Multifunctional water purifying device and water heater

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and discloses a multifunctional water purifying device and a water heater, which comprise a valve body, filter core assemblies and stop valves. A plurality of water paths are arranged in the valve body, including one normal water path and at least two water flow branches in parallel with the normal water path. Each water flow branch is controlled to be turned on or turned off by a corresponding stop valve. Corresponding filter core assemblies are arranged for the normal water path and each water flow branch to realize different filtering functions. The present application sets the normal water path and at least two water flow branches in parallel with the normal water path in the valve body, and sets corresponding filter core assemblies and stop valves on each water flow branch. Therefore, users can open different water flow branches according to actual needs, and then output water of different qualities for different application scenarios to meet different requirements of different groups of people for water quality. In addition, the water flow branches are only opened under specific needs, which effectively improves the use efficiency and service life of the filter core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a multifunctional water purification device and water heater. Background Technology

[0002] To improve water quality and health in gas water heaters, existing technologies include installing filters or mineralized media in the water circuit to purify the water. However, these existing water purification devices on gas water heaters have relatively limited functionality. Since different age groups have different requirements for water quality and temperature, current technologies cannot adapt to different usage needs, failing to meet the most suitable user conditions. Furthermore, existing solutions consume the filter cartridge whenever water flows through the water heater, resulting in a shortened lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multifunctional water purification device and water heater that facilitates the selection of different filter elements to achieve different functions, and to provide at least one beneficial option or create conditions to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0005] A multifunctional water purification device includes a valve body, a filter element assembly, and a shut-off valve. The valve body has multiple water passages, including a normally open water passage and at least two water flow branches connected in parallel with the normally open water passage. Each water flow branch is controlled to be open or closed by a corresponding shut-off valve. Corresponding to the normally open water passage and each water flow branch, a corresponding filter element assembly is provided to achieve different filtration functions.

[0006] More preferably, a sterilization component is provided in the normally open water path to sterilize the water flowing through the normally open water path.

[0007] More preferably, the valve body is a one-piece molded part, and a sealing element is provided on the valve body to seal the mold opening left during the molding of the valve body.

[0008] More preferably, the waterways are arranged side-by-side or staggered.

[0009] More preferably, a universal filter element is provided in the constant water flow path, which is a scale-inhibiting filter element that releases scale-inhibiting factors, a bactericidal filter element that releases bactericidal ions, or a composite filter element.

[0010] More preferably, a functional filter element is provided on the water flow branch, with a strontium mineralization filter element for improving skin health and beauty provided on the first water flow branch, and a zinc-rich mineralization filter element for enhancing immunity provided on the second water flow branch.

[0011] More preferably, the diameter of the water flow channel of the normally open waterway is ≥10mm, and the diameter of each water flow branch is smaller than the diameter of the water flow channel of the normally open waterway.

[0012] More preferably, the filter element assembly mainly consists of a filter element outer cover, a sealing ring, a filter media container, a filter media container cover, and filter media. The filter media is loaded inside the filter media container, and the filter media container cover is detachably installed on the end opening of the filter media container. One end of the filter media container is located inside the valve body and contacts the water flow channel of the valve body, while the other end is connected to the filter element outer cover. The filter element outer cover is provided with threads and a sealing ring for installation on the valve body by threaded fastening.

[0013] More preferably, a water passage hole is provided at one end of the filter media container, and a water flow baffle is provided inside the filter media container. The water flow baffle divides the water passage hole into an inlet hole and an outlet hole, so that after the water enters the filter media container, it flows around the filter media at different positions under the guidance of the water flow baffle.

[0014] More preferably, the water passage is located at the end away from the filter element cover, and the water flow baffle is a single plate that extends from the end away from the filter element cover to the other end and divides the inner cavity of the filter media container into two parts.

[0015] More preferably, a limiting structure is provided on the outside of the filter media container, and the limiting structure is installed in conjunction with a limiting groove inside the valve body.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention provides a water heater in which a multifunctional water purification device as described above is provided on the water supply pipeline of the water heater.

[0017] The water heater described above has a first functional bathing mode, a second functional bathing mode, and a non-functional bathing mode.

[0018] When the user selects the first function bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets the temperature to T1; when the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purification device detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to a value less than 2℃ from the preset temperature, the multi-functional water purification device is controlled to open the first water flow branch.

[0019] When the user selects the second function bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets the temperature to T2. When the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purification device detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to a value less than 2°C from the preset temperature, the multi-functional water purification device is controlled to open the second water flow branch.

