elements that cannot be easily or properly removed using typical standardized tools. Typical connections can be made as shown in the Fig. 1 can be, for example, a connecting edge of the container 10, shown only very schematically, with a bayonet closure with a locking lug.

[0028] In some versions, a locking element is provided between the filter cover and the container. This element breaks when the connection between the cover and the container is opened. This element creates a secure, positive connection that can ensure that no further positive connection can be established after opening, for example, by unauthorized persons. In typical versions, restoring a positive connection is then only possible by replacement.

[0029] Typically, a first exit and a second exit are provided in the cover.

[0030] The cover of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 has a first outlet 2 and a second outlet 3. Outlets 2 and 3 serve to discharge water from spaces located upstream of outlets 2 and 3, respectively.

[0031] Through the water filter 100 of Fig. 1, with the setting of the adjustment wheel 12 shown, two paths run for the water to be filtered: A first path runs, for example, through all of the filter elements, in particular the particle filter 7, the Carboblock 8 and the exchange resin 9. A second path runs, for example, through only some of the filter elements, in particular the particle filter 7 and the Carboblock 8, but not the exchange resin 9. Both paths start at the inlet 1, run through the feed 21 and further through the passage opening(s) 23 of the passage element 22, through container openings 25 and the container 80. The first path ends at the first outlet 3, and the second path at the second outlet 2. Depending on the setting of the adjustment wheel 12, the respective proportions of water that flow through certain of the filter elements can be adjusted.

[0032] In typical embodiments, the first outlet and the second outlet can each be assigned at least partially different paths for water through the container and the filter elements arranged therein. In particular, the paths can be adjusted by positioning the passage element, in particular by means of the adjustment element or adjustment wheel.

[0033] In variant designs, there are two outlets at one inlet, with the water filter being set up in such a way that water is always available at a first outlet which is only filtered by some of the filter elements or only by certain, but not all, types of filter elements, for example only particle filters and Carboblock. In typical water filter designs, water is available at a second outlet which is at least partially passed through at least one further filter element or through all types of filter elements, for example additionally through the exchanger resin. The proportion of water that is passed through the further filter element or through all types of filter elements to the second outlet can be adjustable. Before the second outlet, this proportion is typically mixed again with the remaining water.The water filter is typically configured to provide water for both carbonation systems and heating systems. The hardness of the water for heating systems is typically reduced by the filter, at least to the extent necessary.

[0034] In some versions, the inlet and outlet ports are sealed upon delivery, ensuring hygiene even during extended storage. Typically, the seal used to seal the inlet and outlet ports is designed to be automatically broken when the water filter is inserted into a filter head.

[0035] Typical water filters are as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the feeder, cover, and container are arranged concentrically around a central axis. This allows for a compact design.

[0036] Typically, the container comprises a container outlet which is connected to at least the first outlet or the second outlet regardless of a position of the passage element.

[0037] In the Fig. 1, the container 80 has a container outlet 27 located on the top side of the container. The container outlet 27 is designed to direct water from the container into the space upstream of the outlet 3, regardless of the position of the passage element 22. This is part of the second path. In the second path, all filter elements or all types of filter elements are thus passed through.

[0038] In typical water filters, a gap is provided between the passage element and the supply line, with a plurality of seals being provided between the passage element and the container. In particular, in some embodiments, the seals are arranged such that, depending on the setting of the passage element, water can be discharged from a container opening and through a passage opening into the gap.

[0039] The gap between the passage element 22 and the feed 21 is in typical embodiments as in the Fig. 1. Sealed against the inlet 21 with a feed seal. This prevents water from directly passing from the inlet 21 into the intermediate space.

[0040] In typical embodiments, the passage openings, the container openings, and the seals are arranged such that water from the container, after passing through, for example, only one filter element or not all of the filter elements, is guided back out of the container into a region of the intermediate space delimited by seals. At least one of these regions can be connected to at least one of the outlets, so that in this way a bypass can be created that bypasses at least one of the filter elements of the water filter. By adjusting the passage element relative to the container using the adjustment device or the adjustment wheel, at least a portion of the water can be guided via this bypass.

