DE202021100801U1 - Device for filtering a liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for filtering a liquid, the device having a container that can be set up on the ground with an inlet chamber (2) for receiving the liquid to be filtered and with an outlet chamber (4) for receiving the filtered liquid, the outlet chamber (4) below the inlet chamber (2) is arranged, wherein the inlet chamber (2) has a filling opening (9) and is connected to the outlet chamber (4) via a connecting section which is narrowed in cross section relative to the inlet chamber (2), and in which the inlet chamber (2) a filter module (6) can be fixed with the flow opening (5) connecting the outlet chamber (4) in the connecting section (3) so that the liquid filled into the inlet chamber (2) through the filter module (6) closing the flow opening (5) into the outlet chamber (4) can flow, characterized in that a manually displaceable pressure element (13, 14) is arranged in the inlet chamber (2), with we lchem the fluid to be filtered located in the inlet chamber (2) can be subjected to a filter pressure and pushed through the filter module (6) into the outlet chamber (4).

Description

The invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid, the device having a container that can be set up on the ground with an inlet chamber for receiving the liquid to be filtered and with an outlet chamber for receiving the filtered liquid, the outlet chamber being arranged below the inlet chamber, the The inlet chamber has a filling opening and is connected to the outlet chamber via a connecting section narrowed in cross section relative to the inlet chamber, and wherein a filter module can be fixed in a flow opening connecting the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber in the connecting section, so that the liquid filled into the inlet chamber through the flow opening closing filter module can flow through into the outlet chamber.

In the course of the increased attention and concern of the population with regard to health issues, more and more importance is attached to unpolluted and clean drinking water. This has led to the development of a wide variety of devices for filtering water, particularly in households. Commercially available water filter systems are available in the form of, for example, a jug or a carafe. Here, unfiltered water is first poured through a filling opening into an inlet chamber of the jug or carafe, which then flows, driven by gravity, through a filter module into an outlet chamber located below the inlet chamber. The filter module is arranged in a connecting section between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber in a flow opening and closes it. The filtered drinking water can then be poured through a liquid outlet from the outlet chamber into a vessel or drinking glass.

Different variants of activated and often granulated solid filters, such as activated carbon filters, but also membrane filters in a wide variety of designs are used as filter media. This type of filtering is used to remove potentially harmful impurities and other unspecific sediments or residues from the drinking water. By using membrane filters, bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms can also be removed from drinking water.

In addition to health concerns with regard to potentially contaminated drinking water, such gravity-operated devices are used for filtering a liquid in the softening of drinking water, for example in the household when used in the coffee maker or in the kettle. The filters used in the form of ion exchangers can soften hard water and therefore water that contains calcium ions. Here, the calcium ions are replaced in most cases by sodium ions in order to be able to avoid or at least reduce deposits caused by the insoluble calcium salts that form. In this way, the service life of household appliances can be increased significantly.

The filter variants already mentioned are mostly of a modular design and can simply be exchanged and replaced when the filter is exhausted without having to dismantle or replace the housing.

Filter modules, which are based on a chemical or physical interaction of the contamination with the filter medium, require longer contact times for full filter performance than filters that separate according to particle size. For this reason, such systems require a minimum contact time with regard to the throughput time, which cannot be undercut in order to still achieve the desired filter performance. With filter modules based on membrane filters, the filter performance is independent of the contact time of the liquid with the filter membrane.

All the variants presented so far have in common that the filtering of drinking water by a gravity-based system requires long filter times, with the water to be filtered flowing through the filter module solely driven by gravity.

It is therefore seen as an object of the present invention to provide a device for filtering a liquid, in particular drinking water, which enables rapid filtering.

This object is achieved for a device mentioned at the beginning in that a manually displaceable pressure element is arranged in the inlet chamber, with which the liquid located in the inlet chamber and to be filtered can be subjected to a filter pressure and pushed through the filter module into the outlet chamber.

The device according to the invention for filtering a liquid has a housing that can be set up with an underside on a substrate, with an outlet chamber, an inlet chamber arranged above it and a connecting section connecting the two chambers. The connecting section is designed as a taper with a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the cross-sectional area of the inlet chamber. In the through-flow opening formed by the connecting section, which the inlet chamber and the Connecting the outlet chamber, a filter module can be inserted and fixed. Unfiltered water can be filled into the filling opening of the inlet chamber opposite the filter module, which water, driven by gravity, can flow through the filter module into the outlet chamber. After the water to be filtered has been filled in, a pressure element can be arranged in the inlet chamber in such a way that the filling opening can be closed completely and watertight. The pressure element can be displaced within the inlet chamber by manual actuation. By actuation, a filter pressure can be applied to the liquid to be filtered, and the liquid can be pressed under pressure through the filter module into the outlet chamber. Due to the filter pressure acting on the liquid in addition to the force of gravity, the filter duration can be reduced in contrast to purely gravity-operated devices for filtering liquids.

