A pre-filter assembly and water using apparatus

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a front filter assembly and a water equipment. The front filter assembly is used in the upstream of a switch valve. The front filter assembly comprises a main body and a filter. The main body comprises a main pipe and a branch pipe. The main pipe is communicated with the switch valve, and the branch pipe is communicated with the main pipe. The filter is arranged in the main pipe and above the branch pipe. The filter can be self-cleaned under the action of water hammer force generated when the switch valve is opened and closed, so that impurities on the filter fall into the branch pipe. The water hammer force generated at the moment when the switch valve is opened and closed is used to clean the filter. The structure is simple, and the cost is low. The impurities cleaned can enter the drain pipe through the branch pipe and be discharged with the drainage of the laundry treatment equipment. The maintenance-free filter can greatly improve the use experience of users and the competitiveness of products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a pre-filter assembly and water supply equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines are common household appliances, widely used in homes to improve people's quality of life. The water inlet of a washing machine is usually connected directly to the tap in the user's home. Because tap water contains impurities such as sediment, a filter screen is typically installed at the washing machine's water inlet to filter out small particles like sediment.

[0003] In some areas (such as those with self-built water systems, areas where water pipes frequently burst and require maintenance, and newly built houses in the initial stages of pipe installation), the water contains excessive amounts of sediment and impurities, which can severely clog the filter, affecting the normal water flow and causing the washing machine to display a fault code. In such cases, users are often unsure of the fault code's meaning and cannot troubleshoot the problem themselves, requiring them to seek help from professional after-sales personnel. This type of malfunction, not caused by the product itself, often necessitates paid repairs, resulting in wasted time and money and significantly impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pre-filter assembly and water-using equipment that can automatically clean the filter screen at the water inlet, achieving a maintenance-free filter screen and improving the user experience.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A pre-filter assembly for use upstream of a switching valve, the pre-filter assembly comprising:

[0007] The main body includes a main pipe and a branch pipe, the main pipe being connected to the switch valve, and the branch pipe being connected to the main pipe;

[0008] A filter element is installed inside the main pipe and located above the branch pipe. The filter element is self-cleaning under the water hammer force generated when the switch valve is opened and closed, so that impurities on the filter element fall into the branch pipe.

[0009] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the filter element includes a conical filter screen, the apex of which faces upstream of the flow direction of the fluid in the main pipe.

[0010] As an optional solution for the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the pre-filter assembly further includes a sealing element and an elastic element. The sealing element is movably disposed within the branch pipe, and the elastic element is connected to the sealing element. The sealing element can seal the branch pipe under the drive of the elastic element and can open the branch pipe under the action of water hammer force.

[0011] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the end of the sealing member facing the main pipe forms a pointed tip.

[0012] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the branch pipe includes a sealing section, the inner diameter of which gradually increases along the direction from the main pipe to the branch pipe to form a sealing cavity, and the elastic element can drive the sealing element to abut against the inner wall of the sealing cavity.

[0013] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the sealing element includes:

[0014] The guide portion, wherein the elastic element is sleeved on the guide portion;

[0015] The sealing part is connected to the guide part. The sealing part is conical and has a chamfered bottom edge.

[0016] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the branch pipe includes a sludge-holding section, which is connected to the main pipe, and the inner diameter of the sludge-holding section gradually decreases along the direction from the main pipe to the branch pipe.

[0017] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the pre-filter assembly further includes an elastic tube that connects the main pipe and the switching valve.

[0018] As an alternative to the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, the elastic tube is bent.

[0019] A water-using device includes a water inlet assembly and a drain pipe. The water inlet assembly includes a switch valve. The water-using device also includes the aforementioned pre-filter assembly. The main pipe is connected to the switch valve, and the branch pipes are respectively connected to the main pipe and the drain pipe.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] In the pre-filter assembly provided by this invention, the water hammer force generated at the moment the switching valve opens and closes has two main effects. First, the water hammer force impacts the switching valve, causing it to vibrate. This vibration is transmitted to the filter element in the main pipe, causing the filter element to vibrate and dislodge impurities adhering to it, which then enter the branch pipe. Second, the water hammer force also generates a reverse water flow, which flows from the direction of the switching valve towards the main pipe. This reverse water flow impacts the filter element, washing away the impurities and cleaning it. The cleaned impurities can then enter the drain pipe through the branch pipe and be discharged with the laundry processing equipment. This achieves maintenance-free operation of the filter element, greatly improving the user experience and the product's competitiveness.

