Filtering assembly

Abstract

A filtering assembly (10) for swimming pools for the filtration of a fluid is described, comprising: - filtering device (35); - a first duct (15) provided with a first mouth (20) through which it is able to receive the fluid to be filtered, a second mouth (25) connected to said filtering device (35), and a third mouth (30) through which the first duct (15) is adapted to discharge a flushing fluid of the filtering device (35), - a first plug (105) inserted floating into the first duct (15) and movable within the same between a first position, in which it allows fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the second mouth (25) and prevents fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the third mouth (30), and a second position in which it prevents fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the second mouth (25) and allows fluid communication between the second mouth (25) and the third mouth (30), the first plug (105) being designed to automatically place itself by gravity in the second position and to automatically move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure exerted on the first plug (105) itself by the fluid to be filtered entering from the first mouth (20), said pressure being such as to overcome the force of gravity of said first plug.

Description

[0001] “FILTERING ASSEMBLY”

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fluid filtration.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention relates to a filtering assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filtering assembly for swimming pools.

[0005] Known art

[0006] At present various types of filtering devices are known for the filtration of liquids, specifically for swimming pools.

[0007] The most common filtering device consists of a cartridge with incorporated mesh, where the mesh acts as a filter.

[0008] Referring in particular to swimming pool water, instead, the most commonly used type is the so-called sand bed filtering device.

[0009] In such a type of filtering device, filtration is carried out by sand contained in a casing generally made of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) into which the water to be filtered is pumped.

[0010] Sand can indeed retain suspended particles until it is saturated.

[0011] In use, as known, these filtering devices tend to become saturated or clogged, and therefore need to be flushed.

[0012] Both the cartridge type filtering device with incorporated mesh and the sand bed type, as is well known, are nowadays flushed by reverse flushing.

[0013] Such a flushing technique is operated by reversing the flow of fluid, for example water, disconnecting the filtering device from the source of fluid to be filtered and connecting the same to a drain of disposable dirty fluid.

[0014] In order to disconnect the filtering device from the source of fluid to be filtered and connect it to a drain of disposable flushing fluid, a whole set of valves and / or pressure switches and / or various elements are required, that need to be manually or electronically actuated, making the whole system architecture complex and inconvenient to be managed.

[0015] Very large waste of water resources has also been noted by the Applicant in the case of sand filtering assemblies.

[0016] Systems having a cartridge filtering assembly, on the other hand, allow for a lower waste of water resources but are constructively complex and require significant time and costs for ordinary maintenance.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to solve said drawbacks of the known art.

[0018] Further object of the present invention is to achieve the aforesaid purpose in the context of an extremely simple and rational solution which allows the waste of water resources to be reduced while minimizing time and costs for ordinary maintenance.

[0019] These and other objects are achieved by the features of the invention as set forth in the independent claim.

[0020] The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] Therefore the invention, in a first aspect thereof, relates to a swimming pool filtering assembly for the filtration of a fluid, comprising:

[0023] - a filtering device;

[0024] - a first duct provided with a first mouth through which it is adapted to receive the fluid to be filtered, a second mouth connected to said filtering device, and a third mouth through which the first duct is adapted to discharge a flushing fluid of the filtering device,

[0025] - a first plug inserted floating into the first duct and movable within the same between a first position, in which it allows fluid communication between the first mouth and the second mouth and prevents fluid communication between the first mouth and the third mouth, and a second position in which it prevents fluid communication between the first mouth and the second mouth and allows fluid communication between the second mouth and the third mouth, the first plug being designed to automatically place itself by gravity in the second position and to automatically move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure exerted on the first plug itself by the fluid to be filtered entering from the first mouth, said pressure being such as to overcome the force of gravity of said first plug;

[0026] - a second duct, the second duct being provided with a first opening connected to the filtering device so as to receive the filtered fluid, and also with a second opening for discharging the filtered fluid and with a third opening through which it is adapted to receive said flushing fluid of the filtering device, and

[0027] - a second plug inserted floating into the second duct and movable within the same between a first position, in which it allows fluid communication between the first opening and the third opening and prevents fluid communication between the first opening and the second opening, and a respective second position in which it prevents fluid communication between the first opening and the third opening and allows fluid communication between the first opening and the second opening, the plug being designed to automatically place itself by gravity in the second position and to automatically move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure exerted on the second plug itself by the flushing fluid entering from the third opening, said first and said second plugs having a size smaller than a transverse inner size D respectively of said first and said second ducts in which they are placed and being configured to not exhibit interference with the inner walls of said first and second ducts in which they are placed during their movement from the respective first to second positions and vice versa;

[0028] - said second duct being arranged directly downstream of said filtering device, in the direction of the flow circulating in the filtration mode.

[0029] By virtue of this solution, the invention provides a filtering assembly provided with a filtering device that can be flushed when needed, provided with a particularly simple and functional structure.

