Connection head for a filter candle, and installation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection head for a filter candle, comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and with a connecting piece for the filter candle. A bypass is arranged in the housing and can be opened and closed again by an actuator, particularly a magnetic actuator, that engages the housing.

Description

[0001] Connection head for a filter candle and installation system

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a connection head for a filter candle for treating drinking water and to an installation system with a connection head.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Filter candles are known for the treatment of drinking water; these are inserted, in particular screwed, into a connection head.

[0007] Such a connection head can, for example, be installed in an on-site water pipe. The water flows through the filter cartridge and is treated in the process. The filter cartridge generally serves less to filter out suspended matter than to treat the water, particularly to remove pollutants and germs and / or to soften the water. Such a system is simply designed, and the filter cartridge can be easily replaced with a new one when it is exhausted.

[0008] Such a system is known, for example, under the trade name BWT Bestmax.

[0009] The published patent application DE 10 2020 128 216 A1 (inventors: Dr. Jürgen Johann, Andrea Pavan) shows a water installation system that may, for example, include a filter candle with a filter candle head. According to the teaching of this document, the water to be prepared is routed through a bypass, which is closed only when necessary by means of a remote control, so that the water then flows through the filter candle.

[0010] Using a remote control, temporarily treated water can be easily dispensed. After the tap is closed, the system automatically returns to its original state.

[0011] Such a system is particularly advantageous when water that has undergone a specific treatment step is to be dispensed only when necessary. For example, the water to be treated can be passed through an ion exchanger in its initial state, which softens the water and reduces the dissolved solids. This type of soft water is particularly suitable for rinsing and washing and hardly forms deposits during drying.

[0012] Very soft water is not suitable for drinking due to its low mineral content.

[0013] If necessary, a water treatment device can be activated by remote control, which releases minerals into the water so that it has an optimal composition for drinking.

[0014] Object of the invention

[0015] The invention is based on the object of providing a connection head for a filter candle which is optimized for such a system in which the water is only temporarily guided over the filter candle. Summary of the invention

[0016] The object of the invention is already achieved by a connection head for a filter candle according to one of the independent claims and by an installation system equipped with the connection head.

[0017] Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0018] The invention relates to a connection head for a filter cartridge. The connection head comprises a housing with an inlet and an outlet.

[0019] In particular, the connection head is designed to be installed inline into an existing water pipe. For this purpose, the connection head can, in particular, have a suspension for attachment to a mounting bracket.

[0020] The connection head includes a connection piece for a filter cartridge. The connection piece can, in particular, be designed as a thread into which the filter cartridge is screwed with a corresponding thread.

[0021] The invention particularly relates to a filter candle having an inlet and an outlet, which are designed as coaxially arranged channels. One channel can be arranged centrally. An annular channel extends around the centrally arranged channel.

[0022] These channels can serve as the inlet and outlet of the filter cartridge. The connection head has complementary channels for a sealed connection to the filter cartridge, including a central channel around which a coaxial annular channel extends.

[0023] According to the invention, a bypass is arranged in the housing of the connection head, which bypass can be opened and closed via an actuator that engages in the housing.

[0024] The invention therefore provides for a bypass, which completely guides the water past the filter candle, to be integrated into the head of the filter candle.

[0025] The bypass can be opened and closed by an actuator, which is preferably mounted in a separate housing on the outside of the connection head. Opening or closing can occur automatically in one direction, e.g., by a spring or water pressure.

[0026] This allows for a simple and compact design. The connection head according to the invention can, for example, be replaced with a connection head known from the prior art, thus providing a system in which the water treatment can be temporarily switched on and off using the filter candle.

[0027] The actuator is preferably designed as a magnetic actuator. For example, the actuator can comprise a plunger that engages the housing of the connection head. The plunger can be moved by means of the magnetic actuator.

[0028] In particular, the plunger can be moved against a spring preload by means of the magnetic actuator.

[0029] Preferably, the bypass is temporarily closed by the magnetic actuator, allowing water treatment to take place when the magnetic actuator is activated. In the initial state, however, the magnetic actuator can be de-energized. The water then flows through the bypass and is not subjected to any water treatment.

[0030] Preferably, the connection head comprises a bypass valve and another valve in the flow path through the filter cartridge. These valves are preferably coupled to each other and are both controlled by a single actuator.

[0031] In particular, the bypass valve is opened by the actuator, while simultaneously closing the valve in the flow path through the filter cartridge. This can be achieved, for example, by a coupling rod.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the connection head comprises an adjustable blending device.

