Integrated water plate for water purifier

Abstract

The invention relates to an RO water purifier. The invention aims to provide a simpler water path compared with the prior art, and the water path can be used in an RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifier. A further object is to provide an RO water purifier including a waterway in which one or more components can be easily replaced. A reverse osmosis (RO) water purification device including an integrated waterway is disclosed. The aim is fulfilled by the RO water purifier of the present invention comprising a waterway having a pre-filtration assembly, an RO assembly and a post-filtration assembly. The pre-filter assembly and the post-filter assembly each include a pilot-operated solenoid valve having an electromechanical solenoid and a hydraulic component integrally molded with the assembly. The pre-filtration assembly is removably connected with the post-filtration assembly, and the post-filtration assembly is removably connected with the RO assembly via a removable connector. Each solenoid valve includes a removable electromechanical solenoid and a non-removable hydraulic component integrally molded with the pre-filter assembly and the post-filter assembly, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides an advanced integrated waterway plate system for a water purifier. Background Art

[0002] Reverse osmosis water purifiers are assembled with conventional water circuits containing interconnecting pipes, filters and various control components such as inlet water valves, waste water valves, flow meters, check valves and high pressure switches. Watertight leak-proof connections and seals are required as well as sufficient space for each component within the device.

[0003] Reverse osmosis units are designed to operate at high pressure to overcome osmotic pressure.

[0004] Traditional RO units have multiple filtration functions, resulting in complex waterways, many water pipes and connectors, and a large filtration unit. It takes a lot of time to connect, seal, and test the joints.

[0005] An integrated waterway (also called an integrated waterboard) has been used in RO devices as a replacement for a conventional waterway consisting of pipes and fittings.

[0006] US2017043296 A1 (Xiamen Runner) discloses an integrated welded waterway structure of a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration device, which includes a mounting base, a welded inlet plate assembly, and a welded outlet plate assembly mounted on the mounting base by hot plate welding. The water to be filtered passes through the water inlet of the welded inlet plate assembly, the front filter cartridge inlet and the front filter cartridge outlet of the front filter cartridge, the water inlet and the water outlet of the pump, the RO water inlet of the RO filter cartridge through the RO water channel of the mounting base, the RO water outlet of the RO filter cartridge, the check valve and the flowmeter of the welded outlet plate assembly, the rear filter cartridge inlet and the rear filter cartridge outlet of the rear filter cartridge, and the filtered water outlet of the welded outlet plate assembly in order to filter the water.

[0007] CN214243950 U (ZHONGSHAN YALESI WATER PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD) discloses a plate body with an integrally formed waterway panel, wherein the filter element needs to be directly assembled to the interface integrally formed on the plate body when assembling the filter element. The corresponding interfaces of the reverse osmosis membrane filter element and the composite filter element are integrally formed with the plate body, which saves time and effort.

[0008] CN111196641 A (FOUSHAN SHUNDE, 2020) discloses how water flows through different components, including pre-filter, RO and post-filter components. The solenoid is removable and it works as part of the waterway, not specifically as part of the water plate.

[0009] CN1105526430 A (FOSHAN YUNMI, 2019) discloses a water system, including a waterway and a filter element assembly. The waterway is a modular spliced ​​waterway, and the spliced ​​waterway includes four modules, and each module is a separate waterway plate, and each module is equipped with a waterway pipeline.

[0010] The filter element assembly includes a pre-filter element, a RO filter element and a post-filter element, and the first module and the second module are fixedly connected and clamped to fix the pre-filter element. The application discloses the use of a standard solenoid valve.

[0011] However, water purifiers containing prior art integrated water circuits are complex in their operation and assembly. In addition, in the event of a malfunction or failure of any part of the water circuit, the entire water circuit needs to be completely replaced. The present invention provides an advanced integrated water circuit board system (water circuit) that can significantly reduce product size and assembly steps while still maintaining control flexibility through an effective combination of sub-components and control components.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a water circuit that can be used in a RO water purifier that is simpler than the prior art. Another object is to provide a RO water purifier that includes a water circuit in which one or more components can be easily replaced. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention provides an ingenious combination of a waterway control component and a filter connector.

