Control method for water purifier and water purifier

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of water purifiers, and specifically provides a control method for a water purifier and the water purifier. The present application aims to solve the problem that the electrolysis module of the existing water purifier relies on the system switch to turn on and off the power supply, which cannot effectively control and protect the electrolysis module, resulting in reduced performance of the electrolysis module. To this end, the present application provides a control method for a water purifier, which includes an electrolysis module, a flow detection module and a booster pump. The control method includes: determining whether an electrolysis module opening instruction is received; when the electrolysis module opening instruction is received, controlling the booster pump to start running at a target voltage; controlling the flow detection module to detect the water outlet flow of the water purifier; and when the water outlet flow is greater than or equal to a preset flow, the electrolysis module is started. The present application effectively controls the water outlet flow of domestic water, and effectively controls and protects the electrolysis module through the judgment of water flow and continuous working time, so as to improve the performance of the electrolysis module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water purifier technology, specifically providing a control method for a water purifier and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the water purification industry, water purifiers can provide users not only with drinking water but also with domestic water. Domestic water is usually only filtered by a pre-filter, so it is typically used for washing vegetables and dishes. Pure water, on the other hand, is filtered by a post-filter and can be drunk directly. Since domestic water is mostly used for washing fruits, vegetables, tableware, and household items, the rinsing and soaking action of tap water alone cannot completely remove bacteria and other microorganisms. Existing water purifiers enhance the cleaning effect of tap water by adding an electrolysis module to the water circuit to remove bacteria and pesticide residues.

[0003] In current water purifiers, the electrolysis module typically operates by applying a constant current. Tap water flows through the module at a certain flow rate to achieve electrolysis. However, the flow rate of tap water is affected by the actual water pressure in the user's home, resulting in inconsistent flow and thus inconsistent electrolysis performance. In the absence of water flow or with insufficient flow, the electrolysis module remains on, causing overheating and potential rupture. Furthermore, prolonged operation of the electrolysis module degrades its electrolysis performance. Therefore, relying solely on the system's on / off switch is insufficient for effective control and protection of the electrolysis module, ultimately leading to reduced performance and a poor user experience.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the field for a new control method for water purifiers to address the problems that existing water purifiers rely on traditional high-voltage switches to control the water circuit, which makes it impossible to accurately control the water output, resulting in unstable electrolysis performance; and rely on system switches to control the power supply, which makes it impossible to effectively control and protect the electrolysis module, leading to reduced performance of the electrolysis module. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problems that existing water purifiers rely on traditional high-voltage switches to control the water circuit, which makes it impossible to accurately control the water output, resulting in unstable electrolysis effect; and rely on system switches to control the power supply, which makes it impossible to effectively control and protect the electrolysis module, resulting in reduced performance of the electrolysis module.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a water purifier, the water purifier including an electrolysis module, a flow detection module, and a booster pump, the control method including: determining whether an electrolysis module start command is received; when the electrolysis module start command is received, controlling the booster pump to start operation at a target voltage; controlling the flow detection module to detect the water flow rate of the water purifier; and when the water flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate, starting the electrolysis module.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the water purifier further includes a Hall switch installed on the faucet, and the step of "determining whether an electrolysis module start command has been received" specifically includes:

[0008] The Hall switch is used to determine whether the faucet is open or closed, and thus whether the electrolysis module has been received as an activation command.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the control method further includes:

[0010] The continuous operating time of the electrolysis module is detected;

[0011] When the continuous running time of the electrolysis module is detected to be greater than the preset running time, the electrolysis module is shut down.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the control method further includes:

[0013] Obtain the parameter information of the electrolysis module;

[0014] The preset flow rate is determined based on the parameter information of the electrolysis module.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the parameter information includes the cumulative operating time of the electrolysis module.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the control method further includes:

[0017] When the water purifier is bound to a user terminal, it obtains the preset traffic flow sent by a preset application on the user terminal.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the control method further includes:

[0019] After the booster pump and the electrolysis module are turned on, if the Hall switch determines that the faucet is closed, then the booster pump and the electrolysis module are turned off.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the control method further includes:

[0021] After the booster pump is turned on but the electrolysis module is turned off due to running timeout, if the Hall switch determines that the faucet is still on, a prompt to stop the electrolysis module is issued while keeping the booster pump on.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the water purifier described above, the water purifier further includes an indicator light installed on the faucet, and the indication that the electrolysis module has stopped working includes the indicator light displaying a specific color.