[0020] When the user selects a non-functional bathing mode, the shut-off valve of the multi-functional water purifier is closed by default, and only the normally open water passage is opened.

[0021] The technical solution provided by this invention has at least the following technical effects or advantages.

[0022] 1. By setting a normally open water path and at least two parallel water flow branches in the valve body, and setting corresponding filter cartridges and shut-off valves on each water flow branch, users can open different water flow branches according to different actual needs, thereby achieving different water quality outputs for different application scenarios and meeting the different water quality requirements of different groups of people; at the same time, since the water flow branches are only opened when specific needs are met, the efficiency and lifespan of the filter cartridges are effectively improved.

[0023] II. The filter element assembly mainly consists of a filter element cover, a sealing ring, a filter media container, a filter media container cover, and filter media. One end of the filter media container is located inside the valve body and in contact with the water flow channel of the valve body, while the other end is connected to the filter element cover. The filter element cover is installed on the valve body by threaded fastening. This facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the filter element assembly, as well as the replacement and maintenance of the filter media. In application, simply install the valve body onto the water supply pipe of the water heater and expose the filter media container cover outside the water heater shell. No modification to the internal structure of the water heater is required, making the product highly versatile. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the multifunctional water purification device provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the multifunctional water purification device provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the filter element.

[0027] Figure 4 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the filter element.

[0028] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the water flow in the multifunctional water purification device provided by this invention.

[0029] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional water flow diagram of the multifunctional water purification device provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 The diagram shows the water flow inside the filter media container.

[0031] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the water heater provided by the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0033] 1: Valve body, 2: Filter element assembly, 3: Shut-off valve, 4: Seal, 5: Sterilization element, 6: Water heater, 7: Bottom cover plate, 8: Water outlet path, 9: Water flow sensor and temperature sensor, 10: Water outlet temperature sensor.

[0034] 2-1: Filter element outer cover, 2-2: Sealing ring, 2-3: Filter media container, 2-4: Filter media container cover, 2-5: Filter media, 2-6: Water passage hole, 2-7: Water flow baffle, 2-8: Limiting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, making the technical solution and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more explicit. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a multifunctional water purification device includes key components such as a valve body 1, a filter element assembly 2, a shut-off valve 3, a sealing element 4, and a sterilizing element 5. Multiple water channels are integrally formed inside the valve body 1. These water channels include a normally flowing water channel and several parallel branch water channels. The water channels can be arranged side-by-side or staggered. Each branch water channel is controlled to open or close by a corresponding shut-off valve 3. The sterilizing element 5 is located at the inlet of the normally flowing water channel and can be a UV sterilizer or other sterilizing element used to sterilize the water flow. Corresponding filter element assemblies 2 are provided on each water channel to achieve different filtration functions. The sealing element 4 is used to seal the mold opening left during the molding of the valve body 1. In some embodiments, if the valve body 1 itself does not have a mold opening, the sealing element 4 is not required.

[0038] In this embodiment, a general-purpose filter element is preferably installed in the normally flowing water path, such as a scale-inhibiting filter element that can release scale-inhibiting factors to reduce scale formation in hot water. In some embodiments, the general-purpose filter element can be a bactericidal filter element that releases bactericidal ions, forming a dual bactericidal effect with the bactericidal element 5, or a composite filter element. Preferably, the filter element assembly 2 in the water flow branch is a functional filter element, such as a strontium mineralization filter element that improves skin health and beauty in the first water flow branch, and a zinc-rich mineralization filter element that enhances immunity in the second water flow branch.

[0039] To avoid affecting the water flow of the water heater, the diameter of the water flow channel in the normally open water circuit should be ≥10mm, and the diameter of each water flow branch should be smaller than the diameter of the water flow channel in the normally open water circuit.

[0040] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the filter element assembly 2 mainly consists of a filter element outer cover 2-1, a sealing ring 2-2, a filter media container 2-3, a filter media container cover 2-4, and filter media 2-5. The filter media 2-5 is loaded inside the filter media container 2-3. The filter media container cover 2-4 is detachably installed on the end opening of the filter media container 2-3 to facilitate the loading and replacement of the filter media 2-5. One end of the filter media container 2-3 is placed inside the valve body 1 and contacts the water flow channel of the valve body 1. The other end extends into the filter element outer cover 2-1. The filter element outer cover 2-1 is provided with threads and a sealing ring 2-2, and can be installed on the valve body 1 by thread fastening, which is convenient for disassembly and cleaning.

