GB2621831A

GB2621831A - Filter cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2621831A
Application number: GB2212182.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Young Andrew
Original assignee: Global Tooling Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Global Tooling Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-22
Filing date: 2022-08-22
Publication date: 2024-02-28
Also published as: GB202212182D0

Abstract

A device, 10, suitable for cleaning cartridge filters, 12, comprising a housing, 18, a rotatable shaft (fig. 6, 82), which holds the filter, and a spray bar (fig. 4, 76), which is spaced-apart from, and parallel to, the shaft. The spray bar is connectable to a water supply and includes one or more nozzles (fig. 4, 74), directed towards the cartridge. In use, the filter is rotated, enabling water from the nozzles to penetrate the pleats 14 and wash out entrapped debris. The housing may have a hinged lid 42, with a transparent portion to view cleaning progress, and be made from a polymeric material. There may be an outlet, 36, situated near the base of the housing to discharge dirty water and debris during use. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning one or more cartridges using the device.

Description

FILTER CLEANING DEVICE

TE(11NIC11, FII-1,1)0 I-THE INITN7'ION The present invention relates to a filter cleaning device, in particular to a filter cleaning device that can be used with cartridge filters for hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated filter cleaning device that can be used to spray a washing fluid into the pleats/fins of the cartridge filter to wash out the entrapped debris therein, and which leads to enhanced cleaning.

13.4('KGROUNI) In use, hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like undergo filtration cycles, either continuously or intermittently, in which the water and chemicals are circulated through the filter system, pumping system and pipework. The water is pulled out of the tub or bath, filtered through one or more cartridge filters, heated, and the -treated" water returned to the tub or bath.

One of the problems with owning and/or operating such a hot tub, spa, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool and the like is that the cartridge filters in the filter system can become clogged with skin, body oils, hair, floating debris, residue and the like, and such cartridge filters need to be removed and manually cleaned (or replaced) on a relatively frequent basis.

If this essential filter maintenance is not carried out, this can disrupt water clarity and cleanliness and cause a strain on the parts of the system. If a filter is very dirty then debris can make its way into the heater, pumps, sensors and other key working parts of the hot tub.

The cleaning of such cartridge filters is however a time-consuming and laborious task To clean the cartridge filters they have to be removed from the hot tub and sprayed/washed with special cleaning solutions (de-greasing agents), soaked, agitated and rinsed on a sink drainer or outside using a hosepipe.

Aside from these manual techniques, and other heads/attachments that fit on hosepipes to help with this manual task, there are also units available that are intended to be used outside and fed from a hosepipe. With these known units, there is a pre-cleaning stage, where the filter is firstly sprayed with the cleaning solution and left for 15 to 20 minutes.

The filter is then placed in the unit and water from the hosepipe is passed through a reducer that causes a high-pressure jet to spin the filter (placed on a boss) at a high speed which ejects only some of residue/debris caught in the pleats/fins of the filter by centrifugal force. Because of the density of the pleats/fins in such cartridge filters, and the fact that the majority of the debris/residue is caught towards the centre of the diameter of the cartridge, the water in these known units is not able to penetrate the centre of the pleats/fins because of the centrifugal force and only the residue/debris around the outermost part of the cartridge filter is spun out by centrifugal force, and the residue/debris caught towards the centre of the diameter is not ejected or cleaned.

There is therefore a need for a filter cleaning device that can be used with cartridge filters for hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like. It is also desirable for there to be a filter cleaning device that can accommodate different lengths of cartridge filter. It is also desirable for there to be a filter cleaning device wherein the cartridge filter is rotated slowly, and which uses spray nozzles to penetrate a washing fluid deeply into the pleats/fins of the cartridge filter to wash out the entrapped debris in the pleats/fins, and which leads to enhanced cleaning. It is also desirable for there to be an improved automating device for effectively cleaning the entirety of the cartridge filter, which is an otherwise time-consuming and laborious manual task.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a filter cleaning device that can be used with cartridge filters for hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a filter cleaning device that can accommodate different lengths of cartridge filter. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a filter cleaning device wherein the cartridge filter is rotated slowly, and which uses spray nozzles to penetrate a washing fluid deeply into the pleats/fins of the cartridge filter to wash out the entrapped debris in the pleats/fins, and which leads to enhanced cleaning. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved automating device for effectively cleaning the entirety of the cartridge filter, which is an otherwise time-consuming and laborious manual task.

