Water purification system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a water purification system and its control method, relating to the field of water treatment technology. The water purification system includes: a raw water inlet, a first water quality outlet, and a second water quality outlet; a first filtration unit; a first water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the first water quality outlet; a second water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the second water quality outlet; a third water path connecting the raw water inlet and the inlet of the first filtration unit; a flow detection unit and a pressure detection unit disposed on the first water path; an inlet valve disposed on the third water path, capable of being activated and deactivated based on the detection values ​​of the flow detection unit and the pressure detection unit; a control unit electrically connected to the inlet valve, the flow detection unit, and the pressure detection unit; and a first water output mechanism connected to the first water quality outlet, which is not electrically connected to the control unit. This application can solve the problem that the user's domestic faucet and the inlet valve cannot be linked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a water purification system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In typical households, water purification systems are usually controlled directly by a tap to dispense purified water. However, in the above-described structure, all components of the system are directly connected to the water source (usually tap water). This means that when the tap is closed or water pressure fluctuates, these components are subjected to water hammer. This places high pressure requirements on the various components and pipes in the system; otherwise, some parts may be damaged by the water hammer. Therefore, an inlet solenoid valve can be installed at the inlet of the water purification system. This valve closes when the tap is closed, preventing the system from being subjected to water hammer.

[0003] Meanwhile, current water purification systems can have two water outlets. One outlet provides purified water for direct drinking, while the other provides pre-filtered domestic water for daily use. These two outlets share the same inlet solenoid valve. The drinking water outlet is typically connected to an integrated water output mechanism, which is electronically controlled and can be electrically linked to the inlet solenoid valve. When the output mechanism is activated, the inlet solenoid valve opens accordingly, ensuring water flows into the purified water outlet and is filtered before being output. However, the domestic water outlet is usually directly connected to the user's existing faucet and cannot be linked to the inlet solenoid valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a water purification system and its control method, which can solve the problem that the user's domestic water tap and the water inlet solenoid valve cannot be linked.

[0005] The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0006] A water purification system, the water purification system comprising:

[0007] Raw water inlet, first water quality outlet, second water quality outlet;

[0008] It has a first filtration unit with both inlet and outlet ports;

[0009] A first water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the first water quality output end;

[0010] A second water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the second water quality output end;

[0011] A third water passage connecting the raw water input terminal and the inlet of the first filtration unit;

[0012] A flow detection unit and a pressure detection unit are installed on the first water path;

[0013] An inlet valve that can be started and closed based on the detection values ​​of the flow detection unit and the pressure detection unit, wherein the inlet valve is disposed in the third water line;

[0014] The control unit is electrically connected to the inlet valve, the flow detection unit, and the pressure detection unit;

[0015] A first water output mechanism is connected to the first water quality output terminal, but the first water output mechanism is not electrically connected to the control unit.

[0016] Optionally, the first water output mechanism is a purely mechanical water output mechanism.

[0017] Optionally, the water purification system further includes a second water output mechanism connected to the second water quality output terminal, wherein the second water output mechanism is an electronic water output mechanism.

[0018] Optionally, a sterilization water generation unit is provided on the first water path.

[0019] Optionally, the second water output mechanism is electrically connected to the control unit, and when the second water output mechanism is opened and closed, the control unit controls the water inlet valve to open and close respectively.

[0020] Optionally, the first filtration unit includes a pre-filtration unit, which includes one of the following: a PP filtration unit, a PP and carbon fiber filtration unit.

[0021] Optionally, when the pre-filter unit includes PP and carbon fiber filter units, the carbon fiber filter unit is located downstream of the PP filter unit.

[0022] The first water path connects the outlet of the PP filter unit to the first water quality output end.

[0023] Optionally, the water purification system further includes a fine filtration unit disposed in the second water path.

[0024] Optionally, the fine filtration unit includes at least one of the following: a reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit, a nanofiltration membrane filtration unit, an ultrafiltration membrane filtration unit, and a fiber membrane filtration unit.

