EP2108003A2

EP2108003A2 - Water filter device with depletion display

Info

Publication number: EP2108003A2
Application number: EP07870209A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Scholz
Original assignee: Aquis Wasser Luft Systeme GmbH Lindau Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
Current assignee: Aquis Wasser Luft Systeme GmbH Lindau Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2007-12-21
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Also published as: WO2008077622A3; JP2010513003A; US20100044284A1; US20100059424A1; DE102007062925A1; EP2108002A2; WO2008077609A3; WO2008077609A2; JP5491192B2; WO2008077622A2; US8894848B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a water filter device with a filter path for purification of water, in particular by ion exchange. The invention is characterised in that a depletion display for a water preparation agent in the filter path is provided.

Description

"Water filter device with fatigue indicator"

The present invention relates to a

A water filter device with a fatigue indicator according to claim 1

State of the art

Water filter devices for the treatment of water, especially drinking water are well known. Commercially available are both line-bound and line-bound filter systems, which are usually equipped with replaceable filter cartridges.

Conducted water filter systems may, for example, be connected to a building water supply line for the supply of individual or a group of specific devices or may also be integrated into this for the supply of a subsequently connected building water distribution network. In these water filter systems, the mode of operation is usually provided as a so-called "pressure mode", ie the water filter is integrated directly into the pressure line, for example in the form of a so-called filter cartridge, which is connected to a filter connection head inserted into the supply line.

Furthermore, line-bound versions are known in Furthermore, line-connected designs are known in which a so-called "pressureless operation" is provided, which includes, for example, via an open cutting path connected to a pressure system for forwarding the water provided water pipe sections, as for example to avoid Rücksaugeffekten in a municipal water supply line for toilet flushing, washing machine connections or the same more known.

Under line-bound water filter systems is usually understood a water filter device with a water tank and a filter provided for filtering the water deposited therein filter cartridge. Again, there are both so-called pressureless operating embodiments in which, for example, only due to gravimetric influences, the water to be processed through the filter cartridge flows through them. But also known by means of a negative pressure generated for example by a suction pump water filter systems. These are used, for example, regularly in not directly connected to a water supply network, water treatment and / or water-consuming devices used. As devices, for example, all possible commercially used devices should be mentioned, but in particular any, related domestic appliances.

Such systems are used, for example, in the treatment of drinking water in private households as a central or decentralized installation, for the supply of sampling points, as s. For example, faucet or OnTap filters, showerhead filters, designed to power modern kitchen appliances (water dispensers and ice makers in modern refrigerators or hot beverage machines) and, moreover, in commercial areas for powering Vending machines for the preparation of coffee, steam, hot or cold water for the purpose of flavor optimization of the processed or prepared drinks and food and to protect the machines from water-related technical problems.

For the treatment of the water flowing through the water filter device in addition to the depletion of undesirable substances and an enrichment to improve the water quality achieved thereby is known.

However, the performance of such filter systems is continuously exhausted depending on the amount of water already passed through the treatment line and the quality of the raw water, so that the produced water quality continuously changes depending on the course of exhaustion of the treatment line.

From DE 6 99 09 7 60 T2 a filter cartridge for can water filter with a shut-off device for closing the filter cartridge output in dependence on the number of liters of water that has passed through the filter cartridge is known. By an in contact with the filtered depending on the water filtered through the filter cartridge and / or swelling actuator, the obturator is driven so that the filter cartridge is switched off after the assumed on this basis exhaustion of the filter material and thus no longer for further filtering can be used.

Purpose and advantages of the invention

The present invention has for its object to improve a water filter device of the type set forth. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. By the subclaims expedient and advantageous developments of the invention are given.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a water filter device according to the preamble of claim 1. It is characterized according to the invention in that a fatigue indicator for a water treatment means of the filter section is provided. An exhaustion display offers the advantage that the state of exhaustion of one or, if appropriate, also of several water treatment agents introduced into the filter section provided for the water treatment, is available to the operator of the water treatment device

Water filter system can be displayed. This can then, depending on the state of exhaustion, adjust to how long the water filter device can still provide a sufficiently good water quality.

For the purposes of the present invention, a water filter device is at least partially understood to be a water filter cartridge to be operated for use with a line-connected water filter system and / or a water filter cartridge provided for operation with a line-connected water filter system. In particular, this is intended to encompass the water-bearing part of a water filter system. This can have an inlet and a drain for the line-connected embodiment, so that the water to be treated is at least partially passed over a water treatment line. Optionally, however, the water treatment device may also include a so-called trimming device with a Beipasstrecke and optionally provided actuators to influence the Verschnittverhältnisses between aufbereitendem by the water treatment section and not or otherwise aufbereitendem water. This or not otherwise treated water can then Preferably past the Beipasstrecke past the filter section and be added via an appropriately adjusted or adjusted depending on various parameters Verschnittverhältnis. Further details will be discussed below in the description.

