A reverse osmosis water purifier

Abstract

This invention provides a reverse osmosis water purifier, comprising an inlet pump, an inlet pipeline, a first reverse osmosis filter unit, a second reverse osmosis filter unit, a purified water output pipeline, a concentrated water output pipeline, and a control valve assembly. The inlet pump is installed on the inlet pipeline. The first and second reverse osmosis filter units are respectively connected to the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, and the concentrated water output pipeline, and are connected to each other via a switching pipeline. The control valve assembly is installed on at least one of the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, the concentrated water output pipeline, and the switching pipeline. This reverse osmosis water purifier switches the filtration states of the first and second reverse osmosis filter units through the control valve assembly, allowing the first and second reverse osmosis filter units to alternately filter concentrated water, achieving a high wastewater ratio while avoiding the problem of frequent replacement of reverse osmosis filter units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purifier technology, specifically to a reverse osmosis water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] For reverse osmosis water purifiers, the wastewater ratio is a key indicator that both consumers and manufacturers pay close attention to. The wastewater ratio refers to the volume ratio of pure water produced by the reverse osmosis water purifier to the volume of wastewater (also known as concentrated water) discharged per unit time.

[0003] To improve the wastewater ratio of reverse osmosis water purifiers, some manufacturers have designed a dual reverse osmosis filter solution. The concentrate produced by one reverse osmosis filter is sent to the inlet of the other reverse osmosis filter, and the concentrate produced by the other reverse osmosis filter is discharged from the concentrate pipeline. Since the concentrate produced by one reverse osmosis filter is further filtered by the other reverse osmosis filter to obtain pure water, the final amount of concentrate discharged is less and the wastewater ratio is higher.

[0004] However, because the other reverse osmosis filter is constantly filtering concentrated water, it is prone to scaling, reducing water output, or even becoming clogged. Therefore, the reverse osmosis filter needs to be replaced frequently, which causes a lot of inconvenience to users and increases the operating cost of the water purifier. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a reverse osmosis water purifier that can improve the wastewater ratio without requiring frequent filter replacement.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution used in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A reverse osmosis water purifier includes an inlet pump, an inlet pipeline, a first reverse osmosis filtration unit, a second reverse osmosis filtration unit, a purified water output pipeline, a concentrated water output pipeline, and a control valve assembly. The inlet pump is installed on the inlet pipeline. The first and second reverse osmosis filtration units are respectively connected to the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, and the concentrated water output pipeline, and are connected to each other via a switching pipeline. The control valve assembly is installed on at least one of the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, the concentrated water output pipeline, and the switching pipeline. By controlling the control valve assembly, the reverse osmosis water purifier can switch between a first state and a second state.

[0008] In the first state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The second reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the concentrated water from the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline.

[0009] In the second state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The first reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the concentrated water from the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a first water inlet, a first purified water outlet, and a first concentrated water outlet, and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a second water inlet, a second purified water outlet, and a second concentrated water outlet;

[0011] The water inlet pipeline includes a first water inlet pipeline and a second water inlet pipeline. The first water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the first water inlet, and the second water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the second water inlet. The first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline are alternately connected.

[0012] The switching pipeline includes a first switching pipeline and a second switching pipeline. The first concentrate outlet is connected to the second inlet through the first switching pipeline, and the second concentrate outlet is connected to the first inlet through the second switching pipeline. The first switching pipeline and the second switching pipeline are alternately connected. The first concentrate outlet and the second concentrate outlet are also respectively connected to the concentrate output pipeline.

[0013] The first purified water outlet and the second purified water outlet are respectively connected to the purified water output pipeline;

[0014] When the first inlet pipe is connected, the first switching pipe is connected, the first concentrate outlet is not connected to the concentrate output pipe, and the second concentrate outlet is connected to the concentrate output pipe.

[0015] When the second inlet pipe is connected, the second switching pipe is connected, the second concentrate outlet is not connected to the concentrate output pipe, and the first concentrate outlet is connected to the concentrate output pipe.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, a first inlet valve is provided on the first inlet pipe, and a second inlet valve is provided on the second inlet pipe. The first and second inlet valves are opened alternately, so that the first and second inlet pipes are alternately connected; or

[0017] The water inlet pipeline is also equipped with a water inlet reversing valve, which is connected between the water inlet pump and the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline. The water inlet reversing valve allows the water inlet pump to alternately conduct with the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the water inlet pipeline further includes a water replenishment branch, which is connected between the water inlet pump and the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. When the first water inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the water inlet pump replenishes raw water to the second water inlet through the water replenishment branch. When the second water inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the water inlet pump replenishes raw water to the first water inlet through the water replenishment branch. The flow rate of the water replenishment branch when it is open is less than the flow rate of the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline when they are open.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the water supply branch is connected to the first switching pipeline and the second switching pipeline, a water supply valve is provided on the water supply branch, a first switching valve group is provided on the first switching pipeline, and a second switching valve group is provided on the second switching pipeline.

