Patent ID: 12226720

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the annexed drawings, reference numeral1designates as a whole a filter for treating a fluid in a piping of a heating and/or cooling system, in particular of domestic and/or industrial type, according to the present invention.

The filter1comprises a main body2internally comprising at least one chamber10.

The filter1then has a first mouth11and a second mouth12, respectively comprising a first duct C1and a second duct C2allowing the fluid to enter and/or exit said at least one chamber10. In particular, the first duct C1and the second duct C2are adapted to put said at least one chamber10of the filter1in communication with the other components (not shown in the annexed drawings) of the heating and/or cooling system, in particular with the pipes thereof.

The first mouth11has a first longitudinal axis X and the second mouth12has a second longitudinal axis Y, in particular the second mouth12being preferably positioned on the main body2in such a way that the second longitudinal axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis X of the first mouth11.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body2has a substantially cylindrical shape; in such an embodiment, the first mouth11is located on the side surface of the main body2, whereas the second mouth12is located at one end (or base) of the substantially cylindrical main body2. In this preferred embodiment, the second longitudinal axis Y of the second mouth12is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the filter1; it should be noted that in the annexedFIGS.2band3bsaid longitudinal axis of the filter1and the second longitudinal axis Y of the second mouth12coincide, and are therefore represented as a single straight line Y-Y.

Preferably, the first mouth11and the second mouth12are positioned on the main body2in such a way as to lie substantially in the same longitudinal plane, said longitudinal plane being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the filter1; as previously explained, said longitudinal axis of the filter1is not shown in the annexed drawings because it substantially coincides with the second longitudinal axis Y of the second mouth12or is substantially parallel to said second longitudinal axis Y.

The filter1comprises also a filtering element20for treating the fluid, housed at least partially in said at least one chamber10, in particular said filtering element20comprising at least one magnetic element21adapted to intercept and trap the ferrous impurities that are present in the fluid to be treated.

In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in the annexedFIGS.2band3b, said at least one magnetic element21has a substantially rod-like shape.

The filter1comprises a closing element or plug30adapted to be coupled to the main body2in order to close said at least one chamber10.

In accordance with the present invention, the filter1comprises a shut-off element40housed in a portion of said at least one chamber10communicating with said first duct C1and second duct C2.

As particularly visible inFIGS.4to5c, said shut-off element40has a substantially cylindrical or truncated conical shape and is provided with an outer wall40E, a first channel41, a second channel42, and a septum43adapted to divide said first and second channels41,42from each other, said shut-off element40being adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of its own, which is substantially parallel to or coincides with the first longitudinal axis X of the first mouth11, so that it can be reversibly switched:from a first position (which may also be defined as “open” position, such position being shown, in particular, inFIGS.2aand2b), in which said shut-off element40is positioned in such a way as to allow the flow of fluid to enter the chamber10and/or exit the chamber10both via the communication of the first duct C1with said at least one chamber10through the first channel41and via the communication (which may also be defined as an at least partial alignment) of the second duct C2with said at least one chamber10through the second channel42,to a second position (which may also be defined as “closed” position, such position being shown, in particular, inFIGS.3aand3b), in which said shut-off element40is positioned in such a way as to prevent the flow of fluid from entering the chamber10and/or exiting the chamber10, said outer wall40E obstructing both the communication of the first duct C1with said at least one chamber10through the first channel41and the communication of the second duct C2with said at least one chamber10through the second channel42.

It must be pointed out that the term “reversibly” as used above refers to the fact that the shut-off element40can be rotated within the portion of said at least one chamber10that communicates with said first duct C1and said second duct C2for switching either from the first “open” position to the second “closed” position (as described) or from the second “closed” position to the first “open” position.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in particular inFIGS.5ato5c, said substantially cylindrical or truncated conical shut-off element40comprises:a window41A formed on the outer wall40E;an opening41B at one end of the cylindrical shut-off element40,wherein the window41A, the opening41B, the septum43and a part of the inner portion of the cylindrical shut-off element40form the first channel41.

In substance, in the embodiment of the first channel41shown in the annexed drawings, the fluid must follow a substantially L-shaped path, since it flows from the chamber10to the inner portion of the shut-off device through the window41A (or, vice versa, it flows from within the shut-off device40to the chamber10through the window41A) by following a direction that is substantially parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12, and then flows in the shut-off element40along a direction that is substantially parallel to the first axis X of the first mouth11.

