WO2009030055A2

WO2009030055A2 - Water filter cartridge for a water tank, and drinks machine comprising a water tank and a water filter cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2009030055A2
Application number: PCT/CH2008/000346
Authority: WO
Inventors: Beat Aregger; Peter Kathriner
Original assignee: Elfo Ag
Priority date: 2007-09-06
Filing date: 2008-08-14
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Also published as: CH702497B1; WO2009030055A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinks machine comprising a water filter, said machine comprising a water tank (6) having an outlet (8). The drinks machine also comprises a water filter cartridge (1) provided with an inlet (4) at the top and an outlet at the bottom, the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) being connectable to the outlet (8) of the water tank (6). Said drinks machine also comprises a line (10, 11) arranged in the water tank (6), said line comprising an inlet (12) located in the lower region of the water tank (6) and an outlet that can be connected to the inlet (4) of the water filter cartridge (1).

Description

description

Water filter cartridge for a water tank and beverage machine with water tank and water filter cartridge

Technical area

The invention relates to a water filter cartridge for a water tank and a beverage machine with water tank and water filter cartridge.

Water filter cartridges are installed in water tanks of beverage machines to treat the water in the water tank. For this purpose, there is a filter granulate inside the water filter cartridge which demineralizes and decarbonates the water passed through the filter cartridge. In addition, fine particles can be filtered out. There is a connection in the water tank, onto which the filter cartridge is inserted and from which the treated water can be removed from the water tank. In order to suck the water through the filter cartridge, the beverage machine preferably has a suction pump.

State of the art

From the prior art DE 10 2004 049876 Al is a

Water filter cartridge known in which the inlet region and the outlet opening in the bottom region of the water tank are arranged. The outlet opening is via a bypass connected to the inlet region, which is arranged in the lower portion of the outflow chamber. As a result, not all of the sucked by the beverage machine water is filtered, but only the part that flows through the filter chamber. The other part is mixed unfiltered via the bypass. Thus, contaminated water can get into the beverage machine unfiltered. This is particularly disadvantageous in bacteriological terms.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a water filter cartridge and a beverage machine with water tank and water filter cartridge, in which the water tank can be largely emptied and in which the entire sucked by the beverage machine water is filtered.

In addition, it should be ensured that the water filter cartridge is flowed through evenly.

The object is achieved by a beverage machine with water filter with the features according to claim 1.

The beverage machine with water filter according to the invention has a water tank with an outlet connection. In addition, the beverage machine comprises a water filter cartridge, which has an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom, wherein the outlet of the water filter cartridge can be connected to the outlet connection of the water tank. The beverage machine also includes a water tank arranged conduit whose inlet opening is located in the lower region of the water tank and whose outlet is connectable to the inlet of the water filter cartridge.

The object is also achieved by a beverage machine with water filter with the features according to claim 7. The beverage machine with water filter according to the invention comprises a water tank with an outlet connection. In addition, the beverage machine comprises a water filter cartridge which has an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom, wherein the outlet of the water filter cartridge can be connected to the outlet connection of the water tank. Furthermore, the beverage machine comprises a hood which is put over the water filter cartridge and which is open at the bottom.

Finally, the object is also achieved by a water filter cartridge with the features according to claim 11.

^'The inventive water filter cartridge for a water tank comprises a housing having a plurality of laterally arranged inlet ports and at the bottom an outlet.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the features indicated in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment of the beverage machine according to the invention, the line is designed as a hose. This has the advantage that the line is flexible and easily adapts to the particular geometry of the water tank.

In a further embodiment of the beverage machine according to the invention, the water tank has a lid, wherein the line is attached to the lid.

Moreover, in the case of the beverage machine according to the invention, the line can be fastened to the wall of the water tank. This will ensure that the

Inlet opening of the line at any time the same distance from the bottom of the water tank has.

To solve the problem is also proposed that in the inventive beverage machine, a portion of the line is integrated into the wall of the water tank.

According to a further feature of the invention may be provided in the beverage machine, an extension tube which is arranged between the outlet of the water filter cartridge and the outlet port of the water tank.

In a further development of the beverage machine according to the invention, the hood is releasably attached to the water tank.

In a further embodiment of the beverage machine according to the invention, the hood is attached to the water filter cartridge.

In addition, it can be provided that in the beverage machine according to the invention the hood has a fixing element in order to fix the water filter cartridge. Thereby Ensures that the water filter cartridge is properly positioned at all times.

In one embodiment of the inventive water filter cartridge is provided that the inlet openings are arranged one above the other.

In another embodiment of the inventive water filter cartridge, the lower inlet openings are smaller than the upper inlet openings. As a result, less water is drawn through the lower inlet openings than through the upper inlet openings.

In a further embodiment of the inventive water filter cartridge is provided that the number of inlet openings increases towards the top. This also ensures that less water is sucked in at the bottom of the water filter cartridge than in the upper area.

In order to achieve the object, it is further proposed that in the water filter cartridge according to the invention the inlet openings are so small that the filter material which is located in the water filter cartridge can not escape.

