Filter unit with flow regulator

摘要

A filtration system for an appliance includes a water source coupled with the appliance to provide an intake water flow. A filter unit is coupled with water source to receive the intake water flow and dispense a filtered water flow. An isolation valve is coupled between the water source and the filter unit and movable between a first position and a second position. A distribution valve is coupled with an ice maker and a water dispenser of the appliance. The distribution valve receives the filtered water flow when the isolation valve is in the first position, and the distribution valve receives the intake water flow via a bypass line when the isolation valve is in the second position. The isolation valve is configured to move to the second position upon expiration of the service life of the filter unit.

主权项

1. A filter unit for an appliance, comprising:
a body portion having an exterior surface and a hollow interior volume; a filter media portion disposed entirely within the interior volume and having a service life; an inlet aperture disposed on the exterior surface and extending into the interior volume, wherein the inlet aperture fluidly couples with a first side of the filter media portion to deliver a flow of unfiltered water; an outlet aperture disposed on the exterior surface and extending into the interior volume, wherein the outlet aperture fluidly couples a second side of the filter media portion to dispense a flow of filtered water; and a flow regulator disposed within the body portion and configured to reduce the flow of filtered water from dispensing from the outlet aperture upon elapsing the service life; wherein the flow regulator includes a dual-port valve disposed proximate the outlet aperture and having a large port, a small port, and a plate blocking the small port and providing flow through the large port and out through the outlet aperture before elapsing the service life of the filter media portion, and wherein the plate is slidable from the small port to block the large port upon elapsing the service life while providing less flow through the small port and out through the outlet aperture; and wherein the large and small ports are in the same plane and perpendicular to the body portion.