Impeller assembly, pre-filter and water system

Abstract

This invention discloses an impeller assembly, a pre-filter using the impeller assembly, and a water system, relating to the field of pre-filter technology. The impeller assembly includes an impeller body and a mounting base. The impeller body has a connecting part for drive connection to the outer frame of the pre-filter. The mounting base has an impeller cavity, in which the impeller body is rotatably mounted. A first water inlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base is provided on one axial side of the mounting base. A second water inlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base is provided on the periphery of the mounting base. A drain outlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base is provided on the other axial side of the mounting base. The drain outlet is used to communicate with the sewage outlet of the pre-filter. The technical solution provided by this invention can improve the flushing efficiency and drainage efficiency of the pre-filter; it can also cooperate with the outer frame, using water flow to drive the outer frame to rotate, further improving the self-cleaning capability and filtration effect of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pre-filter technology, and particularly to an impeller assembly, 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 an impeller assembly and a pre-filter and water system using the impeller assembly. On the one hand, it can improve the flushing efficiency and drainage efficiency of the pre-filter and promote the discharge of impurities. On the other hand, it can also cooperate with the outer frame to drive the outer frame to rotate through the water flow, thereby further improving the self-cleaning ability and filtration effect of the equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an impeller assembly comprising an impeller body and a mounting base. The impeller body is provided with a connecting portion for traction connection to the outer frame of the pre-filter. The mounting base is provided with an impeller cavity, and the impeller body is rotatably mounted within the impeller cavity. A first water inlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base is provided on one axial side of the mounting base. A second water inlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base is provided on the periphery of the mounting base. A drain outlet communicating between the impeller cavity and the pre-filter is provided on the other axial side of the mounting base.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first water inlet is inclined from the top of the mounting base toward the bottom of the mounting base along the same circumference.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mounting base is further provided with a water-blocking ring to prevent water from flowing in. Multiple first water inlets are provided, and all of the multiple first water inlets are located inside the water-blocking ring. All of the multiple first water inlets are connected to the siphon channel of the pre-filter.

[0007] 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.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mounting base is further provided with a water inlet channel on its periphery, the water inlet channel connecting the second water inlet and the water filtration chamber of the pre-filter, and the flow cross section of the water inlet channel decreases in the direction away from the second water inlet.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drain outlets are provided in a plurality of manner, and the plurality of drain outlets surround the impeller body.

[0010] In one embodiment, all of the plurality of drain outlets are inclined; and / or, the plurality of drain outlets are the same size and / or shape.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In one embodiment, the end of the impeller shaft extends through the mounting base, and the connecting portion is a plurality of protrusions provided on the upper end face of the impeller shaft.

[0014] In one embodiment, the impeller body is hollow and has a clearance hole that extends through the mounting base so that the movable part of the pre-filter can pass through.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. The second housing covers the first housing to form the impeller cavity. The first water inlet is located on the axial side of the first housing, and the second water inlet is located on the circumferential side of the first housing. The drain outlet is located on the second housing.

[0016] The present invention also proposes a pre-filter comprising an impeller assembly as described above and an outer frame that is pulsatorically connected to the impeller assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a valve head and a filter bottle connected to the valve head, and a water distributor disposed on the valve head and / or the filter bottle. The valve head has a water inlet, and the raw water entering the filter bottle from the water inlet generates a swirling flow through the water distributor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the mounting base is sealed to the filter bottle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a filter assembly, and the outer frame is also provided with a scraping device for cleaning the filter assembly and / or the filter bottle.

[0020] In one embodiment, a water flow driving component is arranged on the inner periphery of the outer frame, which can drive the outer frame to rotate under the drive of water flow.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a reversing structure for switching between a forward flushing mode and a backflushing mode. The reversing structure includes a reversing base and a movable member that can move relative to the reversing base. The movable member passes through the impeller assembly, and the reversing base is connected to the mounting base.

[0022] In one embodiment, the pre-filter further includes a drain assembly connected to the mounting base.