[0030] In particular, the filtering device is always fluidically connected to both the third mouth, for possibly (disposably) discharging the flushing fluid, and the first mouth for receiving the fluid to be filtered, but it is selectively fluidically connected with one or the other mouth by means of the first plug, which is floating and moves automatically, and therefore there is no need for valves or other handling devices that need be operated either manually or electronically.

[0031] Specifically, normally, that is, when there is no liquid to be filtered entering the first duct and for example the filtering assembly is arranged with the third mouth placed at a higher vertical elevation than the first mouth, the first plug remains in its second position, with the filtering device resulting fluidically connected to the third mouth.

[0032] In such a circumstance, a flushing fluid can be fed into the filtering device, so that it performs washing by “reverse flushing”, removes the filtrate that clogged the filtering device, exits from the filtering device and is discharged (e.g. disposable) through the third mouth.

[0033] When, instead, the fluid to be filtered in fed into the first duct through the first mouth, the first plug, which is floating, is pushed into the first position by the fluid to be filtered, thus preventing the fluid to be filtered from reaching the third mouth and therefore substantially diverting it into the filtering device from which it subsequently exits filtered.

[0034] By virtue of such a solution, essentially, the filtering assembly automatically adapts to operating conditions, without the need for valves or other means that need to be manually or electronically controlled.

[0035] The structure (or architecture) of the filtering assembly is therefore simple, cheap and effective.

[0036] In practice, by virtue of such a circumstance, the filtering device is always connected both to an opening for discharging the filtered fluid and to an opening through which it can receive the flushing fluid, but it is selectively connected to either one or the other by means of the second plug, which is floating and moves automatically, and therefore there is no need for valves or other handling devices.

[0037] In particular, normally, that is, when there is no flushing fluid entering the third opening, and for example the filtering assembly is arranged with the second opening located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the third opening is located, the second plug remains in its second position, with the filtering device resulting fluidically connected to the second opening.

[0038] In such a circumstance, the filtered fluid exiting from the filtering device can flow out of the filtering assembly through the second opening.

[0039] When, instead, the flushing fluid is fed into the second duct through the third opening, the second plug, which is floating, is pushed by the flushing fluid into the first position, thus preventing the flushing fluid from reaching the second opening and therefore substantially diverting it towards the filtering device to carry out such a washing operation by reverse flushing.

[0040] By virtue of such a solution, the filtering assembly substantially automatically adapts to operating conditions, without the need for valves or other means that need to be controlled manually or electronically.

[0041] Preferably, the first plug and the second plug have a transverse size lower than or equal to 0.98D and greater than or equal to 0.90D.

[0042] This way it is ensured that each plug can move from the first to the second position, and vice versa, without interference or friction with the inner walls of the ducts in which they are located.

[0043] Advantageously, the first duct comprises at least one first straight length between the first mouth and the third mouth, similarly the second duct comprises at least one first straight length between the first mouth and the third mouth; the extent of the first straight length of the first duct being substantially equal to the extent of the first length of the second duct.

[0044] By virtue of this solution, the travel of the first plug from the first to the second position, and vice versa, is substantially equal to the travel of the second plug.

[0045] Still, another aspect of the invention provides for the first plug comprising a body, for example preferably spherical, provided with a metal material core coated with an elastomeric material.

[0046] By virtue of such a solution, the first plug has technical features that make it particularly suitable for use in contact with liquids.

[0047] In particular, by virtue of the elastomeric coating, the metal core that ensures rigidity to the plug can be preserved, thus avoiding any oxidations thereof with consequent leakage of metal oxides into the fluid to be filtered.

[0048] In particular, for this purpose, the elastomeric material is selected from NBR, nitrile rubber, silicone or a mixture thereof.

[0049] Advantageously, the first and the second plugs have a spherical shape having a diameter d, the aforesaid coating of the first and the second plugs has a thickness greater than or equal to 20% of the diameter d and lower than or equal to 35% of said diameter d.

[0050] A further aspect of the invention provides for the first duct being capable of having an inner shoulder made proximally to the first mouth, and the first plug resting on said shoulder in the second position. By virtue of this solution, the first plug remains effectively contained within the first duct.

[0051] In particular, such a shoulder defines an axial narrowing that allows the first plug being effectively contained (i.e. the escape thereof being prevented) inside the first duct and, also, the first plug resting thereon effectively prevents fluid communication between the first mouth and the second mouth.

[0052] Preferably, the first duct has in addition a second inner shoulder made proximally to the second mouth, and wherein the first plug rests on said second shoulder in the first position; and

[0053] - the second duct also has a second inner shoulder made proximally to the second mouth, and wherein the second plug rests on said second shoulder in the first position.

[0054] Advantageously, the distance between the first inner shoulder and the second inner shoulder of the second duct is substantially equal to the distance between the first inner shoulder and the second inner shoulder of the first duct.