The housing of the device is preferably made of a dimensionally stable and transparent, or semitransparent material, so that the user can check the liquid level at any time.

According to an advantageous implementation of the inventive concept, it is provided that the inlet chamber has a pressure section with a constant cross-sectional area, and that the pressure element is mounted displaceably within the pressure section in order to be able to apply the filter pressure to the fluid in the inlet chamber when the pressure element is actuated. The inlet chamber can have a cylindrical shape with two parallel sectional planes and a lateral surface connecting the sectional planes, wherein the sectional planes can be configured with a circular, oval or any polygonal cross-sectional area. The cutting planes are preferably arranged perpendicular to the cylinder axis connecting the cutting planes in order to enable a constant filter pressure directed perpendicular to the substrate and onto the liquid to be filtered when the pressure element is actuated. Due to the constant cross-sectional area of the pressure section, the pressure element seals the pressure section in a liquid-tight manner when it is actuated and displaced parallel to the cylinder axis at every point of displacement, so that a constant and maximized filter pressure can be achieved. The liquid-tight sealing of the pressure element in the pressure section can be realized, for example, by an elastic O-sealing ring fixed on the circumferential surface of the pressure element. The pressure section is arranged on the filling opening at an upper end of the inlet chamber facing away from the connecting section. The filling opening is designed in such a way that the pressure element can be removed from the pressure section during cleaning or when filling with water, and can then be reinserted.

Advantageously, it is optionally provided according to the invention that the pressure element has a pressure stamp which can be displaced in the pressure section of the inlet chamber and has a stamp plate and a stamp handle fixed on the stamp plate. The stamp plate can be implemented as a flat plate sealing the pressure section, with design variants also being possible in which the stamp plate has a curved shape or a shape adapted to the shape of the tapering of the connecting section. The stamp handle is preferably designed with a cylindrical shape and is fixed in the center on the side of the stamp plate facing away from the connecting section in order to enable a uniform displacement of the pressure plate when the pressure stamp is actuated and thus avoid tilting within the pressure section.

Furthermore, an embodiment is contemplated in which a membrane can be fixed in a liquid-tight manner between the stamp plate and the liquid to be filtered in the pressure section, and the stamp plate has a smaller cross-sectional area than the membrane. The membrane can, for example, be connected to a planar pressure element plate along its peripheral edge and the stamp plate can be arranged centrally between the pressure element plate and the membrane. When the pressure plunger is actuated, the plunger plate presses against the membrane and first pulls the membrane with the pressure element plate in the direction of the connecting section, the membrane being somewhat elastically deformed and the filter pressure being exerted on the liquid to be filtered via the membrane. As soon as the pressure element plate cannot be shifted further in the direction of the connecting section, a further actuation of the pressure plunger causes only the membrane to be increasingly deformed and thereby more and more adapts to a, for example, conical shape of the connecting section, thereby exerting the filter pressure on the liquid to be filtered .

In addition, when the pressure stamp is actuated, an inflation device arranged between the stamp plate and the cover can be inflated by inflating an elastic, air-tight and gas-tight envelope, and the stamp plate can thus be pressed against the surface of the water.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the shape of the stamp plate is adapted to the shape is adapted to the cross-sectional area of the pressure section of the inlet chamber, wherein the pressure section can be closed completely and liquid-tight on a side opposite the filter module by the stamp plate. The shape of the stamp plate is adapted to the shape of the pressure section in such a way that the cross-sectional areas are identical to one another. Due to manufacturing tolerances during manufacture and in order to make it easier to insert the pressure ram after filling the inlet chamber, seals, in particular in the form of elastic O-sealing rings, can be provided on the outer surface of the stamp plate in order to enable a liquid-tight, but nonetheless displaceable stamp plate be attached. The fact that when the pressure ram is actuated is arranged in a liquid-tight manner in the pressure section, no water can escape on the sides or upwards, so that the flow time of the liquid to be filtered through the device according to the invention is as short as possible due to a constant and constant pressure.

