Reverse osmosis filter cartridge and water purifier

Abstract

The application provides a reverse osmosis filter element and a water purifier, the filter element comprising a shell and a joint assembly, the shell comprising an inner shell and an outer shell, a first flow channel being formed between the inner shell and a filter element body, a central pipe of the filter element body forming a second flow channel, a third flow channel being formed between the inner shell and the outer shell, a cavity communicating the first flow channel and the second flow channel being formed in an upper end cover of the inner shell; the joint assembly comprising a first adapter, an inlet end of the first adapter extending into an interior of the cavity, the first adapter having a first passage and a second passage inside and communicating the first flow channel and the second flow channel respectively, a third passage communicating the third flow channel being formed between the first adapter and the outer shell. Based on the technical scheme of the application, three passages corresponding to the three flow channels respectively are constructed at one end of the filter element, three water paths being formed and separated from each other, the water path outlet and inlet being arranged at the same end and the structural compactness being improved, and the water path intercommunication problem being effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification equipment technology, and particularly to a reverse osmosis filter element and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of the water purification industry, reverse osmosis water purifiers have gradually become the mainstream development direction in the market. For reverse osmosis water purifiers, the reliability of the reverse osmosis membrane filter element structure is particularly important. Currently, there are various inlet and outlet water forms for reverse osmosis membranes. For example, in a cylindrical side-flow membrane, pre-treated water enters from both ends of the inner core, concentrated water exits from the central hole, and pure water exits from the outer circumference. Regardless of the inlet and outlet water form, the filter element will have three water paths: a pre-treated water inlet path, a pure water outlet path, and a concentrated water outlet path.

[0003] Conventional filter cartridges typically place the inlet and outlet of the three water channels at opposite ends, i.e., one end for water intake and the other for water outlet, as shown in patent CN107998886A. However, this requires corresponding water pipes to be installed at both ends of the filter cartridge, which is not conducive to a compact overall design of the water purification equipment. Concentrating the inlet and outlet of the three water channels at one end of the filter cartridge allows for a more compact structure by arranging the corresponding water pipes on the same end. Currently, there are existing technologies that concentrate the inlet and outlet of the three water channels at one end of the filter cartridge, such as patent CN210786912U, but this simply involves setting the three water channels at one end, and the structure still needs optimization.

[0004] Therefore, based on the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention optimizes the design of the structure in which the three water inlets and outlets of the filter element are set at the same end of the filter element. While satisfying the requirement of a compact structure, the three water channels are effectively separated to avoid cross-contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issue of non-compact structural design in existing water purifier filter cartridges, this invention proposes a reverse osmosis filter cartridge and water purifier that achieves a compact structure while effectively separating the corresponding water channels to prevent cross-contamination.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a reverse osmosis filter element comprising:

[0007] The housing includes an inner shell for accommodating a filter element body and an outer shell fitted over the inner shell. A first flow channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer peripheral surface of the filter element body. A second flow channel is formed in the central tube of the filter element body. A third flow channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. A cavity communicating with the first and second flow channels is formed inside the upper end cap at one end of the inner shell.

[0008] A connector assembly includes a first adapter disposed on the upper end cover, the inlet end of the first adapter extending into the interior of the cavity, the first adapter having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel respectively communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and a third channel communicating with the third flow channel being formed between the first adapter and the outer shell.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first adapter has a main channel inside, which is axially divided into the first channel and the second channel by an internal partition.

[0010] The second channel is located near the entrance end, and the entrance end forms the entrance of the second channel. The exit end of the first adapter, which is opposite to the entrance end, forms the exit of the first channel. The entrance of the first channel and the exit of the second channel are respectively formed on the wall of the first adapter near the partition.