SUMAIARY OF THE AWE:V/10N The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided a cartridge filter cleaning device, the filter cleaning device comprising: a housing; a rotatable shaft which receives an axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter; and a spray bar which is spaced-apart from, and is co-axial to, the rotatable shaft, wherein the spray bar is connectable to a water supply, and wherein the spray bar includes one or more spray nozzles directed towards the rotatable shaft, and wherein in use the rotatable shaft is rotated and enabling water from the one or more spray nozzles to penetrate into the pleats of the cartridge filter to wash out entrapped debris.

An advantage of the present invention is that by slowly rotating the cartridge filter and spraying the water ensures that the entrapped debris caught towards the centre of the diameter of the cartridge filter is washed out, and which leads to enhanced cleaning.

Preferably, the cartridge filter is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any one of the following: hot tub, spa, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool.

Further preferably, the cartridge filter is substantially cylindrical in shape having an axial hole formed in each circular end face thereof and filter media configured as circumferential pleats between the axial hole and the outer circumference thereof.

In use, the housing may comprise: a generally flat base wall; a pair of side walls which extend upwardly from each side of the base wall; and a pair of end walls which extend upwardly from each end of the base wall, one of the end walls including an inlet opening and the other one of the end walls including an outlet opening.

Preferably, the side walls and end walls each taper outwards from the base wall.

Further preferably, one end of the inlet opening is connectable to a water supply and one end of the outlet opening is connectable to a drain or outflow.

In use, the outlet opening may be positioned at, or proximate, the level of the base wall, such that water, de-greasing agents, and/or debris can flow out of the housing by gravity.

Preferably, the opening in the housing is closed off by a removable hinged lid Further preferably, the lid is opaque or transparent so that the user can visually monitor the cleaning.

In use, one of the side edges of the lid may include a grasping tab or handle to facilitate opening and closing, and the other one of the side edges of the lid may include an abutting contact face which holds the lid open by gravity in the same plane as the side walls.

Preferably, the rotatable shaft comprises an elongate threaded bar having a first end which is formed as a mortise, and an opposite second end which is formed as a spindle, the spindle being rotatable within a bush mounted in one of the end walls of the housing.

Further preferably, the elongate threaded bar receives one or more pairs of opposing threaded cones which are rotated along the threaded bar to positions where they seat against the axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter to secure the filer axially.

In use, the rotatable shaft may be rotated via a drive mechanism.

Preferably, the drive mechanism is affixed to one of the end walls and comprises a drive shaft which projects through an aperture in one of the end walls, the distal end of the drive shaft being formed as a spigot which receives the mortise on the first end of the rotatable shaft.

Further preferably, the drive mechanism is selected from the group consisting of but not limited to, any one of the following: clockwork, electric motor, hand crank.

In use, the spray bar may be elongate and has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end of the spray bar is received within a push-fit connector situated on the other end of the inlet opening, and wherein the opposite second end of the spray bar seats inside a bush disposed in one of the end walls of the housing.

Preferably, the spray nozzles are attached to the spray bar by way of threaded connectors which are positioned above radial holes in the spray bar.

Further preferably, each of the spray nozzles comprises a slit which disrupts the water flow into a spray pattern.

In use, the spray nozzles may spray the water from below and upwards towards the filter and thereby enabling the entrapped debris to be washed out of the filter.

Preferably, the rotatable shaft is rotated at between generally 5 to 12 rpm, and which enables water from the one or more spray nozzles to penetrate between the side walls of the pleated filter media and into the centre of the pleated filter media to wash out entrapped debris.

