Filter element locking structure

Abstract

The filter element locking structure comprises a support and a filter assembly, the support is provided with a containing cavity with an opening in one end, the filter assembly comprises a filter element, an end cover and a locking piece, and the filter element enters and exits the containing cavity through the opening; the end cover is rotatably mounted at one end of the filter element, a limiting cavity is defined by the end cover and the filter element, the locking piece is limited in the limiting cavity, the support is provided with a limiting groove, and the end cover rotates relative to the filter element to act on the locking piece so as to lock the locking piece. And the locking piece is matched with the limiting groove to stop and lock the filter element in the accommodating cavity, or the locking piece is separated from the limiting groove to unlock the filter element. Through rotation of the end cover, the locking piece is matched with the limiting groove to stop and lock the filter element in the containing cavity, or the locking piece is separated from the limiting groove to unlock the filter element, so that the filter element is convenient to replace, time-saving and labor-saving, and the element replacement cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water purifier technology, specifically to a filter cartridge locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] Water purifiers are mainly used to filter and purify water to ensure it meets safe and healthy drinking standards. As people increasingly value the health of their drinking water, household water purifiers are gradually becoming indispensable daily necessities.

[0003] The key component of a home water purifier is the filter cartridge. As a consumable, the filter cartridge needs to be replaced after a period of use. Currently, there are two ways to replace home water purifier filter cartridges on the market: one is that the filter cartridge is fixed to the filter cartridge holder by a threaded connection. When replacing the filter cartridge, the user needs to use a special wrench to remove the filter cartridge from the holder. This often requires after-sales service personnel to perform the filter cartridge replacement, and because the filter cartridge replacement operation is relatively cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, it greatly reduces the convenience of filter cartridge replacement; the other is that the filter cartridge uses a quick-connect method, which uses the interlocking structure to snap onto the filter cartridge holder. When replacing the filter cartridge, the user can manually rotate or pull the snap handle to replace it. However, both of these filter cartridge replacement methods require considerable operating force, and users cannot complete the filter cartridge replacement operation with one hand, resulting in a poor filter cartridge replacement experience and higher replacement costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a filter cartridge locking structure to solve the technical problems of cumbersome disassembly and assembly, time-consuming and labor-intensive operation, and high replacement cost of filter cartridges in existing household water purifiers.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] A filter cartridge locking structure includes a support and a filter assembly. The support has a receiving cavity with an opening at one end. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge, an end cap, and a locking member. The filter cartridge enters and exits the receiving cavity through the opening. The end cap is rotatably mounted on one end of the filter cartridge and surrounds the filter cartridge to form a limiting cavity. The locking member is confined within the limiting cavity. The support has a limiting groove. The end cap rotates relative to the filter cartridge to act on the locking member, causing the locking member to engage with the limiting groove to lock the filter cartridge in the receiving cavity, or causing the locking member to disengage from the limiting groove to unlock the filter cartridge.

[0007] The filter element locking structure provided in this application also includes the following additional technical features:

[0008] The end cap has a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion is recessed in a direction away from the limiting groove. When the end cap rotates relative to the filter element, one of the concave portion and the convex portion faces the limiting groove, and the other portion is misaligned with the limiting groove. When the convex portion faces the limiting groove, it pushes the locking member to move to a position that matches the limiting groove. When the concave portion faces the limiting groove, the locking member disengages from the limiting groove and moves into the concave portion.

[0009] The locking member is configured as a spherical structure, and the filter element is provided with guide ribs protruding toward the limiting cavity. The guide ribs form a guide channel, and the guide channel guides the locking member to move toward the limiting groove or toward the concave part.

[0010] The guide channel is provided with a stop surface, which is used to stop and limit the locking member in the pushing state of the convex part to a position that cooperates with the limiting groove. The stop surface is configured as an inclined surface that can drive the locking member to disengage from the limiting groove and roll toward the concave part.