[0022] The pre-filter assembly also includes an elastic tube. At the moment the switch valve is opened and closed, the water flowing normally inside the elastic tube suddenly stops flowing but still has kinetic energy. This kinetic energy causes the elastic tube to expand. After the elastic tube expands, it contracts under its own elastic properties, which will cause the water flow to flow in a momentary reverse direction. This, in conjunction with the water hammer force, increases the reverse flow of water and improves the flushing effect of the reverse flow of water on the impurities attached to the filter element. At the same time, it can also create a gap between the sealing part and the inner wall of the sealing cavity, so that the impurities mixed with water collected in the sludge chamber can be discharged through the branch pipe.

[0023] The water-using equipment provided by this invention uses the aforementioned pre-filter assembly, which can ensure the filtration effect of the water entering the equipment, and does not require users to clean or maintain the pre-filter assembly regularly, thus reducing the user's operational intensity and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the clothing processing device provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the garment processing device provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an initial state cross-sectional view of the pre-filter component provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the conical filter screen provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of filter element provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of filter element provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the slag collection area at the pre-filter assembly provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the pre-filter assembly during slag discharge provided by the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the main body provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing component provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the slag discharge pipe joint provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a top view of the slag discharge pipe joint provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the pre-filter assembly provided by the present invention assembled on the housing;

[0037] Figure 14 This is a partial structural diagram of the box provided by the present invention.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 100. Housing; 110. Mounting port; 120. Positioning hole; 200. Pre-filter assembly; 210. Main body; 211. Main pipe; 2111. Second connecting section; 2112. Connecting section; 2113. Shoulder section; 21131. Third positioning protrusion; 2114. Assembly section; 2115. First connecting section; 21151. Second positioning protrusion; 2116. Mounting cavity; 2117. Connecting cavity; 2118. First limiting surface; 212. Branch pipe; 2121. Slag-containing section; 2122. Sealing section; 2123. Slag-containing cavity; 2124. Sealing cavity; 220. Filter element; 221. Conical filter screen; 2211. Filter hole; 22 2. Fixed flange; 2221. Auxiliary fixing hole; 2222. Slag guide surface; 230. Slag discharge pipe joint; 231. Joint pipe; 2311. First outer diameter section; 2312. Second outer diameter section; 23121. First positioning protrusion; 232. Support part; 2321. Water passage hole; 240. Valve structure; 241. Sealing part; 2411. Sealing part; 24111. Chamfer; 2412. Guide part; 242. Elastic part; 250. Slag discharge pipe; 260. Elastic pipe; 270. Fixing part; 300. Water inlet assembly; 310. Switch valve; 320. Built-in water inlet pipe; 330. External water inlet pipe; 400. Drain pipe; 500. Machine door. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0041] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a water-using device, which includes a water-using chamber, a water inlet component 300, and a drain component. Both the water inlet component 300 and the drain component are connected to the water-using chamber. The water inlet component 300 is used to inject water into the water-using chamber, and the drain component is used to drain the water from the water-using chamber.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water-using equipment is a garment cleaning device, specifically including a housing 100, a door 500, an outer drum, an inner drum, and a drive mechanism. The housing 100 is provided with a loading / unloading port, and the door 500 is movably connected to the housing 100 to open or close the loading / unloading port as needed. The outer drum is disposed inside the housing 100, and the inner drum is rotatably disposed inside the outer drum. The inner drum is provided with a connecting hole to allow the inner drum to communicate with the outer drum. One axial end of the inner drum and the outer drum is provided with an opening facing the loading / unloading port to facilitate the loading and unloading of garments into the inner drum. The drive mechanism is connected to the inner drum and is used to drive the inner drum to rotate, thereby causing the garments inside the inner drum to be lifted and lowered, achieving the effect of cleaning garments in conjunction with water and garment cleaning agent.

[0046] The clothing processing equipment can be a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo.

[0047] In other embodiments, the water-using equipment may also be a dishwasher, shoe washing machine, water purifier, water softener, or other equipment that requires water, has a drainage function, and is equipped with a switch valve for controlling the flow of water.