[0033] A blending device is a device by means of which water which is passed through a water treatment medium is mixed with water which is not passed through the water treatment system.

[0034] Such a blending device can be used, for example, to adjust the water hardness or to adapt a water softening system to the local water hardness. An actuator can be used to adjust the volume ratio of the water passing through the water treatment medium compared to the water not passing through the water treatment medium. In the simplest case, the blending device can include a bypass through which a partial flow of the inlet water that is not passed through the filter candle is directed.

[0035] Preferably, however, both partial flows are guided over the filter candle, whereby the partial flows enter the water treatment medium at different points.

[0036] For example, both partial streams can be passed through a medium for removing pollutants and / or germs, such as activated carbon, whereas one of the partial streams also passes through another water treatment medium, such as an ion exchanger.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator releases a check valve which closes the bypass when actuated.

[0038] The check valve is therefore open in its basic state. The actuator releases the check valve block, and the water no longer flows through the bypass, but through the filter cartridge.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the actuator can control a diaphragm valve, in particular release it upon actuation.

[0040] In particular, it is intended that both the bypass and the diaphragm valve are released by means of the actuator, so that the bypass, in particular, closes and the diaphragm valve opens. The diaphragm valve opens a flow path that leads through the filter cartridge, while simultaneously closing the check valve.

[0041] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm valve is opened via a check valve, in particular the check valve described above.

[0042] The actuator therefore only serves to release the membrane of the diaphragm valve, while the opening is carried out by the water pressure applied to the check valve, whereby the check valve closes at the same time.

[0043] In particular, the check valve can be coupled to the diaphragm valve via a rod. When the check valve is closed, the diaphragm valve is opened via the rod.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the bypass and / or the actuator and / or the check valve are located at the level of the inlet and the outlet.

[0045] These components are located in one plane, with the check valve and / or the diaphragm valve being arranged in particular adjacent to the connections for the filter candle in the housing.

[0046] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a connection head for a filter candle. In particular, the connection head can comprise the features described above.

[0047] The connection head comprises a housing with an inlet and an outlet, as well as a connection piece for the filter cartridge. A bypass is arranged in the housing. A flow meter is arranged in each of the bypass channels and in the inlet and / or outlet channels.

[0048] The ratio of the flow rates can be used to calculate the amount of water flowing through the filter cartridge. This is preferably used to calculate the service life of the filter cartridge.

[0049] The flow meter is best placed in a bypass channel rather than in a channel leading from the filter cartridge to the filter cartridge. This channel is preferably designed as an annular channel.

[0050] The bypass channel provides a sufficiently long pipe section to place the flow meter while at the same time being compact in design.

[0051] The invention further relates to an installation system which comprises the connection head described above.

[0052] For example, it is provided that the system comprises at least two connection heads, each with a different filter candle, wherein one of the filter candles comprises a different water treatment medium than the other filter candle.

[0053] In particular, a filter candle may comprise means for releasing minerals, especially magnesium, zinc, and / or silicon. The water is temporarily passed through this filter candle to be enriched with minerals.

[0054] The filter cartridge can also be designed to soften the water, in particular, by including an ion exchanger. Alternatively, the filter cartridge can be designed as a reverse osmosis system. Such a filter cartridge can also include other functionalities, such as disinfection using ozone or UV light.

[0055] In particular, it is intended that one filter candle serves to soften the water, while another filter candle, when operated temporarily, serves to produce water to be used as a beverage.

[0056] The installation system preferably comprises a remote control for switching the actuator(s) of the connection head(s).

[0057] In particular, the remote control can communicate wirelessly with the connection head.

[0058] The switching of the actuator can be included in the calculation of the service life of the filter candle.

[0059] Preferably, the connection head and filter candle are installed under the table, for example in the interior cupboard of a kitchen.

[0060] The system preferably comprises a pressure sensor or flow meter and is switched to the basic state in which the water does not flow over the filter candle when the pressure increases.

[0061] In particular, it is intended that when the remote control is pressed, the actuator is activated and the system is switched to an active state in which the water flows over the filter candle.

[0062] The user can now open the tap and draw water for drinking. If the user closes the tap, a pressure increase occurs, which can be detected by the pressure sensor, and the system deactivates the actuator.

[0063] The pressure sensor can be installed in the water pipe.

[0064] As an alternative to a pressure sensor, a flow meter can be used.