Furthermore, in said preferred embodiment the substantially cylindrical or truncated conical shut-off element40comprises a first hole42A and a second hole42B formed on the outer wall40E in a manner such that they are substantially aligned with each other and form the second channel42, in particular in co-operation with the septum43and with a part of the inner portion of the shut-off element40.

In substance, in the embodiment of the second channel42shown in the annexed drawings, the fluid flow must follow a substantially straight path; in fact, it flows through the first hole42A, within the shut-off element40and through the second hole42B along a direction substantially parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12.

As a consequence, in the second “closed” position the shut-off element40is so positioned that the first channel41is oriented in such a way as to not put the first duct C1in communication with said at least one chamber10, in particular said window41A being so positioned as to not face, even partially, said at least one chamber10.

Meanwhile, when the shut-off element40is in the second “closed” position, the second channel42is misaligned with the second duct C2, in the sense that the first hole42A and the second hole42B of said second channel42do not face, even partially, the first duct C1. In particular, in said second “closed” position the outer wall40E of the shut-off element40directly obstructs and closes the second duct C2(as can be seen inFIG.3b), in particular that part of said second duct C2which leads into the chamber10.

It should be noted that the shut-off element40is defined herein as an element having a cylindrical or truncated conical shape because it can be constructed, with equivalent results, as either:a solid (cylindrical or truncated conical) element, within which the first channel41and the second channel42are formed, so that the window41A, the opening41B, the first hole42A and the second hole42B are the end portions of the first channel41and of the second channel42; ora hollow (cylindrical or truncated conical) element (i.e., a tubular element), wherein the first channel41and the second channel42are obtained by forming the window41A, the first hole42A and the second hole42B in the outer wall40E of such tubular element (cylindrical or truncated conical in shape).

In both of such embodiments, the septum43is essentially a wall that permits dividing the path of the first channel41from that of the second channel42, in particular said septum43developing within the shut-off element40in a way mostly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shut-off element40, i.e., substantially parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12when the shut-off element40is positioned inside the chamber10.

It must be pointed out, however, that the first channel41and the second channel42according to the present invention may also be constructed in different ways and/or shapes, other than those described and shown in the annexed drawings; merely by way of example, the first channel41and the second channel42may be formed during the moulding of the shut-off element40and/or in such a way as to have a more rounded profile than shown in the annexed drawings.

As can be seen in the annexed drawings, the shut-off element40has a shape that is substantially complementary to that of the inner portion of the main body2that houses it, in particular said shut-off element40being so designed as to have slightly smaller dimensions than the inner walls of the main body2adapted to receive it, i.e., than the walls of the main body2that delimit the chamber10and house said shut-off element40.

In substance, the outer wall40E of the shut-off element40is so realized that its shape substantially matches the shape of the inner wall of the main body2to which said outer wall40E is coupled, in particular said outer wall40E having a substantially cylindrical or truncated conical shape and a diameter and dimensions slightly smaller than those of the inner wall of the main body2; such a conformation makes it possible, at the same time, to obtain the rotation of the shut-off element40about its longitudinal axis within the chamber10of the main body2, and also to provide an optimal hydraulic sealing between the outer wall40E and said first duct C1and second duct C2when the shut-off element40is in said second “closed” position.

Moreover, the shut-off element40is shown in the annexed drawings to be positioned in the chamber10in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the shut-off element40substantially coincides with the first longitudinal axis X of the first mouth11; as a consequence, the longitudinal axis of the shut-off element40is not represented in the annexed drawings. It is however possible to position the shut-off element40in the chamber10in such a way that its longitudinal axis does not coincide perfectly with the first longitudinal axis X of the first mouth11or is offset relative thereto; in fact, for the purposes of the present invention, the shut-off element40must be positioned inside the chamber10in such a way that it can rotate about an axis of its own while at the same time allowing its the outer wall40E to obstruct, with optimal hydraulic tightness, the first duct C1and the second duct C2when the shut-off element40is in said second “closed” position.

The peculiar provisions of the shut-off element40according to the present invention make it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the filters known in the art for treating a fluid in a heating/cooling system, in particular of domestic and industrial type.

In fact, such provisions make it possible to provide a filter1designed to be easily subjected to maintenance work for removing the residues of impurities that have accumulated therein after the heat-transfer fluid has flowed therethrough many times.

In particular, such maintenance work can be carried out by turning the shut-off element40from the first “open” position to the second “closed” position, so as to prevent the flow of fluid from entering the chamber10and allow a user/operator to clean the filtering element20appropriately. When maintenance is complete, the filter1can be brought back into the normal working condition by turning the shut-off element40from the second “closed” position to the first “open” position.