[0023] The present invention also provides a water purifier, including a controller configured to perform the above-described control method for a water purifier.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will understand that, since tap water is primarily used for washing fruits, vegetables, tableware, and household items, the rinsing and soaking action of tap water alone cannot completely remove bacteria and other microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to add an electrolysis module to the water circuit of a water purifier to enhance the washing effect of tap water in removing bacteria and pesticide residues. However, the stability of the electrolysis effect of the electrolysis module and its control and protection are extremely important. To ensure the stability of the electrolysis effect of the electrolysis module, it is necessary to mitigate the interference caused by inconsistent water flow due to unstable water pressure. Simultaneously, it is crucial to prevent the electrolysis module from rupturing when it operates with no or insufficient water flow. Furthermore, it is essential to prevent the electrolysis module's performance from deteriorating due to prolonged operation. Based on this, the following measures are taken: First, the water purifier of this invention is equipped with a Hall effect switch on the faucet. When the faucet is opened, the Hall effect switch sends a signal to determine if the user requires water and, consequently, whether an activation command for the electrolysis module has been received. Upon receiving the activation command, the booster pump is controlled to operate at the target voltage to achieve precise control of the water flow rate, thereby solving the problem of traditional high-pressure switch control of water... The invention addresses the issue of unstable domestic water output by improving the electrolysis stability of the electrolysis module. Secondly, to better control and protect the electrolysis module, a flow detection module is included. This module monitors the water purifier's output flow rate. To prevent damage to the electrolysis module from insufficient or no water flow, the module activates when the output flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset flow rate. Thirdly, to better ensure the electrolysis module's lifespan and performance, the invention limits its continuous operating time. The continuous operating time is monitored in real-time; if it exceeds the preset time, the module shuts down until the next domestic water supply operation meets the logic requirements. In summary, this invention uses a Hall effect switch to determine whether to receive the command to activate the electrolysis module and a booster pump that adjusts the water output based on the target voltage to suit the electrolysis module's operation, achieving precise water control and ensuring the electrolysis effect of the module. Meanwhile, a detection module is also included to protect the electrolysis module, and a continuous operating time limit is set to prevent the module from operating for too long and thus reducing its electrolytic properties. This fundamentally solves the problem of unstable electrolysis performance caused by the inability to accurately control the water output using high-pressure switches in existing technologies. Furthermore, it addresses the issue that existing technologies relying solely on system switches for power on / off control are insufficient for effective control and protection of the electrolysis module. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The control method for a water purifier according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method for a water purifier according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart of step S01 of the control method for a water purifier of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of steps S05 to S07 of the control method for a water purifier of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of steps S08 to S010 of the control method for a water purifier according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications. For example, although the specification describes the use of an indicator light on the faucet of a water purifier to indicate that the electrolysis module has stopped working, the present invention can obviously incorporate an alarm device inside the water purifier. When the electrolysis module needs to stop working, an alarm can be issued to prompt the electrolysis module to stop working; any method that effectively reminds the electrolysis module to stop working is acceptable.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0032] With the continuous improvement of people's living standards and health awareness, as well as the development of the water purifier industry, users' needs are no longer limited to purified drinking water; they also require sterilization functions for the water used to wash fruits and vegetables in daily life. Therefore, the electrolysis module in a water purifier helps disinfect pesticide residues on fruits, vegetables, and other foods, making it crucial for the development of water purifiers. Furthermore, ensuring the stability of the electrolysis effect and extending the lifespan of the electrolysis module are extremely important. Current technology typically uses traditional high-pressure switches to control the water circuit and a system switch for power on / off control. The drawback of this approach is that the water output is greatly affected by the user's actual water pressure, resulting in unstable electrolysis effects and a poor user experience. It also fails to effectively control and protect the electrolysis module. To improve these issues during use, and to ensure that the electrolysis module operates according to actual usage conditions, extending its lifespan, and saving energy, a solution is needed. Furthermore, by adjusting the water output, it is possible to ensure that the water per unit volume receives appropriate electrolytic energy per unit time, achieving a stable electrolysis effect. This invention provides a control method.

[0033] The following reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main steps of the control method for a water purifier of the present invention are described in a flowchart.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, to improve the user experience of the electrolysis module in a water purifier and avoid instability in the electrolysis effect due to variations in water output caused by actual water pressure, and to address the lack of control and protection for the electrolysis module in the absence of water flow or with low flow, which can lead to the module remaining on and overheating, this invention provides a control method for a water purifier. This method improves upon traditional water control methods, achieving precise water control and enhancing the stability of the electrolysis effect. Furthermore, controlling and protecting the electrolysis module significantly extends its lifespan and saves energy. The water purifier includes an electrolysis module, a flow detection module, and a booster pump. It also includes a Hall effect switch on the faucet. Specifically, the Hall effect signal emitted by the faucet switch determines whether the user has a water demand, thus determining whether the faucet should be opened or closed. Therefore, step S01 is executed: determining whether an electrolysis module opening command has been received. Figure 2The steps of step S01 are shown below, including: Step S011, determining whether the faucet is open or closed via a Hall effect switch, and thus determining whether an electrolysis module start command has been received. Further, it includes step S012, after the booster pump and electrolysis module are started, if the Hall effect switch determines the faucet is closed, then the booster pump and electrolysis module are shut down. This setting avoids starting the electrolysis module when the faucet is closed, preventing damage to the electrolysis module from powering on it when there is no water flow. Simultaneously, when the Hall effect switch determines the faucet is closed, it indicates there is no water demand, and shutting down the booster pump and electrolysis module also saves energy.

