An external filter structure for a swimming pool

Abstract

A filter assembly (10) for a swimming pool may include a connector (1) and a filter unit (2) detachably coupled to the connector. The connector may have a water inlet (103) and a water outlet (104). When the connector is coupled to the filter unit, the water inlet and the water outlet may be in fluid communication through the filter unit. When the connector and the filter unit are uncoupled, the water inlet and the water outlet may not be in fluid communication with one another.

Description

AN EXTERNAL FILTER STRUCTURE FOR A SWIMMING POOLRelated Applications

[0001] This application is related to Chinese Application No. 202323152384.2, filed November 22, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of water filters, and in particular to an external filter structure for a swimming pool and a swimming pool incorporating same.Background of the Disclosure

[0003] A water filter for a swimming pool filters out harmful substances in the pool water to improve the water quality in the swimming pool. Filtration of harmful substances is completed by the filter element of the water filter. The filter element has a service life. In public places, due to the large number of users, the filter element of the water filter wears out quickly. Relatively speaking, the life of the filter element is shortened. In addition, the water quality in some areas may be different. The continuous maintenance of the water quality standard may be achieved by continuously and timely replacing the filter element. In the current traditional water purification and filtration devices, replacing the filter element requires disconnecting the water supply from the water filter before replacing the filter element. This operation is cumbersome, the workload is large, and the disadvantages are obvious.

[0004] Improvements on the foregoing are desired.Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an external filter structure of a swimming pool and a swimming pool incorporating the same. The external filter structure may allow operators to avoid the inconvenience of the water working environment when replacing the filter element. Additionally, there is no need to disconnect the water sourcecircuit during replacement, so the operation is more convenient and the installation and removal accuracy is higher.

[0006] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an external filter structure for a swimming pool, which may comprise one or more of a connecting part and a filtering part. The connecting part and the filtering part may form a detachable connection relationship. The connecting part may be provided with a water inlet and a water outlet arranged outside the swimming pool.

[0007] In examples, when the connecting part is connected to the filtering part, the water inlet and the water outlet may be connected through the filtering part. In examples, when the connecting part and the filtering part are disconnected, the water inlet and the water outlet may be disconnected.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting part may be provided with a first chamber connected to a raw water inlet of the filtering part and a second chamber connected to a filtered water outlet. The input end of the first chamber may be connected to the water inlet. The output end of the second chamber may be connected to the water outlet.

[0009] The first chamber and the second chamber may be both provided with a check valve. When in an unplugged state, the check valve may be closed, and the original water waterway may be disconnected. When in a plugged state, the force generated by the filtering part along the plugging direction may drive the check valve to open. The original water may flow along the first chamber to the filtering part for filtration and then may be discharged to the water outlet through the second chamber.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a boss may be provided at the position of the original water inlet and the filtered water outlet of the filtering part relative to the check valve of the connecting part.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the boss may press against the check valve in the plugged state, causing the check valve to produce axial displacement and open the chamber.

[0012] In yet still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a slide groove may be provided in the chamber accommodating the check valve.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a plug connector may be provided at the bottom of the connecting part. The plug connector may adapted to a plug base (203) at the relative position of the filtering part.

[0014] In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a hook may be arranged on the filtering part. The hook may be engaged with the hook catch at the corresponding positions of the connecting part.

[0015] In yet still a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a swimming pool is provided. The swimming pool may be equipped with an external filter structure as described herein.

[0016] In an embodiment thereof, the present disclosure provides a filter assembly for a swimming pool that may comprise a connector, and a filter unit detachably coupled to the connector. The connector may comprise a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein, when the connector is coupled to the filter unit, the water inlet and the water outlet may be in fluid communication through the filter unit, and, when the connector and the filter unit are uncoupled, the water inlet and the water outlet may not be in fluid communication.

[0017] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber. The filter unit may comprise a raw water inlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the first chamber and a filtered water outlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the second chamber. An input of the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the water inlet, and an output of the second chamber may be in fluid communication with the water outlet. The connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a second check valve. When the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves may be closed, and the first chamber may not be in fluid communication with the second chamber. When the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves may be opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

[0018] In another form thereof, the first check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the second chamber.