[0041] Typical water filters include a connecting rim arranged on the container, which is particularly located at an upper edge of the container. The connecting rim may have recesses or projections for attaching the container to a filter head. In this way, weight forces and at least a portion of the reaction forces of the water pressure are transmitted directly to the filter head. The positive connection between the cover and the container is not subjected to weight.

[0042] Embodiments of the invention also include filter systems comprising a water filter in one of the embodiments described herein and a filter head 50 to which the water filter is detachably attachable. The detachable attachment can, for example, be configured such that it can be released by a rotating movement or a tilting movement, in particular without tools.

[0043] A typical example of a filter holder 50 and / or filter head used for the water filter 100 of the Fig. 1 is suitable, is in the Fig. 1. The filter holder extends the inlet 1 and the outlets 2 and 3 of the water filter through its housing. The filter holder 50 is placed on top of the water filter and secured, or the container is attached to the filter holder 50. In a conventional manner, end pieces of pipes, for example, the cover, engage with corresponding receptacles (not shown) of the filter holder 50 when the water filter 100 is inserted into the filter holder.

[0044] The filter holder 50 is attached to the connecting edge of the water filter 100, thus directly absorbing the weight and, in part, the reaction forces due to the water pressure. It is attached to the connecting edge with a type of bayonet connection, which can also be removed by the user.

[0045] The detachable connection offers the advantage that a user can detach the water filter and take it to a service center, where the cover can be removed and the filter elements replaced. This guarantees reliable maintenance of the water filter.

[0046] Typical methods for operating the typical water filter 100 include adjusting the position of the passage element 22 with the passage openings 23 relative to the container 80 with the container openings 25 to adapt the water filter to the expected water level at the installation site. This adjustment adjusts the flow cross-sections of the combined openings of the passage openings and the container openings so that a sufficient proportion of the water is directed, for example, through the exchanger resin.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the container 80 includes a sensor 41. The sensor can be provided on a side of the container 80 facing the filter holder 50. The sensor 41 is configured to interact with a position sensor 40 provided in the filter holder 50. The position sensor 40 is configured to output a position signal. The position signal is indicative of a position of the passage element 22.

[0048] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the sensor is coupled to the passage element 22, for example, connected in a force-locking or form-locking manner. Actuating the adjustment device, for example, rotating the adjustment wheel 12, leads to a change in the position of the passage element 22 and the sensor 41. For example, the sensor 41 can be rotated in the same way as the passage element 22 by rotating the adjustment wheel 12. A position signal output by the position sensor 40 can be indicative of the rotational position of the sensor 41 and the passage element. In particular, the position signal can be indicative of the amount of water flowing through a respective filter element of a plurality of filter elements.

[0049] The Fig. The water filter 100 shown in Figure 1, in particular the container 80, comprises at least two filter elements with different filter functions. The first filter element can correspond to a first of the paths described herein, and the second filter element can correspond to a second of the paths described herein. The configuration shown is exemplary and can be modified as desired. For example, the first filter element can comprise the Carboblock 8, and the second filter element can comprise the exchange resin 9. The first filter element comprises, for example, the particle filter 7 and the Carboblock 8. The second filter element comprises, for example, the particle filter 7, the Carboblock 8, and the exchange resin 9. The passage element is configured to adjust the relationship between a first flow rate through the first filter element and a second flow rate through the second filter element depending on the position of the adjusting device.For example, the adjusting device can be designed to allow water to flow exclusively through the first filter element, to allow water to flow exclusively through the second filter element, or to allow water to flow proportionally through the first filter element and the second filter element in an arbitrarily adjustable ratio, ie an arbitrarily adjustable blending degree.

[0050] In embodiments, the encoder 41 and / or the position sensor 40 are configured to determine the position signal without contact. Contactless can be understood to mean that the encoder 41 can be spaced apart from the position sensor 40. In Fig. Figure 1 shows the water filter in a typical operating configuration. The container 80 is attached to the filter holder 50. The sensor 41 is separated from the position sensor 40 by walls of the container 50 and / or the filter holder 50. Advantageously, the contactless transmission of the position signal eliminates the need for feedthroughs and / or contacts, such as electrical contacts.

