Filter cleaning method

Abstract

The invention discloses a filter cleaning method. A device used in the filter cleaning method comprises a filter and a stirrer. The filter comprises a shell, a filter element is arranged in an inner cavity of the shell, a stirrer is arranged in an installation space where the filter element is located, and a water inlet, a purified water outlet and a sewage outlet are formed in the shell. The cleaning method comprises a first washing stage and a second washing stage. In the first washing stage, the purified water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the shell through the water inlet, and the stirrer is started. In the second washing stage, the sewage outlet pipeline is opened, the stirrer is closed, and water enters the inner cavity of the shell to wash the filter element and then flows out from the sewage outlet. Flushing water flow in the space where the filter element is located is disturbed through the stirrer, the filter element cleaning effect is improved, and the service life of the filter is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly to a method for cleaning a filter. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is a device for heating water, including various types such as instant water heaters, electric water heaters, mini water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. The water pipe of the tap water is connected to the water inlet of the water heater, and the tap water enters the water heater, is heated, and then flows out from the water outlet of the water heater to provide domestic water at the required temperature to users.

[0003] The tap water contains impurities such as rust, colloids, and macromolecular organic matters that have colors and odors. Direct use of this kind of water will affect physical health. For example, taking a bath directly with this kind of water is likely to cause symptoms such as skin itching. To solve this problem, a filter is usually provided at the water inlet end of the water heater to filter the impurities in the water. After the filter is used for a long time, a large amount of pollutants are likely to be generated on the surface of the internal filter element, resulting in a decrease in flow rate and affecting the use experience.

[0004] Currently, after the internal filter element of the filter becomes dirty, either the filter element cannot be cleaned and a new filter needs to be replaced, which is costly; or the outer shell of the filter needs to be removed, the internal filter element needs to be taken out and scrubbed, and then reassembled, which is time-consuming and laborious and inconvenient to use.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this background art is only used to increase the understanding of the background art of the present application. Therefore, it may include prior art that is not known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the problems pointed out in the background art, the present invention proposes a method for cleaning a filter, which disturbs the flushing water flow in the space where the filter element is located through a stirrer, improves the cleaning effect of the filter element, extends the service life of the filter, improves the health of water use, and is convenient for users to use.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned invention purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a filter, and the device used includes a filter and a stirrer; The filter includes a housing, a filter element is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing, the stirrer is arranged in the installation space where the filter element is located, and the housing is provided with a water inlet, a clean water outlet, and a sewage outlet; The cleaning method includes a first flushing stage and a second flushing stage; In the first flushing stage, the clean water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and the stirrer is turned on; During the second flushing stage, the sewage outlet pipeline is opened, the agitator is closed, water enters the inner cavity of the housing to flush the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the agitator is an impeller, the impeller rotates clockwise and counterclockwise alternately, and the rotation duration of the impeller is associated with the single use time of the filter element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device used in the cleaning method further includes a gas supply module for supplying gas to the water inlet pipeline of the filter to form a water-gas mixture by mixing the gas with the water in the water inlet pipeline; During the first flushing stage, the clean water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, the gas supply module is turned on, the water-gas mixture formed in the water inlet pipeline of the filter flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and the agitator is turned on.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gas supply module includes a first gas supply pipeline; An air pump and a one-way valve or a solenoid valve are provided on the first gas supply pipeline, and one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter; Alternatively, an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are provided on the first gas supply pipeline, and one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter.

[0011] In some embodiments, one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter through a Venturi structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device used in the cleaning method further includes a flushing pipeline, one end of which is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the other end is connected to the clean water outlet of the filter; During the second flushing stage, the flushing process of the filter element is in a reverse flushing mode or a forward / reverse alternating flushing mode. In the reverse flushing mode, the reverse flushing process is performed, and in the forward / reverse alternating flushing mode, the reverse flushing process and the forward flushing process are alternately performed; During forward flushing, the flushing pipeline is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the water inlet to perform forward flushing on the filter element, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet; During reverse flushing, the flushing pipeline is opened, the water inlet pipeline of the filter is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the flushing pipeline and the clean water outlet to perform reverse flushing on the filter element, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device used in the cleaning method further includes an air scrubbing module, which is used to provide a purging air flow into the inner cavity of the housing to purge impurities attached to the filter element; The cleaning method further includes a purging stage, which is executed before the first flushing stage and the second flushing stage; In the purging stage, the water inlet pipeline and the purified water outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, air flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the air scrubbing module, purges the impurities on the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air scrubbing module includes a second air supply pipeline; An air pump is provided on the second air supply pipeline, and a solenoid valve and / or a check valve are also provided on the air supply pipeline; Alternatively, an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are provided on the second air supply pipeline.