Further preferably, the rotatable bar can be rotated in in one or both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

In use, the housing and parts thereof may be formed via injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or additive manufacturing and/or 3D printing using a suitable polymer.

Preferably, the polymer is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or a biobased polymer or blends thereof Further preferably, the polymer comprises an antimicrobial additive and/or one or more dyes or pigment admixed thereto.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning one or more cartridge filters, each cartridge filter having an axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter, the method comprising the steps of providing a filter cleaning device as hereinbefore described; placing one or more cartridge filters on a rotatable shaft; pre-treating the one or more cartridge filters with a de-greasing agent; rotating the rotatable shaft at between around 5 to 12 rpm, and removing entrapped debris from the pleats of the cartridge filter by spraying water through the one or more spray nozzles It is believed that a filter cleaning device and its method of use in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BI?IEF DESCRIPHON OF l'HE DRATHNGS The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the side and above of a filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e illustrate front, side, rear, top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, Figure 3 shows front and side plan views, respectively, of a clockwork mechanism that is used to slowly rotate the one or more cartridge filters disposed in the filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the filter mounting and spraying assembly being disposed within the filter cleaning device in accordance with the presentinvention; Figures 5a and 5b illustrate perspective views from the side and above of each end of the nozzle spraying bar shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is an exploded side plan view of the rotatable threaded shaft shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a side sectional view showing further detail of a lip and hinged lid arrangement situated towards the top of the filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a side sectional view showing further detail of the lip and a latch mechanism for securing the hinged lid arrangement against the lip which is situated towards the top of the filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a front sectional view of the filter cleaning device in accordance with the present invention and showing further detail of the rotatable threaded shaft, nozzle spraying bar and the lip and hinged lid arrangement; Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e illustrate front, side, rear, top and bottom plan views, respectively, of a filter cleaning device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and which utilises an electric motor to slowly rotate the one or more cartridge filters disposed in the filter cleaning device; and Figures I I a, I lb, I 1 c, I Id and 1 1 e show front, side, rear, top and bottom plan views, respectively, of a filter cleaning device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention and which utilises a hand cranking mechanism to slowly rotate the one or more cartridge filters disposed in the filter cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EVBODDIENTS

The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising a filter cleaning device that can be used with cartridge filters for hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like. Advantageously, the present invention provides a filter cleaning device that can accommodate different lengths of cartridge filter. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a filter cleaning device wherein the cartridge filter is rotated slowly, and which uses spray nozzles to penetrate a washing fluid deeply into the pleats/fins of the cartridge filter to wash out the entrapped debris in the pleats/fins, and which leads to enhanced cleaning. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides an improved automating device for effectively cleaning the entirety of the cartridge filter, which is an otherwise time-consuming and laborious manual task.

Referring now to the drawings, a filter cleaning device 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the filter cleaning device 10 is for cleaning cartridge filters 12 that are used with hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools and the like. The skilled person will understand that one of the main problems with owning and/or operating such a hot tub, spa, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool and the like is that the cartridge filters in the filter system can become clogged with skin, body oils, hair, floating debris, residue and the like and such cartridge filters need to be removed and manually cleaned (or replaced) on a relatively frequent basis.

It is worth noting that, in use, when deployed in the hot tub, spa, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool and the like, the water to be filtered always enters the generally cylindrical filter 12 through the circumferential pleats/fins 14 formed by paper filter media, and exits the filter 12 through the axial hole 16 formed in each end face 92 thereof Therefore, debris (dead skin cells, body oils, hair, floating debris, contaminants, residue and the like) tends to get caught up in the external circumferential pleats/fins 14.