[0048] For ease of explanation, the following text will use clothing processing equipment as an example.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drainage assembly includes a drain pipe 400, at least a portion of which is located outside the housing 100. One end of the drain pipe 400 is connected to the outer cylinder, and the other end can be connected to the indoor sewer to achieve drainage.

[0050] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water inlet assembly 300 includes an external water inlet pipe 330, a switch valve 310, and an internal water inlet pipe 320. One end of the external water inlet pipe 330 is connected to a tap or angle valve in the user's home to inject tap water into the outer tub for washing. The other end of the external water inlet pipe 330 is connected to the switch valve 310, which is connected to the internal water inlet pipe 320, which is connected to the outer tub. When the tap and switch valve 310 are opened, tap water is injected into the outer tub sequentially through the external water inlet pipe 330, the switch valve 310, and the internal water inlet pipe 320.

[0051] In actual use, the faucet connected to the external water inlet pipe 330 can always be in the open state. The water supply can be turned on and off by controlling the on and off of the switch valve 310, thereby simplifying the user's operation.

[0052] Since tap water contains impurities, in order to avoid the impurities in tap water affecting the cleaning effect of clothes, in this embodiment, the clothes processing equipment also includes a pre-filter component 200. The pre-filter component 200 is connected to the water inlet component 300 and is used to filter impurities in tap water to ensure the cleanliness of the tap water entering the outer drum, thereby avoiding affecting the cleaning effect of clothes or contaminating the clothes.

[0053] In some areas (such as those with self-built water supply, areas where water pipes frequently burst and require maintenance, and areas where newly built houses are in the initial stages of pipe use), the high sediment content in tap water can clog the pre-filter component 200. This can reduce the flow rate of the inlet component 300 or even affect normal water intake, causing the laundry detergent to report a fault code. However, users are generally unaware of the fault codes and cannot troubleshoot the problem themselves. They can only seek help from professional after-sales personnel for paid repairs, impacting their user experience.

[0054] To address the aforementioned issues, in this embodiment, the pre-filter assembly 200 is positioned upstream of the switching valve 310. By improving the structure of the pre-filter assembly 200, the water hammer force generated during the opening and closing of the switching valve 310 is utilized to achieve automatic cleaning and sewage discharge of the pre-filter assembly 200, thereby enabling maintenance-free operation of the pre-filter assembly 200 and improving the user experience.

[0055] Specifically, the pre-filter assembly 200 is connected to the external water inlet pipe 330 and the switch valve 310. The pre-filter assembly 200 includes a main body 210 and a filter element 220. The main body 210 includes a main pipe 211 and a branch pipe 212. The main pipe 211 is connected to the external water inlet pipe 330 and the switch valve 310, and the branch pipe 212 is connected to the main pipe 211 and the drain pipe 400. The filter element 220 is disposed inside the main pipe 211 and located above the branch pipe 212. The filter element 220 can self-clean under the action of the water hammer force generated when the switch valve 310 is opened and closed, so that the impurities on the filter element 220 fall into the branch pipe 212. In this embodiment, the water hammer force generated at the moment the switch valve 310 is opened and closed is used to clean the filter element 220. The structure is simple and the cost is low. Moreover, the cleaned impurities can enter the drain pipe 400 through the branch pipe 212 and be discharged with the drainage of the clothing processing equipment. This can achieve maintenance-free operation of the filter element 220, which greatly improves the user experience and the competitiveness of the product.

[0056] Understandably, when water hammer force is generated, it impacts the switching valve 310, causing it to vibrate. This vibration is transmitted to the filter element 220 inside the main pipe 211, causing the filter element 220 to vibrate and dislodge impurities adhering to it, which then enter the branch pipe 212. On the other hand, the water hammer force also generates a reverse water flow, which flows from the direction of the switching valve 310 towards the main pipe 211. This reverse water flow impacts the filter element 220, washing away the impurities adhering to it and cleaning the filter element 220.

[0057] For ease of explanation, taking the example of the loading and unloading port being located on the front side of the housing 100, the drain pipe 400, the external water inlet pipe 330, and the pre-filter assembly 200 are all located on the rear side of the housing 100 to facilitate pipe connection, conceal non-operating parts, and improve the appearance of the garment processing equipment.

