Multi-stage electrodialysis filter element and water purifier

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-stage electrodialysis filter element and a water purifier, the multi-stage electrodialysis filter element comprises an outer cylinder, the inner part of the outer cylinder is provided with an accommodating cavity, and the outer cylinder is provided with a water inlet and at least two water outlets which are communicated with the accommodating cavity; the at least two filter element sections are coaxially arranged in the containing cavity, and each filter element section is provided with a water inlet area communicated with the water inlet and water outlet areas communicated with the water outlets in a one-to-one correspondence mode so as to be used for being connected with raw water and discharging pure water in the water making process or used for being connected with the raw water in the regeneration process; the water inlet areas of the filter element sections can be communicated, so that at least one filter element section can be used for regeneration of other filter element sections when water is produced. By arranging the multiple filter element sections, the probability that the two axial ends of each filter element section are scaled and blocked is reduced, the utilization rate of the electrodialysis filter element is increased, the water path structure can be simplified, the electrodialysis filter element is compact in structure and small in size, meanwhile, multi-stage water path control and mutual regeneration can be achieved, and the water use experience of a user is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-stage electrodialysis filter element and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] With societal progress and improved living standards, people are paying increasing attention to the hygiene of their food and drinking water. Traditionally, tap water is treated with chlorination, which effectively prevents waterborne diseases. However, tap water contains salt, impurities, and residual chlorine, making it unsuitable for direct consumption and requiring further purification before drinking.

[0003] Therefore, current technology uses reverse osmosis membranes to purify tap water to produce pure water that can be drunk directly. Reverse osmosis membranes effectively block bacteria, viruses, scale, salt ions, and other substances, allowing only water molecules to pass through, thus ensuring water safety. However, during the treatment process, substances that fail to pass through the reverse osmosis membrane, such as bacteria, viruses, scale, and salt ions, form concentrated water and are discharged. In other words, reverse osmosis membranes produce a significant amount of concentrated water during water purification, which is not only wasteful but also affects the user's experience.

[0004] Electrodialysis filter cartridges are another popular type of filter cartridge. They are made of wound membrane material, with the space between adjacent membrane sheets serving as the flow channel. When forward current is applied, anions and cations in the feed water are adsorbed onto the membrane sheets, resulting in pure water. When reverse current is applied, the ions adsorbed on the membrane sheets return to the feed water, thus regenerating the filter cartridge. To ensure water purification efficiency, electrodialysis filter cartridges are generally made quite long, and the membrane stack is also relatively long. During installation, the two ends of the membrane stack are tightly fixed with adhesive. The long length of the membrane stack makes the flow channels at both ends significantly narrower than in the middle area, making the ends of the membrane stack prone to scaling and clogging during water purification, thus reducing the lifespan of the electrodialysis filter cartridge. Furthermore, at least two electrodialysis filter cartridges are required to regenerate each other, which not only complicates the water circuit but also occupies a large amount of space, making it unsuitable for use in water purifiers. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome at least one of the defects described in the prior art, this utility model provides a multi-stage electrodialysis filter cartridge and a water purifier. By setting multiple filter cartridge segments to reduce the difference in flow channel width between the axial ends and the middle area, the water flow velocity in each axial part of the filter cartridge segment is made relatively closer during the water purification process. This reduces the probability of scaling and clogging at both ends of each filter cartridge segment, improves the utilization rate of the electrodialysis filter cartridge, and ensures the service life and water purification effect of the electrodialysis filter cartridge. Furthermore, integrating multiple filter cartridge segments into one electrodialysis filter cartridge simplifies the water circuit structure, making the electrodialysis filter cartridge compact and small in size, facilitating its widespread application in water purifiers. It also enables multi-stage water circuit control and mutual regeneration, ensuring a superior user experience.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a multi-stage electrodialysis filter element, comprising:

[0008] The outer cylinder has an internal cavity and an inlet and at least two outlets that connect to the cavity.