[0020] When the first inlet water pipeline is connected, the water supply valve is opened, the first switching valve group is opened, the second switching valve group is closed, and part of the raw water output by the inlet water pump enters the first switching pipeline through the water supply branch, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit before entering the second inlet water.

[0021] When the second inlet water pipeline is connected, the water supply valve is opened, the second switching valve group is opened, and the first switching valve group is closed. Part of the raw water output by the water inlet pump enters the second switching pipeline through the water supply branch, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit before entering the first inlet water port.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a first water inlet, a first purified water outlet, and a first concentrated water outlet, and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a second water inlet, a second purified water outlet, and a second concentrated water outlet;

[0023] The water inlet pipeline includes a first water inlet pipeline and a second water inlet pipeline. The first water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the first water inlet, and the second water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the second water inlet. The first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline are alternately connected.

[0024] The first concentrate outlet is connected to the second inlet via the switching pipeline;

[0025] The first water inlet and the second concentrated water outlet are also connected to the concentrated water output pipeline, and the first purified water outlet and the second purified water outlet are respectively connected to the purified water output pipeline.

[0026] In the first state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the first inlet, the concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported from the first concentrated water outlet to the second inlet through the switching pipeline, and the concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported from the second concentrated water outlet to the concentrated water output pipeline.

[0027] In the second state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the second concentrated water outlet, the concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported from the second inlet to the first concentrated water outlet through the switching pipeline, and the concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported from the first inlet to the concentrated water output pipeline.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, a first inlet valve is provided on the first inlet pipe, and a second inlet valve is provided on the second inlet pipe. The reverse osmosis water purifier further includes a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe. The first drain pipe is located between the first inlet and the concentrate outlet pipe, and a first drain valve is provided on the first drain pipe. The second drain pipe is located between the second concentrate outlet and the concentrate outlet pipe, and a second drain valve is provided on the second drain pipe; or

[0029] A first inlet / outlet reversing valve is installed on the first inlet pipe, and a second inlet / outlet reversing valve is installed on the second inlet pipe. The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe. One end of the first drain pipe is connected to the first inlet / outlet reversing valve, and the other end is connected to the concentrated water output pipe. One end of the second drain pipe is connected to the second inlet / outlet reversing valve, and the other end is connected to the concentrated water output pipe. In the first state, the first inlet / outlet reversing valve connects the first inlet pipe to the first inlet, and the second inlet / outlet reversing valve connects the second concentrated water outlet to the concentrated water output pipe. In the second state, the first inlet / outlet reversing valve connects the first inlet to the first drain pipe, and the second inlet / outlet reversing valve connects the second inlet pipe to the second concentrated water outlet.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the water inlet pipeline further includes a water replenishment branch, which is connected between the water inlet pump and the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. When the first water inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the water inlet pump replenishes raw water to the second water inlet through the water replenishment branch. When the second water inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the water inlet pump replenishes raw water to the first concentrate outlet through the water replenishment branch. The flow rate of the water replenishment branch when it is open is less than the flow rate of the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline when they are open.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the water replenishment branch is connected to the switching pipeline, and a switching valve group is provided on the switching pipeline. When the first water inlet pipeline is open, the switching valve group connects the water replenishment branch to the second water inlet. When the second water inlet pipeline is open, the switching valve group connects the water replenishment branch to the first concentrated water outlet.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the reverse osmosis water purifier further includes a concentrate return pipeline, which is connected between the concentrate output pipeline and the input end of the water inlet pump. A concentrate return valve is also provided on the concentrate return pipeline, and a concentrate valve is also provided on the concentrate output pipeline. The connection between the concentrate return pipeline and the concentrate output pipeline is located upstream of the concentrate valve.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the reverse osmosis water purifier further includes a purified water return pipeline, and a purified water return valve is also provided on the purified water return pipeline. The purified water return pipeline is located between the purified water output pipeline and the input end of the water inlet pump, and is used to return the purified water from the purified water output pipeline to the input end of the water inlet pump. The tail end of the purified water return pipeline is also connected to the concentrated water return pipeline, through which purified water is returned to the input end of the water inlet pump.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the reverse osmosis water purifier further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the inlet pump and the control valve assembly. The controller calculates the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. Each time water production is started, if the time interval between the start and end of the last water production exceeds a first preset time, the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit is compared. If the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit is less than or equal to the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit, the controller controls the inlet pump and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a first state. If the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit is greater than the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit, the controller controls the inlet pump and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a second state.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, when the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit are initially installed, the controller assigns initial values ​​to the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the first state for a second preset time, the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit increases by 1, and the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit decreases by 1. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the second state for a second preset time, the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit increases by 1, and the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit decreases by 1.