The beverage machine with the water filter cartridge just described comprises a water tank having an outlet port, wherein the outlet of the water filter cartridge is connectable to the outlet port of the water tank. Finally, in the beverage machine according to the invention, a seal can be provided which is arranged between the outlet of the water filter cartridge and the outlet connection of the water tank.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention with several exemplary embodiments with reference to 8 figures will be further explained.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a filter unit with water tank in the side view in section.

Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the filter unit with water tank in a three-dimensional view, wherein the water tank is partially shown in section.

FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment of the water filter cartridge with a suction line attached thereto.

Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the water filter unit with a modified suction in a three-dimensional view partially in section.

FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment of the filter unit with two water tanks in a three-dimensional view. FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention in a side view in section.

Figure 7 shows the second embodiment of the filter unit in a three-dimensional view obliquely from below.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the filter cartridge obliquely in a three-dimensional view

^■ from below.

Figure 9 shows the third embodiment of the filter cartridge in a three-dimensional view obliquely from above.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a first possible embodiment of the inventive water filter unit for a beverage machine in the side view in section. The beverage machine can be, for example, a coffee machine or a tea machine. The beverage machine not shown in FIG. 1 comprises a water tank 6, in which a water tank 6 is located

Filter cartridge 1 is located. The filter cartridge 1, which is also referred to below as a water filter cartridge, has a design that is adapted to the shape of the water tank 6. It has on its upper side an inlet opening 4 for the water to be filtered. On the

Bottom, the filter cartridge 1 has a port 5 with an outlet opening from which the filtered water emerges. Inside the filter cartridge 1 is located granular filter material, which ensures that the water to be filtered, among other things of bacteria and. Chlorine is released and lime and heavy metals are retained. On a wall of the water tank 6 is a riser 11, the inlet opening 12 is disposed in the lower region and thus in the vicinity of the bottom of the water tank 6. On the upper side, the riser 11 is connected via a further line 10 to the inlet opening 4 of the water filter cartridge 1.

In operation, a suction pump of the beverage machine sucks unfiltered water from the water tank 6 via the riser 11 and the line 10 into the water filter cartridge 1. There, the sucked water is filtered and passed through the outlet 5 of the filter cartridge 1 in the

Outlet 9 of the water tank 6 and from there, for example, to the brewing unit of the beverage machine.

The water filter cartridge 1 comprises an upper housing part 2 and a lower housing part 3, wherein the two housing parts 2 and 3 are connected to each other in a watertight manner, for example by gluing or welding.

Between the connecting piece 8 of the water tank 6 and the connection or connecting element 5 of the water filter cartridge 1 is preferably a seal 13 to ensure that no unfiltered water from the water tank 6 reaches the tank outlet 9. The connection element 5 can be designed as an adapter. This has the advantage that the water filter cartridge 1 can be used for different types of water tanks without having to change the design of the water filter cartridge 1. The adapter 5 is designed to be in fits its first installation position for a water tank of a first type and in its second installation position for a water tank of a second type.

To replace the water filter cartridge 1, the pipe 10 is first removed from the upper inlet opening 4 of the water filter cartridge 1. Subsequently, the water filter cartridge 1 is withdrawn from the connecting piece 8 of the water tank 6. Now a new water filter cartridge 1 is placed on the connecting piece 8 and the line 10 is again connected to the inlet opening 4 of the water filter cartridge 1. For hygienic reasons, the line 10 can be replaced.

The line 10 may be formed as a hose. Preferably, it is inserted into the inlet opening 4 of the water filter cartridge 1. Of course, however, other detachable connections are possible.

In Figure 2, the first embodiment of the filter unit is shown in a three-dimensional view partially in section. The riser 11 is in the embodiment according to Figure 2 part of the water tank 6. It can be firmly connected to the wall of the water tank 6 or integral part of the wall of the water tank 6.

In FIG. 3, the filter unit, which comprises the water filter cartridge 1 and the line 10, is shown in a three-dimensional view obliquely from below. The line 10 protrudes in this embodiment approximately to the lower edge of the filter cartridge 1. The filter cartridge 1 may additionally have ribs 15 in the upper region to to increase the grip of the filter cartridge. The ribs 15 are particularly helpful when inserting and removing the filter cartridge 1 in and out of the water tank 6.

The embodiment shown in Figure 4 differs from the previous embodiment in that the lines 10 and 11 extend to the lid 14 of the water tank 6 and the line 10 is secured to the lid 14. To replace the water filter cartridge 1 this only has to be removed and a new water filter cartridge 1 are used. Additional handles are not necessary. Another advantage is that the water filter cartridge 1 is centered and fixed during operation.

It is not mandatory that the water filter cartridge is placed in the water tank. The water filter cartridge can also be arranged outside the water tank.

FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment of the filter unit with two water tanks in a three-dimensional view. The filter unit is located in the first water tank 6 and is connected via the line 10 with a second water tank 18. The line 10 projects into the second water tank 18 and is connected there in the lower area with a pipe guide 19. The pipe guide 19 in turn has an inlet opening in the vicinity of the tank bottom, through which the water is sucked in and passes via the line 10 into the water filter 2. In Figure 6, a second possible embodiment of the filter unit in the side view is shown in section. In this embodiment, the water filter cartridge 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 5 can be used. Instead of the two lines 10 and 11, a hood 20 is used. The hood 20 is placed over the water filter cartridge 1 and is dimensioned so that between the housing 2, 3 of the water filter cartridge 1 and the inner wall of the hood 20 creates a passage through which the water to be filtered from the bottom of the water tank 6 up to the inlet opening 4 of the water filter cartridge 1 is sucked.