[0011] Multiple concave portions and convex portions are alternately connected to form an annular structure, and multiple locking members are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the filter element on the outer side of the annular structure, with each locking member corresponding to one concave portion or one convex portion.

[0012] The end cap is provided with a plurality of annular reinforcing ribs located inside the annular structure, and the plurality of annular reinforcing ribs are connected to the annular structure through radial reinforcing ribs.

[0013] The end cap has a through hole, and a rotatable bushing is provided in the through hole. The filter element has a screw post, and the filter element locking structure also includes a screw. The screw passes through the bushing and is connected to the screw post to realize the rotatable connection between the end cap and the filter element.

[0014] The filter element locking structure also includes a torsion spring, which is pressed between the end cap and the filter element. The torsion spring applies a force to the end cap, causing the end cap to rotate in the direction that drives the locking member to engage with the limiting groove.

[0015] The end cap is provided with a guide groove, and the filter element is provided with a guide protrusion. The guide protrusion slides in conjunction with the guide groove, and the two ends of the guide protrusion abut against each other to limit the rotation angle of the end cap.

[0016] The bracket includes a bracket body and a bracket cover. The receiving cavity is disposed on the bracket body. The bracket cover is detachably installed on the bracket body. The bracket cover has a connecting wall extending from the opening into the receiving cavity. The limiting groove is disposed on the connecting wall.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the technical effects achieved by this application include at least the following:

[0018] 1. The filter element locking structure provided in this application allows the locking element to move within the limiting cavity after the filter element is installed in the receiving cavity of the bracket. Rotation of the end cap causes the locking element to engage with the limiting groove, locking the filter element in place within the receiving cavity. Furthermore, rotation of the end cap also disengages the locking element from the limiting groove, unlocking the filter element. Therefore, the locking and unlocking of the filter element within the bracket does not require specialized tools such as wrenches, nor does it require on-site service personnel to replace the filter element. Users can easily remove and replace the filter element from the bracket themselves by rotating the end cap, saving time and effort, greatly improving the convenience of filter element replacement, and effectively reducing replacement costs. Furthermore, since the end cap is rotatably connected to the filter element, and the locking element is confined within the limiting cavity formed by the end cap and the filter element, the end cap, filter element, and locking element are not assembled independently onto the bracket. Instead, they can be pre-assembled into an integral filter assembly and then installed together on the bracket. The filter element is locked by rotating the end cap and engaging with the limiting groove. Similarly, after unlocking the filter element, simply grasp the end cap to remove the entire filter assembly from the receiving cavity, greatly improving the ease of assembly and disassembly of the filter assembly on the bracket.

[0019] 2. As a preferred embodiment of this application, the end cap has a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion is recessed in a direction away from the limiting groove, providing space for the locking member to retract after disengaging from the limiting groove. The convex portion has a closer distance to the limiting groove, allowing it to push the locking member towards the limiting groove, thus enabling the locking member to engage with the limiting groove. Furthermore, the continuous pushing action of the convex portion maintains the engagement between the locking member and the limiting groove, ensuring reliable locking of the filter element. Because the end cap and the filter element rotate together, when the end cap rotates, the concave portion and the convex portion can selectively engage with the locking member, allowing the locking member to move flexibly and enabling switching between unlocked and locked states for the filter element.

[0020] 3. As a preferred embodiment of this application, the locking element is configured as a spherical structure, capable of changing position by rolling within the limiting cavity. The spherical structure has minimal rolling friction with the inner wall of the limiting cavity, resulting in low frictional resistance during position changes. Therefore, less force is required to rotate the end cap, making filter element replacement easier. The guide channel formed by the guide ribs guides the movement of the locking element, defining its trajectory and preventing misalignment within the limiting cavity that could affect the locking and unlocking of the filter element.