[0036] The reverse osmosis water purifier of this invention switches the filtration states of the first and second reverse osmosis filter units by controlling the control valve group, so that the first and second reverse osmosis filter units can alternately filter concentrated water. Therefore, it can achieve a high wastewater ratio and keep the working life of the first and second reverse osmosis filter units basically the same, avoiding the problem of frequently replacing the reverse osmosis filter units. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer through a more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings, and the drawings are not intentionally drawn to scale with actual dimensions; the focus is on illustrating the gist of the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse osmosis water purifier in different states according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse osmosis water purifier according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of the reverse osmosis water purifier in different states according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse osmosis water purifier according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention and implement it. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. In this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to and integrated with the other element, or there may be an intervening element present. The terms "mounted," "one end," "the other end," and similar expressions used in this invention are for illustrative purposes only.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 This invention provides a reverse osmosis water purifier, comprising an inlet pump 10, an inlet pipe 20, a first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30, a second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40, a purified water output pipe 60, a concentrated water output pipe 70, and a control valve assembly. The reverse osmosis water purifier may also include a pre-filter cartridge disposed before the inlet pump 10 and a post-filter cartridge disposed on the purified water output pipe 60. The pre-filter cartridge filters out impurities such as sediment, and the post-filter cartridge adjusts the taste of the purified water. The pre-filter cartridge and the post-filter cartridge can be two independent cartridges. In embodiments of this invention, the pre-filter cartridge and the post-filter cartridge are integrated into a composite filter cartridge. In some embodiments, only one of the pre-filter cartridge and the post-filter cartridge may be provided. The first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 can be two independent reverse osmosis filter cartridges or can be integrated into a composite reverse osmosis filter cartridge.

[0045] The inlet pump 10 is a booster pump installed on the inlet pipe 20 to increase the pressure of the inlet water to the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. The first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 are respectively connected to the inlet pipe 20, the purified water output pipe 60, and the concentrated water output pipe 70, and are connected to each other through the switching pipe 50. A control valve assembly is installed on at least one of the inlet pipe 20, the purified water output pipe 60, the concentrated water output pipe 70, and the switching pipe 50. By controlling the opening and closing of the control valve assembly, the reverse osmosis water purifier switches between a first state and a second state. Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, the inlet valve on the inlet pipe 20, the concentrate valve 71 on the concentrate output pipe 70, the switching valve on the switching pipe 50, and the check valve on the purified water output pipe 60 are all part of the control valve group. In other embodiments, some pipes (e.g., the switching pipe 50) may not be equipped with a control valve group. All valves in the control valve group can be solenoid valves.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dashed arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the concentrated water. In the first state of the reverse osmosis water purifier, raw water (e.g., tap water) enters the inlet pump 10. The inlet pump 10 pressurizes the raw water and outputs it. The output raw water enters the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported to the purified water output pipeline 60. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported to the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. The second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 filters the concentrated water from the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is also transported to the purified water output pipeline 60. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline 70.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the second state, the raw water output by the inlet pump 10 enters the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is transported to the purified water output pipeline 60. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is transported to the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30. The first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 filters the concentrated water from the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline.

[0048] The reverse osmosis water purifier of this invention can switch the filtration states of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 by controlling the control valve group, so that the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 can filter concentrated water alternately. Therefore, it can achieve a high wastewater ratio and keep the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 basically the same, avoiding the problem of needing to frequently replace one of the reverse osmosis filter elements in related technologies.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 In a preferred embodiment, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 is provided with a first water inlet 31, a first purified water outlet 32, and a first concentrated water outlet 33, and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 is provided with a second water inlet 41, a second purified water outlet 42, and a second concentrated water outlet 43.

[0050] The water inlet pipeline 20 includes a first water inlet pipeline 21 and a second water inlet pipeline 22 connected in parallel. The first water inlet pipeline 21 is connected between the water inlet pump 10 and the first water inlet 31, and the second water inlet pipeline 22 is connected between the water inlet pump 10 and the second water inlet 41. The first water inlet pipeline 21 and the second water inlet pipeline 22 are alternately connected by the switching of the control valve group.

