FILTER SYSTEM WITH REMOTE CONTROL VALVE

FILTER SYSTEM FOR REMOTE CONTROL VALVE

The present invention relates, generally, filter systems

water, in particular such systems in proximity to conventional water faucets.

Filter systems of mounted water to the output of a conventional faucet are known. A replaceable cartridge is placed in a housing, that is also on the faucet spout. The systems, however, are judged ugly due to the large cartridge housing mounted on the faucet spout. Further, the volume of the cartridges of these systems is relatively low, and the cartridges need to be replaced frequently.

Water filter systems making use of cartridges mounted beneath the work surface are also known. These systems are more attractive, but generally require a separate valve. A large number of conventional sinks are free of an access opening for installation of a separate valve, and consumers often use an auxiliary opening formed in their sink for installing a soap dispenser. Thus, the mounting of the filter systems often having creating a designated port in the flange of the sink. The openings are difficult to pierce, since the sink is made of stainless steel, or other materials difficult to drill in with conventional tools. Further, these systems displease users, who prefer T avoid installing a separate valve.

Other filter systems mounted on sink require plumbing fittings complexes in the escutcheon plate of the valve, which are complicated mounting, installation and maintenance.

Remote control systems have been created for regulating the water flow for the supply of a home, but these require a connection to the main electronic circuits of the home.

Accordingly, there is a need for creating a filter system improved water, capable of eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional systems.

It is answered the requirement above-identified by the present system of water filter installed under the working plane, having, for the user, a remote-controlled regulating ability of the system, without the need to install and/or the use of a separate valve in a sink installed, satisfies the above-identified. Further, the installation of the present system is more conveniently, because the collector control wire directly, and easily, in the water supply line and in an inlet line of the - valve by means of fittings to the usual threaded. The manifold branch, selectively, a filtering apparatus on the water supply pipe, and the? the valve, by means of an electronic valve controlled by a remote controller. Thus, the faucet spout emits filtered or unfiltered water, based on actuation of the regulator remote control. To facilitate the task for the user, the remote control is free of any structural connection to the manifold, to the various conduits, or to the faucet. According to a further aspect of the present system, the controller is activated when the water flows by the collector. In the preferred embodiment, the manifold has indicators providing the user with information on the condition of the system.

More specifically, a filter system valve, arranged to be used with a valve (preferably a tap mounted on the sink), arranged to be (preferably being) connected to a water pipe (also designated supply line or water supply line), the system comprising:

a collector, configured (preferably, manufactured and predisposed) to be connected to the water line, and provide selective communication fluid with the water pipe (preferably with the water pipe and an inlet line of the filter);

a filtering apparatus, in fluid communication with the manifold (preferably via a line filter input and an outlet duct of the filter in fluid communication between an inlet pipe of the filter);

at least one remotely actuated valve associated with the manifold, and configured (preferably, constructed and arranged) for control of the flow rate of water in the sump at the filter apparatus when it is desired to filtered water;

a wireless controller, located remotely from the filtering apparatus and the collector, and configured to operate the at least one valve remotely actuated between a first position, in which the water flows from the water supply line through a tap inlet (also designated inlet line), and a second position, in which the water flows from the water supply line to the filter apparatus, through the output of the filter (also designated line filter output), on the other hand the inlet of the valve (also designated inlet pipe for the valve).

Preferably, the system may be configured such that, depending on the actuation of the at least one valve, preferably between said first and second positions, filtered or unfiltered water is transmitted by a faucet spout.

In more preferentially, the system can be configured so that in response to the activation of valve of the at least one valve, preferably between said first and second positions, the valve is arranged to transmit (preferably, emits) of filtered or unfiltered water from the faucet spout.

The system for filtering the valve may include (but does not include necessarily) the valve (preferably a faucet mounted on sink) arranged to be connected to the water supply line (or being connected thereto).

In one embodiment, the valve may be arranged to transmit (and, preferably, emits) of filtered or unfiltered water through a common path in said faucet spout.

Preferably, the manifold may include a first passage providing fluid communication between the water supply line and the inlet pipe for the valve, and a second passage providing fluid communication between the water supply line and the filtering apparatus. When the at least one remotely actuated valve is in the first position, the water flows through said first passage directly to the inlet pipe for the valve, and, in said second position, the water flows through said water supply line through said second passage in said manifold and to said filtration apparatus.

Preferably, the collector may include a third passage connecting the outlet duct of the filter to the inlet conduit of the filter, and further include a check valve in fluid communication with the filter outlet duct, and configured to prevent backflow of water in the filter apparatus.

The regulator can, advantageously, be free of any structural interconnection to the manifold, to the inlet conduit of the valve, to the water supply line, to the filtering apparatus, or to the faucet.