[0015] In some embodiments, an air inlet is provided on the housing, the air inlet is communicated with the inner cavity of the housing, and the second air supply pipeline is connected to the air inlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, a solenoid valve is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the second air supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter and is connected downstream of the solenoid valve.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are: In this application, before flushing the filter, the water in the inner cavity of the filter is agitated by a stirrer for a period of time to make the pollutants attached to the surface of the filter element fall off, and then the filter element is flushed. The dual effects of the stirring action of the stirrer and the water flow flushing help to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element.

[0018] The filter is also improved by setting a convex structure, an internal member, an air scrubbing module, and an air supply module, etc., to delay the attachment of pollutants on the surface of the filter element, improve the cleaning effect of the filter element, and extend the service life of the filter.

[0019] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of a filter according to an embodiment; Figure 2 One of the cross-sectional views of the filter according to an embodiment; Figure 3 One of the schematic structural diagrams of the housing according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the shown housing; Figure 5 Another schematic structural diagram of the housing according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the shown housing; Figure 7 Another schematic structural diagram of the housing according to an embodiment; Figure 8 is Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the shown housing; Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the filter according to an embodiment; Figure 10 is Figure 9 Enlarged view of part A in; Figure 11 Another cross-sectional view of the filter according to an embodiment; Figure 12 Schematic structural diagram of the built-in part according to an embodiment; Figure 13 One of the water circuit diagrams of the water heater according to an embodiment; Figure 14 Another water circuit diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment; Figure 15 Schematic structural diagram of the air scrubbing module according to an embodiment; Figure 16 Another water circuit diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment; Figure 17 Another water circuit diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment; Figure 18 Schematic structural diagram of the gas supply module according to an embodiment; Figure 19 Another water circuit diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment; Figure 20 Another water circuit diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment; Reference numerals: 10, water heater body; 20, filter; 30, gas supply module; 31, first gas supply pipeline; 32, Venturi structure; 33, flow regulating valve; 40. Air scrubbing module; 41. Second air supply pipeline 51. Air pump; 52. Check valve; 53. Solenoid valve III; 54. Air tank 60. Normal temperature water pipeline 70. Flushing pipeline 81. Solenoid valve I; 82. Solenoid valve II; 83. Mixing valve; 84. Three-way regulating valve I; 85. Three-way regulating valve II 100. Housing; 110. Water inlet; 120. Clean water outlet; 130. Sewage outlet; 141. First housing; 142. Second housing; 151. Bump; 152. Rib; 153. Threaded protrusion 200. Filter element 300. Built-in part; 310. Through hole; 320. Protrusion; 330. Through port; 340. Gap 400. Stirrer Detailed implementation manners

[0022] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0023] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.

[0024] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0025] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0026] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0027] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0028] This embodiment discloses a water heater. Referring to Figures 13 to 20 , it includes a water heater body 10, a filter 20, etc.

[0029] The water heater body 10 can be a heater of an instant water heater, an electric water heater, a mini water heater, a gas water heater, a solar water heater, a heat pump water heater, etc., and is used to heat the water flowing into its inner cavity to provide water at a required temperature to users.

[0030] The filter 20 is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the water heater body 10. The filter 20 is used to filter impurities in the water, and the water filtered by the filter 20 then flows into the water heater body 10.

[0031] The filter 20 includes a housing 100 and a filter element 200, and the filter element 200 is disposed in the inner cavity of the housing 100. In this specific embodiment, the filter 20 is an ultrafiltration filter, and the filter element 200 is an ultrafiltration membrane.

[0032] The filtration accuracy of the ultrafiltration membrane is between 0.01 - 10 um, and it can intercept and remove large molecular substances such as suspended solids, colloids, microparticles, bacteria, and viruses in water. The ultrafiltration membrane can remove most of the pollutants in tap water except ions, so the water filtered by the ultrafiltration membrane is suitable for domestic use.

[0033] However, after long - term use, a large amount of pollutants are likely to adhere to the surface of the ultrafiltration membrane, resulting in a decrease in flow rate and affecting the user experience. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the filter element 200 regularly.

