Filter assembly and water purification system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a filter assembly and a water purification system, and relates to the technical field of water treatment.The filter assembly comprises a shell, a filter element, a water inlet and a water outlet, the membrane element is arranged in the shell; fluid flowing into the shell from the inlet flows out from the outlet after being filtered by the membrane element; the heating unit is used for heating a medium in contact with the membrane element to a preset temperature or above, and the medium heated to the preset temperature or above is used for sterilizing the membrane element. According to the application, the membrane element of the filter assembly can be sterilized, the number of bacteria bred on the filter assembly is remarkably reduced, and the failure of the membrane element is prevented, so that the membrane element of the filter assembly is kept to have a stable filter effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of water treatment, in particular to a filtering component and a water purification system. Background Art

[0002] In order to facilitate people to obtain clean drinking water immediately, more and more water purification systems are installed in people's daily living places. The filter element in the water purification system can filter the water to produce clean water.

[0003] Among them, in order to better intercept bacteria in the water, filter elements with the function of intercepting bacteria (such as microfiltration membrane filter elements) are increasingly used in water purification systems. The water in the water purification system can be filtered by the microfiltration membrane filter element, so as to better intercept bacteria in the water. However, as the number of bacteria intercepted on the surface of the microfiltration membrane increases, these bacteria will continue to breed on the microfiltration membrane. When the number of bacteria increases significantly, a large number of biofilms will form on the microfiltration membrane, causing the microfiltration membrane to fail. When the microfiltration membrane fails, the effluent colony of the water purification system will exceed the standard, making it difficult to meet people's needs for purified water.

[0004] Therefore, how to maintain the filtration effect of microfiltration membrane for a long time has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Utility Model Content

[0005] In response to the defects existing in the prior art, the embodiments of the utility model provide a filter component and a water purification system, which can sterilize the membrane elements of the filter component, significantly reduce the number of bacteria grown on the filter component, prevent the membrane elements from failing, and thus maintain the membrane elements of the filter component with a stable filtering effect, thereby better meeting the user's demand for purified water.

[0006] The specific technical solution of the implementation mode of the utility model is:

[0007] A filter assembly, comprising: a shell having an inlet and an outlet; a membrane element arranged in the shell; a fluid flowing into the shell from the inlet is filtered by the membrane element and then flows out from the outlet; a heating unit, the heating unit is used to heat a medium in contact with the membrane element to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and the medium heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature is used to sterilize the membrane element.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined temperature is not less than 30 degrees Celsius.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the medium is water.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane element includes any one of the following: a microfiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, and a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane element has a structural form including any one of the following: a folded membrane, a flat membrane, a hollow fiber membrane and a spiral membrane.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is disposed at at least one of the following positions: on the shell, inside the shell, and outside the shell.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is provided on at least the housing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is directly mounted on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the shell, or the heating unit is embedded in the shell, or the heating unit is integrated with the shell.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is disposed at least outside the shell, and the heating unit is in direct or indirect contact with the outer surface of the shell.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is disposed at least in the housing, a gap is provided between the membrane element and the housing, and the heating unit is disposed in the gap.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is disposed at least inside the housing, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and the heating unit is disposed in the hollow portion of the membrane element.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit is disposed at the inlet or upstream of the inlet and communicated with the inlet, and the heating unit can heat the medium entering the inlet.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly further comprises a heat-conducting element, and the heat-conducting element is used to conduct the heat generated by the heating unit into the medium in the housing.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane element is in the shape of a hollow column, and the heat-conducting element is arranged in the hollow part of the membrane element.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting element is in contact with the heating unit, the heating unit is located at one end of the membrane element, the heat-conducting element is columnar as a whole, and the heat-conducting element is disposed through a hollow portion of the membrane element.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, there is a gap between the membrane element and the housing, and the heat conducting element is arranged in the gap between the membrane element and the housing.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting element is in contact with the heating unit, the heating unit is located at one end of the membrane element, the heat-conducting element is annular as a whole, and the heat-conducting element is sleeved on the periphery of the membrane element.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the heat conducting element is arranged between the heating unit and the housing.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting element comprises a heat-conducting shell, the heat-conducting shell is sleeved on the housing, the heat-conducting shell has at least one installation cavity, and the heating unit is inserted into the installation cavity.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting shell comprises a plurality of heat conductors, which are arranged on the shell along the circumference of the shell, and adjacent heat conductors are detachably connected to each other, and the installation cavity is provided on the heat conductor.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a flow channel is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and the hollow part of the membrane element forms a through hole; the membrane element is sealed with the shell at the end or near the end, and an annular gap is formed between the outer side of the membrane element and the inner surface of the shell; along the direction of water flow, the flow channel includes: the through hole, the membrane element and the annular gap connected in sequence; or, the flow channel includes: the annular gap, the membrane element and the through hole connected in sequence.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a flow channel is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and an opening is formed in the hollow portion of the membrane element; the membrane element has a first end and a second end, the membrane element is sealed with the shell at the first end or near the first end, and the second end of the membrane element is a blocking end; an annular gap is formed between the outer side of the membrane element and the inner surface of the shell; along the direction of water flow, the flow channel includes: the annular gap, the membrane element and the opening of the membrane element connected in sequence; or, the flow channel includes: the opening of the membrane element, the membrane element and the annular gap connected in sequence.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a flow channel is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the hollow portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes forms a through hole, the surface of the hollow fiber membrane is provided with a water-permeable hole, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are sealed with the shell near the end position, a flow gap is formed between the outer side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the inner surface of the shell, and the shell is provided with a flow hole connected to the flow gap; along the water flow direction, the flow channel includes: the flow gap connected in sequence, the water-permeable holes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the through hole; or, the flow channel includes: the through holes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes connected in sequence, the water-permeable holes and the flow gap.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the heating unit comprises at least one electric heating element arranged on the housing.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the electric heating element includes any one of the following or a combination thereof: a PTC thermistor, a rare earth thick film, and a heating coil.

[0032] A water purification system, comprising: any one of the filter components described above.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the water purification system further comprises a water outlet structure, and the filter assembly is arranged at the water outlet structure.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the water purification system further comprises a water outlet structure, and the filter assembly is arranged upstream of the water outlet structure.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the water purification system further comprises a reverse osmosis membrane located upstream of the filter assembly, and the fluid flowing into the housing from the inlet is pure water filtered through the reverse osmosis membrane.

