Filter elements and water purification devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses a filter element and a water purification device, which relate to the field of water treatment technology. The filter element comprises: a support member, a flexible water-blocking layer, a first filter unit, and a second filter unit. The first filter unit, the second filter unit, and the water-blocking layer are wound together on the support member. The first filter unit forms a first filter channel, and the second filter unit forms a second filter channel. The water-blocking layer makes the first and second filter channels independent. This application can effectively achieve a smaller composite filter element size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water treatment, in particular to a filter element and a water purification device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of water purification technology, miniaturization and integration of water purification devices have become a major development trend. In industry design, this is mainly achieved by integrating multiple filter elements together to effectively reduce the overall size of the water purifier. The integrated design also reduces the number of filter element replacements in the water purification device and improves maintenance convenience.

[0003] For example, the water purification device in the prior art can install two or more stages of filter elements in the same filter bottle, thereby achieving integration and miniaturization. Specifically, one filter element can be mounted on another filter element, and the two filter elements are completely separated by an isolation sleeve. Then, the two filter elements are connected together through a flow channel opened inside the filter bottle or a pipe at the port of the filter bottle. In the above method, the filter elements in the filter bottle are generally independent, but are mounted on each other or arranged in parallel in a filter bottle, and are separated from each other by components such as isolation sleeves. Although this achieves a certain degree of miniaturization and integration, with the continuous development of technology and the continuous improvement of users' requirements for miniaturization and integration, the size of the integrated multi-stage filter element still needs to be continuously reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a filter element and a water purification device, which can effectively achieve the minimization of the size of the composite filter element.

[0005] The specific technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is:

[0006] A filter element, comprising:

[0007] A support member, a flexible waterproof layer, a first filter unit and a second filter unit; the first filter unit, the second filter unit and the waterproof layer are wound together on the support member, the first filter unit forms a first filter channel, the second filter unit forms a second filter channel, and the waterproof layer makes the first filter channel independent of the second filter channel.

[0008] Preferably, after the waterproof layer covers the first filter unit, the waterproof layer and the first filter unit are wound outside the support member, and the second filter unit is wound outside the waterproof layer and the first filter unit.

[0009] Preferably, the first filter unit is wound outside the support member, the waterproof layer is wound outside the first filter unit, and the second filter unit is wound outside the waterproof layer.

[0010] Preferably, when the filter element filters water, the pressure of the water in the second filter unit is greater than the pressure of the water in the first filter unit.

[0011] Preferably, the filter element has an upper end and a lower end, the first filter unit has a first water inlet and a first water outlet, one of the first water inlet and the first water outlet is located at the upper end, and the other is located at the lower end.

[0012] Preferably, when the second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, the support member is a central tube; the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet, the wastewater outlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, and the raw water inlet is located at the upper end or lower end of the filter element; the side wall of the central tube has a through hole, and the clean water outlet is connected to the through hole.

[0013] Preferably, when the second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, the support member is a central tube; the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet, the wastewater outlet is located at the upper end or the lower end of the filter element, and the raw water inlet is located at the side wall of the filter element; the side wall of the central tube has a through hole, and the clean water outlet is connected to the through hole.

[0014] Preferably, the support member is a central tube; the filter element further comprises: a guide tube arranged in the central tube, the first water outlet is connected to the guide tube, so that the end where water flows out of the guide tube is located at the same end as the first water inlet.

[0015] Preferably, the second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, and the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet; when the raw water inlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, the wastewater outlet and the first water inlet are located at the same end; when the wastewater outlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, the raw water inlet and the first water inlet are located at the same end.

[0016] Preferably, the filter element further comprises: a first end cap provided at the end of the first filter unit, the second filter unit and the waterproof layer;

[0017] When one of the first water inlet and the first water outlet of the first filter unit and one of the second water inlet and the second water outlet of the second filter unit are located at the same end, the end cover has a partition to form a first port located in the inner circle and a second port located in the outer circle, the first port is connected to the first filter channel, and the second port is connected to the second filter channel.

[0018] Preferably, the support member is a central tube; the filter element further includes: a water-conducting layer, the first filter unit, the second filter unit, the water-isolating layer and the water-conducting layer are wound together on the central tube, and in the wound state, part of the water-conducting layer is located between the water-isolating layers of adjacent circles, and part of the water-conducting layer is located between the second filter units of adjacent circles.

[0019] Preferably, when the water-isolating layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in the unfolded state, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are arranged side by side on the water-conducting layer, the water-isolating layer is located between the first filter unit and the water-conducting layer, and the water-isolating layer can be folded to cover the upper surface of the first filter unit facing away from the water-conducting layer.

[0020] Preferably, when the waterproof layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in an expanded state, the first filter unit is located on a side close to the central tube, and the second filter unit is located on a side away from the central tube.

[0021] Preferably, there are multiple first filter units and multiple water-proof layers, each of the water-proof layers covers one first filter unit to make the first filter channel of the first filter unit independent; multiple first filter units are arranged in parallel on the water-conducting layer.

