Pre-filter and water system
By introducing an exoskeleton and impeller assembly into the pre-filter, the rotation is driven by water flow, combined with a siphon channel, which solves the problems of weak flushing effect and clogging, achieving efficient automatic cleaning and filtration, and improving the water purification experience and filtration efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411658356.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-11-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing pre-filters have weak flushing effect and are prone to clogging the drain outlet with deposits.
By setting an outer frame and impeller assembly inside the filter bottle, the outer frame is driven to rotate by water flow. Combined with the siphon channel and impeller assembly, automatic cleaning and filtration are achieved, improving flushing efficiency and drainage efficiency.
It achieves automatic cleaning and optimized filtration, reduces the user's maintenance burden, improves the water purification experience and filtration efficiency, and reduces energy consumption.
Smart Images

Figure CN119455495B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of pre-filter technology, and particularly to a pre-filter and a water system. Background Technology
[0002] Some pre-filters on the market usually have a flushing function, that is, they can be cleaned regularly to remove large particles that have been intercepted, thereby improving the service life of the pre-filter. Currently, most of them use direct flushing, which has the problem of weak flushing effect and the possibility of sediment clogging the drain outlet during drainage. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a pre-filter and water system that can automatically rotate the outer frame using hydraulic force when water flows through it. The rotation of the outer frame can also promote the uniform distribution of water flow around the filter components. The siphon channel can improve the filtration efficiency. The impeller assembly can improve the rinsing efficiency of the pre-filter and also improve the drainage efficiency of the pre-filter, promoting the discharge of impurities.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the pre-filter proposed in this invention includes a filter bottle, a filter assembly, an outer frame, and an impeller assembly. The filter bottle has a water filtration chamber and a drain port communicating with the water filtration chamber. The filter assembly is disposed within the water filtration chamber. The outer frame has a siphon channel. The outer frame is fitted with the filter assembly and can rotate relative to the filter assembly. The impeller assembly is disposed within the water filtration chamber and includes a mounting base and an impeller body rotatably disposed within the impeller chamber of the mounting base. The outer frame is drively connected to the impeller body. The mounting base has a first inlet communicating with the impeller chamber and the water filtration chamber, and a drain port communicating with the drain port.
[0005] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected, the second housing covering the first housing to form the impeller cavity, the first housing having a flange protruding from its outer peripheral side, and the sealing groove being disposed on the flange.
[0006] In one embodiment, the second housing is provided with an impeller shaft seat for mounting the impeller body. One end of the impeller body is rotatably mounted on the impeller shaft seat, and the other end is rotatably mounted on the first housing.
[0007] In one embodiment, the impeller bearing protrudes from the surface of the second housing, and the impeller bearing is provided with circumferentially spaced partition openings that are recessed downward from the top edge of the impeller bearing.
[0008] In one embodiment, the first housing is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the impeller body, and a hook is provided on the inner periphery of the mounting groove. The outer periphery of the second housing is provided with a slot. The second housing is fixed to the first housing by the hook and the slot, and covers the mounting groove to form the impeller cavity.
[0009] In one embodiment, the second housing has a skirt on its periphery, and the skirt abuts against the edge of the first housing.
[0010] In one embodiment, multiple first water inlets are provided, and each of the multiple first water inlets is inclined from the top of the mounting base toward the bottom of the mounting base along a first rotation direction.
[0011] In one embodiment, the bottom of the outer frame is provided with a water-blocking ring, the mounting base is provided with a water-blocking ring, the water-blocking ring and the water-blocking ring cooperate to form a water-blocking channel, and the siphon channel and the first water inlet are connected through the water-blocking channel.
[0012] In one embodiment, the chassis has a protruding flow channel groove with an upward-facing open opening. The opening of the flow channel groove communicates with the flow channel on the side wall, and the bottom cover covers the flow channel groove to form the bottom flow channel.
[0013] In one embodiment, the mounting base has a plurality of second water inlets with the same circumferential opening spaced apart on its periphery; the second water inlets have a water guiding slope along the water inflow direction.
[0014] In one embodiment, the exoskeleton includes:
[0015] A cylindrical frame, comprising a chassis and side frames disposed on the chassis, wherein the siphon channel comprises a sidewall channel and a bottom channel communicating with the sidewall channel, the sidewall channel being disposed corresponding to the side frames, and the sidewall channel having a siphon hole communicating with the inner side of the cylindrical frame; and
[0016] The bottom cover, together with the chassis cover, forms the bottom flow channel. The chassis is provided with a first discharge port that connects to the outside of the cylinder frame. The bottom flow channel is connected to the first discharge port and the first water inlet.
[0017] In one embodiment, the chassis is further provided with a second discharge port, which is connected to the water filter chamber and the second water inlet.
[0018] In one embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the mounting base and the filter bottle, with different sides of the sealing element abutting against the mounting base and the filter bottle respectively.
[0019] In one embodiment, the impeller body includes an impeller shaft and a plurality of blades inclinedly disposed on the impeller shaft, wherein water flow from both the first inlet and the second inlet can cause the blades to drive the impeller shaft to rotate.
[0020] In one embodiment, the blade is inclined along the axial direction of the impeller shaft, and the end away from the impeller shaft is curved in both the circumferential and axial directions, with at least a portion of the blade corresponding to the first inlet and the second inlet.
[0021] In one embodiment, the end of the impeller shaft extends out of the mounting base, and the impeller shaft and the outer frame are engaged by a plurality of first protrusions on the upper end face of the impeller shaft and a plurality of second protrusions on the bottom of the outer frame.
[0022] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a reversing structure, which includes a reversing base and a movable component. The reversing base is connected to the mounting base, and the movable component passes through the impeller assembly and the outer frame.
[0023] In one embodiment, the impeller body is hollow and has a clearance hole that extends through the mounting base so that the movable component can pass through.
[0024] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a water distributor for generating swirling flow, and the outer frame is also provided with a water flow drive component, which can drive the outer frame to rotate under the drive of water flow.
[0025] In one embodiment, the outer frame is further provided with a scraping device for cleaning the filter assembly and / or the filter bottle of the pre-filter.
[0026] The present invention also proposes a water system comprising a pre-filter as described above.
[0027] The technical solution of this invention involves setting an outer frame and impeller assembly inside the filter bottle. The impeller body rotates under the drive of water flow, and through a transmission connection, it drives the outer frame to rotate synchronously. The rotation of the outer frame also promotes the swirling of the water flow, further enhancing the automatic cleaning effect. In this way, the pre-filter can more effectively utilize the power of the water flow itself for automatic cleaning and filtration, reducing dependence on external energy sources (such as electricity), thereby improving energy efficiency and achieving energy saving. The outer frame is equipped with a siphon channel, which removes impurities through siphoning, helping to reduce clogging and improve filtration efficiency. This automatic cleaning and optimized filtration effect reduces the user's maintenance burden and improves the product's ease of use and user satisfaction. Users can enjoy a continuous and efficient water purification experience without frequently manually cleaning the filter components. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the pre-filter provided by the present invention;
[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pre-filter after the middle section is disconnected;
[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Structural diagram of the frame, impeller assembly, and moving parts;
[0032] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the impeller body with the default settings.
[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the mounting base mates with the impeller body;
[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the mounting base;
[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the impeller body;
[0036] Figure 8 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the impeller assembly and commutation structure;
[0037] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the impeller assembly and commutation structure;
[0038] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the exoskeleton;
[0039] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the exoskeleton from another perspective.
[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0041] 10. Filter bottle; 101. Filter chamber; 102. Drain outlet;
[0042] 20. Valve head; 201. Inlet; 202. Outlet;
[0043] 30. Filter components;
[0044] 40. Impeller assembly;
[0045] 410. Mounting base; 401. Impeller cavity; 402. First water inlet; 403. Second water inlet; 404. Drain outlet; 405. Water inlet channel; 406. Mounting groove;
[0046] 420. First housing; 421. Flange; 422. Sealing groove; 423. Hook; 424. Water-retaining ring;
[0047] 430. Second housing; 431. Impeller shaft seat; 432. Partition opening; 433. Slot; 434. Skirt; 435. Water guide slope;
[0048] 440. Impeller body; 441. Impeller shaft; 442. Blade; 443. Connecting part; 444. Second protrusion; 445. Clearance hole;
[0049] 50. Outer frame; 501. Siphon channel; 501a. Side wall channel; 501b. Bottom channel; 502. Water flow drive component; 503. First discharge port; 504. Second discharge port;
[0050] 510. Tube frame; 511. Chassis; 512. Side frame; 513. First protrusion; 514. Water baffle ring; 515. Flow channel groove;
[0051] 520. Bottom cover;
[0052] 530. Siphon component; 531. Siphon orifice;
[0053] 60. Water distributor;
[0054] 70. Reversing structure; 710. Reversing base shell; 720. Moving parts; 730. Suction cup;
[0055] 80. Sewage discharge components;
[0056] 90. Scraping device.
