Connecting mechanism for fluid connections and liquid dispensing unit for water purification system

Abstract

The present application relates to a connecting mechanism for fluid connections, in particular for inline-filters / absorbers, and to a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system provided therewith.

Description

[0001] P24-249

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] CONNECTING MECHANISM FOR FLUID CONNECTIONS AND LIQUID DISPENSING UNIT FOR WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

[0004] 5 Technical Field

[0005] The present application relates to a connecting mechanism for fluid connections, in particular for inline-filters / absorbers, and to a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system provided therewith.

[0006] 10

[0007] Background

[0008] In-line filters and in-line absorbers are variable disposable or reusable filter units for separating particles or gas components from gases, compressed air and liquids, most often water. These filters are a type of stand-alone filter that is usually installed on a water pipe, with the water flowing through the filter before it reaches a tap or appliance. In a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system that is to produce ultrapure water, an inline-filter is installed between a supply piping for purified water and an outlet for the purified water, potentially to avoid reverse ingress of contamination into the dispensing unit or to act as a final polisher that targets specific types of contaminants and removes them right at the outlet of the dispenser. In this case the outlet of the inline filter may be the outlet of the dispenser.

[0009] The typical design of inline filters 1 for this purpose comprises a filter cartridge la that

[0010] 25 contains filtration media that removes or reduces undesirable contaminants from water flowing though the cartridge as all water will pass through the inline filter (see the right part of Fig. 1 for an example of a typical inline filter). The filter cartridges are available in a range of sizes, specifications, and ratings to suit the respective filtration requirement.

[0011] To connect the inline filters into an existing fluid flow-path the cartridge la is provided with a spigot of a male fluid connector lb, lc at each of opposite axial ends that is to be engaged with mating connectors of the fluid flow path. The fluid connectors may be formed on end caps Id that are fluid tightly connected with the axial ends of the cylindrical cartridge body and the end caps may be provided with distribution or collection channels

[0012] 35 le to direct the fluid from the inlet / outlet to the filtration media and vice versa. If the internal flow in the cartridge is reversed or routed otherwise, both fluid connectors can be located at the same axial side or at sides angled to each other. P24-249

[0013] - 2 -

[0014] Attachment and removal of inline-filters for replacement is relatively simple but the process is determined by the connection mechanism that is to establish the sealed fluid connection with the spigots of the male fluid connectors at the cartridge. In some existing

[0015] 5 designs where a reliable connection is required, the connecting mechanism or fitting is screwed, clipped or held with clamps and often requires the use of specific tools and / or application of a relatively high force or momentum requiring gripping of an actuator by the full hand of the user. The first situation is cumbersome as two hands are normally required and / or if the handling is not intuitive or the tool is not available and the second

[0016] 10 situation is prone to spillage or contamination.

[0017] The issue with connecting / disconnecting fluid connections is, however, not confined to connections with the spigots of inline filters and exists for fluid connections in general regardless of whether the fluid connector to be connected with is a male or a female type of connector.

[0018] Summary

[0019] The present application aims at providing a connecting mechanism for fluid connections, in particular for inline-filters / absorbers, that solves at least some of the problems associated with existing solutions.

[0020] The present application in particular also aims at providing a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system (preferably an ultrapure water purification and dispensing

[0021] 25 system), that allows an easy, ergonomic operation for replacing an inline-filter mounted into the flow path upstream of an outlet for the purified water.

[0022] To solve the problem, the present application provides a connecting mechanism for fluid connections, preferably for inline-filters / absorbers, as defined by claim 1 and a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system as defined by claim 13 or 14. Preferred embodiments of the connecting mechanism are defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] The present application in particular provides a connecting mechanism for fluid connections, in particular for inline-filters / absorbers, comprising a distribution manifold

[0024] 35 comprising a fluid connector for engaging with a mating fluid connector, preferably of the inline filter, to establish a fluid connection, a stationary guide element defining plural pairs of a first longitudinal guide groove with a first stop at a forward position in a longitudinal P24-249

