DE102010038928B4 - Water dispenser and filter device - Google Patents

Abstract

Water dispenser for cleaning water in domestic use, with an exchangeable filter device, which has a housing (2) with a water inlet (4), a fresh water outlet (6) and a dirty water outlet (8), the housing (2) having an individualized filter element set ( 10) with a plurality of filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) and a measuring device (12) for recording and displaying at least performance-related measurement data, which contains a combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) in an evaluation of the Measurement data are taken into account, the type of measurement and a critical measurement value being selected depending on the combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20), and the measuring device (12) each having a measuring point (34, 36, 38) in the water inlet (4), in the fresh water outlet (6) and in the dirty water outlet (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a water dispenser and a filter device for a filtering system, in particular for a water dispenser, for cleaning water, and a filtering system, in particular a water dispenser, for cleaning water.

A known filter system for purifying water is, for example, in EP 0 917 900 A1 shown. This has two filters connected in series for cleaning the water, which are each connected to the filtering device via an individualized connection, so that incorrect installation of the filters and, in particular, interchanging the filter sequence after a filter change is prevented. The time to change the filters or their exhaustion is determined by an integrated timer, which provides, for example, a fixed change interval of four months.

Another filter system for purifying water is in the WO 1994/022551 A1 shown. This has a large number of filters which, in contrast to the solution described above, cannot be connected to the filter system via an individualized mechanical connection, but each have an electronic chip for error-free positioning in the filter system. The exhaustion of the filters is defined, for example, by the operating hours of the filter system.

The disadvantage of the aforementioned solutions is that the change intervals are set arbitrarily and independently of the actual filter performance. Furthermore, regardless of the quality of the water to be cleaned, the same equipment and measurement technology is required.

In the US patent U.S. 4,681,677 A a water dispenser for domestic use is shown, the exhaustion of which is based on a pressure measurement of the filters and which prevents water withdrawal from the moment of exhaustion. Although this solution seems to take into account the individual condition of the filter, at least in part, this water dispenser always requires the same equipment and measurement effort, regardless of the quality of the water to be cleaned, so that the water is not optimally cleaned.

A filter system for purifying water, in which a pressure measurement and also at least one flow measurement also takes place, is for example in the US patent US 6,607,668 B2 shown. The filtration system has a water inlet, a fresh water outlet and a dirty water outlet, a large number of filters and a measuring device for recording and evaluating performance-related measurement data. However, this filtration system cannot be adapted to the existing water quality either. In addition, the individual replacement of the individual filters is complex.

From the pamphlet GB 2 312 176 A a water purifier with replaceable filters is known which comprises sensors for detecting the purity of the water.

The pamphlet DE 295 06 439 U1 describes a device for the filtration of dirty water, which comprises a conductivity measuring device with a measuring sensor.

The pamphlet JP 2002-102615 A describes a filter system in which a water quality status is measured and a change in the water quality status is taken into account.

From the pamphlet DE 698 13 269 T2 a device for purifying water is known, with a means for monitoring a volume of water that has flown through a filter and with a device for warning the user when the recorded data have reached a corresponding threshold value.

The object of the present invention is to provide a filtering device for a filtering system, in particular for a water dispenser, for cleaning water, which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages and enables the present water quality to be taken into account to achieve optimal water purification, as well as a filtering system, in particular a water dispenser, for To create purification of water, which enables optimal water purification with a device-technically and metrologically simple effort.

This object is achieved by a water dispenser with the features of claim 1 and by a filter device with the features of claim 11. Advantageous designs and developments, which can be replaced individually or in combination, are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