[0011] In one embodiment, a valve core component is provided at the outlet of the first channel on the first adapter. The valve core component includes a valve core body and an elastic element that cooperates with the valve core body. Under the action of the elastic element, the valve core body partially extends out of the outlet of the first channel and blocks the outlet of the first channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the valve core component further includes a valve seat, which is embedded in the outlet of the first channel. The valve core body and the elastic element are both disposed in the valve seat. The wall surface of the valve seat has a flow port communicating with the first channel. Under the action of the elastic element, the valve core body partially extends out of the outlet of the first channel and blocks the flow port.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cavity is directly connected to the opening of the central tube forming the second flow channel, the inlet end of the first adapter passes through the cavity and is sealed to the opening of the central tube, and the inlet of the second channel is connected to the central tube, and the inlet of the first channel provided on the wall of the first adapter near the inlet end is connected to the cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outer shell is provided with an external interface at one end corresponding to the upper end cover, and the upper end cover is provided with an internal interface that communicates with the cavity and is used to install the first adapter. The internal interface is located in the external interface, and the first adapter and the external interface form the third channel that communicates with the third flow channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the first adapter is provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions, and the edge of the inner interface is provided with a limiting notch for accommodating the limiting protrusions. The limiting protrusions and the limiting notch are mutually limiting and cooperating to fix the first adapter relative to the inner interface in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the upper end cap is a hollow structure with multiple perforations, the perforations being used to connect the third channel with the area of ​​the filter element body near the upper end face of the end cap.

[0017] In one embodiment, the other end of the inner shell is provided with a lower end cover, which is a hollow structure with multiple perforations. The third flow channel extends to the lower end cover and is connected to the area of ​​the filter element body near the lower end cover through the perforations.

[0018] In one embodiment, the connector assembly further includes a second adapter fitted over the first adapter, with the first adapter and the second adapter forming an output channel communicating with the second channel.

[0019] Secondly, the present invention provides a water purifier that includes the aforementioned reverse osmosis filter element.

[0020] The above-mentioned technical features can be combined in various suitable ways or replaced by equivalent technical features, as long as the purpose of the present invention can be achieved.

[0021] The reverse osmosis filter element and water purifier provided by this invention have at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] The present invention discloses a reverse osmosis filter element and a water purifier. Based on the three flow channels formed inside the filter element, the designed connector assembly constructs three channels corresponding to the three flow channels at one end of the filter element, thereby forming three water paths that are separated from each other. While realizing the setting of the water path inlet and outlet at the same end and improving the structural compactness, the problem of water crossing between water paths is effectively avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the filter element of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 Assembly diagram of the upper and middle end caps and the first adapter;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the first adapter of the filter element of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first adapter of the filter element of the present invention is shown.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Shell; 11. Inner shell; 12. Outer shell; 121. External interface; 13. Upper end cover; 131. Cavity; 132. Internal interface; 133. Hollowed-out opening; 14. Lower end cover; 2. Filter element body; 21. Central tube; 3. First adapter; 31. First channel; 311. Inlet of the first channel; 312. Outlet of the first channel; 32. Second channel; 321. Inlet of the second channel; 322. Outlet of the second channel; 33. Partition; 34. Limiting protrusion; 35. Output channel; 4. First flow channel; 5. Second flow channel; 6. Third flow channel; 61. Third channel; 7. Valve core component; 71. Valve core body; 72. Elastic element; 73. Valve seat; 74. Flow port; 8. Second adapter; 9. Water circuit plate; 91. Abutment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention provides a reverse osmosis filter element, comprising:

[0036] The housing 1 includes an inner shell 11 that houses the filter element body 2 and an outer shell 12 that is fitted over the inner shell 11. A first flow channel 4 is formed between the inner shell 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter element body 2. A second flow channel 5 is formed by the central tube 21 of the filter element body 2. A third flow channel 6 is formed between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12. A cavity 131 communicating with the first flow channel 4 and the second flow channel 5 is formed inside the upper end cap 13 at one end of the inner shell 11.

[0037] The connector assembly includes a first adapter 3 mounted on the upper end cover 13. The inlet end of the first adapter 3 extends into the interior of the cavity 131. The first adapter 3 has a first channel 31 and a second channel 32 inside. The first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are respectively connected to the first flow channel 4 and the second flow channel 5. A third channel 61 is formed between the first adapter 3 and the outer shell 12, which is connected to the third flow channel 6.

[0038] Specifically, the reverse osmosis filter element of the present invention adopts an inlet and outlet structure with three water channels formed at one end, thereby improving the compactness of the filter element structure. At the same time, the connector structure and the shell 1 together form three mutually separated channels, each corresponding to a different flow channel, effectively preventing cross-contamination of water.