[0025] - 3 - direction (which corresponds to or is parallel to the insertion direction of the fluid connector into the distribution manifold) and a second longitudinal guide groove with a second stop at a rearward position in the longitudinal direction, the first and second guide grooves of each pair and the pairs arranged adjacent to each other in a circumferential

[0026] 5 direction of an inner space of the guide element (i.e. the first and second stop positions are at different longitudinal positions), a pressure body arranged to move in a longitudinal direction in the inner space of the guide element along the first guide grooves, a feed body / cam arranged to be able to move in the longitudinal direction in the inner space of the guide element in the first and second guide grooves and to rotate in the

[0027] 10 circumferential direction, the feed body / cam arranged to receive a rotating force component based on a force acting in the longitudinal direction and mutual engagement between inclined contact faces of the feed body and the pressure body to change from one of the first and second guide grooves to an adjacent guide groove in the circumferential direction, when placed in a further retracted longitudinal position in a rotation zone (which is behind the guide grooves rearward of the second stop), wherein the second stop is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam beyond a retracted position and the first stop is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam beyond a forward position, and a spring arranged to bias the feed body in the longitudinal direction towards a longitudinal forward end of the guide element. The distribution manifold is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide element between a retracted position and an exposed position at a forward end of the guide element, is arranged to be moved forward from the further retracted position to the exposed position by the feed body / cam via the pressure body when the feed body / cam is in the first guide groove, and is arranged to be held / kept at the retracted

[0028] 25 position when the feed body / cam is in the second guide groove at the second stop.

[0029] The connecting mechanism for fluid connections, in particular the motions necessary to establish the sealed fluid connection between the distribution manifold and its fluid connector and the mating fluid connector, for example of the inline filter, are as simple and intuitive as operating a pressure ball pencil and in fact the internal mechanism has certain similarities. The connection is established by the aid of the internal spring once the distribution manifold has been sufficiently pushed into the guide element in a linear direction by pushing the mating fluid connector, for example of the inline filter, into the distribution manifold.

[0030] 35

[0031] The inline filter, for example, provides sufficient surface and suitable dimensions to firmly grab it by one hand and apply the linear pushing force in a controlled and intuitive process. P24-249

[0032] - 4 -

[0033] In particular, no dedicated tool is required to connect / disconnect the fluid connection, for example to replace the inline filter, so that a Plug&Play process (filter change) becomes possible. Further, the internal mechanism has very few parts and is therefore very inexpensive, robust and reliable. Maintenance and repair will require a small number of

[0034] 5 spares and rapid intervention.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the pressure body is connected with the distribution manifold, preferably in a removable manner, such that movement in the longitudinal direction of the one is transmitted to the other. By forming the pressure body and the distribution

[0036] 10 manifold as separate components, the internal mechanism becomes largely independent from the dimensions of the mating fluid connector, for example of the inline filter, which can be termed a spigot of a male fluid connector except for the distribution manifold comprising the fluid connector, exchange of only the distribution manifold with its receptacle may simply adapt the connecting mechanism to various ranges of sizes, specifications, and ratings of the inline filters in this exemplary and preferred application.

[0037] In the connection mechanism, the first stop in the first guide groove may be configured to block forward movement of the feed body / cam via the pressure body when the latter engages with the first stop. This variant is preferred because the first stop can be provided at or close to a forward end of the stationary guide element to secure a sufficiently long stroke of the movement of the distribution manifold.

[0038] In the connection mechanism, the distribution manifold may be arranged to be translated in the longitudinal direction from the exposed position to the retracted position and

[0039] 25 beyond (i.e. further rearward) by linearly pushing the fluid connector from the forward end of the distribution manifold into the guide element. The linear pushing to initiate and operate the connection process is intuitive for the user, is easy to learn, to understand and to reproduce.

