WATER TANK WITH TANK OUTLET VALVE AND WATER FILTER CARTRIDGE WITH TWO WATER FILTER CARTRIDGE OUTLETS WHICH ARE ARRANGED CONCENTRICALLY TO ONE ANOTHER

Abstract

The invention relates to a water tank (1) with water filter cartridge (2), characterized in that the water filter cartridge (2) comprises two water filter cartridge outlets which are arranged concentrically to one another.

Claims

1) Water tank (1) with water filter cartridge (2), wherein the water filter cartridge (2) comprises two water filter cartridge outlets (2.1; 2.2) which are arranged concentrically to one another, characterized in that a first (2.1) of the two water filter cartridge outlets (2.1; 2.2) which are arranged concentrically to one another is arranged so as to be at least axially, preferably also radially, movable in the housing (2.3) of the water filter cartridge (2).

2) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the first movably arranged water filter cartridge outlet (2.1) is configured in the manner of a plug-in element with a tubular portion (2.1.1) for water-tight interaction with a complementary water filter cartridge connecting element (1.1), in particular a tank outlet valve (7.2), arranged on the tank side.

3) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular portion (2.1.1) is manufactured from a more flexible material than the complementary water filter cartridge connecting element (1.1), in particular than the tank outlet valve (7.2), arranged on the tank side.

4) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the tubular portion (2.1.1) forms a sealing surface (2.1.1.1) which acts radially relative to the complementary water filter cartridge connecting element (1.1) arranged on the tank side.

5) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (2.1) of the two water filter cartridge outlets (2.1; 2.2) which are arranged concentrically to one another is assigned to a first flow channel (3) formed by the water filter cartridge (2) and the second water filter cartridge outlet (2.2) is assigned to a second flow channel (4) which is configured at least in some portions separately from the first flow channel (3) through the water filter cartridge (2).

6) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the first flow channel (3) comprises a filter chamber (3.1) which is arranged so as to be at least axially, preferably also radially, movable in the housing (2.3) of the (2) water filter cartridge.

7) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that spacing ribs and/or spacing studs or the like are formed on the movably arranged filter chamber (3.1) and/or in a complementary receiving chamber (4.1) for the filter chamber (3.1) in the water filter cartridge (2), for spacing apart the two chambers (3.1; 4.1) from one another.

8) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the complementary receiving chamber (4.1) for the filter chamber (3.1) is configured as a flow chamber without filter material and as part of the second flow channel (4).

9) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a non-return valve is arranged in at least one of the two flow channels (3; 4).

10) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that a non-return valve is also arranged in the second of the two flow channels (3; 4).

11) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water filter cartridge (2) has a cartridge-side fixing element (2.4.2) for interaction with a complementary tank-side water filter cartridge fixing element (1.1.1), in particular in the form of a bayonet closure.

12) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that an ion exchanger material is arranged in the filter chamber (3.1).

13) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water filter cartridge (2) comprises a particle filter and/or an activated carbon filter.

14) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the complementary water filter cartridge connecting element (1.1) which is arranged on the tank side and which is configured, in particular, as the tank outlet valve, comprises a double valve with concentrically arranged valves (7.1; 7.2).

15) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that the two valves (7.1; 7.2) of the double valve in each case form a spring-loaded valve (7.1; 7.2).

16) Water tank with water filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tank-side appliance connection (7), with two water outlets which are arranged concentrically to one another, is configured on the water tank (1).

17) Water processing machine (10) with water tank (1) and water filter cartridge (2), characterized in that the water tank (1) and water filter cartridge (2) are configured according to one of the preceding claims.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0048] The invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the figures.

[0049] In the figures by way of example and schematically:

[0050] FIG. 1: shows a partial view of a water tank having a water filter cartridge inserted therein in a sectional view with two water filter cartridge outlets which are arranged concentrically to one another and having a tank-side machine connecting element and a machine-side tank connecting element spaced apart therefrom.

[0051] FIG. 2: shows a view as in FIG. 1 but with the connecting elements joined together.

