Filter element with multi-channel structure and water purifier

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a filter element with a multi-passage structure and a water purifier. The filter element includes: a housing having a plurality of chambers therein, the chambers being filled with filter media, the housing being provided with one or more water outlets and a plurality of water inlets, the plurality of water inlets corresponding to and communicating with the plurality of chambers one by one; when there is one water outlet, the water outlet is provided on one of the chambers and communicates with the chamber, and when there are a plurality of water outlets, the plurality of water outlets correspond to and communicate with the plurality of chambers one by one; a plurality of check valves respectively provided between the chambers without water outlets and the adjacent chambers for enabling the chambers without water outlets to be unidirectionally conductive to the chambers with water outlets. The filter element according to the embodiment of the present invention can select to supply water to different chambers through different water inlets. When the filter media in the chambers are different, drinking water with different functions can be output, which provides convenience for users to select suitable drinking water for themselves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of water purification equipment, and particularly relates to a filter element with a multi-channel structure and a water purifier. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, people have higher and higher requirements for the quality of drinking water. The water purifier can deeply filter the water quality according to the usage requirements, so it has been widely used.

[0003] At present, the filter elements for the functions of water purifiers on the market have functions such as strontium-rich, zinc-rich, and mineralization. The filter elements with these functions generally have a single-channel structure. The drinking water output to users can only contain one or more functional elements, and the water outlet function is single. It is impossible to provide users with multiple functional drinking waters to choose from on one machine, and it cannot meet the usage requirements of users. For example, the Chinese invention patent with the authorization announcement number CN 212188049 U discloses a composite filter element and a water purifier. The composite filter element includes a housing, a first filter element arranged in the housing, and a second filter element and a third filter element arranged in the first filter element. The three filter elements are integrally arranged in the same housing, which can meet the multi-stage filtration requirements of the water purifier. However, the drinking water filtered by this composite filter element can only be of one water quality, and users cannot choose, which cannot meet the requirements of users for the use of multiple types of water quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a filter element with a multi-channel structure that can output multiple different functional drinking waters so that users can select according to their needs.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present invention is a filter element with a multi-channel structure, including:

[0006] A housing having a plurality of independent chambers therein, the chambers being filled with filter media, and one or more water outlets and a plurality of water inlets being provided on the housing, the plurality of water inlets corresponding to and communicating with the plurality of chambers one by one; when there is one water outlet, the water outlet is provided on one of the chambers and communicates with the chamber, and when there are a plurality of water outlets, the plurality of water outlets correspond to and communicate with the plurality of chambers one by one;

[0007] A plurality of check valves respectively arranged between the chambers without the water outlet and the adjacent chambers for enabling the chambers without the water outlet to be unidirectionally conducted with the chambers with the water outlet, so that the water flow in the chambers without the water outlet flows in a single direction to the chambers with the water outlet.

[0008] The filter element with a multi-channel structure in the embodiments of the present invention can supply water to different chambers through different water inlets. When the filter media in the chambers are different, drinking water with different functions can be output, which provides convenience for users to select suitable drinking water for themselves.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the filter element further includes an inner shell disposed inside the outer shell, and the inner shell divides the space inside the outer shell into a plurality of independent chambers. Forming a plurality of chambers through the inner shell is convenient for processing and manufacturing.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the inner shell has a sealed shell cavity. The inner shell is disposed inside the outer shell and divides the space inside the outer shell into a first chamber and a third chamber respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell, and the shell cavity of the inner shell forms a second chamber. The structure is simple and the number of chambers is reasonable.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the first chamber includes a first side wall formed by the outer shell and a second side wall formed by the inner shell, the first side wall is opposite to the second side wall, the water inlets include a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a third water inlet respectively corresponding to the three chambers one by one, and the water outlet and the three water inlets are all disposed on the first side wall;