[0022] Preferably, the water-conducting layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, wherein the first side is close to the central tube; the water-blocking layer has a fifth side and a sixth side opposite to each other, wherein the fifth side is located on the same side as the third side, and the sixth side is located on the same side as the fourth side;

[0023] When the waterproof layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in a wound state, the third side of the water-conducting layer is sealed with the fifth side of the adjacent waterproof layer, and the fourth side of the water-conducting layer is sealed with the sixth side of the adjacent waterproof layer.

[0024] Preferably, when the waterproof layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in an unfolded state, the waterproof layer has a seventh side and an eighth side that are opposite to each other;

[0025] When the waterproof layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in a rolled-up state, the waterproof layer covers the first filter unit and the seventh side and the eighth side of the waterproof layer are sealed.

[0026] Preferably, the first filter unit comprises: a plurality of stacked filter leaves, each filter leaf comprising opposite upper and lower sides, and opposite left and right sides, wherein the upper side and the fifth side are located on the same side, the lower side and the sixth side are located on the same side, and the left side is close to the central tube;

[0027] The upper side of the filter page is sealed with the upper side of one of the adjacent filter pages, and the lower side of the filter page is sealed with the lower side of another adjacent filter page;

[0028] The left sides of the multiple filter pages are sealed, the left sides of the filter pages are sealed with the waterproof layer, the right sides of the multiple filter pages are sealed, and the right sides of the filter pages are sealed with the waterproof layer; the unsealed side edges between the filter pages located at the top layer of the stacked multiple filter pages and the adjacent filter pages are sealed with the side edges of the adjacent waterproof layer on the same side; the unsealed side edges between the filter pages located at the bottom layer of the stacked multiple filter pages and the adjacent filter pages are sealed with the side edges of the adjacent waterproof layer on the same side.

[0029] Preferably, the folds between adjacent filter pages are parallel to or perpendicular to the support member.

[0030] Preferably, the second filter unit comprises at least one membrane unit, the membrane unit having opposite upper and lower sides, and opposite left and right sides, one membrane unit comprising a first membrane page and a second membrane page stacked together, the left side of the first membrane page being connected to the left side of the second membrane page, the upper side being located on the same side as the fifth side, the lower side being located on the same side as the sixth side, and the left side being close to the central tube;

[0031] In the rolled-up state, the upper edge of the first membrane page and the upper edge of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the third side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers; the lower edge of the first membrane page and the lower edge of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the fourth side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers; the right side of the first membrane page and the right side of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the second side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers.

[0032] Preferably, the first filter unit comprises at least one of the following: an adsorptive material, an intercepting material, and a functional material.

[0033] Preferably, the support member is a central tube, and the filter element further comprises: a third filter unit, wherein the third filter unit is arranged in the central tube, and the clean water flowing out of the second filter unit flows into the central tube and flows through the third filter unit.

[0034] Preferably, the second filtration unit is a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane.

[0035] Preferably, in a radial cross section of the filter element, the first filter unit is located in a first region close to the inner side of the support member, and the second filter unit is located in a second region away from the outer side of the support member.

[0036] A water purification device comprises any one of the filter elements described above.

[0037] Preferably, the first water outlet of the first filter unit is communicated with the second water inlet of the second filter unit.

[0038] Preferably, the water purification device further comprises: a water pump, wherein the water pump is connected to the first water inlet of the first filter unit.

[0039] Preferably, the water purification device further comprises: a water pump, the first water outlet of the first filter unit is connected to the inlet end of the water pump, and the second water inlet of the second filter unit is connected to the outlet end of the water pump.

[0040] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0041] The filter element in the present application directly winds the first filter unit, the second filter unit and the flexible waterproof layer on the support member. The waterproof layer makes the first filter channel formed by the first filter unit and the second filter unit formed by the second filter unit independent. In this way, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are more compactly combined to form a composite filter element with a smaller size.

[0042] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. The embodiments of the present invention include many variations, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment can be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components in the drawings are merely illustrative and are used to help understand the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances under the guidance of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filter element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a filter channel of a filter element in an embodiment of the present invention in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a filter channel of a filter element in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a filter element in an expanded state in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first filter unit in an embodiment of the present invention under one implementation mode;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the first filter unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second filter unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference numerals in the above drawings:

[0052] 1. Support member; 2. Water-proof layer; 21. Fifth side; 22. Sixth side; 23. Seventh side; 24. Eighth side; 3. First filter unit; 31. First water inlet; 32. First water outlet; 33. Filter leaf; 331. Upper side; 332. Lower side; 333. Left side; 334. Right side; 4. Second filter unit; 41. Raw water inlet; 42. Clean water outlet; 43. Wastewater outlet; 44. First membrane leaf; 45. Second membrane leaf; 46. Upper side; 47. Lower side; 48. Left side; 49. Right side; 5. Flow guide tube; 6. First end cover; 61. First port; 62. Second port; 63. Partition; 7. Water-guiding layer; 71. First side; 72. Second side; 73. Third side; 74. Fourth side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention in any way. Based on the teachings of the present invention, skilled artisans can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intermediate element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, internal communication between two elements, direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms based on the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0055] In order to effectively minimize the size of the composite filter element, a filter element is proposed in this application. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filter element according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the filter element may include: a support member 1, a flexible waterproof layer 2, a first filter unit 3 and a second filter unit 4; the first filter unit 3, the second filter unit 4 and the waterproof layer 2 are wound together on the support member 1, the first filter unit 3 forms a first filter channel, the second filter unit 4 forms a second filter channel, and the waterproof layer 2 makes the first filter channel and the second filter channel independent.

[0056] The filter element in the present application is directly wound on the support member 1 with the first filter unit 3, the second filter unit 4 and the flexible waterproof layer 2. The waterproof layer 2 makes the first filter channel formed by the first filter unit 3 and the second filter unit 4 formed by the second filter unit 4 independent. In this way, the first filter unit 3 and the second filter unit 4 are more compactly combined to form a composite filter element with a smaller size.

[0057] In order to better understand the filter element in this application, it will be further explained and illustrated below. Figure 1 As shown, the filter element may include: a support member 1, a flexible water-blocking layer 2, a first filter unit 3, and a second filter unit 4. The support member 1 has an axis extending in a vertical direction and is used to provide support for the wound first filter unit 3, second filter unit 4, and water-blocking layer 2, so that they are wound on their side walls.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the first filter unit 3, the second filter unit 4, and the water-proof layer 2 are wound together on the support member 1. The first filter unit 3 forms a first filter channel, and the second filter unit 4 forms a second filter channel. The water-proof layer 2 makes the first filter channel and the second filter channel independent. In the radial cross-section of the filter element, the first filter unit 3 is located in the first area close to the inner side of the support member 1, and the second filter unit 4 is located in the second area away from the outer side of the support member 1. Here, the first filter channel formed inside the first filter unit 3 has a first water inlet 31 and a first water outlet 32, and the second filter channel formed inside the second filter unit 4 has a second water inlet and a second water outlet. The first filter channel between the first water inlet 31 and the first water outlet 32 is independent of the second filter channel between the second water inlet and the second water outlet, and water will not flow between the two in these areas. Of course, the first filter channel and the second filter channel can be connected through an external connection at the water inlet or outlet, and this is not limited in this application.

[0059] In a first possible implementation, if Figure 4 As shown, the waterproof layer 2 first covers the first filter unit 3, and the two ends of the waterproof layer 2 are connected together and sealed. The upper and lower ends of the waterproof layer 2 are open, so that water from the first water inlet 31 and the first water outlet 32 of the first filter unit 3 can flow. Afterwards, the waterproof layer 2 and the first filter unit 3 are spread out in the horizontal direction to form a thin layer, so that the two can be wound together on the support 1. After the winding is completed, the second filter unit 4 is wound on the outside of the waterproof layer 2 and the first filter unit 3. In this embodiment, the first filter unit 3 and the second filter unit 4 are wound together on the support 1, and the composite filter element formed in this way can be almost minimized in diameter.

[0060] In a second feasible embodiment, the first filter unit 3 is first wound around the support member 1. After the winding is completed, the water-blocking layer 2 is then wound around the first filter unit 3, with the side walls of the water-blocking layer 2 sealed. Finally, the second filter unit 4 is wound around the water-blocking layer 2. The first filter unit 3 and the second filter unit 4 are completely separated by the water-blocking layer 2.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the filter element has an upper end and a lower end. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter channel of a filter element in another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the first filter unit 3 has a first water inlet 31 and a first water outlet 32. One of the first water inlet 31 and the first water outlet 32 can be located at the upper end, and the other can be located at the lower end. When the second filter unit 4 has a second water inlet and a second water outlet, the second water inlet and the second water outlet can be located at the upper end, the lower end, or two positions on the outer wall of the filter element.

