Abstract:
Audible features are provided for a fluid filter assembly and a filter cartridge for use with a fluid filter assembly. The audible features generate sound when the filter cartridge is installed in the filter system so as to provide a signal indicating proper installation. Sound can also be created when the filter cartridge is removed. The filter system can also be provided with features for reducing clogging of the fluid path leading to the filter element.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a fluid filter assembly and/or filter provided with audible notification features. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Fluid filter systems, particularly as used for water filtration, typically include a filter constructed with a media that removes unwanted particulates and other substances from the fluid. Filtration can be based on size exclusion, adsorption, and other mechanisms. Such filter systems can be provided as e.g., stand-alone systems or provided as part of an appliance, such as a refrigerator. 
         [0003]    After a period of use, the filter must eventually be replaced. For example, the filter may become loaded with captured particulates, may expire, or may otherwise require replacement. Accordingly, filter systems frequently provide for replacement of the filter. As a matter of convenience to the user, filter systems may also be constructed in a manner intended to ease replacement by the user as opposed to requiring service by e.g., the original manufacturer or a trained installer. 
         [0004]    One problem that can occur during filter replacement is improper sealing and/or seating of the new filter in the filter system. For example, the filter may not be aligned properly and/or may not be installed with the proper torque or force. As a result, a fluid leak may occur after replacing the filter. Depending upon the severity, such leaks may not be discovered at the time of installation. Accordingly, a filter system and/or filter cartridge with features that can notify the user of proper alignment and installation would be useful. More particularly, a filter system and/or filter cartridge that can create audible signals to notify the user of proper alignment and installation would be beneficial. 
         [0005]    Another problem with conventional filter systems relates to clogging of the fluid path leading to the filter element or filter media. For example, filter systems can include a fluid pathway having a port or channel that provides unfiltered fluid to the filter element. This fluid pathway can become clogged with sediment or other particulates that block or limit the flow of fluid to the filter. Thus, a filter system that can be provided with one or more features for eliminating or reducing such blocking or clogging would be useful. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides audible features for both a fluid filter assembly and a filter cartridge for use with a fluid filter assembly. The audible features generate sound when the filter cartridge is installed in the filter system so as to provide a signal indicating proper installation. Sound can also be created when the filter cartridge is removed. The filter system can also be provided with features for reducing clogging of the fluid path leading to the filter element. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
         [0007]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid filter assembly. The assembly includes a filter manifold having a filter manifold body; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet adapted for coupling the filter manifold to a fluid supply system; a fluid return port in fluid connection with the fluid outlet; a plurality of teeth positioned proximate to the fluid return port; and a fluid delivery port positioned proximate to the fluid return port, the fluid delivery port in fluid connection with the fluid inlet. 
         [0008]    This exemplary embodiment also includes a filter cartridge removably attached with the filter manifold. The filter cartridge includes a filter housing; a filter element received into the filter housing; a filter outlet for the flow of fluid from the filter element out of the filter housing and into the fluid return port; a filter inlet positioned proximate to the filter outlet and in fluid connection with the fluid delivery port of the filter manifold; and at least one actuator positioned adjacent to the filter outlet and extending into contact with the plurality of teeth during installation of the filter cartridge onto the filter manifold, the actuator configured for providing an audible signal as the filter cartridge is installed. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a refrigerator appliance having such fluid filter assembly. 
         [0010]    In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a filter cartridge for a filter system. The filter cartridge includes a filter element; a filter housing defining a chamber into which the filter element is received, the filter housing having a filter outlet and a filter inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and configured so that fluid may pass through the filter element; and at least one actuator positioned adjacent to the filter outlet. The actuator extends longitudinally away from the filter element and is configured to provide an audible signal as the filter cartridge is installed into the filter system. 
         [0011]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  provides a front view of an exemplary refrigerator appliance as may be equipped with a fluid filter assembly of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  provides a front view of the refrigerator appliance of  FIG. 1  with refrigerator doors in an open position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid filter assembly of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  provides a top view of the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3  with a portion of a filter housing removed to more clearly reveal certain internal components. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  provides an exploded and perspective view the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of an exemplary filter manifold as provided with the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an exemplary filter cartridge as used with the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  provides a cross-section view of an exemplary filter top of the present invention as used with the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  provides a perspective view of an exemplary washer of the present invention as may be used with the exemplary fluid filter assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective and top view of the exemplary filter top of  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary filter system of  FIG. 3  with the cross-section located at the interface of the filter top, washer, and boss of the filter manifold. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another exemplary filter system embodiment with the cross-section located at the interface of the filter top and filter manifold. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a filter boss and teeth of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator appliance  100  as may be equipped with an exemplary fluid filter assembly of the present invention. However, as will be understood using the teachings disclosed herein, the fluid filter assembly (including the filter cartridge) of the present invention may be used with other refrigerator appliance configurations as well as other types of appliances, and it may also be used in applications other than appliances as well. As such, refrigerator appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. 