[0025] Optionally, a first check valve is provided in the first water path, which can be opened from the outlet of the first filter unit to the first water quality output end; the first check valve is located upstream of the flow detection unit and the pressure detection unit.

[0026] A control method employing any of the water purification systems described above, the control method comprising:

[0027] The flow rate of the first water channel is obtained from the flow detection unit, and the pressure of the first water channel is obtained from the pressure detection unit.

[0028] The opening or closing of the inlet valve is controlled based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water circuit.

[0029] Optionally, the step of controlling the opening of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes:

[0030] When the pressure drop in the first water path meets a first preset value, the inlet valve is opened.

[0031] Optionally, when the pressure drop of the first water path within a first preset time period meets a first preset value, the water inlet valve is controlled to open.

[0032] Optionally, the step of controlling the opening of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes:

[0033] When the flow detection unit detects the water flow, it controls the opening of the inlet valve.

[0034] Optionally, the inlet valve is opened when the water flow detected by the flow detection unit is greater than or equal to the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit.

[0035] Optionally, the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes:

[0036] When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow and the pressure rise of the first water path reaches a second preset value, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

[0037] Optionally, if the pressure rise of the first water path reaches a second preset value within the second preset time period, and the flow detection unit fails to detect water flow for a third preset time period, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

[0038] Optionally, the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes:

[0039] When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow, and the time during which the flow detection unit does not detect water flow reaches a fourth preset time, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

[0040] Optionally, the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes:

[0041] When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow and the pressure of the first water circuit is lower than the third preset value, it determines that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a water shortage state and controls the inlet valve to close.

[0042] Optionally, when the pressure of the first water circuit is lower than the third preset value for a period of time that reaches the fifth preset time, it is determined that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a water shortage state, and the inlet valve is controlled to close.

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0044] When the first water output mechanism is turned on by the user, since it is not electrically connected to the control unit, the control unit cannot directly know that the first water output mechanism has been turned on. At this time, the water accumulated in the first water circuit will flow out from the first water output mechanism, and the water flow rate and / or pressure value in the first water circuit will change. The flow detection unit and pressure detection unit can detect the water flow rate and pressure value in the first water circuit, so that the control unit can control the opening or closing of the inlet valve based on the flow detection unit and pressure detection unit, thereby realizing the linkage between the first water output mechanism and the inlet valve. This makes the water purification system suitable for situations where the user's home has a built-in first water output mechanism, thus expanding the scope of application of the water purification system.

[0045] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail below with reference to the description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification system in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the control method for the water purification system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another step in the control method of the water purification system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0052] 1. Inlet valve; 2. First filtration unit; 3. First water path; 4. Second water path; 5. Flow detection unit; 6. Pressure detection unit; 7. Boosting device; 8. Fine filtration unit; 9. Post-filtration unit; 10. Return water path; 11. Wastewater path; 12. Combination valve; 13. First water output mechanism; 14. Second water output mechanism; 15. Second check valve; 16. First check valve; 17. Third water path; 18. Raw water input end; 19. First water quality output end; 20. Second water quality output end. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on the invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal communication between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0054] 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 application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0055] To address the issue of the inability of user's household faucets and the inlet valve of the water purification system to be synchronized, this application proposes a control method for a water purification system. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification system in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water purification system may include an inlet valve 1, a first filter unit 2, a first water path 3, a second water path 4, a third water path 17, a flow detection unit 5, a pressure detection unit 6, a raw water input terminal 18, a first water quality output terminal 19, a second water quality output terminal 20, a control unit, and a first water output mechanism 13.

[0056] The raw water inlet 18 is used to connect to a water source. The first filter unit 2 may have an inlet and an outlet. The first water path 3 connects the outlet of the first filter unit 2 to the first water quality output end 19. The second water path 4 connects the outlet of the first filter unit 2 to the second water quality output end 20. The third water path 17 connects the raw water inlet 18 and the inlet of the first filter unit 2.

