Membrane gap propping assembly, membrane disc filter, water purifier and membrane gap flushing method

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a membrane gap opening assembly, a membrane filter core, a water purifier and a membrane gap flushing method. The membrane gap opening assembly comprises a backflow module and a plurality of micro flow channels. Any one of the plurality of micro flow channels comprises a plurality of micro flow channels, and the material of the micro flow channel is an elastic material. One end of the backflow module is connected to a backflow channel, and the other end of the backflow module is connected to the water inlet end of each micro flow channel in the plurality of micro flow channels. The water outlet end of each micro flow channel is cut off. Each micro flow channel is arranged in a different membrane gap of the membrane filter core. The water in the backflow channel flows into each micro flow channel through the backflow module, the micro flow channel is expanded under stress, and the membrane gap is opened. Based on this, when the membrane gap is flushed, the membrane gap can be opened by using the micro flow channel, so that the impurities in the membrane gap are flushed more thoroughly, the concentration of salt ions on the concentrated water side is effectively reduced, and the situation that the TDS value of the first cup of water is too high is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water purification technology, and in particular to a membrane gap opening component, a membrane filter element, a water purifier, and a membrane gap flushing method. Background Technology

[0002] As people have increasingly higher requirements for the quality of their daily water use, especially for drinking water, many water purifiers have emerged to meet these demands. Among them, the most commonly used water purifiers use filter cartridges with reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration membranes.

[0003] When a water purifier produces water, under pump pressure, water molecules in the raw water pass through the membrane in the filter cartridge and enter the pure water side, then flow from the pure water side to the purified water tap, from which pure water flows out. However, because the membranes in the filter cartridge are tightly wrapped together, even after the water purifier stops producing water, it is difficult to clean the concentrated water side of the filter cartridge thoroughly, and the concentrated water side of the filter cartridge will still have a high concentration of salt ions.

[0004] The high concentration of salt ions on the concentrate side will slowly diffuse to the pure water side, causing the total dissolved solids (TDS) value on the pure water side to increase. This results in a higher TDS value for the first cup of water, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a membrane gap opening component, a membrane filter element, a water purifier, and a membrane gap flushing method to improve flushing efficiency, reduce the concentration of salt ions on the concentrate side, and avoid excessively high TDS values ​​in the first cup of water.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a membrane gap opening assembly, which includes: a recirculation module and a multi-turn microchannel;

[0007] Any one of the multiple microchannels in a multi-coil microchannel system comprises multiple microchannels, and the material of the microchannels is an elastic material;

[0008] One end of the reflux module is connected to the reflux channel, and the other end of the reflux module is connected to the inlet of each microchannel in the multi-ring microchannel. The outlet of each microchannel is set to cut off the flow.

[0009] Each microchannel is set in a different membrane gap in the membrane filter element. Water from the return channel flows into each microchannel through the return module. The microchannel expands under pressure, opening up the membrane gap.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a membrane filter element, which includes a multi-turn filter membrane, a central tube, a filter element cover, a filter element cylinder, and a membrane gap opening assembly as provided in any embodiment of this application;

[0011] A multi-turn filter membrane is wound around a central tube, and a membrane gap opening component is set in the membrane gap between the multi-turn filter membrane;

[0012] The filter element cover is fastened onto the filter element cylinder, and the multi-turn filter membrane, central tube, and membrane gap opening assembly are all set in the filter element receiving cavity formed by the filter element cover being fastened onto the filter element cylinder.

[0013] The filter element cover is equipped with a return port, and the return module in the membrane gap opening assembly is connected to the return water channel through the return port.

[0014] Thirdly, this application also provides a water purifier, which includes an inlet and two outlet valves and a membrane filter element as provided in any embodiment of this application;

[0015] The membrane filter cartridge has a pure water outlet on its top cover, which is used to discharge pure water that has been filtered by the membrane.

[0016] The inlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water outlet, the first outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water faucet, and the second outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the return port.

[0017] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a membrane gap flushing method, characterized in that the method is applied to a water purifier as provided in any embodiment of this application, comprising:

[0018] When the water purifier enters the flushing mode, the second outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the inlet, and the backflow valve in the membrane gap opening component is opened.

[0019] The real-time pressure in the microchannel is obtained, and the opening and closing state of the return valve is controlled according to the real-time pressure and the closing time of the return valve in a single flushing cycle. The preset time from the opening of the return valve to its closing is one flushing cycle.