[0019] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve disposed within a first chamber and a second check valve disposed within a second chamber, and wherein the filter unit may comprise a boss disposed within the raw water inlet and configured to engage the first check valve of the connector, and a boss disposed within the filtered water outlet and configured to engage the second check valve of the connector.

[0020] In another form thereof, the respective boss may press against the respective check valve when the filter unit is coupled to the connector, axially displacing the respective check valve to open the corresponding chamber.

[0021] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a first chamber in fluid communication with the water inlet and a second chamber in fluid communication with the water outlet. The connector may further comprise a groove disposed in the first chamber and configured to accommodate a check valve.

[0022] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit may comprise a plug base. The plug connector may be configured to receive the plug base.

[0023] In another form thereof, the filter unit may comprise a hook and the connector may further comprise a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

[0024] In another form thereof, the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged outside the swimming pool.

[0025] In another form thereof, a partition divides the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0026] In another form thereof, a swimming pool may include a filter assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0027] In another embodiment thereof, the present disclosure provides a swimming pool assembly that may comprise a swimming pool including an inflatable side wall and a water cavity formed by the inflatable side wall and a bottom wall, a control unit positioned outside of the inflatable side wall, and a filter assembly. The filter assembly may include a connector having a first chamber with an associated water inlet coupled to a return line from the water cavity of the swimming pool and a second chamber with an associated water outlet coupledto the control unit. The filter assembly may include a filter element positioned within a filter unit removably coupled to the connector such that the filter element is in fluid communication with the water inlet of the connector and the water outlet of the connector. When the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector the filter element may be removed from an interior of the filter unit and both the first chamber and the second chamber of the connector may be sealed while the connector remains connected to the return line from the water cavity and the control unit.

[0028] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a second check valve, and, when the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves may be closed, and the first chamber may not be in fluid communication with the second chamber. When the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves may be opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

[0029] In another form thereof, the first check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the second chamber.

[0030] In another form thereof, the connector may further comprise a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit may comprise a plug base, the plug connector configured to receive the plug base.

[0031] In another form thereof, the filter unit may comprise a hook and the connector may further comprise a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

[0032] Exemplary advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include by setting a check valve at the junction of the connecting part and the filtering part, when in the unplugged state, the check valve is closed, and the original water waterway is disconnected; when in the plugged state, the check valve is opened, and the original water flows along the first chamber to the filtering part for filtration and then is discharged to the water outlet through the second chamber, and the filter element replacement operation is performed without disconnecting the water flow, which is more convenient to operate and more accurate in installation and disassembly.

[0033] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary filter assembly for a swimming pool according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 depicted in an unplugged configuration;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 depicted in a plugged-in configuration;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter assembly of FIG. 1 in the plugged-in configuration;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a control unit for a swimming pool that incorporates the filter assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0039] FIG. 6 is a side view of a swimming pool incorporating the control unit of FIG 5.

[0040] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0041] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principals of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description.Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. The disclosure includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrative devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of thedisclosure which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

[0042] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "top / bottom", etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the attached drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to describe and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "set with", "set / connected", "connected", etc. should be understood broadly. For example, "connected" can be a wall mounted connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection, can be a mechanical connection, can be an electrical connection, can be directly connected, or can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the internal connection between two components, and for ordinary technical personnel in this field, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in a specific situation.

[0044] The terms “couples”, “coupled”, “coupler”, and variations thereof are used to include both arrangements wherein two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” via at least a third component, but yet still cooperates or interact with each other).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the present disclosure provides an external filter assembly 10 for a swimming pool. The filter assembly may comprise a filter unit 2 and a connector 1. The connector 1 may be detachably coupled to the filter unit 2. Referring to FIG. 1, the connector 1 may include a water inlet 103 and a water outlet 104 respectively configured to receive water from and return water to the swimming pool. Water inlet 103 and water outlet 104 may be separated by a partition 1-5. Connector 1 may be positioned external to theswimming pool. Thus, the present disclosure may provide for an external installation of the filter unit 2.