[0039] Specifically, please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 In this invention, a first flow channel 4 is formed between the inner shell 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter element body 2, a second flow channel 5 is formed by the central tube 21 of the filter element body 2, and a third flow channel 6 is formed between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12. Each flow channel can be used for the input or output of different fluids according to the specific structural design of the filter element. For example, in this embodiment, the first flow channel 4 is used for the output of pure water, the second flow channel 5 is used for the output of concentrated water, and the third flow channel 6 is used for the input of pretreated water. The pretreated water enters the third flow channel 6 through the third channel 61 and is input into the interior of the shell 1, and then enters the filter element body 2 through the end of the filter element body 2. The pure water produced after filtration enters the first flow channel 4 from the outer peripheral surface of the filter element body 2 and is output through the first channel 31, while the concentrated water enters the second flow channel 5 from the inner peripheral surface of the filter element body 2 and is output through the second channel 32.

[0040] The connector assembly forming the first channel 31, the second channel 32, and the third channel 61 mainly includes a first adapter 3 mounted on the upper end cover 13 of the inner shell 11. The first adapter 3 has two independent first channels 31 and second channels 32. During installation, the first adapter 3 extends into the cavity 131 inside the upper end cover 13. The inlet 311 of the first channel and the inlet 321 of the second channel on the first adapter 3 are respectively connected to the first flow channel 4 and the second flow channel 5. Furthermore, after the first adapter 3 is mounted on the upper end cover 13 of the inner shell 11, it is actually inside the outer shell 12. Therefore, a third channel 61 is formed between the first adapter 3 and the outer shell 12, connecting to the third flow channel 6.

[0041] The reverse osmosis filter element of the present invention, based on the three flow channels formed inside the filter element, uses a designed connector assembly to construct three channels corresponding to the three flow channels at one end of the filter element, thereby forming three water paths that are separated from each other. While realizing the setting of the water path inlet and outlet at the same end and improving the structural compactness, it effectively avoids the problem of water crossing between water paths.

[0042] Furthermore, the first adapter 3 has a main channel inside, which is divided into a first channel 31 and a second channel 32 in the axial direction by a partition 33 inside it; the second channel 32 is close to the inlet end and the inlet end forms the inlet 321 of the second channel, and the outlet end of the first adapter 3 opposite to the inlet end forms the outlet 312 of the first channel. The inlet 311 of the first channel and the outlet 322 of the second channel are respectively formed on the wall surface of the first adapter 3 near the partition 33.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are axially distributed within the first adapter 3. This design reduces the radial dimension of the first adapter 3, allowing for design and manufacturing based on adapters with conventional radial dimensions without requiring a specific design. If the two channels were arranged side-by-side, the radial dimension of the first adapter 3 would need to be increased, necessitating changes to the structure and dimensions of the mounting structure on the inner shell 11, which would be detrimental to product manufacturing.

[0044] Furthermore, the cavity 131 is directly connected to the opening of the central tube 21 that forms the second flow channel 5. The inlet end of the first adapter 3 passes through the cavity 131 and is sealed to the opening of the central tube 21, so that the inlet 321 of the second channel is connected to the central tube 21. The inlet 311 of the first channel, which is provided on the wall of the first adapter 3 near the inlet end, is connected to the cavity 131.

[0045] Specifically, refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 The cavity 131 connects the first flow channel 4 and the second flow channel 5. The opening of the central tube 21 of the second flow channel 5 forms a connecting port on the wall of the cavity 131, and the edge of the cavity 131 connects to the opening of the first flow channel 4 (annular). During installation, the inlet end of the first adapter 3 is directly inserted into the opening of the central tube 21 through the cavity 131. The inlet 321 of the second channel on the inlet end is directly connected to the central tube 21. The wall of the first adapter 3 near the inlet end and corresponding to the cavity 131 has an inlet 311 of the first channel, which connects to the first flow channel 4 through the cavity 131. The first adapter 3 also serves to separate two chambers in the cavity 131, corresponding to the first flow channel 4 and the second flow channel 5 respectively, achieving a sealed separation between the water path formed by the first flow channel 4 and the first channel 31 and the water path formed by the second flow channel 5 and the second channel 32.

[0046] Furthermore, the outer shell 12 is provided with an external interface 121 at one end corresponding to the upper end cover 13, and the upper end cover 13 is provided with an internal interface 132 for installing the first adapter 3 through a communicating cavity 131. The internal interface 132 is located in the external interface 121, and a third channel 61 communicating with the third flow channel 6 is formed between the first adapter 3 and the external interface 121.