[0051] In embodiments, the sensor 41 can comprise one or more permanent magnets. The sensor 40 can comprise a magnetic field sensor. For example, actuating the adjustment device can change one or more parameters, such as the orientation of a magnetic field, so that the position of the passage element can be detected based on the magnetic field parameters.

[0052] In embodiments, the encoder 41 and / or the sensor 40 can be configured for optical position detection, for example, as a light barrier. In embodiments, the encoder 41 and / or the sensor 40 can comprise an incremental encoder. In embodiments, the encoder 41 and / or the sensor 40 can comprise an inductive encoder and / or sensor. In embodiments, the encoder 41 and / or the sensor 40 can comprise a capacitive encoder and / or sensor. In embodiments, the encoder 41 can comprise a transponder, for example, an RFID transponder, and / or the sensor 40 can comprise a receiver for the transponder. Any combination of the aforementioned detection and transmission methods is possible.

[0053] In embodiments, the water filter 100, in particular the filter holder 50, may comprise an evaluation device (not shown). The evaluation device may be configured to receive the position signal and / or be communicatively connected to the position sensor 40. The evaluation device may be configured for data processing. The evaluation device may include a processor, for example a microcontroller, a memory, and software with instructions stored in the memory. The software, when executed on the processor, causes the evaluation device to perform the functions and / or methods described herein.

[0054] The evaluation device can be configured to determine a consumption state of the at least one filter element based on the position signal. For example, a consumption value can be determined independently for each filter element based on the position signal. A consumption state of the water filter 100 or the container 80 can be determined, displayed, and / or output based on one or more filter elements, for example, the filter element with the highest consumption value.

[0055] In embodiments, the consumption state can be determined in a time-dependent manner. For example, a typical, general water consumption in a household can be assumed and / or set over a certain period of time. For example, it can be assumed that the filter element with the exchanger resin 9 is exhausted after a first period of use and the filter element with the Carboblock 8 is exhausted after a second, independent period of use. For example, it can be assumed that the exhaustion for typical consumption for the respective filter element is exhausted after an effective period of time in which a bypass rate of 100% is present, ie an effective water flow exclusively along the path in which the filter element is contained. Depending on the position signal, the period of time can be adjusted, for example indirectly proportionally, in particular extended. For example, the period of time can be extended at a bypass rate of e.g.Extend by 50%, for example double.

[0056] In an advantageous development, the water filter 100 can comprise a flow sensor for measuring the amount of water filtered through the water filter. The water quantity can, for example, correspond to the amount of water flowing in through the inlet 1. The flow sensor can be a flow sensor and / or a flow rate sensor. The flow sensor can comprise a known flow rate sensor, for example, an ultrasonic flow sensor, a magnetic-inductive flow sensor, a vortex flow sensor, a pressure sensor, in particular a differential pressure sensor, or other known sensor types. The flow sensor can be communicatively connected to the evaluation device. The flow sensor can be configured to directly determine the water quantity.Likewise, the flow sensor can indirectly determine the withdrawn water quantity, for example by assuming a typical flow rate for the water filter 1 and measuring an undetermined flow, for example due to a pressure drop in the area of ​​the inlet 1. In the further development, the evaluation device is configured to also determine the consumption status depending on the water quantity. For example, instead of or in addition to the first and / or second usage period, a usable volume and / or a usable water quantity can be defined for the respective filter elements. Exhaustion of the respective filter element can occur as soon as the usable volume for the respective filter element has been exceeded.

[0057] In embodiments, the container 80 contains a transponder 30 that is fixedly connected to the container 80 and, in particular, cannot be separated non-destructively. The transponder can be, for example, an RFID tag, in particular a transponder configured for near-field communication. The water filter 100, in particular the filter holder 50, can comprise a reader (not shown) configured to communicate with the transponder 30. Both the reader and the transponder 30 can be transceivers, ie, in particular, can be configured to transmit and receive and / or read and write data.

[0058] The transponder 30 can be configured to store values ​​in a memory provided in the transponder and to generate a transponder signal comprising the values, by means of which the values ​​can be transmitted communicatively, in particular wirelessly, to the reader. The transponder signal can be generated as a result of a communicative connection between the reader and the transponder 30. In particular, the reader can be configured to query the values ​​and / or receive the values ​​from the transponder following a request from the reader. The reader can be communicatively connected to the evaluation device and / or integrated into the evaluation device, so that the values ​​can be received, evaluated, and / or used by the evaluation device.