[0057] The first filtration unit 2 can be used for primary filtration of water, such as removing large particulate impurities like silt, rust, and suspended solids. The flow detection unit 5 and pressure detection unit 6 can be installed on the first water path 3. The flow detection unit 5 can detect the water flow rate in the first water path 3. The pressure detection unit 6 can detect the pressure of the fluid within the first water path 3. The inlet valve 1 can be installed on the third water path 17. The inlet valve 1 can be activated and deactivated based on the detection values ​​from the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure detection unit 6. When the inlet valve 1 is closed, the water source is disconnected from the downstream water purification system, and water hammer caused by unstable water pressure in the water source pipeline, such as the tap water pipeline, will not impact the water purification system.

[0058] In some feasible implementations, the first filter unit 2 may include a pre-filter unit. Further, for example, the pre-filter unit may include at least one of the following: a PP filter unit, a PP and carbon fiber filter unit, etc.

[0059] In some feasible implementations, in the PP and carbon fiber filter units, the PP filter unit can be located upstream of the carbon fiber filter unit. When the upstream filter unit includes both PP and carbon fiber filter units, the first water passage 3 can be connected to the outlet of either the PP filter unit or the carbon fiber filter unit. When the first water passage 3 is connected to the outlet of the PP filter unit, the service life of the carbon fiber filter unit can be effectively improved, avoiding frequent replacement of the carbon fiber filter unit due to failure.

[0060] In some feasible implementations, the first water path 3 can be used to output water of a first water quality via the first water quality output terminal 19. The second water path 4 can be used to output water of a second water quality via the second water quality output terminal 20. The water of the first water quality can be the same as or different from the water of the second water quality. When the water of the first water quality is different from the water of the second water quality, the water of the first water quality can include domestic water, and the water of the second water quality can include purified water. As a feasible implementation, a sterilization water generating unit can be provided in the first water path. When the sterilization water generating unit is turned on, the water of the first water quality can include sterilization water.

[0061] In some feasible implementations, the water purification system may include a control unit. Alternatively, the control unit may be electrically connected to the inlet valve 1, the flow detection unit 5, and the pressure detection unit 6. The control unit is used to control the opening or closing of the inlet valve based on the detection values ​​of the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure detection unit 6. For example, the control unit may control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate of the first water path 3 detected by the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure of the first water path 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6.

[0062] In some feasible implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first water output terminal 19 is connected to the first water output mechanism 13, which is not electrically connected to the control unit. Alternatively, the first water output mechanism 13 can be a purely mechanical water output mechanism. When the first water output mechanism 13 is turned on or off by the user, the water purification system cannot directly know the status of the first water output mechanism 13. For example, the first water output mechanism 13 can be an existing water output mechanism in the user's home, such as a daily water faucet.

[0063] When the first water output mechanism 13 is turned on by the user, since the first water output mechanism 13 is not electrically connected to the control unit, the control unit cannot directly know that the first water output mechanism 13 has been turned on. At this time, the water accumulated in the first water path will flow out from the first water output mechanism 13, and the water flow rate and / or pressure value in the first water path 3 will change. The flow detection unit 5 and the pressure detection unit 6 can detect the water flow rate and pressure value in the first water path 3, so that the control unit can control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure detection unit 6, thereby realizing the linkage between the first water output mechanism 13 and the inlet valve 1. This makes the water purification system suitable for situations where the user's home has a built-in first water output mechanism 13, thus expanding the scope of application of the water purification system.

[0064] In order to enable the second water channel 4 to output higher quality purified water through the second water quality output terminal 20, in some feasible implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water purification system may include a fine filtration unit 8 installed on the second water passage 4. The filtration accuracy of the fine filtration unit 8 may be higher than that of the first filtration unit 2.

