HK1080775A - Swivelling filter head assembly - Google Patents

Description

Oscillating filter cover assembly

Background

The present invention relates to water treatment devices, and more particularly to water treatment devices for use in commercial establishments such as restaurants, schools and residences, which can be used to treat water intended for direct consumption or for reconstitution of beverages.

In these commercial settings, water treatment systems with at least one treatment or filtration component are typically used when local water is to be mixed with beverage ingredients to make soft drinks or juices. The delivered water first enters a filtration medium which may be, but is not limited to, activated carbon, and/or the water passes through a filter, Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane, or Nanofiltration (NF) membrane. For purposes of this application, "filtering" is to be understood as other forms of processing, not limited to filtering alone, and filtering and processing are interchangeable. The treatment operation is to enhance or standardize the taste of the drinking water and the brewed beverage. Some beverage manufacturers require some treatment of the supplied water in order to formulate a licensed beverage product.

Because these commercial systems include at least one filter cover capable of being filled with feed water and at least one replaceable filter cartridge or bowl containing a filter media, the system must be installed in a location accessible to personnel for periodic replacement of the filter media or cartridge. In such installations, however, the space available is small (premium), which limits the installation location of the processing system.

In addition, conventional water treatment systems also include a plurality of filter elements connected in series with one another so that the influent water can be treated by all of the elements in the system. These systems typically use conventional plastic or metal threaded pipes. Modifications and maintenance of these systems must also be accomplished by such professionals.

Another disadvantage of such conventional filter systems is that over-installation can occur during installation and/or repair when the filter head is connected to the water line and/or adjacent filter head using threaded plastic tubing. It is common for the filter head or fitting to break during the tightening process, which requires replacement of the entire filter head and/or fitting. This is a very expensive and time-consuming operation. Moreover, if no rupture is detected, the components leak and water damage may occur on the equipment.

Another related disadvantage is that the use of conventional threaded pipe connections requires that the mounting location of the system provide sufficient clearance to allow the use of pipe tongs or pliers to remove or replace the filter head. This requirement further limits the location of the system installation.

Moreover, manufacturers of these processing systems may also provide many systems with different filtering capabilities. Some systems require additional filtering or treatment techniques including, but not limited to, RO components, or irradiation by an Ultraviolet (UV) source. To increase production efficiency, it is desirable to combine many processing techniques in a single filter cover, or in a limited number of filter cover configurations.

Another disadvantage of conventional filtration systems is that relatively expensive metal brackets are used to mount the system to a wall. These braces typically include gussets and machined fastening openings, both of which add to assembly time and cost.

Accordingly, there is a need for a filter head system that is more efficient, easier to install, and easier to repair and replace. It is also preferable that maintenance can be performed without the use of tools. Further, there is a need for a filter housing that can accommodate a number of processing techniques to increase the versatility of the filter cap.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an improved filter cover assembly that can be easily mounted on a wall regardless of the clearance required for the bowl and the clearance required for the pliers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter cover assembly that can be installed by unskilled personnel, preferably without the use of tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter head assembly that can be connected between adjacent filter heads without the use of threaded joints.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter head assembly which achieves the above objects and which also incorporates a filter head which can be used to accommodate a wide variety of processing techniques.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter cover assembly which achieves the above objects and which allows the use of relatively inexpensive wall mounting brackets.

Disclosure of Invention

The above objects are met or exceeded by the present invention of a swinging filter head assembly characterized by a filter head that may be used in a single or multiple filter assembly. One of the main advantages of the filter cover is that it can swing about a horizontal axis defined by the inlet (inlet) and process (outlet) water lines. Another feature of the present invention is that in one embodiment, adjacent filter caps of such a construction can be assembled together and sealed to the fluid connection without the use of tools. If desired, a wall bracket may be provided which requires tools for installation at the time of assembly. Another feature of the filter assembly is that the filter housing can accommodate auxiliary treatment devices, including RO components or uv bulbs, without compromising the advantages and features described above.

