MODULAR FILTER SYSTEM WITH DETACHABLE POLYGONAL CONNECTION

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of filtration, in particular for the filtration of liquids such as water.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a modular filtration system for assembling filter cartridges, through which it is possible to connect the same filter cartridge to pipes of different diameters and to assemble at least two consecutive filter cartridges longitudinally, without the need for screws or other similar assembly accessories. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] In the field of liquid filtration, such as water treatment piping, it is important to be able to connect the piping to the filtration units. A filtration unit consists of a filter head with connecting fittings for attaching it to the piping. This head sits atop a filter cartridge that fits into a housing and has a filtering surface made up of pores whose size varies depending on the desired filtration level. It should also be noted that there are various types of liquid supply piping. The free end of a pipe is fitted with a fitting (or connector or connecting device) to ensure a watertight connection between the pipe and the filter head. However, different types of fittings are available depending on the piping material.One problem in the field of filtration concerns the fittings to the pipes which do not always have the same diameter as those of the fittings of the heads of the filtration containers to which they are connected.

[0004] It is important to be able to easily connect the pipes on either side of a filter container. It may also be necessary to perform several successive filtrations. Furthermore, pipes are generally used with pressurized water, which can lead to leaks, particularly in the event of overpressure during a sudden change in the liquid's velocity, due to the rapid opening or closing of a valve or tap, or the starting or stopping of a pump. This overpressure can be significant and can cause the pipe to rupture due to the volume of water in motion.

[0005] Currently, the available filter models consist of a container holding a filter cartridge, topped by a filter head with an inlet and outlet connected to a pipe, a locking mechanism (such as a nut), and a fitting screwed onto the filter head with a fixed insert to secure the pipe to the filter head. The inlet and outlet of the filter head have cylindrical threads with a diameter adapted to allow connection to the cylindrical pipe.

[0006] There are many filtration systems on the market, including water supply filter kits that typically include a disposable anti-sludge filter cartridge and a polyphosphate salt anti-limescale cartridge. These kits usually also include a wall bracket and a wrench for installation. However, these older kits have the drawback of using only one connection method with precise and invariable dimensions, necessitating the purchase of additional fittings to adapt them to the various pipe fittings of different sizes.

[0007] We also know of versatile AQUA® cartridge filters that include a wide range of filter elements. This type of filter is very widely used, but it has a cylindrical thread whose diameter is mainly determined by the minimum bending diameter of the shielded elements that are welded or brazed to it.

[0008] However, such a solution has disadvantages because it requires the thread to be adapted to the exact dimensions of the pipe and does not allow adaptation to fittings other than those intended for this type of fitting.

[0009] We also know of patent applications US2019 / 291029 and CA2997163, other examples of implementation of water filtration systems including a filtration head connected to a connector intended to link the filtration system to a filtration installation.

[0010] The invention therefore aims to resolve these drawbacks by proposing a modular filtration system comprising at least one interchangeable removable polygonal fitting.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome one or more drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to offer a solution, easy to use and economical, which allows pipes to be connected to a filter cartridge, regardless of the size of the pipe, by means of an interchangeable removable polygonal fitting, while maintaining a tight seal of the piping system, as well as the quick, simple and solid assembly and coupling of several filter cartridges. GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To achieve this result, the present invention relates to a filtration system according to claim 1.

[0013] According to another peculiarity, the means of reciprocal connection of polygonal shape is preferably of octagonal shape.

[0014] According to another peculiarity, the means of reciprocal connection of polygonal shape is of shape and dimension adapted to the connectors.

[0015] According to another distinctive feature, the sealing method is an O-ring.

[0016] According to another feature, the O-ring is held in a sealing groove. The invention also relates to a filtration device comprising a filtration system as briefly described above, said device comprising a set of filtration heads including a first filtration head connected to at least a second filtration head by means of connectors in a series-connected arrangement.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a filtration system implemented by the device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: Provision of at least one polygonal housing in a filter head, Provision of at least one connector having a polygonal end complementary to said housing comprising a sealing groove into which a sealing means is inserted and a substantially cylindrical conduit for the inlet of the liquid into a filter cartridge.

