Water inlet valve and water purifier
By designing a detachable filter device and water quality sensor in the water purifier's inlet valve, the problem of clogged and difficult-to-clean filter screens is solved, enabling convenient cleaning of the filter device and water quality monitoring, and reducing equipment maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
The filter screen of the inlet valve of existing water purifiers is prone to clogging, difficult to clean, and lacks a clogging warning function, leading to equipment damage and increased operating costs.
Design an inlet valve with a detachable filter device connected to the valve body. The filter device is located at the intersection of the first and second outlet pipes. The projection of the extension direction of the filter device onto the axis of the first outlet pipe covers the first outlet pipe and is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe. It is equipped with a water quality sensor and an alert device for detecting and alerting the filtration effect.
It enables convenient cleaning of the filter device and timely removal of blockages, reduces equipment maintenance costs, and ensures that the water quality of the water purifier meets the requirements.
Smart Images

Figure CN224229358U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water purifier technology, and in particular to an inlet valve and a water purifier. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the inlet valve of most water purifiers on the market is mainly used to close the valve when the machine is not in use, protecting the internal filter and other components. However, the filter screen of existing inlet valves is usually integrated inside the valve body and cannot be removed. With prolonged use, it is prone to clogging, affecting water intake and operation. Once clogged, the entire inlet valve must be replaced, increasing operating costs. The filter screen is usually made of metal, and built-in metal mesh filters are prone to rust, further exacerbating clogging. Furthermore, there is no warning function for clogging, making it difficult for users to detect and address the problem in time, potentially leading to equipment damage. While some existing technologies have designed removable filter screens for easier cleaning, it is difficult to clean the filter screen without removing it. Utility Model Content
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of the filter screen of the inlet valve of the existing water purifier, which is easy to clog and difficult to clean, and to provide an inlet valve and a water purifier.
[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:
[0005] This utility model provides a water inlet valve, which includes a valve body and a filter device. The valve body includes an inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are interconnected. The inlet pipe is provided with an inlet, the first outlet pipe is provided with a first outlet, the first outlet is used to connect to a water purifier, and the second outlet pipe is connected to a second outlet, the second outlet is used to connect to an external pipeline.
[0006] The filter device is detachably connected to the valve body and is located at the intersection of the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.
[0007] The projection of the filter device onto the axis of the first outlet pipe at least partially covers the first outlet pipe, and the extension direction of the filter device is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe.
[0008] In this design, the filter device is located at the intersection of the first and second outlet pipes. When the inlet valve is in use, water enters the inlet pipe from the inlet, passes through the filter device, reaches the first outlet pipe, and then enters the water purifier from the first outlet. By projecting the filter device along the axial direction of the first outlet pipe at least partially, water can pass through the filter device, which filters the water entering the first outlet pipe, ensuring that the water flowing into the first outlet pipe meets the requirements of the water purifier. When the filter device accumulates blockages and no longer meets filtration requirements, requiring flushing, water enters the inlet pipe from the inlet, passes through the filter device, reaches the second outlet pipe, and then flows out from the second outlet. By ensuring that the extension direction of the filter device is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe, the water passing through the filter device can flush away the blockages. The flushed impurities are discharged from the external pipeline through the second outlet, allowing the filter device to return to normal filtration requirements. In addition, the filter device is detachably connected to the valve body. When the filter device needs to be cleaned, it can be removed from the valve body for cleaning and replacement, making it easier to keep the filter device clean.
[0009] Preferably, the filtration device includes a filter screen, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first water outlet pipe.
[0010] In this solution, the filtration device can be a filter screen. By making the extension direction of the filter screen perpendicular to the extension direction of the first water outlet pipe, the water flow direction into the first water outlet pipe can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the filter screen. The filter screen can filter the water more thoroughly and better filter out impurities in the water, resulting in better water quality entering the water purifier.
[0011] Preferably, the extension direction of the filter device is parallel to the extension direction of the second water outlet pipe.
[0012] In this solution, by making the extension direction of the filter device parallel to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe, the water flow direction into the second outlet pipe can be parallel to the extension direction of the filter device. The water can better wash away impurities on the filter device, and the washed-away impurities are more easily flushed away from the second outlet pipe and discharged from the second outlet to the external pipeline, resulting in a better cleaning effect on the filter device.