A water dispenser according to the invention for cleaning water in domestic use, with an exchangeable filter device, has a housing with a water inlet, a fresh water outlet and a dirty water outlet. In addition, the housing contains an individualized filter element set with a large number of filter elements and a measuring device for recording and evaluating performance-related measurement data, which takes the combination of the filter elements into account when evaluating the measurement data Combination of filter elements ( 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th ) are selected, and where the measuring device ( 12th ) one measuring point each ( 34 , 36 , 38 ) in the water inlet ( 4th ), in the fresh water drain ( 6th ) and in the waste water drain ( 8th ) having. The solution according to the invention has several advantages. On the one hand, the filter element set and the integrated measuring device allow the filter device to be exchanged quickly and easily after it has been exhausted. In addition, the set of filter elements can be individually adapted to the prevailing water quality and thus to the respective country or region so that optimal water treatment takes place with a minimal number of filter elements. In addition, in the solution according to the invention, the measured data or the measured values are adapted to the respective filter element set, so that the water quality is also taken into account when evaluating the measured values and an optimal evaluation of at least the actual filter performance and reliable monitoring of the filter element set takes place.

Likewise, or in addition, the filter device according to the invention can be adapted to the required water quality, so that the filter element set can also be adapted individually to a minimum fresh water quality to be observed.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the filter elements can be freely selected at least with regard to their types, their number, their sequence and their filter performance. This gives the maximum possible variation of the filter elements and thus achieves an optimal setting of the filter element set with regard to the respective water quality and the actually required filter performance.

In one embodiment, the filter elements are combined with one another in such a way that they have approximately the same operating time, depending on the water quality present in each case. This avoids that when the filter element set is exchanged, filter elements that can still be used or that have not been exhausted are also exchanged.

The filter element set can each have at least one sand filter, an activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis filter, a microfiltration filter, an ion exchanger and / or an ultrafiltration filter.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter element set has a sand filter, a reverse osmosis filter arranged downstream with an upstream activated carbon filter and a downstream activated carbon filter. Such a filter element set allows the filtering out or neutralization of almost all impurities or pollutants, smells and tastes, so that such a filter element set can be used in many ways and is primarily designed with regard to its actual filter performance.

According to the invention, the measuring device has one measuring point in the water inlet, one measuring point in the fresh water outlet and one measuring point in the dirty water outlet of the filter element set. As a result, the inflow and the processes of the filter device are monitored by measurement technology, so that the actual filter performance of the filter device can be given reliably.

In addition or as an alternative, a measuring point can be provided between two adjacent filter elements so that each filter element can be evaluated individually by measurement.

A TDS measurement, a conductivity measurement, a pressure measurement, a flow measurement and / or a time measurement are preferably carried out. In this way, essential measurement data for a detailed determination of the condition of the filter element set are recorded.

The measuring device preferably outputs the point in time for exhaustion of the filter device based on the measurement data obtained, so that a new or fresh set of filter elements can be procured in good time and there are no downtimes or downtimes of the filter device.

The measuring device can have a corresponding display for displaying the measurement data.

In order to prevent the filter device from being used in spite of exhaustion, a valve can be provided in the fresh water outlet which automatically controls the fresh water supply when a critical measured value is reached.

A replaceable filter device according to the invention for a water dispenser has a filter element set ( 10 ) and a measuring device ( 12th ) for the acquisition and presentation of at least performance-related measurement data, which is a combination of the filter elements ( 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th ) are taken into account when evaluating the measurement data, whereby the type of measurement and a critical measurement value in each case are dependent on the combination of filter elements ( 14th . 16 , 18, 20) are selected. Such a filter device can be individually adapted to the respective water quality, has a simple structure in terms of device and measurement technology, and can be exchanged quickly and easily.

The present invention is particularly suitable for providing a water dispenser with a filter device in domestic use, which supplies purified water in high quality and in particular enables optimal consideration of the regional water quality as well as a reliable prediction of possible exhaustion and a compact design, reduced complexity, a has an optimized service life and low service costs.

Other advantageous exemplary embodiments of the present invention are the subject of further subclaims.

In the following, a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail using a schematic representation and a variant according to the invention using a table. The only 1 shows a structure of a filter device according to the invention. Table 1 shows a matrix with filter elements, measurement data and measurement points.

According to 1 has a filter device according to the invention 1 in particular for a filter system such as a water dispenser, a housing for cleaning water 2 , in the wall of which is indicated as arrow lines a water inlet 4th , a fresh water drain 6th and a dirty water drain 8th are integrated. Inside the case 2 are a set of filter elements 10 as well as a measuring device 12th arranged.