[0051] The switching pipeline 50 includes a first switching pipeline 51 and a second switching pipeline 52. A first concentrate outlet 33 is connected to a second inlet 41 via the first switching pipeline 51, and a second concentrate outlet 43 is connected to the first inlet 31 via the second switching pipeline 52. The first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52 are alternately connected. The first concentrate outlet 33 and the second concentrate outlet 43 are also connected to a concentrate output pipeline 70. In both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52 are composed of multiple pipeline segments, and both are equipped with multiple one-way valves 53 (part of a control valve assembly). By controlling these multiple one-way valves, the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52 are alternately connected. In these two embodiments, the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52 may also share a portion of the pipeline. In other embodiments, the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52 may also be independent of each other.

[0052] The first purified water outlet 32 ​​and the second purified water outlet 42 are respectively connected to the purified water output pipeline 60, so that the purified water (also called pure water) produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 can be output through the purified water output pipeline 60 for user use.

[0053] In the first state, the reverse osmosis water purifier has the first inlet pipe 21 open, the second inlet pipe 22 closed, the first switching pipe 51 open, the second switching pipe 52 closed, the first concentrate outlet 33 closed from the concentrate output pipe 70, and the second concentrate outlet 43 open from the concentrate output pipe 70. The "open" of the first inlet pipe 21 means that the raw water output by the inlet pump 10 can be transported to the first inlet 31 through the first inlet pipe 21. In this state, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 filters the raw water to obtain purified water and concentrated water. The purified water is delivered from the first purified water outlet 32 ​​to the purified water output pipeline 60, while the concentrated water is delivered to the second inlet 41 through the first concentrated water outlet 33 and the first switching pipeline 51. The second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 further filters the concentrated water from the first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 to obtain purified water and concentrated water. The purified water is delivered to the purified water output pipeline 60 through the second purified water outlet 42, while the concentrated water is delivered to the concentrated water output pipeline 70 through the second concentrated water outlet 43 and the second drain pipeline 74. A second drain valve 75 can be installed on the concentrated water discharge pipeline 74, and this second drain valve 75 can be a normally closed valve. The first concentrated water outlet 33 can be connected to the concentrated water output pipeline 70 through the first drain pipeline 72, and a first drain valve 73 can be installed on the first drain pipeline 72, and this first drain valve 73 can be a normally closed valve. In this state, the second drain valve 75 is open, and the first drain valve 73 is closed.

[0054] In the second state, the reverse osmosis water purifier is in operation with the second inlet pipe 22 open, the first inlet pipe 21 closed, the second switching pipe 52 open, the first switching pipe 51 closed, the second concentrate outlet 43 closed, and the concentrate output pipe 70 closed, while the first concentrate outlet 33 open. In this state, the raw water output by the inlet pump 10 can be transported to the second inlet 41 via the second inlet pipe 22. The second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 filters the raw water to obtain purified water and concentrated water. The purified water is delivered from the second purified water outlet 42 to the purified water output pipeline 60, while the concentrated water is delivered to the first inlet 41 through the second switching pipeline 52. The first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 further filters the concentrated water from the second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 to obtain purified water and concentrated water. The purified water is delivered from the first purified water outlet 32 ​​to the purified water output pipeline 60, while the concentrated water is delivered from the first concentrated water outlet 33 and the first drain pipeline 72 to the concentrated water output pipeline 70. In this state, the second drain valve 75 is closed, and the first drain valve 73 is open.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In Embodiment 1, a first water inlet valve 24 is provided on the first water inlet pipe 21, and a second water inlet valve 25 is provided on the second water inlet pipe 22. The first water inlet valve 24 and the second water inlet valve 25 are opened alternately, so that the first water inlet pipe 21 and the second water inlet pipe 22 are alternately connected.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3 In Embodiment 2, an inlet reversing valve 28 is installed on the inlet pipe 20. The inlet reversing valve 28 is connected between the inlet pump 10 and the first inlet pipe 21 and the second inlet pipe 22. The inlet reversing valve 28 allows the inlet pump 10 to alternately connect with the first inlet pipe 21 and the second inlet pipe 22. The inlet reversing valve 28 can be a two-position three-way reversing solenoid valve. In the first state, the first inlet pipe 21 is connected to the inlet pump 10, and the second inlet pipe 22 is not connected to the inlet pump 10. In the second state, the second inlet pipe 22 is connected to the inlet pump 10, and the first inlet pipe 21 is not connected to the inlet pump 10. Similarly, in this embodiment, the first drain valve 73 and the second drain valve 75 are replaced by a concentrate discharge reversing valve 76, which alternately connects the first drain line 72, the second drain line 74 and the concentrate output line 70.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 In a further preferred embodiment, the water inlet pipe 20 also includes a water replenishment branch 23, which is connected between the water inlet pump 10 and the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. When the first water inlet pipe 21 is open, the water replenishment branch 23 is open, and the water inlet pump 10 replenishes raw water to the second water inlet 41 through the water replenishment branch 23. When the second water inlet pipe 22 is open, the water replenishment branch 23 is open, and the water inlet pump 10 replenishes raw water to the first water inlet 31 through the water replenishment branch 23. The flow rate of the water replenishment branch 23 when it is open is less than the flow rate of the first water inlet pipe 21 and the second water inlet pipe 22 when they are open. Since the water production capacity of a reverse osmosis membrane is related to its operating pressure, a lower inlet pressure results in a lower water production capacity. For the secondary filter element of this reverse osmosis water purifier, if only the concentrated water from the primary filter element is filtered, the inlet pressure of the concentrated water is low. Therefore, supplementing the secondary filter element with raw water through the water replenishment branch 23 increases the inlet pressure of the secondary filter element and improves its water production capacity. The primary and secondary filter elements referred to here are defined according to the water filtration levels. In the first state, the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is the primary filter element, and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is the secondary filter element. In the second state, the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is the primary filter element, and the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is the secondary filter element. The ratio of the flow rate of the first inlet pipe 21 and the second inlet pipe 22 when they are in the conducting state to the flow rate of the water replenishment branch 23 when it is in the conducting state can be 2-10. If the ratio is too small, it will reduce the water production capacity of the primary filter element; if the ratio is too large, it will reduce the water production capacity of the secondary filter element.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the water supply branch 23 is connected to the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52. A water supply valve 26 is provided on the water supply branch 51, a first switching valve group (i.e., two one-way valves 53 on the first switching pipeline 51) is provided on the first switching pipeline 51, and a second switching valve group (i.e., two one-way valves 53 on the second switching pipeline 52) is provided on the second switching pipeline 52.