[0046] When the connector 1 is coupled to the filter unit 2, the water inlet 103 and the water outlet 104 may be in fluid communication with one another through the filter unit 2. In contrast, when the connector 1 is uncoupled from the filter unit 2, the water inlet 103 and the water outlet 104 may be disconnected, i.e., not in fluid communication with one another. As will be explained further herein, partition 1-5 and check valves 1-1 cooperate to fluidly seal the water inlet 103 from the water outlet 104 when the filter unit 2 is uncoupled from the connector 1. Therefore, as long as the connector 1 is uncoupled from the filter unit 2, water may not flow out of the water outlet 104 or water inlet 103, and the user may replace the filter element 205 of filter unit 2 from a position outside of the swimming pool without worrying about water leakage.

[0047] To realize the above-described mechanical coupling, the connector 1 may be mechanically coupled to the filter unit 2 through a hook and catch relationship, which will be described further below.

[0048] Connector 1 may be provided with a first chamber 101 configured to be in fluid communication with a raw water inlet 201 of the filter unit 2 and a second chamber 102 configured to be in fluid communication with a filtered water outlet 202 of the filter unit 2. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, first and second chambers 101, 102 may be in fluid communication with raw water inlet 201 and filtered water outlet 202, respectively, through adapter 106. First chamber 101 may receive unfiltered water from the swimming pool through water inlet 103, and second chamber 102 may return filtered water to the swimming pool through water outlet 104. Partition 1-5 may at least partially delimit first and second chambers 101, 102. Adapter 106 and connector 1, along with partition 1-5, may cooperate to define first and second chambers 101, 102. Each of first and second chambers 101, 102 may be provided with a check valve 1-1 that is biased to a closed position against a shoulder 106-1 (see FIG. 2) of adapter 106. When filter unit 2 is uncoupled from connector 1, the check valve 1-1 is closed, and first chamber 101 and second chamber 102 are fluidly sealed. Thus, inlet water flow from the swimming pool may be contained within first chamber 101, and any backflow of water from the swimming pool may be contained within second chamber 102.

[0049] When filter unit 2 is coupled to connector 1, each of check valves 1-1 are opened, and inlet water flow from the swimming pool may pass through the first chamber 101 into the filter unit 2 and undergo filtration before entering second chamber 102 and discharging from the water outlet 104.

[0050] A slide groove 1-3 may be provided in each of chambers 101, 102 of the connector 1 that accommodate the check valves 1-1. When filter unit 2 is coupled to connector 1, the check valves 1-1 may be subjected to a push force from filter unit 2 that compresses the springs 1 -2 against a wall of the connector 1 in the corresponding chamber 101, 102 along the direction of the slide grooves 1-3. The springs 1-2 is deformed under the pushing force of the filter unit 2. At this time, the water flow passage from the first chamber 101 to the inlet 201 (see FIG. 1) of the filter unit 2 is opened, and unfiltered water from the swimming pool may flow through the first chamber 101 to the filter unit 2 for filtration. When filter unit 2 is uncoupled from connector 1, springs 1-2 may bias the check valves 1-1 to close against adapter 106, which seals first and second chambers 101, 102. Referring to FIG. 2, adapter 106 may include a shoulder 106-1 that engages check valves 1-1 when check valves 1-1 are closed.