[0055] The travel of the first plug from the first to the second positions and vice versa is, therefore, substantially equal to the travel of the second plug.

[0056] Still, a further aspect of the invention provides for the filtering device comprising:

[0057] - a casing providing a first port of the filtering device connected to the second mouth of the first duct, and a second port for the outflow of the filtered fluid, the casing defining a filtration chamber,

[0058] - a filter element accommodated in the filtration chamber,

[0059] - a channeling pipe surrounded by the filter element, the first port and the second port of the filtering device being mutually fluidically connected only through said channeling pipe.

[0060] Preferably, the filtering device may comprise an auger element arranged around the channeling pipe to define a spiral channel for the fluid to be filtered inside the filtration chamber.

[0061] By virtue of this solution and the consequent turbulent flow of the flushing fluid inside the filtration chamber, greater cleaning efficiency of the filter element is achieved.

[0062] In the backflushing step, indeed, the auger element accelerates the speed and force of water (or water combined with air) and provides a centrifugal force effect, which hits the filter element with greater intensity compared to an arrangement without the auger element.

[0063] Preferably, for this purpose, the spiral channel comprises a plurality of turns so as to radially abut against the filter element.

[0064] The turns have a pitch greater than or equal to 90 mm.

[0065] The turns have a pitch lower than or equal to 100 mm. Another aspect of the invention provides for the filtering device also including an UV lamp (i.e. designed for emitting in the ultraviolet range) interposed between the inlet and outlet.

[0066] By virtue of such a solution, the filtering assembly is especially capable of sanitizing the fluid being filtered, where by sanitizing an operation is meant aimed at reducing, through removal and / or killing and / or inactivation, bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, spores, in order to control / eliminate the risk of people infection or contamination of objects or environments.

[0067] In practice, the filtering assembly is able to perform a double action, that is, filtering and sanitizing the fluid.

[0068] A further aspect of the invention provides for the UV lamp being able to be inserted into the channeling pipe.

[0069] By virtue of this solution, sanitizing of the fluid is particularly effective.

[0070] In addition, the channeling pipe can preferably be made of stainless steel.

[0071] Thanks to this solution, the pipe is able to reflect lamp-emitted UV radiation, therefore increasing the power supplied to the filtered fluid.

[0072] Another aspect of the invention provides for the first duct being able to be optically transparent, that is, to be made of an optically transparent material.

[0073] By virtue of this solution, the proper operation of the first plug can be controlled easily and quickly, thus allowing prompt intervention if needed. Again, another aspect of the invention provides for the second duct being able to be optically transparent, that is, made of an optically transparent material.

[0074] By virtue of this solution, the proper operation of the second plug can be controlled easily and quickly, thus allowing prompt intervention if needed.

[0075] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a machine for preparing infused beverages according to the present invention.

[0076] Brief description of the drawings

[0077] This description will be set forth hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of example only and thus not limiting, in which:

[0078] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filtering assembly according to the invention;

[0079] Figure 2 is a sectional view with respect to a vertical median plane of the filtering assembly of figure 1, wherein a first plug is in a first position and a second plug is in a respective second position;

[0080] Figure 3 is the sectional view of figure 2, wherein the first plug is in a respective second position and the second plug is in a respective first position; and

[0081] Figure 4 is a simplified sectional view of the filtering assembly according to the present invention with an auger element mounted within the filtration chamber and arranged around the channeling pipe to create a spiral channel for the flushing fluid during the backflushing step.

[0082] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0083] Referring specifically to these figures, a filtering assembly 10 for the filtration of fluids (specifically liquids), for example specifically water, has been denoted by reference 10.

[0084] By way of example and not limitation, the filtering assembly 10 can be specifically used for the filtration of swimming pool water or the filtration of drinking mains water.

[0085] Of course, the use of the filtering assembly 10 for the filtration of other types of fluid (i.e. liquid) is not excluded.

[0086] First of all, the filtering assembly 10 comprises a first duct 15 adapted to receive a fluid to be filtered. In this regard, the first duct 15 is adapted to be connected to a source of the fluid to be filtered, for example to mains, along which the fluid flows under pressure.

[0087] For example, it can be provided that the first duct 15 may be adapted to be connected to the source by means of a pump, which takes the fluid to be filtered from the source and feed it (under pressure) into the first duct 15.

[0088] In particular, the first duct 15 comprises a first mouth 20 through which it receives the fluid to be filtered (for example directly from the source or possibly from said pump) and two distinct outlet mouths, respectively a second mouth 25 and a third mouth 30, each one distinct from the other.

[0089] In detail, the first mouth 20 and the third mouth 30 can be mutually facing each other.

