Filter cleaning method

Abstract

The invention discloses a filter cleaning method. A device used in the filter cleaning method comprises a filter, an air wiping module and a flushing pipeline. A filter element is arranged in an inner cavity of a shell of the filter, and a water inlet, a purified water outlet and a sewage outlet are formed in the shell. The air wiping module is used for purging impurities attached to the filter element. One end of the flushing pipeline is connected with the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the other end is connected with the purified water outlet pipeline of the filter. The cleaning method comprises a purging process and a flushing process, and the flushing process is executed after the purging process. During purging, air flows into the inner cavity of the shell through the air wiping module to purge impurities on the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet. During flushing, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the flushing pipeline and the purified water outlet to perform back flushing on the filter element, and sewage after flushing flows out from the sewage outlet. According to the method, the filter element in the filter is cleaned in a manner of combining airflow purging and water flow flushing, so that the cleaning effect of the filter element is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular 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 supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet of the water heater, and 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] Tap water contains impurities such as rust, colloids, and macromolecular organic substances that are colored and have a smell. Direct use of this water will affect physical health. For example, directly using this water for bathing is likely to cause symptoms such as skin itching. 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 reduction 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 uses a combination of air blowing and water flushing to clean the internal filter element of the filter, extend the service life of the filter, improve the health of the water used, and facilitate the use by users.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned invention object, the present invention is implemented by adopting the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a filter. The device used in the cleaning method includes a filter, an air scrubbing module, and a flushing pipeline; The filter includes a housing, a filter element is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing, and a water inlet, a clean water outlet, and a sewage outlet are provided on the housing. During filtration, water flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and after being filtered by the filter element, it flows out from the clean water outlet; The air scrubbing module is used to provide a blowing airflow into the inner cavity of the housing to blow off the impurities attached to the filter element; One end of the flushing pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the other end is connected to the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter; The filter cleaning method includes a purging process and a flushing process, and the flushing process is performed after the purging process; When the filter performs the purging process, the water inlet pipeline and the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, the flushing pipeline is closed, air flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the air scrubbing module, purges impurities on the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet; When the filter performs the flushing process, the water inlet pipeline of the filter is closed, the clean water outlet pipeline is opened, the flushing pipeline is opened, the air scrubbing module is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the flushing pipeline and the clean water outlet, reversely flushes the filter element, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flushing process alternately performs a reverse flushing process and a forward flushing process; When the filter performs forward flushing, the air scrubbing module is closed, the flushing pipeline is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the water inlet, forward flushes the filter element, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet; When the filter performs reverse flushing, the air scrubbing module is closed, 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, reversely flushes the filter element, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, a stirrer is provided in the inner cavity of the housing, and the stirrer is turned on when the filter performs the flushing process and / or the purging process.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air scrubbing module includes an air supply pipeline, an air pump is provided on the air supply pipeline, and a solenoid valve and / or a check valve are also provided on the air supply pipeline.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air scrubbing module includes an air supply pipeline, and an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are provided on the air supply pipeline.

[0012] 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 air supply pipeline is connected to the air inlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, a solenoid valve is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the air supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter and is connected downstream of the solenoid valve.

[0014] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the filter element and the inner peripheral wall of the housing, and a convex structure is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the housing, and the convex structure is used to disturb the airflow or water flow flowing into the gap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the convex structure is a plurality of convex points arranged at intervals; Alternatively, the convex structure is a plurality of convex strips arranged at intervals, and the convex strips extend along the length direction of the housing; Alternatively, the convex structure is a threaded convexity, and the threaded convexity spirally extends along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall of the housing.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are: In the water heater disclosed in the present application, the cleaning of the filter element is divided into two steps. First, the air scrubbing module blows air onto the filter element to blow off the pollutants attached to the filter element, and then the reverse flushing water flow is used to perform reverse flushing on the filter element to wash off the pollutants attached to the filter element. The combination of air blowing and water flow reverse flushing helps to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element.