[0052] FIG. 3: shows a similar view to FIG. 2, but with a focus on the water filter cartridge with two hydraulically separated flow channels and the two water filter cartridge outlets which are arranged concentrically to one another for providing two differently processed filtrate flows.

[0053] Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows a detailed sectional view of a water tank 1 with the water filter cartridge 2 inserted therein.

[0054] The water filter cartridge 2 has two water filter cartridge outlets which are arranged concentrically to one another, a first inner water filter cartridge outlet 2.1 and a second outer water filter cartridge outlet 2.2. These water filter cartridge outlets are assigned to two flow channels, a first flow channel 3 and a second flow channel 4, which lead through the water filter cartridge 2 and which are hydraulically separated from one another.

[0055] The water filter cartridge 2 is supplied with water 6 stored in the water tank 1 via the inlet 5 thereof. The direction of flow of the water 6 is shown symbolically by the arrows 6.1.

[0056] The water tank 1 comprises a tank-side machine connecting element 7 extending away from and below the bottom 1.2 thereof. This machine connecting element 7 is of sleeve-like configuration and is provided for the sealed connection to a machine-side tank connecting element 8, shown spaced apart from the tank 1. For the sealed interaction between the water tank and the beverage processing machine, the tank connecting element 8 has a recess/receiver 8.3 which is shaped in a complementary manner for receiving the machine connecting element 7. For increasing the sealing action of this connection, a sealing element 8.3.1, for example an O-ring, may be provided between the machine connecting element 7 and the recess/receiver 8.3. This sealing element 8.3.1 is preferably arranged on the recess/receiver 8.3

[0057] The machine connecting element 7 also comprises two water tank outlet valves 7.1, 7.2 which are arranged concentrically to one another therein. The concentrically internal water tank outlet valve 7.1 is configured for opening and closing the first flow channel 3 through the water filter cartridge 2. The concentrically external water tank outlet valve 7.2 is configured for opening and closing the second flow channel 4 through the water filter cartridge 2, said second flow channel being configured separately from the first flow channel.

[0058] The first water tank outlet valve 7.1 is arranged in a component of the machine connecting element 7 which itself acts as a valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2. It comprises a valve seat which is preferably configured as part of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2. The valve tappet of this first water tank outlet valve 7.1 is concentrically received in an opening of the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2, and in particular sealingly pretensioned by means of a restoring spring so as to bear against the valve seat. For increasing the sealing action, in this embodiment a sealing element in the form of an O-ring is arranged between the valve seat and the valve tappet.

[0059] This first water tank outlet valve 7.1 is configured in a sealing state to be movable with the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2. In other words, when the valve tappet of the second external water tank outlet valve 7.2 is lifted by actuation, i.e. is pressed against the interior of the water tank, for example by placing the tank-side machine connecting element 7 onto the complementary activation element 8.2 of the appliance-side tank connecting element, in principle this has no effect on the closing state of the first internal water tank outlet valve 7.1. Starting from a resting position, this first internal water tank outlet valve still remains closed.

[0060] When the water filter cartridge 2 is inserted in the water tank 1, in order to ensure a permanently reliable seal between the connecting pipe and the first water filter cartridge outlet 2.1, in this case in the form of the tubular portion 2.1.1, even in the case of such an at least axial positional change of the first water tank outlet valve 7.1 assigned thereto, the filter chamber 3.1 connected thereto is also at least axially arranged in the receiving chamber of the water filter cartridge 2.

[0061] This has the effect that irrespective of the closing state of the second external water tank outlet valve 7.2, the first internal water tank outlet valve 7.1 remains closed when handled in the customary manner, until it is activated by an activation element 8.1 which is complementary thereto on the appliance-side tank connecting element 8. Moreover, when handled during normal operation, this is only possible when the water tank is placed onto the machine-side tank connecting element.