[0036] The technical solution of the utility model has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0037] When the filter assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application is in use, the fluid can enter the housing along the inlet, and the fluid can be filtered through the membrane element arranged in the housing to produce clean water, and then the clean water can flow out along the outlet on the housing, thereby achieving the filtering treatment of the fluid. And the medium in contact with the membrane element can be heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature through the heating unit, so that the membrane element is in the medium above the predetermined temperature, and the medium heated to the predetermined temperature is used to sterilize the membrane element. In particular, when the membrane element has been used for a long time, the heating unit heats and sterilizes the membrane element, which can significantly reduce the number of bacteria bred on the membrane element, prevent the membrane element from failing, and thus ensure the water quality downstream of the membrane element, so that the filter assembly always maintains a stable filtering effect.

[0038] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the present invention include many changes, modifications and equivalents. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment can be used in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, combined with features in other embodiments, or replace features in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawings described herein are only for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components in the drawings are only for illustration purposes to help understand the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the components of the present invention. Under the guidance of the present invention, those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a shell and a membrane element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional structure of a housing and a membrane element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a side view structure of a housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional structure of a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the distribution position of a heating unit in a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the distribution position of a heating unit in a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the distribution position of a heating unit in a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the distribution position of a heating unit in a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a flow passage inside a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a flow passage inside a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a flow passage inside a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a water purification system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of a filter component in a water purification system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Reference numerals of the present application:

[0056] 100. Filter component;

[0057] 1. Shell; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Filter bottle; 14. End cover; 15. Flow channel;

[0058] 2. membrane element; 20. through hole; 21. opening; 22. annular gap;

[0059] 230, seals;

[0060] 3. Heating unit; 31. Electric heating element;

[0061] 4. heat conducting element; 41. heat conducting shell; 42. mounting cavity;

[0062] 51. Water inlet solenoid valve; 52. Pretreatment module; 53. Water pump; 54. Reverse osmosis membrane; 55. Post-filter element;

[0063] 6. Water outlet structure; 61. Water outlet faucet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. It should be understood that these implementation methods are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, various equivalent forms of modifications to the present invention by those skilled in the art fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0065] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be the only implementation method.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0067] The utility model provides a filter component and a water purification system, which can sterilize the membrane elements of the filter component, significantly reduce the number of bacteria grown on the filter component, prevent the membrane elements from failing, and thus maintain the membrane elements of the filter component with a stable filtering effect, thereby better meeting the user's demand for purified water.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 and Fig.14In the embodiment of the present application specification, a filter assembly 100 is provided, and the filter assembly 100 may include: a shell 1, wherein the shell 1 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12; a membrane element 2 arranged in the shell 1; a fluid flowing into the shell 1 from the inlet 11 is filtered by the membrane element 2 and then flows out from the outlet 12; a heating unit 3, wherein the heating unit 3 is used to heat a medium in contact with the membrane element 2 to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and the medium heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature is used to sterilize the membrane element 2.

[0069] In general, when the filter assembly 100 is in use, the fluid can enter the housing 1 along the inlet 11, and the fluid can be filtered through the membrane element 2 disposed in the housing 1 to produce clean water, and then the clean water can flow out along the outlet 12 on the housing 1, thereby achieving the filtering treatment of the fluid. And the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 can be heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature through the heating unit 3, so that the membrane element 2 is in the medium above the predetermined temperature, and the medium heated to the predetermined temperature is used to sterilize the membrane element 2.

[0070] In particular, when the membrane element 2 has been used for a long time, heating and sterilizing the membrane element 2 through the heating unit 3 can significantly reduce the number of bacteria grown on the membrane element 2 and prevent the membrane element 2 from failing, thereby ensuring the water quality downstream of the membrane element 2 and allowing the filtration assembly 100 to always maintain a stable filtration effect.

[0071] Among them, the fluid input into the inlet 11 can be raw water to be filtered, or it can be water filtered by a pre-filter, or it can be water filtered by a pre-filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter (RO membrane filter), and a post-filter 55, or it can be other types of fluids. The type of fluid can vary depending on the specific application scenario of the filter component 100, and this application does not make any specific limitations here.

[0072] Among them, the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 can be the fluid flowing into the housing 1 from the inlet 11, and the membrane element 2 can be completely or partially immersed in the fluid of the housing 1. When the membrane element 2 needs to be sterilized, the heating unit 3 can be started, and the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or above by the heating unit 3, so as to sterilize the membrane element 2. Among them, the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 can be supplied to the housing 1 through the inlet 11 or other openings on the housing 1. The medium can be the fluid flowing into the housing 1 through the inlet 11 mentioned above, and specifically, the medium can be water. For example, it can be raw water, filtered water, etc. When the medium is water, there is no need to set up additional equipment to generate the medium. At the same time, when the medium is water, the sterilization cost is low, safe and reliable. In addition, when the medium is water, by controlling the amount entering the filter assembly 100, the membrane element 2 can be better covered, and the cleaning dead corner on the membrane element 2 can be avoided, which has a better heating and sterilization effect.

[0073] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the medium may also be a liquid, gas or gas-liquid mixture with a sterilization function. In the embodiments of the present application, the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 is mainly illustrated by taking water (specifically filtered water) flowing into the housing 1 from the inlet 11 as an example, and other forms can be analogously referred to the specific description of the embodiments of the present application, and the present application will not describe them one by one here.

[0074] When the filter assembly 100 is used in a water purification system, the membrane element 2 is sterilized by heating the filtered water flowing into the housing 1 from the inlet 11. The sterilization of the membrane element 2 can be achieved by simply turning on the heating unit 3 to increase the temperature.

[0075] The membrane element 2 may include any one of the following: a microfiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, and a reverse osmosis membrane 54 .