[0057] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0059] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.
[0060] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.
[0061] Some pre-filters on the market usually have a flushing function, that is, they can be cleaned regularly to remove large particles that have been intercepted, thereby improving the service life of the pre-filter. Currently, most of them use direct flushing, which has the problem of weak flushing effect and the possibility of sediment clogging the drain outlet during drainage.
[0062] To address this, the present invention proposes a pre-filter and a water system. When water flows through, the outer frame can automatically rotate using hydraulic force. The rotation of the outer frame can also promote the uniform distribution of water flow around the filter assembly, thereby improving filtration efficiency. The impeller assembly can improve the rinsing efficiency of the pre-filter and also improve the drainage efficiency of the pre-filter, promoting the discharge of impurities.
[0063] Water systems, such as whole-house water purification systems, typically include a pre-filter. This pre-filter filters out large particles from tap water, ensuring water safety, extending the lifespan of appliances, preventing pipe blockages, and improving residents' health. The pre-filter is the first stage of coarse filtration in a whole-house water purification system. It usually contains a stainless steel filter screen and is a physical filtration device primarily used to intercept large particles larger than 40 microns, protecting downstream water safety.
[0064] Please see Figures 1 to 11A pre-filter typically includes a valve head 20, a filter bottle 10, and a filter assembly 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pre-filter includes a filter bottle 10 and a valve head 20, a filter assembly 30, an outer frame 50, and an impeller assembly 40 connected to the filter bottle 10. The filter bottle 10 has a water filtration chamber 101, within which the filter assembly 30, the outer frame 50, and the impeller assembly 40 arranged below the outer frame 50 are disposed. The valve head 20 has an inlet 201 and an outlet 202 communicating with the water filtration chamber 101. The inlet 201 is connected to the water supply end, and the outlet 202 is connected to the water consumption end. It should be noted that the water supply end can be a tap water pipe, a water tower, or well water, and the water consumption end can be a faucet, a shower head, or a drinking water outlet; this application does not specifically limit these possibilities.
[0065] A water distributor 60 is installed inside the valve head 20. The water distributor 60 has a spiral flow channel. The raw water entering the valve head 20 from the inlet 201 forms a swirling flow after passing through the water distributor 60. The outer frame 50 is equipped with a water flow guide, which can rotate relative to the filter assembly 30 under the drive of the water flow. The outer frame 50 is equipped with a cleaning mechanism, which can clean the filter screen of the filter assembly 30. Impurities are adsorbed through the siphon flow channel 501 set in the outer frame 50. The rotation of the outer frame 50 generates a swirling flow. The water flow of the outer frame 50 enters the impeller assembly 40. The outer frame 50 and the impeller assembly 40 are connected by a transmission. In the first stage, the outer frame 50 drives the impeller of the impeller assembly 40 to rotate. In the second stage, the impeller will drive the outer frame 50 to rotate in turn, thereby causing the water in the filter bottle 10 to generate a swirling flow and be discharged from the drain port 102 of the filter bottle 10 more quickly.
[0066] The pre-filter is equipped with a filter element 30. The form and structure of the filter element 30 are not limited. The filter element 30 can be a stainless steel filter screen or a PP cotton filter screen. When water flows through it, these filter screens can intercept large particles of impurities in the water and remove some sediment, rust, sand, bacteria and other particulate impurities generated in the pipes. It provides good protection for water purifiers, washing machines, shower heads, high-end faucets, downstream pipes and other equipment, reducing the risk of damage to these devices due to blockage by impurities.
[0067] Pre-filters are typically T-shaped, with the top horizontal section containing the inlet and outlet ports 202 on the left and right, the bottom vertical section containing the main body and internal cylindrical filter assembly 30, and the bottommost section containing the drain port 102. A valve controls the opening and closing of the filter.
[0068] The valve head 20 is typically made of copper alloy. The connection between the valve head 20 and the filter bottle 10 is primarily a threaded connection. For example, the valve head 20 has a protruding external threaded tube, and the bottle mouth of the filter bottle 10 has a corresponding internal thread for threading the external threaded tube. To reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the pre-filter, lower the testing requirements for its assembly results, and reduce the material cost of the valve head 20, in this embodiment, the filter bottle 10 and the valve head 20 are connected by splicing and then fastening with fasteners.
[0069] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The impeller assembly 40 is arranged in the water filtration chamber 101, located below the filter assembly 30. The impeller assembly 40 includes a mounting base 410 and an impeller body 440 rotatably disposed in the impeller chamber 401 of the mounting base 410. A first water inlet 402 communicating between the impeller chamber 401 and the outside of the mounting base 410 is provided on one side of the axial direction of the mounting base 410. A second water inlet 403 communicating between the impeller chamber 401 and the outside of the mounting base 410 is provided on the periphery of the mounting base 410. A drain outlet 404 communicating between the impeller chamber 401 and the outside of the mounting base 410 is provided on the other side of the axial direction of the mounting base 410. The drain outlet 404 is used to communicate with the drain outlet 102 of the pre-filter.
[0070] When the drain valve is opened, water flows into the impeller assembly 40 through its two inlets. The impeller body 440 rotates under the impact of the water flow, generating a vortex effect that creates stronger agitation within the filter bottle 10. This more effectively removes impurities and dirt adhering to the filter media surface. Compared to static water flow, the dynamic cleaning of the impeller assembly 40 significantly improves rinsing efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, the impeller's rotation stirs up impurities and dirt inside the filter bottle 10, suspending them in the water. These impurities are then discharged from the filter bottle 10 through the outlet 202 and the drain valve, preventing redeposition of impurities onto the filter media and ensuring thorough rinsing. Additionally, by enhancing the rinsing effect, the impeller assembly 40 effectively prevents filter media clogging, maintains unobstructed water flow, and preserves the filtration efficiency of the pre-filter. This is crucial for maintaining stable water pressure and clean water quality in residential or commercial systems. In addition, the impeller assembly 40 improves flushing efficiency and reduces water waste. The design of the impeller assembly 40 helps to achieve a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient filtration system.
[0071] The impeller assembly 40 is arranged at the drain outlet 102. The impeller assembly 40 generates centrifugal force by rotating, which can make the water flowing out of the drain outlet 102 swirl, thereby improving the drainage effect. It can also be combined with the outer frame 50, and the water flow drives the outer frame 50 to rotate. The outer frame 50 is combined with the scraping device 90. The rotation of the outer frame 50 and / or the impeller assembly 40 drives the scraper to automatically clean the surface of the filter screen, effectively removing impurities attached to the filter screen and reducing the frequency and difficulty of manual cleaning.
[0072] This invention improves upon the impeller assembly 40, which can be used independently in traditional pre-filters. Traditional pre-filters mostly employ a simple drain valve design, allowing water to flush the surface of the filter assembly 30 and remove some impurities by opening the drain valve. However, this method is often inefficient and fails to thoroughly remove stubborn dirt from the inside of the filter assembly 30, especially for small particles and adhesive impurities. By incorporating the impeller assembly 40 into the drain system, the impeller rotation is driven by water flow, enhancing the flushing force and agitation effect of the water flow, thus improving drain efficiency and cleanliness. Furthermore, the impeller assembly 40 can be relatively simple in design, lower in cost, and requires no additional energy consumption, helping to reduce overall operating costs and water waste.