[0058] In addition, the pre-filter assembly 200 is located on the outside of the housing 100, which facilitates the application of the pre-filter assembly 200 in existing models, improves the compatibility of the pre-filter assembly 200, and facilitates the installation and removal of the pre-filter assembly 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 3-5 As shown, the filter element 220 includes a conical filter screen 221, with the apex of the conical filter screen 221 facing upstream of the flow direction of the fluid in the main pipe 211. That is, the apex of the conical filter screen 221 faces the water inlet end of the main pipe 211. By setting the conical filter screen 221, the water-facing surface of the filter element 220 is concentrated on the side of the conical filter screen 221, and the water flow does not impact the conical filter screen 221 perpendicularly, which can reduce the probability of impurities entering the filter holes 2211 on the conical filter screen 221, thereby avoiding clogging of the conical filter screen 221; even if some impurities adhere to the conical filter screen 221, the fit between the impurities and the filter holes 2211 is relatively loose, thereby reducing the difficulty of cleaning the filter element 220.

[0060] In addition, when cleaning the filter element 220 using water hammer force, the impurities that fall off the conical filter screen 221 due to vibration can roll off along the outer circumferential surface of the conical filter screen 221, which has a guiding effect on the impurities.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the conical filter screen 221 is provided with filter holes 2211, which are perpendicular to the tangential plane of the conical filter screen 221 at its location. This arrangement can prevent water flow from directly impacting through the filter holes 2211, making it less likely for impurities to enter the filter holes 2211, thereby reducing the chance of the filter holes 2211 becoming clogged.

[0062] In some embodiments, the aperture of the filter hole 2211 gradually increases from the outer side to the inner side of the conical filter screen 221. The filter hole 2211 has an outward expansion structure along the water flow direction. On the one hand, impurities are not easily clogged, thus making the filter hole 2211 less prone to blockage; on the other hand, when reverse water flow occurs, the filter hole 2211 can increase the flow velocity of the reverse water flow, which is beneficial for impurities to leave the filter hole 2211.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the filter element 220 also includes a fixing flange 222, which is annular and connected to the large-diameter end of the conical filter screen 221. The central hole of the fixing flange 222 is used to avoid water flow so that filtered water can pass through the fixing flange 222. The fixing flange 222 is used to install the conical filter screen 221 and fix it to the main pipe 211 for easy installation.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fixing flange 222 and the main pipe 211 can be fixed by a threaded pair. Specifically, in combination with Figure 9 As shown, the fixed flange 222 is provided with an external thread, and the main pipe 211 includes a mounting cavity 2116 and a connecting cavity 2117 connected in sequence. The inner wall of the mounting cavity 2116 is provided with an internal thread. The filter element 220 is fixed in the mounting cavity 2116 by the cooperation of the external thread and the internal thread. The connecting cavity 2117 is used to communicate with the switch valve 310.

[0065] Since the filter element 220 is located inside the main pipe 211, an auxiliary fixing hole 2221 is provided on the fixing flange 222 to facilitate assembly. When assembling the main pipe 211 and the filter element 220, the assembly can be achieved by using an auxiliary tool in conjunction with the auxiliary fixing hole 2221, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0066] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the mounting cavity 2116 is larger than the inner diameter of the connecting cavity 2117, so that a first limiting surface 2118 is formed at the connection between the mounting cavity 2116 and the connecting cavity 2117, and the fixing flange 222 can abut against the first limiting surface 2118 to improve the positional accuracy of the filter element 220.

[0067] In some other embodiments, the fixing flange 222 and the main pipe 211 can also be fixed by fasteners such as screws. To prevent water leakage from the main pipe 211, blind holes that mate with fasteners are provided on the main pipe 211.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the fixing flange 222 and the main pipe 211 can also be fixed by snap-fit. For example, the inner wall of the main pipe 211 is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the outer wall of the fixing flange 222 is provided with a snap-fit ​​recess. The fixing is achieved by the cooperation of the snap-fit ​​protrusion and the snap-fit ​​recess.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, a guide surface 2222 is provided on the side of the fixed flange 222 facing the conical filter screen 221. The guide surface 2222 is adjacent to the outer wall of the conical filter screen 221 and is set at an angle. The guide surface 2222 gradually extends outward from the apex of the conical filter screen 221 along the axial direction of the conical filter screen 221. By providing the guide surface 2222, impurities impacting the conical filter screen 221 in the water flow can be pushed by the water flow and accumulated at the fixed flange 222, making it less likely for impurities to clog the conical filter screen 221.