[0013] Preferably, the filtration device further includes a connecting portion, to which the filter screen is connected, a portion of the connecting portion extending into the interior of the second water outlet pipe, and another portion of the connecting portion protruding outward from the outside of the second water outlet pipe.
[0014] In this solution, the filter device also includes a connecting part, to which the filter screen is connected. A part of the connecting part extends into the interior of the second water outlet pipe, and the other part of the connecting part protrudes out of the outside of the second water outlet pipe. This facilitates both the installation of the filter screen into the interior of the second water outlet pipe and the removal of the filter screen from the second water outlet pipe by the user holding the connecting part, thus improving the convenience of filter screen installation and removal.
[0015] Preferably, the inlet valve further includes a water quality sensor, which is located downstream of the filtration device and upstream of the first outlet.
[0016] In this design, the inlet valve also includes a water quality sensor. By placing the water quality sensor downstream of the filtration device and upstream of the first outlet, the sensor can measure the water quality after filtration, thereby determining the degree of blockage in the filtration device. If the water quality meets the preset standard, the inlet valve operates normally; if the water quality does not meet the preset standard, it indicates that the filtration device needs cleaning, ensuring that the water flowing into the water purifier meets the required quality standards.
[0017] Preferably, the water inlet valve is further provided with a reminder device, which is electrically connected to the water quality sensor and is used to remind whether the water quality meets the preset standard.
[0018] In this solution, the inlet valve is also equipped with a reminder device, which is electrically connected to the water quality sensor. This reminder device makes it easier for users to know the water quality status. When the water quality sensor detects that the water quality does not meet the preset standard, it indicates that the filter needs cleaning. The reminder device will alert the user. Upon receiving the reminder, the user can close the first outlet and flush the filter to remove impurities through the second outlet, or disassemble the filter from the valve body for cleaning, ensuring the filter meets filtration requirements again and making filter cleaning more timely.
[0019] Preferably, the inlet valve further includes a connector, the filter device has a notch, the second outlet pipe has a mounting hole, and the connector can pass through the mounting hole and be detachably connected to the notch to detachably connect the filter device to the second outlet pipe.
[0020] In this design, when the filter device is installed on the valve body, the connector can pass through the mounting hole and connect with the recess to detachably connect the filter device to the second outlet pipe. When the filter device needs to be removed from the valve body, the connector can be removed, thereby separating the filter device from the second outlet pipe and disassembling it. This combination of connector, recess, and mounting hole makes it easier for users to install and remove the filter device.
[0021] Preferably, a ball valve is provided on the second water outlet pipe, the ball valve being used to open or close the second water outlet;
[0022] The inlet valve also includes a switch element connected to the ball valve. The ball valve has a valve port, and the switch element can drive the ball valve to rotate so that the valve port is connected to or offset from the second outlet.
[0023] In this design, a ball valve is installed on the second inlet pipe. When the water purifier is in normal use, the ball valve is closed, and water flows from the inlet through the filter and then into the water purifier from the first outlet. When the filter needs cleaning, the ball valve opens, and water flows from the inlet to flush the filter, washing away impurities from the second outlet. The inlet valve also includes a switch connected to the ball valve. The ball valve has a valve port, and the switch can rotate the ball valve to connect or disconnect the valve port from the second outlet. When the valve port is connected to the second outlet, the ball valve is open; when the valve port is disconnected, the ball valve is closed. By incorporating a switch, the ball valve can be opened and closed simply by rotation, making it easier for users to operate.
[0024] Preferably, one of the filter device and the second water outlet pipe is provided with multiple limiting parts, and the other is provided with a limiting port that matches the shape of the limiting parts, and the limiting parts and the limiting port are detachably connected.
[0025] In this solution, by setting a limiting part and a limiting port, which are detachably connected, the position of the filter device and the second water inlet pipe can be limited, preventing the filter device and the second water inlet pipe from shifting. This allows the filter device to be more securely connected to the second water inlet pipe and also facilitates guidance on the installation position of the filter device when the user installs it.
[0026] This utility model also provides a water purifier, which includes the aforementioned inlet valve.