[0062] In a first possible implementation, Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter flow channel of a filter element in an embodiment of the present invention in one embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, when the second filter unit 4 is capable of discharging wastewater, the support member 1 is a central tube, the center of which is capable of conducting water. In this embodiment, the second filter unit 4 has a raw water inlet 41, a clean water outlet 42, and a waste water outlet 43. Optionally, the waste water outlet 43 is located on the sidewall of the filter element, with the raw water inlet 41 located at either the upper or lower end of the filter element. The central tube has a through-hole in the sidewall, and the clean water outlet 42 communicates with the through-hole, allowing water from the outer wall of the central tube to be drawn into the interior through the through-hole. Raw water enters the second filter unit 4 through the raw water inlet 41. After being filtered by the second filter unit 4, the waste water flows out from the outer wall of the filter element (i.e., the outer wall of the wound second filter unit 4). Clean water flows from the clean water outlet 42 to the inner side of the second filter unit 4, passes through the wound first filter unit 3 and the water-blocking layer 2, and flows between adjacent turns of the water-blocking layer 2 toward the central tube. Finally, the water from the outer wall of the central tube is drawn into the interior through the through-hole. As another feasible embodiment, the wastewater outlet 43 is located at the upper or lower end of the filter element, and the raw water inlet 41 is located at the side wall of the filter element; there is a through hole on the side wall of the central tube, and the clean water outlet 42 is connected to the through hole. In this embodiment, the raw water enters the second filter unit 4 from the outer wall of the filter element, and after being filtered by the second filter unit 4, the wastewater flows out from the upper or lower end of the filter element. The flow of clean water is the same as in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. In other feasible embodiments, the wastewater outlet 43 and the raw water inlet 41 can be located at the upper or lower end of the filter element respectively, and the other structures are the same as in the above two embodiments and will not be repeated here. Through this embodiment, the second filter unit 4 that can discharge wastewater can be wound together with the first filter unit 3 on the central tube, and it can be ensured that the clean water formed by the second filter unit 4 can bypass the wound first filter unit 3 and flow inward into the central tube.

[0063] When the support member 1 is a central tube, Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the filter element may include: a guide tube 5 arranged in the central tube, the first water outlet 32 being connected to the guide tube 5 so that the end where water flows out of the guide tube 5 is located at the same end as the first water inlet 31. When the second filter unit 4 is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, for example, when the raw water inlet 41 is located at the side wall of the filter element, the wastewater outlet 43 is located at the same end as the first water inlet 31. For another example, when the wastewater outlet 43 is located at the side wall of the filter element, the raw water inlet 41 is located at the same end as the first water inlet 31. In this way, when the filter element is installed on the water purification device, the interfaces between the water purification device and the filter element for realizing water inflow and outflow can be located at the same end, which can optimize the layout of the various components of the entire device, making the device more concise and convenient for users to disassemble and assemble the filter element from the water purification device.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the filter element may include: a first end cap 6 disposed at the ends of the first filter unit 3, the second filter unit 4, and the water-blocking layer 2. The first end cap 6 may be located at the upper or lower end of the filter element, or may be used at both the upper and lower ends of the filter element. When one of the first water inlet 31 and the first water outlet 32 of the first filter unit 3 and one of the second water inlet and the second water outlet of the second filter unit 4 are located at the same end, the end cap has a partition 63 to form a first port 61 located on the inner circle and a second port 62 located on the outer circle. The first port 61 communicates with the first filter channel, and the second port 62 communicates with the second filter channel. This prevents mixing of water flowing into or out of the first and second filter channels at the upper or lower ends, while facilitating docking and connection of each water channel when the filter bottles are connected.

[0065] In a first feasible embodiment, the filter element may include: a water-conducting layer 7, a first filter unit 3, a second filter unit 4, a water-blocking layer 2, and a water-conducting layer 7 wound together on a central tube. In the wound state, part of the water-conducting layer 7 is located between adjacent turns of the water-blocking layer 2, and part of the water-conducting layer 7 is located between adjacent turns of the second filter unit 4. The water-conducting layer 7 can prevent the water-blocking layer 2 covering the first filter unit 3 from being tightly attached to each other between adjacent turns of the water-blocking layer 2 after winding, and form a flow channel with a larger gap between adjacent turns of the water-blocking layer 2, thereby facilitating the flow of clean water filtered by the second filter unit 4 into the central tube through the water-conducting layer 7.

[0066] In the above embodiment, Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter element in an expanded state in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, when the waterproof layer 2, the water-conducting layer 7, the first filter unit 3, and the second filter unit 4 are in the unfolded state, the first filter unit 3 and the second filter unit 4 are arranged side by side on the water-conducting layer 7, and the waterproof layer 2 is located between the first filter unit 3 and the water-conducting layer 7. The waterproof layer 2 can be folded to cover the upper surface of the first filter unit 3 facing away from the water-conducting layer 7. During the winding process, the right end of the waterproof layer 2 located on the upper layer will be sealed with the right end of the waterproof layer 2 located on the lower layer, so that the second filter unit 4 is sealed except for the first water outlet 32 and the first water inlet 31 at the upper and lower ends, and water leakage will not occur.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, when the water-blocking layer 2, water-conducting layer 7, first filter unit 3, and second filter unit 4 are in the unfolded state, the first filter unit 3 is located on the side close to the central tube, and the second filter unit 4 is located on the side away from the central tube. Therefore, when the filter element is wound, on a radial cross-section of the filter element, the first filter unit 3 is located in a first region close to the inner side of the support member 1, and the second filter unit 4 is located in a second region away from the outer side of the support member 1.