Preferably, the manifold may be made and arranged to present a threaded connection between a valve stop valve connected to the water supply line and the inlet pipe for the valve, and the manifold may include a water delivery sleeve configured to allow a threaded connection with a shut-off valve of the water supply (which could be the shut-off valve of the valve), a sleeve valve and configured to have a threaded connection between the first passage and the inlet pipe for the valve.

Advantageously, the connection of water supply and the faucet fitting can form the only connection between the valve and the manifold and/or the water supply line, and, more specifically, in which said water supply is the only structural support of the collector.

Preferably, the at least one valve actuated remote may be a remote control solenoid valve.

Advantageously, the collector may further include a manual bypass valve for selectively adjusting the flow between the water supply line and the inlet pipe for the valve.

Preferably, the collector may further include a rate controller in the first passage, and electronically connectable to the wireless controller so that the at least one remotely actuated valve can be activated to its second position only when the water flows through the first passage.

In one embodiment, the controller can include a regulator housing subjected to return actuating an on/off switch arranged to be (preferably, being) moved with the regulator casing subjected to return so that depressing the regulator housing subjected to return is actuated the on/off switch for controlling the at least one remotely actuated valve.

Preferably, the on/off switch can be connected to a printed circuit board connected to the regulator housing subjected to return to provide a common movement.

Preferably, the controller can include a battery case located within an inner chamber defined by the regulator housing subjected to return, a button and the on/off switch alternating relative to the housing the stack.

Further, the collector can, advantageously, include a flow controller, and is electronically connected to the controller wireless so that the at least one remotely actuated valve can be actuated to move to the second position only when water flows into the collector; and the manifold may include, further, a printed circuit board, activated by the flow rate controller, and connected to the at least one valve remotely actuated to determine the activation of the valve when the user operates a button on the wireless controller.

In one embodiment, the at least one valve operated at [...] be arranged to move (preferably, moves) from the second position to the first position during the wireless activation of the controller by the user or when cutting the water flow rate at the valve.

Preferably, the flow controller may be positioned in the first passage, so that the at least one remotely actuated valve is arranged (preferably, is) activated only during the flow of water in the first passage.

In another embodiment, a filter system of the stopcock is provided for use with a faucet mounted on sink having hot and cold water lines separated, and connected to a water supply line. The system includes a manifold constructed and arranged to be connected to a line selected from the lines of hot and cold water that provides selective fluid communication between the water supply line and an input filter, a filtering apparatus in fluid communication with the manifold, through the inlet of the filter, and having an output of the filter in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for the valve.

At least one valve remotely actuated is associated with the manifold, and is constructed and arranged to adjust the water flow rate in the manifold of the filter apparatus when it is desired to of the filtered water. Wireless A regulator is arranged at a distance from the filtering apparatus and the collector, and configured for actuating the valve between a first position, in which the water flows from the water supply line through the inlet of the valve, and a second position, in which the water flows from the water supply line to the filter apparatus, through the output of the filter and the inlet pipe for the valve. The system is configured such that as a function of an actuation of the valve between the first and second positions, the valve emits filtered or unfiltered water by a faucet spout.

The collector further comprises a flow controller, and is electronically connected to the controller, so that the valve can be actuated to move to the second position only when water flows out by the collector. Further, the collector comprises a printed circuit board, actuated by the flow controller, and connected to the valve, to cause actuation of the valve when the user operates a button on the controller. In one embodiment, the system is powered by means of at least one battery disposed within the regulator, avoiding thus perform an electrical connection on the electrical system of the home.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the present filter system remote control, mounted in a conventional sink application on home, shown in a position of normal use;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the system of Figure 1 shown in the filtering position;

Figure 3 is a view in vertical section the collector of the present system, represented in the normal flow position;

Figure 4 is a view in vertical section the collector of the present system, represented in the filter position;

Figure 5 is a view in vertical section the collector of the present system, represented in the bypass position;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the present remote controlled activator;

Figure 7 is a cross-section in the axis 7 - 7 of Figure 6, and in the general direction indicated;

Figure 8 is a cross-section in the axis 8 - 8 of Figure 6 and in the general direction indicated;

Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the present remote controlled activator; and

Figure 10 is a top view of the collector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the present system of remote control water filter (which is a filter system valve) is designated generally by the marker 10, and represented mounted under a standard work surface 12, carrying a valve 14 presents controls hot and cold water, 16, 18 respectively, and a spout 20 (which is a faucet spout). In the present application, the expression "water filtering system" means any processing systems known to improve the taste, the degree of purity or the content of the water at home or in a commercial establishment. The filter systems of the water comprise, but not limited to, carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, processing systems to the UV, softeners, filters or other fibers. The valve is shown mounted in a location adjacent to a sink 22, with discharge 24, in a manner known in the prior art. A hot water supply line 26 is connected between the

It - -

hot water controller 16 and a shut-off valve 28, and a cold water supply line 30 is connected between the hot water controller 18 and a shut-off valve of corresponding cold water 32. Both valves 28, 32 are connected to a water supply line or a water supply line 34 corresponding known in the prior art.