[0012] The filter element further includes a first diversion pipe and a second diversion pipe disposed inside the outer shell. One end of the first diversion pipe is communicated with the first water inlet, and the other end of the first diversion pipe is communicated with the third chamber; one end of the second diversion pipe is communicated with the second water inlet, and the other end of the second diversion pipe is communicated with the second chamber, and the third water inlet is directly communicated with the first chamber. The structural design is reasonable and it is convenient for the connection between the water inlets and the corresponding chambers.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the check valve includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber and is used for enabling the fluid in the second chamber to flow unidirectionally into the first chamber; the second check valve is disposed between the second chamber and the third chamber and is used for enabling the fluid in the third chamber to flow unidirectionally into the second chamber. Through the two check valves, the water flows entering the two chambers via the water inlets can finally flow unidirectionally into the chamber with the water outlet, and the drinking water is supplied to the user through the water outlet.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the second side wall constitutes one side wall of the second chamber, and the second chamber further includes a third side wall formed by the inner shell, the second side wall is opposite to the third side wall; a first through hole and a second through hole are provided on the second side wall, and a third through hole opposite to the first through hole is provided on the third side wall;

[0015] The first diversion pipe is inserted through the first through hole, and one end of the first diversion pipe is hermetically docked with the first water inlet, and the other end of the first diversion pipe is hermetically docked with the third through hole, so that the fluid from the first water inlet can enter the third chamber via the first diversion pipe;

[0016] The second diversion pipe is located in the first chamber. One end of the second diversion pipe is hermetically docked with the second water inlet, and the other end of the second diversion pipe is hermetically docked with the second through hole, so that the fluid from the second water inlet can enter the second chamber via the second diversion pipe. Through the diversion pipe depression, the connection between the water inlet and the corresponding chamber can be realized, and there will be no leakage.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the side surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall facing each other respectively have a first annular boss surrounding the first diversion pipe and the second diversion pipe; a first sealing ring is provided between the first annular boss and the diversion pipe;

[0018] The side surface of the third side wall facing the second side wall has a second annular boss surrounding the first diversion pipe, and a second sealing ring is provided between the second annular boss and the first diversion pipe. The structure is simple, the sealing effect is good, and it can avoid leakage from affecting the water quality of the outlet.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a water purifier. The water purifier includes a raw water tank, and further includes:

[0020] A first filtration unit, connected to the raw water tank;

[0021] A second filtration unit, including the filter element with a multi-pass structure in any of the above embodiments. The water outlet of the first filtration unit is respectively connected to the water inlets of the respective chambers of the filter element with a multi-pass structure through different first pipelines;

[0022] A plurality of first electric control valves, respectively arranged on the respective first pipelines. Since the water purifier includes a filter element with a multi-pass structure, when the chambers of the filter element are respectively filled with filter materials containing different minerals, different functional drinking water can be provided for users, meeting the different usage requirements of users and providing convenience for users to select the drinking water suitable for themselves.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the water purifier further includes a purified water tank. The water inlet of the purified water tank is connected to the water outlet of the first filtration unit through a second pipeline, and a second electric control valve is provided on the second pipeline. In this way, the water in the raw water tank can directly enter the purified water tank without passing through the second filtration unit after being filtered by the first filtration unit, providing users with regular drinking water rather than functional water rich in minerals, increasing the selectivity of users.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the water purifier further includes a three-way reversing valve. The first input port of the three-way reversing valve is connected to the water outlet of the raw water tank, the second input port of the three-way reversing valve is connected to the water outlet of the purified water tank, and the output port of the three-way reversing valve is connected to the water inlet of the first filtration unit. The purified water in the purified water tank can be supplied to the first filtration unit through the three-way reversing valve for flushing the first filtration unit, avoiding the problem of poor flushing of the first filtration unit caused by the quality of the raw water in the raw water tank.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present invention.