The filter element set 10 has a variety of in filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th on, which viewed downstream, a sand filter or sediment filter 14th , a first activated carbon filter with an integrated ion exchanger 16 , a reverse osmosis filter 18th and a second activated carbon filter 20th represent. The filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th are connected in series and each have a filter line 22a , 22b , 22c with their neighboring filter element 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th in fluid communication. The supply of the water to be cleaned via the water inlet 4th in the filter element set 10 takes place via an inlet pipe 24 that are different from the water inlet 4th to the sand filter 14th extends. For removing the purified water from the filter element set 10 is a drain line 26th provided, which differs from the downstream activated carbon filter 20th to the fresh water drain 6th extends. The reverse osmosis filter is used to remove dirty water 18th a sewage pipe 28 connected, which fluidly with the dirty water drain 8th connected is.

The filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th or the structure of the filter element set 10 takes place individually depending on the existing water quality. The respective filter element type, the number of filter elements as well as the filter element sequence are selected individually on the basis of the existing water quality and thus individually for the respective filter element set 10 composed. In addition, the respective filter performance of the filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th when assembling the filter element set 10 taken into account so that the required total filter performance corresponds to the actual filter performance of the filter element set 10 corresponds to. Furthermore, the filter element set 10 individually designed for the required service life. In addition, when building the filter element set 10 the filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th combined in such a way that they have approximately the same service life.

The measuring device 12th has a measuring mechanism 30th each via a measuring line 32a , 32b , 32c with a measuring point on the inlet side 34 , a measuring point on the fresh water side 36 and a measuring point on the dirty water side 38 communicates. In addition, the measuring mechanism 30th a memory unit (not shown) for storing acquired measurement data, a processor unit with integrated time measurement for processing the acquired and stored measurement data and for monitoring the filter element set 10 and for self-control and at least one keyboard for programming the measuring mechanism 30th and to set a display 40 to display the in the measuring points 34 , 36 , 38 recorded measurement data transmitted via a signal line 42 with the measuring mechanism 30th communicates. To the filter device 1 independent of the local power grid to be able to use, instructs the measuring device 12th furthermore an accumulator or a battery as an energy source.

The measuring device 12th allows a TDS measurement in which mineral particles dissolved in the water (total dissolved solid) are recorded, a conductivity measurement in which the conductivity of the water is determined, a pressure measurement of the filter element set 10 , a flow measurement of the filter element set 10 and a time measurement for calculating an expected exhaustion of the filter element set based on the evaluated measurement data 10 . The measurements are made in the area of the measuring points 34 , 36 , 38 carried out and thus reflect the condition of the filter element set 10 without an individual consideration of the individual filter elements 14th , 16 , 18th , 20th again. The type of measurement and a critical measured value are dependent on the structure of the filter element set 10 chosen so that each filter element set 10 your own, individualized measuring device 12th having.

In order to prevent that when the exhaustion of the filter element set is reached 10 Fresh water with poor quality filter equipment 1 is removed is in the fresh water drain 6th arranged a valve, not shown, when the filter element set is exhausted 10 from the measuring device 12th is controlled.

An individual consideration of the filter elements in addition to evaluating and monitoring the overall condition of a filter element set according to the invention is shown by way of example in Table 1, additional filter elements such as a microfiltration filter and an ultrafiltration filter being named.

According to Table 1, an activated charcoal filter is controlled and checked by means of a TDS measurement and a conductivity measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point in the filter inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet of the activated carbon filter are provided.

A reverse osmosis filter is metrologically controlled and checked via a TDS measurement, a conductivity measurement, a pressure measurement and a flow measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point is provided in the filter inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet and / or dirty water outlet of the reverse osmosis filter.

A sand filter is metrologically controlled and checked by means of a pressure measurement and a flow measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point is provided in the filter inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet of the sand filter.