[0051] Because the check valve 1-1 of the first chamber 101 and the check valve 1-1 of the second chamber 102 are located at the same spatial position, when the check valve 1-1 of the first chamber 101 is opened, the check valve 1-1 of second chamber 102 is also opened. Thus, unfiltered water from the swimming pool may enter first chamber 101 through water inlet 103, enter filter unit 2 through water raw water inlet 201, undergo filtration, and then discharge to the swimming pool through second chamber 102 and water outlet 104 of the connector 1, completing the water filtration process.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the raw water inlet 201 and the filtered water outlet 202 of the filtering part 2 may each be provided with a boss 2-1 (see FIG. 3) configured to engage the corresponding check valve 1-1 of the connector 1. When filter unit 2 is coupled to the connector 1, the corresponding bosses 2-1 may press against the corresponding check valve 1-1 to axially displace the check valves 1-1 against the biasing force of springs 1-2, thereby opening the corresponding chamber 101, 102. Accordingly, when the filter unit 2 is coupled to the connector 1, the first and second chambers 101, 102 may be in fluid communication with one another through filter unit 2. Alternatively, when the filter unit 2 is not coupled tothe connector 1, the first and second chambers 101, 102 may be fluidly sealed from one another by check valves 1-1 and partition 1-5.

[0053] Connector 1 and filter unit 2 may be mechanically coupled to one another. For example, connector 1 and filter unit 2 may be detachably coupled to one another through a plug-in relationship wherein one of the connector 1 and filter unit 2 receives the other of the connector 1 and filter unit 2. The plug-in relationship between connector 1 and filter unit 2 may be further strengthened or stabilized with a hook and catch.

[0054] To improve the stability of the connection between the filter unit 2 and the connector 1, while also recognizing the need for maintenance personnel to frequently disassemble the filter assembly, replace components, and reassemble the filter assembly, the present disclosure provides a plug connector 105 (see FIG. 2) disposed at the bottom of the connector 1, and a plug base 203 (see FIG. 1) provided at a corresponding position of the filter unit 2. The plug base 203 and plug connector 105 may have a tongue and groove relationship wherein the plug base 203 slides within the plug connector 105. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the plug base 203 as part of filter unit 2 and the plug connector 105 as part of connector 1, the components could easily be rearranged such that the plug base is part of connector 1 and the plug connector is part of filter unit 2.

[0055] Because water circulating through the filter assembly has a certain water pressure, and considering the stability of the interface engagement of the filter unit 2 and the connector 1, the present disclosure may further provide a hook 204 (see FIG. 2) disposed above the filter unit 2, and a hook catch 1 -4 disposed at the corresponding position of the connector 1. The hook catch 1-4 is configured to engage and secure the hook 204 when the filter unit 2 is coupled to the connector 1 to further lock the connector 1 and the filter unit 2.

[0056] Considering that the filter element 205 needs to be frequently replaced during the use of the swimming pool to ensure the water quality of the filtered water, the swimming pool filter assembly described herein adopts an external filter assembly that may seamlessly cooperate with an existing swimming pool system. The external filter assembly allows the operator to avoid the inconvenience of the water operation environment when replacing the filter element, and there is no need to disconnect the water source when replacing the filter element, which is more convenient to operate and simplifies removal and installation of the filter assembly.

[0057] During installation, the maintenance personnel pushes the filter unit 2 with an assembled filter element 205 into the corresponding groove of the plug connector 105 of the connector 1 along the direction of the plug base 203 until the raw water inlet 201 and the filtered water outlet 202 of the filtering part 2 are engaged with the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 of the connector 1. At this time, the chambers 101, 102 containing the check valve 1-1 are opened under the action of the bosses 2-1, and, in this process, the hook 204 engages the hook catch 1-4 to secure the filter unit 2 and the connector 1. Specifically, as the filter unit 2 is coupled to the connector 1, an inclined surface of the hook 204 may slide against a corresponding inclined surface of the hook catch 1-4 to permit the user to couple the filter unit 2 to the connector 1. Once the filter unit 2 is properly positioned relative to the connector 1, the hook 4 engages the hook catch 1-4 to secure the filter unit 2 in place. A torsion spring 207 (see FIG. 1) may be provided about a pivot of hook 204 to bias hook 204 to engage connector 1.

