A central tube structure

Abstract

The application discloses a center tube structure, a flow channel is arranged in the middle part of the center tube, and the center tube comprises a filter material body and an end cover; the filter material body is composed of filter material and supporting ribs, and the ribs are embedded on the filter material body to form a cylindrical structure. The center tube is directly made of filter material, which replaces the original full-plastic center tube without filtering function, so that the filter material can play the role of the film-wound center tube while exerting the filtering function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a central tube structure. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing reverse osmosis water purifiers consist of multi-stage filtration, including pre-filters, RO filters, and post-filters. The excessive number of filter elements makes the water purifier structure more complex and bulky. Composite filter structures are gradually becoming a development trend, not only optimizing the overall structure but also saving production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a central tube structure.

[0004] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a central tube structure, wherein a flow channel is opened in the middle of the central tube, the central tube includes a filter media body and an end cap; the filter media body is composed of filter media and longitudinal ribs for support, the longitudinal ribs are embedded in the filter media body to form a cylindrical structure.

[0005] Preferably, the outer wall of the filter material body has a longitudinally spaced relief portion, and the longitudinal ribs are fitted into the relief portion to form a cylindrical structure with longitudinal ribs on the surface.

[0006] Preferably, the number of longitudinal ribs is 1 to 20.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes annular reinforcing bars, which are interconnected with the longitudinal reinforcing bars.

[0008] Preferably, the outer wall of the filter material body has a circumferentially recessed portion, and the annular ribs match the recessed portion to form a cylindrical structure.

[0009] Preferably, the number of the annular ribs is at most 20.

[0010] Preferably, the central tube is either a single-layer filter central tube or a multi-layer filter central tube.

[0011] Preferably, the end cap includes an upper end cap and a lower end cap, which are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the central tube. The upper end cap is provided with an opening, and the lower end cap is used to seal one end of the filter material body. The area where the upper end cap or the lower end cap overlaps with the filter material body or the longitudinal rib forms a sealing area.

[0012] Preferably, the filter material body has a main body and central tube ends located at the upper and lower ends of the main body, the central tube ends being recessed relative to the main body; the longitudinal rib has a rib body and rib ends located at the upper and lower ends of the rib body, the rib body and the rib ends being respectively provided corresponding to the main body and the central tube ends, the rib ends being recessed relative to the rib body; the upper end cap or lower end cap cooperates with the central tube ends to form a cylindrical structure.

[0013] The present invention also provides a central tube structure, wherein a flow channel is provided in the middle of the central tube, the central tube includes a filter media body and end caps, the filter media body has a filtration function, and the end caps are respectively fitted into both ends of the filter media body.

[0014] Preferably, the filter material body may be composed of one or more of carbon rods, PP meltblown material, and compacted tubes.

[0015] The central tube for filter cartridges of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The central tube of the present invention is made directly from the filter material, which replaces the original all-plastic central tube that does not have a filtration function, so that the filter material can play the role of a membrane winding central tube while performing the filtration function.

[0017] 2. The filter material body of the present invention has longitudinal ribs embedded on its surface to reinforce the filter material structure and enhance its strength, so as to meet the requirements for use in the winding of membrane elements. It can also be used to connect membrane sheets and guide cloth and other winding components.

[0018] 3. Furthermore, the present invention can utilize the combined design of longitudinal ribs and annular ribs to help distribute the force when the length of the longitudinal ribs is too long, thereby facilitating the dispersion of tension throughout the central tube during the subsequent film winding process, and avoiding excessive local stress that could cause the central tube to break or be damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the central tube of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the central tube structure with multi-layer filtration of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3This is a front view and a top view of the filter material body of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view and a top view of the filter material body of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 or Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of section A-A'.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a front view and a top view of the filter material body without ribs of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional and top view schematic diagram of the filter material body without ribs of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a front view and a top view schematic diagram of the ribs of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a side view and a top view of the ribs of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional and top view schematic diagram of the reinforcing bar of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of a roll film structure according to an application embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a water channel in a roll film structure according to an application embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of the roll film structure in another application embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the water channel of a roll film structure in another application embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Reference manual attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 10A central tube structure, wherein the central tube 1 is made of a filter material, such as carbon rod, PP cotton, PP powder compacted tube, PE compacted tube, mixed material compacted tube, ACF roll, PP roll, graphene compacted tube, wound fiber, or non-woven fabric, etc., any material with filtration function. The filter material can be directly formed from a single filter material to create a single-layer filter central tube (as shown in the attached diagram). Figure 1 Alternatively, a multi-layer filter center tube can be made by combining multiple filter materials (as shown in the attached image). Figure 2 The central tube of this invention is made directly from filter material, giving it a filtration function. This allows it to replace traditional, non-filtration central tubes, eliminating the need for perforations and enabling direct water flow through the filter material. The central tube of this invention, made directly from filter material, replaces traditional all-plastic, non-filtration central tubes, allowing the filter material to function as both a filter and a membrane-wound central tube.