[0018] The invention also relates to a kit for adapting an existing filtration system comprising at least one filtration cartridge, at least one connector, at least one fitting, at least one removable lock, at least one means of reciprocal connection as described above, the means of reciprocal connection being interchangeable thanks to the fact that it has at its outlet a threaded portion of variable diameter making the system compatible with various fittings. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings which show: [ Fig. 1 [ ] represents a perspective diagram of a filter cartridge head comprising a polygonal connection means according to the invention. Fig. 2 [ ] represents a perspective diagram of a simple connector according to the invention. Fig. 3 ] represents a perspective diagram of a double connector according to the invention. Fig. 4 ] represents a perspective diagram of a removable lock. Fig. 5 [ ] represents a perspective diagram of a fitting held in a filter cartridge head by a removable lock according to the invention. Fig. 6a ] And [ Fig. 6b ] represent a perspective diagram of an overview with a simple connector according to the invention. Fig. 7a ] And [ Fig. 7b] represent a perspective diagram of an overview with a double connector according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE FORM OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Many combinations can be considered without going outside the scope of the invention; the person skilled in the art will choose one or another according to the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that he will have to respect.

[0021] Various embodiments of the invention are described below, in particular with reference to the illustrative and non-limiting figures.

[0022] This application concerns interchangeable connectors, adapted to a filtration head.

[0023] The terms used should not be interpreted in their general sense but rather in light of the functional considerations detailed in this application.

[0024] [ Fig. 1 ], [ Fig. 5 ], [ Fig. 6a] to [Fig. 7b] are illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments of a filter cartridge head according to the invention.

[0025] As shown for example on [ Fig. 1 ] And [ Fig. 5 ] has [ Fig. 7b The filtration system comprises a filter head (4) having an inlet (41) and an outlet (42), and at least one connector (10, 11) for connecting said filtration system to a filtration installation. Said connector (10, 11) and said filter head (4) each have at least one polygonal reciprocal connection means (31, 32) to prevent rotation of said connector (10, 11) in the event of high pressure of the filtered liquid flow, by butting said connector (10, 11) against said head (4), via a sealing gasket, and at least one removable lock (1) for retaining said reciprocal connection means (31, 32) in said filter head (4).

[0026] In some embodiments, the connector (10) establishes a filter-pipe type connection between the filter head (4) and a pipe of the installation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connector (11) establishes a filter-to-filter type connection between two filter heads (4).

[0028] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 1 ] And [ Fig. 5 ], the reciprocal connection means of polygonal shape (31, 32) is preferably of octagonal shape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the polygonal reciprocal connection means (31, 32) is of a shape and size adapted to the connectors (10, 11). In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 2 ], [ Fig. 6a ] And [ Fig. 6b], the system comprises a simple connector (10), said simple connector (10) comprising at one of its ends a fitting (9) which is inserted into the inlet (41) and / or outlet (42) of the filter head (4), a reciprocating connection means (31, 32), a threaded portion (7) at its opposite end comprising a thread (71) which is inserted into a liquid circulation pipe, a groove between two lips forming a sealing groove (21) into which a sealing means (2), such as an O-ring, is housed, and a locking groove (5) into which a removable lock (1) is housed to prevent movement of the fitting inside the cartridge, such as a clip or a staple, as shown for example on [ Fig. 4 ].

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 7a ] And [ Fig. 7b], the system includes reciprocal connection means (31, 32), a double connector (11) allowing connection to two filter cartridges, said double connector (11) comprising at each end a fitting (9) which is inserted inside the inlet (41) and / or outlet (42) of the filter head (4), two reciprocal connection means (31, 32) between which is a locking groove (5) in which a removable lock (1) is housed, and a groove between two lips forming a sealing groove (21) in which a sealing means (2) is housed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system according to the invention includes at least one sealing means (2) at the connection means.

