WO2019158376A1 - Lid with a change indicator for filter cartridges - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lid with a change indicator for a water filter. Said change indicator comprises a lead screw which can be rotated by a closing and/or opening operation of a closing element that is in the form of a flap. A sliding block slides on the lead screw, the number of closing and/or opening operations being identifiable by means of the position of the sliding block. The invention further relates to a lid having a flap that is maintained in an open or closed position by a pre-loaded tension spring.

Description

 Cover with a change indicator

description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a lid with a

Change indicator for a water filter. On the basis of the number of opening operations of a closing element of the lid counts the change indicator on and signals based on the necessary replacement of a filter cartridge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cover for a

Water tank. In particular, the lid is for a

Table water filter or a kettle formed.

Background of the invention

Change reminders, the necessary exchange of

Count filter cartridge of a table water filter are known.

In addition to electronic systems, which determine the necessary replacement of a filter cartridge, especially on a time-based basis, there are also mechanical change displays. For example, published patent application WO 01/16029 A1 shows a mechanical change indicator which, on the basis of the opening and closing operations, returns to the number of filling operations via a counting wheel. But such mechanical change indicators usually consist of many parts, are correspondingly expensive to manufacture and assemble.

From the practice known opening flaps, which are opened by pressing a button are held by a spring, in particular a coil spring, in an open position. In the closed position, the

Opening flap locked. This usually requires the obstruction of metal parts and pulls a jerky opening the door after.

Object of the invention

The invention is based on the object to provide a mechanical change indicator, which is simple and easy to use.

The invention is further based on the object, a lid with a comfortable opening flap for

To provide a fill port.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is already achieved by a cover with a change indicator for a water filter and by a lid for a water tank according to one of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further developments of

The invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The invention relates to a lid with a change indicator for a water filter. In particular

The invention relates to a lid for a

Gravity powered table water filter.

In these, water is poured into a funnel, in which a water filter, which for example a

Ion exchange material and / or activated carbon comprises, is used. The water passes through the water filter gravity-driven and collects in one

Water collection chamber.

According to the invention, the change indicator comprises a

Threaded spindle by a closing and / or

Opening operation of a preferably as a flap

trained closing element is rotatable. It is therefore intended that at each opening and / or

Closing the threaded spindle is a bit further rotated.

On the threaded spindle runs a sliding block, wherein the number of closing and / or opening operations can be determined based on the position of the sliding block.

It is thus implemented in each closing and / or opening operation, the rotational movement of the threaded spindle in a linear movement of the sliding block. The sliding block wanders through Opening and closing of the closing element from an initial to an end position, wherein in an end position

necessary replacement of the water filter is signaled.

For this purpose, in particular, the cover may comprise a window, wherein in an end position of the sliding block appears under the window or signaled by an optical, in particular colored marking a necessary replacement. The window can be designed in particular as an opening in the lid.

The closing element releases an opening for filling with water. It is understood that, for the purposes of the invention, the closing element does not necessarily have to seal the lid watertight.

The closing element is preferably opened by pressing an actuator. It is provided in particular that the closure element formed as a flap by

Pressing the actuator swings upwards.

Preferably, an actuating element, which is the

Threaded spindle at each closing and / or opening a little further rotates, connected to the actuator. This allows a particularly simple design of the change indicator from a few parts.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding block for resetting the change indicator along the threaded spindle on the thread in an initial position is pushed. To reset so not the Threaded spindle can be rotated, but the sliding block can be pushed back in an initial position by slipping over the thread of the threaded spindle.

This can be realized in particular in that the sliding block has two separate slots

comprises opposing parts, wherein only one of the parts comprises a thread. When pushing back the thus formed, opposite halves of the sliding block are bent apart and the thread of the sliding block can slide past the thread of the threaded spindle.

Preferably, the threaded spindle comprises a

Backstop. It is provided in particular that the threaded spindle is designed in the manner of a ratchet and can accordingly rotate only in one direction. This ensures in a simple way that the

Threaded spindle when opening and closing the

Closing element only rotates in one direction.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises an actuating member for opening the closing element, which is connected via a first bearing with the closing element. The closing element is in turn connected via a second bearing with the lid, wherein the

Actuator is connected via a tilting element on a side opposite the first and second bearing side via a third bearing with the lid.

The actuator is thus part of a, in particular designed as a ring, tilting element, which preferably to the opening of the lid is guided under the closing element.

So a lever is formed, which is under the

Closing element extends along.