[0076] In a feasible embodiment of the present application, the membrane element 2 includes a microfiltration membrane. The filtration pore size of the microfiltration membrane is generally between 0.1 μm and 1 μm, which can filter impurities and bacteria in the water body well. In addition, the membrane element 2 also includes a support frame, and the microfiltration membrane can be covered on the support frame, and the microfiltration membrane is fully unfolded through the support frame to filter the water body. Designers can adjust the specific structure of the filter assembly 100 and the membrane element 2 according to the needs of use, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0077] In another feasible embodiment of the present application, the membrane element 2 includes an ultrafiltration membrane. The filtration pore size of the ultrafiltration membrane is generally between 1 nm and 100 nm. The ultrafiltration membrane can separate polymer colloids or suspended particles in the water body, and has a good filtering effect. Designers can adjust the specific structure of the filter assembly 100 and the membrane element 2 according to the needs of use, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0078] In another feasible embodiment of the present application, the membrane element 2 includes a nanofiltration membrane. The filtration pore size of the nanofiltration membrane is generally between 1 nm and 2 nm. The nanofiltration membrane can be used to filter and remove organic matter, color molecules or partially soluble salts in the water body, and has a good filtering effect. The designer can adjust the specific structure of the filter assembly 100 and the membrane element 2 according to the use needs, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0079] In another feasible embodiment of the present application, the membrane element 2 includes a reverse osmosis membrane 54 (RO membrane). The filtration pore size of the reverse osmosis membrane 54 is about 0.0001 μm. The RO membrane can be used to filter and remove impurities such as inorganic salts, heavy metal ions, organic matter, colloids, bacteria, viruses, etc. in the water body, and has a good filtering effect.

[0080] Of course, the form of the membrane element 2 can also be any other form of membrane element 2 that needs to be sterilized. In the embodiments of the present application, the membrane element 2 is mainly illustrated by taking a microfiltration membrane (MF) as an example. When the membrane element 2 is in other forms, the specific description of the microfiltration membrane in the embodiments of the present application can be referred to by analogy, and the present application will not describe them one by one here.

[0081] In addition, the specific structural form of the membrane element 2 may include any one of the following: folded membrane, flat membrane, hollow fiber membrane, and rolled membrane, etc. Of course, the specific structural form of the membrane element 2 may also be other structural forms. In the following embodiments of the present application, the membrane element 2 is mainly described in detail by taking the folded membrane and the hollow fiber membrane as examples.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the filter assembly 100 can be specifically applied in a water purification system. When the filter assembly 100 is applied in a water purification system, the inlet 11 of the filter assembly 100 can be used to receive filtered water filtered by an upstream filter unit, for example, when the upstream filter unit includes a reverse osmosis filter element, the inlet 11 of the filter assembly 100 can be used to receive pure water filtered by the reverse osmosis filter element.

[0083] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the housing 1 includes a filter bottle 13 and an end cap 14 disposed on the filter bottle 13, the inlet 11 is disposed on the end cap 14, and the outlet 12 is disposed on the filter bottle 13. In a specific embodiment, the inlet 11 is disposed in the middle of the end cap 14, and the outlet 12 is disposed at the bottom of the filter bottle 13. Of course, in other embodiments, the designer can adjust the location of the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 according to the use requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0084] Furthermore, in order to increase the thermal conductivity of the filter bottle 13 so as to better transfer heat to the medium in contact with the membrane element 2, the filter bottle 13 may be formed of a metal material. Preferably, the filter bottle 13 is formed of a stainless steel material.

[0085] Furthermore, the filter bottle 13 and the end cap 14 are detachably connected. By making the filter bottle 13 and the end cap 14 detachably connected, it is convenient to remove the end cap 14 to install the membrane element 2, which has better installation efficiency.

[0086] Designers can adjust the detachable connection method between the filter bottle 13 and the end cover 14 according to the connection needs. For example, the filter bottle 13 and the end cover 14 are connected by threads, or the filter bottle 13 and the end cover 14 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, or the filter bottle 13 and the end cover 14 are connected by a magnetic structure, etc., and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present application, the heating unit 3 can heat the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 according to the control of the operator, or the heating unit 3 can also heat the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 at a regular interval, or, when the heating unit 3 is used in a water purification system, it can select a suitable time to heat the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 based on actual working conditions, and use the medium heated to above a predetermined temperature to sterilize the membrane element 2, thereby ensuring long-term and stable operation of the membrane element 2.

[0088] Theoretically, when the filter assembly 100 is working normally, although water continuously flows through the membrane element 2, the water temperature is usually room temperature water, usually below 30 degrees Celsius, and the purpose of sterilizing the membrane element 2 in the filter assembly 100 cannot be achieved. In order to sterilize the membrane element 2 in the filter assembly 100, the heating unit 3 can be started to heat the medium in contact with the membrane element 2.

[0089] Wherein, the predetermined temperature is not less than 30 degrees Celsius. Of course, the specific value of the predetermined temperature can be higher. Generally, the higher the predetermined temperature, the shorter the time required for sterilization, and the better the sterilization effect. The predetermined temperature to which the heating unit 3 heats the medium in contact with the membrane element 2 can vary depending on the composition, connection relationship, working parameters, etc. of the water purification system in which the filter assembly 100 is actually applied.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 5 to 10 In the embodiment of the present application, the heating unit 3 is disposed at at least one of the following positions: on the housing 1, inside the housing 1, and outside the housing 1. That is, the heating unit 3 can be disposed at any one of the positions on the housing 1, inside the housing 1, and outside the housing 1, or at at least two of the above positions.

[0091] In some embodiments, the heating unit 3 is disposed on at least the housing 1 .

[0092] When the heating unit 3 is at least arranged on the shell 1, the heating unit 3 can be directly installed on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the shell 1, or the heating unit 3 is embedded in the shell 1, or the heating unit 3 is integrated with the shell 1.

[0093] In this embodiment, when the heating unit 3 is provided on the housing 1, the heating unit 3 can be installed on the outer surface of the housing 1. When the heating unit 3 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1, it is convenient to install the heating unit 3 and to inspect and repair the heating unit 3.

[0094] Alternatively, when the heating unit 3 is disposed on the inner surface of the housing 1 , since the heating unit 3 is in direct contact with water, the heat conduction effect is best.

[0095] Alternatively, when the heating unit 3 can be arranged on the inner surface and the outer surface of the shell 1 at the same time, without considering the installation cost and the production cost, it can have the advantages of being arranged on the inner surface and the outer surface of the shell 1 as mentioned above.

