Fluid treatment system.

专利摘要:
The invention relates to a fluid treatment system, which includes downstream removable portions (40) and upstream (20) and a counter-rinse-off filter interposed between them. The counter-rinse-off filter comprises an upstream casing and a downstream casing, inside which a membrane cartridge (30) and a sliding piston are housed. The downstream casing is rotatable relative to the casing upstream between two or more positions, which include for example an open flow position, a closed flow position and a backwash position. In the counter-washing position, the downstream casing and the plunger are axially extendable with respect to the upstream casing and to the membrane cartridge, so as to obtain a load of clean water in the plunger which can then be forced back through the filter bringing the plunger back to its starting position. This operation detaches the dirt accumulated by the membrane and eliminates the slowing down of the flow observed after repeated use of the filter.
公开号:CH708870B1
申请号:CH00354/15
申请日:2013-09-13
公开日:2018-06-15
发明作者:S Pierik Bradley；T Reilly Kevin；J Pierik Ronald
申请人:Two Thirds Water Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Description
Cross-reference to related »patent applications [0001] The present application claims priority over questions related to U.S. Pat. 61/700 864, filed on 13 September 2012, n. 61/828 514, filed on 29 May 2013 and n. 61/833 310, filed on 10 June 2013; entitled "Fluid Treatment Apparatus and Method Of Using Same" (Bradley Pierik, Kevin Reilly and Ronald Pierik), incorporated reference code into the present document.
Technical field [0002] The present invention relates to the field of fluid treatment apparatuses and the processes for using them. The embodiments of the present invention refer to the field of portable or counter-rinse-off water filtering apparatus, to the water filters for such appliances and to the processes of use thereof, in particular counter-rinse procedures.
State of the art [0003] Access to clean water is a problem that affects many regions of the world. Water is often treated to remove contaminants before being consumed. Water filters are commonly used for this purpose.
[0004] Drinking water in developing countries is often unavailable or difficult to obtain.
[0005] People who stand can want a portable and easy to use water filter, as the water is heavy and bulky to carry. Disaster victims may need filtering devices if the sources of treated water are not readily available; the devices must be stored, transported and distributed. These scenarios highlight the need for an economical, portable and easy-to-use filtering device to provide clean water for these types of applications.
[0006] A common problem with existing water filters is that it is difficult to generate sufficient pressure to carry or draw water through the filter. Typically, water filters rely on gravity, incorporate pumps or need a user's pulmonary force to conduct water through the filter. However, each of these pressurizing means has disadvantages. In many parts of the world, pumps are prohibitively expensive or have maintenance problems. The use of gravity for pressure generation does not require significant vertical distances to create head pressure, or the range is inconveniently slow. For many users such as children and the elderly it is difficult or impossible to create sufficient pressure to use a filter with the strength of their lungs alone. For this reason a water treatment system with a simpler pressure generation means is needed.
[0007] An additional problem with water filtering systems is the fact that the filters are easily blocked by debris and must be cleaned. After a period of use, many filters lose their effectiveness. Particulate matter filtered from untreated water may have accumulated and the filter will be blocked. Efficiency can be restored through a periodic counter-rinse, a process of conducting water through the filter in the direction counter-current to the normal filtering mode to move the accumulated particles in the filter and remove them. The typical cleaning processes involve counter-rinsing of the filter generating pressure in this direction counter-current with a separate pump or bulb system, or by disassembling the system and manually cleaning the filter. Cleaning a filter is often a complex operation, and these complexities can be difficult for many users.
[0008] The previous examples of the related art and the related limits are intended as illustrative and not exclusive. Other limits of the related art will appear evident to the technicians of the branch reading the patent description and studying the drawings.
Summary [0009] The following embodiments and their aspects are described and illustrated. together with systems, tools and procedures intended as illustrative and illustrative and not as limiting of the scope of the invention. In various embodiments, one or more of the problems described above have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments relate to other improvements. A fluid treatment system is described which comprises: an upstream portion adapted to convey fluid and to treat the impurities contained in the fluid; and a downstream portion in fluid communication with the upstream portion, wherein the downstream portion comprises a flow valve, and wherein the downstream portion is configured to selectively engage the upstream portion and to alternate between a first position of engagement, in which the flow valve is in an open position, thereby allowing the fluid to flow through the downstream portion, and a second engaging position, wherein the flow valve is in a closed position, preventing in this a way for the fluid to flow through the downstream portion, in which the upstream portion is selectively configured to extend from and retract into the downstream portion, so that the extension of the upstream portion from the downstream portion causes the fluid flows through the upstream portion in a downstream direction, whereby a quantity of fluid is retained in the downstream portion, and the withdrawal of the upstream portion causes said amount to of fluid flowing through the upstream portion in an upstream direction.
[0010] A counter-rinseable fluid treatment apparatus is also described which comprises: an upstream portion adapted to convey fluid and to treat the impurities contained in the fluid; and a downstream portion in fluid communication with the upstream portion, wherein the downstream portion comprises a flow valve, and wherein the downstream portion is configured to selectively engage the upstream portion and alternate between a first engaging position , wherein the flow valve is in an open position, thereby allowing the fluid to flow through the downstream portion, and (1) a second engaging position, wherein the flow valve is in a closed position, prohibiting in this way the fluid flows through the downstream portion, in which the upstream portion is selectively configured to extend from and retract into the downstream portion, so that the extension of the upstream portion from the downstream portion causes the fluid flow through the upstream portion in a downstream direction, whereby a quantity of fluid is retained in the downstream portion, and the withdrawal of the upstream portion causes the fluid to flow through the upstream portion in an upstream direction.
[0011] In some aspects, the extension of the upstream portion leads the fluid in the downstream direction and the withdrawal of the upstream portion leads the fluid in the upstream direction, thus doing (i) counter-rinsing the upstream portion, ( ii) eliminating the bubbles to reduce the risk of an air sluice, or (iii) starting a siphon when used in conjunction with a flexible tube in fluid communication with the upstream portion.
[0012] In some aspects, the downstream portion is configured to selectively engage the upstream portion and alternate between a third engaging position, in which the flow valve is in the closed position, thus preventing the fluid from flowing through the downstream portion, in which the upstream portion is safely prevented from extending and retracting with respect to the downstream portion.
[0013] In some aspects, the downstream portion and the upstream portion alternate between the first engaging position and the second engaging position when the upstream portion is rotated relative to the downstream portion.
[0014] In some aspects, the downstream portion and the upstream portion alternate between the first engaging position and the second engaging position when an intermediate portion positioned between the upstream portion and the downstream portion is rotated relative to the portion a upstream and downstream portion.
[0015] In some aspects, the upstream portion and the downstream portion are cylindrical in shape and the upstream portion or the downstream portion comprise one or more surface protuberances to prevent rolling.
[0016] In some aspects, the upstream portion comprises an upstream threaded connector adapted to be sealedly connected to an upstream threaded tank, and the downstream portion comprises a downstream threaded connector suitable for non-sealing connection to a threaded tank downstream.
In some aspects, the upstream portion is configured to treat impurities using a porous micro-filtration membrane having hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers.
[0018] In some aspects, the upstream portion is configured to treat impurities using an ultra-filtration porous membrane having hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers.
[0019] In some aspects, said flow valve is a spring valve and ball valve assembly.
[0020] A fluid filtering apparatus is also described which comprises: an upstream tank; a downstream tank; a membrane cartridge having an end upstream and a valley end, wherein the membrane cartridge comprises an actuation projection in correspondence of the downstream end; an upstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the end downstream of the upstream housing is fixedly connected to the end upstream of the membrane cartridge and comprises one or more tabs positioned circumferentially along an inner surface of the upstream housing; a downstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the end upstream of the downstream housing is removably connected to the end downstream of the diaphragm cartridge and comprises one or more shaped slots positioned circumferentially along the outer surface of the downstream housing and configured to engage the one or more tabs of the upstream housing; wherein the downstream housing is configured to selectively engage the upstream housing and alternate between (1) a first engaging position that allows fluid to flow through the membrane cartridge, (2) a second engagement position that prevents to the flowing fluid and sealingly closes the end downstream of the counter-rinsing fluid treatment apparatus, and (3) a third engaging position which allows the upstream housing to disengage from the shaped slots of the downstream housing , thus allowing a user to pump the counter-rinse-off fluid treatment apparatus; a valve cap positioned inside said downstream housing, said valve cap having a flow valve configured to engage the actuating projection at the end downstream of the membrane cartridge.
In some aspects, (i) the upstream housing may comprise an inlet for receiving the fluid and an inner threaded portion around said inlet configured to provide a sealing engagement between said upstream housing and the upstream reservoir ; and (ii) the downstream housing may comprise an outlet for discharging the fluid and an internal threaded portion around said outlet configured to provide a non-sealing engagement between said downstream housing and the downstream reservoir.
[0022] A counter-rinseable fluid filtration system is also described which comprises: an upper cap assembly having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upper cap assembly comprising: one or more circumferentially positioned tabs an inner surface of the upper cap assembly; a portion of a membrane cartridge configured to house a water treatment material; and an actuation projection at the downstream end; a downstream assembly having an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream assembly comprising: one or more shaped slots circumferentially positioned along the outer surface of the downstream assembly and configured to engage the one or more tabs of the assembly top hood; and a valve cap portion having a flow valve configured to engage the actuating projection of the membrane cartridge portion; wherein the downstream assembly is removably coupled to the upper cap assembly and is configured to selectively engage the upper cap assembly by the shaped slots and alternate between: (1) a first engaging position which allows the fluid to flow through the water treatment material, (2) a second engagement position which prevents the fluid from flowing and which seals the downstream end of the counter-rinse-in fluid filtration system, and (3) a third position engagement which allows the upstream housing to disengage from the shaped slots of the downstream housing, thereby allowing a user to pump the counter-rinseable fluid filtration system.
[0023] A counter-rinseable fluid filtering apparatus is also disclosed which comprises: a membrane cartridge having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the membrane cartridge comprises an actuating projection at the downstream end; an upstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the downstream end of the upstream housing is fixedly connected to the upstream end of the membrane cartridge and comprises one or more tabs positioned circumferentially along an inner surface of the upstream housing; an upstream end cap fixedly connected at the upstream end of the upstream housing; a downstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end of the downstream housing is removably connected to the downstream end of the diaphragm cartridge and comprises one or more shaped slots positioned circumferentially along the outer surface of the downstream housing and configured to engage the one or more tabs of the upstream housing; wherein the downstream housing is configured to selectively engage the upstream housing and alternate between: (1) a first engaging position that allows fluid to flow through the water treatment material, (2) a second position of engagement which prevents the fluid from flowing and which seals the downstream end of the fluid filtration counter-rinsable apparatus, and (3) a third engaging position which allows the upstream housing to disengage from the shaped slots of the housing downstream, thus allowing a user to pump the counter-rinseable fluid filtration apparatus; a downstream end cap fixedly connected to the downstream end of the housing; and a valve cap positioned within said downstream housing, said valve cap having a flow valve configured to engage the actuating projection at the downstream end of the membrane cartridge.