With regard to the line-unbound embodiment of a filter cartridge, an inlet and a drain can also be provided, so that the water to be filtered is again also guided at least partially via a water treatment section provided for water treatment and a bypass line intended for non or otherwise reprocessed water. Again, as stated above, versions with one or more bypass sections possible. These, too, can realize either a fixed or an adjustable mixture ratio between water purified through the filter section and non-treated or otherwise treated water. Again, reference will be made to this in the description hereinafter. In principle, with regard to the blending of raw water with water that has not been treated or otherwise treated, it applies that this blending device is at least mutatis mutandis applicable both to the wired and to the non-wired embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the water filter device may also include a sensor unit for detecting the state of exhaustion of the relevant one indicated by the exhaustion indicator

Water treatment medium or water treatment agent. Such a sensor unit is preferably connected to a device processing and / or consuming the treated water. As a result, both a signaling of the state of exhaustion of the water treatment agent to an operator and at the same time possible to the device, for example, to allow appropriate preparatory and / or securing measures to ensure a disturbed further operation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the water filter device z. B. but also a softener and / or another water-treating element for a dishwasher or a corresponding device corresponding to the cleaning of dishes but e.g. also of clothing.

In the following, for the purpose of standardization, the term filter cartridge will be understood as meaning both a filter cartridge for a line-less filter system and a filter cartridge for a line-connected filter system.

As a particularly advantageous embodiment, such a fatigue display may comprise an optical signal element. As a result, a direct signaling of the state of exhaustion of the water treatment agent to an operator is possible. Particularly preferably, the signal element can also the degree of fatigue of the

Water treatment means signal, for example, by a change in the visual appearance between a new condition of the filter device and a depleted state.

By providing an actuating means for actuating the signal element, a direct relation to the state of exhaustion of the water treatment means to be monitored can be established. The adjusting means may be, for example, an adjusting medium or material. Particularly advantageously, a substance intended for the treatment of the water can also be used as the adjusting agent. By means of a suitably suitable linkage with the signal element, the state of exhaustion signaling the state of exhaustion can be changed directly or indirectly.

For example, it would be possible that by a suitable preferably mechanical detection and / or adjusting and / or connecting element when adding a filter medium, the signal element itself in the display changes according to the state of fatigue, for example, shifts and so either more or less in a for Example provided for this display window is visible. It is also conceivable, however, a change in the intensity of a displayed color, for example, from light to dark or vice versa, and / or a color change from one to one or more other colors (such as a traffic light, green for good, yellow for partially used and red for used or exhausted) or the same more. In particular, it is z. B. possible that the signal element is a changing in a state parameter material

A further advantage of an actuating means in the form of a substance intended for the treatment of the water is that in this case there is a direct relationship to the water treatment agent to be monitored. This reference is therefore also dependent on the prevailing quality of the water to be treated, it is also dependent on the operating time and, in addition, the frequency with which the filter cartridge for filtering the raw water is applied. This exhaustion indicator thus accurately reflects the actual state of the water filter cartridge in question. Estimates of how long a filter cartridge can hold at a certain water quality in order to parameterize a propellant which is in contact with the water and dissolves in it over time based thereon are therefore superfluous due to the proposal according to the invention. AIs further advantage, the actuating means may also have in addition to generating a pressure and / or to trigger a movement suitable means so as to at least supportive in changing the state of exhaustion of a water treatment agent, the change in the appearance of the optical signal element with and / or also completely cause. For this purpose, spring elements for actuating an axially and / or radially displaceable element or corresponding other mechanical and / or hydraulic devices corresponding to this are conceivable.

In addition, however, also chemical and / or physically acting adjusting means are conceivable which cause the appearance of the signal element with a corresponding reference to the state of exhaustion of the respective water treatment agent to be displayed, as already mentioned above for causing a color change.

In particular, it is further preferred if the water filter cartridge is designed as a replaceable filter cartridge. This results in a simple disposable article that has already integrated both the water treatment medium and the fatigue display according to the invention for one or possibly even a plurality of water treatment agent in itself. Accordingly, the user only needs to connect the filter cartridge with its filter-side connection element with a correspondingly complementary filter cartridge connection on the water filter device side in order to subsequently operate it until the exhaustion indication signals a required replacement.

The filter cartridge may be further used both in a line-connected water treatment device and in a line-bound Water treatment device may be provided. In a first preferred embodiment, it is designed as a so-called "filter cartridge to be used in unpressurised operation." In a modified embodiment, it is designed, again advantageously, for a so-called "printing operation". In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge is even suitable for both modes.