[0040] The distribution manifold preferably has a receptacle that is configured such that the mating fluid connector, for example of the inline filter, can be inserted / accommodated from the forward end to establish the fluid connection and push the distribution manifold into the guide element. The receptacle, if embodied as a variable component, can be easily changed and adapted to accommodate the respective fluid connector for which the

[0041] 35 connecting mechanism is designed. P24-249

[0042] - 5 -

[0043] To provide a reliable fluid tight seal, the distribution manifold may have a receptacle that is dimensioned and formed to surround an outer periphery / circumference of a spigot of the male fluid connector, for example of the inline filter / absorber, and preferably comprises a seal to fluid-tightly seal against the outer periphery / circumference and

[0044] 5 preferably against an axial tip end of the spigot of the male fluid connector when the same is received in the receptacle.

[0045] The fluid connector of the distribution manifold may be connected with a supply tube extending from the fluid connector / receptacle through the connecting mechanism to a

[0046] 10 rearward end thereof where it is accessible. The supply tube may thus be used to easily connect the connecting mechanism to upstream (or downstream) tubing.

[0047] Preferably, the pressure body has engaging protrusions formed to engage with the first guide grooves, preferably in any of the exposed, retracted and further retracted positions thereof. Thus, the pressure body and the distribution manifold connected therewith are permanently guided for their movement in the longitudinal direction to operate the connecting mechanism.

[0048] Preferably, the feed body / cam has engaging protrusions formed to alternatingly engage with the first and second guide grooves. Thus, the feed body / cam is also guided in the longitudinal direction in the two states of operation, i.e. the state where the connection is established in that the pressure body and the distribution manifold are moved to the exposed position (by the force of the spring), and the state where the feed body / cam is moved towards the second stop where it is held in the retracted state until it is released

[0049] 25 by pushing the pressure body via the distribution manifold to the further retracted longitudinal position (where the rotation of the feed body / cam to the adjacent guide groove is possible).

[0050] Preferably, the first and / or the second guide groove is / are formed as recesses in an inner peripheral surface of inner space of the guide element or is / are formed as protrusions on / beyond the inner peripheral surface of the inner space of the guide element. Depending on the way of manufacturing the guide element, the guide grooves can thus be machined by removing material or by inserting an element that defines the protrusions.

[0051] 35

[0052] Preferably, a force of the spring in the longitudinal direction is selected to be smaller than a counter force applicable to the distribution manifold while pushing in the mating P24-249

[0053] - 6 - connector (for example via the inline filter / absorber) by a hand of a user. As the spring force determines the counter force that is to be manually applied in the longitudinal direction (to the retracted or further retracted position of the feed body / cam via the distribution manifold / pressure body), it is independent from the pressure of the fluid

[0054] 5 (water) at the fluid connector and is always the same. A user is thus not confronted with varying forces required to connect / disconnect a fluid connection, for example when changing a filter.

[0055] Preferably, the spring is configured to provide a progressive force (i.e. the spring constant

[0056] 10 is progressive) so that a pushing force required to initiate the connecting process is smaller at the beginning and during the majority of the stroke and becomes larger only towards the end, for example for moving the distribution manifold / pressure body from the retracted position to the further retracted position along the second guide groove in order to release the stop of the feed body / cam at the second stop position and allow the rotation to the adjacent first guide groove which then enables the full stroke forward movement under the force of the spring.

[0057] The present application also provides, as an example of a preferred application situation for the fluid connecting mechanism, a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system, comprising a supply piping for purified water, an outlet for purified water, and a connecting mechanism as defined herein arranged between the supply piping and the outlet such that an inline-filter can be selectively inserted / removed into / from a fluid path from the supply piping to the outlet.

[0058] 25 In an alternative example of a preferred application / use situation for the fluid connecting mechanism the present application provides a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system, comprising a supply piping for purified water, and a connecting mechanism as defined herein arranged downstream of the supply piping such that an inline-filter can be selectively inserted / removed into / from a fluid path from the supply piping upstream of an outlet, which outlet may be the outlet of the inline filter.

[0059] The above advantages of an intuitive and simple one-hand change of the inline filter without the need of a tool or the application of excessive force can be fully realised in such dispensing units in a laboratory environment. P24-249

[0060] - 7 -

[0061] Brief description of the drawings

[0062] The present connecting mechanism is now described in detail on the basis of a preferred embodiment by reference to the attached exemplary, schematic, and non-limiting

[0063] 5 drawings:

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a connecting mechanism with an inline filter in a fluid flow-path of a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system where the connecting mechanism is arranged at the side of the input (left) and an output manifold

[0065] 10 is opposite on the right (and the inline filter is in a state immediately before it is inserted into the distribution manifold and output manifold).