[0021] Furthermore, a stop surface is provided within the guide channel. This stop surface is used to restrain the locking member in the convex part's pushing state, confining it to a position that mates with the limiting groove. In other words, when the convex part pushes the locking member to the position that mates with the limiting groove, the locking member is precisely against the stop surface, forming a state where the locking member is clamped between the convex part and the stop surface. This ensures that the locking member is stably confined in the state of mates with the limiting groove, improving locking reliability. Moreover, after the filter assembly is removed entirely from the receiving cavity, the stop surface still restricts the locking member, preventing it from coming out of the limiting cavity. In addition, the stop surface is configured as an inclined surface capable of driving the locking member to disengage from the limiting groove and roll towards the concave part. This allows the locking member to automatically roll towards the concave part and unlock the filter element under the drive and guidance of the stop surface when the end cap is rotated to a state where the concave part is directly opposite the limiting groove. This eliminates the need for other tools to drive the locking member towards the concave part, resulting in a simple structure and convenient unlocking.

[0022] 4. As a preferred embodiment of this application, multiple concave and convex portions are alternately connected to form a ring structure and correspond to multiple locking elements, so that multiple locking elements can be synchronously driven to the position that cooperates with the limiting groove, thereby achieving multiple locking of the filter element, greatly improving the reliability and stability of locking. Moreover, multiple locking elements can simultaneously retract into the concave portion to achieve synchronous unlocking.

[0023] 5. As a preferred embodiment of this application, after the screw passes through the bushing, it cooperates with the screw post to limit the bushing to a rotating shaft structure for the end cover to rotate. This can not only limit the end cover axially, but also ensure that the end cover can be easily rotated circumferentially, and also make the end cover easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0024] Furthermore, the torsion spring is pressed between the end cap and the filter element. The torsion spring applies a force to the end cap, causing the end cap to rotate in the direction in which the driving locking element engages with the limiting groove. Through this design, after the filter element is placed in the receiving cavity, the end cap can automatically rotate under the elastic drive of the torsion spring, thereby driving the locking element to engage with the limiting groove without human intervention, greatly improving the convenience of filter element replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 It shows the state of the locking element engaging with the limiting groove;

[0029] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 It shows the state of the locking element engaging with the limiting groove;

[0030] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 It shows the state in which the locking element is disengaged from the limiting groove;

[0031] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the filter element locking structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 It shows the state in which the locking element is disengaged from the limiting groove;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the filter element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the torsion spring provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket cover provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] List of components and reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Bracket, 11. Receiving cavity, 12. Limiting groove, 13. Bracket body, 14. Bracket cover, 15. Connecting wall;

[0038] 2. Filter element; 21. Guide rib; 22. Guide channel; 23. Stop surface; 24. Screw post; 25. Guide protrusion.

[0039] 3. End cap, 31. Concave part, 32. Convex part, 33. Annular reinforcing rib, 34. Radial reinforcing rib, 35. Through hole, 36. Guide groove, 37. Handle;

[0040] 4 locking components;

[0041] 5 limiting cavities;

[0042] 6-axis sleeve;

[0043] 7 screws;

[0044] 8. Torsion springs. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0048] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, a filter element locking structure is provided. For ease of explanation and understanding, the following content provided in this application is based on the illustrated product structure. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the above structure is only a specific example and illustrative illustration, and does not constitute a specific limitation on the technical solution provided in this application.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, the filter element locking structure provided in this application includes a bracket 1 and a filter assembly. The bracket 1 has a receiving cavity 11 with an opening at one end. The filter assembly includes a filter element 2, an end cap 3, and a locking member 4. The filter element 2 enters and exits the receiving cavity 11 through the opening. The end cap 3 is rotatably mounted on one end of the filter element 2 and surrounds the filter element 2 to form a limiting cavity 5. The locking member 4 is limited within the limiting cavity 5. The bracket 1 has a limiting groove 12. The end cap 3 rotates relative to the filter element 2 to act on the locking member 4, so that the locking member 4 cooperates with the limiting groove 12 to stop and lock the filter element 2 within the receiving cavity 11, or to release the locking member 4 from the limiting groove 12 to unlock the filter element 2.