         [0029]    Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a cabinet or housing  120  defining an upper fresh food chamber  122  and a lower freezer chamber  124  arranged below the fresh food chamber  122 . As such, refrigerator appliance  100  is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. In this exemplary embodiment, housing  120  also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be used with other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-sides). 
         [0030]    Refrigerator doors  126 ,  128  are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing  120  for accessing fresh food chamber  122 . A freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator doors  126 ,  128  for accessing freezer chamber  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, freezer door  130  is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) that is slidably mounted within freezer chamber  124 . 
         [0031]    Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a dispensing assembly  110  for dispensing water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly  110  includes a dispenser  114  positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance  100 . Dispenser  114  includes a discharging outlet  134  for accessing ice and water. An activation member  132  is mounted below discharging outlet  134  for operating dispenser  114 . In  FIG. 1 , activation member  132  is shown as a paddle. However, activation member  132  may be any other suitable mechanism for signaling or initiating a flow of ice and/or water into a container within dispenser  114 , e.g., a switch or button. A user interface panel  136  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel  136  includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. 
         [0032]    Discharging outlet  134  and activation member  132  are an external part of dispenser  114 , and are mounted in a recessed portion  138  defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door  126 . Recessed portion  138  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access fresh food chamber  122 . In the exemplary embodiment, recessed portion  138  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of refrigerator appliance  100  having refrigerator doors  126 ,  128  in an open position to reveal the interior of the fresh food chamber  122 . As such, certain components of dispensing assembly  110  are illustrated. Dispensing assembly  110  includes an insulated housing  142  mounted within chamber  122 . Due to insulation surrounding insulated housing  142 , the temperature within insulated housing  142  can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding fresh food chamber  122 . 
         [0034]    In particular, insulated housing  142  is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. Insulated housing  142  contains an ice maker (not shown) for creating ice and feeding the same to a receptacle  160  that is mounted on refrigerator door  126 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , receptacle  160  is placed at a vertical position on refrigerator door  126  that will allow for the receipt of ice from a discharge opening  162  located along a bottom edge  164  of insulated housing  142  when refrigerator door  126  is in a closed position (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As refrigerator door  126  is closed or opened, receptacle  160  is moved in and out of position under insulated housing  142 . 
         [0035]    Operation of the refrigerator appliance  100  is regulated by a controller (not shown) that is operatively coupled to user interface panel  136  and/or activation member  132  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). User interface panel  136  provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance  100  such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or other options as well. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel  136 , the controller operates various components of the refrigerator appliance  100 . The controller may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance  100 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. 
         [0036]    The controller may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . For example, the controller may be located within beneath the user interface panel  136  on refrigerator door  126 . In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the controller and various operational components of refrigerator appliance  100 . In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface panel  136  may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In another exemplary embodiment, the user interface  136  may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface panel  136  may be in communication with the controller via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
         [0037]    Refrigerator appliance  100  also includes a filter system or fluid filter assembly  200  that filters water coming into refrigerator appliance  100  from a water supply (not shown), such as a municipal water source or a well. Fluid filter assembly  200  can remove contaminants, such as chlorine, chloroform, lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, microbes, and/or other undesirable substances, from water supplied to refrigerator appliance  100 . In particular, fluid filter assembly  200  can supply filtered water to the ice maker within insulated housing  142  and/or discharging outlet  134 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art and as used herein, the term “water” includes purified water and solutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds or substances. 
         [0038]    For this exemplary embodiment, filter assembly  200  is shown positioned within fresh food chamber  122 . However, filter assembly  200  may also be located e.g., on the exterior of refrigerator  100 , on a surface adjacent to refrigerator  100 , connected into a water supply line (not shown) providing fluid to refrigerator  100 , and other locations as well. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 through 7 , this exemplary embodiment of fluid filter assembly  200  includes a filter manifold  202  having a filter manifold body  204 . A fluid inlet  206  and fluid outlet  208  are provided for a flow of unfiltered fluid into filter assembly  200  (arrow I) and a flow of filtered fluid out of filter assembly  200  (arrow O), respectively. Fluid inlet  206  and fluid outlet  208  are adapted for coupling filter manifold  202  to a fluid supply system such as e.g., the piping system within a user&#39;s dwelling that may be connected with a well or municipal water supply. By way of example, fluid inlet  206  and fluid outlet  208  may be equipped with slip fittings, threads, fasteners, and/or other mechanisms for attachment. Apertures  210  allow for connection of filter assembly  200  to a wall, cabinet, or other surface. Other methods of attachment may also be used. 