[0034] The structure of the filter 20 of the present application is as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 is provided with a water inlet 110, a purified water outlet 120, and a sewage outlet 130. The purified water outlet 120 and the sewage outlet 130 are oppositely arranged along the length direction of the housing 100. The water inlet 110 is provided on the circumferential side wall of the housing 100 and is close to the purified water outlet 120. The purified water outlet 120 is connected to the water inlet of the heater body through a connecting pipeline. An electromagnetic valve (denoted as electromagnetic valve I 81) is provided on the sewage pipeline connected to the sewage outlet 130 to control the on - off of the sewage pipeline.

[0035] Furthermore, the housing 100 includes a first housing 141 and a second housing 142. The first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are butt - connected to form an inner cavity for installing the filter element 200. The water inlet 110 is provided on the circumferential side wall of the first housing 141, the sewage outlet 130 is provided at the end of the first housing 141, and the purified water outlet 120 is provided at the end of the second housing 142. One end of the filter element 200 has a certain distance from the end where the sewage outlet 130 is located, and the other end of the filter element 200 has a certain distance from the end where the purified water outlet 120 is located. One end of the filter element 200 close to the purified water outlet 120 is in sealed contact with the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141, and there is a gap between the filter element 200 and the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0036] When the water heater body 10 is in normal use, the sewage outlet 130 is closed. Tap water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110, and after being filtered by the filter element 200, it flows out from the purified water port, enters the water heater body 10 for heating, and then flows out from the hot water outlet of the water heater body 10 to provide water at the required temperature for the user.

[0037] Refer to Figure 2, a stirrer 400 is provided in the inner cavity of the filter 20. The stirrer 400 is arranged close to the sewage outlet 130 and far from the water inlet 110. Figure 3 In order to facilitate the installation of the stirrer 400 and the water stirring effect, the stirrer 400 is arranged on the inner wall of the end of the first housing 141, and the sewage outlet 130 is arranged on the peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0038] When the filter element 200 needs to be cleaned, the filter 20 in this embodiment flushes the filter element 200 with water flow to wash away the pollutants attached to the filter element 200.

[0039] The filter element flushing includes a first flushing stage and a second flushing stage. The second flushing stage is carried out after the first flushing stage. The stirrer 400 is turned on in the first flushing stage and turned off in the second flushing stage.

[0040] In the first flushing stage, the clean water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter 20 are closed. Water flows into the inner cavity of the housing 100 through the water inlet 110, and the stirrer 400 is turned on. By the stirring of the stirrer 400, the pollutants attached to the filter element 200 fall off.

[0041] In the second flushing stage, the sewage outlet pipeline is opened, the stirrer 400 is turned off, water enters the inner cavity of the housing 100 to flush the filter element 200, and then flows out from the sewage outlet 130. The remaining pollutants on the filter element 200 and the remaining pollutants in the inner cavity of the filter 20 are flushed out by the flushing water flow, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0042] In this application, before the filter 20 is flushed, the water in the inner cavity of the filter 20 is stirred by the stirrer 400 for a period of time to make the pollutants attached to the membrane filaments fall off, and then the filter element 200 is flushed. The dual effects of the stirring of the stirrer 400 and the water flow flushing contribute to improving the cleaning effect of the ultrafiltration membrane.

[0043] In some embodiments, the stirrer 400 is an impeller, and the impeller rotates clockwise and counterclockwise alternately to improve the stirring effect.

[0044] In some embodiments, the rotation duration of the impeller is associated with the single use time of the filter element 200.

[0045] When the filter element 200 is used for a certain time / water flow / number of cleaning modes, it can be considered that the filter element 200 is gradually contaminated. At this time, the cleaning effect can be improved by increasing the impeller rotation time, rotation speed, etc.

[0046] Meanwhile, in combination with the flow sensor set in the water heater, and combined with the local temperature and user usage habits, the usage situation of the filter element 200 is analyzed. When it is analyzed that the flow rate of the filter element 200 shows a downward trend or the flow rate is lower than the critical flow rate, the cleaning of the filter element 200 is automatically increased in the above-mentioned manner.

[0047] Temperature affects the flow rate of the membrane filaments. Generally, as the water temperature increases, the flow rate increases. Some users are accustomed to turning on the faucet halfway or need to mix the water coming out of the water heater, so directly reading the single-time flow rate cannot represent the actual flow rate of the filter element 200. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the user's usage habits over a period of time to determine the true flow rate of the filter element 200.