[0027] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0028] The filter device is located at the intersection of the first and second outlet pipes. When the inlet valve is in use, water enters the inlet pipe from the inlet, passes through the filter device, reaches the first outlet pipe, and then enters the water purifier from the first outlet. By projecting the filter device along the axial direction of the first outlet pipe at least partially, water can pass through the filter device, which filters the water entering the first outlet pipe, ensuring that the water flowing into the first outlet pipe meets the requirements of the water purifier. When the filter device accumulates blockages and no longer meets filtration requirements, requiring flushing, water enters the inlet pipe from the inlet, passes through the filter device, reaches the second outlet pipe, and then flows out from the second outlet. By ensuring that the extension direction of the filter device is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe, the water passing through the filter device can flush away the blockages on the filter device. The flushed impurities are discharged from the external pipeline through the second outlet, allowing the filter device to return to normal filtration requirements. In addition, the filter device is detachably connected to the valve body. When the filter device needs to be cleaned, it can be removed from the valve body for cleaning and replacement, making it easier to keep the filter device clean. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an inlet valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a filtration device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection between the filter device and the second water inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting port according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] Inlet valve 100
[0036] Valve body 200
[0037] Water inlet pipe 210
[0038] Inlet 211
[0039] First water outlet pipe 220
[0040] First outlet 221
[0041] Second water outlet pipe 230
[0042] Second outlet 231
[0043] Mounting hole 232
[0044] Filter device 300
[0045] Filter 310
[0046] Notch 320
[0047] Connecting part 330
[0048] Water quality sensor 400
[0049] Connector 500
[0050] Ball valve 600
[0051] Valve port 610
[0052] Switch 700
[0053] Handle 710
[0054] Limiting part 810
[0055] Limit port 820 Detailed Implementation
[0056] The present invention will be further described below by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the following embodiments.
[0057] This embodiment provides a water purifier, which includes an inlet valve 100.
[0058] like Figures 1-5 The inlet valve 100 includes a valve body 200 and a filter device 300. The valve body 200 includes an inlet pipe 210, a first outlet pipe 220 and a second outlet pipe 230. The inlet pipe 210, the first outlet pipe 220 and the second outlet pipe 230 are interconnected. The inlet pipe 210 is provided with an inlet 211. The first outlet pipe 220 is provided with a first outlet 221. The first outlet 221 is used to connect to the water purifier. The second outlet pipe 230 is connected to the second outlet 231. The second outlet 231 is used to connect to an external pipeline.
[0059] The filter device 300 is detachably connected to the valve body 200, and the filter device 300 is located at the junction of the first outlet pipe 220 and the second outlet pipe 230.
[0060] The projection of the filter device 300 in the axial direction of the first water outlet pipe 220 at least partially covers the first water outlet pipe 220, and the extension direction of the filter device 300 is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second water outlet pipe 230.
[0061] The filter device 300 is located at the intersection of the first water outlet pipe 220 and the second water outlet pipe 230. When the inlet valve 100 is in use, water enters the inlet pipe 210 from the inlet port 211, passes through the filter device 300 to the first water outlet pipe 220, and then enters the water purifier from the first water outlet port 221. By at least partially covering the first water outlet pipe 220 with the projection of the filter device 300 along the axial direction of the first water outlet pipe 220, water can pass through the filter device 300. The filter device 300 can filter the water entering the first water outlet pipe 220, so that the water flowing into the first water outlet pipe 220 meets the usage requirements of the water purifier. When the filter device 300 accumulates blockages, causing it to fail to meet filtration requirements and necessitating flushing, water enters the inlet pipe 210 from the inlet 211, passes through the filter device 300, reaches the second outlet pipe 230, and then flows out from the second outlet 231. By ensuring that the extension direction of the filter device 300 is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe 230, the water passing through the filter device 300 can flush away the blockages. The flushed impurities are discharged from the external pipeline through the second outlet 231, allowing the filter device 300 to meet normal filtration requirements again. Furthermore, the filter device 300 is detachably connected to the valve body 200. When the filter device 300 needs cleaning, it can be disassembled from the valve body 200 for cleaning and replacement, making it easier to keep the filter device 300 clean.
[0062] The filtration device 300 includes a filter screen 310, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first water outlet pipe 220. This allows the water flow direction into the first water outlet pipe 220 to be perpendicular to the extension direction of the filter screen 310, enabling the filter screen 310 to filter the water more thoroughly and better remove impurities from the water, resulting in better water quality entering the water purifier.