[0024] In some aspects, the upstream end of said upper cap assembly may provide an entrance for receiving water. The upstream end can further comprise an inner threaded portion around said inlet configured to provide a sealing engagement between said upper cap assembly and a first reservoir, i.e. a linkage that provides fluid communication so that fluid cannot escape between the connected surfaces. The upper cap assembly may further comprise one or more small recesses around an outer edge of the threaded portion to provide an airway, so that the threads may not leak into a reservoir, i.e. a link providing fluid communication in so that the fluid can escape between the connected surfaces.
[0025] In some aspects, the downstream end of said downstream complex provides at least one outlet for discharging water. The downstream assembly may further comprise an inner threaded portion around said outlet configured to provide a sealing engagement between said downstream assembly and a second reservoir. The downstream assembly may further comprise one or more small recesses around an outer edge of the threaded portion to provide an airway.
[0026] In some respects, the water treatment material is a bundle of hollow fiber membrane filters.
[0027] In some aspects, the downstream assembly comprises one or more surface protuberances on an outer surface of the downstream assembly to prevent rolling.
[0028] In some aspects, the flow valve is a spring valve and ball valve assembly.
[0029] In addition to the aspects and exemplary embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent when referring to the drawings and studying the following detailed descriptions.
Brief description of the drawings [0030] The exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures of the drawings mentioned. It is understood that the embodiments and the figures disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and not limiting.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water filtering device according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 3a shows a lateral view in section of a housing upstream of the first water filter.
Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of the housing upstream of the first water filter.
Fig. 4a shows a lateral view in section of a membrane cartridge of the first water filter.
Fig. 4b shows a lateral view of the membrane cartridge of the first water filter.
Fig. 5a shows a side view in section of the plunger of the first water filter.
Fig. 5b shows a side view of the plunger of the first water filter.
Fig. 6a shows a lateral view in section of the housing downstream of the first water filter.
Fig. 6b shows a perspective view of the housing downstream of the first water filter in an inverted orientation with respect to fig. 6a.
Fig. 7 shows a side view in section of the first assembled water filter, together with flexible tubes to indirectly connect the filter to the first and second tanks.
The fig. 8a-8c illustrate a sequence of operations involved in the counter-rinsing of the first water filter.
Fig. 9a shows a lateral view in section of the first water filter illustrating a first flow configuration of the water filter.
Fig. 9b illustrates a first position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot of the plunger when the filter is in the first flow configuration.
Fig. 10a shows a lateral view in section of the first water filter showing a second flow configuration of the water filter.
Fig. 10b illustrates a second position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot of the plunger when the filter is in the second flow configuration.
Fig. 11a shows a side view in section of the first water filter showing a third flow configuration of the water filter.
Fig. 11 b illustrates a third position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot of the plunger when the first water filter is in the third flow configuration.
Fig. 12a shows a lateral view in section of the first water filter showing a fourth flow configuration of the water filter.
Fig. 12b illustrates a third position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot of the plunger when the first water filter is in the fourth flow configuration.
Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device in an open position.
Fig. 14a illustrates a lateral view of an end cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 14b shows a section view of the end cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 14c shows a top plan view of an end cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 14d shows a plan view from below of the end cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 15a shows a side view of a housing upstream of the second water filter.
Fig. 15b shows a section view of the housing upstream of the second water filter.
Fig. 15c shows a plan view from above of the housing upstream of the second water filter.
Fig. 16a shows a side view of a membrane cartridge of the second water filter.
Fig. 16b shows a section view of the membrane cartridge of the second water filter.
Fig. 16c shows a plan view from above of the membrane cartridge of the second water filter.
Fig. 17a shows a top plan view of a valve cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 17b shows a plan view from below of the valve cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 17c shows a side view of the valve cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 17d shows a sectional view of the valve cap of the second water filter.
Fig. 18a shows a side view of a housing downstream of the second water filter having a first configuration of the guide channel.
Fig. 18b shows a section view of the housing downstream of the second water filter.
Fig. 18c illustrates a plan view from above of the housing downstream of the second water filter.
Fig. 19a illustrates a perspective view of the second water filter in an open position.
Fig. 19b illustrates a first position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot when the second water line is in an open position.
Fig. 19c shows a side view of the second water filter in an open position.
Fig. 19d illustrates a section view of the second water filter in an open position.
Fig. 20a shows a perspective view of the second water filter in a closed position.
Fig. 20b illustrates a second position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot when the second water filter is in a closed position.
Fig. 20c shows a side view of the second water filter in a closed position.
Fig. 20d shows a section view of the second water filter in a closed position.
Fig. 21a illustrates a perspective view of the second water filter in an unlocked position.
Fig. 21b illustrates a third position of engagement of the tongue in the shaped slot when the second water line is in an unlocked position.
Fig. 21c shows a side view of the second water filter in an unlocked position.
Fig. 21 d illustrates a section view of the second water filter in an unlocked position.
Fig. 22 illustrates a third embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 23 shows a fourth embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 24 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 25 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 26 illustrates a seventh embodiment of a water filter of the water filtering device.
Fig. 27 illustrates an eighth embodiment of a water filter in the water filtering device.
The fig. 28a-28e illustrate an embodiment of a water filter having surface protuberances.
The fig. 29a-29b illustrate an embodiment of a water filter having anti-seal hollows.
The fig. 30a-30b illustrate an embodiment of a water filter having a second configuration of the guide channel.
Description [0031] In the following description specific details are shown in order to allow the skilled in the art a more complete understanding. However, well-known elements may not have been shown or described in detail in order to avoid rendering disclosure unnecessarily obscure. Accordingly, the description and the drawings must be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. Equal features of some embodiments may be mentioned in connection with other embodiments with like reference numbers. Consequently, not all reference numbers shown in a particular design will necessarily be described in relation to that design. The subject of the present invention is a fluid treatment system, comprising: an upstream portion adapted to transport fluid and treat impurities within the fluid; a downstream portion in fluid communication with the upstream portion; a water filter which has an upstream end in connection with said upstream portion and a downstream end with said downstream portion; wherein the downstream portion comprises a flow valve; and wherein the downstream portion is configured so as to selectively engage the upstream portion and alternate between: (1) a first engaging position, wherein the flow valve is in an open position, thereby allowing the fluid to slide through the downstream portion; and (2) a second engagement position, wherein the flow valve is in a closed position, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing through the downstream portion, wherein the upstream portion is configured to selectively extending from and retracting to the downstream portion, so that: the extension of the upstream portion from the downstream portion causes the fluid to flow through the upstream portion in a downstream direction, whereby a quantity of fluid is retained inside the downstream portion; and the retraction of the upstream portion causes said amount of fluid to flow through the upstream portion in an upstream direction.
In the manner in which they are used herein, the terms "treat" and "filter" are used to refer to the process of removing or deactivating contaminants in the fluid. In some embodiments, membranes are used such as micro-filtration membranes or ultra-filtration membranes. The micro-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range between 0.1 and 10 microns. Ultra-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 micron. In some embodiments, activated carbon is used. In some embodiments, a chemical water treatment technology such as chlorination is used. In some embodiments, a radiative water treatment technology is used, for example ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, a combination of a multiplicity of water treatment technologies is used.
[0033] As used herein, the terms "personal water filter" and "portable water filter" are used to refer to a device which is small enough to be easily transported and used by one person only. for example, in contrast to larger water filtering units which would generally be difficult to move and which would provide filtered water for a greater number of people. The quantity of water that can be filtered before the counter-rinse is based on the quality of the incoming water and the user's preference for an acceptable flow over time. In some embodiments, a personal water filter can produce sufficient quantities of filtered water to conveniently meet the needs of filtered water of a group comprising from one to eight people for a period of 1 to 30 days on a daily basis. from 1 to 12 months, from 1 to 3 years or any intermediate period between them.
[0034] In the way it is used here, the term "downstream" means the direction in the typical flow direction through a filter. The term "upstream" means the opposite of downstream, ie a direction opposite to the typical flow direction through a filter. When operating under the influence of gravity, the typical flow direction through the filter is from a high upstream reservoir to a relatively lowered downstream reservoir.
[0035] Fig. 1 shows a water treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The water treatment device 10 includes a first tank 20, a filter cartridge 30 and a second tank 40. The first tank 20 is positioned upstream of the filter cartridge 30 and is intended to contain unfiltered water 21. The second tank 40 is positioned downstream of the filter cartridge 30 and is intended to receive filtered water 23. First tank 20 and second tank 40 are connected either directly or indirectly to the filter cartridge 30. When directly connected there are no ducts or hoses of fluid interposed between the first tank 20 and the filter cartridge 30 or the second tank 40 and the filter cartridge 30, as shown. When indirectly connected, these flexible tubes can be supplied as hereinafter described further.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first and second tanks 20, 40 are designed to be durable in the repeated manual application of pressure by squeezing, rolling or folding. In some embodiments, the material used to make the first and second reservoirs 20, 40 is flexible and is designed to withstand numerous problems. squeezing cycles, working at the same time effectively to provide water containment and safe storage of filtered water. In some embodiments, the material used to make the first and second tanks 20, 40 is strong enough to withstand the internal pressure generated when the first and second tanks 20, 40 are firmly compressed by a user. In some embodiments, the first and second tanks 20, 40 are made of a flexible non-porous material such as a break-resistant plastic. Examples of potentially suitable plastics that could be used to make first and second reservoirs 20, 40 include polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic polyurethane and laminates or co-extrusions in which numerous materials are layered together.
[0037] In some embodiments, the material used to make the first and second reservoirs 20, 40 is transparent, so that a user is able to see both unfiltered water 21 and filtered water 23. This may provide a user with visual confirmation that the filter cartridge 30 is effectively treating unfiltered water 21.