It is also worth noting that whilst different hot tub systems use different proprietary filters, approximately 95% of all filters 12 have the same external diameter and internal hole 16 size. The filter cleaning device 10 of the present invention therefore provides an improved automating device for effectively cleaning such cartridge filters 12 and which is an otherwise time-consuming and laborious task.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the filter cleaning device 10 comprises a housing 18 which can receive one or more of such cartridge filters 12 to be cleaned. The housing 18 is formed having a generally rectangular-shape in plan view with a generally flat base 20 and a pair of tapered side walls 22 which extend upwardly from each side of the base 20. A tapered front end wall 24 extends upwardly from the front end of the base 20, and a tapered rear end wall 26 extends upwardly from the rear end of the base 20, such that the base 20, side walls 22 and end walls 24, 26 in combination define an open chamber which receive one or more cartridge filters 12, to be described later.

The side walls 22 of the housing 18 include a number of generally L-shaped buttresses 28 which provides structural support to the thin-walled housing 18. The buttresses 28 can be co-moulded with the housing 18, or overmoulded over the base 20 and side walls 22.

At the bottom of each of the buttresses 28 is a foot 30. The foot 30 can preferably be formed from a deformable material, and which increases friction between the foot 30 and the surface onto which the filter cleaning device 10 is placed.

Situated in the front end wall 24 of the housing 18, and proximate to the base wall 20, is an inlet opening (not visible in the drawings) which is dimensioned to receive an inlet pipe 32 therethrough. One end of the inlet pipe 32 is formed having a male push-fit hosepipe connector fitting 34 and onto which a corresponding female hosepipe connector and hosepipe (not shown) can be connected when in use On the opposite, rear end wall 26 of the housing 18, and again proximate to the base wall 20, is positioned an outlet opening 36. The outlet opening 36 being positioned at, or near, the level of the base wall 20, such that water, de-greasing agents, and debris/residue from the cartridge filters 12 can outflow from the device 10 by gravity, as is described in further detail below.

The outlet opening 36 can optionally be connected to a hosepipe connector 38 should the filter cleaning device 10 be used in a position that is physically remote to a suitable drain or outflow.

The device 10 can alternatively include a false bottom or tray (not shown) which captures the washed debris from the filter 12 which then settles on it simply by gravity. This tray can be removed for easy cleaning The upper edges of the side walls 22 and end walls 24, 26 in combination define an opening which can receive a lip 40 which supports a hinged lid 42. The hinged lid 42 acts as a closure that prevents water, de-greasing agents, and debris/residue from the rotating cartridge filters 12 from escaping from the housing 18 when in use. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 7, along one side of the lip 40 is an elongate channel 44 which receives a complementary-shaped protrusion 46, and such that the lid 42 is hingedly-connected to one edge of the lip 40. The lid 42 also includes an abutment 48 having a contact face 50, such that when the lid 42 is elevated in an open position, the contact face 50 abuts against the lip 40 and/or tapered side wall 22 such that it is held by gravity in a substantially vertical position (see Figure 1) in which the interior of the housing 18 is accessible by the user.

Figure 8 shows further detail of a latching mechanism 70 which is positioned at the connection of the lid 42 with the lip 40 along its opposite side edge. The latching mechanism 70 comprises snap-fit projections 52 disposed along the edge of the lid 42 and which are connectable by a snap-fit around a body 54 formed in the lip 40. The snap-fit projections 52 being formed from a pliable polymer having enough flexibility to deform, and abut against and around, the body 54 to retain the lid 42 in place.

The lid 42 can be opaque or transparent so that the user can visually monitor the cleaning/rinsing more easily. The lid 42 also includes a grasping tab or handle 68 to facilitate opening and closing.

Figure 3 shows detail of a clockwork drive mechanism 56 that is used to rotate the filters 12 in the filter cleaning device 10. The clockwork drive mechanism 56 is affixed to, and abuts against, the front end wall 24. The clockwork drive mechanism 56 is generally circular in shape and contains within it a spiral torsion spring of metal ribbon (not shown). Energy is stored in the spring manually by winding it up using the winder 58 which is attached to a ratchet and gears (not shown) which twists the torsion spring tighter.

As can be seen from Figure 3b, the energy stored in the clockwork drive mechanism 56 drives a shaft 60 which projects through an aperture (not shown) in the front end wall 24.