[0073] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, the impeller assembly 40 can be combined with the scraping device 90. The rotation of the impeller drives the scraper to automatically clean the surface of the filter screen, effectively removing impurities attached to the filter screen and reducing the frequency and difficulty of manual cleaning. The scraping device 90 can also be arranged on the outer frame 50, which can rotate relative to the filter assembly 30 to drive the scraping device 90 to clean. In order to improve the sewage discharge effect, the outer frame 50 can also be provided with a siphon channel 501.
[0074] The impeller assembly 40 of the present invention can be arranged in a traditional pre-filter with only a filter assembly 30 to enhance the flushing force and agitation effect of the water flow, thereby improving the sewage discharge efficiency and cleanliness. It can also be combined with a scraping device 90, which drives the scraper to automatically clean the filter screen surface through the rotation of the impeller, without the need for additional energy consumption, which helps to reduce the overall operating cost and reduce water waste. In addition, by increasing the water flow path and flow rate into the impeller cavity 401 through the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403, and by setting multiple inlets, the water flow can form a more complex flow pattern in the impeller cavity 401, providing sufficient power for the rotation of the impeller body 440.
[0075] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3In this embodiment, an outer frame 50 is provided in the pre-filter. The specific structure of the outer frame 50 can be referred to the following description. The impeller body 440 is provided with a connecting part 443, and the outer frame 50 is provided with a mounting part corresponding to the connecting part 443. The outer frame 50 can rotate relative to the filter assembly 30. The connecting part 443 of the impeller body 440 is connected to the outer frame 50 in a transmission connection. The rotation of the impeller body 440 can drive the rotation of the outer frame 50, further enhancing the water flow agitation effect and improving the sewage discharge efficiency.
[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The impeller cavity 401, serving as the enclosed space for the rotation of the impeller body 440, is located inside the mounting base 410. When water flows from the filter bottle 10 through the filter assembly 30, a portion of the water (i.e., the wastewater to be discharged) enters the impeller cavity 401 through the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403. This interacts with the rotating impeller body 440, generating rotational force and agitation, which helps to flush out residual impurities within the filter assembly 30. When water enters the impeller cavity 401, it impacts the impeller body 440 and causes it to rotate. The rotating impeller body 440 not only enhances the rotational force and agitation of the water flow but also, through its specific blade design 442, guides the water flow to the drain outlet 102, improving discharge efficiency and cleanliness. The drain outlet 404 is located at the bottom or side of the mounting base 410 (usually connected to a drain valve), and its main function is to discharge the wastewater treated by the impeller assembly 40 from the pre-filter.
[0077] To facilitate the assembly of the impeller assembly 40, the mounting base 410 includes a detachably connected first housing 420 and a second housing 430. The second housing 430 covers the first housing 420 to form an impeller cavity 401. A first inlet 402 and a second inlet 403 are located on the first housing 420, and a drain outlet 404 is located on the second housing 430. The mounting base 410 is composed of the first housing 420 and the second housing 430, which are tightly connected by a detachable connection method (such as threaded connection, snap-fit connection, bolt fixing, etc.) to jointly form a sealed impeller cavity 401, making the maintenance, cleaning, and replacement of the impeller assembly 40 more convenient. For a secure connection and easy tool-free disassembly, the first housing 420 and the second housing 430 are snap-fitted together. The first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403 provided on the first housing 420 are the key channels for water to enter the impeller cavity 401. The location and size of these inlets are carefully designed to ensure that water flows into the impeller cavity 401 evenly and efficiently, and interacts effectively with the rotating impeller body 440.
[0078] The second housing 430 covers the first housing 420, forming a closed impeller cavity 401. The drain port 404 on the second housing 430 is connected to the drain valve of the pre-filter, serving as the channel for discharged treated wastewater. Simultaneously, the presence of the second housing 430 enhances the overall structural strength of the mounting base 410, improving its durability and reliability. If the impeller body 440 or any inlet / drain port 404 component is damaged, the user can replace these components individually without replacing the entire mounting base 410, reducing maintenance costs. This design also allows users to adjust the position or number of inlet and drain ports 404 according to actual needs to accommodate different models and specifications of pre-filters. When the impeller assembly 40 needs cleaning or replacement, the user can easily access the impeller cavity 401 and impeller body 440 by simply disassembling the second housing 430, without disassembling the entire pre-filter.
[0079] To ensure the airtightness of the impeller cavity 401 while facilitating the assembly of the first housing 420 and the second housing 430, the first housing 420 is provided with a mounting groove 406 to accommodate the impeller body 440. A hook 423 is provided on the inner periphery of the groove opening of the mounting groove 406. A groove 433 is provided on the outer periphery of the second housing 430. The second housing 430 is fixed to the first housing 420 by the hooks 423 and the groove 433, thus covering the mounting groove 406 to form the impeller cavity 401. The first housing 420 has a dedicated mounting groove 406 for accommodating the impeller body 440. Hooks 423 are designed on the inner periphery of the groove opening of the mounting groove 406. These hooks 423 are elastic or flexible and are used to engage with the grooves 433 of the second housing 430 to achieve a tight connection between the two.
[0080] The outer periphery of the second housing 430 is provided with a slot 433. Multiple hooks 423 are provided, evenly distributed along the periphery of the mounting groove 406. These slots 433 correspond to the hooks 423 on the first housing 420, and their number and position are precisely designed to ensure accurate engagement. The shape and depth of the slots 433 are also optimized to form a good fit with the hooks 423, while providing a certain locking force to prevent the second housing 430 from accidentally falling off during use. When it is necessary to fix the second housing 430 to the first housing 420, the user simply aligns the slot 433 of the second housing 430 with the hook 423 of the first housing 420, and gently rotates or presses the second housing 430 so that the hook 423 can smoothly engage in the slot 433. Once the hook 423 is fully engaged and locked in the slot 433, the second housing 430 is securely fixed to the first housing 420 and blocks the opening of the mounting groove 406, thus forming a closed impeller cavity 401. By blocking the opening of the mounting groove 406, the second housing 430 effectively prevents water from leaking out of the impeller cavity 401, ensuring the normal operation of the pre-filter. This design eliminates the need for additional fasteners (such as bolts, nuts, etc.), reducing production costs and user maintenance costs.
[0081] To further enhance the stability and sealing of the pre-filter impeller assembly 40, a skirt 434 is provided on the periphery of the second housing 430. The skirt 434 abuts against the edge of the mounting groove 406, that is, against the lower end face of the first housing 420. The skirt 434 and the side wall of the second housing 430 form a step, which abuts against the opening of the mounting groove 406. The design of the skirt 434 helps to further seal the impeller cavity 401, preventing water or impurities from leaking out from the gap between the impeller cavity 401 and the first and second housings 430. The design of the skirt 434 also makes the appearance of the mounting base 410 neater and more aesthetically pleasing.
[0082] Reference Figure 4To optimize water flow distribution, multiple first inlets 402 are provided, each inclined circumferentially from the top of the first housing 420 towards its bottom. The circumferential direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise. By providing multiple first inlets 402 at the top of the first housing 420, the water flow path and flow rate into the impeller cavity 401 can be significantly increased. Multiple inlets can distribute water flow more evenly, and the design of the first inlets 402 inclining circumferentially from the top to the bottom helps guide water flow more smoothly into the impeller cavity 401. The inclined inlets utilize gravity and the water flow's own power to make the water flow more smoothly turn and accelerate its entry into the impeller cavity 401. The inclined inlet design also enhances the rotational force and agitation effect of the water flow. When the water flows into the impeller cavity 401 at a certain angle, it interacts more strongly with the rotating impeller body 440, improving the sewage discharge efficiency of the pre-filter impeller assembly 40.
[0083] Reference Figure 3 Furthermore, to ensure that water from the siphon channel 501 of the outer frame 50 can flush the impeller assembly 40, the first housing 420 is also provided with a water-blocking ring 424 to prevent water from flowing in. The first inlet 402 is located within the water-blocking ring 424 and connects to the siphon channel 501 of the pre-filter. In this embodiment, the bottom of the outer frame 50 is provided with a water-blocking ring 514 facing the first housing 420. This water-blocking ring 514 fits onto the water-blocking ring 424 to form an interlocking structure. Under the combined action of the water-blocking ring 514 and the water-blocking ring 424, the water flow path in the pre-filter is optimized. Under normal circumstances, the water in the filter bottle 10 is blocked outside the water-blocking ring 424, while the water in the siphon channel 501 can smoothly enter the first inlet 402 through the interlocking structure and flow through the impeller assembly 40 for drainage. This design ensures the normal filtration function of the pre-filter while improving drainage efficiency and stability.