[0036] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a central tube structure is provided. A flow channel 10 is formed in the middle of the central tube 1. The central tube 1 includes a filter media body 11 and an end cap 3. The filter media body 11 is bonded and sealed to the end cap 3. The filter media body 11 is made of filter material and longitudinal ribs 12 for support. The flow channel 10 is formed in the middle of the filter media body 11, which can be used for raw water inlet or purified water outlet. The longitudinal ribs 12 are fitted onto the filter media body 11, forming a cylindrical structure with longitudinal ribs on the surface. These longitudinal ribs provide connection points for subsequent membrane winding, facilitating the connection of guide cloth or separators during membrane winding. They also reinforce the filter media body, making the central tube less prone to breakage. The longitudinal ribs 12 can be integrally molded with the filter media body 11. For example, during manufacturing, the longitudinal ribs can be pre-placed in a mold, filter material can be poured in, compacted, and sintered, and then the end cap is sealed to form the central tube. In another approach, modular fitting can be directly employed, where a filter media body of a specific shape is fitted with longitudinal ribs, and then end caps are sealed to form a central tube made of filter media capable of filtering water. The filter media body of this invention has longitudinal ribs embedded on its surface to reinforce the filter media structure, enhance its strength, and meet the requirements for use in rolled membrane elements. It can also be used to connect membrane sheets and guide fabrics, among other rolled membrane components.

[0037] The end cap 3 includes an upper end cap 31 and a lower end cap 32, which are respectively disposed at the upper and lower ends of the central tube. The upper end cap 31 has an opening, and the lower end cap 32 is used to seal one end of the filter media body 11, forming a central tube structure with longitudinal ribs on the surface and one end sealed. The upper and lower end caps have an outer diameter adapted to the tubular shape of the filter media body. The area where the upper and lower end caps overlap with the filter media body or the longitudinal ribs serves as the sealing area of ​​the central tube, achieving the same sealing effect as the existing central tubes (without filtration function). The outer wall of the filter media body 11 of the central tube has a longitudinally extending relief portion a, and the longitudinal ribs 12 are embedded in the relief portion a, thereby forming a cylindrical structure. In another preferred embodiment, the longitudinal ribs 12 have a certain length, which is less than the overall height of the filter media body. The accompanying drawings in this embodiment show two longitudinal ribs, which are symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the filter material body 11. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of longitudinal ribs can be from 1 to 20, that is, the number of longitudinal ribs is at most 20.

[0038] In another embodiment, the filter media body 11 of the central tube does not need to be provided with longitudinal ribs. The required strength of the central tube can be achieved by relying solely on the strength of the filter media body 11 itself and the cooperation of the end cap 3. The filter media body may be composed of one or more of carbon rods, PP meltblown, and compacted tubes.

[0039] Preferably, the filter material body 11 has a main body 11a and end portions 11b located at the upper and lower ends of the main body 11a, the end portions 11b being recessed relative to the main body 11a; the longitudinal rib 12 has a rib body 12a and rib end portions 12b located at the upper and lower ends of the rib body 12a, the rib body 12a and the rib end portions 12b being respectively positioned corresponding to the main body 11a and the end portions 11b, the rib end portions also being recessed relative to the rib body to form a step, thereby allowing the filter material body and the longitudinal rib to cooperate so that the end cap can be fitted into the rib end portion or the end portion of the central tube to form a cylinder, and the rib end portion or the end portion forms the aforementioned sealing area. This invention utilizes an end cap with a certain length and an outer annular surface area, which is fitted into the central tube to form a seal, while also providing a sealing area for the membrane.

[0040] Furthermore, the central tube 1 may also include annular ribs 13, which are interconnected with longitudinal ribs 12. The outer wall of the filter material body 11 has a circumferentially oriented groove c. The annular ribs 13 match the shape of the groove c to form a cylindrical central tube structure. The annular ribs 13 can be distributed at any position on the filter material body 11. The main function of the annular ribs is to share the force between the filter material body and the longitudinal ribs, thereby enhancing the strength of the central tube. Preferably, the number of annular ribs used to connect the longitudinal ribs is at most 20, but of course, the annular ribs may not be provided. This invention utilizes an annular rib design to help share the force when the longitudinal ribs are too long, thereby facilitating the distribution of tension throughout the central tube during the subsequent film winding process, avoiding excessive local stress that could cause the central tube to break or be damaged.