[0059] When the first inlet water pipe 21 is connected, the water supply valve 26 is opened, the first switching valve group is opened, and the second switching valve group is closed. Part of the raw water output by the inlet water pump 10 enters the first switching pipe 51 through the water supply branch 23, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 before entering the second inlet water port 41.

[0060] When the second inlet water pipe 22 is connected, the water supply valve 26 is opened, the second switching valve group is opened, and the first switching valve group is closed. Part of the raw water output by the inlet water pump 10 enters the second switching pipe 52 through the water supply branch 23, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 before entering the first inlet water port 31.

[0061] In other embodiments, the water supply branch 23 may not be connected to the first switching pipeline 51 and the second switching pipeline 52, but may be directly connected to the first water inlet 31 and the second water inlet 41, which will not be elaborated here.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 In Embodiments 3 and 4, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit 30 is provided with a first water inlet 31, a first purified water outlet 32, and a first concentrated water outlet 33, and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit 40 is provided with a second water inlet 41, a second purified water outlet 42, and a second concentrated water outlet 43.

[0063] The water inlet pipe 20 includes a first water inlet pipe 21 and a second water inlet pipe 22. The first water inlet pipe 21 is connected between the water inlet pump 10 and the first water inlet 31, and the second water inlet pipe 22 is connected between the water inlet pump 10 and the second water inlet 41. The first water inlet pipe 21 and the second water inlet pipe 22 are alternately connected.

[0064] The first concentrate outlet 33 is connected to the second inlet 41 via a switching pipeline 50. The first inlet 31 and the second concentrate outlet 43 are also connected to the concentrate output pipeline 70, and the first purified water outlet 32 ​​and the second purified water outlet 42 are connected to the purified water output pipeline 60, respectively.

[0065] In the first state, the raw water output by the inlet pump 10 enters the first inlet 31, the concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported from the first concentrated water outlet 33 to the second inlet 41 through the switching pipeline 50, and the concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is transported from the second concentrated water outlet 43 to the concentrated water output pipeline 70.

[0066] In the second state, the raw water output by the inlet pump 10 enters the second concentrated water outlet 43, and the concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is transported from the second inlet 41 through the switching pipeline 50 to the first concentrated water outlet 33. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is transported from the first inlet 31 to the concentrated water output pipeline 70.