[0032] In some embodiments the sealing means (2) is an O-ring, held in a sealing groove (21), as shown for example on [ Fig. 2], [Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 6a] to [Fig. 7b ].

[0033] In some embodiments, the locking groove (5) is a circular portion of the connector located between a polygonal fitting portion and a polygonal element (18), where a removable lock (1) is housed. The polygonal shape helps to limit the risk of loosening (due to problematic water hammer in this area) that is present with fittings known from the prior art and to speed up the assembly of the system, especially in the case of multiple filter cartridges mounted in series.

[0034] According to the invention, the removable lock (1) includes a removable clip locking the stop between the connector (10, 11) and said filtration head (4).

[0035] In some embodiments, an O-ring seals the filtration system at the inlet (41) and outlet (42) of the filtration head (4).

[0036] The present invention also relates to a filtration device.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 7a ] And [ Fig. 7bThe filtration system comprises a set of filter heads (4), each including a first filter head (4) connected to at least one other filter head (4) by means of connectors (10, 11) in a series configuration. It is then possible to form a duplex filter system with two identical or different filter cartridges, a triplex system with three identical or different filter cartridges, a quadruplex system with four identical or different filter cartridges, and so on. Such a system allows for the connection of as many filter cartridges as necessary or desired by the user, depending on the installation requirements. This application therefore describes a new type of connection that offers the advantage of accelerating and simplifying installation regardless of the number of filter cartridges required, thanks to the quick and leak-proof connection methods proposed in this application.

[0038] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 7a ] And [ Fig. 7b The filtration device consists of a duplex assembly of filters comprising two filter heads (4) connected together by a double connector (11). Each end of the double connector (11) is inserted into the inlet (41) and / or outlet (42) of each filter head (4). The free inlet (41) and / or outlet (42) of each filter head (4) is in turn connected to a single connector (10) for connection to a pipe via its threaded portion (7).

[0039] In certain embodiments, said simple connector (10) and said filter head (4) each have a reciprocal connection means, polygonal in shape to prevent rotation of said connector (10) in case of high pressure of the filtered liquid flow.

[0040] In some embodiments, the reciprocal connection means (31, 32) of polygonal shape is preferably of octagonal shape, to avoid rotation and longitudinal slippage in case of overpressure at the time of sudden variation in the velocity of a liquid, as a result of a rapid closing or opening of a valve, tap or, the starting or stopping of a pump.

[0041] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 5] to [Fig. 7b The reciprocal connection means (31, 32) include a removable lock (1) that locks the stop between the connector and the filter head (4). In some embodiments, the removable lock (1) is a clip whose thickness is complementary to the groove (5) of the connector (10, 11).

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 5] to [Fig. 7b], the clip comprises two branches (16, 17) thinned on their inner edges and whose cut allows the flexibility of the clip.

[0043] In some embodiments, the inner face of the branches (16, 17) forms an arc of a circle to conform, by sinking in, to the shape and dimensions of the circular connector (10, 11).

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown for example on [ Fig. 1 ], [ Fig. 6a] to [Fig. 7b The clips' prongs (16, 17) fit into a recess (15) and butt against the rim of the connector at the groove (5) to grip said groove (5) and thus lock the pipe into the connector (10, 11). As the clip is pushed into the recess (15), it expands around the connector's circumference. It should be noted that the dimensions of the recess (15) are complementary to the thickness of the clip and the width of the connector (10, 11).

[0045] The reciprocal connection means of polygonal shape is of shape and dimension adapted to the connectors (10, 11).

[0046] In some embodiments, the means of reciprocal connection is interchangeable.

[0047] The present application also relates to a method of manufacturing a filtration system implemented by the device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: Provision of at least one polygonal housing (31, 32) in a filtration head (4), Provision of at least one connector having an end of polygonal shape complementary to said housing comprising a sealing groove (21) in which a sealing means (2) is inserted and a substantially cylindrical conduit for the inlet of the liquid into a filtration cartridge.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a removable and interchangeable connector (10, 11).