[0062] The reliable sealing action between the first water tank outlet valve 7.1 and the tubular portion 2.1.1 is ensured even in the case of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 being potentially jammed on the machine-side tank connecting element 8 when the water tank 1 is removed. This is because a potential pulling action on the connection between the first water tank outlet valve 7.1 and the tubular portion 2.1.1 is prevented by the filter chamber 3.1, which is connected thereto, being arranged so as to be axially movable and lifted in the water filter cartridge 2 in the correctly operated state.

[0063] If the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 were to be jammed, therefore, and thus not immediately released with the removal of the water tank 1, the axial play of the filter chamber 3.1 ensures a sufficient relative freedom of movement of the portion 2.1.1, which is fixedly connected thereto, relative to the filter cartridge 2, so that this portion may participate sufficiently in the relative movement of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 in relation to the water filter cartridge 1 until the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 is forcibly released from the recess/receiver 8.3 of the machine-side tank connecting element 8. This is implemented by the mechanical positioning of the sealing region of the valve tappet on the valve seat defining the range of movement of the first valve tappet. As soon as the valve tappet bears against the valve tappet, it has to be forcibly disengaged from the recess/receiver 8.3 of the machine-side tank connecting element.

[0064] Thus no water is able to be discharged from the water tank 1 via the first filter channel 3 until the water tank outlet valve 7.1 is appropriately lifted by the activation element 8.1.

[0065] For example a descaling agent, for example an ion exchanger, may be arranged in the filter chamber 3.1 in order to treat the water 6 to be processed by the filter cartridge 2 as far as possible against precipitates when the water is heated for preparing hot beverages. Preferably, a further filter section, for example an activated carbon filter for sterilization and/or improving the flavor, is already arranged upstream of the filter chamber 3.1 in the filter cartridge 2, in particular also for processing the water 6 conducted past the filter chamber 3.1 via the flow channel 4.

[0066] When the water tank 1 is removed from the machine-side tank connecting element 8, the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 is in turn also sealingly pressed by means of a restoring spring against the valve seat of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2, preferably also by using an interposed sealing element, in particular an O-ring. The second water tank outlet valve 7.2 closes or opens the flow channel 4 of the water filter cartridge 2, in the state thereof inserted into the water tank, as shown in FIG. 1. The flow channel 4 runs between the external wall of the filter chamber 3.1, which is arranged so as to be at least axially movable in the filter cartridge 2, and the internal wall of the receiving chamber 4.1 movably receiving this filter chamber 3.1 (see also FIG. 3).

[0067] In order to improve the sealing action outwardly when the tank-side machine connecting element 7 is inserted into the machine-side tank connecting element 8 (see FIG. 2), a sealing element 8.3.1, preferably once again in the form of an O-ring, may also be arranged between the machine connecting element 7 and the recess/receiver which is complementary thereto in the machine-side tank connecting element 8. A sealing element 8.1.1, preferably once again in the form of an O-ring, may be arranged in order to increase the selling action inwardly.

[0068] For the sake of completeness, a beverage processing machine 10 is shown schematically or the two pipelines 9.1 and 9.2 starting from the machine-side tank connecting element 8, for conveying the two filtrate flows of the flow channels 3 and 4 which are hydraulically separated from one another. The filtrate flow of the flow channel 3 is conducted centrally through the machine-side tank connecting element 8 into the pipeline 9.1. The filtrate flow of the flow channel 4 is conducted to the pipeline 9.2 via the chamber 8.3.2 formed by the recess/receiver 8.3.

[0069] On the inner face of the water tank 1, the water filter cartridge 2 is connected with a cartridge-side tank connecting element 2.4 to a tank-side water filter cartridge connecting element 1.1. Preferably, in this case these elements are two sleeve-like components which are complementary to one another and which are configured so as to be able to be plugged into one another. A sealing element 2.4.1, for example in the form of an O ring, may be arranged therebetween in order to increase the sealing action.

[0070] For fixing to the water tank 1, the water filter cartridge 2 may have a cartridge-side fixing element 2.4.2 for interaction with a complementary tank-side water filter cartridge fixing element 1.1.1, in particular in the form of a bayonet closure.