[0096] Alternatively, the heating unit 3 may be embedded in the inner surface (interior) of the housing 1. When the heating unit 3 is embedded in the housing 1, the housing 1 may have a receiving groove for installing the heating unit 3, and the heating unit 3 may be embedded in the receiving groove. Specifically, the form of the receiving groove may vary depending on the specific form of the heating unit 3, and the present application does not make any specific limitation here.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, or, the heating unit 3 can be integrated with the housing 1, that is, the housing 1 itself is the heating unit 3. When the housing 1 itself is the heating unit 3, the structure of the filter assembly 100 can be simplified, a better heat conduction effect can be achieved, and the installation cost can be reduced.

[0098] In some embodiments, the heating unit 3 is disposed at least outside the shell 1 , and the heating unit 3 is in direct or indirect contact with the outer surface of the shell 1 .

[0099] like Figure 8As shown, when the heating unit 3 is disposed outside the housing 1, the heating unit 3 can be in direct contact with the outer surface of the housing 1, and there is no gap between the heating unit 3 and the outer surface of the housing 1. When the heating unit 3 is started, the generated heat can be quickly transferred to the housing 1, heating the housing 1, and then heating the medium in contact with the housing 1, heating the medium in the housing 1 to above a predetermined temperature, and sterilizing the membrane element 2 in contact with the medium.

[0100] Or, if Fig. 9 As shown, when the heating unit 3 is arranged outside the shell 1, the heating unit 3 can be in indirect contact with the outer surface of the shell 1, and there is a certain gap between the heating unit 3 and the outer surface of the shell 1. In order to ensure that the heat generated by the heating unit 3 can be transferred to the medium in the shell 1, the heating unit 3 can also include a heat-conducting element 4. The heat-conducting element 4 is used to conduct the heat generated by the heating unit 3 into the medium in the shell 1. Specifically, a part of the heat-conducting element 4 can be in contact with the medium in the shell 1, and a part can be in contact with the heating unit 3, so that the heat generated by the heating unit 3 can be transferred to the medium in the shell 1.

[0101] In general, when the heating unit 3 is disposed outside the housing 1 , since it will not come into direct contact with water, the water-electricity separation requirement of the heating unit 3 is low, that is, the waterproof requirement is low.

[0102] In some embodiments, the heating unit 3 is disposed at least in the housing 1. There is a gap between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1, and the heating unit 3 is disposed in the gap.

[0103] In this embodiment, the heating unit 3 can be arranged in the housing 1. Specifically, the arrangement position of the heating unit 3 can be specifically arranged according to the specific composition and matching relationship in the housing 1. Generally, a gap is formed between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1. Specifically, the gap can be an annular gap 22 formed between the inner surface of the housing 1 and the outer side of the membrane element 2. The heating unit 3 can be located in the annular gap 22.

[0104] Or, if Fig.10 As shown, the membrane element 2 is in a hollow columnar shape, and the heating unit 3 is arranged in the hollow part of the membrane element 2 .

[0105] When the membrane element 2 is in a hollow columnar shape, the hollow portion may be in the form of a through hole 20. The heating unit 3 may be in a columnar shape, and the cross-sectional size of the heating unit 3 is smaller than the aperture of the through hole 20 of the membrane element 2, so that the heating unit 3 can extend into the hollow portion of the membrane element 2. When the heating unit 3 starts heating, the heating unit 3 can transfer heat to the medium in contact with it, and heat the medium to above a predetermined temperature, thereby sterilizing the membrane element 2.

[0106] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, in other embodiments, the heating unit 3 is disposed at the inlet 11 or upstream of the inlet 11 and communicated with the inlet 11, and the heating unit 3 can heat the medium entering the inlet 11. In this embodiment, the heating unit 3 can be used to heat the medium entering the inlet 11. When it is necessary to sterilize the membrane element 2 in the filter assembly 100, the heating unit 3 can be started, and the medium flowing through the heating unit 3 can be heated to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, so as to enter the housing 1 to sterilize the membrane element 2.

[0107] The heating unit 3 may be a part of the filter assembly 100. When the filter assembly 100 is used in a water purification system, a module in the water purification system that has a function of heating the medium may also be used without additional configuration.

[0108] Please refer to Fig. 9 or Fig.11 Furthermore, the filter assembly 100 may also include a heat-conducting element 4 , and the heat-conducting element 4 is used to introduce the heat generated by the heating unit 3 into the medium in the shell 1 .

[0109] In some embodiments, in order to more efficiently and directly introduce the heat generated by the heating unit 3 into the medium in the housing 1, the filter assembly 100 may also be provided with a heat conducting element 4. Specifically, the specific shape, structure and location of the heat conducting element 4 may be comprehensively determined based on the matching relationship between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1.

[0110] like Fig.11 As shown, in one embodiment, the membrane element 2 is in a hollow columnar shape, and the heat-conducting element 4 is disposed in the hollow portion of the membrane element 2. Further, the heat-conducting element 4 is in contact with the heating unit 3, and the heating unit 3 is located at one end of the membrane element 2. The heat-conducting element 4 is in a columnar shape as a whole and is disposed in the hollow portion of the membrane element 2.

[0111] Specifically, the membrane element 2 may be in the shape of a hollow column, and may have a first end and a second end along the extension direction of the column. For the embodiment provided with the heat-conducting element 4, the hollow portion of the membrane element 2 may accommodate the medium to be heated, and the heat-conducting element 4 may be installed in the hollow portion of the membrane element 2 to heat the medium to be heated to a temperature above a predetermined temperature. In addition, since the heat-conducting element 4 is arranged inside the membrane element 2, the internal space of the membrane element 2 may be efficiently utilized, so that the overall structure of the filter assembly 100 is compact and does not occupy too much installation space.

[0112] When the heat-conducting element 4 is disposed in the hollow part of the membrane element 2, the heat-conducting element 4 is in a columnar shape as a whole and is disposed in the hollow part of the membrane element 2. One end of the heat-conducting element 4 can extend out of the housing 1 and contact the heating unit 3. The heating unit 3 can be located outside the housing 1 and not contact the medium in the housing 1, thereby reducing the waterproof performance requirements of the heating unit 3 and ensuring the reliability and safety of the heating unit 3 when in use.