[0063] The extension direction of the filter device 300 is parallel to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe 230, so that the water flow direction into the second outlet pipe 230 can be parallel to the extension direction of the filter device 300. The water can better wash away the impurities on the filter device 300, and the washed impurities are more easily flushed away from the second outlet pipe 230 and discharged from the second outlet 231 to the external pipeline, resulting in a better cleaning effect on the filter device 300.
[0064] The filter device 300 also includes a connecting part 330, to which the filter screen 310 is connected. A portion of the connecting part 330 extends into the interior of the second water outlet pipe 230, and another portion of the connecting part 330 protrudes from the outside of the second water outlet pipe 230. This facilitates both the installation of the filter screen 310 into the interior of the second water outlet pipe 230 and the removal of the filter screen 310 from the second water outlet pipe 230 by the user holding the connecting part 330, thus improving the convenience of installing and removing the filter screen 310.
[0065] In this embodiment, the filter device 300 is a filter screen 310, which may be made of nylon. In other embodiments, the filter device 300 may also be selected from other structures and materials deemed suitable by those skilled in the art.
[0066] In this embodiment, the filter device 300 is located at the intersection of the inlet pipe 210, the first outlet pipe 220 and the second outlet pipe 230, so that water can flow from the inlet pipe 210 into the first outlet pipe 220 and the second outlet pipe 230 respectively.
[0067] The inlet valve 100 also includes a water quality sensor 400, which is located downstream of the filter device 300 and upstream of the first outlet 221. This allows the water quality sensor 400 to measure the water quality after filtration by the filter device 300, thereby determining the degree of blockage in the filter device 300. If the water quality meets the preset standard, the inlet valve 100 operates normally. If the water quality does not meet the preset standard, it indicates that the filter device 300 needs cleaning, ensuring that the water flowing into the water purifier meets the required quality standards.
[0068] The inlet valve 100 is also equipped with a reminder device, which is electrically connected to the water quality sensor 400. The reminder device is used to remind users whether the water quality meets the preset standards. This reminder device makes it easier for users to know the water quality status. When the water quality sensor 400 measures that the water quality does not meet the preset standards, it indicates that the filter device 300 needs cleaning. The reminder device can then alert the user. Upon receiving the reminder, the user can close the first outlet 221 and flush the filter device 300 to flush out impurities from the second outlet 231, or disassemble the filter device 300 from the valve body 200 for cleaning, ensuring that the filter device 300 meets the filtration requirements again, making the cleaning of the filter device 300 more timely.
[0069] In this embodiment, the water quality sensor 400 is a TDS sensor, which determines whether the water quality meets a preset standard by detecting the TDS value of the incoming water. If it is within the preset range, the water purifier dispenses water normally. If it exceeds the preset standard, an alert device issues a reminder to the user to clean the filter device 300. In this embodiment, the preset TDS value is 20%; if it exceeds 20%, the filter device 300 needs to be cleaned. Those skilled in the art can select a suitable preset standard according to actual needs. In other embodiments, the water quality sensor can also be any type of water quality sensor that those skilled in the art deem suitable.
[0070] The inlet valve 100 also includes a connector 500. The filter device 300 has a recess 320, and the second outlet pipe 230 has a mounting hole 232. The connector 500 can pass through the mounting hole 232 and be detachably connected to the recess 320 to detachably connect the filter device 300 to the second outlet pipe 230. When the filter device 300 is installed on the valve body 200, the connector 500 can pass through the mounting hole 232 and be connected to the recess 320 to detachably connect the filter device 300 to the second outlet pipe 230. When the filter device 300 needs to be removed from the valve body 200, the connector 500 can be removed, thereby separating the filter device 300 from the second outlet pipe 230, and thus detaching the filter device 300 from the second outlet pipe 230. The combination structure of the connector 500, the recess 320, and the mounting hole 232 makes it more convenient for users to install and remove the filter device 300.
[0071] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the connector 500 is U-shaped with an opening on one side, which makes it easier for the user to install and remove the connector 500 from the second water outlet pipe 230. In other embodiments, other shapes of the connector 500 that are deemed suitable by those skilled in the art can also be selected.
[0072] A ball valve 600 is installed on the second outlet pipe 230, which is used to open or close the second outlet 231. A ball valve 600 is installed on the second inlet pipe 210. When the water purifier is in normal use, the first outlet 221 is open, and the ball valve 600 is closed. Water flows from the inlet 211 through the filter device 300 and then enters the water purifier from the first outlet 221 on the first outlet pipe 220. When the filter device 300 needs to be cleaned, the first outlet 221 is closed, the ball valve 600 is opened, and the second outlet 231 is opened. Water flows from the inlet 211 to flush the filter device 300, washing away impurities from the second outlet 231.