[0071] FIG. 2 also shows in detail and in sectional view the water tank 1 with the water filter cartridge 2 inserted therein, wherein in contrast to FIG. 1, however, the tank-side machine connecting element 7 is connected to the machine-side tank connecting element 8/inserted therein.

[0072] The valve tappet of the first water tank outlet valve 7.1 is positioned on the activation element 8.1 and the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2 is positioned on the activation element 8.2 so that the two water tank outlet valves of the water tank 1 are opened.

[0073] The tubular portion 2.1.1 of the first water cartridge outlet 2.1 is produced from a more flexible material than the complementary water filter cartridge connecting element 1.1 arranged on the tank side. The tubular portion connected sealingly thereto in the manner of a plug element. In the present example, the tubular portion 2.1.1 is inserted into a recess of the valve tappet of the second radially external water tank outlet valve of the two water tank outlet valves 7.1 and 7.2 which are arranged concentrical1y to one another. Alternatively, the tubular portion 2.1.1 could also be configured such that it is able to be sealingly plugged onto the valve tappet of the second water tank outlet valve 7.2.

[0074] FIG. 3 shows once again in detail and in sectional view the water tank 1 with the water filter cartridge 2 inserted therein as in FIG. 2, wherein here the emphasis is on the filter cartridge 2 which is shown over the entire vertical extension of the housing 2.3 thereof.

[0075] A first filter element and/or retaining element 2.5, for example in the form of a non-woven fabric or sieve, is arranged in the region of the inlet 5 of the filter cartridge 2. A filter chamber 2.6 is adjacent to the rear thereof in the interior of the housing 2.3, for example an activated carbon filter being able to be arranged in said filter chamber.

[0076] The water 6 flowing from the water tank 1 into the water filter cartridge 2 flows through this filter chamber 2.6 in the direction of the arrow 6.2. A further filter element and/or retaining element 2.7, for example also in the form of a non-woven fabric or sieve, is arranged on the inner face of the housing 2.3 of the water filter cartridge 2 opposing the inlet 5. This filter element and/or retaining element may also have resilient properties, for example, in order to support further components to be received in the housing of the water filter cartridge, when assembling the water filter cartridge, in particular at least with slight pretensioning. This also brings about a greater sealing action between the individual components of the water filter cartridge 2 relative to the undesired migration of granular particles.

[0077] In the direction of flow of the water 6 a filter chamber 2.8 is adjacent to the filter element and/or retaining element 2.7 in the interior of the water filter cartridge 2. This filter chamber may be provided, for example, with a particle filter and sealed downstream by a further filter element and/or retaining element 2.9 relative to the discharge of filter material, but may be still permeable to the water 6 to be processed. This filter chamber 2.8 may be configured as an insert component, optionally comprising the two filter elements and/or retaining elements 2.7 and 2.9.

[0078] The receiving chamber 4.1 follows the filter element and/or retaining element 2.9 in the direction of flow of the water 6 according to the direction of the arrows 6.3. The receiving chamber is defined by the wall 4.1.1 and separated from the filter chamber 2.6 in a water-tight manner.

[0079] The filter chamber 3.1 is received so as to be at least axially movable, but preferably also radially movable, in the interior of the receiving chamber 4.1. This filter chamber 3.1 is sealed in a water-tight manner relative to the receiving chamber 4.1 by the wall 3.1.1 thereof and the top and bottom elements 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 thereof on the front face.

[0080] An inlet opening 1.2.1 into the filter chamber 3.1 is configured or the top element 3.2. An opening 3.1.3.1 is also configured on the bottom element 3.1.3. This opening is the outlet opening for the discharge of the water processed further in the filter chamber 3.1. In each case a further filter element and/or retaining element is arranged both on the inlet opening and on the outlet opening in order to prevent a discharge of filter material from the filter chamber 3.1, but in order to be able to permit water to flow through.