The distal end of the shaft 60 is connected to a spigot 62 and shroud 64. The lower part of the clockwork drive mechanism 56 also includes an aperture 66 through which the inlet pipe 32 is taken through an aperture in the front end wall 24.

The clockwork drive mechanism 56 can be manufactured as a separate unit or integrated with the housing 18.

The skilled person will understand that by rotating the winder 58, energy is stored in the spring and a ratchet and gears (not shown) rotates the shaft 60 and spigot 62 and shroud 64. It is this rotational movement that is used to rotate the one or more filters 12 in order to clean them, as described in further detail below in relation to Figures 4 to 6.

Figures 4 to 6 show a filter support assembly 72 which supports a series of filters 12 being mounted axially through holes 16 on a threaded shaft 82 and being situated substantially directly above a series of upwardly-projecting cleaning nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c disposed on a nozzle spray bar 76. The filter support assembly 72 and nozzle spray bar 76 being situated within the housing 18 of the filter cleaning device 10, as perhaps best shown in Figure 2d.

The threaded bar 82 is elongate and has a first end 78 and an opposite second end 80.

Along the majority of its length, the bar 82 is threaded. The first end 78 of the threaded bar 82 is formed as a mortise 84. The mortise 84 being received within the spigot 62 and shroud 64 when in use.

The opposite second end 80 of the threaded bar 82 is formed as an spindle 86 which is seated inside a cupped nylon bush 88 disposed in the rear end wall 26. Such a configuration enables the threaded bar 82 to be axially rotated between the front 24 and rear end walls 26 and driven by the clockwork drive mechanism 56.

In use, the filters 12 are locatable between respective pairs of opposing threaded cones 90a, 90a', 90b, 90b', 90c, 90c'. As shown in Figure 4, opposing pairs of threaded cones 90a, 90a', 90b, 901:r, 90c, 90c' are rotated along the threaded bar 82 to positions where they seat against the annular opening 16 formed in each end face 92 of the filter 12. In this way, the threaded bar 82 can easily accommodate different lengths of filter 12, that is simply by adjusting the position of the pairs of threaded cones 90a, 90a', 90b, 901)', 90c, 90c' The skilled person will understand that the threaded cones 90a, 90a', 90b, 901Y, 90c, 90c' will automatically centre and secure the filters in position. In use, the spindle 86 of the threaded rod 82 clicks into the cupped bush 88 moulded into the rear end wall 26 of the housing 18, whilst the mortise shape 84 engages in the drive spigot 62 and shroud 64 at the first end 78 of the threaded bar 82. In this way, the filters 12 can be mounted on the rod 82 and mounted in, and removed from, the housing 18 of the device 10 in a straightforward and intuitive manner.

Situated directly underneath the threaded bar 82 is the nozzle spray bar 76 which has a series of upwardly-projecting cleaning nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c disposed along its length. The nozzle bar 76 is elongate and has a first end 94a and an opposite second end 94b.

The first end 94a of the nozzle bar 76 is received within a push-fit connector 96 situated on the inlet pipe 32, as shown in Figure 5b. The opposite second end 94b of the nozzle bar 76 seats inside a nylon bush 98 disposed in the rear end wall 26, as shown in Figure 5b. Figure 9 is a front sectional view of the filter cleaning device 10 and shows further detail of the alignment of the threaded shaft 82 above the nozzle bar 76 The spray nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c are similar to those that find applications as jet spray attachments to hosepipes, and which produce a powerful fan of water. This is achieved using a thin slit 100 which is disposed in the top surface of each of the nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c. In this way a wide angle of spray emanates therefrom. As shown in Figure 5, the spray nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c are attached to the nozzle bar 76 by way of threaded connectors 106a, 106, 106c which are positioned above radial holes 108a, 108b, 108c in the nozzle bar 76. In

At its core, the device 10 takes water from the water supply (either fixed or hosepipe) via inlet pipe 32, and the filter or filters 12 (two filters 12 are shown for clarity in Figure 6 and three filters 12 shown in Figure 4, but this is in no way intended to be limited as the device 10 could clean more, or less, hot tub filters 12, or even swimming pool filters which tend to be longer than hot hub filters) can be secured upon the drive shaft 82 and locatable between respective pairs of opposing threaded cones 90a, 90a', 90b, 90b', 90c, 90c' The filters 12 are then placed in the device 10.