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the guide element of the connecting mechanism of Fig. 1 in isolation;

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a magnified side view of the connecting mechanism in the state immediately before the inline filter is inserted into the distribution manifold and the distribution manifold is held at the retracted position (wherein certain components are omitted or shown in dotted lines to not obstruct the view).

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a magnified perspective partial view of the connecting mechanism in the state of Fig. 3 (wherein the guide element is shown in cross section to not obstruct the view).

[0069] 25 Fig. 5 shows a magnified side view of the connecting mechanism in the state where the inline filter is inserted into the distribution manifold and the same is pushed to the further retracted state where the feed body / cam comes free of the first stop (wherein certain components are omitted or shown in dotted lines to not obstruct the view).

[0070] Fig. 6 shows a magnified perspective partial view of the connecting mechanism in the state of Fig. 5 (wherein the guide element is shown in cross section to not obstruct the view);

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a magnified side view of the connecting mechanism in the state where the

[0072] 35 inline filter is inserted into the distribution manifold and the same is pushed to the exposed state at the first stop underthe action of the spring (wherein certain components are omitted or shown in dotted lines to not obstruct the view). P24-249

[0073] - 8 -

[0074] Fig. 8 shows a magnified perspective partial view of the connecting mechanism in the state of Fig. 7 (wherein the guide element is shown in cross section to not obstruct the view).

[0075] 5

[0076] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the connecting mechanism with an inline filter in a fluid flowpath of a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system (wherein the inline filter is in a fully inserted state in both of the distribution manifold and the output manifold).

[0077] 10 Detailed description

[0078] The connecting mechanism 10 for fluid connections, in particular inline-filters / absorbers 1, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures comprises a distribution manifold 2 comprising a fluid connector 2a for engaging with a mating fluid connector lb, in this example of the inline filter 1, that is to be connected to establish a releasable or separable fluid connection (in this example into / from the inline filter / absorber 1).

[0079] The distribution manifold 2 is movably accommodated in a stationary guide element 3 defining plural pairs of a first longitudinal guide groove 8a with a first stop 8b at a forward position in a longitudinal direction (near or at a forward end of the distribution manifold 2) and a second longitudinal guide groove 8c with a second stop 8d at a rearward position in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the insertion / coupling direction of the mating fluid connector lb of the inline filter 1 with the distribution manifold 2 and is parallel to a longitudinal or axial direction of the connecting

[0080] 25 mechanism 10.

[0081] As partly shown in Fig. 2 the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8c of each pair are arranged adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of an inner space 3e of the guide element 3, and these pairs of guide grooves are regularly arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the inner space 3e in equal intervals to define an alternating sequence of first and second guide grooves about the circumference. The axial lengths of the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8c are defined by the distance from their respective inlet end and the first or second stops and they are different in that the first guide grooves 8a are much longer than the second guide grooves 8c.

[0082] 35 P24-249

[0083] - 9 -

[0084] The first and / or the second guide grooves 8a, 8c may be formed as recesses in an inner peripheral surface 3f of the inner space 3e of the guide element 3 or may be formed as protrusions on / beyond the inner peripheral surface 3f.

[0085] 5 It is noted that two types of guide grooves are used in this example to define two different predefined positions of the distribution manifold that are alternating in each cycle of operation described later. It is feasible, however, to provide a regularly repeated pattern using three types of guide grooves to define three positions that are alternating in each cycle of operation.

[0086] 10

[0087] A pressure body 7 is arranged to move in a longitudinal direction in the inner space 3e of the guide element 3 along the first guide grooves 8a. To define and confine the movement, the pressure body 7 is provided with a number of engaging protrusions or teeth 7b formed and distributed about an outer circumference so as to engage simultaneously with the first guide grooves 8a. It is not necessary that the engaging protrusions 7b correspond in number to that of the first grooves and two engaging protrusions 7b at opposed sides could be sufficient.