[0052] The filter cartridge locking structure provided in this application can be applied to household water purifiers. It also has reference value for other water purification devices. After the filter cartridge 2 is installed in the receiving cavity 11 of the bracket 1, the locking member 4 can be moved within the limiting cavity 5 by rotating the end cap 3. This allows the locking member 4 to engage with the limiting groove 12, locking the filter cartridge 2 within the receiving cavity 11. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the state where the locking element 4 is engaged with the limiting groove 12, locking the filter element 2. Furthermore, the filter element 2 is unlocked by rotating the end cap 3, causing the locking element 4 to disengage from the limiting groove 12. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows the state where the locking element 4 disengages from the limiting groove 12, unlocking the filter element 2. It is evident that the locking and unlocking operation of the filter element 2 within the bracket 1 does not require the use of special wrenches or other auxiliary tools, nor does it require after-sales service personnel to perform on-site filter element replacement. Users can easily remove and replace the filter element 2 from the bracket 1 themselves by rotating the end cap 3, saving time and effort, greatly improving the convenience of filter element 2 replacement, and effectively reducing replacement costs. Furthermore, since the end cap 3 is rotatably connected to the filter element 2, and the locking member 4 is confined within the limiting cavity 5 formed by the end cap 3 and the filter element 2, the end cap 3, filter element 2, and locking member 4 are not independently assembled onto the bracket 1. Instead, they can be pre-assembled into an integral filter assembly, which is then installed together on the bracket 1. The filter element 2 is locked by the rotation of the end cap 3 and the engagement of the locking member 4 with the limiting groove 12. Similarly, after unlocking the filter element 2, simply grasp the end cap 3 to remove the entire filter assembly from the receiving cavity 11, greatly improving the ease of assembly and disassembly of the filter assembly on the bracket 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, a handle 37 may be provided on the end cap 3 to facilitate rotation of the end cap 3.

[0053] Regarding the method by which the end cap 3 engages or disengages with the locking member 4 and the limiting groove 12 through rotation, as a preferred embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the end cap 3 has a concave portion 31 and a convex portion 32. The concave portion 31 is recessed in a direction away from the limiting groove 12. When the end cap 3 rotates relative to the filter element 2, one of the concave portion 31 and the convex portion 32 faces the limiting groove 12, while the other is misaligned with the limiting groove 12. When the convex portion 32 faces the limiting groove 12, it pushes the locking member 4 to move to a position that engages with the limiting groove 12. When the concave portion 31 faces the limiting groove 12, the locking member 4 disengages from the limiting groove 12 and moves into the concave portion 31. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 The image shows the state when the convex part 32 is directly opposite the limiting groove 12. At this time, the convex part 32 pushes the locking member 4 to move to the position where it mates with the limiting groove 12; as shown Figure 5 The diagram shows the state when the concave portion 31 is directly opposite the limiting groove 12. At this time, the locking member 4 moves to a position that engages with the concave portion 31 and disengages from the limiting groove 12. Those skilled in the art will understand that the concave portion 31 is recessed in a direction away from the limiting groove 12, providing the locking member 4 with space to retract after disengaging from the limiting groove 12. Furthermore, the locking member 4 is limited by the concave portion 31 after entering its interior and will not move freely within the limiting cavity 5. The convex portion 32 has a closer distance to the limiting groove 12, allowing it to push the locking member 4 towards the limiting groove 12, thus engaging the locking member 4 with the limiting groove 12. Under the continuous pushing action of the convex portion 32, the engagement state between the locking member 4 and the limiting groove 12 can be maintained, ensuring that the filter element 2 is reliably locked. Since the end cap 3 rotates with the filter element 2, when the end cap 3 rotates, the concave part 31 and the convex part 32 can selectively engage with the locking member 4, allowing the locking member 4 to move flexibly and realize the switching between the unlocked and locked states of the filter element 2.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the locking member 4 is configured as a spherical structure, and the filter element 2 is provided with guide ribs 21 protruding into the limiting cavity 5. The guide ribs 21 form a guide channel 22, which guides the locking member 4 to move toward the limiting groove 12 or toward the concave portion 31. Those skilled in the art will understand that the locking member 4, being configured as a spherical structure, can change position by rolling within the limiting cavity 5. The spherical structure has low rolling friction with the inner wall of the limiting cavity 5, resulting in low frictional resistance when the locking member 4 changes position. Therefore, less force is required to rotate the end cap 3, making it easier to replace the filter element 2. The guide channel 22 formed by the guide ribs 21 guides the movement of the locking member 4, defining its movement trajectory and preventing misalignment of the locking member 4 within the limiting cavity 5, which could affect the locking and unlocking of the filter element 2. As an alternative embodiment, the locking member 4 can also be selected from other structures different from the spherical structure, such as a conical structure, a frustum-shaped structure, and an irregular structure, etc. Preferably, the guide channel 22 formed by the guide rib 21 can be set as a straight channel, so that the locking member 4 can move in a straight line within the guide channel 22 to switch positions, ensuring the reliability of locking and unlocking the filter element 2.

