Water treatment assembly and water treatment apparatus comprising such a treatment assembly

Abstract

This water treatment assembly (13) comprises a base provided with a water treatment filter (38) and a rotary agitator (40) configured to create a movement of the water through the filter (38). The filter (38) comprises a housing (52) of generally cylindrical shape defining a central cavity (54) for receiving the rotary agitator (40). According to the invention, the rotary agitator (40) comprises a lower portion (70) facing the housing (52) and an upper portion (72) projecting in a vertical direction from an upper wall (56) of the housing (52). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Water treatment assembly and water treatment apparatus comprising such a treatment assembly Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tap water treatment devices which make it possible to treat pollutants and taste and odor problems present in tap water by filtration and agitation, in order to make it consumable and enjoyable. By pollutants, we mean mainly the chlorine present in the water and also traces of pesticides, medicines or heavy metals, such as lead, for example, which can also be found in tap water. State of the art

[0002] Document EP1031539 A1 discloses a water treatment apparatus comprising a water receiving container receiving a treatment assembly comprising a water treatment filter and a rotating agitator received in a central cavity delimited by the filter.

[0003] However, the treatment assembly according to EP1031539 A1 does not allow optimal filtration performance to be obtained. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0005] The technical problem underlying the invention is to propose a water treatment assembly offering optimized filtration performance in a reduced time. Filtration is understood to mean any type of method for separating pollutants from water, namely mechanical filtration methods, physical or chemical adsorption methods / processes or ion exchange processes.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a water treatment assembly intended to be received inside a water receiving container of a water treatment apparatus, the treatment assembly comprising a base provided with a water treatment filter and a rotary agitator configured to create a movement of the water through the filter, the filter comprising a generally cylindrical housing defining a central cavity for receiving the rotary agitator. According to the invention, the rotary agitator comprises a lower portion facing the housing and an upper portion projecting in a vertical direction from an upper wall of the housing.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the filtration performance of the treatment assembly is optimized since the rotary agitator has a configuration which makes it possible to promote the circulation of water through the filter and to obtain optimal agitation of the water. Indeed, the fact that the rotary agitator comprises an upper portion protruding from the housing allows to promote the circulation of water towards the central cavity as well as the agitation of the water on the surface and advantageously the creation of a vortex, while the lower portion allows to guide the water through the filter in order to improve the filtration performances. In addition, the architecture of the rotating agitator allows to give the user the visual confirmation that the water is circulating and that the filtration is taking place since he can observe the agitation of the water on the surface and advantageously the creation of the vortex.

[0008] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a treatment assembly incorporates one or more of the following features, taken in any technically admissible combination.

[0009] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the upper wall of the housing delimits an upper opening at the level of the central cavity and the upper portion protrudes from the upper opening, in the vertical direction, by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm.

[0010] Such an arrangement makes it possible to optimize the agitation of the water on the surface and to advantageously obtain the creation of a water agitation vortex.

[0011] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the rotary agitator comprises a body of substantially truncated cone shape with the largest base located in the lower part.

[0012] Such an arrangement makes it possible to optimize the guidance of water towards the filter and therefore through the filter in order to improve the filtration performance. The water thus circulates radially to the vertical direction through the filter.

[0013] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the rotary agitator comprises blades fixed to the body and whose width decreases downwards.

[0014] The shape of the blades allows for optimized agitation of the water and guidance towards the filter.

[0015] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the blades comprise a straight upper edge and / or a straight outer edge.

[0016] Such an arrangement also makes it possible to optimize the agitation of the water and guide it towards the filter.

[0017] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the blades are flat and extend in the vertical direction.

[0018] Such an arrangement makes it possible to improve the guidance of water through the filter.

[0019] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the blades have, in the vertical direction, a surface having a change in concavity and comprising, in the vertical direction, a first concave portion and a second convex portion.

[0020] Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain good water agitation performance.

[0021] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the filter comprises carbon active received in the housing, the housing being suitable for being opened to replace the activated carbon within it.

