Filtration element for a pond water filtration system

Abstract

A filtration element (2) for a pond water filtration system (19), the filtration element (2) being configured to allow water from the pond to pass through it and to filter said water, the filtration element (2) comprising a lateral filtration wall (4) which is generally tubular and has a longitudinal axis (L), the lateral filtration wall (4) delimiting at least partially an internal chamber (5) through which the water from the pond is intended to circulate, characterized in that the filtration element (2) comprises a first filtration zone (8) having a first filtration threshold, and a second filtration zone (9) having a second filtration threshold different from the first filtration threshold. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Filtration element for a pond water filtration system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of aquatic basins and more particularly to filtration devices used for cleaning the water of aquatic basins.

[0002] The invention finds a favorite, but not limiting, application in water filtration systems for indoor or outdoor swimming pools. State of the art

[0003] A swimming pool water filtration system is known to comprise:

[0004] - a filtration tank delimiting an internal housing,

[0005] - a filtration device arranged substantially vertically in the housing internal of the filtration tank,

[0006] - a water supply circuit which is configured to be fluidly connected to basin and to supply the filtration tank with filtered water from the basin, and

[0007] - a water drainage circuit which is configured to be fluidly connected to the basin and to discharge the water filtered by the filtration device into the basin.

[0008] The filtration device more particularly comprises a filtration element which is generally tubular, and a support which is perforated and which is configured to hold the filtration element in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0009] However, as the water filtration system is used, the particles suspended in the water, which are filtered by the filter element, settle on the surface of the filter element until the filter element becomes clogged and water can no longer flow through it. If the filter element becomes clogged, a significant pressure drop is created downstream of the filter element, which can lead to deterioration and rupture of the filter element, damage to the pipes, or damage to the pump due to cavitation or the passage of particles released by the filter element when it ruptures.

[0010] Thus, this type of water filtration system, although very effective, requires regular maintenance of the filter element to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0011] To overcome such a drawback, the filtration system could be equipped, for example, with an air release valve or a rupture disc, which however would make the filtration system more complex, and would significantly increase the manufacturing costs of the latter. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0013] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a filtration element which is of simple and economical structure, while limiting the risks of clogging of the filtration element.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a filtration element for a pond water filtration system, the filtration element being configured to be traversed by water from the pond and to filter said water, the filtration element comprising a lateral filtration wall which is generally tubular and which has a longitudinal axis, the lateral filtration wall delimiting at least in part an internal chamber in which the water from the pond is intended to circulate, characterized in that the filtration element comprises a first filtration zone having a first filtration threshold, and a second filtration zone having a second filtration threshold different from the first filtration threshold.

[0015] The filtration element according to the present invention makes it possible to filter the water in a basin while significantly limiting the risk of total clogging of the filtration element by using two filtration zones with different filtration thresholds. Indeed, the filtration zone with the higher filtration threshold ensures water circulation without creating excessive negative pressure when the zone with the lower filtration threshold becomes clogged.

[0016] Thus, the filtration system according to the present invention limits the maintenance costs of the peripheral equipment of the system, while avoiding a more complex and expensive technical solution such as a mechanical or electronic valve for example.