[0113] In another embodiment, there is a gap between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1, and the heat-conducting element 4 is disposed between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1. Further, the heat-conducting element 4 is in contact with the heating unit 3, the heating unit 3 is located at one end of the membrane element 2, and the heat-conducting element 4 is annular as a whole and is sleeved on the periphery of the membrane element 2.

[0114] In this embodiment, a gap is formed between the outer side of the membrane element 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1, and the gap may be a ring-shaped gap 22. The heat-conducting element 4 may be in a hollow ring shape, and the heat-conducting element 4 is inserted into the ring-shaped gap 22 and contacts the medium in the ring-shaped gap 22, so that the heat generated by the heating unit 3 can be conducted to the medium, so that the temperature of the medium is raised to above a predetermined temperature.

[0115] In this embodiment, one end of the heat conducting element 4 can extend out of the housing 1 and contact the heating unit 3. The heating unit 3 can be located outside the housing 1 and not contact the medium in the housing 1, thereby reducing the waterproof performance requirements of the heating unit 3 and ensuring the reliability and safety of the heating unit 3 when in use.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the heat conducting element 4 is disposed between the heating unit 3 and the housing 1 .

[0117] Since the heating unit 3 is limited by its own structure, it is sometimes difficult for the heating unit 3 to fit well on the housing 1 , thereby reducing the heating effect of the heating unit 3 on the housing 1 .

[0118] In order to solve the above problem, in some embodiments of the present application, the filter assembly 100 further includes a heat-conducting element 4 , and the heat-conducting element 4 is disposed between the heating unit 3 and the housing 1 .

[0119] Specifically, the heat-conducting element 4 includes a heat-conducting shell 41 , which is sleeved on the housing 1 . The heat-conducting shell 41 has at least one mounting cavity 42 , and the heating unit 3 is inserted into the mounting cavity 42 .

[0120] Furthermore, the heat-conducting shell 41 includes a plurality of heat conductors, which are arranged on the shell 1 along the circumference of the shell 1 , and adjacent heat conductors are detachably connected to each other, and the installation cavity 42 is provided on the heat conductor.

[0121] In an embodiment, the heat-conducting shell 41 may include a plurality of heat conductors, which are arranged on the shell 1 along the circumference of the shell 1 , and adjacent heat conductors are detachably connected to each other, and a mounting cavity 42 is provided on the heat conductor.

[0122] The heat-conducting shell 41 is formed by connecting a plurality of heat conductors, so that the plurality of heat conductors are relatively independent from each other, and it is convenient to replace a damaged heat conductor, thereby reducing the maintenance cost.

[0123] In a specific embodiment, when the housing 1 is substantially cylindrical, two heat conductors may be provided, and both heat conductors are constructed as semicircular arc structures.

[0124] The semicircular heat conductor can be quickly snap-fitted onto the outer wall of the housing 1 by utilizing its semicircular inner end surface, thus achieving better positioning and installation efficiency.

[0125] In other specific implementations, designers can adjust the specific structure and number of settings of the heat conductor according to usage requirements, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0126] Furthermore, the heat-conducting shell 41 is formed of metal material. Preferably, the heat-conducting shell 41 is formed of aluminum. By using the heat-conducting shell 41 formed of aluminum, the heat-conducting shell 41 is light in weight and has good thermal conductivity, and the service life of the heat-conducting shell 41 is also increased.

[0127] Of course, designers can adjust the molding material of the heat-conducting shell 41 according to usage requirements, such as non-metallic materials, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0128] In an embodiment of the present application, a clamping structure may be provided between adjacent heat conductors. The clamping structure may include a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion respectively provided on the adjacent heat conductors. When the adjacent heat conductors are in a docking state, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion may be detachably clamped together.

[0129] Designers can adjust the specific structure of the first clamping part and the second clamping part according to usage requirements. For example, the first clamping part and the second clamping part can be constructed as a snap structure, or the first clamping part and the second clamping part can also be constructed as a slot and block structure, which is not specifically limited here.

[0130] In other embodiments, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion may also be replaced by the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. When adjacent heat conductors are butted against each other, the adjacent heat conductors can be magnetically attracted to each other through the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion.

[0131] Of course, designers can adjust the connection method between adjacent heat conductors according to installation requirements, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0132] like Fig.11 or Fig.12 For the filter assembly 100, a flow passage 15 is formed inside the filter assembly 100, and the flow passage 15 can be used for the fluid to flow into the housing 1. Specifically, the specific form of the flow passage 15 can be determined comprehensively according to the specific structure of the membrane element 2, the matching relationship between the membrane element 2 and the housing 1, the structure of the housing 1, the composition inside the housing 1, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, a flow channel 15 is formed inside the filter assembly 100, the membrane element 2 is in a hollow columnar shape, and a through hole 20 is formed in the hollow portion of the membrane element 2; the membrane element 2 is sealed with the shell 1 at the end or near the end, and an annular gap 22 is formed between the outer side of the membrane element 2 and the inner surface of the shell 1; along the water flow direction, the flow channel 15 includes: the through hole 20, the membrane element 2 and the annular gap 22 connected in sequence; or, the flow channel 15 includes: the annular gap 22, the membrane element 2 and the through hole 20 connected in sequence.

[0134] In this embodiment, the membrane element 2 may be in the shape of a hollow column, and a through hole 20 is formed in the hollow part of the membrane element 2. For example, the membrane element 2 may be in the shape of a ring, or a ring-like shape. Of course, the shape and structure of the membrane element 2 are not limited to the above examples. In the embodiments and drawings of the present application, the membrane element 2 is mainly illustrated as a ring. The membrane element 2 has a first end and a second end in its longitudinal extension direction. A seal 230 may be provided between the first end and the second end and the housing 1. The seals 230 are used to form a sealed fit between the housing 1 and the ends of the membrane element 2. By providing the seals 230, an annular gap 22 with closed ends is formed between the outer side of the membrane element 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1.

[0135] like Fig.11 As shown, the flow passage 15 may include: the annular gap 22, the membrane element 2 and the through hole 20 which are connected in sequence. The annular gap 22 is connected to the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the through hole 20 is connected to the outlet 12 of the housing 1.

[0136] It should be noted that a heating unit 3 may be provided on a side of the through hole 20 of the membrane element 2 close to the inlet 11 of the shell 1 , and the heating unit 3 is sealed and matched with the through hole 20 .