[0065] In some feasible implementations, the fine filtration unit 8 may include at least, but is not limited to, one of the following: a reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit, a nanofiltration membrane filtration unit, an ultrafiltration membrane filtration unit, a fiber membrane filtration unit, etc. Any filtration unit with a higher filtration precision than the first filtration unit 2 can be used here, thereby enabling the second water path 4 to output purified water superior to domestic water.

[0066] In some feasible implementations, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water purification system in another embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the water purification system may include a post-filtration unit 9 located downstream of the fine filtration unit 8 on the second water passage 4. The post-filtration unit 9 can be used to improve the taste of the purified water. For example, the post-filtration unit 9 may include activated carbon material.

[0067] In some feasible implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water purification system may include a booster device 7, which can be used to pressurize the water in the water purification system to improve the filtration efficiency of the water when passing through the first filter unit 2, the fine filter unit 8 and the post-filter unit 9, thereby increasing the water flow rate of the purified water outlet. The booster device 7 can be installed on the third water passage 17 upstream of the first filter unit 2, or on the second water passage 4 downstream of the first filter unit 2.

[0068] In some feasible implementations, when the fine filtration unit 8 uses a filtration unit that requires wastewater discharge during filtration, such as... Figure 2As shown, the water purification system may include: a wastewater path 11, which is connected to the wastewater end of the fine filtration unit 8. At least one wastewater ratio unit may be installed on the wastewater path 11.

[0069] In some feasible implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water purification system may include a return water path 10, one end of which may be connected downstream of the purified water end of the fine filtration unit 8, and the other end of which may be connected upstream of the first filtration unit 2. In this embodiment, the return water path 10, the fine filtration unit 8, and the first filtration unit 2 form a circulation channel, and the pressurization device 7 may be installed at any position on the circulation channel.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a second check valve 15 can be installed on the return water path 10. The second check valve 15 can be opened from the clean water end of the fine filtration unit 8 to the upstream direction of the first filtration unit 2. The second check valve 15 can prevent water that has passed through the inlet valve 1 from being directly output from the second water path 4 after passing through the return water path 10, and this part of the water has not been filtered by the fine filtration unit 8 and the first filtration unit 2.

[0071] In some feasible implementations, when the water purification system includes a return water path 10, in one feasible manner, a wastewater ratio unit and a first on / off unit can be connected in series on the wastewater path 11. As a feasible example, Figure 2 As shown, the wastewater ratio unit and the first on / off unit on the wastewater circuit 11 can be integrated into the combination valve 12. Alternatively, the wastewater circuit 11 can be equipped with a wastewater ratio unit and the first on / off unit connected in series and then connected in parallel to a second on / off unit. As a feasible alternative, the wastewater ratio unit, the first on / off unit, and the second on / off unit on the wastewater circuit 11 can also be integrated into the combination valve 12.

[0072] When it is necessary to rinse the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8 with purified water, or to replace the raw water or wastewater on the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8 with purified water to reduce the TDS value of the first cup of water, the wastewater path 11 can be switched to the disconnected state, and the booster device 7 can be turned on so that the water in the circulation channel continuously passes through the fine filtration unit 8 for filtration, making the water in the first filter unit 2 basically purified water. Afterwards, the wastewater path 11 can be switched to the connected state, and by controlling the water inlet valve 1, the purified water in the first filter unit 2 can be replaced with raw water, which can then be used to rinse the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8. Alternatively, the purified water in the first filter unit 2 can be replaced with raw water, and by controlling the opening time of the water inlet valve 1, this portion of purified water can be used to replace the raw water or wastewater on the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8, ensuring that the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8 is always purified water. In this way, the TDS of the first cup of purified water produced after a long period of inactivity can be kept at a low level, effectively reducing the rate of increase.

