Filter element assembly and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a filter element assembly and a coffee machine, and relates to the technical field of filtration, the filter element assembly comprises a filter bottle, a filter structure, a microporous structure and a central pipe, a filter cavity is formed in the filter bottle, an opening is formed in one end of the filter cavity, and the filter structure is arranged at the end, away from the opening, of the filter cavity; the microporous structure is arranged at the end, close to the opening, of the filtering cavity and comprises a support and a fabric layer, and the support is connected with the inner wall of the filtering cavity; a mounting hole is formed in the bracket, a hollow area is arranged around the mounting hole, and the hollow area is covered with a fabric layer; one end of the central pipe is detachably connected with the filtering structure; the other end of the central pipe is connected with the mounting hole. According to the technical scheme provided by the invention, the filter bottle, the filter structure, the microporous structure and the central pipe are split into single parts, so that separate mold stripping during production is facilitated, and the difficulty of production forming is reduced; the micropore structure adopts the fabric layer, so that a structure with a small pore diameter can be more conveniently formed, and the filter material is prevented from leaking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of filtration technology, and in particular to a filter cartridge assembly and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines, as automated brewing equipment, are widely used in homes, offices, and commercial settings. However, in the manufacturing process of existing coffee machine filters, the internal filter media, composed of granular carbon and resin, has a small particle size. Therefore, a microporous structure needs to be incorporated into the water outlet pipe to reduce leakage. Currently, a microporous structure is integrated with the filter bottle or central hole. However, due to molding limitations, the injection pressure cannot be too high for the small-diameter microporous structure, as excessive pressure can easily cause clogging. Furthermore, because the flow path of the filter bottle or central tube is too long, low injection pressure can lead to material shortages at the edges of the flow path in the injection molded part, making it difficult to produce even smaller microporous structures. Consequently, the filter cartridge still suffers from leakage. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this application is to propose a filter cartridge assembly and a coffee machine, which aims to solve the problem of easy leakage of filter material in existing filter cartridges.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the filter element assembly proposed in this application includes:

[0005] A filter bottle, wherein the filter bottle has a filter chamber inside, and one end of the filter chamber has an opening;

[0006] A filter structure is disposed at the end of the filter cavity away from the opening;

[0007] A microporous structure is provided at one end of the filter cavity near the opening. The microporous structure includes a support and a fabric layer. The support is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter cavity. The support has mounting holes, and a hollow area is provided around the mounting holes. The hollow area is covered by the fabric layer.

[0008] A central tube, one end of which is detachably connected to the filter structure; the other end of which is connected to the mounting hole.

[0009] In one embodiment, the fabric layer is made of polymer fibers; and / or,

[0010] The bracket is made of plastic.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the filter chamber is provided with an abutment portion, which abuts against the side of the microporous structure away from the filter structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bracket includes an outer ring structure, an inner ring structure, and connecting strips. The outer ring structure and the inner ring structure are connected by a plurality of connecting strips, and the hollow area is formed between the connecting strips. The mounting hole is provided on the inner ring structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, a welded layer is provided between the support and the fabric layer, and the support and the fabric layer are connected through the welded layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the filter element assembly further includes a water outlet structure, which includes a connecting end, a boss, and a water outlet end arranged sequentially. The connecting end passes through the mounting hole and engages with the end of the central tube away from the filter structure. The boss abuts against the side of the microporous structure away from the filter structure. The interior of the water outlet structure is provided with a water outlet channel that penetrates the connecting end, the boss, and the water outlet end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the microporous structure is located inside the filter chamber, and an inlet channel is formed between the outer periphery of the water outlet structure and the inner wall of the filter chamber.

[0016] In one embodiment, the filter bottle is equipped with a timing device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the filter assembly further includes a cover that is detachably connected to the end of the filter bottle away from the microporous structure.

[0018] This application also proposes a coffee machine including a filter assembly as described above, wherein the coffee machine is provided with a water inlet, the water inlet being connected to one end of the central tube near the mounting hole.