[0048] When the flow rate cannot be effectively increased even by increasing the cleaning method, the user is reminded to replace the filter element 200, or the after-sales service comes to clean the filter element 200.

[0049] In some embodiments, the flushing of the filter element 200 can be forward flushing, reverse flushing, or forward / reverse alternating flushing.

[0050] Figure 13 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the forward flushing water circuit of the water heater. During forward flushing, the water inlet pipe of the filter 20 is opened and the clean water outlet pipe is closed. Water flows into the inner cavity of the housing 100 through the water inlet 110, flushes the filter element 200 forward, and then flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0051] Figure 13 In the shown water heater, it further includes a normal temperature water pipe 60. In Figure 13 In the water heater water circuit shown in (b), one end of the normal temperature water pipe 60 is connected to the hot water outlet pipe of the water heater body 10 through a mixing valve 83, and the other end is connected to the connecting pipe between the filter 20 and the water heater body 10. Or, in Figure 13 In the water heater water circuit shown in (c), the other end of the normal temperature water pipe 60 is connected to the water inlet pipe of the filter 20.

[0052] Combined with Figure 13 As shown in (a), when the water heater body 10 is in normal use, the water inlet 110 and the clean water outlet 120 of the filter 20 are opened, the sewage outlet 130 is closed, and the stirrer 400 is closed. Tap water enters the interior of the filter 20 from the water inlet 110, is filtered by the filter element 200, flows out from the clean water outlet 120, then flows into the water heater body 10 for heating, and finally flows out from the water outlet of the water heater body 10 to provide the user with tap water at the required temperature and cleanliness.

[0053] Combined with Figure 13(b) When the water heater body 10 is in normal water use, the water inlet 110 and the clean water outlet 120 of the filter 20 are open, the sewage outlet 130 is closed, and the stirrer 400 is closed. Tap water enters the interior of the filter 20 from the water inlet 110, and after being filtered by the filter element 200, it flows out from the clean water outlet 120. A part of the clean water flows into the water heater body 10 for heating and then flows out from the water outlet of the water heater body 10. Another part flows through the normal temperature water pipeline 60 to the mixing valve 83, and the two-way water is mixed at the mixing valve 83 to provide the user with tap water at the required temperature and cleanliness.

[0054] Combined with Figure 13 (c) When the water heater body 10 is in normal water use, the water inlet 110 and the clean water outlet 120 of the filter 20 are open, the sewage outlet 130 is closed, and the stirrer 400 is closed. A part of the tap water enters the interior of the filter 20 from the water inlet 110, and after being filtered by the filter element 200, it flows out from the clean water outlet 120 and then flows into the water heater body 10 for heating and then flows out from the water outlet of the water heater body 10. Another part of the tap water flows through the normal temperature water pipeline 60 to the mixing valve 83, and the two-way water is mixed at the mixing valve 83 to provide the user with tap water at the required temperature and cleanliness.

[0055] Figure 14 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the reverse flushing water circuit of the water heater. The water heater is provided with a flushing pipeline 70. One end of the flushing pipeline 70 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 through a three-way regulating valve Ⅰ84, and the other end of the flushing pipeline 70 is connected to the connecting pipeline between the filter 20 and the water heater body 10.

[0056] Combined with Figure 14 (a) When the water heater is in normal use, the flushing pipeline 70 is closed and the stirrer 400 is closed. When the filter element 200 is reversely flushed, the flushing pipeline 70 is opened, the pipeline of the water inlet 110 of the filter 20 is closed, and water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the flushing pipeline 70 and the clean water outlet 120 to reversely flush the filter element 200. The flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130. The stirrer 400 is turned on in the first stage of flushing and turned off in the second stage of flushing. For the specific process, refer to the previous description and will not be elaborated here.

[0057] Figure 14 For the water heater shown in (a), the flushing of the filter element 200 can also be positive / negative alternating flushing. When flushing forward, the flushing pipeline 70 is closed, and water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110 to flush the filter element 200 forward. The flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130. When flushing reversely, the water flow path is as described above and will not be elaborated.