[0068] Of course, in a feasible embodiment, there can be multiple first filter units 3, and there can be multiple water-proof layers 2, and each water-proof layer 2 covers a first filter unit 3 to make the first filter flow channel of the first filter unit 3 independent. Multiple first filter units 3 are arranged in parallel on the water-conducting layer 7. In the above manner, by controlling the connection between the first water outlet 32 and the first water inlet 31 of each first filter unit 3, the series connection or parallel connection of multiple first filter units 3 can be achieved. The first water outlet 32 of a first filter unit 3 is connected to the first water inlet 31 of another first filter unit 3, and according to this rule, the series connection of multiple first filter units 3 can be achieved. By connecting the first water outlets 32 of all the first filter units 3 together and the first water inlets 31 of all the first filter units 3 together, the parallel connection of multiple first filter units 3 can be achieved.

[0069] like Figure 4As shown, the water-conducting layer 7 has opposing first and second sides 71 and 72, and opposing third and fourth sides 73 and 74. The first side 71 is located near the central tube. The water-blocking layer 2 has opposing fifth and sixth sides 21 and 22. The fifth side 21 and the third side 73 are located on the same side, and the sixth side 22 and the fourth side 74 are located on the same side. When the water-blocking layer 2, the water-conducting layer 7, the first filter unit 3, and the second filter unit 4 are in a wound state, the third side 73 of the water-conducting layer 7 is sealed against the fifth side 21 of the adjacent water-blocking layer 2, and the fourth side 74 of the water-conducting layer 7 is sealed against the sixth side 22 of the adjacent water-blocking layer 2. Simultaneously, the third side 73 of the water-conducting layer 7 is sealed against the upper edges 46 of the lowermost and uppermost membranes of the adjacent second filter unit 4, and the fourth side 74 of the water-conducting layer 7 is sealed against the lower edges 47 of the lowermost and uppermost membranes of the adjacent second filter unit 4. The above-mentioned sealing method can be achieved by gluing. This method prevents water from flowing into or out of the first filter unit 3 from the upper or lower end of the filter element through the first water inlet 31 or the first water outlet 32, and from entering between the water-isolating layer 2 and the water-conducting layer 7, thereby preventing water from flowing out of the second filter unit 4. When water flows into or out of the second filter unit 4 from the upper or lower end of the filter element through the raw water inlet 41 or the wastewater outlet 43, it does not enter the water-conducting layer 7 between the uppermost and lowermost membranes, thereby preventing water from flowing out of the second filter unit 4.

[0070] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the third side 73 and the fourth side 74 of the water-conducting layer 7 are both coated with sealant on their downward end faces. During the winding process of the filter element, the fifth side 21 and the sixth side 22 of the water-blocking layer 2 located on the upper layer, and the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 47 of the second filter unit 4 located on the top layer are respectively adhered to the sealant on the downward end faces of the third side 73 and the fourth side 74 of the water-conducting layer 7 after being wound. The above method is used to achieve the sealing operation in the manufacturing process.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when the waterproof layer 2, water-conducting layer 7, first filter unit 3, and second filter unit 4 are in the unfolded state, the waterproof layer 2 has a seventh side 23 and an eighth side 24 that are opposite each other. The seventh side 23 is located at the right end of the upper waterproof layer 2, and the eighth side 24 is located at the right end of the lower waterproof layer 2. When the waterproof layer 2, water-conducting layer 7, first filter unit 3, and second filter unit 4 are in the rolled-up state, the waterproof layer 2 covers the first filter unit 3, and the seventh side 23 and the eighth side 24 of the waterproof layer 2 are sealed. This prevents clean water from the second filter unit 4 from flowing into the first filter unit 3 via the seventh side 23 and the eighth side 24 of the waterproof layer 2.

[0072] In a feasible embodiment, the first filter unit 3, encased within the water-blocking layer 2, can be made of any of the following materials: adsorbent materials, intercepting materials, functional materials, and the like, as long as they are able to perform a specific function on the water. These materials are placed within the water-blocking layer 2, flattened into a rollable sheet, and then wound around the support member 1, ultimately treating the water flowing through.

[0073] In a specific embodiment, Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first filter unit in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the first filter unit in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first filter unit 3 may include a multi-layer arrangement of filter leaves 33. The multi-layer arrangement may be formed by folding a single filter leaf 33 back and forth, or by stacking multiple independent filter leaves 33 together, with corresponding side edges of adjacent filter leaves 33 glued together to form a connected filter leaf 33 that, when unfolded, forms a long strip. The filter leaf 33 includes opposing upper and lower sides 331, 332, and opposing left and right sides 333, 334. The upper side 331 is located on the same side as the fifth side 21, the lower side 332 is located on the same side as the sixth side 22, and the left side 333 is located near the center tube.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the folds of the individual filter leaves 33 when folded back and forth are perpendicular to the support member 1. Alternatively, when multiple independent filter leaves 33 are stacked together and the corresponding side edges of adjacent filter leaves 33 are glued together, the corresponding upper or lower side edges of the adjacent filter leaves 33 that are glued together are perpendicular to the support member 1.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the folds of the individual filter leaves 33 when folded back and forth are parallel to the support member 1. Alternatively, when multiple independent filter leaves 33 are stacked together and the corresponding side edges of adjacent filter leaves 33 are glued together, the corresponding upper or lower side edges of the adjacent filter leaves 33 that are glued together are parallel to the support member 1.