[0070] In some embodiments, the guide surface 2222 is an annular surface extending circumferentially along the fixed flange 222. The guide surface 2222 gradually extends outward from the apex of the conical filter screen 221 along the axial direction away from the apex, which means that the outer diameter of the guide surface 2222 gradually increases along the axial direction away from the apex of the conical filter screen 221.

[0071] In some embodiments, the conical filter 221 can be fixedly connected to the fixed flange 222 by in-mold injection molding to simplify the structure and processing steps and reduce costs.

[0072] To prevent water from being directly drained away through branch pipe 212 when water is injected into the outer cylinder, in some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the pre-filter assembly 200 also includes a valve structure 240, which allows the branch pipe 212 to be in a normally closed state and to switch the branch pipe 212 to a conducting state when water hammer force is generated. The valve structure 240 includes a sealing element 241 and an elastic element 242. The sealing element 241 is movably disposed within the branch pipe 212, and the elastic element 242 is connected to the sealing element 241. The sealing element 241 can seal the branch pipe 212 under the drive of the elastic element 242, and can open the branch pipe 212 under the action of water hammer force.

[0073] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, under normal conditions, the elastic element 242 drives the sealing element 241 to block the branch pipe 212, so that the branch pipe 212 is in a non-conductive state. Water entering the main pipe 211 can only enter the outer cylinder through the filter element 220, the switch valve 310 and the built-in water inlet pipe 320.

[0074] like Figure 8As shown, when reverse water flow occurs under the action of water hammer force, since the faucet is always open and the branch pipe 212 is always full of water, the reverse water flow increases the water pressure in the main pipe 211. Under the action of this water pressure, the sealing member 241 is pushed. The sealing member 241 moves against the force of the elastic member 242, thereby opening the branch pipe 212. The flushed impurities will be discharged with some of the water flow through the branch pipe 212. When the pressure in the main pipe 211 decreases, the sealing member 241 resets under the action of the elastic member 242, so that the branch pipe 212 is closed again.

[0075] In some embodiments, the end of the plug 241 facing the main pipe 211 is formed into a pointed tip. This arrangement ensures that impurities falling into the branch pipe 212 will not remain on the end of the plug 241 facing the main pipe 211. When the plug 241 opens the branch pipe 212, the impurities will roll off the pointed tip under gravity and be discharged through the branch pipe 212 under the guidance of the pointed tip, thus avoiding the retention of impurities on the plug 241.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, branch pipe 212 includes a sealing section 2122, the inner diameter of which gradually increases along the direction from main pipe 211 to branch pipe 212 to form a sealing cavity 2124. The sealing element 241 includes a sealing portion 2411, the shape and size of which are adapted to the shape and size of the sealing cavity 2124. The elastic element 242 can drive the sealing element 241 to abut against the inner wall of the sealing cavity 2124, thereby sealing branch pipe 212. The gradual increase in the inner diameter of the sealing cavity 2124 along the direction from main pipe 211 to branch pipe 212 facilitates better cooperation between the sealing element 241 and the sealing cavity 2124 to achieve a seal.

[0077] Optionally, the sealing cavity 2124 is a conical cavity, and correspondingly, the plugging part 2411 is conical. The conical surface of the plugging part 2411 can also help the impurities to settle, so that the impurities are located directly above the slag discharge channel after they accumulate. At the same time, the conical surface of the plugging part 2411 also plays a guiding role, so as to guide the impurities to be discharged from the branch pipe 212 instantly after the water hammer effect occurs.

[0078] Optionally, the sealing portion 2411 can be made of an elastic material to better seal with the sealing cavity 2124 through its own elastic properties. For example, the sealing portion 2411 can be made of flexible rubber or silicone, so that even if some impurities adhere to a portion of the surface of the sealing portion 2411, the portion with the impurities can adaptably deform when the sealing portion 2411 is under pressure, without affecting the sealing effect.

