Filter core cleaning method of water purifier and water purifier

Abstract

The application relates to a filter core cleaning method and a water purifier, and the filter core cleaning method comprises the following steps: recording the corresponding time when the water purifier is powered on for the first time, detecting the pollution degree of the filter core in the water purifier to obtain a pollution index K, obtaining the current cumulative duration T when K is greater than or equal to K1, and cleaning the filter core according to a first preset cleaning intensity X1 when T is greater than or equal to T0; otherwise, the filter core is cleaned according to a second preset cleaning intensity X2; and after the filter core cleaning reaches the corresponding time, the pollution index is obtained again, the filter core cleaning is stopped when the pollution index is less than or equal to K2, the pollution index K and the cumulative duration T are both set to zero, the current time is recorded, and the current time is taken as the starting time; the method can automatically match the cleaning intensity and the cleaning time according to the pollution degree of the filter core, and can judge the stubborn degree of dirt on the filter core through the cumulative cleaning interval duration, so that the cleaning effect is fully achieved under the premise of reducing the damage to the filter core as much as possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification technology, and in particular to a method for cleaning the filter cartridge of a water purifier and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] Water purifiers, as water treatment devices that deeply filter and purify water, provide families with higher quality and safer drinking water, and are playing an increasingly important role in modern life. Water purifiers purify water through filter cartridges. Due to the special nature of the usage environment, as the water purifier is used over time or as the water quality in the municipal pipe network fluctuates, contaminants will continuously adhere to the surface of the filter cartridge, causing its lifespan to gradually decrease. This is especially true when the water contains a lot of impurities; the lifespan and performance of the filter cartridge will decline more quickly, and the filtration effect will also decrease rapidly, thus affecting the user experience of the water purifier.

[0003] To address the issue of cleaning water purifier filters, Chinese invention patent application CN202211564424.1 (publication number CN115845458A) discloses a water purification device and its control method. The device includes a return pipe, one end of which is connected to the inlet pipe, and the other end to the concentrate pipe. An air intake assembly is configured to supply air into the inlet pipe, concentrate pipe, or return pipe. This device allows air to be introduced into it via the air intake assembly. The air-water mixture flows in a loop formed by the inlet pipe, purified water pipe, concentrate pipe, and return pipe to flush the water purifier filter.

[0004] However, existing filter cartridges typically use timed automatic rinsing with fixed rinsing cycles and times. Therefore, existing technologies have the following limitations: the dirt on the filter cartridge surface is affected by factors such as the quality of the incoming water, the user's water usage frequency, the filter material, and whether a pre-filter is installed. As a result, the degree and duration of dirt adhesion on the filter cartridge vary considerably. Frequent cleaning and strong cleaning force can also damage the filter cartridge, affecting its overall lifespan and filtration efficiency. On the other hand, excessively long cleaning cycles can also affect the filtration effect of the filter cartridge, deteriorate water quality, and negatively impact the user experience.

[0005] Although the above-mentioned water purification device judges whether the turbidity value continues to increase during the rinsing process, and when the turbidity value no longer increases within a set time, it means that the cleaning has reached equilibrium and the rinsing of the water purification filter element can be stopped, the rinsing time is not fixed, which solves the technical problem that exists when the rinsing time is fixed in the prior art. However, the cleaning force of the filter element of the above-mentioned water purification device is uncontrollable. Therefore, further improvements to the prior art are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water purifier filter cleaning method that can automatically match the cleaning intensity and cleaning time according to the degree of filter contamination, so as to ensure the cleaning effect while reducing the damage to the filter.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water purifier that uses the above-mentioned filter cleaning method.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a method for cleaning the filter element of a water purifier, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0009] Step 1: Record the moment when the water purifier is first powered on and connected to water.

[0010] Step 2: Test the degree of contamination of the filter element in the water purifier to obtain the contamination index K, where 0 ≤ K ≤ 100%;

[0011] Step 3: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the first preset pollution index K1. If yes, proceed to step 4; otherwise, proceed to step 9.

[0012] Step 4: Obtain the current accumulated duration T, and determine whether T is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold T0. If yes, clean the filter element according to the first preset cleaning intensity X1, and proceed to step 5; if no, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2, and proceed to step 7; X1 > X2.