[0065] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is provided to install the pressure sensor in the filter head, in particular to integrate the pressure sensor at the inlet or outlet of the filter candle.

[0066] Brief description of the drawings

[0067] The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 using an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connection head.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows the connection head in a top view.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the line AA according to

[0071] Fig. 4 is a cross section along BB according to Fig. 3.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the diaphragm valve area and Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the check valve.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a cross-section with the bypass open. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show components of the diaphragm and check valves, respectively.

[0074] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an installation system according to the invention.

[0075] Fig . 11 is a sectional view which will be used to explain the blending device in more detail .

[0076] Fig. 12 is a representation of an embodiment of a filter candle.

[0077] Fig . 13 is a cross-section of a filter candle with flow meter .

[0078] Fig 14 is a longitudinal section of a flowmeter .

[0079] Detailed description of the drawings

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connection head 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0081] The connection head 1 comprises a housing 100 with an input 101 and an output 102.

[0082] Inlet 101 and outlet 102 are located on the side of the housing 100 and are opposite each other. Thus, the connection head 1 can be installed inline into an existing water pipe (not shown).

[0083] The housing 100 further comprises a suspension 104 for attaching the connection head 1 to a mounting bracket (not shown). Furthermore, the housing 100 comprises a connection piece 103 into which a filter cartridge can be inserted.

[0084] The filter candle is inserted, in particular screwed, from below into the connection head attached to the wall.

[0085] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the connection head 1 has a blending device 300. The blending device 300, which can be provided, for example, with a manually operable actuating element, such as a rotatable adjusting element, can be used to adjust the partial flow ratio of two different flows flowing through the filter candle.

[0086] Furthermore, an actuator 200 is arranged on the side of the housing 100, which, as will be described in detail below, closes a bypass that leads the water past the filter candle.

[0087] Fig. 2 is a top view of the connection head 1. The actuator 200 comprises a housing 201, which extends laterally from the housing 100 of the connection head 1.

[0088] Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal section along the line AA according to Fig. 2.

[0089] The inlet 101 leads to an outlet 106 to the filter candle. The outlet 106 to the filter candle is located centrally in this embodiment.

[0090] Around the central outlet 106 to the filter candle extends an inlet 107 for the water flowing out of the filter candle, which is designed as a ring channel. The water flows through this ring channel 107, which

[0091] filter candle has passed, via the outlet 102 in the direction of the tap.

[0092] The connection piece 103 for the filter candle comprises a thread 105, which in this embodiment is designed as an internal thread.

[0093] Fig. 4 is a cross-section along the plane BB according to Fig. 3.

[0094] The cross-section thus runs centrally through inlet 101 and outlet 102. The components for temporarily closing a bypass are arranged in this plane.

[0095] The housing 201 of the magnetic actuator 200 is connected to a connecting piece 108 of the housing 100.

[0096] The actuator 200 includes a plunger 202.

[0097] Fig. 4 shows the activated operation, i.e. the operating state in which the water flows through the filter candle.

[0098] In this operating state, the plunger 202 is reset by means of magnetic force against the preload of the spring 203.

[0099] This releases the membrane 10 of a diaphragm valve.

[0100] A check valve 20 closes the channel 109 which leads to the outlet 102 .

[0101] In this operating state, the water flows into the filter cartridge via inlet 101 to outlet 106. The water treated by the filter cartridge flows back into the connection head 1 via inlet 107, which is designed as an annular channel.

[0102] The water flows through the channel 111 through the diaphragm valve with the diaphragm 10 to the outlet 102 .

[0103] The check valve 20, on the other hand, closes the channel 109, so that the bypass around the filter candle is closed.

[0104] The check valve 20 is coupled to the diaphragm 10 via the rod 21. Thus, the check valve 20 moves the diaphragm 10 into the open position shown here when it is closed by the applied water pressure of the water flowing through the channel 115.

[0105] Fig . 5 is a detailed view of the diaphragm valve area .

[0106] The diaphragm valve comprises the diaphragm 10 , which sits in the chamber 112 .

[0107] The membrane 10 is lifted from its seat 110 together with a guide 11 so that the water can flow through the chamber 112.

[0108] By pushing the plunger 202 forward, the diaphragm 10 is pressed onto the seat 110 and thus the diaphragm valve is closed.

[0109] At one end of the rod 21 there is an end cap 22 which sits in the chamber 113. On the opposite side, which is shown in Fig. 6, the check valve 20 comprises a plate 23 which rests on the seat 114.