[0067] The difference between Examples 3 and 4 and Examples 1 and 2 is that, in the second state, the water inlet direction of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is opposite to that in the first state; water enters from the concentrate outlet and exits from the inlet. For the reverse osmosis filter element, if water is continuously introduced from the inlet, although the reverse osmosis membrane near the inlet still has a good filtration state, the reverse osmosis membrane near the concentrate outlet is immersed in high-concentration concentrate for a long time, which easily leads to scaling, reduced water output, or even blockage, thus requiring filter element replacement, and the reverse osmosis membrane is not fully utilized. However, with the technical solutions of Examples 3 and 4, since the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 are introduced in the forward direction (from the inlet) in the first state and in the reverse direction (from the concentrate outlet) in the second state, the reverse osmosis membrane can be fully utilized, extending the filter element's lifespan.

[0068] It should be noted that, since the functions of the inlet and the concentrate outlet can be interchanged in the above embodiments, the inlet and concentrate outlet are merely names used to distinguish different inlets and do not limit the inlet to only accept water or the concentrate outlet to only discharge concentrate.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In Embodiment 3, a first inlet valve 24 is installed on the first inlet pipe 21, and a second inlet valve 25 is installed on the second inlet pipe 22. The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a first drain pipe 72 and a second drain pipe 74. The first drain pipe 72 is located between the first inlet port 31 and the concentrated water output pipe 70, and a first drain valve 73 is installed on the first drain pipe 72. The second drain pipe 74 is located between the second concentrated water outlet 43 and the concentrated water output pipe 70, and a second drain valve 75 is installed on the second drain pipe 74. In the first state, the first inlet valve 24 is open, the second inlet valve 25 is closed, the second drain valve 75 is open, and the first drain valve 73 is closed. In the second state, the second inlet valve 25 is open, the first inlet valve 24 is closed, the second drain valve 75 is closed, and the first drain valve 73 is open.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 6In Embodiment 4, a first inlet / outlet reversing valve 27 is installed on the first inlet pipe 21, and a second inlet / outlet reversing valve 29 is installed on the second inlet pipe 22. Both the first inlet / outlet reversing valve 27 and the second inlet / outlet reversing valve 29 can be two-position three-way reversing solenoid valves. The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a first drain pipe 73 and a second drain pipe 74. One end of the first drain pipe 73 is connected to the first inlet / outlet reversing valve 27, and the other end is connected to the concentrate output pipe 70. One end of the second drain pipe 74 is connected to the second inlet / outlet reversing valve 29, and the other end is connected to the concentrate output pipe 70. In the first state, the first inlet / outlet reversing valve 27 connects the first inlet pipe 21 to the first inlet port 31, and the second inlet / outlet reversing valve 29 connects the second concentrate outlet 43 to the concentrate output pipe 70. In the second state, the first inlet / outlet reversing valve 27 connects the first inlet 31 to the first drain pipe 73, and the second inlet / outlet reversing valve 29 connects the second inlet pipe 2 to the second concentrate outlet 43. The water flow direction in Example 4 is basically the same as in Example 3, and will not be described again here.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 6 In a further preferred embodiment, the inlet pipe 20 further includes a water replenishment branch 23, which connects the inlet pump 10 to the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. When the first inlet pipe 21 is open, the water replenishment branch 23 is also open, and the inlet pump 10 replenishes raw water to the second inlet 41 through the water replenishment branch 23. When the second inlet pipe 22 is open, the water replenishment branch 23 is also open, and the inlet pump 10 replenishes raw water to the first concentrate outlet 33 through the water replenishment branch 23. The flow rate of the water replenishment branch 23 when it is open is less than the flow rate of the first inlet pipe 21 and the second inlet pipe 22 when they are open. In this embodiment, the function of the water replenishment branch 23 is similar to that in embodiments one and two above, and will not be described again here.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 6 In embodiment four, the water supply branch 23 is connected to the switching pipeline 50, and a switching valve assembly 58 is installed on the switching pipeline 50. When the first inlet pipeline 21 is open, the switching valve assembly 58 connects the water supply branch 23 to the second inlet 41; when the second inlet pipeline 22 is open, the switching valve assembly 58 connects the water supply branch 23 to the first concentrate outlet 33. It should be noted that although... Figure 4 and Figure 5The water supply branch 23 and the switching valve assembly 58 are not shown in the diagram, but in Embodiment 3, the water supply branch 23 can be configured in the same way as in Embodiment 4. The switching valve assembly 58 can be composed of multiple solenoid valves. On the one hand, it must ensure the continuity of the switching pipeline 50, and on the other hand, it must ensure that the flow direction of the raw water from the water supply branch 23 to the switching pipeline 50 is consistent with the flow direction of the concentrate in the switching pipeline 50 itself. For example, the switching valve assembly 58 can be composed of a two-position three-way reversing solenoid valve and a normally open two-way valve, or it can be composed of two two-way valves and a normally open two-way valve. Of course, the water supply branch 23 can also be directly connected to the first concentrate outlet 33 and the second inlet 41 instead of the switching pipeline 50, which will not be elaborated here.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a concentrate return pipeline 80, which connects the concentrate output pipeline 70 and the input end of the inlet pump 10. A concentrate return valve 81 is installed on the concentrate return pipeline 80, and a concentrate valve 71 is installed on the concentrate output pipeline 70. The connection between the concentrate return pipeline 80 and the concentrate output pipeline 70 is located upstream of the concentrate valve 71. By returning the concentrate to the input end of the inlet pump 10, the concentrate flow rate can be increased, thereby increasing the surface flow rate of the reverse osmosis membranes in the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40, preventing flow rate attenuation, and also improving the wastewater ratio of the reverse osmosis water purifier. During concentrate return, the concentrate valve 71 can be closed and the concentrate return valve 81 can be open, or both can be open.