[0038] The filter cartridge 30 can contain any water treatment technology suitable for treating contaminated water or potentially contaminated water so that it is drinkable (ie safe to drink). In some embodiments, membranes are used in the filter cartridge 30, for example microporous membranes or ultra-filtration membranes. Micro-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range between 0.1 and 10 microns. Ultra-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 micron. In some embodiments, activated carbon is used in the filter cartridge 30. In some embodiments, a chemical water treatment technology is used in the filter cartridge 30, for example chlorination. In some embodiments, a radiative water treatment technology, such as ultraviolet light, is used in the filter cartridge 30. In some embodiments, a combination of multiple water treatment technologies is used in the filter cartridge 30.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first tank 20 includes a downstream opening 24 and a rigid element 22. The downstream opening 24 is sized and configured to engage tightly with an upstream receiving portion 32 in correspondence of the upstream end of the filter cartridge 30. The opening 24 can seally adhere to the upstream receiving portion 32 in any suitable manner, for example by frictional fixing, threaded engagement or by a coupling that seals the opening 24 to the upstream receiving portion 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream receiving portion 32 includes an upstream threaded portion 33 and the opening 24 includes a complementary threaded portion 35. The threaded portions 33 and 35 are sized and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the first tank 20 and the filter cartridge 30.
The embodiments in which the opening 24 is detachably coupled to the filter cartridge 30 allow the first reservoir 20 to be easily detached for the purpose of convenient storage, cleaning or replacement of the first reservoir 20. some embodiments in which the opening 24 is detachably coupled to the filter cartridge 30 it is possible to provide a cap or other suitable closure so that water can be contained in the first tank 20.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the second tank 40 includes an upstream opening 44, a rigid element 42 and a downstream outlet 45. In some embodiments including the illustrated embodiment, the downstream exit 45 includes a flow controller 46.
[0042] The upstream opening 44 is sized and configured to engage tightly with a downstream receiving portion 34 at the downstream end of the filter cartridge 30. The upstream opening 44 may engage tightly with the downstream receiving portion 34 in any suitable manner, for example by frictional fixing, threaded engagement, or by a coupling that sealingly connects the upstream opening 44 and the downstream receiving portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream receiving portion 34 includes an internally downstream threaded portion 37 and the opening 44 includes a complementary threaded portion 39 externally. The threaded portions 37 and 39 are sized and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the second tank 40 and filter cartridge 30. A similar structure can be provided in relation to the upstream tank 20.
[0043] The embodiments in which the upstream opening 44 is detachably coupled to the filter cartridge 30 allow a second tank 40 to be easily detached for the purpose of convenient storage, cleaning or replacement of the second tank 40. In some embodiments, in which the upstream opening 44 is detachably coupled to the filter cartridge 30, a cap or other suitable closure is provided so that water can be contained within the first tank 20 . For example, a screw cap 48 can be provided which has an internal threaded surface 50. The internal threaded surface 50 is sized and configured to engage tightly with the upstream opening 44.
[0044] In some embodiments, the downstream opening 24 and the upstream opening 44 are sized and / or configured in such a way that the upstream tank 20 (for example a first tank) and the downstream tank 40 (for example a second tank) cannot be interchanged. One embodiment may have the upstream receiving portion 32 which includes an externally threaded portion and the opening 24 which includes a complementary inner threaded portion, while the downstream receiving portion 34 includes the threaded inner portion 37 and The opening 44 includes the externally threaded portion in a complementary manner 39. This may be advantageous since it reduces the risk of accidentally exchanging the upstream tank and the downstream tank, and thus reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
[0045] In some embodiments, the threaded portions of the filter cartridge 30 are sized and configured to engage with conventional liquid storage containers such as bottles for soft drinks or bottles of water. In some embodiments, the downstream outlet 45 is sized and configured to engage conventional liquid storage containers such as bottles for soft drinks or bottles of water. Such embodiments allow the water treatment device 10 to conveniently supply filtered water for storage in containers available to users.
[0046] The rigid elements 22 and 42 are optional features. In the embodiments which include the rigid element 22 and / or 42, the rigid elements 22 and 42 can be used to facilitate the use of the water treatment device 10 allowing a user to easily wrap portions of the first tank 20 or of the second tank 40 on the rigid element 22 or 42 cos) to allow the user to apply a force of squeezing greater than the liquid contained therein. In a water filtering mode (i.e. while the water is passed through the filter cartridge 30 in the conventional direction to produce filtered water), the user can apply the force more easily in order to squeeze the unfiltered water 21 through the filter cartridge 30 and in the second tank 40, thus producing the filtered water more rapidly. In a filter cleaning mode (i.e. while filtered water is rinsed through the filter cartridge 30 in the upstream direction), the user can more easily apply the force to squeeze clean water through the filter cartridge 30 and in the first tank 20, potentially increasing the efficiency with which the filter cartridge 30 is cleaned.
[0047] The upper portion of the first tank 20 optionally includes one or more openings 26 or a hook which allows the water treatment device 10 to be easily suspended, for example by means of a piece of rope tied to the branch of a tree or other high structure in order to facilitate the use of gravity to force unfiltered water 21 through the filter cartridge 30.
[0048] The rigid element 22 optionally includes one or more openings which allow the rigid element 22 to function as a handle so that the water treatment device 10 can be transported by the user. Such an embodiment allows the water treatment device 10 to be easily suspended, for example by means of a branch of a tree or other high structure, in order to facilitate the use of gravity to force unfiltered water 21 through the filter cartridge 30.
[0049] In some embodiments, the configuration of the tanks 20 and / or 40 is such as to optimize gravity and / or manual pressure assisted filtering. In some embodiments the first tank 20 is configured to have a height greater than the width of the first tank 20. In some embodiments, the first tank 20 is configured so that its height is at least twice the width of the first tank 20. This configuration allows the production, by the unfiltered water 21 in the first tank 20, of a greater head pressure, thus improving the efficiency of the filtering assisted by gravity, given that the head pressure is proportional to the vertical height of the water. This configuration can also increase the pressure that a user is able to generate inside the first tank 20 by squeezing, rolling or folding the tank 20.
[0050] In some embodiments, the configuration of the filter cartridge 30 is such as to optimize gravity assisted filtering. For example, the use of a longer filter cartridge (ie a filter cartridge with a greater height) will similarly increase the height through which the water must flow before meeting the ambient air pressure. The increase in height leads to greater head pressure inside the water treatment device 10 (ie a greater amount of water pressure is generated to carry unfiltered water 21 through the filter cartridge 30).
[0051] In the use of the illustrated embodiment, the unfiltered water can be loaded into the first tank 20 through the opening 24. The threaded portions 33 and 35 are unscrewed to separate the first tank 20 from the filter cartridge 30. The unfiltered water 21 is loaded into the first tank 20 through the opening 24. Optionally, a cap or other suitable closure can be fixed to the opening 24 to store the unfiltered water 21 in the first tank 20 until a user is ready to begin filtering. Optionally, a user can wash or wipe the outer surfaces of the first tank 20 with a rag in order to minimize the risk of pathogens or other contaminants! transferred from the first tank 20 to the filtered water 23 which is removed from the second tank 40 for use.
[0052] The opening 24 of the first tank 20 is then coupled to the upstream receiving portion 32 of the filter cartridge 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tank 20 is coupled to the filter cartridge 30 engaging the threaded portion 35 of the the opening 24 with the threaded portion 33 of the upstream receiving portion 32. The second tank 40 is also coupled to the filter cartridge 30 by engaging the threaded portions 37 and 39 either before or after engagement of the first tank 20 with the cartridge filter 30.
[0053] Since the water treatment device 10 has been filled with unfiltered water 21, in a water filtering mode the unfiltered water 21 is conducted through the filter cartridge 30 to produce filtered water 23. The force necessary to ensure that the unfiltered water 21 passes through the filter cartridge 30 in a water filtering mode can be supplied by manual pressure or gravity. In some cases manual pressure is used to assist gravitational filtration, ie manual pressure assisted filtration.
[0054] In a gravitational water filtering mode, the unfiltered water 21 is forced through the filter cartridge 30 by gravity. In a gravitational water filtering mode, the water treatment device 10 can be optionally suspended from a suitable support point in any suitable manner, for example by using a rope to tie the water treatment device 10 to a higher structure through the opening 26, connecting a hook provided on an upper portion of the first tank 20 to a suitable support, or the like. The water treatment device 10 is allowed to be suspended from such a support point. Alternatively, a user can simply hold the water treatment device 10 in a suspended manner. The gravitational force acting against unfiltered water 21 forces unfiltered water 21 through the filter cartridge 30, and the filtered water 23 flows into the second tank 40.
[0055] In a manual pressure filtering mode, the user applies pressure to the first tank 20 in any suitable way, for example by squeezing, tightening or rolling up the first tank 20 to apply pressure against unfiltered water 21 at the end forcing the unfiltered water through the filter cartridge 30. In the embodiments in which the rigid element 22 is present, a user can roll the first tank 20 around the rigid element 22 in order to apply the force against unfiltered water 21.
[0056] The treated water can be stored by removing the second tank 40 from the filter cartridge 30 and optionally closing the opening 44, for example with a screw cap 48 which includes a threaded inner surface 50 which is sized and configured to engage sealed with the externally threaded portion 39. The filtered water can, alternatively or additionally, be dispensed from the second tank 40 through the flow controller 46. The flow controller 46 can be any device suitable for regulating the release of fluid , for example a flow valve, a tap, a spout, a hose and collar, or the like.
In some embodiments, the flow controller 46 can be placed on the lower side of the second tank 40. In another embodiment, the flow controller 46 can be located on the lower edge or end of the second tank 40 In cases where the rigid element 42 is present, the flow controller 46 can be incorporated in the rigid element 42.
[0058] The embodiments in which the flow controller 46 is located along the lateral edge of the tank 40 (otherwise than the embodiments in which the flow controller 46 is located on the lower edge or end of the tank 40) allow the use of the rigid element 42 for rolling up in order to increase the pressure in the tank 40 without interference from the flow controller 46.
[0059] In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 30 is so configured that its length is equal to the width of the tanks 20 and 40, so that the tanks 20 and 40 can be rolled around the filter cartridge 30 for convenient storage.
[0060] With reference to fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a filter cartridge 30. The filter cartridge 30 comprises an upstream housing 51, a membrane cartridge 60, a plunger 70 and a downstream housing 90. The upstream housing 51 comprises the upstream receiving portion 32, an upstream housing cavity 52, an upstream tab 53, a slot for the plunger 59 and a stop of the piston 58. The membrane cartridge 60 comprises an edge of the cartridge 61, a cavity O Outer ring 62 and an inner O-ring cavity 64. The plunger 70 comprises a plunger tab 79, a lockable door 71 and a shaped slot 80. The downstream housing 90 comprises a downstream housing cavity 97, a bayonet slide 99a, a bayonet slot 98a, the downstream receiving portion 34 and the downstream threaded portion 37.
[0061] The upstream housing 51, the membrane cartridge 60, the piston 70 and the downstream housing 90 can be made of a substantially rigid non-porous plastic material. Examples of potentially suitable plastics that could be used include polypropylene (PP), various copolymers, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a mixture of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS), polyethylene high density (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyester and copolyester.