[0013] Step 5: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset first time t1, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again;

[0014] Step 6: Determine if K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; otherwise, continue cleaning the filter at the first cleaning intensity and proceed to step 5; K2 < K1.

[0015] Step 7: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset second time t2, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again;

[0016] Step 8: Determine whether K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; otherwise, continue cleaning the filter at the second cleaning intensity and proceed to step 7.

[0017] Step 9: Set both the pollution index K and the cumulative duration T to zero, record the current time, start timing from the current time, and proceed to step 2.

[0018] In the above scheme, the method for obtaining the pollution index of the filter element in step 2 is as follows:

[0019]

[0020] Where ΔP is the absolute value of the difference between the filter cartridge outlet pressure and the filter cartridge inlet pressure, and P0 is the absolute value of the pressure difference when the filter cartridge's filtration effect cannot meet the set requirements. Since filter cartridge contamination will affect the filter cartridge's filtration effect, and the worse the filter cartridge's filtration effect, the lower the filter cartridge's outlet pressure will be, the filter cartridge inlet and outlet pressures can be used to judge the degree of filter cartridge contamination.

[0021] To more accurately reflect the degree of filter contamination, the formula for calculating ΔP is:

[0022] ΔP=|P1-p′|

[0023] Where P1 is the inlet water pressure of the filter element, and p′ is the average value of the outlet water pressure of the filter element. p i Let P1 be the filter cartridge outlet pressure obtained from the i-th measurement, and n be the total number of measurements. Each time the filter cartridge's contamination level is checked, the filter cartridge inlet pressure P1 is equal to the set value a. This method eliminates error interference and improves accuracy by calculating the average value.

[0024] To avoid interfering with the use of the water purifier, step 2 is set to check the degree of contamination of the filter cartridge at the same time intervals during the non-working time of the water purifier.

[0025] To enable cleaning of water purifiers that have not been used for a long time, step 4, before determining the value between T and T0, includes the following steps:

[0026] Step 4-1: Determine if T is greater than the maximum preset time T1, where T1 > T0. If so, proceed to step 4-2; otherwise, perform the comparison between T and T0 in step 4.

[0027] Step 4-2: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the third preset pollution index K3, where K2 < K3 < K1. If yes, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2 and proceed to step 7; otherwise, continue to accumulate time T.

[0028] To automatically adjust the cleaning time based on the degree of filter contamination, the formula for calculating t1 in step 5 is as follows:

[0029] t1 = a*T0 + b*(T - T0)

[0030] Where a is the first pollution persistence coefficient and b is the second pollution persistence coefficient, both of which are determined through experimental data calibration.

[0031] Furthermore, the formula for calculating t2 in step 5 is: t2 = a * T.

[0032] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a water purifier, including a water purification pipeline and a filter element disposed on the water purification pipeline, characterized in that: the filter element is cleaned by the filter element cleaning method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0033] To enable both water purification and filter cleaning, a two-position three-way valve is installed upstream of the filter element on the water purification pipeline. The two-position three-way valve has a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first and second ports are connected to the water purification pipeline, and the third port is connected to the filter element via a cleaning pipeline. The filter element is also connected to a drain pipeline. The two-position three-way valve is configured such that when the first port is open, either the third port or the second port is opened.

[0034] To facilitate drainage after filter cleaning, a drain valve is also installed on the drain pipe.

[0035] In the above scheme, a booster pump is also installed on the water purification pipeline upstream of the two-position three-way valve.

[0036] Furthermore, the water purifier also includes a first pressure sensor for detecting the inlet water pressure between the booster pump and the filter cartridge, and a second pressure sensor for detecting the outlet water pressure of the filter cartridge.