[0026] An overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in the present invention is not an exhaustive disclosure of the full scope or all features of the disclosed technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example and not limitation, and are used in conjunction with the description and the claims to explain the embodiments of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view of a filter element with a multi-pass structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 For Figure 1 sectional view taken along line A-A of

[0030] Figure 3 For Figure 1 sectional view taken along line B-B of

[0031] Figure 4 For Figure 1 sectional view taken along line C-C of

[0032] Figure 5 It is a schematic plan view of a filter element with a multi-pass structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 For Figure 5 sectional view taken along line D-D of

[0034] Figure 7 For Figure 5 sectional view taken along line E-E of

[0035] Figure 8 It is a structural block diagram of a water purifier according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is the structural block diagram of the water purifier for the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Reference numerals:

[0038] 1 - Outer shell; 2 - Inner shell; 3 - First chamber; 4 - Second chamber; 5 - Third chamber; 6 - Water outlet; 7 - First water inlet; 8 - Second water inlet; 9 - Third water inlet; 10 - First diversion pipe; 11 - Second diversion pipe; 12 - First check valve; 13 - Second check valve; 14 - First annular boss; 15 - Second annular boss; 16 - Sealing ring; 17 - Fourth chamber; 18 - Fifth chamber; 19 - Fourth water inlet; 20 - Fourth water outlet; 21 - Fifth water inlet; 22 - Fifth water outlet; 23 - First conduit; 24 - Second conduit; 25 - Raw water tank; 26 - First filter element; 27 - Second filter element; 28 - Third filter element; 29 - First pipeline; 30 - First electric control valve; 31 - Clean water tank; 32 - Second pipeline; 33 - Three-way reversing valve; 34 - Heating element; 35 - DC pump; 36 - Flowmeter; 37 - Booster pump; 38 - Waste water valve; 39 - Partition board; 40 - Second electric control valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The "first", "second" and similar terms used in the present invention do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements or items appearing before this term cover the elements or items listed after this term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or items. The terms such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms such as "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0041] In order to keep the following description of the embodiments of the present invention clear and concise, the detailed descriptions of known functions and known components are omitted in the present invention.

[0042] An embodiment of the present invention provides a filter element with a multi-passage structure. The filter element with a multi-passage structure can be applied to a water purifier to filter and purify water and / or add minerals to the water while filtering and purifying, providing conventional drinking water that meets the user's usage requirements or functional water rich in minerals.

[0043] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, the filter element with a multi-passage structure in the embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1. The housing 1 is divided into a plurality of independent chambers, and the chambers are filled with filter materials, which can be mineral filter materials, so that the water flowing into the chambers contains minerals and forms functional water. The filter materials in each chamber can all be different, or some can be different. On the premise that the number of chambers is certain, in order to provide as many types of functional water as possible, it is preferably that the filter materials in each chamber are all different.

[0044] One or more water outlets and a plurality of water inlets are provided on the housing 1. The plurality of water inlets correspond to and communicate with the plurality of chambers one by one. That is, each chamber is correspondingly provided with a water inlet, and water is supplied to each chamber through the corresponding water inlets respectively. When there is one water outlet 6, the water outlet 6 is provided on one of the chambers and communicates with the chamber. When there are a plurality of water outlets 6, the plurality of water outlets 6 correspond to and communicate with the plurality of chambers one by one.

[0045] A plurality of check valves are respectively provided between the chambers without the water outlet 6 and the adjacent chambers, so that the chambers without the water outlet 6 can all communicate with the chambers with the water outlet 6 unidirectionally. That is, for the chambers without the water outlet 6, the water flowing into them can only flow in a single direction into the chambers with the water outlet 6 to flow out through the water outlet 6 and be provided to the user, and the water in the chambers with the water outlet 6 will not flow into the chambers without the water outlet 6.

[0046] The filter element with a multi-passage structure in the embodiment of the present invention can selectively supply water to different chambers through different water inlets. When the filter materials in the chambers are different, drinking water with different functions can be output (for example, when different mineral filter materials are used, functional water containing different minerals is output), solving the problem of the single function of the water quality of the current water purifier and providing convenience for users to select suitable drinking water for themselves.

[0047] The following describes the filter element with a multi-passage structure in conjunction with different embodiments.