[0017] The filtering element may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the basin can be a swimming pool, a spa or any other basin, such as a natural or artificial basin.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral filtration wall has a cross-section that is generally circular or oblong. However, the lateral filtration wall could also have a cross-section that is generally polygonal, and for example rectangular or square.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral filtration wall is at least partly formed by at least one of the first and second filtration zones.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral filtration wall is at least partly formed by the first and second filtration zones.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second filtration zones are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Such an arrangement of the first and second filtration zones gives the filtration element filtration properties which vary along the longitudinal axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone is annular and extends around the longitudinal axis of the lateral filtration wall, and comprises an external peripheral face and an internal peripheral face.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral filter wall comprises a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end, at least one of the first and second axial ends of the lateral filter wall defining a passage opening which leads into the internal chamber and which is configured to establish free fluidic communication between the internal chamber and the outside of the filter element.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, a substantially circular stiffening element is positioned on the filtration element, and is located near one end of the lateral filtration wall.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone is closer to the passage opening than the first filtration zone.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone delimits the passage opening.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element further comprises a bottom wall at least partially blocking one of the first and second axial ends of the lateral filtration wall, the bottom wall being located opposite the passage opening.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall is separate from the side filter wall and is attached to the side filter wall. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall is fixed, for example, by sewing to the side filter wall.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall has a third filtration threshold which is different from the first and second filtration thresholds.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall has a third filtration threshold which is identical to the first filtration threshold.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall and the first filtration zone are made in one piece.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall defines an upper face of the filtration element.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall defines a lower face of the filtration element.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second axial ends of the lateral filter wall defines a passage opening that leads into the internal chamber and is configured to establish free fluidic communication between the internal chamber and the exterior of the filter element. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the internal chamber forms an axial channel.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone has a first area and the second filtration zone has a second area which is smaller than the first area.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration threshold of the first filtration zone is lower than the second filtration threshold of the second filtration zone.

[0039] Thus, the first filtration zone is capable of retaining suspended particles of a smaller size than those that can be retained by the second filtration zone.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration threshold is between 3 and 50 microns, and advantageously between 5 and 40 microns.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration threshold is between 60 and 300 microns, and advantageously between 120 and 250 microns.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone is separate from the first filtration zone and is attached to and fixed onto the first filtration zone.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone and the second filtration zone are attached to each other by sewing. However, the first filtration zone and the second filtration zone could be attached to each other by any other means of attachment, for example by welding or gluing.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone comprises a first upper peripheral edge, and the second filtration zone comprises a second lower peripheral edge which is fixed, for example by sewing, to the first upper peripheral edge of the first filtration zone.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second filtration zones are made of different materials.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second filtration zones is made of an openwork textile material, such as a mesh or multi-perforated type textile.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone is made of felt, such as needle-punched felt.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone is made made of polypropylene, and for example, high-temperature stabilized polypropylene.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone is made of monofilament textile.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second filtration zone is made by weaving polypropylene yarns.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone has a first height, and the second filtration zone has a second height which is less than the first height.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone occupies between 70% and 99% of the overall filtration area of ​​the filtration element, and preferably between 80% and 95%, and advantageously between 85% and 90% of the overall filtration area, and for example about 90%.

[0053] The present invention further relates to a filtration device comprising at least one filtration element according to the present invention, and a support which is perforated and which is configured to hold the filtration element in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lateral filtration wall.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining support is configured to be placed inside the filtration element.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is configured to be placed inside the support.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a lateral support wall which is generally tubular and perforated.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral support wall is configured to cooperate with an internal surface of the lateral filtration wall.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral support wall is configured to cooperate with an external surface of the lateral filtration wall.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises an upper cover and a lower cover fixed respectively to the upper and lower ends of the lateral support wall. The lower cover may, for example, include a drainage opening configured to allow water to be drained from the filtration device.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device comprises retaining elements configured to hold the filtration element in position on the retaining support. Advantageously, the retaining elements are located respectively at the first axial end and at the second axial end.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is configured such that water flows by fluidic communication from outside the filtration device and successively passes through the filtration element and the support until reaching the internal chamber.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is configured such that the water flows by fluidic communication from the internal chamber of the filtration device and then successively passes through the filtration element and the support.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device may further comprise a pre-filter which is removable and which is housed at least in part in the internal chamber, said pre-filter being configured to be traversed by the water coming from the basin and being located upstream of the filtration element.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pre-filter is made of monofilament textile.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pre-filter is made by weaving polypropylene yarns.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pre-filter is configured to be inserted into the internal chamber via the passage opening, said pre-filter being able to form a basket.