[0009] At least two filter cartridge segments are coaxially arranged in the receiving cavity. Each filter cartridge segment has an inlet area connected to the water inlet and an outlet area connected to each outlet. This is used to connect raw water and discharge pure water respectively during water production, or to discharge wastewater and connect raw water respectively during regeneration. The inlet areas of each filter cartridge segment can be connected to each other, so that at least one filter cartridge segment can be used for the regeneration of other filter cartridge segments when producing water.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element segment includes an electrodialysis membrane stack and an electrode assembly arranged coaxially. A gap is provided between the electrodialysis membrane stack and the radial cavity wall of the receiving cavity to form an inlet area. The gaps corresponding to each filter element segment can be connected. The electrodialysis membrane stack includes a central tube and a membrane assembly wound and sleeved on the central tube. A plurality of water permeable holes are provided on the central tube.

[0011] The electrode assembly includes an inner support inside the central tube, an outer support outside the membrane assembly, and electrode wires wound on the inner and outer supports. The inner support has an axially extending channel that connects to the effluent area, and the inner support has a water outlet corresponding to the electrodialysis membrane stack with a connecting channel. The channels of each filter element segment are disconnected, and the electrode wires extend out of the outer cylinder to connect to an external power source.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, two adjacent filter segments are connected by a support frame, and the support frame seals and fixes the end face of its corresponding membrane assembly and fixes its two corresponding external supports. The end faces of the membrane assemblies located at both ends of the axial direction of the receiving cavity are sealed and fixed by a cap.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the end cap facing away from the membrane assembly is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the axial end of the inner support is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of its corresponding outer cylinder or the axial end of another inner support or support frame.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the outer cylinder includes a cylinder body with an internal receiving cavity and an opening at one axial end, an end cap detachably mounted at the opening, an inlet and an outlet both located at the axial end of the cylinder body away from the opening, and electrode wires of each filter element segment extending out of the end cap to connect to an external power source.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, each water outlet is configured with a channel corresponding to each filter element segment. The water outlet area connected by the channel is directly connected to its corresponding water outlet, or extends to the corresponding water outlet via a coaxially configured water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipe is fitted inside an inner support along its extension path, and the distance between the outer wall of the water outlet pipe and the inner wall of its corresponding inner support is set.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the inner support is provided with a water outlet at the end of the electrodialysis membrane stack away from the outlet.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the end cap has a through hole adapted to the electrode wire, and the surface of the electrode wire is insulated and sealed through the end cap.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the sidewalls of both the inner and outer supports are provided with a plurality of axially extending support strips, and each support strip is provided with a plurality of slots along the axial direction to fit and fix the electrode wire.

[0019] Secondly, this utility model provides a water purifier, including: the above-mentioned multi-stage electrodialysis filter element.

[0020] The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element and water purifier provided by this utility model have the following technical effects:

[0021] (1) The electrodialysis filter element includes at least two filter element segments extending axially along the receiving cavity. By segmenting the electrodialysis filter element, the difference in flow channel width between the axial ends and the middle area of ​​each filter element segment is reduced, thereby making the water flow velocity in each part of the electrodialysis filter element in the axial direction more similar during the water purification process, reducing the probability of scaling and clogging at both ends of each filter element segment, improving the utilization rate of the electrodialysis filter element, and ensuring the service life and water purification effect of the electrodialysis filter element.

[0022] (2) At least two filter segments are integrated into one electrodialysis filter element, which simplifies the water circuit structure and makes the electrodialysis filter element compact and small in size, making it easy to be widely used in water purifiers.

[0023] (3) Each filter segment is equipped with an inlet area connected to the inlet and an outlet area corresponding to each outlet. This allows for the separate connection of raw water and discharge of pure water during water production, or the separate discharge of wastewater and connection of raw water during regeneration. Furthermore, the inlet areas of each filter segment are interconnected, ensuring that at least one filter segment can be used for the regeneration of other filter segments while producing water. This allows for independent control of water production and regeneration for each filter segment, guaranteeing that at least one filter segment is in a water production state to meet the user's water needs. Thus, this multi-stage electrodialysis filter not only enables multi-level water circuit control and mutual regeneration, but also ensures the user's water needs are met during regeneration, providing a superior water experience. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-stage electrodialysis filter element of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the multi-segment electrodialysis filter element of this utility model, showing the separation between the filter segments.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the multi-stage electrodialysis filter element of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an axial sectional view of the multi-segment electrodialysis filter element of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point C;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 4 Exploded view.