[0022] Such an arrangement makes it possible to promote the replacement of the activated carbon when its capacity to regenerate, in boiling water in particular, reduces and therefore to improve the service life of the treatment assembly by simply changing the adsorbent material. It is no longer necessary to discard the entire treatment assembly when the filtration performance reduces or the regeneration is no longer effective. In addition, the activated carbon offers good performance in terms of adsorption.

[0023] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the housing comprises: an upper opening at the level of the central cavity, and an internal circumferential wall and an external circumferential wall each provided with at least one through-orifice for circulating water through the filter.

[0024] Such an arrangement makes it possible to maximize the contact between the water and the filter and therefore to improve the filtration performance while providing optimized water circulation through the filter.

[0025] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the upper wall of the housing is solid and extends between the internal circumferential wall and the external circumferential wall, the upper wall delimiting the upper opening.

[0026] Such an arrangement makes it possible to guarantee radial and optimized circulation of the water through the filter and therefore good filtration performance.

[0027] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the rotary agitator is configured to create a movement of the water through the upper opening then successively through each orifice passing through the internal circumferential wall and the external circumferential wall.

[0028] Such an arrangement also helps to ensure optimized circulation of water through the filter and therefore good filtration performance.

[0029] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the internal circumferential wall faces the rotary agitator and the external circumferential wall is intended to be positioned facing an internal wall of the container, the radial distance between the external circumferential wall and the internal wall of the container being greater than 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, when the treatment assembly is received inside the container.

[0030] Such an arrangement makes it possible to promote the circulation of water through the filter and in particular to promote its expulsion from the filter at the level of the external circumferential wall without there being any disturbances in the flow which would reduce the filtration performance of the treatment assembly. Indeed, the distance between the external circumferential wall and the internal wall of the container allows the water leaving the filter to rise along the inner wall of the container without being blocked.

[0031] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, each through-orifice of the external circumferential wall has a section greater than the through-orifices of the internal circumferential wall with a ratio preferably greater than 1.3.

[0032] Such an arrangement helps to obtain optimized circulation of water through the filter and therefore good filtration performance.

[0033] Advantageously, the base comprises an external wall provided with elements for centering the treatment assembly in the water receiving container.

[0034] Such an arrangement makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the treatment assembly in the container.

[0035] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the rotary stirrer is a magnetic stirring member capable of cooperating with a base for receiving the container and for rotating the magnetic stirring member.

[0036] Such an arrangement makes it possible to simplify the use and rotation of the rotary agitator.

[0037] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the base is suitable for being immersed in boiling water to regenerate the filter.

[0038] Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain a regenerable treatment assembly and therefore one whose lifespan / use is improved.

[0039] The invention also relates to a water treatment apparatus comprising a water receiving container and a water treatment assembly within the container. According to the invention, the treatment assembly is as described above.

[0040] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the apparatus comprises a base for receiving the container and for rotating the rotary stirrer. Brief description of the figures

[0041] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0042] [Fig.l] is a three-dimensional view of a water treatment apparatus comprising a water receiving container and a water treatment assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.2] is a three-dimensional top view of a closing cover of the container being omitted, from the water treatment apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0044] [Fig. 3] is a sectional view along the vertical section plane along line III-III of the water treatment apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.4] is a three-dimensional view of the water treatment assembly of the figures 1 to 3;

[0046] [Fig.5] is a three-dimensional view of a rotary agitator and associated rod of the water treatment assembly of Figures 1-4;

[0047] [Fig.6] is a three-dimensional view of a rotary agitator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0049] In the remainder of the description, the term apparatus is used to designate a water treatment apparatus according to the invention, without indication to the contrary.

[0050] In the remainder of the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “upper”, “high”, “low”... which could be used, will be used in consideration of the position of the device resting on a horizontal work surface, in the usage situation.

[0051] The terms "external" and "internal" as well as the terms "exterior" and "interior" are defined relative to a central axis of the treatment apparatus. Thus an internal / interior portion / part will be closer to the central axis than an external / exterior portion / part.