[0073] The inlet valve 100 also includes a switch element 700, which is connected to the ball valve 600. The ball valve 600 has a valve port 610. The switch element 700 can drive the ball valve 600 to rotate, so that the valve port 610 is connected to or disconnected from the second outlet 231. When the valve port 610 is connected to the second outlet 231, the ball valve 600 is in the open state; when the valve port 610 is disconnected from the second outlet 231, the ball valve 600 is in the closed state. By setting the switch element 700, the ball valve 600 can be opened and closed simply by rotating it, making it easier for users to operate.
[0074] The aforementioned misalignment of valve port 610 and second outlet 231 means that there is no overlap between valve port 610 and second outlet 231, that is, valve port 610 and second outlet 231 are not connected at all.
[0075] In this embodiment, the switch 700 includes a handle 710 that extends outward, making it easier for the user to rotate the switch 700 and making the operation more convenient.
[0076] One of the filter device 300 and the second water outlet pipe 230 is provided with multiple limiting parts 810, and the other is provided with a limiting port 820 that matches the shape of the limiting parts 810. The limiting parts 810 and the limiting port 820 are detachably connected. By providing the limiting parts 810 and the limiting port 820, and by detachably connecting them, the positions of the filter device 300 and the second water inlet pipe 210 can be limited, preventing the filter device 300 and the second water inlet pipe 210 from shifting. This allows the filter device 300 to be more securely connected to the second water inlet pipe 210 and also facilitates guidance of the installation position of the filter device 300 when the user installs it.
[0077] In this embodiment, the limiting port 820 is provided on the second water outlet pipe 230, and the limiting part 810 is provided on the filter device 300. In other embodiments, the limiting port 820 may be provided on the filter device 300, and the limiting part 810 may be provided on the second water outlet pipe 230.
[0078] In this embodiment, there are four limiting parts 810 and four limiting ports 820, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second water outlet pipe 230. In other embodiments, other positions and numbers of limiting parts 810 and limiting ports 820 that are deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art can also be selected.
[0079] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship of the device or component during normal use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation at any time, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model in this respect.
[0080] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A water inlet valve, characterized in that, The inlet valve includes a valve body and a filter device. The valve body includes an inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are interconnected. The inlet pipe is provided with an inlet. The first outlet pipe is provided with a first outlet. The first outlet is used to connect to a water purifier. The second outlet pipe is connected to a second outlet. The second outlet is used to connect to an external pipeline. The filter device is detachably connected to the valve body and is located at the intersection of the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe. The projection of the filter device onto the axis of the first outlet pipe at least partially covers the first outlet pipe, and the extension direction of the filter device is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the second outlet pipe.
2. The inlet valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filtration device includes a filter screen, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first water outlet pipe.
3. The inlet valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the filter device is parallel to the extension direction of the second water outlet pipe.
4. The inlet valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The filtration device further includes a connecting part, to which the filter screen is connected. A portion of the connecting part extends into the interior of the second water outlet pipe, and another portion of the connecting part protrudes outward from the outside of the second water outlet pipe.
5. The inlet valve as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inlet valve also includes a water quality sensor, which is located downstream of the filter device and upstream of the first outlet.
6. The inlet valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet valve is also equipped with a reminder device, which is electrically connected to the water quality sensor and is used to remind whether the water quality meets the preset standard.
7. The inlet valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet valve also includes a connector, the filter device has a notch, the second outlet pipe has a mounting hole, and the connector can pass through the mounting hole and be detachably connected to the notch to detachably connect the filter device to the second outlet pipe.
8. The inlet valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second water outlet pipe is equipped with a ball valve, which is used to open or close the second water outlet. The inlet valve also includes a switch element connected to the ball valve. The ball valve has a valve port, and the switch element can drive the ball valve to rotate so that the valve port is connected to or offset from the second outlet.
9. The inlet valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One of the filter device and the second water outlet pipe is provided with multiple limiting parts, and the other is provided with a limiting port that matches the shape of the limiting parts. The limiting parts and the limiting port are detachably connected.
10. A water purifier, characterized in that, The water purifier includes the inlet valve as described in any one of claims 1-9.