[0014] A reverse osmosis (RO) water purification device is disclosed, comprising an integrated water circuit for water purification, a pre-filter (PF), a RO membrane (M) and a post-filter (PoF), wherein

[0015] The integrated waterway comprises:

[0016] a) a pre-filter assembly (1) in fluid communication with the pre-filter (PF), wherein the assembly (1) comprises an input (1a) for tap water, a distribution output (1b) for pure water, an outflow (1c) for waste water, an output (1d) for the tap water to flow into the pre-filter and an input (1e) for the pre-treated water to flow back from the pre-filter (PF), a pilot operated solenoid valve (1f), the pilot operated solenoid valve (1f) having an electromechanical solenoid (1g) and a hydraulic component (1h) integrally molded with the pre-filter assembly (1);

[0017] b) an RO module (4) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M); and

[0018] c) a post-filter assembly (2) in fluid communication with the post-filter (PoF), wherein the assembly (2) comprises a post-filter pilot operated solenoid valve (2g) having an electromechanical solenoid (2h) and a hydraulic component (2i) integrally molded with the post-filter assembly (2),

[0019] The pre-filter assembly (1) is removably connected to the post-filter assembly (2), and the post-filter assembly (2) is removably connected to the RO assembly (4) via a removable connector (3), wherein each solenoid valve (1f / g, 2g) includes a removable electromechanical solenoid and a non-removable hydraulic component, which are molded integrally with the pre-filter assembly (1) and the post-filter assembly (2), respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier of the present invention includes an integrated water circuit.

[0022] The term "integrated water circuit" refers to a structure composed of the above components, and it adopts multiple water inlet elements, pumps and multiple water outlet elements to form a complete filtering water circuit structure.

[0023] The waterway comprises:

[0024] a) a pre-filter assembly (1) in fluid communication with the pre-filter (PF), wherein the assembly (1) comprises an input (1a) for tap water, a distribution output (1b) for pure water, an outflow (1c) for waste water, an output (1d) for the tap water to flow into the pre-filter and an input (1e) for the pre-treated water to flow back from the pre-filter (PF), a pilot operated solenoid valve (1f), the pilot operated solenoid valve (1f) having an electromechanical solenoid (1g) and a hydraulic component (1h) integrally molded with the pre-filter assembly (1);

[0025] b) an RO module (4) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M); and

[0026] c) a post-filter assembly (2) in fluid communication with the post-filter (PoF), wherein the assembly (2) comprises a post-filter pilot solenoid valve (2g) having an electromechanical solenoid (2h) and a hydraulic component (2i) integrally molded with the post-filter assembly (2).

[0027] It is preferred that each component (1, 2, 3 and 4) is molded. It is further preferred that each component (1, 2, 3 and 4) is made of plastic. The pre-filter component (1) is removably connected to the post-filter component (2) via a leak-proof attachment device (2m, 2n) on the post-filter component (2) and a reciprocating device on the pre-filter component (1). The attachment device serves as a conduit for water. Preferably, the leak-proof attachment device is a threaded fitting device, which works by mutual engagement of the device (2m and 2n) with a corresponding device located on the pre-filter (1). An alternative is a snap-fit ​​device.

[0028] The main function of the pre-filter is to remove dirt and particulate matter from the input water. Any material suitable for this function can be included in the pre-filter. Non-limiting examples include cloth filters. Pre-filters typically include carbon filters and sediment filters to remove sediment and chlorine that may clog or damage the RO membrane. Pretreatment by the pre-filter improves the water purification results on the one hand, and on the other hand, avoids damage to the reverse osmosis unit by particulate impurities, etc., thereby increasing the service life of the reverse osmosis unit.

[0029] The function of the post filter (2) is to polish or clean the purified water (i.e. RO permeate water) before it is distributed for drinking. The post filter usually comprises a carbon filter. Preferably, the post filter assembly (2) comprises an outlet (2f) in fluid communication with the post filter (PoF) and a return port (2e) for the post filtered water to enter.

[0030] The rear filter assembly (2) is removably connected to the RO assembly (4) via a removable connector (3). It allows purified water and waste water to flow from the RO assembly (4) to the rear filter assembly (2) in one direction. The RO membrane is a reverse osmosis membrane. Water permeates through the RO membrane under pressure. The pore size of the RO membrane is generally 0.0001 micron, and the size of bacteria is 5000 times the pore size. Therefore, only water molecules and some mineral ions can pass through, while other impurities and heavy metal substances cannot pass through the RO membrane. Preferably, the reverse osmosis membrane is a spiral wound membrane or a hollow fiber membrane, most preferably a spiral wound membrane. The membrane is preferably a cross-flow membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a cross-flow reverse osmosis membrane. The construction material of the reverse osmosis membrane preferably includes any commercially available standard material selected from polysulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride (PDVF) and cellulose acetate.