[0073] In some feasible implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first one-way valve 16 can be installed on the first water path 3. The first one-way valve 16 can be opened from the outlet of the first filter unit 2 to the first water quality output end 19. The first one-way valve 16 is located upstream of the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure detection unit 6. In this way, the water pressure and volume of the water remaining in the first water path 3 downstream of the first one-way valve 16 can be effectively locked, so as to avoid the influence of the second water path 4 or the third water path 17 or the water source causing changes in the water pressure and / or water flow of the first water path 3 when the first water output mechanism 13 is not opened, which would cause the control unit to make a misjudgment and open the inlet valve 1.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water purification system may include a second water output mechanism 14, which is connected to a second water quality output terminal 20. The second water output mechanism 14 may be an electronic water output mechanism. The second water output mechanism 14 may be electrically connected to a control unit in the water purification system. When the second water output mechanism 14 is turned on and off, the control unit in the water purification system can directly obtain the status of the second water output mechanism 14, thereby the control unit can control the inlet valve 1 to open and close respectively, so that the inlet valve 1 can enter water to ensure that the second water passage 4 supplies purified water to the second water output mechanism 14.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the control method for the water purification system in an embodiment of the present invention, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the control method for a water purification system may include the following steps:

[0076] S101: Obtain the water flow rate of the first water channel 3 detected by the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure of the first water channel 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6.

[0077] S102: Control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3.

[0078] On the one hand, because the flow detection unit 5 has a detection range, when the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water path 3 is opened to a small extent and the water flow in the first water path 3 is small, for example, less than the minimum detection value of the flow detection unit 5, the flow detection unit 5 cannot detect that there is water flow in the first water path 3. Therefore, the water flow in the first water path 3 alone cannot accurately control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1. On the other hand, if there is a water outage or water shortage, the pressure of the first water path 3 alone cannot accurately control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1. Therefore, in this application, the water flow in the first water path 3 detected by the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure in the first water path 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6 are used to control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1. This allows the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1 to be accurately and effectively linked with the opening or closing of the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water path 3, effectively avoiding the occurrence of accidental opening or closing of the inlet valve 1.

[0079] In some feasible implementations, the control unit can obtain the water flow rate of the first water path 3 detected by the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure of the first water path 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6; the control unit can control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path 3.

[0080] In some feasible implementations, in step S102 above, in the step of controlling the opening of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this can specifically include: when the flow detection unit 5 detects the water flow, it controls the opening of the inlet valve 1.

[0081] The above steps can be applied to determine the opening of the inlet valve 1. In this case, the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is opened, and the flow detection unit 5 can detect the presence of water flow in the first water passage 3. At this time, the water purification system can determine that the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is opened by the water flow detected by the flow detection unit 5. If the user needs to use domestic water, the inlet valve 1 can be opened so that the water from the water source is continuously supplied to the user through the first water passage 3 and the first water output mechanism 13 after being filtered by the inlet valve 1 and the first filter unit 2.

[0082] Furthermore, when the water flow detected by the flow detection unit 5 is greater than or equal to the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit 5, the inlet valve 1 is opened. This method is particularly suitable when the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is opened to a large extent, that is, when the water flow in the first water passage 3 is greater than or equal to the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit 5.

[0083] In some feasible implementations, in the step of controlling the opening of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it may include: when the pressure drop of the first water passage 3 meets the first preset value, controlling the opening of the water inlet valve 1.

[0084] The above steps can be applied to determine the opening of the inlet valve 1. In this case, the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is opened, and the water accumulated in the first water passage 3 flows out from the first water output mechanism 13, causing a pressure drop in the first water passage 3. The pressure detection unit 6 can detect the pressure drop in the first water passage 3. When the pressure drop (Δp) of the first water passage 3 meets the first preset value, the water purification system can determine that the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is opened based on the pressure drop (Δp) detected by the pressure detection unit 6, indicating that the user needs to use domestic water. At this time, the inlet valve 1 is opened.