[0088] A feed body / cam 4 is arranged to be able to move in the longitudinal direction in the inner space 3e of the guide element 3 in the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8c and to be able to rotate in the circumferential direction rotate around an axis of the distribution manifold 2 when placed in a further retracted longitudinal position in a rotation zone 8e which is defined rearward of or behind the guide grooves a short distance rearward of the second stop 8d (which distance corresponds to the axial length of the second guide grooves 8c).

[0089] 25 As described in more detail below, the feed body / cam 4 is arranged to receive a rotating force component based on a force acting in the longitudinal direction and a mutual engagement between inclined contact faces 4a, 7a of the feed body / cam 4 and the pressure body 7 (utilizing a wedge effect) to change from one of the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8c to an adjacent guide groove 8c, 8a in the circumferential direction. To facilitate and force the entry into the adjacent groove, the inlet ends 8d of the grooves are inclined towards the adjacent groove in the circumferential direction.

[0090] The second stop 8d (at the bottom or forward end of second groove 8c) is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam 4 beyond a first retracted position and the first

[0091] 35 stop 8b (at the bottom or forward end of first groove 8a) is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam 4 beyond a forward position. It is noted that, unlike the blocking of the movement of the feed body / cam 4 at the second stop 8d, the blocking at P24-249

[0092] - 10 - the first stop 8b is not achieved by the feed body / cam 4 directly abutting against the stop but indirectly by the feed body / cam 4 abutting against the pressure body 7 which in return abuts against the first stop 8b with its engaging protrusions 7b.

[0093] 5 The feed body / cam 4 has plural engaging protrusions or teeth 4b formed to alternatingly engage with the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8c so that the number is determined by the number of pairs of the guide grooves. The inclined contact faces 4a of the protrusions or teeth 4b of the feed body / cam 4 are formed at forward facing tip ends of the engaging protrusions 4b as shown in Fig. 4. The mating inclined contact faces 7a of the

[0094] 10 pressure body 7 are formed at rearward facing tip ends of the pressure body 7.

[0095] The length of the sliding contact of these contact faces is determined according to the circumferential spacing of the adjacent guide grooves because each switching cycle (described later and comprising a rearward movement of the distribution manifold 2 to the further rearward position to move the feed body / cam 4 beyond the second stop to the rear along the second groove into the rotation zone 8e) needs to rotate or "switch" the feed body / cam 4 one groove further in the circumferential direction. Thus, during operation of the mechanism, the feed body / cam 4 slides back in the longitudinal direction, rotates in the circumferential direction and slides forth in the longitudinal direction relative to the guide element 3.

[0096] A spring 5 is arranged to permanently bias the feed body / cam 4 in the longitudinal direction towards a longitudinal forward end of the guide element 3. The spring 5 in the example is a coil spring sandwiched between a rear holder 9 and the feed body / cam 4.

[0097] 25 The rear holder 9 is formed as a plug that is removably inserted and lockingly engaged with an opening at the rear end of the guide element 3. It also has a cylindrical support section 9a inserted into the inner diameter of the spring 5 to fix and support a part of the rear end of the spring.

[0098] A force of the spring 5 in the longitudinal direction is selected to be smaller than a counter force applicable to the distribution manifold 2 via the inline filter / absorber 1 by a hand of a user. Preferably, the spring 5 is configured to provide a progressive force (i.e. a spring constant is progressive).

[0099] 35 The pressure body 7 is connected with the distribution manifold 2 such that movement in the longitudinal direction of the one is transmitted to the other. In other words, the distribution manifold 2 in the mechanism described above is arranged to be movable in P24-249

[0100] - li the longitudinal direction of the guide element 3 between a (first) defined retracted position and a defined exposed position at, i.e. protruding beyond, a forward end of the guide element 3 (see Fig. 7). More specifically, the distribution manifold 2 is arranged to be moved forward from the further (second) retracted position in the rotation zone 8e to

[0101] 5 the exposed position by the spring 5 acting on the feed body / cam 4 and further on the pressure body 7 when the feed body / cam 4 is in the first guide groove 8a, and the distribution manifold 2 is arranged to be held / kept at the (first) retracted position when the feed body / cam 4 (more precisely the engaging protrusions 4b thereof) is in the second guide groove 8c abutting against the second stop 8d that restricts not only further forward

[0102] 10 movement but also rotational movement (see Fig. 3).