[0031] Preferably, the RO module (4) comprises an outlet (4g) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M), an inlet (4f) for purified water, an inlet (4e) for waste water from the pre-filtration module (1), and outflow ports (4m) and (4n) for purified water and waste water, respectively.

[0032] Preferably, the device includes a water flow path between the pre-filtration component (1) and the RO component (4), which path includes a diaphragm pump (P) to pressurize the pre-treated water. The function of the pump is to pressurize the water so that the water is within the operating range of the RO membrane (M). Inside the RO component (4), the incoming raw water is divided into pure water and waste water for output. This high salt content wastewater is also called reject water.

[0033] Due to the construction of the RO water purifier including the integrated water circuit of the present invention, the components (1, 2, 3, 4) can be selectively replaced by disconnecting and replacing or removing any component that is, for example, faulty or worn.

[0034] According to the present invention, each solenoid valve (1f, 2g) comprises a removable electromechanical solenoid and a non-removable hydraulic component, which are molded integrally with the pre-filter assembly (1) and the post-filter assembly (2), respectively. Each solenoid valve (1F, 2g) is a pilot-operated solenoid valve. Preferably, each of the electromechanical solenoids comprises a coil spring and a piston. Further preferably, in each of the electromechanical solenoids, the coil spring and the piston are operably connected to a corresponding diaphragm in a corresponding hydraulic valve.

[0035] Preferably, the water purifier also includes a control module and a high-pressure switch; the pump, the water inlet valve and the high-pressure switch are all connected to the control module; the high-pressure switch is configured to sense the pressure signal in the pressurizable tank and transmit it to the control module; the control module controls the pump and the water inlet valve to be operably opened and closed based on the received pressure signal. The intelligent control of the water purifier is realized by the control module, making the operation of the entire water purifier more convenient and reasonable. When the water purifier is connected to the power supply and tap water, if the water pressure at the high-pressure switch is lower than the set value, the main control panel opens the inlet solenoid valve and the diaphragm pump. The water flow is shown in the figure, and the arrow indicates the direction of the water flow. Once the water pressure reaches the set valve, the main control panel closes the solenoid valve (1f) and the pump (P). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the integrated water circuit, also showing the pre-filter, post-filter and membrane.

[0037] Figure 2 The same water circuit is shown in assembled form from another angle, but without the pre-filter, post-filter and membrane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the integrated water circuit, also showing the pre-filter, post-filter and membrane in modular form.

[0039] The device includes an integrated water circuit for purifying water, a pre-filter (PF), an RO membrane (M) and a post-filter (PoF). The integrated water circuit is composed of four components.

[0040] There is a molded pre-filter assembly (1) in fluid communication with a pre-filter (PF). The fluid communication path is shown by means of arrows, which indicate the direction of flow of water. The assembly (1) includes an inlet (1a) for tap water, a distribution outlet (1b) for pure water, and an outflow (1c) for waste water. All three features are present on one side of the assembly (1). There is an output (1d) for tap water to flow into the pre-filter and an input (1e) for pre-treated water to flow back from the pre-filter (PF). The water is pre-filtered in the pre-filter.

[0041] There is a pilot operated solenoid valve (1f) having an electromechanical solenoid (1) and a hydraulic component (1h). The hydraulic component is integrally molded with the pre-filter assembly (1). The hydraulic component cannot be separated from the pre-filter assembly (1). The electromechanical solenoid (1g) is connected to the hydraulic component (1h) by screw means. The device also has a water flow path between the pre-filter assembly (1) to the RO component (4), which path includes a diaphragm pump (P) to pressurize the pre-treated water. The water flow path enters the RO component (4) at a point not visible in this view.

[0042] The device has a molded RO assembly (4) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M). The fluid communication path is shown with the aid of arrows, which indicate the direction of water flow. The post-filtration assembly (2) is removably connected to the RO assembly (4) via a removable connector (3). The connector is also a molded part.

[0043] The post-filter molded assembly (2) is in fluid communication with the post-filter (PoF). The fluid communication path is shown with the aid of arrows, which indicate the direction of water flow. The assembly (2) has a post-filter pilot solenoid valve (2g) having an electromechanical solenoid (2h) and a hydraulic component (2i) molded integrally with the post-filter assembly (2).