It is also possible and optionally provided according to the invention that the inlet chamber has a removable cover that closes the filling opening of the inlet chamber. A cover that closes the inlet opening of the inlet chamber enables safe handling of the device according to the invention. On the one hand it can play a hygienic role in avoiding contamination of the filled water, on the other hand it can prevent the water to be filtered from leaking out of the inlet chamber if handled carelessly. In addition, by using a cover, the filling opening can be realized with the same or a larger cross-sectional area as the pressure section. In this way, through the large filling opening, a safe and quick filling of water into the inlet chamber is possible under, for example, a water tap. The cover can be designed as a support cover, clamped or connected to the filler opening with locking tongues, or it can have notches, projections, or also hinges for secure attachment to the filler opening of the inlet chamber.

Furthermore, it is possible and optionally provided according to the invention that the cover has a continuous recess and that the stamp handle is guided in the recess and can be actuated from outside the inlet chamber. The stamp plate is arranged in the printing section, while the stamp handle, which is arranged on the stamp plate, is arranged in the recess of the cover so that its end opposite the stamp plate protrudes through the recess. A ball or any geometric shape or some other thickening of the stamp handle with a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the recess can be attached to this end, so that the pressure stamp is fixed on the cover. A ball that can be connected to the stamp handle offers the advantage that the pressure stamp can be removed, for example to clean the cover.

The recess is designed so that it is adapted to the shape of the stamp handle and this can be safely guided in the recess when the pressure element is actuated. With a secure and wobble-free guidance of the stamp plate parallel to the cylinder axis and thus an accompanying force perpendicular to the horizontally arranged water surface, tilting or uneven pressure can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible that the device according to the invention can be used with a cover without a recess for pure liquid filtering via gravity. The cover can also be implemented as a variant with a smaller closable opening, the opening preferably being able to be opened and closed with one hand.

According to an advantageous implementation of the inventive concept, it is provided that the stamp handle can be fixed in the recess of the cover in such a way that the stamp plate is arranged horizontally and vertically displaceable, the liquid in the inlet chamber being subjected to a filter pressure by the stamp and through the filter module in the outlet chamber can be pressed. When actuating the plunger, i. H. when the stamp handle is pressed from outside the lid, the stamp plate is moved in a vertical movement in the direction of the water surface and exerts pressure on it. By a horizontal and thus parallel alignment to the water surface of the stamp plate, the pressure applied to the water surface can be evenly distributed. When using an inlet chamber, the cylinder axis not being perpendicular to the sectional planes of the inlet chamber, a parallel position of the stamp plate to the water surface can be made possible, for example, by an articulated connection between the stamp plate and the stamp handle.

Advantageously, it is optionally provided according to the invention that the cross-sectional area of the connecting section has less than half, preferably less than a third and particularly preferably less than a quarter of the size of the cross-sectional area of the pressure section of the inlet chamber. When the pressure plunger is actuated, the pressure plate presses on the surface of the water to be filtered and applies a filter pressure to it. Due to the smaller cross-sectional area of the connecting section and thus the Filter module, the filter pressure applied to the filter module increases due to the fact that the ratio of the force acting perpendicularly to a surface is proportional to the surface. The pressure difference on the filter module has an effect on the filter speed, since a faster flow rate can be achieved with a higher pressure applied.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the inlet chamber with the connecting section is manufactured separately and is removably fixed in a container housing that forms the outlet chamber. The inlet chamber, which is produced separately in addition to the outlet chamber, with the connecting section fixed to it, must be inserted into the inlet opening of the outlet chamber before the filter system is used. Variants are conceivable here in which the inlet chamber can be inserted completely or partially into the outlet chamber and, for example, can be fixed there in a jamming manner. Such a separate production enables simple cleaning, in particular of the outlet chamber, it being possible for the outlet chamber and the inlet chamber to be dishwasher-proof. In addition, an embodiment variant is also conceivable in which the inlet chamber, the connecting section and the outlet chamber are made in one piece. Due to such a one-piece design variant and thus fewer individual components, fewer seals or liquid-tight connections are required in order to counteract potential leaky connections or leaks.

It is also possible and optionally provided according to the invention that the outlet chamber has a liquid outlet for pouring out the filtered liquid. The liquid outlet, for example designed as a spout, can be attached at different heights of the outlet chamber, and can be implemented in the form of a tube or in the form of a bulge in the chamber wall as a spout. After filtering, the filtered liquid can be poured from the outlet chamber into a vessel or drinking glass via the spout.