[0058] That is to say, in Figure 14In the water heater shown, when flushing the filter element 200, during the second flushing stage, the flushing process of the filter element 200 is in a reverse flushing mode or a forward / reverse alternating flushing mode. In the reverse flushing mode, the reverse flushing process is executed, and in the forward / reverse alternating flushing mode, the reverse flushing process and the forward flushing process are alternately executed. During forward flushing, the flushing pipeline 70 is closed, and water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110 to perform forward flushing on the filter element 200, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130. During reverse flushing, the flushing pipeline 70 is opened, the pipeline of the water inlet 110 of the filter 20 is closed, and water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the flushing pipeline 70 and the clean water outlet 120 to perform reverse flushing on the filter element 200, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0059] Figure 14 In the water heater shown, it further includes a normal temperature water pipeline 60. Two setting methods of the normal temperature water pipeline 60 are given in this embodiment, and reference is made to Figure 14 (b) and (c).

[0060] Setting method one of the normal temperature water pipeline 60, reference is made to Figure 14 (b), the flushing pipeline 70 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 through a three-way regulating valve (denoted as three-way regulating valve I 84). One end of the normal temperature water pipeline 60 is connected to the flushing pipeline 70, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet pipeline of the heater body through a mixing valve 83.

[0061] When the water heater is used normally, the tap water coming in from the water inlet pipeline flows into the filter 20 through the water inlet 110 of the filter 20, and after being filtered, it flows out from the clean water outlet 120 of the filter 20. A part of the clean water directly flows into the water heater body 10 for heating, and the other part of the clean water flows through the normal temperature water pipeline 60 to the outlet pipeline of the water heater body 10 and is mixed with the hot water flowing out from the water outlet of the water heater body 10 to provide water at the required temperature for the user.

[0062] Setting method two of the normal temperature water pipeline 60, reference is made to Figure 14 (c), an electromagnetic valve (denoted as electromagnetic valve II 82) is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20. One end of the flushing pipeline 70 is connected upstream of the electromagnetic valve II 82, and the other end is connected to the connecting pipeline between the filter 20 and the heater body through a three-way regulating valve (denoted as three-way regulating valve II 85). One end of the normal temperature water pipeline 60 is connected to the flushing pipeline 70, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet pipeline of the heater body through a mixing valve 83.

[0063] When the water heater is used for normal water supply, a part of the tap water flows through the solenoid valve II 82, the water inlet 110 of the filter 20, the filter 20, the purified water outlet 120 of the filter 20, and the three-way regulating valve II 85 and then flows into the water heater body 10 for heating. Another part of the tap water flows through the flushing pipeline 70 to the normal temperature water pipeline 60 and then into the mixing valve 83, where it is mixed with the hot water flowing out of the water heater body 10 to provide water at the required temperature for the user.

[0064] In order to further improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200, in some embodiments, the filter element 200 is cleaned by combining air blowing and water flushing. At this time, the cleaning process of the filter 20 includes a blowing process and a flushing process, and the flushing process is executed after the blowing process. That is to say, the blowing stage is executed before the first flushing stage and the second flushing stage.

[0065] The setting of the air scrubbing module 40 divides the cleaning of the filter element 200 into two steps. First, the air scrubbing module 40 blows air onto the filter element 200 to blow off the contaminants attached to the filter element 200, and then the filter element 200 is flushed with the flushing water flow to wash off the contaminants attached to the filter element 200. The combination of air blowing and water flushing helps to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0066] The air scrubbing of the filter element 200 is realized through the air scrubbing module 40. Figure 15 (a)-(d) are four different embodiments of the air scrubbing module 40. The air scrubbing module 40 is used to provide a blowing air flow into the inner cavity of the housing 100 to blow off the impurities attached to the filter element 200.

[0067] In the blowing stage, the water inlet pipeline and the purified water outlet pipeline of the filter 20 are closed, and air flows into the inner cavity of the housing 100 through the air scrubbing module 40 to blow off the impurities on the filter element 200, and then flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 15 (a)-(c), the air scrubbing module 40 includes a second air supply pipeline 41. A gas pump 51 is arranged on the second air supply pipeline 41, and a solenoid valve (denoted as solenoid valve III 53) and / or a check valve 52 are also arranged on the second air supply pipeline 41.

[0069] Or, referring to Figure 15 (d), the air scrubbing module 40 includes a second air supply pipeline 41. A gas pump 51, a gas tank 54, and a solenoid valve (denoted as solenoid valve III 53) are arranged on the second air supply pipeline 41.