[0052] The device 10 shown in [Fig.l] is a water treatment device, in particular tap water.

[0053] The apparatus 10 comprises a container 12 capable of containing tap water, a water treatment assembly 13 received in the container and a base 14 for receiving the container 12.

[0054] The apparatus 10 also comprises a cover 16 allowing the closure of an upper opening 18 for filling the container 12. The cover 16 is suitable for preventing the introduction of impurities into the water contained in said container 12.

[0055] Tap water is introduced into the container 12 through the upper opening 18. The container 12 is for example configured to be positioned by a user under the tap with the upper opening 18 opposite a water outlet of the tap when he wishes to fill the container 12.

[0056] In Figures 1 to 3, the container 12 comprises a body 20 which is in the form of a cylindrical carafe of substantially circular section along a vertical axis Z.

[0057] The body 20 is provided at an upper end with a spout 22 for pouring treated water, facilitating the flow of water when the user helps himself to drink. Advantageously, the pouring spout 22 is located on the periphery of the upper filling opening 18. The body 20 is preferably made of glass.

[0058] Further, the container 12 includes a gripping handle 24 attached to a rim 24. peripheral edge of the body 20, preferably integral with said peripheral edge, and extending substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z.

[0059] The container 12 advantageously also comprises a sole 26 which comprises a bottom 28 and a contour 30 and is for example suitable for being fitted onto a lower part of the body 20. The contour 30 is advantageously suitable for protecting the body 20 of the container 12, which is preferably made of glass, from possible impacts.

[0060] As visible in [Fig. 3], the bottom 28 comprises a central opening 32 extending from a lower wall of the bottom towards an upper wall of the bottom. Advantageously, the central opening 32 has a substantially frustoconical shape and is suitable for cooperating with a projecting portion of the receiving base 14.

[0061] The water treatment assembly 13 is intended to be received / fixed in a removably manner inside the container 12.

[0062] Advantageously and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the water treatment assembly 13 is intended to be positioned against a bottom of the container 12.

[0063] As visible in [Fig.4], the treatment assembly 13 comprises a base 36 provided with a water treatment filter 38 and a rotary agitator 40 configured to create a movement of the water through the filter 38. Filter is understood to mean any system for separating pollutants from water, namely any system implementing mechanical filtration, physical or chemical adsorption or ion exchange processes.

[0064] The processing assembly 13 also comprises a gripping rod 42 extending from the base 36 upwards along a central axis XL. The gripping rod 42 is adapted to be grasped by a user through the filling opening 18 when the processing assembly 13 is fixed / received inside the container 12.

[0065] The base 36 is suitable for being immersed in boiling water to regenerate the filter 38.

[0066] As visible in [Fig.4], the base 36 comprises an external wall provided with centering elements 48 for the treatment assembly 13 in the container 12. The centering elements 48 are suitable for cooperating with an internal wall 49 of the container 12 and are preferably elastically deformable in contact with the internal wall 49. Advantageously, the centering elements 48 ensure removable fixing of the treatment assembly 13 to the container 12.

[0067] The centering elements 48 are regularly distributed around the circumference of the base 36. The base 36 comprises, for example, three centering elements 48 distributed every 120° around the circumference of the base 36.

[0068] The base 36 and more generally the treatment assembly 13 is suitable for being positioned at the bottom of the container 12 and is suitable for being separated from the container 12 via a vertical translational movement upwards through the filling opening 18 of the container 12. In the same way, the base 36 and more generally the treatment assembly 13 is suitable for being positioned in the container 12 via a vertical translational movement downwards through the filling opening 18 of the container 12.

[0069] The filter 38 comprises a housing 52 of generally cylindrical shape defining a central cavity 54 for receiving the rotary agitator 40. The filter and in particular its housing 52 is suitable for containing an adsorbent material such as activated carbon. Alternatively, the housing comprises any other type of adsorbent material or a mixture of adsorbent material.

[0070] The filter 38 is advantageously an activated carbon filter, and advantageously granular activated carbon, preferably 1 to 10 mm in size. In this case, the filter then operates by adsorption.