[0055] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the guide channel 22 is provided with a stop surface 23. The stop surface 23 is used to stop and limit the locking member 4 in the pushing state of the convex part 32, and to keep it in a position that cooperates with the limiting groove 12. The stop surface 23 is configured as an inclined surface that can drive the locking member 4 to disengage from the limiting groove 12 and roll towards the concave part 31. Those skilled in the art will understand that when the convex part 32 pushes the locking member 4 to the position that cooperates with the limiting groove 12, the locking member 4 is exactly abutting against the stop surface 23, forming a state in which the locking member 4 is clamped between the convex part 32 and the stop surface 23, ensuring that the locking member 4 is stably limited in the state that cooperates with the limiting groove 12, and improving the locking reliability. Moreover, after the filter assembly is removed from the receiving cavity 11 as a whole, the stop surface 23 can still restrict the locking member 4 and prevent the locking member 4 from coming out of the limiting cavity 5. Furthermore, the stop surface 23 is configured as an inclined surface that can drive the locking member 4 to disengage from the limiting groove 12 and roll toward the concave portion 31. This allows the locking member 4 to automatically roll toward the concave portion 31 and unlock the filter element 2 under the drive and guidance of the stop surface 23 when the end cover 3 rotates to the state where the concave portion 31 is directly opposite the limiting groove 12. This eliminates the need for other tools to drive the locking member 4 toward the concave portion 31, resulting in a simple structure and convenient unlocking.

[0056] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, multiple concave portions 31 and convex portions 32 are alternately connected to form a ring structure, and multiple locking members 4 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the filter element 2 on the outer side of the ring structure. Each locking member 4 corresponds to one concave portion 31 or one convex portion 32. Figure 3 As shown, with all the convex portions 32 facing the limiting groove 12, all the locking members 4 are pushed by the convex portions 32 to a state where they engage with the limiting groove 12, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, with all the concave portions 31 facing the limiting groove 12, all the locking members 4 disengage from the limiting groove 12 and move into the concave portion 31. Those skilled in the art will understand that this design allows multiple locking members 4 to be simultaneously driven to positions that engage with the limiting groove 12, achieving multiple locking of the filter element 2 and significantly improving locking reliability and stability. Furthermore, multiple locking members 4 can simultaneously retract into the concave portion 31, achieving synchronous unlocking.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the end cap 3 is provided with a plurality of annular reinforcing ribs 33 located inside the annular structure. The plurality of annular reinforcing ribs 33 are connected to the annular structure through radial reinforcing ribs 34. The radial reinforcing ribs 34 connect the annular reinforcing ribs 33 with the annular structure formed by the concave part 31 and the convex part 32 into one unit. This helps to utilize the supporting effect of the annular reinforcing ribs 33 and the radial reinforcing ribs 34 on the concave part 31 and the convex part 32, improve the structural strength of the concave part 31 and the convex part 32, increase the resistance to deformation, and prevent the concave part 31 and the convex part 32 from undergoing irreversible large deformation, which would affect the driving of the locking member 4.