[0079] In some embodiments, the branch pipe 212 further includes a slag-containing section 2121, one end of which is connected to the main pipe 211, and the other end of which is connected to the sealing section 2122. A slag-containing cavity 2123 is formed within the slag-containing section 2121, and the inner diameter of the slag-containing section 2121 gradually decreases along the direction from the main pipe 211 to the branch pipe 212. By providing the slag-containing section 2121, impurities cleaned from the filter element 220 can be collected within the slag-containing section 2121, facilitating rapid outflow through the sealing section 2122 when the sealing element 241 opens the branch pipe 212.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the sealing component 241 also includes a guide portion 2412, and the elastic component 242 can be sleeved on the guide portion 2412. The guide portion 2412 guides the elastic component 242, so that the elastic force of the elastic component 242 is in the correct direction, thereby ensuring that the sealing component 2411 can be opened smoothly or the sealing section 2122 can be sealed.

[0081] In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the sealing portion 2411 is provided with a chamfer 24111. The chamfer 24111 at this location can allow impurities to leave the sealing portion 2411 as quickly as possible, thereby accelerating the discharge of impurities.

[0082] In some embodiments, the pre-filter assembly 200 further includes a slag discharge pipe connector 230, which is detachably connected to the branch pipe 212 for connecting to the drain pipe 400.

[0083] Specifically, the slag discharge pipe joint 230 is connected to the branch pipe 212 via a threaded connection, which not only facilitates disassembly and assembly but also enables sealing through the threaded connection. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the slag discharge pipe joint 230 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the branch pipe 212 is provided with an external thread. The slag discharge pipe joint 230 and the branch pipe 212 are fixed by the cooperation of the internal thread and the external thread.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the slag discharge pipe joint 230 includes a joint pipe 231 and a support part 232 disposed in the joint pipe 231. One end of the elastic member 242 abuts against the sealing part 2411 and the other end abuts against the support part 232, so that after the joint pipe 231 and the branch pipe 212 are assembled, the elastic member 242 is compressed by force to store elastic potential energy, thereby abutting the sealing part 2411 against the inner wall of the sealing cavity 2124.

[0085] Optionally, a gasket may be provided between the elastic element 242 and the sealing part 2411 to ensure the stability of the elastic element 242 during deformation.

[0086] In order to prevent the support part 232 from affecting the discharge of impurities, a water passage hole 2321 is provided on the support part 232, and the water and impurities discharged through the branch pipe 212 can be discharged through the water passage hole 2321.

[0087] In some embodiments, the guide portion 2412 is slidably disposed within the support portion 232 to provide guidance for the movement of the sealing member 241 through the sliding cooperation between the guide portion 2412 and the support portion 232, thereby improving the reliability of the sealing member 241 in controlling the opening and closing of the branch pipe 212.

[0088] like Figure 11 As shown, the connector pipe 231 includes a first outer diameter section 2311 and a second outer diameter section 2312 connected to each other. The outer diameter of the first outer diameter section 2311 is larger than the outer diameter of the second outer diameter section 2312. The first outer diameter section 2311 is sleeved on the outside of the branch pipe 212 and is detachably connected to the branch pipe 212. The support part 232 is disposed inside the first outer diameter section 2311 to support the elastic element 242 and cooperates with the guide part 2412. The second outer diameter section 2312 is connected to a slag discharge pipe 250, which communicates with the drain pipe 400. By setting the outer diameter of the first outer diameter section 2311 to be larger than the outer diameter of the second outer diameter section 2312, a second limiting surface is formed at the connection between the first outer diameter section 2311 and the second outer diameter section 2312. The second limiting surface can abut against the slag discharge pipe 250 to limit the mating depth between the slag discharge pipe 250 and the connector pipe 231, thus playing a role in assembly limiting.

[0089] In some embodiments, in order to prevent the slag discharge pipe 250 from detaching from the connector pipe 231, a first positioning protrusion 23121 is provided on the outer wall of the connector pipe 231. The first positioning protrusion 23121 can fit tightly with the slag discharge pipe 250, thereby improving the connection stability between the slag discharge pipe 250 and the connector pipe 231.

[0090] Optionally, the first positioning protrusion 23121 can be arranged around the circumference of the connector pipe 231 and be in the shape of a ring to increase the contact area between the first positioning protrusion 23121 and the slag discharge pipe 250 and improve the fixing effect.