[0032] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0033] 10. First filter element section; 20. Second filter element section; 1. Outer cylinder; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Inlet; 13. Outlet; 131. First outlet; 132. Second outlet; 14. Gap; 15. Cylinder; 151. Opening; 16. End cap; 161. Through hole; 17. Outlet pipe; 2. Electrodialysis membrane stack; 21. Central tube; 22. Membrane module; 23. Sealing cap; 24. Support frame; 3. Electrode assembly; 31. Inner support; 311. Channel; 312. Water outlet; 32. Outer support; 33. Support strip; 331. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0037] See Figure 1-4 and Figure 8 This invention provides a multi-stage electrodialysis filter cartridge, comprising an outer cylinder 1 and at least two filter cartridge segments. The outer cylinder 1 has an internal receiving cavity 11, and an inlet 12 communicating with the receiving cavity 11 and at least two outlets 13. At least two filter cartridge segments are coaxially arranged within the receiving cavity 11. Each filter cartridge segment has an inlet area communicating with the inlet 12 and an outlet area corresponding to each outlet 13, for use in water production to connect raw water and discharge pure water, or in regeneration to discharge wastewater and connect raw water. The inlet areas of each filter cartridge segment are interconnected, so that at least one filter cartridge segment can be used for the regeneration of other filter cartridge segments during water production.

[0038] The outer cylinder 1 can be cylindrical, frustum-shaped, cuboid, or other structures. This utility model uses a cylindrical outer cylinder 1 as an example for explanation. The inlet 12 and outlet 13 can be located at any position on the outer cylinder 1, as long as they do not affect the water inlet and outlet effect.

[0039] The filter cartridge can have two, three, or four segments. This invention is illustrated using two filter cartridge segments as an example. The two segments are a first filter cartridge segment 10 and a second filter cartridge segment 20. The first filter cartridge segment 10 and the second filter cartridge segment 20 are arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction in a straight line, and they are detachably and fixedly connected. This integrates the first filter cartridge segment 10 and the second filter cartridge segment 20 into one electrodialysis filter cartridge, thereby simplifying the water circuit structure and making the electrodialysis filter cartridge compact and small in size, facilitating its widespread application in water purifiers. Furthermore, the electrodialysis filter cartridge includes at least two filter cartridge segments extending axially along the receiving cavity 11. By segmenting the electrodialysis filter cartridge, the difference in flow channel width between the axial ends and the middle area of ​​each filter cartridge segment is reduced. This makes the water flow velocity in different parts of the electrodialysis filter cartridge relatively closer during the water purification process, reducing the probability of scaling and clogging at the axial ends of each filter cartridge segment, improving the utilization rate of the electrodialysis filter cartridge, and ensuring the service life and water purification effect of the electrodialysis filter cartridge.

[0040] Each filter segment has an inlet area connected to the inlet and an outlet area corresponding to each outlet. This allows for separate connection of raw water and discharge of pure water during water production, or separate discharge of wastewater and connection of raw water during regeneration. Furthermore, the inlet areas of each filter segment are interconnected, ensuring that the regeneration of other filter segments is possible while at least one segment is producing water. This allows for independent control of water production and regeneration for each filter segment, guaranteeing that at least one segment is in a water-producing state to meet the user's water needs. Thus, this multi-stage electrodialysis filter not only achieves multi-level water circuit control and mutual regeneration, but also ensures the user's water needs are met during regeneration, providing a superior user experience.

[0041] Taking the first filter segment 10 and the second filter segment 20 as examples, the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a first water outlet 131 corresponding to the water outlet area of ​​the first filter segment 10, and the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a second water outlet 132 corresponding to the water outlet area of ​​the second filter segment 20. The water circuit and electrical circuit of the first filter segment 10 and the second filter segment 20 are independently controlled. During water production, one or both water circuits and electrical circuits can be turned on according to the user's water consumption needs. Water enters through the inlet 12, enters the corresponding filter segment through the corresponding inlet area, and then the pure water flows out through the outlet area and the corresponding first water outlet 131 and / or second water outlet 132 for user use. Furthermore, when one filter segment is producing water, for example, the first filter segment 10 is producing water, the second filter segment 20 can be controlled to be reverse-energized to regenerate the second filter segment 20 using the pure water produced by the first filter segment 10. Alternatively, during breaks in user water usage, both the first filter segment 10 and the second filter segment 20 can be regenerated by reverse-current energization. This multi-stage electrodialysis filter cartridge offers diverse water production and regeneration modes, ensuring users' water needs are met at all times, making it suitable for widespread application.