[0085] In this way, even if the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water circuit 3 is opened only slightly, and the user uses domestic water continuously at a low flow rate for a long time, or if the first water output mechanism 13 only needs to output a small amount of domestic water (cold water) to mix with the input hot water to output warm water, and the water flow in the first water circuit 3 is less than or equal to the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit 5, the water purification system can still determine that the first water output mechanism 13 is open and the user needs domestic water by using the pressure detection unit 6 to detect the pressure drop in the first water circuit 3. At this time, the inlet valve 1 can be controlled to open to meet the user's needs. If only the flow detection unit 5 is installed on the first water circuit 3 of the water purification system, the water purification system cannot determine that the first water output mechanism 13 is open when the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water circuit 3 is opened only slightly, and therefore cannot open the inlet valve 1 in time.

[0086] Furthermore, when the pressure drop (Δp) in the first water circuit meets a first preset value within a first preset time, the inlet valve 1 is opened. The first preset time can be a short period of time, such as a few seconds or tens of seconds. For example, when the pressure drop (Δp) in the first water circuit meets the first preset value within 10 seconds, the inlet valve 1 is opened. If the time taken for the pressure drop (Δp) in the first water circuit to meet the first preset value exceeds 10 seconds, the inlet valve 1 is not opened.

[0087] This method avoids situations where other operations of the water purification system cause the pressure in the first water circuit 3 to gradually decrease, resulting in a pressure drop that only reaches the first preset value after a first preset time, thus preventing a judgment error and the inlet valve 1 from opening erroneously. In such cases, the first water output mechanism 13 may not actually be opened to output domestic water.

[0088] Furthermore, when the second water path 4 is producing purified water for supply to users, or when the raw water or wastewater on the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8 is replaced with purified water to reduce the TDS value of the first cup of water after the water purification system has been left for a long time, or when the raw water side of the filter membrane in the fine filtration unit 8 is rinsed with purified water or raw water, the setting value of the first preset value can be increased to avoid the above operations affecting the pressure of the first water path 3 and causing the inlet valve 1 to open erroneously. For example, the setting value of the first preset value can be between 1.5 and 2 times that of other states. This is because in the above states, if the first water output mechanism 13 is opened, the pressure drop of the first water path 3 will increase significantly compared to the pressure value of the original water purification system without any operation. Even if the setting value of the first preset value is increased to a certain extent, the pressure drop (Δp) of the first water path 3 can still be guaranteed to meet the first preset value.

[0089] In some feasible implementations, when the pressure drop of the first water passage 3 meets the first preset value and the flow detection unit 5 detects the water flow, the opening of the inlet valve 1 can be controlled.

[0090] In some feasible implementations, the inlet valve 1 is controlled based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3. closure The process may include: when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow, and the time during which the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow reaches a fourth preset time, controlling the inlet valve 1 to close.

[0091] The above steps can be applied to the closing determination of the inlet valve 1. When the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is closed, there is no water flow in the first water passage 3. At this time, the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow. When the time when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow reaches the fourth preset time (the fourth preset time can be any short period of time), the inlet valve 1 can be controlled to close.

[0092] In some feasible implementations, in the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it may include: when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow and the pressure rise value (Δp) of the first water circuit 3 reaches the second preset value, controlling the inlet valve 1 to close.

[0093] The above steps can be applied to the closing judgment of inlet valve 1. The second preset value can be set according to your own needs, for example, according to the water pressure of each region's water source. The setting value of the second preset value needs to ensure that when the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water circuit 3 is closed, the water pressure in the first water circuit 3 will reach a reasonable increase value.

[0094] In most cases, once the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is closed, there is no water flow in the first water passage 3, and the flow detection unit 5 controls the closure of the inlet valve 1 because it does not detect any water flow. However, in some special cases, the user may only adjust the first water output mechanism 13 to a very small flow rate, but not close it. When the flow rate of the first water output mechanism 13 is very small, if it is less than the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit 5, the flow detection unit 5 cannot detect the water flow. However, in this case, the first water output mechanism 13 is actually open, and the inlet valve 1 needs to remain open. To prevent the inlet valve 1 from being closed accidentally, a second preset value is added as a condition for determining that the inlet valve 1 is closed when the pressure rise of the first water passage 3 reaches a certain value. This not only achieves accurate determination of the closure of the inlet valve 1, but also effectively prevents the problem of the inlet valve 1 repeatedly closing and opening when the user adjusts the first water output mechanism 13 to a very small flow rate.