[0090] For example, the first duct 15 may be substantially T-shaped, i.e. may have a first length 15A (for example straight or substantially straight) at the ends of which the first mouth 20 and the third mouth 30 are respectively made, and a second length 15B branching off from a point (or zone) of the first length, for example a point (or zone) equally distanced from the ends thereof, transversely (for example orthogonally) and providing said second mouth 25 at a distal end of the first length 15 A.

[0091] In particular, as it will better appear below, by means of the second mouth 25 the first duct 15 is adapted to alternatively either feed the fluid to be filtered or receive a flushing fluid, while by means of the third mouth 30 the first duct is adapted to feed said flushing fluid.

[0092] As can be seen in figure 2 or 3, the third mouth 30 can preferably be adapted to be located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the first mouth 20 is located.

[0093] The first duct 15 may preferably be optically transparent, i.e. be made of an optically transparent material.

[0094] Possibly, as can be seen in the accompanying figures, the first duct 15 can also optionally provide one or more auxiliary mouths Bl, for example made at the second length 15B thereof, which mouths can be used for adding any additives or other additional substances into the first duct (and therefore in the fluid flowing through it). Where no additives or other additional substances need to be added, these auxiliary mouths Bl are kept closed by respective closing lids.

[0095] The filtering assembly 10 then comprises a filtering device 35 designed for carrying out the filtration of the fluid (for example water).

[0096] In particular, the filtering device 35 is provided with a first port 40 through which it receives the fluid to be filtered (directly or indirectly) from the first duct 15 and a with second port 45 through which it provides the filtered fluid.

[0097] In particular, the first port 40 of the filtering device 35 is connected (fluidically, watertight) to the second mouth 25 of the first duct 15.

[0098] For example, the first port 40 of the filtering device 35 may be connected (fluidically) directly to the second mouth 25 or, as depicted, may be connected (fluidically, watertight) to the second mouth 25 by a connecting duct.

[0099] The filtering device 35, as can be seen in the accompanying figures, first comprises a casing 50 defining a filtration chamber 55 and provided with two distinct openings which provide said first port 40 and said second port 45 of the filtering assembly 10.

[0100] For example, as can be seen in the accompanying figures, a plurality of support legs can be for example removably combined with (or attached to) such casing 50, by means of which legs the filtering assembly 10 can be rested on a support surface.

[0101] The filtering device 35 then comprises a filter element 60, for example preferably a filtering screen, which is inserted into, and possibly rigidly fixed within, the filtration chamber 55 defined by the casing 50.

[0102] In particular, such a filter element 60, i.e. said filtering screen, is arranged inside the filtration chamber 55 such that the first port 40 and the second port 45 of the filtering device 35 are fluidically connected only through said filter element 60 (i.e. said filtering screen). For example, the filtering screen may preferably have a mesh size between 40 microns and 100 microns.

[0103] In addition, preferably the filtering screen can be made of polyester or polyamide or stainless steel.

[0104] The filtering device 35 may optionally also comprise a channeling pipe 65, which is inserted into the filtration chamber 55 defined by the casing 50 and further enveloped (i.e. surrounded peripherally) by the filter element 60, for example by the filtering screen.

[0105] More specifically, the channeling pipe 65 is provided with an inlet orifice 70 and an opposing outlet orifice 75.

[0106] The inlet orifice 70 is fluidically connected to the first port 40 of the casing 50 of the filter cartridge only through the filter element 60, for example said filtering screen.

[0107] The outlet orifice 75, instead, is fluidically connected (watertight) to the second port 45 of the casing 50 of the filtering device 35.

[0108] In particular, if such a channeling pipe 65 is present, fluid communication between the first port 40 and the second port 45 (of the casing 50) of the filtering device 35 only occurs through the channeling duct 65.

[0109] In practice, the channeling pipe 65, if any, receives the fluid already filtered by the filter element 60 through the inlet orifice 70 and directs it towards the second port 45 (of the casing 50) of the filtering device 35 through the outlet orifice 70.

[0110] This channeling pipe 65 is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0111] Again, as can be seen from figure 2 or 3, the filtering device 35 may comprise a sanitizing device 80 inserted into the casing 50 and designed for sanitizing, i.e. eradicating bacteria and / or other pathogens from, the fluid to be filtered / already filtered.

[0112] For example, such sanitizing device 80 is a UV (ultraviolet) lamp type, i.e. designed for emitting light radiation in the ultraviolet range. Preferably, as can be seen from figure 2 or 3, the sanitizing device 80, i.e. such UV lamp, can be inserted into the channeling pipe 65 (if any).

[0113] In particular, this UV lamp can run inside the channeling duct for a greater portion of its longitudinal extent.

[0114] The filtering device 35 may also possibly comprise a pressure gauge M (manometer) combined with the casing 50 and designed for measuring the pressure inside the filtration chamber 55 defined by the same. The filtering assembly 10 can further comprise a second duct 85 adapted to receive the fluid filtered by the filtering device 35.