[0137] The fluid can first enter the housing 1 through the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the fluid entering the housing 1 can first enter the annular gap 22, and then penetrate the membrane element 2 radially from the outside to the inside, enter the through hole 20, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the housing 1. Since the fluid flows through the membrane element 2 from the outside to the inside, the contact area between the fluid and the membrane element 2 is large, so that the membrane element 2 can filter the fluid efficiently.

[0138] Along the water flow direction, the flow passage 15 may include: the through hole 20, the membrane element 2 and the annular gap 22 connected in sequence. The through hole 20 is connected to the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the annular gap 22 is connected to the outlet 12 of the housing 1.

[0139] The fluid first enters the shell 1 through the inlet 11 of the shell 1, and the fluid entering the shell 1 can first enter the through hole 20, and then penetrate the membrane element 2 radially from the inside to the outside, enter the annular gap 22, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the shell 1.

[0140] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a flow channel 15 is formed inside the filter assembly 100, the membrane element 2 is in a hollow columnar shape, and an opening 21 is formed in the hollow portion of the membrane element 2; the membrane element 2 has a first end and a second end, the membrane element 2 is sealed with the shell 1 at the first end or near the first end, and the second end of the membrane element 2 is a blocking end; an annular gap 22 is formed between the outer side of the membrane element 2 and the inner surface of the shell 1; along the water flow direction, the flow channel 15 includes: the annular gap 22, the membrane element 2 and the opening 21 of the membrane element 2 connected in sequence; or, the flow channel 15 includes: the opening 21 of the membrane element 2, the membrane element 2 and the annular gap 22 connected in sequence.

[0141] In this embodiment, the membrane element 2 may be in the shape of a hollow column, and the hollow part of the membrane element 2 forms an opening 21. The opening 21 is a blind hole with one end open and one end closed. For example, the membrane element 2 may be in the shape of a ring, or a quasi-ring. Of course, the shape and structure of the membrane element 2 are not limited to the above examples. In the embodiments and drawings of the present application, the membrane element 2 is mainly illustrated as a ring. The membrane element 2 has a first end and a second end in its longitudinal extension direction, and the second end is a blocking end. A seal 230 may be provided between the first end or near the first end and the housing 1, and the seal 230 is used to form a sealed fit relationship between the housing 1 and the first end of the membrane element 2. By providing the seal 230, an annular gap 22 with a closed end is formed between the outer side of the membrane element 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1.

[0142] like Fig.12 As shown, the flow passage 15 may include: the annular gap 22, the membrane element 2 and the opening 21 of the membrane element 2 which are connected in sequence. The annular gap 22 is connected to the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the opening 21 is connected to the outlet 12 of the housing 1.

[0143] The fluid can first enter the housing 1 through the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the fluid entering the housing 1 can first enter the annular gap 22, and then penetrate the membrane element 2 radially from the outside to the inside, enter the opening 21, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the housing 1. Since the fluid flows through the membrane element 2 from the outside to the inside, the contact area between the fluid and the membrane element 2 is large, so that the membrane element 2 can filter the fluid efficiently.

[0144] The flow passage 15 includes: an opening 21 of the membrane element 2, the membrane element 2 and the annular gap 22 which are connected in sequence. The opening 21 is connected to the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the annular gap 22 is connected to the outlet 12 of the housing 1.

[0145] The fluid first enters the shell 1 through the inlet 11 of the shell 1, and the fluid entering the shell 1 can first enter the opening 21, and then penetrate the membrane element 2 radially from the inside to the outside, enter the annular gap 22, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the shell 1.

[0146] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a flow channel 15 is formed inside the filter assembly 100, the membrane element 2 includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a through hole 20 is formed in the hollow portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes, a water-permeable hole is provided on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are sealed with the shell 1 near the end position, a flow gap is formed between the outer sides of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the inner surface of the shell 1, and a flow hole connected to the flow gap is provided on the shell 1; along the water flow direction, the flow channel 15 includes: the flow gap connected in sequence, the water-permeable holes of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the through hole 20; or, the flow channel 15 includes: the through holes 20 of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes connected in sequence, the water-permeable holes and the flow gap.

[0147] In this embodiment, the specific form of the membrane element 2 can be a hollow fiber membrane. The membrane element 2 can include multiple hollow fiber membranes, and the multiple hollow fiber membranes are connected in parallel to form a fiber bundle. Taking one of the hollow fiber membranes as an example, the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane forms a through hole 20, and the surface of the hollow fiber membrane is provided with a water-permeable hole. The multiple hollow fiber membranes are sealed and matched with the shell 1 near the end position, and a flow gap is formed between the outer side of the fiber bundle formed by the multiple hollow fiber membranes and the inner surface of the shell 1.

[0148] like Fig.13 As shown, the flow passage 15 may include: a flow gap, a plurality of water-permeable holes of the hollow fiber membranes and the through hole 20 that are connected in sequence. The flow gap is connected to the inlet 11 of the shell 1, and the through hole 20 is connected to the outlet 12 of the shell 1.

[0149] The fluid can first enter the housing 1 through the inlet 11 of the housing 1, and the fluid entering the housing 1 can first enter the flow gap, and then penetrate the hollow fiber membrane from the outside to the inside through the water-permeable hole, enter the through hole 20, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the housing 1. Since the fluid flows through the membrane element 2 from the outside to the inside, the contact area between the fluid and the membrane element 2 is large, so that the membrane element 2 can filter the fluid efficiently.

[0150] In the direction of water flow, the flow passage 15 may include: through holes 20 of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes connected in sequence, the water permeable holes and the flow gap. The through holes 20 are connected to the inlet 11 of the shell 1, and the flow gap is connected to the outlet 12 of the shell 1.

[0151] The fluid first enters the shell 1 through the inlet 11 of the shell 1. The fluid entering the shell 1 can first enter the through hole 20, and then penetrate the hollow fiber membrane from the inside to the outside along the radial direction through the water-permeable hole as a whole, enter the flow gap, and then flow out of the filter assembly 100 through the outlet 12 of the shell 1.

[0152] In the embodiment of the present application, the heating unit 3 includes at least one electric heating element 31 disposed on the housing 1. Specifically, the electric heating element 31 may include any one or a combination of the following: a PTC thermistor, a rare earth thick film, and a heating coil.