[0049] In some embodiments, the method of installing a removable connector (10, 11) of the filtration system is implemented by the device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: Insertion of the connection means into the inlet (41) and / or outlet (42) of the filtration head (4).

[0050] Locking of the connector (10, 11) by the removable lock (1).

[0051] Insertion of a pipe from a water installation at the outlet of the connection means.

[0052] It is therefore understood that the present application provides a solution to accelerate the installation of filter cartridges and facilitate the necessary handling, while limiting the cost of the devices implemented and limiting the quantities of stock needed by installers.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a kit for adapting an existing filtration system comprising at least one filter cartridge, at least one connector (10, 11), at least one fitting, at least one removable lock (1), and at least one reciprocating connection means as described above. The reciprocating connection means is interchangeable because it has a threaded portion (7) of variable diameter at its outlet, making the system compatible with various fittings. This application therefore saves the number of fittings required for filter installation, thereby reducing inventory and installation costs.

[0054] The system according to the invention therefore allows the connector linking the filter to the pipe to be interchanged, thus avoiding the need to change the entire filter when the dimensions of the inlet and / or outlet of the filter head are not compatible with those of the pipe. This eliminates the need for multiple steps to replace a filter with one of the correct dimensions, simplifies and minimizes installation, saves time and storage space because the amount of material required is reduced, lowers the carbon footprint by limiting the materials needed to connect the filter to the pipe, and keeps costs down.

[0055] This application describes various technical features and advantages with reference to the figures and / or various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with features of one or more other embodiments unless the reverse is explicitly stated, or such features are incompatible, or the combination is ineffective. More generally, combinations of various types of means for connecting the filtration system are envisaged and will be assessed by those skilled in the art using the functional and structural considerations provided in this application.Furthermore, the technical features described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other features of that embodiment unless the opposite is explicitly stated, in particular because the functional considerations provided in this application will provide sufficient explanation for any structural adaptations that may be necessary to be within the grasp of a person skilled in the art.

[0056] Those skilled in the art, upon reading this application, will understand that embodiments in many other specific forms than those described in detail are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative, but may be modified within the scope defined by the attached claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims

1. Filtration system comprising a filtration head (4) having an inlet (41) and an outlet (42), and at least one connector (10, 11) for connecting said filtration system to a filtration installation, said connector (10, 11) and said filtration head (4) each having a polygonal reciprocal connection means (31, 32) to prevent rotation of said connector (10, 11) in the event of high pressure of the filtered liquid flow, by abutment of said connector (10, 11) on said head (4), via a sealing means (2), and at least one removable lock (1) for holding said connection means (31, 32) reciprocally in said filtration head (4), characterized in that said connector comprises a locking groove (5) in which the removable lock (1) is housed, said removable lock (1) comprising a removable flexible clip locking the abutment between the connector (10, 11) and said filtration head (4), the clip comprising two arms (16, 17) each having an inner face forming an arc of a circle to match the shape and dimensions of the locking groove (5) of the connector.

2. Filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that the polygonal reciprocal connection means (31, 32) is preferably octagonal.

3. Filtration system according to claim 2, characterized in that the polygonal reciprocal connection means (31, 32) is of a shape and size adapted to the connectors (10, 11).

4. Filtration system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means (2) is an O-ring.

5. Filtration system according to claim 4, characterized in that the O-ring is held in a sealing groove (21).

6. Filtration device comprising a filtration system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said device comprises a set of filtration heads (4) comprising a first filtration head (4) connected to at least one second filtration head (4) by means of connectors (11) in a series-type assembly.

7. Method for manufacturing a filtration system implemented by the device according to the preceding claim, the method comprising the following steps: - Arrangement of at least one polygonal housing (31, 32) in a filtration head (4), - Provision of at least one connector having a polygonal end complementary to said housing comprising a sealing groove (21) into which is inserted a sealing means (2) and a substantially cylindrical conduit for liquid entry into a filtration cartridge.