[0017] The filter is also improved by setting a convex structure, an internal member, a stirrer, 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.

[0018] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a filter according to an embodiment; Figure 2 FIG. is a first cross-sectional view of a filter according to an embodiment; Figure 3 FIG. is a second cross-sectional view of a filter according to an embodiment; Figure 4 FIG. is a first schematic structural diagram of a housing according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the housing shown; Figure 6 FIG. is a second schematic structural diagram of a housing according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the shown housing; Figure 8 is the third schematic structural view of the housing according to the embodiment; Figure 9 is Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the shown housing; Figure 10 is the third cross-sectional view of the filter according to the embodiment; Figure 11 is Figure 10 an enlarged view of part A in ; Figure 12 is the fourth cross-sectional view of the filter according to the embodiment; Figure 13 is the first schematic structural view of the built-in part according to the embodiment; Figure 14 is the fifth cross-sectional view of the filter according to the embodiment; Figure 15 is the second schematic structural view of the built-in part according to the embodiment; Figure 16 is Figure 15 the schematic structural view of the shown built-in part observed from the right side; Figure 17 is the sixth cross-sectional view of the filter according to the embodiment; Figure 18 is the simplified internal structure diagram of the filter according to the embodiment; Figure 19 is the schematic diagram of the air scrubbing module according to the embodiment; Figure 20 is the water circuit schematic diagram of the water heater according to the embodiment; Reference numerals: 10, water heater body; 20, filter; 30, air scrubbing module; 31, air pump; 32, check valve; 33, solenoid valve III; 34, air tank; 35, gas supply pipeline; 40, normal temperature water pipeline; 51, solenoid valve I; 52, solenoid valve II; 53, mixing valve; 54, three-way regulating valve I; 55, three-way regulating valve II; 60, flushing pipeline; 100, housing; 110, water inlet; 120, purified water outlet; 130, sewage outlet; 141, first housing; 142, second housing; 151, bump; 152, rib; 153, thread protrusion; 200, filter element; 300. Built-in part; 310. Through hole; 320. Protrusion; 330. Through port; 340. Gap; 351. First end of the built-in part; 352. Second end of the built-in part; 400. Agitator. Detailed implementation mode

[0021] 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. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0022] 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 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 should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0023] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying 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.

[0024] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. 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 circumstances.

[0025] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0026] 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, 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. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and in itself does not indicate the relationship between 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.

[0027] This embodiment discloses a water heater, referring to Figure 20 , which includes a water heater body 10, a filter 20, a flushing pipeline 60, a normal temperature water pipeline 40, an air scrubbing module 30, etc.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The filter 20 includes a housing 100 and a filter element 200. The filter element 200 is provided in the inner cavity of the housing 100. In this specific embodiment, the filter 20 is an ultrafiltration filter 20, and the filter element 200 is an ultrafiltration membrane.

[0031] 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 the water. The ultrafiltration membrane can remove most pollutants in tap water except ions, so the water filtered by the ultrafiltration membrane is suitable for domestic use.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Based on this, the water heater provided in this application uses a combination of air blowing and water flushing to wash away the pollutants adhering to the surface of the membrane filaments, extend the service life of the filter 20, improve water use health, and facilitate user use.

[0034] Specifically, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the filter 20 includes a housing 100 and a filter element 200. The filter element 200 is disposed in the inner cavity of the housing 100. The housing 100 is provided with a water inlet 110, a purified water outlet 120, and a sewage outlet 130.

[0035] For the arrangement of the water inlet 110, the purified water outlet 120, and the sewage outlet 130, there are various ways. For example, in a specific embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 18 (a) is a structural schematic diagram of the filter shown in Figure 1-2 . 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 disposed on the circumferential side wall of the housing 100 and 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 51) is provided on the sewage pipeline connected to the sewage outlet 130 to control the on-off of the sewage pipeline.