[0095] Furthermore, when the pressure rise (Δp) of the first water path 3 reaches the second preset value within the second preset time, and the flow detection unit 5 has not detected water flow for a third preset time, the inlet valve 1 is controlled to close. The third preset time can be a short period of time, such as a few seconds or tens of seconds. This method avoids other operations of the water purification system causing the pressure of the first water path 3 to rise slowly, resulting in the pressure rise only reaching the second preset value after the second preset time, thus preventing a judgment error and causing the inlet valve 1 to close erroneously. In the above situation, the first water output mechanism 13 may not actually be closed and does not need to output domestic water.

[0096] In some feasible implementations, in the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it may include: when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow, and the time when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow reaches a fourth preset time, controlling the water inlet valve 1 to close.

[0097] The above steps can be applied to the closure determination of the inlet valve 1, especially when there is a water outage or water shortage. In this case, the pressure rise (Δp) of the first water circuit 3 will never reach the second preset value. The fourth preset time can be a relatively long period of time. When the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water circuit 3 is closed, and the water source experiences another water outage or water shortage, there is no water flow in the first water circuit 3. At this time, the flow detection unit 5 does not detect any water flow, and the pressure rise (Δp) of the first water circuit 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6 will never reach the second preset value. When the flow detection unit 5 does not detect any water flow, and the time during which the flow detection unit 5 does not detect any water flow reaches the fourth preset time, the water purification system determines that there is a water outage or water shortage and controls the inlet valve 1 to close.

[0098] In some feasible implementations, in the step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve 1 based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water channel 3, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it can include: when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect water flow and the pressure of the first water circuit 3 is lower than the third preset value, it determines that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a water shortage state and controls the inlet valve 1 to close.

[0099] The above steps can be applied to the judgment of closing the inlet valve 1, especially when there is a water shortage. The third preset value can be set automatically according to the severity of the water shortage, and it must be less than the pressure of the first water path 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6 when the first water output mechanism 13 is closed and the inlet valve 1 is open when the water source is normal.

[0100] When the first water output mechanism 13 connected to the first water passage 3 is closed, and the water source is short of water, there is no water flow in the first water passage 3. At this time, the flow detection unit 5 does not detect any water flow, and the pressure detection unit 6 detects that the pressure in the first water passage 3 is lower than the third preset value due to the lack of water. Therefore, when the flow detection unit 5 does not detect any water flow and the pressure in the first water passage 3 is lower than the third preset value, it is determined that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a state of water shortage, and the inlet valve 1 is closed.

[0101] To prevent inaccurate water source saturation detection due to momentary pressure drops, such as a sudden decrease in water pressure at the water source connected to inlet valve 1 caused by a large flow of water usage elsewhere in the house, a fifth preset time can be established. This allows the system to determine if the water source is short of water and close inlet valve 1 when the pressure in the first water path 3 falls below a third preset value for a specified period. The fifth preset time can be a relatively short period, such as a few seconds or tens of seconds.

[0102] Through the aforementioned steps in the control method of the water purification system of this application, the flow rate of the first water path 3 detected by the flow detection unit 5 and the pressure of the first water path 3 detected by the pressure detection unit 6 are combined to control the opening or closing of the inlet valve 1. This ensures the timely and accurate opening of the inlet valve 1 under various special operating conditions, guaranteeing the user's domestic water needs. Furthermore, it also ensures the timely closing of the inlet valve 1 under various special operating conditions, thus avoiding water hammer impacts when the water purification system is not in use. This reduces the pressure risk of the water purification system and lowers the possibility of leakage.