[0020] The number of cumulative rinsing cycles is counted, and rinsing of the membrane gap ends when the number of rinsing cycles reaches a preset threshold.

[0021] The technical solution of this application embodiment includes a membrane gap opening component comprising: a reflux module and multiple microchannels; each of the multiple microchannels comprises multiple microchannels, and the microchannels are made of an elastic material; one end of the reflux module is connected to a reflux channel, and the other end of the reflux module is connected to the inlet end of each microchannel in the multiple microchannels, with the outlet end of each microchannel being intercepted; each microchannel is respectively disposed in different membrane gaps of the membrane filter element, and water from the reflux channel flows into each microchannel through the reflux module, causing the microchannels to expand under pressure and open the membrane gaps. Based on this, when rinsing the membrane gaps, this application can utilize the microchannels to open the membrane gaps, thereby more thoroughly rinsing the impurities in the membrane gaps, effectively reducing the concentration of salt ions on the concentrate side, and thus improving the situation where the TDS value of the first cup of water is too high. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the membrane gap opening assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane filter element provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a water purifier provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the water circuit structure for rinsing with mixed water provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a membrane gap flushing method provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0027] Reference numerals: 101, reflux module; 102, microchannel; 103, pressure check valve; 104, filter membrane; 105, central tube; 106, filter element cover; 1061, reflux port; 1062, wastewater port; 1063, pure water port; 1064, water inlet; 107, filter element cartridge; 108, membrane support. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present application, not the entire structure.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the membrane gap opening assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, as shown below. Figure 1As shown, the membrane gap opening assembly provided in this embodiment includes: a reflux module 101 and a multi-turn microchannel 102;

[0031] Any one of the multiple microchannels 102 includes multiple microchannels 102, and the material of the microchannel 102 is an elastic material;

[0032] One end of the return module 101 is connected to the return water channel, and the other end of the return module 101 is connected to the inlet end of each microchannel 102 in the multi-circle microchannel 102. The outlet end of each microchannel 102 is set to cut off the flow.

[0033] Each microchannel 102 is set in a different membrane gap of the membrane filter element. Water from the return channel flows into each microchannel 102 through the return module 101. The microchannel 102 expands under force, opening up the membrane gap.

[0034] The microchannel 102 can be made of elastic materials such as rubber or polyurethane elastomer. After the microchannel 102 is unloaded, its elasticity can have minimal impact on the winding of the membrane. The volume of the membrane after winding will not change much compared to traditional membrane filter elements.

[0035] When there is water pressure inside the microchannel 102, the microchannel 102 will expand due to its elastic material, thereby opening up the membrane gap and facilitating rinsing.

[0036] In addition, there are multiple ways to cut off the water outlet of the microchannel 102 in this embodiment. It should be noted that when injecting water into the microchannel 102, any method that can increase the water pressure inside the microchannel 102 and cause the microchannel 102 to expand under force is acceptable. Here, only two relatively convenient implementation methods are introduced.

[0037] Firstly, the flow interception setting of the microchannel 102 can be a blocking setting, that is, the water outlet end of the microchannel 102 is directly blocked, so that the water injected into the microchannel 102 cannot flow out of the microchannel 102 in the water injection state, which can achieve the effect of causing the microchannel 102 to expand under force.

[0038] It should be noted that this interception method cannot actively remove the water in the microchannel 102. Usually, when the membrane is rolled up, it is rolled up quite tightly. After stopping the injection of water into the microchannel 102, the water in the microchannel 102 can be squeezed out by the pressure of the rolled-up membrane, so that the membrane gap returns to the state of not being stretched open.

[0039] Secondly, the outlet throttling setting of the microchannel 102 can be configured to connect a pressure check valve to the outlet. This pressure check valve will be set with a certain one-way opening pressure threshold. When the pressure in this one-way direction reaches the opening pressure threshold, the pressure check valve will open.

[0040] Specifically, the outlet end of the microchannel 102 is connected to the pressure check valve, with the unidirectional direction being the direction of water flow from the outlet end of the microchannel 102. When water is injected into the microchannel 102, as the injection volume increases, the pressure inside the microchannel 102 will continuously increase. Since the microchannel 102 is connected to the pressure check valve, the pressure received by the pressure check valve is positively correlated with the pressure inside the microchannel 102 and will also continuously increase. After increasing to a certain level, that is, exceeding the opening pressure threshold of the pressure check valve, it will open the pressure check valve, allowing the water in the microchannel 102 to flow out through the pressure check valve.

