Intermediate base for gravity-feed water filters

Abstract

The present invention provides a filtration device that prevents unwanted pressure differences within the device and ensures a continuous water flow. [Solution] A gravity-type filtration device 10 comprising a hopper 12 for receiving unfiltered water, a storage tank 16 for collecting filtered water, and a filtration cartridge 26, wherein the filtration cartridge 26 has a plurality of filtration elements 30, 32 and an intermediate base 28 positioned between the hopper 12 and the storage tank 16, the intermediate base 28 supporting the filtration cartridge 26 and the hopper 12 and having at least one gap extending inward from its outer edge into the interior of the storage tank 16, the gap being configured to provide a water flow with equal pressure between the interior of the storage tank 16 and the exterior of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background The present invention relates to a gravity-driven water filtration system, and more particularly to a system for filtering water for personal consumption.

Background Art

[0002] Gravity-driven systems often have a hopper that receives water to be filtered and a storage tank that collects filtered water. A filtration cartridge connects the hopper and the storage tank, and allows water to flow from the hopper to the storage tank through one or more filtration media.

[0003] In use, the hopper is filled with water (typically common tap water). As water flows from the hopper into the storage tank, it is purified by the filtration medium, removing, for example, rust, dust, unpleasant odors, heavy metals, and other impurities or contaminants in the water. Water usually flows from the hopper to the storage tank solely due to gravity, and as such, the filtration process can take several minutes or more based on the design of the filter, chamber, and the like. As a result, gravity-driven water filtration systems are often "batch" processors. This is because the hopper and the storage tank are sized such that the hopper has a smaller capacity than the storage tank. Filtered water can then be drawn from the storage tank as needed, while the hopper can be refilled at any time.

[0004] To provide high-quality drinking water, water is often passed through a filtration cartridge having one or more filtration elements on its way from the hopper to the storage tank.

[0005] In particular, if a ceramic filter or another filtration element with a small pore size is used in a fixed combination with a filtration element having higher water permeability, a pressure difference arises within the filtration device, which may reduce the water flow rate during use.

[0006] During filling, if the device's filtration cartridge extends into the storage tank and the water level rises in the opposite direction to the filtration cartridge, a back pressure is generated by the rising water in the storage tank against the gravity flow of the filtered water in the cartridge. Without pressure equalization, this results in back pressure within the filtration cartridge, stopping the water flow.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a filtration device that prevents unwanted pressure differences within the device and ensures a continuous water flow. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a gravity-type water filtration device, which is a gravity-type water filtration device. - It has a hopper (12) for receiving unfiltered water, - It has a storage tank (16) for collecting filtered water, - It has a filtration cartridge (26), the filtration cartridge (26) has at least one filtration element (30, 32), and provides a flow path from the hopper (12) to the storage tank (16), and - It has an intermediate base (28) positioned between the hopper (12) and the storage tank (16), and the intermediate base (28) is: ○ It has a central opening (40) for receiving a filter cartridge (26), ○ It has means (42) for supporting the filtration cartridge (26), ○ Having means (44) for supporting the hopper (12), ○ It has means (46) for holding the intermediate base (28) at a predetermined position above the storage tank (16), and, ○ It has at least one gap (50) extending inward from the outer edge of the intermediate base into the interior of the storage tank; At least one gap (50) is configured to provide equal pressure between the inside of the storage tank (16) and the outside of the device.

[0009] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for purifying water (in particular water for drinking purposes), comprising passing water through a filtration device described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of the gravity-type filtration device of the present invention. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows an upper view of the intermediate base or adapter of a gravity filtration device. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows a lower view of the intermediate base or adapter of a gravity filtration device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Detailed explanation The present invention provides a gravity-type water filtration device. The device has a hopper at its top for receiving unfiltered water, a storage tank at its bottom for collecting filtered water, a filtration cartridge, and an intermediate base positioned between the hopper and the storage tank. Typically, the hopper and the storage tank have circumferential side walls. In certain embodiments, the hopper has a lid for covering. The capacity of the hopper can vary considerably, but is often about 1 liter to about 20 liters. In certain embodiments, the storage tank has a tap for drawing water. The capacity of the storage tank can vary considerably, but is often about 1 liter to about 100 liters. The hopper and the storage tank may be made from a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic). In certain embodiments, the device is placed on a rack (e.g., a tripod stand).