The present water filtering system remote control 10 includes a manifold control 36 connected between one of the shut-off valves hot and cold water 28, 32 and the corresponding water supply line 26, 30. Preferably, the collector 36 is connected to the cold water system, and the manifold is in fluid communication with the cold water supply line 30, also designated inlet pipe for the valve. In the present application, "collector" denotes any type of fluid connector, having a function of a bypass device, including, but not limited to, unit housings (as shown here) and independent valves and separate components, connected together with tubes, pipes, or other flow lines. According to the detailed description below, this connection is made, preferably, by means of fittings to the usual threaded, to facilitate assembly by a user, such as a household at home. The system 10 also includes a filtering apparatus designated by the mark 38, located preferably, also, under the work surface 12. For the purposes of the present application, the filter apparatus 38, similar to the water filter system described above, is contemplated as any conventional apparatus for treating drinking water, including, but not limited to, filters grit-carbon, reverse osmosis systems, a processing system to the UV, or other.

The filtering apparatus 38 is in fluid communication with the manifold 36, via a fluid inlet 40 and a fluid outlet line 42. According to the prior art, the conduits 40, 42 are designed as flexible tubes made of a material suitable for transporting drinking water from the treated. A remote control 44 is shown placed on the upper surface of the worktop 12, in close proximity to the valve 14. It is understood that the regulator 44 is not connected structurally or the valve 14, to the manifold 36, 38 to the filtering apparatus, or any corresponding line. In contrast, the controller 44 controls the wireless system 10, preferably by RF signals, which will be described in greater detail below.

An important feature of the present system 10 is that the remote control 44 (which is a controller wireless) control of the components of the collector 36, in such a way that the collector provides selective fluid communication between the water supply line 34 and the inlet of the filter 40. That is, the activation of the controller 44 provides the user with the opportunity to determine whether filtered or unfiltered water is dispensed from the spout of the valve 20 (through a common path in said faucet spout (20)). On Figure 1, a standard flow path is represented by a dotted line, wherein the drinking water flows through the manifold 36, through the inlet pipe for the valve 30, to the faucet 14. On Figure 2, the regulator 44 is activated by the user, and results in the closing of an internal valve in the manifold 36, directing output from the supply line through the filter apparatus 38, and then returning it to the manifold and, also, to the faucet 14, from which it is emitted by the spout 20.

Maintaining In passing in Figures 3 to 5, the structure of the manifold control 36 is illustrated in more detail. A main collection housing 46 defines a first passage 48 for providing fluid communication between the water supply line 34 and the inlet pipe for the valve 30, thereby bypassing the filter apparatus 38. At least one valve remotely actuated or remote-controlled 50, preferably a solenoid valve or electronic equivalent, is associated with the manifold 36, and placed in fluid communication with the first passage 48 in a first position, or open position, as indicated in Figure 3. According to the more detailed description below, each valve 50 is constructed and arranged for the regulation, preferably by bypass, the flow rate of water into the collector 36, to flow to the filtration apparatus 38 when the filtered water is desired.

Thus, in an operational configuration default, untreated drinking water flows as described in the "F" line from the water supply line 34, through the shut-off valve 32 (which is a stop valve valve, and could be a shut-off valve of the water supply), then in the first passage 48. A flow controller 52 is disposed within the first passageway 48 downstream of the valve 50, and electronically connected to the controller 44, so that the valve can be activated in a second position, closed, only when water flows into the first passage and out the manifold 36 to the faucet 14. In the present application, by "flow controller" is meant any type of flow sensor emitting an electronic signal upon detection of fluid flow, including, but not limited to, magnetic switches, turbines, pressure transducers or other. Although to other switches, according to the prior art, the present flow controller 52 is a model to 0.5 gpm with a magnet located to the interior of the header 36, and a magnetic switch external to the manifold for detecting when the valve 14 is opened and water flows through the spout 20.