[0036] In other embodiments, for example, referring to Figure 18 (b), the purified water outlet 120 and the water inlet 110 are disposed at opposite ends of the housing 100, and the sewage outlet 130 is disposed on the circumferential side wall of the housing 100; Or, referring to Figure 18 (c), the purified water outlet 120 is disposed at one end of the housing 100, and the water inlet 110 and the sewage outlet 130 are disposed on the circumferential side wall of the housing 100; Or, referring to Figure 18 (d), the sewage outlet 130 and the water inlet 110 are disposed at opposite ends of the housing 100, and the purified water outlet 120 is disposed on the circumferential side wall of the housing 100.

[0037] Among them, Figure 18 the filters shown in (a) and (b) are single-sided membrane filament encapsulation methods, Figure 18 and the filters shown in (c) and (d) are double-sided membrane filament encapsulation methods. Figure 18 (a), Figure 18 (b), Figure 18 (c) are external pressure type membrane filaments that leave pollutants outside the membrane filaments, Figure 18(d) is an inside-pressure type membrane filament with pollutants remaining inside the membrane filament.

[0038] Combining again Figure 20 , one end of the flushing pipeline 60 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20, and the other end is connected to the connecting pipeline between the filter 20 and the heater body. The flushing pipeline 60 is used to provide flushing water flow to the inner cavity of the filter 20 to perform back flushing on the filter element 200.

[0039] Figure 19 (a)-(d) are four different implementation manners of the air scrubbing module 30. The air scrubbing module 30 is used to provide a purging air flow into the inner cavity of the housing 100 to purge impurities attached to the filter element 200. Figure 20 The arrow in represents the air scrubbing module 30.

[0040] The water heater further includes a normal temperature water pipeline 40. The normal temperature water pipeline 40 has the following two setting manners: The first setting manner of the normal temperature water pipeline 40, referring to Figure 20 (b), the flushing pipeline 60 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 through a three-way regulating valve (denoted as the three-way regulating valve I 54). One end of the normal temperature water pipeline 40 is connected to the flushing pipeline 60, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet pipeline of the heater body through a mixing valve 53.

[0041] When the water heater is in normal use, 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 another part of the clean water flows through the normal temperature water pipeline 40 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.

[0042] The second setting manner of the normal temperature water pipeline 40, referring to Figure 20 (c), an electromagnetic valve (denoted as the electromagnetic valve II 52) is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20. One end of the flushing pipeline 60 is connected to the upstream of the electromagnetic valve, 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 the three-way regulating valve II 55). One end of the normal temperature water pipeline 40 is connected to the flushing pipeline 60, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet pipeline of the heater body through a mixing valve 53.

[0043] When the water heater is in normal use, a part of the tap water flows through the solenoid valve II 52, the water inlet 110 of the filter 20, the filter 20, the clean water outlet 120 of the filter 20, and the three-way regulating valve II 55 and flows into the water heater body 10 for heating. Another part of the tap water flows through the flushing pipeline 60 to the normal temperature water pipeline 40 and then flows into the mixing valve 53, where it is mixed with the hot water flowing out of the water heater body 10 to provide water at the required temperature to the user.

[0044] 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 open, the sewage outlet 130 is closed, the flushing pipeline 60 is closed, and the air scrubbing module 30 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 clean tap water at the required temperature to the user.

[0045] After the filter 20 has been used for a long time, the filter element 200 needs to be cleaned to remove the impurities on the filter element 200. The filter 20 cleaning method disclosed in this embodiment uses a combination of air blowing and water flushing. The air blowing is realized by the air scrubbing module 30, and the water flushing is to perform reverse flushing or forward / backward alternating flushing on the filter element 200.

[0046] Specifically, the filter 20 cleaning method includes a blowing process and a flushing process, and the flushing process is executed after the blowing process.