It is therefore apparent that the provision of the shut-off element40allows the filter1of the present invention to be optimally installed in a system without requiring the use of any additional components, such as shut-off valves positioned upstream and downstream of the filter1; as a result, the filter1according to the present invention is particularly suitable also for installation in the limited space available in modern heating and cooling systems.

In the annexed drawings one can see that the chamber10of the filter1according to the present invention is substantially divided into two portions, i.e., a first portion (communicating with the first duct C1and the second duct C2) adapted to house the shut-off element40, and a second portion adapted to house the filtering element20for treating the fluid; in this context, the separation of said two portions may be more or less marked depending on the different possible embodiments of the filter1of the present invention, as regards both the internal conformation of the chamber10and the external conformation of the main body2and of the entire filter1according to the present invention.

It must be pointed out that the filter1may comprise at least one sealing element (not shown) to avoid any fluid leakage between the outer wall40E of the shut-off element40and the main body2. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one sealing element is made of rubber, and the outer wall40E is made of polymeric material, said components being mutually associated by co-moulding or another manufacturing technology, or by mechanical coupling between the rubber sealing element and the polymeric outer wall40E. It is however apparent that the outer wall40E and the sealing element may also be manufactured otherwise, and the coupling thereof may be effected in a different way (e.g., by mechanical assembly).

In accordance with the present invention, the shut-off element40is so constructed as to comprise actuating means44,45(particularly visible inFIGS.2ato4) that allow acting upon said shut-off element40in order to cause it to rotate about its longitudinal axis and switch from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

In the embodiment shown in the annexed drawings, said actuating means comprise a pin44associated with a closing wall41C adapted to close an end of the shut-off element40opposite to that end of said shut-off element40which is provided with the opening41B. It should be noted that, as shown inFIG.4, said closing wall41C is preferably made as one piece with said pin; it is however clear that the closing wall41C may also be manufactured otherwise, e.g., as one piece with the shut-off element40and coupled to the pin44by mutual fastening means.

The actuating means may then comprise a knob45adapted to be coupled to the pin44to facilitate rotating said pin44and the shut-off element40.

Preferably, said knob45has a substantially discoid shape and is provided with at least one raised portion45A that further facilitates the handling of the assembly consisting of the knob45, the pin44and the shut-off element40.

Furthermore, the raised portion45A is designed as an elongate protrusion formed on said knob45and substantially coinciding with the diameter of said discoid knob45.

Such a conformation of the raised portion45A facilitates the correct identification of the position of the shut-off element40. In fact, when the shut-off element40is in the first “open” position (as shown inFIGS.2aand2b), the knob45is preferably associated with the pin44in such a way that the raised portion45A is aligned with or parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12.

Conversely, when the shut-off element40is in the second “closed” position (as shown inFIGS.3aand3b), the knob45is preferably associated with the pin44in such a way that the raised portion45A is positioned substantially perpendicular to (or anyway incident on) the second axis Y of the second mouth12.

With particular reference toFIG.4, it can be further noticed that the filter1comprises coupling means adapted to allow fixing the shut-off element40in said at least one chamber10.

In particular, said coupling means may comprise a cover46for closing the portion of said at least one chamber10that contains the shut-off element40, said cover46preferably having an aperture (not shown inFIG.4) for the passage of the actuating means44,45, in particular for the passage of said pin44.

As shown in the annexed drawings, the knob45and the cover46are associated with the main body2on the side opposite to the first mouth11.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first mouth11and the second mouth12are so constructed as to have substantially the same conformation. In particular, the first mouth11and the second mouth12are constructed in substantially the same manner in terms of dimensions and shape. In this context, the first mouth11and the second mouth12comprise similar connection means; for example, said connection means may consist of similar threads on the sides of said first mouth11and second mouth12, the term “sides” referring to that surface of the mouths11,12which is opposite to the one which faces the first duct C1and the second duct C2, respectively.

The provisions of the present invention concerning the first and second mouths11,12make it possible to considerably improve the potential of the filter1according to the present invention, since such provisions allow the filter1according to the present invention to be used without distinction in different configurations.

In fact, the filter1according to the present invention can be used indifferently in:a first configuration, wherein the first mouth11is associated with a duct for delivering the fluid to a power generator, and wherein the second mouth12is associated with a return duct of the heating and/or cooling system;a second configuration, wherein the first mouth11is associated with a return duct of the heating and/or cooling system, and wherein the second mouth12is associated with a duct delivering the fluid to a power generator.