[0110] The check valve is closed. Water cannot flow through channel 115 to channel 109 and thus to the outlet.

[0111] Rather, the water flows through the filter candle, as already explained in connection with Fig. 4.

[0112] Fig. 7 shows the operating state when the actuator is not activated. Actuator 200 is now de-energized, so that plunger 202 is pressed into housing 100 by the spring (203 in Fig. 4).

[0113] The plunger 202 presses the membrane 10 onto its seat and the water flowing out of the filter candle via the inlet 107 and the channel 111 can no longer flow to the outlet 102.

[0114] At the same time, the check valve 20 was opened via the rod 21, which is pushed into the channel 115 by the tappet.

[0115] In this operating state, the water now flows from the inlet 101 via the channel 115 through the check valve 20 to the outlet 102.

[0116] The water therefore no longer flows over the filter candle.

[0117] Fig. 8 shows components of the diaphragm valve and the check valve. However, Fig. 8 is a side view, and Fig. 9 is a central section.

[0118] The membrane 10 comprises a guide 11, which includes spacers 12. The spacers 12 can, for example, be arranged in a star shape so that water can flow between the spacers.

[0119] The spacers 12 rest on the end cap 22 which is connected to the rod 21 .

[0120] Two connecting pieces 30, 31 are inserted into the housing of the connection head.

[0121] The channel 115 runs through the connecting pieces 30, 31 and leads to the cover 23 of the check valve.

[0122] When the actuator is not activated, the plunger pushes the diaphragm 10, with the spacers 12 in front, onto the end cap 22. The cover 23 of the check valve 20 opens.

[0123] If, however, the membrane 10 is released by activating the actuator, the water flowing through the channel 115 presses on the cover 23 and the check valve closes.

[0124] This design eliminates the need for a spring within the water-carrying part of the connection head.

[0125] Fig. 10 shows schematically an installation system 40 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0126] The installation system includes a connection 41 provided on site, from which the water flows via pipe 41 to a tap 43, such as a faucet. The system is designed as an under-counter system. In this illustration, the filter heads 1a - 1c are located beneath a worktop 44.

[0127] The corresponding mounting brackets and connecting pieces are not shown.

[0128] In this embodiment, the filter heads la - 1c are connected in series, but can also be connected in parallel.

[0129] A different filter cartridge 2a - 2c is inserted into each connection head 1a, 1b, 1c. This allows the water to be subjected to different treatment steps as required.

[0130] Via the remote control 45, which is designed, for example, as a button, a bypass can be temporarily closed in at least one of the connection heads 1a - 1c, so that the water temporarily flows through the filter candle 2a - 2c.

[0131] The actuator (200 in Fig. 4) can be activated via the remote control 45. The water now flows through one of the filter candles 2a-2c as desired. The user can now draw water, for example, for drinking, from the tap 43.

[0132] If the user closes the tap 43 , this is detected by the pressure sensor 46 (or a flow meter) and the system switches to the basic state.

[0133] The function of the blending device 300 will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 11, the blending device 300 comprises a mandrel 302 through which water can flow and which, when installed, engages the filter candle. The height of the mandrel 302 can be adjusted via an actuating element.

[0134] The filter candle 50 shown in Fig. 12 comprises a head piece 51 that can be coupled to the connection head.

[0135] An inner downpipe 52 and an outer downpipe 53 extend downward from the headpiece. The mandrel 302 engages the inner downpipe 52, which includes a slot 54 in the area of ​​the mandrel 302. The slot 54 can be variably opened and closed via the mandrel 302, thus allowing the open cross-section to be adjusted. This allows the flow ratio through the outer downpipe 53 and the inner downpipe 52 to be adjusted.

[0136] Water flowing through the inner downpipe 52 reaches the bottom of the filter candle 50 and passes through all filter media, e.g. an ion exchanger.

[0137] The outer downpipe 53 is shorter, so the water exits higher. This water, for example, is not passed over the ion exchanger, but only passes through a layer of activated carbon.

[0138] Fig. 13 is a cross section of a connection head 1 for a filter candle, which is designed according to the embodiment described above and additionally comprises flow meters 60a, 60b for determining the amount of water flowing over the filter candle.

[0139] A flow meter 60a, 60b is arranged in each of the channels leading from the inlet 101 and in the bypass channel 115. The ratio of the flow rates through the flow meters 60a, 60b can be used to calculate the amount of water flowing through the filter cartridge. This is preferably used to calculate the service life of the filter cartridge.