It is preferably provided that the filter module can be inserted into and removed from the connecting section through the inlet chamber. The filter module can be replaced through the filling opening of the inlet chamber, if necessary after removing the cover, without further steps being necessary. The filter module can, for example, be fixed in a clamping or latching manner in the flow opening and inserted or removed vertically.

Furthermore, it is possible and optionally provided according to the invention that the filter module has a removal ring for removing the filter module. A ring, a tab or a chain can be attached to the top of the filter module facing the cover. The filter module can be removed from the flow opening by pulling on the chain.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the filter module is a hollow fiber membrane filter. Membrane filters are understood to mean filters, with undesired substances being separated off by a permeable membrane. In the case of hollow fiber membrane filters, the separation performance is achieved by hollow fibers, which are usually combined in a composite to create a filter module, with the walls of the hollow fibers functioning as a membrane. Depending on the nature of the hollow fibers, the separation takes place either via diffusion or convection. The starting materials for the hollow fiber synthesis include polyether sulfones, polysulfones, polyaryl nitriles, but also ceramic materials or metals. However, due to a modular design of the filter modules, filter modules with other filter media such as activated carbon can also be used in the device according to the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Filterung einer Flüssigkeit, wobei das Gehäuse einstückig hergestellt ist,
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Explosionszeichnung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung aus 1,
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer an den Verbindungsabschnitt angepassten Stempelplatte,
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer Anordnung des Flüssigkeitsauslasses oberhalb des Filtermoduls,
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Einlasskammer und der Verbindungsabschnitt gesondert hergestellt und in die Auslasskammer eingesetzt werden können, und
• 6 zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung aus 5.

Further advantageous configurations of the device for filtering a liquid are explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows:

• 1 a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention for filtering a liquid, wherein the housing is made in one piece,
• 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an exploded drawing of the device according to the invention from FIG 1 ,
• 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention with a stamp plate adapted to the connecting section,
• 4th shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention with an arrangement of the liquid outlet above the filter module,
• 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention, wherein the inlet chamber and the connecting section can be produced separately and inserted into the outlet chamber, and
• 6th shows an exploded view of the device according to the invention 5 .

In 1 a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention for filtering a liquid is shown. The device has a openable housing 1 with an almost cylindrical shape with an inlet chamber 2 for receiving the liquid to be filtered, a connecting section 3 and with an outlet chamber 4th to absorb the filtered liquid. The outlet chamber 4th can be set up with one underside on the ground and the inlet chamber 2 is above the outlet chamber 4th arranged and with this via a flow opening 5 , in the connecting section arranged between the two chambers 2, 4 3 connected. The connecting section 3 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet chamber 2 while the inlet chamber 2 and the outlet chamber 4th are realized with an identical cross-sectional area. In the flow opening 5 is a filter module 6th in this embodiment as a hollow fiber membrane filter with filter membranes 7th set. On the filter module 6th is a removal ring 8th for removing the filter module 6th arranged. The inlet chamber 2 has on one, the connecting section 3 opposite side has a filling opening 9 to fill in the liquid to be filtered, which with a lid 10 can be closed. Into the inlet chamber 2 The liquid that has been filled in passes through the filter module, following the force of gravity 6th into the outlet chamber 4th . At the outlet chamber 4th is a liquid outlet 11 with which the filtered water can be poured out. In this embodiment, the housing 1 with the inlet chamber 2 , the connection section 3 and the outlet chamber 4th manufactured in one piece. The liquid outlet 11 the outlet chamber 4th is below the filter module 6th arranged.

The inlet chamber 2 has a printing section 12th with a constant cross-sectional area. In this print section 12th the pressure element is arranged displaceably. The pressure element is a pressure stamp, consisting of a flat stamp plate 13th and one in the middle on an upper side of the stamp plate 13th fixed cylindrical stamp handle 14th , executed. The stamp plate 13th is due to the cylindrical geometry of the printing section 12th adapted and this can be done with a on the outer surface of the stamp plate 13th Seal the specified sealing ring in a liquid-tight manner. In that, the feed opening 9 sealing, lid 10 a recess is arranged in the middle, in which the stamp handle can be arranged and guided. The recess is based on the shape of the punch handle 14th customized. The stamp plate 13th has a circumferential seal along its peripheral edge 15th on, which can be designed, for example, as a ring seal that is set in a circumferential groove. On that of the stamp plate 13th opposite end portion of the punch handle 14th which protrudes through the recess of the lid is a thickening 16 attached with a larger cross-sectional area than the recess. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickening is designed as a ball. The thickening 16 facilitates convenient gripping and actuation of the pressure stamp and prevents the pressure stamp from being accidentally removed from the cover, for example during cleaning 10 can be solved. The thickening 16 can be detached on the stamp handle 14th fixed, for example screwed, and thereby enables an intentional detachment of the pressure element from the cover if necessary 10 .