[0067] The present invention further relates to a pond water filtration system, comprising:

[0068] - a filtration tank delimiting an internal compartment,

[0069] - a filtration device according to the present invention, the filtration device being arranged substantially vertically in the internal housing of the filtration tank,

[0070] - a water supply circuit which is configured to be fluidly connected to basin and to supply the filtration tank with filtered water from the basin, and

[0071] - a water drainage circuit which is configured to be fluidly connected to basin and to discharge the water filtered by the filtration device into the basin.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration tank includes a water inlet opening fluidly connected to the water supply circuit and opening into the internal housing, and a water outlet opening fluidly connected to the water outlet circuit and opening into the internal chamber.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water drainage opening is located opposite the bottom wall of the filtration element.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water inlet opening is located opposite the passage opening provided on the filtration element.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water drainage circuit includes a recirculation pump. Brief description of the figures

[0076] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0077] [Fig-1] is a top perspective view of a filtration device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0078] [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of a filtration element and a support support belonging to the filtration device of the [Fig.l];

[0079] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a water filtration system comprising the filtration device of the [Fig.l];

[0080] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of a water filtration system comprising a filtration device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0081] [Fig.5] is a top perspective view of a filtration element belonging to a filtration device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0082] Figures 1 and 2 represent a filtration device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] The filtration device 1 comprises a filtration element 2 and a support 3 configured to support the filtration element 2, and more particularly to hold the filtration element 2 in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0084] The filtration element 2 is configured to allow water to pass through it and to filter the water. The water may come from a natural or artificial basin, such as an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, or a spa, for example. The filtration element 2 includes a lateral filtration wall 4 which is generally tubular and extends along a longitudinal axis L.

[0085] The lateral filter wall 4 has a cross-section that is generally circular or oblong. However, the lateral filter wall 4 could also have a cross-section that is generally polygonal, and for example rectangular or square.

[0086] The lateral filter wall 4 delimits at least partially an internal chamber 5 through which water from the basin is intended to circulate. The lateral filter wall 4 has a first axial end 6 and a second axial end 7 which is opposite the first axial end 6. The first axial end 6 of the lateral filter wall 4 delimits a first passage opening which leads into the internal chamber 5, and which is configured to establish free fluid communication between the internal chamber 5 and the exterior of the filter element 2. The second axial end 7 delimits a second passage opening which is also configured to establish free fluidic communication between the internal chamber 5 and the outside of the filter element 2.

[0087] The lateral filtration wall 4 more particularly comprises a first filtration zone 8 which has a first filtration threshold, and a second filtration zone 9 which has a second filtration threshold which is different from the first filtration threshold, and in particular higher than the first filtration threshold.

[0088] Thus, the first filtration zone 8 is capable of retaining suspended particles smaller than those that can be retained by the second filtration zone 9. The first filtration threshold is, for example, between 60 and 300 microns, and advantageously between 120 and 250 microns. The second filtration threshold is, for example, between 3 and 50 microns, and advantageously between 5 and 40 microns.

[0089] The first and second filtration zones 8, 9 are advantageously offset from each other along the longitudinal axis L. Such an arrangement of the first and second filtration zones 8, 9 gives the filtration element 2 filtration properties which vary along the longitudinal axis L.

[0090] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first filtration zone 8 is annular and extends around the longitudinal axis L of the lateral filtration wall 4. The first filtration zone 8 has an external peripheral face 10 and an internal peripheral face 11. Similarly, the second filtration zone 9 is annular and extends around the longitudinal axis L of the lateral filtration wall 4. The second filtration zone 9 has an external peripheral face 12 and an internal peripheral face 13.

[0091] The first filtration zone 8 has a first height between 10 cm and 80 cm, and preferably between 50 cm and 70 cm, and is, for example, 60 cm. The second filtration zone 9 has a second height that is less than the first height. The second height is between 1 cm and 10 cm, and preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm, and is, for example, 6 cm.

[0092] Thus, the first filtration zone 8 has a first area, and the second filtration zone 9 has a second area which is smaller than the first area. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first filtration zone occupies between 70% and 99% of the overall filtration area of ​​the filtration element, preferably between 80% and 95% of the overall filtration area, and advantageously between 85% and 90% of the overall filtration area, and for example about 90%.