[0048] Embodiment 1

[0049] As Figures 1 to 4As shown, the outer shell 1 is provided with a plurality of water inlets that correspond one-to-one with the number of chambers and are connected. The outer shell 1 is also provided with a water inlet. The water outlet 6 is provided on one of the chambers and is connected to the chamber. Check valves are respectively provided between two adjacent chambers. The chambers without the water outlet 6 can conduct unidirectionally to the chamber with the water outlet 6, so that the water flow entering the chamber without the water outlet 6 can enter the chamber with the water outlet 6 and finally flow out from the water outlet 6.

[0050] The form of a plurality of independent chambers inside the outer shell 1 is not limited. For example, it can be separated by partitions, or a plurality of chambers can be integrally formed during the processing of the outer shell 1 and so on.

[0051] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the filter element further includes an inner shell 2. The inner shell 2 is arranged inside the outer shell 1, and the inner shell 2 divides the inside of the outer shell 1 into a plurality of independent chambers. By arranging the inner shell 2 inside the outer shell 1, it is convenient to form a plurality of independent chambers, reduce the processing and manufacturing difficulty, and facilitate the disassembly and replacement of the filter material.

[0052] Optionally, as Figures 2 to 4 shown, the inner shell 2 has a sealed shell cavity. The inner shell 2 is arranged inside the outer shell 1, and divides the space inside the outer shell 1 into a first chamber 3 and a third chamber 5 respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell 2. The shell cavity of the inner shell 2 forms a second chamber 4. The structure is simple and the number of chambers is reasonable.

[0053] Furthermore, the inner shell 2 is arranged in the middle of the outer shell 1 so that the volumes of the three chambers are basically the same, so that the water output filtered by each chamber is basically the same and can meet the user's usage requirements.

[0054] Furthermore, the outer shell 1 can be a hollow cube structure, and the inner shell 2 is also a hollow cube structure. All the side walls of the inner shell 2 except the side walls facing the first chamber 3 and the third chamber 5 are closely attached to the side walls of the outer shell 1. As Figures 2 to 4 shown, a sealing ring 16 is provided between the side walls where the inner shell 2 is attached to the outer shell 1 to ensure the sealing between the two and prevent leakage between the chambers, which may affect the water quality of the outlet. The sealing ring 16 can be set as a double layer to further improve the sealing performance.

[0055] Optionally, the outer shell 1 can be composed of two parts spliced together and enclose a sealed space. In this way, it is beneficial to place the inner shell 2 in the space of the outer shell 1 to realize the assembly of the inner shell 2 and the outer shell 1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first chamber 3 includes a first sidewall formed by the outer shell 1 and a second sidewall formed by the inner shell 2. The first sidewall is opposite to the second sidewall. The water inlet includes a first water inlet 7, a second water inlet 8, and a third water inlet 9 that respectively correspond to the three chambers one by one. The water outlet 6 and the three water inlets are all provided on the first sidewall. Arranging the water outlet 6 and the water inlets on the same sidewall has a reasonable layout, which is convenient for connecting pipelines to the water outlet 6 and the water inlets, facilitating water outlet and water inlet.

[0057] Continuing to combine Figures 2 to 4 , the filter element further includes a first diversion pipe 10 and a second diversion pipe 11 disposed inside the outer shell 1. One end of the first diversion pipe 10 communicates with the first water inlet 7, and the other end of the first diversion pipe 10 communicates with the third chamber 5. One end of the second diversion pipe 11 communicates with the second water inlet 8, and the other end of the second diversion pipe 11 communicates with the second chamber 4. The third water inlet 9 directly communicates with the first chamber 3. By providing the diversion pipes, the communication between the water inlets and the chambers is realized, and the method is simple and the connection is convenient.

[0058] The number of check valves is related to the number of chambers and whether each chamber is directly connected to the chamber having the water outlet 6 through a check valve. That is, a chamber without a water outlet 6 can be directly connected to a chamber having a water outlet 6, and a check valve is provided on the connection path between the two. A chamber without a water outlet 6 can also be first connected to other chambers without a water outlet 6, and finally connected to a chamber having a water outlet 6. In this way, check valves need to be provided on each connection path, so that the water flow entering each chamber from the water inlet can only flow in one direction to the chamber having the water outlet 6.