When the actuating member is pressed, it is guided through the bearing of the tilting element and the first bearing which connects the actuating member to the closing element, in particular to a lever of the closing element, becomes

depressed. Since the closing element is connected via the second bearing with the lid, this is opened by the flap designed as a closing element is levered upwards.

The tilting element is according to one embodiment of

Invention designed as a prestressed tension spring, which is designed as a flap closing element at

Exceeding a dead center holds in a closed and / or open position.

Preferably, the tilting element comprises a

 Actuating element, which further rotates the threaded spindle during each closing and / or opening operation, in particular during each closing operation. The

Actuator for the threaded spindle can be made so compact and concealed.

For further rotation of the threaded spindle, this may in particular comprise an impeller, in which a with the

Closing element or an actuator for the Closing element connected actuator engages which the threaded spindle at each closing or

Opening process a little further.

The closing element may in particular be resilient, in particular designed as a resilient wing, which during the

Close or open the impeller and thus the

Threaded spindle one turn further, in the other

Direction in which the threaded spindle can not be rotated, but springs in and thus slides past the impeller.

The threaded spindle is according to a preferred

Embodiment of the invention used in integrally formed on the underside of the lid shots, in particular clipped. Thus, the change indicator can be formed of very few parts.

It may be provided in particular that for the

Change indicator as additional components, especially as injection molded components, only threaded spindle and sliding block must be present. The other components,

In particular, the receptacle for the threaded spindle and the actuating element in order to further rotate the threaded spindle, however, may be integrally formed on the closing element as well as components of the closing element and other components of the lid, in particular by these components

Injection molded components are formed.

The threaded spindle is preferably mounted on the underside of the lid. Preferably, the threaded spindle is next to the

Closing element attached. Particularly preferably, the threaded spindle is substantially tangential to

Closing element. This makes it easy to provide a relatively long distance that the sliding block can cover on the threaded spindle.

The invention further relates to a lid for a water tank. In particular, the invention relates to a cover as described above and comprising a change indicator. The lid according to the invention can also be designed without a change indicator. The lid serves in particular as a lid for a

Table water filter, a kettle or for a

Carafe.

The lid comprises as a closing element a flap which can be opened by means of an actuating member.

The actuator is in particular a button

formed, which protrudes from the lid. When the button is pressed, the flap pivots upwards and releases a filling opening.

According to the invention, the flap by means of a

prestressed tension spring by exceeding a dead center in an open and / or closed position

held . Preferably, the lid is designed such that when exceeding the dead center in the opening direction

Pressing the actuator, the flap is held in the open position, whereas when the dead center in the closing direction is exceeded by pressing the flap is held in the closed position.

The tension spring thus relaxes each time the dead center is exceeded and exerts from then on a torque on the flap in the closing direction or opening direction.

On a latching of the flap in the closed

Position can be dispensed with. The opening mechanism according to the invention can be with few parts

provide and allows in particular a gentle and comfortable opening and closing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tension spring is designed as a ring which surrounds a

Fill opening extends. In particular, the annular tension spring extends around the filling opening on the underside of the lid. This has the advantage that a relatively long trained tension spring can be provided, which uses the existing space around the filling space.

The tension spring is preferably designed as a plastic component, in particular as a plastic ring.

Preferably, the tension spring is at least partially formed as a cylindrical ring. This is how the tension springs parallel to the underside of the lid and does not bend across it.

The flap is mounted according to a preferred embodiment of the invention on one side of the lid by means of a first hinge and can thus be pivoted upwards. The tension spring is connected to another hinge with a lever for opening the flap. Further, the tension spring on a side opposite the first and further hinge side of the lid on the lid

struck. First and further hinge thus form a lever over which the flap is pivoted upwards.

It is understood that the distance of the first and further hinge is smaller than the distance of the attachment point of the tension spring on the opposite side. The tension spring is preferably also hinged by means of a hinge on the opposite side.

The dead center of such an arrangement of three

Hinges are defined by the three hinges in a row. Upon reaching this dead center, the maximum preload of the tension spring is achieved. Now, if the flap by pressing the actuator further pivoted upward, so the tension spring can relax again and keeps the flap in the open position. The same applies when closing the lid. When the dead center in the closing direction is exceeded, the tension spring also relaxes and holds the flap in

closed position. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is integral with the tension spring

educated. It is in particular a one-piece plastic component.