[0093] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second filtration zone 9 is separate from the first filtration zone 8, and is attached and fixed to the first filtration zone 8 by stitching. Thus, the first filtration zone 8 may for example include a first upper peripheral edge and a first lower peripheral edge, and the second filtration zone 9 may for example include a second lower peripheral edge and a second upper peripheral edge, the second lower peripheral edge of the second filtration zone 9 being fixed by stitching to the first upper peripheral edge of the first filtration zone 8. However, the first filtration zone 8 and the second filtration zone 9 could be fixed to each other by any other means of fixing, and for example by welding or gluing.

[0094] Furthermore, the first and second filtration zones 8, 9 can be made of different or identical materials depending on the filtration requirements. Advantageously, each of the first and second filtration zones 8, 9 is made of an open-weave textile material.

[0095] In the first embodiment of the invention, the retaining support 3 is configured to be placed inside the filter element 2 and to hold the filter element 2 in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the lateral filter wall 4. Thus, the external diameter of the retaining support 3 is smaller than the internal diameter of the filter element 2. The filter element 2 is held in position on the retaining support 3 by retaining elements 14, advantageously located at the first and second axial ends 6, 7. The retaining elements 14 are, for example, hose clamps or any other retaining element that performs a similar function. According to one embodiment of the invention, the number and arrangement of the retaining elements may vary.

[0096] The support 3 more particularly comprises a lateral support wall 15 which is generally tubular and perforated. The lateral support wall 15 is more particularly configured to cooperate with an internal surface of the lateral filter wall 4. The support 3 further comprises an upper cover 16 and a lower cover 17 fixed respectively to the upper and lower ends of the lateral support wall 15. The upper cover 16 is configured to completely close the upper end of the lateral support wall 15, while the lower cover 17 has a drainage opening 18 configured to allow water to be discharged from the filtration device. The support 3 is advantageously made of a water-resistant material, for example stainless steel, but it can also be made of plastic or aluminum, for example.

[0097] Thus, according to the first embodiment of the invention, the filtration device 1 is configured such that the water flows by fluidic communication from outside the filtration device 1 and successively passes through the filtration element 2, the lateral support wall 15 of the retaining support 3 and finally the evacuation opening 18.

[0098] Figure 3 represents a water filtration system 19 for a pond comprising a filtration device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The water filtration system 19 includes, in particular:

[0099] - a filtration tank 20 which delimits an internal compartment in which is arranged substantially vertically the filtration device 1,

[0100] - a water supply circuit 21 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the basin and to supply the filtration tank 20 with filtered water from the basin, and

[0101] - a water drainage circuit 22 which is configured to be fluidly connected to basin and to evacuate to the basin the water filtered by the filtration device 1, and more particularly coming from the evacuation opening 18.

[0102] The water drainage circuit 22 advantageously includes a recirculation pump 23 which is intended to ensure the movement of water in the water filtration system 19.

[0103] The filtration element 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention makes it possible to filter the water in a basin while significantly limiting the risk of total clogging of the filtration element 2 by using a first filtration zone 8 and a second filtration zone 9 which have different filtration thresholds. Indeed, the second filtration zone 9, which has the higher filtration threshold, ensures water circulation without creating excessive negative pressure when the first filtration zone 8, which has the lower filtration threshold, is clogged.

[0104] Thus, the filtration element 2 according to the present invention limits the maintenance costs of the peripheral equipment of a water filtration system 19 equipped with said filtration element 2, and this without a more complex and costly technical solution such as a mechanical or electronic valve for example.

[0105] Figures 4 and 5 represent a water filtration system 19 equipped with a filtration device according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment in particular in that the filtration element 2 comprises a substantially circular stiffening element 24 which is positioned at the second axial end 7 of the lateral filtration wall 4. According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the filtration element 2 could further comprise an additional stiffening element located at the first axial end 6 of the lateral filtration wall 4, or a single stiffening element located at the first axial end 6 of the lateral filtration wall 4.