[0042] See Figure 2-4 and Figure 8 The filter element section includes an electrodialysis membrane stack 2 and an electrode assembly 3 arranged coaxially. A gap 14 is provided between the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 and the radial wall of the receiving cavity 11 to form an inlet water zone. The gaps 14 of each filter element section are interconnected. The electrodialysis membrane stack 2 includes a central tube 21 and a membrane assembly 22 wound and sleeved on the central tube 21. Several water permeation holes are opened on the central tube 21. The electrodialysis membrane stack 2 is fixed in the receiving cavity 11 and is coaxially arranged with the receiving cavity 11. The radially outer surface of the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 is the anode, and the radially inner surface is the cathode. The membrane assembly 22 is formed by winding several membrane sheets, and a flow channel is formed between two adjacent membrane sheets to allow water to adsorb ions or desorb ions when flowing through.

[0043] The electrode assembly 3 includes an inner support 31 housed within the central tube 21, an outer support 32 located outside the membrane assembly 22, and electrode wires wound around the inner and outer supports 31 and 32. The inner support 31 has an axially extending channel 311 connecting to the outlet water area, and the inner support 31 has a water inlet 312 corresponding to the electrodialysis membrane stack 2, connecting to the channel 311. The channels 311 of each filter element segment are disconnected. The electrode wires extend out of the outer cylinder 1 to connect to an external power source. The outer support 32 has several perforated holes for water to pass through. The electrode wires are wound around the inner and outer supports 31 and 32 to electrically connect to an external power source for electrodialysis or regeneration. During water production, the electrode wires on the outer support 32 are connected to the positive electrode, and the electrode wires on the inner support 31 are connected to the negative electrode, enabling the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 to adsorb ions. During regeneration, the electrode wires on the outer support 32 are connected to the negative electrode, and the electrode wires on the inner support 31 are connected to the positive electrode, enabling the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 to desorb ions.

[0044] Furthermore, adjacent filter segments are connected by support frames 24, which seal and fix the end face of their corresponding membrane modules 22 and fix their corresponding two outer supports 32. The end faces of the membrane modules 22 located at both axial ends of the receiving cavity 11 are sealed and fixed by caps 23. Each filter segment is separated by the support frames 24 to achieve independent water and electrical circuit control. The axial end faces of the membrane modules 22 are bonded and sealed by the corresponding support frames 24 or caps 23 to ensure that water can flow completely in each flow channel when passing through each filter segment without overflowing the filter segment, thereby ensuring the water production and regeneration effect. In addition, the fixing effect of the support frames 24 can achieve stable installation of the outer supports 32, thereby ensuring the stability of the electrical connection.

[0045] Combination Figure 5-7One end of the cap 23 facing away from the membrane assembly 22 is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1. The axial end of the inner support 31 is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of its corresponding outer cylinder 1 or the axial end of another inner support 31 or the support frame 24. This detachable and fixed connection can be a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, a screw connection, or other connection structures. This utility model uses a snap-fit ​​connection as an example for explanation. When the axial end of the inner support 31 corresponds to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1, the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1 has a limiting groove corresponding to the axial end of the inner support 31, thereby fixing the axial end of the inner support 31 using the limiting groove. When the axial end of the inner support 31 corresponds to the support frame 24, the support frame 24 has a limiting groove corresponding to the axial end of the inner support 31, thereby fixing the axial end of the inner support 31 using the limiting groove of the support frame 24. When the axial ends of two adjacent inner supports 31 are correspondingly arranged, they can be fixed to each other, but it is necessary to ensure that their channels 311 are not connected. The cap 23 is corresponding to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1, and a limiting groove for the cap 23 is provided inside the outer cylinder 1 to fix the cap 23. Based on this, the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 can be stably installed by means of the fixing effect of the cap 23, the inner bracket 31, and the support frame 24.