Since the tension spring tilts when opening and closing the lid, this, as already above in

Described in connection with the change indicator,

simultaneously serve as a tilting element, to which a

Actuator for the counter is attached.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be described below with reference to the

Drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 with reference to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of FIG

according to the invention covers.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the underside.

Fig. 3 shows the lid from the side with the open

Closing element, whereas Fig. 4 shows the lid from the side with closed closing element.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the underside.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along BB of FIG. 5. FIG. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of Fig. 5, that is along the central axis of the threaded spindle.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view along the line D-D of Fig. 7, in which in particular the impeller which operates the threaded spindle can be seen.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the sliding block and Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the sliding block.

Fig. 11/12 and Fig. 13/14 are respectively a plan view of the underside of the lid and a sectional view in the open and closed positions.

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a

Embodiment of a lid 1 according to the invention with a change indicator.

The lid 1 is adapted to the can of a

Table water filter (not shown) to be placed.

For filling water, the cover 1 comprises a closure element designed as a flap 3.

The flap 3 is opened by pressing on the protruding from the top of the lid 3 actuator 4. When the user depresses the actuator 4, the flap 3 pivots upward. Furthermore, the cover comprises a display 2, which has a

necessary replacement of a water filter signals.

The display 2 is designed as a window 28. The window 28 is in this embodiment as an opening of the

Cover 1 is formed.

After a predetermined by the design of the change display number of opening and closing operations appears under the window 28, a sliding block, which in particular

can be configured in sections in a signal color such as red and thus signals a necessary

Cartridge exchange.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the lid 1. FIG.

On the bottom 23 of the lid 1, the flap 3 is tiltably mounted on the lever 6 in the hinge 5 on the lid 1 and can be folded upwards.

To effect this by pressing the actuator, the actuator is with a further hinge 22 with the flap 3 and with the lever 6 of the flap. 3

connected .

Since the hinge 22 relative to the hinge 5 of

Flap 3 is opposite, the flap 3 at

Move down the hinge 22 folded up. In order to guide the actuating member (4 in Fig. 1) or connected to the actuator hinge 22, the actuating member is part of a trained in this embodiment as a ring tilting element 7, which also forms a tension spring.

The tilting element 7 is struck on the hinges 5 and 22 opposite side by means of the hinge 8 on the lid 1.

Due to the opposite arrangement that leads

Actuator when pressed down due to the long lever a guided around the axis of rotation of the hinge 8 downward movement, so that when pressing the actuator, the hinge 22 moves downward, causing the hinged at the hinge 5 flap 3 is folded over the lever 6 upwards , It is called as

Tension spring trained tipping element 7 biased and holds the flap 3 after exceeding a dead center in

open position (see also Fig. 11-14).

The lid 1 has on its underside 23 nor the

Sealing edge 10, by means of which this in a

Water tank (not shown) can be used.

Furthermore, the cover 1 comprises the counting device 9, which comprises the threaded spindle 12, which is moved a little further each time the flap 3 is opened and closed. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the

Actuator 15 is provided in the form of a resilient wing.

The actuating element 15 is part of the tilting element 7 and engages in the impeller 14, which is part of the threaded spindle 12.

With each upward movement of the tilting element 7 during

Closing the flap 3, the threaded spindle 12 is further rotated a bit and the sliding block 11 moves in the direction of the window (28 in Fig. 1).

In this view, the end position of the sliding block 1 is shown, that is, the position in which the sliding block 11 sits under the window and signals a necessary replacement of the filter cartridge.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the cover 1 with the flap 3 open.

It can be seen that the tilting element 7 due to the depressed actuator according to the

Tipping direction of the flap 3 is tilted when unfolded. The tilting element 7 tilts when opening due to the relative to the lever between the hinges 22 and 5 longer lever from the actuator to the hinge 8 but with a smaller angle than the flap. 3

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the lid 1 with the flap closed 3. The tilting element 7 is now in his starting position has returned and that

Actuator 4 protrudes.

5 is a plan view of the underside of the

Lids 1.

Also in this illustration, the hinges 8, 5 and 22 and the tilting element of the opening mechanism for the

Flap 3 to recognize.

The threaded spindle 12 is inserted into two, integrally formed on the underside 23 of the lid 1 shots, in particular clipped, which each form a bearing 24, 25 with the threaded spindle. Due to the central openings 26 a clipping of the threaded spindle 12 is possible. This ensures easy installation.

On the opposite side of the bearing 25 is the impeller 14, which is further rotated via the actuating element 15.

To reset the counting device 9, the sliding block 11 is moved back onto the section 27 of the threaded spindle 12.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 5. FIG.