[0041] During the above process, once the pressure inside the microchannel 102 changes from large to small, it indicates that the microchannel 102 has expanded the membrane gap to its maximum extent, and flushing can be performed at this time. Of course, since the pressure check valve has been opened, injecting water into the microchannel 102 at this time is not very meaningful, so water injection into the microchannel 102 can be stopped.

[0042] To achieve the above logic, the membrane gap opening component in this embodiment also includes a pressure sensor and a return valve. The return valve is disposed between the return module 101 and the return channel. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in the microchannel 102 so as to control the opening and closing state of the return valve according to the pressure.

[0043] The pressure detected by the pressure sensor in the microchannel 102 can be used by the controller or processor and other logic control devices to monitor whether there is a pressure change trend from large to small in the microchannel 102. As long as this trend is present, it can be determined that the pressure check valve has been opened. At this time, the return valve can be controlled to close to stop water injection into the microchannel 102.

[0044] In addition, if the controller or processor detects a pressure change trend from high to low within the microchannel 102, it can control the flushing process. This is because when this trend occurs, the microchannel 102 is expanded to a greater extent, resulting in higher flushing efficiency.

[0045] In order to match the rolled structure in the membrane filter element, in this embodiment, the microchannels 102 in any loop of microchannel 102 are distributed with the central tube 105 of the membrane filter element as the axis; the distribution angle between two adjacent microchannels 102 is any angle between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0046] It should be noted that this distribution angle is primarily designed to prevent the microchannels 102 from becoming too dense. If the microchannels 102 are too dense, it can negatively impact the rinsing effect, potentially leading to incomplete rinsing. Since the microchannels 102 are distributed around the central tube 105 as an axis, such as... Figure 1As shown, two adjacent microchannels 102 are at a certain angle, and one circle is 360 degrees. In a specific example, if the distribution angle is 20 degrees, then the circle can have 360 / 20 = 18 microchannels 102; if the distribution angle is 30 degrees, then the circle can have 360 / 30 = 12 microchannels 102.

[0047] In addition, when the selected angle cannot be divided into the number of microchannels 102, such as when the distribution angle is 21 degrees and 360 is not divisible, you can round up or down to get the integer number of microchannels 102.

[0048] Furthermore, since membranes are typically multi-layered, which improves filtration efficiency and increases pure water production, the microchannels 102 can be multiple rings, each distributed within a membrane gap. To reduce the impact of the microchannels 102 on the membrane filter cartridge volume, it is not necessary to provide microchannels 102 in every membrane gap; instead, microchannels 102 can be provided only in a few membrane gaps.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of turns of the multi-turn microchannel 102 is less than or equal to half the number of turns of the membrane in the membrane filter element. For example, if the number of turns of the membrane in a membrane filter element is 6, then 3 turns, 2 turns, or 1 turn of the microchannel 102 can be set. Figure 1 As shown, it consists of 3 microchannels 102.

[0050] In this embodiment, the membrane gap opening component includes a reflux module and multiple microchannels. Each microchannel in the multiple microchannels comprises multiple microchannels, and the microchannels are made of an elastic material. One end of the reflux module is connected to a reflux channel, and the other end of the reflux module is connected to the inlet end of each microchannel in the multiple microchannels. The outlet end of each microchannel is configured to cut off the flow. Each microchannel is respectively located in different membrane gaps of the membrane filter element. Water from the reflux channel flows into each microchannel through the reflux module, causing the microchannels to expand under pressure and open the membrane gaps. Based on this, when rinsing the membrane gaps, this application can utilize the microchannels to open the membrane gaps, thereby more thoroughly rinsing the impurities in the membrane gaps and effectively reducing the concentration of salt ions on the concentrate side, thus improving the situation where the TDS value of the first cup of water is too high.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane filter element provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the membrane filter element provided in this embodiment includes a multi-turn filter membrane 104, a central tube 105, a filter element cover 106, a filter element cylinder 107, and a membrane gap opening assembly as provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0053] A multi-turn filter membrane 104 is wound around a central tube 105, and a membrane gap opening component is disposed in the membrane gap between the multi-turn filter membrane 104.

