WO2012130331A1

WO2012130331A1 - A water filtering device

Info

Publication number: WO2012130331A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/055132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon FAREMO; Tomas Hedlund; Jonas HERRSTRÖM
Original assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2011-04-01
Publication date: 2012-10-04

Abstract

A water filtering device comprising a display device is provided. The water filtering device (1) comprises - a container (3) adapted to hold filtered water, - a filter unit (17) adapted to be arranged in the container for filtering water being introduced into the container, and - a display device (19) for indicating when the filter unit has served its time, wherein the display device (19) is arranged in a handle (13) on the container.

Description

A WATER FILTERING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a water filtering device, such as a water filter jug 5 comprising a filter unit for filtration and purification of water. More particularly, the

invention relates to a water filtering device provided with a display device arranged to notify the user of the device when the water filter unit has served its time.

BACKGROUND

o In water filtering devices such as water jugs comprising a filter unit, the filter unit normally has a certain life time. If the filter unit is used for a too long time the filtering effect cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the filter unit should be replaced to ensure quality of the filtered water either after that a certain amount of water has been filtered or after a certain time in use. To facilitate for the user it is desirable to provide an indication at the time the filter 5 unit needs to be replaced. The actual position of such an indication means depend upon several factors. One factor is that it should be easily viewed and operated by a user. Another factor is that it should be positioned such that the overall design and construction of the water filtering device is not negatively affected, for example that the construction is cost effective and that the indicator means would not disturb the appearance and/or use0 of the water filtering device.

US6, 224,751 B1 discloses a water purifying device with a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted. The jug can be closed at the top with a lid. An indicator is provided in the lid for indicating the exhaustion5 of the purifying medium. The indicator is arranged in a housing which is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid. The lid is further provided with means for removing the lid from the jug as the lid is preferably removed before filling the jug with water to be purified. 0 There is a general drawback with the device according to the prior art that the relatively sensitive indicator is arranged in the lid. If the lid is handled carelessly, is dropped or for some reason falls off the purifying device during use, the indicator may be damaged or broken. SUMMARY

An object with the present invention is to provide a water filtering device that overcomes at least one drawback of the prior art.

5

A further object with the present invention is to provide a water filter device comprising a simple but yet robust and reliable display device for indicating when the filter unit has served its time. o Another object with the present invention is to provide a detachably display device for a water filtering device that has an improved attachment and positioning as well as improved visibility and operation for the user.

At least one of the above objects are achieved by a water filtering device comprising5 - a container adapted to hold filtered water,

- a filter unit adapted to be arranged in the container for filtering water being introduced into the container, and a display device for indicating when the filter unit has served its time, wherein the display device is arranged in a handle on the container. 0 By arranging the display device in the handle of the water filtering device the display device has a more protected position compared to previously known positions of the display device. It also allows the user to hold the water filtering device and operate the display device simultaneously with the same hand. 5 As a result, at least one of the above mentioned objects are achieved.

According to an embodiment, the handle comprises a first portion extending from and being connected to the container and a second portion arranged below the first portion defining a grip for a user. Further, the first portion of the handle is integrated with the0 container.

According to another embodiment, the display unit is arranged in a space in the first portion of the handle on a level with an upper edge of the container defining an opening into the container.

5 In this way the visibility of the display device is improved. Further, this position of the display device also makes it easy to handle for a user.

According to a further embodiment, at least one groove is provided in the space of the first 5 portion of the handle. Further, the display device comprises at least one rim matching the groove in the first portion such that the display device is guided into its position in the space. Furthermore, the display device is detachably arranged in the handle with a snap fit connection. o By providing the space in the first portion of the handle with grooves matching with rims on the display device the positioning of the display device is easy to carry out. A further advantage is that the display device is kept readily in place as any movement in an upward or downward direction, in relation to the upright standing water filtering device, is prevented. Also the snap fit connection, which is provided by a knob on the display device 5 fitting into an indentation in the space in the first portion of the handle, contributes to the robust installation of the display device in the handle. It is also an advantage that the display device is detachably arranged as it then may be easily removed from its position. For example, this is useful when the water filtering device is to be thoroughly rinsed or cleaned in a dishwasher.