The filter 12 is firstly subject to a pre-cleaning stage, where the filter 12 is firstly sprayed manually with the cleaning solution and left for 15 to 20 minutes. This pre-treatment allows the cleaning solution to penetrate the centre of the pleats/fins 14 where most of the debris/residue is entrapped Alternatively, the pre-treatment stage can be achieved prior to insertion of the filters 12 in the housing 18, with the cleaning solution being applied to the filters 12 when they are placed outside of the device 10, prior to the rinsing stage After pre-treatment, the lid 42 is closed, the water supply is turned-on, and the energy stored in the clockwork drive mechanism 56 rotates the threaded rod 82 and filters 12. It is the slow rotation (typically 5 to 12 rpm) of the cartridge filters 12 on this shaft 82 which enables water from the series of nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c to penetrate deeply into the pleats/fins 14 to wash out the entrapped debris in the pleats/fins 14 for effectively cleaning the entirety of the cartridge filter 12. This is a hugely important distinction over known units which use high-speed centrifugal force to eject only the outermost circumferential debris/residue from the pleats/fins 14 of the cartridge filters 12.

Rotating the filters 12 in a generally horizontal configuration and spraying the water from below ensures that the entrapped debris falls to the bottom of the filter 12 and flows out of the housing 18 through the outlet opening 36 In further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that cycles of rinsing in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) can be achieved, such that water from the nozzles 74a, 74b, 74c is able to penetrate both side walls of the filter paper and the centre of it to wash the debris/residue out from the pleats/fins 14.

At its core, the device 10 allows for a good level of automation for this otherwise time-consuming manual task, and provides a much better level of cleaning.

Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of the filter cleaning device 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of the clockwork drive mechanism 56 driving the spigot 62, an electric motor drive mechanism 102 can be utilised, The electric motor drive mechanism 102 would be a motor turning at between 7 to 12 revolutions per minute and would have a timer to complete the rinsing process after the cleaning solution has been left on the filter 12 for 15 to 20 minutes.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of the filter cleaning device 10. The construction of the third embodiment is very similar to that of the first and second embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that instead of the clockwork drive mechanism 56 or an electric motor drive mechanism 102, a simple hand cranking mechanism 104 can be utilised.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter cleaning device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from a polymer such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Alternatively, the filter cleaning device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from a polymer such as Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or blends thereof Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that the filter cleaning device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

The filter cleaning device 10 and parts thereof can be supplied in a number of different colours.

The filter cleaning device 10 and parts thereof may also contain silver ion technology. In order to diminish the risk of the build-up or transfer of germs or bacteria, an antimicrobial additive, such as silver ions, could be admixed with the polymer forming the mute 10. Impregnating the filter cleaning device 10 and parts thereof with an antimicrobial additive will prevent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Legionella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and Pseudomonas. Such antimicrobial additives are also proven effective against a wide range of microbes including bacteria, mould and fungi, even multi-drug resistant bacteria and the H] NI or Covid-19 virus. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

The filter cleaning device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be manufactured using techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics or rubber manufacture, as additive manufacturing or 3D printing.

The construction of the metallic components of the filter cleaning device 10, or parts thereof, can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, e.g., machined, pressed, extruded, cast or forged from a suitable metal, such as aluminium, brass, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof Therefore, an filter cleaning device 10 according to the present invention can be used to penetrate a washing fluid deeply into the pleats/fins of the cartridge filter to wash out the entrapped debris in the pleats/fins, and which leads to enhanced cleaning.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including-when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Examples of these include the following: It is envisaged that a "vertical" stackable filter cleaning unit is also proposed where the device 10, including the threaded rod 86 and nozzle bar 76, is aligned substantially vertically.