More particularly, the present invention provides a filter head assembly for attachment to a water line, comprising at least two filter heads attached to each other for treating water supplied from the water line, and a replaceable filter bowl carried in at least one of the two filter heads. The assembly includes at least one filter housing having an inlet, an outlet, an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a bowl connection port in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber. Each port is rotatably connected to a pipe fitting and an end plug such that the head housing can be rotated relative to the respective fitting and/or fitting.

In another embodiment, a filter head for connecting a source of raw water to a filter media in a filter bowl includes a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet, an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a bowl connection port in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber. Each port is rotatably connected to an end plug such that the head housing can be rotated relative to the respective fitting and/or fitting to access the bowl connection port. A bracket is included and is operable at each port to support the filter housing on a wall.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation view of a wall mounted system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded elevation view of the present system;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bracket and clamp of the present system;

fig. 5 is a front view of another system using only one filter cover housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT (S) OF INVENTION

Referring to fig. 1-3, the filter head system is shown generally at 10 and is preferably configured for mounting on a water line 12 for treating water to render it potable or suitable for making beverages such as soft drinks or juices. The system 10 is preferably in line with various portions of the water line 12 such that the water line 12 includes a water inlet line 14 and a treatment line 16.

The system 10 generally includes at least one filter head 18 in fluid communication with the water line 12 and at least one filter bowl 20 that can contain a filter media and is removably attached to the filter head 18. Although a threaded connection is shown in the drawings, bayonet (bayonet lug), cam lock and other known connection means may be used. The bowl 20 preferably encloses at least one filter or treatment media including, but not limited to, activated carbon, filter fibers, carbon fiber blocks, RO membranes, NF membranes, UV treatment systems, or other known treatment techniques.

Although conventional filter covers are securely fastened to the water tube 12 and adjacent filter cover, an important feature of the present invention is that the filter cover 18 can be swung or rotated relative to the water tube 12 and adjacent filter cover. In particular, this advantage is achieved by the filter housing 22 having an inlet 24, an outlet 26 and an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. The flow pattern/function (inlet/outlet) of the ports 24, 26 may vary depending on the application, the treatment system and the type of media. The bowl 20 is fluidly connected to a bowl connection port 30 formed by the filter housing 22 at the bottom of the intermediate chamber 28.

Each of the ports 24, 26 connected to the pipe fittings 32 and end plug fittings 34 can be swung so that the head housing 22 can be rotated or swung relative to the corresponding fitting and/or end plug fitting. The advantage of this swinging motion is to facilitate access to the bowl 20 and/or bowl connection port 30 regardless of the position of the system 10 on the wall.

More particularly, each of the ports 24, 26 has a fixed portion 36 with a first diameter and a sealing portion 38 with a second diameter that is smaller than the fixed portion 36. The outer end of the fixing portion is provided with a radially projecting edge 42. In addition, there is at least one, and preferably four, fixation holes 44 (see FIG. 3), each preferably rectangular or square. However, the number, location and shape of the apertures 44 may vary depending on the application.

To ensure that the incoming water is treated prior to exiting the outlet 26, the outlet is provided with a generally "L" shaped diverter 46 or elbow, as is well known in the art. The shunt tube 46 is typically fluidly connected to the bottom of the filter media by a tube or conduit (not shown). Thus, water that passes through the filter media and is treated therein collects at the bottom of the media and is collected by the tube for flow through the shunt tube 46 and out of the outlet 26. The function of such fluid filters is well known, and the particular media and direction of flow (up or down) may vary depending on the application. The upward or downward flow direction may also be determined based on which port 24, 26 is the inlet.