With regard to the exhaustion display, an embodiment as a one-way exhaustion display has advantages on the one hand, that no false readings due to incorrect installation omitted by a non-trained person and on the other hand affects the one-way exhaustion display also in terms of impossible or at least difficult manipulations advantageous.

Hereinafter, further details will be given to the exhaustion indicator corresponding to the state of exhaustion of the water treatment agent to be monitored and / or adjusting actuating means. In particular, it is provided here that the adjusting medium can change its volume and / or its structure in direct relation to the water treatment means to be monitored.

By changing the volume or the structure of the actuating medium acting on the exhaustion indicator, the liquid flow to be controlled can be tailored in a very targeted manner to specific requirements by means of an actuator constructed in this way.

When exceeding a certain state of exhaustion of the water treatment means, for example, a barrier for the liquid flow to be controlled can be carried out more advantageously. But also depending on a physical and / or chemical property of a corresponding control of the fatigue indicator is possible, possibly also in combination with the above-mentioned, flow-dependent influencing of the actuator.

In this case, the use of a liquid-soluble actuating medium is regarded as being particularly advantageous.

Same influence possibilities apply e.g. for direct control by a shrinkable actuator. As a result, the signal means could be represented as being declining in order to indicate the state of exhaustion. By contrast, with an expanding or swellable actuating medium, signaling that becomes increasingly visible through direct control would be possible.

As particularly advantageous, the use of a control medium is recommended, which is food grade, as this is an excellent way to influence a fatigue display is possible.

This fatigue indicator can be provided for example in a drinking water supply, in a drinking water treatment and / or supply system, in a drinking water and / or consuming device and the like.

The same applies to control media, which are e.g. are suitable as a health-promoting dietary supplement and / or as a drinking water additive, such as for vitamin C, siliphosphate, phosphate combinations, polyphosphate or the like.

In further preferred embodiments, for example, powder, granules, crystal or pellets may be provided as adjusting medium whose very specific transmission properties can be used for influencing the fatigue indicator. In particular, can In this case, the adjusting medium, for example, have different spatial geometric structures that influence the property of the respective fatigue display. Thus, for example, the originally complete change, starting with a slight change, can be influenced depending on the application depending on the application, optionally with a slow or possibly also rapidly increasing effect for controlling the fatigue display.

The use of catalytic or biocatalytic / enzymatic reactions to influence a fatigue indicator are also conceivable. For example, control media based on starch, pectin or other polymers could be suitable for use under the influence of enzymes and / or water ingredients, such. For example, minerals or hydrogen ions introduced through the feedwater or through a filter will react and alter their consistency, dissolve, shrink, expand, gel, and the like.

As a further embodiment, the use of driving means as adjusting medium is conceivable, such as the use of sodium bicarbonate, which by contact with water in interaction with water constituents, in particular hydrogen ions, which are introduced or released by the feed water or a filter, and by Gas formation is expanding. This reaction could include the amount of hydrogen ions - z. B. due to the water hardness contained in the feed water are released proportionally by a decarbonation, use. In addition, this reaction could also be used for the initialization of a fatigue indication after contact with water. In addition, however, the use of an ion exchange resin as a control medium is quite conceivable. Because even ion exchange resins can increase or decrease their volume according to the respective action and are thus suitable for influencing an actuator equipped therewith.

For example, in a specific embodiment, different control media may also be combined, e.g. to realize a very specific curve of a thus equipped actuator.

In a first, simple embodiment, for example, a body formed from the adjusting medium could itself form the adjusting element. A resolving, shrinking or permeable in its structure under the action of the liquid actuating medium could thus act as an actuator. Also a swelling or its structure with respect to the permeability deteriorating actuator medium.

In a modified embodiment, however, the adjusting medium could also be provided for actuating an additional, preferably the opposite switching function realizing element. Thus, the simultaneous control of two or more display elements, in particular with changing function would be possible.

The aforementioned embodiments can thus serve as a completely autonomous element. A first possible application example would be the control of a fatigue indicator in a water supply and / or treatment plant, in particular in a filter, for example designed as a change element. The effectiveness of the actuating medium, which preferably corresponds to the state of exhaustion of the filter medium, controls the exhaustion indicator. In a user-friendly embodiment, at least the exhausted actuating medium, but possibly also the additional element can be removed together with a filter designed as an alternating filter and replaced by a new one.

By a suitable combination, the actuating element for controlling valves, in particular of waste valves in a demineralization filter, can also simultaneously serve as an indication of the exhaustion state of the filter or of the actuating medium. In particular, the control of an optical fatigue display is possible, e.g. by adjusting a corresponding signal means, such as slider, rotary member, flap or the like signaling elements more.