[0074] In a further preferred embodiment, the reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a purified water return pipe 90, which is equipped with a purified water return valve 91 and a return check valve 92. The purified water return pipe 90 is located between the purified water output pipe 60 and the input end of the inlet pump 10, and is used to return purified water from the purified water output pipe 60 to the input end of the inlet pump 10. The tail end of the purified water return pipe 60 is also connected to the concentrated water return pipe 80, through which purified water is returned to the input end of the inlet pump 10. When the reverse osmosis water purifier starts producing water, if the interval between the last water production is long, the purified water return can be activated at the start of water production, opening the purified water return valve 91 for about 10 seconds to reduce the TDS value of the first cup of water. The return check valve 92 can prevent concentrated water from the concentrated water return pipe 80 from entering the purified water return pipe 90. A high-pressure switch can also be installed on the purified water output pipeline 60. When the high-pressure switch detects that the pressure on the purified water outlet side is high, it can also initiate purified water backflow. A flow meter 61, a TDS sensor, and a high-pressure switch can also be installed on the purified water output pipeline 60.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the reverse osmosis water purifier further includes a controller (not shown), which is electrically connected to the inlet pump 10 and the control valve assembly. The controller calculates the service life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. Each time water production is started, if the time interval between the start and end of the last water production exceeds a first preset time (e.g., 5 minutes), the service life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 is compared. If the service life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is less than or equal to the service life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40, the controller controls the inlet pump 10 and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a first state. If the service life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 is greater than the service life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40, the controller controls the inlet pump 10 and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a second state. This configuration ensures that the service lives of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 are kept substantially consistent. Each time water production is started, if the time interval between the start and end of the last water production does not exceed the first preset time, the water production status will be maintained.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, when the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 are initially installed (including when the filter cartridge is replaced), the controller assigns an initial value (e.g., 100) to the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the first state for a second preset time (e.g., 1 minute), the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 increases by 1, and the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 decreases by 1. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the second state for a second preset time, the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 increases by 1, and the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 decreases by 1. Of course, in some cases (e.g., when the reverse osmosis water purifier enters a hot water mode with a small purified water output flow), the reverse osmosis water purifier can also use only the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 or the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 for filtration, in which case the switching pipeline 50 can be de-circuited. In this scenario, every second preset operating time, the lifespan of only the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 or the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40, which is in the filtration state, increases by 1, while the lifespan of the non-filtration units remains unchanged. In other embodiments, the lifespan of the first reverse osmosis filter unit 30 and the second reverse osmosis filter unit 40 can also be calculated by statistically analyzing their purified water output or by other methods.