Another feature of the present system 10 is that the lower edge 48 is beveled, wedge-shaped, or knife-shaped. This configuration facilitates sealing engagement with certain filter media configurations. Another feature of the present system 10 is that the filter housing 22 is provided with an optional upper inlet 50 that is available in an optional secondary manufacturing process and that can be used to house a secondary filtration or treatment device, such as an RO unit, uv bulb, or other corresponding technology. The details of this scheme will be described below.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, as described above, each of the ports 24, 26 is rotatably connected to one of the tube fittings 32 and end plug fittings 34 such that the head housing 22 can rotate or swing relative to the corresponding fitting and/or end plug fitting. When multiple head housings 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, they may be joined together with pipe joints 32. In the illustrated embodiment, this connection is at the outlet 26 of the first head housing 22. The adapter 32 includes a generally circular body 52 with a central axial throughbore 54 for fluid communication between adjacent filter housings 22.

When viewed from the front, i.e., as shown in fig. 3, the tube fitting 32 is symmetrical with an outer sealing portion 56 and an inner securing portion 58 at each end. The two securing portions 58 are separated by a middle portion 60, the size of which may vary depending on the application. However, one advantage of the present system 10 is that by using the coupling 32, adjacent filter housings 22 can be closer together than is the case with threaded couplings described above. In this case, closer installation may reduce the space occupied by the present system 10. Thus, the axial direction of the intermediate portion 60 can be made shorter.

Further, the sealing portion 56 may be an O-ring or a seal groove that may receive at least one, and preferably two O-rings 62. It has been found that disposing two O-rings 62 in the seal groove 56 enhances the sealing performance of the structure. While the use of O-rings 62 is preferred, other equivalent sealing techniques may be used, such as, but not limited to, lip seals or sealing ridges molded into the fitting 32 or corresponding sealing portions 38 on the ports 24, 26, respectively. Preferably, at least one O-ring is positioned between the bowl 20 and bowl connection port 30 to seal the connection, as in the prior art.

The securing portion 58 at each end of the coupler 32 is configured with at least one securing slot for receiving an elongated securing member which passes through one of corresponding securing apertures in the outer wall 64 of the securing portion 36. The securing holes 44 are in the same position as the corresponding securing slots 58 when the system 10 is assembled. In the preferred embodiment, each aperture 44 is adapted to receive a corresponding one of the long legs 66 of a retaining spring clip 68, preferably two of the long legs 66, which is generally U-shaped (see FIG. 2). The legs 66 extend through the apertures 44 and engage the retaining slots 58 to prevent lateral or axial movement of the head housing 22 relative to the coupler 32. At the same time, the engagement of the legs 66 with the slots 58 also causes the fixed retaining spring clip 68 and the associated port 26 to rotate or swing about the joint 32. During rotation, O-ring 62 maintains the sealing relationship between coupler 32 and port 26.

One benefit of the U-shaped retaining spring clips 68 is that each clip has two legs 66, increasing the retention force of each clip, and the base portion 70 of the clip facilitates gripping so that the clip can be installed or removed without the use of tools. Thus, to secure adjacent filter housings 22, one of the only locations for alignment with the ports 26, 24 is to place the nipple 32 between the housings so that the nipple engages the corresponding port, place the necessary O-ring in the groove 56, and insert the spring clip 68 into the corresponding hole 44. Preferably, there is one spring clip 68 for each aperture 24, 26, or two spring clips for each connector 32. The number, configuration and arrangement of the spring clips or other fasteners may vary depending on the application. In this way, adjacent components can be assembled without the use of tools.

Once the number of head housings 22 is determined, a corresponding number of head housing assemblies are secured to the water tube 12 by end plug fittings 34. Unlike the pipe joint 32, the end plug fitting 34 is asymmetric, but has an outer sealing portion 56 and an inner fixing portion 58 at one end, which is the same as the end of the pipe joint 32. Thus, the end plug fitting 34 is attached to the head housing 22 by the retention spring clips 68 engaging the retention apertures 44 in the same manner as the tube connector 32.