[0140] The flow meters 60a, 60b are each inserted into a pipe section.

[0141] Fig. 14 shows such a flow meter 60 in a longitudinal section.

[0142] The flow meter 60 comprises an insert 61 which is placed in the pipe section, e.g. the bypass.

[0143] An impeller 62 is mounted on the insert 61 on an axially extending shaft 64. The fluid flows axially through the impeller 62. This allows for a small diameter impeller 62 that starts easily and has low flow resistance.

[0144] The impeller 62 comprises a ferromagnetic component, in particular a magnet 63. The magnet 63 can be designed as a ring magnet.

[0145] A sensor, e.g. a receiver coil, can be placed on or in the housing of the connection head, via which the speed of the impeller 62 and thus the flow rate can be detected through the pipe wall.

[0146] The invention enables a simple integration of a bypass into the connection head of a filter cartridge. List of reference symbols

[0147] 1 connection head

[0148] 10 Membran

[0149] 11 Guide

[0150] 12 spacers

[0151] 20 Check valve

[0152] 21 bars

[0153] 22 End cap

[0154] 23 lids

[0155] 24 passage

[0156] 30 connecting piece

[0157] 31 connecting piece

[0158] 40 Installation system

[0159] 41 connection

[0160] 42 Line

[0161] 43 tap

[0162] 44 worktop

[0163] 45 Remote control

[0164] 46 Pressure sensor (or flow meter)

[0165] 50 filter candles

[0166] 51 headpiece

[0167] 52 Downpipe

[0168] 53 Downpipe

[0169] 54 slot

[0170] 60 flow meters

[0171] 61 deployment

[0172] 62 wheel

[0173] 63 Magnet

[0174] 64 Axis

[0175] 100 housings

[0176] 101 Entrance

[0177] 102 Exit

[0178] 103 connection nozzles

[0179] 104 Suspension 105 Thread

[0180] 106 Outlet to filter candle

[0181] 107 Inlet of filter candle / ring channel

[0182] 108 Connection piece 109 Channel (check valve)

[0183] 110 Seat (membrane)

[0184] 111 Channel (of 107)

[0185] 112 Chamber (membrane)

[0186] 113 Chamber (end cap) 114 Seat (check valve)

[0187] 115 Channel to the check valve / bypass channel

[0188] 200 Actuator

[0189] 201 housing

[0190] 202 Tappet 203 Spring

[0191] 300 blending device

[0192] 301 Acting body

[0193] 302 Thorn

Claims

Claims:

1. Connection head for a filter candle, comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet, as well as a connection piece for the filter candle, characterized in that a bypass is arranged in the housing, which bypass can be opened and closed again via an actuator, in particular a magnetic actuator, which engages in the housing.

2. Connection head according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator releases a check valve which closes the bypass when actuated, so that the bypass closes. 3 . Connection head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection head comprises a valve for the bypass and a further valve in the flow path through the filter candle, these valves being coupled to one another and both being switched via the actuator. 4 . Connection head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator controls a diaphragm valve, in particular releases it when actuated.

5. Connection head according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connection head comprises an adjustable blending device. 6 . Connection head according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the blending device is designed in such a way is designed such that the ratio of the volume flows of partial flows flowing into the filter candle via two different paths can be adjusted via the blending device. Connection head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator comprises a housing which is arranged on a receptacle arranged laterally on the housing of the connection head, and / or that the actuator actuates a diaphragm valve via a tappet, in particular a tappet which is movable against a spring load, and / or that the bypass and / or the actuator and / or the check valve are located at the level of the inlet and the outlet. Installation system, comprising at least one connection head according to one of the preceding claims. Installation system according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two connection heads, each with a filter candle, wherein one of the filter candles comprises a different water treatment medium than the other filter candle. .Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a remote control for switching the actuator(s) of the connection head(s). Installation system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the service life of the filter candle can be calculated taking into account the switching of the actuator.

12. Connection head for a filter candle, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet, as well as a connection piece for the filter candle, wherein a bypass is arranged in the housing, characterized in that a flow meter is arranged in a bypass channel and in an inlet and / or outlet channel.

13. Installation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when a withdrawal point is closed, the system is switched to a basic state in which the water flows via the bypass. 14 . Installation system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system comprises a pressure sensor or flow meter and is switched to the basic state in the event of a pressure increase.

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