[0059] When the filter element includes three chambers arranged in sequence, the check valves include two, namely a first check valve 12 and a second check valve 13. As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the first check valve 12 is disposed between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 and is used to enable the fluid in the second chamber 4 to flow unidirectionally into the first chamber 3; the second check valve 13 is disposed between the second chamber 4 and the third chamber 5 and is used to enable the fluid in the third chamber 5 to flow unidirectionally into the second chamber 4. In this way, the water flow entering each chamber through the water inlet can finally flow unidirectionally into the chamber having the water outlet 6 and is supplied to the user through the water outlet 6.

[0060] Further, the second side wall forms a side wall of the second chamber 4. The second chamber 4 further includes a third side wall formed by the inner shell 2. The second side wall is opposite to the third side wall. The second side wall is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The third side wall is provided with a third through hole opposite to the first through hole. The first conduit 10 passes through the first through hole, and one end of the first conduit 10 is sealingly butted with the first water inlet 7, and the other end of the first conduit 10 is sealingly butted with the third through hole, so that the fluid from the first water inlet 7 can enter the third chamber 5 via the first conduit 10. The second conduit 11 is located in the first chamber 3. One end of the second conduit 11 is sealingly butted with the second water inlet 8, and the other end of the second conduit 11 is sealingly butted with the second through hole, so that the fluid from the second water inlet 8 can enter the second chamber 4 via the second conduit 11. In this way, the communication between the water inlet and the corresponding chamber is realized through the conduit, and leakage will not occur.

[0061] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the side faces of the first side wall and the second side wall facing each other respectively have a first annular boss 14 surrounding the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 11. A first sealing ring is provided between the first annular boss 14 and the conduit. The side face of the third side wall facing the second side wall has a second annular boss 15 surrounding the first conduit 10. A second sealing ring is provided between the second annular boss 15 and the first conduit 10. The sealing between the conduit and the through hole is realized through the annular boss and the sealing ring. The structure is simple, the sealing effect is good, and leakage can be avoided from affecting the water outlet quality.

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the water outlet 6 is provided in the middle of the first side wall. The three water inlets are arranged around the water outlet 6 and form a triangle. This layout form is reasonable, which is convenient for the connection of each water inlet and the corresponding chamber and the layout of the pipelines on the water inlets and the water outlet 6. When there are more than three water inlets, the multiple water inlets can be arranged in a ring or a polygon around the water outlet 6.

[0063] As Figure 2 shown, when the water flow enters the filter element through the first water inlet 7, the water flow is in accordance with Figure 2It flows in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, first enters the first diversion pipe 10, enters the third chamber 5 from the first diversion pipe 10, is filtered and purified by the filter media in the third chamber 5, then enters the second chamber 4 through the second check valve 13, is filtered and purified by the filter media in the second chamber 4, then enters the first chamber 3 through the first check valve 12, is filtered and purified by the filter media in the first chamber 3, and finally flows out from the water outlet 6 to be provided to the user. Since the water flow entering from the first water inlet 7 passes through three independent chambers of the filter element, when different mineral filter media are filled in the three chambers respectively, the water output from the water outlet 6 is the water affected by the three filled filter media, and controlling the on-off of the water flow at the first water inlet 7 will control whether the water flow needs to pass through the chambers of the three filled filter media.

[0064] As Figure 3 shown, when the water flow flows into the filter element through the second water inlet 8, the water flow flows in the Figure 3 direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, first enters the second diversion pipe 11, enters the second chamber 4 from the second diversion pipe 11, is filtered and purified by the filter media in the second chamber 4. Since a check valve that only allows the water flow in the third chamber 5 to flow towards the second chamber 4 is provided between the second chamber 4 and the third chamber 5, the water flow in the second chamber 4 will not enter the third chamber 5, but enters the first chamber 3 through the first check valve 12, is filtered and purified by the filter media in the first chamber 3, and finally flows out from the water outlet 6 to be provided to the user. Since the water flow entering from the second water inlet 8 passes through two independent chambers of the filter element, when different mineral filter media are filled in the two chambers, the water output from the water outlet 6 is the water affected by the two filled filter media, and controlling the on-off of the water flow at the second water inlet 8 will control whether the water flow needs to pass through the chambers of the two filled filter media.

