Softening filter element assembly and water tank

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses a softening filter element assembly and a water tank, the softening filter element assembly comprises a filter element box, and a softening resin layer is arranged on one side, close to the box bottom, in the filter element box; at least one water permeable hole is formed in the bottom of the filter element box; filter cotton layers are respectively arranged on one side, close to the bottom of the filter element box, of the softened resin layer and one side, close to the top of the box, of the softened resin layer. According to the water purifier, the softening resin layer is arranged in one filter element to serve as an independent filter element to be separated from the RO membrane filter element in the water purifier, so that the RO membrane filter element is separated from the softening filter element, the service life of each filter element is not influenced mutually, meanwhile, the filter element box is arranged in the raw water tank, the water hardness is reduced, the RO membrane is protected, and the service life of the RO membrane is prolonged. The service life attenuation of the RO membrane is prevented from being too fast, the internal space of the water purifier does not need to be additionally occupied, and the miniaturization design of the water purifier is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water purifiers. More specifically, it relates to a water softening filter assembly and a water tank. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main function of softening resin is to remove hardness ions from water, such as calcium and magnesium ions. These hardness ions are the main factors leading to scale formation, which not only affects the taste and appearance of water but can also damage the internal components of household water purifiers. By placing softening resin in the raw water tank, water can be softened before it enters the purifier, thus significantly improving water quality.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, the RO membrane filter layer and the softening resin filter layer in water purifier filter cartridges have different service lives during use, and the cost and lifespan of the RO membrane filter layer are relatively high. If all the filter membranes are integrated into one filter cartridge, the lifespan of the filter cartridge will be based on the shortest lifespan of each membrane layer in the filter cartridge. When replacing it, the entire filter cartridge is usually replaced, which results in a short overall lifespan of the filter cartridge, causing unavoidable waste and leading to excessively high overall usage costs. On the other hand, if the filter cartridges for each membrane layer are set in separate filter cartridges, this will result in too many filter cartridges, occupying a lot of space and affecting the convenience of using the water purifier. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water softening filter assembly and a water tank to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The first aspect of this utility model provides a softening filter element assembly, comprising:

[0007] The filter cartridge has a softening resin layer disposed on one side near the bottom of the cartridge.

[0008] The bottom of the filter cartridge is provided with at least one water-permeable hole;

[0009] The softening resin layer has filter cotton layers on the side near the bottom of the filter cartridge and the side near the top of the cartridge.

[0010] Preferably, the softening filter assembly further includes a filter cover that is detachably mounted on the top of the filter cartridge;

[0011] The filter element cover has at least one water-permeable hole on its top.

[0012] Preferably, the top of the filter cartridge box is provided with a guide groove that mates with the filter cover, and the filter cover is placed on top of the filter cartridge box through the guide groove.

[0013] Preferably, the guide groove is deeper than the filter cover thickness to form an outer wall around the filter cover to prevent raw water flowing through the filter cover from splashing out.

[0014] Preferably, a handle is fixedly provided on the side of the filter element cover away from the filter element box.

[0015] Preferably, the softening filter assembly is a disposable softening filter assembly.

[0016] The second aspect of this utility model provides a water tank, comprising:

[0017] Raw water tank and softening filter assembly as described in any one of the first aspects;

[0018] The filter cartridge of the softening filter assembly can be detachably installed in the raw water tank. Raw water flows into the filter cartridge and is softened by the softening resin before flowing out through the water permeable holes to the raw water tank.

[0019] Preferably, the raw water tank has multiple inwardly protruding fixing protrusions inside;

[0020] The filter cartridge of the filter cartridge assembly is provided with multiple fixing grooves that cooperate with fixing protrusions so that the filter cartridge is placed on each fixing protrusion.

[0021] Preferably, the bottom of the filter element assembly is higher than the full water level of the raw water tank.

[0022] Preferably, the raw water tank has a water tank handle rotatably connected to its top.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] In this invention, the softening resin layer is configured as a softening filter element assembly, separate from the RO membrane filter element in the water purifier, ensuring that the lifespan of each filter element does not affect the others. By placing the filter element box in the raw water tank, this invention reduces the space occupied by the softening filter element assembly within the water purifier. Therefore, both the RO membrane filter element and the softening filter element assembly can be fully utilized, extending the lifespan of the RO membrane and the softening resin, and reducing operating costs. Finally, placing the filter element box in the raw water tank reduces water hardness, protects the RO membrane, prevents excessively rapid RO membrane lifespan degradation, and eliminates the need for additional space within the water purifier, thus facilitating miniaturized water purifier design. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram shows the overall three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded view of the softening filter element assembly of this utility model is shown.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers

[0029] 1. Raw water tank; 2. Softening filter assembly; 21. Filter cartridge box; 22. First filter cotton layer; 23. Second filter cotton layer; 24. Filter cartridge cover; 25. Handle; 3. Water tank handle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To more clearly illustrate this utility model, the following description, in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, further explains the present utility model. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] The first embodiment of this utility model provides a softening filter element assembly 2, including:

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in the filter cartridge 21, a softening resin layer is provided on one side near the bottom of the cartridge.

