DE202022101042U1 - filter device - Google Patents

Abstract

Filter device for bulk material, in particular for coffee, tea and/or the like, with a filter arrangement (2) which serves to receive a suspension of bulk material and water, the filter arrangement (2) having an outlet opening (3) for filtrate, and with a Blocking device (4) which serves to selectively close and/or open the discharge opening (3), characterized in that the blocking device (4) provides a pressure medium (7) for pressurizing the discharge opening (3) on the discharge side.

Description

The invention relates to a filter device for bulk material, in particular for coffee, tea and/or the like, with a filter arrangement which serves to hold a suspension of bulk material and water, the filter arrangement having an outlet opening for filtrate, and with a blocking device which can be optionally closed and/or opening the outlet opening.

For pressureless brewing of hot drinks, preferably coffee, filters such as bag, basket, pointed and round filters or pyramid filters are often used. These typically consist of filter paper or metal, particularly in the case of a permanent screen used as a filter.

These pressureless brewing methods are used both for manual brewing and for household and catering machines or large systems.

It is known that, in order to achieve an optimized extraction, it makes sense to allow the bulk material an individual steeping time, the so-called contact time. The suspension formed from bulk material and water should therefore remain within the filter arrangement for a predeterminable time before the filtrate can be discharged as intended, i. H. of the filtered water takes place via the outlet opening of the filter assembly.

In order to enable such a drawing or contact time, filter devices are known from the prior art that have a blocking device. The outlet opening of the filter arrangement can be closed by means of such a blocking device, so that the outlet opening can be closed and/or opened as desired depending on the desired brewing or contact time.

Blocking devices known from the prior art have a shut-off valve that can be actuated manually and/or electrically. Such previously known check valves can have locking means in the form of balls, flaps, slides, pins and/or the like in a manner known per se. However, all previously known blocking devices have the disadvantage that they are prone to failure, generally allow only poor cleaning and, moreover, lead to an impairment of the improved taste result that is actually desired by providing a contact time. These disadvantages of previously known blocking devices arise in particular because hot beverages such as coffee or tea tend to stick together when they cool down and dry. Such adhesions impair the effective function of previously known blocking devices, resulting in the disadvantages already mentioned.

Based on the above-described prior art, it is therefore the object of the invention to further develop a filter device of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that a blocking device that is less susceptible to faults is provided with the aim of improving the taste.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a filter device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that the blocking device provides a pressure medium for pressurizing the drain opening on the drain side.

The blocking device provided according to the invention is designed without a valve. For the purpose of selectively closing and/or opening the discharge opening, a pressure medium is used instead, which, in the intended use case, serves to pressurize the discharge opening, specifically on the discharge side. The pressure medium provided according to the invention is therefore not used to pressurize a suspension of bulk material and water contained in the filter arrangement, but rather to block the outflow of filtrate from the filter arrangement by pressurizing the outlet opening on the outlet side. Consequently, an overpressure is built up on the outlet side of the passage opening, which prevents filtrate from flowing out of the filter arrangement. Only when the excess pressure generated by the pressure medium has been eliminated, for example by switching off the pressure medium, is the discharge opening released again for the filtrate to flow through.

The configuration according to the invention therefore makes it possible to be able to open and close the discharge opening in a contact-free manner, to be precise optionally. This advantageously allows the contact time of the suspension within the filter arrangement to be specified as desired. In particular, it is possible, before the filter arrangement is charged with water, to build up a counter-pressure by means of the pressure means provided according to the invention, which leads to the drain opening being closed. After a subsequent filling of water and possibly also bulk material into the filter arrangement, a suspension accommodated by the filter arrangement forms, namely until the back pressure is reduced by switching off the pressure medium. At this moment, the drain opening is opened and the filtrate can leave the filter arrangement via the released drain opening. In of the filter arrangement then only the filter cake remains.

Since the selective closing and opening of the discharge opening, which is possible according to the configuration according to the invention, takes place without contact, impairments due to any sticking effects are avoided. In contrast to the prior art, a reliable, maintenance-free system that also does not affect the taste result is advantageously created. Compared to the blocking device known from the prior art, the configuration according to the invention is not only safer in operation, it also supports an optimization of the desired taste result due to the contact time that can be optionally specified.

• Das Filtrat hat zu keiner Zeit Kontakt zu Fremdmaterial. Es gibt keine schlecht zu reinigenden Kanäle oder Flächen, bei denen es durch Verklebung zu Fehlfunktionen kommen kann.