[0103] The pressure body 7 in this example is formed as a separate component and fixedly connected with the distribution manifold 2 by a threaded connection. It is feasible, however, to connect them by other means, to connect them in a manner that allows a certain relative rotation or linear movement, to interpose a flexible damping element or to form the pressure body 7 integrally with the distribution manifold 2. The construction from two separate components is preferred to facilitate the manufacture and allow the use of different materials under consideration of the fact that the main function of the pressure body 7 is the transmission of force whereas the main function of the distribution manifold 2 is the fluid connection which might imply certain limitations of the material. It is also noted that the parts of the distribution manifold 2 that will get in contact with the fluid (water) may be formed as an insert from a different (allowable) material and / or the surfaces of the pressure body 7 exposed to force or friction may be formed from or coated with material that has a reduced frictional coefficient. The same is the case for the feed

[0104] 25 body / cam 4.

[0105] Further, the mechanism is such that the distribution manifold 2 is arranged to be translated from the exposed forward position to the (first) retracted position and beyond to the further (second) retracted position by pushing a fluid connector lb of the inline filter 1 from the forward end of the distribution manifold 2 into the guide element 3 (see Fig. 5). Thus, during operation, the distribution manifold 2 does not rotate, but only slides back and forth in the longitudinal direction relative to the guide element 3 that is stationary.

[0106] 35 The distribution manifold 2 has a receptacle 2d that is configured such that the mating fluid connector lb of the inline filter 1 can be inserted / accommodated from the forward P24-249

[0107] - 12 - end to establish the fluid connection and push the distribution manifold 2 into the guide element 3.

[0108] This receptacle 2d serving as a female fluid connector counterpart is dimensioned and

[0109] 5 formed to surround an outer periphery / circumference of a spigot of the male fluid connector lb of the inline filter / absorber 1, and preferably comprises a seal 2c to fluid- tightly seal against the outer periphery / circumference and preferably against an axial tip end of the spigot of the male fluid connector lb of the inline filter / absorber 1 when the same is received in the receptacle 2d.

[0110] 10

[0111] The seal 2c and the receptacle 2d may be dimensioned to provide an increasing or progressive sealing pressure in consequence of a wedge effect if the spigot of the male fluid connector lb of the inline filter / absorber 1 may have a tapered outer surface and be progressively further inserted into the receptacle and seal. Alternatively, as in the present example, shown in Fig. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the spigot is not tapered and the seal 2c is a lip seal.

[0112] It goes without saying that the form and dimensions of the seal 2c and the receptacle 2d may be changed depending on the need and even an exchange of male and female types of fluid connectors is possible.

[0113] In a further variant that is not shown in the drawing the receptacle 2d may be provided with a check valve to prevent water from flowing out from the receptacle when the filter 1 is removed and to allow flow of water only when the spigot is fully inserted.

[0114] 25

[0115] The fluid connector 2a of the distribution manifold 2 is connected with a rigid supply tube 2b that extends from the receptacle 2d through the connecting mechanism 10 to a rearward end of the connecting mechanism 10. The end of the supply tube 2b may be provided with a connector 2e of a type known per se including a luer connector, a bayonet type connector, a threaded connector, a barbed connector, clamps or other type of connectors to provide a secure fluid connection with down- or upstream tubing for the fluid.

[0116] The rigid supply tube 2b is fixedly connected at the forward end with the distribution

[0117] 35 manifold 2, in the example by a threaded connection, and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the connecting mechanism together with the distribution manifold 2. In the example a ring-shaped clearance 9b is formed at a rear end of the rear P24-249

[0118] - 13 - holder 9 to accommodate a radially protruding flange 2f provided at the rear portion of the supply tube 2b and possibly a section of the connector 2e when the support tube 2b moves to the forward position under the action of the spring 5. The bottom of the clearance 9b may serve as a stopper for limiting further forward movement of the support

[0119] 5 tube 2b.