[0058] When removing and replacing the filter assembly, the maintenance personnel disengages the hook 204 from the hook catch 1 -4 of the connector 1. The filter unit 2 may be removed from the plug connector 105 by sliding the filter unit away from the connector 1. As the user removes the filter unit 2 from the connector 1, the force acting on the check valves 1-1 disappears, and the check valves 1-1 are closed under the restoring force of the springs 1- 2, and the raw water channel is disconnected.

[0059] With filter unit 2 removed from connector 1, filter element 205 may be assessed by rotating a cap 210 counterclockwise relative to filter unit 2. This rotation allows tabs 212 on filter unit 2 to be removed from corresponding retention grooves 214 in cap 210. Once cap 210 is removed, filter element 205 may be removed from the interior of filter unit 2. As is known in the art, filter unit 2 places one of water input 201 and water outlet 202 in fluid communication with a central passageway 220 of filter element 205 and the other of water inlet 201 and water outlet 202 in fluid communication with an outer periphery 222 of filter element 205. Thus, for water to reach the water outlet 202 from the water inlet 201, it must pass through filter element 205.

[0060] Next, after replacing the filter element 205, the maintenance personnel may push the filter unit 2 with the new assembled filter element 205 into the corresponding slot of the plug connector 105 of the connector 1 along the direction of the plug base 203 until the rawwater inlet 201 and the filtered water outlet 202 of the filter unit 2 are in fluid communication with the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 of the connector 1. At this time, the chambers 101, 102 containing the check valves 1-1 are opened under the action of the bosses 2-1, and, in this process, the hook 204 is reset and engages with the hook catch 1-4, and the filter assembly is installed.

[0061] This present disclosure further provides a swimming pool 3 including a main control unit 4 equipped with the above-mentioned external filter structure for a swimming pool. Control unit 4 may be positioned on an outside of swimming pool 3. As explained in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,815,686, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein, the control unit 4 may heat the water prior to be returned to swimming pool 3, such as with a PTC heater, and pressurize the water with one or more water pumps. As shown in FIG. 5, water outlet 104 is connected to the suction side of a water pump of control unit 4 and water inlet 103 is connected to a return line 7 from swimming pool 3. Thus, the water is filtered by filter element 205 of the filter assembly 10 prior to entering control unit 4. Additionally, swimming pool 3 may be an inflatable pool having a plurality of tensioning structures.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, control unit 4 is positioned externally to swimming pool 3. Swimming pool 3 includes an inflatable side wall 20 which forms an enclosed shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, and other suitable shapes, and a bottom wall 22 which define a water cavity 22. Filter assembly 10 has an inlet 103 is connected to a return line 7 from water cavity 24 of the swimming pool 3 and an outlet 104 coupled to the control unit 4. Control unit 4 may heat the water filtered by filter assembly 10 and pressurize the filtered water to return the same to the water cavity 24 of the swimming pool 3 through a water line 9. As discussed herein, filter element 205 is positioned within a filter unit 2 removably coupled to connector 1 such that the filter element 205 is in fluid communication with the water inlet 103 of the connector 1 and the water outlet 104 of the connector 1. When the filter unit 2 is uncoupled from the connector 1 the filter element 205 may be removed from an interior of the filter unit 1 and both the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 of the connector 1 are sealed while the connector 1 remains connected to the return line 7 from the water cavity 24 and the control unit 4.

[0063] Examples:

[0064] Example 1 : A filter assembly for a swimming pool may comprise a connector, and a filter unit detachably coupled to the connector. The connector may comprise a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein, when the connector is coupled to the filter unit, the water inlet and the water outlet may be in fluid communication through the filter unit, and, when the connector and the filter unit are uncoupled, the water inlet and the water outlet may not be in fluid communication.

[0065] Example 2: The filter assembly according to Example 1, wherein the connector may further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber. The filter unit may comprise a raw water inlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the first chamber and a filtered water outlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the second chamber. An input of the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the water inlet, and an output of the second chamber may be in fluid communication with the water outlet. The connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a second check valve. When the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves may be closed, and the first chamber may not be in fluid communication with the second chamber. When the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves may be opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

[0066] Example 3 : The filter assembly according to Example 2, wherein the first check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the second chamber.