[0033] The bottom of the filter cartridge 21 is provided with one or more water-permeable holes;

[0034] The softening resin layer has filter cotton layers on the side near the bottom of the filter cartridge 21 and on the side near the top of the cartridge. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a softening resin (not shown in the figure) is disposed between the first filter cotton layer 22 and the second filter cotton layer 23.

[0035] The first filter cotton layer 22 and the second filter cotton layer 23 of this disclosure can effectively protect the softening resin layer and prevent the softening resin layer from being contaminated by suspended matter, impurities and pollutants outside the softening filter element assembly, thereby protecting the softening resin layer, reducing clogging and wear of the softening resin, and extending its service life.

[0036] Filter cotton, through its microporous structure and surface charge adsorption, can efficiently trap various impurities in raw water. These impurities may include dust, sand, and pollen from the air, or suspended solids, silt, and rust from the water. In air filters, filter cotton effectively prevents these impurities from entering the engine, preventing engine performance degradation due to wear caused by impurities; by removing suspended solids and other impurities from water, filter cotton protects the normal use of subsequent filter cartridges, while also improving the transparency and purity of the water.

[0037] In addition to physical filtration, filter cotton also has excellent adsorption capacity. Some heavy metal ions, organic matter, and other substances that are difficult to decompose can be adsorbed on the surface of the filter cotton, thereby reducing the pollution of these harmful substances to the environment. In water purifiers, this characteristic helps to further purify the water.

[0038] In this invention, the softening resin layer is configured as a softening filter element assembly 2, separate from the RO membrane filter element in the water purifier, so that the service life of each filter element does not affect the others. By placing the filter element box 21 in the raw water tank 1, this invention reduces the space occupied by the softening filter element assembly 2 within the water purifier. Therefore, both the RO membrane filter element and the softening filter element assembly 2 can be fully utilized, extending the service life of the RO membrane and the softening resin, and reducing operating costs. Finally, by placing the filter element box 21 in the raw water tank 1, this invention reduces water hardness, protects the RO membrane, prevents the RO membrane from deteriorating too quickly, and does not require additional space within the water purifier, which is beneficial for miniaturized water purifier design.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the softening filter assembly 2 also includes a filter cover 24 that is detachably mounted on top of the filter cartridge 21;

[0040] The top of the filter cover 24 is provided with one or more water permeable holes. After the raw water flows into the water permeable holes of the filter cover 24, it is softened by the softening resin in the filter box 21 and then flows into the raw water tank 1 through the water permeable holes of the filter box 21.

[0041] The top of the filter cartridge box 21 is provided with a guide groove that mates with the filter cover 24. The filter cover 24 is placed on top of the filter cartridge box 21 through the guide groove. The filter cover 24 is easy to install by placing it through the guide groove.

[0042] The guide groove is deeper than the filter cover 24 to form an outer wall around the filter cover 24 to prevent the raw water flowing through the filter cover 24 from splashing out.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water-permeable holes and guide grooves on the top of the filter cover 24 cooperate with the outer edge formed around the filter cover 24 to prevent raw water flowing into the top of the filter cover 24 from splashing out.

[0044] In one possible implementation, a handle 25 is fixedly provided on the side of the filter cartridge cover 24 away from the filter cartridge box 21. This invention facilitates the removal and installation of the filter cartridge cover 24 through the handle 25.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the softening filter assembly 2 is a disposable softening filter assembly 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, although the softening filter element 2 is disposable, when the softening resin is saturated, the softening resin can still be regenerated using softening brine so that the softening filter element 2 can be used again to soften water. When in use, simply immerse the softening filter element 2 in softening brine, which is simple and convenient to operate.

[0047] The second embodiment of this utility model provides a water tank, including:

[0048] Raw water tank 1 and softening filter assembly 2 as described in any one of the first embodiments;

[0049] The filter cartridge 21 of the softening filter assembly 2 can be detachably installed in the raw water tank 1. Raw water flows into the filter cartridge 21 and is softened by the softening resin before flowing out through the water permeable holes to the raw water tank 1.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the original water tank 1 has multiple fixed protrusions protruding inwards inside;

[0051] The filter cartridge 21 of the filter cartridge assembly is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves that cooperate with fixing protrusions so that the filter cartridge 21 is placed on each fixing protrusion.