[0044] The pre-filter assembly (1) is removably connected to the post-filter assembly (2), and the post-filter assembly (2) is removably connected to the RO assembly (4) via a removable connector (3).

[0045] The connector allows purified water and waste water to flow one-way from the RO module (4) to the post-filtration module (2).

[0046] Due to the removable connections between all components, any of the components (1, 2, 3, 4) can be selectively removed and replaced.

[0047] Figure 2 The same waterway is shown in assembled form viewed from another angle.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram explaining the construction features of a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier including the integrated water circuit of the present invention.

[0049] Combination Figure 1 The operating principle of the water purification system of the present invention is explained.

[0050] Tap water enters the pre-filter assembly (1) from an input (1a) for tap water and then flows out through an output (1d) into a pre-filter (PF). Here, it is pre-filtered and the pre-filtered water flows back into the assembly (1) through an input (1e) for returning pre-treated water. Then, via an internal passage, the pre-filtered water passes through a pilot solenoid valve (1f) and through a pipe connection (shown as a pipeline) through a pump (P). The pressurized water then flows through the pipeline in the direction of the pipeline into the RO assembly (4). The RO assembly (4) has an output (4g) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M). The water is purified in the RO membrane. The purified water flows back through the inlet (4f) and the waste water is sent to the assembly (4) via the inlet part (4e). The assembly (4) has outflow ports (4m) and (4n) for purified water and waste water, respectively. The purified water and waste water then pass through a connector (3) and through it to the post-filter assembly (2).

[0051] The wastewater then enters the pre-filtration assembly (1) through the solenoid valve (2g) and reaches the component marked (2m) thereon.

[0052] The pure water flows out from the outlet into the post filter (PoF) and returns via the return port (2e) for allowing the post-filtered water to enter the post filter (2).

[0053] The wastewater then enters the pre-filtration assembly (1) through the component marked (2n).

[0054] Once the post-filtered water and waste water are in the pre-filter assembly (1), the post-filtered pure water flows out through the distribution output portion (1b) and the waste water flows out through the outflow portion (1c).

Claims

1. A reverse osmosis (RO) water purification device comprising an integrated water circuit for purifying water, a pre-filter (PF), a RO membrane (M) and a post-filter (PoF), wherein The integrated waterway comprises: a) a pre-filter assembly (1) in fluid communication with the pre-filter (PF), wherein the assembly (1) comprises an input (1a) for tap water, a distribution output (1b) for pure water, an outflow (1c) for waste water, an output (1d) for the tap water to flow into the pre-filter and an input (1e) for the pre-treated water to flow back from the pre-filter (PF), a pilot operated solenoid valve (1f), the pilot operated solenoid valve (1f) having an electromechanical solenoid (1g) and a hydraulic component (1h) integrally molded with the pre-filter assembly (1); b) an RO module (4) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M); and c) a post-filter assembly (2) in fluid communication with the post-filter (PoF), wherein the assembly (2) comprises a post-filter pilot operated solenoid valve (2g) having an electromechanical solenoid (2h) and a hydraulic component (2i) integrally molded with the post-filter assembly (2), The pre-filter assembly (1) is removably connected to the post-filter assembly (2), and the post-filter assembly (2) is removably connected to the RO assembly (4) via a removable connector (3), wherein each solenoid valve (1f, 2g) includes a removable electromechanical solenoid and a non-removable hydraulic component, which are molded integrally with the pre-filter assembly (1) and the post-filter assembly (2), respectively.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pre-filter assembly (1) is removably connected to the post-filter assembly (2) via a leak-proof attachment device (2m, 2n) on the post-filter assembly (2) and a reciprocating device on the pre-filter assembly (1).

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a water flow path between the pre-filtration component (1) to the RO component (4), the path comprising a diaphragm pump (P) to pressurize the pretreated water.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector (3) allows purified water and waste water to flow from the RO component (4) to the post-filtration component (2) in one direction.

5. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the RO component (4) comprises an output portion (4g) in fluid communication with the RO membrane (M), an inlet (4f) for purified water, an inlet (4e) for waste water from the membrane (M), and outflow ports (4m) and (4n) for purified water and waste water, respectively.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the post-filtration assembly (2) comprises an outlet (2f) in fluid communication with the post-filter (PoF) and a return port (2e) for entry of post-filtration water.

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