[0084] In other embodiments, the baffle ring 424 faces and approaches or abuts the bottom of the outer frame 50, without affecting the rotation of the outer frame 50 and the impeller body 440. At the same time, the water flow in the siphon channel 501 of the outer frame 50 can also enter the first inlet 402 through the baffle ring 424, driving the impeller body 440 to rotate. In this way, excessive water in the filter bottle 10 is prevented from flowing directly into the first inlet 402, and the water flow path of the siphon channel 501 is cleverly guided.
[0085] To facilitate the smooth flow of water from the filter chamber 101 into the impeller assembly 40 after the vortex is produced, the first housing 420 is provided with a plurality of second inlets 403 with the same circumferential opening at intervals on its periphery; the second inlets 403 are provided with a water guide slope 435 along the water flow direction; the first housing 420 is also provided with a water inlet channel 405 on its periphery, which connects the second inlets 403 and the filter chamber 101 of the pre-filter, and the flow cross section of the water inlet channel 405 decreases in the direction away from the second inlets 403.
[0086] It should be noted that the flow cross section refers to the cross section of the water inlet channel 405 in the axial direction, which gradually decreases along the extension direction away from the second water inlet 403.
[0087] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The bottom of the outer frame 50 and the top of the first housing 420 form an "I" shape in axial cross-section. The vertical part of the "I" is a water-blocking ring 424. Water in the space on the side of the "I" can enter the second inlet 403 through the water inlet channel 405 between the first housing 420 and the cavity wall of the filter bottle 10. In this embodiment, there are two second inlets 403 that extend circumferentially. The flow cross-section of the two water inlet channels 405 decreases in the direction away from the second inlet 403. In order to improve the driving effect on the impeller body 440 after water inlet, the second inlet 403 is provided with a water guide slope 435 along the water inlet direction, so that the water flows into the impeller cavity 401 at a certain angle. The water guide slope 435 can also increase the kinetic energy of the water flow to a certain extent, so that it can interact more effectively with the impeller assembly 40 after entering the impeller cavity 401, thereby improving the sewage discharge effect.
[0088] In addition, the flow cross-section of the inlet channel 405 decreases in the direction away from the second inlet 403 (the inlet of the inlet channel is Z-shaped). This design can generate the Venturi effect, that is, as the water flow gradually decreases through the cross-section, the flow velocity increases and the pressure decreases. Such a change in flow velocity helps to enhance the scouring force of the water flow, making it easier for impurities in the filter chamber 101 to be carried into the impeller assembly 40 for sewage treatment.
[0089] To ensure a more secure and flexible installation of the impeller body 440, the second housing 430 is provided with an impeller shaft seat 431 for mounting the impeller body 440. One end of the impeller body 440 is rotatably mounted on the impeller shaft seat 431, and the other end is rotatably mounted on the first housing 420. The second housing 430 has a dedicated impeller shaft seat 431 for mounting the impeller body 440. In one embodiment, one end of the impeller shaft 441 is inserted into the central hole of the impeller shaft seat 431 and secured with appropriate fasteners (such as nuts, snap rings, etc.). Simultaneously, to ensure smooth rotation of the impeller body 440, lubricating components such as bearings are installed between the impeller shaft 441 and the shaft seat.
[0090] In this embodiment, the impeller bearing 431 protrudes from the surface of the second housing 430, and the impeller bearing 431 is provided with a plurality of partition openings 432 recessed downward from the top edge of the impeller bearing along the circumferential direction. The end of the impeller body 440 contacts the end of the impeller bearing 431. The protruding design also helps to disperse the force and vibration generated when the impeller rotates, reducing the direct impact on the second housing 430 and improving the stability and durability of the overall structure.
[0091] Specifically, two adjacent partition openings 432 define impeller support platforms. Four support platforms are provided on the impeller shaft seat 431, each distributed at 90°. The bottom of the impeller body 440 contacts these support platforms, providing upward support to the impeller body 440. The small area of the support platforms reduces the frictional force during impeller body 440 rotation, improving rotational efficiency.
[0092] To improve drainage efficiency, multiple drain ports 404 are located on the second housing 430, surrounding the impeller seat. This arrangement helps to distribute the water discharged from the impeller assembly 40 more evenly to the outside of the pre-filter. When the impeller rotates and pushes the water flow, the water flows circumferentially along the impeller seat and is smoothly discharged through these surrounding drain ports 404. This arrangement reduces water concentration and collision during the discharge process, improving drainage efficiency. All drain ports 404 are inclined; each drain port 404 is designed to be inclined, meaning their opening direction is not completely perpendicular to the surface of the second housing 430, but has a certain angle of inclination. This inclined arrangement helps to guide the water flow more smoothly out of the drain port 404, reducing resistance at the outlet. The multiple drain ports 404 are the same size and / or shape. Designing the multiple drain ports 404 to be identical in size and / or shape helps to maintain consistency and interchangeability. The use of identical drain outlets 404 ensures that each outlet has a similar drainage capacity, thus avoiding problems such as poor drainage or water concentration caused by uneven outlet sizes. Simultaneously, the identical shape of the drain outlets 404 facilitates processing and installation, improving production efficiency and product quality. Specifically, the bottom cover 520 is designed with four elliptical water outlets, each distributed at a 90° angle.
[0093] Reference Figure 7In one embodiment, the other end of the impeller body 440 is rotatably mounted on the first housing 420 via a corresponding structure. In this embodiment, the end of the impeller body 440 passes through the first housing 420. The impeller body 440 is hollow to allow the reversing rod of the reversing structure 70 to pass through. The end of the impeller body 440 exposed outside the first housing 420 is provided with a connecting part 443 that is connected to the outer frame 50 for transmission. Thus, the outer frame 50 can first drive the impeller body 440 to rotate, and then the impeller body 440 drives the outer frame 50 to rotate. The impeller shaft seat 431 is hollow to form a clearance hole 445, which is used for the moving part 720 of the pre-filter to pass through. The second housing 430 has a guide shaft sleeve extending away from the impeller shaft seat 431 corresponding to the clearance hole 445. Figure 8 The end of the guide rod is provided with a suction cup 730, and the outer periphery of the second housing 430 is provided with multiple retaining rings. The retaining rings are used to engage with the reversing bottom housing 710 of the pre-filter. A reversing cavity is formed between the reversing bottom housing 710 and the second housing 430 for the suction cup 730 to be accommodated and moved. The suction cup 730 moves up and down along the axial direction under the action of water flow.
[0094] When the drain valve is opened, water flows in through the two inlets of the impeller assembly 40, and the impeller body 440 rotates under the impact of the water flow. To improve drainage efficiency, the impeller assembly 40 is sealed to the filter bottle 10.
[0095] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 9 Specifically, the mounting base 410 is sealed to the filter bottle 10; the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403 are connected to the filter chamber 101, and the drain outlet 404 is connected to the sewage outlet 102. Wastewater enters the impeller assembly 40 from the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403, and is discharged from the filter bottle 10 through the drain outlet 404 from the sewage outlet 102.
[0096] When the drain valve is opened, water enters the impeller chamber 401 through the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403 on the mounting base 410. Inside the impeller chamber 401, the impact of the water flow causes the impeller body 440 to rotate, further propelling the water flow and generating centrifugal force. This centrifugal force helps to push impurities and residues in the water towards the edge of the impeller chamber 401 and cause them to accumulate. Finally, the wastewater containing impurities is discharged from the filter bottle 10 through the drain port 404 on the mounting base 410, thus completing the water purification and wastewater discharge process.
[0097] Common methods for flushing pre-filters include the following: direct flushing mode and backflushing mode. In direct flushing mode, water flows along the direction of tap water to flush the dirt-collecting surface of the filter element 30, washing away particulate impurities on the filter screen with the water flow. Backflushing mode involves reverse water flow flushing, where tap water pressure penetrates from the inner wall of the filter screen to the outer wall, forming a high-velocity water column that washes away particulate impurities on the filter screen from the inside out.