Further advantages of the configuration according to the invention result as follows:

• The filtrate never comes into contact with foreign material. There are no difficult-to-clean channels or surfaces where sticking can lead to malfunctions.

It is possible to manufacture devices that are made entirely of glass or porcelain, for example.

The pressure medium can be, for example, an air pump that can be operated manually or electrically, which is either arranged directly on the filter arrangement or is designed separately from it. For example, an arrangement of the pressure medium is also possible on a collection container for the filtrate or within a base provided by the device.

The overpressure generated in the intended use can either be routed directly to the filter arrangement or be applied to an integrated vessel for temporary storage. This ensures even better mixing of a suspension and rapid discharge of filtrate.

An additional advantage is that the amount of water can be poured onto the bulk material in one go. The filter volume can be large enough to hold the entire amount. Repeated brewing or slow pouring is no longer necessary. The configuration according to the invention is therefore suitable both for the manual sector and for domestic use or the industrial sector. In the industrial sector, a brewing quantity of 1.8 liters per brewing or more is to be understood. The household range covers a brewing quantity of about 0.5 liters to 1.8 liters per brewing.

The configuration according to the invention is therefore suitable for single-cup brewing, so-called pour over, domestic coffee machines, catering and bulk consumer devices.

The overpressure can be generated manually by a mechanical drive or electrically by an electric drive.

An additional advantage is given by the possibility of accelerating the passage by negative pressure after a desired contact time has been completed. In this way, air pressure pumps can usually be switched over from pressure suction, so that the pressure medium according to the invention can be used not only to generate positive pressure, but also to generate negative pressure.

The vacuum function is particularly useful for filters where the pores tend to clog quickly, such as the finely ground espresso coffee grounds used in paper filters. When filtering, for example by shaking, vibrating or swivelling, the filter pores often become clogged more easily, so that the use of negative pressure is particularly advantageous here as well.

The contact time can be individually adjusted to each individual bulk material by means of a controller. The controller can be integrated into the blocking device according to the invention, with programs that can be specified by the operator being able to be selected. In addition, an individual contact time can be specified, for example, by simply entering a key.

The control can also be used to set change processes. "Change sequence" means an individual sequence of shut-off and flow, i.e. an alternation of "scalding" and "pouring".

When using overpressure, the mechanism can also be used to pour hot water over the brewed food, i. H. the bulk material can be used.

Other substances, in particular oxygen, from pressurized bottles can also be used as a means of generating pressure. In this case, oxygen in particular has a strongly beneficial influence on the taste result, especially on tea and/or coffee as bulk material.

With a constant supply of air or oxygen, bubbles also advantageously form in the filter arrangement as a result of the excess pressure. The rising bubbles can be used for optimal mixing of the suspension. A filter specifically designed for this purpose A well-designed filter arrangement can increase or optimize this effect.

If the overpressure and the resulting formation of bubbles are used to mix the suspension, it can cool down. This can be avoided if the air used to generate excess pressure is heated. For this purpose, the device according to the invention can have appropriate heating devices.

The principle according to the invention can be applied to all common filter types. This also applies to filter types, pointed, basket, pyramid and round filters, but also to permanent glass, porcelain or metal filters.

An airtight seal between the filter arrangement and the collection container, beaker or jug can be achieved mechanically or electrically by gravity, a tensioning or spring mechanism, a rotary or magnetic closure. Movable components can be formed from silicone, for example, as a collar or bellows.

Advantageously, the contact time and speed of filling from the filter arrangement can be regulated individually. The values can be adapted to the tastes of the user. The very different qualities and freeness of the bulk material and other indicators such as water quality and temperatures can be taken into account.

According to a further feature of the invention, the invention proposes that the filter device has a collection container for filtrate, the filter arrangement and the collection container being in operative connection with one another with the interposition of a seal. The collection container can be, for example, a jug, a cup and/or another container that receives the filtrate coming from the filter device as intended. A seal is provided for generating negative pressure within the collection container, with the filter arrangement being arranged on the collection container with the seal arranged in between. The seal ensures that an overpressure generated in the collection container leads to a closure of the discharge opening provided by the filter arrangement on the discharge side.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the pressure medium is embedded in the sealing material forming the seal. The pressure medium is therefore surrounded by the material of the seal, which means that there is a virtually one-piece component made up of seal and pressure medium. In particular, this simplifies handling in the intended use case and also makes it possible to keep the seal together with the pressure medium clean. In particular, it is possible to remove any adhering dirt or contaminants using water without the pressure medium protected by the material of the seal being adversely affected.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the filter device has a fluid-tight housing for accommodating the collection container.