[0153] The electric heating element 31 can be electrically connected to the control system through a circuit. The heating time and the amount of heat generated by the electric heating element 31 can be conveniently adjusted by controlling the current, so that the housing 1 and the medium (water) in the housing 1 can be better heated. The designer can adjust the input time and intensity of the current according to the use requirements, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0154] In a specific embodiment, the electric heating element 31 includes a PTC thermistor. The PTC thermistor can be attached to the housing 1.

[0155] When the PTC thermistor is powered on, it can generate heat to heat the shell 1 and the water in the first shell 1. The heated water can sterilize the membrane element 2 at high temperature, thereby significantly reducing the number of bacteria on the membrane element 2 and ensuring the filtering effect of the filter assembly 100.

[0156] In another specific embodiment, the electric heating element 31 includes a rare earth thick film. The rare earth thick film can be attached to the housing 1, and the rare earth thick film can convert electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the housing 1 and the water in the housing 1, which has the advantages of high heating efficiency, uniform heating, and low energy consumption.

[0157] In another specific embodiment, the electric heating element 31 includes a heating coil. The heating coil can be coiled on the housing 1. When the heating coil is powered on, the heating coil can generate heat to heat the housing 1 and the water in the housing 1, and the heated water can sterilize the membrane element 2 at high temperature.

[0158] Of course, in other embodiments, designers can adjust the specific structure of the electric heating element 31 according to usage requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0159] In other feasible embodiments of the present application, the heating unit 3 may be configured as other types, such as a hot water pipeline, which is not specifically limited here. The hot water pipeline disc is arranged on the housing 1 to heat the membrane element 2 in the housing 1. The hot water transported by the hot water pipeline may be generated by a hot water generation module arranged upstream of the filter assembly 100. Preferably, the hot water generation module is arranged in the water purification system.

[0160] A water purification system is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the water purification system includes the above-mentioned filter component 100. The water purification system can achieve the technical effect achieved by the filter component 100 embodiment by setting the filter component 100. For details, please refer to the specific description of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present application will not repeat it here.

[0161] like Fig.14 As shown, in addition to the above-mentioned filter assembly 100, the water purification system may also be provided with: a water inlet solenoid valve 51, a pretreatment module 52, a water pump 53, a reverse osmosis membrane 54, a post-filter element 55 and other structures arranged in sequence along the water flow direction.

[0162] In some embodiments, the water purification system may further include a water outlet structure 6 , and the filter assembly 100 is disposed at the water outlet structure 6 .

[0163] like Fig.15 As shown, in the present embodiment, the water purification system may also be provided with a water outlet structure 6, through which water is output to the user. Specifically, the water outlet structure 6 may include a water outlet tap 61. Of course, the specific form of the water outlet structure 6, or when the water outlet structure 6 includes a water outlet tap 61, the specific form of the water outlet tap 61 is not specifically limited in this application. In the embodiment of the present application, the water outlet structure 6 is illustrated by taking the water outlet tap 61 as an example. When the water outlet structure 6 includes the water outlet tap 61, the water outlet tap 61 has an outlet 12. When the filter assembly 100 is arranged on the water outlet structure 6, the length of the flow channel between the filter assembly 100 and the outlet 12 can be effectively shortened, and the sterilization blind area can be reduced, thereby better meeting people's needs for water purification.

[0164] In other embodiments, the water purification system further includes a water outlet structure 6 , and the filter assembly 100 is disposed upstream of the water outlet structure 6 .

[0165] In this embodiment, unlike the above-mentioned arrangement of the filter assembly 100 at the water outlet structure 6, the filter assembly 100 can be arranged upstream of the water outlet structure 6. Of course, the filter assembly 100 can also be arranged downstream of the water outlet structure 6. When the filter assembly 100 is arranged downstream of the water outlet structure 6, the filter assembly 100, as the most downstream structure of the water purification system, can maximize the shortening of the length of the flow channel between the filter assembly 100 and the outlet 12, reduce the sterilization blind area, and thus better meet people's needs for water purification.

[0166] In one embodiment, the water purification system further includes a reverse osmosis membrane 54 located upstream of the filter assembly 100 , and the fluid flowing into the housing 1 from the inlet 11 is pure water filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane 54 .

[0167] In this embodiment, the water purification system may be provided with a reverse osmosis membrane 54 upstream of the filter assembly 100. The reverse osmosis membrane 54 may be used to first filter the water entering the water purification system, thereby obtaining filtered pure water.

[0168] However, in the terminal pipeline from the filter element where the reverse osmosis membrane 54 is located to the water outlet faucet, bacteria in the air will climb into this terminal pipeline through the faucet outlet, so that the water purification system will produce bacteria after a certain period of use, resulting in unqualified water colonies. In this application, a filter component 100 with a sterilization function is set in the terminal pipeline. First, the filter component 100 is used to filter the bacteria in the terminal pipeline. After the membrane element 2 of the filter component 100 has been used for a period of time, the heating unit 3 can be used to sterilize the membrane element 2 set in the terminal pipeline in time, and the membrane element 2 can be regenerated at the same time, which can not only significantly reduce the number of bacteria bred on the membrane element 2, but also repair the ability of the membrane element 2 to intercept bacteria, thereby ensuring the water quality downstream of the filter component 100, and allowing the filter component 100 to always maintain a stable filtering effect.

[0169] The designer may adjust the heating time and frequency of the heating unit 3 heating the membrane element 2 according to the use requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0170] When the filter assembly 100 heats and sterilizes the membrane element 2 through the heating unit 3, a small amount of high-temperature water will be generated in the housing 1. Due to the volume limitation of the housing 1, the heating unit 3 can raise the temperature of the water in the housing 1 to the set temperature in a short heating time, and the heating time is usually short, and the amount of high-temperature water generated is usually small.

[0171] When the heating unit 3 heats and sterilizes the membrane element 2 and the water purification system does not need to take water, the high-temperature water will cool naturally in the water purification system and will not affect the user's use.

[0172] When the heating unit 3 heats and sterilizes the membrane element 2 and the water purification system needs to take water, the high-temperature water will be mixed with the water filtered by the post-filter element 55 and transported. During the mixing process, the temperature of the high-temperature hot water will continue to drop to room temperature, reducing the impact on user use.