[0070] For the position where the air scrubbing module 40 is connected to the filter 20, in some embodiments, an air inlet (not shown) is provided on the housing 100. The air inlet is in communication with the inner cavity of the housing 100, and the second air supply pipeline 41 is connected to the air inlet. That is, a separate air inlet for the air scrubbing module 40 to access is provided on the housing 100 of the filter 20, and the air scrubbing module 40 provides a purging air flow to the space where the filter element 200 is located through this air inlet.

[0071] In some other embodiments, referring to Figure 16 (d) or Figure 17 (d), a solenoid valve (denoted as solenoid valve II 82) is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20. The second air supply pipeline 41 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 and is connected to the downstream of the solenoid valve II 82. That is, the water inlet 110 of the filter 20 also serves as the air inlet of the air scrubbing module 40. When the air scrubbing module 40 needs to supply air, the solenoid valve II 82 is closed, and the air scrubbing module 40 supplies air to the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110.

[0072] Figure 16 As shown in Figure 13 the water heater shown, the air scrubbing module 40 is added. At this time, the filter element 200 is cleaned by air flow purging and forward water flow flushing.

[0073] Figure 17 As shown in Figure 14 the water heater shown, the air scrubbing module 40 is added. At this time, the filter element 200 is cleaned by air flow purging and reverse water flow flushing.

[0074] To further improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200, in some embodiments, the filter element 200 is flushed with a water-gas mixture. The water-gas mixture is provided by the air supply module 30. Specifically, the air supply module 30 is used to supply air to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 so that the gas is mixed with the water in the water inlet pipeline to form a water-gas mixture. The dual action of the bubbles and water bubbles in the water-gas mixture can more effectively wash away the pollutants attached to the filter element 200, thereby improving the flushing effect of the filter element 200.

[0075] Referring to Figure 19 or Figure 20 , during the first flushing stage of the filter element 200, the clean water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter 20 are closed, the air supply module 30 is turned on, and the water-gas mixture flows into the inner cavity of the housing 100, and the stirrer 400 is turned on. Under the action of the stirrer 400, the bubbles and water bubbles can fully act on the filter element 200 to remove the pollutants attached to the filter element 200. During the second flushing stage, the filter element 200 is continuously flushed with the water-gas mixture, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0076] Figure 19As shown, on the basis of the Figure 13 shown water heater, a gas supply module 30 is added. At this time, the filter element 200 is flushed forward by the water-gas mixture to realize the cleaning of the filter element 200.

[0077] Figure 20 As shown, on the basis of the Figure 14 shown water heater, a gas supply module 30 is added. At this time, the filter element 200 is flushed backward, or alternately flushed forward / backward by the water-gas mixture to realize the cleaning of the filter element 200 In some embodiments, referring to Figure 18 (a)-(c), the gas supply module 30 includes a first gas supply pipeline 31, and an air pump 51, and a one-way valve 52 or a solenoid valve (denoted as solenoid valve III 53) are arranged on the first gas supply pipeline 31. In the Figure 19 shown water heater, one end of the first gas supply pipeline 31 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20. In the Figure 20 shown water heater, one end of the first gas supply pipeline 31 is connected to the flushing pipeline 70.

[0078] Or, referring to Figure 18 (d), the gas supply module 30 includes a first gas supply pipeline 31, and an air pump 51, a gas tank 54, and a solenoid valve (denoted as solenoid valve III 53) are arranged on the first gas supply pipeline 31. In the Figure 19 shown water heater, one end of the first gas supply pipeline 31 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20. In the Figure 20 shown water heater, one end of the first gas supply pipeline 31 is connected to the flushing pipeline 70.

[0079] Use Figure 18 the air pump 51 + gas tank 54 in Figure 18 (d) to replace the air pump 51 in Figure 18 (a)-(c). The difference is that

[0080] in (d), the air pump 51 can work in advance to add air into the gas tank 54, and the gas in the gas tank 54 enters during flushing, and at this time the air pump 51 does not need to be turned on. When cleaning the filter element 200, the pressure of the air pump 51 is required to be greater than the water inlet pressure.

[0081] In some embodiments, a convex structure is arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141, and the convex structure is used to disturb the flowing water.

[0082] In order to Figure 13Taking the shown water heater as an example, when the filter 20 filters tap water, the convex structure disturbs the water flow in the inner cavity of the filter 20, which helps to reduce the attachment of pollutants on the surface of the membrane filaments of the ultrafiltration membrane and delays the pollution of the membrane filaments.