[0062] With reference to fig. 3a and fig. 3b, the upstream receiving portion 32 of the upstream housing 51 serves to receive an inlet flow of water to be treated and comprises the upstream threaded portion 33, as previously discussed. A suitable fitting such as an upstream flexible pipe fitting 56 can optionally be provided to connect the upstream tank 20 by means of a flexible fluid conduit (for example a flexible upstream tube 27, as shown in Fig. 7) as an alternative to the use of the upstream threaded portion 33. In some embodiments it may be advantageous if the flexible tube 27 is transparent in order to facilitate a visual comparison of the water entering the device to the water leaving the device, thereby providing the user an additional trust in the treatment process.
[0063] Regardless of whether the upstream flexible pipe fitting 56 is present or not, an upstream fluid opening 57 is provided inside the upstream receiving portion 32 to allow the entry of water to be treated.
[0064] Considering specifically fig. 3a, the interior of the upstream housing 51 comprises a cavity of the cartridge 54 fixed, at its lower end, by a stop of the cartridge 55. The cavity of the cartridge 54 and the stop of the cartridge 55 are annular and complementary in shape to the edge of the cartridge 61 of the membrane cartridge 60. Further referring to FIG. 7, during assembly the membrane cartridge 60 is inserted inside the upstream housing 51 until an upper edge of the edge of the cartridge 61 engages a lower edge of the cartridge stop 55. Further insertion of the cartridge into membrane 60 in the upstream housing 51 causes deformation of the edge of the cartridge 61 until it exceeds the stop of the cartridge 55 and returns to its original shape. This guarantees a semi-permanent snap closure between the upstream housing 51 and the membrane cartridge 60.
[0065] The interior of the upstream housing 51 further comprises a slot for the plunger 59 with an upstream end terminating under the stop of the cartridge 55 and a downstream end fixed by a stop of the plunger 58. The slot for the plunger 59 it has a complementary shape to the tongue of the plunger 79. At least a pair of slots for the plunger 59 and a pair of tabs of the plunger 79 are provided. Returning again to FIG. 7, after the insertion of the plunger 70 inside the upstream housing 51, after the snap closure inside of the aforementioned membrane cartridge 60, the tabs of the plunger 79 are aligned with the slots for the plunger 59 and engage the stop of the plunger 58. The further insertion of the lower end of the plunger 78 inside the upstream housing 51 causes the deformation of the plunger tabs 79 until they pass the stop of the plunger 58 and return to the their original form. This ensures a semi-permanent snap closure between the upstream housing 51 and the plunger 70 which substantially prevents the removal of the plunger. Subsequently, the piston 70 is allowed to slide axially with respect to the upstream housing 51 by moving the tabs of the piston 79 along the slots for the piston 59. However, the piston 70 is prevented from rotating with respect to the upstream housing 51.
[0066] Once the membrane cartridge 60 has been snap-locked inside the upstream housing 51 and the plunger 70 has been inserted on the membrane cartridge 60 to snap into a slidable manner inside the upstream housing 51, the sealing engagement between the membrane cartridge 60 and the interior of the plunger 70 is provided by a pair of O-rings inside the outer O-ring cavities 62. This prevents contaminated water which enters the upstream housing 51 through the upstream fluid opening 57 to bypass the diaphragm cartridge 60, forcing it on the contrary to flow through the receiving portion of the membrane 63 (Fig. 4a) of the membrane cartridge 60, as will be described in more detail in the following. Similarly, the internal O-ring cavity 64 accommodates an O-ring for sealing against a membrane 112 (Fig. 9a) in order to prevent contaminated water from passing between the membranes 112 and the receiving portion of the membrane 63 The downstream housing 90 can then be installed on the plunger 70.
[0067] With reference to fig. 6a and fig. 6b, the downstream housing 90 comprises a downstream housing cavity 97 on which a bayonet slide 99a is provided. The bayonet slide 99a protrudes radially from an outer annular surface of the downstream housing cavity 97 to a slightly lesser extent than the depth of the cavity. Therefore, the bayonet slide 99a does not protrude beyond the outer diameter of the downstream housing 90. A bayonet slot 98a is formed between the bayonet slide 99a, the outer annular surface of the downstream housing cavity 97 and a lower edge of the downstream housing 90. Since the bayonet slide 99a is substantially L-shaped, the bayonet slot 98a has an open bayonet end 98b and a closed bayonet end 99b.
[0068] After the insertion of the downstream housing cavity 97 inside the upstream housing cavity 52, the downstream housing 90 is oriented so that the upstream tab 53 is aligned with the open end bayonet 98b. Therefore, following the rotation of the downstream housing 90 with respect to the upstream housing 51 around a central axis of the filter cartridge 30, the upstream tab 53 enters the open bayonet end 98b and engages the inside of the bayonet slot 98a. Subsequently the downstream housing 90 is prevented from being withdrawn axially from the upstream housing 51 by interference between the upstream tongue 53 and the bayonet slide 99a, being allowed to further rotate only to the extent permitted by the engagement of the tongue upstream 53 with the bayonet closed end 99b.
[0069] With specific reference to fig. 6b, a tab 96 protrudes radially inwardly from an interior of the downstream housing 90. The tab 96 presents a pair of parallel faces spaced perpendicular to the central axis of the filter cartridge 30, but rotated mutually around that axis , connected to each other on each end by an oblique face.
[0070] Considering fig. 5b, the tongue 96 engages inside a shaped slot 80 formed in an external point of the plunger 70. When the downstream housing 90 is initially positioned on the plunger 70, it is oriented so that the upstream tongues 53 they are immediately outside the 98b open bayonet end. The shaped slot 80 is positioned axially and circumferentially on the plunger 70 so that the tongue 96 engages a third engaging portion 85 of the shaped slot 80 when the plunger 70 is initially inserted. Since the piston 70 is prevented from rotating with respect to the upstream housing 51 by the engagement of the tabs of the piston 79 inside the slots for the piston 59, the further rotation of the downstream housing 90 causes the tab 96 to move along the shaped slot in a way that will be described below.
[0071] The rotation of the downstream housing 90 causes the tongue 96 to move from the third engaging portion 85 to the second engaging portion 84. The shaped slot 80 is positioned axially and circumferentially on the plunger 70 so that the tongue upstream 53 enters the open bayonet end 98b and barely begins to be rotatably engaged within the bayonet slot 98a when the tab 96 is in the second engagement position. Therefore, the upstream tongue 53 prevents the downstream housing 90 from moving axially with respect to the upstream housing 51 by virtue of being trapped inside the bayonet slot 98a. The downstream housing 90 is only allowed to rotate around the central axis of the filter cartridge 30 between the positions in which the upstream tongue 53 engages the closed bayonet end 99b and in which the tongue 96 engages the third portion of engagement 85. In this embodiment this corresponds to a total rotation slightly less than half of the circumference of the filter cartridge 30.
[0072] The further rotation of the downstream housing 90 causes the tongue 96 to shift from the second engaging portion 84 to the first engaging portion 82. In this position, the filter cartridge 30 is in a first flow pattern, like will be described below.
[0073] With additional reference to fig. 5a, the lower end of the plunger 78 is provided with a sealed door 71 comprising a wall 77 of the door which protrudes from the lower end of the plunger 78 and is provided, on its lower end, with an edge 74 of the door extending radially outwards. A plurality of ribs 73 of the door are provided on an interior of the wall 77 of the door and protrude radially inwardly to suspend a door end 72 closed by their lower edges. The space between the ribs of the door 73 is open, allowing the formation of an opening 75 of the door between the end 72 of the door and the wall 77 of the door. The treated water leaving the membrane 112 (Fig. 9a) in a chamber 82 of treated water (Fig. 9a) formed between a lower end of the membrane housing 60 and the lower end 78 of the plunger enters the lockable door sealed 71 through the opening 76 of the door and passes between the ribs of the door 73 to remove the plunger 70 through the openings of the door 75.
[0074] Returning to fig. 6a and fig. 7, the lockable door 71 is located inside a receiving portion of the door 93 of the downstream housing 90 when the downstream housing 90 is assembled with the upstream housing 51, as previously discussed. The shaped slot 80 is axially positioned on the plunger 70 so that when the tongue 96 is engaged within the first engaging portion 81 of the shaped slot 80, the edge 74 of the radially extending outwardly located door is inside the receiving portion of the door 93 and is sealedly engaged with a sealing edge 94 extending radially inward. The wall of the door 77 protrudes from a distance so that the end of the door 72 is distanced from a holding device of the door 95 formed in the reception portion of the door 93. This allows the treated water to pass through the opening of the door 75 to exit through the downstream flow opening 92. The downstream flow opening 92 can be provided within an optional fitting, e.g. a downstream hose connection 91, as shown, or can simply allow the treated water to exit the downstream housing 90 through the downstream receiving portion 34. This is referred to as a first flow configuration of the water filter cartridge 30.
[0075] Returning briefly to fig. 7, it should be noted that the downstream flexible pipe fitting 91, when supplied, can be used to connect the downstream tank 40 via the downstream tank flexible hoses 47, as an alternative to the threaded connections through the downstream threaded portion 37.
[0076] The first flow configuration of the filter cartridge 30 is further illustrated with reference to fig. 9a and fig. 9b. Referring to fig. 9b, the tongue 96 is located on a first engaging portion 81 of the shaped slot 80. An inlet flow 110 passes into the upstream housing 51 as previously discussed and is forced to enter the membrane 112. A membrane spacer 120 is illustrated on an upstream end of the membrane 112 to center the membrane inside the filter. A filtering flow 111 passes through the membrane and is treated once it leaves the membrane 112 in the treated water chamber 82. Then a treated flow 113 exits the treated water chamber 82 via the sealed door 71 passing outside it through openings in the door 75. The treated flow 113 then passes between the end of the door 72 and the door holding device 95 to exit the filter cartridge 30 through the downstream flow opening 92. The first flow configuration can therefore be defined as an "open" position.
[0077] The treated flow 113 is prevented from exiting from the downstream housing 90 thanks to the sealing engagement of the edge of the door 74 with the sealing edge 94. Similarly, the inlet flow 110 is prevented from exiting from the membrane 112 thanks to to an O-ring arranged inside the inner O-ring cavity 64. In addition, the exit from the membrane cartridge 60 is prevented by virtue of O-rings located inside the outer O-ring cavities 62. It may also be provided with a sealing device to prevent leakage between the plunger 70 and the upstream housing 51 at least when the filter cartridge 30 is in the first flow configuration. It should be noted that, when it is in the first flow configuration, the downstream housing cavity 97 overlaps substantially with the upstream housing cavity 52 so that the housing downstream 90 borders with the upstream housing 51.