[0046] Specifically, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The outer cylinder 1 includes a cylinder body 15 with an internal receiving cavity 11 and an opening 151 at one axial end, and an end cap 16 detachably installed at the opening 151. The inlet 12 and outlet 13 are both located at the axial end of the cylinder body 15 away from the opening 151. The electrode wires of each filter element segment extend through the end cap 16 to connect to an external power source. The multi-segment electrodialysis filter element of this invention is placed horizontally, and the end cap 16 is detachably connected to the cylinder body 15 by snap-fit ​​or threaded connection. Positioning the inlet 12 and outlet 13 at the axial end of the cylinder body 15 away from the opening 151 facilitates water circuit connection and ensures uniform water flow, thus optimizing water production and regeneration effects. The electrode wires of each filter element segment are independently connected to an external power source and can extend from any position on the outer cylinder 1, as long as leakage of electricity and water is avoided.

[0047] Based on this, refer to Figure 1-4 and Figure 8Each outlet 13 is provided corresponding to the channel 311 of each filter element segment. The water outlet area connected to the channel 311 is directly connected to its corresponding outlet 13, or extends to the corresponding outlet 13 via a coaxially arranged water outlet pipe 17. The water outlet pipe 17 is fitted inside the inner support 31 along its extension path, and the distance between the outer wall of the water outlet pipe 17 and the inner wall of its corresponding inner support 31 is set. The outlet 13 is located in the central area of ​​the cylinder 15 away from the axial end of the opening 151, so as to correspond to the water outlet area of ​​each filter element segment. The water outlet area of ​​each filter element segment is the water outlet end of the channel 311, so as to reduce the water flow path and allow the purified pure water to flow out quickly from the corresponding outlet 13 after passing through the channel 311 of the inner support 31.

[0048] The following description uses two filter segments of this utility model as an example. The inlets 12 of both the first filter segment 10 and the second filter segment 20 are located at the axial end of the cylinder 15 away from the opening 151. The inlets 12 can be directly connected to external raw water, and the water flows through the gap 14 to the corresponding first filter segment 10 and second filter segment 20. The outlet area of ​​the first filter segment 10 is located at the axial end of the cylinder 15 away from the opening 151, so that the channel 311 of the first filter segment 10 can be directly connected to the first outlet 131, allowing direct connection to external water-using equipment after water discharge. The outlet area of ​​the second filter segment 20 is located at the outlet end of the channel 311 of the second filter segment 20. It extends the outlet area of ​​the second filter segment 20 to the outlet area of ​​the first filter segment 10 via the outlet pipe 17 installed within the channel 311, thereby connecting to the second outlet 132 via the outlet pipe 17, enabling connection to external water-using equipment after water discharge. Thus, the inlet 12 and outlet 13 of the first filter section 10 and the second filter section 20 are both located at the axial end of the cylinder 15 away from the opening 151, which facilitates water circuit connection.

[0049] Furthermore, the inner support 31 is provided with a water outlet 312 at the end of the electrodialysis membrane stack 2 away from the water outlet 13. Whether it is electrodialysis water production or regeneration, the raw water has the longest flow path, and the ion adsorption and desorption effects are the best, which is conducive to improving the water purification and regeneration effects.

[0050] See Figure 3 The end cap 16 has a through hole 161 for accommodating the electrode wire. The electrode wire is insulated and sealed as it exits the end cap 16. The electrode wire and its path are located at opposite ends of the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1, ensuring they do not interfere with each other and facilitating water and electrical connections. The surface of the electrode wire can be coated or electroplated with an insulating layer to ensure its insulation and prevent leakage. Furthermore, the point where the electrode wire exits the end cap 16 can be sealed with silicone to prevent water leakage.

[0051] Furthermore, both the inner support 31 and the outer support 32 have several axially extending support strips 33 protruding from their sidewalls, and each support strip 33 has several grooves 331 recessed along the axial direction to fit and fix the electrode wire. The grooves 331 facilitate the stable installation and neat winding of the electrode wire, thereby ensuring the electrical connection effect.

[0052] Based on this, the working principle of the multi-segment electrodialysis filter element of this utility model will be explained using two filter segments as an example.