[0023] The present invention also proposes a water system comprising a pre-filter as described above.

[0024] The impeller assembly of this invention can be arranged in a traditional pre-filter with only a filter element, enhancing the flushing force and agitation effect of the water flow, and improving sewage discharge efficiency and cleanliness. It can also be combined with an outer frame / scraping device, where the impeller rotation drives the scraping device to automatically clean the filter screen surface without additional energy consumption, helping to reduce overall operating costs and water waste. Furthermore, by increasing the water flow path and flow rate into the impeller cavity through the first and second inlets, the water flow within the impeller cavity can form a more complex flow pattern, providing sufficient power for the rotation of the impeller body. The design of the first and second inlets helps to create a more uniform and comprehensive water flow distribution, which is beneficial for improving filtration efficiency, reducing dead zones, and ensuring that impurities in the water are effectively filtered. When the drain valve is opened, water enters through the first and second inlets of the impeller assembly. The impeller body rotates under the impact of the water flow, which in turn drives the outer frame to rotate. This rotational motion generates a vortex effect, creating stronger agitation of the water flow inside the filter bottle. This more effectively removes impurities and dirt adhering to the surface of the filter media. Compared to still water flow, the dynamic cleaning of the impeller assembly significantly improves rinsing efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, by improving rinsing efficiency and reducing water waste, the impeller assembly's design contributes to a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient filtration system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the pre-filter provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pre-filter after the middle section is disconnected;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the impeller assembly provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the impeller assembly provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment with the impeller body omitted;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded view in the image;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of an impeller assembly;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment with the first housing omitted;

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure omitting the impeller body;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the impeller body;

[0036] Figure 11 An exploded view of the impeller assembly and commutator base.

[0037] Figure 12 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the impeller assembly and commutation structure;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the impeller assembly, commutation structure, and outer frame.

[0039] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0040] 10. Filter bottle; 101. Filter chamber; 102. Drain outlet;

[0041] 20. Valve head; 201. Inlet; 202. Outlet;

[0042] 30. Filter components;

[0043] 40. Impeller assembly;

[0044] 410. Mounting base; 401. Impeller cavity; 402. First water inlet; 403. Second water inlet; 404. Drain outlet; 405. Water inlet channel;

[0045] 420. First housing; 421. Flange; 422. Sealing groove; 424. Water-retaining ring;

[0046] 430. Second shell; 435. Water guide slope;

[0047] 440. Impeller body; 441. Impeller shaft; 442. Blade; 443. Connecting part; 444. Protrusion; 445. Clearance hole;

[0048] 50. External frame; 501. Siphon channel;

[0049] 60. Water distributor;

[0050] 70. Reversing structure; 710. Reversing base shell; 720. Moving parts; 730. Suction cup;

[0051] 80. Sewage discharge assembly; 810. Connector; 820. Sewage discharge valve; 830. Connector module;

[0052] 90. Scraping device.

[0053] 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

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Therefore, the present invention proposes an impeller assembly, a pre-filter using the impeller assembly, and a water system. The impeller assembly can improve the flushing efficiency of the pre-filter and also improve the drainage efficiency of the pre-filter, promoting the discharge of impurities.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 A pre-filter typically includes a valve head 20, a filter bottle 10, and a filter assembly 30, combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4In 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.

[0061] 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 scraping device to 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 drive. 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Impeller assembly 40 is arranged in the water filtration chamber 101, located below filter assembly 30; impeller assembly 40 includes mounting base 410 and impeller body 440 rotatably disposed in impeller chamber 401 of mounting base 410; one side of mounting base 410 in the axial direction is provided with a first water inlet 402 communicating with impeller chamber 401 and the outside of mounting base 410; the periphery of mounting base 410 is provided with a second water inlet 403 communicating with impeller chamber 401 and the outside of mounting base 410; the other side of mounting base 410 in the axial direction is provided with a drain outlet 404 communicating with impeller chamber 401 and the outside of mounting base 410; drain outlet 404 is used to communicate with drain outlet 102 of pre-filter.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In addition, the impeller assembly 40 can be combined with the scraping device 90. The rotation of the impeller drives the scraping device 90 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 (the scraping device is fixed or drivably installed (electrically or manually driven) on the outer frame 50); in order to improve the sewage discharge effect, the outer frame 50 can also be provided with a siphon channel 501.