[0012] The intermediate base of the device may be substantially disc-shaped and have an upper and lower side. Advantageously, the disc-shaped intermediate base structure allows for simple manufacturing and easy cleaning. Typically, the diameter of the intermediate base ranges from approximately 10 cm to approximately 50 cm. The intermediate base is mounted on a storage tank and has means (e.g., a limiter element projecting downward from the bottom) on its underside for holding the intermediate base in a predetermined position above the storage tank (e.g., a central position). In certain embodiments, the limiter element contacts the upper rim of the circumferential side wall of the storage tank. The outer edge of the intermediate base may be at the same height as the outer wall of the hopper and storage tank. This configuration provides structural stability, reliable sealing, and a low potential risk of contamination.

[0013] The intermediate base has means for supporting the hopper on its upper side (e.g., a plurality of raised mounting sections (e.g., three raised mounting sections)), on which the hopper is placed and held at a predetermined position above the intermediate base (e.g., the central position).

[0014] The intermediate base is adapted to receive and support a filtration cartridge having at least one filtration element. The filtration cartridge is inserted into a central opening in the intermediate base, thereby providing a flow path from the hopper to the storage tank. The intermediate base has means for supporting the filtration cartridge (e.g., an annular support element around the central opening on which projections extending from the filtration cartridge may be disposed).

[0015] According to the present invention, the intermediate base has at least one gap extending inward from the outside of the device on its underside and reaching the interior of the storage tank (in particular, reaching the air volume above the water level in the storage tank). This arrangement provides reliable pressure equalization and uniform and distributed intake air. In certain embodiments, at least one gap does not extend vertically through the intermediate base. Instead, the gap may be formed as a recessed cavity on the underside of the intermediate base. This arrangement reduces the risk of contamination. In certain embodiments, the intermediate base has a plurality of gaps (e.g., at least two gaps or at least three gaps). In certain embodiments, the intermediate base has two gaps, three gaps or four gaps, preferably three gaps. The gap(single) or gap(s) provides pressure equalization between the interior of the storage tank (e.g., the air volume above the water level in the storage tank) and the outside of the device.

[0016] According to the present invention, at least one gap is configured to provide equal pressure between the inside of the storage tank and the outside of the device. In certain embodiments, at least one gap is configured to facilitate the removal of the intermediate base from the storage tank. In non-limiting examples, at least one gap is sized so that a user can insert a finger or fingernail into the gap to grasp the intermediate base for handling or removal. This arrangement configuration allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the water filtration system.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the intermediate base further has an outer edge that extends upward as protection against water overflow in the event that the filter cartridge becomes clogged or otherwise blocked.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the device's filtration cartridge has a plurality of different filtration elements (for example, a first filtration element for receiving unfiltered water from a hopper and a second filtration element for receiving water from the first filtration element).

[0019] When the cartridge is in use, water first passes through the first filtration element, and then passes through the second filtration element. Particularly when the water permeability of the first filtration element and the second filtration element differ, a pressure difference may occur within the device. According to the present invention, pressure equalization is provided by a gap located on the lower side of the intermediate base, which extends from the storage tank to the outside of the device. This enables smooth operation of the filtration cartridge, and the water flow rate through the cartridge is not adversely affected by the accumulation of pressure difference.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the water permeability of the first filtration element is lower than the water permeability of the second filtration element. For example, the water permeability of the first filtration element is at least 2 times lower than the water permeability of the second filtration element, and particularly at least 3 times lower.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the first filtration element is detachably mounted to the filtration cartridge, and can be snugly fitted to the cartridge body via a holder provided on the cartridge body. In a specific embodiment, the first filtration element is fitted to the holder via a flexible seal that will be described in detail below.

[0022] The first filtration element may have a microporous filter suitable for removing undissolved substances from water. The pore size may be about 100 μm or less, specifically about 0.1 to about 50 μm, and more specifically about 0.4 to about 20 μm, for example about 10 μm. The first filtration element may be, for example, a ceramic filter, an ultrafiltration membrane, or a microsponge. In an even more specific embodiment, the first filtration element is a ceramic filter.