[0058] In other alternative embodiments, the end cap 3 can also use other suitable structures to switch the locking member 4 between the locked position of the locking filter element 2 and the unlocked position of the unlocked filter element 2. For example, a magnetic structure can be installed on the end cap 3, and the locking member 4 can be configured as a magnetically attracted metal structure. The locking member 4 can be switched in position by means of repulsion and attraction between the magnetic structure and the locking member 4.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the end cap 3 has a through hole 35, within which a rotatable bushing 6 is provided. The filter element 2 has a screw post 24, and the filter element locking structure further includes a screw 7. The screw 7 passes through the bushing 6 and connects to the screw post 24 to achieve a rotatable connection between the end cap 3 and the filter element 2. Specifically, taking the aforementioned scheme where the end cap 3 has annular reinforcing ribs 33 and radial reinforcing ribs 34 as an example, the through hole 35 can be positioned at the joint point of multiple radial reinforcing ribs 34. This location provides higher structural strength and helps improve the assembly reliability of the end cap 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that after the screw 7 passes through the bushing 6, it cooperates with the screw post 24 to define the bushing 6 as a rotating shaft structure for the end cap 3 to rotate. This not only provides axial positioning of the end cap 3 but also ensures that the end cap 3 can easily rotate circumferentially, and also makes the end cap 3 easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the filter element locking structure also includes a torsion spring 8, which is pressed between the end cap 3 and the filter element 2. The torsion spring 8 applies a force to the end cap 3, causing the end cap 3 to rotate in the direction that drives the locking member 4 to engage with the limiting groove 12. This design allows the end cap 3 to automatically rotate under the elastic drive of the torsion spring 8 after the filter element 2 is placed in the receiving cavity 11, thereby driving the locking member 4 to engage with the limiting groove 12 without manual intervention, greatly improving the convenience of filter element replacement. Furthermore, under this design, during assembly, before inserting the filter element 2 into the receiving cavity 11, the end cap 3 needs to be manually rotated to retract the locking member 4 into the concave portion 31, thereby preventing the filter element 2 from interfering with the bracket 1 when inserted into the receiving cavity 11. After the filter element 2 is in place, it is released from the end cap 3, and the automatic return characteristic of the torsion spring 8 drives the end cap 3 to rotate until the convex portion 32 is aligned with the limiting groove 12, thereby automatically driving the locking member 4 to engage with the limiting groove 12, thus locking the filter element 2. Specifically, a protrusion can be provided on both the end cap 3 and the filter element 2, and the two protrusions engage with the hooks at the inner and outer ends of the torsion spring 8, thereby elastically connecting the torsion spring 8 between the end cap 3 and the filter element 2.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the end cap 3 is provided with a guide groove 36, and the filter element 2 is provided with a guide protrusion 25. The guide protrusion 25 slides in conjunction with the guide groove 36. The two ends of the guide protrusion 25 and the guide groove 36 abut against each other to limit the rotation angle of the end cap 3, thereby giving the end cap 3 two rotation limit positions. In other words, when the guide protrusion 25 abuts against one end of the guide groove 36, the end cap 3 reaches one of the rotation limit positions, and when the guide protrusion 25 abuts against the other end of the guide groove 36, the end cap 3 reaches the other rotation limit position. Specifically, taking the aforementioned embodiment as an example, one of the two rotation limit positions can be set to the position where the concave part 31 is directly opposite the limiting groove 12, and the other can be set to the position where the convex part 32 is directly opposite the limiting groove 12. Therefore, through this design, the two rotation limit positions correspond to the unlocked state and the locked state of the filter element 2, respectively. By simply switching the end cap 3 between the two rotation limit positions, the filter element 2 can be unlocked or locked.