[0078] A second flow configuration of the filter cartridge 30 is illustrated with reference to fig. 10a and fig. 10b. Referring to fig. 10b, the tab 96 moves from the first engaging portion 81 (shown in Fig. 9b) to the second engaging portion 84 by rotation of the downstream housing 90. The downstream housing 90 is rotated in an unlocking direction 100 ( Fig. 8a), which in this embodiment is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the downstream end. Since the downstream housing 90 is prevented from moving axially relative to the upstream housing 51 by engaging the upstream tabs 53 inside the bayonet slot 98a, the movement of the tab 96 along the slot 80 causes the plunger 70 to move axially relative to the downstream housing 90. Axial movement of the plunger 70 relative to the upstream housing 51 is permitted by virtue of the plunger tabs 79 moving along the slots for the plunger 59. The amount of axial movement provided is defined by the length of the first engaging portion 81. This length is selected so that the movement of the tongue 96 towards the second engaging portion 84 causes the end of the gate 72 to move into the downstream flow opening 92. This in turn causes the sealing device of the door 95 to deform, sealing the opening of the door 75, which is closed. thus providing that a stream of treated water exits the filter cartridge 30. Thus, when the tab 96 is inside the second engaging portion 84, the filter cartridge 30 is in a second flow pattern in which it is prevented the flow of water treated by the filter cartridge 30. The second flow configuration can be called the "closed" position.
[0079] With reference to fig. 8a, fig. 8b and fig. 8c, a sequence of operations performed in the counter-rinsing of the filter cartridge 30 is illustrated. The counter-rinse can be performed frequently or seldom, as desired by the users of the filter cartridge 30, based on the level of water cleaning. treated and the acceptable flow rate through the filter cartridge 30. In FIG. 8a, the filter cartridge 30 is shown in the first flow configuration with the downstream housing 90 abutting against the upstream housing 51. The rotation of the downstream housing 90 around the central axis of the filter cartridge 30 in an unlocking direction 100 (anticlockwise if viewed from the downstream end) causes the upstream tabs 53 to disengage from the open bayonet end 98b when the tab 96 is in the third engaging position 85, as shown in the fig. 11b. Ciô allows the downstream housing 92 to move axially with respect to the upstream housing 51 in the extension direction 101, as illustrated in FIG. 8b.
[0080] With reference to fig. 11a, the axial movement of the downstream housing 90 in the extension direction 101 causes the plunger 72 to also move axially with respect to the housing 51 by virtue of the interaction between the tab 96 and the third engaging portion 85 of the slit 80 This axial movement is allowed by the translation of the plunger tabs 79 along the slots for the plunger 59 and causes the enlargement of the treated water chamber 82. This results in the formation of a negative pressure, pulling the inlet flow 110 through the membrane 112 to create the treated flow 113. The treated flow 113 accumulates, as indicated by the treated water level 83, inside the treated water chamber 82. The treated water 83 is prevented from exiting through the openings 75 by the door holding device 95, which remains engaged with the openings 75 as previously discussed with reference to the second configuration flow action. Fig. 11a therefore illustrates a third flow configuration of the filter cartridge 30. The third flow configuration can be defined as a "pre-counter-rinse" position.
[0081] Returning to fig. 8c, the counter-rinse is performed by moving the downstream housing 90 in the immersion direction 102. Referring to fig. 12a, the movement of the downstream housing 90 in the immersion direction 102 causes a decrease in the volume of the chamber of the treated water 82 and pressurizes the treated water 83. This pressure forces a counter-rinse flow 115 to move through the membrane 112 in a direction opposite to the normal filtration direction and moves the debris accumulated therefrom. Water contaminated with debris is expelled from the housing upstream 51 as indicated by the contaminated flow 116. The contaminated flow 116 can be returned to the upstream tank 20; alternatively, the upstream tank 20 can be removed before the counter-rinse and a tank of distinct contaminated water (not shown) can be prepared. Thus, fig. 12a shows a fourth flow configuration of the filter cartridge 30. The fourth flow configuration can be indicated as the "counter-rinse" position. Although four flow configurations are described, it is contemplated that a smaller or larger number of flow configurations may be incorporated with the filter cartridge 30. For example, the closed position, where desired, may be omitted when the flow valve is also closed during the counter-rinse position.
[0082] Although it is often sufficient to perform a single counter-rinse cycle in order to restore an acceptable flow rate through the filter cartridge 30, any number of pre-rinsing and counter-rinse cycles can be performed.
[0083] With reference to fig. 12b, since the tongue 96 remains engaged in the third engaging portion 85 of the slot 80, the upstream tongue 53 is positioned outside the open bayonet end 98b. When the downstream housing 90 is reinserted inside the upstream housing 51, the rotation of the downstream housing 90 (in a clockwise direction when viewed from the downstream end), whereby the tab 96 passes to the second portion of engagement 84 (illustrated in Fig. 10b), causes the upstream tab 53 to engage again the bayonet slot 98a. This calls for the axial retraction of the downstream housing 90 from the upstream housing 51. The further rotation of the downstream housing 90 so that the tab 96 reaches the first engaging portion 81 (shown in Fig. 9a) restores the filter cartridge 30 at the first flow configuration and allows its use to purify the water once more.
[0084] The pumping action of the filter cartridge 30 during the counter-rinse operation can serve three purposes: (1) counter-rinsing of the membrane; (2) starting the siphon; and (3) elimination of any bubbles due to a filling condition.
[0085] First, the pumping action allows the user to clean the filter cartridge 130 using counter-rinse techniques. Specifically, as discussed above in relation to the first water filter cartridge 30, when the upper section is pulled up, negative pressure is created within the cylinder, causing suction of water from upstream, through the membrane of the filter and in the cavity 191 in the cylinder 190. When the upper section is pushed down, the same water is expelled again where it came from, which washes away any debris that may be trapped in the membrane. This process, called counter-rinse, means that the filter gradually gets clogged. The counter-rinse water comes out through the top of the filter, where it can be discarded.
[0086] Secondly, when the filter is configured to receive water by siphoning water from an upstream container through a hose, the pumping action also offers an additional feature of priming the filter cartridge and flexible hose 130 (that is, starting the trap). A siphon is created when a tube is placed in an inverted U-shape, and an upward flow of liquid is caused, above the surface of the upstream tank, without pumps, fed by the fall of the liquid in its flow down the pipe to effect of gravity traction, and it is discharged to a level below the surface of the upstream tank from which it came. For example, when the upstream end of the filter cartridge 130 is attached to a source of water, the user can unlock and counter-rinse the filter assembly, with consequent suction of water into the membrane bundle 187 and ejection of possible air in the filter cartridge 130 and in the membrane bundle 187.
[0087] Again, in order to optimize the effectiveness of the priming operation, it may be advantageous to configure the stroke volume of the pumping movement (ie the change in internal volume when the plunger is pumped up and down) so that it is greater than the internal volume of the upstream hose. That is to say, if the volume of the hose is greater than or equal to the volume of the stroke, the pumping of the filter cartridge 130 will simply draw air from the hose and expel the same air back to the hose. However, if the hose volume is less than the stroke volume, each up stroke will first draw the air from the hose and then draw some of the water from the upstream container, and each run down will expel the air first and then part of the water. As a result, when using a smaller hose volume, the filter and hose will be filled with water when the user pumps, instead of simply pumping the same air back and forth, to and from the hose. For example, when the stroke volume is 40 ml and the internal volume of the hose is 22 ml, each stroke of the pump will add 18 ml of water to the filter / hose assembly.
[0088] Thirdly, the pumping action allows the elimination of any air bubbles that could otherwise create a plugging condition, which can reduce the flow rate and / or completely prevent the flow. Indeed, a condition of obturation is a relatively common problem between water filters and typically takes place when there is surface tension at the air-water interface which is able to withstand the flow of water, effectively blocking the filter . The obturation is particularly problematic for filters used intermittently as they are often filled and emptied of water, providing many opportunities to trap the air in the wrong place. Fortunately, the pumping action described above eliminates any bubbles in the filter cartridge 130 and / or in the membrane bundle 187, with consequent reduction of the obturation problem.
[0089] Concerning embodiments using a hollow fiber membrane filter, the use of a hydrophilic membrane material (attractor with respect to water) is common in industry, since the more hydrophilic the material, the less it is the pressure necessary to conduct water through the membrane. However, in order to improve the effectiveness of the priming characteristic and the elimination characteristic of obturation, it may be advantageous to include a minority quantity of hydrophobic fibers (repellent with respect to water) in the membrane bundle. Hydrophobic fibers create a path of low resistance for the passage of air through the membrane beam. Thus, by including some hydrophobic fibers, both air and water can pass back and forth across the membrane. In some embodiments, it may be preferable that 5-15% of the fibers are hydrophobic fibers. More specifically, it may be preferable that 10% of the fibers are hydrophobic fibers. This can facilitate the expulsion of air from the filter, which makes it easier to start the siphon and eliminate air bubbles due to obturation.
[0090] It should be noted that, although the membrane 112 is described by way of illustration in this embodiment, other types of counter-rinseable filtration means can be used without departing from the function of the filter as described in connection with this embodiment.
[0091] Moving on to this point in fig. 13, there is shown a second embodiment of a water filter cartridge 130. As discussed in more detail below, the filter cartridge 130 generally comprises an upstream housing 151, an endorsement housing 190, end caps 131a, 131b , a membrane cartridge 160, a valve cap 171 and a water treatment material, such as for example a hollow fiber membrane filter bundle 187. Like the filter cartridge 30 of the first embodiment, the cartridge of The filter 130 can be cylindrical and provided with threaded accessories 132 and / or flexible hose 133. Similarly, the upstream housing 151, the downstream housing 190, the end caps 131a, 131b, the membrane cartridge 160 and the valve cap 171 may also be made of a substantially rigid non-porous plastic material. Examples of potentially appropriate plastic materials that could be used include polypropylene (PP), various copolymers, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS), polyethylene mixture high density (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyester and co-polyester. Since the basic functionality of the filter cartridge 130 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the filter cartridge 30 of the first embodiment, due to common elements and features it will not be widely discussed as they may obscure the invention with details. superfluous.
[0092] Figs. 14a-14d show four views of the end cap 131, which may be melted or otherwise adhered to each end of the filter cartridge 130. The end cap 131 is generally circular and sized so as to substantially conform to one end of the filter cartridge 130. The threaded adapters 132 and / or of the flexible tube 133 can be integrated with, or otherwise fixed to, each end cap 131 and configured. so as to mate, for example, with threads of standard bottles (for example SP-410) or flexible piping. The adapter of the flexible tube 133 can be configured so as to couple with flexible tubing having, for example, an inner diameter between 1/8 "and 1", or more preferably between 1/8 "and 1/2", particularly preferable between 1/6 "and 1/4". However, it is anticipated that the diameter can be adjusted to meet a specific need. These adapters allow the use of the filter cartridge 130 with various containers, including pop bottles, "soft bottle" bags (a sturdy bag having a threaded opening like a bottle), cups, canisters, etc.