[0037] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By calculating the contamination index of the filter element and comparing the cumulative duration with a preset time threshold when the contamination index exceeds a first preset contamination index, the filter element is cleaned according to different cleaning intensities. Different cleaning intensities correspond to different cleaning times. After each cleaning, the contamination index of the filter element is assessed again to determine whether to shut down or continue cleaning. Therefore, this filter element cleaning method can automatically match the cleaning intensity and time according to the degree of contamination of the filter element, and can determine the stubbornness of the dirt on the filter element through the cumulative cleaning interval, achieving a sufficient cleaning effect while minimizing damage to the filter element. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a water circuit diagram of the water purifier in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the filter cleaning method for a water purifier in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process for the contamination level of the filter element in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the water purifier in this embodiment includes a water purification pipeline 1 and a filter element 2 disposed on the water purification pipeline 1. The filter element 2 is cleaned using the filter element cleaning method described above.

[0043] The water purification pipeline 1 is also equipped with a two-position three-way valve 3 located upstream of the filter element 2 and a booster pump 6 located upstream of the two-position three-way valve 3. The two-position three-way valve 3 has a first port 31, a second port 32 and a third port 33. The first port 31 and the second port 32 are respectively connected to the water purification pipeline 1. The third port 33 is also connected to the filter element 2 through the cleaning pipeline 4. The filter element 2 is also connected to the drain pipeline 5. The drain pipeline 5 is also equipped with a drain valve 51, which is a solenoid valve. The two-position three-way valve 3 is configured such that when the first port 31 is open, the third port 33 and the second port 32 are selectively opened.

[0044] In addition, the water purifier also includes a first pressure sensor 71 for detecting the inlet water pressure between the booster pump 6 and the filter element 2, and a second pressure sensor 72 for detecting the outlet water pressure of the filter element 2. Thus, by detecting the inlet and outlet water pressures of the filter element using the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72, the filter element contamination index can be calculated.

[0045] The aforementioned booster pump 6, two-position three-way valve 3, drain valve 51, first pressure sensor 71 and second pressure sensor 72 are all connected to the controller, so that the controller can change different operating conditions according to different user needs (corresponding to the following normal water production, filter element contamination detection and filter element self-cleaning).

[0046] The working process of the above water purifier is as follows:

[0047] Normal water production: Booster pump 6 is working, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the two-position three-way valve 3 are open, the third port 33 is closed, the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 are not working, and the drain valve 51 is closed.

[0048] Filter contamination level detection: The booster pump 6 is working, the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the two-position three-way valve 3 are open, the third port 33 is closed, the first pressure sensor 71 and the second pressure sensor 72 are working and feeding back the detected pressure value to the controller, and the drain valve 51 is closed.

[0049] Filter element self-cleaning: When the booster pump 6 is working, the first port 31 and the third port 33 of the two-position three-way valve 3 are open, the second port 32 is closed, and the drain valve 51 is open.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the filter cleaning method of the water purifier in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0051] Step 1: Record the moment when the water purifier is first powered on and connected to water.

[0052] Step 2: Test the degree of contamination of the filter element in the water purifier to obtain the contamination index K, where 0 ≤ K ≤ 100%;

[0053] During the water purifier's non-operating hours, the filter cartridge's contamination level is checked at regular intervals. Each time the filter cartridge's contamination level is checked, the inlet water pressure is consistently equal to a set value 'a'. This ensures consistent inlet water pressure, making the recorded pressure difference ΔP more comparative and accurately reflecting the filter cartridge's contamination level. Furthermore, by displaying the contamination index K on the water purifier's control panel, the user is immediately informed of the filter cartridge's contamination level, serving as a reminder. In this embodiment, the interval is 6 hours. Figure 3 As shown, the specific detection method for the degree of contamination of the filter element is as follows: control the booster pump 6 to work, open the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the two-position three-way valve 3, close the third port 33 of the two-position three-way valve 3, and adjust the working current of the booster pump 6 so that the filter element inlet water pressure P1 is equal to the set value a.

[0054] The method for obtaining the filter element's contamination index is as follows:

[0055]

[0056] Where ΔP is the absolute value of the difference between the filter cartridge outlet pressure and the filter cartridge inlet pressure, and P0 is the absolute value of the pressure difference when the filter cartridge's filtration effect cannot meet the set requirements; the formula for calculating ΔP is:

[0057] ΔP=|P1-p′|

[0058] Where P1 is the inlet water pressure of the filter element, and p′ is the average value of the outlet water pressure of the filter element. p i Let n be the filter cartridge outlet pressure obtained from the i-th measurement, and n be the total number of measurements. Due to the fluctuation of the filter cartridge inlet pressure, the filter cartridge outlet pressure is recorded every 5 seconds. This way, the average value is taken to reduce the influence of error.