The other end 74 of the end plug fitting 34 is adapted to be attached to the water pipe 12, preferably with internal threads, and with a faceted outer surface 76 that can be gripped by a wrench or pliers. Of course, the interior of the end plug fitting 34 is provided with a throughbore 78 which permits water to be transported through the throughbore from the water tube 12 to the interior of the head housing 22.

One feature of the system 10 is that at least one, and preferably two or more filter housings 22 are attached to the water line, preferably they require less space than conventional systems. Thus, after such a system 10 is assembled, the filter bowl 20 is conveniently placed against the floor, rather than being attached to a wall. If the bowl 20 needs to be replaced or refilled, the head housing 22 can be pivoted or swung outwardly (see FIG. 1) for access. This type of installation is not possible with conventional systems because there is a gap beneath the bowl 20 to allow removal of the bowl.

However, notwithstanding the advantages described above, the present system 10 may also be mounted on a wall. To this end, a bracket 80 is provided to support the system 10 on a wall and is configured to engage the corresponding apertures 24, 26. Thus, each system 10 requires at least two such brackets 80 to be secured to a wall. Four brackets 80 are required for a system 10 with three head housings 22.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 4, bracket 80 includes a mounting portion 82 having at least one opening 84 for receiving a threaded fastener, expansion bolt or the like to secure the bracket to a wall, as is well known in the art. A hook-like support portion 86 is also attached to the mounting portion 82 and has a recessed portion 88 for receiving and securing the entire circumferential portion of the access opening 24, 26. To retain the access ports 24, 26, the rack 80 includes at least one clamp 90. The clamp 90 is preferably arcuate in shape and has a pair of apertures 92 which receive fasteners 94. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners 94 are threaded, but other fasteners, such as rivets, cotter pins, or other similar fasteners, may be used. As is well known in the art, the fastener 94 engages a threaded projection of the support portion 86 to secure the clamp 90 to the support portion.

Another function of the clamp 90 is that it exerts a radial compressive force that can firmly secure the ports 24, 26 relative to the corresponding tube fittings 32 or end plug fittings 34. The clamp 90 includes a pair of depending edges 98 that grip the corresponding radially projecting edges 42 of adjacent filter housings 22 to secure the adjacent filter housings 22 together and to be used with the respective fittings or fittings 32, 34. The engagement between clamp edge 98 and edge 42 may effect the oscillation described above. In fact, if desired, the clip 90 and bracket 80 can be used in place of the U-shaped spring clip 68 as a means for securing the attachment portions of adjacent head housings 22 in the present system 10. If the clip 90 and bracket 80 are used at the end of the system 10 in place of the U-shaped spring clip 68, the end plug fitting 34 would be provided with a shape corresponding to the edge 42 for engagement therewith to be secured in the inlet 24 by the clip 90 and bracket 80.

Referring to fig. 3, if it is desired to replenish the filter media or treatment media in the bowl 20, the optional support port 50 is in an open position. The auxiliary treatment device, generally indicated at 100, may be, for example, an RO unit, preferably of the type disclosed in us patent 5221473, or an ultraviolet bulb or similar treatment technique. To ensure that the auxiliary device 100 is sealed, the system 10 further includes an additional seal housing 102 having a central bore 104 and a depending threaded sleeve 106. The sleeve 106 threadably engages the threaded outer wall 108 of the port 50 and secures at least one, and preferably two, O-rings 62 to the outside of the auxiliary treatment device to prevent leakage. In the multiple filter head assembly 10, one or more of the filter housings 22 carry a different auxiliary treatment device 100, or there may be no such device at all. Thus, an assembly 10 comprising three filter housings 22 may include an RO unit in one filter housing 22, an ultraviolet bulb in the other filter housing, and a third housing 22 without any auxiliary device 100. The configuration and number of the filter housing 22 and auxiliary treatment device 100 may vary depending on the application and may include pressure gauges, test probes, and/or other fittings.