In particular, components of the opening mechanism can be seen in this view. The actuator 4 is struck by the tilting element 7 by means of the hinge 8 on the cover 1.

When you press the actuator 4 moves

Hinge 22 down and levered over the lever 6, the flap 3.

During each closing operation, as will be described in more detail below, the counter 9 moves a little further.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 5, that is, along the central axis of the threaded spindle 12.

In each opening and closing operation by pressing the actuator 4, the sliding block 11 is moved a bit further until it reaches the end position shown here.

On the position of the sliding block 11 under the window 28 is closed to the number of opening operations of the flap and thus to the amount of water filled.

Thus, the life of the filter cartridge over the

Position of the sliding block are signaled.

For example, the sliding block 11 may comprise three different colors, for example green, yellow and red, at least on the upper side, wherein in the end position shown here, the sliding block 11 is provided by a, e.g. red coloring under the window 28 a necessary replacement of the

Filter cartridge signaled. The sliding block 11 comprises on its underside an outstanding projection 13. The user can for

Resetting the change indicator the sliding block 11 am

Press projection 13 back. In this case, the sliding block 11 is widened and slides over the thread of the threaded spindle 12 back to its starting position.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG

Fig. 7 and shows in detail the impeller 14, by means of which the threaded spindle 12 at each opening and

Closing process is a bit further rotated.

The preferably integrally formed with the threaded spindle 12 impeller 14 is in this

Embodiment each time the flap 3 is moved a little further.

The existing closing element 15 is as of

Tilting element 7 angled resilient wing formed.

Further, a backstop 16 is provided, which ensures that the threaded spindle 12 can be moved in one direction only.

The backstop 16 is configured in this embodiment as a battered at the top of the lid resilient wing. This springs back when rotating the threaded spindle 12 in the intended direction and locks a rotation in the opposite direction.

When opening the flap 3, the actuator 15 can spring for the threaded spindle 12 and the impeller 14th

pass by.

Due to the backstop 16, the impeller does not rotate with it.

When closing the flap 3, however, the attacks

Actuator 15 under a wing of the impeller 14 and rotates the threaded spindle 12 a piece further. As a result, the sliding block moves at each opening and

Closing gradually towards an end position.

9 is a perspective view of the sliding block 11.

The sliding block 11 comprises an upper part 18 and a

Lower part 17 which are separated by a partially extending through the sliding block 11 slot 19 from each other.

The lower part 17 comprises the projection 13, which serves as a handle to move the sliding block 11 back to its original position.

The sliding block 11 comprises a marking 20, which the

Direction of movement to reset signaled. As can be seen in the sectional view according to FIG. 10, only the lower part 17 of the projection 13 is part of the

Sliding block with a thread 21 or a

Threaded section provided.

When the user presses on the projection 13, the threaded portion 21 of the lower part 17 bends away from the thread of the threaded spindle due to the slot 19, so that the sliding block can slide along the threaded spindle to return to its original position upon reset.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 14, the function of the mechanism for opening and closing the flap will be explained in more detail.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the underside of a lid according to the invention 1. It can be seen in particular the annular design tension spring 7, which at the same time, as described above, as a tilting element the

Continue turning the counter is used. The opening mechanism described below can also be used for lids without counter.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E and shows the lid 1 in the open state.

The flap 3 is thus pivoted upwards after actuation of the actuating member 4.

Thus, the flap 3 releases a filling opening 29. The flap 3 is attached via the lever 6 by means of the hinge 5 pivotally mounted on the cover.

To swing open the flap, the lever 6 is connected via the hinge 22 with the tension spring 7 and thus also with the actuating member 4. Actuator 4 and

Tension spring 7 are preferably as one piece

Plastic component formed.

The tension spring 7 is on the hinges 5 and 22nd

opposite side of the lid struck by means of the hinge 8 on the lid and can tilt so at each opening and closing operation.

In the illustration according to FIG. 12, it is a CAD representation which shows the components in the ground state.

In this illustration, the axes of the two parts of the hinge 8, so the hinge, via which the tension spring 7 is connected to the lid, spaced by the distance d. It is understood that in the actual assembled state, the axes are coaxial with each other. The distance d is a constant bias of the tension spring 7. The tension spring 7 is formed as a plastic ring. The distance d is preferably more than 1 mm and / or less than 10 mm.

It is understood that in this opening mechanism, a dead center is reached when the hinges 8, 5 and 22 lie on a straight line. In this state, the tension spring 7 reaches the maximum preload.