[0076] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the upper side 331 of the filter page 33 is sealed with the upper side 331 of one of the adjacent filter pages 33, and the lower side 332 of the filter page 33 is sealed with the lower side 332 of another adjacent filter page 33. The left sides 333 of the multiple filter pages 33 are sealed together, the left sides 333 of the filter pages 33 are sealed against the waterproof layer 2, and the right sides 334 of the multiple filter pages 33 are sealed together, and the right sides 334 of the filter pages 33 are sealed against the waterproof layer 2, thereby preventing water from leaking from the left side 333 or right side 334 of the filter page 33. Water must pass through the filter page 33. Figure 6 As shown, the fold lines between the sides of the filter leaf 33 may represent adhesive seals to facilitate understanding.

[0077] The unsealed sides of the filter sheet 33 located on the top layer among the stacked plurality of filter sheets 33 are sealed with the sides of the adjacent filter sheets 33 and the adjacent waterproof layer 2 located on the same side. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the lower side 332 of the topmost filter leaf 33 among the stacked plurality of filter leaves 33 is sealed to the sixth side 22 of the adjacent waterproof layer 2 on the same side. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper side edge 331 of the uppermost filter page 33 among the stacked filter pages 33 is sealed to the fifth side edge 21 of the adjacent waterproof layer 2 located on the same side.

[0078] The unsealed sides of the bottom filter sheet 33 and the adjacent filter sheets 33 among the stacked filter sheets 33 are sealed with the side edges of the adjacent waterproof layer 2 on the same side. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the lower side edge 332 of the bottommost filter leaf 33 among the stacked plurality of filter leaves 33 is sealed to the sixth side edge 22 of the adjacent waterproof layer 2 on the same side. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper side edge 331 of the filter page 33 located at the bottom layer among the stacked plurality of filter pages 33 is sealed with the fifth side edge 21 of the adjacent waterproof layer 2 located on the same side.

[0079] The sealing between the uppermost filter page 33 and the lowermost filter page 33 and the waterproof layer 2 is achieved in the above manner to prevent water from leaking.

[0080] In a specific embodiment, when the second filter unit 4 is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, the sealing and gluing between the second filter unit 4 and the water-conducting layer 7 may be as follows: Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a second filter unit in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7As shown, the second filter unit 4 comprises at least one membrane unit having opposing upper and lower edges 46 and 47, and opposing left and right edges 48 and 49. Each membrane unit comprises a first membrane leaf 44 and a second membrane leaf 45, each stacked together. The left edge 48 of the first membrane leaf 44 is connected to the left edge 48 of the second membrane leaf 45. The upper edge 46 is located on the same side as the fifth side 21, the lower edge 47 is located on the same side as the sixth side 22, and the left edge 48 is adjacent to the center tube. In the wound state, the upper edge 46 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the upper edge 46 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are respectively sealed to the third side 73 of the adjacent water-conducting layer 7; the lower edge 47 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the lower edge 47 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are respectively sealed to the fourth side 74 of the adjacent water-conducting layer 7; and the right edge 49 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the right edge 49 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are respectively sealed to the second side 72 of the adjacent water-conducting layer 7. When the wastewater outlet 43 or the raw water inlet 41 is located on the side wall of the filter element, the right side 49 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the right side 49 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are not sealed, forming the wastewater outlet 43 or the raw water inlet 41. When the wastewater outlet 43 or the raw water inlet 41 is located at the upper or lower end of the filter element, the upper edge 46 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the upper edge 46 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are at least partially unsealed, forming the wastewater outlet 43 or the raw water inlet 41, or the lower edge 47 of the upper first membrane leaf 44 and the lower edge 47 of the lower second membrane leaf 45 are at least partially unsealed, forming the wastewater outlet 43 or the raw water inlet 41. When there are multiple diaphragm units, the diaphragm units are stacked, and the right side 49 of the second membrane page 45 in the diaphragm unit is sealed with the right side 49 of the first membrane page 44 of the adjacent diaphragm unit, the upper side 46 of the second membrane page 45 in the diaphragm unit is sealed with the upper side 46 of the first membrane page 44 of the adjacent diaphragm unit, and the lower side 47 of the second membrane page 45 in the diaphragm unit is sealed with the lower side 47 of the first membrane page 44 of the adjacent diaphragm unit. In this way, it can be ensured that the clean water formed by the second filter unit 4 will not mix with the raw water.

[0081] The above sealing method can be glue sealing. The second filter unit 4 can be a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane or other membrane that needs to discharge wastewater.