[0106] According to the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the element of Filtration 2 could further include a bottom wall 25 which is generally circular and which presents a third filtration threshold. The bottom wall 25 defines a lower face of the filtration element 2. The contours of the bottom wall 25 are adjacent to the first lower peripheral edge of the first filtration zone 8. Furthermore, the bottom wall 25 and the first filtration zone 8 can be made in a single piece, which implies that the third filtration threshold is then identical to the first filtration threshold.

[0107] In the second embodiment of the invention, the filter element 2 is configured to be placed inside the retaining support 3, and the lateral support wall 15 of the retaining support 3 is configured to cooperate with the external surface of the lateral filter wall 4. Thus, the internal diameter of the retaining support 3 is greater than the external diameter of the filter element 2. In the second embodiment of the invention, the lower cover 17 of the retaining support 3 is without a drainage opening, and the retaining support 3 is without an upper cover.

[0108] According to the second embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the filtration element 2 is configured such that the water flows from the second axial end 7 to the internal chamber 5 and then passes through the filtration element 2 and the support 3 towards the water drainage circuit 22.

[0109] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the filtering element 2 could further comprise an upper wall at least partially blocking the second axial end 7 of the lateral filtering wall 4.

[0110] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A filtration element (2) for a pond water filtration system (19), the filtration element (2) being configured to be traversed by water from the pond and to filter said water, the filtration element (2) comprising a lateral filtration wall (4) which is generally tubular and has a longitudinal axis (L), the lateral filtration wall (4) delimiting at least partially an internal chamber (5) in which the water from the pond is intended to circulate, the filtration element (2) comprising a first filtration zone (8) having a first filtration threshold, and a second filtration zone (9) having a second filtration threshold different from the first filtration threshold, characterized in that the first filtration zone (8) occupies between 70% and 99% of the overall filtration surface of the filtration element (2), and preferably between 80% and 95%,and advantageously between 85% and 90% of the total filtration surface area, and for example approximately 90%.

2. Filtration element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the lateral filtration wall (4) is at least partly formed by at least one of the first and second filtration zones (8;9).

3. Filtration element (2) according to claim 2, wherein the lateral filtration wall (4) is at least partly formed by the first and second filtration zones (8;9).

4. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second filtration zones (8;9) are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis (L).

5. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second filtration zone (9) is annular and extends around the longitudinal axis (L) of the lateral filtration wall (4), and comprises an external peripheral face (12) and an internal peripheral face (13).

6. A filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral filtration wall (4) has a first axial end (6) and a second axial end (7) opposite the first axial end (6), at least one of the first and second axial ends (6;7) of the lateral filtration wall (4) defining a passage opening which leads into the internal chamber (5) and which is configured to establish free fluidic communication between the internal chamber (5) and the outside of the filtration element (2).

7. Filtration element (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second filtration zone (9) is closer to the passage opening than the first filtration zone (8).

8. Filtration element (2) according to claims 6 or 7, further comprising a bottom wall (25) at least partially blocking one of the first and second axial ends (6;7) of the lateral filtration wall (4), the bottom wall (25) being located opposite the passage opening.

9. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first filtration threshold of the first filtration zone (8) is lower than the second filtration threshold of the second filtration zone (9).

10. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second filtration threshold is between 3 and 50 microns, and advantageously between 5 and 40 microns.

11. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first filtration threshold is between 60 and 300 microns, and advantageously between 120 and 250 microns.

12. Filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second filtration zone (9) is distinct from the first filtration zone (8) and is attached and fixed to the first filtration zone (8).

13. Filtration device (1) comprising at least one filtration element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a retaining support (3) which is perforated and which is configured to retain the filtration element (2) in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the lateral filtration wall (4).

14. A water filtration system (19) for a pond, comprising: - a filtration tank (20) defining an internal housing, - a filtration device (1) according to claim 13, the filtration device (1) being arranged substantially vertically within the internal housing of the filtration tank (20), - a water supply circuit (21) configured to be fluidly connected to the pond and to supply the filtration tank (20) with filtered water from the pond, and - a water drainage circuit (22) which is configured to be fluidly connected to the basin and to drain the water filtered by the filtration device (1) into the basin.

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