[0070] The impeller assembly 40 of the present invention can be arranged in a conventional 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, 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.

[0071] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 , Figure 13 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.

[0072] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 12The 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.

[0073] Reference Figures 3 to 7 To facilitate the assembly of the impeller assembly 40, the mounting base 410 includes a detachably connected first housing 420 and 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 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Reference Figure 6 In order to ensure the sealing of the impeller cavity 401 and facilitate the assembly of the first housing 420 and the second housing 430, the second housing 430 is fixed to the first housing 420 by snap-fit, and the two are closed to form the impeller cavity 401.

[0076] When it is necessary to fix the second housing 430 to the first housing 420, the user simply aligns the snap-fit ​​portion of the second housing 430 with the snap-fit ​​portion of the first housing 420 and gently rotates or presses the second housing 430 to allow the snap-fit ​​portion to smoothly engage with the snap-fit ​​portion. Once the snap-fit ​​portion is fully engaged and locked in place, the second housing 430 is securely fixed to the first housing 420, thus forming a closed impeller cavity 401. This 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.

[0077] Combination Figures 3 to 6To 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.

[0078] Combination Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7 Furthermore, to allow water in the siphon channel of the outer frame 50 to be discharged from 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 inlets 402 are all located within the water-blocking ring 424 and are used to connect to the siphon channel 501 of the pre-filter. In this embodiment, the bottom of the outer frame 50 has an annular edge facing the first housing 420. This annular edge is fitted with the water-blocking ring 424 to form an interlocking structure. Under the combined action of the interlocking structure 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 can smoothly enter the first inlet 402 through the gaps in 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.

[0079] 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 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 is cleverly guided.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Reference Figure 13 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.

[0083] Combination Figures 3 to 5 Furthermore, the flow cross-section of the water inlet channel 405 decreases in the direction away from the second inlet 403. This design generates the Venturi effect, meaning that as the water flow gradually decreases through the cross-section, the flow velocity increases while the pressure decreases. This velocity variation 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.

[0084] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment, one end of the impeller shaft 441 is inserted into the central hole of the second housing 430 and fixed by appropriate fasteners (such as nuts, snap rings, etc.). Meanwhile, to ensure smooth rotation of the impeller body 440, lubricating components such as bearings can be installed between the impeller shaft 441 and the second housing 430.

[0085] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9To 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. The design of multiple drain ports 404 being 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 is designed with four elliptical water outlets, each distributed at a 90° angle.

[0086] In 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 movable part 720 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 second housing 430 is hollow and forms a clearance hole 445. 5. The movable part 720 of the pre-filter is inserted through the second housing 430. A guide shaft is formed in the extension of the second housing 430 away from the impeller body 440, corresponding to the clearance hole 445. A suction cup 730 is provided at the end of the guide rod. Multiple retaining rings are provided on the outer periphery of the second housing 430. The retaining rings are used to engage 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Reference Figure 2 and combined Figure 6 and Figure 7 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.

[0093] 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 sealing ring is made of rubber suitable for drinking water or hot water, such as natural rubber, silicone rubber, etc.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Reference Figures 8 to 10 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.

[0098] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 13The 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. The reversing bottom housing 710 is also fixed to the sewage discharge assembly 80 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0099] The mounting portion at the bottom of the outer frame 50 is configured with multiple circumferential protrusions 444 (6 in this embodiment, but also 5, 7, 8, etc.). The circumferential protrusions 444 cooperate with the connecting portion 443 of the impeller body 440. The connecting portion 443 is also configured with protrusions 444. The protrusions 444 and the grooves between them are locked and fixed 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.