[0065] As Figure 4 shown, when the water flow flows into the filter element through the third water inlet 9, the water flow flows in the Figure 4 direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The water flow directly enters the first chamber 3. Since a check valve that only allows the water flow in the second chamber 4 to flow towards the first chamber 3 is provided between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, the water flow will only pass through the first chamber 3, and the water output from the water outlet 6 is the water only affected by the filter media filled in the first chamber 3.

[0066] As long as two of the three chambers are filled with different filter media, two kinds of water with different functions can be output. At least one more choice is provided for the user, which provides convenience for the user to select the drinking water suitable for themselves.

[0067] The selection of the filter media is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present invention and can be determined according to the functions of the required water. For example, the filter media can be selected from existing known filter media such as activated carbon + zinc, alkaline balls, activated carbon + strontium, etc.

[0068] Embodiment 2

[0069] AsFigures 5 to 7 As shown, the housing 1 is provided with a plurality of water inlets corresponding to and communicating with the number of chambers one by one, and a plurality of water outlets corresponding to and communicating with the number of chambers one by one. That is, each chamber respectively has a water inlet and a water outlet. After the water entering each chamber is treated by the filter media in the chamber, it is directly discharged from the water outlet on the chamber, and no longer passes through other chambers. The water flowing out of each chamber only contains the minerals contained in the filter media in the chamber. In this way, the check valve can be omitted and the structure can be simplified.

[0070] As Figure 6 shown, the chambers altogether include two, namely the fourth chamber 17 and the fifth chamber 18. The fourth chamber 17 and the fifth chamber 18 can be separated by a partition plate 39 provided in the housing to divide the space in the housing. The fourth water inlet 19 and the fourth water outlet 20 corresponding to the fourth chamber 17 are both provided on the first side wall of the housing 1. The fourth water inlet 19 extends to the side of the fourth chamber 17 away from the side where the fourth water outlet 20 is provided, so that the water entering the fourth chamber 17 can fully contact the filter media in the fourth chamber 17. The water flow enters the fourth chamber 17 from the fourth water inlet 19, and after being treated by the filter media in the fourth chamber 17, it flows out from the fourth water outlet 20. Figure 6 The arrow direction in

[0071] As Figure 7 shown, a fifth water inlet 21 and a fifth water outlet 22 are further provided on the side wall of the housing 1. A first conduit 23 is connected to the fifth water inlet 21 and passes through the fourth chamber 17 and extends into the fifth chamber 18. A second conduit 24 is connected to the fifth water outlet 22 and passes through the fourth chamber 17 and communicates with the fifth chamber 18. The water flow enters the fifth chamber 18 from the fifth water inlet 21 through the first conduit 23, and after being treated by the filter media in the fifth chamber 18, it flows out from the fifth water outlet 22 through the second conduit 24. Figure 7 The arrow direction in

[0072] The filter element with a multi-passage structure in this embodiment can at least provide two different types of functional water for users.

[0073] The number of chambers is not limited to two, and can be set to three, four, five, etc. according to needs. The filter media in each chamber of the second embodiment can also be selected from the mineral filter media commonly used in water purifiers in the prior art. As Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a water purifier. The water purifier includes a raw water tank 25, and also includes a first filtration unit, a second filtration unit, and a plurality of first electric control valves 30. The first filtration unit is connected to the raw water tank 25. The second filtration unit includes a filter element with a multi-pass structure. For the convenience of the following description, the filter element with the multi-pass structure is defined as the first filter element 26. The water outlet of the first filtration unit is respectively connected to the water inlets of the chambers of the filter element with the multi-pass structure through different first pipelines 29. First electric control valves 30 are respectively provided on each of the first pipelines 29.