[0081] The first water filter cartridge outlet 2.1 in the form of the tubular portion 2.1.1, already described further above, is integrally formed around the outlet 3.1.3.1 at the bottom 3.1.3 of the filter chamber 3.1 and fixedly connected thereto. This tubular portion is configured from a more flexible material than the valve tappet of the second tank outlet valve 7.2 and inserted in a clamped manner into the recess thereof. As a result, the tubular portion 2.1.1 and the filter chamber 3.1 fixedly connected thereto may participate, in particular axially, but preferably also radially, in a movement assigned to the valve tappet of the second tank outlet valve 7.2 when the water tank is removed from the machine-side tank connecting element 8, potentially by the valve tappet being clamped in the recess/receiver 8.3.

[0082] The water 6 to be processed by the water filter cartridge 2 and removed from the water tank flows into the inlet region of the receiving chamber 4.1 in the direction of the arrows 6.1 to 6.3 as a water flow processed jointly by the filter sections 2.5 to 2.9 through which the water flows. In the inlet region of the receiving chamber 4.1 this water flow is divided into two flow paths 3 and 4 which are hydraulically separated from one another.

[0083] The first flow path 3 leads through the filter chamber 3.1 and the descaling agent arranged therein, such as for example an ion exchanger. As a result, the water to be removed from the water tank 1, for processing a hot beverage by means of the beverage processing machine 10, is descaled (see FIG. 1).

[0084] The second flow path 4 conducts the water 6 already processed by the filter sections 2.5 to 2.9 through the receiving chamber 4.1, past the filter chamber 3.1 to the second water filter cartridge outlet 2.2. The water 6 conducted via this flow path 4 is provided for processing a cold beverage by means of the beverage processing machine 10.

[0085] In order to be able to position the filter chamber 3.1 spaced apart from the wall 4.1.1 in the receiving chamber, ribs and/or studs or similar spacing elements 4.1.2 are arranged on the wall 4.1.1 and/or on the wall 3.1.1 of the filter chamber 3.1. In FIG. 3 such spacing elements are shown by way of example in the inlet region of the receiving chamber.

[0086] In order to avoid a backsiphonage effect respectively from the other of the two flow channels 3 and 4, a non-return valve may be arranged in at least one of the two flow channels, but preferably in both flow channels.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0087] 1 Water tank [0088] 1.1 Tank-side water filter cartridge connecting element [0089] 1.1.1 Tank-side fixing element [0090] 1.2 Bottom [0091] 2 Water filter cartridge [0092] 2.1 First water filter cartridge outlet [0093] 2.1.1 Tubular portion [0094] 2.1.1.1 Sealing surface [0095] 2.2 Second water filter cartridge outlet [0096] 2.3 Housing [0097] 2.4 Cartridge-side tank connecting element [0098] 2.4.1 Sealing element [0099] 2.4.2 Cartridge-side fixing element [0100] 2.5 Filter element and/or retaining element [0101] 2.6 Filter chamber/activated carbon [0102] 2.7 Filter element and/or retaining element [0103] 2.8 Filter chamber [0104] 2.9 Filter element and/or retaining element [0105] 3 First flow path [0106] 3.1 Filter chamber [0107] 3.1.2 Top [0108] 3.1.3 Bottom [0109] 3.1.3.1 Outlet [0110] 4 Second flow path [0111] 4.1 Receiving chamber [0112] 4.1.1 Wall [0113] 4.1.2 Ribs/studs/spacing elements [0114] 5 Inlet [0115] 6 Water [0116] 6.1 Arrow [0117] 6.2 Arrow [0118] 6.3 Arrow [0119] 7 Tank-side machine connecting element [0120] 7.1 First water tank outlet valve [0121] 7.2 Second water tank outlet valve [0122] 8 Machine-side tank connecting element [0123] 8.1 Activation element [0124] 8.1.1 Sealing element [0125] 8.2 Activation element [0126] 8.3 Recess/receiver [0127] 8.3.1 Sealing element [0128] 8.3.2 Chamber [0129] 9.1 Pipeline [0130] 9.2 Pipeline [0131] 10 Beverage processing machine/appliance