[0059] The values ​​may include a container identifier. The container identifier may, for example, be a unique serial number of the container. Alternatively, or in addition, the container identifier may include other values, such as a production date, a batch number, an expiration date, or the like.

[0060] The values ​​may include a container type identifier. The container type identifier may, for example, be a unique identification number and / or identifier of the container. The container type identifier may be suitable for identifying the container 80, for example, to the filter holder 50, as a compatible or incompatible container type.

[0061] The values ​​may include container property values. The container property values ​​may, for example, contain information about which filter elements are present in the container 50. Additionally, the container property values ​​may include information about the expected service life and / or an expected usable volume of the respective filter elements. Based on the container property values, it may be possible for the evaluation device to determine the consumption of the respective filter elements in relation to the expected service life, for example, to determine when the filter elements are exhausted.

[0062] The values ​​may include container consumption values. The container consumption values ​​may, for example, contain information about whether and to what extent one or more filter elements present in the container 80 are used up and / or (partially) exhausted.

[0063] Values, in particular container property values ​​and / or container consumption values, can change during use of the water filter 100. The reader can be configured to write values ​​to the memory of the transponder. For example, updated container consumption values ​​can be written to the transponder to store the current state of consumption of the filter elements. For example, container property values ​​can be written to the memory that are indicative that the container 80 has changed from a sealed, unused new state to a used state, for example. For example, container property values ​​and / or container consumption values ​​can be written to the memory that are indicative that the container 80, in particular one or more filter elements, are partially or completely used up and / or exhausted.Advantageously, even when changing the container, for example from a first filter holder 50 to a second filter holder 50, the container property values ​​can be read and evaluated by the second filter holder 50.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 2 describes a method 200 for operating a water filter according to embodiments described herein. The method includes adjusting 210 a position of the passage element with the passage opening relative to the container with the container opening to adapt the water filter. The adjustment can be made, for example, by rotating the adjustment wheel 12.

[0065] The method comprises determining 220 the position of the passage element 22 with the position sensor, in particular a position of the passage element 22 in relation to one or more container opening(s) 25 and / or other fixed components of the container 80.

[0066] The determined position can be transmitted, for example in the form of a position signal, to an evaluation device of the water filter 100 and preferably evaluated by this.

[0067] The method may include detecting 230 a quantity of water filtered through the water filter. For example, the quantity of water can be determined by a quantity sensor and / or based on a quantity sensor signal. In particular, the method may include detecting the quantity of water filtered and determining the quantities of water filtered through various filter elements, for example, by proportionally allocating the total water filtered to a respective filter element based on the position signal. The determination may be performed by the evaluation device.

[0068] The method may include determining 240 a consumption state of the water filter, for example based on the determined filtered water quantity and / or the position of the passage element. The determined consumption state may correspond to a consumption and / or exhaustion of the filter elements provided in the container. In particular, the consumption state may be indicative of whether one or more of the filter elements are (partially or completely) used and / or exhausted, or whether they are not exhausted.

[0069] A typical method 200 includes inserting a container 80 into the filter holder 50, for example, by a user and / or end user. If a transponder is provided in the container 80, the filter holder 50 can query values ​​from the container 80 and, for example, determine the type and / or wear status of the container and / or the filter elements provided therein.

[0070] Before or even after inserting the container 80, the user can operate the adjustment device to adjust the water filter. For example, the consumer can adjust the container to the local water hardness or other individual characteristics of the available water.

[0071] In some embodiments, the water filter 100 can advantageously be used such that, depending on the intended use of the extracted water, either fully decalcified and / or demineralized water or blended water is extracted.

[0072] Before and / or during operation, an evaluation device provided in the filter holder can determine the position of the passage element using the position sensor or receive a position signal from the position sensor. Using the position signal and optionally also depending on a water quantity signal and / or values ​​received from the transponder, the evaluation device can determine the water filter's consumption status, for example, at specified intervals or each time the water filter is used. If necessary, values ​​such as container consumption values ​​and / or container property values ​​can be written back to the transponder.