[0093] At the center of each end cap 131 there is an opening through which the fluid can pass. The opening 186 can be configured so that the fluid is directed through the center of the threaded adapters 132 and / or of the flexible tube 133 so that the fluid can ultimately be directed to, or from, a container or hose. . As illustrated, the end cap 131 may comprise a plurality of ribs 177 along its outer circumference and one or more spacing protrusions 181 on the inner surface. The plurality of ribs 177 can be used to secure a second component, such as the valve cap 171 or the membrane cartridge 160, while the aforementioned spacing protrusions 181 maintain a space between the end cap 131 and the second component, with consequent reduction of the risk of fluid blockage. Again, as illustrated in FIGS. 29a-29b, one or more anti-seal notches can be incorporât! in the end cap 131 in order to prevent the downstream vessel (i.e. a flange) from sealing with the surface of the end cap and allowing air to escape through the threads, thereby avoiding pressurization of the downstream vessel. Finally, one or more radial protrusions 185 can be provided around the opening 186 on the inner surface of the end cap 131. As discussed below, the one or more radial protrusions 185 can be used to secure a third component, such as a spring 183.
[0094] With reference to fig. 15a-15c, three views of the upstream housing 151 are illustrated. Specifically, FIGS. 15a and 15c show latérale and top views, while fig. 15b shows a cross-section view of the upstream housing 151. As shown in Figs. 15b and 15c, the inner surface of the upstream housing 151 may be provided with one or more tabs 180 configured to engage with the shaped slot 178 of the downstream housing 190, which functions as the guide channel.
[0095] In order to form the upper cap assembly 176, adhesive, for example, may be placed around the inner circumference of the end upstream of the upstream housing 151. That is to say on the end opposite to the end having the one or more tabs 180 which engage the downstream housing 190, identified as the surface C in fig. 15b. A first end cap 131a may then be inserted into the end upstream of the upstream housing 151 containing the adhesive, thereby binding the surface C of the upstream housing 151 to the surface F of the first end cap 131a so as to create a watertight seal.
[0096] The membrane cartridge 160 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 16a-16c. Specifically, FIG. 16a shows a side view of a membrane cartridge 160, while FIG. 16b shows a cross-sectional view and fig. 16c illustrates a plan view from the top of the same. The membrane cartridge 160 houses the membrane bundle 187 or an equivalent thereof. Indeed, the filter cartridge 130 can employ any appropriate water treatment technology to treat contaminated or potentially contaminated water so that it is drinkable (ie safe to drink). In some embodiments, membranes, such as for example microporous membranes or ultra-filtration membranes, are used in the filter cartridge 130. Micro-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range from 0.1 to 10 micron. Ultra-filtration membranes can refer to membranes having pores in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 micron. In some embodiments, activated carbon is used in the filter cartridge 130. In some embodiments, a chemical water treatment technology, such as for example chlorination, is used in the filter cartridge 130. In some embodiments, a water radiant treatment technology, such as for example ultraviolet light, is used in the filter cartridge 130. In some embodiments, a combination of several water treatment technologies is used in the filter cartridge 130.
[0097] The membrane bundle 187 can be pocketed inside the membrane cartridge 160 with an invasion resistor to the upper open end of the membrane cartridge. The membrane beam 187 can occupy the entire internal cavity 161 of the membrane cartridge 160, or a substantial portion thereof. The invasion resistor forms a water-proof seal between the membrane bundle 187 and the wall of the membrane cartridge 160, thereby substantially directing all the fluid through the membrane bundle 187. Addressing the fluid through the membrane bundle 187, instead of around it, it is possible to increase the filtration efficiency. In order to reduce friction, one or more friction-reducing ribs 182 can be provided longitudinally along the outer surface of the membrane cartridge 160. Openings between the support ribs 179 allow the water to exit the membrane cartridge 160 at the end of the valley.
[0098] In order to create a water-proof seal between the membrane cartridge 160 and the downstream housing 190, an O-ring 163 (for example an O-ring AS568A-319) can be placed in the radial gland Following the membrane cartridge 160. As discussed in more detail below, the membrane cartridge 160 further comprises an actuating projection 164 at the downstream end, which can be used to drive a flow valve. The actuating projection 164 can be made to adhere to or integrated with the membrane cartridge 160.
[0099] Details of the valve cap 171 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 17a-17d. The fig. 17a to 17c illustrant) seen from above, from below and from the bottom of the valve cap 171, while fig. 17d shows a cross-sectional view of the valve cap 171. With reference to FIG. 17d, a plunger ball 172 is placed in the valve cap 171 in the central torus 173 defined by the radial projections 174 to provide a flow valve. The piston ball 172 can be produced starting from, for example, plastic material, rubber and / or metal. A spring 183 can then be inserted into the central torch 173 and placed at the top of the piston ball 172. The radial projections 174 guide the piston ball 172 so that the movement of the piston ball 172 can be only in the vertical direction (i.e. in the X direction). Indeed, as noted above, the second end cap 131b may contain one or more radial protrusions 185 around the opening 186 on the inner surface which holds the spring 183 aligned in the axial position and prevent the spring 183 from blocking the opening, which would limit the water flow through the central opening 188.
[0100] In order to form the ball valve and spring 175 assembly, adhesive may be placed inside a second end cap 131b at the surface B. The combination of the valve cap 171, the spring 183 and the plunger ball 172 may then be inserted into the second end cap 131b, thereby binding the surface B of the second end cap 131b to the surface D of the valve cap 171 so that it creates a watertight seal. Once assembled, the spring 183 generates a force which presses the piston ball 172 into the radial valve seat 184 on the inner surface of the valve cap 171 when the filter is in the inactive position so as to create a water-proof seal. When the filter is in the active position, the actuating projection 164 on the end of the membrane cartridge 160 presses or moves the piston ball 172 from the seat of the valve 184 compressing the spring 183, thereby allowing the water to flow through the set of ball valve and spring 175.
[0101] The downstream housing 190 will now be described with reference to FIG. 18a-18d. Specifically, FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate lateral and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the downstream housing 190 of the second water filter. As illustrated, the upstream end of the downstream housing 190 is configured to engage the upper hood assembly 176, while the lower end is configured to be adhered or fused with the valve assembly sphere and spring 175.
[0102] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18a, the downstream housing 190 is provided with one or more shaped slots 178 configured to engage with the one or more corresponding tabs 180 on the upper cap assembly 176. The one or more shaped slits 178 are positioned axially andconferentially on the downstream housing 190. An enlarged view of an elongated plaster 178 is provided in FIG. 18c. The contoured opening 178 allows the user to select between: (1) a first engagement position 178a (or "active position") which allows the flow through the filter and membrane assembly; (2) a second engagement position 178b (or «inactive position») which prevents the flow and seals the «clean end» of the filter assembly for storage purposes; and (3) a third engaging position 178c (i.e., "unlocked position"), which allows disengagement of the upper hood assembly 176 from the downstream housing 190 and allows the user to pump the upper hood assembly 176 and the membrane cartridge for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane bundle 187.
[0103] During final assembly, the membrane cartridge 160 can be inserted into the wider end (i.e. downstream end) of the downstream housing 190, until the upstream end of the membrane cartridge 160 protrudes from the downstream housing 190 by, for example, two inches from the narrow end (i.e. upstream end) of the downstream housing 190, which allows the user to adhere the upper hood assembly 176. A lubricant such as silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (for example Teflon) or other safe lubricant for water and food, can be placed inside the downstream housing 190 in a position several centimeters from the downstream end, before assembly, in order to help facilitate assembly and the overall function of the filter.
[0104] Then adhesive can be placed on the outer circumference of the membrane cartridge 160 at the surface A. The upper cap assembly 176 can then be inserted on the membrane cartridge 160, thereby binding the two sets together and creating a watertight seal. Specifically, the inner surface B of the end cap 131 can be tied to the outer circumferential surface A of the upstream end of the membrane cartridge 160. As noted above, the one or more spacing protrusions 181 may be provided on the inner surface of the end cap 131 so as to maintain a space between the membrane cartridge 160 and the end cap 131. More specifically, the one or more spacing protrusions 181 avoiding the coupling of the membrane cartridge 160 against the flat surface of the end cap 131a, which would preclude the entry of water into the membrane bundle 187. Again, as reported in the above with reference to fig. 16b, an O-ring 163 can be placed in the radial gland 162 at the bottom of the membrane cartridge 160 so as to create a water-proof seal between the membrane cartridge 160 and the downstream housing 190.
Finally, adhesive can be placed around the inner circumference of the wide end of the downstream housing 190 at the surface E. The ball valve and spring assembly 175 can then be inserted into the downstream housing 190, thus connecting the surface F of the second end cap 131b to the surface E of the downstream housing 190 so as to create a water-proof seal. The upper cap assembly 176 is then pressed toward the downstream housing 190 and rotated until the tabs 180 on the inner surface of the upper cap assembly 176 do not engage the contoured slot 178 on the downstream housing 190. At this point, the filter cartridge assembly 130 is functional and difficult to disassemble without damage.
[0106] To offer a general picture, the second form of realization can be illustrated by the example to follow. This example is provided to help understand the invention and should not be construed as a limitation. Referring to FIG. 19a-21a, a sequence of operations performed in the counter-rinsing of the filter cartridge 130 is illustrated. As discussed above, the counter-rinse can be performed as frequently or as infrequently as desired by users of the filter cartridge 130 , on the basis of the purity of the treated water and the acceptable flow rate through the filter cartridge 130.
[0107] Turning specifically to fig. 19a, a perspective view of the second filter cartridge 130 is shown in a first position (i.e. an open position). The filter cartridge 130 is shown in the first flow configuration with the downstream housing 190 resting on the upstream housing 151. In the first position, the filter cartridge 130 is "active", which means that the water can enter from the top, slide through the porous membrane inside and exit to the bottom via the "clean end". The normal flow direction during filtration is from the summit to the bottom, so the upper end of the filter is the «dirty extremity» and the bottom is the «clean extremity». Fig. 19b illustrates the first engagement position of the shaped slot 178 and the relative location of the tongue 180 of the upper hood assembly 176 while in the first flow configuration. Finally, fig. 19c shows a side view, while fig. 19d shows a cross-sectional view of the second water filter in an open position. Turning now to fig. 19d, note that the actuating projection 164 provides a downward force against the piston ball 172 so that the piston ball 172 is pushed away from the valve seat 184, thereby actuating the flow valve by breaking the seal water proof and allowing free flow of the fluid between the valve cap 171 and the membrane cartridge 160.