[0120] A type of sliding bearing (not shown in the example) may be optionally provided in the rear holder 9 to slidingly support the supply tube 2b at the rear end.

[0121] 10 The following is the description of the operation of the connecting mechanism 10 of the exemplary embodiment described above for inserting the inline filter 1.

[0122] When inserting the spigot of the male fluid connector lb of the inline filter 1, the distribution manifold 2 is initially in the retracted position (see Figs. 1 and 3). In this state the feed body / cam 4 is blocked on the second stop 8d of the guide element 3 (see Figs. 2 and 4). Then, the distribution manifold 2 is pushed with the filter 1 further inside the guide element 3 (see Fig. 5).

[0123] The feed body / cam 4 is released from the second stop 8d and further pushed rearward and out from the second guide groove 8c (which can be relatively short) into the rotation zone 8e where it can turn around the axis of the distribution manifold 2 by the pressure force exerted by the spring 5 and the wedge effect between the feed body / cam 4 and the pressure body 7 until it finds itself opposite the first guide groove 8a in the guide element 3 (see Figs. 2 and 6).

[0124] 25

[0125] The distribution manifold 2 can then translate with the feed body / cam 4 and the pressure body 7 in the guide element 3 along the first guide groove 8a to the first stop 8b (see Figs. 2, 7 and 8). The inline filter 1 thus fully connects to the distribution manifold 2 (if not already connected by the pushing-in into the distribution manifold 2) and to the fluid connector or receptacle of the output manifold 6 that is located in a fixed opposite location and is designed to match the spigot of the male fluid connector lc at the opposite axial end of the filter (see Fig. 9).

[0126] In this exemplary setup the axial spacing from the distribution manifold 2 in the retracted

[0127] 35 (first) position and the entry end of the output manifold 6 is determined to be just slightly larger than the axial length of the inline filter 1 (measured between the entry ends of the spigot of the male fluid connectors lb, lc at the opposite axial ends) as shown in Fig. 1 P24-249

[0128] - 14 - and the stroke length of the distribution manifold 2 from the retracted (first) position to the exposed position is determined by the sum of the axial lengths of the spigots of the male fluid connectors lb, lc necessary to establish the fluid tight connection within the manifolds 2, 6.

[0129] 5

[0130] A preferred application of the above-described connecting mechanism 10 of the invention is as a connector for an inline filter 1 in the fluid path of a liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system. In such a system the inline filter is often integrated in a water dispensing unit, for example downstream of the last filtration or purification stage and

[0131] 10 upstream of a dispensing "gun" at which the user extracts the purified water from the system.

[0132] In a further variant of the liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system the connecting mechanism 10 according to the invention may be arranged downstream of the supply piping such that an inline-filter 1 can be selectively inserted / removed into / from a fluid path from the supply piping upstream of an outlet, wherein the outlet can be the outlet of the inline filter 1. In this setup the output manifold 6 for the inline filter 1 is not required.