[0115] According to an embodiment shown in figure 4, the filtering device 35 may, optionally, also comprise an auger element 73 arranged around the channeling pipe 65 to define a spiral channel 74 for the flushing fluid inside the filtration chamber 55.

[0116] By virtue of this solution and the consequent turbulent and centrifugal flow of the fluid inside the filtration chamber 55, greater cleaning efficiency of the filter element 60, i.e. of the filtering screen, is achieved.

[0117] Preferably, for this purpose the spiral channel 74 comprises a plurality of turns 76 such as to radially abut against the filter element 60 (i.e. said filtering screen).

[0118] The turns 76 have a pitch greater than or equal to 90 mm and lower than or equal to 100 mm.

[0119] In particular, the second duct 85 is provided with a first opening 90 connected (fluidically, watertight) to the second port 45 of the filtering device 35, i.e. of the casing 50, and further with a second opening 95 and a third opening 100 each one distinct from the other.

[0120] In particular, as it will better appear below, by means of the second opening 95, the second duct 25 is adapted to feed the fluid filtered by the filtering device 35, while by means of the third opening 100 it is adapted to receive the flushing fluid (for example compressed air or pressurized water or a pressurized solvent).

[0121] For example, the first opening 90 of the second duct 85 can be directly connected (fluidically) to the second port 45 of the filtering device 35 or, as shown, it can be connected (fluidically, watertight) to the second port 45 of the filtering device 35 by means of a respective connecting duct. The second opening 95 and the third opening 100, as can be seen in the section of figure 2 or 3, are facing each other.

[0122] For example, the second duct 85 may be substantially T-shaped, i.e. may have a first length 85A (for example straight or substantially straight) at the ends of which the second opening 95 and the third opening 100 are respectively made, and a second length 85B branching off from a point (or zone) of the first length, for example a point (or zone) equally distanced from the ends thereof, transversely (for example orthogonally) and which provides said first opening 90 at a distal end of the first length.

[0123] The extent of the first straight length 15A of the first duct 15 is substantially equal to the extent, preferably vertical, of the first length 85 A of the second duct 85.

[0124] As can be seen in figure 2 or 3, the second opening 95 can preferably be adapted to be located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the third opening 100 is located.

[0125] The second duct 85, as previously mentioned and shown in the figures, is located directly downstream of the filtering device 35, in the direction of the flow circulating in filtration mode. The term “directly downstream” means that no additional duct with valve function is provided between the filtering device 35 and the second duct 85.

[0126] The second duct 85 may also preferably be optically transparent, that is, made of an optically transparent material.

[0127] Possibly, as can be seen in the accompanying figures, the second duct 85 can also optionally provide one or more auxiliary mouths B2, for example made at the second length 85B thereof, which can be used for adding any additives or other additional substances into the first duct (and therefore in the fluid flowing through it).

[0128] Where no additives or other additional substances need to be added, such auxiliary mouths B2 are closed by respective closing lids.

[0129] The filtering assembly 10 then comprises a first plug 105, which is inserted floating into the first duct 15 and movable within the same between a first position and a second position.

[0130] In the first position, the first plug 105 allows fluid communication between the first mouth 20 and the second mouth 25 and prevents fluid communication between the first mouth 20 and the third mouth 30.

[0131] In the second position, the first plug 105 prevents fluid communication between the first mouth 25 and the second mouth 25 and allows fluid communication between the second mouth 25 and the third mouth 30.

[0132] In particular, such a first plug 105 is designed to automatically place itself into the second position by gravity.

[0133] In particular, such a first plug 105 can automatically place itself into such a second position by gravity (i.e. by its weight, force specifically when the third mouth 30 is located at a higher vertical elevation than the first mouth 20, and for example preferably the first length 15A of the first duct 15 is arranged 25 substantially parallel to the vertical).

[0134] In other words, the first plug 105 is normally, that is, when the filtering assembly 10 is arranged with the third mouth 30 located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the first mouth 20 is located (and for example preferably with the first mouth 20 and the third mouth 5 substantially mutually aligned vertically, that is, with the filtering assembly arranged with the first length 15A of the first duct 15 substantially parallel to the vertical), and in the absence of fluid to be filtered entering the first duct 15 through the first mouth 20, located in the second position.

[0135] However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments not depicted, the first plug 105 may automatically place itself into such a second position also by other means (for example regardless of the vertical elevations of the first mouth and the third mouth), for example by means of an elastic element (for example a spring) designed for pushing the first plug 105 towards (and into) the second position.

[0136] In addition, the first plug 105 is designed to automatically (i.e. without the need for manual or electronic actuation) move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure (or thrust) exerted on the first plug itself by the fluid to be filtered entering from the first mouth 20.

[0137] Preferably, the first plug 105 shifts between the first position and the second position.