The microfiltration filter (MF filter) is metrologically controlled and checked using a TDS measurement, a conductivity measurement, a pressure measurement and a flow measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point is provided in the inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet of the microfiltration filter. Table 1 Filter element TDS measurement Conductivity measurement Pressure measurement Flow measurement Measuring point Activated carbon Yes Yes No No Fresh water filter inlet and outlet Reverse osmosis Yes Yes Yes Yes Fresh water filter inlet and outlet or dirty water filter outlet Sand filter No No Yes Yes Fresh water filter inlet and outlet MF filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Fresh water filter inlet and outlet ion exchanger Yes Yes No No Fresh water filter inlet and outlet UF filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Fresh water filter inlet and outlet

An ion exchanger is metrologically controlled and checked using a TDS measurement and a conductivity measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point is provided in the inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet of the ion exchanger.

The ultrafiltration filter (UF filter) is metrologically controlled and checked via a TDS measurement, a conductivity measurement, a pressure measurement and a flow measurement. For this purpose, a measuring point is provided in the inlet and a measuring point in the fresh water outlet of the ultrafiltration filter.

Disclosed is a filter device for a filter system, in particular for a water dispenser, for cleaning water, with a housing with a water inlet, a fresh water outlet and a dirty water outlet, the housing having an individualized filter element set with a large number of filter elements and a measuring device for recording and displaying performance-related Contains measurement data that takes a combination of the filter elements into account when evaluating the measurement data, as well as a filter system, in particular a water dispenser, with such a filter device.

List of reference symbols

1

Filter device

2

casing

4th

Water inlet

6th

Fresh water drain

8th

Waste water drain

10

Filter element set

12th

Measuring device

14th

Filter element (sand filter)

16

Filter element (activated carbon filter with integrated ion exchanger)

18th

Filter element (reverse moss filter)

20th

Filter element (activated carbon filter)

22a, b, c

Filter line

24

Feed line

26th

Drain line

28

Sewage pipe

30th

Measuring mechanism

32a, b, c

Measurement line

34

Measuring point (inlet)

36

Measuring point (fresh water)

38

Measuring point (waste water)

40

display

42

Signal line

Claims (11)

Water dispenser for cleaning water in domestic use, with an exchangeable filter device, which has a housing (2) with a water inlet (4), a fresh water outlet (6) and a dirty water outlet (8), the housing (2) having an individualized filter element set ( 10) with a plurality of filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) and a measuring device (12) for recording and displaying at least performance-related measurement data, which contains a combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) during an evaluation of the Measurement data are taken into account, the type of measurement and a critical measurement value being selected depending on the combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20), and the measuring device (12) each having a measuring point (34, 36, 38) in the water inlet (4), in the fresh water outlet (6) and in the dirty water outlet (8). Water dispenser after Claim 1 , at least the types, the number, the order and the filter performance of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) can be freely selected. Water dispenser after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) have approximately the same service life. Water dispenser after Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , the filter element set (10) each having at least one sand filter (14) and / or an activated carbon filter (16, 20) and / or a reverse osmosis filter (18) and / or a microfiltration filter and / or an ion exchanger and / or an ultrafiltration filter. Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the filter element set (10) has a sand filter (14) and a downstream reverse osmosis filter (18) with an activated carbon filter (16) upstream of the reverse osmosis filter (18) and an activated carbon filter (20) downstream of the reverse osmosis filter (18). Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , wherein the measuring device (12) has at least one measuring point between adjacent filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20). Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th wherein the measuring device (12) enables a TDS measurement and / or conductivity measurement and / or pressure measurement and / or flow measurement and / or time measurement. Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th wherein the measuring device (12) indicates a point in time for exhaustion of the filter element set (10) based on the evaluated measurement data. Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the measuring device (12) has a display (40) for displaying recorded measurement data. Water dispenser according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , wherein a valve is provided for controlling the fresh water drain (6) when a critical measured value is reached. Exchangeable filter device for a water dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, with a filter element set (10) and with a measuring device (12) for recording and displaying at least performance-related measurement data that a combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20) during an evaluation the measurement data are taken into account, the type of measurement and a critical measurement value being selected depending on the combination of the filter elements (14, 16, 18, 20).

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