0

According to an embodiment, the display device further comprises an indicating element illustrating status of the filter unit. Further, the indicating element comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) arranged to illustrate the status of the filter unit. 5 According to another embodiment, the indicating element comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) arranged to illustrate the status of the filter unit.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises a hopper adapted to be mounted in the container and to hold unfiltered water. Further, the filter unit is arranged in the hopper0 whereby the filter unit provides an outlet from the hopper through which filtered water reaches the container.

According an embodiment, the device comprises a lid arranged to cover the opening of the container defined by the upper edge. Furthermore, the lid is provided with an5 extension that extends over the first portion of the handle and wherein an aperture is provided in the extension for receiving the display unit through the lid.

In this way the display device is furthermore protected in its position. The extension of the lid also contributes to a secure fitting of the lid over the container.

5

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the o scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying 5 drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 a is a perspective view of a water filtering device according to an embodiment,

Fig.1 b is a cross-sectional view of the water filtering device of Fig. 1 a,

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Fig. 2 is an exploded view of at least some parts of the water filtering device of Fig. 1 a,

Fig. 3 is detailed view of a portion of the water filtering device of Fig. 1 a carrying a display device,

5

Fig. 4a shows a top view of a display device according to an embodiment, Fig. 4b shows a bottom view of the display device of Fig. 4a, and 0 Fig. 4c shows a cross-section along F-F of the display device of Fig. 4b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Disclosed features of example embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Throughout the following description similar reference numerals have been used to denote similar elements, parts, 5 items or features, when applicable.

In Figs. 1 a and 1 b a water filtering device 1 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The device comprises a container 3 for holding filtered water. A lid 5 covers and protects the opening of the container. The lid has an opening 7 through which water to be filtrated may o be poured into the container 3. In the opening 7 in the lid a rocker 9 is arranged such that a closable opening is provided. The rocker is resiliency connected to the lid as may be seen in Fig. 1 b. The rocker pivots down into the hopper when water is pored into the opening. Due to the resilient connection to the lid, the rocker returns to a closed position when water is no longer poured into the opening. The lid 5 further comprises a spout 5 opening 1 1 through which the filtered watered is poured out from the container. The container is provided with a handle 13.

The water poured into the opening 7 in the lid is received in a hopper 15. A filter unit 17 is detachably arranged in the hopper. The water filtering device 1 further comprises a0 display device 19 for indicating when the filter unit has served its time, i.e. when the filter unit is depleted or used up. The display device 19 is arranged in the handle. The handle has a first upper portion 13a and a second grip portion 13b. The display device is arranged in the upper portion. The display device is further arranged on a level with the opening of the container. Further details are shown in Fig. 3.

5

As can be seen in Fig. 2 the display device 19 is received in a space 21 of the upper portion 13a of the handle. The space 21 is arranged to receive the display device with a snap fit arrangement. The display device is detachably arranged in the space. After the display device has been installed in the space in the upper portion 13a of the handle, the0 hopper 15 is installed in the container 3. The hopper has a notch 23 such that the fitting of the hopper in the container is snug in the area of the display device. The hopper may also contribute to keep the display device well in place in the space 21 . The opening of the container (and the hopper) is closed with the lid 5. The lid has an extension 25 lying over the upper portion 13a of the handle. An aperture 27 is made in the extension 25 such that the display device protrudes through the lid and may be visible by a user of the water filtering device.

Fig. 3 shows in detail the space 21 in the upper portion of the handle. The space is 5 generally rectangular or quadratic in shape to match the form of the display device 19 to be received. The display device has the shape of a rectangular or quadratic box. It has a top, a bottom and four sides. The space is provided with two grooves 29 to guide the display device into the space. The grooves 29 further helps to keep the display device in the space. The grooves 29 are arranged parallel to each other on each side of the space. o On two of the sides of the display device, a rim 31 is arranged to be steered into the grooves.

As is illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 3, the display device is slid into the space 21 in the upper portion of the handle from within the container. A snap fit locking 33, 35 is provided 5 between the display device 19 and the upper portion 13a of the handle by an indentation 33 in the space and a knob 35 at the bottom of the display device, which is seen in Fig. 4b.

Figures 4a-c illustrate details of the display device 19. Fig. 4a shows a top view of the0 display device 19. The display device further comprises an indicating element 37. In the illustrated embodiment the indicating element is visible through holes in the casing of the display device 19. The indicating element illustrates the status of the filter unit, for example by an indication of the time remaining until the filter unit needs to be changed. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicating element is a number of light emitting diodes5 (LED) arranged inside the display device. The display device further comprises an

electrical circuit 43 comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) and a micro switch for controlling the indicating element 37. A battery provides electrical energy to the circuit in the display device. However, it should be noted that the indicating element 37 may be represented by a liquid crystal display (LCD).