[0083] When the filter 20 needs to be cleaned, the filter 20 device executes a flushing mode. Water enters the inner cavity of the housing 100, flushes the filter element 200, and then discharges from the sewage outlet 130. After the water enters the inner cavity of the housing 100, the convex structure can increase the disturbance of the water flow, which helps the pollutants to detach from the surface of the filter element 200, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0084] In some embodiments, Figures 3 to 8 is a schematic diagram of three convex structures inside the first housing 141. Figures 3 to 8 The water inlet 110 and the sewage outlet 130 are omitted on the shown first housing 141, and the focus is on schematically showing the internal convex structure.

[0085] For the first form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the convex structure is a plurality of convex points 151 arranged at intervals.

[0086] For the second form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the convex structure is a plurality of convex strips 152 arranged at intervals, and the convex strips 152 extend along the length direction of the first housing 141.

[0087] For the third form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the convex structure is a threaded protrusion 153, and the threaded protrusion 153 spirally extends along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0088] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , an internal member 300 is provided in the inner cavity of the housing 100. The structure of the internal member 300 is as shown in Figure 11 . The internal member 300 is a hollow cylindrical structure with both ends open. A flowing water gap 340 is formed between the internal member 300 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100 (specifically the first housing 141). The filter element 200 is arranged in the inner cavity of the internal member 300, and a plurality of through holes 310 arranged at intervals are provided on the peripheral wall of the internal member 300.

[0089] When the water heater body 10 is in normal use, tap water flows into the flowing water gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the first housing 141 from the water inlet 110. The multiple through holes 310 on the built-in member 300 play a role in equalizing the flow. The tap water flows into the space where the filter element 200 is located through the through holes 310. At this time, the through holes 310 help to increase the turbulence effect, which can reduce the attachment of pollutants on the membrane filaments of the ultrafiltration membrane and delay the pollution of the membrane filaments.

[0090] When the filter element 200 inside the filter 20 is flushed forward, tap water flows into the flowing water gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the first housing 141 from the water inlet 110. The multiple through holes 310 on the built-in member 300 play a role in equalizing the flow. The tap water flows into the space where the filter element 200 is located through the through holes 310. At this time, the flushing water flow impacts and shakes the membrane filaments from all directions, which helps the pollutants to fall off from the filter element 200 and improves the flushing effect of the filter element 200.

[0091] When the filter element 200 inside the filter 20 is purged by using the air scrubbing module 40, the air flow provided by the air scrubbing module 40 first flows into the gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the housing 100. The through holes 310 have the effect of distributing and equalizing the air flow. The air flow shoots onto the membrane filaments of the filter element 200 from the through holes 310. A large amount of air flow impacts and shakes the membrane filaments from all directions, so that the pollutants attached to the membrane filaments are detached, and then the filter element 200 is flushed.

[0092] The setting of the built-in member 300 enables the air flow provided by the air scrubbing module 40 to fully contact with each part of the filter element 200, improving the purging effect of the filter element 200.

[0093] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 13 , raised portions 320 are respectively provided on the outer peripheral walls at the opposite ends of the built-in member 300, and the raised portions 320 are in abutting and sealing contact with the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100 (specifically the first housing 141).

[0094] The first end of the built-in member 300 abuts against the inner end wall of the first end of the housing 100, and a sewage outlet 130 is provided on the end wall of the first end of the housing 100. There is a distance between the second end of the built-in member 300 and the inner end wall of the second end of the housing 100, and a purified water outlet 120 is provided on the end wall of the second end of the housing 100.

[0095] One end of the filter element 200 is connected to the second end of the built-in member 300, and the water inlet 110 is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 100 and communicates with the gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the housing 100.

[0096] Tap water or gas flows into the gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the first housing 141 and flows into the interior of the built-in member 300 through the through holes 310 on the built-in member 300.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the filter 20 is installed horizontally, referring to Figure 9 , the housing 100 is placed horizontally. Along the height direction of the inner diameter of the housing 100, the area of the through hole 310 gradually decreases, that is Figure 9 In the structure shown, the area of the lower through hole 310 is larger, and the area of the upper through hole 310 is smaller. When using the air scrubbing module 40, this can make as many bubbles as possible enter from the lower part first. Since the density of the bubbles is less than that of water, they will gradually move upward, which can increase the contact between the bubbles and water, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0098] In some other embodiments, when the filter 20 is installed vertically, referring to Figure 11 , the housing 100 is placed vertically. Along the axial height direction of the housing 100, the area of the through hole 310 gradually decreases, that is Figure 11 In the structure shown, the area of the lower through hole 310 is larger, and the area of the upper through hole 310 is smaller. The air supply port for supplying air from the air scrubbing module 40 into the gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the housing 100 is located at a lower position of the gap 340. Based on the same principle, such a setting also helps to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0099] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 , the built-in member 300 is provided with a through port 330, and the through port 330 is arranged close to the first end of the built-in member 300. The dirt in the gap 340 enters the inner cavity of the built-in member 300 through the through port 330 and then is discharged from the sewage outlet 130.