According to this embodiment variant, a housing is provided which provides a volumetric space which serves to form overpressure in the intended use case. When used as intended, this housing accommodates the collection container. After the excess pressure has been removed, the outlet opening of the filter arrangement is released in the manner already described above, so that filtrate released by the filter arrangement can then be transferred to the collection container housed in the housing.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the pressure medium is fluidically connected to the collection container and/or the housing. This fluidic connection enables pressure to be generated within the collection container or the housing. Alternatively, in the manner already described above, a negative pressure can also be formed when the pressure medium is switched over to suction operation. Such a negative pressure formation serves in particular to bring about an improved outflow of filtrate from the filter arrangement. In particular, such a negative pressure formation can serve to avoid unwanted blockages of the filter pores.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the pressure medium is a compressed air pump. The compressed air pump can either be designed to be operated manually or an electrically operated compressed air pump is provided. The design of an electrically operable compressed air pump is particularly suitable when it comes to generating larger amounts of filtrate.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that an accumulator is provided. This serves to operate an electrically designed compressed air pump. The design of an accumulator has the advantage that the device according to the invention can also be used without an external power supply from the public power grid in can be operated as intended. An externally accessible interface, for example in the form of a USB connection, can be provided for charging the accumulator.

According to a further feature of the invention, the filter device has a display. This display serves a user in particular to display the contact time that has already passed in the intended use case.

In addition, the display can also be used to indicate other operating parameters for user inspection, such as the status of the pump, the charge level of the accumulator, the amount of filtrate filtered off and/or the like.

• 1 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine erste erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform;
• 2 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine erfindungsgemäße Druckeinheit;
• 3 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 4 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine dritte Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 5 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine vierte Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 6 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine fünfte Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 7 in schematischer Schnittdarstellung eine sechste Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description based on the figures. show it

• 1 in a schematic sectional view a first embodiment according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a printing unit according to the invention;
• 3 in a schematic sectional view a second embodiment of the invention;
• 4 a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention;
• 5 in a schematic sectional view a fourth embodiment of the invention;
• 6 a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the invention;
• 7 a schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a filter device 1 according to the invention in a schematic sectional view.

The filter device 1 has a filter arrangement 2, a collection container 13 and a seal 12 arranged between the filter arrangement 2 and the collection container 13.

The filter arrangement 2 in turn has a filter holder 15, which consists, for example, of plastic and, when used as intended, a preferably made of paper and in 1 not shown receives filter bag. On the sealing side, the filter holder 15 has a connection plate 19 which ensures that the filter arrangement 2 fits tightly against the seal 12 .

The filter bag held by the filter holder 15 is to be filled by the user in a manner known per se with, for example, coffee in bulk and with water. As a result, a suspension of bulk material and water forms inside the filter bag.

The filter arrangement 2 has an outlet opening 3 for transferring filtrate into the collection container 13 . Corresponding to the outlet opening 3 of the filter arrangement 2 , a flow channel 14 provided by the seal 12 is provided. When the outlet opening 3 is open, the filtrate discharged from the filter arrangement flows through both the outlet opening 3 and the through-flow channel 14 connected to it in terms of flow. Finally, the filtrate reaches the collection container 13.

A blocking device 4 is provided for selectively closing and/or opening the discharge opening 3, which in an embodiment according to the invention 2 is shown.

According to embodiment 2 the blocking device 4 designed according to the invention has a pressure unit 5. This has a carrier material or housing 6, which provides a pressure medium 7, for example in the form of a compressed air pump. This pressure medium 7 is connected to a pressurization line 10 on the output side.

The printing unit 5 also has an accumulator 8 and a display 9.

The accumulator 8 is used to supply power to the electrically operable compressed air pump 7. The display 9 is used by a user in particular to be able to display the status of the pump 7, the accumulator 8 and/or the like.

When used as intended, the compressed air pump 7 is fluidically connected to the volume space 18 provided by the collection container 13 by means of the pressurization line 10 and a channel 11 of the seal 12 communicating therewith This pressure build-up results in a virtual closure of the outlet opening 3 since, due to the overpressure prevailing in the volume space 18, no outflow of filtrate from the filter arrangement 2 into the collection container 13 is permitted. As long as the overpressure in the collection vessel 13 is maintained by means of the compressed air pump 7, the outlet opening 3 is blocked for the passage of filtrate. As soon as the pump 7 is switched off, the excess pressure in the collection container is reduced nis 13, which then leads to an opening of the outlet opening 13 with the result that the filtrate can be transferred from the filter assembly 2 into the collection container 13.