[0067] Example 4: The filter assembly according to Example 4, wherein the connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve disposed within a first chamber and a second check valve disposed within a second chamber, and wherein the filter unit may comprise a boss disposed within the raw water inlet and configured to engage the first check valve of the connector, and a boss disposed within the filtered water outlet and configured to engage the second check valve of the connector.

[0068] Example 5: The filter assembly according to Example 4, wherein the respective boss may press against the respective check valve when the filter unit is coupled to the connector, axially displacing the respective check valve to open the corresponding chamber.

[0069] Example 6: The filter assembly according to Example 1, wherein the connector may further comprise a first chamber in fluid communication with the water inlet and a second chamber in fluid communication with the water outlet. The connector may further comprise a groove disposed in the first chamber and configured to accommodate a check valve.

[0070] Example 7: The filter assembly according to Example 1, wherein the connector may further comprise a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit may comprise a plug base. The plug connector may be configured to receive the plug base.

[0071] Example 8: The filter assembly according to Example 1, wherein the filter unit may comprise a hook and the connector may further comprise a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

[0072] Example 9: The filter assembly according to any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged outside the swimming pool.

[0073] Example 10: The filter assembly according to any one of Examples 2-6, wherein a partition divides the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0074] Example 11. A swimming pool may comprise the filter assembly according to any one of Examples 1-10.

[0075] Example 12. A swimming pool assembly may comprise a swimming pool including an inflatable side wall and a water cavity formed by the inflatable side wall and a bottom wall, a control unit positioned outside of the inflatable side wall, and a filter assembly. The filter assembly may include a connector having a first chamber with an associated water inlet coupled to a return line from the water cavity of the swimming pool and a second chamber with an associated water outlet coupled to the control unit. The filter assembly may include a filter element positioned within a filter unit removably coupled to the connector such that the filter element is in fluid communication with the water inlet of the connector and the water outlet of the connector. When the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector the filter element may be removed from an interior of the filter unit and both the first chamber and the second chamber of the connector may be sealed while the connector remains connected to the return line from the water cavity and the control unit.

[0076] Example 13: The swimming pool assembly of Example 12, wherein the connector may further comprise a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a secondcheck valve, and, when the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves may be closed, and the first chamber may not be in fluid communication with the second chamber. When the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves may be opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber may be in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

[0077] Example 14: The swimming pool assembly of Example 13, wherein the first check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves may be disposed within the second chamber.

[0078] Example 15: The swimming pool assembly of any one of Examples 12-14, wherein the connector may further comprise a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit may comprise a plug base, the plug connector configured to receive the plug base.

[0079] Example 16: The swimming pool assembly of any one of Examples 12-15, wherein the filter unit may comprise a hook and the connector may further comprise a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

[0080] Example 17: An external filter structure for a swimming pool may comprise a connecting part and a filtering part. The connecting part and the filtering part may form a detachable connection relationship, and the connecting part may be provided with a water inlet and a water outlet arranged outside the swimming pool. When the connecting part is connected to the filtering part, the water inlet and the water outlet may be connected through the filtering part. When the connecting part and the filtering part are disconnected, the water inlet and the water outlet may be disconnected.

[0081] Example 18: The external filter structure according to Example 17, wherein the connecting part may be provided with a first chamber connected to a raw water inlet of the filtering part and a second chamber connected to a filtered water outlet. The input end of the first chamber may be connected to the water inlet, and the output end of the second chamber may be connected to the water outlet. The first chamber and the second chamber may both be provided with a check valve. When in an unplugged state, the check valve may be closed, and the original water waterway is disconnected. When in a plugged-in state, the force generated by the filtering part along the plugging direction drives the check valve to open,and the original water may flow along the first chamber to the filtering part for filtration and then is discharged to the water outlet through the second chamber.

[0082] Example 19: The external filter structure according to claim 17, wherein a boss may be provided at the position of the original water inlet and the filtered water outlet of the filtering part relative to the check valve of the connecting part.