[0019] The technical solution of this application involves setting a filter chamber inside a filter bottle, wherein one end of the filter chamber has an opening, and the filter chamber also includes a filter structure, a microporous structure, and a central tube. The filter structure is located at the end of the filter chamber away from the opening; the microporous structure is located at the end of the filter chamber near the opening, and the microporous structure includes a support and a fabric layer. The support is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber; the support has a mounting hole, and a hollow area is arranged around the mounting hole, the hollow area being covered by the fabric layer; one end of the central tube is detachably connected to the filter structure; the other end of the central tube is connected to the mounting hole. In this process, water enters the filtration chamber through the microporous structure, where it is filled with filter media. After being filtered by the media, the water flows through one end of the central tube and then out through the other end, completing the filtration process. By separating the filter bottle, filtration structure, microporous structure, and central tube into individual components, each component can be molded separately during production, reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and improving the production precision of the filtration and microporous structures, thus minimizing media leakage. Furthermore, the microporous structure utilizes a support frame and a fabric layer. The support frame provides support for the fabric layer, allowing for easier fabrication with smaller pore sizes. This enhances the filtration precision of the microporous structure, effectively trapping more tiny filter media and preventing leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the filter element assembly provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view of the filter element assembly provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the filter element assembly provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microporous structure of an embodiment of the filter element assembly provided in this application.

[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0026] 1. Filter bottle; 11. Filter chamber; 12. Abutment part; 2. Filter structure; 3. Microporous structure; 31. Support; 311. Hollowed-out area; 312. Outer ring structure; 313. Inner ring structure; 314. Connecting strip; 315. Mounting hole; 32. Fabric layer; 4. Central tube; 5. Water outlet structure; 51. Connecting end; 52. Boss; 53. Water outlet end; 54. Water outlet channel; 6. Water inlet channel; 7. Timing device; 8. Cover.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0031] Coffee machines, as automated brewing equipment, are widely used in homes, offices, and commercial settings. However, in the manufacturing process of existing coffee machine filters, the internal filter media, composed of granular carbon and resin, has a small particle size. Therefore, a microporous structure needs to be incorporated into the water outlet pipe to reduce leakage. Currently, a microporous structure is integrated with the filter bottle or central hole. However, due to molding limitations, the injection pressure cannot be too high for the small-diameter microporous structure, as excessive pressure can easily cause clogging. Furthermore, because the flow path of the filter bottle or central tube is too long, low injection pressure can lead to material shortages at the edges of the flow path in the injection molded part, making it difficult to produce even smaller microporous structures. Consequently, the filter cartridge still suffers from leakage.

[0032] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a filter element assembly.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment of this application, the filter element assembly includes a filter bottle 1, a filter structure 2, a microporous structure 3, and a central tube 4. The filter bottle 1 has a filter chamber 11 inside, with an opening at one end. The filter structure 2 is located at the end of the filter chamber 11 away from the opening. The microporous structure 3 is located at the end of the filter chamber 11 near the opening. The microporous structure 3 includes a support 31 and a fabric layer 32. The support 31 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber 11. The support 31 has a mounting hole 315, and a hollow area 311 is arranged around the mounting hole 315. The hollow area 311 is covered by the fabric layer 32. One end of the central tube 4 is detachably connected to the filter structure 2. The other end of the central tube 4 is connected to the mounting hole 315. In this process, water enters the filter chamber 11 through the microporous structure 3. The filter chamber 11 is filled with filter media. After being filtered by the filter media, the water enters one end of the central tube 4 through the filter structure 2, and then flows out from the other end through the central tube 4, thus completing the filtration of the water. By disassembling the filter bottle 1, filter structure 2, microporous structure 3, and central tube 4 into individual components, each component can be molded separately during production, reducing the difficulty of production and improving the production accuracy of the filter structure 2 and microporous structure 3, thus reducing the leakage of filter media. In addition, the microporous structure 3 uses a support 31 and a fabric layer 32. The support 31 provides support for the fabric layer 32, and the fabric layer 32 can be more easily manufactured with a structure with a smaller pore size, which can improve the filtration accuracy of the microporous structure 3, effectively trap more tiny filter media, and prevent filter media from leaking out of the microporous structure 3.

[0034] In one embodiment, the fabric layer 32 is made of polymer fibers. Polymer fibers can include polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, etc., and are also known as non-woven fabrics. They are lightweight, soft, water-repellent, breathable, non-toxic, and non-irritating. The arrangement and density of the fibers can be adjusted to create a structure with smaller pores, achieving the desired retention effect and preventing filter material leakage. Although polymer fibers are synthetic materials, they are recyclable and have a certain degree of environmental friendliness.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support 31 is made of plastic. The support 31 made of plastic is lightweight, low in cost, and has good chemical corrosion resistance; the support 31 can be rapidly molded using plastic processing technologies such as injection molding and extrusion, resulting in high production efficiency and suitability for mass production.