[0082] In one feasible embodiment, support member 1 is a central tube, and the filter element may include: a third filter unit, which is disposed within the central tube. Clean water flowing out of second filter unit 4 flows into the central tube and then flows through the third filter unit. In this embodiment, first filter unit 3 may be a pre-filter unit, second filter unit 4 may be a filter unit such as a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane, and the third filter unit may be a post-filter unit. In this way, three different types of filter units can be integrated into a single filter element, greatly improving the integration of the filter element and minimizing the size of the filter element.

[0083] The present application also proposes a water purification device, which includes any of the filter elements described above. The water purification device may also include a filter bottle for mounting the filter element, which may be mounted on a main body base of the water purification device.

[0084] Alternatively, the first water outlet 32 of the first filter unit 3 is connected to the second water inlet of the second filter unit 4. Water filtered by the first filter unit 3 flows out of the first water outlet 32, then flows through an external waterway and into the second water inlet of the second filter unit 4 for further filtration. Of course, if the second filter unit 4 is capable of discharging wastewater, the second water inlet serves as the raw water inlet 41.

[0085] Preferably, the water purification device may include: a water pump, which is connected to the first water inlet 31 of the first filter unit 3. The incoming water is pressurized by the water pump and then transported to the first water inlet 31 of the first filter unit 3, and then flows out from the first water outlet 32, and then flows into the second filter unit 4 from the second water inlet of the second filter unit 4 for filtration.

[0086] In another possible embodiment, the first water outlet 32 of the first filter unit 3 is connected to the inlet of a water pump, and the second water inlet of the second filter unit 4 is connected to the outlet of the water pump. Water filtered by the first filter unit 3 flows out of the first water outlet 32, is then pressurized by the water pump, and then flows into the second filter unit 4 through its second water inlet for filtration. In this embodiment, when the filter element filters water, the water pressure in the second filter unit 4 is greater than the water pressure in the first filter unit 3. As water flows through the first and second filter units 3 and 4, the higher water pressure in the second filter unit 4 compresses the first filter unit 3 within it. This prevents damage to the entire filter element during filtration, ensuring its service life. If the water pressure in the second filter unit 4 is lower than that in the first filter unit 3, the first filter unit 3 will expand outward due to the high-pressure water, and the second filter unit 4 will be unable to restrain the first filter unit 3, which could easily damage the filter element.

[0087] All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The term "essentially consisting of..." describing a combination should include the identified elements, ingredients, parts or steps and other elements, ingredients, parts or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe the combination of elements, ingredients, parts or steps herein also contemplates an embodiment that is essentially composed of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. By using the term "may", it is intended to illustrate that any attribute described that "may" include is optional. Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure "one" or "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not intended to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0088] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and they cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filter element, characterized in that: The filter element comprises: A support member, a flexible waterproof layer, a first filter unit and a second filter unit; the first filter unit, the second filter unit and the waterproof layer are wound together on the support member, the first filter unit forms a first filter flow channel, the second filter unit forms a second filter flow channel, and the waterproof layer makes the first filter flow channel independent of the second filter flow channel; After the waterproof layer covers the first filter unit, the waterproof layer and the first filter unit are wound together outside the support member; the second filter unit uses a membrane that needs to discharge wastewater; The filter element also includes: a water-conducting layer, the first filter unit, the second filter unit, the water-isolating layer and the water-conducting layer are jointly wound on the support member; the second filter unit is wound outside the water-isolating layer and the first filter unit; when the water-isolating layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in an unfolded state, the water-isolating layer has a seventh side and an eighth side that are opposite, and when the water-isolating layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in a wound state, the water-isolating layer covers the first filter unit and the seventh side and the eighth side of the water-isolating layer are sealed.

2. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that When the filter element filters water, the pressure of the water in the second filter unit is greater than the pressure of the water in the first filter unit.

3. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The filter element has an upper end and a lower end, the first filter unit has a first water inlet and a first water outlet, one of the first water inlet and the first water outlet is located at the upper end, and the other is located at the lower end.

4. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that When the second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, the support member is a central tube; the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet, the wastewater outlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, and the raw water inlet is located at the upper end or lower end of the filter element; the side wall of the central tube has a through hole, and the clean water outlet is connected to the through hole.

5. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that When the second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, the support member is a central tube; the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet, the wastewater outlet is located at the upper end or the lower end of the filter element, and the raw water inlet is located at the side wall of the filter element; the side wall of the central tube has a through hole, and the clean water outlet is connected to the through hole.

6. The filter element according to claim 3, characterized in that The support member is a central tube; the filter element further includes: a guide tube arranged in the central tube, the first water outlet is connected to the guide tube, so that the end where water flows out of the guide tube is located at the same end as the first water inlet.

7. The filter element according to claim 6, characterized in that The second filter unit is a filter unit capable of discharging wastewater, and the second filter unit has a raw water inlet, a clean water outlet and a wastewater outlet; when the raw water inlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, the wastewater outlet and the first water inlet are located at the same end; when the wastewater outlet is located at the side wall of the filter element, the raw water inlet and the first water inlet are located at the same end.

8. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The filter element further comprises: a first end cap provided at the end of the first filter unit, the second filter unit and the water-proof layer; When one of the first water inlet and the first water outlet of the first filter unit and one of the second water inlet and the second water outlet of the second filter unit are located at the same end, the end cover has a partition to form a first port located in the inner circle and a second port located in the outer circle, the first port is connected to the first filter channel, and the second port is connected to the second filter channel.

9. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The support member is a central tube; in the coiled state, part of the water-conducting layer is located between the water-isolating layers of adjacent circles, and part of the water-conducting layer is located between the second filter units of adjacent circles.

10. The filter element according to claim 9, characterized in that When the water-isolating layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in the unfolded state, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are arranged side by side on the water-conducting layer, the water-isolating layer is located between the first filter unit and the water-conducting layer, and the water-isolating layer can be folded to cover the upper surface of the first filter unit facing away from the water-conducting layer.

11. The filter element according to claim 10, characterized in that When the water-isolating layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in an expanded state, the first filter unit is located on a side close to the central tube, and the second filter unit is located on a side away from the central tube.

12. The filter element according to claim 10, characterized in that There are multiple first filter units and multiple water-proof layers. Each of the water-proof layers covers one first filter unit to make the first filter channel of the first filter unit independent. Multiple first filter units are arranged in parallel on the water-conducting layer.

13. The filter element according to claim 10, characterized in that The water-conducting layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, wherein the first side is close to the central tube; the water-blocking layer has a fifth side and a sixth side opposite to each other, wherein the fifth side is located on the same side as the third side, and the sixth side is located on the same side as the fourth side; When the waterproof layer, the water-conducting layer, the first filter unit and the second filter unit are in a wound state, the third side of the water-conducting layer is sealed with the fifth side of the adjacent waterproof layer, and the fourth side of the water-conducting layer is sealed with the sixth side of the adjacent waterproof layer.

14. The filter element according to claim 13, characterized in that The first filter unit includes: a multi-layered filter leaf, the filter leaf including opposite upper and lower sides, and opposite left and right sides, the upper side and the fifth side being located on the same side, the lower side and the sixth side being located on the same side, and the left side being close to the central tube; The upper side of the filter page is sealed with the upper side of one of the adjacent filter pages, and the lower side of the filter page is sealed with the lower side of another adjacent filter page; The left sides of the multiple filter pages are sealed, the left sides of the filter pages are sealed with the waterproof layer, the right sides of the multiple filter pages are sealed, and the right sides of the filter pages are sealed with the waterproof layer; the upper side or lower side of the filter page located in the top layer of the stacked multiple filter pages that is not sealed with the adjacent filter page is sealed with the side of the adjacent waterproof layer on the same side; the upper side or lower side of the filter page located in the bottom layer of the stacked multiple filter pages that is not sealed with the adjacent filter page is sealed with the side of the adjacent waterproof layer on the same side.

15. The filter element according to claim 14, characterized in that The folds between adjacent filter leaves are parallel to or perpendicular to the support member.

16. The filter element according to claim 13, characterized in that The second filter unit comprises at least one membrane unit, wherein the membrane unit has an upper side and a lower side opposite to each other, and a left side and a right side opposite to each other, wherein one membrane unit comprises a first membrane page and a second membrane page stacked together, wherein the left side of the first membrane page is connected to the left side of the second membrane page, the upper side is located on the same side as the fifth side, the lower side is located on the same side as the sixth side, and the left side is close to the central tube; In the rolled-up state, the upper edge of the first membrane page and the upper edge of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the third side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers; the lower edge of the first membrane page and the lower edge of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the fourth side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers; the right side of the first membrane page and the right side of the second membrane page are respectively sealed with the second side edge of their respective adjacent water-conducting layers.

17. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The first filter unit includes at least one of the following: an adsorptive material, an intercepting material, and a functional material.

18. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The support member is a central tube, and the filter element further includes: a third filter unit, which is arranged in the central tube. The clean water flowing out of the second filter unit flows into the central tube and flows through the third filter unit.

19. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that The second filtration unit is a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane.

20. The filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that In a radial cross section of the filter element, the first filter unit is located in a first region close to the inner side of the support member, and the second filter unit is located in a second region away from the outer side of the support member.

21. A water purification device, characterized in that: The water purification device comprises the filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The water purification device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first water outlet of the first filter unit is communicated with the second water inlet of the second filter unit.

23. The water purification device according to claim 22, characterized in that The water purification device further includes a water pump, which is connected to the first water inlet of the first filter unit.

24. The water purification device according to claim 21, characterized in that The water purification device further includes a water pump, wherein the first water outlet of the first filter unit is connected to the inlet end of the water pump, and the second water inlet of the second filter unit is connected to the outlet end of the water pump.

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