Another application example of a display and / or protective element would be the use of such an actuator in the inlet area of a consumer. For example, on a shower or on a tap the exhaustion of a z. For example, vitamin C or activated carbon based upstream water filter device can be displayed by displaying the end point.

By an actuator according to the embodiments set out above, the liquid flow can be influenced autonomously in the interior of the filter device in a particularly advantageous manner, very specifically depending on predeterminable parameters. In particular, it is possible in this case to guide or prevent the liquid flow through individual sections and / or regions of the filter or individual filter elements, depending on the flow rate of the liquid to be filtered and / or its physical and / or chemical properties. The relevant parameters can indirectly or possibly directly reflect the state of exhaustion of individual or several filter elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an actuator can also be provided, which is designed such that at least during an initialization process of the water filter device and / or following such an initialization process, there is a quality of the water to be filtered and / or the requirement the respective consumer dependent power indication, z. B. in the form of a bar graph or a volume in liters indicates, in particular even with an over the entire life of the filter adapting residual capacity indication.

In the application areas described so far, the capacity specifications for corresponding filter elements are usually determined at the start of commissioning depending on the known or determined by a rapid test mineral content or hardness content of the input water and required by the application filtrate water quality and the replacement time of the filter elements on the control of the filter stage derived water volume derived.

Compared to this traditional capacity control for special applications, such as B. for coffee preparation or steam generation, the embodiment described has the advantage that it is accurate to the prevailing local quality conditions of the water to be treated at the beginning of their intended operation, in a further embodiment, depending on the during operation in their composition variable water contents, is automatically indicated, so that both too short and too long a filter cartridge can be avoided. This has both an advantageous effect on the life of the devices optionally operated therewith, as well as on the result of the treated with the treated water Manufacturing and / or processing process and allows the optimal utilization of the available filter capacity. As an example, here is the taste of a beverage prepared thereby, such as coffee, tea or the like called hot drinks. But even for cold drinks to be processed, an optimally used water filter can definitely have a positive effect on the taste and / or a dissolving property of a beverage additive. Another application example would be the optimization of the effectiveness of a detergent, which may be present for example at a certain water hardness and / or a certain concentration of another water content.

Tracking the fatigue indicator during operation of the water filter device can advantageously ensure a quality of water, in particular adapted over the essential period of operation of the water filter device. This can be achieved particularly advantageously in conjunction with the above-described embodiment of an initial setting of the water cut ratio as a function of the locally prevailing water quality.

As a particularly advantageous because directly dependent on the quality of the water to be treated can be provided as a control medium herauszufilternder from the water filter device material. In this way, a particularly accurate fatigue control depending on the exhaustion of the relevant water treatment agent can be achieved. With strong treatment or filter effect also takes a strong interaction with the relevant control medium, which is also decreasing with decreasing effect of Wasseraufbereitungs- or filter means, preferably with a same exhaustion curve. A particularly elegant and particularly precisely adaptable to the prevailing water quality exhaustion display can by providing at least one other, but even more actuators for detecting a corresponding water flow and / or partial water flow in the filter section, in a filter section and / or in a bypass section and / or a Bypassteilstrecke be achieved. On the one hand, in order to realize the functionalities already described above, each separate actuators may be provided, for example, to train the individual actuators exactly on their intended functions and / or provided with special actuators. On the other hand, can be effected by the provision of multiple actuators for one and the same influence on the fatigue indicator a very fine vote. In particular, this makes it possible to take into account the non-linear fatigue behavior of the water treatment or filter medium by corresponding increase or reduction of the blend ratio at the beginning or at the end of the operating time of the agent concerned during exhaustion detection.

For this purpose, both serial and parallel switching combinations as well as combinations of serial and parallel circuit arrangements are available as possible circuit combinations.

A parallel arrangement of actuators could serve, for example, an enlarged bypass cross-section at the beginning of an operating phase of the water treatment or filter material to compensate for the comparatively high filter effect in this operating phase. After reaching a comparatively linear curve section, a bypass section could be closed. In particular, this is advantageously adapted in its cross section corresponding to the exhaustion behavior of the treatment medium. In the same way, in turn, a parallel arrangement of actuators could be provided to the safely exhausting operating time of the water treatment means that close one or more bypass lines after a certain state of exhaustion of the treatment medium and so the effective bypass cross section corresponding to the state of exhaustion of the entire filter section or possibly only adapt to a particular section of one or more such filter sections.

A series connection of such actuators could be advantageous, for example, for the combination of a basic setting of the effective Verschnittquerschnittes or the mixture ratio set thereby and one or more during the operating life of the water treatment or filter material, the cross section of the respective effective bypass line adapting further actuators.