[0098] The impeller assembly 40 can be used in both direct-flow and backflow modes. It can also be used in siphon mode, where an outer frame 50 is typically added to the pre-filter. This outer frame 50 has a siphon channel 501, utilizing the suction force generated by the siphon principle to help remove impurities accumulated on the filter screen. The structural form of the outer frame 50 and its connection to the impeller assembly 40 are described above and will not be repeated here.
[0099] The sealed connection between the impeller assembly 40 and the filter bottle 10 ensures the system's airtightness, preventing inconvenience during use such as water leakage. In this embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the base and the filter bottle 10, with different sides of the sealing element abutting against the mounting base 410 and the filter bottle 10 respectively, achieving a seal between them. In this embodiment, the sealing element is configured as a sealing ring, with the inner circumference of the sealing ring abutting against the mounting base 410 and the outer circumference of the sealing ring abutting against the filter bottle 10. In other embodiments, the sealing element can also be a gasket, sealing strip, water seal, sealant, soft filler, etc.
[0100] Reference Figure 2 To facilitate the installation of the sealing ring, a sealing groove 422 is provided on the periphery of the base. The sealing ring is installed in the sealing groove 422. The material of the sealing ring is a rubber suitable for drinking water or hot water, such as natural rubber, silicone rubber, etc.
[0101] The first housing 420 abuts and seals against the cavity wall of the filter bottle 10 through a sealing ring in the sealing groove 422 on the outer peripheral flange 421. To improve the sealing effect, the peripheral surface of the flange 421 is adapted to the contour of the inner wall surface of the filter bottle 10. The cavity wall of the filter bottle 10 has an arc-shaped contour. To ensure a tight fit and further improve the sealing effect, the contour of the flange 421 is adapted to the contour of the cavity wall of the filter bottle 10.
[0102] After the flange 421 and the cavity wall of the filter bottle 10 are sealed by the sealing ring, a water inlet channel is formed between the outer peripheral side of the first housing 420 and the cavity wall of the filter bottle 10. The water flow that generates swirling flow can enter the impeller cavity 401 from the second inlet 403 through the water inlet channel.
[0103] The above text provides a general overview of the structure of the impeller assembly 40. The following text describes the overall fit between the impeller assembly 40 and the outer frame 50, based on the sealed connection between the impeller assembly 40 and the filter bottle 10.
[0104] Specifically, the impeller body 440 includes an impeller shaft 441 and a plurality of blades 442 inclinedly disposed on the impeller shaft 441. Water flow from the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403 can cause the blades 442 to drive the impeller shaft 441 to rotate. In order to increase the contact area of the impeller with the water flow and improve the driving effect of the impeller, the blades 442 are inclined along the axial direction of the impeller shaft 441, and the end away from the impeller shaft 441 is curved in both the circumferential and axial directions. At least a portion of the blades 442 corresponds to the first inlet 402 and the second inlet 403.
[0105] Reference Figure 10 The outer frame 50 has a water flow drive component 502 arranged on its inner circumference. During normal filtration, water entering from the valve head 20 forms a swirling flow through the water distributor 60 at the top of the filter assembly 30, which washes over the water flow drive component 502 and drives the outer frame 50 to rotate. At this time, the rotation of the outer frame 50 is not driven by the bottom impeller, and the bottom impeller body 440 is not water-driven during normal filtration. In the sewage discharge state, the bottom impeller body 440 rotates due to water flow, driving the outer frame 50 to rotate as well. Therefore, the outer frame 50 can rotate in both filtration and sewage discharge states. The bottom of the outer frame 50 is snapped into the impeller body 440. The two sides of the first housing 420 have second water inlets, and a sealing groove 422 is designed circumferentially on the sides for installing a sealing ring and sealing with the filter bottle 10 body. This ensures that during sewage discharge, all water flows in through the first water inlet 402 and the second water inlet 403 of the impeller assembly 40, thereby improving the rotation efficiency of the impeller body 440. The second housing 430 is fixed to the reversing bottom housing 710 by a snap-fit mechanism.
[0106] Reference Figure 1 To facilitate standardized production, the pre-filter also includes a drain component 80, which acts as a switch to connect or disconnect the filter chamber 101 from the outside.
[0107] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the pre-filter is provided with a reversing structure 70, and the sewage discharge component 80 is detachably connected to the reversing bottom shell 710, for example, by screws; of course, the reversing bottom shell 710 and the sewage discharge component 80 are also fixed by a snap-fit method.
[0108] In one embodiment, the drain assembly 80 is detachably connected to the mounting base 410; for example, the drain assembly 80 replaces the reversing base 710 and is fixed to the mounting base 410.
[0109] The connection between the drain assembly 80 and the impeller assembly 40 or the reversing structure 70 helps to better fix the impeller assembly 40 inside the filter bottle 10, and also facilitates the standardized production of the filter bottle 10. Modular replacement can be achieved simply by replacing the drain assembly 80 or the reversing structure 70.
[0110] The end of the impeller shaft 441 extends through the mounting base 410, and the impeller shaft 441 and the outer frame 50 are connected by a limiting structure. The limiting structure includes a plurality of first protrusions 513 on the upper end face of the impeller shaft 441 and a plurality of second protrusions 444 on the bottom of the outer frame 50, and the first protrusions 513 and the second protrusions 444 are engaged with each other.
[0111] The bottom of the outer frame 50 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 444 (6 in this embodiment, but also 5, 7, 8, etc.). The second protrusions 444 cooperate with the connecting part 443 of the first protrusion 513 of the impeller body 440. The connecting part 443 is also set as a protrusion. The grooves between the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 444 are used for locking and fixing to form a transmission structure. The rotation of the impeller body 440 can drive the frame to rotate; similarly, the rotation of the outer frame 50 can drive the impeller body 440 to rotate.
[0112] The bottom of the outer frame 50 is designed with a water-retaining ring 514, which cooperates with the water-retaining ring 424 of the first housing 420 to prevent excessive water from flowing into the first inlet 402 at the top of the first housing 420. The water-retaining ring 514 at the bottom of the outer frame 50 has an inclined first discharge port 503 of the siphon flow channel 501, which can directly flow into the first inlet 402 at the top of the first housing 420.
[0113] The first housing 420 is designed with two side second water inlets 403, through which water from the filter bottle 10, except for the siphon channel 501, can enter during sewage discharge. The first housing 420 has four angled first water inlets 402 at its top, through which water flowing from the siphon channel 501 enters the impeller cavity 401. A water-retaining ring 424 is designed at the top of the first housing 420, which, in conjunction with the water-retaining ring 424 of the outer frame 50, prevents excessive water from flowing into the first water inlets 402 at the top of the first housing 420.
[0114] The first housing 420 has a circumferential sealing groove 422 for installing a sealing ring and sealing the filter bottle 10. The top of the first housing 420 has a large opening structure in the middle of the four first water inlets 402. The upper part of the impeller body 440 extends out from the clearance hole 445. The end protrusion structure of the impeller body 440 is fixed to the protrusion structure at the bottom of the outer frame 50, and the two are connected in a transmission manner.
[0115] The impeller body 440 is composed of multiple blades 442 and an inclined impeller shaft 441. One side of the inclined blade 442 is curved into an arc surface, with part of the arc surface facing the first water inlet 402 and part facing the second water inlet 403. In this way, the blade 442 can rotate under the combined action of the water flow from the second water inlet 403 on the side and the first water inlet 402 on the top.
[0116] The impeller body 440 has a hollow structure in the middle, from which the vertical rod structure of the movable part 720 extends and inserts into the bottom of the outer frame 50. The impeller body 440 can rotate around the vertical rod structure of the reversing rod. The second housing 430 is designed with four elliptical drain holes 404 near the impeller shaft seat 431. During sewage discharge, water in the impeller cavity 401 flows out from the drain holes 404.
[0117] A circular hole is designed at the center of the upper part of the first housing 420. The vertical rod structure of the movable part 720 is inserted into the circular hole and extends all the way to the bottom of the outer frame 50.