[0047] Specifically, refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 The inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 extend outwards to form an inner interface 132 and an outer interface 121, respectively. The inner interface 132 is used to install the first adapter 3, and the outer interface 121 is used to connect with other components of the water purification equipment. When the first adapter 3 is installed (sealed) on the inner interface 132, it is actually located inside the outer interface 121 and forms a third channel 61 between it and the outer interface 121. In this way, the cooperation between the first adapter 3 and the shell 1 forms three channels corresponding to three flow paths, resulting in a very compact structure with good separation.

[0048] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first adapter 3 is provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions 34, and the edge of the inner interface 132 is provided with a limiting notch for accommodating the limiting protrusions 34. The limiting protrusions 34 and the limiting notch are mutually limiting and cooperating to fix the first adapter 3 relative to the inner interface 132 in the circumferential direction.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 3 As shown, the limiting protrusion 34 and the limiting notch can cooperate to achieve the positioning and installation of the first adapter 3 relative to the upper end cover 13. At the same time, it can also prevent relative rotation between the first adapter 3 and the inner interface 132 of the upper end cover 13, which would affect the sealing of the assembly structure.

[0050] Furthermore, the upper end cover 13 has a hollow structure with multiple hollow openings 133, which are used to connect the third channel 61 with the area of ​​the upper surface of the filter body 2 near the end cover.

[0051] The other end of the inner shell 11 is provided with a lower end cover 14. The lower end cover 14 is a hollow structure with multiple hollow openings 133. The third flow channel 6 extends to the lower end cover 14, and the third flow channel 6 is connected to the area of ​​the end face of the filter body 2 near the lower end cover 14 through the hollow openings 133.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the inner shell 11 has an upper end cover 13 and a lower end cover 14 at both ends. Both the upper end cover 13 and the lower end cover 14 have a perforation 133. The pre-treated water input from the third channel 61 can directly enter the upper end of the filter element body 2 through the perforation 133 on the upper end cover 13. The pre-treated water input from the third channel 61 can also flow to the lower end cover 14 through the third flow channel 6 and enter the lower end of the filter element body 2 through the perforation 133 on the lower end cover 14. In this way, the pre-treated water can enter the filter element body 2 from both ends through the perforation 133, which can improve the filtration efficiency of the filter element.

[0053] Furthermore, the connector assembly also includes a second adapter 8 fitted outside the first adapter 3, and an output channel 35 connecting the first adapter 3 and the second adapter 8 is formed between them, which communicates with the second channel 32.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 2 As shown, the second adapter 8 is fitted outside the first adapter 3, and its end is also installed (sealed) on the inner interface 132 of the upper end cover 13. Its main function is to form an output channel 35 (ring) between it and the first adapter 3. The output channel 35 is connected to the outlet 322 of the second channel, which facilitates the output of fluid in the second channel 32.

[0055] In this structure, the third channel 61 (annular) is actually formed between the second adapter 8 and the outer interface 121 of the housing 12. An abutment portion also extends from the outer circumferential surface of the second adapter 8, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 2 As shown, the abutting part abuts against the inner surface of the outer interface 121, which facilitates the positioning and limiting of the connector assembly and improves the stability of the structure.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1. For some of the same content, please refer to Embodiment 1. This embodiment will not repeat the same content.

[0058] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 A valve core component 7 is provided at the outlet 312 of the first channel on the first adapter 3. The valve core component 7 includes a valve core body 71 and an elastic element 72 that cooperates with the valve core body 71. Under the action of the elastic element 72, the valve core body 71 extends out of the outlet 312 of the first channel and blocks the outlet 312 of the first channel.

[0059] The valve core component 7 also includes a valve seat 73, which is embedded in the outlet 312 of the first channel. The valve core body 71 and the elastic element 72 are both disposed in the valve seat 73. The wall surface of the valve seat 73 has a flow port 74 that communicates with the first channel 31. Under the action of the elastic element 72, the valve core body 71 partially extends out of the outlet 312 of the first channel and blocks the flow port 74.

[0060] Specifically, the valve core component 7 is used to open and close the first channel 31. More specifically, it needs to open the first channel 31 when the filter element is installed and close the first channel 31 when the filter element is removed. Specifically, the valve seat 73 of the valve core component 7 is located inside the outlet 312 of the first channel, and the valve core body 71 is located inside the valve seat 73. Since the valve core body 71 blocks the main channel of the valve seat 73, the first channel 31 can only communicate with the outside through the flow port 74 on the inner wall of the valve seat 73.