[0071] The housing 52 is suitable for receiving a filtering material not shown in the figures comprising activated carbon, preferably coconut activated carbon. Indeed, the use of coconut activated carbon has the ability to regenerate the filtering material several times (at least six) by immersion in boiling water to desorb in particular all volatile pollutants such as chlorine for example. Other activated carbons are suitable for use, such as coal activated carbon or bamboo or tree activated carbon such as oak depending on the pollutants targeted and to be filtered.

[0072] Alternatively, the filter comprises ion exchange resins or ceramics positioned for example in the housing or a mechanical filtration mesh.

[0073] The housing 52 is suitable for being opened to replace the activated carbon within it. For this purpose, the housing 52 comprises, for example, an upper wall 56 forming an access cover to the interior of the housing allowing access to the activated carbon housed in the housing 52. The cover is movable and / or removable relative to the rest of the housing 52 and is suitable for being fixed to the rest of the housing via any form of fixing allowing this movable and / or removable character to be ensured, such as screws or a hinge system or a clip system...

[0074] The housing 52 comprises an upper opening 58 at the level of the central cavity 54. In other words, the upper wall 56 of the housing delimits the upper opening 58 which is located at the entrance to the central cavity 54.

[0075] The housing 52 comprises an inner circumferential wall 60. The inner circumferential wall 60 surrounds the central cavity 54. The inner circumferential wall 60 faces the rotary agitator 40.

[0076] The inner circumferential wall 60 comprises at least one through-orifice 62 for circulating water through the filter. In the example of [Fig.4], the inner circumferential wall 60 comprises six through-orifices 62.

[0077] The housing 52 also comprises an outer circumferential wall 64. The outer circumferential wall 64 is intended to be opposite the inner wall 49 of the container when the treatment assembly is received in the container 12. The radial distance between the outer circumferential wall 64 and the inner wall 49 of the container 12 is advantageously greater than 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, when the treatment assembly 13 is received in the container 12.

[0078] The outer circumferential wall 64 comprises at least one through-orifice 66 for circulating water through the filter 38. In the example of [Fig.4], the outer circumferential wall 64 comprises six through-orifices 66.

[0079] Each through-orifice 62, 66 is advantageously partially closed by a grid (not shown) making it possible to keep the activated carbon inside the housing 52. The grid has a mesh size smaller than the smallest dimension of the filter material. The grid is micro-perforated and is for example made of stainless steel or plastic or non-woven fabric.

[0080] Each through-orifice 66 of the external circumferential wall 64 has a section greater than those of the internal circumferential wall 60 with a ratio preferably greater than 1.3.

[0081] Generally, the through-orifices 66 offer a water passage section greater than the water passage section of the through-orifices 62.

[0082] The upper wall 56 is advantageously a solid wall extending between the internal circumferential wall 60 and the external circumferential wall 64.

[0083] Advantageously, the centering elements 48 are fixed to the external circumferential wall 64.

[0084] The housing 52 also includes a solid bottom 67, also called a solid bottom wall, extending between the inner circumferential wall 60 and the outer circumferential wall 64.

[0085] Preferably, the housing 52 is made of stainless steel, other materials remaining possible, for example plastic, polymer or mineral materials.

[0086] The rotary agitator 40 is configured to create a movement of the water through the filter 38 and to cause agitation of the water, particularly on the surface. Advantageously, the rotary agitator 40 is configured to create a vortex for agitating the water. Vortex is understood to mean the appearance of a whirlpool in the water visible to the user.

[0087] More specifically, the rotary agitator 40 is configured to create a movement of the water through the upper opening 58 then successively through each through orifice 62, 66 of the internal circumferential wall 60 and the external circumferential wall 64.

[0088] The rotary agitator 40 is articulated in rotation around the gripping rod 42.

[0089] The rotary agitator 40 comprises a lower portion 70 facing the housing 52 and in particular of the internal circumferential wall 60 and an upper portion 72 protruding in a vertical direction from the upper wall 56.

[0090] The lower portion 70 faces the internal circumferential wall 60.