[0138] In the first position, the first plug 105 is interposed between the point (or zone) from which the second length 15B branches off and the third mouth 30, so as to allow the fluid to be filtered to only flow from the first mouth 20 towards the second mouth 25, whereas in the second position, the first plug 105 is interposed between the point (or zone) from which the second length branches off and the first mouth, so as to prevent fluid communication between the first mouth 20 and the second mouth 25.

[0139] For example, as can be better seen in figure 3, the first duct 15 can have a first inner shoulder 110 made proximally to the first mouth 20, and in the second position the first plug 105 can be resting on said shoulder.

[0140] Again, as can be better seen in figure 2, the first duct 15 may have a second inner shoulder 115 made proximally to the third mouth 30, and in the first position the first plug 105 may possibly abut on said second inner shoulder 115.

[0141] The first plug 105 is inserted with low clearance into the first duct 15, for example in particular into the first length 15A of the first duct 15. For this purpose, the first plug 105 has a size smaller than a transverse inner size D of the first duct 15 and is configured to not exhibit interference with the inner walls of the first duct 15.

[0142] Preferably, the first plug 105 has a transverse size lower than or equal to 0.98D and greater than or equal to 0.90D.

[0143] In detail, the first plug 105 may have a slightly smaller sectional size, for example by only a few tenths of a millimeter or at most 1 millimeter, compared to the sectional size of the first duct 15 (in particular of the first length 15A of the first duct 15).

[0144] The first plug 105 comprises a preferably spherical body provided with a core made of metal material, for example steel, coated with an elastomeric material.

[0145] Preferably, the elastomeric material is selected from NBR, nitrile rubber, silicone or a mixture thereof.

[0146] The first plug 105, as previously mentioned, has a spherical shape having a diameter d, the coating is a not-negligible size of the first plug which, as a matter of fact, has a thickness greater than or equal to 20% of the diameter d and lower than or equal to 35% of the diameter d.

[0147] The elastomeric material coating prevents corrosion and protects the metal core against contamination that could be released into the fluid.

[0148] The same ensures an airtight seal when the ball is in its closed position and eventually its thickness allows the plug itself to resist wear and chemicals present in the used fluids.

[0149] The filtering assembly 10 then comprises a second plug 120, which is inserted floating into the second duct 85 and movable within the same between a respective first position and a respective second position.

[0150] In the first position, the second plug 120 allows fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the third opening 100 and prevents fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the second opening 95.

[0151] In the second position, the second plug 120 prevents fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the third opening 100 and allows fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the second opening 95. In particular, this second plug 120 is designed to automatically place itself into the second position.

[0152] In particular, this second plug 120 can automatically place itself into such second position by gravity (i.e. due to its weight force, in particular when the second opening 95 is located at a higher vertical elevation than the third opening 100, and for example preferably the first length 85A of the second duct 85 is arranged substantially parallel to the vertical).

[0153] In other words, the first plug 105 is normally, that is, when the filtering assembly 10 is arranged with the second opening 95 located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the third opening 100 is located (and for example preferably with the second opening 95 and the third opening 100 substantially mutually aligned vertically, that is, with the first length 85A of the second duct 85 arranged substantially parallel to the vertical), and in the absence of flushing fluid entering from the third opening 100, located in the second position.

[0154] However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments not depicted, the second plug 120 can automatically place itself into such a respective second position also by other means (for example regardless of the vertical elevations of the second opening and the third opening), for example by means of an elastic element (for example a spring) designed for pushing the second plug 120 towards (and into) the respective second position.

[0155] The second plug 120 is further designed to automatically (i.e. without the need for manual or electronic actuation) move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure (or thrust) exerted on the second plug itself by the flushing fluid entering the second duct 85 from the second opening 95.

[0156] Preferably, the second plug 120 shifts between the first position and the second position. In practice, in the first position (visible in figure 3), the second plug 120 is interposed between the point (or zone) from which the second length branches off and the second opening 95, so as to prevent fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the second opening 95 and to allow fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the third opening 100, whereas in the second position (visible in figure 2), the second plug body 120 is interposed between the point (or zone) from which the second length 85B branches off and the third opening 100, so as to allow fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the second opening 95 and to prevent fluid communication between the first opening 90 and the third opening 100.

[0157] For example, as can be better seen in figure 2 or 3, the second duct 85 may have a respective first inner shoulder 125 made proximally to the third opening 100, and in the second position the second plug 120 rests on said respective first inner shoulder 125.

[0158] Again, as can be better seen in such figure 2 or 3, the second duct 85 can have a respective second inner shoulder 130 made proximally to the second opening 95, and in the first position the second plug 120 can possibly abut on said second inner shoulder 130.

[0159] The distance between the first inner shoulder 125 and the second inner shoulder 130 of the second duct 85 is substantially equal to the distance between the first shoulder 110 and the second shoulder 115 of the first duct 15.