[0108] Fig. 20a illustrates a perspective view of the second filter cartridge 130 in a second position (i.e., a closed position). In the second position, the filter is "inactive", which means that the water flow is interrupted. Rotation of the downstream housing 190 around the central axis of the filter cartridge 130 in an inactive direction (as indicated by the arrow) causes the upstream housing 151 to be slightly disengaged from the downstream housing 190. This permits settlement. the spring loaded plunger ball 172 in the valve cap 171, resulting in the creation of a watertight seal and blocking of water flow through the valve cap 171. FIG. 20b illustrates the second engagement position of the shaped slot 178 and the relative position of the tongue 180 of the upper hood assembly 176 while in the second flow configuration. Fig. 20c shows a side view, while fig. 20d shows a cross-section view of the second water filter in a closed position. Turning now to fig. 20d, note that the actuating projection 164 has been retracted, with consequent removal of the downward force from the piston ball 172, which allows the upward force of the spring 183 to push the plunger ball 172 towards the seat the valve 184, with consequent closure of the flow valve by creating a water-proof seal and foreclosure of fluid flow between the valve cap 171 and the membrane cartridge 160.
[0109] Fig. 21a illustrates a perspective view of the second filter cartridge 130 in a third position (i.e. an unlocked position). The rotation of the downstream housing 190 around the central axis of the filter cartridge 130 in a release direction (as indicated by the arrow) causes disengagement of the upstream housing 151 from the downstream housing 190. This allows axial movement of the endorsement housing 190 with respect to the upstream housing 151 in the extension direction 101, as shown in FIG. 21a. Fig. 21b illustrates the third engagement position of the shaped slot 178 and the relative position of the tongue 180 of the upper hood assembly 176 while in the third flow configuration. Fig. 21c shows a side view, while fig. 21 d illustrates a cross-section view of the second water filter in an unlocked position. Turning now to fig. 21 d, it should be noted that, as in the second position, the actuation projection 164 remains retracted and the watertight seal is maintained (i.e. the flow valve is closed).
[0110] However, unlike the second position, the filter cartridge 130 is "unlocked" in the third position, thus allowing pumping on 102 and down 101 of the upper section with respect to the lower section by the user, as indicated by the arrows. As discussed in relation to the filter cartridge 30 of the first embodiment, the pumping action of the filter cartridge 130 can serve the purposes of: (1) counter-rinsing the membrane; (2) starting the siphon; and (3) elimination of any bubbles causing clogging.
[0111] It should be noted that, although the membrane is described by way of illustration in the embodiment, other types of counter-rinseable filtration means can be used without departing from the function of the filter as described in connection with this embodiment. Furthermore, although three flow configurations are described, it is contemplated that a larger or smaller number of flow configurations may be incorporated with the filter cartridge 130. For example, the second position may be omitted, where desired, since the valve is also closed during the third position.
[0112] Fig. 22-27 illustrate filter cartridges according to a plurality of additional embodiments. Since the basic features of the filter cartridge of the plurality of additional embodiments are similar to the filter cartridges 30 and 130 of the first and second embodiments, due to common elements and features they will not be discussed in full as they may obscure the invention with superfluous details. Similarly, as discussed above, the pumping action can serve the purposes of: (1) counter-rinsing of the membrane; (2) starting the siphon; and (3) elimination of any bubbles causing clogging.
[0113] Moving on to this point in fig. 22, a filter cartridge 230 of a third embodiment can be controlled by positioning a ring, optionally consisting of several parts for the purpose of ease of fabrication, which can be positioned so as to selectively retain or release an upper set 201 and a lower assembly 202. The upper assembly 201 generally comprises the upstream housing 251 and the end cap 231, while the lower assembly 202 generally comprises the downstream housing 290 and the end cap 231. The technicians of the branch will make I realize that, although only one of these rings is depicted, there are several configurations that achieve comparable functionality. When the ring is in a first position, the upper assembly 201 is retained and the lower assembly 202 is unlocked. This allows the extension of the lower assembly 202, thus uncorking an outlet valve so that water can pass through the filter through the filter membrane 287 inside the membrane cartridge 260. When the ring is in a second position, the upper assembly 201 is unlocked and the lower assembly 202 is retained. This keeps the outlet valve closed, at the same time allowing the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 201, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purposes of counter-rinsing of the membrane 287, of the starting of a siphon or of the elimination of any bubbles causing clogging. The closed outlet valve, in this position, ensures that the extension and retraction of the upper assembly cause the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, although no flow takes place through the filter outlet. When the ring is in a third position, both the upper set and the lower set are retained. This keeps the filter in a closed or "inactive" position, so no water can flow, and no pumping can take place.
[0114] Turning now to fig. 23, a filter cartridge 330 of a fourth embodiment can be controlled by positioning an upper set 301, the upper assembly 301 having various tabs capable of selectively retaining the upper assembly 301 in various positions or unlocking the upper assembly 301 so that it extends and retracts. The upper assembly 301, in general, comprises the upstream housing 351 and the end cap 331, while the lower assembly 302, in general, comprises the downstream housing 390 and the end cap 331. The filter cartridge 330 it also has a two-way flow control valve. The valve has a spring (which can be incorporated or be a separate component) which tends to bring it back to a resting position where it does not block the flow, unless the flow in either direction is so intense as to deflect the valve so that it blocks the flow. Those skilled in the art will realize that, although only one of these valves is shown, there are several configurations that achieve comparable functionality. The filter also has an annular interference valve which is optionally opened or closed by a pin extending from the upper assembly 301. When the upper assembly 301 is in a first position, the pin is positioned so as not to block the annular interference valve, whereby the water manages to pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 301 is in a second position, the pin is positioned so as to block the annular interference valve, so that the water cannot pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 301 is in a third position, the upper assembly 301 is unlocked so as to be able to extend and retract, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane 387 inside. of the 360 membrane cartridge, of starting a siphon or eliminating any bubbles causing clogging. The extension and retraction of the upper assembly 301 generate sufficient pressure to activate the flow control valve, whereby the valve is closed during both the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 301. This ensures that the extension and the retraction of the upper set 301 causes the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, while no flow takes place through the filter outlet.
[0115] Moving on to this point in fig. 24, a filter cartridge 430 of a fifth embodiment can be controlled by positioning an upper set 401, the upper assembly 401 having various tabs which can selectively maintain the upper assembly 401 in various positions or unlock the upper assembly 401 from the lower set 402 for the purpose of extension and retraction. The filter also features a two-way flow control valve. The valve is fixed to a tensioning element able to selectively keep the valve in a neutral position, so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. The flow control valve can be configured to block all flow in the reverse direction, so the user can never accidentally conduct water through the valve in the reverse direction. This is advantageous as it reduces the risk of accidental filter abuse. Those skilled in the art will realize that, although only one of these valves is shown, there are several configurations that achieve comparable functionality. When the upper assembly 401 is in a first position, completely extended, the tensioning element is engaged so as to keep the valve in the neutral position, so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. In the first position, water can pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 401 is in a second position, completely retracted, the tensioning element is not engaged so as to hold the valve in the neutral position, so that the flow control valve is free to block the flow of water. out of the filter. In the second position, the water cannot pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 401 is in a third position, the upper assembly 401 is unlocked so as to be able to extend and retract, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane 487 inside. of the membrane cartridge 460, of the starting of a siphon or of the elimination of any bubbles causing clogging. The extension and retraction of the upper assembly 401 generates sufficient pressure to activate the flow control valve, whereby the valve is closed during both the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 401. This ensures that the extension and the retraction of the upper assembly 401 causes the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, while no flow takes place through the filter outlet.
[0116] Moving on to this point in fig. 25, a filter cartridge 530 of a sixth embodiment can be controlled by positioning an upper set 501, the upper assembly 501 having various tabs capable of selectively maintaining the upper assembly 501 in various positions or unlocking the upper assembly 501 from the lower set 502 for the purposes of extension and retraction. The filter also has a two-way flow control valve. The valve is fixed to a tensioning element able to selectively keep the valve in a neutral position, so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. The flow control valve can be configured to block the entire flow in the reverse direction so that the user can never accidentally conduct water through the valve in the reverse direction. This is advantageous, as it reduces the risk of accidental filter abuse. Those skilled in the art will realize that, although only one of these valves is shown, there are multiple configurations that achieve comparable functionality. When the upper assembly 501 is in a first position, completely retracted, the tensioning element is engaged so as to hold the valve in the neutral position, so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. In the first position, the water manages to pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 501 is in a second position, completely extended, the tensioning element is not engaged so as to hold the valve in the neutral position, so that the flow control valve is free to block the flow of water. out of the filter. In the second position, the water cannot pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 501 is in a third position, the upper assembly 501 is unlocked so as to be able to extend and retract, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane 587 inside. of the 560 membrane cartridge, of starting a siphon or eliminating any bubbles causing clogging. The extension and retraction of the upper assembly 501 generates sufficient pressure to activate the flow control valve, whereby the valve is closed during both the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 501. This ensures that the extension and the retraction of the upper assembly 501 causes the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, while no flow takes place through the filter outlet.
[0117] Moving on to this point in fig. 26, a filter cartridge 630 of a seventh embodiment can be controlled by positioning an upper assembly 601, the upper assembly 601 having various tabs capable of selectively maintaining the upper assembly 601 in various positions or unlocking the upper assembly 601 from the lower set 602 for the purposes of extension and retraction. The filter also has a valve. A spring keeps the valve against its seat, except when the valve is engaged by the upper assembly 601, overcoming the force of the spring and opening the valve. The flow control valve can be configured to block the entire flow in the reverse direction, so that the user can never accidentally conduct water through the valve in the reverse direction. This is advantageous, as it reduces the risk of accidental filter abuse. Those skilled in the art will realize that, although only one of these valves is shown, there are multiple configurations that achieve comparable functionality. When the upper assembly 601 is in a first position, completely retracted, the valve is engaged by the upper assembly 601, with consequent opening of the valve so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. In the first position, the water manages to pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 601 is in a second position, the valve is not engaged by the upper assembly 601, so that the valve is held against its seat by the force of the spring. In the second position, the water cannot pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 601 is in a third position, the upper assembly 601 is unlocked so as to be able to extend and retract, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane 687 on the inside of the 660 membrane cartridge, of starting a siphon or eliminating any bubbles causing clogging. During the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 601, the valve is held against its seat by the force of the spring, so that the valve is closed during both the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 601. This ensures that the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 601 causes the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, while no flow takes place through the filter outlet.