[0036] In one embodiment, a fusion layer is provided between the support and the fabric layer, and the support and the fabric layer are connected through the fusion layer. The fusion layer forms a stable connection between the support and the fabric layer, wherein the fusion layer utilizes high-frequency vibration waves (transmitted to the connecting surface between the support and the fabric layer), which, under pressure, causes the two surfaces to rub against each other to form a fusion layer between molecular layers, ensuring a strong and reliable connection between the support 31 and the fabric layer 32. This connection process is also called ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, since ultrasonic welding does not require flux or an external heat source, the structure will not deform due to heat when welding the support 31 and the fabric layer 32, and there will be no residual stress. It also avoids contamination during the welding process, preventing pollution of the filtered water.

[0037] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the filter chamber 11 is provided with an abutment portion 12, which abuts against the side of the microporous structure 3 away from the filter structure 2. By abutting the microporous structure 3 against the abutment portion 12 on the inner wall of the filter chamber 11, the shaking or displacement of the microporous structure 3 within the filter chamber 11 is reduced, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the filtration process and simplifying the assembly and maintenance of the filter element assembly. When it is necessary to replace the microporous structure 3 or perform cleaning, the microporous structure 3 can be easily disassembled.

[0038] In one embodiment, the support 31 includes an outer ring structure 312, an inner ring structure 313, and connecting strips 314. The outer ring structure 312 and the inner ring structure 313 are connected by a plurality of connecting strips 314, forming a hollow area 311 between the connecting strips 314. Mounting holes 315 are provided on the inner ring structure 313. The outer ring structure 312 is the outer boundary of the support 31, providing support for the whole; the inner ring structure 313 is located in the central part of the support 31, used to fix and support the fabric layer 32; and the inner ring structure 313 is provided with mounting holes 315 for connecting the central tube 4, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the filtration process; the connecting strips 314 are the middle part connecting the outer ring structure 312 and the inner ring structure 313, which not only provides the continuity and stability of the structure, but also, through the connecting strips 314, the outer ring structure 312, the inner ring structure 313, and the connecting strips 314 form a hollow area 311, which is used to allow liquid to flow into the filter chamber.

[0039] In one embodiment, the filter element assembly further includes a water outlet structure 5, which includes a connecting end 51, a boss 52, and a water outlet end 53 arranged sequentially. The connecting end 51 passes through the mounting hole 315 and engages with the end of the central tube 4 away from the filter structure 2. The boss 52 abuts against the side of the microporous structure 3 away from the filter structure 2. The interior of the water outlet structure 5 is provided with a water outlet channel 54 that passes through the connecting end 51, the boss 52, and the water outlet end 53. The connecting end 51 of the water outlet structure 5 engages with the end of the central tube 4 through the mounting hole 315, forming a stable connection. The boss 52 abuts against the side of the microporous structure 3 away from the filter structure 2, providing additional support and stability for the water outlet structure 5, making the connection between the water outlet structure 5, the central tube 4, and the support 31 more stable, and improving the mechanical stability of the entire filter element assembly. The water outlet channel 54 is an internal channel that runs through the connecting end 51, the boss 52 and the water outlet end 53, ensuring that the filtered liquid can flow unimpeded from the central tube 4 to the water outlet end 53. The water outlet end 53 is the outermost end of the water outlet structure 5, which is responsible for guiding the filtered liquid out of the filter element assembly.

[0040] In one embodiment, the microporous structure 3 is located inside the filter chamber 11, and an inlet channel 6 is formed between the outer periphery of the water outlet structure 5 and the inner wall of the filter chamber 11. The space between the outer periphery of the water outlet structure 5 and the inner wall of the filter chamber 11 forms the inlet channel 6, through which the water to be filtered passes through the microporous structure 3 and enters the filter chamber 11.

[0041] In one embodiment, the filter structure 2 can be a filter cap with a grid structure to ensure that water flows evenly through the filter element while intercepting the filter media, preventing the filter media in the filter chamber 11 from flowing out of the central tube 4. The pore size of the grid structure needs to be smaller than the particle size of the filter media to ensure that the filter media does not leak through the grid. Molding the filter structure 2 separately can improve production accuracy and reduce production difficulty, thereby enabling the production of grid structures with smaller pore sizes. It should be noted that the filter media is composed of granular carbon and resin.

[0042] In one embodiment, the filter bottle 1 is equipped with a timing device 7, which includes a time recording dial and a knob structure. The time dial is engraved with time markers and protrusions, with the protrusions corresponding to the time markers. The knob structure rotates to correspond to the time markers on the time recording dial. In use, the knob structure is turned to the starting point of the time markers. The knob structure rotates as time passes, and when the knob structure reaches the preset time marker, the user will receive a reminder. By using the timing device, users may easily forget the usage time after using the filter cartridge assembly for a period of time. However, the timing device 7 can remind the user to avoid forgetting the usage time and thus forgetting to replace the filter cartridge, resulting in poor filtration effect due to excessive use of the filter cartridge.