[0118] The bottom outer periphery of the second housing 430 is designed with multiple retaining ring structures, which are fixed in place with the hooks 423 of the reversing bottom housing 710. The vertical rod structure of the movable component 720 is equipped with a suction cup 730 that moves up and down within the reversing bottom housing 710. When the water path needs to be switched (e.g., when switching between direct flush and reverse flush), the suction cup 730 of the movable component 720 moves within the reversing bottom housing 710 under water pressure. The vertical rod structure of the movable component 720 extends from the first housing 420 and finally inserts into the bottom of the outer frame 50. The first housing 420 and the first housing 420 do not rotate, but the impeller body 440 within the impeller cavity 401 can rotate around the vertical rod structure of the movable component 720. The movable component 720 also does not rotate. The lower part of the vertical rod structure of the movable component 720 is connected to a circular suction cup 730, which can move up and down within the reversing bottom housing 710.
[0119] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 Four retaining rings are designed at the bottom of the reversing base 710, which can be fixed to the drain assembly 80 below. The fixing method is similar to that of the impeller base cover 520 and the reversing base 710. The second housing 430 is designed with four retaining rings, and the reversing base 710 is designed with four hooks 423 around its circumference. The hooks 423 have a chamfer on the upper part to facilitate assembly with the retaining rings. Water flowing out from the second discharge port 504 flows out from the water outlet in the middle of the suction cup 730 and finally exits through the drain assembly 80. The outer periphery of the suction cup 730 is designed with a sealing groove 422 for installing a sealing ring to seal against the inner wall of the reversing base 710, increasing the water pressure of the suction cup 730, ensuring that all water flows out from the water outlet of the suction cup 730, and improving the reversing force.
[0120] In this invention, improvements have also been made to the siphon flow of the outer frame 50. The outer frame 50 can be arranged alone in the water filter chamber 101 or used in conjunction with the impeller assembly 40. The structural improvements of the siphon flow channel 501 of the outer frame 50 will be described below.
[0121] During the use of the pre-filter, it is necessary to clean the impurities attached to the filter screen surface periodically and then discharge them through the drain valve. The efficient operation of the scraping device 90 is crucial. In the existing technology, there are scraping devices 90 driven by motors, scraping devices 90 driven by impellers, etc.; there are also scraping devices that achieve self-rotation by using the impact force of the water flow itself.
[0122] To improve cleaning performance, existing technologies utilize the siphon principle and set a siphon channel 501 in the outer frame 50. The siphon channel 501 can generate strong suction and improve cleaning efficiency. However, the existing siphon channel 501 has a complex structure, poor siphon rinsing effect, and cannot adsorb impurities on the filter surface in all directions.
[0123] Therefore, the present invention improves the siphon tube structure and installation method of the outer frame 50, making it easier to process and form the siphon channel 501, and making it easier to clean the siphon channel 501, avoiding blockage and affecting the siphon effect.
[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer frame 50 includes a cylindrical frame 510 and a bottom cover 520. The cylindrical frame 510 includes a chassis 511 and a side frame 512 disposed on the chassis 511. The siphon channel 501 includes a side wall channel 501a and a bottom channel 501b communicating with the side wall channel 501a. The side wall channel 501a is disposed corresponding to the side frame 512. The side wall channel 501a is provided with a siphon hole 531 communicating with the inner side of the cylindrical frame 510. The chassis 511 is provided with a first discharge port 503 communicating with the outside of the cylindrical frame 510. The bottom channel 501b communicates with the first discharge port 503. The bottom cover 520 is closed with the chassis 511 to form the bottom channel 501b or the bottom channel 501b is disposed on the bottom cover 520.
[0125] The outer frame 50 of the technical solution of the present invention can be used in a pre-filter. On the one hand, the outer frame 50 serves as a support structure between the filter assembly 30 and the filter bottle 10, effectively enhancing the stability of the entire pre-filter; on the other hand, its specific shape and layout guide water flow more smoothly through the filter assembly 30, improving filtration efficiency. Through the multiple siphon holes 531 in the lateral flow channel, impurities and particles intercepted by the filter assembly 30 can be more effectively guided to the bottom flow channel 501b and finally discharged through the drain port 102. By designing the bottom flow channel 501b between the chassis 511 and the bottom cover 520, compared to setting a through bottom flow channel 501b inside the chassis 511, the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture; on the other hand, it is easier to clean, reducing the possibility of dirt accumulating inside and clogging the filter screen, avoiding siphon failure; and compared with the existing solution, it is easier to increase the size of the siphon flow channel 501 and improve the cleaning effect.
[0126] The siphon channel 501 is L-shaped, the side wall channel 501a is the vertical part of the L-shape, and the bottom channel 501b is the horizontal part of the L-shape. The side wall channel 501a is set in the side frame 512, which means that the side wall channel 501a is set in the side frame 512, and does not limit the formation method of the side wall channel 501a.
[0127] The outer frame 50 forms the bottom flow channel 501b of the siphon flow channel 501 through the bottom cover 520 and the chassis 511. In one embodiment, the outer frame 50 is fitted with a filter assembly 30. The outer frame 50 or the filter assembly 30 is equipped with an electric / manual cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism cleans the impurities attached to the surface of the filter screen and then discharges them through the drain valve. Through the multiple siphon holes 531 of the lateral flow channel, the impurities, particles and other objects intercepted by the filter assembly 30 can be more effectively guided to the bottom flow channel 501b and finally discharged through the drain port 102. In one embodiment, the outer frame 50 can rotate relative to the filter assembly 30. For example, the outer frame 50 is equipped with an electrically driven or manually driven rotating structure, which drives the outer frame 50 to rotate; or, the outer frame 50 is driven to rotate relative to the filter assembly 30 by the raw water entering the filter bottle 10, so that the water in the filter bottle 10 generates a swirling flow and is discharged from the drain port 102 of the filter bottle 10 more quickly; in a further embodiment, the outer frame 50 can also be equipped with a scraping device 90. As the outer frame 50 rotates with the water flow, it also cleans the impurities of the filter screen through the scraping device 90, and sucks the impurities into the siphon channel 501 through the siphon hole 531, and discharges them into the drain port 102 through the first discharge port 503.
[0128] The base 511 and side frame 512 can be integrally formed, or the side frame 512 can be fixed to the base 511 by screws or other means. The base 511 of the cylindrical frame 510 is circular, and the side frame 512 surrounds the base 511 and is designed around the outer edge of the filter assembly 30. The side frame 512 is usually presented as a ring or part of a cylinder, but is not completely closed to allow water flow. The shape of the side frame 512 matches the shape of the filter assembly 30 to ensure that it can fit tightly and support the filter assembly 30, while maintaining effective circulation of water around the filter assembly 30.
[0129] In one embodiment, the bottom cover 520 and the chassis 511 are closed to form a bottom flow channel 501b. In another embodiment, the bottom flow channel 501b is provided on the bottom cover 520. For ease of disassembly, the bottom cover 520 and the chassis 511 are detachably connected, for example, by screw fastening or snap-fitting. The detachable bottom cover 520 design makes cleaning and maintenance simple and convenient, allowing users to perform these tasks themselves without needing professional service, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
[0130] Reference Figure 11 To facilitate the installation of the bottom cover 520 and the chassis 511, the chassis 511 is provided with a protruding flow channel groove 515. The flow channel groove 515 is open upwards, and its opening communicates with the side wall flow channel 501a. The bottom of the flow channel groove 515, opposite to its opening, extends to the center of the chassis 511. The bottom cover 520 engages with the flow channel groove 515 and seals it, forming the bottom flow channel 501b. The design of the flow channel groove 515 enhances the connection stability between the chassis 511 and the bottom cover 520, making the entire outer frame 50 structure more stable and less prone to loosening or deformation. The upward-opening design of the flow channel groove 515 makes the installation of the bottom cover 520 more convenient. Users can easily engage the bottom cover 520 with the flow channel groove 515 without complicated operations to complete the formation of the bottom flow channel 501b.
[0131] To ensure stability, the bottom cover 520 is fitted with a flow channel 515. The outer wall of the flow channel 515 has a snap fastener, and the bottom cover 520 has a corresponding snap-fit groove. The bottom cover 520 is fixed to the base 511 by the snap fastener and the snap-fit groove engaging. This stability is further enhanced by the snap fastener and snap-fit groove design. The tight fit between the snap fastener and the snap-fit groove prevents the bottom cover 520 from loosening or falling off during use due to water flow impact or external forces. The snap fastener and snap-fit groove design places higher demands on installation precision, which helps ensure that the bottom cover 520 is accurately aligned and fixed with the flow channel 515 during installation, avoiding sealing problems or structural instability caused by improper installation. The snap fastener and snap-fit groove design also makes the disassembly and installation of the bottom cover 520 simpler and faster.