By actuating the pressure ram 13th , 14th from outside the inlet chamber 2 can the stamp plate 13th are pressed against the liquid surface, wherein the liquid is subjected to a filter pressure and through the filter module 6th into the outlet chamber 4th can be pressed.

In 2 FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an exploded view of the device according to the invention from FIG 1 shown, among other things, the housing 1 , the filter module 6th , the stamp 13th , 14th as well as the lid 10 having.

In 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention from FIG 1 with one to the connecting section 3 adapted stamp plate 13th shown.

4th shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention from 3 , the liquid outlet 11 above the filter module 6th is arranged.

5 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to the invention, wherein the inlet chamber 2 and the connecting portion 3 manufactured separately and clamped in the outlet chamber 4th are used. The liquid outlet 11 is designed here as a snout.

6th shows an exploded view of the device according to the invention 5 , consisting of the housing 1 , the filter module 6th , the stamp 13th , 14th as well as the lid 10 .

List of reference symbols

1

casing

2

Inlet chamber

3

Connection section

4th

Outlet chamber

5

Flow opening

6th

Filter module

7th

Filter membrane

8th

Removal ring

9

Filling opening

10

cover

11

Liquid outlet

12th

Print section

13th

Stamp plate

14th

Stamp handle

15th

Sealing ring

16

Ball on the punch handle

Claims (13)

Device for filtering a liquid, the device having a container that can be set up on the ground with an inlet chamber (2) for receiving the liquid to be filtered and with an outlet chamber (4) for receiving the filtered liquid, the outlet chamber (4) below the inlet chamber (2) is arranged, wherein the inlet chamber (2) has a filling opening (9) and is connected to the outlet chamber (4) via a connecting section which is narrowed in cross section relative to the inlet chamber (2), and in which the inlet chamber (2) a filter module (6) can be fixed with the flow opening (5) connecting the outlet chamber (4) in the connecting section (3) so that the liquid filled into the inlet chamber (2) through the filter module (6) closing the flow opening (5) into the outlet chamber (4) can flow, characterized in that a manually displaceable pressure element (13, 14) is arranged in the inlet chamber (2), with w by which the liquid to be filtered in the inlet chamber (2) can be subjected to a filter pressure and pushed through the filter module (6) into the outlet chamber (4). Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet chamber (2) has a pressure section (12) with a constant cross-sectional area, and that the pressure element (13, 14) is mounted displaceably within the pressure section (12) in order to, when the pressure element (13, 14 ) to be able to apply the filter pressure to the liquid in the inlet chamber (2). Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pressure element (13, 14) has a pressure stamp displaceable in the pressure section (12) of the inlet chamber (2) with a stamp plate (13) and a stamp handle (14) fixed on the stamp plate (13). Device according to Claim 1 to 3 , characterized in that the shape of the stamp plate (13) is adapted to the shape of the cross-sectional area of the pressure section (12) of the inlet chamber (2), the pressure section (12) being passed through the stamp plate (13) on a side opposite the filter module (6) ) can be closed completely and in a liquid-tight manner. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet chamber (2) has a removable cover (10) which closes the filling opening (9) of the inlet chamber (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (10) has a continuous recess, and that the stamp handle (14) is guided in the recess and can be actuated from outside the inlet chamber (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamp handle (14) can be fixed in the recess of the cover (10) in such a way that the stamp plate (13) is arranged horizontally and vertically displaceable, the one in the inlet chamber (2) A filter pressure is applied to the liquid by the ram and can be pressed through the filter module (6) into the outlet chamber (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the connecting section (3) is less than half, preferably less than a third and particularly preferably less than a quarter of the size of the cross-sectional area of the pressure section (12) of the inlet chamber (2) . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet chamber (2) with the connecting section (3) is manufactured separately and is removably fixed in a container forming the outlet chamber (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet chamber (4) has a liquid outlet (11) for pouring out the filtered liquid. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter module (6) can be inserted into and removed from the connecting section (3) through the inlet chamber (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter module (6) has a removal ring (8) for removing the filter module (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter module (6) is a hollow fiber membrane filter.

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