         [0040]    In this exemplary embodiment, filter manifold  202  includes a boss  212  that projects from filter manifold body  204  along an axial direction A ( FIGS. 5 through 7 ). Boss  212  defines a fluid return port  216  that is in fluid connection with fluid outlet  208  whereby filtered fluid may be delivered from a filter cartridge  224  ( FIG. 3 ) to fluid outlet  208 . Boss  212  also defines a plurality of grooves  214  for the receipt of e.g., O-ring seals to ensure a fluid seal when boss  212  is received into filter cartridge  224  as will be further described. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the boss  212  may be located on filter cartridge  224  and a receiving port provided in filter manifold  202  for receipt of boss  212 . In still other embodiments of the invention, filter assembly  200  may not include a boss as some other mechanism may be provided for connecting the flow of filtered fluid from cartridge  224  with filter manifold  202 . 
         [0041]    As part of the audible or sound generating features for this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, filter manifold  202  includes a plurality of teeth  218  positioned proximate to boss  212  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Teeth  218  are arranged in an adjacent manner along a row  262  that extends along circumferential direction C around boss  212 —completely encircling boss  212  for this exemplary embodiment. Teeth  218  project along axial direction A and outwardly from filter manifold  202 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , a fluid delivery port  220  is also positioned proximate to boss  212 . Fluid delivery port  220  is in fluid connection with fluid inlet  206  so as to provide unfiltered fluid into filter cartridge  224 . For this exemplary embodiment, fluid delivery port  220  is positioned radially inward (see radial direction R in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) of the row  262  of teeth  218 . 
         [0043]    Filter manifold  202  also includes a groove  222  that extends circumferentially around boss  212 . Fluid delivery port  220  is positioned within groove  222 . When filter cartridge  224  is installed into filter manifold  202  as shown in  FIG. 3 , groove  222  is located adjacent to a receiving surface  264  ( FIGS. 8 and 11 ) on filter top  240  and provides for a flow of fluid from fluid delivery port  220  to be distributed over receiving surface  264  and into filter cartridge  224 . As such, groove  222  is useful for preventing or minimizing clogs that may be caused by particulates or other matter in the unfiltered fluid provided through fluid inlet  206 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a similar groove can also be located on receiving surface  264 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , for this exemplary embodiment, filter cartridge  224  includes a filter housing  226  defining a chamber  258  into which a filter element  228  is received. Filter element  228  may be constructed from a variety of different types of filter media including textiles, resins, webs, and other components as well. Filtration with filtering element  228  may be based upon e.g., size exclusion, adsorption, and/or other mechanisms. While a variety of different constructions may be used, filter element  228  may be a cylindrically-shaped and configured so that fluid flows radially inward towards a center of filter element  228  as particulates or other matter are removed by the filter media. 
         [0045]    Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , filter cartridge  224  includes a filter outlet  230  positioned along a centerline C/L of filter cartridge  224  and defined by a filter top  240 . Filter outlet  230  receives boss  212  of filter manifold  202  and provides a surface  266  for sealing with e.g., O-rings in grooves  214  ( FIG. 6 ). Once filter cartridge  224  is installed in filter manifold  202 , fluid outlet  230  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) is in fluid connection with the fluid return port  216  defined by boss  212  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0046]    Continuing with  FIGS. 8 and 9 , filter cartridge  224  also includes a fluid inlet  232  in the form of multiple openings  234  in filter top  240  that are in fluid connection with fluid delivery port  220  when filter cartridge  224  is properly installed. Accordingly, unfiltered fluid from fluid delivery port  220  may be delivered into chamber  258  for filtration by filter element  228 . Although only two openings  234  are shown, multiple openings may be provided having shapes and locations different from that shown. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 through 12 , filter cartridge  224  is also provided with a pair of actuators  236  that are positioned proximate to filter outlet  230  and serve as part of the audible or sound generating features of this exemplary embodiment. Each actuator of actuators  236  is constructed as a tine  238  made from a resilient (e.g., elastic) material that extends along axial direction A into contact with teeth  218  when filter cartridge  224  is installed into filter manifold  202 . For this exemplary embodiment, actuators  236  are part of a washer  248  having an opening  250  that is positioned around filter outlet  230 . Filter top  240  is positioned between washer  248  and filter manifold  202  when filter cartridge  224  is installed. As such, filter top  240  includes apertures  252  ( FIG. 11 ) through which actuators  236  extend into contact with teeth  218 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , and  6 , filter cartridge  224  is received into a recess  242  ( FIG. 6 ) in filter manifold  202 . Filter top  240  and filter manifold body  204  are provided with threads  244  and  246 , respectively, for the removable connection of filter cartridge  224  to filter manifold  202 . Threads  244  and  246  are provided by way of example only. Other mechanisms may be used for installation of filter cartridge  224 . 