Claims

CLAIMSA cartridge filter cleaning device, the filter cleaning device comprising: a housing; a rotatable shaft which receives an axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter; and a spray bar which is spaced-apart from, and is co-axial to, the rotatable shaft, wherein the spray bar is connectable to a water supply, and wherein the spray bar includes one or more spray nozzles directed towards the rotatable shaft, and wherein in use the rotatable shaft is rotated and enabling water from the one or more spray nozzles to penetrate into the pleats of the cartridge filter to wash out entrapped debris.
2. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge filter is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any one of the following: hot tub, spa, whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool.
3. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge filter is substantially cylindrical in shape having an axial hole formed in each circular end face thereof and filter media configured as circumferential pleats between the axial hole and the outer circumference thereof
4. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing comprises: a generally flat base wall; a pair of side walls which extend upwardly from each side of the base wall; and a pair of end walls which extend upwardly from each end of the base wall, one of the end walls including an inlet opening and the other one of the end walls including an outlet opening.
5. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the side walls and end walls each taper outwards from the base wall.
6. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claims 4 or 5, wherein one end of the inlet opening is connectable to a water supply and one end of the outlet opening is connectable to a drain or outflow.
7. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outlet opening being positioned at, or proximate, the level of the base wall, such that water, degreasing agents, and/or debris can flow out of the housing by gravity.
8. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening in the housing is closed off by a removable hinged lid.
9 The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lid is opaque or transparent so that the user can visually monitor the cleaning
10. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein one of the side edges of the lid includes a grasping tab or handle to facilitate opening and closing, and the other one of the side edges of the lid includes an abutting contact face which holds the lid open by gravity in the same plane as the side walls.
11. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises an elongate threaded bar having a first end which is formed as a mortise, and an opposite second end which is formed as a spindle, the spindle being rotatable within a bush mounted in one of the end walls of the housing
12. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the elongate threaded bar receives one or more pairs of opposing threaded cones which are rotated along the threaded bar to positions where they seat against the axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter to secure the filer axially.
13 The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable shaft is rotated via a drive mechanism
14. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is affixed to one of the end walls and comprises a drive shaft which projects through an aperture in one of the end walls, the distal end of the drive shaft being formed as a spigot which receives the mortise on the first end of the rotatable shaft.
15. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, any one of the following: clockwork, electric motor, hand crank.
16. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spray bar is elongate and has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end of the spray bar is received within a push-fit connector situated on the other end of the inlet opening, and wherein the opposite second end of the spray bar seats inside a bush disposed in one of the end walls of the housing
17. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the spray nozzles are attached to the spray bar by way of threaded connectors which are positioned above radial holes in the spray bar.
18. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of the spray nozzles comprises a slit which disrupts the water flow into a spray pattern.
19. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the spray nozzles spray the water from below and upwards towards the filter and thereby enabling the entrapped debris to be washed out of the filter.
20. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rotatable shaft is rotated at between generally 5 to 12 rpm, and which enables water from the one or more spray nozzles to penetrate between the side walls of the pleated filter media and into the centre of the pleated filter media to wash out entrapped debris.
21. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the rotatable bar can be rotated in in one or both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
22. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing and parts thereof is formed via injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or additive manufacturing and/or 3D printing using a suitable polymer.
23. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (1-1DPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or a biobased polymer or blends thereof
24. The cartridge filter cleaning device as claimed in claims 20 or 21, wherein the polymer comprises an antimicrobial additive and/or one or more dyes or pigment admixed thereto.
25. A method of cleaning one or more cartridge filters, each cartridge filter having an axial annular opening formed in each end face of the cartridge filter, the method comprising the steps of: providing a filter cleaning device as claimed in any of claims Ito 24; placing one or more cartridge filters on a rotatable shaft; pre-treating the one or more cartridge filters with a de-greasing agent; rotating the rotatable shaft at between around S to 12 rpm; and removing entrapped debris from the pleats of the cartridge filter by spraying water through the one or more spray nozzles