[0118] Moving on to this point in fig. 27, a filter cartridge 730 of an eighth embodiment can be controlled by positioning an upper assembly 701, the upper assembly 701 having various tabs capable of selectively maintaining the upper assembly 701 in various positions or unlocking the upper assembly 701 from the lower set 702 for the purposes of extension and retraction. The filter also has an annular interference valve which can be selectively engaged by the upper assembly 701. The plug of the annular interference valve has tabs which move within a shaped slot or channel so that the rotation of the annular interference valve causes the set to selectively block or not block the flow of water. When the upper assembly 701 is in a first position, the plug of the valve is engaged by the upper assembly 701 so as not to block the flow of water leaving the filter. In the first position, the water manages to pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 701 is in a second position, the plug of the valve is engaged by the upper assembly 701 so as to block the flow of water leaving the filter. In the second position, the water cannot pass through the filter. When the upper assembly 701 is in a third position, the upper assembly 701 is unlocked so as to be able to extend and retract, which constitutes a multi-functional pumping movement for the purpose of counter-rinsing the membrane 787 inside. of the 760 membrane cartridge, starting a siphon or eliminating any bubbles causing clogging. During the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 701, the plug of the valve is maintained so that the flow of water is blocked. Ciô guarantees that the extension and retraction of the upper assembly 701 cause the flow back and forth through the filter inlet, while no flow takes place through the filter outlet.
[0119] As shown in figs 28a-28d, it may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to provide one or more surface projections 280 on an outer surface of the housings 890, 851. The surface projections 280 avoid the easy rolling of the filter cartridge 830 when placed on a flat surface , thus reducing the risk of damage that may result from the fall of the 830 filter cartridge from a table or work surface. The surface projections 280 can be used in combination with any of the embodiments described in the above. For example, the one or more surface projections 280 can be placed on the downstream housing 890 (as shown), on the upstream housing 851, on the end caps or on a combination thereof. In fact, several surface projections 280 can be placed along the entire circumference of the filter cartridge 830 or on a portion thereof. Although oval surface projections are shown, it is anticipated that other shapes can be used to facilitate a specific design or aesthetic requirement. For example, each surface projection 280 may have the form of an alphanumeric character, and as a whole they would communicate a brand name, a message, a capacity, etc. The projections can even be square, circular or domed (or any other ornamental shape, or a drop of water).
[0120] Like shown in fig. 28e, by placing the projections on the rear side of the filter, the filter will come to a support so that the product mark, word mark, images and / or functional position indicators are turned towards the user, thus making the most immediately visible features . As used in the present context, the back side of the filter refers to the surface of the filter opposite to the superficial ornamentation which displays, for example, the product brand, word mark, images and / or functional position indicators. Alternatively, the projections can be placed on the front of the filtration device and also be incorporated into the surface ornamentation. When two protrusions are placed in the same axial position but are separated radially by various degrees, so that both projections are able to come simultaneously in contact with the hard surface, the features act as a stable base which avoids the rolling of the filter when placed on a surface; by placing one or more additional pairs of protruding features at the opposite end of the filter, the rolling resistance increases dramatically.
[0121] Alternatively, instead of the surface protrusions 280, the filter cartridge 830 can employ an external housing or other component (for example terminal caps) having a non-circular cross-section, such as for example a polygonal or oval cross-section . For example, the cross section of the outer housing can be triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc. However, in order to facilitate the functions described above, as for example the torsion and pumping action (for example counter-rinsing), the internal components, comprising the membrane of the cartridge and other internal components, can remain substantially circular, which allows them to work (eg rotate) in the necessary way.
[0122] As illustrated in fig. 29, one or more anti-retaining notches can be incorporated! in the end cap. The configuration of the filtration device allows the user the option of using a bottle (such as a plastic soda bottle) as a receptacle downstream to collect filtered water. Many plastic bottles contain flanges, plastic rings and other features that, when firmly tightened against the outer face of the end cap, create the air-tight seal that prevents air from escaping from the downstream vessel. When the filtered water enters the container, an equal volume of air must be allowed to come out of the container, otherwise the container would start to pressurize; as the pressure in the container increases, the flow rate decreases until it stops. By placing one or more small notches or grooves around the outer edge of the threaded portion of the end cap, a passage is created which allows the air leaving the container and through the threads of the end cap to circumvent the flange, ring or other feature which otherwise would create an estate. These anti-seal grooves therefore eliminate the possibility of the downstream vessel being pressurized, regardless of the configuration of the vessel.
[0123] Fig. 30a-30b illustrate an embodiment of a water filter having a second guide channel configuration. As discussed above, the housing downstream of the filtration device contains a channel / groove which engages with tabs located on the inner surface of the upper cap. When the tabs are first engaged with the channel, the upper cap and the downstream housing are secured together so that there is no free movement in the axial direction. This position is indicated as INACTIVE as the membrane cartridge is not able to operate the flow valve. When the upper cap is rotated clockwise with respect to the housing downstream, the channel causes the upper cap / membrane cartridge to move axially inside the downstream housing, eventually activating the flow valve, which , in turn, allows the flow of water through the device. This is indicated as an ACTIVE position. It is advantageous to provide a tactile return to the user when they move back and forth between two positions, and when the tabs disengage from the channel, so that the filter can be counter-rinsed (or washed). By creating a change of direction delimited in the shape of the channel, the movement of the upper cap is momentarily and perceptibly interrupted, providing a tactile return to the user to indicate that the filter has been placed in the INACTIVE position.
[0124] The double-swept form of the channel provides a secondary function that solves a potential problem encountered with a continuous inclination channel shape (ie similar to a thread of the bottle). When the filter is placed in the ACTIVE position, the spring inside the valve exerts a force upwards on the membrane cartridge, therefore on the upper cap. If the tabs were engaged with an inclined surface, the upper cap would be able to rotate and ascend the channel due to the force, with consequent sealing of the valve. Placing surfaces

权利要求:
Claims (9)
[1]
flat in both the ACTIVE and INACTIVE positions, it is assumed that any axial force will cause the upper cap to rotate out of the desired position. [0125] Various exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, and those skilled in the art will be aware of certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore understood that features presented in the present area are interpreted in the sense of including all of these modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations, such as falling within their real spirit and scope. Again, although the embodiments have been discussed in terms of water filtering, the embodiments described since they are précédé are applicable to other fluids in addition to water. Legend of the drawing tables [0126] Fig. 2, 7, 19d, 20d, 21 d, 22 MEMBRANE NOT PICTURED = membrane not shown Fig. 13 DOWNWARD = downward UPWARD = upwards Fig. 19a, 20th TWIST = torsion FLOW = flow Fig. 21a FLOW = flow PUMPING DIRECTION = pumping direction Fig. 27 MEMBRANE NOT PICTURED = membrane not shown END CAPS NOT PICTURED = terminal caps! not represented Claims
1. Fluid treatment system, comprising: - an upstream portion adapted to transport fluid and treat impurities inside the fluid; - a downstream portion in fluid communication with the upstream portion; - a water filter which has an upstream end in connection with said upstream portion and a downstream end with said downstream portion; wherein the downstream portion comprises a flow valve; and wherein the downstream portion is configured so as to selectively engage the upstream portion and alternate between: (1) a first engaging position, wherein the flow valve is in an open position, thereby allowing the fluid to slide through the downstream portion; and (2) a second engagement position, wherein the flow valve is in a closed position, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing through the downstream portion, wherein the upstream portion is configured to selectively extending from and retracting to the downstream portion, so that: the extension of the upstream portion from the downstream portion causes the fluid to flow through the upstream portion in a downstream direction, whereby a quantity of fluid is retained inside the downstream portion; and the retraction of the upstream portion causes said amount of fluid to flow through the upstream portion in an upstream direction.
[2]
2. A fluid treatment system according to claim 1, in which the downstream portion is configured to selectively engage the upstream portion in a third engaging position, in which the flow valve is in the closed position, thus preventing the fluid from flowing through the downstream portion, in which the upstream portion is firmly secured against extension and retraction with respect to the downstream portion.
[3]
3. A fluid treatment system according to claim 1, in which the upstream portion and the downstream portion are cylindrical in shape and the upstream or downstream portion comprise one or more surface projections to preclude rolling.
[4]
4. Fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the upstream portion comprises an upstream threaded connector suitable for sealingly connected to an upstream threaded tank, and the downstream portion comprises a downstream threaded connector adapted to connect not sealed to a downstream threaded tank.
[5]
5. Fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the upstream portion is configured so as to treat impurities through the use of a micro-filtration membrane having hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers.
[6]
6. A fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the upstream portion is configured so as to treat impurities through the use of an ultra-filtration membrane having hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers.
[7]
7. A fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein said flow valve is a set of ball valve and spring.
[8]
8. A fluid treatment system according to claim 1, comprising: - An upstream portion which is a tank; - A downstream portion that is a reservoir; - A water filter which is a membrane cartridge having an upstream end and a downstream end, in which the membrane cartridge comprises an actuating projection at the downstream end; - an upstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the downstream end of the upstream housing is securely connected to the upstream end of the membrane cartridge and comprises one or more tabs positioned at circumferential sense along an inner surface of the upstream housing; - a downstream housing having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end of the downstream housing is movably connected to the downstream end of the membrane cartridge and comprises one or more slots contoured positioned circumferentially along the outer surface of the downstream housing and configured to engage the one or more tabs of the upstream housing; wherein the downstream housing is configured to selectively engage the upstream housing and alternate between: (1) a first engaging position that allows fluid to flow through the membrane cartridge; (2) a second engaging position which prevents the fluid from flowing and seals the downstream end of the fluid filtration apparatus; and (3) a third engagement position which allows the upstream housing to disengage from the shaped slots of the downstream housing, thereby allowing a user to pump the counter-rinseable fluid treatment apparatus, - a cap of valve positioned within said downstream housing, said valve cap having a flow valve configured to engage the actuating projection at the downstream end of the membrane cartridge.
[9]
9. A fluid treatment system according to claim 8, in which: (i) the upstream housing comprises an inlet for receiving fluid and an internal threaded portion around said inlet configured to impart a sealing engagement between said upstream housing and upstream tank; and (ii) the downstream housing comprises an outlet for discharging fluid and an internal threaded portion around said outlet configured to impart a non-sealing engagement between said downstream housing and the downstream reservoir.

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同族专利:

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CN104902976A|2015-09-09|

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CA2884818A1|2014-03-20|

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KR20150086238A|2015-07-27|

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US20140076792A1|2014-03-20|

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WO2014041432A2|2014-03-20|

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WO2014041432A3|2014-06-05|

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法律状态:
2021-04-30| PL| Patent ceased|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201261700864P| true| 2012-09-13|2012-09-13|

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US201361828514P| true| 2013-05-29|2013-05-29|

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US201361833310P| true| 2013-06-10|2013-06-10|

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PCT/IB2013/002777|WO2014041432A2|2012-09-13|2013-09-13|Fluid treatment apparatus and method of using same|

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