Particularly advantageous, because specifically adaptable to specific applications, are combinations of such series and parallel circuits of actuators for exhaust-dependent influencing one or possibly more realized in the water filter device Verschnittverhältnisse to produce the best possible result of the water treatment effected thereby, in particular over the entire, provided Operating time and to display the individual or resulting total Exhaustion values.

In particular, when using differently designed filter systems, a precise adaptation of the control media and the feed water to the capacity and application of the respective filter is necessary. Since the liquid flow to be controlled by the actuator described above also flows through the filter device or its flow behavior is influenced by the actuator with respect to the filter device, the above-mentioned control mechanisms also affect the filter device or thereby controlled filter sub-elements. Below is therefore further in-depth, in part, the corresponding effect on the filter device described.

This can be done depending on the flow rate and / or depending on a physical and / or chemical property of the liquid flowing through and / or depending on the loading state of an ion exchanger according to the above statements.

Also, the use of physical and / or chemical properties of the exhaustion indicator flowing through liquid is conceivable for both influencing possibilities set out above.

The adjustment of the fatigue indicator can be done, for example, such that after activation of the display, which may include both in a line-bound, introduced into a vessel or a tank filter cartridge, as well as a cable-bound filter cartridge, the exhaustion of the filter is detected. In the course of the service life of the filter or the filter device, this exhaust-dependent course can change in favor of the liquid passing through the filter material. By reducing the proportion of unfiltered liquid in the total liquid flow, a filter effect, which usually decreases over the service life of a filter, can be taken into account for the liquid which has flowed through. With decreasing Verschneideverhältnis in favor of passing through the actual filter material amount of liquid Thus, for example, a quality of the filtrate which is adequate over a wide range of application can no longer be adjusted by means of filter medium-free sections or by means of partially exhausted filter media lines due to the increasing amount.

In the volume-reducing form of a volume-variable actuating medium, for example, again could be used by dissolving through the liquid flowing adjusting medium, for. In the form of a powder, in the form of tablets, pressings, balls or the like.

Depending on the shape and / or a solution property of such a control medium is considered over the operating period, a control of the fatigue indicator of a predominantly uniform adjustment, z. B. in the use of a powder, up to a possibly leaky

Verstelligenschaft possible, as could be the case for example with a control medium, which is able to maintain its basic structure substantially until its complete dissolution. This may be z. B. may act as a means which dissolves relatively uniformly throughout its interior, but only at the end of its dissolution process loses its basic structure, such as a chitin complex.

Another design possibility of the exhaustion display over the operating life of the filter used can also be achieved by a combination of two or more of such differently dissolving, shrinking or expanding control media. Thus, different phases due to different solution behavior and / or shrinkages and / or expansions of the individual control media can be achieved. In principle, it is also preferred for the control of the exhaustion indicator when the adjusting medium is a food-grade adjusting medium, so that thereby exhaustion indicators are integrated, which are integrated in systems for use with liquids for human consumption.

The suitability of the actuating medium as a health-promoting dietary supplement or water additive, such. As a vitamin C powder, polyphosphate, lime and dolomite, optionally iodine or the like, also opens here an optionally even specifically adjustable nutrient supply in terms of the basic daily needs of people consuming animals, animals or plants. The use of flavors, food ingredients and other flavor or odor control substances could be used as a control medium and open a targeted treatment of the feedwater to a drink.

The use of the actuating medium for the dependent on the liquid flow influenced the fatigue indicator could additionally z. B. under a certain bias of the actuator or an element of the actuator. Depending on the change in volume of the actuating medium, dissolution or swelling state, such a bias of the actuator or its element may change. It is considered to be particularly advantageous if the actuator comprises an additional return element.

Various embodiments are conceivable for the return element. On the one hand, such a restoring element can be designed as an agent which has properties that are independent of the liquid flowing through it, and / or on the other hand as an agent which has at least partially dependent properties. An independent of the flowing liquid in its restoring property element could, for. As a spring, an elastomer, or the like may be more. A in its restoring property of the flowing liquid dependent return element could, for. Example, a swellable agent, for example, a compressed flow or optionally also compressed sponge, swelling resin, ion exchange resin or the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the return element is also provided for closing valves. The closing of valves can be done for example by the interaction of two complementary closing elements. A possible embodiment would be, for example, a coaxial meshing of two z. B. tubular elements, so that a previously possible fluid flow in the direction of a filter outlet is thereby increasingly reduced to complete closure during the service life of the filter.

In addition to two coaxial, complementary closing elements is quite another embodiment, z. As the switching or closing of a filter outlet leading through opening for the fluid in the form of a valve or lid or the like more conceivable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid-sensitive actuating medium described above can be used against the restoring force of such a restoring element.