[0061] In the filter element disassembled state, the elastic force of the elastic element 72 pushes the valve core body 71 outward from the first channel 31 and causes the valve core body 71 to abut against the edge of the outlet 312 of the first channel. At this time, the valve core body 71 blocks the connection between the flow port 74 and the outlet 312 of the first channel, thereby closing the first channel 31. In the filter element installed state, the filter element is assembled with the water circuit board 9 of the water purification equipment. The abutment 91 on the water circuit board 9 abuts against the valve core body 71 of the valve core component 7 and presses the valve core body 71 into the first channel 31, thereby compressing the spring and causing the valve core body 71 to at least partially open the flow port 74, thereby opening the first channel 31.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] An embodiment of the present invention provides a water purifier that includes the above-mentioned reverse osmosis filter element, thereby possessing all the technical effects it has.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "bottom", "top", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0065] While the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples of the principles and applications of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments, and other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that different dependent claims and features described herein can be combined in ways different from those described in the original claims. It is also understood that features described in conjunction with individual embodiments can be used in other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A reverse osmosis filter element, characterized in that, include: The housing includes an inner shell for accommodating a filter element body and an outer shell fitted over the inner shell. A first flow channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer peripheral surface of the filter element body. A second flow channel is formed in the central tube of the filter element body. A third flow channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. A cavity communicating with the first and second flow channels is formed inside the upper end cap at one end of the inner shell. A connector assembly includes a first adapter disposed on the upper end cover, the inlet end of the first adapter extending into the interior of the cavity, the first adapter having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel respectively communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and a third channel communicating with the third flow channel being formed between the first adapter and the outer shell; The first adapter has a main channel inside, which is divided into a first channel and a second channel in the axial direction by a partition inside. The second channel is close to the inlet end and the inlet end forms the inlet of the second channel. The outlet end of the first adapter opposite to the inlet end forms the outlet of the first channel. The inlet of the first channel and the outlet of the second channel are respectively formed on the wall surface of the first adapter near the partition. The cavity is directly connected to the opening of the central tube forming the second flow channel. The inlet end of the first adapter passes through the cavity and is sealed to the opening of the central tube, so that the inlet of the second channel is connected to the central tube. The inlet of the first channel, which is provided on the wall of the first adapter near the inlet end, is connected to the cavity.

2. The reverse osmosis filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, A valve core component is provided at the outlet of the first channel on the first adapter. The valve core component includes a valve core body and an elastic element that cooperates with the valve core body. Under the action of the elastic element, the valve core body partially extends out of the outlet of the first channel and blocks the outlet of the first channel.

3. The reverse osmosis filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve core component also includes a valve seat, which is embedded in the outlet of the first channel. The valve core body and the elastic element are both disposed in the valve seat. The wall of the valve seat has a flow port communicating with the first channel. Under the action of the elastic element, the valve core body partially extends out of the outlet of the first channel and blocks the flow port.

4. The reverse osmosis filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is provided with an external interface at one end corresponding to the upper end cover. The upper end cover is provided with an internal interface that communicates with the cavity and is used to install the first adapter. The internal interface is located in the external interface. The first adapter and the external interface form the third channel that communicates with the third flow channel.

5. The reverse osmosis filter element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first adapter is provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions, and the edge of the inner interface is provided with a limiting notch for accommodating the limiting protrusions. The limiting protrusions and the limiting notch are mutually limiting and cooperating to fix the first adapter relative to the inner interface in the circumferential direction.

6. The reverse osmosis filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end cap is a hollow structure with multiple perforations, which are used to connect the third channel with the area of ​​the filter body near the upper end face of the end cap.

7. The reverse osmosis filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The other end of the inner shell is provided with a lower end cover. The lower end cover is a hollow structure with multiple hollow openings. The third flow channel extends to the lower end cover and is connected to the area of ​​the end face of the filter element body near the lower end cover through the hollow openings.

8. The reverse osmosis filter element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The connector assembly also includes a second adapter fitted over the first adapter, and an output channel communicating with the second channel is formed between the first adapter and the second adapter.

9. A water purifier, characterized in that, It includes the reverse osmosis filter element as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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