[0074] Since the water purifier includes the above-mentioned first filter element 26 with a multi-pass structure, when the chambers of the first filter element 26 are respectively filled with filter materials containing different minerals, it can provide drinking water with different functions for users, meet the different usage requirements of users, and facilitate users to select suitable drinking water for themselves.

[0075] Furthermore, continuing to combine Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the water purifier further includes a purified water tank 31. The water inlet of the purified water tank 31 is connected to the water outlet of the first filtration unit through a second pipeline 32, and a second electric control valve 40 is provided on the second pipeline 32. In this way, the water in the raw water tank 25 can directly enter the purified water tank 31 without passing through the second filtration unit after being filtered by the first filtration unit, providing regular drinking water rather than functional water rich in minerals for users, increasing the selectivity of users. In addition, the water filtered by the first filtration unit can be combined with the water filtered by the second filtration unit and jointly output to the purified water tank of the content of minerals can be adjusted.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the water purifier further includes a three-way reversing valve 33. The first input port of the three-way reversing valve 33 is connected to the water outlet of the raw water tank 25, the output port of the three-way reversing valve 33 is connected to the water inlet connected to the first filtration unit, and the water outlet of the purified water tank 31 is connected to the second input port of the three-way reversing valve 33. The purified water in the purified water tank 31 can be supplied into the first filtration unit through the three-way reversing valve 33 for flushing the first filtration unit. Using the purified water in the purified water tank 31 to flush the first filtration unit can avoid the problem of poor flushing of the first filtration unit caused by the quality of the raw water in the raw water tank 25.

[0077] One end of the water outlet of the purified water tank 31 is also connected to a heating element 34 for heating the water flow. A DC pump 35 for pumping the water in the purified water tank 31 into the heating element 34 and a flowmeter 36 for detecting the water flow are provided on the pipeline between the purified water tank 31 and the heating element 34. By providing the heating element 34, the water can be heated to provide hot water for users.

[0078] The wastewater outlet of the first filtration unit is connected to the water inlet of the raw water tank 25, which is used to recycle the water filtered by the first filtration unit and improve the utilization rate. A wastewater valve 38 is provided on the pipeline between the wastewater outlet of the first filtration unit and the water inlet of the raw water tank 25.

[0079] The first filtration unit may include, for example, a second filter element 27 and a third filter element 28. The second filter element 27 may be a pre-filter element, and the third filter element 28 may be an RO membrane filter element (reverse osmosis membrane filter element). The raw water tank 25 is sequentially connected to the water inlet of the second filter element 27 through a three-way reversing valve 33 and a booster pump 37. The water outlet of the second filter element 27 is connected to the water inlet of the third filter element 28. The water outlet of the third filter element 28 is respectively connected to multiple water inlets of the first filter element 26 through different first pipelines 29.

[0080] By setting the first filtration unit to purify the water in the raw water tank 25 and then performing functional treatment through the second filtration unit, application water with different functions can be provided for users.

[0081] Compared with the existing water purifier, the first filtration unit can use pure water for backwashing, which has the advantage of a long service life. The second filtration unit provides functional element drinking water, which has the advantage of more selectivity.

[0082] The control circuit board in the water purifier is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic valve 30, the second electromagnetic valve 40, the booster pump 37, the wastewater valve 38, etc., and can receive user input instructions to automatically control the coordinated actions of each pump and valve, so as to automatically output the functional drinking water required by the user input instructions (functional element drinking water is simply referred to as functional water, which depends on the filter media filled in the chamber. Different filter media filled will output different functional element drinking water).

[0083] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the above examples (or one or more of their solutions) can be used in combination with each other, and it is considered that these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements.