[0043] In one embodiment, the filter element assembly further includes a cover 8, which is detachably connected to the end of the filter bottle 1 furthest from the microporous structure 3. The detachable cover 8 makes the installation and replacement of the central tube 4, the filter structure 2, and the microporous structure 3 more convenient and quick. The detachable connection between the cover 8 and the filter bottle 1 typically uses threads, snaps, or sealing rings to ensure a tight seal at the connection point, preventing water leakage or impurities from entering the filter element and ensuring filtration efficiency.

[0044] The technical solution of this application involves setting a filter chamber 11 inside the filter bottle 1. One end of the filter chamber 11 has an opening. The filter chamber 11 also contains a filter structure 2, a microporous structure 3, and a central tube 4. The filter structure 2 is located at the end of the filter chamber 11 away from the opening. The microporous structure 3 is located at the end of the filter chamber 11 near the opening. The microporous structure 3 includes a support 31 and a fabric layer 32. The support 31 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber 11. The support 31 has a mounting hole 315. A hollow area 311 is arranged around the mounting hole 315 and covered by the fabric layer 32. One end of the central tube 4 is detachably connected to the filter structure 2. The other end of the central tube 4 is connected to the mounting hole 315. In this process, water enters the filter chamber 11 through the microporous structure 3. The filter chamber 11 is filled with filter media. After being filtered by the filter media, the water enters one end of the central tube 4 through the filter structure 2, and then flows out from the other end through the central tube 4, thus completing the filtration of the water. By disassembling the filter bottle 1, filter structure 2, microporous structure 3, and central tube 4 into individual components, each component can be molded separately during production, reducing the difficulty of production and improving the production accuracy of the filter structure 2 and microporous structure 3, thus reducing the leakage of filter media. In addition, the microporous structure 3 uses a support 31 and a fabric layer 32. The support 31 provides support for the fabric layer 32, and the fabric layer 32 can be more easily manufactured with a structure with a smaller pore size, which can improve the filtration accuracy of the microporous structure 3, effectively trap more tiny filter media, and prevent filter media from leaking out of the microporous structure 3.

[0045] This application also proposes a coffee machine including a filter assembly. The specific structure of the filter assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this coffee machine adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The coffee machine is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to one end of the central tube 4 near the mounting hole 315.

[0046] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A filter element assembly, characterized in that, include: A filter bottle, wherein the filter bottle has a filter chamber inside, and one end of the filter chamber has an opening; A filter structure is disposed at the end of the filter cavity away from the opening; A microporous structure is provided at one end of the filter cavity near the opening. The microporous structure includes a support and a fabric layer. The support is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter cavity. The support has mounting holes, and a hollow area is provided around the mounting holes. The hollow area is covered by the fabric layer. A central tube, one end of which is detachably connected to the filter structure; the other end of which is connected to the mounting hole.

2. The filter element assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fabric layer is made of polymer fibers; and / or, The bracket is made of plastic.

3. The filter element assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the filter chamber is provided with an abutment portion, which abuts against the side of the microporous structure away from the filter structure.

4. The filter element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The bracket includes an outer ring structure, an inner ring structure, and connecting strips. The outer ring structure and the inner ring structure are connected by a plurality of connecting strips, and the hollow area is formed between the connecting strips. The mounting hole is provided on the inner ring structure.

5. The filter element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A welding layer is provided between the bracket and the fabric layer, and the bracket and the fabric layer are connected through the welding layer.

6. The filter element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filter assembly further includes a water outlet structure, which includes a connecting end, a boss, and a water outlet end arranged in sequence. The connecting end passes through the mounting hole and is engaged with the end of the central tube away from the filter structure. The boss abuts against the side of the microporous structure away from the filter structure. The interior of the water outlet structure is provided with a water outlet channel that passes through the connecting end, the boss, and the water outlet end.

7. The filter element assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The microporous structure is located inside the filter chamber, and a water inlet channel is formed between the outer periphery of the water outlet structure and the inner wall of the filter chamber.

8. The filter element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filter bottle is equipped with a timing device.

9. The filter element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filter element assembly also includes a cover, which is detachably connected to the end of the filter bottle away from the microporous structure.

10. A coffee machine, characterized in that, The coffee machine includes a filter assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coffee machine has a water inlet that is connected to one end of the central tube near the mounting hole.

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