[0023] The first filtering element may be adapted to fit snugly into a holder provided at the top of the cartridge body. Typically, the holder is an integral part of the cartridge body. In a specific embodiment, the first filtering element is adapted to fit snugly into the holder via a flexible seal which is a separate component from the cartridge body. The flexible seal may be made of any suitable flexible material compatible with drinking water. For example, the flexible seal is a flexible silicone, rubber or latex seal, more specifically a flexible silicone seal.

[0024] The flexible seal is held in its predetermined position by the holder. For this purpose, the holder may have one or more protrusions extending from the upper part of the inwardly directed side wall.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the flexible seal is formed as a one-piece structure having a first substructure adapted to be disposed on the holder and a second substructure adapted to fit snugly onto the first filtering element. In a particular embodiment, the first substructure is formed as a base having an opening for providing a water flow from the first filtering element to the subsequent pressure equalization chamber. In a particular embodiment, the second substructure has at least one lip (e.g., an outer lip and an inner lip extending circumferentially upward from the base), such that the first filtering element can be snugly fitted onto the at least one lip (e.g., between the outer flexible lip and the inner flexible lip). The lip (e.g., the outer lip) may be provided with openings to allow water flow into the first filtering element.

[0026] The second filtering element may comprise one or more materials suitable for water purification. In a particular embodiment, the second filtering element is positioned within the filter cartridge. The chamber is defined by a suitable support structure (e.g., horizontal water-permeable support structures above and below the second filtering element and optionally at least one vertical support structure).

[0027] The second filtration element may have one or more filter materials selected from the group having activated carbon, silver-impregnated activated carbon, adsorbents including zeolite and diatomaceous earth, ion exchange resins including anion exchange resins, cation exchange resins and mixed bed resins, mineralization media including calcium carbonate (e.g., dolomite, limestone and / or marble), magnesium oxide and sintered glass, metallic filter media including KDF-55 (copper-zinc alloy) and manganese green sand, bioceramic materials including FIR ceramics, tourmaline, alkali ceramics and EM ceramics, and natural filter media including quartz sand, active sand and clay filter granules, as well as any combination thereof.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the second filtration element may have two or more distinct layers of different materials (e.g., different filter materials). In such embodiments, the chamber of the second filtration element may have several individual compartments, particularly in a horizontal arrangement configuration, and the individual compartments may have different materials (e.g., different filter materials). The individual compartments may be separated by a water-permeable horizontal support structure and optionally held by a vertical support structure. For example, the chamber of the second filtration element may have an upper compartment and a lower compartment separated by a water-permeable support structure. In certain embodiments, the lower compartment may have a water-enriching element (e.g., a mineralizing element).

[0029] The device is particularly useful for purifying water for drinking purposes.

[0030] Furthermore, a method for purifying water is provided, comprising passing water through the above-mentioned device and collecting the purified water in a storage tank. In particular, the water is intended for drinking.

[0031] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed drawings, but will not be limited thereto.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a side view of the gravity filtration device (10) of the present invention. The device has a hopper (12) in which unfiltered water is filled. The hopper (12) may have a lid (14) on its top for covering. Furthermore, the device has a storage tank (16) for collecting the filtered water. The storage tank (16) may have a tap (18) for drawing out the water. Water stones (20) (e.g., water gemstones) may be placed inside the storage tank (16) to improve water quality. The device (10) may be positioned on a rack (24).

[0033] The water channel from the hopper (12) to the storage tank (16) is provided by a filter cartridge (26) having one or more filtering elements. The filter cartridge is supported by an intermediate base (28) positioned between the hopper (12) and the storage tank (16), and may have a disc-like shape. The outer edge of the intermediate base (28) may be at the same height as the outer walls of the hopper (12) and the storage tank (16). Detailed diagrams of the intermediate base are shown in Figures 2a and 2b below.

[0034] In the embodiments depicted, the filtration cartridge (26) has a first filtration element (30) which is the uppermost filtration element of the cartridge and receives unfiltered water. In certain embodiments, the first filtration element (30) may be detachably attached to the filtration cartridge (26) via, for example, a flexible seal (specifically, a silicone seal). In certain embodiments, the first filtration element (30) is a microporous filter (e.g., a ceramic filter).