[0035] After executing step S01, step S02 is executed. Upon receiving the electrolysis module start command, the booster pump is controlled to start operation at the target voltage. In current water purifiers, the electrolysis module typically operates by passing a constant current through it. Tap water flows through the module at a certain flow rate to achieve electrolysis. However, due to unstable water flow, the electrolysis effect is inconsistent. To ensure the stability of the electrolysis effect, this invention incorporates a booster pump. The booster pump precisely controls the water output. When the booster pump starts at the target voltage, it ensures that the water output is suitable for the electrolysis module's operation, solving the problem of inconsistent water output caused by varying actual water pressure, thereby improving the stability of the electrolysis effect.

[0036] Since powering on the electrolysis module can affect it if there is no water flow or the water flow is too low, the water purifier is equipped with a flow detection module. In step S03, the flow detection module is used to detect the water flow rate of the water purifier. In step S04, when the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate, the electrolysis module is activated. This protects the electrolysis module from rupture due to no water flow or insufficient water flow.

[0037] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 Steps S05 to S07 of the control method for a water purifier of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0038] To better ensure the operation of the electrolysis module, it is necessary to understand its parameter information to set the target voltage of the booster pump and more accurately adjust the water output. Simultaneously, the water flow rate detected by the flow detection module is compared with the preset flow rate to determine whether the electrolysis module should be activated. Specifically, the control method of this invention further includes steps S05: acquiring the parameter information of the electrolysis module; and S06: determining the preset flow rate based on the parameter information of the electrolysis module. The acquired parameter information also includes the cumulative operating time of the electrolysis module.

[0039] Meanwhile, the control method of the present invention also includes step S07: when the water purifier is bound to the user terminal, obtaining the preset flow rate sent by the preset application on the user terminal. Since the preset application on the user terminal has preset flow rate information, binding the water purifier and the user terminal to obtain the preset flow rate from the application can more accurately control the water flow rate of the water purifier, thereby protecting the stability of the electrolysis effect of the electrolysis module and preventing damage to the electrolysis module caused by powering on when there is no water flow or the water flow is too small.

[0040] The following reference Figure 4 The steps S08 to S010 of the control method for a water purifier of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0041] When the electrolysis module operates for too long, its electrolysis performance deteriorates, and its lifespan is also shortened. Therefore, to mitigate this issue, a continuous operating time limit is set for the electrolysis module. When the limit is reached, the module stops operating and will only restart when the next domestic water supply is turned on and the logic requirements are met. The specific control method includes step S08: detecting the continuous operating time of the electrolysis module; and step S09: when the detected continuous operating time exceeds the preset time, shutting down the electrolysis module. This ensures the electrolysis performance of the module, extends its lifespan to some extent, and also saves energy.

[0042] Specifically, the control method of the present invention further includes step S010: after the booster pump is turned on but the electrolysis module is turned off due to timeout, if the Hall switch determines that the faucet is continuously open, a prompt to stop the electrolysis module is issued while keeping the booster pump on. Since the determination of whether an electrolysis module start command has been received is based on the Hall switch's determination of the faucet's opening and closing, when the electrolysis module is turned off due to timeout, if the Hall switch determines that the faucet is continuously open, a prompt to stop the electrolysis module needs to be issued while keeping the booster pump on to ensure the normal operation of other functions of the water purifier. Specifically, the water purifier also includes an indicator light on the faucet, and the prompt to stop the electrolysis module includes the indicator light displaying a specific color. Specifically, when it is necessary for the electrolysis module to stop working, the corresponding indicator light on the faucet illuminates, thereby achieving better control and protection of the electrolysis module.

[0043] Furthermore, installing indicator lights on the faucet is beneficial for understanding the working status of the electrolysis module. For example, when a user needs the electrolysis module to electrolyze domestic water, they can determine whether the module is running simply by observing the indicator light on the faucet. The indicator light displays a specific color depending on the status; preferably, it can be set to green when the electrolysis module is working, and yellow when the module has stopped working. This helps users better understand the operating status of the electrolysis module.