At each end of the first passage 48, the module housing 46 is provided with a connection for facilitate connecting the present system 10 to a water supply system existing. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeves are threaded and compatible with existing conventional plumbing fittings for the water supply, but connections [...] can be contemplated, other connections between-in coupling, bayonet, or other equivalent connection technologies. A first connection, or connection for the water supply, 54, is a type fitting female thread which engages with a tip of the shut-off valve 32. At the other end of the passage 48, a second connection 56 (which is a coupling for a faucet), is preferably a type fitting male thread, for connection to the inlet pipe for the valve 30; it is generally of a standard fitting found in most hardware stores or do-it-yourself. Another feature of the present system 10 is that the connections 54, 56 represent the only fluid connection between the collector 36 and the valve 14. Further, the connectors 54, 56, in particular the connector 54, are the only structural supports of the manifold 36 in the system 10. In referring now to Figure 4, when the valve 50 is activated by the controller 44, it is moved in a second position, namely a closed position, in which the water flows from the first connector 54 in a second passage 58 of the manifold 36, thereby providing fluid communication between the water supply line and the filtering apparatus 38. More specifically, the second passage 58 includes a sleeve 60 configured for connection on one end of the inlet pipe for the filter 40, and a sleeve 62 configured for connecting to an end of the outlet pipe of the filter 42. The second sleeve 62 is then connected to a third passage 64, which directs filtered water into the first passage 48, passing through the flow controller 52, the inlet of the valve 30, and, also, the valve 14. In the preferred embodiment, a check valve 66 is connected in the third passage 64, between the sleeve 62 and the flow controller 52, in order to prevent the back flow of untreated water in the filter apparatus 38.

Although the check valve 66 is represented as being included in the manifold control 36, it is useful to note that it can be connected separately in the water flow path, or placed elsewhere in the system 10, provided provide the function described above. Thus, depending on the position of the valve 50 between the first and second positions, the system 10 is configured so that the faucet 14 emits filtered or unfiltered water through the spout 20, through the same flow path. The same nozzle 20 emits water filtered or unfiltered, depending on the position of the valve 50.

With maintaining relates in Figure 5, in the event of failure of the solenoid valve 50, it remains in its closed position, or second position, in Figure 4, the user has the option of operating a manual bypass to provide a flow of fluid through the first passage 48. Additional manual A bypass valve 68 is connected to the first passage 48, and when open, the valve creates a flow path which passes through the valve 50 and to the inlet of the valve 30.

In Figures 6 - 9, the regulator 44 is described in more detail. A truncated conical ring of the regulator 70 is optional, and can be installed by snapping on a similarly shaped housing 72 (which is regulator housing subjected to return) defining an internal chamber 74 (which is an inner chamber). The housing is fixed by snapping on a flexible base 76, which seals the chamber 74 against the introduction of any moisture undesirable. Flange 78 A, relatively rigid, has at least one indicator opening 79 constructed and arranged to transmit light through a diffuser 80 for receiving light from a series of light emitting diodes 81 located on a printed circuit board 82. The diffuser 80 adjusts the projection lateral light, to allow the user to more easily read the individual LEDs 81. Also on the printed circuit board 82 is a RF transmitter, known in the art, and a push button 84 (defining a button and an on/off switch) engaging a battery case 86. The battery case 86 is constructed and arranged to accommodate at least one, and, preferably, two replaceable or rechargeable batteries 88 for supplying the system 10. A plurality of protuberances project vertically 90 of the housing 86 to the printed circuit board 82, and serve as location points to the spring elements 92, preferably helical springs or the like.

When the user depresses the housing of the regulator 72, the disc 78, the diffuser 80 and the printed circuit board 82 mutually move integrally against the force of the return elements 92, as well as relative to the base 76, and cause the closing of the switch 84 cells against the housing 86. When the switch 84 is closed, an RF signal is transmitted to the manifold 36, for moving the valve 50 in the second position to allow the flow of water into the filtering apparatus 38, and, from there, the mouth of the valve 20. Although the present disclosure is directed to a certain remote control preferred, it is useful to note that the remote control 44 may be provided in other embodiments with controlled operation by the user, via a valve command signal 50. The regulators provided alternatively include, but not limited to, mobile phones or other portable computers with wireless capability, or non-portable, voice controlled devices, devices activated by the movement, optical sensors, capacitive sensor devices, and similar technology.

Referring maintaining in Figure 10, the manifold 36 is closed, preferably, in a housing 94 having a second circuit board 96, and of a display card 98. The state of the state parameters, although they are not limited, comprise the duration of the life of the filter, errors, the signals, the normal operational state, or other. The relates to supplying the printed circuit board and the valve 50 with a power source designated 100, for example a battery pack, but delivery by plugging into standard electrical wall outlet for domestic use is also contemplated. The circuit board 96 comprising a control of the valve, shown schematically under the mark 102. The circuit board 96, and, more specifically, the control of the valve 102, is activated by the flow controller, and connected to the valve 50, to permit excitation thereof upon activation of the button 78 on the regulator 44. The system 10 is configured such that the valve is moved back to the first position, default, of Figure 3 from the second position, when the user operates once more the regulator 44, or if the flow of water has been cut to the faucet 14.

Although one formation of the present system for filter remote control valve has been shown and described, those skilled in this technique will include that certain modifications to this arrangement can be made without departing from the invention in its more general aspects, and specified in the claims presented below.