[0077] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "preferred embodiment," "another embodiment," "other embodiment," or "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0079] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A reverse osmosis water purifier, comprising an inlet pump, an inlet pipeline, a first reverse osmosis filtration unit, a second reverse osmosis filtration unit, a purified water output pipeline, a concentrated water output pipeline, and a control valve assembly, wherein the inlet pump is disposed on the inlet pipeline, and the first reverse osmosis filtration unit and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit are respectively connected to the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, and the concentrated water output pipeline, characterized in that, The first reverse osmosis filtration unit and the second reverse osmosis filtration unit are connected by a switching pipeline. The control valve group is installed on at least one of the inlet pipeline, the purified water output pipeline, the concentrated water output pipeline, and the switching pipeline. By controlling the control valve group, the reverse osmosis water purifier can switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The second reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the concentrated water from the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline. In the second state, the raw water output by the inlet pump enters the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the first reverse osmosis filtration unit. The first reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the concentrated water from the second reverse osmosis filtration unit. The purified water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the purified water output pipeline. The concentrated water produced by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit is transported to the concentrated water output pipeline. The first reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a first water inlet, a first purified water outlet, and a first concentrated water outlet; the second reverse osmosis filtration unit is provided with a second water inlet, a second purified water outlet, and a second concentrated water outlet. The water inlet pipeline includes a first water inlet pipeline and a second water inlet pipeline. The first water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the first water inlet, and the second water inlet pipeline is connected between the water inlet pump and the second water inlet. The first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline are alternately connected. The switching pipeline includes a first switching pipeline and a second switching pipeline. The first concentrate outlet is connected to the second inlet through the first switching pipeline, and the second concentrate outlet is connected to the first inlet through the second switching pipeline. The first switching pipeline and the second switching pipeline are alternately connected. The first concentrate outlet and the second concentrate outlet are also respectively connected to the concentrate output pipeline. The first purified water outlet and the second purified water outlet are respectively connected to the purified water output pipeline; In the first state, when the first inlet pipe is open, the first switching pipe is open, the first concentrated water outlet is not open to the concentrated water output pipe, and the second concentrated water outlet is open to the concentrated water output pipe. In this state, the first reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the raw water and the resulting concentrated water is delivered to the second inlet. In the second state, when the second inlet pipe is open, the second switching pipe is open, the second concentrate outlet is not open to the concentrate output pipe, and the first concentrate outlet is open to the concentrate output pipe. In this state, the second reverse osmosis filtration unit filters the raw water, and the resulting concentrate is transported to the first inlet through the second switching pipe. The inlet pipeline also includes a water replenishment branch, which is connected between the inlet pump and the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. When the first inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the inlet pump replenishes raw water to the second inlet through the water replenishment branch. When the second inlet pipeline is open, the water replenishment branch is also open, and the inlet pump replenishes raw water to the first inlet through the water replenishment branch. The flow rate of the water replenishment branch when it is open is less than the flow rate of the first inlet pipeline and the second inlet pipeline when they are open.

2. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first inlet valve is installed on the first inlet pipe, and a second inlet valve is installed on the second inlet pipe. The first and second inlet valves open alternately, allowing the first and second inlet pipes to be alternately connected; or The water inlet pipeline is also equipped with a water inlet reversing valve, which is connected between the water inlet pump and the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline. The water inlet reversing valve allows the water inlet pump to alternately conduct with the first water inlet pipeline and the second water inlet pipeline.

3. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply branch is connected to the first switching pipeline and the second switching pipeline. A water supply valve is provided on the water supply branch. A first switching valve group is provided on the first switching pipeline. A second switching valve group is provided on the second switching pipeline. When the first inlet water pipeline is connected, the water replenishment valve is opened, the first switching valve group is opened, the second switching valve group is closed, and part of the raw water output by the inlet water pump enters the first switching pipeline through the water replenishment branch, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the first reverse osmosis filtration unit before entering the second inlet water. When the second inlet water pipeline is connected, the water supply valve is opened, the second switching valve group is opened, and the first switching valve group is closed. Part of the raw water output by the water supply pump enters the second switching pipeline through the water supply branch, and merges with the concentrated water generated by the second reverse osmosis filtration unit before entering the first inlet water port.

4. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a concentrate return pipeline, which is connected between the concentrate output pipeline and the input end of the water inlet pump. A concentrate return valve is also installed on the concentrate return pipeline, and a concentrate valve is also installed on the concentrate output pipeline. The connection between the concentrate return pipeline and the concentrate output pipeline is located upstream of the concentrate valve.

5. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a purified water return pipeline, which is equipped with a purified water return valve. The purified water return pipeline is located between the purified water output pipeline and the input end of the inlet pump, and is used to return the purified water from the purified water output pipeline to the input end of the inlet pump. The tail end of the purified water return pipeline is also connected to the concentrated water return pipeline, through which purified water is returned to the input end of the inlet pump.

6. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The reverse osmosis water purifier also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the inlet pump and the control valve assembly. The controller calculates the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit. Each time water production is started, if the time interval between the start and end of the last water production exceeds a first preset time, the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit and the second reverse osmosis filter unit is compared. If the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit is less than or equal to the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit, the controller controls the inlet pump and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a first state. If the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit is greater than the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit, the controller controls the inlet pump and the control valve assembly to put the reverse osmosis water purifier into a second state.

7. The reverse osmosis water purifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first and second reverse osmosis filter units are initially installed, the controller assigns initial values ​​to the working life of the first and second reverse osmosis filter units. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the first state for a second preset time, the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit increases by 1, and the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit decreases by 1. When the reverse osmosis water purifier operates in the second state for a second preset time, the working life of the second reverse osmosis filter unit increases by 1, and the working life of the first reverse osmosis filter unit decreases by 1.

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