Claims

1. A filter element with a multi-channel structure, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing (1) having a plurality of independent chambers therein, the chambers being filled with filter media, the housing (1) being provided with an outlet (6) and a plurality of inlets, the plurality of inlets corresponding to and communicating with the plurality of chambers one by one; the outlet (6) being provided on one of the chambers and communicating with that chamber; A plurality of check valves respectively provided between the chambers without the outlet (6) and the adjacent chambers for enabling the chambers without the outlet (6) to be unidirectionally conducted to the chamber with the outlet (6), so that the water flow in the chambers without the outlet (6) flows in a single direction to the chamber with the outlet (6); The filter element further includes an inner housing (2); the inner housing (2) has a sealed housing cavity, the inner housing (2) is provided in the housing (1), and the space in the housing (1) is divided into a first chamber (3) and a third chamber (5) respectively located on opposite sides of the inner housing (2), and the housing cavity of the inner housing (2) forms a second chamber (4); The first chamber (3) includes a first side wall formed by the housing (1) and a second side wall formed by the inner housing (2), the first side wall and the second side wall being opposite to each other, the inlets including a first inlet (7), a second inlet (8) and a third inlet (9) respectively corresponding to the three chambers one by one, and the outlet (6) and the three inlets are all provided on the first side wall; The filter element further includes a first guide pipe (10) and a second guide pipe (11) provided in the housing (1), one end of the first guide pipe (10) communicating with the first inlet (7), the other end of the first guide pipe (10) communicating with the third chamber (5); one end of the second guide pipe (11) communicating with the second inlet (8), the other end of the second guide pipe (11) communicating with the second chamber (4), and the third inlet (9) directly communicating with the first chamber (3).

2. The filter element with a multi-channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The check valves include a first check valve (12) and a second check valve (13), the first check valve (12) being provided between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (4) for enabling the fluid in the second chamber (4) to flow unidirectionally to the first chamber (3); the second check valve (13) being provided between the second chamber (4) and the third chamber (5) for enabling the fluid in the third chamber (5) to flow unidirectionally to the second chamber (4).

3. The filter element with a multi-channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side wall constitutes one side wall of the second chamber (4), the second chamber (4) further includes a third side wall formed by the inner housing (2), the second side wall and the third side wall being opposite to each other; a first through hole and a second through hole are provided on the second side wall, and a third through hole opposite to the first through hole is provided on the third side wall; The first diversion pipe (10) is inserted through the first through hole, and one end of the first diversion pipe (10) is hermetically docked with the first water inlet (7), and the other end of the first diversion pipe (10) is hermetically docked with the third through hole, so that the fluid from the first water inlet (7) can enter the third chamber (5) via the first diversion pipe (10); The second diversion pipe (11) is located in the first chamber (3), one end of the second diversion pipe (11) is hermetically docked with the second water inlet (8), and the other end of the second diversion pipe (11) is hermetically docked with the second through hole, so that the fluid from the second water inlet (8) can enter the second chamber (4) via the second diversion pipe (11).

4. The filter element with a multi-channel structure according to claim 3, characterized in that The side surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall facing each other respectively have a first annular boss (14) surrounding the first diversion pipe (10) and the second diversion pipe (11); a first sealing ring is provided between the first annular boss (14) and the diversion pipe; The side surface of the third side wall facing the second side wall has a second annular boss (15) surrounding the first diversion pipe (10), and a second sealing ring is provided between the second annular boss (15) and the first diversion pipe (10).

5. A water purifier, comprising a raw water tank (25), characterized in that, It further includes: A first filtering unit, connected to the raw water tank (25); A second filtering unit, including the filter element with a multi-pass structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the water outlet of the first filtering unit is respectively connected to the water inlets of the respective chambers of the filter element with a multi-pass structure through different first pipelines (29); A plurality of first electric control valves (30), respectively arranged on each of the first pipelines (29).

6. The water purifier according to claim 5, wherein The water purifier further includes a purified water tank (31), the water inlet of the purified water tank (31) is connected to the water outlet of the first filtering unit through a second pipeline (32), and a second electric control valve (40) is arranged on the second pipeline (32).

7. The water purifier according to claim 6, wherein The water purifier further includes a three-way reversing valve (33), the first input port of the three-way reversing valve (33) is connected to the water outlet of the raw water tank (25), the second input port of the three-way reversing valve (33) is connected to the water outlet of the purified water tank (31), and the output port of the three-way reversing valve (33) is connected to the water inlet connected to the first filtering unit.

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