[0132] For ease of manufacturing, snap fasteners are located on opposite sides of the flow channel 515. The chassis 511 has corresponding clearance notches that pass through the chassis 511. After the bottom cover 520 is closed with the chassis 511, the bottom cover 520 blocks the clearance notches. By setting snap fasteners on opposite sides of the flow channel 515 and corresponding clearance notches on the chassis 511, the mold design and manufacturing process are simplified. The clearance notches make it easier to form snap fastener structures in manufacturing processes such as injection molding or stamping, reducing manufacturing costs and difficulty. Although the clearance notches may seem to weaken the local strength of the chassis 511, through reasonable design and the blocking by the bottom cover 520, they do not actually have a significant impact on the overall structural strength. At the same time, the snap fasteners located on opposite sides of the flow channel 515 can more effectively disperse and resist external forces, maintaining structural stability. The clearance notches are completely blocked after the bottom cover 520 is closed with the chassis 511, and do not affect the aesthetic appearance of the pre-filter. This helps enhance the overall product image and the user's visual experience. The snap-on design retains the characteristics of easy disassembly and installation, making maintenance of the bottom cover 520 simple and quick. Users can easily disassemble and install the bottom cover 520 when performing operations such as cleaning or replacing the filter assembly 30.
[0133] Specifically, multiple first discharge ports 503 are spaced apart along the circumference of the cylindrical frame 510. The number of first discharge ports 503 corresponds to the number of siphon channels 501, and each first discharge port 503 is connected to a bottom channel 501b. To ensure drainage effect, each bottom channel 501b has a corresponding first discharge port 503. To simplify the installation process and facilitate the connection between the bottom cover 520 and the cylindrical frame 510, the bottom cover 520 includes multiple covering parts. Each covering part and the base 511 enclose a bottom channel 501b. By designing multiple covering parts to connect with the cylindrical frame 510, and each covering part and the base 511 enclosing a bottom channel 501b, the connection between the bottom cover 520 and the cylindrical frame 510 becomes more convenient and accurate.
[0134] Specifically, there are three siphon channels 501, with three caps resembling "fan blades." Each siphon channel 501 has an independent first discharge port 503. To ensure smooth drainage, the first discharge ports 503 are all inclined in the same direction from the upper surface of the chassis 511 downwards. The inclined discharge ports 404 guide the water flow more smoothly, reducing water stagnation and eddies in the bottom channel 501b. This helps prevent impurities from accumulating in the bottom channel 501b, keeping the pre-filter clean and operating efficiently. The first discharge ports 503 are inclined clockwise or counterclockwise along the axial direction. The inclined first discharge ports 503 also have a certain anti-backflow function and can also create a swirling flow in the drainage. The efficient design of the bottom channel 501b and the first discharge ports 503 allows the pre-filter to discharge impurities and wastewater more quickly, improving the filtration effect and the overall performance of the system. To avoid water interference, the first discharge ports 503 are all located at the end of the bottom channel 501b.
[0135] The side frame 512 extends axially, and the filter assembly 30 is arranged within the side frame 512. Side wall channels 501a, constituting the siphon channel 501, are formed on the side frame 512. Multiple side wall channels 501a are provided, such as two, three, or even more. Siphon holes 531 are provided on the side walls; these holes are part of the side wall channels 501a and are used to guide water flow from outside the filter assembly 30 through the side wall channels 501a into the bottom channel 501b. The size, number, and distribution of the siphon holes 531 are carefully designed to ensure uniform water flow distribution and effective filtration.
[0136] The sidewall flow channel 501a can be formed by the side frame 512 itself; or it can be a part with a separate sidewall flow channel 501a. In this embodiment, the siphon member 530 constituting the sidewall flow channel 501a and the side frame 512 together form the sidewall flow channel 501a. The number of siphon members 530 corresponds to the number of siphon flow channels 501, and the siphon holes 531 are provided on the siphon members 530.
[0137] The siphon component 530 can be fixed to the side frame 512 in various ways, such as by locking it onto the side frame 512; however, this is not convenient during installation or maintenance. In this embodiment, for ease and secure installation, the siphon component 530 is slidably connected to the side frame 512, and the siphon component 530 is snap-fitted onto the side frame 512. By introducing a slide rail and slide channel design, the siphon component 530 can be more easily inserted and fixed onto the side frame 512, and it is also easy to disassemble, improving the convenience of operation.
[0138] Specifically, the inner surface of the side frame 512 is provided with a slide rail, and the slide grooves extend to both ends of the side frame 512 respectively. The siphon component 530 has slide rails on both sides, and the siphon component 530 is inserted into the slide rail through the slide rail. The matching design of the slide rail and slide rail ensures that the position of the siphon component 530 on the side frame 512 is more stable, reducing the risk of loosening or displacement due to vibration or water flow impact, thereby improving the overall stability and reliability of the pre-filter. The robust connection method reduces the risk of failure due to loosening or displacement of components, improving the overall performance and reliability of the pre-filter.
[0139] To improve aesthetic consistency and enhance connection stability, the connection method between the side frame 512 and the siphon component 530 is further defined. Specifically, the top edge of the side frame 512 has a mounting notch, and the top of the siphon component 530 faces the side frame 512 and has a mounting block. The mounting block is fitted into the mounting notch, and the top of the siphon component 530 is flush with the top edge of the side frame 512. Through the combined design of the mounting notch and the mounting block, the connection between the siphon component 530 and the side frame 512 is more secure. After the mounting block is fitted into the mounting notch, it effectively prevents the siphon component 530 from moving horizontally, further improving connection stability. The flush alignment of the top edge of the siphon component 530 with the top edge of the side frame 512 not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the pre-filter but also avoids the abruptness caused by uneven component heights, improving the overall quality of the product. The design of the mounting clip and the mounting notch makes the installation process of the siphon 530 more intuitive and simple. Users only need to align the mounting clip with the mounting notch and insert it, without any additional fixing steps, thus simplifying the installation process.
[0140] To achieve the snap-fit fixation between the siphon component 530 and the side frame 512, the siphon component 530 is also provided with a fixing protrusion, and the side frame 512 is also provided with a fixing groove 433 penetrating the side frame 512 below the mounting notch. The siphon component 530 is snap-fitted and fixed to the side frame 512 by the fixing protrusion and the fixing groove 433. Based on the mounting notch and mounting block, the addition of the fixing protrusion and fixing groove 433 achieves the snap-fit fixation between the siphon component 530 and the side frame 512, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the fixation. Traditional fixing methods may require additional fasteners (such as screws, nuts, etc.), making the installation process cumbersome and time-consuming. The snap-fit fixation method simplifies the installation steps, improves installation efficiency, and reduces installation difficulty and cost.
[0141] To enhance drainage efficiency, the chassis 511 is also equipped with a second discharge port 504, which connects the inside of the cylinder frame 510 to the outside of the cylinder frame 510. The addition of the second discharge port 504 provides an additional drainage channel for water accumulation inside the cylinder frame 510, helping to accelerate water flow and improve drainage efficiency. During filter operation, especially under high flow or high pressure conditions, this design significantly reduces the risk of water accumulation inside the cylinder frame 510, ensuring smooth filter operation. By promptly draining water from the inside of the cylinder frame 510, the residence time of water between the filter assembly 30 and the cylinder frame 510 can be reduced, which helps improve the overall filtration effect of the pre-filter.
[0142] Based on the water accumulation and drainage requirements inside the siphon frame 510, multiple second discharge ports 504 can be installed on the chassis 511. These second discharge ports 504 can be evenly distributed or strategically arranged according to the water accumulation area to maximize drainage efficiency. Specifically, multiple second discharge ports 504 are provided, with one second discharge port 504 located between two adjacent siphon channels 501 and closer to the outer side of the chassis 511 relative to the first discharge port 503. The second discharge ports 504 are arranged symmetrically to the first discharge port 503 to maintain the balance and aesthetics of the overall structure. This arrangement also helps to distribute drainage pressure and improve drainage efficiency.