[0047] When the filter 20 executes the blowing process, the water inlet pipeline and the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter 20 are closed, the flushing pipeline 60 is closed, and air flows into the inner cavity of the housing 100 through the air scrubbing module 30 to blow the impurities on the filter element 200, and then flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0048] When the filter 20 executes the flushing process, the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 is closed and the clean water outlet pipeline is open, the flushing pipeline 60 is open, the air scrubbing module 30 is closed, and water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the flushing pipeline 60 and the clean water outlet 120 to perform reverse flushing on the filter element 200, and the sewage after flushing flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0049] The cleaning method of the filter element 200 in this application is divided into two steps. First, the air scrubbing module 30 is used to blow air onto the filter element 200 to blow off the pollutants attached to the filter element 200, and then reverse flushing water flow is used to perform reverse flushing on the filter element 200 to wash off the pollutants attached to the filter element 200. The combination of air blowing and reverse water flushing helps to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0050] In some embodiments, the flushing process alternately performs a reverse flushing process and a forward flushing process. Specifically, first perform the reverse flushing process and then the forward flushing process; or first perform the forward flushing process and then the reverse flushing process.

[0051] When the filter 20 performs forward flushing, the air scrubbing module 30 is closed, the flushing pipeline 60 is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110, and the filter element 200 is forward flushed, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0052] When the filter 20 performs reverse flushing, the air scrubbing module 30 is closed, the flushing pipeline 60 is opened, the pipeline of the water inlet 110 of the filter 20 is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the flushing pipeline 60 and the clean water outlet 120, and the filter element 200 is reverse flushed, and the flushed sewage flows out from the sewage outlet 130.

[0053] After using the air scrubbing module 30 to blow and wash the filter element 200, the filter element 200 is alternately flushed forward / backward, further improving the cleaning effect on the filter element 200.

[0054] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 19 (a)-(c), the air scrubbing module 30 includes an air supply pipeline 35, an air pump 31 is arranged on the air supply pipeline 35, and an electromagnetic valve (denoted as electromagnetic valve III 33) and / or a check valve 32 are also arranged on the air supply pipeline 35.

[0055] Or, referring to Figure 19 (d), the air scrubbing module 30 includes an air supply pipeline 35, and an air pump 31, an air tank 34, and an electromagnetic valve (denoted as electromagnetic valve III 33) are arranged on the air supply pipeline 35.

[0056] Regarding the position where the air scrubbing module 30 is connected to the filter 20, in some embodiments, an air inlet (not shown) is provided on the housing 100, the air inlet is communicated with the inner cavity of the housing 100, and the air supply pipeline 35 is connected to the air inlet. That is, a separate air inlet for the air scrubbing module 30 to access is provided on the housing 100 of the filter 20, and the air scrubbing module 30 provides a blowing airflow to the space where the filter element 200 is located through this air inlet.

[0057] In some other embodiments, referring to Figure 20 (d), an electromagnetic valve (denoted as electromagnetic valve II 52) is arranged on the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20, and the air supply pipeline 35 is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter 20 and is connected downstream of the electromagnetic valve II 52. That is, the water inlet 110 of the filter 20 also serves as the air inlet of the air scrubbing module 30. When the air scrubbing module 30 needs to supply air, the electromagnetic valve II 52 is closed, and the air scrubbing module 30 supplies air to the inner cavity of the filter 20 through the water inlet 110.

[0058] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2 , 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.

[0059] Combined with Figure 18 FIG. (a), 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.

[0060] 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 sealing abutment with the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141, and there is a gap 340 between the filter element 200 and the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0061] In some embodiments, there is a gap 340 between the filter element 200 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100 (specifically the first housing 141), and a convex structure is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141. The convex structure is used to disturb the water flow or air flow flowing into the gap 340.

[0062] Figures 4 to 9 FIG. is a schematic diagram of three convex structures inside the first housing 141. Figures 4 to 9 The water inlet 110 and the sewage outlet 130 are omitted from the shown first housing 141, and the focus is on schematically showing the internal convex structure.