[0062] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the bracket 1 includes a bracket body 13 and a bracket cover 14. The receiving cavity 11 is disposed on the bracket body 13, and the bracket cover 14 is detachably installed on the bracket body 13. The bracket cover 14 has a connecting wall 15 extending from the opening into the receiving cavity 11, and the limiting groove 12 is disposed on the connecting wall 15. Those skilled in the art will understand that, compared to the scheme of placing the limiting groove on the bracket body, placing it on the bracket cover 14 can utilize the miniaturization and simplicity of the bracket cover 14 structure to improve the ease of processing the limiting groove 12. Furthermore, since the bracket cover 14 is detachably installed on the bracket body 13, it provides another option for disassembling the filter element 2. For example, when the fit between the end cap 3 and the filter element 2 fails and is not repaired in time, the filter assembly can be removed from the receiving cavity 11 by removing the bracket cover 14 from the bracket body 13 for easy maintenance. The method of detachably connecting the bracket cover 14 and the bracket body 13 is not limited; for example, they can be connected by screws, clips, etc.

[0063] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0064] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0065] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A filter element locking structure, characterized in that, The device includes a support and a filter assembly. The support has a receiving cavity with an opening at one end. The filter assembly includes a filter element, an end cap, and a locking member. The filter element enters and exits the receiving cavity through the opening. The end cap is rotatably mounted on one end of the filter element and surrounds the filter element to form a limiting cavity. The locking member is limited within the limiting cavity. The support has a limiting groove. The end cap rotates relative to the filter element to act on the locking member, causing the locking member to engage with the limiting groove to lock the filter element in the receiving cavity, or causing the locking member to disengage from the limiting groove to unlock the filter element.

2. The filter element locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap has a concave portion and a convex portion. When the end cap rotates relative to the filter element, one of the concave portion and the convex portion faces the limiting groove, and the other portion is misaligned with the limiting groove. When the convex portion faces the limiting groove, it pushes the locking member to move to a position that matches the limiting groove. When the concave portion faces the limiting groove, the locking member disengages from the limiting groove and moves into the concave portion.

3. The filter element locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking member is configured as a spherical structure, and the filter element is provided with guide ribs protruding toward the limiting cavity. The guide ribs form a guide channel, and the guide channel guides the locking member to move toward the limiting groove or toward the concave part.

4. The filter element locking structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide channel is provided with a stop surface, which is used to stop and limit the locking member in the pushing state of the convex part to a position that cooperates with the limiting groove. The stop surface is configured as an inclined surface that can drive the locking member to disengage from the limiting groove and roll toward the concave part.

5. The filter element locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple concave portions and convex portions are alternately connected to form an annular structure, and multiple locking members are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the filter element on the outer side of the annular structure, with each locking member corresponding to one concave portion or one convex portion.

6. The filter element locking structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a plurality of annular reinforcing ribs located inside the annular structure, and the plurality of annular reinforcing ribs are connected to the annular structure through radial reinforcing ribs.

7. The filter element locking structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The end cap has a through hole, and a rotatable bushing is provided in the through hole. The filter element has a screw post, and the filter element locking structure also includes a screw. The screw passes through the bushing and is connected to the screw post to realize the rotatable connection between the end cap and the filter element.

8. The filter element locking structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter element locking structure also includes a torsion spring, which is pressed between the end cap and the filter element. The torsion spring applies a force to the end cap, causing the end cap to rotate in the direction that drives the locking member to engage with the limiting groove.

9. The filter element locking structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a guide groove, and the filter element is provided with a guide protrusion. The guide protrusion slides in conjunction with the guide groove, and the two ends of the guide protrusion abut against each other to limit the rotation angle of the end cap.

10. The filter element locking structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The bracket includes a bracket body and a bracket cover. The receiving cavity is disposed on the bracket body. The bracket cover is detachably installed on the bracket body. The bracket cover has a connecting wall extending from the opening into the receiving cavity. The limiting groove is disposed on the connecting wall.

Images