[0091] The upper portion 72 protrudes from the upper opening 58, in the vertical direction, by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. Such a configuration makes it possible to facilitate the creation of a vortex as well as the circulation of water through the upper opening 58 and then successively through each through-orifice 62, 66 of the internal circumferential wall 60 and the external circumferential wall 64.

[0092] As visible in [Fig.5], the rotary agitator 40 comprises a body 74 of substantially truncated cone shape with the largest base 76 located in the lower part. The body 74 extends along a central axis X2 generally coincident with the central axis XI of the rod 42.

[0093] The rotary agitator 40 comprises blades 78 fixed on the body and whose width, measured radially to the vertical axis Z, decreases downwards. Width is understood to mean the dimension of the blades 78 in a direction radial to the axis X2.

[0094] Advantageously, the blades 78 comprise a straight upper edge 80 and / or a straight outer edge 82. Preferably, the upper 80 and outer 82 edges are straight and respectively horizontal and vertical. Advantageously again, the blades 78 are flat and extend along a plane parallel to the central axis X2. The blades also comprise an inner edge 84 in contact with the body 74 and the shape of which matches that of an outer surface of the body 74 to which each blade is fixed. Advantageously, the blades 78 are in one piece with the body 74. Alternatively, the blades 78 are made of flexible material. By flexible, we mean that the blades are capable of being elastically deformed, in particular for reasons of demolding during the manufacture of the stirrer 40.

[0095] Advantageously and as shown in [Fig.5], the blades 78 extend substantially over the entire height of the body 74. As a variant, the blades 78 extend at least partially along the lower portion 70 and along the upper portion 72.

[0096] According to another variant, in accordance with the second embodiment presented in [Fig. 6], for which the same references are used as for the first embodiment to designate similar elements, the outer edge 82 is curved and has a point of inflection so that it comprises, along the axis X2, a first concave portion 82A and a second convex portion 82B. In [Fig. 6], the blades 78 have, along the vertical direction, a surface having a change in concavity and comprising, along the axis X2, a first concave portion 78A and a second convex portion 78B.

[0097] The rotary stirrer 40 is a magnetic stirring member suitable for cooperating with the base 14.

[0098] The rotary stirrer 40 comprises for example magnetic inserts 86 in the body 74 near the large base 76. The rotary stirrer 40 comprises for example two magnetic inserts 86 on either side of the central axis X2. The magnetic inserts 86 are for example magnets, for example magnets resistant to a temperature greater than 100°C. Advantageously, the magnetic inserts 86 comprise several superimposed magnets. The magnetic inserts 86 are advantageously overmolded in the body 74 so that they are never in contact with water.

[0099] When the processing assembly 13 is positioned in the container 12, the gripping rod 42 extends parallel to the vertical axis Z from the base 36 to the vicinity of the upper filling opening 18.

[0100] The gripping rod 42 comprises a lower end 88 fixed to the base 36 and an upper end 90 provided with a gripping member 92. The gripping member 92 is for example a gripping ball suitable for being grasped by the user with the fingers when he wishes to manipulate the treatment assembly 13 and move it relative to the container 12. The gripping ball is preferably made of stainless steel or silicone and is advantageously crimped or fitted onto the rod 42.

[0101] The rod 42 passes through the rotary agitator 40 and also the central receiving cavity 54 of the rotary agitator. The rod 42 is centered relative to the base 36 and in particular relative to the filter 38 and the rotary agitator 40.

[0102] The rod 42 comprises a lower portion which forms a rotational guide member for the rotary agitator 40 around which the rotary agitator is articulated via a pivot connection.

[0103] Advantageously, the rod 42 comprises at least one axial stop, not visible in the figures, for holding the agitator in a vertical position. The axial stop is for example positioned opposite the upper portion 72 of the rotary agitator 40, that is to say above the rotary agitator 40.

[0104] Advantageously, as visible in [Fig. 3], the upper end of the rod 42 and in particular the gripping member 92 is configured to interact with a lower face of the cover 16 of the container 12 to be kept centered in a vertical position in the container 12.