[0063] For the first form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the convex structure is a plurality of convex points 151 arranged at intervals.

[0064] For the second form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the convex structure is a plurality of convex strips 152 arranged at intervals. The convex strips 152 extend along the length direction of the first housing 141.

[0065] For the third form of the convex structure, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the convex structure is a threaded convex 153, and the threaded convex 153 spirally extends circumferentially along the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0066] 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.

[0067] When flushing or rinsing the filter element 200 inside the filter 20, after the flushing air flow or tap water enters the inner cavity of the filter 20, the convex structure can increase the disturbance of the air flow or water flow, which helps the pollutants to break away from the surface of the filter element 200 and improves the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 , a stirrer 400 is provided in the inner cavity of the housing 100. The stirrer 400 is turned on when the filter 20 performs the flushing process and / or the rinsing process. The stirrer 400 is disposed close to the sewage outlet 130 and far from the purified water outlet 120. Figure 3 In, for the convenience of the installation of the stirrer 400 and the water stirring effect, the stirrer 400 is disposed on the inner wall of the end of the first housing 141, and the sewage outlet 130 is disposed on the peripheral wall of the first housing 141.

[0069] When flushing the filter element 200 inside the filter 20, first fill a certain amount of water in the inner cavity of the filter 20, close the purified water outlet 120 and the sewage outlet 130, start the stirrer 400, the water in the inner cavity of the filter 20 is stirred under the action of the stirrer 400, so that the pollutants on the membrane filaments of the ultrafiltration membrane fall off, then the stirrer 400 is turned off, and then the filter 20 is rinsed, and the rinsed sewage is discharged from the sewage outlet 130.

[0070] Before flushing the filter 20, first stir the water in the inner cavity of the filter 20 by the stirrer 400 for a period of time to make the pollutants attached to the membrane filaments fall off, and then rinse the filter element 200. The dual effects of the stirring action of the stirrer 400 and the water flow flushing help to improve the cleaning effect of the ultrafiltration membrane.

[0071] In some embodiments, the stirrer 400 is an impeller, and the impeller rotates clockwise and counterclockwise alternately to improve the stirring effect.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rotation duration of the impeller is associated with the single use time of the filter element 200.

[0073] 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.

[0074] At the same time, the flow sensor set by the water heater can be combined, and combined with the local temperature and the user's usage habits, the usage situation of the filter element 200 can be 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 by the above method.

[0075] 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 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.

[0076] When the flow rate cannot be effectively increased even by increasing the cleaning method, remind the user to replace the filter element 200 or the after-sales service to clean the filter element 200 on-site.

[0077] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , an internal component 300 is provided in the inner cavity of the housing 100. The internal component 300 is a hollow cylindrical structure with at least one open end at both ends. A flowing water gap 340 is formed between the internal component 300 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100 (specifically, the first housing 141). The filter element 200 is disposed in the inner cavity of the internal component 300, and a plurality of through holes 310 are provided on the peripheral wall of the internal component 300 and are arranged at intervals.

[0078] Regarding the different positions of the water inlets and outlets on the filter 20, the structure of the internal component 300 applied to the filter 20 is different. For example, in the filter 20 shown in Figure 18 (a), both ends of the internal component 300 are open, and the internal component 300 shown in Figure 13 is applied. While in the filter 20 shown in 18 (b), one end of the internal component 300 needs to be open and the other end is provided with an end wall, and the internal component 300 shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 is applied.

[0079] Referring to Figure 10 or Figure 17 , when the water heater body 10 is in normal use, tap water flows into the flowing water gap 340 between the internal component 300 and the first housing 141 from the water inlet 110. The plurality of through holes 310 on the internal component 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.

[0080] When flushing the filter element 200 inside the filter 20, the air flow provided by the air scrubbing module 30 first flows into the gap 340 between the internal component 300 and the housing 100. The through holes 310 have an effect of distributing and equalizing the air flow. The air flow shoots from the through holes 310 onto the membrane filaments of the filter element 200. 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.