[0103] In the above-mentioned feasible steps of this application, the absolute value of the pressure of the first water channel 3 is not used as one of the conditions for determining whether the inlet valve 1 is open or closed. Instead, the difference between the rise and fall of the pressure of the first water channel 3 is used as one of the conditions for determining whether the inlet valve 1 is open or closed. This can reduce the impact of the drift of the pressure detection unit 6 during use on the user's domestic water use, such as the inability to accurately and timely open or close the inlet valve 1.

[0104] As a feasible option, the control unit in the water purification system proposed in this application can execute any of the above-mentioned control methods for the water purification system.

[0105] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified element, component, part, or step, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute “may” include is optional. Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” used to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0106] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a water purification system, characterized in that, The water purification system includes: Raw water inlet, first water quality outlet, second water quality outlet; It has a first filtration unit with both inlet and outlet ports; A first water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the first water quality output end; A second water path connecting the outlet of the first filtration unit to the second water quality output end; A third water passage connecting the raw water input terminal and the inlet of the first filtration unit; A flow detection unit and a pressure detection unit are installed on the first water path; An inlet valve that can be started and closed based on the detection values ​​of the flow detection unit and the pressure detection unit, wherein the inlet valve is disposed in the third water line; The control unit is electrically connected to the inlet valve, the flow detection unit, and the pressure detection unit; A first water output mechanism connected to the first water quality output terminal, but the first water output mechanism is not electrically connected to the control unit; The control method includes: The flow rate of the first water channel is obtained from the flow detection unit, and the pressure of the first water channel is obtained from the pressure detection unit. Controlling the opening or closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes: When the pressure drop in the first water circuit within a first preset time meets a first preset value, the inlet valve is controlled to open. and, When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow and the pressure rise of the first water path reaches a second preset value, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water output mechanism is a purely mechanical water output mechanism.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification system further includes a second water output mechanism connected to the second water quality output end, wherein the second water output mechanism is an electronic water output mechanism.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sterilization water generation unit is provided on the first water path.

5. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second water output mechanism is electrically connected to the control unit. When the second water output mechanism is opened and closed, the control unit controls the water inlet valve to open and close respectively.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first filtration unit includes a pre-filtration unit, which includes one of the following: a PP filtration unit, a PP and carbon fiber filtration unit.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the pre-filter unit includes PP and carbon fiber filter units, the carbon fiber filter unit is located downstream of the PP filter unit. The first water path connects the outlet of the PP filter unit to the first water quality output end.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification system also includes a fine filtration unit installed in the second water path.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fine filtration unit includes at least one of the following: a reverse osmosis membrane filtration unit, a nanofiltration membrane filtration unit, an ultrafiltration membrane filtration unit, and a fiber membrane filtration unit.

10. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first one-way valve is provided on the first water line, which can be opened from the outlet of the first filter unit to the first water quality output end; the first one-way valve is located upstream of the flow detection unit and the pressure detection unit.

11. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes: When the flow detection unit detects the water flow, it controls the opening of the inlet valve.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the water flow detected by the flow detection unit is greater than or equal to the minimum flow detection value of the flow detection unit, the inlet valve is opened.

13. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the pressure rise of the first water circuit reaches a second preset value within the second preset time, and the flow detection unit does not detect water flow for a third preset time, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

14. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes: When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow, and the time during which the flow detection unit does not detect water flow reaches a fourth preset time, the inlet valve is controlled to close.

15. The control method according to claim 1 or 14, characterized in that, The step of controlling the closing of the inlet valve based on the water flow rate and pressure of the first water path includes: When the flow detection unit does not detect water flow and the pressure of the first water circuit is lower than the third preset value, it determines that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a water shortage state and controls the inlet valve to close.

16. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that, When the pressure in the first water circuit is lower than the third preset value for a period of time that reaches the fifth preset time, it is determined that the water source connected to the water purification system is in a water shortage state, and the inlet valve is controlled to close.

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