[0105] The base 14 is a base for receiving and rotating the magnetic stirring member 40.

[0106] The base 14 comprises a motor 96 which is powered by an energy source which may be, for example, a rechargeable or disposable battery or even a transformer powered by a power cord provided with a plug which connects to the mains. The motor 96 drives a magnetic blade 98 in rotation along an axis X3 which coincides with the axis X2 when the container 12 is placed on the base 14.

[0107] The base 14 comprises on an upper face 100 for receiving the container 12 a projecting portion 102 along the axis X3 suitable for cooperating with the central opening 32 so as to form a means for centering the container 12 on the base 14.

[0108] The magnetic blade 98 is positioned at the level of the projecting portion 102 so as to be as close as possible to the magnetic inserts 86.

[0109] When the container 12 is placed on the base 14, the magnetic attraction force exerted between the rotary stirrer 40 and in particular the magnetic inserts 86 and the magnetic blade 98 makes it possible, during the rotation of the magnetic blade 98, to cause the rotation of said rotary stirrer 40.

[0110] As visible in [Fig. 3], the cover 16 comprises a lower face provided with a housing 106 for receiving the gripping member 92. The housing 106 is centered relative to the cover and ensures centering of the rod 42 and optimized maintenance of the treatment assembly 13 in the container 12.

[0111] The cover 16 is suitable for being removably attached to the container 12. Advantageously, the cover 16 is kept attached to the container via shape cooperation or elastic deformation of a seal at the level of the internal wall 49 surrounding the filling opening 18.

[0112] The operation and handling of the treatment apparatus 10 will be described below in order to better understand its operation and the technical advantages provided by the treatment assembly 13 and more generally the treatment apparatus 10.

[0113] During a first step, the user positions the treatment assembly 13 inside the container 12. To this end, the user grasps the gripping member 92 and passes the base 36 through the filling opening 18 until it comes into contact with the bottom of the container 12. During this step, the centering elements 48 make it possible to ensure a centered position of the base 36 in the container and a translation of the base along the internal wall 49. Advantageously again, at the end of this step, the centering elements 48 make it possible to guarantee the fixing of the treatment assembly 13 to the container 12 via their cooperation with the internal wall 49 in the lower part of the container 12.

[0114] Then, the user fills the container 12 with water and closes it using the cover 16. The gripping member 92 then cooperates with the housing 106 and a centered positioning of the rod 42 in the container 12 is ensured.

[0115] Then, during a following step, the user positions the container 12 on the base 14 and starts the motor 96 to drive the magnetic blade 98 and consequently the rotary stirrer 40 in rotation. The projecting portion 102 makes it possible to guarantee good centering and good holding of the container on the base 14.

[0116] The rotary agitator 40 then allows the creation of a vortex promoting the mixing and circulation of the water and causes the circulation of the water successively through the upper opening 58, then the internal through-orifices 62 and the external through-orifices 64 so that the water rises to the lower part of the container 12 along the internal wall 49.

[0117] Such an operation makes it possible to optimize the circulation of water through the filter 38 and in particular the activated carbon and thus to promote the filtration of the water. In addition, the dimensioning of the housing makes it possible to promote the suction of water into the central cavity 54 and the evacuation of water through the external through-orifices 66 and thus to optimize the volume of water circulating in the filter 38 for a given time. Furthermore, the centering elements 48 make it possible to guarantee a spacing between the through-orifices 66 and the internal wall 49 and thus to guarantee the good evacuation of the water out of the filter 38 after its passage through the filter. In addition, the truncated shape of the body 74 as well as the through-orifices 64, 66 ensures a radial circulation of the water through the filter and thus optimal filtration performance. The water advantageously circulates several times through the filter 38 during operation of the treatment apparatus 10.

[0118] Then at the end of a predetermined filtration time, for example between 3 minutes and 15 minutes, the motor 96 is stopped for example automatically and a light indicator positioned for example on the base 14 signals that the filtration operation is finalized and that the water is ready to be consumed. The water thus circulates several times through the filter 38 and an optimized filtration performance is achieved.