[0083] Example 20: The external filter structure according to claim 19, wherein the boss may press against the check valve in the plugged state, causing the check valve to produce axial displacement and open the chamber.

[0084] Example 21 : The external filter structure according to Example 17, wherein a slide groove may be provided in the chamber accommodating the check valve.

[0085] Example 22: The external filter structure according to Example 17, wherein a plug connector may be provided at the bottom of the connecting part, and the plug connector may be adapted to a plug base at the relative position of the filtering part.

[0086] Example 23: The external filter structure according to Example 17 may further comprise a hook, which may be arranged on the filtering part and may be engaged with the hook catch at the corresponding positions of the connecting part.

[0087] Example 24: A swimming pool may comprise the external filter structure according to any one of Examples 17-23.

[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A filter assembly for a swimming pool, comprising: a connector, and a filter unit detachably coupled to the connector, the connector comprising a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein, when the connector is coupled to the filter unit, the water inlet and the water outlet are in fluid communication through the filter unit, and, when the connector and the filter unit are uncoupled, the water inlet and the water outlet are not in fluid communication.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, the filter unit comprises a raw water inlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the first chamber and a filtered water outlet configured to be in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, an input of the first chamber is in fluid communication with the water inlet, and an output of the second chamber is in fluid communication with the water outlet, wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a second check valve, wherein, when the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves are closed, and the first chamber is not in fluid communication with the second chamber, and wherein, when the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves are opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

3. The filter assembly of claim 2, wherein the first check valve of the plurality of check valves is disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves is disposed within the second chamber.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of check valves including a first check valve disposed within a first chamber and a second check valve disposed within a second chamber, and wherein the filter unit comprises a boss disposed within the raw water inlet and configured to engage the first check valve of the connector, and aboss disposed within the filtered water outlet and configured to engage the second check valve of the connector.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the respective boss presses against the respective check valve when the filter unit is coupled to the connector, axially displacing the respective check valve to open the corresponding chamber.

6. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a first chamber in fluid communication with the water inlet and a second chamber in fluid communication with the water outlet, the connector further comprising a groove disposed in the first chamber and configured to accommodate a check valve.

7. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit comprises a plug base, the plug connector configured to receive the plug base.

8. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit comprises a hook and the connector further comprises a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

9. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged outside the swimming pool.

10. The filter assembly according to any one of claim 2-6, wherein a partition divides the first chamber and the second chamber.

11. A swimming pool, comprising the filter assembly according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. A swimming pool assembly, comprising: a swimming pool including an inflatable side wall and a water cavity formed by the inflatable side wall and a bottom wall;a control unit positioned outside of the inflatable side wall; and a filter assembly having a connector having a first chamber with an associated water inlet coupled to a return line from the water cavity of the swimming pool and a second chamber with an associated water outlet coupled to the control unit, and a filter element positioned within a filter unit removably coupled to the connector such that the filter element is in fluid communication with the water inlet of the connector and the water outlet of the connector, when the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector the filter element may be removed from an interior of the filter unit and both the first chamber and the second chamber of the connector are sealed while the connector remains connected to the return line from the water cavity and the control unit.

13. The swimming pool assembly of claim 12, wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of check valves including a first check valve and a second check valve, and, when the filter unit is uncoupled from the connector, the first and second check valves are closed, and the first chamber is not in fluid communication with the second chamber, and when the filter unit is coupled to the connector, the first and second check valves are opened under a driving force of the filter unit, and the first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the filter unit.

14. The swimming pool assembly of claim 13, wherein the first check valve of the plurality of check valves is disposed within the first chamber and the second check valve of the plurality of check valves is disposed within the second chamber.

15. The swimming pool assembly of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the connector further comprises a plug connector disposed on the connector, and the filter unit comprises a plug base, the plug connector configured to receive the plug base.

16. The swimming pool assembly of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the filter unit comprises a hook and the connector further comprises a hook catch configured to engage the hook when the filter unit is coupled to the connector.

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