[0054] The filter element cover 106 is fastened onto the filter element cylinder 107. The multi-turn filter membrane 104, the central tube 105, and the membrane gap opening assembly are all disposed in the filter element receiving cavity formed by the filter element cover 106 fastening onto the filter element cylinder 107.

[0055] The filter element cover 106 is provided with a return port 1061, and the return module 101 in the membrane gap opening assembly is connected to the return water channel through the return port 1061.

[0056] It should be noted that after the filter element cover 106 is fastened onto the filter element cylinder 107, a sealed filter element receiving cavity is formed. The filter element cover 106 is provided with multiple ports, such as the return port 1061 in this embodiment, as well as the more traditional wastewater port 1062, pure water port 1063, and inlet port 1064. These ports need to be connected to the relevant structures inside the membrane filter element. For example, the pure water port 1063 needs to be connected to the central tube 105, while the inlet port 1064 and wastewater port 1062 are in the same space as the membrane. The return port 1061 is connected to the return module 101 so that water can be injected into the microchannel 102 sequentially through the return port 1061 and the return module 101.

[0057] To secure the filter element, a membrane support 108 can be installed to fasten the filter element between the filter element cover 106 and the filter element cylinder 107. In addition, the filter element cover 106 is provided with three concentric annular grooves (the radii of which are arranged from largest to smallest as the first annular groove, the second annular groove, and the third annular groove) and one circular groove. The circular groove is concentric with the annular grooves and has the smallest radius.

[0058] The first annular groove is connected to the wastewater inlet 1062, the second annular groove is connected to the inlet 1064, the third annular groove is connected to the return outlet 1061, and the circular groove is connected to the pure water inlet 1063.

[0059] After the membrane support 108 is fastened together with the filter element cover 106, it forms an inlet chamber with the second annular groove and a wastewater chamber with the first annular groove and the filter element cylinder 107. The fastening structure of this part can be referred to relevant technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] The reflux module 101 is also fastened together with the filter element cover 106 and forms a reflux cavity with the third annular groove. The fastening between the reflux module 101 and the filter element cover 106 is done by a sealing fastening method, such as using hot melt adhesive for sealing.

[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the reflux module 101 can be provided with multiple through holes. One end of each through hole is connected to the aforementioned reflux cavity, and the other end is connected to a microchannel 102. Water can then be injected into the microchannel 102 through the reflux port 1061, the reflux cavity, and the through hole.

[0062] Of course, the microchannel 102 can be directly sealed and inserted into the through hole. The microchannel 102 and the side wall of the through hole can be sealed and bonded with hot melt adhesive. This method can improve the connection tightness between the return module 101 and the microchannel 102.

[0063] In this embodiment, the membrane filter element can expand the microchannels 102 by injecting liquids such as water into the return port 1061, thereby opening the membrane gaps and facilitating rinsing.

[0064] In addition, the pressure one-way switch 103 in Embodiment 1 can be located at the end of the central tube and is not connected to the central tube.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of a water purifier provided in Embodiment 3 of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the water purifier includes an inlet valve and two outlet valves and a membrane filter element as described in claim 6;

[0067] The membrane filter cartridge has a pure water outlet on its top cover, which is used to discharge pure water that has been filtered by the membrane.

[0068] The inlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water outlet, the first outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water faucet, and the second outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the return port.

[0069] Among them, a one-in-two-out valve refers to a valve with one inlet and two outlets. It should be noted that at the same time, the substance flowing in through the inlet of a one-in-two-out valve can only flow out from one of the outlets. For example, the two outlets of a one-in-two-out valve are the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0070] Three positions can be set for the one-inlet-two-outlet valve: Position 1 is the closed position, where the substance cannot flow out from either the first outlet or the second outlet; Position 2 is the inlet connected to the first outlet, where the substance can only flow in from the inlet and out from the first outlet; Position 3 is the inlet connected to the second outlet, where the substance can only flow in from the inlet and out from the second outlet.

[0071] Based on the above setup, when producing pure water, the one-in-two-out valve is set to position two, allowing the produced pure water to flow in through the inlet of the valve and out through the first outlet to the pure water faucet, where users can collect pure water. Additionally, a TDS probe can be installed on the water path through which this process occurs to detect the quality of the produced pure water.