[0160] The second plug 120 is inserted with low clearance into the second duct 85, in particular, into the first length 85 A of the second duct 85.

[0161] For this purpose, the second plug 120 has a size smaller than a transverse inner size D of the second duct 85 and is designed to not exhibit interference with the inner walls of the second duct 85.

[0162] Preferably, the second plug 120 has a transverse size lower than or equal to 0.98D and greater than or equal to 0.90D.

[0163] In detail, the second plug 120 may have a slightly smaller sectional size, for example by only a few tenths of a millimeter or at most 1 millimeter, compared to the sectional size of the second duct 85 (in particular of the first length 85A of the second duct 85).

[0164] The second plug 120 comprises a preferably spherical body provided with a core made of metal material, for example steel, coated with an elastomeric material.

[0165] Preferably, the elastomeric material is selected from NBR, nitrile rubber, silicone or a mixture thereof.

[0166] The second plug 120, as previously mentioned, has a spherical shape having a diameter d, the coating is a not-negligible size of the second plug 120 which, as a matter of fact, has a thickness greater than or equal to 20% of the diameter d and lower than or equal to 35% of the diameter d.

[0167] The elastomeric material coating prevents corrosion and protects the metal core against contamination that might be released into the fluid.

[0168] The same ensures an airtight seal when the ball is in its closed position and eventually its thickness allows the plug itself to resist wear and chemicals present in the used fluids.

[0169] In order to ensure that the travel of the first 105 and second 120 plugs within the first and second ducts 85, respectively, is substantially the same, the extent of the first straight length 15 A of the first duct 15 is substantially equal to the extent of the first length 85 A of the second duct 85.

[0170] More specifically, the distance between the first inner shoulder 125 and the second inner shoulder 130 of the second duct 85 is substantially equal to the distance between the first inner shoulder 110 and the second inner shoulder 115 of the first duct 15.

[0171] In view of the above, the operation of the filtering assembly 10 is as follows.

[0172] In the absence of fluid to be filtered entering the first duct 15 and in the absence of flushing fluid entering the second duct 85, the first plug 105 and the second plug 120 remain (automatically, i.e. in the absence of manual or electronic actuation, but simply by gravity) in their respective second positions.

[0173] In particular, in reference to the depicted embodiment, the filtering assembly 10 can be rested on a support surface by means of the legs combined with (i.e. attached to) the casing 50 of the filtering device 35.

[0174] In use, the filtering assembly 10, as depicted, is arranged with the third mouth 30 of the first duct 15 located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the first opening 20 is located, and preferably with the first length 15A of the first duct 15 substantially parallel to the vertical, and furthermore with the second opening 95 of the second duct 85 located at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation at which the third opening 100 is located, and preferably with the first length 85 A of the second duct 85 substantially parallel to the vertical. With the filtering assembly 10 arranged in this way, the first plug body 105 and the second plug body 120 are automatically held in their respective second positions by gravity.

[0175] Instead, when the fluid to be filtered in fed into the first duct 15 through the first mouth 20, the first floating plug 105 is pushed by the fluid to be filtered from the second position to the respective first position.

[0176] The fluid to be filtered, prevented from reaching the third mouth 30, moves towards the second mouth 25, reaches the first port 40 of the filtering device 35, passes through the filtering device 35, exits filtered (and possibly sanitized) from the second port 45 of the filtering device 35, and reaches the second duct 85 where the second plug 120 is in the respective second position and, therefore, the filtered fluid flows out of the second duct 85 through the second opening 95 (and for example is fed back into the source from which the fluid to be filtered was taken).

[0177] When there is no, or at end of, fluid to be filtered entering the first duct 15, for example because a pump supplying this fluid to be filtered is turned off, the first plug 105 returns (automatically, i.e. in the absence of manual or electronic actuation, but only under the action of gravity) to its respective second position.

[0178] At this point, the filtering device 35 can be optionally flushed, in particular by using the “reverse flushing” technique, so called in technical field jargon.

[0179] In this circumstance, therefore, a flushing fluid, for example compressed air or pressurized water or possibly a pressurized solvent, can be fed into the second duct 85 through the third opening 100.

[0180] When this occurs, the second plug 120, being floating, is pushed by the flushing fluid 25 from its respective second position into its respective first position, and the flushing fluid is then channeled into the filtering device 35 through the second port 45 thereof.

[0181] The flushing fluid reversely flows through the filtering device 35, thus exiting from the first port 40 thereof, reaches the second duct 85 where the first 5 plug 105 is in its respective second position, and then exits from the second duct 85 through the third mouth 30 (and for example is disposably discharged). The so-conceived invention is susceptible to a number of modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0182] In addition, all the details are replaceable by other technically equivalent elements.