It should be noted that, since the filter1according to the present invention is generally installed under a power generator (or boiler), when said filter1is used:in the first configuration, it is mounted in such a way that (as shown in the annexedFIGS.1b,2a,2b,3aand3b) the first axis X of the first mouth11is substantially vertical and the second axis Y of the second mouth12is substantially horizontal;in the second configuration, it is mounted in such a way that (as shown in the annexedFIG.1a) the first axis X of the first mouth11is substantially horizontal and the second axis Y of the second mouth12is substantially vertical.

It must also be pointed out that the annexed drawings do not show the components belonging to the heating and/or cooling system, i.e., the delivery duct, the power generator and the return duct.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter1according to the present invention comprises a port31(also referred to as “multifunction” port) adapted to put the chamber10in communication with the environment outside the filter1.

For example, said port31may be associated with a pressure gauge, for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said chamber10, or with an air venting device.

Preferably, said “multifunction” port31is associated with the closing element or plug30.

In accordance with the present invention the filtering element20is coupled to the closing element30; in this respect, the filtering element20and the closing element30comprise mutual coupling means (e.g., respective threads), which allow fixing the filtering element20to the closing element30.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing element30comprises a sheath32adapted to house the filtering element20.

In addition, the filtering element20preferably comprises a magnet cartridge22adapted to house said at least one magnetic element21, in particular said magnet cartridge22being in turn housed inside the sheath32of the closing element30.

As shown inFIGS.2b,3b, the magnet cartridge22and the sheath32develop in such a way as to allow positioning said at least one magnetic element21inside the chamber10of the filter1.

Preferably, said at least one magnetic element21has a substantially rod-like shape, and the main body2of the filter1has a substantially cylindrical or cup-like shape, said magnetic element extending within the chamber10substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body2of the filter1(which substantially coincides with the second axis Y of the second mouth12); as a consequence, in this embodiment also the magnet cartridge22and the sheath32extend within the chamber10in a direction parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12.

The magnet cartridge22is extractable, since it can be separated from said sheath32and/or from said at least one magnetic element21; also, the magnet cartridge22and the sheath32are preferably made of plastic material. Such provisions facilitate the removal of the ferrous residues captured by said at least one magnetic element21, which would otherwise be difficult to carry out because of the considerable intensity of the magnetic field generated by said at least one magnetic element21.

Preferably, the filter1according to the present invention comprises a second filtering element25, in particular of the mesh type, positioned in the chamber10for subjecting the fluid to be treated to a mechanical filtering, in particular for the purpose of trapping non-ferromagnetic impurities that may be present in said fluid to be treated; as a consequence, said second filtering element25permits subjecting the fluid to an additional filtering action so as to capture any non-ferromagnetic impurities that may have escaped the magnetic field exerted by the magnetic filtering element20.

In a preferred embodiment, said second filtering element25is so constructed as to have a substantially tubular shape and extend parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12.

Preferably, the second filtering element25is positioned in the chamber10in such a way as to enclose or contain the filtering element20; moreover, the second filtering element25is preferably positioned in the chamber10in such a way as to enclose or contain the assembly consisting of the filtering element20, the magnet cartridge22and the sheath32.

Advantageously, the main body2comprises a wall2A (particularly visible inFIG.2b), which extends in the chamber10parallel to the second axis Y of the second mouth12, so as to mate with a tract of the second filtering element25and allow it to be positioned correctly inside the chamber10.

In particular, also the wall2A has a substantially tubular shape, and its cross-section may be slightly greater (as shown inFIG.2b) than that of the second filtering element25, so that said wall2A can be fitted over the initial tract of the second filtering element25. It is however clear that the wall15may alternatively be designed with a cross-section slightly smaller than that of the second filtering element25, so that it can be inserted into an initial tract of the second filtering element25.

Furthermore, the closing element30may be so shaped as to comprise a recess (not shown in the drawings), in particular having a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front (i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis A-A of the filter1), which is adapted to receive an end portion of the second filtering element25and allow it to be positioned correctly inside the chamber10, in particular in co-operation with the wall2A.

Preferably, the filter1according to the present invention is provided with a third filtering element26comprising at least one additional magnetic element.

In particular, said third filtering element26of magnetic type is positioned inside the chamber10in a manner such as to be associated with or fixed to the inner wall of the main body2, i.e., that wall of the main body2which faces towards the chamber10; as an alternative, said third filtering element26of magnetic type may be associated with the closing element30.

The provision of a filter1comprising a first filtering element20of magnetic type, a second filtering element25of mechanical type (mesh) and a third filtering element26of magnetic type ensures a complete filtration of the fluid flowing in the chamber10.