[0035] In the embodiment depicted, the filter cartridge (26) further includes a second filter element (32) for receiving water from the first filter element (14). The second filter element (32) may be positioned in a chamber within the filter cartridge (26) and may have several layers (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e) of different filter materials. The individual layers may be defined by horizontally permeable support structures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f) and the side walls of the filter cartridge (26). In a specific embodiment, the permeability of the first filter element (30) is lower than that of the second filter element (32).

[0036] The filtration cartridge (26) is fitted to be held in place within the filtration device by a retaining element (36) that provides support to the intermediate base (28). The connection between the support element (36) and the filtration cartridge (26) may have threads (38).

[0037] Figures 2a and 2b show details of an intermediate base (28) positioned as an adapter between the hopper and the storage tank. Figure 2a depicts the upper side of the intermediate base. The intermediate base (28) has a central opening (40) that fits to receive a filter cartridge and optionally has means (not shown) for supporting the filter and providing connection to the filter cartridge.

[0038] The upper part of the intermediate base (28) may have means for supporting a hopper and may have a number of raised mounting sections (e.g., three mounting sections) (44) on which the hopper is placed. The intermediate base (28) may further have an upward-extending outer edge (46) as protection against water overflow in the event that the filtration cartridge becomes clogged or otherwise closed. Due to the outer edge (46), any water on the upper surface of the intermediate base will proceed from there (unfiltered) into the storage tank.

[0039] Figure 2b shows the underside of the intermediate base. The central opening (40) and the annular support element (42) are shown. Protruding from the underside of the intermediate base (28) are means (e.g., limiter element (48)) for holding the intermediate base (28) in a predetermined position above the storage tank (e.g., the central position). Typically, when the device is installed, the limiter element (48) will be positioned inside the upper rim of the circumferential side wall of the storage tank and will be in contact with it.

[0040] Furthermore, the lower side of the intermediate base (28) has a gap (50) that extends inward from the outer edge of the intermediate base into the interior of the storage tank (in particular into the air volume above the water level in the storage tank). The length of the gap in the inward direction is greater than the thickness of the circumferential side wall of the storage tank and is typically about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm. In the embodiment depicted, the gap extends inward beyond the limiter element (48). These gaps are air channels for providing equal pressure between the interior of the storage tank (e.g., the air volume above the water level in the storage tank) and the outside of the device.

Claims

1. A gravity-type water filtration device, - It has a hopper (12) for receiving unfiltered water, - It has a storage tank (16) for collecting filtered water, - It has a filtration cartridge (26), the filtration cartridge (26) has at least one filtration element (30, 32), and provides a flow path from the hopper (12) to the storage tank (16), and - It has an intermediate base (28) positioned between the hopper (12) and the storage tank (16), and the intermediate base (28) is: ○ It has a central opening (40) for receiving the aforementioned filter cartridge (26), ○ The filter cartridge (26) has means (42) for supporting it, ○ The hopper (12) has means (44) for supporting it, ○ The intermediate base (28) has means (46) for holding it at a predetermined position above the storage tank (16), and ○ It has at least one gap (50) below it that extends inward from the outer edge of the intermediate base into the interior of the storage tank; The at least one gap (50) is configured to provide equal pressure between the inside of the storage tank (16) and the outside of the device. The aforementioned device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate base (28) is substantially disk-shaped.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate base (28) has a diameter of about 10 cm to about 50 cm.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means (42) for supporting the filtration cartridge has an annular support element around the central opening (40) of the intermediate base.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate base (28) further has an outer edge (46) extending upward.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage tank (16) has a capacity of approximately 1 liter to approximately 100 liters.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage tank (16) has a faucet.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is positioned on a rack (24).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filtration cartridge (26) has a plurality of different filtration elements (30, 32).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the filtration cartridge (26) has a first filtration element (30) for receiving unfiltered water from the hopper and a second filtration element (32) for receiving water from the first filtration element, and the water permeability of the first filtration element (30) is lower than that of the second filtration element (32).

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the first filtration element (30) has a microporous filter having a pore size of about 100 μm or less, specifically about 0.1 to 50 μm, and more specifically about 0.4 to about 20 μm, for example, about 10 μm.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first filtration element (30) is a ceramic filter.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first filtration element (30) is attached to the filtration cartridge (26) via a flexible seal, specifically via a flexible silicone seal.

14. A method for purifying water, particularly water for drinking purposes, comprising passing water through a filtration device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and collecting the filtered water.

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