Now the dead center, as shown here, in

Opening direction exceeded, so relaxes the

Tension spring 7 and holds due to the existing bias the flap 3 in the open position.

It can be seen that the hinge 5, by means of which the flap 3 is struck on the lid 1, and the hinge 22, over which the flap 3 is levered, to the hinge 8, with which the tension spring is struck, do not lie in a line, but include the angle ex. The angle ex, by which the dead center was exceeded, in the opening direction is preferably above 1 ° and / or below 10 °, in particular between 2 ° and 5 °.

Fig. 13 is also a plan view of the underside of the lid 1, in which now the flap is closed.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 13. FIG.

The flap 3 is closed and covers the

Filling opening.

Even in the closed state, the dead center is in

Closing direction exceeded, the hinges 8, 5 and 22 or their axes are therefore not on a line.

Rather close the connecting lines of the hinges 5 and 22 to the hinge 8, the angle ß. ß is preferably also more than 1 ° and / or less than 10 °, in particular between 2 ° and 5 °.

In the closed state shown here, the flap 3 is kept closed by the bias of the tension spring 7. On a locking of the flap 3 can so

be waived, which compared to known

Opening mechanisms in which the flap 3 is locked, a gentler opening is possible when the user presses on the actuator 4.

Further, it is possible to form the tension spring 7 as a plastic ring. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the installation space around the filling opening can be used.

The hinges 5, 8 and 22 are in this

Embodiment designed as a multi-part hinges with a thru-axle. An embodiment of at least the hinge 8 as a film hinge or articulated pendulum is also conceivable.

By the invention, a simply designed and easy-to-use change indicator for the lid of a water filter device could be provided. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 lid

 2 display

 3 flap

 4 actuator

 5 hinge

 6 lever

 7 tilting element / tension spring

8 hinge

 9 counting device

10 sealing edge

11 sliding block

12 threaded spindle

 13 lead

 14 impeller

 15 actuator

1 6 Backstop

 17 lower part

 18 top part

 1 9 slot

 20 mark

21 threads

22 hinge

 23 bottom

 24 bearings

 25 bearings

 2 6 opening

 27 section

 28 windows

 2 9 filling opening

Claims

Claims : 1. Lid with a change indicator for one  Water filter, the change indicator a  Threaded spindle comprises, which is rotatable by a closing and / or opening operation of a preferably designed as a flap closing element, wherein a sliding block runs on the threaded spindle and based on the position of the sliding block, the number of closing and / or opening operations can be determined. 2. Lid according to the preceding claim, characterized  characterized in that the sliding block in one  End position is arranged under a window of the lid. 3. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding block for resetting the change indicator along the threaded spindle via the thread in an initial position is pushed. 4. Lid according to the preceding claim, characterized  characterized in that the sliding block comprises two opposing parts separated by a slot, one of the parts comprising a thread. 5. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element is opened by pressing an actuator, wherein an actuator connected to the actuating element at each closing and / or opening operation the Turn threaded spindle a little further. 6. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle of a  Backstop includes. 7. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover has an actuating member for opening the closing element, wherein the actuating member via a first bearing with the  Closing element is connected, the firing element is connected via a second bearing with the lid, wherein the actuating member is connected via a tilting element on a side opposite the first and second bearing side via a third bearing with the lid, and preferably wherein the tilting element  Actuating element which rotates the threaded spindle a little further during each closing and / or opening operation. 8. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle comprises an impeller into which engages a connected to the closing element or an actuator actuating element, which rotates the threaded spindle at each closing or opening a little further. 9. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle used in molded onto the underside of the lid shots is. 10. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle on the  Bottom of the lid is preferably arranged substantially tangential to the closing element. 11. Lid for a water tank, in particular cover according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a flap which can be opened by means of an actuator, wherein the flap is held by a biased tension spring by exceeding a dead center in an open and / or closed position. 12. Lid according to the preceding claim, characterized  in that the tension spring is designed as a ring which extends around a filling opening, in particular which extends below one  Fill opening extends. 13. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap is mounted on one side of the lid by means of a first hinge, wherein the tension spring is connected to a further hinge with a lever for opening the flap, and wherein the tension spring on a the first and further hinge opposite side of the lid is hinged to the lid. 14. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating member is formed integrally with the tension spring. 15. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tension spring is formed as a prestressed plastic ring, in particular as a circular cylindrical Kunstoffring.