         [0049]    During installation of filter cartridge  224  into recess  242  of filter manifold  202 , filter cartridge  224  is rotated e.g., in the direction of arrow T ( FIG. 3 ). Referring now to  FIG. 12 , as filter cartridge  224  is rotated and moved closer to filter manifold  202 , eventually actuators  236  come into contact with teeth  218 . The rotation of filter cartridge  224  causes actuators  236  to contact and pass over teeth  218  so as to emit a sound (e.g., clicks) that the user can hear as the filter cartridge is installed. Such sound confirms for the user that the filter cartridge  224  is being installed correctly. In addition, by controlling the spacing between teeth  218  and the relative profile of actuators  236 , the number of e.g., clicks that result in proper seating and/or tightening of filter cartridge  224  into recess  242  can be controlled or predetermined. For example, the user can be instructed to listen for 2 or 3 clicks while rotating filter cartridge  224  to confirm that filter cartridge  224  is properly positioned and tightened. A different number of clicks or other sounds may be used as well. 
         [0050]    As filter assembly  200  is in use, actuators  236  can also provide an audible signal to indicate that filter cartridge  224  is becoming uninstalled from recess  242 . For example, water flowing from fluid delivery port  220  ( FIG. 7 ) can cause filter assembly  200  to rotate in the direction of arrow L ( FIG. 1 ) if filter cartridge  224  was not properly secured during installation. Again, this rotation can cause actuators  236  to pass over teeth  218  and provide an audible signal—e.g., clicks—notifying the user that the filter cartridge is not properly secured. 
         [0051]    The present invention is not limited to a pair of actuators  236  positioned on opposing sides of filter outlet  230  as show in the figures. For example, a single actuator  236  or more than two actuators  236  may be used in other embodiments of the present invention. Actuators  236  may also be constructed in shapes different from the tines  238  shown in the figures provided such actuators  236  create a sound when passing in contact with teeth  218 . 
         [0052]    Actuators  236  can also be supported upon elements of the filter cartridge other than washer  248 . For example, referring to  FIG. 13 , actuators  236  can be configured as resilient tines  238  attached to the filter housing  226  or, more particularly, to filter top  240 . Their operation would be as previously described with the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . Other locations and configurations for actuators  236  may be used as well. 
         [0053]    Similarly, various embodiments and constructions may be used for teeth  218  around boss  212 . For the embodiments of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , teeth  218  and groove  222  are e.g., formed integrally with filter manifold body  204 . Referring now to  FIG. 14 , teeth  218  and groove  222  may also be defined by a ring  254  that is positioned around boss  212  and is attached to the filter manifold body  204  using threads  260 . Alternatively, ring  254  may be glued, ultrasonically welded, and/or snap fit to filter manifold body  204 . Other configurations may be used as well. An opening  256  is provided for alignment with fluid delivery port  220 . 
         [0054]    Another exemplary embodiment for filter manifold body  204  and teeth  218  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . In this embodiment, teeth  218  are constructed in adjacent rows  268  that extend longitudinally in a manner parallel to each other and to diameter D of boss  212  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Teeth  218  operate as previously described to provide an audible signal when actuators  236  make passing contact therewith. Other shapes and configurations may be used for teeth  218  as well. 
         [0055]    It should be understood that, in certain embodiments of the invention, actuators  236  and teeth  218  may provide a tactile signal as well as an audible signal. More particularly, during installation of the filter cartridge  224 , the user may be able to feel the interaction of actuators  236  and teeth  218 . While this is not required for every embodiment, the configuration of actuators  236  and teeth  218  can be designed to increase or decrease this tactile signal as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. 
         [0056]    As previously set forth, the present invention is not limited to the use of threads  244  and  246  for the installation of filter cartridge  224  into filter manifold  202 . In fact, filter assembly  200  may use other mechanisms (e.g., a latch device) whereby filter cartridge  224  is slid into place on filter manifold  202  and secured into position without rotation. For such embodiments, actuators  236  and teeth  218  could be configured for contact during a linear movement along the axial direction A. Other configurations may be used as well. 
         [0057]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.