[0100] The bottom of the outer frame 50 is designed with a water-retaining ring 424, 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 424 at the bottom of the outer frame 50 is provided with a first discharge port of the siphon channel 501. The first discharge port is inclined, and the water from the siphon channel can flow directly into the first inlet 402 at the top of the first housing 420 from the first discharge port. The first inlet 402 is also inclined, which makes it easier for the water flow to impact the blades, thereby causing the impeller body 440 to rotate.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 an 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 444 of the impeller body 440 is fixed to the protrusion 444 structure at the bottom of the outer frame 50, and the two are connected in a transmission manner.

[0103] 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.

[0104] To facilitate the installation and disassembly of the drain pipe while ensuring good fixation, the drain assembly 80 includes a connector 81, a drain valve 820, and a connector module 830 connected in sequence. The connector module 830 allows the drain pipe to pass through, and the drain pipe is an external pipe body, such as a plastic pipe or a flexible hose. The type of drain valve 820 is not limited; it can be a gate valve, a ball valve, etc. Fixing the drain pipe through the connector module 830 enables quick installation of the drain pipe onto the filter bottle 10, making installation more convenient and secure, improving reliability, and simplifying maintenance and replacement. When draining is required, the drain valve 820 is opened, and wastewater in the filter chamber 101 flows into the drain assembly 80 through the drain port 102 and is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe via the connector module 830. Closing the drain valve 820 stops the process, and the pre-filter can then be used for normal filtration.

[0105] The pre-filter utilizes a connector module 830, which, compared to existing solutions that involve securing the pipe to the drain valve 820, makes the installation and replacement of the drain pipe cumbersome. The connector module 830 has a snap-fit ​​or release mechanism, making the installation and disassembly of the drain pipe much more convenient and quick, without the need for special tools, thus reducing maintenance costs and time. In addition, compared to using a soft drain pipe sleeved on the drain valve 820, it is less likely to be knocked off by water flow during drainage. Furthermore, the connector module 830 can be designed to accommodate various specifications and types of drain pipes, improving the compatibility and flexibility of the pre-filter and allowing users to select and replace pipes according to their actual needs.

[0106] The connector module 830 can be a quick-release connector structure commonly used in butt-connecting water pipes. For example, if a male connector is provided for fastening a sewage pipe, the connector module 830 can be provided with a female connector. During connection, the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the pin returns to its original position, and the steel ball rolls to lock, thus achieving the connection while allowing fluid flow. Alternatively, it can be a clamp-type flexible pipe connector. This type of connector consists of an end pipe, pipe clamp, sealing ring, bolt, and nut. Through the cooperation of the split outer clamp and the flexible rubber sealing ring, it achieves quick connection and sealing effect.

[0107] In the impeller assembly 40 configuration, to simplify the product structure, one end of the connector 810 is snapped into the mounting base 410. The mounting base 410 and filter bottle 10 do not have a locking structure, eliminating the need for modifications to the filter bottle 10. The mounting base 410 is fixed to the filter bottle 10 by abutting against its periphery and secured by the connector 810. The connector 810 is externally connected to a drain pipe, making the connection between the connector 810 and the mounting base 410 more robust and reducing the risk of loosening due to vibration or water flow impact, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability of the pre-filter.

[0108] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​design makes the installation and removal of the connector 810 and the mounting base 410 simple and quick, requiring no complicated tools or professional skills, thus reducing the difficulty of installation and maintenance. The simple installation and removal process, along with excellent sealing performance, reduces the complexity and cost of daily maintenance, allowing users to more conveniently maintain and repair the equipment.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In order to improve the cleaning effect, existing technology has also set a siphon channel 501 in the outer frame 50.

[0112] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 13 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, through its specific shape and layout, it guides water flow more smoothly through the filter assembly 30, thereby improving filtration efficiency.

[0113] Specifically, in one embodiment, the outer frame 50 is rotatably fitted with the filter assembly 30, and the middle of the chassis 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 in the first circumferential direction.