[0081] The setting of the built-in component 300 enables the air flow provided by the air wiping module 30 to fully contact all parts of the filter element 200, improving the purging effect of the filter element 200.

[0082] For the specific structure of the built-in component 300, the present application provides two specific implementation manners, which are described in detail below.

[0083] The first structure of the built-in component 300 is as shown in Figure 13 and is applied to the filter 20 shown in Figure 18 (a). The installation structure of the built-in component 300 in the filter 20 refers to Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 . Protrusion parts 320 are respectively provided on the outer peripheral walls at the opposite ends of the built-in component 300, and the protrusion parts 320 are in abutting seal with the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100 (specifically the first housing 141).

[0084] The first end of the built-in component 300 abuts against the inner end wall at the first end of the housing 100, and a sewage outlet 130 is provided on the end wall at the first end of the housing 100. There is a distance between the second end of the built-in component 300 and the inner end wall at the second end of the housing 100, and a purified water outlet 120 is provided on the end wall at the second end of the housing 100.

[0085] One end of the filter element 200 is connected to the second end of the built-in component 300, and a water inlet 110 is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 100 and is communicated with the gap 340 between the built-in component 300 and the housing 100. Tap water or gas flows into the gap 340 between the built-in component 300 and the first housing 141 and then flows into the interior of the built-in component 300 through the through holes 310 on the built-in component 300.

[0086] When the filter 20 is installed horizontally, referring to Figure 10 , the housing 100 is installed horizontally. Along the inner diameter height direction of the housing 100, the area of the through holes 310 gradually decreases, that is, in the structure shown in Figure 10 , the area of the through holes 310 located below is larger, and the area of the through holes 310 located above is smaller. In this way, as many bubbles as possible can 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 the water, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0087] When the filter 20 is installed vertically, referring to Figure 12 , the housing 100 is installed vertically. Along the axial height direction of the housing 100, the area of the through holes 310 gradually decreases, that is, Figure 12In the structure shown, the through hole 310 at the lower part has a larger area, and the through hole 310 at the upper part has a smaller area. The air supply port for the air scrubbing module 30 to supply air into the gap 340 between the built-in part 300 and the housing 100 is located at a lower position of the gap 340. For the same principle, such a setting also helps to improve the cleaning effect of the filter element 200.

[0088] Furthermore, referring to Figure 10 , a through port 330 is provided on the built-in part 300. The through port 330 is arranged close to the first end of the built-in part 300. The dirt in the gap 340 enters the inner cavity of the built-in part 300 through the through port 330 and then is discharged from the sewage outlet 130.

[0089] If there are relatively 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 part 300 and the housing 100. Over time, it will affect the water flow rate. Due to the setting of the through port 330, during the forward flushing, the pollutants in the gap 340 can flow into the inner cavity of the built-in part 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.

[0090] Furthermore, a stirrer 400 is provided in the inner cavity of the built-in part 300. Referring to Figure 13 , the stirrer 400 is arranged close to the sewage outlet 130 and far away from the clean water outlet 120.

[0091] When flushing the internal filter element 200 of the filter 20, first fill a certain amount of water in the inner cavity of the filter 20, close the clean water outlet 120 and the sewage outlet 130, start the stirrer 400, the water in the inner cavity of the filter 20 is stirred under the action of the stirrer 400, so that the pollutants on the membrane filaments of the ultrafiltration membrane fall off. Then turn off the stirrer 400, and then flush the filter 20. The flushing sewage is discharged from the sewage outlet 130.

[0092] Before flushing the filter 20, first stir the water in the inner cavity of the filter 20 by the stirrer 400 for a period of time to make the pollutants attached to the membrane filaments fall off, and then flush the filter element 200. The dual effects of the stirring action of the stirrer 400 and the water flow flushing help to improve the cleaning effect of the ultrafiltration membrane.