[0183] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, may be any as needed without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Filtering assembly (10) for swimming pools for the filtration of a fluid, comprising:- filtering device (35);- a first duct (15) provided with a first mouth (20) through which it is adapted to receive the fluid to be filtered, a second mouth (25) connected to said filtering device (35), and a third mouth (30) through which the first duct (15) is adapted to discharge a flushing fluid of the filtering device (35),- a first plug (105) inserted floating into the first duct (15) and movable within the same between a first position, in which it allows fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the second mouth (25) and prevents fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the third mouth (30), and a second position in which it prevents fluid communication between the first mouth (20) and the second mouth (25) and allows fluid communication between the second mouth (25) and the third mouth (30), the first plug (105) being designed to automatically place itself by gravity in the second position and to automatically move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure exerted on the first plug (105) itself by the fluid to be filtered entering from the first mouth (20), said pressure being such as to overcome the force of gravity of said first plug;- a second duct (85), the second duct (85) being provided with a first opening (90) connected to the filtering device (35) so as to receive the filtered fluid, and further with a second opening (95) for discharging the filtered fluid and with a third opening (100) by means of which it is adapted to receive said flushing fluid of the filtering device (35), and- a second plug (120) inserted floating into the second duct (85) and movable within the same between a first position, in which it allows fluid communication between the first opening (90) and the third opening (100) and prevents fluid communication between the first opening (90) and the second opening (95), and a respective second position in which it prevents fluid communication between the first opening (90) and the third opening (100) and allows fluid communication between the first opening (90) and the second opening (95), the plug being designed to automatically place itself by gravityin the second position and to automatically move from the second position to the first position as a result of the pressure exerted on the second plug (120) itself by the flushing fluid entering from the third opening (100), said first (105) and said second (120) plugs having a size smaller than a transverse inner size D respectively of said first (15) and said second (85) ducts in which they are placed and being configured to not exhibit interference with the inner walls of said first (15) and second (85) ducts in which they are placed during their movement from the respective first to second positions and vice versa;- said second duct (85) being arranged directly downstream of said filtering device (35), in the direction of the flow circulating in the filtration mode.

2. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein said first plug (105) and said second plug (120) have a transverse size lower than or equal to 0.98D and greater than or equal to 0.90D.

3. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:- said first duct (15) comprises at least one first straight length (15 A) between said first mouth (20) and said third mouth (30);- said second duct (85) comprises at least one first straight length (85A) between said first mouth (20) and said third mouth (30); the extent of said first straight length (15 A) of said first duct (15) being substantially equal to the extent of said first length (85A) of the second duct (85).

4. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first plug (105) and said second plug (120) comprise a body provided with a metal material core coated with an elastomeric material.

5. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein said elastomeric material is selected from NBR, nitrile rubber, silicone or a mixture thereof.

6. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first plug (105) and said second plug (120) have a spherical shape having a diameter d, said coating having a thickness greater than or equal to 20% of said diameter d and lower than or equal to 35% of said diameter d.

7. Filtering assembly (10) according to any one of preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein- the first duct (15) has a first inner shoulder made proximally to the first mouth(20), and wherein the first plug (105) is resting on said first shoulder in the second position; and- the second duct (1) has a first inner shoulder made proximally to the first mouth (20), and wherein the second plug (120) is resting on said first shoulder in the second position.

8. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein- the first duct (15) has a second inner shoulder made proximally to the second mouth (30), and wherein the first plug (105) is resting on said second shoulder in the first position; and- the second duct (1) has a second inner shoulder (130) made proximally to the second mouth (95), and wherein the second plug (120) is resting on said second shoulder in the first position.

9. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the first inner shoulder (125) and the second inner shoulder (130) of the second duct (85) is substantially equal to the distance between the first inner shoulder (110) and the second inner shoulder (115) of the first duct (15).

10. Filtering assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said filtering device (35) comprises:- a casing (50) which makes a first port (40) of the filtering device (35) connected to the second mouth of the first duct (15) and a second port (45) for the outflow of the filtered fluid, the casing (50) defining a filtration chamber (55),- a filter element (60) accommodated in the filtration chamber (55),- a channeling pipe (65) surrounded by the filter element 60, the first port (40) and the second port (45) of the filtering device (35) being fluidically connected with each other only through said channeling pipe (65).

11. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein the filtering device (35) comprises an auger element (73) arranged around said channeling pipe (65) to define a spiral channel (74) for a flushing fluid during the backflushing step inside the filtration chamber (55).

12. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein said spiral channel (74)comprises a plurality of turns (75) such to radially abut against the filter element (60).

13. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein said turns (75) have a pitch greater than or equal to 90 mm and lower than or equal to 100 mm.

14. Filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the filtering device (35) further comprises an UV lamp (80) inserted into the channeling pipe (65).

15. The filtering assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first duct (15) and the second duct (85) is optically transparent.

Images