Referring to fig. 5, the system 10 is shown with only one filter housing 22. In this arrangement, an end plug fitting 34 is provided at each of the ports 24, 26. In addition, a clamp 90 and a bracket 80 are provided on each port 24, 26. Both ends of the filter housing 22 and both ends of the bowl 20 are supported by the bracket 80 and the jig 90.

Thus, it can be seen that the present filter head system 10 can be installed in a limited space since the filter housing 22 can be rotated to facilitate removal of the bowl. The single filter housing 22 is versatile in that it can be adapted to different configurations of one or more filter covers 18, and may also be provided with optional auxiliary treatment devices. Multiple components can be installed without the use of tools. If it is to be mounted on a wall, only a few simple tools such as screwdrivers are required. Although the filter cover 22 may be rotatable, there is sufficient sealing to prevent leakage.

While particular embodiments of the present rotary filter cover assembly have been illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A filter cover assembly for connection to a water line, comprising at least two filter covers (18) connected to each other for treating water supplied by the water line (12), and at least one replaceable filter bowl (20) provided in at least one of the two filter covers (18),

said assembly comprising at least one filter housing (22) having an inlet (24), an outlet (26), an intermediate chamber (28) in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet (24, 26) and a bowl connection port (30) in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber;

each port (24, 26) is rotatably connected to a tube connector (32) and an end plug (34) such that the head housing (22) can rotate relative to the respective connector (32) and/or fitting (34).

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: a securing device (36) is included for securing at least one of the access ports (24, 26) to one of the fitting (32) and the fitting (34).

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: said securing means (36) including at least one securing slot (58) in said fitting and said fitment, each of said ports having at least one securing aperture (44) in an outer wall thereof, said securing aperture being located above said securing slot, at least one securing member passing through said aperture to engage said slot to connect said port to said fitting or said fitment and prevent lateral movement of said port relative to said fitting or said fitment.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein: the securing member is a spring clip (68).

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: the securing means comprises at least one clamp (90) for applying a radial pressure to secure the outlet to the fitting or the fitting.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein: the fixture has a bracket (80) as a base for securing the filter housing.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein: the bracket (80) is a wall connector.

8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein: the ports each have a radially extending end edge (42), and the at least one clamp is adapted to engage the edge of the adjacent port and pull the port onto the fitting.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the end plug fitting (34) is threaded at one end for threaded engagement with the water pipe (12).

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the fitting (32) and the end plug fitting (34) are sealingly connected to the corresponding port of the head housing (22).

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the fitting (32) and the end plug fitting (34) each have at least one seal groove for receiving at least one O-ring.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the filter housing (22) further includes an attachment port (50) for receiving one of an RO unit and an ultraviolet bulb.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: a sealing seat (102) is included for sealingly positioning a circular sealing member at the attachment port (50).

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the adjacent head housings (22) are held together without tools by only the adapter (32) and the at least one spring clip (68).

15. A filter cover for connecting a source of raw water to a filter media located in a filter bowl (20), the filter cover comprising:

a filter housing (22) having an inlet (24), an outlet (26), an intermediate chamber (28) in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a bowl connection port (30) in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber (28);

each port (24, 26) being rotatably connected to an end plug (34) such that the head housing (22) can be rotated relative to the respective fitting (32) and/or fitting (34) to access the bowl connection port;

a bracket (80) is included and is operable at each port to support the filter housing on a wall.

16. A filter cap according to claim 15, wherein: each of the end plugs (34) includes at least one securing slot (58), at least one sealing slot, and a connection point for connecting to a water pipe (12).

17. A filter cap according to claim 16, wherein: each of said ports (24, 26) includes an outer wall with at least one securing opening (44) and a securing member (68) for engaging said at least one securing slot (58) through said opening to secure said fitment to said port.

18. A filter cap according to claim 15, wherein: the bracket (80) includes a clamp (90) and a bracket (80) for clamping the ports (24, 26) and the fitting (34) therein.

19. A filter cap according to claim 18, wherein: the port (24, 26) has a radially extending end edge (42) with which the clamp (90) can engage and hold it.