[0093] The second structure of the built-in part 300, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 , is applied to the filter 20 shown in Figure 18 (b). The installation structure of the built-in part 300 in the filter 20 refers to Figure 17。The interior of the built-in member 300 is a cavity. A end wall is provided at the first end 351 of the built-in member 300, and the second end 352 is open. A convex portion 320 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second end 352 of the built-in member 300. The convex portion 320 abuts and seals against the inner peripheral wall of the housing 100. Through holes 310 are provided on the peripheral wall and the end wall of the first end 351 of the built-in member 300. There is a distance between the first end 351 of the built-in member 300 and the first end of the housing 100, and a water inlet 110 is provided at the first end of the housing 100. There is a distance between the second end 352 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. A sewage outlet 130 is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 100 and is close to the purified water outlet 120, and the convex portion 320 is located between the sewage outlet 130 and the water inlet 110.

[0094] Further, referring to Figure 17 , a through port 330 is provided on the built-in member 300. The through port 330 is provided close to the second end 352 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.

[0095] In the description of the above embodiments, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0096] The above are only the 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 should 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, an air scrubbing module, and a flushing pipeline; the filter includes a housing, a filter element is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing, the housing is provided with a water inlet, a clean water outlet, and a sewage outlet. During filtration, water flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the water inlet, and after being filtered by the filter element, it flows out from the clean water outlet; the air scrubbing module is used to provide a flushing air flow into the inner cavity of the housing to flush the impurities attached to the filter element; one end of the flushing pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the other end is connected to the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter; the filter cleaning method includes a flushing process and a flushing process, and the flushing process is executed after the flushing process; when the filter executes the flushing process, the water inlet pipeline and the clean water outlet pipeline of the filter are closed, the flushing pipeline is closed, air flows into the inner cavity of the housing through the air scrubbing module, flushes the impurities on the filter element, and then flows out from the sewage outlet; when the filter executes the flushing process, the water inlet pipeline of the filter is closed, the clean water outlet pipeline is opened, the flushing pipeline is opened, the air scrubbing module is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the flushing pipeline and the clean water outlet, and reversely flushes the filter element. The sewage after flushing flows out from the sewage outlet.

2. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the flushing process alternately executes a reverse flushing process and a forward flushing process; when the filter executes forward flushing, the air scrubbing module is closed, the flushing pipeline is closed, water flows into the inner cavity of the filter through the water inlet, and flushes the filter element forward. The sewage after flushing flows out from the sewage outlet; when the filter executes reverse flushing, the air scrubbing module is closed, 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 reversely flushes the filter element. The sewage after flushing flows out from the sewage outlet.

3. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, a stirrer is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing, and the stirrer is turned on when the filter executes the flushing process and / or the flushing process.

4. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the air scrubbing module includes an air supply pipeline, an air pump is arranged on the air supply pipeline, and a solenoid valve and / or a check valve are also arranged on the air supply pipeline.

5. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the air scrubbing module includes an air supply pipeline, an air pump, an air tank, and a solenoid valve are arranged on the air supply pipeline.

6. The filter cleaning method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, an air inlet is arranged on the housing, the air inlet is communicated with the inner cavity of the housing, and the air supply pipeline is connected to the air inlet.

7. The filter cleaning method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, An electromagnetic valve is provided on the water inlet pipeline of the filter, and the air supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet pipeline of the filter and is connected downstream of the electromagnetic valve.

8. The filter cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein A gap is provided between the filter element and the inner peripheral wall of the housing, and a convex structure is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the housing, and the convex structure is used to disturb the airflow or water flow flowing into the gap.

9. The filter cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein The convex structure is a plurality of convex points arranged at intervals; Alternatively, the convex structure is a plurality of convex strips arranged at intervals, and the convex strips extend along the length direction of the housing; Alternatively, the convex structure is a threaded convexity, and the threaded convexity spirally extends along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall of the housing.

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