[0041] During operation, the filter element assembly 2 is detachably connected to the valve body 1 via threads and a sealing ring 2-2. Water flowing into the valve body 1 is filtered by the filter media 2-5 within the filter media container 2-3. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the purpose of providing the filter element cover 2-1, the sealing ring 2-2, and the filter media container 2-3 is to facilitate the replacement of the filter media and the installation of the filter element assembly with the valve body. Therefore, the filter media container 2-3 and the filter element cover 2-1, in addition to serving as... Figure 3 The two separate components mentioned in the example can also be configured as a single molded component in some embodiments.

[0042] Combination Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a water passage hole 2-6 is provided at one end of the filter media container 2-3, and a water flow baffle 2-7 is provided inside the filter media container 2-3. The water flow baffle 2-7 divides the water passage hole 2-6 into a water inlet hole and a water outlet hole, so that after the water flows into the filter media container 2-3, it flows through different filter media under the guidance of the water flow baffle 2-7, thereby increasing the contact time and contact area between the water flow and the filter media, so as to achieve a better filtration and purification effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water passage 2-6 is located at the end away from the filter element cover 2-1, and the water flow baffle 2-7 is a single plate extending from the end away from the filter element cover 2-1 to the other end, dividing the inner cavity of the filter media container 2-3 into upper and lower parts. In some embodiments, depending on actual needs, the number of water flow baffles can be appropriately increased to form a longer water purification path within the filter media container 2-3; this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0044] In this embodiment, a limiting structure 2-8 is provided on the outside of the filter media container 2-3. The limiting structure 2-8 is installed in conjunction with the limiting groove inside the valve body 1 to ensure that the water passage hole 2-6 on the filter media container 2-3 is aligned with the water flow channel inside the valve body 1 and to prevent the filter media container 2-3 from shaking inside.

[0045] Combination Figure 8 As shown, the multi-functional water purifier can be directly installed on the bottom cover 7 of the water heater 6 and connected to the water outlet 8 of the water heater. A water flow sensor and a temperature sensor 9 are provided on the water inlet pipe of the water heater 6, and a water outlet temperature sensor 10 is provided on the multi-functional water purifier. The filter element cover 2-1 extends out of the bottom shell and can be directly removed without disassembling the water heater cover, which is convenient for users to clean and replace the filter element. The filter element cover 2-1 is connected to the valve body by a thread, without the need for screws, making disassembly and assembly convenient.

[0046] In some embodiments, the multifunctional water purifier can be installed on other sides of the water heater housing, as long as the filter cover 2-1 is exposed outside the housing, facilitating the removal and replacement of the filter.

[0047] Combination Figures 5-7 As shown, a water heater equipped with the aforementioned multi-functional water purification device can achieve different operating modes by controlling the on / off state of different water flow branches. The following examples illustrate the child bathing mode and the elderly bathing mode.

[0048] Child Bathing Mode: When the user selects the child bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets to temperature T1, which is a suitable temperature for children's bathing. It is generally lower and can be set to 38 degrees Celsius, or finely adjusted within a range of 38±2 degrees Celsius based on the inlet water temperature and ambient temperature. Users can also customize the temperature setting after activating the relevant function. When the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purifier detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to within 2 degrees Celsius of the preset temperature, it controls the multi-functional water purifier to open water flow branch A, which contains a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge contains mineral filter media beneficial to children, such as zinc-rich mineralized filter media to enhance immunity, or other equivalent filter media. Simultaneously, the sterilization function of the sterilization element is activated. At this time, the water heater outputs water with the appropriate quality and temperature for children's bathing. Because the function is only activated when the detected water temperature rises to a suitable level, it helps improve the efficiency and lifespan of the filter cartridge and sterilization element.

[0049] Elderly Bathing Mode: When the user selects the elderly bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets to temperature T2, which can be 40 degrees Celsius, or finely adjusted within a range of 40±2 degrees Celsius based on the inlet water temperature and ambient temperature. Users can also customize the temperature setting after activating the relevant function. When the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purification device detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to less than 2 degrees Celsius from the preset temperature, it controls the multi-functional water purification device to open water flow branch B containing a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge contains mineral materials beneficial to the elderly, such as selenium-rich filter media with antioxidant and anti-aging properties, or other similar filter media. At this time, the water heater outputs water with a quality and temperature suitable for elderly bathing.