[0053] When only the first filter section 10 is used to produce water, the first filter section 10 is energized in the forward direction, while the second filter section 20 is not energized. The raw water enters the receiving cavity 11 through the inlet 12, reaches the first filter section 10 through the gap 14, and then flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions to produce water. The pure water produced enters the channel 311 through the water permeation hole of the central tube 21 and the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31, and then flows out through the first outlet 131. When only the second filter section 20 is used for water production, the second filter section 20 is forward-energized while the first filter section 10 is not energized. Raw water enters the receiving chamber 11 through the inlet 12, passes through the gap 14 to reach the second filter section 20, and then flows through the channels of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions for water production. The produced pure water enters the channel 311 through the water permeation holes of the central tube 21 and the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31, then flows through the outlet pipe 17 and out through the second outlet 132. When both the first filter section 10 and the second filter section 20 are used for water production, both the first filter section 10 and the second filter section 20 can be forward-energized.

[0054] When the first filter section 10 is being regenerated and the user is not using water, during the early stage of regeneration, the first filter section 10 is reverse-energized. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the first filter section 10 through the first outlet 131, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central tube 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to desorb ions, and then discharges wastewater through the inlet 12 until the ion desorption on the first filter section 10 is completed. At the end of the regeneration process, the supply of raw water to the first outlet 131 is stopped, and the second filter section 20 is forward-energized. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the second filter section 20 through the second outlet 132 and the outlet pipe 17, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central tube 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions and produce pure water. The pure water then flows through the gap 14 into the membrane module 22 of the first filter section 10 for rinsing. Next, it enters the channel 311 through the water permeation hole of the central tube 21 and the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31, and then exits through the first outlet 131, thus completing the regeneration of the first filter section 10. During this process, only a small amount of pure water is used to rinse the first filter section 10 to avoid excessive waste of pure water. When the second filter section 20 is being regenerated and the user is not using water, during the initial stage of regeneration, the second filter section 20 is reverse-energized. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the second filter section 20 through the second outlet 132 and the outlet pipe 17, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central pipe 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to desorb ions, and then the wastewater is discharged through the inlet 12 until the ion desorption on the second filter section 20 is completed. At the end of the regeneration process, the supply of raw water to the second outlet 132 is stopped, and the first filter section 10 is forward-energized. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the second filter section 20 through the first outlet 131, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central tube 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions and produce pure water. The pure water then flows through the gap 14 into the membrane module 22 of the second filter section 20 for rinsing. Next, it enters the channel 311 through the water permeation hole of the central tube 21 and the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31, and then is discharged through the outlet pipe 17 and the first outlet 131, thus completing the regeneration of the second filter section 20. Generally, the first filter section 10 and the second filter section 20 will not be regenerated simultaneously.

[0055] When the first filter section 10 is regenerated and the user is using water, the first filter section 10 is reverse-energized and the second filter section 20 is forward-energized. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the second filter section 20 through the second outlet 132 and the outlet pipe 17, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central tube 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions and produce pure water. Then, a portion of the pure water flows through the gap 14 into the membrane module 22 of the first filter section 10 for ion desorption. Then, it enters the channel 311 through the water permeation hole of the central tube 21 and the water inlet 312 of the inner support 31, and then is discharged through the first outlet 131 to regenerate the first filter section 10. The other portion of pure water flows out through the inlet 12 for the user's use. Under this condition, a portion of the pure water produced by the second filter section 20 is used for the regeneration of the first filter section 10, so the user's water flow rate is slightly reduced. When the second filter section 20 is regenerated and the user is using water, the first filter section 10 is energized in the forward direction and the second filter section 20 is energized in the reverse direction. Raw water enters the channel 311 of the first filter section 10 through the first outlet 131, and then flows into the membrane module 22 through the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31 and the water permeation hole of the central tube 21. It flows through each channel of the membrane module 22 to adsorb ions and produce pure water. Then, a portion of the pure water flows through the gap 14 into the membrane module 22 of the second filter section 20 for ion desorption. Then, it enters the channel 311 through the water permeation hole of the central tube 21 and the water outlet 312 of the inner support 31, and then flows through the outlet pipe 17 and is discharged as wastewater through the first outlet 131 to regenerate the second filter section 20. The other portion of pure water flows out through the inlet 12 for the user's use. Under normal circumstances, the first filter section 10 and the second filter section 20 will not be regenerated simultaneously.

[0056] In addition, this utility model also provides a water purifier, including: the above-mentioned multi-stage electrodialysis filter element.