The optional opening and closing of the outlet opening 3 in the prescribed manner by applying or removing an overpressure in the volume space 18 allows the individual specification of a contact time, i. H. the time the suspension formed by the spill material and water is housed in the filter assembly.

According to the embodiment after 2 the printing unit 5 is designed as a separate structural unit. This can be positioned optionally, also in the sense of a retrofit.

3 In contrast to this, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment according to which the components of the pressure unit 5 are integrated into the material of the seal 12 . In particular, the compressed air pump 7 and the accumulator 8 are embedded in the material of the seal 12 . An intake duct 16 is provided for the purpose of air connection for the compressed air pump 7 . Furthermore, a pressurization channel 17 is provided by the seal 12 , which opens into the volume space 18 provided by the collection container 13 at a distance from the pump.

The seal 12 also provides a display 9 and a USB port 22 . The USB port 22 serves in particular to charge the rechargeable battery 8.

Another embodiment of the invention is 4 shown. In contrast to the embodiment according to 1 the filter holder 15 does not have a specially designed connecting plate 19. For a secure seal between the filter arrangement 2 and the filter 12, a circumferential sealing band 21 is therefore additionally provided. Furthermore, a cover 20 is provided for a top closure of the filter unit 15 .

Another embodiment of the invention is 5 shown. This is similar in construction to the embodiment 3 , In contrast to a collection container 13, for example in the form of a jug, a collection container 13 is provided, which is designed to be stationary and has a tap 23 for removing filtrate. A peripheral seal 24 is provided for additional sealing of this stationary collection container 13 and the filter arrangement 2 .

Another embodiment shows 6 . According to this embodiment, the collection container 13 is equipped as a can with a handle 25 arranged on it. The collection container 13 is closed with a cover designed as a seal 12 . This absorbs the filter holder 15 of a filter arrangement 2 in a sealing manner.

The handle 25 of the collection container 13 provides the printing unit 5 , the individual components of the printing unit 5 being integrated into the handle 25 .

Another embodiment shows 7 . A housing 27 is then used, which is designed to be pressure-tight and is fluidically connected to the filter arrangement 2 via the outlet opening 3 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the filter arrangement 2 has a handle 26, which enables simple handling, in particular in the case of a new assembly.

Remote from the filter assembly, the housing 27 rests on a floor with a gasket 28 interposed. The printing unit 5 or its individual components are integrated into this floor.

In the intended use case, the volume space provided by the housing 27 is pressurized. As a result, opening or closing of the outlet opening 3 can be regulated. The collection container 13 is also arranged within the volume space provided by the housing 27 and collects filtrate discharged from the filter arrangement 2 when the outlet opening 3 is open.

Reference List

1

filter device

2

filter assembly

3

exhaust port

4

locking device

5

pressure unit

6

Housing

7

pressure medium (compressed air pump)

8th

accumulator

9

Advertisement

10

pressurization line

11

channel

12

poetry

13

collection container

14

flow channel

15

filter holder

16

intake duct

17

pressurization channel

18

volume space

19

connection plate

20

cover

21

sealing tape

22

USB port

23

Faucet

24

poetry

25

Handle

26

handle

27

Housing

28

poetry

Claims (10)

Filter device for bulk material, in particular for coffee, tea and/or the like, with a filter arrangement (2) which serves to receive a suspension of bulk material and water, the filter arrangement (2) having an outlet opening (3) for filtrate, and with a Blocking device (4) which serves to selectively close and/or open the discharge opening (3), characterized in that the blocking device (4) provides a pressure medium (7) for pressurizing the discharge opening (3) on the discharge side. filter device claim 1 , characterized in that it has a collection container (13) for filtrate, the filter arrangement (2) and the collection container (13) being in operative connection with one another with the interposition of a seal (12). filter device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pressure medium (7) is embedded in the sealing material forming the seal (12). filter device claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that it has a pressure-tight housing (27) for receiving the collection container (13). Filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure medium (7) is fluidically connected to the collection container (13) and/or the housing (27). filter device claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the pressure medium (7) is provided by a pressure unit (5) which is designed separately from the filter arrangement (2), the collection container (13) and/or the housing (27). Filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure medium (7) is a compressed air pump. filter device claim 7 , characterized in that the compressed air pump is electrically operable. filter device claim 8 , characterized by an accumulator (8). Filter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a display (9).

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