[0072] During rinsing, the inlet-outlet valve is set to position three. The pure water produced flows in from the inlet of the valve and flows from the second outlet to the return port, thus allowing the pure water to flow into the microchannel and open the membrane gap. Then, the water used for rinsing is pumped into the inlet at a higher pressure to rinse the opened membrane gap.

[0073] The water used for rinsing during the above-mentioned rinsing process and the water flowing into the inlet during the pure water production process can be the same water source. In a specific example, the water used for rinsing during the rinsing process and the water flowing into the inlet during the pure water production process can be: ultrafiltration water produced after the raw water passes through the PP cotton filter element and the ultrafiltration membrane filter element, and then the ultrafiltration water is filtered through the activated carbon scale inhibitor filter element.

[0074] Of course, in order to improve the controllability of the water circuit during the pure water production process, the rinsing process, and the non-working state, an inlet valve can be installed at the inlet. The inlet valve is open during the pure water production process and the rinsing process, and closed when the water is not in operation.

[0075] To further enhance the rinsing effect, pure water can be mixed with water filtered through an activated carbon scale inhibitor filter to obtain a mixed water solution, which can then be pumped into the inlet to rinse the membrane gaps. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of the water purifier using mixed water for rinsing, provided in Embodiment 3 of this application. The solid line indicates the water flow direction during the pure water production process, and the dashed line indicates the water flow direction during the rinsing process.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the water purifier also includes an electromagnetic booster pump; the filter element cover of the membrane filter element is provided with a water inlet for the water to be filtered to flow in; the second outlet is connected to the return port through the electromagnetic booster pump, and the pump outlet of the electromagnetic booster pump is also connected to the water inlet.

[0077] Whether it's producing pure water or rinsing, the raw water will pass through the PP cotton filter and ultrafiltration membrane filter to produce ultrafiltration water. Then, the ultrafiltration water will pass through the activated carbon scale inhibitor filter to produce the water to be filtered.

[0078] Ultrafiltration water can be supplied to users' own faucets for domestic use, such as washing vegetables and rinsing rice. In addition, activated carbon scale inhibitor filters not only adsorb discoloration and odors from the water, but also effectively remove calcium, magnesium, and other salt ions from the water, thereby reducing water hardness. Lower water hardness, in turn, reduces the concentration of salt ions on the concentrate side of the membrane filter.

[0079] When producing pure water, the inlet valve is opened, the reflux valve is closed, and the one-in-two-out valve is set to position one. The water to be filtered passes through the inlet valve and is pumped into the reflux port by the electromagnetic booster pump, thus entering the membrane filter element. The pure water produced by the membrane filter element flows to the pure water faucet through the one-in-two-out valve and the one-way high-pressure switch, and the pure water flows out. The wastewater produced by the membrane filter element flows out through the wastewater port and the wastewater valve.

[0080] It should be noted that the wastewater valve is closed when producing pure water. Of course, wastewater will still flow out even when the wastewater valve is closed. The wastewater valve in this state controls the water production rate of the water purifier. The membrane filter element can only produce pure water normally when the wastewater valve is closed.

[0081] In addition, the one-way high-pressure switch mentioned above will close the pure water faucet when the user stops taking water. At this time, the one-way high-pressure switch will sense the increased pressure, thereby instructing the water purifier to stop producing water, and then shutting off the inlet solenoid valve and the electromagnetic booster pump.

[0082] For information on the flow of various types of water inside the filter membrane, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow during the pure water production process within the membrane filter element provided in Embodiment 3 of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the water to be filtered enters through the inlet and flows between the membranes. After filtration, wastewater is produced and flows out from the outside of the membrane to the wastewater outlet. The pure water produced gathers in the central tube and flows out from the pure water outlet. In this state, there is no water entering the return port and the pressure check valve is closed.

[0083] During rinsing, the inlet valve and the return valve are opened, and the one-in-two-outlet valve is adjusted to position three. The pure water from the one-in-two-outlet valve flows to the electromagnetic booster pump and mixes with the water to be filtered that has passed through the inlet valve, resulting in mixed water. This mixed water is then pumped into the inlet by the electromagnetic booster pump and into the return outlet through the return valve. The mixed water entering through the return outlet flows into the microchannels, where it expands under pressure, opening the membrane gaps. The mixed water entering through the inlet then rinses these opened membrane gaps.