[0057] The electrodialysis filter cartridge in the water purifier adopts an integrated design of multiple filter segments, featuring a simple water circuit structure, compact structure, and small size. This minimizes the space occupied by the filter cartridge when installed in the water purifier, reducing its overall size and facilitating installation and widespread use. Furthermore, by incorporating at least two filter segments, the electrodialysis filter cartridge reduces the difference in flow channel width between the axial ends and the middle area of ​​each segment. This results in a more uniform water flow velocity throughout the filter's axial direction during purification, reducing the likelihood of scaling and clogging at the axial ends of each segment, improving the filter's utilization rate, and ensuring its lifespan and purification effect. Therefore, installing an electrodialysis filter cartridge in a water purifier enhances its purification efficiency and extends its lifespan.

[0058] Furthermore, due to the multi-segment structure of the electrodialysis filter cartridge, which has independent water and electrical systems and can regenerate with each other, it can simultaneously produce water from one filter segment or two or more sub-filter segments. This allows for the allocation of the appropriate number of filter segments based on the user's water consumption, meeting their needs. Simultaneously, while any filter segment is regenerating, the other segments continue to produce water for the user. Thus, this water purifier can provide an uninterrupted supply of pure water and guarantee the user's water flow, resulting in a superior water experience.

[0059] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-stage electrodialysis filter element, characterized in that, include: The outer cylinder has an internal cavity, and the outer cylinder has an inlet and at least two outlets that communicate with the cavity. At least two filter cartridge segments are coaxially arranged within the receiving cavity. Each filter cartridge segment has an inlet area connected to the inlet and an outlet area corresponding to each outlet, for use in water production to connect raw water and discharge pure water, or in regeneration to discharge wastewater and connect raw water. The inlet areas of each filter cartridge segment are interconnected, so that when at least one filter cartridge segment produces water, it can be used for the regeneration of other filter cartridge segments.

2. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter segment includes an electrodialysis membrane stack and an electrode assembly arranged coaxially. A gap is provided between the electrodialysis membrane stack and the radial cavity wall of the receiving cavity to form the water inlet area. The gaps corresponding to each filter segment can be connected. The electrodialysis membrane stack includes a central tube and a membrane assembly wound and sleeved on the central tube. A plurality of water permeable holes are opened on the central tube. The electrode assembly includes an inner support inside the central tube, an outer support outside the membrane assembly, and electrode wires wound on the inner support and the outer support. The inner support has an axially extending channel that communicates with the water outlet area, and the inner support has a water outlet corresponding to the electrodialysis membrane stack that communicates with the channel. The channels of each filter element segment are disconnected from each other, and the electrode wires extend out of the outer cylinder to connect to an external power source.

3. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two adjacent filter segments are connected by a support frame, and the support frame seals and fixes the end face of the corresponding membrane assembly, and fixes the two corresponding external supports. The end faces of the membrane assemblies located at both ends of the axial direction of the receiving cavity are sealed and fixed by a cap.

4. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the cap facing away from the membrane assembly is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the axial end of the inner support is detachably and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the corresponding outer cylinder or the axial end of other inner supports or support frames.

5. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer cylinder includes a cylinder body with the receiving cavity inside and an opening at one axial end, and an end cap detachably installed at the opening. The water inlet and the water outlet are both located at the axial end of the cylinder body away from the opening. The electrode wires of each filter element segment pass through the end cap to connect to an external power source.

6. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the water outlets is configured to correspond to the channel of each of the filter cartridge segments. The water outlet area connected by the channel is directly connected to its corresponding water outlet, or extends to the corresponding water outlet via a coaxially configured water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipe is sleeved in the inner support along its extension path, and the distance between the outer wall of the water outlet pipe and the inner wall of its corresponding inner support is configured.

7. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 5, characterized in that: The internal support is provided with the water inlet at the end of the electrodialysis membrane stack away from the water outlet.

8. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cap has a through hole adapted to the electrode wire, and the surface of the electrode wire is insulated and sealed through the end cap.

9. The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the inner support and the outer support have several axially extending support strips protruding from their sidewalls, and each support strip has several grooves along the axial direction for fitting and fixing the electrode wire.

10. A water purifier, characterized in that, include: The multi-stage electrodialysis filter element according to any one of claims 1-9.

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