[0119] In a subsequent step, once the water contained in the container 12 has been consumed or after a predetermined number of cycles, i.e. a predetermined number of filtration operations, the user can remove the treatment element 13 to clean it by handling it via the gripping member 96 and translating it upwards through the filling opening 18. Advantageously, the user immerses the base in boiling / boiling water, for example every month to regenerate the filtration capacity of the filter 38 or following the activation of a light indicator on the base after a predetermined number of cycles of the motor. In addition, when the activated carbon received in the housing 52 is more than one year old, the user can replace it by opening the housing and emptying it in order to add new activated carbon to the housing.

[0120] Such an operation / arrangement makes it possible to obtain an improved service life of the treatment assembly 13 while guaranteeing its filtration performance. Thus, the use of consumables is reduced compared to existing products and the service life of the treatment apparatus and the treatment assembly is significantly increased.

[0121] Alternatively, the container 12 comprises a lower container opening member allowing the treatment assembly 13 to be removed from the container 12 via the bottom rather than via the upper filling opening 18.

[0122] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A water treatment assembly (13) intended to be received inside a water receiving container (12) of a water treatment apparatus (10), the treatment assembly (13) comprising a base (36) provided with a water treatment filter (38) and a rotary agitator (40) configured to create a movement of the water through the filter (38), the filter (38) comprising a housing (52) of generally cylindrical shape defining a central cavity (54) for receiving the rotary agitator (40), characterized in that the rotary agitator (40) comprises a lower portion (70) facing the housing (52) and an upper portion (72) projecting in a vertical direction from an upper wall (56) of the housing (52).

2. Treatment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper wall (56) of the housing (52) delimits an upper opening (58) at the level of the central cavity (54) and in that the upper portion (72) protrudes from the upper opening (58), in the vertical direction, by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm.

3. Treatment assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary agitator (40) comprises a body (74) of substantially truncated cone shape with the largest base (76) located in the lower part.

4. Treatment assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotary agitator (40) comprises blades (78) fixed on the body (74) and whose width decreases downwards.

5. Treatment assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the blades (78) comprise a straight upper edge (80) and / or a straight outer edge (82).

6. Treatment assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the blades (78) are flat and extend in the vertical direction.

7. Treatment assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the blades (78) have, in the vertical direction, a surface having a change in concavity and comprising, in the vertical direction, a first concave portion (78A) and a second convex portion (78B).

8. A water treatment assembly according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the filter (38) comprises activated carbon received in the housing (52), the housing (52) being adapted to be opened to replace the activated carbon within it.

9. Water treatment assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (52) comprises: - an upper opening (58) at the central cavity (54), and - an internal circumferential wall (60) and an external circumferential wall (64) each provided with at least one through-orifice (62, 66) for circulating water through the filter (38).

10. A water treatment assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper wall (56) of the housing (52) is solid and extends between the inner circumferential wall (60) and the outer circumferential wall (64), the upper wall (56) delimiting the upper opening (58).

11. Water treatment assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the rotary agitator (40) is configured to create a movement of the water through the upper opening (58) and then successively through each through orifice (62, 66) of the inner circumferential wall (60) and the outer circumferential wall (64).

12. Treatment assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the inner circumferential wall (60) faces the rotary agitator (40) and the outer circumferential wall (64) is intended to be positioned facing an inner wall (49) of the container (12), the radial distance between the outer circumferential wall (64) and the inner wall (49) of the container (12) being greater than 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, when the treatment assembly is received inside the container.

13. Treatment assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that each through-orifice (66) of the external circumferential wall (64) has a section greater than the through-orifices (62) of the internal circumferential wall (60) with a ratio preferably greater than 1.

3.

14. Water treatment apparatus (10) comprising a water receiving container (12) and a water treatment assembly (13) within the container, characterized in that the treatment assembly (13) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Water treatment apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim comprising a base (14) for receiving the container and for rotating the rotary agitator (40).

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