Depending on which reset property has the return element, the setting of the fatigue display can have a continuous or even an optionally threshold-dependent course. For a continuous adjustment, for example Spring elements, elastomers or the like. For threshold-dependent, in particular abruptly adjusting influences the exhaustion display are, for example, means or elements with over the adjustment abruptly changing resistance values, such. B. a plurality of spaced apart locking points exhibiting locking element.

In particular, in connection with the above-mentioned food suitability of the actuating medium, it is considered particularly advantageous if the fatigue indicator is designed for a water filter. Such a fatigue display can z. B. be integrated into an open inlet of a filter housing. Such an embodiment in the inlet is suitable for. B. for the use of tank solutions for storing a certain amount of water to be filtered. This can, for example, suction agent z. B. in the form of vacuum generating suction pumps for the supply of a sampling point of filtered water can be connected. In this case, the application would be in a so-called suction filter.

Such suction filters can be integrated in all possible water-processing and / or water-consuming household appliances or commercially used devices. As a non-exhaustive list, here are e.g. Appliances used in the household and / or also for commercial purposes, such as vending machines, in particular coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like mentioned more.

In a modified embodiment, however, the filter housing may also be closed and provided with connection elements. This is The adjusting element for adjusting the fatigue indication is preferably likewise integrated into the filter candle and could be easily and simply exchanged together with the exhausted candle A further advantage of this embodiment would be, for example, that of US Pat Consumers during the ongoing filtration process must take care of any setting or change of the actuator for the fatigue indicator.Another advantage would be that no inadmissible manipulation can be made.

A further possible embodiment of a fatigue display could be, for example, in a gravimetric filter device. Such is characterized by the fact that the liquid flow, in particular a water flow, is forced through the filter due to the liquid level above the filter. Exemplary embodiments are table filter devices or so-called water filter cans with two separate water reservoirs, a first for receiving the water to be filtered, and a second for the landfill of the filtered water. Such filters may in principle be equipped with an actuator and / or a cutting device and / or a fatigue indicator according to the above explanations.

Also possible are embodiments in which the actuator is designed as an additional element, for example in the form of a plug-on or insertion member. In such an embodiment, it would be conceivable, for example, that the actuator can act as a long-term effective device for the fatigue indicator of a larger number of filter replacement candles to its own exhaustion. A possible advantage here would be a reduced need for corresponding Actuators.

To the consumption-dependent exhaustion of

Exhaustion indicator of the respective treatment medium of the filter system to meet, this could also be provided for the aforementioned embodiments, a stepped or stepped control of fatigue display. When using a new filter change element can then be made with appropriate appropriate means again activation of the exhaustion indicator. For this purpose, for example, segments-shaped sections of the actuator are conceivable for this purpose, for example, by a corresponding change in position in the relative relationship between the actuator and the filter cartridge to be used to allow flow through a not yet consuming region of the actuator.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control can also be provided by the use of different control media, in particular by a combination of individual or several such control media. As a result, various adjustment characteristics can be realized, for example, for different applications and / or for the use for filtering, for example, depending on the location in the content concentration of different liquids, such as. the mineral content or the hardness of a water to be filtered, are suitable. With regard to the purpose of use, a distinction could be made between devices intended for use in food preparation, e.g. Beverage machines or the like and for non-food processing equipment, such as e.g. Cleaning devices, done.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a water tank with a corresponding to the above statements formed filter cartridge, which is particularly intended for use with one of the above-mentioned water treatment and / or water-processing household and / or commercially used equipment.

In addition, the present invention also includes a corresponding device which is provided or suitable for supply from such a water tank and / or by a line-connected connection in accordance with the above description. As an explicitly non-exclusive listing, reference is again made here to the devices exemplified above.

Also, a filter device with filter head and / or filter housing for inserting a filter cartridge according to the embodiments set forth above by way of example is intended to be encompassed by the invention.

embodiment

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 shows a water filter cartridge with two fatigue displays exemplified schematically in different embodiments,

2 again shows by way of example and schematically a first application for the water filter cartridge according to FIG. 1 in a line-independent water treatment system (water tank),

Fig. 3 shows a second, again exemplary

Use case id F. a wireline representation, 4 shows an example and schematically an activation of a fatigue indicator for a water filter and

FIGS. 5-6c show two further exemplary embodiments of fatigue displays in different representations.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows a water filter cartridge 1 with a housing 2 and a water treatment section 3 shown schematically in broken lines. Again purely by way of example herein, based on a predominantly vertical operating state of the filter cartridge 1 as shown, an upflow section 4 and a downflow section 5 for the water treatment or filter section 3 shown. The inflow of the according to the dashed arrows 4 inflowing, reprocessed water can be done for example through inlet openings 6 in this operating position from below.