In Figure 7, the water filter cartridge 1 is shown together with the hood 20 in a three-dimensional view obliquely from below. The filter unit according to FIG. 7 functions according to the same principle as the filter unit according to FIGS. 1 to 5.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, a second embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 'is shown in three-dimensional view. The second embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 'differs from the first embodiment of the filter cartridge 1 in that it no longer has an inlet opening 4 on the upper side. Instead, located laterally in the upper housing 2, a number of inlet openings 30, through which the water to be filtered into the interior of the filter cartridge 1 'passes.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the number of

Inlet openings 30 and 30 'from bottom to top. This ensures that in the lower part of the water filter cartridge 1 'less water and in the upper area the water filter cartridge 1 'more water is sucked. The same effect can also be achieved by differently sized inlet openings 30 and 30 '. Thus, smaller inlet openings 30 can be provided in the lower area of the water filter cartridge 1 'and larger inlet openings 30' can be provided in the upper area of the water filter cartridge 1 '.

By the measures described an extension of the life of the water filter cartridge 1 'is achieved.

In the lid of the water filter cartridge 1 ', as shown in Figure 9, a date 17 may be provided which indicates when the water filter cartridge 1 is to be replaced. Via a turntable 16, the desired date can be set.

The lower housing part 3 and the outlet port 5 are the same in the first and the second embodiment of the water filter cartridge.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the water filter cartridge 1 can be readily adapted to the design of the water tank without thereby the filter quality is changed. Thus, the water filter cartridge for a narrow, high water tank also be correspondingly narrow and high.

According to a further feature of the invention may be provided in the beverage machine, an extension tube which is arranged between the outlet 5 of the water filter cartridge 1, 1 'and the outlet port 8 of the water tank 6. The water filter cartridge 1, 1 'can in this Case additionally be fixed on top of the lid 14 of the water tank 6.

The foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention serves only ^{'illustrative} purposes and not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 filter cartridge

1 'filter cartridge

2 housing cover

3 housing base

4 inlet

5 outlet

6 water tank

7 soil

8 connecting pieces

9 tank outlet

10 intake manifold

11 intake pipe

12 inlet

13 seal

14 lids

15 ribs

16 turntable

17 months

18 more water tank

19 pipe guide

20 hood

30 inlet openings

30 'upper inlet openings

Claims

claims

1. Beverage machine with water filter,

with a water tank (6) having an outlet connection (8),

- With a water filter cartridge (1) having an inlet above (4) and below an outlet (5), wherein the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) with the outlet port (8) is connectable, and - with a water tank (6) arranged line (10, 11), the inlet opening (12) is in the lower region of the water tank (6) and whose outlet with the inlet (4) of the water filter cartridge (1) is connectable.

2. Beverage machine according to claim 1, wherein the line (10, 11) is formed as a hose.

3. Beverage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water tank (6) has a cover (14) and the line (10, 11) on the lid (14) fixed o- in the lid (14) is integrated.

4. Beverage machine according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the line (10, 11) on the wall of the water tank (6) is attached.

5. Drinks machine according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the conduit (10, 11) in the wall of the water tank (6) is integrated.

6. Beverage machine according to one of the claims 1 to 5, with an extension tube, which between the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) and the outlet port (8) of the water tank (9) is arranged.

7. Beverage machine with water filter,

with a water tank (6) having an outlet connection (8),

with a water filter cartridge (1) having an inlet (4) at the top and an outlet (5) at the bottom, the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) being connectable to the outlet port (8), and with one above Water filter cartridge (1) inverted hood (20), which is open at the bottom.

8. Beverage machine according to claim 7, wherein the hood (20) is attached to the water tank (6).

9. Beverage machine according to claim 7, wherein the hood (20) is attached to the water filter cartridge (1).

10. Beverage machine according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the hood (20) has a fixing element in order to fix the water filter cartridge (1).

11. Water filter cartridge for a water tank of a beverage machine, comprising a housing (2) having a plurality of laterally arranged inlet openings (30) and below an outlet (5).

12. Water filter cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the inlet openings (30) are arranged one above the other.

A water filter cartridge according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the lower inlet openings (30) are smaller than the upper inlet openings (30 ').

14. Water filter cartridge according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the number of inlet openings (30, 30 ') increases towards the top.

15. Water filter cartridge according to one of the claims 11 to 14, - with granular filter material, and

- In which the inlet openings (30, 30 ') are so small that the filter material can not escape.

16. beverage machine with a water filter cartridge according to one of the claims 11 to 15, - with a water tank (6), which has an outlet connection (8),

- Wherein the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) with the outlet port (8) is connectable.

17. A beverage machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, with a seal which is arranged between the outlet (5) of the water filter cartridge (1) and the outlet port (8) of the water tank (6).