[0084] During this process, the wastewater valve is only opened when the purifier is first powered on and flushed. During other flushing processes, the wastewater valve remains in the closed state mentioned above. Therefore, during the flushing process, the membrane will still filter, and the pure water will still collect in the central tube, and then flow out through the pure water port and the one-in-two-out valve of the third setting to the electromagnetic booster pump, where it will continue to mix with the water to be filtered.

[0085] In addition, the wastewater generated during this process will still flow out through the wastewater outlet and wastewater valve. During this process, the pressure inside the microchannel continuously increases, which will open the pressure check valve, and the mixed water inside the microchannel will also flow out through the wastewater outlet.

[0086] Inside the filter membrane, a mixture of water to be filtered and pure water enters through the inlet and flows into the membrane gap. The pure water generated gathers in the central tube and flows out through the pure water outlet. The outflowing pure water passes through the one-in-two-out valve at position three and mixes with the water to be filtered again. The mixed water is then pumped by the electromagnetic booster pump into the return valve and the inlet of the membrane filter element.

[0087] The mixed water pumped into the return valve flows through the return port and enters the microchannel. Since the pressure check valve is set with a certain opening pressure threshold, the internal pressure of the microchannel will increase after water enters. During this process, the microchannel will expand under force, thereby opening the membrane gap. When the pressure in the microchannel exceeds the aforementioned opening pressure threshold, it will open the pressure check valve. The water in the microchannel will mix with the wastewater through the pressure check valve and flow out through the wastewater outlet.

[0088] After the pressure check valve is opened, the pressure in the microchannel changes from an upward trend to a downward trend. At this time, the control return valve is closed, and no more water enters the microchannel. The microchannel shrinks, and when the pressure in the microchannel drops to a certain level, the pressure check valve closes. During this process, mixed water continuously enters the inlet for flushing. After a certain period of time, the return valve is opened again, and water is injected into the microchannel again. The above process is repeated until the preset number of repetitions is reached, at which point the flushing is complete.

[0089] Example 4

[0090] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a membrane gap flushing method provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the membrane gap flushing method provided in this embodiment may include:

[0092] Step 501: When the water purifier enters the flushing mode, control the second outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve to connect with the inlet and control the reflux valve in the membrane gap opening assembly to open.

[0093] It should be noted that the timing of the water purifier entering flushing mode in this step can be related to the number of times pure water is produced or the duration of inactivity. In a specific example, the water purifier can record the number of consecutive water productions (n) and the duration of inactivity (t,2). The number of consecutive water productions refers to the number of times water is produced after a certain flush and before the next flush.

[0094] Then, the continuous water production threshold N and the long period of non-use threshold T2 are preset. If the value of n is greater than or equal to N or t2 is greater than or equal to T2, the water purifier is controlled to enter the flushing mode.

[0095] It should be noted that the devices that need to be controlled during the rinsing process can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] Step 502: Obtain the real-time pressure in the microchannel, and control the opening and closing state of the return valve according to the real-time pressure and the closing time of the return valve in a single flushing cycle. The preset time from the opening of the return valve to its closing is one flushing cycle.

[0097] In this step, when the real-time pressure changes from rising to falling, the reflux valve is controlled to close; when the reflux valve's closing time reaches the preset closing duration, the reflux valve is controlled to open.

[0098] It should be noted that the return valve can be closed when the real-time pressure changes from rising to falling, and then the closing time t3 of the return valve is accumulated. When t3 reaches the preset closing time T3, the return valve is opened again to inject water into the microchannel again.

[0099] Step 503: Accumulate the number of rinsing cycles. When the number of rinsing cycles reaches the preset threshold, end the rinsing of the membrane gap.

[0100] In this step, the cumulative flushing cycle number n1 needs to satisfy n1*(T3+T4)≤T1, where T4 is the time from the start of water filling in the microchannel to the opening of the pressure check valve, and T1 is the preset total flushing time threshold.

[0101] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the timer can also start after entering the rinsing mode and be recorded as t1. If t1 is greater than or equal to T1, the rinsing can also be determined to be over. After the rinsing is over, the inlet valve should be closed, the electromagnetic booster pump should be stopped, and the wastewater valve should be closed.

[0102] In addition, to ensure a more thorough flushing during initial installation, this embodiment records whether it is the first installation and use from the factory. If it is the first installation and use, during flushing, the inlet and outlet valve is set to position two, the inlet valve and electromagnetic booster pump are opened, the return valve is closed, the wastewater valve is opened, and the pure water faucet is closed. Since the wastewater valve is open, the flushing process is more like rinsing the membrane filter directly with water, and almost no pure water is produced. This type of flushing is mainly to wash away some impurities that may be carried during the factory process.