0

On the top side of the display device is also provided a push button 39. The push button mainly has two functions. By pressing the button the status of the filter will be illustrated by means of one or more illuminated spots or areas provided by the indicating element 37. The status may for example be the remaining or lapsed time of filter unit life time.5 Pressing the button 39 and keeping it pressed down for a short while will show the status of the filter unit. In this respect a short while is approximately 0,5-2 seconds or less. By pressing down the button 39 and keeping it pressed down for a somewhat longer time, the display device will be reset. In this respect a long while is approximately 5 seconds or more. The push button may have a text written on it (not shown) for indicating its use. For 5 example, the text "STATUS" may be provided on the push button. After the filter unit has been exchanged to a new one, the display device should be reset to start the time calculation again. Generally, a filter device used in the described embodiment has a life time of around 1 month, i.e. approximately 30 days. o Fig. 4b shows a bottom view of the display device. On the bottom, the knob 35 is visible. The knob fits into the indentation 33 to form a snap fit connection 33, 35 between the display device 19 and the upper portion 13a of the handle. The display device may be opened for example to exchange the battery (not shown) therein. The bottom of the display device is removable by removing the fastening means 41 keeping it together. The 5 fastening means 41 may be for example screws.

Fig. 4c schematically shows the interior of the display device. The display device comprises the indicating element 37, which is for example one or more light emitting diodes or a liquid crystal display, and the circuitry 43 comprising for example a micro0 switch, a printed circuit board and a battery.

In use, the display device shows with the indicating element the time left until the filter unit should be exchanged. In the illustrated embodiment the status of the filter, i.e. the remaining time of the filter unit life is indicated or illustrated by for example a number of5 illuminated or flashing spots (or lights being put out). The illuminated spots are provided by the indicating element, being for example a number of light emitting diodes or a liquid crystal display. However, it should be noted that there may be other ways to indicate the status of the filter unit within the scope of the present invention. For example, the number of illuminated spots may be varied and/or the colours of them may be varied. Further,0 different colour codes or lighting patterns may be used to indicate that the life time of the filter unit has come to an end or is close to an end.

Claims

A water filtering device (1 ) comprising

- a container (3) adapted to hold filtered water,

- a filter unit (17) adapted to be arranged in the container for filtering water being introduced into the container, and

- a display device (19) for indicating when the filter unit has served its time, characterized in that the display device (19) is arranged in a handle (13) on the container.

Water filtering device according to claim 1 , wherein the handle (13) comprises a first portion (13a) extending from and being connected to the container (3) and a second portion (13b) arranged below the first portion defining a grip for a user.

Water filtering device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (13a) of the handle (13) is integrated with the container (13).

Water filtering device according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the display device (19) is arranged in a space (21 ) in the first portion (13a) of the handle on a level with an upper edge (3a) of the container (3) defining an opening into the container.

Water filtering device according to claim 4, wherein at least one groove (29) is provided in the space (21 ) of the first portion (13a) of the handle.

Water filtering device according to claim 5, wherein the display device comprises at least one rim (31 ) matching the groove (29) in the first portion (13a) such that the display device is guided into its position in the space (21 ).

Water filtering device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display device is detachably arranged in the handle with a snap fit connection (33, 35).

Water filtering device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display device further comprises an indicating element (37) for illustrating a status of the filter unit (17).

9. Water filtering device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the indicating element (37) comprises at least one light emitting diode arranged to illustrate the status of the filter unit.

10. Water filtering device according to any of claims 1 -8, wherein the indicating

element (37) comprises a liquid crystal display arranged to illustrate the status of the filter unit.

1 1 . Water filtering device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a hopper (15) adapted to be mounted in the container (3) and to hold unfiltered water.

12. Water filtering device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the filter unit (17) is arranged in the hopper (15) whereby the filter unit provides an outlet from the hopper through which filtered water reaches the container (3).

13. Water filtering device according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the device

comprises a lid (5) arranged to cover the opening of the container (3) defined by the upper edge (3a).

14. Water filtering device according to claim 13, wherein the lid (5) is provided with an extension (25) that extends over the first portion (13a) of the handle and wherein an aperture (27) is provided in the extension for receiving the display unit (19) through the lid.