After the water to be treated has passed through either a working in the upflow 4 and / or operating in the downflow 5 water treatment section 3, it can exit according to the direction of the dashed arrow 5 through an outlet opening 7 again from the filter cartridge.

About the terminal 8, the filter cartridge 1 can be connected in a manner not shown to other components of a water treatment system 9 or 10 according to the figures 2 and 3 respectively.

The representations of FIG. 2 again show, by way of example and symbolically, a pipeline-free water treatment system. Here is a water filter cartridge 1 with its filter side Tank connection element 8 to a tank side

Filter connection element 14 connected liquid-conducting. In an operation of the filter cartridge, as shown in Figure 1, would be from the water treatment section 3 by enrichment and / or filtering water in the lower, preferably near the ground area penetrate into the filter cartridge, flow through them in the upflow and in the outflow through a tank-side device connection element 15 flow out. For example, for supplying a connected thereto, the treated water further processing and / or consuming device. For example, the removal of the water could take place via a suction connection which in turn is acted upon by way of example by means of a pump. However, gravimetric embodiments in which the water to be treated passes through the filter system due to a hydrostatic pressure are also conceivable.

According to the invention, the water filter cartridge with a fatigue indicator 16 for displaying the exhaustion state of at least one

Water treatment line 3 either alone or together with other water treatment and / or filter means 18, 19 ausbildendem water treatment and / or filter means 17 provided. The exhaustion display provided according to the invention comprises, in this first exemplary schematically illustrated embodiment, a window 20 in which a signal element 21 can be displayed more or less visibly in accordance with the state of exhaustion to be displayed. The signal element shown here by way of example is subdivided into two triangles of different size and different colors. A possible signaling could, for example, be such that, with a new filter cartridge, the signal element 21 is shown completely in the viewing window and the display disappears with increasing exhaustion of the water treatment agent to be displayed. Conceivable but is also a reverse representation, so that with increasing exhaustion, the display is becoming more visible. The display of the display is thus basically arbitrary. The first embodiment described here is shown in the lid region 32 of the filter cartridge, particularly preferably sealingly integrated in the filter housing to keep the filter system closed in this area, so that they can clearly signal the exhaustion state of the filter cartridge when operating with a water tank from above , Another advantage of a closed system is the impossibility or at least massive aggravation of a manipulation of the fatigue indicator.

In a modified embodiment, however, a fatigue indicator 22 is also possible, as shown by way of example on the circumference of the housing 2 of the water filter cartridge 1. This fatigue indicator 22 is exemplarily provided with a scale 23 for representing the remaining filter capacity in liters from 0 to 5,000.

A preferred application for a filter cartridge having such a fatigue indicator 22 is again shown by way of example and schematically by the wireline application shown in FIG. Here, the filter cartridge 1 provided with the fatigue display 3 according to the invention to a so-called connection head for a filter cartridge with unspecified means sealing and water-conducting connected so that via an inlet connection 25 water to be treated flow into the filter cartridge 1 and after its preparation via the drain port 26 for a corresponding application can be provided.

The liquid-conducting connection of this filter cartridge 1 can analogously according to the already to the figure 1 described structure is formed. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the filter cartridge would then be connected turned through 180 degrees, so that the upflow section 4 described with reference to FIG. 1 would operate as a downflow section, and the downflow section 5 described in FIG. The filter cartridge could, depending on the embodiment both, as already described above, work as a gravimetric embodiment or as an embodiment with a suction port or as an embodiment in the printing operation, in which the connecting line 25 is connected for example to a drinking water supply network and the drain line 26 either directly to a device or possibly to a building water installation leads to the branching of filtered through the filter cartridge water. The size and filter capacity of the filter cartridge would be adjusted accordingly.