[0133] 20

Claims

P24-249- 15 -Claims1. A connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections, in particular with inline- filters / absorbers (1), comprising5 (i) a distribution manifold (2) comprising a fluid connector (2a) for engaging with a mating fluid connector (lb) of the fluid connection, in particular an inline filter (1), to establish a fluid connection;(ii) a stationary guide element (3) defining plural pairs of a first longitudinal guide groove (8a) with a first stop (8b) at a forward position in a longitudinal10 direction and a second longitudinal guide groove (8c) with a second stop (8d) at a rearward position in the longitudinal direction, the first and second guide grooves (8a, 8c) of each pair and the pairs arranged adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of an inner space (3e) of the guide element (3);(iii) a pressure body (7) arranged to move in a longitudinal direction in the inner space (3e) of the guide element (3) along the first guide grooves (8a);(iv) a feed body / cam (4) arranged to be able to move in the longitudinal direction in the inner space (3e) of the guide element (3) in the first and second guide grooves (8a, 8c) and to rotate in the circumferential direction, the feed body / cam (4) arranged to receive a rotating force component based on a force acting in the longitudinal direction and mutual engagement between inclined contact faces (4a, 7a) of the feed body / cam (4) and the pressure body (7) to change from one of the first and second guide grooves (8a, 8c) to an adjacent guide groove (8c, 8a) in the circumferential direction, when placed in a further retracted longitudinal position in a rotation zone (8e) (behind the guide25 grooves (8a, 8c) rearward of the second stop (8d)), wherein the second stop (8d) is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam (4) beyond a retracted position and the first stop (8b) is formed to block forward movement of the feed body / cam (4) beyond a forward position; and(v) a spring (5) arranged to bias the feed body / cam (4) in the longitudinal direction towards a longitudinal forward end of the guide element (3); wherein the distribution manifold (2) is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide element (3) between a retracted position and an exposed position at a forward end of the guide element (3), is arranged to be moved forward from the further retracted position to the exposed position by the feed body / cam35 (4) via the pressure body (7) when the feed body / cam (4) is in the first guide groove (8a), and is arranged to be held / kept at the retracted position when the feed body / cam (4) is in the second guide groove (8c) at the second stop (8d).P24-249- 16 -2. The connection mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to claim 1, wherein the first stop (8b) in the first guide groove (8a) is configured to block forward movement of the feed body / cam (4) via the pressure body (7) when the latter5 engages with the first stop (8b).

3. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure body (7) is connected with the distribution manifold (2) such that movement in the longitudinal direction of the one is transmitted to the other.

104. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution manifold (2) is arranged to be translated from the exposed position to the retracted position and beyond by pushing the fluid connector (lb) of the inline filter (1) from the forward end of the distribution manifold (2) into the guide element (3).

5. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to claim 4, wherein the distribution manifold (2) has a receptacle (2d) that is configured such that the mating fluid connector (lb), preferably of the inline filter (1), can be inserted / accommodated from the forward end to establish the fluid connection and push the distribution manifold (2) into the guide element (3).

6. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the distribution manifold (2) has a receptacle (2d) that is dimensioned and25 formed to surround an outer periphery / circumference of a spigot of a male fluid connector (lb), preferably of the inline filter / absorber (l), and preferably comprises a seal (2c) to fluid-tightly seal against the outer periphery / circumference and preferably against an axial tip end of the spigot of the male fluid connector (lb) when the same is received in the receptacle (2d).

7. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid connector of the distribution manifold (2) is connected with a supply tube (2b) extending from the receptacle (2d) to a rearward end of the connecting mechanism (10).35P24-249- 17 -8. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressure body (7) has engaging protrusions (7b) formed to engage with the first guide grooves (8a).5 9. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feed body / cam (4) has engaging protrusions (4b) formed to alternatingly engage with the first and second guide grooves (8a, 8c).

10. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims10 1 to 9, wherein the first and / or the second guide grooves (8a, 8c) are formed as recesses in an inner peripheral surface (3f) of the inner space (3e) of the guide element (3) or are formed as protrusions on / beyond the inner peripheral surface (3f).

11. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a force of the spring (5) in the longitudinal direction is selected to be smaller than a counter force applicable to the distribution manifold (2) via the inline filter / absorber (1) by a hand of a user.

12. The connecting mechanism (10) for fluid connections according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spring (5) is configured to provide a progressive force.

13. A liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system, comprising:- a supply piping for purified water;25 - an outlet for purified water; and- a connecting mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 arranged between the supply piping and the outlet such that an inline-filter (1) can be selectively inserted / removed into / from a fluid path from the supply piping to the outlet.

14. A liquid dispensing unit for a water purification system, comprising:- a supply piping for purified water; and- a connecting mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 arranged downstream of the supply piping such that an inline-filter (1) can be selectively35 inserted / removed into / from a fluid path from the supply piping upstream of an outlet, wherein the outlet may be that of the inline-filter (1) when connected with the connecting mechanism (10).

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