[0050] Non-functional shower mode: The shut-off valve of the multi-functional water purifier is closed by default, and only the normally open water path C channel is opened. The universal filter element set on the normally open water path C has basic water purification functions such as scale inhibition and residual chlorine removal, while the functional filter elements in the water flow branch are automatically closed to extend the filter element's service life.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bathing functions of the water heater can be classified according to the target population as men and women, or according to the application scenario, such as kitchen washing, fruit and vegetable washing, pet washing, etc. The number of classifications depends on the number of functional filters or the types of functions in the water heater.

[0052] To facilitate the control of related functions, the above control methods can be implemented wirelessly via mobile phone or remotely via wired controller, allowing users to control related functions without using the control panel built into the water heater.

[0053] It should also be noted that in the description of this invention, directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and 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. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this invention.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. Thus, the use of "first" and "second" to define a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature, and in the description of this invention, "at least" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0055] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] In this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Above," "below," and "below" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] Based on the above description of the structure and principles, those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Improvements and substitutions made using techniques known in the art based on this invention all fall within the scope of protection of this invention, which should be defined by the claims and their equivalents. Parts not described in the specific embodiments are all prior art or common knowledge.

Claims

1. A multifunctional water purification device, characterized in that, The device includes a valve body, a filter element assembly, and a shut-off valve. The valve body has multiple water passages, including a normally open water passage and at least two water flow branches connected in parallel with the normally open water passage. Each water flow branch is controlled to be open or closed by a corresponding shut-off valve. Corresponding to the normally open water passage and each water flow branch, a corresponding filter element assembly is provided to achieve different filtration functions. The filter element assembly mainly consists of a filter element cover, a sealing ring, a filter media container, a filter media container cover, and filter media. The filter media is loaded inside the filter media container, and the filter media container cover is detachably installed on the end opening of the filter media container. One end of the filter media container is located inside the valve body and contacts the water flow channel of the valve body, while the other end is connected to the filter element cover. The filter element cover is provided with threads and a sealing ring for fastening onto the valve body via threads. A water passage hole is provided at one end of the filter media container, and a water flow baffle is provided inside the filter media container. The water flow baffle divides the water passage hole into an inlet hole and an outlet hole, so that after the water enters the filter media container, it flows around the filter media at different positions under the guidance of the water flow baffle. The water passage is located at the end away from the filter element cover, and the water flow baffle is a single plate that extends from the end away from the filter element cover to the other end and divides the inner cavity of the filter media container into two parts; A limiting structure is provided on the outside of the filter media container, and the limiting structure is installed in conjunction with the limiting groove inside the valve body.

2. The multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sterilization component is provided in the normally open water path to sterilize the water flowing through it.

3. The multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is a one-piece molded part, and a sealing element is provided on the valve body to seal the mold opening left during the molding of the valve body.

4. The multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterways are arranged side-by-side or staggered.

5. A multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A universal filter element is installed in the normally flowing water path. The universal filter element is a scale-inhibiting filter element that releases scale-inhibiting factors, a bactericidal filter element that releases bactericidal ions, or a composite filter element.

6. A multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Functional filter cartridges are provided on the water flow branches. A strontium mineralization filter cartridge for improving skin health and beauty is provided on the first water flow branch, and a zinc-rich mineralization filter cartridge for enhancing immunity is provided on the second water flow branch.

7. A multifunctional water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the water flow channel of the normally open waterway is ≥10mm, and the diameter of each water flow branch is smaller than the diameter of the water flow channel of the normally open waterway.

8. A water heater, characterized in that, A multi-functional water purification device as described in any one of claims 1-7 is provided on the water supply pipeline of the water heater.

9. A water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, It has a primary function bathing mode, a secondary function bathing mode, and a non-function bathing mode; When the user selects the first function bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets the temperature to T1; when the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purification device detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to a value less than 2℃ from the preset temperature, the multi-functional water purification device is controlled to open the first water flow branch. When the user selects the second function bathing mode, the water heater automatically sets the temperature to T2; when the user turns on the shower, the water heater detects that the water flow is greater than the starting flow and ignites. At this time, the water temperature sensor on the multi-functional water purification device detects the real-time water temperature. When the real-time temperature rises to a value less than 2℃ from the preset temperature, the multi-functional water purification device is controlled to open the second water flow branch. When the user selects a non-functional bathing mode, the shut-off valve of the multi-functional water purifier is closed by default, and only the normally open water passage is opened.

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