[0114] 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 at the top of the pre-filter. The outer frame 50 is equipped with a water flow drive 502, allowing the outer frame 50 to rotate with the help of water flow. Furthermore, a scraping device 90 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. The scraping device 90 can be bristles or rubber strips. The scraping device 90 can be set to clean the inner wall of the filter bottle alone; or to clean the filter assembly alone; or to clean both simultaneously. 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 rinsing process.

[0115] The present invention also proposes a water system comprising the aforementioned pre-filter, the specific structure of which is described below. Figures 1 to 13 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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. An impeller assembly for a pre-filter, characterized in that, The impeller assembly includes: Impeller body, the impeller body having a connecting part, the connecting part being driveably connected to the outer frame of the pre-filter; and The mounting base has an impeller cavity, and the impeller body is rotatably mounted in the impeller cavity. One side of the mounting base along the axial direction has a first water inlet connecting the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base. The periphery of the mounting base has a second water inlet connecting the impeller cavity and the outside of the mounting base. The other side of the mounting base along the axial direction has a drain outlet connecting the impeller cavity and the drain outlet of the pre-filter. The mounting base is also provided with a water baffle ring to prevent water from flowing in. The first water inlet is located inside the water baffle ring and is used to connect to the siphon channel of the pre-filter. The bottom of the outer frame is provided with an annular edge facing the mounting base, and the water baffle ring is fitted onto the annular edge. The mounting base has multiple second water inlets with the same circumferential opening spaced apart on its periphery. The mounting base also has a water inlet channel on its periphery, which connects the second water inlets and the water filtration chamber of the pre-filter.

2. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first water inlet is inclined from the top of the mounting base towards the bottom of the mounting base along the same circumference.

3. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first water inlet is provided in multiple ways, and all of the first water inlets are connected to the siphon flow channel of the pre-filter.

4. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second water inlet is provided with a water guiding slope along the water inflow direction.

5. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow cross-section of the water inlet channel decreases in the direction away from the second water inlet.

6. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The drain outlet is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple drain outlets surround the impeller body.

7. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, All of the drain outlets are inclined; and / or, the multiple drain outlets are the same size and / or shape.

8. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller body includes an impeller shaft and multiple blades inclinedly arranged on the impeller shaft. Water flow from both the first inlet and the second inlet can cause the blades to drive the impeller shaft to rotate.

9. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The blades are 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. At least a portion of the blades corresponds to the first inlet and the second inlet.

10. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The end of the impeller shaft extends out of the mounting base, and the connecting part consists of multiple protrusions on the upper end face of the impeller shaft.

11. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. The second housing covers the first housing to form the impeller cavity. The first water inlet is located on the axial side of the first housing, and the second water inlet is located on the circumferential side of the first housing. The drain outlet is located on the second housing.

12. The impeller assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller body is hollow and has a clearance hole that extends through the mounting base so that the movable parts of the pre-filter can pass through.

13. A pre-filter, characterized in that, It includes an impeller assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 and an outer frame that is driveably connected to the impeller assembly.

14. The pre-filter as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The pre-filter also includes a valve head and a filter bottle connected to the valve head, and a water distributor disposed on the valve head and / or the filter bottle. The valve head has a water inlet, and the raw water entering the filter bottle from the water inlet generates a swirling flow through the water distributor.

15. The pre-filter as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The mounting base is sealed to the filter bottle.

16. The pre-filter as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The pre-filter also includes a filter bottle and a filter assembly, and the outer frame is also provided with a scraping device for cleaning the filter assembly and / or the filter bottle.

17. The pre-filter as described in claim 13, characterized in that, A water flow driving component is arranged on the inner periphery of the outer frame, which can drive the outer frame to rotate under the drive of water flow.

18. The pre-filter as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The pre-filter also includes a drain assembly, which is connected to the mounting base.

19. A water supply system, characterized in that, Includes a pre-filter as described in any one of claims 13 to 18.

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