In this regard, it must be pointed out that the filtration of the fluid flow will occur in different ways (while still being optimal) depending on the configuration in which the filter1of the present invention is used, with the shut-off element40being always positioned in the first “open” position (which allows the flow of fluid to enter the chamber10and exit said chamber10).

In fact, in the situation wherein the filter1according to the present invention is used in the configuration referred to herein as “first configuration” (i.e., that configuration—shown in the annexedFIGS.1b,2a,2b,3aand3b—in which the first mouth11is associated with a duct for delivering the fluid to a power generator, and in which the second mouth12is associated with a return duct of the heating and/or cooling system), the fluid enters the chamber10through the second duct C2, undergoes a first (magnetic) filtration as it flows in proximity to the first filtering element20, undergoes a second (mechanical) filtration as it flows through the second mesh-type filtering element25(the direction of flow being from the inside to the outside), undergoes a third (magnetic) filtration as it flows in proximity to the third filtering element26, and then exits the chamber10through the first duct C1.

Whereas in the situation wherein the filter1according to the present invention is used in the configuration referred to herein as “second configuration” (i.e., that configuration—shown in the annexedFIG.1a—in which the first mouth11is associated with a return duct of the heating and/or cooling system, and wherein the second mouth12is associated with a duct for delivering the fluid to a power generator), the fluid enters the chamber10through the first duct C1, undergoes a first (magnetic) filtration as it flows in proximity to the third filtering element26, undergoes a second (mechanical) filtration as it flows through the second mesh-type filtering element25(the direction of flow being from the outside to the inside), undergoes a third (magnetic) filtration as it flows in proximity to the filtering element20, and then exits the chamber10through the second duct C2.

It is therefore apparent that, regardless of the mode in which said filter1is mounted (whether horizontally, in the “first configuration”, or vertically, in the “second configuration”), the flow of fluid will anyway be subjected to three filtering stages, i.e., a first filtering stage of magnetic type, a second filtering stage of mechanical type, and a third filtering stage, again of magnetic type.

In this frame, the provision of three filtering stages (magnetic/mechanical/magnetic) in accordance with the features of the filter1of the present invention ensures an optimal filtration of the fluid flow independently of the mode of installation and type of configuration (horizontal or vertical) of said filter1.

The features of the filter1according to the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof, are apparent from the above description.

In fact, the provisions of the present invention make it possible to realize the filter1in such a way as to ensure optimal removal of the impurities that are present in a fluid flowing in said water supply network, while at the same time facilitating the maintenance work necessary for removing the residues of impurities that have accumulated after the heat-transfer fluid has flowed therethrough many times. In particular, the filter1according to the present invention makes it possible to easily isolate the filter1from the heating and/or cooling system; in fact, it will be sufficient to operate the shut-off element40in order to isolate the filter1from the system and drain only the fluid that is contained in the chamber10in order to clean one or more of the filtering elements20,25,26that are present in said chamber10. As a consequence, it is apparent that the provisions of the present invention avoid the need for draining the whole system when maintenance in necessary for removing from the filtering elements the residues of impurities that have accumulated in the chamber10after the heat-transfer fluid has flowed therethrough many times.

It is therefore apparent that the provision of the shut-off element40allows the filter1of the present invention to be optimally installed in a system without requiring the use of any additional components, such as shut-off valves positioned upstream and downstream of the filter1; as a result, the filter1according to the present invention is particularly suitable also for installation in the limited space available in modern heating and cooling systems.

Furthermore, the peculiar provisions of the filter1according to the present invention make it possible to provide a solution that considerably reduces the complexity and the costs incurred when installing its component in the system, since the filter1avoids the need for purchasing and installing any additional components, such as, for example, shut-off valves to be positioned upstream and downstream of the filter1.

In fact, the provisions of the present invention make it possible to realize said filter1in a manner such that it can be optimally installed in the limited space left available in modern heating and cooling systems.

Moreover, the provisions of the present invention make it possible to provide a filter1that turns out to be very versatile, in that such provisions will allow an installer to easily and readily use the filter1in association with different types of power generators and different installation configurations.

In this frame, it is apparent that the provision of three filtering stages (magnetic/mechanical/magnetic) in accordance with the features of the filter1of the present invention ensures an optimal filtration of the fluid flow independently of the mode of installation of said filter1(whether horizontal, in the “first configuration”, or vertical, in the “second configuration”).

The filter1for treating a fluid in a piping of a heating and/or cooling system, in particular of domestic and/or industrial type, described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations without however departing from the spirit of the inventive idea; it is also clear that in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.