Depending on the embodiment, the water treatment means 17 to 19 may be arranged, for example, in separate sections in the water treatment section 3. It is also conceivable, however, a partially or completely mixed arrangement of different water treatment and / or filter means to switch different, specially trained water treatment lines one behind the other or side by side to effect the intended arrival and / or depletion of the water to be treated. For example, enrichment substances to be delivered to the water could be connected downstream only behind a filter section, so that they are added to the already filtered water, if this is advantageous. However, depending on the desired filter effect and / or on the quality of the water to be reprocessed application case, other combinations of processing and / or part preparation lines 3 are conceivable. FIG. 4 symbolically shows an exemplary embodiment of a fatigue indicator 16 with a signal element 21 representing the state of exhaustion of the water treatment agent 17, 18 and / or 19 in a window 20. Depending on the state of exhaustion of the water treatment agent, an actuator, actuator or sensor 27, e.g. B. according to one of the embodiments described above, swelling and / or shrinkable, dissolving, reducing a volume and / or magnifying or the like., The visual appearance of the signal element visible in the window. For example, this can be done by acting on an adjusting means 30 for displacement of the signal element 21 in one of the two directions of the arrow 31.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which an exhaustion indicator 28 is arranged in a segment of a circle on a lid 32 of a filter cartridge 1, by way of example. Here, the signal element 21 is made visible by turning in a window 20 according to the current state of fatigue. In a particularly advantageous manner, a scale 23 for displaying the remaining water treatment capacity or filter capacity is also provided here.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show a further embodiment of an exhaustion display 29 with a signal element 21 indicating a state of exhaustion in a window 20, for example by a color change. The color change is indicated by the representation from FIG. 6 a to FIG Gray to Black, for exemplary symbolization of any possible color changes. Particularly preferred, because even descriptive, for example, the colors green for new, yellow for partially used and red for consumable conceivable. But also the change of a color in its brightness of relative light over medium to relatively dark or vice versa can be used to symbolize the exhaustion of the filter material.

List of reference numbers:

1 water filter cartridge

2 housings

3 water treatment line

4 upstream

5 outflow

6 inlet opening

7 outlet opening

8 connection

9 water treatment system

10 water treatment system

11 Pipeline water treatment system

12 Powered water treatment system

13 tank

14 Tank-side filter connection element

15 Tank-side device connection element

16 fatigue indicator

17 water treatment agent

18 water treatment agent

19 water treatment agent

20 windows

21 signal element

22 exhaustion indicator

23 scale

24 connection head

25 inlet connection

26 drain connection

27 Actuator / actuator / sensor

28 exhaustion indicator

29 exhaustion indicator

30 adjusting means

31 arrow

32 lids

Claims

Claims:

1. Water filter device with one or more filter sections for the treatment of water, in particular by ion exchange, characterized in that a fatigue indicator for the water treatment means of the filter section is provided.

2. Water filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fatigue indicator is designed as an optical signal element.

3. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal element is provided for indicating the degree of exhaustion of the water treatment agent.

4. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal element is a changing in a state parameter material.

5. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjusting medium is provided for actuating the signal element.

6. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as an adjusting means for preparing the water provided substance.

7. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Water filter device is designed as a replaceable filter cartridge.

A water filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water filter device is intended for use in a line-tied water treatment device.

A water filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water filter device is intended for use in a tap water treatment device.

10. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fatigue indicator is designed as a one-way exhaustion indicator.

11. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal element is more or less visible depending on the exhaustion state to be displayed.

12. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume and / or the structure of the actuating means in dependence on the amount of past the adjusting means and / or flowed through the adjusting means fluid is variable.

13. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means is variable depending on a physical and / or chemical property of the liquid flowed through.

14. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid-soluble actuating means is provided.

15. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shrinkable adjusting means is provided.

16. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an expanding and / or swellable actuating means is provided.

17. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a food-grade actuating means is provided.

18. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting agent is suitable as a dietary supplement and / or as a food aid and / or as a drinking water additive.

19. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that vitamin C, lime and dolomite rock, flavors, food bases, siliphosphate, phosphate combinations or polyphosphate are provided as adjusting agents.

20. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means is provided as a powder, granules, crystal or pressure.

21. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different spatial geometric structures of the actuating means are provided.

22. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means is provided as an ion exchange resin.

23. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different actuating media are provided.

24. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means for actuating a closing element and / or opening element (10) is provided.

25. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a return element

(24) is provided.

26. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means and / or the signal element is arranged at an inlet and / or at a drain of the filter device.

27. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a continuous indication of exhaustion is provided.

28. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a threshold-dependent display of fatigue is provided.

29. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator is designed so that it at least during an initialization process of the water filter device and / or thereafter dependent on the quality of the water to be filtered and / or the respective application capacity indication allows.

30. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filter to be filtered out by the water filter device is provided as adjusting means.

31. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means and / or the signal element of a filter cartridge is associated with the filter device.

32. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting means and / or the signal element is associated with a connection element for a filter cartridge of the filter device.

33. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet is formed open in the filter housing.

34. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter housing is closed and provided with connection elements.

35. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device is designed as a suction filter.

36. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device is designed as a gravimetric filter device.

37. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device is designed as a pressure-operated filter device.

38. Water filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal element is provided with an optical sensor unit and a communication element.

39. Water tank with insertable filter cartridge, characterized in that the filter cartridge is designed as a filter device according to one of claims 1 to 37.

40. Device with water tank, characterized in that the water tank is designed according to claim 38.

41. Filter device with filter head for inserting a filter insert, characterized in that the filter insert is designed as a water filter device according to one of claims 1 to 37.