[0143] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer frame 50 is designed with three siphon channels 501, each evenly distributed at 120°. The wall of the siphon component 530 is designed with seven siphon holes 531, each elliptical in shape. The number and layout of the siphon holes 531 are related to the number and structure of the filter assembly 30 modules and can be flexibly arranged. Water flows from inside the siphon channels 501 to the bottom channel 501b and exits from the first discharge port 503. The three siphon channels 501 at the bottom of the outer frame 50 have angled first discharge ports 503 located near their centers. The angled first discharge port 503 allows water to flow at an angle into the bottom impeller assembly 40, improving the impeller's rotational efficiency. In a design without the impeller assembly 40, the siphon channel 501 connects directly to the drain port 102 via the impeller. Opening the drain valve utilizes the negative pressure generated by the siphon effect to adsorb impurities on the filter screen surface, reducing impurity adhesion and improving filtration efficiency. By designing the bottom channel 501b between the chassis 511 and the bottom cover 520, compared to setting a through bottom channel 501b inside the chassis 511, the design is simpler and easier to manufacture. Furthermore, it facilitates cleaning, reduces the possibility of dirt accumulating inside and clogging the filter screen, and prevents siphon failure. It also makes it easier to increase the size of the siphon channel 501 compared to existing designs, improving cleaning effectiveness.
[0144] Specifically, in one embodiment, the outer frame 50 is rotatably fitted with the filter assembly 30, and the middle of the chassis 511 is provided with a clearance shaft hole for the moving part 720 to pass through. The outer frame 50 rotates relative to the filter assembly 30 in the first circumferential direction.
[0145] By adding clearance shaft holes on the bottom cover 520, the movable part 720 can be stably and accurately installed inside the outer frame 50, avoiding positional displacement or instability during installation. The outer frame 50 can rotate relative to the filter assembly 30 along the first circumferential direction; the first circumferential direction is the direction of rotation or the direction of swirling flow; in this embodiment, the outer frame 50 rotates relative to the filter assembly 30. The outer frame 50 can be electrically or manually driven to generate swirling flow in the water filter chamber 101. Alternatively, a water distributor 60 that changes the direction of water flow can be provided on the top of the pre-filter, and a water flow drive 502 can be provided on the outer frame 50 so that the outer frame 50 can rotate with the help of water flow; furthermore, a structure such as bristles can be provided on the outer frame 50 to clean the filter screen of the filter assembly 30, achieving cleaning and improving the effect of sewage discharge; furthermore, an impeller assembly 40 is provided at the bottom of the pre-filter to drive the water flow in the water filter chamber 101 to rotate, improving the discharge of sewage during the flushing process.
[0146] The present invention also proposes a water system comprising the aforementioned pre-filter, the specific structure of which is described below. Figures 1 to 11 Since this water system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.
[0147] The water system includes at least the components from the pre-filter to the water outlet. For example, the water system may include household appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and water dispensers, as well as auxiliary components such as water pipes for domestic water use throughout the house.
[0148] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A prefilter, characterized by, The utility model provides a filter bottle, which comprises a filter cavity, a sewage outlet connected to the filter cavity, a filter assembly arranged in the filter cavity, an outer skeleton provided with a siphon flow channel, the filter assembly being sleeved with the outer skeleton and being rotatable relative to the filter assembly, and an impeller assembly arranged in the filter cavity, the impeller assembly comprising a mounting seat and an impeller body rotatably arranged in an impeller cavity of the mounting seat, the outer skeleton being in transmission connection with the impeller body, the mounting seat being provided with a first water inlet connected to the siphon flow channel and a water outlet connected to the sewage outlet, the bottom of the outer skeleton being provided with a water retaining ring, the mounting seat being provided with a water retaining ring, the water retaining ring and the water retaining ring being matched to form a water retaining channel, the siphon flow channel and the first water inlet being connected through the water retaining channel, the circumferential side of the mounting seat being provided with a second water inlet, the second water inlet being located outside the water retaining ring, the outer skeleton being further provided with a second discharge port, and the second discharge port being connected to the filter cavity and the second water inlet. The mounting seat comprises a first shell and a second shell which are detachably connected, the second shell covers the first shell to form the impeller cavity, the first shell has a flange with a convex circumferential side, and the flange is provided with a sealing groove. The second shell is provided with an impeller shaft seat for mounting the impeller body, one end of the impeller body is rotatably mounted on the impeller shaft seat, and the other end is rotatably mounted on the first shell. The impeller shaft seat protrudes from the surface of the second shell, and the impeller shaft seat is circumferentially spaced apart and provided with a partition opening recessed downward from the top edge of the impeller shaft seat. The first shell is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the impeller body, the inner circumferential edge of the groove of the mounting groove is provided with a hook, the outer circumferential edge of the second shell is provided with a clamping groove, the second shell is fixed on the first shell through the hook and the clamping groove, and the second shell blocks the mounting groove to form the impeller cavity. The circumferential side of the second shell is provided with a skirt, and the skirt abuts against the edge of the first shell. The first water inlet is provided with a plurality of first water inlets, and the plurality of first water inlets are inclined from the top of the mounting seat to the bottom of the mounting seat in a first rotation direction. The circumferential side of the mounting seat is provided with a plurality of second water inlets of the same circumferential opening, and the second water inlets are provided with water guide inclined surfaces in the water inflow direction.
2. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein, The outer skeleton comprises a cylinder frame, the cylinder frame comprises a bottom disc and a side frame arranged on the bottom disc, the siphon flow channel comprises a side wall flow channel and a bottom flow channel connected to the side wall flow channel, the side wall flow channel is arranged corresponding to the side frame, the side wall flow channel is provided with a siphon hole connected to the inside of the cylinder frame, and the bottom disc is provided with a first discharge port connected to the outside of the cylinder frame.
3. The prefilter of claim 2, wherein, The bottom disc is provided with the second discharge port.
4. The prefilter of claim 3, wherein, The bottom disc is provided with a flow channel groove, the flow channel groove is open upward, the groove of the flow channel groove is connected to the side wall flow channel, and the bottom cover covers the flow channel groove to form the bottom flow channel.
5. The prefilter of claim 2, wherein, 6. The prefilter of claim 2, wherein, 7. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein 8. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein, 9. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein, 10. The prefilter of claim 9, wherein, 11. The prefilter of claim 9, wherein, 12. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein, The mounting base and the filter bottle are provided with a sealing element, different sides of the sealing element abut against the mounting base and the filter bottle respectively.
13. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein The impeller body comprises an impeller shaft and a plurality of blades obliquely arranged on the impeller shaft, and the water flow from the first water inlet and the second water inlet can drive the blades to rotate the impeller shaft.
14. The prefilter of claim 13, wherein, The blades are obliquely arranged along the axial direction of the impeller shaft, and the end away from the impeller shaft is curved in the circumferential and axial directions to form a curved surface, and at least part of the blades corresponds to the first water inlet and the second water inlet.
15. The prefilter of claim 13, wherein, The impeller body is provided with a connecting portion for driving connection with the exoskeleton. The end of the impeller shaft penetrates through the mounting base, and the end of the impeller shaft is provided with a connecting portion, which is configured as a plurality of first protrusions, and the plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of second protrusions on the bottom of the exoskeleton are in clamping engagement.
16. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein The pre-filter further comprises a reversing structure, the reversing structure comprises a reversing bottom shell and a movable element, the reversing bottom shell is connected with the mounting base, and the movable element penetrates through the impeller assembly and the exoskeleton.
17. The prefilter of claim 16, wherein, The impeller body is hollow to form an avoiding hole and penetrates through the mounting base, so that the movable element penetrates through.
18. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein, The pre-filter further comprises a water distributor for generating a rotational flow, and the exoskeleton is further provided with a water flow driving element, which can drive the exoskeleton to rotate under the action of the water flow.
19. The prefilter of claim 1, wherein The exoskeleton is further provided with a scraping device for cleaning the filter assembly of the pre-filter and / or the filter bottle of the pre-filter.
20. A water system, characterized by The pre-filter comprises the pre-filter according to any one of claims 1 to 19. The pre-filter comprises the pre-filter according to any one of claims 1 to 19.
Citation Information
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