[0044] In summary, to ensure the stability of the electrolysis effect of the electrolysis module, it is necessary to mitigate the interference caused by inconsistent water flow due to unstable water pressure. Simultaneously, it is crucial to prevent the electrolysis module from rupturing when it operates without water flow or with insufficient water flow. Furthermore, it is essential to prevent the electrolysis module's performance from deteriorating due to prolonged operation. This application provides a control method for a water purifier, wherein the water purifier includes an electrolysis module, a flow detection module, and a booster pump, as well as a Hall effect switch mounted on the faucet. First, the Hall effect switch determines whether the faucet is open or closed, and thus determines whether an electrolysis module activation command has been received. Upon receiving the electrolysis module start command, the booster pump is controlled to start operating at the target voltage to achieve precise control of the water flow rate. This solves the problem of unstable domestic water output caused by traditional high-pressure switch control of the water circuit, thereby improving the electrolysis stability of the electrolysis module. Secondly, to better control and protect the electrolysis module, this invention also includes a flow detection module. This module detects the water flow rate of the water purifier. To prevent damage to the electrolysis module from powering on when there is no water flow or the water flow is too low, the electrolysis module is activated when the flow detection module detects that the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate. Thirdly, to better ensure the service life of the electrolysis module and prevent the electrolysis performance from decreasing due to prolonged operation, this invention sets a limit on the continuous operating time of the electrolysis module. The continuous operating time of the electrolysis module is detected in real time. When the continuous operating time of the electrolysis module is detected to be greater than the preset operating time, the electrolysis module is shut down until the next domestic water supply is turned on and the logic requirements are met before restarting. In summary, this invention uses a Hall effect switch to determine whether an instruction to start the electrolysis module is received, and a booster pump that operates according to the target voltage to control the water output, thus adjusting the output to suit the electrolysis module's operation and ensuring precise water control for optimal electrolysis performance. Simultaneously, a detection module is included to protect the electrolysis module, and a continuous operating time limit is set to prevent prolonged operation and reduced electrolytic activity. This invention solves the problems of existing technologies using traditional high-voltage switches that cannot accurately control the water circuit, leading to unstable water output and consequently unstable electrolysis performance. It also addresses the limitations of existing technologies using system switches for power on / off control, which cannot effectively control and protect the electrolysis module. Ultimately, this allows the electrolysis module to operate according to actual usage conditions, extending its lifespan and saving energy.

[0045] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above structure so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0046] For example, in an alternative embodiment, although the present invention uses an indicator light on the faucet of the water purifier to indicate that the electrolysis module has stopped working, a display screen can also be installed on the water purifier. The data module on the display screen can then indicate that the electrolysis module has stopped working. Therefore, whether an indicator light or a display screen is used, as long as it can indicate that the electrolysis module has stopped working, it does not deviate from the principle of the present invention and therefore falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] In addition, the present invention also provides a water purifier, including a controller configured to perform the control method for the water purifier described in any of the above claims.

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a water purifier, characterized by, The water purifier comprises an electrolysis module, a flow detection module and a booster pump, and the control method comprises: determining whether an electrolysis module opening instruction is received; controlling the booster pump to start operating at a target voltage after the electrolysis module opening instruction is received; controlling the flow detection module to detect the water outlet flow of the water purifier; starting the electrolysis module when the water outlet flow is greater than or equal to a preset flow. The control method further comprises: obtaining parameter information of the electrolysis module; determining the preset flow according to the parameter information of the electrolysis module.

2. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized by, The water purifier further comprises a Hall switch arranged on a faucet, and the step of "determining whether an electrolysis module opening instruction is received" specifically comprises: determining the opening and closing of the faucet through the Hall switch, and thus determining whether the electrolysis module opening instruction is received.

3. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, wherein The control method further comprises: detecting the continuous operating time of the electrolysis module; turning off the electrolysis module when the continuous operating time of the electrolysis module is detected to be greater than a preset operating time.

4. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized by, The parameter information comprises the cumulative operating time length of the electrolysis module.

5. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 1, characterized by, The control method further comprises: obtaining the preset flow sent by a preset application program on a user terminal when the water purifier is bound to the user terminal.

6. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 2, wherein The control method further comprises: after the booster pump and the electrolysis module are turned on, if it is determined through the Hall switch that the faucet is closed, then turning off the booster pump and the electrolysis module.

7. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 2, wherein The control method further comprises: after the booster pump is turned on but the electrolysis module is turned off due to operating timeout, if it is determined through the Hall switch that the faucet is continuously turned on, then issuing a prompt for the electrolysis module to stop working while keeping the booster pump turned on.

8. The control method for a water purifier according to claim 7, characterized by, The water purifier further comprises an indicator light arranged on the faucet, and the prompt for the electrolysis module to stop working comprises the indicator light displaying a specific color.

9. A water purifier comprising a controller, characterized by The controller is configured to be capable of executing the control method for the water purifier according to any one of claims 1-8.

Images