[0041] The following example illustrates the application of this central tube.

[0042] In one specific application embodiment, the central tube 1 can be used as a pre-filter. (Refer to the attached document.) Figure 11 and attached Figure 12 When the central tube 1 is used as a pre-filter, water flows into the flow channel 10 of the central tube through the opening of the upper end cap 31 and is filtered out by the filter media body 11. The membrane roll structure includes the aforementioned central tube 1 and membrane roll 4. The front side 4a of the membrane roll 4 is wound around the central tube 1. After winding, the grid 43 is set between the front side (desalination layer) of the membrane sheet 42. The membrane sheet 42 is set on the outside of the grid 43, and a pure water flow channel is formed between the back sides of the membrane sheet 42. The guide cloth 41 is set in the pure water flow channel, that is, the guide cloth 41 is set on the other side of the membrane sheet 42. In this way, when the raw water flows in from the flow channel 10 and is filtered by the filter media body 11, the water flows along the grid 43 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) to the membrane sheet 41 for filtration. The filtered pure water flows outward along the guide cloth in the pure water flow channel, while the unfiltered water flows out along the grid 43 and becomes wastewater.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, when the central tube 1 is used in a film winding structure, the central tube 1 can be used as a post-filter element. (Refer to the attached document.) Figure 13 and attached Figure 14When the central tube is used as a post-filter, water flows from the outside towards the central tube 1, and the resulting purified water flows out from the opening of the upper cover 31 for user use. The membrane structure includes the aforementioned central tube 1 and membrane roll 4. The reverse side 4b of the membrane roll 4 is wound around the central tube 1. After winding, the guide cloth 41 is placed in the inner layer, and a membrane sheet 42 is placed on the outside of the guide cloth 41. The grid 43 is placed on the outside of the membrane sheet 42. Water entering from the outside flows out along the grid 43 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) and is filtered by the membrane sheet 42. The water passing through the membrane sheet flows along the guide cloth 41 towards the central tube 1 and is further purified after being filtered by the central tube 1, which serves as a post-filter. The final purified water flows out from the flow channel 10 of the central tube for user use, while the unpurified concentrated water flows out along the grid 43. The central tube of this invention is made directly from filter material, replacing the existing all-plastic central tube and possessing filtration functions not found in existing central tubes. This central tube can also be used as a pre- or post-filter cartridge. In a membrane roll structure, it works in conjunction with the membrane roll to form a two-in-one composite filter cartridge structure. This type of filter cartridge has high integration, thus simplifying the structure of the water purifier and saving space when installed, further reducing filter cartridge costs and overall water purifier production costs.

[0044] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A center tube structure characterized by, The center tube is provided with a flow channel in the middle part, and comprises a filter material body and an end cover; the filter material body is composed of filter material and longitudinal ribs for support, the longitudinal ribs are embedded in the filter material body to form a cylindrical structure; the longitudinal ribs are used to connect the film winding part; the filter material body is provided with a longitudinal displacement part on the outer wall, the longitudinal ribs are embedded in the displacement part to form a cylindrical structure with longitudinal ribs on the surface; the cylindrical structure further comprises annular ribs which are connected with the longitudinal ribs; the filter material body is provided with a circumferential groove on the outer wall, and the annular ribs are matched with the groove to form a cylindrical structure; The filter core further comprises a film winding part, when the front surface of the film winding part is wound on the center tube, the center tube is used as a front filter core; When the back surface of the film winding part is wound on the center tube, the center tube is used as a rear filter core.

2. A concentric tube structure according to claim 1, wherein, The number of longitudinal ribs is 1-20.

3. A concentric tube structure according to claim 1, wherein, The number of annular ribs is at most 20.

4. A concentric tube structure according to claim 1, wherein, The center tube is one of a single-layer filter center tube or a multi-layer filter center tube.

5. A concentric tube structure according to claim 1, wherein, The end cover comprises an upper end cover and a lower end cover, the upper end cover and the lower end cover are connected to the upper and lower ends of the center tube respectively, the upper end cover is provided with an opening, and the lower end cover is used to block one end of the filter material body; the area where the upper end cover or the lower end cover overlaps with the filter material body or the longitudinal ribs forms a sealing glue area.

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