[0091] In some embodiments, to improve the cleaning effect on the filter element 220, the pre-filter assembly 200 also includes an elastic tube 260, which connects the main pipe 211 and the switching valve 310. At the moment the switching valve 310 opens and closes, the normally flowing water in the elastic tube 260 suddenly stops flowing but still retains kinetic energy. This kinetic energy causes the elastic tube 260 to expand. After expanding, the elastic tube 260 contracts under its own elastic properties, causing a momentary reverse flow of water. This, combined with the water hammer force, increases the reverse flow of water, improving the flushing effect of the reverse flow on the impurities attached to the filter element 220. Simultaneously, it creates a gap between the sealing part 2411 and the inner wall of the sealing cavity 2124, ultimately allowing the impurities mixed with water collected in the sludge chamber 2123 to be discharged through the branch pipe 212.

[0092] Understandably, the elastic tube 260 uses its own elasticity to store the water hammer force generated when the switch valve 310 is opened and closed as elastic potential energy, and releases the elastic potential energy to form a reverse water flow, thereby cleaning the filter element 220 and opening the branch pipe 212.

[0093] It should be noted that the reverse water flow provides an instantaneous impact, lasting less than 1 second, which makes the time for the sealing component 241 to open the branch pipe 212 very short. The amount of tap water discharged through the branch pipe 212 is very small, which will not affect the water injection into the outer cylinder, nor will it cause a large amount of water waste.

[0094] In some embodiments, the elastic tube 260 may be made of a soft rubber or silicone with good elasticity to increase the degree of expansion of the elastic tube 260, thereby increasing the reverse flow of water.

[0095] In some embodiments, the flexible tube 260 is bent to better absorb water hammer forces, thereby increasing the water flow generated in the opposite direction.

[0096] It should be noted that the pre-filter assembly 200 may not have the elastic tube 260. The filter element 220 can be cleaned by the vibration generated by the water hammer force and the reverse water flow formed by the water flow impacting the switch valve 310.

[0097] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, the housing 100 is provided with an installation port 110. One end of the main pipe 211 passes through the installation port 110 and is connected to the elastic tube 260 inside the housing 100. The main pipe 211 is fixed to the housing 100 to improve the stability of the pre-filter assembly 200.

[0098] To facilitate the assembly of the main pipe 211 with the housing 100, in some embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, the main pipe 211 includes a connecting section 2112, a shoulder section 2113, and an assembly section 2114 connected in sequence. The connecting section 2112 communicates with the branch pipe 212, and the axes of the connecting section 2112 and the branch pipe 212 are approximately perpendicular. The outer diameter of the shoulder section 2113 is larger than that of the connecting section 2112 and the assembly section 2114. The assembly section 2114 passes through the mounting port 110. One axial end face of the shoulder section 2113 abuts against the outer wall of the housing 100 to restrict the assembly position. The end of the assembly section 2114 located inside the housing 100 is detachably connected to a fastener 270 (see...). Figure 13 The fastener 270 and the shoulder section 2113 cooperate to clamp the side wall of the housing 100, thereby fixing the main pipe 211 to the housing 100.

[0099] Optionally, the fastener 270 is connected to the assembly section 2114 via a threaded pair. The fastener 270 is sleeved on the assembly section 2114, and the fastener 270 is provided with an internal thread, while the assembly section 2114 is provided with an external thread. The fastener 270 is fixed to the main pipe 211 through the cooperation of the internal and external threads.

[0100] To facilitate the connection of the elastic tube 260, the assembly section 2114 is also connected to a first connecting section 2115. The first connecting section 2115 is nested with the elastic tube 260, and the elastic characteristics of the elastic tube 260 are used to achieve an interference fit with the first connecting section 2115, thereby achieving fixation.

[0101] Optionally, the flexible tube 260 is sleeved outside the first connecting section 2115 for easy assembly.

[0102] In order to avoid the first connecting section 2115 affecting the fit between the main pipe 211 and the mounting port 110 on the housing 100, the outer diameter of the first connecting section 2115 is less than or equal to the assembly section 2114, so that the first connecting section 2115 can pass smoothly through the mounting port 110 and avoid structural interference.

[0103] In some embodiments, a second positioning protrusion 21151 is provided on the outer wall of the first connecting segment 2115. The second positioning protrusion 21151 can fit tightly with the elastic tube 260, thereby improving the connection stability between the main tube 211 and the elastic tube 260.