[0103] In addition, the logic related to t1 and T1 mentioned above can be used to determine whether this type of flushing has ended, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of this application, and the scope of this application is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A membrane gap opening assembly, characterized in that, The membrane gap opening assembly includes: a reflux module (101) and a multi-turn microchannel (102); Any one of the multiple microchannels (102) includes multiple microchannels (102), and the material of the microchannel (102) is an elastic material; One end of the return module (101) is connected to the return water channel, and the other end of the return module (101) is connected to the inlet end of each microchannel (102) in the multi-circle microchannel (102), and the outlet end of each microchannel (102) is set to intercept the flow. Each microchannel (102) is set in a different membrane gap of the membrane filter element. The water in the return water channel flows into each microchannel (102) through the return module (101). The microchannel (102) expands under force, opening the membrane gap.

2. The membrane gap widening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet end of each of the microchannels (102) is blocked.

3. The membrane gap widening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet end of each of the microchannels (102) is configured to be connected to a pressure check valve (103); The membrane gap opening assembly also includes a pressure sensor and a reflux valve, wherein the reflux valve is disposed between the reflux module (101) and the reflux channel; The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in the microchannel (102) so as to control the opening and closing state of the return valve according to the pressure.

4. The membrane gap widening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microchannels (102) in any one of the microchannel rings (102) are distributed with the central tube (105) of the membrane filter element as the axis; The distribution angle between two adjacent microchannels (102) is any angle between 20 degrees and 30 degrees.

5. The membrane gap widening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of turns in the multi-turn microchannel (102) is less than or equal to half the number of turns in the membrane filter element.

6. A membrane filter element, characterized in that, The membrane filter element includes a multi-turn filter membrane (104), a central tube (105), a filter element cover (106), a filter element cylinder (107), and a membrane gap opening assembly as described in any one of claims 1-5; The multi-turn filter membrane (104) is wound around the central tube (105), and the membrane gap opening assembly is disposed in the membrane gap between the multi-turn filter membrane (104); The filter element cover (106) is fastened to the filter element cylinder (107), and the multi-ring filter membrane (104), the central tube (105), and the membrane gap opening assembly are all disposed in the filter element receiving cavity formed by the filter element cover (106) fastening to the filter element cylinder (107); The filter element cover (106) is provided with a return port (1061), and the return module (101) in the membrane gap opening assembly is connected to the return water channel through the return port (1061).

7. A water purifier, characterized in that, The water purifier includes an inlet and two outlet valves and a membrane filter element as described in claim 6; The membrane filter element has a pure water outlet (1063) on its filter element cover (106), which is used to discharge pure water filtered by the filter membrane (104). The inlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water port (1063), the first outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the pure water faucet, and the second outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the return port (1061).

8. The water purifier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water purifier also includes an electromagnetic booster pump; The membrane filter element has an inlet (1064) on its filter element cover (106), and the inlet (1064) is used for the water to be filtered to flow in; The second outlet is connected to the return port (1061) via the electromagnetic booster pump, and the pump outlet of the electromagnetic booster pump is also connected to the inlet (1064).

9. A membrane gap flushing method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the water purifier as described in claim 7 or 8, comprising: When the water purifier enters the flushing mode, the second outlet of the one-in-two-out valve is connected to the inlet, and the backflow valve in the membrane gap opening assembly is opened. The real-time pressure in the microchannel is obtained, and the opening and closing state of the return valve is controlled according to the real-time pressure and the closing time of the return valve in a single flushing cycle. The preset time from the opening of the return valve to its closing is one flushing cycle. The number of cumulative rinsing cycles is counted, and rinsing of the membrane gap ends when the number of rinsing cycles reaches a preset threshold.

10. The membrane gap flushing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the outlet of the microchannel in the membrane gap opening assembly is configured to connect to a pressure check valve, controlling the opening and closing state of the return valve based on the real-time pressure and the closing time of the return valve within a single flushing cycle in the membrane gap opening assembly includes: When the real-time pressure changes from an increasing state to a decreasing state, the reflux valve is controlled to close. When the closing time of the reflux valve reaches the preset closing duration, the reflux valve is controlled to open.

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