[0059] In this embodiment, the pollution index of the filter element (corresponding to the degree of clogging) is calculated by pressure difference. This indirect detection method does not damage the filter element's structure, avoids adding excessive redundant structures, and is unaffected by water pressure fluctuations, booster pump performance, or user habits, making the detection method reliable. The power source for the test directly uses the booster pump structure built into the water purifier, without introducing any additional power source. The pollution level is determined using the n-point average method to prevent test deviations caused by pressure cycle fluctuations of the booster pump. Furthermore, during testing, the voltage and current of the booster pump are adjusted by the controller to keep the inlet water pressure of the filter element constant, ensuring that the test conditions for each K-value test are the same, further eliminating errors.

[0060] Step 3: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the first preset pollution index K1. If yes, proceed to step 4; otherwise, proceed to step 9. The first preset pollution index K1 can be confirmed by experiments. In this embodiment, K1 can be equal to or close to 100%.

[0061] Step 4: Obtain the current accumulated duration T, and determine whether T is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold T0. If yes, clean the filter element according to the first preset cleaning intensity X1, and proceed to step 5; if no, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2, and proceed to step 7; X1 > X2.

[0062] In this embodiment, two cleaning modules can be set up: a powerful cleaning mode and a normal cleaning mode. The powerful cleaning mode corresponds to the cleaning mode with a first preset cleaning intensity X1, and the normal cleaning mode corresponds to the cleaning mode with a second preset intensity X2. The specific values ​​of X1 and X2 can be determined through experiments. The preset time threshold T0 can be determined according to the user's usage habits.

[0063] Step 5: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset first time t1, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again;

[0064] In this embodiment, the formula for calculating t1 is:

[0065] t1 = a*T0 + b*(T - T0)

[0066] Where a is the first pollution persistence coefficient and b is the second pollution persistence coefficient, both of which are determined through experimental data calibration;

[0067] Step 6: Determine whether K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; otherwise, continue cleaning the filter at the first cleaning intensity and proceed to step 5; K2 < K1; In this embodiment, K2 = 5%, K1 = 100%;

[0068] Step 7: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset second time t2, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again;

[0069] In this embodiment, the formula for calculating t2 is: t2 = a * T;

[0070] Step 8: Determine whether K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; otherwise, continue cleaning the filter at the second cleaning intensity and proceed to step 7.

[0071] Step 9: Set both the pollution index K and the cumulative duration T to zero, record the current time, start timing from the current time, and proceed to step 2.

[0072] When a water purifier has been used for a period of time and then left unused for an extended period, the surface contamination of the filter element will not continue to increase, and the K value will not reach 100%. However, as time continues to increase, the accumulated dirt will gradually solidify, becoming stubborn dirt that is difficult to clean. Therefore, step 4, before determining the value between T and T0, also includes the following steps:

[0073] Step 4-1: Determine if T is greater than the maximum preset time T1, where T1 > T0. If so, proceed to step 4-2; otherwise, perform the comparison between T and T0 in step 4.

[0074] Step 4-2: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the third preset pollution index K3, where K2 < K3 < K1. If yes, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2 and proceed to step 7; otherwise, continue to accumulate time T.

[0075] In this embodiment, T1 is 30 days; K3 = 20%; therefore, when T exceeds 30 days, the contamination level detection is triggered; when the detected contamination level K ≥ 20%, cleaning is automatically triggered, and the cleaning mode is the same as described above, using general cleaning intensity; cleaning is only triggered when T ≥ 30 days and K ≥ 20%, and other situations are the same as the daily working mode.