[0052] In this embodiment, the filter cartridge 21 is connected to the protrusion in the raw water tank 1 through the groove, which is convenient for installation. In addition, in a specific embodiment, the structure of the raw water tank 1 with the inside protruding inward and the outside concave inward can be used with the water purifier to fix the raw water tank 1. Therefore, this embodiment makes full use of the protruding structure of the raw water tank 1.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the bottom of the filter assembly is above the full water level of the raw water tank 1.

[0054] This embodiment aims to avoid prolonged immersion of the softening resin layer in water. Prolonged immersion negatively impacts the resin's ability to remove impurities: the resin's pores become clogged, hindering its ability to remove impurities and reducing softening efficiency. Extended immersion also increases resin expansion, reducing its strength and increasing the likelihood of breakage. Resin breakage further affects water treatment and may cause system blockage. Prolonged activation immersion can lead to drug residues or other ions adhering to the resin surface, reducing its effectiveness. These deposits may hinder normal ion exchange, further reducing softening efficiency. Finally, prolonged immersion accelerates resin aging, shortening its lifespan. Aged resin not only reduces softening effectiveness but also increases replacement frequency and operating costs.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the original water tank 1 is rotatably connected to a water tank handle 3 at the top.

[0056] In this embodiment, the handle is mainly used to facilitate the extraction and retrieval of water from the original water tank 1 when taking water from the water tank.

[0057] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: The softening filter element assembly 2 is installed in the raw water tank 1. Raw water from the faucet flows through the top of the softening filter element assembly 2, and after being filtered and softened by the assembly, it flows from the bottom into the raw water tank 1. This continues until the raw water in the tank 1 is nearly full, at which point the tank 1 is reinstalled into the water purifier. In one specific embodiment, after a period of use, the softening resin, having replaced a certain amount of hardness ions in the water, will no longer be able to soften the water, necessitating resin regeneration. Resin regeneration is a crucial step in ion exchange water treatment, restoring the resin's softening capacity and allowing it to continue being used in the water treatment process. Typically, new resin is brightly colored, with plump particles and no damage. With prolonged use, the resin surface may discolor due to adsorbed impurities, appearing dark yellow, dark gray, or even black. This usually indicates a reduction in the resin's exchange capacity and regeneration efficiency, requiring replacement with new resin. Furthermore, resin particles may also show signs of breakage or wear; these changes in appearance also indicate a possible decline in resin performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the filter cartridge 21 can be made of transparent material to observe the usage status of the softening resin and determine whether the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] It should also be noted that in the description of this utility model, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0059] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all the implementation methods here. All obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of this utility model are still within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A softening cartridge assembly, characterized by, The softening filter cartridge assembly comprises: a filter cartridge box, wherein a softening resin layer is arranged on one side of the box near the bottom of the box; at least one water-permeable hole is arranged on the bottom of the filter cartridge box; the softening resin layer is respectively provided with a filter cotton layer on the side near the bottom of the filter cartridge box and on the side near the top of the box; the softening filter cartridge assembly further comprises a filter cartridge cover which is detachably arranged on the top of the filter cartridge box; at least one water-permeable hole is arranged on the top of the filter cartridge cover; a guide groove is arranged on the top of the filter cartridge box and matched with the filter cartridge cover, and the filter cartridge cover is placed on the top of the filter cartridge box through the guide groove.

2. The softening filter cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the guide groove is greater than the thickness of the filter cartridge cover so as to form an outer wall around the filter cartridge cover to prevent the raw water flowing through the filter cartridge cover from splashing outwards.

3. The softening filter cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein a handle is fixedly arranged on the side of the filter cartridge cover away from the filter cartridge box.

4. The softening filter cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the softening filter cartridge assembly is a disposable softening filter cartridge assembly.

5. A water tank characterized by The water tank comprises: a raw water tank and the softening filter cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-4; the filter cartridge box of the softening filter cartridge assembly is detachably arranged in the raw water tank, the raw water flows into the filter cartridge box and is softened by the softening resin, and then flows out of the water-permeable hole to the raw water tank.

6. The water tank according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of fixing protrusions are arranged inwardly in the raw water tank; a plurality of fixing grooves are arranged on the filter cartridge box of the filter cartridge assembly and matched with the fixing protrusions so that the filter cartridge box is placed on each fixing protrusion.

7. The water tank according to claim 5, wherein the bottom of the filter cartridge assembly is higher than the full water level of the raw water tank.

8. The water tank according to claim 5, wherein a water tank handle is rotatably connected to the top of the raw water tank.

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