[0100] If there are large-sized particulate pollutants in the tap water flowing into the water inlet pipe of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110, these pollutants will accumulate in the gap 340 between the built-in member 300 and the housing 100, which will affect the water flow rate over time. Due to the arrangement of the through port 330, during normal flushing, the pollutants in the gap 340 can flow into the inner cavity of the built-in member 300 through the through port 330. Since the through port 330 is arranged close to the sewage outlet 130, these pollutants will be directly discharged from the sewage outlet 130 under the action of the water flow.

[0101] In some embodiments, the stirrer 400 is arranged in the inner cavity of the built-in member 300, referring to Figure 9 , the stirrer 400 is arranged close to the sewage outlet 130 and far away from the water inlet 110. The operation process of the stirrer 400 is as described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0102] In the description of the above embodiments, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0103] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A filter cleaning method, characterized in that, the device used in the cleaning method includes a filter and a stirrer; the filter includes a housing, a filter element is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing, the stirrer is arranged in the installation space where the filter element is located, and a water inlet, a purified water outlet, and a sewage outlet are arranged on the housing; the cleaning method includes a first flushing stage and a second flushing stage; in the first flushing stage, the purified water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and the stirrer is turned on; in the second flushing stage, the sewage outlet pipeline is opened, the stirrer is turned off, water enters the inner cavity of the housing to flush the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet.

2. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the stirrer is an impeller, the impeller rotates clockwise and counterclockwise alternately, and the rotation duration of the impeller is associated with the single use time of the filter element.

3. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the device used in the cleaning method further includes a gas supply module, which is used to supply gas to the water inlet pipeline of the filter, so that gas and water in the water inlet pipeline are mixed to form a water-gas mixture; in the first flushing stage, the purified water outlet pipeline and the sewage outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, the gas supply module is turned on, and the water-gas mixture formed in the water inlet pipeline of the filter flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and the stirrer is turned on.

4. The filter cleaning method according to claim 3, characterized in that, the gas supply module includes a first gas supply pipeline; an air pump and a one-way valve or a solenoid valve are arranged on the first gas supply pipeline, and one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter; alternatively, an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are arranged on the first gas supply pipeline, and one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter.

5. The filter cleaning method according to claim 4, characterized in that, one end of the first gas supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter through a Venturi structure.

6. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the device used in the cleaning method further includes a flushing pipeline, one end of which is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the other end is connected to the purified water outlet of the filter; in the second flushing stage, the flushing process of the filter element is a reverse flushing mode or a positive / negative alternating flushing mode. In the reverse flushing mode, a reverse flushing process is executed, and in the positive / negative alternating flushing mode, a reverse flushing process and a positive flushing process are alternately executed; during positive flushing, the flushing pipeline is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the water inlet, the filter element is positively flushed, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet; During backwashing, the flushing pipeline is opened, the water inlet pipeline of the filter is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the flushing pipeline and the clean water outlet, and the filter element is backwashed. The sewage after backwashing flows out from the sewage outlet.

7. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the device used in the cleaning method further includes an air scrubbing module for providing a purging air flow into the inner cavity of the housing to purge impurities attached to the filter element; the cleaning method further includes a purging stage, which is executed before the first flushing stage and the second flushing stage; During the purging stage, the water inlet pipeline and the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, air flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the air scrubbing module, purges the impurities on the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet.

8. The filter cleaning method according to claim 7, wherein the air scrubbing module includes a second air supply pipeline; an air pump is provided on the second air supply pipeline, and a solenoid valve and / or a check valve are also provided on the air supply pipeline; alternatively, an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are provided on the second air supply pipeline.

9. The filter cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein an air inlet is provided on the housing, the air inlet is communicated with the inner cavity of the housing, and the second air supply pipeline is connected to the air inlet.

10. The filter cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein a solenoid valve is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the second air supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter and is connected downstream of the solenoid valve.

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