[0076] The cleaning method in this embodiment fully considers the fact that dirt cannot be completely removed. The previous cleaning result is set as the initial value of K, and the degree of contamination is set to zero. This means that the degree of contamination will increase by a maximum of K2 (5%) each time compared to the previous cleaning. This calculation shows that the degree of contamination converges, meaning that under the same conditions, the time required for the filter element to reach the next cleaning cycle will become shorter and shorter, which is consistent with the general wear and tear of filter elements. Furthermore, the cumulative cleaning interval can be used to determine the stubbornness of the dirt on the filter element, achieving a sufficient cleaning effect while minimizing damage to the filter element. Additionally, if the degree of contamination on the timed filter element does not increase for a long time, it will also be cleaned to prevent stubborn contaminant buildup.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning the filter element of a water purifier, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1: Record the moment when the water purifier is first powered on and connected to water. Step 2: Test the degree of contamination of the filter element in the water purifier to obtain the contamination index K, where 0 ≤ K ≤ 100%; The method for obtaining the filter element's contamination index is as follows: ； in, This is the absolute value of the difference between the filter cartridge outlet pressure and the filter cartridge inlet pressure. This is the absolute value of the pressure difference when the filter element's filtration effect fails to meet the set requirements. Step 3: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the first preset pollution index K1. If yes, proceed to step 4; otherwise, proceed to step 9. Step 4: Obtain the current accumulated duration T, and determine whether T is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold T0. If yes, clean the filter element according to the first preset cleaning intensity X1, and proceed to step 5; if no, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2, and proceed to step 7; X1 > X2. Step 5: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset first time t1, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again; The formula for calculating t1 is: t1 = a*T0 + b*(T - T0) Where a is the first pollution persistence coefficient and b is the second pollution persistence coefficient, both of which are determined by experimental data calibration; Step 6: Determine whether K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; if no, continue cleaning the filter with the first cleaning intensity and proceed to step 5; K2 < K1. Step 7: After the filter element cleaning reaches the preset second time t2, obtain the filter element's contamination index K again; The formula for calculating t2 is: t2 = a * T; Step 8: Determine whether K is less than or equal to the second preset pollution index K2. If yes, turn off filter cleaning and proceed to step 9; otherwise, continue cleaning the filter at the second cleaning intensity and proceed to step 7. Step 9: Set both the pollution index K and the cumulative duration T to zero, record the current time, start timing from the current time, and proceed to step 2.

2. The filter element cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calculation formula is: in, The inlet water pressure of the filter element. This represents the average water pressure at the filter cartridge outlet. , Let n be the filter cartridge outlet pressure obtained from the i-th measurement, n be the total number of measurements, and n be the filter cartridge inlet pressure at each test of the filter cartridge's contamination level. All are equal to the set value a.

3. The filter element cleaning method according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step 2, the filter cartridge's contamination level is checked at regular intervals during the water purifier's non-working hours.

4. The filter element cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Before determining the magnitude between T and T0 in step 4, the following steps are also included: Step 4-1: Determine if T is greater than the maximum preset time T1, where T1 > T0. If so, proceed to step 4-2; otherwise, perform the comparison between T and T0 in step 4. Step 4-2: Determine whether K is greater than or equal to the third preset pollution index K3, where K2 < K3 < K1. If yes, clean the filter element according to the second preset intensity X2 and proceed to step 7; otherwise, continue to accumulate time T.

5. A water purifier, comprising a water purification pipeline (1) and a filter element (2) disposed on the water purification pipeline (1), characterized in that: The filter element (2) is cleaned using the filter element cleaning method described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The water purifier according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water purification pipeline (1) is also equipped with a two-position three-way valve (3) located upstream of the filter element (2). The two-position three-way valve (3) has a first interface (31), a second interface (32) and a third interface (33). The first interface (31) and the second interface (32) are respectively connected to the water purification pipeline (1). The third interface (33) is also connected to the filter element (2) through the cleaning pipeline (4). The filter element (2) is also connected to the drain pipeline (5). The two-position three-way valve (3) is configured such that when the first interface (31) is open, the third interface (33) and the second interface (32) are selectively opened.

7. The water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drainage pipe (5) is also equipped with a drain valve (51).

8. The water purifier according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water purification pipeline (1) is also equipped with a booster pump (6) located upstream of the two-position three-way valve (3).

9. The water purifier according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water purifier also includes a first pressure sensor (71) for detecting the inlet pressure between the booster pump (6) and the filter element (2) and a second pressure sensor (72) for detecting the outlet pressure of the filter element (2).

Images