[0104] Optionally, the second positioning protrusion 21151 can be arranged circumferentially along the first connecting section 2115 and in an annular shape to increase the contact area between the second positioning protrusion 21151 and the elastic tube 260 and improve the fixing effect.

[0105] To facilitate connection to the external water inlet pipe 330, the connecting section 2112 is also connected to a second connecting section 2111, which is used to connect the external water inlet pipe 330.

[0106] For ease of assembly, the external water inlet pipe 330 and the second connecting section 2111 can be nested and fixed together by a threaded connection. Specifically, the external water inlet pipe 330 is provided with an internal thread, and the second connecting section 2111 is provided with an external thread. The external water inlet pipe 330 and the main pipe 211 are fixed together by the cooperation of the internal and external threads.

[0107] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second connecting segment 2111 is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting segment 2112, so as to limit the external water inlet pipe 330 through the axial end face of the connecting segment 2112.

[0108] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 9 and Figure 14 As shown, in order to improve the positioning accuracy of the main body 210 and the housing 100, a third positioning protrusion 21131 is provided on the axial end face of the shoulder section 2113 facing the assembly section 2114. A positioning hole 120 is correspondingly provided on the housing 100. The third positioning protrusion 21131 can be inserted into the positioning hole 120 to realize the positioning of the main body 210 and the housing 100 and improve the positioning accuracy.

[0109] Optionally, only one third positioning protrusion 21131 is provided, and correspondingly, one positioning hole 120 is also provided. Through the cooperation of one third positioning protrusion 21131 and the positioning hole 120, the main body 210 can be installed on the housing 100 at a fixed angle, thereby ensuring that after the pre-filter assembly 200 is assembled with the housing 100, the branch pipe 212 extends vertically downward, so that the impurities to be cleaned can enter into the branch pipe 212 and be discharged through the branch pipe 212.

[0110] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pre-filter assembly for use upstream of a switching valve (310), characterized in that, The pre-filter component includes: The main body (210) includes a main pipe (211) and a branch pipe (212). The main pipe (211) is connected to the switch valve (310), and the branch pipe (212) is connected to the main pipe (211). A filter element (220) is disposed inside the main pipe (211) and located above the branch pipe (212). The filter element (220) is self-cleaning under the action of the water hammer force generated when the switch valve (310) is opened and closed, so that the impurities on the filter element (220) fall into the branch pipe (212).

2. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element (220) includes a conical filter screen (221) with its apex angle facing upstream of the flow direction of the fluid in the main pipe (211).

3. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pre-filter assembly further includes a sealing element (241) and an elastic element (242). The sealing element (241) is movably disposed within the branch pipe (212), and the elastic element (242) is connected to the sealing element (241). The sealing element (241) can seal the branch pipe (212) under the drive of the elastic element (242), and can open the branch pipe (212) under the action of water hammer force.

4. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the plug (241) facing the main pipe (211) forms a pointed tip.

5. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The branch pipe (212) includes a sealing section (2122), the inner diameter of which gradually increases along the direction from the main pipe (211) to the branch pipe (212) to form a sealing cavity (2124), and the elastic element (242) can drive the sealing element (241) to abut against the inner wall of the sealing cavity (2124).

6. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing element (241) includes: Guide portion (2412), the elastic element (242) is sleeved on the guide portion (2412); The sealing part (2411) is connected to the guide part (2412). The sealing part (2411) is conical and the bottom edge of the sealing part (2411) is chamfered (24111).

7. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The branch pipe (212) includes a slag-containing section (2121), which is connected to the main pipe (211). The inner diameter of the slag-containing section (2121) gradually decreases along the direction from the main pipe (211) to the branch pipe (212).

8. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pre-filter assembly also includes an elastic tube (260) that connects the main pipe (211) and the switching valve (310).

9. The pre-filter assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic tube (260) is bent.

10. A water-using device, comprising a water inlet assembly (300) and a drain pipe (400), said water inlet assembly (300) including a switch valve (310), characterized in that, The water-using equipment further includes a pre-filter assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the main pipe (211) is connected to the switch valve (310), and the branch pipe (212) is connected to the main pipe (211) and the drain pipe (400) respectively.

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