[0073] In embodiments, the method may include a temporal prediction of the expected depletion of the container 80, for example, by extrapolating recorded consumption values ​​over time. A user can thus be warned early about depletion and / or prompted to replace the container 80.

[0074] The filter holder 50 can comprise an indicator, for example a display, an LED, an acoustic signal generator, or even a means for establishing a communicative connection with a communication device, such as a user's smartphone. The indicator can, for example, output a current consumption status of the container 80 and / or issue a warning as soon as one or more of the filter elements are used up.

[0075] For a better understanding of the invention, Fig.3 shows a container 300 for a water filter, which differs from the container 80 according to the invention by the absence of a sensor 41 and / or a transponder 30. A cover 4 provided opposite the adjustment wheel 12 closes the container 300. The adjustment wheel is rotatable about an axis, as shown by arrow 15. A connecting edge 14 is provided for attaching the container 300 to a filter holder 80. The container 300 comprises an outer wall 10. The container 300 has the container openings 25, which, together with the through-openings 23 and the seals 13, define the path 5 and the path 6. In path 6, the water flows through all filter elements 7, 8, 9, while in path 5 the water does not flow through the exchanger resin 9. The feed seal 29 seals the space between the passage element 22 and the feed element 21 against the feed 21.The container 300 has an opening along a central axis, which is defined by an inner wall 31. A display 11 is provided to indicate the filter quality. In embodiments, features of the container 300 can be combined as desired with the container according to the invention.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Water filter (100) for filtering water, in particular for filtering water in a household and / or in particular for filtering water with a maximum flow rate of 20 l / min, comprising: a filter holder (50) comprising a position sensor (40); and a container (80) which can be coupled to the filter holder (50), comprising: a passage element (22) movable relative to a container opening (25) of the container (80) and having a passage opening (23); a supply (21) for supplying water to the passage element (22); and an adjusting device (12) for adjustably positioning the passage element (22) with the passage opening (23) relative to the container (80) with the container opening (25); and a sensor (41), wherein the sensor (41) is configured to interact with the position sensor (40) such that the position sensor (40) is configured to output a position signal which is indicative of a position of the passage element (22) with the passage opening (23). [2] Water filter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the container (80) comprises at least one filter element (7, 8, 9). [3] Water filter (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (80) comprises: a first filter element (7, 8) with a first filter function; a second filter element (7, 8, 9) with a second filter function different from the first filter function; wherein the passage element (22) is designed to adjust the relationship between a first flow rate through the first filter element and a second flow rate through the second filter element depending on the position of the adjusting device (12). [4] Water filter (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter (41) and / or the position sensor (40) are configured to determine the position signal in a contactless manner. [5] Water filter (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (41) comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the position sensor (40) comprises a magnetic field sensor. [6] Water filter (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, comprising an evaluation device which is designed to determine a consumption state of the at least one filter element (7, 8, 9) as a function of the position signal. [7] Water filter (100) according to claim 6, comprising a quantity sensor connected to the evaluation device for measuring a quantity of water filtered through the water filter, wherein the evaluation device is designed to determine the consumption state also as a function of the quantity of water. [8] Water filter (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a transponder (30) fixedly connected to the container (80); a reader for receiving a transponder signal transmitted by the transponder (30). [9] Water filter (100) according to claim 8, wherein the transponder signal comprises at least one of the following: - a container identifier; - a container type identifier; - one or more container property values; - one or more container consumption values. [10] Water filter (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the reader is configured to write values, in particular container property values ​​and / or container consumption values, into a memory of the transponder (30). [11] Water filter (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (12) is arranged to adjustably position the passage element (22) relative to the container opening (25) by rotation about an axis. [12] A method (200) for operating a water filter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Adjusting (210) a position of the passage element (22) with the passage opening (23) relative to the container (80) with the container opening (25) for adjusting the water filter; Determining (220) the position of the passage element (22) with the position sensor (40). [13] Method (200) according to claim 12, comprising: Detecting (230) a quantity of water filtered by the water filter (100); Determining (240) a consumption state of the water filter (100) depending on the filtered water quantity and the position of the passage element (22).

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