[0173] Of course, designers can also preset the heating time of the heating unit 3 to avoid the user's water demand. For example, the heating unit 3 can be started in the second half of the night to heat the membrane element 2, so that the high-temperature water generated after heating has sufficient time to cool naturally, thereby reducing the impact on the user.

[0174] Preferably, the heating time of the heating unit 3 can be set between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Of course, the designer can adjust the heating time of the heating unit 3 according to the user's usage habits, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0175] Furthermore, the heating unit 3 may also be a hot water generation module (e.g., a hot tank, an instant heating module, etc.) in a water purification system. The basic function of the hot water generation module is to heat the filtered clean water, thereby providing the heated clean water to the user. By using the hot water generation module in the water purification system to heat and sterilize the membrane element 2, the utilization rate of the hot water generation module in the water purification system is improved, and the manufacturing cost is also reduced. The designer can determine the specific structure of the heating unit 3 according to the use requirements, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0176] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects. There is no order of precedence between the two, and they cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0177] The above-mentioned various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0178] The above are only a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed by the present invention are as above, the contents are only embodiments adopted for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. Any technician in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make any modification and change in the form and details of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed by the present invention, but the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall still be subject to the scope defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A filter assembly, characterized in that: The filter assembly comprises: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a membrane element disposed in the housing; The fluid flowing into the housing from the inlet is filtered by the membrane element and then flows out from the outlet; A heating unit is used to heat the medium in contact with the membrane element to a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and the medium heated to a temperature above the predetermined temperature is used to sterilize the membrane element.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined temperature is not less than 30 degrees Celsius.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The medium is water.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The membrane element includes any one of the following: a microfiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, and a reverse osmosis membrane.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that The membrane element may be in any one of the following structural forms: a folded membrane, a flat membrane, a hollow fiber membrane, and a spiral membrane.

6. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The heating unit is disposed at at least one of the following positions: on the shell, inside the shell, and outside the shell.

7. The filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The heating unit is at least arranged on the shell.

8. The filter assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that The heating unit is directly mounted on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the shell, or the heating unit is embedded in the shell, or the heating unit is integrated with the shell.

9. The filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The heating unit is at least disposed outside the shell, and the heating unit is in direct or indirect contact with the outer surface of the shell.

10. The filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The heating unit is at least arranged in the shell, a gap is provided between the membrane element and the shell, and the heating unit is arranged in the gap.

11. The filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The heating unit is at least arranged in the shell, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and the heating unit is arranged in the hollow part of the membrane element.

12. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The heating unit is disposed at the inlet or upstream of the inlet and communicates with the inlet, and the heating unit is capable of heating the medium entering the inlet.

13. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The filter assembly further comprises a heat-conducting element, which is used to conduct heat generated by the heating unit into the medium in the housing.

14. The filter assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that The membrane element is in a hollow column shape, and the heat-conducting element is arranged in the hollow part of the membrane element.

15. The filter assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The heat-conducting element is in contact with the heating unit, the heating unit is located at one end of the membrane element, the heat-conducting element is columnar as a whole, and the heat-conducting element is arranged through the hollow part of the membrane element.

16. The filter assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that There is a gap between the membrane element and the shell, and the heat conducting element is arranged in the gap between the membrane element and the shell.

17. The filter assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that The heat-conducting element is in contact with the heating unit, the heating unit is located at one end of the membrane element, the heat-conducting element is in a ring shape as a whole, and the heat-conducting element is sleeved on the periphery of the membrane element.

18. The filter assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that The heat conducting element is disposed between the heating unit and the housing.

19. The filter assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that The heat-conducting element comprises a heat-conducting shell, the heat-conducting shell is sleeved on the housing, the heat-conducting shell has at least one installation cavity, and the heating unit is inserted into the installation cavity.

20. The filter assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that The heat-conducting shell comprises a plurality of heat conductors, which are arranged on the shell along the circumference of the shell, and adjacent heat conductors are detachably connected to each other, and the installation cavity is arranged on the heat conductor.

21. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A flow channel is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and a through hole is formed in the hollow part of the membrane element; the membrane element is sealed with the shell at the end or near the end, and an annular gap is formed between the outer side of the membrane element and the inner surface of the shell; Along the water flow direction, the flow passage includes: the through hole, the membrane element and the annular gap connected in sequence; or, the flow passage includes: the annular gap, the membrane element and the through hole connected in sequence.

22. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A flow channel is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element is in a hollow columnar shape, and an opening is formed in the hollow portion of the membrane element; the membrane element has a first end and a second end, the membrane element is sealed with the housing at the first end or near the first end, and the second end of the membrane element is a blocking end; An annular gap is formed between the outer side of the membrane element and the inner surface of the shell; Along the water flow direction, the flow passage comprises: the annular gap, the membrane element and the opening of the membrane element which are connected in sequence; Alternatively, the flow passage sequentially connects the opening of the membrane element, the membrane element and the annular gap.

23. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A flow passage is formed inside the filter assembly, the membrane element comprises a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a through hole is formed in the hollow portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes, a water permeable hole is provided on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane, the plurality of hollow fiber membranes are sealed with the shell near the end position, a flow gap is formed between the outer side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the inner surface of the shell, and a flow hole connected to the flow gap is provided on the shell; Along the water flow direction, the flow channel includes: a flow gap connected in sequence, a plurality of water-permeable holes of the hollow fiber membranes and the through holes; or, the flow channel includes: a plurality of through holes of the hollow fiber membranes connected in sequence, the water-permeable holes and the flow gap.

24. The filter assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The heating unit includes at least one electric heating element arranged on the housing.

25. The filter assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that The electric heating element includes any one of the following or a combination thereof: a PTC thermistor, a rare earth thick film, and a heating coil.

26. A water purification system, characterized in that: include: The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. The water purification system according to claim 26, characterized in that: The water purification system also includes a water outlet structure, and the filter assembly is arranged at the water outlet structure.

28. The water purification system according to claim 26, characterized in that: The water purification system further comprises a water outlet structure, and the filter assembly is arranged upstream of the water outlet structure.

29. The water purification system according to claim 26, characterized in that: The water purification system further comprises a reverse osmosis membrane located upstream of the filter assembly, and the fluid flowing into the housing from the inlet is pure water filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane.

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